bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representing Bodies and Bathing Machines: Jane Austen’s Sanditon and Andrew Davies’s 2019 ITV Adaptation
Authors: Ballinger Gill
Published: June 2022

Jane Austen’s final novel fragment Sanditon has inspired continuations of many kinds from the mid-nineteenth century onwards. The most recent literary afterlife it has generated is the 2019 British adaptation for ITV, created by Andrew Davies, and with a screenplay by Davies, Justin Young and Andrea Gibb. This eight-part adaptation attempts to recreate Austen’s Regency world but reimagines and develops Sanditon through the lens of twenty-first century sexual sensibilities. Most notably, depictions of male nudity and sex acts demonstrate the adaptation’s engagement with contemporary sexual politics. Scenes offering salacious views of naked men sea-bathing counter the historical tradition of the female nude offered up for male gaze; the female body, in contrast, remains fully clothed in response to the contemporary Me-Too context. Furthermore, the inclusion of sex scenes, a character with a backstory of sexual abuse, a relationship featuring coercive control, and an ending denying the heroine her man reflects the zeitgeist. However, the disappointing British viewing figures for Sanditon suggest that sex does not always sell, particularly when it comes to creating a successful twenty-first century Austen adaptation.
Characterization of the WAK Gene Family Reveals Genes for FHB Resistance in Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Xia Xiaobo , Zhang Xu , Zhang Yicong , Wang Lirong , An Qi , Tu Qiang , Wu Lei , Jiang Peng , Zhang Peng , Yu Lixuan , Li Gang , He Yi
Published: June 2022

Wall-associated kinases (WAKs) are important receptor-like proteins that play major roles in plant defense against pathogens. Fusarium head blight (FHB), one of the most widespread and devastating crop diseases, reduces wheat yield and leads to quality deterioration. Although WAK gene families have been studied in many plants, systematic research on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) and its role in FHB resistance, in particular, is lacking. In this study, we identified and characterized 320 genes of the TaWAK family in wheat distributed across all chromosomes except 4B and divided them into three phylogenetic groups. Duplication and synteny analyses provided valuable information on the evolutionary characteristics of the TaWAK genes. The gene expression pattern analysis suggested that TaWAK genes play diverse roles in plant biological processes and that at least 30 genes may be involved in the response to Fusarium infection in wheat spikes, with most of the genes contributing to pectin- and chitin-induced defense pathways. Furthermore, 45 TaWAK genes were identified within 17 hcmQTLs that are related to wheat FHB resistance. Our findings provide potential candidate genes for improving FHB resistance and insights into the future functional analysis of TaWAK genes in wheat.
Conjunctive Analyses of BSA-Seq and BSR-Seq Unveil the Msβ-GAL and MsJMT as Key Candidate Genes for Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Zhou Le , Wang Yingzhe , Xu Xiaobo , Yan Dong , Yu Weijie , Miao Yifan , Xu Bo
Published: June 2022

Knowing the molecular mechanism of male sterility in alfalfa is important to utilize the heterosis more effectively. However, the molecular mechanisms of male sterility in alfalfa are still unclear. In this study, the bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and bulked segregant RNA-seq (BSR) were performed with F2 separation progeny to study the molecular mechanism of male sterility in alfalfa. The BSA-seq analysis was located in a candidate region on chromosome 5 containing 626 candidate genes which were associated with male sterility in alfalfa, while the BSR-seq analysis filtered seven candidate DEGs related to male sterility, and these candidate genes including EF-Tu, β-GAL, CESA, PHGDH, and JMT. The conjunctive analyses of BSR and BSA methods revealed that the genes of Msβ-GAL and MsJMT are the common detected candidate genes involved in male sterility in alfalfa. Our research provides a theory basis for further study of the molecular mechanism of male sterility in alfalfa and significant information for the genetic breeding of Medicago sativa.
Pivotal Role of Inflammation in Celiac Disease
Authors: Barone Maria Vittoria , Auricchio Renata , Nanayakkara Merlin , Greco Luigi , Troncone Riccardo , Auricchio Salvatore
Published: June 2022

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered in genetically susceptible individuals by gluten-containing cereals. A central role in the pathogenesis of CD is played by the HLA-restricted gliadin-specific intestinal T cell response generated in a pro-inflammatory environment. The mechanisms that generate this pro-inflammatory environment in CD is now starting to be addressed. In vitro study on CD cells and organoids, shows that constant low-grade inflammation is present also in the absence of gluten. In vivo studies on a population at risk, show before the onset of the disease and before the introduction of gluten in the diet, cellular and metabolic alterations in the absence of a T cell-mediated response. Gluten exacerbates these constitutive alterations in vitro and in vivo. Inflammation, may have a main role in CD, adding this disease tout court to the big family of chronic inflammatory diseases. Nutrients can have pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects, also mediated by intestinal microbiota. The intestine function as a crossroad for the control of inflammation both locally and at distance. The aim of this review is to discuss the recent literature on the main role of inflammation in the natural history of CD, supported by cellular fragility with increased sensitivity to gluten and other pro-inflammatory agents.
Characterization of Inhibitory Capability on Hyperpolarization-Activated Cation Current Caused by Lutein (β,ε-Carotene-3,3′-Diol), a Dietary Xanthophyll Carotenoid
Authors: Chuang Chao-Wei , Chang Kuo-Pin , Cho Hsin-Yen , Chuang Tzu-Hsien , Yu Meng-Cheng , Wu Chao-Liang , Wu Sheng-Nan
Published: June 2022

Lutein (β,ε-carotene-3,3′-diol), a xanthophyll carotenoid, is found in high concentrations in the macula of the human retina. It has been recognized to exert potential effectiveness in antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether and how its modifications on varying types of plasmalemmal ionic currents occur in electrically excitable cells remain incompletely answered. The current hypothesis is that lutein produces any direct adjustments on ionic currents (e.g., hyperpolarization-activated cation current, Ih [or funny current, If]). In the present study, GH3-cell exposure to lutein resulted in a time-, state- and concentration-dependent reduction in Ih amplitude with an IC50 value of 4.1 μM. There was a hyperpolarizing shift along the voltage axis in the steady-state activation curve of Ih in the presence of this compound, despite being void of changes in the gating charge of the curve. Under continued exposure to lutein (3 μM), further addition of oxaliplatin (10 μM) or ivabradine (3 μM) could be effective at either reversing or further decreasing lutein-induced suppression of hyperpolarization-evoked Ih, respectively. The voltage-dependent anti-clockwise hysteresis of Ih responding to long-lasting inverted isosceles-triangular ramp concentration-dependently became diminished by adding this compound. However, the addition of 10 μM lutein caused a mild but significant suppression in the amplitude of erg-mediated or A-type K+ currents. Under current-clamp potential recordings, the sag potential evoked by long-lasting hyperpolarizing current stimulus was reduced under cell exposure to lutein. Altogether, findings from the current observations enabled us to reflect that during cell exposure to lutein used at pharmacologically achievable concentrations, lutein-perturbed inhibition of Ih would be an ionic mechanism underlying its changes in membrane excitability.
Retrospective Natural History Study of RPGR-Related Cone- and Cone-Rod Dystrophies While Expanding the Mutation Spectrum of the Disease
Authors: Nassisi Marco , De Bartolo Giuseppe , Mohand-Said Saddek , Condroyer Christel , Antonio Aline , Lancelot Marie-Elise , Bujakowska Kinga , Smirnov Vasily , Pugliese Thomas , Neidhardt John , Sahel José-Alain , Zeitz Christina , Audo Isabelle
Published: June 2022

Variants in the X-linked retinitis pigmentosa GTPase regulator gene (RPGR) and, specifically, in its retinal opening reading frame-15 isoform (RPGRORF15) may cause rod-cone (RCD), cone, and cone-rod dystrophies (CDs and CRDs). While RPGR-related RCDs have been frequently evaluated, the characteristics and progression of RPGR-related CD/CRDs are largely unknown. Therefore, the goal of our work was to perform genotype–phenotype correlations specifically in RPGRORF15-related CD/CRDs. This retrospective longitudinal study included 34 index patients and two affected relatives with a molecular diagnosis of RPGR-related CD/CRDs. Patients were recruited at the “Quinze-Vingts” Hospital, Paris, France and screened for mutations in RPGRORF15 at the Institut de la Vision, Paris, France. We identified 29 distinct variants, of which 27 were truncating. All were located in the 3′ half of the RPGRORF15 transcript. Twenty of them were novel. Fifteen subjects were affected by CD, the remaining had CRD. When analyzing the longitudinal data, a progressive decline in visual acuity (VA) was noted, with more than 60% of the patients reaching VA ≥ 1 LogMar in the best eye after the fifth decade of life. To our knowledge, this is the largest described study of a cohort of CD/CRD patients affected by RPGRORF15 variants. Longitudinal data showed a rapidly progressive disease, possibly locating an optimal window of intervention for future therapies in younger ages.
Loss of NSE-4 Perturbs Genome Stability and DNA Repair in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Odiba Arome Solomon , Ezechukwu Chiemekam Samuel , Liao Guiyan , Li Siqiao , Chen Zhongliang , Liu Xihui , Fang Wenxia , Jin Cheng , Wang Bin
Published: June 2022

The Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complex plays an important role in maintaining chromosome integrity, in which the SMC5/6 complex occupies a central position by facilitating mitotic and meiotic processes as well as DNA repair. NSE-4 Kleisin is critical for both the organization and function of the SMC5/6 complex, bridging NSE1 and NSE3 (MAGE related) with the head domains of the SMC5 and SMC6 proteins. Despite the conservation in protein sequence, no functional relevance of the NSE-4 homologous protein (NSE-4) in Caenorhabditis elegans has been reported. Here, we demonstrated the essential role of C. elegans NSE-4 in genome maintenance and DNA repair. Our results showed that NSE-4 is essential for the maintenance of chromosomal structure and repair of a range of chemically induced DNA damage. Furthermore, NSE-4 is involved in inter-sister repair during meiosis. NSE-4 localizes on the chromosome and is indispensable for the localization of NSE-1. Collectively, our data from this study provide further insight into the evolutionary conservation and diversification of NSE-4 function in the SMC-5/6 complex.
Human Gammaherpesvirus 8 Oncogenes Associated with Kaposi’s Sarcoma
Authors: Lopes Amanda de Oliveira , Marinho Pedro do Nascimento , Medeiros Letícia d’Ambrosio de Souza , de Paula Vanessa Salete
Published: June 2022

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human gammaherpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), contains oncogenes and proteins that modulate various cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis, and is integral to KSHV infection and oncogenicity. In this review, we describe the most important KSHV genes [ORF 73 (LANA), ORF 72 (vCyclin), ORF 71 or ORFK13 (vFLIP), ORF 74 (vGPCR), ORF 16 (vBcl-2), ORF K2 (vIL-6), ORF K9 (vIRF 1)/ORF K10.5, ORF K10.6 (vIRF 3), ORF K1 (K1), ORF K15 (K15), and ORF 36 (vPK)] that have the potential to induce malignant phenotypic characteristics of Kaposi’s sarcoma. These oncogenes can be explored in prospective studies as future therapeutic targets of Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing of the Performance of Copper Slag Fiber-Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Chakrawarthi Vijayaprabha , Dharmar Brindha , Avudaiappan Siva , Amran Mugahed , Flores Erick Saavedra , Alam Mohammad Ayaz , Fediuk Roman , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich , Rashid Raizal S. M.
Published: June 2022

Concrete technology is adopted worldwide in construction due to its effectiveness, performance, and price benefits. Subsequently, it needs to be an eco-friendly, sustainable, and energy-efficient material. This is achieved by replacing or adding energy-efficient concrete materials from industries, such as ground granulated blast furnace slag, steel slag, fly ash, bottom ash, rice husk ash, etc. Likewise, copper slag is a waste material produced as molten slag from the copper industry, which can be used in concrete production. Copper slag can perform roles similar to pozzolans in the hydration process. This paper extends the comparative study of copper slag concrete with polypropylene fiber (PPF) subjected to destructive and non-destructive testing. Under destructive testing, compressive strength of concrete cubes, compressive strength of mortar cubes, splitting tensile tests on cylindrical specimens, and flexural tests on plain cement concrete were conducted and analysed. Ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound hammer tests were performed on the samples as per IS13311-Part 1-1992 for non-destructive testing. The 100% replacement of copper slag exhibited a very high workability of 105 mm, while the addition of 0.8% PPF decreased the flowability of the concrete. Hence, the workability of concrete decreases as the fiber content increases. The density of the concrete was found to be increased in the range of 5% to 10%. Furthermore, it was found that, for all volume fractions of fiber, there was no reduction in compressive strength of up to 80% of copper slag concrete compared to control concrete. The 40% copper slag concrete was the best mix proportion for increasing compressive strength. However, for cement mortar applications, 80% copper slag is recommended. The findings of non-destructive testing show that, except for 100% copper slag, all mixes were of good quality compared to other mixes. Linear relationships were developed to predict compressive strength from UPV and rebound hammer test values. This relationship shows better prediction among dependent and independent values. It is concluded that copper slag has a pozzolanic composition, and is compatible with PPF, resulting in good mechanical characteristics.
Numerical Simulation of Stresses in Functionally Graded HCS-MgO Cylinder Using Iterative Technique and Finite Element Method
Authors: Paul Sandeep Kumar , Mehta Parth Dinesh , Sahni Manoj , León-Castro Ernesto
Published: June 2022

In this study, a thick hollow axisymmetric functionally graded (FG) cylinder is investigated for steady-state elastic stresses using an iteration technique and the finite element method. Here, we have considered a functionally graded cylinder tailored with the material property, namely, Young’s modulus, varying in an exponential form from the inner to outer radius of the cylinder. A mathematical formulation for stress analysis of functionally graded cylinder under internal and external pressure conditions is developed using constitutive relations for stress–strain, strain–displacement relations and the equation of equilibrium. The effect of the in-homogeneity parameter on radial displacement, radial and tangential stresses in a functionally graded cylinder made up of a High Carbon Steel (HCS) metal matrix, reinforced with Magnesium Oxide (MgO) ceramic is analyzed. The iterative method implemented is fast and converges to the solution which can be further improved by considering a higher number of iterations. This is depicted graphically by using radial displacement and stresses in a pressurized functionally graded cylinder obtained for the first two iterations. An iterative solution for non-FGM (or homogeneous material) is validated using the finite element method. The mechanical responses of the functionally graded cylinder obtained from the iterative method and the finite element method are then compared and found to be in good agreement. Results are presented in graphical and tabular form along with their interpretations.
Electrospun Nisin-Loaded Poly(ε-caprolactone)-Based Active Food Packaging
Authors: Opálková Šišková Alena , Mosnáčková Katarína , Musioł Marta , Opálek Andrej , Bučková Mária , Rychter Piotr , Eckstein Andicsová Anita
Published: June 2022

Packaging for fresh fruits and vegetables with additional properties such as inhibition of pathogens grown can reduce food waste. With its biodegradability, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a good candidate for packaging material, especially in the form of an electrospun membrane. The preparation of nonwoven fabric of PCL loaded with food additive, antimicrobial nisin makes them an active packaging with antispoilage properties. During the investigation of the nonwoven fabric mats, different concentrations of nisin were obtained from the solution of PCL via the electrospinning technique. The obtained active porous PCL loaded with varying concentrations of nisin inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Packages made of PCL and PCL/nisin fibrous mats demonstrated a prolongation of the fruits’ freshness, improving their shelf life and, consequently, their safety.
Fatigue Crack Arrest Induced by Localized Compressive Deformation
Authors: Barragán Edú R. , Ambriz Ricardo R. , Frutos José A. , García Christian J. , Gómora César M. , Jaramillo David
Published: June 2022

The localized compressive deformation (LCD) effect generated by an indentation process at the crack tip on the fatigue crack growth of the 7075-T651 aluminum alloy is reported. Eccentrically loaded single-edge crack tension specimens (ESE(T)) were pre-cracked at a crack length of about 20 mm by applying a constant amplitude fatigue loading. Subsequently, the LCD process was performed by using a semi-spherical indenter with a radius of 16 mm to compress the crack tip zone at different forces (5.0, 7.0, 12.5, 13.5, 15.5 kN), applied on the opposite surfaces of the specimens. The fatigue cracking process was continued on the compressed samples until an overall crack length of about 30 mm was obtained. The compressive load and the number of delayed cycles is discussed in terms of crack length and crack tip opening displacement (CTOD). A direct relationship between the compressive force induced by the LCD process and the delay of the crack propagation due to the crack arrest was observed. This effect became evident at a compressive force of 5.0 kN, where the crack propagation was arrested for about 9000 cycles in comparison with the non-LCD sample. However, when the force increased, the crack arrest also increased. The crack was considered to be completely arrested at a compressive load of 15.5 kN, since the crack did not grow after the application of more than 3 × 106 cycles.
The Oxygen Reduction Performance of Pt Supported on the Hybrid of Porous Carbon Nanofibers and Carbon Black
Authors: Zhou Tongyu , Zhang Jingjing , Yang Shenglin , Jin Junhong , Wang Biao , Li Guang
Published: June 2022

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) represent an outstanding clean energy alternative for next-generation power sources. The PEMFC’s performance is mainly determined by the sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) that occurs in its cathode Therefore, the use of electrocatalysts with high electrocatalytic activity and stability for improving the ORR has been a vital direction for the commercialization of PEMFCs. In this article, porous carbon nanofibers (PCNFs) based on a polyacrylonitrile/polymethyl methacrylate (PAN/PMMA) precursor were fabricated by electrospinning followed by carbonization; then, the PCNFs were mixed together with carbon black (CB) in different mass ratios as a hybrid support for Pt nanoparticles. Pt nanoparticles were deposited on the hybrid support by the ethylene glycol reduction method, and the obtained series of Pt/(PCNF + CB) were used as the oxygen reduction electrocatalyst in the cathode. Their electrocatalytic properties, as well as those of Pt/C as a reference, were investigated by cyclic voltammetry scanning (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The results explained that Pt/(PCNF + CB) showed a higher electrochemical activity area and half-wave potential when the PCNF/CB mass ratio was 3/2 than that of commercial Pt/C. Furthermore, the half-wave potential of Pt/(PCNF + CB) only decreased by 4 mV, which was 86 mV lower than that of commercial Pt/C (90 mV) after 2000 ADT cycles, indicating that the incorporation of PCNFs to form a hybrid support could result in corrosion resistance.
Design and Fabrication of Extremely Lightweight Truss-Structured Metal Mirrors
Authors: Liu Chen , Xu Kai , Zhang Yongqi , Hu Haifei , Tao Xiaoping , Zhang Zhiyu , Deng Weijie , Zhang Xuejun
Published: June 2022

Three-dimensional printing, also called additive manufacturing (AM), offers a new vision for optical components in terms of weight reduction and strength improvement. A truss, which is a triangulated system of members that are structured and connected in such a way that they mainly bear axial force, is commonly used in steel structures to improve stiffness and reduce weight. Combining these two technologies, an extremely lightweight truss-structured mirror was proposed. First, the finite element analyses (FEA) on surface shape deviation and modal properties were carried out. Results showed that the mirrors had sufficient stiffness and a high weight reduction of up to 85%. In order to verify their performance, the truss-structured mirror blanks were fabricated with AM technology. After that, both the preprocessing and the postprocessing of the mirrors were carried out. The results show that without NiP coating, a surface shape deviation of 0.353λ (PV) and 0.028 λ (RMS) (λ = 632.8 nm) with a roughness of Ra 2.8 nm, could be achieved. Therefore, the truss-structured mirrors in this study have the characteristics of being extremely lightweight and having improved stiffness as well as strong temperature stability.
Factors Affecting Suicidal Thoughts in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Kazlauskiene Jurgita , Navickas Alvydas , Lesinskiene Sigita , Bulotiene Giedre
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives: Women diagnosed with breast cancer experience severe trauma. Psychological help for breast cancer patients is not sufficient because of limited professional resources. The goal of this study was to identify groups of breast cancer patients with the greatest suicidal risk, who could be the first target for psychosocial interventions. Materials and Methods: The study included 421 women with stage T1–T3/N0–N3/M0 breast cancer. We provided women with a set of questionnaires 1–2 days prior to breast surgery and one year after surgery. One hundred eighty-eight patients completed the questionnaires after one year. We used the Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition (BDI-II) item Suicidal Thoughts or Intentions for the assessment of suicidal risk. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was used to measure the risk of PTSD and the Vrana–Lauterbach Traumatic Events Questionnaire-Civilian, TEQ-C (TEQ-CV) was used to measure whether patients had experienced other traumatic events in their lifetime. Results: The incidence of suicidal ideation one year after surgery increased from 4.3% to 12.8% of patients. Patients who lived in rural areas had a two times greater risk of suicidal thoughts than patients who lived in urban areas. Working patients were 2.5 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts prior to surgery. Severely traumatic events increased the chances of suicidal ideation (OR 7.72; 95% CI 1.63–36.6; p = 0.01). The symptoms of PTSD showed a threefold increase in the likelihood of suicidal ideation (OR 2.89; 95% CI 0.98–8.55; p = 0.05). Conclusions: Living in the countryside, having a history of traumatic experience, having a paid job and having symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder influence suicidal ideation in breast cancer patients. Particular attention should be drawn to individuals with multiple risk factors.
Effectiveness and Clinical Performance of Erythritol Air-Polishing in Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Onisor Florin , Mester Alexandru , Mancini Leonardo , Voina-Tonea Andrada
Published: June 2022

Background and objectives: The purpose of the present systematic review was to analyze the effectiveness of erythritol-based air-polishing in non-surgical periodontal therapy. Materials and methods: The protocol details were registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021267261). This review was conducted under the PRISMA guidelines. The electronic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to find relevant clinical trials published until January 2022. The inclusion criteria consisted of human clinical trials which reported the use of non-surgical periodontal treatment and erythritol air-polishing compared to non-surgical periodontal treatment alone in patients with good systemic health requiring treatment for periodontal disease. Results: 810 studies were imported into the Covidence Platform. Of these, seven clinical trials met the inclusion criteria. In active periodontal therapy, for PD (probing depth), CAL (clinical attachment level), and BOP (bleeding on probing), no statistical significance was achieved at 6 months follow-up. In supportive periodontal therapy for PD, CAL, and BOP, no statistical significance was achieved at 3 months follow-up. Conclusions: The findings suggest that erythritol air-polishing powder did not determine superior improvements of periodontal parameters compared to other non-surgical periodontal therapies. Future randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with calibrated protocols for diagnosis, therapeutic approaches, and longer follow-up are needed to draw a clear conclusion about the efficiency of erythritol air-polishing powder.
Multilayer Reversible Information Hiding with Prediction-Error Expansion and Dynamic Threshold Analysis
Authors: Pan I-Hui , Huang Ping-Sheng , Chang Te-Jen , Chen Hsiang-Hsiung
Published: June 2022

The rapid development of internet and social media has driven the great requirement for information sharing and intelligent property protection. Therefore, reversible information embedding theory has marked some approaches for information security. Assuming reversibility, the original and embedded data must be completely restored. In this paper, a high-capacity and multilayer reversible information hiding technique for digital images was presented. First, the integer Haar wavelet transform scheme converted the cover image from the spatial into the frequency domain that was used. Furthermore, we applied dynamic threshold analysis, the parameters of the predicted model, the location map, and the multilayer embedding method to improve the quality of the stego image and restore the cover image. In comparison with current algorithms, the proposed algorithm often had better embedding capacity versus image quality performance.
New Technique for Impact Calibration of Wide-Range Triaxial Force Transducer Using Hopkinson Bar
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Xu Feng , Guo Weiguo , Gao Meng
Published: June 2022

At the current stage, there is an urgent need for new techniques to dynamically calibrate advanced wide-range (up to 104 N~105 N) triaxial force transducers. Based on this background, this paper proposes a novel impact calibration method, specifically for the triaxial force transducer, with a wide range and high-frequency response. In this method, the Hopkinson bar, which is typically used to test the dynamic mechanical properties of materials, was used as a generator to generate reference input force for the transducer. In addition, unlike conventional methods, the transverse sensitivities of the transducer were given necessary importance in the proposed method. The calibration result of the triaxial force transducer was expressed in a sensitivity matrix, containing three main sensitivity coefficients and six transverse sensitivity coefficients. The least squares method (LSM) was used to fit the sensitivity matrix linearly. Calibration experiments were performed on a typical triaxial force transducer. Several key issues, involving the validity and the test range, of the method were further investigated numerically. The feasibility and validity of the method were eventually confirmed. The test range of the method can be up to 106 N.
Muscle Co-Contraction Detection in the Time–Frequency Domain
Authors: Di Nardo Francesco , Morano Martina , Strazza Annachiara , Fioretti Sandro
Published: June 2022

Background: Muscle co-contraction plays a significant role in motion control. Available detection methods typically only provide information in the time domain. The current investigation proposed a novel approach for muscle co-contraction detection in the time–frequency domain, based on continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Methods: In the current study, the CWT-based cross-energy localization of two surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals in the time–frequency domain, i.e., the CWT coscalogram, was adopted for the first time to characterize muscular co-contraction activity. A CWT-based denoising procedure was applied for removing noise from the sEMG signals. Algorithm performances were checked on synthetic and real sEMG signals, stratified for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and then validated against an approach based on the acknowledged double-threshold statistical algorithm (DT). Results: The CWT approach provided an accurate prediction of co-contraction timing in simulated and real datasets, minimally affected by SNR variability. The novel contribution consisted of providing the frequency values of each muscle co-contraction detected in the time domain, allowing us to reveal a wide variability in the frequency content between subjects and within stride. Conclusions: The CWT approach represents a relevant improvement over state-of-the-art approaches that provide only a numerical co-contraction index or, at best, dynamic information in the time domain. The robustness of the methodology and the physiological reliability of the experimental results support the suitability of this approach for clinical applications.
WYSIWYG: IoT Device Identification Based on WebUI Login Pages
Authors: Wang Ruimin , Li Haitao , Jing Jing , Jiang Liehui , Dong Weiyu
Published: June 2022

With the improvement of intelligence and interconnection, Internet of Things (IoT) devices tend to become more vulnerable and exposed to many threats. Device identification is the foundation of many cybersecurity operations, such as asset management, vulnerability reaction, and situational awareness, which are important for enhancing the security of IoT devices. The more information sources and the more angles of view we have, the more precise identification results we obtain. This study proposes a novel and alternative method for IoT device identification, which introduces commonly available WebUI login pages with distinctive characteristics specific to vendors as the data source and uses an ensemble learning model based on a combination of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Deep Neural Networks (DNN) for device vendor identification and develops an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) based method for device type and model identification. The experimental results show that the ensemble learning model can achieve 99.1% accuracy and 99.5% F1-Score in the determination of whether a device is from a vendor that appeared in the training dataset, and if the answer is positive, 98% accuracy and 98.3% F1-Score in identifying which vendor it is from. The OCR-based method can identify fine-grained attributes of the device and achieve an accuracy of 99.46% in device model identification, which is higher than the results of the Shodan cyber search engine by a considerable margin of 11.39%.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis on Effect of Passive Cooling Methods on an Indoor Thermal Environment Having Floor-Level Windows
Authors: Qin Beilei , Xu Xi , Asawa Takashi , Zhang Lulu
Published: June 2022

Natural ventilation is a common passive cooling method for improving air quality and thermal comfort; however, hot temperatures in summer and safety and privacy issues at night often result in its unideal performance. Therefore, we proposed the use of floor-level windows, mainly combined with microclimate improvement, to improve the indoor thermal environment by enhancing the cooling effect of natural ventilation during summer. Our study area was a house in Machida, Tokyo. We evaluated the effectiveness of our method in improving the indoor thermal environment in summer and performed a numerical simulation, while illustrating the detailed horizontal and vertical distribution of airflow in the house through the floor-level windows. The influence of different window types and opening angles of floor-level windows on ventilation and cooling was determined using the simulation. We found that: (a) natural ventilation-based passive cooling methods reduced semi-outdoor and indoor temperature and increased the humidity; (b) the airflow formed an indoor wind path; south-westerly inflow was from western floor-level windows and the skylight, and the outflow was from northern floor-level windows; and (c) the side hung windows (with an opening angle of 60°) were an ideal option to improve indoor airflow. However, there was no improvement in the passive cooling performance, due to the inflow of warmer outside air.
Effect of Ethical Climate in Hotel Companies on Organizational Trust and Organizational Citizenship Behavior
Authors: Oh Seok-Youn
Published: June 2022

This study identifies the factors of ethical climate in hotel companies in light of the growing importance of ethics in corporate management. It determines the effects those factors have on organizational trust and, in turn, the effect organizational trust has on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). A survey was conducted on employees working at five-star hotels in Seoul, Korea, followed by an empirical analysis of the data. The ethical climate in hotel companies comprises seven factors: self-interest, efficiency, friendship and team interest, social responsibility, personal morality, rules and standard operating procedures, and laws and professional codes. The following were discovered. First, among these ethical climate factors, social responsibility, personal morality, rules and standard operating procedures, and laws and professional codes affected trust in supervisors. Second, social responsibility and laws and professional codes affected trust in the organization; trust in the supervisor and organization—factors of organizational trust—affected the OCB directed toward individuals and the organization. Based on these results, this study provides ways to increase organizational trust and improve the OCB of employees by creating an ethical climate in hotel companies.
Optimizing Design Parameters of PLA 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Bone Defect Repair
Authors: Dussault Alexandrine , Pitaru Audrey A. , Weber Michael H. , Haglund Lisbet , Rosenzweig Derek H. , Villemure Isabelle
Published: June 2022

Current materials used to fill bone defects (ceramics, cement) either lack strength or do not induce bone repair. The use of biodegradable polymers such as PLA may promote patient healing by stimulating the production of new bone in parallel with a controlled degradation of the scaffold. This project aims to determine the design parameters maximising scaffold mechanical performance in such materials. Starting from a base cylindrical model of 10 mm height and of outer and inner diameters of 10 and 4 mm, respectively, 27 scaffolds were designed. Three design parameters were investigated: pore distribution (crosswise, lengthwise, and eccentric), pore shape (triangular, circular, and square), and pore size (surface area of 0.25 mm2, 0.5625 mm2, and 1 mm2). Using the finite element approach, a compressive displacement (0.05 mm/s up to 15% strain) was simulated on the models and the resulting scaffold stiffnesses (N/mm2) were compared. The models presenting good mechanical behaviors were further printed along two orientations: 0° (cylinder sitting on its base) and 90° (cylinder laying on its side). A total of n = 5 specimens were printed with PLA for each of the retained models and experimentally tested using a mechanical testing machine with the same compression parameters. Rigidity and yield strength were evaluated from the experimental curves. Both numerically and experimentally, the highest rigidity was found in the model with circular pore shape, crosswise pore distribution, small pore size (surface area of 0.25 mm2), and a 90° printing orientation. Its average rigidity reached 961 ± 32 MPa from the mechanical testing and 797 MPa from the simulation, with a yield strength of 42 ± 1.5 MPa. The same model with a printing orientation of 0° resulted in an average rigidity of 515 ± 7 MPa with a yield strength of 32 ± 1.6 MPa. Printing orientation and pore size were found to be the most influential design parameters on rigidity. The developed design methodology should accelerate the identification of effective scaffolds for future in vitro and in vivo studies.
Combining the MDM and BWM Algorithm to Determine the Optimal Crowdfunding Tokenization Solution for Digital Assets Market Startups
Authors: Chou Chien-Heng , Lin Chun-Yueh
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to use the modified Delphi method and best worst method to establish an evaluation model for analyzing the perspectives and key influencing factors used in evaluating startups’ optimal token-financing solutions. In accordance with the modified Delphi method, a list of influencing factors was obtained through expert opinions and a literature review, and, further, adopted to construct an evaluation model and the subsequent weights. Thereafter, the relative weight of each factor in the best worst method framework was determined, to obtain the optimal token-financing solution. This study makes important contributions in theory and in practice by providing a decision-making model based on the modified Delphi method and the best worst method, which can serve as a valuable reference and measurement tool for startups to evaluate optimal solutions, when undertaking token financing. Academically, it contributes to the literature by providing an application process that integrates the modified Delphi method and the best worst method, and introduces an optimal evaluation framework for startups to use when undertaking token financing. In addition, it makes a practical contribution in the context of the rapid development of FinTech, as the evaluation model proposed in this study can be a valuable measurement tool for startup entrepreneurs who intend to use token financing to improve the capital turnover rate of their equity.
A Cross-Sectional Survey on the Malaria Control and Prevention Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Caregivers of Children Under-5 in the Western Area of Sierra Leone
Authors: Koroma Joan Mabinty , Wang Yuji , Guo Xiang , Zhang Xiaoqing , Ngobeh Jone Jama Kpanda , Gabir Ahmed Mohamed Elamin Ali , Li Ziyao , Li Li , Wu Rangke , Zhou Xiaohong
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Children under 5 years of age are the most vulnerable to malaria infection, and they suffer serious complications. Sierra Leone is one of the countries with the highest malaria burden in the world. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward malaria control and prevention among caregivers of children under 5 in the Western Area of Sierra Leone. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among caregivers of children under-5 visiting the out-patient department of six selected hospitals/community health centers. Data were collected via questionnaire interviews with 350 caregivers. (3) Results: A total of 97.1% of the respondents were women and the majority of them were young mothers; 46.3% of respondents were unemployed; and 27.1% received no education. Only 1.4% accessed malaria related information from the internet/social media. This KAPs survey indicated that a misconception of the cause, transmission, and clinical symptoms of malaria; unawareness of its lethality and its severity; and inappropriate prevention and treatment behaviors, such as self-medicating, were still in existence among some caregivers. However, a positive correlation in knowledge–attitudes (rs = 0.13, p < 0.05) and in attitudes–practices (rs = 0.45, p < 0.001) was revealed. The caregivers, being mothers and having at least a secondary education, demonstrated positive attitudes and practices. Meanwhile, more urban caregivers (79.8%) followed a complete malaria treatment course of artemisinin-based combination therapies than the rural (63.3%), but in view of insecticide treated net use, more rural caregivers presented positive attitudes (85.3%) and practices (70.1%) than the urban (69.9%, 52.0%). (4) Conclusions: For better protection of children under-5 against lethal malaria, it is essential to provide better guidance at the community level for their caregivers, especially young mothers, in order to reduce some misconceptions and inappropriate behaviors. An increase in education and employment opportunities for women, establishment of an accessible community-based malaria counselling service, and construction of an effective communication channel are also needed.
The Reflection Of Turkish-American Relations In The Post World War II Period To The Local Newspaper Ülke Published In Sivas (1946-1950)
Authors: YAZICI Ömer Faruk , İLERİ Turgut
Published: June 2022

Türkiye ile Amerika Birleşik Devletleri (ABD) arasında İkinci Dünya Savaşı sonrası dönemde kurulan ikili ilişkiler, ulusal basında haber yapılarak kamuoyu bilgilendirilmeye çalışılmıştır. Benzer şekilde iki devlet arasındaki ilişkileri kapsayan haberler aynı dönemde Sivas’ta yayınlanan Ülke gazetesinde de yer almıştır. Gazetenin haberlerinde, daha ziyade Sovyet Rusya’nın savaş sonrası dönemde izlediği yayılmacı politikalar karşısında Türkiye ile ABD’nin birbirine yakınlaşması ve Türkiye’ye yapılan yardımlardan söz edilmiştir. ABD, Müttefik Devletler tarafından 17 Temmuz 1945’de düzenlenen Potsdam Konferansı görüşmelerine kadar Türk-Sovyet ilişkileri konusunda tarafsızlık politikası izlemiştir. Bu konferansta Sovyet Rusya’nın Türkiye’den Boğazlarla ilgili isteklerde bulunması üzerine kendi çıkarlarını korumak amacıyla tarafsız kalmaktan vazgeçmiş, özellikle 1946 yılı başlarından itibaren Türkiye ile yakından ilgilenmeye başlamıştır.Gazetede yer alan haberlerde, İkinci Dünya Savaşı sonrasında Türk-Amerikan ilişkilerinde başlayan yakınlaşmanın, Türkiye’nin Washington eski Büyük Elçisi Mehmet Münir Ertegün’ün cenazesinin İstanbul’a nakledilmesinde dünyanın ve ABD’nin en büyük zırhlısı olan Missouri savaş gemisinin kullanılması ile başladığı ileri sürülmektedir. Bu yaklaşımı ile ABD, Sovyet Rusya’nın Türkiye’ye yönelik izlediği politikalara karşı Türkiye’nin yanında olduğu mesajını vermeye çalışmıştır. Türk-Amerikan ilişkilerindeki yakınlaşma Truman Doktrini ve Marshall Planı ile devam etmiş, Ülke gazetesi de Truman Doktrini ve Marshall Planı kapsamında yapılacak Amerikan yardımlarını yakından takip etmiştir. ABD Başkanı Truman’ın Amerikan Kongresi’ne sunduğu tasarının görüşülüp onaylanmasına kadar geçen süreç ve yapılacak yardımların Türkiye’deki uygulamaları ile ilgili çok sayıda haber Ülke gazetesinde yayınlanmıştır.Çalışmada Türkiye-Amerika yakınlaşması ve Türkiye’ye yapılan Amerikan yardımlarına ilişkin haberlerin gazeteye yansımaları anlatılmıştır.
Environmental Ethics of Kaki Air Village Community at Teluk Kaiely District Buru Regency
Authors: Fatimah Fatimah , Susiati Susiati , Jelira Noch Fernando , Umanailo Chairul Basrun , Bin Tahir Saidna Zulfikar
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this research is to 1) identify the community's ethical principles and 2) identify the variables that contribute to the establishment of community environmental ethics in Kaki Air Village. This study employs a qualitative descriptive method with a phenomenological orientation. The statistics were compiled through primary and secondary sources, with the major source being the residents of Kaki Air VillageThis study included non-participatory observation and field survey techniques (field study), as well as interviews (interviews), documentation studies, and literature research.. The data analysis step entails the reduction of data, its display, verification, and analysis. The study's findings indicate that the residents of Kaki Air Village have a particular brand of environmental ethics, namely that 1) humans are a part of nature. The visible qualities are divine values in this type of ethics; 2) nature is not to be dominated. This ethics upholds the virtue of politeness; 3) Support of other animals' rights to life. Concerning the ideals engendered by this ethics, namely the value of oneness; 4) exposing flaws in the maintenance system. This ethic is based on human and cultural values; 5) nature must be conserved. The ideals included in this ethics, particularly the value of wisdom and traditional values; 6) environmental stewardship. The principles created by this ethics are those of care and wisdom; 7) respect for the environment. The values produced by this ethic are those of concern and traditional values. The following elements contribute to the development of environmental ethical principles in the Kaki Air Village community: 1) attitude of the public; 2) natural environment; 3) regulation; 4) customs; 5) traditions; 6) sasi (Customary Law); 7) mata kao; 8) belief in the sacred; 9) belief in the landlord.
The Effect of Learning Habits and Self - Efficacy towards Students’ English Learning Outcomes
Authors: Sukmawati Sukmawati , Mardhatillah Sabillah Bellona
Published: June 2022

The success or failure of students in learning can be seen from the results of their studies. If students get good learning outcomes, it can be said that students are successful. This study aimed to determine the existence of (1) the effect of learning habits on English learning outcomes, the effect of self-efficacy on English learning outcomes, and (3) The effect of learning habits and self-efficacy on English learning outcomes. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires and documentation from 30 respondents. Learning habits were measured by a learning habits questionnaire developed by Bakare 1971. The Motivation and Strategy Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) instrument developed by Pintrich et al in 1991 was used to measure self-efficacy, while student learning outcomes was obtained from formative test scores. This research results showed that there is a positive influence between self-efficacy and learning habits with learning outcomes. This means that the better the Self-Efficacy and learning habits, the higher the Learning Outcomes, and conversely the worse the Self-Efficacy and learning habits, the lower the Learning Outcomes