bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competitive endogenous RNA network and pathway-based analysis of LncRNA single-nucleotide polymorphism in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Wang Tianfeng , Xu Si , Zhang Huixue , Lu Xiaoyu , Li Shuang , Liu Li , Kong Xiaotong , Gao Hongyu , Wang Xu , Ning Shangwei , Wang Jianjian , Wang Lihua
Published: December 2021

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a complex neurological autoimmune disease with a pathogenetic mechanism that has yet to be elucidated. Emerging evidence has revealed that genes, non-coding RNAs and genetic variants play significant roles in the pathogenesis of MG. However, the molecular mechanisms of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located on lncRNAs could disturb lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory functions still unclear in MG. In this study, we collated 276 experimentally confirmed MG risk genes and 192 MG risk miRNAs. We then constructed a lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network for MG based on multi-step computational strategies. Next, we systematically integrated risk pathways and identified candidate SNPs in lncRNAs for MG based on data acquired from public databases. In addition, we constructed a pathway-based lncRNA-SNP mediated network (LSPN) that contained 128 lncRNAs targeting 8 MG risk pathways. By analyzing network, we propose a latent mechanism for how the “lncRNA-SNP-mRNA-pathway” axis affects the pathogenesis of MG. Moreover, 25 lncRNAs and 51 SNPs on lncRNAs were extracted from the “lncRNA-SNP-mRNA-pathway” axis. Finally, functional analyses demonstrated lncRNA-SNPs mediated ceRNA regulation pairs associated with MG participated in the MAPK signaling pathway. In summary, we constructed MG-specific lncRNA-SNPs mediated ceRNA regulatory networks based on pathway in the present study, which was helpful to elucidate the roles of lncRNA-SNPs in the pathogenesis of MG and provide novel insights into mechanism of lncRNA-SNPs as potential genetic risk biomarkers of MG.
Citric acid/β-alanine carbon dots as a novel tool for delivery of plasmid DNA into E. coli cells
Authors: Pandey Anju , Devkota Asmita , Sigdel Anil , Yadegari Zeinab , Dumenyo Korsi , Taheri Ali
Published: December 2021

Successful delivery of plasmid DNA into the microbial cells is fundamental in recombinant DNA technology. Natural bacterial transformation is limited to only certain species due in part to the repulsive forces between negatively charged DNA and bacterial membranes. Most common method of DNA delivery into bacteria is artificial transformation through heat shock and electroporation. These methods require sophisticated instruments and tedious steps in preparation of competent cells. Transformation by conjugation is also not applicable to all plasmids. Nanoparticles have been used successfully in therapeutics for drug delivery into animal cells. They are starting to gain popularity in plant sciences as novel DNA nano carriers. Despite their promise as tool for DNA delivery, their use in microbial cell transformation has not been reported yet. Here we report the synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) from citric acid and β-alanine and their use in DNA delivery into E. coli cells. CDs were fabricated using microwave assisted synthesis. Plasmids carrying RFP reporter and ampicillin resistance genes were transferred to bacterial cells and further confirmed using polymerase chain reaction. Our findings indicate that CDs can be used successfully for delivery of foreign DNA of up to 10 kb into E. coli. We have demonstrated the use of β-alanine/citric acid carbon dots as nanocarriers of DNA into E. coli cells and identified their limitation in terms of the size of plasmid DNA they could carry. Use of these carbon dots is a novel method in foreign DNA delivery into bacterial cells and have a potential for the transformation of resistant organism for which there is still no reliable DNA delivery systems.
A comprehensive non-uniformity correction method for EMCCD
Authors: Qiao Li , Wang Mingfu , Jin Zheng , Mao Danbo
Published: December 2021

The non-uniformity of image directly affects the application of EMCCD in various disciplines. The proposed method can significantly improve the uniformity of EMCCD output image. The correction algorithm of "reverse split and forward recovery" is determined through analyzing the imaging model of EMCCD, and the comprehensive non-uniformity correction function model is established. The 8-tap EMCCD chip CCD220 of British e2v company is used for experimental verification. The results show that after the comprehensive correction the consistencies of the light response characteristic curve and the multiplication gain curve of each channel in EMCCD are obviously improved, and also the photo response non-uniformity (PRNU) of the output image is substantially reduced from 24.5 to 4.1%, which prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Design and synthesis of Fe3O4@SiO2@KIT-6@DTZ-Pd0 as a new and efficient mesoporous magnetic catalyst in carbon–carbon cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Moradi Zahra , Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a new type of mesoporous material based on KIT-6 has been introduced. In this aim, magnetic Fe3O4nanoparticles and mesoporous silica KIT-6 have been combined to obtain mesoporous MNPs. The prepared magnetic mesoporous catalyst has been applied in different carbon–carbon cross-coupling reactions including Mizoroki–Heck, Suzuki–Miyaura, and Stille reactions. This magnetic mesoporous compound is characterized by various techniques including FT-IR, BET, VSM, SEM, XRD, and TGA.
A convolutional deep learning model for improving mammographic breast-microcalcification diagnosis
Authors: Kang Daesung , Gweon Hye Mi , Eun Na Lae , Youk Ji Hyun , Kim Jeong-Ah , Son Eun Ju
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) in classifying breast microcalcification in screening mammograms. To this end, 1579 mammographic images were collected retrospectively from patients exhibiting suspicious microcalcification in screening mammograms between July 2007 and December 2019. Five pre-trained DCNN models and an ensemble model were used to classify the microcalcifications as either malignant or benign. Approximately one million images from the ImageNet database had been used to train the five DCNN models. Herein, 1121 mammographic images were used for individual model fine-tuning, 198 for validation, and 260 for testing. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) was used to confirm the validity of the DCNN models in highlighting the microcalcification regions most critical for determining the final class. The ensemble model yielded the best AUC (0.856). The DenseNet-201 model achieved the best sensitivity (82.47%) and negative predictive value (NPV; 86.92%). The ResNet-101 model yielded the best accuracy (81.54%), specificity (91.41%), and positive predictive value (PPV; 81.82%). The high PPV and specificity achieved by the ResNet-101 model, in particular, demonstrated the model effectiveness in microcalcification diagnosis, which, in turn, may considerably help reduce unnecessary biopsies.
Quantitative analysis of resveratrol derivatives in the seed coats of tree peonies and their hypoglycemic activities in vitro/vivo
Authors: Wang Weidong , Liu Zenggen , Kong Fan , He Lixia , Fang Linghao , Shu Qingyan
Published: December 2021

The resveratrol derivatives isolated from seed coats of tree peonies were quantitatively analyzed and compared, and their hypoglycemic activities in vitro/vivo were investigated.
Effects of molecular geometry on the efficiency of intramolecular charge transfer-based luminescence in o-carboranyl-substituted 1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazoles
Authors: Im Sehee , Ryu Chan Hee , Kim Mingi , You Dong Kyun , Yi Sanghee , Lee Wonchul , Lee Kang Mun
Published: December 2021

The distinct difference in solid-state emission efficiency between 1H-phenanthro[9,10-d]imidazole–o-carboranyl luminophores showed that the geometric orientation is a key factor for controlling intramolecular charge transfer-based radiative decay.
Total syntheses of seven stemoamide-type Stemona alkaloids
Authors: Shi Tao , Cao Fei , Chen Jinhong , Wang Xiaodong , Yin Gaofeng , Wang Huihong , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2021

Six Stemona alkaloids were synthesized racemically using stemoamide, obtained via a cascade cyclization or our reported transannular cyclization of parvistemoamide, as the common intermediate.
Succession of the microbial community during the process of mechanical and biological pretreatment coupled with a bio-filter for removal of VOCs derived from domestic waste: a field study
Authors: Hou Jiaqi , Yu Chengze , Meng Fanhua , He Xiaosong , Wang Yong , Chen Wangmi , Li Mingxiao
Published: December 2021

Changes in the microbial community can not only reflect the efficiency of waste disposal, but also reveal the effect of odor control during the treatment process.
Phase transition behavior and deformation mechanism of polytetrafluoroethylene under stretching
Authors: Luo Cong , Pei Jingke , Zhuo Wenyue , Niu Yanhua , Li Guangxian
Published: December 2021

The deformation mechanism and phase transition behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) under stretching conditions (25, 50, 100 °C) were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
Inhalation of dimethyl fumarate-encapsulated solid lipid nanoparticles attenuate clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and pulmonary inflammatory dysfunction in mice
Authors: Pinto Bárbara Fernandes , Ribeiro Lorena Natasha Brito , da Silva Gisela Bevilacqua Rolfsen Ferreira , Freitas Camila Simões , Kraemer Lucas , Oliveira Fabrício Marcus Silva , Clímaco Marianna Carvalho , Mourão Flávio Afonso Gonçalves , Santos Gabryella Soares Pinheiro dos , Béla Samantha Ribeiro , Gurgel Isabella Luísa da Silva , Leite Fábio de Lima , de Oliveira Anselmo Gomes , Vilela Maura Regina Silva da Páscoa , Oliveira-Lima Onésia Cristina , Soriani Frederico Marianetti , Fujiwara Ricardo Toshio , Birbrair Alexander , Russo Remo Castro , Carvalho-Tavares Juliana
Published: December 2021

Rationale: The FDA-approved Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) as an oral drug for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatment based on its immunomodulatory activities. However, it also caused severe adverse effects mainly related to the gastrointestinal system. Objective: Investigated the potential effects of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing DMF, administered by inhalation on the clinical signs, central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory response, and lung function changes in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Materials and methods: EAE was induced using MOG35–55 peptide in female C57BL/6J mice and the mice were treated via inhalation with DMF-encapsulated SLN (CTRL/SLN/DMF and EAE/SLN/DMF), empty SLN (CTRL/SLN and EAE/SLN), or saline solution (CTRL/saline and EAE/saline), every 72 h during 21 days. Results: After 21 days post-induction, EAE mice treated with DMF-loaded SLN, when compared with EAE/saline and EAE/SLN, showed decreased clinical score and weight loss, reduction in brain and spinal cord injury and inflammation, also related to the increased influx of Foxp3+ cells into the spinal cord and lung tissues. Moreover, our data revealed that EAE mice showed signs of respiratory disease, marked by increased vascular permeability, leukocyte influx, production of TNF-α and IL-17, perivascular and peribronchial inflammation, with pulmonary mechanical dysfunction associated with loss of respiratory volumes and elasticity, which DMF-encapsulated reverted in SLN nebulization. Conclusion: Our study suggests that inhalation of DMF-encapsulated SLN is an effective therapeutic protocol that reduces not only the CNS inflammatory process and disability progression, characteristic of EAE disease, but also protects mice from lung inflammation and pulmonary dysfunction.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Telepractice During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A National Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Biggs Elizabeth E. , Therrien Michelle C. S. , Douglas Sarah N. , Snodgrass Melinda R.
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led to sudden, widespread use of telepractice, including providing services to children who use aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). This exploratory study examined speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) experiences using telepractice to provide services to children and youth aged 3–21 years who used aided AAC during the earlier months of the pandemic (May–June 2020).

Method:

Three hundred thirty-one SLPs responded to an online survey. Closed- and open-ended survey items were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively and mixed at the point of interpretation to understand the experiences of SLPs related to the use of telepractice with children who use aided AAC, including how they perceived effectiveness.

Results:

Most SLPs were using telepractice to provide both direct and consultation/coaching services to children who used aided AAC. There was fairly wide variation in perceptions of effectiveness of both types of services, but SLPs were more likely to rate consultation/coaching services as being more effective than direct services. SLPs identified factors impacting effectiveness across five dimensions: broader factors, practice-based factors (i.e., technology, the type of services), the child, parents and family members, and professionals. School-based SLPs perceived telepractice as being less effective than non–school-based SLPs.

Conclusions:

The use of telepractice during the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded quite differently for different SLPs and the children who use aided AAC that they serve. Although AAC telepractice offers promise for the future, particularly for partnering with families, further research is needed to know how to overcome challenges experienced by SLPs.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17139434
Parental and Practitioner Views of Telepractice for Pediatric Auditory Verbal Habilitation at a Time of Global Pandemic
Authors: Pollard Rachel , Hogan Sarah
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to explore parents' and therapists' views of the benefits and challenges of telepractice for early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method:

Surveys probed the views of (a) parents and (b) Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS) Certified Auditory Verbal Therapists (AVTs) in using telepractice to deliver auditory verbal (AV) sessions. The survey for parents covered technology, coaching, communication, learnings for the parent, learnings for the child, and parental preference. The survey for the therapists examined therapy style, technology, relationships with families, and coaching style. Using a convenience sample of 65 families and nine LSLS Certified AVTs, data were collected using Google Forms.

Results:

A response rate of 42% was achieved for the parents' survey. Families were overwhelmingly confident in the subjective effectiveness of AV sessions delivered by telepractice with modal ratings of 8 and 9 on a 10-point rating scale for telepractice sessions and in-person sessions, respectively. On average, however, parents rated in-person sessions at a significantly higher level. Eighty-five percent opted to continue with either AV delivered solely via telepractice or a blend of telepractice and in-person sessions.

Changes in therapists' style included (a) increased interactions with the parent rather than the child and (b) an improvement in coaching techniques. Eight of nine therapists (89%) felt that sessions delivered via telepractice were equally effective as or more effective than in-person sessions.

Discussion:

The necessary transfer of all AV sessions to telepractice from in-person sessions during the global pandemic of COVID-19 was enacted successfully for the majority of families. Both parents and therapists described benefits and challenges of telepractice for AV intervention. Going forward, the high proportion of families requested either a blended service delivery of telepractice and in-person sessions or therapy via telepractice alone, demonstrating the families' satisfaction with this approach.
Comparative analysis of the hydrodynamic performance of pre-swirl stator pump-jet propulsor under different rotational speeds
Authors: LI Fuzheng , HUANG Qiaogao , PAN Guang , LI Han
Published: December 2021

The pump-jet propulsor(PJP) performances under various rotational speeds (20~50 r/s) are analyzed for further studying the influence of the Reynolds number (Re) on the hydrodynamics of PJP, before this, the calculation model is verified by using the experiment data, it proves the present numerical method is proper to make a further study. The results indicate both the hydrodynamic coefficients of PJP and PJP components and the contours with dimensionless variables are present high similarity, yet the Re has the slight effect on the components performance, among which, the force coefficient of rotor is the least affected, with a relative error no more than 1%. Followed is the force coefficient of rotor stator, the maximum error is 2.1%, since the force of duct and stator is so low that has the slight effect on PJP, the total force error is less than 2%. However, the torque coefficient error is bigger with a value of about 3%. Besides, it is found that all hydrodynamic coefficients vary monotonically with rotating speed, the higher Re caused by increasing the rotational speed will contribute to enhance the work ability of rotor, thus cause a lower pressure at vortex core, and change the trajectory of TLV.
Doppler estimation and compensation method for underwater target active detection based on communication signal
Authors: LU Jun , ZHANG Qunfei , SHI Wentao , ZHANG Lingling
Published: December 2021

The integration of underwater detection and communication uses communication signals to detect a target actively, but the Doppler effect deteriorates the parameter estimation performance of the integrated system. To eliminate the influence of the Doppler effect, a joint Doppler estimation and compensation method based on spectrum zooming and correction is proposed. Firstly, the synchronization signal is used to obtain the signal receiving delay and intercept the single-frequency signal segment in the received signal. Then, the discrete Fourier transform is used to find the frequency that corresponds to the maximum amplitude of the single-frequency signal segment. Finally, the frequency spectrum is refined and corrected within the range near the frequency. The Doppler factor is estimated and the received signal is compensated by the Doppler estimation value. The simulation results show that the proposed method improves Doppler factor estimation accuracy, increases the cross-correlation processing gain and improves DOA (direction of arrival) estimation performance, thus being robust to different Doppler effects.
Target integrity assessment based on image and track information
Authors: Xie Songyun , LIU Xianghui , WU Xiaoliang , GAO Chuanlin , SHEN Dongrui
Published: December 2021

The rapid and accurate integrity assessment of targets can provide important guarantee and reference for the subsequent decision of the implementer. The current research on target integrity assessment mainly adopts single data source or complex probability model, which leads to inability to balance the needs of accuracy and real-time. In order to solve this problem, a new target integrity assessment method based on image and track information is proposed in this paper. Image texture, corner points and track parameters before and after the execution of the target are used to transform the integrity assessment issue into a classification issue, and a comprehensive assessment result is made by combining various classification results. The experimental results show that the assessment results based on both image and track information reached 97.5%, higher than the evaluation results from a single data source, and the evaluation time was controlled in milliseconds, which not only improved the accuracy rate but also ensured the real-time assessment.
An efficient AIM for the scattering computation of the finite sparse array
Authors: ZHENG Mingxuan , ZHAO Huiling , LI Chuwei
Published: December 2021

Based on the traditional adaptive integral method(AIM), a fast method called array AIM is proposed to accelerate the scattering calculation of the finite periodic array and the sparse array. On one hand, this method could eliminate the idle grids through the utilization of 5-level block-Toeplitz matrix. Furthermore, the procedure of near correction is eliminated by applying the zeros shielding technique. On the other hand, the block Jacobi preconditioning technique is used to improve the iterative convergence, and the technique of wave path difference compensation is applied to accelerate the post-processing. The numerical results show that the proposed method not only possesses good accuracy, but also has much less cost both in time and memory, in comparison with the traditional AIM. Moreover, this method could be applied to solve the scattering problems for the finite periodic array, as well as the sparse array.
Modeling and analysis of compaction roller deformation for fiber placement
Authors: ZHAO Pan , WU Bo , SHI Yaoyao , SHI Kaining , HU Hao , CHEN Zhen , YU Tao , SUN Pengcheng
Published: December 2021

The fiber reinforced resin-based composite materials have the characteristics of high specific modulus and strength, impact resistance, creep resistance, and seismic resistance, which are widely used in the aviation, automotive, and marine industries. As one of the advanced composite material forming technologies, the fiber placement can manufacture the large-curvature composite parts with the high efficiency, high quality, high repeatability and low cost. The rubber compaction roller will deform under the pressure, in which the deformation will increase the contact area between the pressure roller and the substrate, and improve the interlaminar bonding degree. Due to the different deformation of the compaction roller caused by the different laying pressures, the deformation process of the fiber compaction roller was analyzed. By establishing the pressure stress distribution model for the compaction roller, the contact pressure, the downward deformation of the compaction roller and the deformation contact area between the compaction roller and the substrate are obtained. The mapping relationship among the contact curves of the substrate is verified by using the experiments.
Allocation method of communication interference resource based on deep reinforcement learning of maximum policy entropy
Authors: RAO Ning , XU Hua , QI Zisen , SONG Bailin , SHI Yunhao
Published: December 2021

In order to solve the optimization of the interference resource allocation in communication network countermeasures, an interference resource allocation method based on the maximum policy entropy deep reinforcement learning (MPEDRL) was proposed. The method introduced the idea of deep reinforcement learning into the communication countermeasures resource allocation, it could enhance the exploration of the policy and accelerate the convergence to the global optimum with adding the maximum policy entropy criterion and adaptively adjusting the entropy coefficient. The method modeled interference resource allocation as Markov decision process, then established the interference strategy network to output allocation scheme, constructing the interference effect evaluation network of the clipped twin structure for efficiency evaluation, and trained the policy network and the evaluation network with the goal of maximizing the strategy entropy and the cumulative interference efficacy, then decided the optimal interference resource allocation scheme. The simulation results show that the algorithm can effectively solve the resource allocation problem in communication network confrontation, comparing with the existing deep reinforcement learning methods, it has faster learning speed and less fluctuation in the training process, and achieved 15% higher jamming efficacy than DDPG-based method.
Electromagnetic design method of linear induction motor considering lateral end effect
Authors: CAI Jun , WANG Shuhong , PANG Cong
Published: December 2021

Due to the complex end effect, it is difficult for the linear induction motor to design and analyze with the "road" calculation and two-dimensional field calculation. Considering the end effect, skin effect and secondary leakage reactance of the eddy current of the secondary induction plate, a linear induction motor electromagnetic design and calculation program was programmed via VB language. A two-dimensional finite element analysis method was proposed to approximate the lateral end effect on linear induction motor performance by multiplying the two lateral end effect coefficients into secondary induction plate resistivity and air-gap relative permeability. The accuracy for both calculation of end effect coefficients by "road" calculated program and considering lateral end effect in two-dimensional finite element analysis was validated by using the experiment and three-dimensional full model finite element, respectively. This work proposes the calculation method of the lateral end effect, which is faster and more accurate for the electromagnetic design as well as the finite element simulation of linear induction motor.
DOA estimation method of spatial spectrum product for distributed coprime linear array
Authors: WANG Na , ZHAO Xuanzhi , LIU Zengli , ZHANG Jingjing
Published: December 2021

Coprime array isAsparse array composed of two uniform linear arrays with different spacing. When the two subarrays are inAnon-coherent distributed configuration, the direction of arrival (DOA) method based on the covariance analysis of the complete coprime array is no longer effective. According to the essential attribute that the distance between the elements of two subarrays can eliminate the angle ambiguity, based on the mathematical derivation,Aspatial spectral product DOA estimation method for incoherent distributed coprime arrays is proposed. Firstly, the spatial spectrum of each subarray is calculated by using the snapshot data of each subarray, and then the DOA estimation is realized by multiplying the spatial spectrum of each subarray. The simulation results show that the estimation accuracy and angle resolution of the present method are better than those of the traditional ambiguity resolution methods, and the estimation performance is good in the mutual coupling and low SNR environment, with the good adaptability and stability. Moreover, by using the flexibility of distributed array, the matching error is effectively solved through the rotation angle.
When Your Ankle Becomes a Knee – Long-Term Functional Outcome
and Quality of Life with a Rotationplasty after Resection of Malignant Limb
Tumors
Authors: Gotta Jennifer , Bielack Stefan , Hecker-Nolting Stefanie , Sorg Benjamin , Kevric Matthias , Salzmann-Manrique Emilia , Klingebiel Thomas
Published: December 2021

Background Increasing numbers of patients surviving malignant bone tumors
around the knee joint have led to an increasing importance to investigate
long-term results. This study assessed the long-term results of rotationplasty
after resection of malignant bone tumors regarding functional outcome and
quality of life to allow better comparison with other treatment options in bone
cancer treatment.

Procedure 60 participants who underwent rotationplasty due to bone cancer
took part in this multicentric questionnaire-based study. The long-term
functional outcome was measured by the Musculoskeletal tumor society score
(MSTS) and the Tegner activity level scale. The health-related quality of life
(HRQL) was assessed by using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Results Patients treated with rotationplasty (median follow-up of 22 years,
range 10–47 years) regained a high level of activity (median MSTS score
of 24). Even a return to high level sports was possible (mean Tegner activity
level scale of 4). Duration of follow-up did not influence the functional
outcome. HRQL scores were comparable to the general German population. Concerns
of psychological problems due to the unusual appearance of the rotated foot have
not been confirmed.

Conclusion Rotationplasty can be a good alternative to endoprosthetic
replacement or amputation, either as primary surgery or as a salvage procedure.
Especially for growing children and very active patients rotationplasty should
be considered.
Modeling and analysis of the piezomagnetic, electromagnetic, and magnetostrictive effects in a magnetostrictive transducer
Authors: Dai Bowen , He Zhongbo , Yang Zhaoshu , Zhou Jingtao , Xue Guangming , Liu Guoping
Published: December 2021

A comprehensive model is a basis for adequately understanding the energy conversion mechanism of magnetostrictive materials and guides the design of magnetostrictive devices. This paper established a fully coupled model that fully considered the piezomagnetic effect and the electromagnetic effect in its procedure of energy conversion. The proposed model can accurately predict the output voltage with different excitation levels and illustrate the interaction between physical fields. Based on the established model, we quantify the voltage contributed by the piezomagnetic effect and the electromagnetic effect. After a thorough analysis, we discovered that even though the voltage generation is always dominated by the piezomagnetic effect of the magnetostrictive material, the proportion from the electromagnetic effect will increase moderately with larger excitation levels. In addition, the magnetostrictive effect toward the output performance is also discussed, which proved to lead to a marginal impact on the voltage waveform.
A catalogue of marine heatwave metrics and trends for the Australian region
Authors: Kajtar Jules B. , Holbrook Neil J. , Hernaman Vanessa
Published: December 2021

Marine heatwaves around Australia, and globally, have been increasing in their frequency, intensity, and duration. This study reviews and catalogues marine heatwave metrics and trends around Australia since 1982, from near the beginning of the satellite sea-surface temperature observing period. The years in which the longest and strongest marine heatwaves around Australia occurred are also recorded. In addition, we analyse marine heatwaves in selected case study regions, and provide a short review of their associated impacts. These regions include: off the Western Australian coast, Torres Strait, Great Barrier Reef, Tasman Sea, and South Australian Basin. Finally, we provide a brief review of progress in understanding the potential predictability of sea surface temperature changes and marine heatwaves around Australia.
Evaluation of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets: the international collaboration trilemma in interdisciplinary research
Authors: Nguyen Minh-Hoang , Vuong Quan-Hoang
Published: December 2021

Context Tourism plays a critical role in biodiversity conservation with at least 12 of the 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets being directly or indirectly related to tourism. Aims As Target 19 aims to raise the generation, transfer and application of knowledge on biodiversity, the objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of Aichi Biodiversity Targets on the interdisciplinary research output, quality, and collaboration at the national scale regarding biodiversity and tourism. Methods The Hamiltonian Markov Chain Monter Carlo technique, incorporating the bibliometric analysis, was performed on 1176 documents extracted from the Web of Science database. Key results The current investigation revealed two prominent findings. First, the Aichi Biodiversity Targets positively affected scientific productivity, quality and international collaboration at the national level. Still, more than half of the countries on Earth (53.41%) had not acquired any interdisciplinary publication on the topic of biodiversity and tourism. Second, international collaboration was found to be an effective measure to improve scientific quality and quantity in both periods before and after the Aichi Targets. Although the impact of international collaboration on scientific output was similar between the two periods, its impact on scientific quality during 2011–2020 was lower than during 1991–2010. Conclusions Thus, we argue that international cooperation cannot be used as a ‘silver bullet’ strategy for advancing knowledge in the interdisciplinary field between biodiversity and tourism due to the trilemma between quantity, quality and cost. Implications We recommend policymakers, funding evaluators and researchers put culture into perspective to lessen the cost of interdisciplinary research.
Willingness to use community health centres for initial diagnosis: the role of policy incentives among Chinese patients
Authors: Zhu Jingrong , Li Xiaofei , Chu Hongrui , Li Jinlin
Published: December 2021

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of policy incentives on residents’ willingness to use community health centres for initial diagnosis. A cross‐sectional survey with specific multiple price-list experiments was conducted in Guizhou, China. We were able to use in-depth individual interviews with a total of 422 participants. Our results showed that both financial and non-financial policy incentives can facilitate the utilisation of the community health centres. Approximately 60% of the respondents reported an increase in their willingness to use community health centres after the presentation of the financial policy, whereas 50% of respondents expressed an increase in their willingness to use community health centres with the non-financial policy. However, to some specific subgroups, such as residents with low trust, residents without chronic disease, residents with less healthcare visits and risk-averters, the impact of policy incentives were limited. The policy incentives are useful tools to attract more visitors to community health centres for initial diagnosis; however, their incentive effects vary in different subgroups. Thus, to change patients’ perceptions regarding healthcare provider choice for initial diagnosis, policymakers should consider the heterogeneous responses of patients to policy incentives and focus their efforts on key cohorts.
A self-training device to teach conservation-working dogs to avoid poison baits
Authors: Kreplins T. L. , Adams P. J. , Bateman P. W. , Dundas S. J. , Kennedy M. S. , Fleming P. A.
Published: December 2021

Abstract Context Accidental poisoning of domestic dogs is a potential risk when using baits to control invasive animals. We developed and trialled an electrical device attached to a non-toxic bait to assess whether we could induce a learned aversion towards baits in conservation-working dogs. Aims We tested the device on conservation-working dogs licenced to enter conservation estate as part of feral pig control, and consequently are potentially exposed to lethal baits for controlling red foxes. Methods Over 1 year (up to seven separate training sessions per dog), 27 dogs were sequentially presented with electrified and non-electrified non-toxic baits and their behavioural responses were recorded. On-farm training (Days 0, 1, 7, Months 1, 12) comprised dogs being called by their owner standing nearby the electrified bait. If the dog touched the bait and demonstrated aversive behaviour (we assume that it received an electric shock or ‘correction’), it was then presented with a non-electrified bait. If they ate either bait, they were shown another electrified bait (up to three electrified baits per session). Key results Seventeen dogs (17/27) touched the bait and received a correction. Eleven dogs required only a single correction and did not touch another bait, three dogs needed two corrections, and two dogs needed three or four corrections. These 17 dogs showed increasing avoidance to the bait over successive training sessions (χ212 = 67.96, P < 0.001), including avoiding looking at the bait, refusing to come within 5–10 m of the bait and their owner, or leaving the training vicinity. All these dogs (17/17) avoided baits encountered in a working environment (1/17 touched but did not consume a bait) and bait-aversion was still detected up to 1-year post-initial training. Nine dogs (9/27) did not appear to receive a correction or show any change in bait-aversion behaviour. One dog (1/27) showed no aversion to the stimulus and continued to eat baits. Conclusions Here we present a proof of concept for a deterrent device and associated experimental protocol to produce learned aversion behaviour in conservation-working dogs. Implications We demonstrated that it is possible to induce a learned aversion to baits in conservation-working dogs, thereby reducing the risk of accidental poisoning.
“Completely impartial opinion, okay?”
Authors: Bogaards Maarten
Published: December 2021

Sponsorships on YouTube – i.e., video creators on YouTube promoting a third-party product or service to their audience – have attracted considerable research interest recently in various disciplines. This multidisciplinary study analyzes it from the perspective of argumentation theory, specifically pragma-dialectics, which offers valuable new insights into the discursive tensions inherent to this type of promotion. These tensions arise between the creator’s relationship with their audience on the one hand, which is built upon ‘parasocial’ evaluations of authenticity and community, and the commercial third party brand on the other. The insights provided by the pragma-dialectic analysis are demonstrated by means of a case study examining a sponsorship segment by YouTuber PewDiePie, which shows that creators can employ specific types of presentational choices and audience adaptation strategically to undercut commitment to the sponsor while furthering the relationship with their viewers.
Journalists’ moves in political press conferences and their implications for accountability
Authors: Hernández Alfonso
Published: December 2021

Political press conferences are important spaces for public accountability because they give journalists the opportunity to scrutinize politicians’ decisions. However, the structure of press conferences poses specific constraints to journalists because their role is limited to ask questions. This situation is not problematic if their goal is to ask informative or critical questions, but it becomes problematic if journalists want to advance standpoints, arguments, or criticisms. In the latter case, journalists have to perform their argumentative moves through façade questions in order to comply with the protocol of press conferences. For this reason, it is not easy to distinguish the argumentative function of journalists’ questions, and consequently, their value for accountability. This paper draws on the pragma-dialectical theory of argumentation to give an argumentative account of political press conferences. Furthermore, the implications of journalists’ questions for accountability purposes are discussed.
>35% 5-junction space solar cells based on the direct bonding technique
Authors: Li Xinyi , Li Ge , Lu Hongbo , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2021

Multijunction solar cells are the highest efficiency photovoltaic devices yet demonstrated for both space and terrestrial applications. In recent years five-junction cells based on the direct semiconductor bonding technique (SBT), demonstrates space efficiencies >35% and presents application potentials. In this paper, the major challenges for fabricating SBT 5J cells and their appropriate strategies involving structure tunning, band engineering and material tailoring are stated, and 4-cm 2 35.4% (AM0, one sun) 5J SBT cells are presented. Further efforts on detailed optical managements are required to improve the current generating and matching in subcells, to achieve efficiencies 36%–37%, or above.
New UK open-access policy met with ‘deep concern’
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: December 2021

A new open-access policy from UK Research and Innovation has been broadly welcomed but some are concerned that the requirement for researchers to deposit the final version of a manuscript in a repository under no embargo will be harmful to standards.
What Can A Literary Critic Do? Thoughts on a Universal Design for Criticism
Authors: Adams Rachel
Published: December 2021

This essay expresses discomfort with Matthew Arnold’s description of the critic’s function as seeking out “the best that is known and thought in the world,” favoring instead the more neutral description, “an activity or purpose natural to a thing.” Inspired by the practice of universal design, which seeks to make the environment accessible to a diverse range of bodies and minds, it seeks to define the function of literary criticism in terms of what it can do, as well as a functional literary criticism, one that accommodates the widest possible range of texts, modes of reading, and interpretive practices. Refusing Arnold’s call for disinterest, it insists on a situated criticism that combines theory with personal experience. Because I am interested and because the only critical practice I can imagine for this present is fully interdependent with my nonprofessional life, this essay moves between an account of how literary criticism functions in my work as a teacher and a writer (focusing on the critical activities of formalism, cultural analysis, and syllabi-building), and how it might function to account for my neurodiverse son’s rebellious, creative, and total living through and with narrative.

[T]his essay moves between an account of how literary criticism functions in my work as a teacher and a writer, and [that of] my neurodiverse son’s rebellious, creative, and total living through and with narrative.
Into the range: a latitudinal gradient or a center-margins differentiation of ecological strategies in Arabidopsis thaliana?
Authors: Estarague Aurélien , Vasseur François , Sartori Kevin , Bastias Cristina C , Cornet Denis , Rouan Lauriane , Beurier Gregory , Exposito-Alonso Moises , Herbette Stéphane , Bresson Justine , Vile Denis , Violle Cyrille
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Determining within-species large-scale variation in phenotypic traits is central to elucidate the drivers of species’ ranges. Intraspecific comparisons offer the opportunity to understand how trade-offs and biogeographical history constrain adaptation to contrasted environmental conditions. Here we test whether functional traits, ecological strategies from the CSR scheme and phenotypic plasticity in response to abiotic stress vary along a latitudinal or a center- margins gradient within the native range of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Methods

We experimentally examined the phenotypic outcomes of plant adaptation at the center and margins of its geographic range using 30 accessions from southern, central and northern Europe. We characterized the variation of traits related to stress tolerance, resource use, colonization ability, CSR strategy scores, survival and fecundity in response to high temperature (34 °C) or frost (- 6 °C), combined with a water deficit treatment.

Key Results

We found evidence for both a latitudinal and a center-margins differentiation for the traits under scrutiny. Age at maturity, leaf dry matter content, specific leaf area and leaf nitrogen content varied along a latitudinal gradient. Northern accessions presented a greater survival to stress than central and southern accessions. Leaf area, C-scores, R-scores and fruit number followed a center-margins differentiation. Central accessions displayed a higher phenotypic plasticity than northern and southern accessions for most studied traits.

Conclusions

Traits related to an acquisitive/conservative resource-use trade-off followed a latitudinal gradient. Traits associated with a competition/colonization trade-off differentiated along the historic colonization of the distribution range and then followed a center-margins differentiation. Our findings pinpoint the need to consider the joint effect of evolutionary history and environmental factors when examining phenotypic variation across the distribution range of a species.
Fleshy fruit traits and seed dispersers: which traits define syndromes?
Authors: Rojas Tobias Nicolas , Zampini Iris Catiana , Isla María Inés , Blendinger Pedro G
Published: December 2021

Background and Aims

Fruit traits and their inter-relationships can affect foraging choices by frugivores, and hence the probability of mutualistic interactions. Certain combinations of fruit traits that determine the interaction with specific seed dispersers are known as dispersal syndromes. The dispersal syndrome hypothesis (DSH) states that seed dispersers influence the combination of fruit traits found in fruits. Therefore, fruit traits can predict the type of dispersers with which plant species interact. Here, we analysed whether relationships of fruit traits can be explained by the DSH. To do so, we estimated the inter-relationships between morphological, chemical and display groups of fruit traits. In addition, we tested the importance of each trait group defining seed dispersal syndromes.

Methods

Using phylogenetically corrected fruit trait data and fruit–seed disperser networks, we tested the relationships among morphological, chemical and display fruit traits with Pearson’s correlations and phenotypic integration indices. Then, we used perMANOVA to test if the fruit traits involved in the analysis supported the functional types of seed dispersers.

Key Results

Morphological traits showed strong intragroup relationships, in contrast to chemical and display traits whose intragroup trait relationships were weak or null. Accordingly, only the morphological group of traits supported three broad seed disperser functional types (birds, terrestrial mammals and bats), consistent with the DSH.

Conclusions

Altogether, our results give some support to the DSH. Here, the three groups of traits interacted in different ways with seed disperser biology. Broad functional types of seed dispersers would adjust fruit consumption to anatomical limitations imposed by fruit morphology. Once this anatomical filter is sovercome, seed dispersers use almost all the range of variation in chemical and display fruit traits. This suggests that the effect of seed dispersers on fruit traits is modulated by hierarchical decisions. First, morphological constraints define which interactions can actually occur; subsequently, display and composition determine fruit preferences.
Causation in the Law of State Responsibility
Authors: Lanovoy Vladyslav
Published: December 2021

This article examines the role that causation plays at different stages of the state responsibility analysis under international law. In the context of determining reparation, it argues that the standard of legal causation that best meets the two functions of the law of state responsibility is that of foreseeability of injury and not directness (‘a sufficiently direct and certain causal nexus’), even though the latter standard has been adopted by the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
The Legacy of F.F. Martens and the Shadow of Colonialism
Authors: Mälksoo Lauri
Published: December 2021

This article explores the colonialist legacy of the Russian international lawyer F.F. Martens (1845-1909) who is well known to contemporary international lawyers in particular thanks to the Martens Clause. The article highlights Martens’s activities legitimizing the Congo Free State, his publicist activity at the Revue de droit international et de legislation comparée and his quasi-legislative efforts at the Institut de Droit International, all emanating from his strong support to the distinction between civilized and uncivilized peoples in international law during the colonial era. The main argument in the article is that the colonialist part of the legacy of Martens has been downplayed for the purposes of celebratory myths of origin of international (humanitarian) law, but that this part of his legacy deserves to be remembered as well.