bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descartes’ Sum-Res-Cogitans-Argument in der Zweiten Meditation
Authors: Dierig Simon
Published: February 2021

Two major interpretations have been advanced for the sum res cogitans passage in Descartes’s Second Meditation. According to the first interpretation, he argues in this passage that only thinking belongs to his essence. According to the second interpretation, due to Anthony Kenny, Harry Frankfurt and others, no such claim is defended by Descartes. Rather, it is his aim to argue that only thinking can be ascribed to him with certainty. In this essay, it will be shown that the “naive”, essentialist reading of the sum res cogitans reasoning is closer to the text than the perhaps more sophisticated, purely epistemic reading. Although the interpretation defended here is not new, it will be arrived at by way of (hopefully) new arguments.
Comparative analysis of the SPL gene family in five Rosaceae species: Fragaria vesca, Malus domestica, Prunus persica, Rubus occidentalis, and Pyrus pyrifolia
Authors: Jiang Xuwen , Chen Peng , Zhang Xiaowen , Liu Qizhi , Li Heqin
Published: February 2021

SQUAMOSA promoter-binding protein-like (SPL) transcription factors are very important for the plant growth and development. Here 15 RoSPLs were identified in Rubus occidentalis. The conserved domains and motifs, phylogenetic relationships, posttranscriptional regulation, and physiological function of the 92 SPL family genes in Fragaria vesca, Malus domestica, Prunus persica, R. occidentalis, and Pyrus pyrifolia were analyzed. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed the SPL proteins had sequence conservation, some FvSPLs could be lost or developed, and there was a closer relationship between M. domestica and P. pyrifolia, F. vesca and R. occidentalis, respectively. Genes with similar motifs clustering together in the same group had their functional redundancy. Based on the function of SPLs in Arabidopsis thaliana, these SPLs could be involved in vegetative transition from juvenile to adult, morphological change in the reproductive phase, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and defense stress. Forty-eight SPLs had complementary sequences of miR156, of which nine PrpSPLs in P. persica and eight RoSPLs in R. occidentalis as the potential targets of miR156 were reported for the first time, suggesting the conservative regulatory effects of miR156 and indicating the roles of miR156-SPL modules in plant growth, development, and defense response. It provides a basic understanding of SPLs in Rosaceae plants.
ScatT-LOOP: scattering tetrolet-LOOP descriptor and optimized NN for iris recognition at-a-distance
Authors: Shirke Swati D. , Rajabhushnam Cherukuri
Published: February 2021

Iris Recognition at-a Distance (IAAD) is a major challenge for researchers due to the defects associated with the visual imaging and poor image quality in dynamic environments, which imposed bad impacts on the accuracy of recognition. Thus, in order to enable the effective IAAD, this paper proposes a new method, named, Chronological Monarch Butterfly Optimization (Chronological MBO)-enabled Neural Network (NN). The recognition of iris using NN is trained with the proposed Chronological MBO, which is developed through the combination of Chronological theory in Monarch Butterfly Optimization (MBO). The recognition becomes effective with the automatic segmentation and the normalization of iris image on the basis of Hough Transform (HT) and Daugman’s rubber sheet model followed with the process of feature extraction with the developed ScatT-LOOP descriptor, which is the integration of scattering transform (ST), Local Optimal Oriented Pattern (LOOP) descriptor, and Tetrolet transform (TT). The developed ScatT-LOOP descriptor extracts the texture as well as the orientation details of image for effective recognition. The analysis is evaluated with the CASIA Iris dataset with respect to the evaluation metrics, accuracy, False Acceptance Rate (FAR), and False Rejection Rate (FRR). The proposed method has the accuracy, FRR, and FAR of 0.97, 0.005, and 0.005, respectively. The experimental results proved that the proposed method is effective than the existing methods of iris recognition.
A Low-Dimensional Compact Finite Difference Method on Graded Meshes for Time-Fractional Diffusion Equations
Authors: Ghaffari Rezvan , Ghoreishi Farideh
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we propose an improvement of the classical compact finite difference (CFD) method by using a proper
orthogonal decomposition (POD) technique for time-fractional diffusion equations
in one- and two-dimensional space.
A reduced CFD method is constructed with lower dimensions such that it maintains the accuracy and
decreases the computational time in comparison with classical CFD method.
Since the solution of time-fractional diffusion equation typically has a weak singularity near the
initial time

t
=
0

{t=0}

, the classical L1 scheme on uniform meshes
may obtain a scheme with low accuracy. So, we use the L1 scheme on graded meshes for time discretization.
Moreover, we provide the error estimation between the reduced CFD method
based on POD and classical CFD solutions. Some numerical examples show the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method.
Exploring adolescents’ motives for food media consumption using the theory of uses and gratifications
Authors: Ngqangashe Yandisa , Maldoy Katrien , De Backer Charlotte J. S. , Vandebosch Heidi
Published: February 2021

Food media have become a formidable part of adolescents’ food environments. This study sought to explore how and why adolescents use food media by focusing on selectivity and motives for consumption. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 31 Flemish adolescents aged 12 to 16. Food media were both incidentally consumed and selectively sought for education, social utility, and entertainment. The levels of selectivity and motives for consumption varied among the different food media platforms. Incidental consumption was more prevalent with TV cooking shows compared to online food media. The dominant motives for TV cooking show consumption were companionship and entertainment, while online food media were used for a more diverse range of motives dominated by information/inspiration and social interaction. Some participants consumed food media to get motivation and inspiration to improve health and fitness (Fitspiration) while others consumed food media to watch appetizing and aesthetically pleasing food content (Food porn). The social environment in the form of friends and family as well as existing food preferences were dominant psychosocial factors for both traditional and online food media use. Future research is warranted to explore how incidental exposure and the identified motives for use relate to food media effects.
Explicit teaching of problem categorization using concept mapping, and an exploratory study of its effect on student achievement and on conceptual understanding – the case of chemical equilibrium problems
Authors: Bakolis Antonios , Stamovlasis Dimitrios , Tsaparlis Georgios
Published: February 2021

A crucial step in problem solving is the retrieval of already learned schemata from long-term memory, a process which may be facilitated by categorization of the problem. The way knowledge is organized affects its availability, and, at the same time, it constitutes the important difference between experts and novices. The present study employed concept maps in a novel way, as a categorization tool for chemical equilibrium problems. The objective was to determine whether providing specific practice in problem categorization improves student achievement in problem solving and in conceptual understanding. Two groups of eleventh-grade students from two special private seminars in Corfu island, Greece, were used: the treatment group (N = 19) and the control group (N = 21). Results showed that the categorization helped students to improve their achievement, but the improvement was not always statistically significant. Students at lower (Piagetian) developmental level (in our sample, students at the transitional stage) had a larger improvement, which was statistically significant with a high effect size. Finally, Nakhleh’s categorization scheme, distinguishing algorithmic versus conceptual subproblems in the solution process, was studied. Dependency of problem solving on an organized knowledge base and the significance of concept mapping on student achievement were the conclusion.
Entrepreneurial Decision-Making Under Risk
Authors: Ma Dalong , Fiet James O. , Dubofsky David A.
Published: February 2021

This research addresses how entrepreneurs may make different decisions compared to non-entrepreneurs when they face the same opportunities. We begin by considering the nexus between opportunities and entrepreneurs/non-entrepreneurs. From an entrepreneur’s perspective, based on dual-process theory, we examine how different thinking styles influence decision-making. From an opportunity perspective, based on prospect theory, we test how different types of opportunity framing influence decision-making. The results indicate that entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs assess opportunities differently. Our research design also provides a new method to elicit both the subjective value model and the probability-weighting model.
The Role and Impact of Fox News
Authors: Hoewe Jennifer , Brownell Kathryn Cramer , Wiemer Eric C.
Published: February 2021

Considering that cable news has become a primary source of political information for many Americans, this article examines the role and impact of Fox News in the United States, particularly as it compares to other news outlets. We begin by offering a historical analysis of Fox News’ formation and growth in popularity, including a review of existing scholarship on the network’s impact on news consumers. Prior research as well as an additional nationally-representative dataset reveals that two policy areas are particularly potent among Fox News’ consumers: immigration and climate change. Additionally, scholars have found initial evidence for the role of Fox News in shaping its viewers’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We then consider the cognitive processing utilized by news consumers, explaining how it may differ among individuals who opt to consume Fox News and those who get news from other sources. We conclude by reviewing why three specific areas—immigration, climate change, and COVID-19—resonate so strongly with Fox News consumers.
Misreporting: Social Scientists, Political Commentators, and the Politics of Presidential Selection
Authors: Sawyer Elizabeth M. , Shafer Byron E. , Wagner Regina L.
Published: February 2021

A familiar framework for interpreting the politics of presidential nomination, built on an accumulating body of social science research plus the extended observations of experienced commentators, received remarkably little use in the day-to-day reportage of the Democratic and Republican contests of 2016 and 2020 as they unfolded. So this paper begins by sketching out the factional structure of the modern Democratic and Republican parties, along with the bandwagon dynamic that recurrently resolves their factional disputes. It then applies these foundational interpretive factors to the two most recent pairs of nominating contests. What results are four orthodox and recurrent stories that stand in sharp contrast to media narratives that were all too frequently a mix of incomplete basic understandings plus wildly overemphasized idiosyncrasies.
Compact and novel coupled line microstrip bandpass filter based on stepped impedance resonators for millimetre-wave communications
Authors: Bhat Zahid A. , Sheikh Javaid A. , Khan Sharief D. , Rehman Raqeebur , Ashraf Shazia
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a compact and the low-cost coupled line band-pass filter with application to future generation millimetre-waves and 5G communications. The proposed approach of the filter design is based on the coupled-line and centre tapped upper and lower stepped impedance resonators. These resonators generate the sharp rejection, wide bandwidth, and abet to realize the compact filter. A detailed theoretical as well as the numerical analysis of the filter has also been investigated. As a demonstration, the proposed band-pass filter configuration has been designed and fabricated at the 33.5 GHz frequency using a low-cost PCB technique. It has observed that the proposed filter, results in a better return loss and the low insertion loss. The experimental results has been presented and compared with the simulated results and has found quite satisfactory. Moreover the results obtained validate a good agreement with each other.
Geochemistry of the black rock series of lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation, SW Yangtze Block, China: Reconstruction of sedimentary and tectonic environments
Authors: Liu Hao , Wang Chan , Li Yong , Deng Jianghong , Deng Bin , Feng Yuexing , Chen Hui , Xu Yunlong , Zhao Shaoze
Published: February 2021

The black rock series in the Qiongzhusi Formation contains important geochemical information about the early Cambrian tectonic and ecological environment of the southwestern Yangtze Block. In this paper, major, trace, and rare earth element data are presented in an attempt to reveal the sediment source during the deposition of the early Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation and to reconstruct the sedimentary tectonic environment and weathering intensity during that time. The basin primarily received continental clastic material with neutral-acidic igneous rocks from a stable source and with a moderate level of maturity during the depositional period of the Qiongzhusi Formation. Furthermore, the strata were weakly influenced by submarine hydrothermal fluids during diagenesis. The reconstruction of the sedimentary environment and weathering intensity shows that P2O5 enrichment and water body stratification occurred due to the effects of upwelling ocean currents during the depositional period of the Qiongzhusi Formation. The combination of upwelling and bottom-water hydrothermal fluids led to environmental changes in the study area, from dry and hot to moist and warm. Last, the reconstruction of the tectonic environment of the Qiongzhusi Formation indicates that deposition occurred in continental slope and marginal marine environments associated with a continental arc tectonic system. These findings provide an essential basis for the comprehensive reconstruction of the early Cambrian sedimentary environment of the Yangtze Block.
On the induced matching problem in hamiltonian bipartite graphs
Authors: Song Yinglei
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we study the parameterized complexity of theinduced matchingproblem in hamiltonian bipartite graphs and the inapproximability of the maximum induced matching problem in hamiltonian bipartite graphs. We show that, given a hamiltonian bipartite graph, the induced matching problem is W[1]-hard and cannot be solved in timeno⁢(k){n^{o(\sqrt{k})}}, wherenis the number of vertices in the graph, unless the 3SAT problem can be solved in subexponential time. In addition, we show that unlessNP=P{\operatorname{NP}=\operatorname{P}}, a maximum induced matching in a hamiltonian bipartite graph cannot be approximated within a ratio ofn1/4-ϵ{n^{1/4-\epsilon}}, wherenis the number of vertices in the graph.
Hot deformation behavior and processing maps of 9Cr3W3Co oxide dispersion-strengthened steel
Authors: Yang Wen-Sheng , Wang Jia-Wei , Jiang Lei , Wang Tian-Jian , Pei Yu-Bing
Published: February 2021

The hot deformation behavior of as-cast 9Cr3W3Co oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) steel was investigated by Gleeble 3500 facility in the temperature range of 900–1,150℃ and at strain rates range of 0.01–10 s−1. The constitutive equation and processing maps were established to describe this complex hot deformation process. The true stress–strain curves showed that the softening effects of dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization are stronger than the effect of work hardening with further increasing the temperature and strain. The optimal hot working parameters of 9Cr3W3Co-ODS steel are suggested to be T = 1,050–1,100°C and

ε
̇

\dot{\varepsilon }

= 0.03–0.3 s−1.
Performance and microbial community of a novel PVA/iron-carbon (Fe–C) immobilized bioreactor for nitrate removal from groundwater
Authors: Wen Qiong , Su Junfeng , Li Guoqing , Huang Tinglin , Xue Lei , Bai Yihan
Published: February 2021

An efficient immobilized denitrification bioreactor functioning under anaerobic conditions was developed by combining bacterial immobilization technology with iron-carbon (Fe–C) particles. The effects of key factors on nitrate (NO3
−–N) removal efficiency were invested, such as the carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N), pH and hydraulic retention time (HRT). Experimental results show that 100.00% NO3
−–N removal efficiency and a low level of nitrite (NO2
−–N) accumulation less than 0.05 mg L−1 were obtained under the condition of a C/N ratio of 3, pH 7.0 and HRT of 6 h. Meteorological chromatographic analysis showed that the final product of denitrification was mainly nitrogen (N2). The main component of precipitation formed in the bioreactor was characterized as Fe3O4 by X-ray diffraction. High-throughput sequencing analysis indicated that the dominant bacterial class in the Fe–C bioreactor was Gammaproteobacteria, while the dominant genera were Zoogloea and Azospira, the relative abundances of which were as high as 23.25 and 15.43%, respectively.
Hydrodynamics and mass transfer investigations in a biphasic plasma reactor
Authors: Ferhat Mohammed Fouad , Ghezzar Mouffok Redouane , Addou Ahmed
Published: February 2021

This work aims to investigate the radical mechanism responsible for the degradation of a highly soluble pollutant in water. The AG25 dye was chosen as substrate and the GAD-Spray as biphasic reactor to treat it remotely. The study is conducted through experiments and simulations using Comsol Multiphysics-chemical engineering module. The Hydrodynamics coupled with the plasma-reaction has demonstrated that a low mass transfer in the droplet favorites the removal of the pollutant. It indicates that the plasma-reactions take place at the stagnant liquid film are far from the bulk of the droplet. Numerical modeling fitted by the conversion rate of the reagent has shown that the peroxynitrous acid HOONO (PON) is responsible for the degradation of AG25 in water. Consequently, and according different kinetic mechanisms, a radical mechanism has been predicted based on this deduction. The removal and the degradation rates were of 88 and 83% respectively during 90 min after the plasma exposure. The results of simulations showed a significant agreement between the calculated and the real removal rate of AG25. Through this study, it can be confirmed that GAD-spray-tower plasma reactor is efficient to eliminate and degrade remotely a very soluble pollutant through the HOONO (PON) plasma long-lived species.
Effects of ultrasound extraction on the physicochemical and emulsifying properties of rice bran protein
Authors: Sun Li-Hui , Yu Feng , Wang Yu-Ying , Lv Shi-Wen , He Lei-Yu
Published: February 2021

In this study, rice bran protein was prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction, and its physicochemical and emulsifying properties were also evaluated. Results demonstrated that a significant increase in protein yield was observed when ultrasound-assisted method was employed for extracting protein. Noticeably, obtained rice bran protein possessed excellent physicochemical properties, such as oil absorption capacity, protein solubility and foaming property. More hydrophobic groups were exposed in the process of ultrasound-assisted extraction, which led to the increase of surface hydrophobicity. More importantly, the ultrasound-assisted extraction could improve emulsifying properties of rice bran protein, and the emulsions prepared using protein samples exhibited the great stability. Besides, it was also found that emulsifying properties of protein samples presented a decrease trend with increasing ultrasound power and time. All in all, ultrasound-assisted extraction is a suitable alternative process for preparing rice bran protein.
An accurate and novel numerical simulation with convergence analysis for nonlinear partial differential equations of Burgers–Fisher type arising in applied sciences
Authors: Kürkçü Ömür Kıvanç , Sezer Mehmet
Published: February 2021

In this study, the second-order nonlinear partial differential equations of Burgers–Fisher type are considered under a unique formulation by introducing a novel highly accurate numerical method based on the Nörlund rational polynomial and matrix-collocation computational system. The method aims to obtain a sustainable approach since it contains the rational structure of the Nörlund polynomial. A unique computer program module, which involves very few routines, is constructed to discuss the precision and efficiency of the method and these few steps are described via an algorithm. A residual function is employed in both the error and convergence analyses with mean value theorem for double integrals. The considered equations in the numerical tests stand for model phenomena arising widely in applied sciences. Graphical and numerical comparisons provide a clear observation about the consistency of the method. All results prove that the method is highly accurate, eligible, and provides the ultimate operation for aforementioned problems.
Simulation and analysis of ultra-low material loss of single-mode photonic crystal fiber in terahertz (THz) spectrum for communication applications
Authors: Hossain Md. Selim , Hasan Md. Mahedi , Sen Shuvo , Mollah Md. Sarwar Hossain , Azad Mir Mohammad
Published: February 2021

This analysis represents a circular shape based cladding with two elliptical shape cores in photonic crystal fiber (PCF) for the terahertz (THz) range. Here, we present a single-mode photonic crystal fiber (SM-PCF) with five layers of circular shape of air holes (CAH) structure along with two layers of elliptical shape of air holes (EAH) core configuration in the center to decrease the different types of losses. For broad-band communications, our proposed SM-PCF is highly useful due to the obtaining of ultra-low effective material loss (UML) in the terahertz regime. Perfectly matched layers (PMLs) and finite element method (FEM) established on COMSOL Multiphysics software has been used to design this PCF fiber. Simulated outcomes show a particularly an UML deficit of 0.014 cm−1, power fraction in the core area (CA) and large effective area (EA) of 72%, and 5.90 × 10−8 m2 respectively at 1 terahertz (THz) frequency. Also, other aspects of optical fiber for THz signal banquet with confinement loss (CL), scattering loss (SL) and V-parameter have been calculated here. Moreover, our proposed SM-PCF shows single-mode propagation by V-parameter pointer over 0.80–3 THz frequency. So, we can say that our designed PCF fiber will be suitable for various effective communication areas at the terahertz (THz) spectrum.
Usefulness of Growth Hormone (GH) Stimulation Tests and IGF-1 Concentration Measurement in GH Deficiency Diagnosis
Authors: Obara-Moszynska Monika , Kctdzia Andrzej , Korman Eugeniusz , Niedziela Marek
Published: February 2021

The diagnosis of growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) is still problematic for the clinician. There is no gold standard for estimating GH secretion. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic usefulness of spontaneous GH secretion test, pharmacological tests with insulin, clonidine, L-dopa, and glucagon, and IGF-1 measurement in GHD. We studied 180 prepubertal, short children. Predictive values were calculated for different GH cutoff levels for each diagnostic test. ROC curves were used to estimate the diagnostic usefulness of the tests. The results show that sleep is the strongest stimulatory agent for GH secretion. The estimation of GH secretion after onset of sleep can be used as a screening test in GHD diagnosis. The insulin test has the highest discrimination. A combination of insulin test with another provocative test allows high discrimination and accuracy for standard cut-off GH level. Measurement of IGF -I is characterized by low predictive values. IGF-1 level below the mean according to age indicates high probability of GHD. Auxological parameters should be the most important factor in diagnosing GHD.
Hyperglycemia and Hypoinsulinemia in Patients with Fanconi-Bickel Syndrome
Authors: Taha Doris , Al-Harbi Naffaa , Al-Sabban Essam
Published: February 2021

Fanconi-Bickel syndrome (FBS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the combination of hepatorenal glycogen accumulation and Fanconi-type nephropathy. Mutations in GLUT2, the gene for facilitative glucose transporter protein 2 (GLUT2), cause FBS. Aim: To evaluate glucose and insulin responses to oral glucose load in patients with FBS. Methods: Ten children (7.3 ± 4.8 years) diagnosed with FBS in early infancy underwent a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT); plasma glucose (PG) and serum insulin concentrations were measured at 30-min intervals for 2 hours. HbAtc, insulin-like growth factor-1, and fasting lipid profiles were also measured. Results: Mean fasting and 2-h PG concentrations were 3.8 ± 0.9 mmoVI and 8.6 ± 3.0 mmol/1, respectively. 2-hour PG levels were above 11.1 mmolll in two patients (20%) and between 7.75 and 11.1 mmoVI in four patients (40%). HbAtc was normal in all the patients with a mean of 5.4 ± 0.3%. Mean fasting and peak serum insulin levels were 8. 7 ± 0.8 pmol/1 and 98.6 ± 43.0 pmoVI, respectively, and did not differ between / the patients with normal and abnormal OGTT. , Patients with abnormal OGTT were younger ( 4.8 ± 3.2 vs 11.0 ± 4.8 yr; p = 0.04). Fasting PG increased with age (r = 0.80, p <0.01). Total and LDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride concentrations were elevated. Conclusions: Most but not all patients with FBS have impaired glucose tolerance/diabetes range hyperglycemia after OGTT while maintaining normal HbAtc· Patients with FBS are relatively hypoinsulinemic. Both fasting hypoglycemia and post-OGTT hyperglycemia seem to improve with age.
Sinitic as a typological sandwich: revisiting the notions of Altaicization and Taicization
Authors: Szeto Pui Yiu , Yurayong Chingduang
Published: February 2021

Decades of works dedicated to the description of (previously) lesser-known Sinitic languages have effectively dispelled the common myth that these languages share a single “universal Chinese grammar”. Yet, the underlying cause of their grammatical variation is still a matter for debate. This paper focuses on typological variation across Sinitic varieties. Through comparing the typological profiles of various Sinitic languages with those of their Altaic and Mainland Southeast Asian (MSEA) neighbors, we discuss to what extent the variation within the Sinitic branch can be attributed to areal diffusion. Taking into account over 360 language varieties of seven different genetic affiliations (Sinitic, Turkic, Mongolic, Tungusic, Hmong-Mien, Tai-Kadai, Austroasiatic) and 30 linguistic features, we conduct a typological survey with the aid of the phylogenetic program NeighborNet. Our results suggest that convergence towards their non-Sinitic neighbors has likely played a pivotal role in the typological diversity of Sinitic languages. Based primarily on their degree of Altaic/MSEA influence, the Sinitic varieties in our database are classified into four areal groups, namely 1) Northern, 2) Transitional, 3) Central Southeastern, 4) Far Southern. This classification scheme reflects the intricate interplay between areal convergence, regional innovations, and retention of archaic features.
A computational construction grammar approach to semantic frame extraction
Authors: Beuls Katrien , Van Eecke Paul , Cangalovic Vanja Sophie
Published: February 2021

This paper introduces a novel methodology for extracting semantic frames from text corpora. Building on recent advances in computational construction grammar, the method captures expert knowledge of how semantic frames can be expressed in the form of conventionalised form-meaning pairings, called constructions. By combining these constructions in a semantic parsing process, the frame-semantic structure of a sentence is retrieved through the intermediary of its morpho-syntactic structure. The main advantage of this approach is that state-of-the-art results are achieved, without the need for annotated training data. We demonstrate the method in a case study where causation frames are extracted from English newspaper articles, and compare it to a commonly used approach based on Conditional Random Fields (CRFs). The computational construction grammar approach yields a word-level F1 score of 78.5%, outperforming the CRF approach by 4.5 percentage points.
Effect of seasonality and microclimate on the variation in bat-fly load (Diptera: Streblidae) in a cave bat assemblage in a dry forest
Authors: Tlapaya-Romero Liliana , Santos-Moreno Antonio , Ibáñez-Bernal Sergio
Published: February 2021

Seasonality causes fluctuations in the availability of resources, affecting the presence and abundance of animal species. These fluctuations can have an impact on parasite-host relationships, which in turn can be exacerbated by microclimatic changes to which bat-flies are exposed. We characterized the bat-fly load and evaluated the effect of seasonality on five bat species in a dry forest. We evaluated variations in microclimatic conditions inside the cave Cerro Huatulco between seasons and the response of the bat-fly load. We collected 1165 bat-fly specimens belonging to 16 species from 688 bats. The obtained results indicate that the mean abundance and infestation intensity exhibited changes between seasons in Artibeus jamaicensis, Desmodus rotundus, Glossophaga soricina, and Pteronotus parnellii. In the case of the effect of microclimate conditions, we observed that prevalence is negatively correlated with temperature in G. soricina, while mean abundance and mean infestation intensity were negatively related to temperature in A. jamaicensis and G. soricina. The present study provides significant information about host-parasite relationships in a dry forest and discusses the relevance of abiotic and biotic factors that could affect host-parasite interactions, as well as the importance of each parasite load parameter for the understanding of this interaction.
Fertility problems in males carrying an inversion of chromosome 10
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Shi Qingyang , Liu Yanhong , Jiang Yuting , Yang Xiao , Liu Ruizhi , Zhang Hongguo
Published: February 2021

Chromosomal inversion is closely related to male infertility. Inversion carriers may produce abnormal gametes, which may lead to partial duplication/deletion of the embryonic chromosome and result in spontaneous abortion, a fetus with multiple anomalies, or birth of a malformed child. Genetic counselling remains challenging for these carriers in clinical practice. We report two male carriers with inversion of chromosome 10 and review 26 reported cases. In the first case, 46,XX,inv(10)(p13q22) of the fetal chromosome was found in prenatal diagnosis; this was inherited from the paternal side with 46XY,inv(10)(p13q22). Another case was a male carrier with inv(10)(q21.2q22.1). There have been 25 (89.3%) cases of pericentric inversion and three (10.7%) cases of paracentric inversion involving chromosome 10. Of 28 cases, nine were associated with pregestational infertility of the couples, while the other 19 cases were associated with gestational infertility of the couples or normozoospermia. The breakpoints at 10p15, 10p11, 10q11, and 10q21 were associated with pregestational infertility of the couples. The breakpoints at 10p15, 10p14, 10p13, 10p12, 10p11, 10q11, 10q21, 10q22, 10q23, 10q24, 10q25, and 10q26 were related to gestational infertility of the couples or normozoospermia. Although there is a high risk of infertility or recurrent miscarriages, carriers with inversion of chromosome 10 might produce healthy offspring. Natural pregnancy can be used as a choice for inversion carriers with recurrent spontaneous abortion.
The unembeddability of imperatives in Korean: Two different types of imperative morphology
Authors: Yim Changguk
Published: February 2021

This article presents additional data in support of the fact that imperatives cannot be embedded in Korean. It demonstrates that the language employs two different types of imperative morphology: one that occurs in main clauses and the other that occurs in embedded environments, and that their occurrence is mutually exclusive. That being the case, the main imperative morphology is a bona fide illocutionary force marker that is syntactically encoded in the main clauses only, whereas the embedded imperative morphology simply serves as a clause-type indicator with no illocutionary force.
Failure Analysis of Stainless Steel Sheets of Heat Shield Assembly of a Vacuum Degassing Furnace
Authors: Gupta R. K. , Kumar A. , Ganesh P. , Kaul R.
Published: February 2021

A twenty-five-year-old vacuum furnace is being used for degassing of ultra-high vacuum components. The heat shield assembly of the furnace comprised of one molybdenum (Mo) front sheet, followed by four 304 stainless steel (SS) sheets. During prolonged service of the furnace, SS sheets developed thick black oxide scale. As a part of refurbishment drive, the SS sheets were subjected to chemical cleaning in 20 % HNO3 + 1.5 % HF, which caused severe thinning along the edges of some sheets. Detailed analysis of a damaged SS sheet showed that the damage was caused by severe sensitization of edge region which underwent extensive intergranular corrosion during chemical cleaning. Important remedial measures suggested to avoid similar failures included: (i) use of type 316L or stabilized grades of austenitic SS sheets, (ii) use of two Mo front sheets in place of one and (iii) use of mechanical cleaning in place of chemical cleaning.
Zwei neuentdeckte Predigten des Nestorios: Adversus haereticos de divina trinitate (CPG 5691) und In symbolum fidei. Edition, Übersetzung und Kommentar
Authors: Kinzig Wolfram
Published: February 2021

A Greek codex in the Royal Library of Copenhagen contains two hitherto unknown homilies under the name of Basil of Seleucia (Against the Heretics on the Trinity and On the creed). In this article the editio princeps of both these texts is presented, accompanied by a German translation and a commentary. It is demonstrated that the sermons stem, in fact, from the pen of Nestorius and were probably delivered in 428/429. In addition, a careful examination of the creed included in the second sermon shows that it is closely related to the Creed of the Council of Constantinople (381) and was probably composed on the same occasion.
First-principles study on band gaps and transport properties of van der Waals WSe2/WTe2 heterostructure
Authors: Luo Yan , Tao Wang-Li , Hu Cui-E. , Cheng Yan , Ji Guang-Fu
Published: February 2021

Transition metal disulfides (TMDCs) have attracted extensive attention in recent years for their novel physical and chemical properties. Based on the first-principles calculations together with semi-classical Boltzmann transport theory, we explored the electronic structures and transport properties of van der Waals WSe2/WTe2 heterostructure. WSe2/WTe2 heterostructure has distinctive hexagon structure and isotropic thermal transport properties. To prove the accuracy of band structure, both Perdew–Burke–Eruzerhof (PBE) and Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof (HSE06) have been used to calculate the band structures. We simulated the band structures under uniaxial and biaxial strains from −8% to +8% and found that all band gaps calculated by HSE06 are larger than results calculated by PBE. More importantly, it was found that when the biaxial strain reaches ±8%, it undergone semiconductor to metal and the dynamic stabilities of WSe2/WTe2 heterostructure have been predicted at the same time. We calculated the mobilities of electrons and holes and found that the mobility of holes is larger than that of electrons. The obtained lattice thermal conductivity (LTC) of WSe2/WTe2 heterostructure at room temperature (70.694 W/mK) is significantly higher than other transition metal tellurium and transition metal selenium, such as PdSe2 (2.91 W/mK) and PdTe2 (1.42 W/mK) monolayers. Our works further enrich studies on the strain dependence of electronic structures and predicted high LTC of WSe2/WTe2 heterostructure, which provide the theoretical basis for experiments in the future.
The Physical Parameters of Tactical Climbing and Performance Characteristics of Naval Special Warfare Operators
Authors: Wood Dallas E. , Swain David P.
Published: February 2021

Wood, DE and Swain, DP. The physical parameters of tactical climbing and performance characteristics of naval special warfare operators. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 949–954, 2021—Vertical elevation may be critical for advantage to Special Operation Forces and require strength, power, endurance, and technique. This study sought to (a) study differences in physical capacities of Naval Special Warfare lead climbers from nonlead climbers, (b) compare anthropometrics of lead climbers from nonlead climbers, and (c) catalogue the types and weights of the various climbing systems to assess total system weight to the lead climber's body mass. Climbing surveys were collected and retrospective physical capacity data from 15 SEa, Air and Land lead climbers (age: 31.2 ± 5.1 years; height: 181.4 ± 6.4 cm; mass: 89.4 ± 10.0 kg; body fat: 14.1 ± 3.7%) were compared against previously reported data of 305 nonlead climbers (age: 28.8 ± 5.2 years; height: 177.6 ± 12.0 cm; mass: 85.8 ± 9.7 kg; body fat: 17.3 ± 4.7%). Lead climbers had significantly less body fat percentage (p = 0.017). Lead climbers also performed significantly better on the pro-agility test (p = 0.017) and deadlift (p = 0.002). The total mass reported for the climbing equipment for each tactical scenario was up to 4.9 kg for urban climbing, up to 13.7 kg for alpine climbing, and up to 8.0 kg for maritime climbing. With a typical combat load of 21.4 kg, adding an alpine climbing load exceeds one-third of the lead climbers' own body mass. Strength and conditioning programming for this population should take into consideration the total system weight for testing and training purposes and should also consider climbing-specific strength testing and training to optimize climbing capability.
Maximal Oxygen Consumption Requirements in Professional North American Ice Hockey
Authors: Ferland Pierre-Marc , Marcotte-L'Heureux Viviane , Roy Philippe , Carey Vincent D. , Charron Jérémie , Lagrange Sébastien , Leone Mario , Comtois Alain Steve
Published: February 2021

Ferland, P-M, Marcotte-L'Heureux, V, Roy, P, Carey, V, Charron, J, Lagrange, S, Leone, M, and Comtois, AS. Maximal oxygen consumption requirements in professional North American ice hockey. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 1586–1592, 2021—This study was designed to measure preseason on-ice relative V̇o
2max of professional ice-hockey players (n = 101 National Hockey League [NHL], 42 American Hockey League [AHL], 4 East Coast Hockey League [ECHL], and 15 Canadian Hockey League [CHL]) throughout 17 years and compare it between generations, league level, and position, and to verify if it was related to season and NHL career statistics. Relative V̇o
2max was measured on ice with a portable metabolic analyzer (K4b2, Cosmed, Rome) with full hockey equipment, except for the helmet with either the Skating Multistage Aerobic Test or the 30–15 intermittent ice test tests. Relative V̇o
2max results from both tests were compared between players of the same generation with an independent-samples T-test and were not significantly different. A one-way analysis of variance and post hoc pairwise tests were performed to detect significant differences between groups. Pearson correlations (two-tailed) were also performed between selected variables. All statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results show that there are no significant differences for relative V̇o
2max between generations (2001–2003 vs. 2006 vs. 2015–2017), league level (NHL vs. AHL vs. ECHL vs. CHL), and position (winger, center, and defense), other than the ECHL being lower. There are also no significant relationships between V̇o
2max values and hockey season and NHL career statistics. Thus, the results show that there is a minimal relative V̇o
2max requirement to play North American ice hockey at the elite level (55.9 ± 5.2 ml·kg−1·min−1; n = 162). Future research should be directed toward comparing V̇o
2max of elite and amateur ice-hockey players to confirm the minimal relative V̇o
2max requirement to play North American ice hockey at the elite level.
Hamstring Muscle Volume as an Indicator of Sprint Performance
Authors: Nuell Sergi , Illera-Domínguez Víctor , Carmona Gerard , Macadam Paul , Lloret Mario , Padullés Josep Maria , Alomar Xavier , Cadefau Joan Aureli
Published: February 2021

Nuell, S, Illera-Domínguez, V, Carmona, G, Macadam, P, Lloret, M, Padullés, JM, Alomar, X, and Cadefau, JA. Hamstring muscle volume as an indicator of sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 902–909, 2021—This study aimed to compare mechanical properties and performance during sprinting, as well as thigh muscle volumes (MVs), between national-level sprinters and physically active males. In addition, the relationships between thigh MVs and sprint mechanical properties and performance were investigated. Seven male sprinters and 9 actives performed maximal‐effort 40-m sprints. Instantaneous velocity was measured by radar to obtain theoretical maximum force (F0), the theoretical maximum velocity (V0), and the maximum power (Pmax). For MV assessment, series of cross-sectional images of each subject's thigh were obtained by magnetic resonance imaging for each of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and the adductor muscle group. Sprinters were faster over 10 m (7%, effect size [ES] = 2.12, p < 0.01) and 40 m (11%, ES = 3.68, p < 0.01), with significantly higher V0 (20%, ES = 4.53, p < 0.01) and Pmax (28%, ES = 3.04, p < 0.01). Sprinters had larger quadriceps (14%, ES = 1.12, p < 0.05), adductors (23%, ES = 1.33, p < 0.05), and hamstrings (32%, ES = 2.11, p < 0.01) MVs than actives. Hamstrings MV correlated strongly with 40-m sprint time (r = −0.670, p < 0.01) and V0 (r = 0.757, p < 0.01), and moderately with Pmax (r = 0.559, p < 0.05). Sprinters were significantly faster and had greater V0 and Pmax than active males. Larger MVs were found in sprinters' thighs, especially in the hamstring musculature, and strong correlations were found between hamstring MV and sprint mechanical properties and sprint performance.
Hydrogen Rich Water Consumption Positively Affects Muscle Performance, Lactate Response, and Alleviates Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness After Resistance Training
Authors: Botek Michal , Krejčí Jakub , McKune Andrew , Valenta Michal , Sládečková Barbora
Published: February 2021

Botek, M, Krejčí, J, McKune, A, Valenta, M, and Sládečková, B. Hydrogen rich water consumption positively affects muscle performance, lactate response, and alleviates delayed onset of muscle soreness after resistance training. J Strength Cond Res 36(10): 2792–2799, 2022—Positive outcomes of hydrogen rich water (HRW) supplementation on endurance performance have been shown, but the effects of HRW in resistance training are unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of 1,260 ml of HRW intake on physiological, perceptual, and performance responses to a resistance training and after 24 hours of recovery. This randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled cross-over study included 12 men aged 23.8 ± 1.9 years. Subjects performed a half squat, knee flexion, and extension exercises with the load set at 70% of 1 repetition maximum for 3 sets (10 reps/set). Lunges were performed with a load of 30% of body mass for 3 sets (20 reps/set). Time of each set, lactate, and ratings of perceived exertion were assessed mid-way through exercise and immediately after the exercise. Creatine kinase, muscle soreness visual analog scale ratings, countermovement jump, and heart rate variability were evaluated before the training and at 30 minutes, 6, and 24 hours of recovery. Lunges were performed faster with HRW compared with placebo (p < 0.001). Hydrogen rich water reduced lactate at mid-way and immediately after the exercise (HRW: 5.3 ± 2.1 and 5.1 ± 2.2, placebo: 6.5 ± 1.8 and 6.3 ± 2.2 mmol·L−1, p ≤ 0.008). Visual analog scale ratings were significantly lower with HRW (26 ± 11 vs. 41 ± 20 mm, p = 0.002) after 24 hours of recovery. In conclusion, an acute intermittent HRW hydration improved muscle function, reduced the lactate response, and alleviated delayed onset of muscle soreness.
Acute Effects of Match-Play on Neuromuscular and Subjective Recovery and Stress State in Division I Collegiate Female Soccer Players
Authors: Ishida Ai , Bazyler Caleb D. , Sayers Adam L. , Mizuguchi Satoshi , Gentles Jeremy A.
Published: February 2021

Ishida, A, Bazyler, CD, Sayers, AL, Mizuguchi, S, and Gentles, JA. Acute effects of match-play on neuromuscular and subjective recovery and stress state in Division I collegiate female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 976–982, 2021—The purpose of this study was to investigate acute effects of match-play on neuromuscular performance and subjective recovery and stress state and the relationship between training load (TL) and changes in neuromuscular performance in female soccer players. Twelve National Collegiate Athlete Association Division I players participated (20.7 ± 2.3 years; 64.4 ± 7.2 kg; 164.5 ± 6.0 cm) and completed countermovement jump (CMJ) at 0 kg (CMJ0) and 20 kg (CMJ20) and the Short Recovery Stress Scale (SRSS) at 3 hours pre-match (Pre), 12 hours post-match (Post12), and 38 hours post-match (Post38). Countermovement jump variables included body mass, jump height (JH), modified reactive strength index (RSI), peak force (PF), relative PF, eccentric impulse, concentric impulse (CI), peak power (PP), relative PP (RPP), eccentric average PP, and concentric average power (CAP). The SRSS consists of 4 Stress Scales (SSs) and 4 Recovery Scales (RSs). Training loads included total distance, total PlayerLoad, high-speed running, and session ratings of perceived exertion. Significant moderate to large decreases were observed from Pre to Post12 in JH, RSI, CI, PP, RPP, and CAP in CMJ0 and CMJ20 (p < 0.05, effect size [ES] = 0.63–1.35). Significant changes were observed from Pre to Post12 in all RSs (p < 0.05, ES = 0.65–0.79) and 3 SSs (p < 0.05, ES = 0.71–0.77). Significant correlations were observed between CMJ20 PP from Pre to Post12 and all TLs (p < 0.05, r = −0.58 to −0.68). CMJ0 and CMJ20 JH and PP may indicate acute neuromuscular changes after match-play. The magnitude of CMJ20 PP decrements from Pre to Post12 may be affected by soccer match-play volumes.
Implikasi Pola Kerja Telensefalon dan Korteks Cerebral dalam Pendidikan Jasmani
Authors: Mustafa Pinton Setya
Published: February 2021

Tujuan dari artikel ini membahas tentang pola kerja telensefalon dan korteks cerebral dan implikasinya dalam pendidikan jasmani. Telensefalon berperan berbagai proses, yaitu: penentuan kecerdasan, penentuan kepribadian, menginterpretasi rangsang berbagai indra. Sedangkan Korteks cerebral berperan sebagai pusat integrasi untuk informasi sensorik dan regio pengambil keputusan bagi berbagai jenis output motorik. Dengan demikian korteks cerebral memiliki sumbang asih pada pembelajaran gerak, khususnya dalam pendidikan jasmani. Selain itu perkembangan korteks cerebral juga dapat dibentuk melalui pembelajaran gerak yang tepat.The purpose of this article discusses the work patterns of telencephalon andr brain cortex and their implications in physical education. Telencephalon won various processes, namely: intelligence, personality selection, interpreting the various sensory stimuli. While the Cortex acts as an information center for sensory and requests decisions for various types of motor. Thus the brain cortex has a contribution to the learning of motion, specifically in physical education. In addition, the development of the brain cortex can also be built through the learning of appropriate motion.