bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constitutive expression and distinct properties of IFN-epsilon protect the female reproductive tract from Zika virus infection
Authors: Coldbeck-Shackley Rosa C. , Romeo Ornella , Rosli Sarah , Gearing Linden J. , Gould Jodee A. , Lim San S. , Van der Hoek Kylie H. , Eyre Nicholas S. , Shue Byron , Robertson Sarah A. , Best Sonja M. , Tate Michelle D. , Hertzog Paul J. , Beard Michael R.
Published: March 2023

The immunological surveillance factors controlling vulnerability of the female reproductive tract (FRT) to sexually transmitted viral infections are not well understood. Interferon-epsilon (IFNɛ) is a distinct, immunoregulatory type-I IFN that is constitutively expressed by FRT epithelium and is not induced by pathogens like other antiviral IFNs α, β and λ. We show the necessity of IFNɛ for Zika Virus (ZIKV) protection by: increased susceptibility of IFNɛ-/- mice; their “rescue” by intravaginal recombinant IFNɛ treatment and blockade of protective endogenous IFNɛ by neutralising antibody. Complementary studies in human FRT cell lines showed IFNɛ had potent anti-ZIKV activity, associated with transcriptome responses similar to IFNλ but lacking the proinflammatory gene signature of IFNα. IFNɛ activated STAT1/2 pathways similar to IFNα and λ that were inhibited by ZIKV-encoded non-structural (NS) proteins, but not if IFNε exposure preceded infection. This scenario is provided by the constitutive expression of endogenous IFNε. However, the IFNɛ expression was not inhibited by ZIKV NS proteins despite their ability to antagonise the expression of IFNβ or λ. Thus, the constitutive expression of IFNɛ provides cellular resistance to viral strategies of antagonism and maximises the antiviral activity of the FRT. These results show that the unique spatiotemporal properties of IFNε provides an innate immune surveillance network in the FRT that is a significant barrier to viral infection with important implications for prevention and therapy.
Interrelationships of Air Canal Adaptation in the Leaves of Water Lilies and Water Depth of Lebak Swampland in Kalimantan Selatan
Authors: ISMUHAJAROH Bakti Nur , INDRADEWA Didik , KURNIASIH Budiastuti , UTAMI Sri Nuryani Hidayah
Published: March 2023

Nymphaea pubescens grows in Lebak swampland in its different levels of water depth. This aquatic plant has an absorption system that moves gases through the laminae and has a convective flow system through air canals in midrib and petiole. This study aims to determine the adaptive structure of air canal in the water lilies (Nymphaea pubescens) laminae and how its structure varies along with water-depth fluctuations. The research was conducted by observing plants in 4 (four) different zones of water depth: (1) water depth between 28-95 cm (zone I), (2) 28-99 cm (zone II), (3) 54-112 cm (zone III), and (4) 55-124 cm (zone IV).

Every lamina area, lamina thickness, and cross-sectional area (XS) of petiole, a number and area of air canals in midrib and petiole were collected for analysis. The results showed that the cross-sectional area of the laminae N. pubescens increased along with water depth, but the correlation with laminae thickness decreased. The midrib air canals are symmetrically divided and there was one main canal pair, an additional three pairs of canals, and a pair of smaller canals.

The cross-sectional area of the midrib and air canal increased along with water depth. The calculation of the area of four pairs of air canals is 75%. Air canals make up 34% of midrib cross-sectional area. The midrib air canals produced one pair of air canals, an additional two pairs of canals and a pair of smaller canals. The calculation of the area of three pairs of airways is 93%. Air canals make up 31% of the cross-sectional area of the petiole. The length of the petiole, the volume of the petiole, and the volume of the air canal increased along with water depth, but the cross-sectional area of the petiole and the air canal were not related by water depth.
Analysis of Sustainable Development of SMEs and Factors Influencing to the Ecotourism Industry
Authors: TUREKULOVA Dametken , BEISENGALIYEV Berik , VALIYEVA Saltanat , KURMANKULOVA Nurzhamal , SAIMAGAMBETOVA Gaukhar
Published: March 2023

In order for companies, regardless of scale, to survive, function normally and have prospects for development in the current dynamic, competitive and business environment, partner search, outsourcing and participation of SMEs in the supply chains of multinational corporations are necessary. This is important because the process of globalization, integration, liberalization of markets has led to great business opportunities for SMEs, where financial sustainability matters.
Revival and Development of Tunpu Villages within the Context of Rural Revitalization in China: The Contrasting Perspectives of Cultural Heritage and Tourism Industry
Authors: WU Heng , LOO Fung Chiat , CHAN Cheong Jan
Published: March 2023

The Tunpu (屯堡) village in Anshun city Guizhou province has unique cultural assets, particularly in the village’s spatial layout, its traditional building, and the spectacular Dixi (地戏) opera. In the context of the Chinese Rural Revitalization Strategy, a suitable combination of Cultural Heritage (CH) and the tourism industry to promote the rural revitalization of Tunpu Village is of practical significance. However, the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has had a severe impact on the rural revival of Tunpu Village. This article analyzes the current situation of rural revitalization in Tunpu villages from the perspectives of CH and the tourism industry through fieldwork of three Tunpu villages that have already developed tourism up to certain stages. We observed that the participation rate of villagers is not high; the villagers’ income through village tourism projects is generally low. While tourist attractions mainly consist of traditional architectural landscapes, buildings management and protection were an issue. CH plays an active role in the tourism industry, but the support provided to tourist facilities and entertainment projects could be further improved. The article concludes that the collaboration of the village government, villagers, and tourism company plays an essential role in integrating the tourism industry and CH. The right strategy is the guide, and the cooperation of the participants is the guarantee.
The assessment of color adjustment potentials for monoshade universal composites
Authors: Korkut Bora , Hacıali Çiğdem , Tüter Bayraktar Ezgi , Yanıkoğlu Funda
Published: March 2023

Objective

To evaluate the color adjustment potentials of monoshade universal composites in different shades of class I cavities.

Methodology

About 132 restorations were performed using monoshade universal composites (Omnichroma, OMNI; Essentia Universal; EU; Charisma Diamond One, CDO), and one simplyshade composite (NeoSpectra-ST, NEO) as control. A transparent silicone mold was used to provide standardized restorations on prefabricated class I cavities of acrylic dentures in B1, A2, and C4 shades. The assessment of color adjustment was performed immediately after, at 24 h, and at 2 weeks, through the cross-polarized dental photographs. The quantitative assessments were performed using a software (Digital Color Meter, Macintosh AC). The collected L*, a*, and b* coordinates from the restorations and the adjacent denture surfaces were used to provide

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values. Shapiro–Wilk, three-way Anova and Tukey HSD Test were used for the statistical analyses (p < 0.05).

Results

Among all composites and shades, the

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\text{Δ}{E}_{00}^{\ast }

values were significantly the highest (1.27 ± 0.49a) for the immediately after assessments compared to the assessments at 1 day (1.01 ± 0.41b) and 2 weeks (0.97 ± 0.4c)(p < 0.05). At 24 h and 2 weeks of evaluations, the

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00

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values for the control (0.42 ± 0.16H) were significantly the lowest (p < 0.05). Only the control presented imperceptible color changes for all the cavity shades (PT ≤ 0.8). After 2 weeks, EU (1.06 ± 0.32F) and OMNI (1.12 ± 0.18EF) presented significantly lower

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00

⁎

\text{Δ}{E}_{00}^{\ast }

values compared to the CDO (1.29 ± 0.2CD) (p < 0.05). Restorations in lighter cavities presented significantly lower

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00

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\text{Δ}{E}_{00}^{\ast }

values.

Conclusion

Monoshade universal composites presented acceptable but perceptible color adjustment potentials in class I cavities without the shade selection procedure. Simplyshade composites following the shade selection might still be the best options regarding the level of color adjustment. Monoshade universal composites might provide better color adjustments in cavities with lighter shades.
Multi-kernel property in high-frequency price dynamics under Hawkes model
Authors: Lee Kyungsub
Published: March 2023

This study investigates and uses multi-kernel Hawkes models to describe a high-frequency mid-price process. Each kernel represents a different responsive speed of market participants. Using the conditional Hessian, we examine whether the numerical optimizer effectively finds the global maximum of the log-likelihood function under complicated modeling. Empirical studies that use stock prices in the US equity market show the existence of multi-kernels classified as ultra-high-frequency (UHF), very-high-frequency (VHF), and high-frequency (HF). We estimate the conditional expectations of arrival times and the degree of contribution to the high-frequency activities for each kernel.
Characterization of the Tau Interactome in Human Brain Reveals Isoform-Dependent Interaction with 14-3-3 Family Proteins
Authors: Betters Ryan K. , Luhmann Emma , Gottschalk Amy C. , Xu Zhen , Shin Mallory R. , Ptak Christopher P. , Fiock Kimberly L. , Radoshevich Lilliana C. , Hefti Marco M.
Published: March 2023

Despite exhibiting tau phosphorylation similar to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the human fetal brain is remarkably resilient to tau aggregation and toxicity. To identify potential mechanisms for this resilience, we used co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) with mass spectrometry to characterize the tau interactome in human fetal, adult, and Alzheimer’s disease brains. We found significant differences between the tau interactome in fetal and AD brain tissue, with little difference between adult and AD, although these findings are limited by the low throughput and small sample size of these experiments. Differentially interacting proteins were enriched for 14-3-3 domains, and we found that the 14-3-3-β, η, and γ isoforms interacted with phosphorylated tau in Alzheimer’s disease but not the fetal brain. Since long isoform (4R) tau is only seen in the adult brain and this is one of the major differences between fetal and AD tau, we tested the ability of our strongest hit (14-3-3-β) to interact with 3R and 4R tau using co-immunoprecipitation, mass photometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We found that 14-3-3-β interacts preferentially with phosphorylated 4R tau, forming a complex consisting of two 14-3-3-β molecules to one tau. By NMR, we mapped 14-3-3 binding regions on tau that span the second microtubule binding repeat, which is unique to 4R tau. Our findings suggest that there are isoform-driven differences between the phospho-tau interactome in fetal and Alzheimer’s disease brain, including differences in interaction with the critical 14-3-3 family of protein chaperones, which may explain, in part, the resilience of fetal brain to tau toxicity.
Phosphorylation‐linked complex profiling identifies assemblies required for Hippo signal integration
Authors: Uliana Federico , Ciuffa Rodolfo , Mishra Ranjan , Fossati Andrea , Frommelt Fabian , Keller Sabrina , Mehnert Martin , Birkeland Eivind Salmorin , van Drogen Frank , Srejic Nevena , Peter Matthias , Tapon Nicolas , Aebersold Ruedi , Gstaiger Matthias
Published: March 2023

While several computational methods have been developed to predict the functional relevance of phosphorylation sites, experimental analysis of the interdependency between protein phosphorylation and Protein–Protein Interactions (PPIs) remains challenging. Here, we describe an experimental strategy to establish interdependencies between protein phosphorylation and complex formation. This strategy is based on three main steps: (i) systematically charting the phosphorylation landscape of a target protein; (ii) assigning distinct proteoforms of the target protein to different protein complexes by native complex separation (AP‐BNPAGE) and protein correlation profiling; and (iii) analyzing proteoforms and complexes in cells lacking regulators of the target protein. We applied this strategy to YAP1, a transcriptional co‐activator for the control of organ size and tissue homeostasis that is highly phosphorylated and among the most connected proteins in human cells. We identified multiple YAP1 phosphosites associated with distinct complexes and inferred how both are controlled by Hippo pathway members. We detected a PTPN14/LATS1/YAP1 complex and suggest a model how PTPN14 inhibits YAP1 via augmenting WW domain‐dependent complex formation and phosphorylation by LATS1/2.
Effect of mechanical restraint on drying defects reduction in heat-treated okan wood
Authors: Hidayat Wahyu , Qi Yue , Jang Jae Hyuk , Febrianto Fauzi , Kim Nam Hun
Published: March 2023

Mechanical restraint through the use of clamps was applied as an attempt to prevent drying defects during the heat treatment of high-density wood. Boards of okan (Cylicodiscus gabunensis (Taub.) Harms) with the initial moisture content of 8.99% and 9.68% for sapwood and heartwood, respectively, were prepared. The boards were heat-treated under an oxygen atmosphere at the peak temperatures of 160 °C, 180 °C, 200 °C, and 220 °C with a residence time of 2 h. The occurrence of drying defects as checks (i.e., surface and end checks) and warps (i.e., bow, cup, and twist) were evaluated. Heat treatment stimulated the occurrence of drying defects in okan wood. The results revealed that the surface checks, end checks, and twists increased linearly with increased temperature. The occurrence of warps, such as bow and cup, after heat treatment was relatively low. Heartwood showed a higher degree of drying defects compared to the sapwood. Application of mechanical restraint by clamping efficiently decreased the occurrence of drying defects of okan wood, particularly surface checks, end checks, and twists.
Improved dimensional stability of nano-SiO2/wax modified ACQ-treated southern pine
Authors: Yu Lili , Cai Jie , Wang Yuyang , Tang Zhenzhong , Zhu Junyan
Published: March 2023

Southern yellow pine (Pinus sp.) wood cubes were vacuum-pressure treated with nano-SiO2 solution and different concentrations of amine copper quaternary (ACQ)/wax (0.5%, 2.5%, and 5.0% wax)-modified solutions. The effects of wax concentration and nano-SiO2 addition on water absorption, air drying shrinkage, and moisture swelling stabilities were investigated. The results showed that during the whole process of water absorption and air drying shrinkage, better stability of nano-SiO2 modified ACQ-treated wood could only be obtained with the ratio of wax addition equal to 2.5%. However, the best moisture swelling resistance was found in the samples modified with the highest wax addition (5.0%). Both wax and nano-SiO2 could be useful for keeping the dimensional stability of the treated wood.
Effect of mechanical restraint on the properties of heat-treated Pinus koraiensis and Paulownia tomentosa woods
Authors: Hidayat Wahyu , Qi Yue , Jang Jae Hyuk , Febrianto Fauzi , Kim Nam Hun
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study was to improve the properties of Korean white pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. & Zucc.) and royal paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Siebold & Zucc. ex Steud.) via heat treatment. The woods were treated at 160 °C, 180 °C, 200 °C, and 220 °C for 2 h. The effect of mechanical restraint through clamping during heat treatment on the dimensional stability, physical, and mechanical properties was evaluated. The results showed that increased temperature increased the weight loss and volume shrinkage, while equilibrium moisture content and wettability decreased. Royal paulownia showed higher weight loss, but lower shrinkage and equilibrium moisture content, when compared to Korean white pine. The samples with clamps in both woods had lower weight loss and volume shrinkage after heat treatment. The modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture decreased with increased temperature followed by a noticeable decrease obtained after heat treatment at 200 °C and 220 °C. Clamping minimized strength reduction in both woods. Consequently, it was suggested that mechanical restraint was a useful method to maintain the wood properties during heat treatment.
Characterization of torrefied biomass of five reforestation species (Cupressus lusitanica, Dipteryx panamensis, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis, and Vochysia ferruginea) in Costa Rica
Authors: Gaitán-Alvarez Johanna , Moya Róger , Rodríguez-Zúñiga Ana , Puente-Urbina Allen
Published: March 2023

Torrefaction can increase the energy yield of biomass for better utilization in bioenergy, but chemical changes occur during the pretreatment process. Wood residues of Cupressus lusitanica, Dipteryx panamensis, Gmelina arborea, Tectona grandis, and Vochysia ferruginea were torrefied for three different time periods (8, 10, and 12 min) and three different temperatures (200, 225, and 250 °C). The mass loss, net calorific value, ash, volatiles, lignin, cellulose, extractives, and infrared spectra were evaluated. The results showed that the mass loss in torrefied biomass varied between 10% and 70%, ash content varied between 0.19 and 7.00%, and volatiles content varied between 63 and 85%. Net calorific value values varied between 17 and 23 MJ/kg, increasing with the increased torrefaction temperature. Cellulose varied between 49.85 and 67.57%. Lignin varied between 27.33 and 41.09%. The extractives varied between 3.70 and 16.86%. The change in the ratio of intensity (RI) for the bands identified using FTIR analyses showed that large changes occurred in hemicellulose components. The multivariate analysis showed that lignin, ash, extractives in hot water, volatiles, and mass loss were the variables that contributed most. The analysis of all these variables showed that torrefaction at 250 °C for 12 min presented the greatest biomass degradation. Torrefaction at 200 °C and 225 °C for 8, 10, and 12 min was optimal for thermal treatment of the biomass of these woody species.
Coatability of cellulose nanofibril suspensions: Role of rheology and water retention
Authors: Kumar Vinay , Ottesen Vegar , Syverud Kristin , Gregersen Øyvind Weiby , Toivakka Martti
Published: March 2023

Cellulose nanofibril (CNF) suspensions are not easily coatable because of their excessively high viscosity and yield stress, even at low solids concentrations. In addition, CNF suspensions vary widely in their properties depending on the production process used, which can affect their processability. This work reports roll-to-roll coating of three different types of CNF suspensions with a slot-die, and the influence of rheology and water retention on coatability is addressed. The impact of CMC addition on the high and low shear rate rheology, water retention, coatability, and final coating quality of these suspensions is reported. All three CNF suspensions were coated successfully using the slot-die coating process. CMC addition further improved the coatability by positively influencing both the low and high shear rate viscosity and water retention of the CNF suspensions. All CNF coatings significantly improved the air, heptane vapor, grease and oil barrier, while reducing the water vapor transmission rate to some extent.
Effect of microwave-involved ClO2 bleaching on the characteristics of lipophilic extractives of bleached Eucalyptus globulus pulps
Authors: Zhang Heng , Shi Rui , Gao Xin , Chen Keli , Peng Lincai
Published: March 2023

The preparation of bleached pulp from Eucalyptus globulus pulp was evaluated after utilizing chlorine dioxide (ClO2) with or without microwave irradiation. The three ClO2-bleaching processes examined were water-bath heating; microwave heating; and microwave pretreatment combined with water-bath heating. These processes were applied to eucalypt pulps that were oxygen-delignified. The effects of the treatments on the levels of lipophilic extractives and properties of the resulting pulps were compared with one another. The microwave-induced treatment had a remarkable effect, leading to an increase in pulp brightness and a decrease in lipophilic extractives when compared with the control (i.e., A). The sample under the condition of microwave pretreatment combined with water-bath heating achieved a higher brightness and reduced lipophilic extractives, which were increased by 45.8% and reduced by 37.4%, respectively. This study demonstrated an effective microwave-pretreated method in ClO2 bleaching process, which provides a promising route for alleviating pitch deposition problems occurring during pulp manufacture.
Contextualization as one of the main methodological approaches of religious studies research during the russian-ukrainian war
Authors: FYLYPOVYCH Liudmyla , TYTARENKO Vita , HORKUSHA Oksana
Published: March 2023

The article proposes to deepen and expand the classical methodological approaches formulated at the beginning of the 21st century within the framework of academic religious studies. Based on the methodological works of the founder of modern Ukrainian religious studies, Prof. Kolodnyi, who first clearly defined the principles of the scientific study of religion, in particular objectivity, historicism, worldview neutrality, pluralism, etc., the authors justify the need for contextualization as one of the main methodological approaches in the study of current religious processes. They insist on rethinking not only the universality and effectiveness of some methodological principles in new circumstances — the Russian-Ukrainian war, but also on the actualization of new ones, critically rethinking their neglect in the pre-war period. It is proved that in the hierar- chy of religious principles, the principle of contextuality becomes a particularly sought-after re- ality of Russia’s war against Ukraine. Even the concepts that researchers use describing a new religious situation must be contextualized. The authors remind about those contextual dangers for the life world of Ukraine that exist in its religious segment, highlighting external and internal factors that cannot be ignored when analyzing the contemporary religious situation in Ukraine and in the world. Analyzing the current reality, the authors conclude that contextuality as a methodological approach in religious studies should consider: 1) The event context — Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine — as a condition for the manifestation of religion, which determines its functional and substantive features; 2) Features, depth and intensity of research’s contextual inclusion/exclusion. Tragic changes in the context of the life of Ukrainians — linguistic, cultural, informational, religious, etc. necessarily correct expert neutrality, objectivity, non-involvement. According to the authors, the war situation liberates from an unbiased, out-of-contextual analysis. The admis- sibility of such contextualization is a matter of debate.
About the war in Ukraine: the price of democracy
Authors: CRÉPON Marc
Published: March 2023

The article analyzes the political motives of Ukrainian resistance to Russian invasion and aggression. First of all, it emphasizes the falsification of history by Russian propaganda, its use of history as a political instrument, the destruction of the traumatic memory of the recent imperial past and the glorification of the “glorious centuries-old” imperial history in modern Russia. This determines the difference in the structure of the historical memory of Russians and other former peoples of the empire, and the recent memory of the tragic imperial past is the leading factor in the choice of the Ukrainian and Moldovan peoples for their political destiny. The article also shows that this choice, as well as the desire for truth, freedom and rights, determines these peoples’ slow but sure progress toward democracy. These choices and aspirations are at the same time a determining factor in the ability of the Ukrainian people to resist Russian armed aggression. Instead, the so-called “civilizational” links between the former peoples of the empire, with which Russia tries to justify its aggression, are actually a cover for its desire for political dominance. The article also outlines the importance of Ukrainian resistance for European democracies, calling for their unconditional support. The war in Ukraine is a challenge for them, because no matter what problems democracies around the world are facing today, they will remain actors of their own history only if they provide support to all those who resist the destruction of the minimum of rights and freedoms that define democracy. Using Kant’s work «Perpetual Peace» as an example, the article also shows that the cessation of war for the sake of cessation of war, which is often called for today, will not contribute to the establishment of peace. It will leave grounds for the renewal of war, which the aggressor, if he will not change its political essence, will always be able to use it again.
Criticism of the guidelines of cartesian philosophy by Ch. Pierce
Authors: MAMENKO Taras
Published: March 2023

The article intends to show the significance of Ch. Peirce’s ideas for the development of contemporary philosophy, to find out the main directions of his criticism of the principles of Cartesian and more broadly modern philosophy (where it comes from Descartes) and to consider the positive program of his philosophy, which he offers as an alternative to Modern philosophy. Peirce starts from a pragmatic and semiotic approach to human nature, consciousness and cognition. Thanks to this approach, he managed to undermine the key ideas of the modern understanding of cognition, human, language, namely: individualism, linguistic atomism, dogmatism, dualism, representationism, nominalism, foundationalism, etc. And, instead, to propose a new theory of knowledge, a new ontology and anthropology. Peirce asserts the indirectness of human cognition by signs (linguistic, cultural, sensory), the impossibility of introspection and intuition, advocates holism, fallibilism, pragmatism, realism, synechism, inferentialism and offers a new understanding of the personality — all this makes him a relevant and contemporary thinker. Peirce’s ideas offer a fresh perspective on modern scientific practice. Peirce’s rethinking of the foundations of knowledge puts him alongside many thinkers of the 20th and 21st centuries. The development of his ideas can be seen in modern anthropology, epistemology, research on artificial intelligence, semiotics, etc. The article is divided into four subsections, which are devoted to the main directions of Peirce’s criticism of Descartes’ philosophy: in the first — against Descartes’ skeptical methodology, Peirce puts the concept of fallibilism and the principle of belief, in the second — Peirce denies the possibility of intuition and proves the indirectness of our cognition by signs, in the third — it is about the advantages of the semiotic and communicative approach over individualism and linguistic atomism, in the fourth — Descartes’ nominalism and dualism, Peirce contrasts the realist approach and his theory of synechism, as well as semiotic anthropology.
Incidence and Mortality of Children Receiving Home Mechanical Ventilation
Authors: Amin Reshma , Verma Rahul , Bai Yu Qing , Cohen Eyal , Guttmann Astrid , Gershon Andrea S. , Katz Sherri Lynne , Lim Audrey , Rose Louise
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

The incidence, as well as the predictors of mortality, for children receiving home mechanical ventilation (HMV) using population-based data in Canada is a current knowledge gap. Our objectives were to describe HMV incidence and mortality rates, and associations of demographic and clinical variables on mortality.

METHODS

Using Ontario health and demographic administrative databases, we conducted a retrospective cohort study (April 1, 2003–March 31, 2017) of children aged 0 to 17 years receiving HMV via invasive mechanical ventilation and noninvasive ventilation. We identified children with complex chronic conditions. We used data from Census Canada to calculate incidence rates and Cox proportional hazards modeling to assess for predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 906 children with a mean (SD) crude incidence rate of 2.4 (0.6) per 100 000 for pediatric HMV approvals that increased by 37% over the 14-year study period. Compared with children who were invasively ventilated, we found mortality was associated with noninvasive ventilation (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–2.8). Mortality was highest in children from families in the lowest income quintile (aHR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.5–4.0), those with neurologic impairment complex chronic conditions (aHR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.4–6.4), those aged 11 to 17 years at HMV initiation (aHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.0), and those with higher health care costs in the 1 year before HMV initiation (aHR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3–1.7).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of children receiving HMV increased substantially over the 14-year period. Demographic variables associated with increased mortality were identified, suggesting areas requiring greater attention for care providers.
Variabilidad de comunidades de macroinvertebrados acuáticos en charcas temporales del norte de Colombia
Authors: Serna-Macias Daniel , Tamaris-Turizo Cesar E. , Oliveros Villanueva Jorge , Eslava-Eljaiek Pedro
Published: March 2023

Introducción: Las charcas temporales son ecosistemas acuáticos variables en su estructura física y biótica, efímeros en el paisaje e importantes en el flujo de materia y energía. Los macroinvertebrados acuáticos constituyen el grupo más abundante y diverso en estos ecosistemas, por ello, resulta de gran importancia comprender su composición temporal y espacial. Objetivo: Evaluar la diversidad alfa y beta de las comunidades de macroinvertebrados acuáticos de seis charcas temporales durante dos épocas climáticas en el norte de Colombia. Métodos: Se muestreó en la zona litoral y limnética empleando la red tipo D y draga van veen. Se utilizaron índices ecológicos de diversidad alfa y beta mediante el análisis de conglomerados para conocer los grupos conformados, finalmente, se realizó un análisis permutacional entre épocas climáticas y charcas. Resultados: se identificaron 3 358 individuos, representados por 13 órdenes, 39 familias y 68 géneros. La mayor abundancia y diversidad (N = 485, 0D = 32) durante la época de lluvia se presentó en Los Campanos, mientras que la charca Villa Leidy tuvo el mayor número de taxones comunes (18) y dominantes (14). En la época de sequía, la charca Los Trillizos presentó la mayor abundancia (533) y diversidad (43); mientras que Villa Leidy y El Miquito el mayor número de taxones dominantes (16). El análisis de disimilitud evidenció que las charcas tienen una composición particular, ya que no se evidenció agrupamiento a escala espacial ni temporal; además, se observó alto recambio de taxones. Finalmente, el análisis de correspondencia canónica exhibió un agrupamiento debido a la temporalidad. Conclusiones: la composición de las comunidades de macroinvertebrados acuáticos de las charcas temporales son muy diversas, presentando alto recambio tanto espacial como temporal, reflejando altos valores de remplazamiento de taxones entre ápocas climáticas. El análisis de los microhábitats mostró que la zona litoral mantuvo una composición similar durante el estudio.
Age and growth assessment of the near-threatened fish Rita rita (Siluriformes: Bagridae) in the Ganges basin
Authors: Ankita Ankita , Khan M. Afzal , Khan Salman
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Rita rita is a freshwater catfish under threat of extinction, mainly from loss of breeding and nursing grounds. A reliable method for age and growth estimation is needed by fishery managers. Objective: To identify the best body structure for age and growth estimation. Methods: We assessed estimates precision based on Average Percent Error (APE), Coefficient Variation (CV), and Percent Agreement (PA) between readers separately analyzed each calcified structure. We used 390 fish samples from three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Ramganga, from September 2018 to August 2019. Results: The three indicators favored the use of vertebrae for age estimation; the growth band seems to be annual and formed from May to September. The growth equations were Lt = 90.19(1-e-0.145(t+0.51)) for Ganga; Lt = 91.19 (1-e-0.14(t+0.59)) for Yamuna and Lt = 89.63 (1-e-0.15(t+0.68)) for Ramganga. Conclusion: This species reaches moderate growth in these rivers, where vertebrae are the recommended age estimation structure, followed, in case of need, by sectioned otoliths, whole otoliths and opercular bones. Pectoral spines should be avoided, especially in older fish.
Assessment of assembly process complexity using material coefficients for handling and insertion
Authors: Muskita Nelce Dominggas , Soenoko Rudy , Sonief Achmad As’ad , Choiron Moch. Agus
Published: March 2023

Complexity principles are very important for reducing difficulty while at the same time continuously attaining the requirements of the product, process, and system. A crucial factor affecting the complexity of assembly is material selection. The material used for a product will be closely linked to the handling and insertion process. In a previous study, the methods used to select materials and assembly processes have been developed separately. In this study, those methods will be developed together into a single entity with respect to the complexity of each process. Scientific information about this matter has yet to be revealed, so it still requires intensive study. Hence, the study aims to promote a new way to measure the complexity of parts assembly by examining the material selection parameters. The proposed method involves material coefficients in establishing an assembly complexity index and consists of two phases. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the suggested design comprehensively, which uses three material variants in piston products to calculate the complexity index of the assembly process. Variants with a small complexity index are ideal and facilitate the assembly process.
The study creates a material coefficient model to specify the assembly process, where each component has various coefficient values. The material coefficient describes the value of material characteristics related to the assembly method, namely the process of handling and insertion. The material selection requires a clear understanding of the assembly requirements for each component. The related material characteristics are density, fracture toughness, Young’s modulus, elastic limit, tensile strength, elongation, and hardness. Assessment of the complexity index using methods from previous studies obtained 6.02. Using the present method, 5.777 were obtained for variant 1 and 5.769 for the second variant. The mean complexity value is compatible with the material coefficient and assembly time
Revealing the effect of structural components made of sandwich panels on loading the container transported by railroad
Authors: Vatulia Glib , Lovska Alyona , Myamlin Sergiy , Stanovska Iraida , Holofieieva Maryna , Horobets Volodymyr , Nerubatskyi Volodymyr , Krasnokutskyi Yevhen
Published: March 2023

The object of this study is the processes of emergence, perception, and redistribution of loads in the supporting structure of a 1CC size container with end walls made of sandwich panels.
To reduce the longitudinal load of the container under operational modes, the introduction of sandwich panels into its design is proposed. This solution is implemented on the example of its end walls as the most loaded component of the body in operation.
The thickness of the sandwich panel sheet was determined, provided that the strength in operation is ensured. Mathematical modeling of dynamic load of a container with end walls made of sandwich panels placed on a platform car during shunting co-impact was carried out. It was established that taking into account the proposed improvement makes it possible to reduce the dynamic loads that the container perceives by 10 % compared to the typical structure. The results were confirmed by computer simulation of the dynamic load of the container. The models formed within the framework of the study were verified according to the F-criterion.
The results of calculations for the strength of the container showed that the stresses in its structure are 15 % lower than those in the typical one.
A feature of the findings is that the proposed improvement of the container helps improve its strength in operation by reducing the loads acting on it.
The scope of practical use of the results is the engineering industry, namely, railroad transport. At the same time, the conditions for the practical application of the research results are the introduction of energy-absorbing material as a component of the sandwich panel.
This study will contribute to devising recommendations for designing modern structures of vehicles of a modular type and for improving the efficiency of the transport industry
Optimum abrasive wear resistance for epoxy composites reinforced with polyethylene (PET) waste using Taguchi design and neural network
Authors: Abed Salwa A. , Khalaf Ahmad A. , Mohamed Muzher Taha , Hanon Muammel M.
Published: March 2023

The current work presents a study of the tribological properties of composite materials designed based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which has an important role in the structures of machines, represented by tribological couplings made of composite polymers. The paper examined the effect of two factors, namely recycled waste heating time (HT) and weight percentage (wt. %), on the improvement of the abrasive wear resistance of micro-filler-reinforced epoxy composites.
 The current research aims to develop epoxy composites by improving abrasive wear resistance while ensuring low cost and weight. Improving wear resistance due to the use of epoxy composites to connect joints that operate under conditions without lubrication in various industrial fields will increase their operational life. The signal-to-noise ratio was analyzed to find out the effect of test parameters HT and wt. % on the wear rate of epoxy composites. Using MINITAB 19 software, regression equations were obtained for each variable to compare it with the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) results. Predictive models based on the regression equation and artificial neural network were developed to predict the wear rate of epoxy composites, and to determine which model is more efficient, their results were compared and the most appropriate model with the low error was determined. The results of the current research showed that the wear resistance of epoxy composites reinforced with RCCF improved by 41 % when increasing wt. % and HT, and also showed that the ANN model is more suitable than the regression model for predicting the wear rate of epoxy composites
Determining patterns in the formation of a polymer shell by powder paint on wood surface
Authors: Tsapko Yuriy , Likhnyovskyi Ruslan , Buiskykh Nataliia , Horbachova Oleksandra , Mazurchuk Serhii , Lastivka Oles , Tsapko Аleksii , Sokolenko Kostiantyn , Matviichuk Andrii
Published: March 2023

An issue related to using wood and wood products for building structures is to ensure their stability and durability during operation within wide limits. Therefore, the object of this study was a change in the properties of the polymer shell of powder paint on wood during thermal modification.
It is proved that in the process of thermal modification of wood, its structure changes, and accordingly, during the polymerization of powder paint, degassing occurs, which affects the polymer shell. Namely, during the thermal polymerization of powder paint at a temperature of 180 °C for untreated wood, shallow bubbles and craters are characteristic of the formed polymer shell. Instead, a smooth surface is marked for a sample of thermally modified wood. Thermogravimetric analysis data show thermogravimetric curves characterized by the loss of mass of the sample of the original wood with increasing temperature due to the processes of dehydration, destruction of hemicellulose and lignin. This is dehydration, accompanied by the destruction of the pyranose cycle, and carbonization to form a carbon residue and a complex mixture of volatile products. Due to this, bubbles and craters are formed in the polymer shell of the coating. Based on the obtained results of adhesion of the polymer shell on wood, which is treated with a mixture of epoxy polyester system with functional additives and a polymerization temperature of 180 °C, the adhesion level is 2.1 MPa. Reducing the polymerization temperature of a mixture of the epoxy polyester system with functional additives to 130 °C increases adhesion by 1.75 times, and the nature of the destruction passes through the polymer shell. For thermally modified wood, the level of adhesion is within 2.1 MPa, and the destruction takes place through the wood. This is due to the increased fragility of the surface after thermal modification of wood
Creation of a methodology for determining the intensity of moisture evaporation within vacuum drying of fruits
Authors: Shingisov Azret , Alibekov Ravshanbek , Evlash Victoriia , Yerkebayeva Saparkul , Mailybayeva Elvira , Tastemirova Ukilim
Published: March 2023

The study objects were the Republic of Kazakhstan selection apple sorts: “Baiterek”, “Sarkyt” and “Saya”, also pear sorts: “Syilyk”, “Zhazdyk” and “Nagima”. Study of the process of moisture evaporation within vacuum drying of the fruits has essential value in the nutritional value saving. Basically, the product evaporative capacity is characterized by the evaporation resistance coefficient ‒ µ. Also during moisture removal, thermodynamic state of moisture changes that is described by water activity indicator ‒ aw. Experimental determination of these parameters allows for the analyzing moisture evaporation during vacuum drying process. Studies have established the following evaporation resistance coefficients: µ=2.03±0.07 for apple sorts and µ=2.3±0.05 for pear sorts. Either water activity decreases from 1.0 to 0.62±0.01 for apple sorts and from 1.0 to 0.65±0.04 for pear sorts. Two drying periods are discovered. The first drying period: 5.45–6.10 h for apple sorts; and 6.12–6.25 h. for pear sorts. The second drying period duration: 4.15–3.50 h for apple sorts; and 4.35–4.48 h for pear sorts. The critical humidity value: 27.1±2.1 % for apple sorts; and 30.1±2.5 % for pear sorts. Comparative analysis of calculated and experimental data shows maximum deviations 22.5 % for apple sorts and 23 % for pear sorts. The proposed equation for the calculating a moisture evaporation rate, considering the product properties and the hygroscopic parameters of air, can be used in practice to study the moisture evaporation dynamics from the product surface. The study results allow for the selecting an optimal mode for vacuum drying of apples and pears sorts in order to safe nutritional value and to produce biologically active additives for the food industry
Improvement of the optimization method based on the wolf flock algorithm
Authors: Trotsko Oleksandr , Protas Nadiia , Odarushchenko Elena , Vakulenko Yuliia , Degtyareva Larisa , Parzhnytskyi Viktor , Khomenko Pavlo , Kolodiichuk Leonid , Nechyporuk Vitaliy , Apenko Nataliia
Published: March 2023

The problem that is solved in the research is to increase the efficiency of decision making in management tasks while ensuring the given reliability, regardless of the hierarchical nature of the object. The object of the research is decision making support system. The subject of the research is the decision making process in management tasks using an improved wolf flock algorithm. The hypothesis of the research is to increase the efficiency of decision making with a given assessment reliability. In the course of the research, an improved optimization method based on an improved wolf flock algorithm was proposed. In the course of the conducted research, the general provisions of the theory of artificial intelligence were used to solve the problem of analyzing the objects state and subsequent parametric management in intelligent decision making support systems.
The essence of the improvement lies in the use of the following procedures, which improve basic procedures of the wolf flock algorithm, namely search and chase:
– taking into account the type of uncertainty of the initial data while constructing the wolf flock path metric;
– searching for a solution in several directions using individuals from the wolf flock;
– initial presentation of individuals from the wolf flock;
– an improved procedure for adapting a flock of wolves;
– taking into account the available computing resources while choosing the number of leaders in a flock of wolves.
An example of the use of the proposed method is presented on the example of assessing the state of the operational situation of a group of troops (forces). The specified example showed an increase in the efficiency of data processing at the level of 23–30 % due to the use of additional improved procedures
Improvement of the optimization method based on the cat pack algorithm
Authors: Koval Volodymyr , Nechyporuk Olena , Shyshatskyi Andrii , Nalapko Oleksii , Shknai Oleh , Zhyvylo Yevhen , Yerko Viktor , Kreminskyi Borys , Kovbasiuk Oleksandr , Bychkov Anton
Published: March 2023

The problem that is being solved in the research is to increase the efficiency of decision-making in management tasks while ensuring the given reliability, regardless of the hierarchical nature of the object. The object of research is the decision-making support systems. The subject of the research is the decision-making process in management tasks using an improved cat flock algorithm. The research hypothesis is the possibility of increasing the efficiency of decision-making with a given assessment reliability. In the course of the research, an improved method of parametric optimization based on the improved algorithm of the cat flock was proposed. In the course of the research, the general provisions of the theory of artificial intelligence were used to solve the problem of analyzing the state of objects and subsequent parametric management in intelligent decision-making support systems.
The essence of the method improvement lies in the use of the following procedures, which improve basic procedures of the cat flock algorithm, namely, search and chase:
– training of individuals of a cat flock with the help of evolving artificial neural networks;
– taking into account the type of uncertainty of the initial data while constructing the metric of the path of the cat flock, which reduces the time of searching for the optimal solution;
– searching for a solution in several directions using individuals from the cat flock, which reduces the time of searching for the optimal solution;
– initial display of individuals from the cat flock not randomly;
– additional consideration of the chase parameter, which limits the chase area, which allows to take into account the priority of the search;
– the ability to determine the need to involve additional network hardware resources.
An example of the use of the proposed method is presented on the example of assessing the state of the operational situation of a group of troops (forces). The specified example showed a 17–23 % increase in the efficiency of data processing due to the use of additional improved procedures