bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GPC1-Targeted Immunotoxins Inhibit Pancreatic Tumor Growth in Mice via Depletion of Short-lived GPC1 and Downregulation of Wnt Signaling
Authors: Pan Jiajia , Li Nan , Renn Alex , Zhu Hu , Chen Lu , Shen Min , Hall Matthew D. , Qian Min , Pastan Ira , Ho Mitchell
Published: March 2022

Glypican-1 (GPC1) is a cell surface proteoglycan that is upregulated in multiple types of human cancers including pancreatic cancer. Here, we investigated whether GPC1 could be a target of antibody-toxin fusion proteins (i.e., immunotoxins) for treating pancreatic cancer. We constructed a panel of GPC1-targeted immunotoxins derived from a functional domain of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. An albumin-binding domain was also introduced into the anti-GPC1 immunotoxin to improve serum half-life. Small-molecule screening was performed to identify irinotecan that shows synergistic efficacy with the immunotoxin. We showed that GPC1 was internalized upon antibody binding. Anti-GPC1 immunotoxins alone inhibited tumor growth in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model. The immunotoxin treatment reduced active β-catenin expression in tumor cells. Furthermore, immunotoxins containing an albumin-binding domain in combination with irinotecan caused pancreatic tumor regression. GPC1 expression was reduced by the immunotoxin treatment due to the degradation of the internalized GPC1 and its short cellular turnover rate. Our data indicate that the GPC1-targeted immunotoxin inhibits pancreatic tumor growth via degradation of internalized GPC1, downregulation of Wnt signaling, and inhibition of protein synthesis. The anti-GPC1 immunotoxin in combination with irinotecan thus provides a potential new treatment strategy for patients with pancreatic tumors.
Uremic Optic Neuropathy: A Potentially Reversible Complication of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Raja Niranjan , Rajagopalan Arul , Arunachalam Jegan , Prasath Arun , Durai Rakesh , Rajendran Manorajan
Published: March 2022

Uremic optic neuropathy (UON) is one of the rare causes of vision loss in chronic kidney disease patients. It is infrequently seen nowadays as most of the patients are dialyzed early owing to better availability of medical services. It is a clinical diagnosis, correlating loss of vision with optic disc edema in a patient with kidney failure which improves noticeably with hemodialysis and steroids. We describe a patient with UON with excellent improvement on timely institution of hemodialysis and steroid therapy.
Retroperitoneal Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy by Vaginally Assisted Natural Orifices Endoscopic Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery in Early Stage Endometrial Cancer: Description of Technique and Surgeon’s Perspectives after the First Experience
Authors: Mathey Marie-Pierre , Romito Fabien , Huber Daniela E.
Published: March 2022

Endometrial cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynecological malignancy. Feasibility and safety of laparoscopy are no longer to be demonstrated in patients with uterine-confined endometrial carcinoma. Vaginally assisted natural orifices endoscopic transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) is a new endoscopic approach over the past decade with significant evidence in benign pathology. Publications exploring VNOTES surgery in gynecological cancer were published first in 2014. We hereby report our first experience with vNOTES surgery in endometrial cancer. A 64-year-old patient presented with postmenopausal bleeding. Endometrial biopsy identified a G1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma. MRI suspected deep invasion of myometrium with no abnormal lymph node. She underwent a total hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy and retroperitoneal pelvic sentinel node biopsy by vNOTES. The final histopathology confirmed G1 endometrial adenocarcinoma FIGO II (proximal focal invasion of cervical stroma and superficial invasion of myometrium). The patient was discharged 2 days postoperatively with no complications. vNOTES offers a closer approach and a better view of afferent lymphatics and probably the best chances to identify the true sentinel node. This approach presents several advantages compared to abdominal laparoscopy such as faster postoperative recovery, reduced pain, decreased postoperative wound infections, and no abdominal trocar port complications. The future research should focus on oncological safety, accuracy, and reliability of this technique, and an international registry should help to gather rapidly these informations.
Parents' perceptions of distance learning during COVID-19 in rural Indonesia
Authors: Lase Delipiter , Zega Trisa Genia Chrisantiana , Daeli Dorkas Orienti , Zaluchu Sonny Eli
Published: March 2022

This study was developed to investigate parents' perceptions and attitudes towards distance learning in response to many schools' closures due to the COVID-19. This research employed a qualitative approach. The research subjects consisted of parents of elementary school students in the City of Gunungsitoli, Indonesia determined by purposive sampling technique, totaling twenty-four people. The data were collected using semi-structured interview techniques and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. This study shows that distance learning or learning from home in a research context takes the form of online and offline learning. The learning approach implemented during the COVID-19 emergency must be lived and supported without other options for parents. Although parents do not have negative perceptions, distance learning has increased the economic, psychological, and social burden on parents or families. The lack of parental involvement and support in children's learning process at home is generally due to the lack of time and parents' inability to become teachers for their children. Actions to accompany and support children's learning process at home are carried out to provide internet packages, help children master the material, and participate in completing assignments or tests given by the teacher. The surprising finding from this study is the decline in children's learning motivation and cognitive abilities. Parents hope that distance learning is not extended.
Kahoot!-based evaluation instruments on acid-base materials
Authors: Cahyani Dhiea Regita , Kurniasih Dedeh , Fadhillah Raudhatul
Published: March 2022

This research aimed to developed an evaluation instrument based on Kahoot! valid, practical, and reliable in evaluating student learning. This research is a model of development that use Borg and Gall. There were seven stages performed, starting with research and data collection, planning, product design development, initial field trials, review of initial trial results, main field trials, and refinement of field trial results. This research was conducted at Muhammadiyah 1 Pontianak Senior High School. As nine samples for the initial field trial and 29 samples involved for the main field trial. Three instruments developed by the researcher were validity, practicality, and reliability. The research data was obtained from the instrument as a result of the validation of materials experts and media experts, as well as questionnaires for teacher and student responses to the Kahoot! based evaluation instrument. The percentage of teachers and student responses to the instrument were 97.22% and 83.33%, respectively (very practical). Validation of materials experts and media experts with the respective percentages of 81.73% and 80.47% (very valid) and the obtained confidence value is 0.89 (very reliable). The results of this study indicated the instrument can be used in the evaluation of learning about acid-base materials.
Pilot study: Impact of school director-led workplace professional development training for in-service teachers
Authors: Sodiya Oluwaseyi Olubunmi , Hajiyeva Samira
Published: March 2022

Teacher’s attitudes and strategies can be influenced by workplace professional learning, which in turn affects student engagement and learning. Although educators are accountable for their professional development, the school must be learning-centered and able to provide resources for all members of the institution to improve their teaching and learning skills for the overall development of the school. The project's goal was to perform a pilot intervention study on the impact of school director-led workplace professional development for in-service teachers to provide evidence and recommendations on the impact of school director-led workplace professional development training for teachers. The intervention study on school director-led workplace professional development training for teachers on formative assessment indicates that there were significant changes in teachers’ understanding and use of formative assessment. The result found that there is statistical difference between the teacher’s pre- and post- intervention survey response on formative assessment workplace professional development training. The evidence stands as a recommendation for school directors, teachers, the ministry of education and other stakeholders for quality teaching and whole school development.
Nearpod use as a learning platform to improve student learning motivation in an elementary school
Authors: Abdullah Muhammad Ilyas , Inayati Dian , Karyawati Ninik Nurlaila
Published: March 2022

Education sector is heavily affected by COVID-19 pandemic, leading to reduced learning motivation among students. Factors including incondusive learning environment, stress, and anxiety are believed to be the reasons of students’ lower motivation among students. This study investigated the use of Nearpod in an elementary school to improve student learning motivation during online learning. In this qualitative experimental research with thematic analysis, three classes with a total of 46 students and three teachers were participating for one week. The results of the study showed that gamification and interactivity of Nearpod help build up and develop students’ learning interests, leading to greater attention, engagement, and improvement of student attendance rates. Some suggestions on how to effectively integrate gamification in learning are postulated.
Challenges of virtual classroom during COVID-19 pandemic: An empirical analysis of Indian higher education
Authors: Singh Ajay Kumar , Meena Mukesh Kumar
Published: March 2022

Higher education institutions (HEIs) usually work open throughout the academic session. In the COVID-19 pandemic time, all the HEIs were also closed temporarily. The study examined the major challenges faced by the teachers and students from the virtual classroom during the nationwide lockdown. Due to the nationwide lockdown and lack of funding, convenience sampling and snowball sampling techniques were used for data collection. A total of 893 responses were analyzed for this study. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire on a Likert scale from 305 teachers and 588 students of higher education institutes from the entire India. Network connectivity was the major challenge faced by the faculty members (mean value of 3.68) followed by 3.17 mean value for lack of professional environment at home, 3.03 for lack of teaching material at home, 2.92 for lack of personal computer/laptop. Lack of professional environment at home (mean value of 3.59) was the major challenge faced by the students followed by 3.57 for lack of teaching material at home, 3.35 for network connectivity, 3.31 for lack of personal computer/laptop. Virtual classrooms have challenges such as poor internet connectivity, non-availability of appropriate electronic devices, lack of a teaching environment at home, less information and communication technology (ICT) knowledge among students and teachers. It implied less engagement of students and teachers in the teaching and learning process.
A task model for supporting virtual laboratory based on inquiry skills, social and scientific communication
Authors: Fatmaryanti Siska Desy , Pratiwi Umi , Akhdinirwanto Raden Wakhid , Sulisworo Dwi
Published: March 2022

Comprehensive monitoring in virtual laboratory learning needs a task model. This model was design based on inquiry skills, social and scientific communication of prospective physics teachers. The development of these three skills is still a problem in recent research on virtual laboratory learning. This research was research and development (RD) using a preliminary study (literature studies, field surveys, and preparation of the initial product) and development of the model (within limited testing). Respondents were 54 prospective physics teachers and five physics lecturers from several universities in Indonesia. The analysis was done by descriptive qualitative, and quantitative. There are two essential parts of the task model. The first part consists of six inquiry steps, which describe the interactions between students with their virtual experiments. The second part consists of three inquiry steps that analyze how students communicate their virtual experiments through verbal, picture, and diagrammatic representations. Based on these findings, the task model's design is essential to develop inquiry skills, social and scientific communication for prospective physics teachers. The researcher can use this task model in the next step of RD.
Oral participation practices in classroom among university students in Afghanistan
Authors: Atifnigar Hamza , Bawar Hedayatullah , Momand Malang , Hamid Siti Aishah Abdul
Published: March 2022

This study aimed at exploring factors affecting classroom participation among students in the English department of Laghman University, Afghanistan. More precisely, this research discovered factors related to teachers and class-size that hinder students’ practice of oral participation in the classroom. In collecting the data, this study employed mixed-method research with concurrent design. An adapted questionnaire and a semi-structured interview have been used as the data collection instrument of this study. An online survey questionnaire was conducted with 110 respondents. In addition, a semi-structured interview was conducted with five of the respondents at the English Department of Laghman University. The data from the questionnaire was descriptively analyzed through using statistical package for social science (SPSS), and the semi-structured interview data were thematically analyzed and interpreted. The findings revealed that class-size related factor is the first influential factor in affecting oral participation among students and it is due to having large number students in a class. Teacher’s related factor is the second influential factor that affects the oral participation of students. Majority claimed that teachers’ approach, behavior, and qualification have prominent impact on their level of oral participation. Based on the finding, it can be seen that class-size related, and teachers’ factors affected oral participation of the students at the English Department of Laghman University. It is recommended that the Ministry of Higher Education of Afghanistan strive to decrease the number of students in each class and enforce teachers in implementing a student-centered learning approach while teaching.
The urgency of Sasak local wisdom-based character education for elementary school in East Lombok, Indonesia
Authors: Tohri Ahmad , Rasyad Abdul , Sururuddin Muhammad , Istiqlal Lalu Muhammad
Published: March 2022

The study discussed the urgency of character education in East Lombok elementary schools based on Sasak ethnic local wisdom. This study used descriptive qualitative research methods to describe the phenomena of educational activities, learning, and curriculum implementation related to character education based on local wisdom of the Sasak ethnic group in East Lombok elementary schools. Data were collected by using interview techniques, group observation, and documentation. Data analysis was organized into some categories, describing it into units, synthesizing, arranging into patterns, interpreting, and making conclusions. The main problem faced in the implementation of character education in East Lombok elementary school is the absence of a character education model that is appropriate or methodologically adequate for learning process, it is individually developed continuously. The richness and diversity of Sasak culture with the values of local wisdom has potential to be integrated holistically into the curriculum both in co-curricular, intra-curricular and extra-curricular aspects, and even has the leverage to become the basis for character education. So that character education in East Lombok elementary schools based on Sasak ethnic local wisdom is very urgent to be implemented.
Promoting students’ metacognitive awareness and cognitive learning outcomes in science education
Authors: Ilma Silfia , Al Muhdhar Mimien Henie Irawati , Rohman Fatchur , Sari Murni Sapta
Published: March 2022

This research aimed to investigate the effect of project-based learning (PjBL), predict-observe-explain (POE), and predict-observe-explain based project (POEP) on metacognitive awareness and cognitive learning outcomes in biology learning. The research used a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design. The experiment was conducted from August to December 2020. The metacognitive awareness questionnaire was applied to measure students’ metacognitive awareness. Besides, an essay test was used to assess cognitive learning outcomes. Data collection in this study was carried out using Google Form, Google Classroom, Google Meet, and WhatsApp. Data analysis using statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) version 23 software. The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) results analysis showed that PjBL, POE, and POEP affected students’ metacognitive awareness and cognitive learning outcomes in biology learning with a value of p<0.005. The least significant different (LSD) result was significantly different in improving students’ metacognitive awareness and cognitive learning outcomes. The POEP class gained the highest posttest score. Therefore, POEP could be applicable to improve students’ metacognitive awareness and cognitive learning outcomes in Biology learning.
Comparative studies between public and private Islamic schools in the era of globalization
Authors: Kultsum Umi , Parinduri Muhammad Abrar , Karim Abdul
Published: March 2022

The problem of decentralization is one of the main problems in madrasa modernization and independent learning. This is due to the difficult coordination and expensive learning processes being experienced. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the impact of the educational policy implementations on madrasa, with the existence of regional autonomy in Serang and Pandeglang Regencies, Indonesia. This qualitative study involved 10 participants, which contained district madrasa heads and supervisors, institutional managers, education staff, and teachers in Serang and Pandeglang. The utilized instruments were the interview protocol and observation sheet, with the data analysis being obtained through the Huberman and Miles's technique. This included reading, meaning, and data developed within the framework of the historical and ethnographic approach analysis. The results showed that there was no difference in the curriculum between public and private Islamic schools under the local government. The advantage was also observed for regional autonomy, regarding the emergence of superior, exemplary, regular, and vocational madrasas, respectively. However, the disadvantage of this policy was the difficulty in improving the quality of madrasa institutions, funding, and education personnel. These results indicated that all parties should contribute and supervise the implementation of autonomous education, to optimize the goals of each madrasa and achieve independent learning. Explicit rules are also needed regarding the understanding of discriminatory decentralization policies, especially in madrasa and other educational institutions.
Culture-Specific Items in The Musical Theater Script “Linie 1: Das 7. Bild” By Volker Ludwig: Case Study in The “Kultur Und Übersetzung” ClassNest
Authors: Finalia Cicu , Ekawati Dian
Published: March 2022

As in linguistics or pragmatics, translation research requires suitable means to define and to analyze culture-specific items. However, it is not always easy to find these analytical means. This challenge arises because in language all elements are in fact culturally produced, starting with the language itself. Thus, exploring the culture-specific items in a translation work also involves examining the language used in the work. This study presents an overview of the phenomenon of translating culture-specific items in musical theater script from German into Indonesian by students of German Department of Cultural Sciences Faculty Universitas Padjadjaran in the class “Kultur und Übersetzung'' in the summer semester of 2021 (February – July 2021). Using a qualitative case study method on the musical theater script “Linie 1: Das siebte Bild'' by Volker Ludwig (1985) and its Indonesian translation, the universal culture-specific items according Kluckhohn (1953) that emerged in the musical theater script, namely language, knowledge system, technology and facility systems, arts, living systems, religious systems, social systems, and community organizations are analyzed. The culture-specific items identified by students were further interpreted using the theory of Aixelá (1996). The findings of this study indicate that the culture-specific items identified by the students in the source text are embodied in the text and they translate the elements with conservation strategy. The question of how far the results of the analysis can be generalized to a particular culture and whether the aesthetic elements of the text also play an important role in the translation process will be discussed further.
Translation Problems of English Film Titles into German and their Translation into Indonesian
Authors: Dwirika Leli
Published: March 2022

This article deals with the translation problems of English film titles into German and their translations into Indonesian. This research aims to address the translation problems of English film titles into German and their translation into Indonesian, in particular the problem of equivalence in the translation from English into German. What are the problems that have arisen and how the titles are translated, whether the transfer of cultural elements also plays an important role? The study uses a descriptive qualitative method with comparative models. The theories used to support this research are the theory of equivalence of Nida and Taber (1974), and the theory of translation methods and procedures of Newmark (1988) and Nord (1993). The data comes from Hollywood films, All Films kino.de, shown in cinemas in Germany in 2020 and 2021 (until September). A total of 159 film titles were translated into German: 111 from 2020, 48 from 2021 (until September), from 12 different film categories. The results of the study showed that there are problems with the translation of film titles that are almost inappropriate for the source language or translated quite differently. In addition, based on the analysis of the data the translation methods were found in the translation of the titles of these films, such as the literal translation, free or descriptive translation, communicative, semantic, idiomatic or faithful methods, as well as various translation methods: additions, transpotition, modulation.This research is intended to provide further insights into the field of translation of different language pairs, in particular into the translation of film titles into Indonesian
Adaptation of Indonesian Folk Games as A Method to Increase the Interest of German Students in The Kampung Jerman Simulation
Authors: Azhari Dian Rizky
Published: March 2022

This research is a continuation of the Kampung Jerman simulation research. Kampung Jerman is a massive role-playing simulation, in which there are various places and situations from various professions and themes of daily life that students can play to practice their spontaneous speaking skills in German language. The purpose of this research is to find a supporting game that can add a fun aspect to the Kampung Jerman simulation. It is intended to create a more comfortable condition to reduce the pressure on students during speaking practice. In addition, the use of Indonesian folk games is expected to give the participants a familiar impression and there is no need for complicated explanations on how to play them. Data were collected through questionnaires given to students representing various levels of language ability. The analytical method used is descriptive-qualitative based on the results of the questionnaire. The results of the analysis show that the six new games have a very high pleasant aspect and have a positive effect on the German language skills of beginners. The number of points given by respondents is almost perfect. There were no negative responses to any of the questionnaire statements. In addition, it is assumed that the game can increase respondents' interest in practicing their German language. From their selection of games, it appears that they think games that use more vocabulary and sentence formation are the best way to complete the Kampung Jerman simulation than games that only emphasize the physical aspect.
Possible Applications of the Vietnamese Learner Corpus for Teaching and Research at the University of Hanoi
Authors: Hien Dang Thi Thu
Published: March 2022

"Corpus" is a systematic collection of digital, authentic language data in written or oral form. In the area of German as a foreign language, learner corpora, which are defined as the collection of language products of learners, play a major role in research and teaching. At the Hanoi University in 2017, the project which started to set up a Vietnamese learner corpus has been completed since September 2021. The corpus includes written texts of students from the German department at Hanoi University. This paper introduces the corpus and presents how useful this text collection has been for teaching and research.
Adjektiv-Attribute in German and Vietnamese: a Comparison
Authors: Lien Nguyen Thi Kim
Published: March 2022

In German, especially in written documents, complex noun phrases, including noun phrases using adjectives as determiners, are used a lot, which notably caused many difficulties to students of German. Therefore, this study has raised the following questions: Is there any similarity or difference in the structure of a noun phrase using adjectives as determiners? How do Vietnamese students translate noun phrases using adjectives as determiners from Vietnamese to German? To answer these questions, this study conducts research on learner data from the HANU-VIELKO data source, which includes tests and exams of students of the German Department. The purpose of this study is to investigate the similarities and differences in the structure of noun phrases using adjectives as determiners in the two languages and to examine how students translate these structures from Vietnamese to German. Based on the study results, some comments and suggestions for quality improvement of teaching and learning in the Translation classes will be given.
Defiant images: The Kaiapo appropriation of video
Authors: Turner Terence
Published: March 2022

This paper shows the Kaiapo videomaking as a process of cultural mediation, especially concerning the mediation between Kaiapo and Brazilian societies. The author focuses on the difference between the ethnographic films and the videos made by Indians themselves. The article also discusses the uses of the Kaiapo notion of representation in the videomaking process. It debates with some of the post-modernist antluopologists denying the idea that "representation " is a western project. The author discusses the ideas of cultural hybridization, the Kaiapo objectifying their own culture as ethnic identity in a strategic process of relating to the national society
Hamaticolax coelorinchi sp. nov. (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Bomolochidae) parasitic in the bucco-branchial cavity of Coelorinchus spp. (Pisces, Gadiformes, Macrouridae) in Japan
Authors: Izawa Kunihiko
Published: March 2022

Hamaticolax coelorinchi sp. nov. is described based on specimens of the female recovered from the bucco-branchial cavity of Coelorinchus spp. (Pisces, Gadiformes, Macrouridae), captured on the upper continental slope, off the Pacific coast of Mie Prefecture, Japan.
Politics and Pentecostalism in Australia
Authors: Austin Denise A. , Perry David , Fogarty Stephen
Published: March 2022

Pentecostalism and politics are, for better or worse, no strangers. In 2018, Scott Morrison became the first pentecostal prime minister in the history of Australia and, possibly, in the English-speaking world. He then led the Liberal Party to a resounding election victory in 2019. As a result, Morrison was dubbed the “Miracle Man” after his acceptance speech referred to divine intervention in the electoral results. Since then, there has been regular, negative speculation on links between Morrison’s pentecostal faith and policy positions. This article provides a counterposition that several elements of the pentecostal worldview have the potential for positive impact in politics and may explain aspects of Morrison’s electoral success. We argue that Morrison effectively leveraged his pentecostal experience and convictions to advantage through strong leadership, practical pragmatism, marketing acumen, and a narrative of hope. Here, in a morass of indecision and “policy-free” political elites, was someone who believed in something.
The Transatlantic Dimension of the Judicial Protection of Fundamental Rights Online
Authors: Pollicino Oreste
Published: March 2022

This article underlines the role of courts in ensuring the protection of fundamental rights in the digital environment. In particular, the focus will be on the European and the US judicial dimension, looking at the right of freedom of expression and data protection. Section 2 underlines how judges rely on metaphors to address digital matters. Sections 3 and 4 respectively look at the role of courts in shaping the protection of freedom of expression and of privacy and personal data across the Atlantic. Section 5 provides two examples of the role of European courts in extending values across the Atlantic.
The Venice Commission and the Construction of European Constitutional Law
Authors: Repetto Giorgio
Published: March 2022

Moving from the emergence of a third layer of European constitutional integration, as embodied by those various agencies and institutions called to promote human rights and the rule of law, the article focuses on the role of the Venice Commission as described by a recent book of Sergio Bartole. In particular, it dwells on the evolution of the Venice Commission, on the different functions it has been entrusted with, on the relationship with other institutional actors, on its fields of intervention and, lastly, on the methodological contribution its action may give on the establishment of a European constitutional heritage.
Colocasia spongifolia sp. nov. (Araceae) in southern China and central Vietnam
Authors: MATTHEWS PETER J. , NGUYEN VAN DU , FANG QIONG , LONG CHUN-LIN
Published: March 2022

Colocasia spongifolia sp. nov. (Araceae) is a large herb in forest edges on mountain slopes in southern China and central Vietnam. The plant is remarkable for its distinct vegetative morphology, while floral morphology places it as a close wild relative of C. esculenta (taro), among other closely-related species. The name given here reflects a thick, rubbery, spongy leaf blade unlike the blades in other Colocasia species known to us. The blade has exceptionally large spongy mesophyll cavities that are visible to the naked eye. Vegetative reproduction appears to be limited to direct (though shy) sprouting of lateral buds to form new erect stems, without production of side-tubers or stolons. In contrast to other Colocasia species, dense spreading colonies (clumps or patches) were not seen.
Sinocrassula jiaozishanensis (Crassulaceae), a new species from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: WANG JIA-GUAN , CHEN CHAO , WANG YI , HE ZHAO-RONG
Published: March 2022

Sinocrassula jiaozishanensis, a new species from China, is described and illustrated. Molecular analysis and morphological comparisons were carried out. The new species can be easily distinguished from other Sinocrassula species by its basal leaves opposite, not rosulate, turquoise with apex red, flowering stems terminal, and nectar scales oblong to kidney-shaped.
Geum rubrum comb. nov. (Rosaceae), elevation of Geum elatum forma rubrum to species rank
Authors: KHUROO ANZAR AHMAD , HUSSAIN KHALID , GULZAR RUQUIA , GANAI MANSOOR R.
Published: March 2022

Geum elatum forma rubrum (Rosaceae) is elevated here to the rank of species, Geum rubrum comb. nov. from the Himalaya. The species differs from the commonly occurring G. elatum in several distinctive characters which include: smaller flower size (2.2–2.8 cm diameter), elliptic or lanceolate pseudo-sepal, glandular hairs on calyx, red petals, dorsifixed stamens, lesser number of carpels (6–8) and achene size (7.8–8.0 × 1.6–1.8 mm). Based on the morphological study of the fresh plant specimens collected from Kashmir Himalaya, here we provide a detailed description of G. rubrum and photographic illustrations of its diagnostic characters. We also provide comparison of distinguishing features of G. rubrum with its closely related G. elatum to facilitate easier field identification.
Rediscovery of the myrmecophilous Lucanid genus Xizangia Zhang, 1988 from southwest China (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Lucanidae)
Authors: HUANG HAO , CHEN CHANG-CHIN
Published: March 2022

The unexpected rediscovery of the long-lost Penichrolucanini genus Xizangia Zhang, 1988 from China reveals the ant-association of the genus, unlike the termite-association of other Penichrolucanini species from SE Asia. The newly discovered populations of Xizangia from W and S Yunnan belong to a second species of the genus: Xizangia qiuae Huang & Chen, new species. Biological observations are given. Adult morphology including mouthparts, hindwing, male and female genitalia and larval morphology are described in detail for the new species. Brasilucanus alvarengai Vulcano & Pereira, 1961 and Penichrolucanus copricephalus Deyrolle, 1863 are figured in previously undescribed characters of mouthparts, hindwing and female genitalia. The current state of Penichrolucanini systematics is discussed.
Assessment on the Water Vapor Flux from Atmospheric Reanalysis Data in the South China Sea on 2019 Summer
Authors: Deng Hanyu , Zhang Gong , Liu Changwei , Wu Renhao , Chen Jianqiao , Zhang Zhen , Qi Murong , Xiang Xu , Han Bo
Published: March 2022

This paper assesses the water vapor flux performance of three reanalysis datasets (ERA5, JRA55, NCEP-2) on the South China Sea. The radiosonde data were from the South China Sea Scientific Expedition organized by Sun Yat-sen University in the 2019 summer (SCSEX2019). The comparison shows that all reanalyses underestimate the temperature and specific humidity under 500 hPa. As for the wind profile, the most significant difference appeared at 1800 UTC when there was no conventional radiosonde observation around the experiment area. As for the water vapor flux, ERA5 seems to give the best zonal flux but the worst meridional one. A deeper analysis shows that the bias in the wind mainly caused the difference in water vapor flux from ERA5. As for JRA55 and NCEP-2, the humidity and wind field bias coincidentally canceled each other, inducing a much smaller bias, especially in meridional water vapor flux. Therefore, to get a more realistic water vapor flux, a correction in the wind profile was most needed for ERA5. In contrast, the simultaneous improvement on both wind and humidity fields might produce a better water vapor flux for JRA55 and NCEP-2.

Significance Statement

This paper mainly aims to assess three atmospheric reanalyses from the viewpoint of the water vapor flux over the South China Sea during the monsoon period. The observation data contain more than 120 radiosonde profiles. Our work has given an objective comparison among the reanalyses and observations. We also tried to explain the bias in the water vapor flux over the ocean from the reanalyses. The results of our work might help understand the monsoon precipitation given by atmospheric reanalyses or regional climate models and enlighten the development of atmospheric assimilation products.
WSR-88D Sidelobe Contamination: From a Conceptual Model to Diagnostic Strategies for Improving NWS Warning Performance
Authors: Boettcher Jami B. , Bentley Evan S.
Published: March 2022

Providing timely warnings for severe and potentially tornadic convection is a critical component of the NWS mission, and owing to the associated large reflectivity gradients, sidelobe contamination is possible. This paper focuses on elevation sidelobe contamination appearing in the low-level inflow region of supercells. A qualitative conceptual model of the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) antenna pattern interacting with supercells is introduced, along with Doppler power spectrum representations of the potential mix of returned power from the main lobe and the sidelobes. These tools inform the multiple ways elevation sidelobe contamination appears in the low levels, primarily below 3 km (10 kft) of radar data. The most common manifestation is somewhat noisy data similar to particulates or biota in clear air. Trained NWS forecasters are accustomed to mentally filtering out noisy clear-air returns as less important. Elevation sidelobe contamination can be mixed with the three-body scatter spike (TBSS) artifact, though the TBSS remains the more salient feature. The most consequential form is the apparent circulation, and when it is incorrectly interpreted as valid, contributes to the false alarm ratio (FAR) for NWS tornado warnings. Quantitative results on the effect of elevation sidelobe contamination on FAR are presented. Diagnostic techniques are emphasized, and with familiarization, can be used in real-time warning operations to identify the apparent circulation as either valid or an imposter. Identification of these contaminated velocity signatures offers a unique opportunity to reduce the NWS tornado warning FAR without also reducing the probability of detection (POD).

Significance Statement

The WSR-88D weather radars provide overall high-quality data for users. However, with some severe thunderstorms, an artifact called elevation sidelobe contamination can produce what looks like a rotation signature, but it may not be real. These ambiguous velocity signatures can contribute to tornado warnings based on rotation signatures that are false circulations. This paper specifically focuses on elevation sidelobe contamination due to its impact on tornado warning decisions. Diagnostic techniques, including several examples, are presented here to aid the reader in correctly identifying elevation sidelobe contamination and why it may occur. Correct identification of an apparent circulation as an imposter due to contamination is a unique opportunity to improve NWS tornado warning performance by reducing warning false alarms.
Being Asian American Women Scientists and Engineers in the United States: Intersection of Ethnicity and Gender
Authors: Varma Roli
Published: March 2022

A high level of educational and occupational achievements in science and engineering (S&E) in the US has changed the image of Asian Americans from the “yellow peril” to a “model minority.” Behind this new identity is the belief that Asian Americans as a group have equaled, if not surpassed, the standards of success set by White America in S&E. It is further assumed that Asian American women are advancing equally in S&E. The reality is that they are over-represented as Asian Americans but under-represented as women in S&E occupations. They experience challenges associated with both, their ethnicity and gender. They face “double bind”—a term used for women of color who simultaneously experience sexism and racism in S&E. This paper presents Asian American women’s unique situations within S&E organizations, with a particular focus on high-technology industry, where most of them are employed. It focuses on their identities and socio-cultural categorizations.
Impact of Hemodialysis Duration on Coronary Artery Calcification Among Hemodialysis Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Iiya Munehiro , Hikita Hiroyuki , Yoshikawa Hiroshi , Abe Fumiyuki , Tsujihata Shihoko , Ito Naruhiko , Kanno Yoshinori , Hishikari Keiichi , Murai Tadashi , Takahashi Atsushi , Yonetsu Taishi , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: March 2022

Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and impact of coronary artery calcification (CAC) on hemodialysis (HD) patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We enrolled 211 HD patients who underwent PCI (men: n = 155, age: 71 ± 1 0 years). Severe CAC was defined as calcification with an arc of 360° on intravascular ultrasound. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the predictors of severe CAC. The impact of severe CAC on target lesion revascularization (TLR) was evaluated. Patients with severe CAC (46%) had a higher incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) (79 vs 59%, P = .003) and longer HD duration (7.7 vs 3.4 years, P < .001) than those with non-severe CAC. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that DM, HD duration, and angiographic calcification were significant predictors for severe CAC (odds ratio 4.42, 1.13, and 6.62; P < .001, P < .001, and P < .001, respectively). After the median follow-up period of 580 days (interquartile range, 302–730 days), Kaplan–Meier curve analysis revealed that severe CAC was associated with an increased risk for TLR (χ2 12.7; P = .002). In HD patients with CAD after PCI, DM and HD duration were significant predictors for severe CAC. Furthermore, severe CAC was associated with an increased risk for TLR.
Analysis of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Data Acquired from Boundary of Two Matrices
Authors: Holub Daniel , Vrábel Jakub , Pořízka Pavel , Kaiser Jozef
Published: March 2022

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) data obtained from the elemental imaging of heterogenous samples were processed with various chemometric algorithms. The intention was to cluster obtained characteristic spectra and to provide additional information about the sample surface composition and distribution of individual matrices. However, there is a gray zone on the boundary of two matrices and the consequent clustering of the spectra obtained on this boundary is ambiguous. This paper focuses on the transition between two well-defined matrices in a simplified case for a better transparency in data visualization. Steel and aluminum samples that are represented by characteristic spectra with significantly distinct structures (e.g., different number of spectral lines). Using a carefully designed experiment, several Fe:Al ratios were ablated and analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA), self-organizing maps (SOM), and standard data metrics. This paper shows the strategy for the discrimination of unrecognized spectra and possibilities in their clustering.
Extensional rheology and CO2 foaming of thermoplastics vulcanizates: Influence of the crosslinking chemistry
Authors: Rainglet Benoit , Le Hel Cindy , Chalamet Yvan , Bounor-Legaré Véronique , Forest Charlène , Cassagnau Philippe
Published: March 2022

The objective of this study is to investigate the ability of thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) (materials based on PP/EPDM blend) to foam under CO2 batch conditions. The EPDM phase, which is dispersed into the PP phase, was dynamically crosslinked either by a phenolic resin (Resol) or by a radical peroxide (dicumyl peroxide). The results show an influence of the crosslinking chemistry on the extensional viscosity of the TPV. Regarding radical chemistry, the peroxide induces polypropylene degradation by β-scission reaction during the dynamic crosslinking process. As a result, the ability of the TPV to deform under extensional flow (Hencky deformation at break <0.5) is greatly reduced. On the contrary, the Resol-based TPV has demonstrated a non-linear viscosity behaviour (strain hardening) and a great ability to deform (Hencky deformation at break >1.5). This unexpected result for a non-homogeneous system can be explained by the confinement of the PP phase between EPDM nodules which gives to the PP chains a gel rheological behaviour. In addition, the influence of the addition of carbon black filler has also been studied. Finally, the relationship between extensional viscosity and physical foaming has been investigated. As for a homogeneous polymer, the extensional viscosity has been proved to be a key factor to estimate the foaming behaviour of complex systems like TPV. Hence, the importance of non-linear viscosity for a multi-phasic polymer to ensure foaming ability has been demonstrated.
Compressive testing of thermoset composites reinforced with high-performance polymer fibres
Authors: Schuurbiers Kathleen , Gorbatikh Larissa , Swolfs Yentl
Published: March 2022

High-performance polymer fibres offer promising tensile and physical properties but are rarely used in structural composite applications due to their poor compressive performance. To better understand their performance inside a composite, unidirectional thermoset composites made with three types of polymer fibres were tested in shear-loaded compression. The results confirmed the poor compressive performance of the composites despite good fibre alignment, low porosity, and decent interfacial adhesion. Showing that the fibres collapse rather than microbuckle proves that intrinsic fibre behaviour in compression is the key culprit. The developed finite element model predicted that the short gauge lengths required to avoid buckling lead to significant strain concentrations due to the grips. This causes the test to underestimate the compressive modulus and potentially the rest of the compressive stress in the stress–strain diagram.
Experimental analysis of corrugated core sandwich panel with smart composite face-sheets under high-velocity impact
Authors: Maher Roham , Khalili S. Mohammad Reza , Eslami-Farsani Reza
Published: March 2022

The present research work investigated on the behavior of corrugated core composite sandwich panel (CCCS) with composite face-sheets reinforced by pseudo-elastic NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) wires subjected to high-velocity impact experimentally. The number of SMA wires, their location, and their pre-strain percentage are the parameters studied in this investigation. The sandwich specimens were made by woven glass fibers/epoxy composite face-sheets strengthened by the SMA wires and Aluminum corrugated core and prepared using the wet hand lay-up method. Their behavior is evaluated under high-velocity impact test by a gas gun impactor testing machine. According to the results obtained, a significant change in the amount of energy absorption of the specimens containing SMA wires is observed. By increasing the number of the SMA wires, the energy absorption by the specimen is increased, but by pre-straining the SMA wires, the effect in energy absorption is significant. Also, when the projectile hits the SMA wire in CCCS, better properties in energy absorption can be observed. The results show that the energy absorption increased from 117.247 J for the specimen without the SMA wire to 128.749 J for the six SMA wires specimen. On the other hand, by applying the pre-strain to the SMA wires, the residual stresses in the specimens and hence the energy absorption in the specimen with six SMA wires with 3% pre-strain increased to 142.57 J.