bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awake Craniotomy and Brain Mapping for Brain Tumor Resection in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Garcia-Navarrete Roberto , Terrazo-Lluch Javier , Marhx-Bracho Alfonso , León Alvárez Ericka , Olvera González Natael , Alvárez-Mora Beatriz , Aguilar Silva Rosario , Arroyo Cointa , Maceda Morales Vianey , María Cordero Luz , Magos Rodríguez Daniel , Luz Lizarraga-Lopez Sandra , Niembro Zúñiga Ana , Alberto Díaz Ponce Medrano Juan
Published: January 2022

Brain tumor resection in pediatric patients constitutes a real challenge. In order to improve survival and to preserve neurological function, we will further on describe our experience with awake craniotomy and functional mapping for brain tumor resection in pediatric patients. Although our experience with this technique was relatively short, we did not observe complications, and a gross total resection was successfully achieved in all cases. In the postoperative period we did not find any new deficiency in our patients. We observed functional recovery - motor and sensitive aphasia, motor strength improvement in hemiplegic patients, and recovery of neurodevelopmental milestones during follow-up. In our experience, the use of awake craniotomy and brain mapping for brain tumor resection in pediatric patients is truly safe and reliable.
Pineal Region Tumors
Authors: Thien Nhat Tran Nu
Published: January 2022

The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland located in the brains of vertebrates near the brain center that helps regulate circadian rhythms. Pineal tumors are tumors located in this region including tumors of the pineal gland and tumors of the components and structures of this region. Pineal tumors can compress the third ventricle, squeeze the cerebral drain causing hydrocephalus, compress the brain stem, compress the cerebellum, compress the posterior fossa … causing various disorders. The pineal gland has a rather complicated anatomy, deep in the brain parenchyma, surrounded by many blood vessels and other important structures, so surgery to approach this area is still a challenge for many surgeons. Because these cancers are so rare, it has always been difficult to collect a large number of cases to study and compare. This chapter will describe the features of pineal tumor from the information collected so far.
The Distribution and Significance of IDH Mutations in Gliomas
Authors: Thien Nhat Tran Nu
Published: January 2022

In 2009, the discovery of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations in gliomas is a powerful example of understanding of the relationship between tumor genetics and human diseases. IDHs, catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate with production of NADH/NADPH, is the key enzymes in the Krebs cycle. IDH mutations, which occur early in gliomagenesis, change the function of the enzymes, causing them to produce 2–hydroxyglutarate, and to not create NADPH. Gliomas with mutated IDH have improved prediction of patient outcomes compared to its with wild-type IDH. Thus, the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System was revised in 2016 to incorporate molecular biomarkers (including the IDH mutations) – together with classic histological features – in an integrated diagnosis, in order to define distinct glioma entities as precisely as possible. The aim of this chapter is to review the findings on the epidemiology and significance of IDH mutations in human gliomas, from discovery to the current knowledge about their molecular pathogenesis.
Ayurveda Concepts of Joint Diseases
Authors: Pitadeniyage Anoma Jayasiri Ayagama
Published: January 2022

Prevalence of bone related diseases are very high in the world today, among them arthritis is very common form of disease suffers millions of people, problematic for individually and economically to the society due to the long term disability. If not properly manage leads to joint replacement surgical procedures which are very common and high in cost. Aim of this chapter to make attention in application of Ayurveda medicine for betterment of the world population. Ayurveda explain theories in origin of these diseases, causative factors, eteopathogenesis and management steps mostly using herbal drug products mentioned in eight divisions of Ayurveda. Main common two diseases sandhigatha vatha correlated with osteoarthritis and amavatha correlated to rheumatoid arthritis well described with proper management procedures with many other bone and joint diseases. Different theories were discussed with the aid of philosophical backgrounds which facilitate these medical theories. These are five element or panchabhutha theory, three dosha concept or theory of three governing energies of the body, saptha dhathu concept or body bearing tissues, concept of agni or metabolic power. Different treatment plans were described as treatment options for cure and prevention of human being as a complete medical system.
The Aspects of Smart Education in The World
Authors: Nezhyva Olga
Published: January 2022

The author examines smart education and its basic principles in this article. The author also shows that smart education is a learning process in which technology innovations and Internet resources are used globally. After all, it allows students to gain professional competence based on a systematic multivariate vision and study of disciplines, taking into account their multidimensional and continuous content updating. The author shows the concept of smart education. It is the creation of an intellectual environment, the continuous development of competencies of participants in the educational process, including formal and informal learning processes based on innovative technologies. Thus, the introduction of smart technologies in education will lead to the transition from the old system of reproductive knowledge to a new, creative form of learning using innovative methods and will provide the necessary knowledge and skills which will be necessary for the student in the future. The author also notes that education based on three educational activities, namely, arithmetic, reading, and writing, transforms into education which improves the following seven skills: creativity and innovation; communication; cross-cultural understanding; collaboration and leadership; critical thinking and problem solving; ICT literacy; career and life skills. These are seven skills and abilities of smart education in the 21st century. In this case, smart education assumes that the teacher should use technological innovations and Internet resources. Thus, smart education provides new opportunities for teachers to share experiences and ideas, do more research activities, personalize the course of study depending on its tasks and the competence of the listener, and save time.
Comparison of Tenofovir Alafenamide and Entecavir Therapy in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Initially Treated with Tenofovir Disoproxil: A Retrospective Observational Survey
Authors: Akdemir Kalkan Irem , Karasahin Omer , Sarigul Figen , Altunisik Toplu Sibel , Aladag Murat , Akgul Fethiye , Mete Ayşe Ozlem , Golbol Abdullah , Nazik Selcuk , Kömür Süheyla , Merve Oren Meryem , Yildiz Yesim , Demir Yakup , Ayhan Merve , Tasova Yesim , Bayındır Yasar , Dal Tuba , Celen Mustafa K.
Published: January 2022

Background: In chronic hepatitis B patients with or exposed to the risk of osteoporosis or renal dysfunction, switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) or entecavir (ETV) may be the right choice. Objectives: This study aimed to present real-life data in terms of the efficacy and safety of a TAF/ETV treatment change while receiving TDF. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on 344 adult patients from 10 centers. The data of patients who had changed to ETV (n = 107) and TAF (n = 237) while receiving TDF were analyzed. The data collected at 0 and 6 months of treatment were analyzed. The virological response was assessed based on undetected hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values were used to evaluate the biochemical response. For renal function, serum creatinine and phosphorus, as well as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), were recorded. Moreover, lumbar spine and hip T-scores along with the serum lipid profile were evaluated. Results: The mean age of patients was 41.14 ± 13.46 years, and 224 (65.1%) of the participants were male. The treatment arms were not significantly different in terms of demographic characteristics, comorbid diseases, infection duration, family history of HBV infection, blood platelet count, serum biomarkers, such as ALT, phosphorus, creatinine, total bilirubin, albumin, lipid profile, and HBV DNA levels at the beginning. No statistically significant difference was found between the proportion of undetectable HBV DNA of the two treatment groups after 6 months (P = 0.221). The ALT normalization in the ETV and TAF groups at the sixth month compared to the baseline levels was not significantly different (P = 0.853, P = 0.330, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the two treatment arms regarding changes in eGFR, creatinine, phosphorus, hip, and spine T-scores from baseline to 6 months (P = 0.296, P = 0.78, P = 0.141, P = 0.832, P = 0.947, respectively). In those who switched to TAF or ETV, low-density lipoproteins cholesterol were observed to be significantly higher after 6 months compared to baseline values (P = 0.002, P = 0.049, respectively). The TC increased significantly in the TAF group (P = 0.035). Conclusions: Our study showed that switching to ETV and TAF sustained the viral suppression and biochemical response achieved by TDF therapy. The treatment switch to TAF of ETV can control renal dysfunction and reduce bone mineral density caused by TDF.
National Reports and Global Education Policy Diffusion
Authors: Capistrano Daniel , Carvalho Christyne
Published: January 2022

Comparative research projects have become one of the main sources of information to investigate national systems of education and to inform education policy making at the national level. However, the way that national education authorities interpret and use the results of these projects may differ substantially among countries. This process, that we refer to as the national interpretation in comparative education, is overlooked in the debate regarding comparative research projects in education. This paper addresses this issue analysing national reports of the OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) from eight different countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada (Alberta), Chile, England, Mexico, Portugal and Spain.

The results indicate that the national interpretation and reporting of international comparative data is fairly homogeneous considering the socio-educational diversity of the selected countries. However, our analysis also suggests that reports from English-speaking countries (Australia, Canada, and England) have a higher degree of similarity with the survey’s conceptual framework, whereas national reports from Mexico and Chile showed a lower degree of similarity. Moreover, our analysis reinforces the relevance of understanding countries’ focus and interpretation of evidence produced by international comparative research projects in education.
Development and validation of the high-performance liquid chromatography method for estimating N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide in granular fertilisers
Authors: Vasylenko Volodymyr , Sidorenko Marina , Mickevičius Saulius
Published: January 2022

N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide is widely used as a urease inhibitor that can reduce nitrogen loss by ammonia evaporation from urea. It is used as a fertiliser additive in agricultural applications. The recommended doses of inhibitors are not dangerous to animals and the environment, but high doses can cause changes in small animals. Therefore, the amount of inhibitors in the fertiliser must be determined before fertilising the soil. This study developed and validated a reliable, sensitive, rapid, and precise high-performance liquid chromatography method for the quantification of N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide in granular fertilisers. The estimation was carried out using a YMC-Triat C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 3 mm) and the mobile phase of acetonitrile: deionised water (25:75, v/v). Inhibition efficiency was monitored by a UV detector at 205 nm. The total run time was 10 min with a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The parameters considered for validation were linearity, detection and quantification limit, sustainability, robustness, precision, and stability. The newly created innovative method for quantitative estimation of N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide in granular fertilisers improves the solubility of samples and standard substance the repeatability and reproducibility of the results obtained.
Public Spaces in the Memories of the Residents of Kaunas and Their Impact on the Identity of Urban Residents
Authors: Račaitytė Karina
Published: January 2022

The article aims to analyse the characteristics of public spaces in the four districts of Kaunas (Dainava, Kalniečiai, Eiguliai, Šilainiai) that were designed and built during the Soviet era. These characteristics affect the process of identity formation. The individual perceives the material environment of the public spaces of the district through the senses of their body. These experiences are being transformed into memories that help to identify with or separate from the urban environment. The analysis of the stories of 115 respondents obtained through in-depth and semi-structured interviews revealed dichotomous characteristics: an orderly physical environment versus a disorderly environment. The roles of respondents in these narratives can be based on avoiding strategies, when a disorderly environment is avoided, and on initiative strategies, when individuals are participating in changing the physical environment. The study revealed that living in the above-mentioned parts of the city, which lack visible signs of important events of collective memory, allows for the formation of an indefinite or displaced identity.
uso de los resultados españoles de PISA en publicaciones científicas
Authors: González-Mayorga Héctor , Vieira María José , Vidal Javier
Published: January 2022

In the last decade, interest in PISA results has grown, both in public debate and in the use of its data for research. The aim of this study is to analyse the use of the Spanish PISA results by the scientific community. A bibliometric analysis of 119 scientific articles included in the Scopus, Eric EBSCOHost and Web of Science databases was carried out between 2002 and 2019 using frequency analysis, MDS analysis and binary logistic regressions. Results reflect a growing interest in the Spanish PISA results from 2005 to the present within university research in the field of Education, to which most of the authors of our sample pool belong. With regard to the use of PISA information, the majority of studies use data for generating knowledge, with socio-economic issues such as the family and equity being the ones with the greatest presence alongside student performance. We conclude that, despite the fact that PISA has been slow to have an impact among the Spanish academic community, its results are increasingly being used as primary source of information for carrying out detailed studies on a wide range of subjects. However, PISA is used generically as an indicator of the quality of the education system, without authors going into detail into the contextualised analysis of performance for the competences under study.

En la última década, el interés por los resultados de PISA ha crecido, tanto en el debate público como en el uso de los datos para la investigación. El objetivo de este estudio consiste en analizar la utilización de los resultados españoles de PISA por parte de la comunidad científica. Se realizó un análisis bibliométrico de 119 artículos científicos incluidos en las bases de datos Scopus, Eric EBSCOHost y Web of Science entre 2002 y 2019 mediante análisis de frecuencias, análisis MDS y regresiones logísticas binarias. Los resultados reflejan el creciente interés por los resultados españoles de PISA desde 2005 hasta la actualidad, perteneciendo los autores principalmente al ámbito universitario de la Educación. Respecto al uso de la información de PISA, la mayoría de los estudios emplean los datos como vía para generar conocimiento, siendo los temas socioeconómicos como la familia y la equidad los que han tenido una mayor presencia junto al rendimiento de los estudiantes. Se concluye que, a pesar de que PISA ha tardado en tener impacto entre la comunidad académica española, sus resultados son cada vez más utilizados como fuente de información primaria para la realización de estudios detallados sobre temas muy diversos. No obstante, a su vez, PISA se utiliza de forma genérica como indicador de calidad del sistema educativo, sin entrar en detalle en el análisis contextualizado del rendimiento en las competencias objeto de estudio.
Recursos que ayudan a las adolescentes a recuperarse de una experiencia de violencia de género en el noviazgo
Authors: Rebollo Catalán Angeles , De los Santos-Martínez Patricia , Jiménez-Cortés Rocío
Published: January 2022

This paper tries to discover the resources that help adolescent girls overcome an abusive dating relationship and their role in the recovery process. To this end, 13 adolescent girls narrate their experience through autobiographical interviews, which are examined using interpretive analysis based on grounded theory. The results show that family (mothers, grandmothers and sisters) and friends are key support points for their emotional recovery during the whole process. Programs that offer psychological care for teenage survivors of abusive partnerships are also positively valued, because they offer victims the chance of meeting other girls in similar situations and listening to their experience while giving them a chance to tell of their own. Legal complaints are also an essential resource that allow survivors to distance themselves from their abusers, as are actions taken by the police that encourage teens to report episodes of gender violence. Hobbies (dance, theater, sports, etc.) are a key personal resource to regain self-esteem and to reestablish friendships. Gender training allows them to assert and protect themselves. We also discuss the implications of awareness and prevention in these processes.

Este trabajo pretende conocer los recursos que han ayudado a chicas adolescentes a superar una relación de maltrato en el noviazgo, así como su papel en el proceso de recuperación. 13 chicas adolescentes narran su experiencia a través de entrevistas autobiográficas, las cuales se analizan mediante análisis interpretativo basado en la teoría fundamentada. Los resultados muestran que la familia (madres, abuelas y hermanas) y amigas son recursos clave para su recuperación emocional, proporcionando apoyo a lo largo de todo el proceso. También se valora positivamente el programa de atención psicológica a víctimas al poder encontrarse con otras chicas que han sufrido violencia, escuchar su experiencia y poder contar la propia. La denuncia es un recurso esencial para el distanciamiento del agresor, siendo clave la labor policial para presentarla. Las aficiones (danza, teatro, deporte, etc.) suponen un recurso personal clave para recuperar la autoestima y restablecer amistades. La formación en género les permite autoafirmarse y protegerse. Se discuten las implicaciones para la prevención y sensibilización en esta materia.
The Turbulent Flow through a Circular Pipe
Authors: S.L.Chang
Published: January 2022

Chon's goneral ticors of turblonea is aipiots tne iniont llrouzh a cireular pipe. The methol of solution employed by Chrin in Ais investigation of the nurhnlent fiow tlrongh a chanae is usei here and lesds 10 rosulis which agrce well vit eapommeab
Probabilites of Ionization and Excitation of Closed Sbell Electron of Li by Electon Impact
Authors: Ta-You Wu  , F. C. Yu
Published: January 2022

With the aid of analytic wave functions determined by tho variationai method, the quantum mechanical cross-sections for the excitation of the valence electron, an electron in an inner closed ehell, and of the simultaneoüs excitation and ionization have been calculated analytically for the lithium atom. 1t is found that the probability of excitation of.an electron in a closed shell is in general very small compared with those for the excitation of the valence eleetron, but is of the same order of magnitude as those for the Bimultaneous excitation and ionization. The experiments of Lee on electron collision and the observation of Edlen: and Tyren on the satellite lines in atomic spectra arc briøfly discussed on the baeis of these calculationg.
ABSORPTION BANDS OF ALKALI ATOMS IN THE PRESENCE OF FOREIGN GASES:REMARKS ON CHEN'S RAPER ~1
Authors: Ta-You Wu  ,   Department of Physics,National University of Peking,Kunming
Published: January 2022

The recent suggestion of Chen that the diffused hands appearing on the short wave-longth side of the principal series lines of the alkali atoms in the presonce of foreign gases are due to the increase ia the energy of the optical electron in the npper state through colliaiona with a foreign atom is examined. Serious objections enoountered in this theory are pointed out in this note.
Molecular dynamics study of effects of point defects on thermal conductivity in cubic silicon carbide
Authors: Wang Fu , Zhou Yi , Gao Shi-Xin , Duan Zhen-Gang , Sun Zhi-Peng , Wang Jun , Zou Yu , Fu Bao-Qin ,   Key Laboratory for Radiation Physics and Technology, Ministry of Education, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China,   Science and Technology on Reactor System Design Technology Laboratory, Nuclear Power Institute of China, Chengdu 610200, China
Published: January 2022

Silicon carbide (SiC) has been widely used in nuclear technology due to its excellent properties. In the irradiation environment, the energetic incident particles can cause the atoms in the material to deviate from the position of the crystal lattice, thereby producing the vacancies, interstitial atoms, anti-site atoms and other point defects. These defects will change the thermal properties of the material and degrade the service performance of the material. Therefore, in this work the equilibrium molecular dynamics method (Green-Kubo method) is used to study the effect of point defects on the heat transfer properties of cubic SiC (β-SiC or 3C-SiC) with the help of the Tersoff-type potential. The point defects considered include Si interstitial atoms (SiI), Si vacancies (SiV), Si anti-site atoms (SiC), C interstitial atoms (CI), C vacancies (CV) and C anti-site atoms (CSi). It is found that the thermal conductivity (λ) decreases with the increase of the point defect concentration (c). The excessive thermal resistance (ΔR = Rdefect – Rperfect, R = 1/λ, Rdefect is the thermal resistance of the defective material, and Rperfect is the thermal resistivity of the material without defects) has a linear relation with the concentration of point defects in the considered range (0.2%–1.6%), and its slope is the thermal resistivity coefficient. It can be found that the thermal resistivity coefficient of vacancy and interstitial atoms are higher than that of anti-site atoms; the thermal resistivity coefficient of point defects at high temperature is higher than at low temperature; the thermal resistivity coefficient of Si vacancies and Si interstitial atoms are higher than that of C vacancies and C interstitial atoms. These results are helpful in predicting the thermal conductivity of silicon carbide under irradiation and controlling the thermal conductivity of silicon carbide.
Fine-tuning of β-catenin in mouse thymic epithelial cells is required for postnatal T-cell development
Authors: Fujimori Sayumi , Ohigashi Izumi , Abe Hayato , Matsushita Yosuke , Katagiri Toyomasa , Taketo Makoto M , Takahama Yousuke , Takada Shinji
Published: January 2022

In the thymus, the thymic epithelium provides a microenvironment essential for the development of functionally competent and self-tolerant T cells. Previous findings showed that modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mouse thymic epithelial cells (TECs) disrupts embryonic thymus organogenesis. However, the role of β-catenin in TECs for postnatal T-cell development remains to be elucidated. Here, we analyzed gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) of β-catenin highly specific in mouse TECs. We found that GOF of β-catenin in TECs results in severe thymic dysplasia and T-cell deficiency beginning from the embryonic period. By contrast, LOF of β-catenin in TECs reduces the number of cortical TECs and thymocytes modestly and only postnatally. These results indicate that fine-tuning of β-catenin expression within a permissive range is required for TECs to generate an optimal microenvironment to support postnatal T-cell development.
Most primary olfactory neurons have individually neutral effects on behavior
Authors: Tumkaya Tayfun , Burhanudin Safwan , Khalilnezhad Asghar , Stewart James , Choi Hyungwon , Claridge-Chang Adam
Published: January 2022

Animals use olfactory receptors to navigate mates, food, and danger. However, for complex olfactory systems, it is unknown what proportion of primary olfactory sensory neurons can individually drive avoidance or attraction. Similarly, the rules that govern behavioral responses to receptor combinations are unclear. We used optogenetic analysis in Drosophila to map the behavior elicited by olfactory-receptor neuron (ORN) classes: just one-fifth of ORN-types drove either avoidance or attraction. Although wind and hunger are closely linked to olfaction, neither had much effect on single-class responses. Several pooling rules have been invoked to explain how ORN types combine their behavioral influences; we activated two-way combinations and compared patterns of single- and double-ORN responses: these comparisons were inconsistent with simple pooling. We infer that the majority of primary olfactory sensory neurons have neutral behavioral effects individually, but participate in broad, odor-elicited ensembles with potent behavioral effects arising from complex interactions.
Developmental single-cell transcriptomics of hypothalamic POMC neurons reveal the genetic trajectories of multiple neuropeptidergic phenotypes
Authors: Yu Hui , Rubinstein Marcelo , Low Malcolm J
Published: January 2022

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus are essential to regulate food intake and energy balance. However, the ontogenetic transcriptional programs that specify the identity and functioning of these neurons are poorly understood. Here, we use single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to define the transcriptomes characterizing Pomc-expressing cells in the developing hypothalamus and translating ribosome affinity purification with RNA-sequencing (TRAP-seq) to analyze the subsequent translatomes of mature POMC neurons. Our data showed that Pomc-expressing neurons give rise to multiple developmental pathways expressing different levels of Pomc and unique combinations of transcription factors. The predominant cluster, featured by high levels of Pomc and Prdm12 transcripts, represents the canonical arcuate POMC neurons. Additional cell clusters expressing medium or low levels of Pomc mature into different neuronal phenotypes featured by distinct sets of transcription factors, neuropeptides, processing enzymes, cell surface, and nuclear receptors. We conclude that the genetic programs specifying the identity and differentiation of arcuate POMC neurons are diverse and generate a heterogeneous repertoire of neuronal phenotypes early in development that continue to mature postnatally.
A deep learning method for the recognition of solar radio burst spectrum
Authors: Guo Jun-Cheng , Yan Fa-Bao , Wan Gang , Hu Xin-Jie , Wang Shuai
Published: January 2022

Solar radiation is the excitation source that affects the weather in the atmosphere of the earth, and some solar activities such as flares and coronal mass ejections are often accompanied by radio bursts. The spectrum of solar radio bursts is helpful for astronomers to explore the mechanism of radio bursts. With the development and progress of solar radio spectrum observation methods, the observation of the Sun can be done at almost all times of day. How to quickly and automatically identify the small proportion of burst data from the huge corpus of observation data has become an important research direction. The innovation of this study is to enhance the original radio spectrum dataset with unbalanced sample distribution, and a neural network model for solar radio spectrum image classification is proposed on this basis. This hybrid structure of joint convolution and a memory unit overcomes the shortcoming of the traditional convolution or memory model, which can only extract one-sided features of an image. By extracting the frequency structure features and time-series features at the same time, the sensitivity to the small features of the spectrum image can be enhanced. Based on the data of the Solar Broadband Radio Spectrometer (SBRS) in China, the proposed network model can improve the average classification accuracy of the spectrum image to 98.73%, which will be helpful for related astronomical research.
Swarm intelligence-based model for improving prediction performance of low-expectation teams in educational software engineering projects
Authors: Al-Ahmad Bilal I. , Al-Zoubi Ala’ A. , Kabir Md Faisal , Al-Tawil Marwan , Aljarah Ibrahim
Published: January 2022

Software engineering is one of the most significant areas, which extensively used in educational and industrial fields. Software engineering education plays an essential role in keeping students up to date with software technologies, products, and processes that are commonly applied in the software industry. The software development project is one of the most important parts of the software engineering course, because it covers the practical side of the course. This type of project helps strengthening students’ skills to collaborate in a team spirit to work on software projects. Software project involves the composition of software product and process parts. Software product part represents software deliverables at each phase of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) while software process part captures team activities and behaviors during SDLC. The low-expectation teams face challenges during different stages of software project. Consequently, predicting performance of such teams is one of the most important tasks for learning process in software engineering education. The early prediction of performance for low-expectation teams would help instructors to address difficulties and challenges related to such teams at earliest possible phases of software project to avoid project failure. Several studies attempted to early predict the performance for low-expectation teams at different phases of SDLC. This study introduces swarm intelligence -based model which essentially aims to improve the prediction performance for low-expectation teams at earliest possible phases of SDLC by implementing Particle Swarm Optimization-K Nearest Neighbours (PSO-KNN), and it attempts to reduce the number of selected software product and process features to reach higher accuracy with identifying less than 40 relevant features. Experiments were conducted on the Software Engineering Team Assessment and Prediction (SETAP) project dataset. The proposed model was compared with the related studies and the state-of-the-art Machine Learning (ML) classifiers: Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO), Simple Linear Regression (SLR), Naïve Bayes (NB), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), standard KNN, and J48. The proposed model provides superior results compared to the traditional ML classifiers and state-of-the-art studies in the investigated phases of software product and process development.
Optimized nitrogen rate, plant density, and irrigation level reduced ammonia emission and nitrate leaching on maize farmland in the oasis area of China
Authors: Asibi Aziiba Emmanuel , Yin Wen , Hu Falong , Fan Zhilong , Gou Zhiwen , Yang Hongwei , Guo Yao , Chai Qiang
Published: January 2022

Nitrogen fertilizers play a key role in crop production to meet global food demand. Inappropriate application of nitrogen fertilizer coupled with poor irrigation and other crop management practices threaten agriculture and environmental sustainability. Over application of nitrogen fertilizer increases nitrogen gas emission and nitrate leaching. A field experiment was conducted in China’s oasis irrigation area in 2018 and 2019 to determine which nitrogen rate, plant density, and irrigation level in sole maize (Zea mays L.) cropping system reduce ammonia emission and nitrate leaching. Three nitrogen rates of urea (46-0-0 of N-P2O5-K2O), at (N0 = 0 kg N ha−1, N1 = 270 kg N ha−1, and N2 = 360 kg N ha−1) were combined with three plant densities (D1 = 75,000 plants/ha−1, D2 = 97,500 plants/ha−1, and D3 = 120,000 plants/ha−1) with two irrigation levels (W1 = 5,250 m3/hm2 and W2 = 4,740 m3/hm2) using a randomized complete block design. The results showed that, both the main and interaction effects of nitrogen rate, plant density, and irrigation level reduced nitrate leaching (p < 0.05). In addition, irrigation level × nitrogen rate significantly (p < 0.05) reduced ammonia emission. Nitrate leaching and ammonia emission decreased with higher irrigation level and higher plant density. However, high nitrogen rates increased both nitrate leaching and ammonia emission. The study found lowest leaching (0.35 mg kg−1) occurring at the interaction of 270 kg N ha−1 × 120,000 plants/ha−1 × 4,740 m3/hm2, and higher plant density of 120,000 plants/ha−1 combined with 0 kg N ha−1 and irrigation level of 5,250 m3/hm2 recorded the lowest ammonia emission (0.001 kg N)−1. Overall, ammonia emission increased as days after planting increased while nitrate leaching decreased in deeper soil depths. These findings show that, though the contributory roles of days after planting, soil depth, amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied and year of cultivation cannot be undermined, it is possible to reduce nitrate leaching and ammonia emission through optimized nitrogen rate, plant density and regulated irrigation for agricultural and environmental sustainability.
Arquitetura de escolhas na tomada de decisão de turistas no contexto da pandemia de covid-19
Authors: Nunes Marcelo , Dib Luis Antonio
Published: January 2022

As more information became available on the Covid-19 outbreak worldwide,some propositions aimed at containing its spread had their roots in the behavioral sciences. Given the need to change individual behaviors inherent to the type of transmission of the newcoronavirus, it is believed that the theoretical framework on choice architecture and nudges presents itself as an important instru-ment to guide the debate. In this sense, this article aims to identify and categorize the measures taken by tourism companies for their reopening in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. For this, a study of multiple cases is carried out with a hotel, an airport andan international tourist attraction, which had to undergo interventions in their physical structures and processesin order to start oper-ating again. From the analysis, it was found that most of the nudges had techniques of information translation, visibility of external information, decrease of physical effort and provision of reminders. Techniques of social norms and increase of visibility of behavior were not as explored by the compa-nies analyzed in this study. Finally, the work documents a holistic interventionstrategy in tourist be-havior, which combines nudges with financial incentives and harsher forms of paternalism.
Effects of Temperature on the Activity of Congregibacter litoralis KT 71 β -lactamase in the Hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl Dodecanoate
Authors: Iniaghe O. M. , Aghughu R. E.
Published: January 2022

The effects of temperature on the activities of Congregibacter litoralis KT71 β-lactamase (CLL) was determined by varying the assay temperature from 30°C to 70°C. The enzyme’s residual activity was also determined by incubating the assay mixture which excluded the substrate for one hour at 70°C before addition of the substrate to start the reaction. The enzyme activity was measured using a spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 405 nm. The hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl dodecanoate to yield 4-nitrophenol was monitored by reading the absorbance at 25 minutes after the addition of substrate to the pre incubated assay mixture. The assay was done in three replicates. The initial velocity was determined and this was compared with Thermomyces lanuginosus Lipase (TLL) which served as a reference enzyme. Results show that increase in temperature from 30°C to 70°C proportionately decreased the activity of Congregibacter litoralis KT71 β-lactamase. Similarly, Thermomyces Lanuginosus Lipase showed a progressively decreasing activity as the temperature increased within the same range. Results from the assay on the residual activity at 70°C shows that both CLL and TLL has residual activities of 63% and 48% respectively. This suggests that reactions involving these enzymes at 70°C can occur without the enzyme completely inactivated. Results also shows that CLL is more thermally stable than TLL at 70°C. Considering the vast importance of thermally stable lipases and their industrial applications, there is need to study the kinetics of this enzyme to give an understanding of how the enzyme system works. Hence findings from this study is of great significance.
Treatment interruption is a risk factor for sickness presenteeism: A large-scale cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors:   CORoNaWork project, Okawara Makoto , Ishimaru Tomohiro , Tateishi Seiichiro , Hino Ayako , Tsuji Mayumi , Ogami Akira , Nagata Tomohisa , Matsuda Shinya , Fujino Yoshihisa
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study examined the relationship between interruption to routine medical care during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and sickness presenteeism among workers in Japan.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using data obtained from an internet monitor questionnaire was conducted. Interruption to medical care was defined based on the response “I have not been able to go to the hospital or receive treatment as scheduled.” The fraction of sickness presenteeism days in the past 30 days was employed as the primary outcome. A fractional logit model was used for analysis to treat bounded data.

Results

Of the 27 036 participants, 17 526 (65%) were workers who did not require routine medical care, 8451 (31%) were using medical care as scheduled, and 1059 (4%) experienced interrupted medical care. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of sickness presenteeism was significantly higher among workers who experienced interrupted medical care (3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.04–3.89) than those who did not require routine medical care. In terms of symptoms, the highest aOR was observed among workers with mental health symptoms (aOR: 5.59, 95% CI: 5.04–6.20).

Conclusions

This study suggests the importance of continuing necessary treatment during a pandemic to prevent presenteeism.
A pilot study of function‐based radiation therapy planning for lung cancer using hyperpolarized xenon‐129 ventilation MRI
Authors: Ding Yi , Yang Lu , Zhou Qian , Bi Jianping , Li Ying , Pi Guoliang , Wei Wei , Hu Desheng , Rao Qiuchen , Li Haidong , Zhao Li , Liu An , Du Dongsu , Wang Xiao , Zhou Xin , Han Guang , Qing Kun
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI) is a common side effect in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with radiotherapy. Minimizing irradiation into highly functional areas of the lung may reduce the occurrence of RILI. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and utility of hyperpolarized xenon‐129 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an imaging tool for evaluation of the pulmonary function, to guide radiotherapy planning.

Methods

Ten locally advanced NSCLC patients were recruited. Each patient underwent a simulation computed tomography (CT) scan and hyperpolarized xenon‐129 MRI, then received 64 Gyin 32 fractions for radiotherapy. Clinical contours were drawn on CT. Lung regions with good ventilation were contoured based on the MRI. Two intensity‐modulated radiation therapy plans were made for each patient: an anatomic plan (Plan‐A) based on CT alone and a function‐based plan (Plan‐F) based on CT and MRI results. Compared to Plan‐A, Plan‐F was generated with two additional steps: (1) beam angles were carefully chosen to minimize direct radiation entering well‐ventilated areas, and (2) additional optimization criteria were applied to well‐ventilated areas to minimize dose exposure. V20Gy, V10Gy, V5Gy, and the mean dose in the lung were compared between the two plans.

Results

Plan‐A and Plan‐F were both clinically acceptable and met similar target coverage and organ‐at‐risk constraints (p > 0.05) except for the ventilated lungs. Compared with Plan‐A, V5Gy (Plan‐A: 30.7 ± 11.0%, Plan‐F: 27.2 ± 9.3%), V10Gy (Plan‐A: 22.0 ± 8.6%, Plan‐F: 19.3 ± 7.0%), and V20Gy (Plan‐A: 12.5 ± 5.6%, Plan‐F: 11.0 ± 4.1%) for well‐ventilated lung areas were significantly reduced in Plan‐F (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In this pilot study, function‐based radiotherapy planning using hyperpolarized xenon‐129 MRI is demonstrated to be feasible in 10 patients with NSCLC with the potential to reduce radiation exposure in well‐ventilated areas of the lung defined by hyperpolarized xenon‐129 MRI.
Anodizing Al–Si Foundry Alloys: A Critical Review
Authors: Scampone Giulia , Timelli Giulio
Published: January 2022

Compared with pure aluminum and wrought aluminum alloys, Al foundry alloys are more difficult to be anodized. The high content of alloying elements prevents the uniform growth of the Al oxide layer and enhances the embedding of defects in the anodic film. The microstructure of the substrate and the anodizing parameters play a key role in the final quality of the oxide layer. Variations in the chemical composition, casting process, and pre‐ and post‐anodizing treatments can significantly affect the anodizing response. This work aims to critically review the main factors influencing the growth and morphology of the anodic layer in Al–Si foundry alloys. In particular, the effects on the oxide thickness, surface mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance are discussed in detail.
Challenges and Opportunities in 3D Printing of Biodegradable Medical Devices by Emerging Photopolymerization Techniques
Authors: Bao Yinyin , Paunović Nevena , Leroux Jean‐Christophe
Published: January 2022

Since the first report of 3D printed biodegradable structures by stereolithography, vat photopolymerization has shown great potential in the fabrication of medical implants and devices. Despite its superior printing quality and manufacturing speed, the development of biodegradable devices by this technique remains challenging. This results from the conflicting viscosity requirements for the printing resins, i.e., low viscosity is required for high‐resolution 3D printing, whereas high viscosity is often needed to provide high mechanical strength. Recently emerging photopolymerization‐based 3D printing techniques, including heat‐assisted digital light processing (DLP) and volumetric printing, have brought new hope to the field. With its tolerance to high viscosity resins, heat‐assisted DLP enables the fabrication of complex, personalizes architectures from biodegradable photopolymers that are not printable by conventional printing techniques. On the other hand, volumetric printing, which abandons the layer‐by‐layer printing principle and thus circumvents the dependence on low viscosity resins, could be highly beneficial for the 3D printing of biodegradable devices. This perspective evaluates the key challenges associated with biodegradable photopolymers used in the 3D printing of medical implants and devices. One focuses on their chemical structures and physical properties and discusses future directions offered by these emerging techniques.
Selective, Stable, Bias‐Free, and Efficient Solar Hydrogen Peroxide Production on Inorganic Layered Materials
Authors: Song Jaejung , Yu Je Min , Ahn Jang Hyuk , Cho Hyeonjin , Oh Jiyeon , Kim Yoon Seo , Kim Jieun , Ko Myohwa , Lee Seong‐hun , Shin Tae Joo , Jeong Hu Young , Yang Changduk , Lee Jun Hee , Jang Ji‐Wook , Cho Seungho
Published: January 2022

The importance of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) continues to grow globally. Deriving the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) toward the 2e– pathway to form H2O2 is crucial for high H2O2 productivity. However, most selective electrocatalysts following the 2e– pathway comprise carbon‐containing organic materials with intrinsically low stability, thereby limiting their commercial applicability. Herein, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are used as inorganic matrices for the first time. The LDH catalyst developed herein exhibits near‐100% 2e– ORR selectivity and stably produces H2O2 with a concentration of ≈108.2 mm cm–2photoanode in 24 h in a two‐compartment system (with a photoanode) with a solar‐to‐chemical conversion efficiency of ≈3.24%, the highest among all reported systems. Density functional theory calculations show that 2e– ORR selectivity is promoted by atomically dispersed cobalt atoms in (012) planes of the LDH catalyst, while a free energy gap between the *O and OOH– states is an important factor.
Highly Active Hollow Porous Carbon Spheres@Graphite Felt Composite Electrode for High Power Density Vanadium Flow Batteries
Authors: Xing Fei , Liu Tao , Yin Yanbin , Bi Ran , Zhang Qi , Yin Likun , Li Xianfeng
Published: January 2022

Improving power density is considered as one of the most effective methods to decrease the cost of vanadium flow batteries (VFBs). To reduce the polarization loss of VFBs, a hollow porous carbon sphere, whose inner and outer surfaces can both provide active sites catalyzing the redox reactions of vanadium redox couples, is designed and prepared by using nickel metal–organic framework (Ni‐MOF) as a template with the assistance of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). This catalyst with its high specific surface area can be simply in situ loaded on the graphite felt forming a composite electrode. The composite electrode exhibits outstanding electrocatalytic activity, as the vanadium ions can participate in the reaction on both inner and outer surfaces of the hollow spheres. As a result, a VFB single cell assembled with this electrode can achieve a high energy efficiency of 82.7% at a current density of 200 mA cm−2 and a peak power density of 958 mW cm−2, which is much higher than those of pristine graphite felts. This work provides a new idea for the development of highly active electrocatalysts for VFBs and further improves the power density of a VFB.
Microbowls with Controlled Concavity for Accurate Microscale Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Xu Linfeng , Li Xiangpeng , Li Wenzong , Chang Kai‐chun , Yang Hyunjun , Tao Nannan , Zhang Pengfei , Payne Emory M. , Modavi Cyrus , Humphries Jacqueline , Lu Chia‐Wei , Abate Adam R.
Published: January 2022

Patterned surfaces can enhance the sensitivity of laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry by segregating and concentrating analytes, but their fabrication can be challenging. Here, a simple method to fabricate substrates patterned with micrometer‐scale wells that yield more accurate and sensitive mass spectrometry measurements compared to flat surfaces is described. The wells can also concentrate and localize cells and beads for cell‐based assays.