DemoTest0122/ScienceMetaBench105 huggingface dataset:
A Smart Online Over-Voltage Monitoring and Identification System 
Authors: Jing Wang, Qing Yang, Wenxia Sima, Tao Yuan, Markus Zahn
Published: 2011
Keywords: smart grid, over-voltage, identification, S-transform, fuzzy expert system
Abstract: This paper proposes a complete and effective smart over-voltage monitoring and identification system. In recent years, smart grids are of the greatest interest in power system research. One of the main features of smart grid is their self-healing, which can continuously carry out online self-evaluation, discover existing faults, and correct them immediately. The over-voltage smart monitoring-identification-suppression systems play a key role in the construction of self-healing grids. In this paper, eight kinds of common over-voltage are discussed and analyzed. The S-transform algorithm is used to extract features of over-voltage. Aiming at the main features of each kind of over-voltage, six different characteristic quantities are proposed. A well designed fuzzy expert system and a support vector machine are employed as the classifiers to build a two-step identification model. The accuracy of the identification system is verified by field records. Results show that this system is feasible and promising for real applications.
Интервью с Сергеем Грибачевым, генеральным директором «Скани-Рус»
Published: 2000
Keywords: «Скани-Рус»；Texas Instruments (TI)；цифровые сигнальные процессоры (ЦСП)；продвижение продукции；дистрибьюторский договор；радиочастотная идентификация；автомобильная электроника
Rules for dissipationless topotronics
Authors: Qing Yan, Hailong Li, Hua Jiang, Qing-Feng Sun, X. C. Xie
Abstract: Topological systems hosting gapless boundary states have attracted huge attention as promising components for next-generation information processing, attributed to their capacity for dissipationless electronics. Nevertheless, recent theoretical and experimental inquiries have revealed the emergence of energy dissipation in precisely quantized electrical transport. Here, we present a criterion for the realization of truly no-dissipation design, characterized as $ N_{\text{in}} = N_{\text{tunl}} + N_{\text{bs}} $, where $ N_{\text{in}} $, $ N_{\text{tunl}} $, and $ N_{\text{bs}} $ represent the number of modes participating in injecting, tunneling, and backscattering processes, respectively. The key lies in matching the number of injecting, tunneling, and backscattering modes, ensuring the equilibrium among all engaged modes inside the device. Among all the topological materials, we advocate for the indispensability of Chern insulators exhibiting higher Chern numbers to achieve functional devices and uphold the no-dissipation rule simultaneously. Furthermore, we design the topological current divider and collector, evading dissipation upon fulfilling the established criterion. Our work paves the path for developing the prospective topotronics.
EFFECTIVE SUPPORT, DIRAC COMBS, AND SIGNAL RECOVERY
Authors: G. GARZA, K. GUREVICH, A. IOSEVICH, A. MAYELI, K. NGUYEN, N. SHAFFER
Published: 2024
Abstract:  Let f : Zd N → C be asignal with the Fourier transform f : Zd N → C. A classical result due to Matolcsi and Szucs ([10]), and, independently, to Donoho and Stark ([3]) states if a subset of frequencies {f(m)}m∈S of f are unobserved due to noise or other interference, then f can be recovered exactly and uniquely provided that |E| · |S| < Nd 2 , where E is the support of f, i.e., E = {x ∈ Zd N : f(x)= 0}. In this paper, we consider signals that are Dirac combs of complexity γ, meaning they have the form f(x) = γ i=1ai1Ai (x), where the sets Ai ⊂ Zd N are disjoint, ai are complex numbers, and γ ≤ Nd. We will define the concept of effective support of these signals and show that if γ is not too large, a good recovery condition can be obtained by pigeonholing under additional reasonable assumptions on the distribution of values. Our approach produces a non-trivial uncertainty principle and a signal recovery condition in many situations when the support of the function is too large to apply the classical theory
VesselSAM: Leveraging SAM for Aortic Vessel Segmentation with LoRA and Atrous Attention
Authors: Adnan Iltaf, Rayan Merghani Ahmed, Zhenxi Zhang, Bin Li, Shoujun Zhou
Published: 2025
Keywords: SAM, Parameter efficient fine-tuning, LoRA, Atrous attention, Aortic vessel segmentation
Abstract:  Medical image segmentation is crucial for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning, especially when dealing with complex anatomical structures such as vessels. However, accurately segmenting vessels remains challenging due to their small size, intricate edge structures, and susceptibility to artifacts and imaging noise. In this work, we propose VesselSAM, an enhanced version of the Segment Anything Model (SAM), specifically tailored for aortic vessel segmentation. VesselSAM incorporates AtrousLoRA, a novel module integrating Atrous Attention and Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA), to enhance segmentation performance. Atrous Attention enables the model to capture multi-scale contextual information, preserving both fine-grained local details and broader global context. Additionally, LoRA facilitates efficient fine-tuning of the frozen SAM image encoder, reducing the number of trainable parameters and thereby enhancing computational efficiency. We evaluate VesselSAM using two challenging datasets: the Aortic Vessel Tree (AVT) dataset and the Type-B Aortic Dissection (TBAD) dataset. VesselSAM achieves state-of-the-art performance, attaining DSC scores of 93.50%, 93.25%, 93.02%, and 93.26% across multi-center datasets. Our results demonstrate that VesselSAM delivers high segmentation accuracy while significantly reducing computational overhead compared to existing large-scale models. This development paves the way for enhanced AI-based aortic vessel segmentation in clinical environments. The code and models will be released at https://github.com/Adnan-CAS/AtrousLora
Distributed Computing for Huge-Scale Linear Programming
Authors: Luoyi Tao
Published: 2025
Abstract:  This study develops an algorithm for distributed computing of linear programming problems of huge-scales. Global consensus with single common variable, multiblocks, and augmented Lagrangian are adopted. The consensus is used to partition the constraints of equality and inequality into multi-consensus blocks, and the subblocks of each consensus block are employed to partition the primal variables into M sets of disjoint subvectors. The block-coordinate Gauss-Seidel method, the proximal point method, and ADMM are used to update the primal variables, and descent models used to update the dual. Convergence of the algorithm to optimal solution is shown and the rate of convergence of the augmented Lagrangian sequence, of O(1/k) is obtained, under the dual sequences supposedly bounded. This boundedness of the dual sequences needs to be ensured through adequate choice of the control parameter values and initialization of the primal and dual sequences; further to help resolve the issue, it is to be explored that explicit bounds are imposed for the dual variables associated with the global consensus equality constraints.
MedVAE: Efficient Automated Interpretation of Medical Images with Large-Scale Generalizable Autoencoders
Authors: Maya Varma, Ashwin Kumar, Rogier van der Sluijs, Sophie Ostmeier, Louis Blankemeier, Pierre Chambon, Christian Bluethgen, Jip Prince, Curtis Langlotz, Akshay Chaudhari

Published: 2025
Abstract:  Medical images are acquired at high resolutions with large fields of view in order to capture fine-grained features necessary for clinical decision-making. Consequently, training deep learning models on medical images can incur large computational costs. In this work, we address the challenge of downsizing medical images in order to improve downstream computational efficiency while preserving clinically relevant features. We introduce MedVAE, a family of six large-scale 2D and 3D autoencoders capable of encoding medical images as downsized latent representations and decoding latent representations back to high-resolution images. We train MedVAE autoencoders using a novel two-stage training approach with 1,052,730 medical images. Across diverse tasks obtained from 20 medical image datasets, we demonstrate that (1) utilizing MedVAE latent representations in place of high-resolution images when training downstream models can lead to efficiency benefits (up to 70x improvement in throughput) while simultaneously preserving clinically-relevant features and (2) MedVAE can decode latent representations back to high-resolution images with high fidelity. Our work demonstrates that large-scale, generalizable autoencoders can help address critical efficiency challenges in the medical domain. Our code is available at https://github.com/StanfordMIMI/MedVAE
Visual Design as the Impetus for Access and Utilization of Information in Digital Resource Platforms in University Libraries
Authors: Anne Nakhumicha Tenya, Jane Cherono Maina, Fredrick Mzee Awuor
Published: 2024
Keywords: Visual Design, Access, Digital Resource Platforms, Utilization, University Libraries
Abstract: The study sought to examine the visual design in digital resource platforms in selected public universities in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data was collected from a targeted population comprising of 86 academic staff, 23 library staff in charge of e-content and 4 university li brarians from four selected universities namely: University of Nairobi, Ke nyatta University, Moi University and Egerton University. Questionnaires were administered to academic staff and library staff in charge of e-content while an interview guide was used to gather data from university librarians. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and presented in form of tables, charts and graphs and verbatim reports. Findings showed that the layout of content was unappealing, no clear paths for navigation, use of images and color for attraction was lacking while search features were complicated to understand. The visual design in the digital platforms lacked user considera tion and did not adequately facilitate effective access and utilization of infor mation. The study concludes that visual design is an important component in digital resource platforms for attracting users to access and utilize digital in formation hence the need to develop user-centered platforms.
A Study of “Profession + Foreign Language” Based Curriculum Design of College English
Authors: Yan Cui
Published: 2024
Keywords: Profession + Foreign Language, College English, ESP, Curriculum Design
Abstract: Internationalization and globalization require students to have a certain level of foreign language communication ability, so for non-English majors, to have the dual ability of both comparatively high level of foreign languages and knowledge and skills in majors is of significance. The familiarity and mastery of professional related content by students in the general English stage of universities can help them better carry out their subsequent bilingual courses, making them versatile professionals in line with market demand, and thereby enhancing their employment competitiveness. The present study has designed a “profession + foreign language” curriculum which aims for culti vating students’ language proficiency by creating the dynamic system of Eng lish learning.
Electrocoagulation as a Pretreatment of Electrooxidation for Killing Escherichia coli
Authors: Djamel Ghernaout, Noureddine Elboughdiri
Published: 2024
Keywords: Pathogens, Chemical Coagulation (CC), Electrocoagulation (EC), Electrophoretic Mobility, Natural Organic Matter (NOM)
Abstract: Although the literature mainly reports on the inactivation of bacteria by var ious electrochemical disinfectants, the impact of process variables and reactor design on bactericidal performance is not fully understood. This review con centrates on recent achievements of electrocoagulation (EC) and electrooxi dation (EO) in killing pathogens such as Escherichia coli. Lynn et al. [1] [2] showed that in addition to EC alone, EC-EO enhanced E. coli reduction only after pH adjustment. They proposed that additional process optimization may lead to further improvements, such as adjusting the iron dosage for nat ural organic matter (NOM) removal, which would limit the effectiveness of oxidant scavengers. Additionally, more efficient filtration techniques (e.g., granular filtration) will reduce NOM and total iron content in the EO feed water, decreasing the need for oxidants. Furthermore, continuous EC-EO treatment requires more elevated EO current densities to improve E. coli re moval. Investigating the pathways of demobilizing E. coli in drinking water at high iron concentrations in the EO range will also provide deep insights into ongoing setup design. This review provides crucial, reliable, safe, and versatile alternatives to the widespread trouble of human drinking water pollution. Using and propagating the EC-EO technique will diminish health risks re lated to water quality, economic burden, lost labor time, import washout to the national economy, and natural resource management. Commercial-scale deployment of EC-EO technology will undoubtedly increase the socioeco nomic burden on local communities via secured water supply and result in a reduction in government health expenditures.
A Comparative Analysis of Indonesia and China on Managing Cultural Diversity in Multinational Corporations
Authors: Felicia Margaretha Putri
Published: 2024
Keywords: Cultural Diversity, Multinational Corporations, Multinational Firm
Abstract: This study aims to undertake a thorough comparison analysis, diving into the complexities and consequences of cultural diversity management in Indonesian and Chinese multinational firms. This study aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the diverse strategies employed, challenges encountered, and viable solutions implemented by multinational corporations in both countries as they grapple with the complexities of cultural diversity. By examining the various approaches and outcomes, this research aims to provide significant insights for global multinational corporations, serving as a substantive reference based on a sophisticated comparative analysis. The primary goals include gaining a thorough grasp of cultural diversity management strategies, identifying common issues, and developing practical solutions applicable in a variety of global contexts. The technique includes a thorough assessment of the literature in addition to an in-depth investigation into the business practices of multinational corporations in China and Indonesia. The research’s conclusions have the potential to make a significant contribution to the scholarly conversation about cultural diversity management as well as offer practical advice for multinational firms attempting to negotiate the complexities of many cultural contexts.
Clinical Audit of Beam Output of Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Unit at AECH-BINOR
Authors: Zahid Khan, Muhammad Usman Ghani, Tooba Mujtaba, Saeed Ur Rehman, Kalim Ullah Khan, Muhammad Maaz, Ali Nawaz Muhammad
Published: 2024
Keywords: Clinical Audit, oBeam Output, Cobalt-60 Teletherapy Unit
Abstract: Uncontrolled cell development is a hallmark of cancer, a leading cause of death globally. Optimal cancer treatment necessitates the use of multiple methods, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment. High-energy radiation in radiotherapy eliminates cancer cells by causing irreparable damage to their DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The radiation dose is delivered via a teletherapy unit. Dosimetric quality assurance tests are conducted to ensure accurate and safe radiation delivery. Guidelines for dosimetry are provided by AAPM TG 51 and IAEA TRS 398. We followed the dosimetry protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) TRS 398. Dosimetry data were collected and evaluated for a period of nine years, beginning in 2014 and ending in 2022. The analysis of dosimetry data from 2014 to 2022 showed that the difference between the measured and calculated dose rate is 1.904 ± 1.41, which is below the IAEA guidelines, i.e., ±2%. The results suggest that dosimetry was in accordance with international protocols. It also reflects that radiation dosimetry is well carried out at BINOR cancer hospital.
The Regulation of Metaverse through Crime of Insult and Libel
Authors: Xinlei Yuan, Zhaojin Wang
Published: 2024
Keywords: Metaverse, Personality Rights and Interests, Insult and Defamation, Criminal Law Regulation
Abstract: With the popularization of decentralized Metaverse communities and the functions within it in future, the stealthiness of information sources and data flow will be greatly enhanced. Besides, in an entertaining and commercial environment, the media will be more diverse and the access to information will be more convenient, fast and comprehensive. Moreover, based on its purpose, the Metaverse is better related to the individual rights and interests of property and personality. Hence, individual’s reputation and portrait would become more important in future life and business communication. Therefore, crime of insult and libel, one of crimes that seriously violate the right of personality, would probably break through the infrequent crime zone in practice and turn into one of popular crimes when the Metaverse becomes widely known like Internet. In our research, premised on the theories about Metaverse and domestic criminal law studies on crime of insult and libel, we analyzed the impact and shock towards legal interest, subject and objective constitutive elements of the considered crime. Finally, we concluded the path of regulation through three aspects: they are explaining existing concept and theory, promulgating Judicial Interpretation includes emerging criminal acts, and formulating and enacting new context in the criminal law conform to the trend of misdemeanor.
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Soil Stabilization on Soil Mechanical Properties: A Comparative Study of Fly Ash, Cement and Lime
Authors: Duke Magara, Haicheng She
Published: 2024
Keywords: Soil Stabilization, Lime, Cement, Fly Ash, Mechanical Properties
Abstract: tematic literature review methodology based on the PRISMA guidelines. The review was limited to articles published between 2013 and 2023. From the outcomes of the systematic review, it was found that soil stabilization using either lime, cement or fly ash has significant positive effects on the mechanical properties of soil. Precisely, the results indicated that cement, lime, and fly ash can significantly improve soil mechanical properties such as strength, permeability, and stability. Overall, fly ash was found to be the most effective soil stabilizing agent compared to lime and cement. However, it was concluded that whilst fly ash alone can be more effective in soil stabilization, a combination of cement, lime and fly ash can be more effective. Overall, the research highlighted the potential of different soil stabilizing agents in enhancing the mechanical properties of soils and hence providing valuable insights for geotechnical and civil engineers and practitioners. However, further experimental or field studies are required to comprehensively compare the short-term and long-term impacts of fly ash, cement and lime on soil mechanical properties
A Comparative Study of the Origins of Phonography and Ideograph
Authors: Ge Liu, Chen Chen, Tingting Ye
Published: 2024
Keywords: Ideograph, Phonography, Geography, Phonetics, Philosophy
Abstract: Human script has gone through a long process and many developments, eventually evolving into two main branches, namely, the ideograph and the phonography. However, the reasons for the separation of ideograph and phonography, as well as the features of the two, have been the subject of much disagreement in the academic community. Taking Chinese characters as an example for ideograph, English, Sumerian cuneiform, and Phoenician as examples for phonography, this article makes a detailed study of the reasons for differences in the origins of ideograph and phonography from the aspects of geography, national concepts of time and space, and phonetic structure.
A New Description of the Advertisement Call of Terrestrial Nebulous Treefrog, Scinax nebulosus (Spix, 1824) in Brazil: Implications for Interpopulation Variation
Authors: José R. de Oliveira-Santos, Geraldo J. B. Moura, Marcelo N. C. Kokubum, Priscila G. Gambale
Published: 2024
Keywords: Anuran, Acoustic Parameters, Advertisement Call, Bioacoustics Diversity, Northeastern Brazil
Abstract: The genus Scinax encompasses 75 recorded species, making it one of the most abundant within the Hylidae group. Scinax nebulosus, a small terrestrial anuran, is distributed throughout northern South America, between Venezuela, Bolívia and northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to characterize the advertisement call of two distinct populations of Scinax nebulosus (Spix, 1824) in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Fieldwork was conducted at the Dois Irmãos State Park and the Camocim forest. The advertisement call of this species consists of a single multipulsed note, lasting 0.3 seconds, with an inter-note interval of 0.9 seconds and a dominant frequency of 3.3 kHz. Temporal and spectral parameters of the Northeast Brazilian populations differ from those in the Amazon. The wealth of bioacoustics information from various populations plays a crucial role in propelling comprehensive research in anuran bioacousti
Anxiety, Depression, and Associated Factors among Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Centre Cross-Sectional Study in Zambia
Authors: Steward Mudenda, Maisa Kasanga, Scott Kaba Matafwali, Roland Nnaemeka Okoro, Ruth Lindizyani Mfune, Tina Haanyanga, Matildah Nyoni, Annie Mumba, Godfrey Mayoka, Victor Daka, Christabel Nang’andu Hikaambo, Webrod Mufwambi, Shafiq Mohamed, Billy Chabalenge

Published: 2024
Keywords: COVID-19, Mental Health, Anxiety, Depression, Secondary Schools, Teachers, Zambia
Abstract: Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic inflicted unprecedented work-related strain, negatively impacting the mental health of many, including teachers. This study assessed the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of secondary school teachers in Lusaka, Zambia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 388 teachers in selected secondary schools in Lusaka district, Zambia, from July 2022 to September 2022. Data were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and analysed using IBM SPSS version 28.0. Statistical significance was determined at a 95% confidence level. Logistic regression was used to determine the factors that influenced anxiety and depression levels among teachers. Results: Among the 388 teachers, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was 72% and 73%, respectively. Factors associated with anxiety were; being quarantined due to COVID-19 (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.11 - 3.45), having a chronic condition (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.19 - 5.05), having a friend or relative with COVID-19 (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.08 - 2.99) and experiencing death of either a friend or relative (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.48 - 3.76). Factors associated with depression included; having a friend or relative with COVID-19 (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.38 - 5.00), experiencing the death of either a friend or relative (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.16 -3 .54) and suffering income disruptions due to COVID-19 (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.02 - 2.66). Conclusions: This study found that anxiety and depression were highly prevalent, especially among teachers with predisposing factors. These findings demonstrate the need to develop and implement strategies to tackle mental health challenges among teachers, especially during pandemic periods.
EFFECTS OF GAMIFICATION: ANALYZING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, MASTERY, AND MOTIVATION IN SCIENCE CLASSROOMS
Authors: Annie Lee Reichelt 
Published: 2015
Abstract: I wanted to implement a teaching model that requires students to obtain mastery of a concept. Students typically understand the premise of games and how games are played. Gamification requires that students master a specific level or learning objective before continuing on in the course. Although gamification is a relatively new model of instruction, it incorporates elements of standards based grading and mastery learning.The purpose of this study was to determine if gamification increased student achievement, student mastery and student motivation. Learning objectives were separated and all class activities centered on leveled learning objectives. Students were not able to test out of a set of learning goals until they had demonstrated mastery of the content. Student test and quiz scores were recorded over a 27-week period. Students took surveys, participated in interviews and discussions as part of the study as well.Results showed there was a significant increase in scores with implementation of gamification. Particular success was shown in non-honors classes rather than honors courses. Student mastery and achievement increased with implementation because students were not allowed to move forward in content if they did not receive at least an 80% on quiz scores. I will continue to adjust and modify this learning model based on the positive outcomes of the study.
NITROGEN DYNAMICS OF CENTAUREA MACULOSA AND NATIVE SPECIES 
Authors: Elizabeth Anne D’Imperio
Published: 2005
Abstract: Centaurea maculosa has invaded millions of hectares of disturbed and undisturbed semi-arid grasslands. Its success may be due to an ability to conserve nitrogen (N) or use N more efficiently than native species. It may also be able to acquire more N from early spring pulses than native vegetation.
Growth response, N acquisition, allocation, resorption and use efficiency of C. maculosa was compared with Pseudoroegneria spicata, Pascopyrum smithii, and Rudbeckia hirta by growing plants in high and low N supplies, which mimic disturbed and undisturbed sites. 15Nitrogen acquired per unit of root mass was highest in R. hirta. Centaurea maculosa had the lowest C:N ratio. Resorption proficiency was lower in C. maculosa for Harvest 2 and 3, and similar among all species at Harvest 4. Centaurea maculosa had the highest mean residence time (MRT) and lowest N productivity. Centaurea maculosa had the highest nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) for plants receiving the high N supply whereas NUE was similar for all species receiving the low N supply. Centaurea maculosa’s success in disturbed sites may be due to a high NUE, which can be attributed to a high MRT. 
Uptake and growth response of C. maculosa receiving an early spring, late spring or steady N treatment were determined in a glasshouse and a field study. Centaurea maculosa’s response was compared with P. spicata, Festuca idahoensis and R. hirta in the glasshouse, and P. spicata, F. idahoensis and Balsamorhiza sagittata in the field. In the glasshouse, with plants receiving the steady N treatment produced the most biomass whereas plants receiving the late N treatment produced the least. Grasses receiving the early N treatment had the highest root mass ratio (RMR), whereas RMRs of C. maculosa were similar among N treatments. Forbs acquired more N than grasses. In the field, biomass was similar among N treatments. Plants took up more N from the early treatments than the late or steady treatments. Centaurea maculosa may be able to acquire more N from pulses than grasses in disturbed sites when plants are small, but as the grasses grow, C. maculosa may lose its advantage in acquiring N.
PLACE-BASED AND STUDENT-LED CLIMATE CHANGE INSTRUCTION IN THE SCIENCE CLASSROOM
Authors: Elexa Deidre Rendla
Published: 2021
Abstract: Climate change is a global problem affecting everyone living on Earth. In Florida specifically, intense hurricanes are becoming a familiar event. In response to this phenomenon, I designed hurricane lessons to help students understand the link between climate change and increased hurricane intensity. I used place-based and student-led lessons. During these lessons, 14 students attended in-person and 16 students attended online, which was an option for students during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the Hurricane Webquest, students learned about the structure of hurricanes, tracked Hurricane Irma and read about the link between rising sea-surface temperatures and hurricane intensity. For the Thermodynamics PhET Labs, students investigated the links between climate and heat, and energy transfer. In the Thermodynamics Mini-Project, students looked at how thermal energy can be converted into kinetic energy in hurricanes. Finally, in the Hurricane Building Codes Assignment, students investigated local buildings and how they met the Florida hurricane building codes.
Both before and after the hurricane lessons, students participated in the Hurricane Likert Survey and took a Hurricane Knowledge Test. Some students also participated in final interview questions once the lessons were concluded. Students indicated in both pre-and post-surveys that they were aware of climate change. After the hurricane lessons, students reported a greater understanding of the relationship between climate change and hurricanes. After students completed the Hurricane Building Codes Assignment, they were better able to articulate their reasons for evacuating or staying during a hurricane. When in-person and online students were compared, their greatest difference was in-class participation. Students attending in-person participated in classroom discussion, and those who attended from home stayed silent.
FOSTERING NURSING STUDENT RESILIENCE
Authors: Gina Nicole Marquardt
Published: 2023
Abstract: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to identify components of resiliency and create a solution to develop senior-level nursing student resilience. Assessment of Location X nursing school highlighted the need to identify components, tools, and measures of senior-level nursing student resiliency. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) cites the importance of the development of nursing student wellbeing and resilience in the 2021 Essentials Domain 10 titled Personal, Professional and Leadership Development. The AACN further advocated for resiliency development during a 2020 Call to Action of United States nursing programs to promote and create a culture of wellness and resiliency among nursing students. The “Thriving in Nursing School” workshop was developed as a solution to equip students with the necessary tools, practices, and skills to develop resilience. The workshop consists of five evidence-based components: relaxation strategies, coping techniques, communication skills for problem solving, community and university resources available, and faculty mentorship. Formal focus and education about resilience has the potential to increase resiliency skills and was measured using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). It was hypothesized that resiliency-development quality improvement implementation will contribute to further development of nursing students’ resiliency skills to meet the demands of the nursing profession. Through a focus on student wellbeing and resiliency, this project has the potential to increase student success and improve skills to thrive in a rigorous education program. This quality improvement project was implemented to gather data and analyze workshop efficacy.
BIODIVERSITY POTENTIAL IN THE PACIFIC AND INLAND NORTHWEST: THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF FOREST STRUCTURE AND AVAILABLE ENERGY IN DRIVING SPECIES DIVERSITY
Authors: Jacob Pieter Verschuyl
Published: 2007
Keywords: Biodiversity; Forest structure; Available energy; Bird species richness (BSR); Pacific and Inland Northwest (PINW); Productivity gradients; Forest management; Structural complexity; Species-energy relationship; Disturbance
Abstract: Currently, the most common strategy of forest biodiversity managers in the Pacific and Inland Northwest (PINW) is to maintain structural complexity within forest stands and create the full range of seral stages across the landscape. Recent advances in ecological theory reveal that biodiversity at regional to continental scales is strongly influenced by available energy (i.e. factors influencing vegetative growth such as precipitation, temperature, radiation, soil fertility). We hypothesized bird species richness (BSR) exhibits a positive or unimodal relationship with energy across landscapes and the relationship between energy and BSR within a landscape is positive in energy limited landscapes and flat or decreasing in energy rich landscapes. Additionally, we hypothesized that structural complexity explains a lower percentage of the variation in BSR in energy limited environments and higher percentage in energy rich environments and that the slope of the relationship between structural complexity and BSR is greatest in energy rich environments. Ours is the first study to test the relative influence of energy and vegetation structure on BSR at local scales, and to offer predictive theory on how these influences differ across energy gradients. We sampled bird communities and vegetation across a matrix of seral stages and biophysical settings at each of 5 landscapes. We analyzed the response of BSR to structural complexity and energy covariates at each landscape. We found that (1) BSR had a unimodal relationship with available energy across the PINW region, (2) the landscape-scale relationships between energy and BSR were positive or unimodal in energy limited locations and were flat or negative in energy rich locations, (3) forest structural complexity explained more of the variation in bird species richness in energy rich landscapes, and (4) the slope of the relationship between forest structural complexity and BSR was steepest in energy limited locations and negative in energy rich locations. In energy rich locations, forest managers will likely increase landscape-scale diversity by providing all seral-stages and a range of forest structural complexity. In low-energy environments, biodiversity will likely be maximized by managing local high-energy hotspots judiciously and adjusting harvest intensities in other locations to compensate for slower regeneration rates.
MOLECULAR AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NEUTROPHILS FROM CALVES WITH BOVINE LEUKOCYTE ADHESION DEFICIENCY: COMPARISON OF NORMAL, HETEROZYGOUS, AND HOMOZYGOUS ANIMALS
Authors: Karen May Lambrecht Sipes
Published: 1999
Abstract: Bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD) is an autosomal recessive disease of Holstein dairy cattle that is characterized by recurrent bacterial infections. The molecular basis for BLAD involves a mutation in CDl8 resulting in the absence of β2 integrin expression on leukocytes. The β2 integrins play key roles in neutrophil adhesion, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and receptor signaling. The absence of these adhesion molecules severely impairs leukocyte adherence-dependent functions and results in compromised immunity. Thus, BLAD calves provide a model for investigating the role of β integrins in these neutrophil functions. In the studies described here, surface molecule expression, microbicidal activity, cell maturation, and molecular signaling were studied in neutrophils isolated from heterozygous and homozygous BLAD calves and compared with clinically normal calves. With the exception of the β integrins, surface molecule expression on leukocytes from the three bovine genotypes was similar when evaluated with a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Using three different measurements, neutrophils isolated from homozygous BLAD calves expressed increased NADPH oxidase activity after stimulation when compared to normal and heterozygous BLAD neutrophils. Visual comparison of whole blood smears revealed that homozygous BLAD calves had higher levels of immature neutrophils. Antibody cross-linking of the β subunit (CD18) of the β integrins on normal and heterozygous BLAD neutrophils produced a transient rise in intracellular free calcium, exocytosis of specific granules, shedding of L-selectin, up-regulation of CD18, and redistribution of the protein kinase p58fgr. These responses were absent in homozygous BLAD neutrophils. Immunoprecipitation of homozygous BLAD neutrophil membrane lysates with antibodies against β integrins revealed three protein bands with molecular weights corresponding to two of the three a subunits and the β subunit of the β2 integrins. Western blots confirmed that the CD11b α subunit was not present in these lysates, but the lack of antibodies that cross-react with the bovine β2 integrins hindered the identification of the three bands which may represent defective β2 integrin subunits in animals homozygous for BLAD. Overall, these studies contribute to our understanding of the role of β integrins in neutrophil function.
FIELD-SCALE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION, WATER USE, AND HABITAT OF WILD OAT IN THE SEMIARID NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS
Authors: Lee Russell Van Wychen
Published: 2002
Abstract: Wild oat (Avena fatua L.) is widely dispersed throughout the Northern Great Plains (NGP), typically occurring in patchy distributions at the field-scale. If weeds are patchy, the environmental impact of weed control and input costs can be reduced through site-specific weed management (SSWM). However, the mechanisms regulating wild oat spatial distribution and the cost effectiveness of SSWM in the NGP need to be understood. Field experiments were conducted to map wild oat distributions and quantify the. accuracy of continuous weed presence/absence maps produced by crop consultants for use in SSWM. The accuracy of wild oat seedling maps was 70%. SSWM of wild oat could be profitable compared to a traditional broadcast herbicide application, even with the associated technology cost and seedling map inaccuracy. Greater increases in SSWM profitability could be realized if scouting and management efforts were directed to field areas with suitable wild oat habitat. I hypothesized that wild oat habitat may be limited by field-scale heterogeneity in plant available water. The effects of water stress on wild oat growth and fecundity was quantified in a greenhouse experiment. Lower soil matric potentials reduced wild oat relative growth rate and unit leaf rate due to an allometric tradeoff of assimilates from leaf tissue in favor of root tissue, but allowed wild oat to reproduce under adverse climatic conditions. Wild oat was estimated to produce seed above soil matric potentials of-1.66 MPa. In three grower-managed cereal grain fields, wild oat was seeded in areas with and without historic wild oat patches to delineate field-scale habitat quality. Almost all wild oat habitat-defining variables (leaf area growth rate, harvest biomass, seeds per plant, biomass water use efficiency, and competitive ratio) were similar between existing patch and non-patch areas. Wild oat grew and produced seed regardless of existing patch boundaries and field-scale heterogeneity in soil water use. Wild oat habitat may be unlimited in agroecosystems of the NGP. Future research efforts should focus on limiting weed fecundity and dispersal instead of correlating soil properties to predict wild oat distribution.
Part I - Pinacol rearrangement Part II - chemistry of 4,7,8,9-tetrahydrophthalans Part III - a synthesis of frontalin
Authors: Rodney Dale Otzenberger
Published: 1971
Abstract:  An attempt was made to study the effects of ring size and glycol stereochemistry on the pinacol rearrangement using cis- and trans-perhydrpindan-8, 9-diols. Since only the more stable of the two possible spiroketone products, spiro [4,4 ] nonan-1-one, was obtained, it was concluded that under the conditions used product distribution was determined by product stability, The effect of the oxygen in the tetrahydrophthalans upon the reactivity of the alkene bond was investigated using competitive oxymercuration experiments, A trans-annular stabilization of positive charge by the oxygen non-bonding electrons was proposed to account for the increased reactivity of cis-4, 7,8,9-tetrahydrophthalan, A new synthesis of frontalin, a sex attractant pheromone of the southern pipe beetle, Dendroctonous frontalis, is described utilizing the Diels-Alder reaction of methyl vinyl ketone with methyl methacrylate, lithium aluminum hydride reduction of the adduct to the corresponding alcohol, and cyclization to 1,5-dimethyl-6, 8-dioxabicyclo [3,2,l ] octane, frontalin, by oxymercuration-demercuration.
The effects of baclofen on CaM Kinase following cerebral ischemia
Authors: Andrea Joe Mary Everingham
Published: 1997
Abstract: One enzyme thought to be important in delayed cell death in the CA1 region of the hippocampus following cerebral ischemia is calcium calmodulin kinase II (CaM kinase), which has been shown to disappear in cells that will later die. This study was conducted to confirm the neuroprotective properties of baclofen and evaluate its effectiveness at preserving CaM kinase in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. In Experiment I, Mongolian gerbils were divided into baclofen and saline groups and were anesthetized. Animals were given baclofen (50 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline five minutes before common carotid artery occlusion (five minutes). Animals were also injected with saline or baclofen 24 and 48 hours after ischemia. Three days after surgery sections of the hippocampus were collected and cresyl violet staining was used to assess presence of cells in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Baclofen significantly protected the cells from damage due to ischemia. Experiment II was conducted to determine the effect of baclofen on CaM kinase 24 hours after ischemia. Four groups of animals were used: baclofen-ischemia, baclofen-sham, saline-ischemia, and saline-sham. The animals were habituated to a T-maze for one week and then trained to perform a delayed non-matched to sample task. Animals underwent occlusion or sham operations with injections of baclofen or saline five minutes before. They were tested in the T-maze task 23 hours after ischemia and were perfused 24 hours after ischemia. Immunohistochemistry for CaM kinase was performed on the brain sections collected. There was no significant difference between the baclofen treated animals and the saline treated animals on the T-maze task, but there was a significant difference between ischemic and sham groups. We also found a significant difference between the baclofen treated animals and saline treated animals in the immunoreactivity of CaM kinase. These studies suggest that baclofen is neuroprotective and also preserves CaM kinase in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. The behavioral test used as a marker of cell death indicates that although it is sensitive to ischemia, there may be factors influencing its effectiveness in testing with baclofen.
Electrospun gelatin/chitosan nanofi bers containing curcumin for multifunctional food packaging
Authors: Mengxia Duan, Jishuai Sun, Yequn Huang, Haixin Jiang, Yaqin Hu, Jie Pang, Chunhua Wu

Published: 2022
Keywords: Electrospun nanofibers, Curcumin, NH3 indicator, Active and intelligent packaging, Antibacterial and antioxidant activities
Abstract: Recently, food grade nanofi ber-based materials have received growing attentions in food packaging. In this work, novel active and intelligent packaging nanofi bers based on gelatin/ chitosan with curcumin (GA/CS/ CUR) were developed via electrospinning technique. Effects of the incorporation of CUR content (0.1% 0.3%, m/m) on the microstructure and functional properties of the electrospun nanofi bers were investigated. Morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy indicated that loading CUR can affect the average diameter of nanofi ber mats, which remained around 160-180 nm. The addition of an appropriate level CUR (0.2%, m/m) led to a stronger intermolecular interaction, and thus enhanced the thermal stability and tensile strength of the obtained nanofi bers. Meanwhile, the incorporation of CUR signifi cantly improved antioxidant activity and the antimicrobial activity of GA/CS/CUR nanofibers. Moreover, the sensitivity of nanofibers to ammonia results indicated that GA/CS nanofibers containing 0.2% CUR (GA/CS/CUR II) presented high sensitivity of colorimetric behavior to ammonia (within 3 min). These results suggest GA/CS/CUR II nanofi bers has great potential as a multifunctional packaging to protect and monitor the freshness of protein rich animal foods, such as meat and seafood.
HrcQ is necessary for Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae HR-induction in non-host tobacco and pathogenicity in host rice
Authors: Xiaoping Zhang, Chunlian Wang, Chongke Zheng, Jinying Che, Yanqiang Li, Kaijun Zhao
Published: 2013
Keywords: Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, Tn5-insertion mutant, Type III secretion system, Pathogenicity
Abstract: Bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is one of the most destructive diseases of rice (Oryza sativa L.) worldwide. The type III secretion system (T3SS) of Xoo, encoded by the hrp (hypersensitive response and pathogenicity) genes, plays critical roles in conferring pathogenicity in host rice and triggering a hypersensitive response (HR) in non-host plants. To investigate the major genes conferring the pathogenicity and avirulence of Xoo, we previously constructed a random Tn5-insertion mutant library of Xoo strain PXO99A. We report here the isolation and characterization of a Tn5-insertion mutant PXM69. Tn5-insertion mutants were screened on indica rice JG30, which is highly susceptible to PXO99A, by leaf-cutting inoculation. Four mutants with reduced virulence were obtained after two rounds of screening. Among them, the mutant PXM69 had completely lost virulence to the rice host and ability to elicit HR in non-host tobacco. Southern blotting analysis showed a single copy of a Tn5-insertion in the genome of PXM69. PCR walking and sequencing analysis revealed that the Tn5 transposon was inserted at nucleotide position 70,192–70,201 in the genome of PXO99A, disrupting the type III hrc (hrp-conserved) gene hrcQ, the first gene in the D operon of the hrp cluster inXoo. To confirm the relationship between the Tn5-insertion and the avirulence phenotype of PXM69, we used the marker exchange mutagenesis to create a PXO99A mutant, ΔhrcQ::KAN, in which the hrcQ was disrupted by a kanamycin-encoding gene cassette at the same site as that of the Tn5-insertion. ΔhrcQ::KAN showed the same phenotype as mutant PXM69. Reintroduction of the wild-type hrcQ gene partially complemented the pathogenic function of PXM69. RT-PCR and cellulase secretion assays showed that the Tn5-disruption of hrcQ did not affect transcription of downstream genes in the D operon and function of the type II secretion system. Our results provide new insights into the pathogenic functions of clustered hrp genes in Xoo.