bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Digestibility Study: Evaluating Plant Proteins Digestibility in Anabas testudineus and Channa punctata
Authors:   Department of Zoology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar, Assam-783370, India, Devi Rita , Basumatary Monika ,   Department of Zoology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar, Assam-783370, India, Narzary Bichitra ,   Department of Zoology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar, Assam-783370, India, Dayam Heikham ,   Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Imphal-795003, Manipur, India, Muchahary Sanraja ,   Department of Zoology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar, Assam-783370, India, Khangembam Bronson ,   Department of Zoology, Bodoland University, Kokrajhar, Assam-783370, India
Published: October 2022

Protein is the most important component of any fish feed for its role in growth, especially during the larval stages, and its high cost. Fish meal continues to be a major source of protein in fish feed production. But its supply cannot keep pace with everexpanding aquaculture production, leading to its high cost. Plants are being considered as potential replacements in the search for new alternatives to fish meals. But their application depends significantly on their digestibility in target species. The present study aims to determine the protein content of four locally available plants Moringa oleifera, Ipomoea aquatica, Lemna minor and Salvinia natans, and test their digestibility in vitro by using the pH drop method in two important food fish Anabas testudineus and Channa punctata, of Assam, India. The crude protein in all plants ranged from 19-29%, and the highest crude protein was observed in Lemna minor (29.9 ± 2.34%). The in vitro digestibility was estimated by calculating the RPD% (relative protein digestibility) using casein as a standard reference. Digestibility of the plant proteins exhibited species-specific variations. The RPD% ranged from 50.39% to 75.39% in A. testudineus, and 41.38% to 54.02% in C. punctata compared to that of casein (100%). The highest RPD% was observed in I. aquatica (75.39%) for A. testudineus, and the lowest (50.39%) in L. minor whereas, in C. punctata, the highest RPD% was observed in L. minor (54.02%) and the lowest in I. aquatica (41.38%). The digestibility of all plant proteins was comparatively higher in A. testudineus than in C. punctata. Our results indicate that I. aquatica and L. minor may be a suitable replacement for animal protein in the diet of A. testudineus and C. punctata, respectively, because of their good protein content and high digestibility. Moringa may be considered for utilization in the fish feed as it recorded good protein and digestibility. This information may be useful in developing a cost-effective, plant-based protein diet for the two fish species for their mass production. Keywords: Anabas testudineus, Channa punctata, In vitro digestibility, Ipomoea aquatica, Plant proteins
In Silico Study of Eugenol and trans-Caryophyllene also Clove Oil Fumigant Toxicity on Tribolium castaneum
Authors:   Department of plant protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya, Ikawati Silvi , Himawan Toto ,   Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Abdi Abdul ,   Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Sarno Hagus ,   Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang 65145, Indonesia, Fajarudin Alvan ,   Department of plant protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Brawijaya
Published: October 2022

Alternative storage pest control that is more environmentally friendly than the use of synthetic chemical pesticides is to use botanical pesticides from plant essential oils, including clove (Syzygium aromaticum) which contains the main compounds eugenol and trans-caryophyllene. To study the various mechanisms of action of essential oils as botanical insecticides could use in silico approach through molecular docking. This study aims to predict the dominant binding mode(s) of a ligand with a protein of a known three-dimensional structure through docking. Then tested its fumigant activity on Tribolium castaneum. The docking results showed that the trans-caryophyllene and eugenol compounds had a more stable bond strength in the acetylcholinesterase enzyme T. castaneum than the control compound linalool. In addition, there is a synergy between eugenol and trans-caryophyllene when the two compounds interact with acetylcholinesterase. These results can be used as prediction material that trans-caryophyllene and eugenol have potential as protein acetylcholinesterase inhibitors of T. castaneum. After being tested in the laboratory, clove oil which contains two main compounds namely eugenol and trans-caryophylene has the potential to control T. castaneum with an LC50 value of 5,227 Î¼L/L air. Keywords: Botanical insecticide, Caryophyllene, Docking, Eugenol, Fumigant,Syzygium aromaticum
Epitope mapping of ORF3a Protein SARS-CoV-2 in Indonesia through computational study
Authors:   Biomedical Science Study Program, Calvin Institute of Technology, Jakarta 10610, Indonesia, Yuliawuri Hartiyowidi , Christian Jeanne ,   Biomedical Science Study Program, Calvin Institute of Technology, Jakarta 10610, Indonesia
Published: October 2022

In Indonesia, the vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 is still being developed. ORF3a protein of SARS-CoV-2 could be a potential peptide for the vaccine, therapeutic antibodies, and diagnostic kit development. We used the computational approach in designing some potential epitopes against the ORF3a protein of the virus. The reference sequences of ORF3a SARS-CoV-2 were retrieved from GISAID. Our previous study found 203 non-synonymous mutations from 3,751 samples in Indonesia. We categorized and compared the variation in this protein with reference sequences. To predict B cell epitopes, we used Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) and VaxiJen v.2.0 as analysis resources. We found two epitopes, 177SPISEHDY184 and 74SKGVHFVCNLLLLFVTVYSHLLLVAAG100, that indicate antigen. Our study showed these predicted peptides could be used as a reference for the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, therapeutic antibodies, and diagnostic development. This approach needs further studies to understand the functionality of the predicted proteins against SARSCoV-2 that circulated, especially in Indonesia. Keywords: Bioinformatics, Epitope, Mapping, ORF3a, SARS-CoV-2
The Cellulolytic Bacteria Associated with Gut of Longhorn Beetle, Prionomma bigibbosum (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): an Electron Microscopic Study
Authors:   DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES,NORTH-EASTERN HILL UNIVERSITY, SHILLONG, MEGHALAYA, INDIA, Biswas Sumita , Paul Dibyendu ,   DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, NORTH-EASTERN HILL UNIVERSITY, SHILLONG- 793022, MEGHALAYA, INDIA, Bhattacharjee Atanu ,   DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS, NORTH-EASTERN HILL UNIVERSITY, SHILLONG- 793022, MEGHALAYA, INDIA
Published: October 2022

Adult Cerambycid (sub-family Prioninae) beetles are non-feeders. The present study aims to investigate and evaluate the gastrointestinal microbiota in long horn beetle Prionomma (Ancyloprotus) bigibbosum White (1853) (Coleoptera: Crambycidae: Prioninae: Prionini) gut. Scanning electron micrograph revealed the presence of abundant bacteria firmly attached to hindgut. The gut flora were isolated and screened on Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar medium using CMC as sole carbon source. The cellulolytic activity was measured both qualitatively and quantitatively. Cellulolytic efficiency was assessed by DNS method. Potent cellulose degrader bacterial isolate was subjected to phenotypic and genotypic characterization. A Gram positive, non-motile, oxidase positive coccoid isolate designated as PBI9 was found to be efficient cellulose degrader. Based on 16S rRNA gene analysis, the isolate was found to be most closely related to Mammaliicoccus fleurettii, Mammaliicoccus stepanovicii and Mammaliicoccus lentus (99.24%, 99.17% and 99.17% respectively) and was identified as Mammaliicoccus sciuri (99.86% similarity) (NCBI Accession number MZ351443). This appears to be first study undertaking SEM of gut microbiota of longhorn beetle, P. bigibbosum and to report the P. bigibbosum gut as a novel source of cellulolytic bacteria. Keywords: Cerambycid, Mammaliicoccus sciuri, PBI9, Prionomma bigibbosum, Scanning Electron Microscope
Effects of Various Agroecosystem Landscape on Arthropod Diversity: A Study Case in Kemiri Village, Jember, Indonesia
Authors:   Agrotechnology Study Program, Agriculture Faculty, University of Jember, 68121, Indonesia, Kurnianto Agung , Dewi Nilasari ,   Agrotechnology Study Program, Agriculture Faculty, University of Jember, 68121, Indonesia, Tanzil Ahmad ,   Agrotechnology Study Program, Agriculture Faculty, University of Jember, 68121, Indonesia, Muhlison Wildan ,   Agrotechnology Study Program, Agriculture Faculty, University of Jember, 68121, Indonesia, Magvira Nur ,   Agrotechnology Study Program, Agriculture Faculty, University of Jember, 68121, Indonesia, Septiadi Luhur ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Pathumwan 10330, Bangkok, Thailand
Published: October 2022

Agroecosystem landscapes have been studied extensively and it is known that there is a relationship between the spatial structure and the ecological processes. The composition of arthropods in the agroecosystem shows population differences that are closely related to the location. This study aims to isolate and analyze the interactions of arthropods and landscape structures and features of different agroecosystems landscapes in Kemiri, Jember, Indonesia. The plot method (20x20 m and 1x1 m dimension) was carried out to observe seedling, sapling, and tree (seedling h = 0-1.5 m, sapling h ≥ 1.5 m, tree D > 20 cm). The trees' species name, distance, number, and DBH were collected. Arthropods were sampled using PFT and SN methods. A vial (d=5 cm) was used for PFT, and SN was applied at a distance of 1x10 meters with 3 repetitions. Plants with the role of weeds in monoculture dominate (TA=45). Drosophilidae is the most recorded family in monoculture. Polyculture and agroforestry systems increased the diversity of arthropods in the vegetation, and Formicidae predominated by PFT (TA=28% and 81%, respectively). PCA shows the role of detrivores is mostly found in agroforestry, and herbivores dominate the monoculture. CCA shows that detrivore association in agroforestry is influenced by humidity, and herbivores are particularly interested in monoculture systems that provide high light, temperature, and wind intensity. Keywords: Agroforestry, Arthropods, Effects, Monoculture, Polyculture
More or Less Unnatural: Semantic Similarity Shapes the Learnability and Cross-Linguistic Distribution of Unnatural Syncretism in Morphological Paradigms
Authors: Saldana Carmen , Herce Borja , Bickel Balthasar
Published: October 2022

Morphological systems often reuse the same forms in different functions, creating what is known as syncretism. While syncretism varies greatly, certain cross-linguistic tendencies are apparent. Patterns where all syncretic forms share a morphological feature value (e.g., first person, or plural number) are most common cross-linguistically, and this preference is mirrored in results from learning experiments. While this suggests a general bias towards natural (featurally homogeneous) over unnatural (featurally heterogeneous) patterns, little is yet known about gradients in learnability and distributions of different kinds of unnatural patterns. In this paper we assess apparent cross-linguistic asymmetries between different types of unnatural patterns in person-number verbal agreement paradigms and test their learnability in an artificial language learning experiment. We find that the cross-linguistic recurrence of unnatural patterns of syncretism in person-number paradigms is proportional to the amount of shared feature values (i.e., semantic similarity) amongst the syncretic forms. Our experimental results further suggest that the learnability of syncretic patterns also mirrors the paradigm’s degree of feature-value similarity. We propose that this gradient in learnability reflects a general bias towards similarity-based structure in morphological learning, which previous literature has shown to play a crucial role in word learning as well as in category and concept learning more generally. Rather than a dichotomous natural/unnatural distinction, our results thus support a more nuanced view of (un)naturalness in morphological paradigms and suggest that a preference for similarity-based structure during language learning might shape the worldwide transmission and typological distribution of patterns of syncretism.
Iranian World Plant Species in the European Network of Botanical Information Exchange in the Sixteenth Century
Authors: Pouryan Ashkan Avali
Published: October 2022

Geographic discoveries in the sixteenth century, alongside methodical reforms in the practice of natural history, created a situation that was conducive for information exchange between European agents and local informants and scholars outside of Europe. These contacts, in turn, acted as a strong stimulus for change in European natural history. Until now, research on this process of transformation has been mainly focused on areas like the Indian subcontinent or the Americas, where most of these activities occurred, both in terms of politics and science alike. But Iran, a crucial part of the world trade network in that period, is still largely neglected in this research. This paper seeks to begin to redress the balance, introducing some notable plant species that were designated to the Iranian world by sixteenth-century European naturalists. This introductory survey will help to shed some light on the diversity of scientific exchange in the sixteenth century and the role played by other lesser known areas in this process.
Philosophical Poetry and Courtly Appeal: Fakhr al-Din Rāzi’s Didactic Panegyric for the Khvārazmian Prince Nāser al-Din Malekshāh
Authors: Jacobsen Ben Hammed Nora
Published: October 2022

While Fakhr al-Din Rāzi’s (d. 1210/606) works of philosophical theology are well known, his poetry has been largely ignored by scholars to date. This article provides a translation and analysis of Rāzi’s previously untranslated Persian panegyric ode (qasidat al-madh) entitled “Fi al-manteq va-ʾl-tabiʿa va-ʾl-elāhi va-madh al-soltān (On Logic, Physics, and Metaphysics, and Praise of the Sultan).” Combining a historical and literary approach, I argue that Rāzi strategically employs both the didactic and the panegyric genres in his attempt to regain the favor of the Khvārazmian crown prince, Nāser al-Din Malekshāh (d. 1196–7/593). In addition to demonstrating Rāzi’s belief in the soteriological value of knowledge, the poem adds further evidence for elite support of Islamic philosophy after Ebn Sīnā—in this case, in the eastern lands of the Islamic empire.
The Manchukuo Mongolian Army
Authors: Deng Yannan
Published: October 2022

Among the core elements of the Manchukuo Military, a puppet force created in northeast China in 1932 by the Japanese Kwantung army, were units from eastern Inner Mongolia, also known as the Xing’an province. These Inner Mongols played a role in the Manchukuo Military far beyond their ratio of the total population, and many of the military officers participated in establishing a pro-Communist regime in Xing’an after the Japanese surrender. An examination of the early history, establishment, and collapse of these forces is vital for a clear understanding of twentieth-century northeast China and Inner Mongolia. This article focuses on the motivations of the Mongols in the Manchuria Incident, the formation of the Japanese-Mongol military collaboration and the reasons for the military insurrection against the Japanese.
Deep Learning-Based Recognition of Human Training States During Sit-to-Stand Transfer
Authors: Shi Yaochen , Li Zeqi , Xuan Luo , Yin Chunmei , Zhang Jinhua , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2022

The monitoring methods used in traditional lower extremity rehabilitation require complex preparation of the user, which is not only tedious but also prone to secondary injuries. To address this problem, this paper establishes a deep learning algorithm for image recognition to classify
and recognize the state features of the human body in the process of sit-stand transfer in the motion phase, firstly, the state images are preprocessed to improve the computing efficiency; then the data are broadened to improve the accuracy of recognition; then the image recognition is used
to extract features and train the classification for each motion phase state image. Finally, the results obtained by using the optical motion capture system as a control test verified that the image recognition accuracy can reach 99.5%, meeting the purpose of monitoring the human condition
during training.
Backstepping Control of Projection Synchronization Among Two Three-Dimensional Heterogeneous Chaotic Systems Based on DNA Strand Displacement
Authors: Wang Yingcong , Shan Zhanjiang , Liu Peng , Wang Yanfeng , Sun Junwei
Published: October 2022

Although many papers on synchronization of nonlinear systems have been published, relatively few studies have been done on projection synchronization in the DNA field. A backstepping control technology with DNA strand displacement is presented in this study, which achieves projection
synchronization for two three-dimensional heterogeneous DNA chaotic systems. Some strand displacement reaction modules for designing DNA chaotic systems are given. By utilizing the related theory of DNA molecules and chaos theory, two heterogeneous DNA chaotic systems are presented, and their
dynamic behaviors are analyzed to prove the correctness of the designed systems. Three controllers are obtained by using the combination of DNA strand displacement and backstepping control. Numerical simulation examples of two heterogeneous DNA chaotic systems illustrate that the controller
has a better backstepping control effect and achieves the expected projection synchronization performance.
Design and Testing of Flexible Contacts for Piezoelectric Hydraulic Amplified Braille Dot Display
Authors: Liu Xia , Wang Tong-yu , Wang Hai-gang , Tian Xiao-chao
Published: October 2022

To realize flexible output and fast response in Braille spotter contacts, in this study, a flexible contact structure of piezoelectric hydraulic amplified Braille spotter was designed. First, the structure and working principle of the piezoelectric Braille contact were designed and
analyzed. Next, the mechanical model of the system was established, the expressions for the output displacement and amplification ratio of the flexible film and piezoelectric oscillator were derived, and the parameters affecting the output displacement and amplification ratio were determined.
In addition, piezoelectric oscillator vibrations and the deformation of the flexible film of the hydraulic amplification structure were simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Finally, the prototype was fabricated and tested experimentally. The results showed that the displacement of
the flexible contact was 0.402 mm at a driving voltage and resonant frequency of 170 V and 282 Hz, respectively, and a displacement amplification of 10.1× was achieved. The response time of the piezoelectric Braille contact is less than 5 ms, which meets the requirement for application
in tactile reading.
Memristor-Based Apple Feature Recall Network Circuit Application with Emotional Influence
Authors: Sun Junwei , Yang Jianling , Wang Zicheng , Wang Yanfeng
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a memristor-based recall circuit with emotional influence is presented. The circuit includes emotion module, neuron circuit and output module. Positive emotion and negative emotion are generated through the emotion modules. The recall process for an apple’s weight,
shape, and texture features is influenced by emotion. The neuron circuits mainly include weight neuron, shape neuron, and texture neuron. The recall process of apple features corresponds to the learning and forgetting processes in associative memory. After learning apple features, when there
is positive emotion involved, the forgetting rate of apple features will be slower. When negative emotion is involved, the forgetting rate will be faster. The results of this circuit are verified in PSPICE. The conclusions presented in this paper provide a certain reference for the realization
of memristors in neural network hardware circuits.
Interaction between Hygroscopic Seeding and Mixed-Phase Microphysics in Convective Clouds
Authors: Tonttila Juha , Korpinen Anniina , Kokkola Harri , Romakkaniemi Sami , Fortelius Carl , Korhonen Hannele
Published: October 2022

Intentional release of hygroscopic particles, or seeding, in convective clouds is one of the postulated methods to artificially enhance rainfall. Motivated by the general uncertainty in the underlying physics, this work employs a large-eddy simulation code together with a detailed aerosol–cloud microphysics model to investigate the conditions and processes conducive to seeding in the United Arab Emirates. Mixed-phase processes are identified as the main source for rainfall in convective clouds in this area owing to the continental aerosol characteristics and a high cloud-base altitude relatively close to the freezing level. Subsequently, our model experiments highlight the importance of mixed-phase processes in mediating the effects of hygroscopic seeding on rainfall as well. The seeding particles acted to accelerate riming by increasing the number of large droplets taken above the freezing level by the convective updrafts. The rime fraction was increased by up to 15%, which promotes the growth of the frozen hydrometeors, eventually leading to enhanced rainfall via melting. The peak enhancement in surface rainfall was up to 20%–30%, although this is almost certainly an overestimation relative to real-world operations because of the simplified description of the seeding in the model. The strongest rain enhancement was obtained with a high background aerosol concentration of approximately 4500 cm−3, whereas reduced aerosol resulted in weaker enhancement. The latter case showed an overall higher rime fraction indicating an already efficient precipitation formation process, which suppressed the seeding-induced enhancement. The conclusions of our work encourage more careful consideration of the mixed-phase processes in quantifying the hygroscopic seeding effects in continental convective clouds.
Regional Differences in Summertime Extremely High Temperature in Japan due to Global Warming
Authors: Ito Rui , Kawase Hiroaki , Imada Yukiko
Published: October 2022

Knowledge of regional differences in future climate projections is important for effective adaptation strategies. Extreme events often arise regionally, but multiscale factors likely act together. Hence, we need discussion of multiple scales for the regional characteristics of future changes of extremes. In this study, using a large ensemble climate simulation database (d4PDF) created by global and regional climate models, the change in the temperature extreme defined as the top 10% of summertime daily maximum temperature in Japan is investigated under a globally 2- and 4-K-warmer climate, with emphasis on its regionality. Under global warming, the increase in extremely high temperature has a different spatial distribution from that of mean temperature. A simple composite analysis of extreme events shows that the high temperature occurs under a site-specific spatial pattern of sea level pressure (SLP), with a common feature of a warm anomaly up to the upper troposphere over the sites. The SLP pattern reflects the local topography and favors a foehnlike wind that increases the near-surface temperature. The impact of climate change in SLP on the foehn-inducing pattern varies with site, leading to regional differences in high-temperature changes. Therefore, the dynamic response of SLP to global warming results in a characteristic spatial distribution for the high-temperature change, which differs from the distribution for the mean-temperature change that generally shows the thermodynamic response. The characteristic is expected to appear in mountainous regions of the world, and this study helps in understanding future projections of high temperature there.

Significance Statement

Regionality in future climate projections strongly influences the usefulness of adaptation strategies to climate change. This study indicates that the increase in extremely high temperature has a different spatial distribution from that of mean temperature. A site-specific spatial pattern of sea level pressure (SLP) reflecting the local topography contributes to the location of high temperature via a foehnlike wind. The impact of climate change in SLP on the pattern varies with site and leads to the regionality in high-temperature changes, which is the dynamic response to global warming unlike the thermodynamic response appearing on the mean-temperature change. This study helps us to understand future projections of temperature extreme in mountainous regions and their surroundings around the world.
Representation of the Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves in Modern Reanalysis Products
Authors: Chien Mu-Ting , Kim Daehyun
Published: October 2022

This study aims to deepen our understanding of the destabilization mechanisms and the mean-state modulation of the convectively coupled Kelvin waves (CCKWs) while testing simple models for CCKWs. We examine CCKW precipitation, vertical structure, and energetics in four modern reanalyses: the fifth version of ECMWF Reanalysis (ERA5), NASA Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), the second version of the NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), and the Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (JRA-55). The CCKW precipitation signal strength in the wavenumber–frequency domain and the geographical distribution of CCKW precipitation variability are reasonably represented in all reanalyses, although they commonly underestimate the amplitude of CCKW precipitation. Despite considerable interreanalysis differences in the vertical structure of temperature and diabatic heating anomalies, the eddy available potential energy (EAPE) generation within the CCKWs is found to be associated with the second baroclinic mode whereas the first baroclinic mode damps CCKW EAPE in three out of four reanalyses. Geographically, strong CCKW activity occurs in the areas of high mean-state sea surface temperature (SST), where the second mode EAPE generation is higher, mainly due to a stronger stratiform heating and a tighter wave–convection coupling. Our results are supportive of the simple models for CCKWs in which CCKWs are destabilized within the second baroclinic mode component.
Flash Flood Risk Assessment in the Context of Economic Change Scenarios
Authors: Chen Liutong , Li Qian , Xu Yingjun
Published: October 2022

Flash flood disasters pose a constant threat to socioeconomic factors in southeastern China. This study analyzes the risk change of flash floods in the Yantanxi River basin, southeastern China, under five economic scenarios [shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs); SSP1, SSP2, SSP3, SSP4, and SSP5]. We built a regional flash flood hazard assessment model by combining hydrological and hydrodynamic models with fieldwork. Asset value was used to represent regional exposure, which was spatialized using data from industrial structure and land use. Flash flood risk assessment influenced by economic change was developed using different industry responses to flash floods. The results clarify how economic factors drive flash flood risk changes. The return period of the 2019 flash flood in the Yantanxi River basin is 150 years. In 2019, flash floods affected 5.04% of the river basin; the inundation depth was concentrated at under 2.00 m, resulting in CNY 0.55 billion in economic damage. With economic change, the flash flood risk increases by 91.34% (SSP2—current economic development level) and 94.39% (SSP5—extreme economic development level). This study emphasizes the balance between economic development and disaster management at the river basin scale; in addition, our method provides a reference for risk assessment in flash-flood-prone areas lacking statistical information.

Significance Statement

The mountainous and hilly areas of southeastern China are vulnerable to flash floods, and the region faces a constant threat from flash flood disasters. The analysis of historical flash flood disaster events is a critical step in understanding the current rank of the disaster risk and its changes over time. The Supertyphoon Lekima–extreme precipitation–flash flood chain effects resulted in severe economic damage and casualties within the Yantanxi River basin, Zhejiang Province, in August 2019, thus raising concerns about the characteristics of flash floods within the region. The study results highlight the importance of flood risk management in regional adaptation strategies and provide new information for regional planning and the construction of flood control facilities.
Homeschooling Surgery Students: Washington State University’s Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship Transitioned to a Hybrid-Virtual Platform Triggered by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kumar Anjali S.
Published: October 2022

When COVID-19 curtailed elective surgeries, our college transitioned to a virtual platform. “Benched” surgeons statewide engaged students online. Third-year students who had completed 2/3 of a longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) studied online modules on topics germane to surgery for 1 week. Core entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for entering residency were the backbone of lessons/assignments/assessments. Surgeons coached students around EPAs. Fifty-eight students in consistent small groups, spent 2 hours/day for 4 days with the same pair of surgeon coaches. Off-line, students created a unique hypothetical case/day, practiced and peer-reviewed EPAs. Online, coaches posed scenarios to drill EPAs. Pre/during/post assessments demonstrated progressive proficiency. High level of engagement resulted in 100% attendance and ease of recruitment/retention of faculty. Although variability in students’ clinical settings was high, a virtual week had aided in leveling the learning environment. Prior experience with 2/3 of their total surgery exposure in the LIC allowed for a smooth transition to virtual.
Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) as a Spectroscopic Ruler for the Investigation of Protein Induced Lipid Membrane Curvature: Bacteriorhodopsin and Bacteriorhodopsin Analogs in Model Lipid Membranes
Authors: Bryl Krzysztof
Published: October 2022

Bacteriorhodopsin (bR) is a light-driven proton pump existing in the purple membranes (PM) of Halobacterium salinarum. The effects associated with changes in proton distribution (proton gradient, membrane electric potential) play a key role in ATPase stimulation. However, how the bioenergetic modulus (bR-PM-ATPase) functions remains unclear. One can find indications that hydrophobic matching and the curvature of the lipid membrane may form a functional link between bR and ATPase. To verify whether an interaction between bR and lipids can lead to curvature of the lipid membrane, a spectroscopic ruler, that is, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) tool, was used. The distances from fluorescent lipid probes [octadecyl rhodamine B chloride (RhB), 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI), 16-(9-anthroyloxy) palmitic acid (16AP), and hydrophobic probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH), to the retinal chromophore of bR incorporated into phospholipid vesicles, were measured. The incorporation of retinal analogues with changed shape and/or altered electronic properties into the binding site of a bR or bR mutant were used to strengthen the feedback between the protein surrounding and chromophore. The experiments were performed with wild-type and D96N-mutated bR carrying retinal or 14-(12-,10-, 13,14-bi-) fluororetinal. As far as it is known, this is the first time that results obtained by the FRET method show that bR can induce a change in lipid structure interpreted as hydrophobically induced curving of the lipid membrane. Evidence was provided that the chromophore contributed to this effect. The extent of contribution was dependent on the chromophore structure in close vicinity to the place of its link with opsin. The implications of these findings for bR-PM-ATPase module functioning are also discussed.
The Data-Driven Workplace and the Case for Worker Technology Rights
Authors: Bernhardt Annette , Kresge Lisa , Suleiman Reem
Published: October 2022

Employers increasingly use digital technologies in the workplace to capture and analyze worker data, electronically monitor their workers, and manage them using algorithms. In this article, the authors analyze employers’ use of data-driven systems in a diverse set of industries and identify a range of potential harms to workers, including bias and discrimination, de-skilling, unsafe work speeds, and loss of autonomy and dignity. In light of the current absence of regulation or oversight, the authors argue that workers deserve a robust set of 21st-century labor standards regarding digital technologies. They lay out a detailed public policy framework that establishes worker rights and employer responsibilities to ensure that the data-driven workplace benefits, rather than harms, workers.
A new method based on finding the weak and strong defining supporting hyperplanes to recognize the anchor points
Authors: Khazaeyan Mehdi , Sohraiee Sevan , Mostafaee Amin , Rostamy-Malkhalifeh Mohsen
Published: October 2022

One of the main important issues in Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is to recognize the set of anchor points which is the subset of the extreme efficient points of the production possibility set (PPS). An anchor point is an extreme efficient point which is located on the intersection of the strong efficient frontier and the weak efficient frontier. In the other word, each anchor point delineate the strong efficient frontier from the weak efficient frontier. So, if a decision making unit (DMU) is an anchor point, then there is at least one supporting hyperplane whose the gradient vector has some of zero components, and so some input\output factor does not play any role in the performance of the unit under evaluation. The concept of anchor point was used in DEA for the generation of unobserved DMUs in order to extend the DEA efficient frontier and so, this concept plays a critical role in the DEA theory and its applications. Given the importance of the anchor pints in the DEA literature, this study focuses on finding the anchor points and presents a new method to search the anchor points of the PPS under the variable returns to scale (VRS) assumption. For this purpose, we use the definition of the anchor points and present an approach to find the anchor points of the PPS. The proposed method is based on finding the weak and strong defining supporting hyperplanes passing through the unit under evaluation. The main advantage of the proposed method is that it exactly uses the definition of the anchor points to provide the approach and it is very simple to use and the anchor points can be easily identified by solving two simple models. In addition, the proposed approach is such that in addition to determining the anchor points, it also finds two important defining supporting hyperplanes on the PPS, which can be used in many problems in DEA. The potentially of the proposed method is illustrated by some numerical examples, reported in the literature to compare the proposed method with the existing methods.
The Role of Prominence in Activating Focused Words and Their Alternatives in Mandarin: Evidence from Lexical Priming and Recognition Memory
Authors: Yan Mengzhu , Calhoun Sasha , Warren Paul
Published: October 2022

When a sentence is produced with contrastive prosodic prominence, the word that carries the prominence becomes more salient, and alternatives to that word are usually implied. In processing, this implies that focused words and their alternatives should be more strongly activated. Previous research on focus processing has primarily been confined to Germanic languages. The current paper reports on two experiments investigating the role of prosodic prominence in immediate (Experiment 1) and long-term processing (Experiment 2) of focused words and focus alternatives in Mandarin. Prosodic prominence was effective in activating focused words and their alternatives. In the memory task, this facilitation effect was only found toward the beginning of the experiment. We attribute this difference to task-related adaptive use of prosodic prominence in utterance processing. This research sheds light on whether, when, and how listeners use prosodic prominence to identify important information and to evoke alternatives during sentence comprehension.
Sterility and Marital Fruitfulness in the Documents of the Magisterium: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Mowbray Briony
Published: October 2022

For those of reproductive age, the decision to marry in the Catholic Church is one that expresses the desire for a fruitful married life. The teachings of the Catholic Magisterium provide a substantial and constructive dialogue about marital fruitfulness as it relates to the bearing and raising of children but a more adequate theological and pastoral response is needed for Catholic couples who remain childless after exhausting morally upright medical procedures for assisting reproduction. This commentary provides a critical appraisal of the documents of the Magisterium dating from the 1917 Pio-Benedictine Code of Canon Law through to the present. The appraisal traces the development of the Magisterium’s teaching on sterility and marital fruitfulness by examining these documents chronologically in three periods: 1917 to 1965, 1966 to 2008 and 2009 to the present.
Cryptocurrencies and the promise of individual economic sovereignty in an age of digitalization: A critical appraisal
Authors: Au Anson
Published: October 2022

Cryptocurrencies have fuelled an ideological bifurcation between utopian imaginaries of borderless individual economic sovereignty and egalitarianism among libertarian sympathizers since Hayek and more recent dystopian admonitions against financial disruption and inequality by state actors. Providing a state-of-the-art sociological account of this debate, this article conducts the first empirical study on the links between cryptocurrency adoption, individual economic sovereignty and wealth inequality using a novel 2020 cross-societal database of the population-level adoption of the six largest cryptocurrencies. Analyses show that cryptocurrency adoption neither ameliorates nor worsens wealth inequality, but that the geographical expansion of cryptocurrencies is dependent on the very political economic conditions and state permissions that their libertarian enthusiasts spurn. This article concludes by invigorating a programmatic call and agenda for the empirical, sociological study of cryptocurrencies and the methodological designs required to sustain it.
Study on the flexible superhydrophobic piezoresistive sensor and electrochemical properties of three-dimensional network structure polypyrrole hollow tube/cross-leaf ZIF-L
Authors: Lu Qianqian , Liu Jianyong , Liu Yuanjun , Zhao Xiaoming
Published: October 2022

Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) materials have advantages such as large specific surface area, high porosity, adjustable skeleton structure, and easy functionality, but their poor electrical conductivity limits their application in the field of piezoresistive sensors and electrochemistry. To solve this problem, we prepared polypyrrole hollow tubes on the surface of polyester-cotton fabric using the soft template method and in situ polymerization method, the cross-leaf ZIF-L (L means leaf shape) was grown on the surface of polypyrrole hollow tubes using the in situ growth method, and the properties of piezoresistive sensing, electrochemistry, and surface wettability were tested. The experimental results showed that the three-dimensional network structure polypyrrole hollow tube/cross-leaf ZIF-L composite combined the advantages of polypyrrole hollow tube and ZIF-L materials, and the average sensitivity reaches 6.12 kPa−1, which was 5.3 times that of the polypyrrole hollow tube composite, and 1.9 times that of the cross-leaf ZIF-L composite. As an excellent energy storage material, the specific capacitance was 42.4 F · g−1 at a scan rate of 0.01 V/s. The composite was also an excellent superhydrophobic material, and its contact angle was up to 168.5°, which can facilitate the practical application of sensor materials and electrode materials. Polypyrrole hollow tube/cross-leaf ZIF-L composite had advantages of a simple process, thin thickness, light weight, and low price, and can be widely used in the field of smart wearables.
“They Helped Me to Get Through”: Investigating Institutional Sources of Support at Two-Year Colleges that Facilitate the Transfer and Persistence of Black Engineering Students
Authors: Berhane Bruk , Onuma Felicia , Buenaflor Shannon , Fries-Britt Sharon , Ogwo Ashley
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

While a considerable amount of extant scholarship describes the importance of and strategies for improving the postsecondary pathways of Black engineering students, most literature is contextualized within 4-year institutions.

Objectives:

The purpose of this article is to illuminate Black engineering students’ experiences at community colleges in order to understand ways in which they engage different types of 2-year institutional support.

Methods:

We draw from data obtained through a series of focus groups and interviews facilitated between fall 2018 and fall 2019 with 13 engineering undergraduates.

Results:

Findings include evidence of important connections with faculty at 2-year colleges, such as positive engagement with them inside the classroom, as well as during office hours and general advising. In addition, we describe support from academic advisors regarding transfer pathways, as well as from campus staff who helped identify scholarships or other valuable resources on campus.

Conclusion:

We offer implications and conclusions that highlight the tremendous capacity of community colleges to support and educate future Black engineers. We also discuss the significance of underrepresented students of color working closely with faculty, adding that research to date notes that these interactions often tenuous for underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities. Finally, we discuss ways in which our results can inform the broader landscape of undergraduate engineering education, which—like other STEM fields—has often created unwelcoming and competitive environments that lead to student attrition for students from all demographic backgrounds.
Measuring the Impact of a Delay in Care on Pediatric Otolaryngologic Surgery Completion
Authors: Mahendran Geethanjeli N. , Tey Ching Siong , Musso Mary Frances , Anand Grace Shebha , Larson Jeffrey , Mehta Mitesh , Reichert Lara , Prickett Kara , Raol Nikhila Pinnapureddy
Published: October 2022

Objective: To determine if postponement of elective pediatric otorhinolaryngology surgeries results in a change in overall healthcare utilization and if there is any commensurate impact on disease progression. Methods: We identified patients ≤18 years of age whose surgeries were postponed at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic-related shutdown. We then tracked patients’ rate of and patterns of rescheduling surgery. Surveys were also sent to caregivers to better characterize his/her decision regarding moving forward with his/her child’s surgery during COVID-19. Results: A total of 1915 pediatric patients had elective surgeries canceled, of which 992 (51.8%) were rescheduled within 4 months. No difference in rates of rescheduling was identified based on race or ethnicity. Patients who were scheduled for tonsillectomies and/or adenoidectomies were 1.22 times more likely to reschedule compared to those patients with other planned procedures (CI: 1.02–1.46). A total of 95 caregivers at two hospitals completed surveys: 44 (47.4%) rescheduled their child’s surgery. Most caregivers who rescheduled were concerned their child’s disease could impact their future (n = 14, 32%). Conclusions: Just over half of patients who had pediatric otolaryngologic surgery canceled during a period of social distancing went on to have surgery within a 4-month timeframe. This reflects the dependence of pediatric otolaryngologic surgery on environmental exposures and may represent a potential target for prevention and management of some pediatric otolaryngology diseases.
“You have to be really careful, in this environment, of what you say and what you do”: A qualitative examination of how organizational culture shapes parole officers' work and well-being
Authors: Ricciardelli Rosemary , Maier Katharina , Norman Mark
Published: October 2022

Drawing on existing literature on organizational culture in correctional work, in the current article we augment scholarship on community correctional services, specifically parole work, by considering how organizational culture, as narrated by frontline parole officers, impacts parole officers” feelings toward their work and their own health and well-being. Using the insights gained from 150 qualitative interviews with parole officers across Canada, we empirically show how participants described organizational culture as (1) imbued with social networks and hierarchies and (2) inherently reactive. We then provide insight into their perceived relationships with management. Participants explained they largely felt uncomfortable voicing concerns or making suggestions for improvements, in addition to feeling their work did not receive the respect and appreciation it deserved. We draw attention to the implications of perceptions on parole officers' feelings toward their job and sense of self, as well as the potential impact of organizational culture on parole officers' feelings of safety and emotional well-being on the job.
Early rehabilitation and mobilisation of neonatal and paediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients: A UK and Ireland consensus document
Authors: Shkurka Emma , Child Hannah , Balls Jennie , Melkhuln Ellie , Carter Lee , Compton Vanessa , Marscheider Ross , McConnell Rachel , Meenaghan Samantha , Milburn Natalie , Nugent Gillian , Peabody Gemma , Rimmer Laura
Published: October 2022

Despite increasing early rehabilitation and mobilisation (ERM) in paediatric intensive care, current evidence for ERM of neonatal and paediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is limited. The proposed benefits of ERM in neonatal and paediatric ECMO patients are multifaceted, including reduced immobility related issues and maintenance of functional ability. However, ECMO presents additional safety and logistical challenges, and currently there are no published neonatal or paediatric guidelines. A consensus document was developed to provide guidance for ERM with neonatal and paediatric ECMO patients. The document was developed by specialist physiotherapists from nine ECMO centres within the UK and Ireland, together with the UK Paediatric Critical Care Society ECMO group and members of the multidisciplinary team. The document covers key considerations and practicalities for completing ERM in this population including, acuity level measurement, activity level guidance, safety and risk assessment, and goal setting. Risk assessment and safety checklist bedside tools are also included and designed to be adapted as required to meet specific unit policies and protocols.