bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Water Stress in Rice Fields Incorporating Environmental Parameters
Authors: Kamran Muhammad , Ahmad Sajid Rasheed , Chohan Khurram , Akhtar Azeem , Hassan Amna , Khan Rao Mansoor Ali
Published: October 2022

Rice is considered as a major crop due to its demand globally. Pakistan is famous throughout the world to produce export quality rice which have healthy contribution in boosting the regional economy. Rice plant require plenty of water for its proper growth and development therefore, water conservation is significant to maintain water reserves for a sustainable future. The main objective of this study was to identify day-to-day availability of water in rice fields from Germination to Ripening (GTR) using Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA) model. CASA model incorporates real-time parameter e.g., temperature, pressure, extraterrestrial radiations, Leaf Area Index (LAI), vapor pressure and sunshine hours to compute net-shortwave radiations (Rns), net-longwave radiations (Rnl), net-radiations (Rn), actual incoming radiations (Rso), sensible heat flux (H), ground heat flux (Go) and finally the water stress (W). The averaged values of Rn, Rso, Rns, Rnl and H were computed as 206, 319, 178, 34 and 124 (wm-2) respectively for GTR. Total expected sunshine hours were 1584h but we could receive only 874 h during GTR due to “off and on” cloud activity. LAI and Go were observed in inverse relation to each other.
Hybrid Integration Model in Industry 4.0 for Lean Management (HIM)
Authors: Pervez Huma
Published: October 2022

In many large organizations, there is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that needs to be integrated with a third-party system to provide real-time services to their customers. To achieve this, these organizations’(ERP) systems should have inbound (IB) and outbound (OB) integration capability through APIs. In this paper, we have proposed and implemented a Hybrid Integration Model (HIM) in Industry 4.0 for Lean Management. This research was implemented in an Airline Travel Company (ATC) in which an In-house ERP system is real-time-integrated (In-bound) with Global Distribution System (GDS) through API’s i-e, soap &rest-based web services for online ticketing as well other Miscellaneous facilities i-e (Auto SMS Email) using Horizontal Integration Model in Industry 4.0 and also integrated (Outbound) with 3rd party General Ledger (GL) system. Integrating an ERP system with GL is an automated business process that requires implementing API’s and developing automatic routines to move the data between ERP & GL Systems as per user requirements. Our proposed model is fully automated where no human intervention is involved while transferring data from ERP to GL and following all standards recommended by industry 4.0 for Lean Management.
Knowledge Acquisition System for Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Liaqat Muhammad Sheharyar , Haq Ihtisham ul , Burhan Muhammad , Mayo Shakir Mahmood
Published: October 2022

Human has aptitude to understand the knowledge from different life circumstances, experiences for acquire from these experiences and use itself for the erudition of Common Sense acquaintance for making the imperative conclusions in life. That is principal alteration between Out-dated Artificial Intelligence (AI), Expert Systems (ES) and Humans. Due to this capability, human could directly handle conclusion circumstances but in systems they have deficiency of generality, rules state of mind and Sentiments skills. Human circumstantial experiences communicate about how to live in social cultures where the common-sense knowledge is very vigorous. Subsequently Opinion Mining become very substantial method in now days. Two core categories for the system how to grow Sentimental Knowledge Acquisitions with the help of these two. Analyses around diverse methods used for Opinion Mining and forthcoming work might be ensue in approaching years for Sentimental Knowledge Acquisition.
Web Kamerayı Açmak ya da Açmamak: Uzaktan Senkron Eğitimde Derse Giren Lisans Öğrencileri Web Kameraya Nasıl Bir Anlam Yüklüyorlar?
Authors: CINGI Mustafa , MİRZA Elifnur , SAMEN Kübranur
Published: October 2022

COVID-19 pandemisi sürecinde yüz yüze eğitim yapmanın imkânsızlığı, eğitimin senkron/canlı dersler üzerinden yapılmasını gerekli kılmıştır. Bu eğitimlerde öğreten ve öğrenen arasında karşılıklı iletişimi sağlayabilecek yegâne araç web kamerasıdır. Uzaktan senkron eğitimlerde çok az sayıda öğrenci web kamerasını açarak derslere katılırken öğrencilerin çoğunluğu web kamerasını açmamayı tercih etmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacını da öğrencilerin niçin web kameralarını açmadıklarını, web kamerasını açan öğrencilerin ise derse katılımlarının dışında farklı motivasyonlarla hareket edip etmediğini anlamak oluşturmaktadır. Nitel araştırma yöntemi desenlerinden fenomenolojinin benimsendiği bu çalışmada 21 üniversite öğrencisi ile derinlemesine mülakatlar gerçekleştirilmiştir. Öğrencilerin arkadaşlarından sıyrılmasını sağlaması, özgüvenlerini arttırması ve öz disiplini sağlaması öğrencilerin web kamera açmalarındaki temel motivasyonlar olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Web kamera öğrencilerde akademik başarı ile özdeşleşmektedir. Öğretim elemanlarının ders işleyiş şekli, öğrencinin ekranda nasıl görüneceğiyle ilgili duyduğu endişeler ve rahatlıktan ödün vermek istememeleri öğrencileri web kamera açmamaya sevk eden unsurlar olarak ön plana çıkmaktadır. Web kamera onlar için zahmet anlamına gelmektedir. Web kamerasını açmayan öğrencilerin tamamında sürü psikolojisi hissinin yoğun olarak yaşandığı görülmüştür.
Seagrass roots strongly reduce cliff erosion rates in sandy sediments
Authors: Infantes E , Hoeks S , Adams MP , van der Heide T , van Katwijk MM , Bouma TJ
Published: October 2022

Vegetated coastal ecosystems such as saltmarshes, mangroves and seagrass beds are increasingly promoted as sustainable storm and flood defence solutions by reducing wave energy. Yet, there is still intense debate on the ability of root mats to mitigate erosion, with some studies arguing that the direct contribution of roots in preventing sediment erosion is minor, while others consider them of major importance. Here, we hypothesized that the contrasting findings on the role of seagrass root mats in preventing erosion may stem from differences in sediment type. To test this idea, we investigated how root mats of seagrass that thrives in both sandy and muddy sediments mitigate wave-induced cliff erosion using Zostera marina in manipulative flume experiments. Results demonstrate that roots are very effective in reducing cliff erosion rates in sandy sediments. Cliff erosion rates were reduced up to 70% in sandy sediment with high seagrass root biomass. In contrast, cliff erosion rates in cohesive muddy sediments were low and unaffected by seagrass roots. This highlights the important role of seagrass roots in erosion mitigation, which has been overlooked compared to the role of canopies, which has received more attention. We suggest that management strategies should be developed to enhance the stabilization of sandy sediment, such as (1) using species with high belowground biomass, (2) using fast-growing pioneer species and (3) applying temporary stabilising measures.
The Pengaruh Pengaruh Kualitas Pelayanan Petugas Pajak, Sanksi Perpajakan, Tarif Pajak Dan Kondisi Keuangan Terhadap Kepatuhan Wajib Umkm Selama Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Irawan Rifka Ayu , Putri Anisa
Published: October 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kualitas pelayanan petugas pajak, sanksi perpajaka, tarif pajak dan kondisi keuangan terhadap kepatuhan wajib pajak UMKM selama masa pandemi covid-19. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode kuantitatif. Penelitian dilakukan kepada UMKM di Kota Bekasi dengan 23.000 populasi tahun 2021. Sampel penelitian yang digunakan adalah 100 responden pengusaha UMKM di Kota Bekasi. Dengan teknik pangambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling. Metode analisis regresi yang digunakan adalah regresi linear berganda. Hasil uji statistik, variabel kualitas pelayanan petugas pajak, sanksi perpajakan dan kondisi keuangan  berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepatuhan wajib pajak UMKM di Kota Bekasi. Sedangkan tarif pajak tidak berpengaruh terhadap kepatuhan wajib pajak UMKM di Kota Bekasi.
Analysis Of Factors That Affect The Tendency Of Accounting Fraud In The Village Government In Mojoagung District Of Jombang Regency
Authors: Thorik Mochamad , , Munari
Published: October 2022

Fraud is one of the big problems in accounting. Corruption has to do with fraud. In 2015 the central government allocated a considerable village-level budget to the village head for village-level development, but in reality there are still many cases of village governments misusing village funds. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine whether organizational culture, effectiveness of internal controls, adherence to accounting rules and compensation conformity negatively influence accounting fraud tendencies. Quantitative is this type of research. The primary data used in this research was distributed through an online questionnaire filled out by 54 respondents, consisting of the Village Head, Village Secretary, and Head of The Village Government Finance Section of Mojoagung District of Jombang Regency. Multiple linear regression analysis is used to analyze the data in this research. The results of this study showed that organizational culture and adherence to accounting rules had an insignificant positive influence, while the effectiveness of internal controls had a significant negative influence and the suitability of compensation had no significant negative influence on accounting fraud tendencies.
Keywords: Culture; Effectiveness; Obedience; Conformity; Fraud
Mediating Role of Corporate Governance on the Effect of Earnings Management and Financial Risk on Firm Value
Authors: Putra Defriko Gusma , Pratama Yodi , Pratama Indra Mulia , Selvia Nisha
Published: October 2022

This study is to determine the effect of earnings management with discretionary accruals indicators and financial risk with debt to equity ratio (DER) indicators on firm value with price earning ratio (PER) indicators with corporate governance as a mediating variable with managerial ownership and institutional ownership indicators. The research method is quantitative with the object of research being the Property and Real Estate sub-sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) during 2015-2017 with all out observations of 87 information. The test results show that earnings management variables have a negative and significant effect on firm value. The financial risk variable has a negative and significant effect on firm value. The corporate governance variable has a positive and significant effect on firm value. The effect of earnings management on firm value has a negative effect on corporate governance as a mediating variable. This shows that corporate governance can reduce earnings management actions. The effect of financial risk on firm value has a negative effect by the company's administration as a mediating variable. This shows that corporate governance can reduce financial risk. The results of this study provide a theoretical contribution that supports agency theory and corporate governance, which in turn makes a practical contribution to the implementation of good corporate governance in companies.
Perbandingan Rasio Keuangan dan Risiko Kebangkrutan Sebelum dan Sesudah Pandemi Pada Healthcare Firms di Bursa Efek Indonesia
Authors: Valencia Clara , , Yuliyani , Jannah Lu'lu'ul
Published: October 2022

Negara Indonesia mengalami pendemi Covid-19 pada tahun 2020. Kondisi ini berdampak pada banyak sektor, salah satunya sektor kesehatan. Penelitian ini meneliti perusahaan Heatlhcare yang terdapat di Bursa Efek Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan rasio keuangan dan risiko kebangkrutan yang dialami perusahaan Healthcare sebelum dan sesudah pandemi. Sampel perusahaan adalah 21 perusahaan Healtcare di BEI. Variabel yang digunakan adalah rasio-rasio keuangan seperti rasio likuiditas yang diukur dengan Current Ratio (CR); rasio leverage yang diukur dengan Debt to Assets Ratio (DR); rasio aktivitas yang diukur dengan Fixed Assets Turnover Ratio (FATO); rasio profitabilitas yang diukur denganGross Profit Margin (GPM) dan risiko kebangkrutan yang diukur dengan Altman Z-Score. Paired Sample T-test adalah teknik analisis yang digunakan untuk melihat kondisi data berdistribusi normal dan Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test untuk data yang tidak terdistribusi normal. Penelitian ini memiliki hasil bahwa semua variabel yang diteliti tidak memiliki perbedaan sebelum dan sesudah pandemi. Dari 21 sampel perusahaan Healthcare di BEI antara tahun 2019-2020 terdapat dua perusahaan yang berada di zona merah (bangkrut) dan satu perusahaan pada hasil yang rentan (grey zone). Sehingga dapat disimpulkan rata-rata perusahaan Healthcare di BEI tidak mengalami penurunan atau kesulitan mempertahankan perusahaannya.
Penerapan Konsep Divergence pada Indikator Momentum MACD
Authors: Nanda T. Syifa Fadrizha
Published: October 2022

Analisa teknikal di desain untuk memberikan informasi historis pergerakan harga dan berfungsi sebagai alat baik bagi investor maupun trader untuk mendapatkan gambaran mengenai pergerakan harga pada suatu pasar agar dapat memproyeksikan kemungkinan-kemungkinan apa yang mungkin terjadi di masa yang akan datang. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menguji penggunaan indikator momentum (MACD) pada teknikal analisis dalam mengidentifikasi perubahan trend pada pergerakan indeks harga saham gabungan (IHSG), dengan menerapkan konsep penyimpangan (divergence) antara pergerakan harga dengan indikator momentum. Kajian ini merupakan penelitian terapan atas konsep divergence dengan menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Data cross-sectional dari pergerakan IHSG dan pergerakan indikator MACD selama 8 tahun (2014-2021) pada time frame harian digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Pengamatan pergerakan indikator dan pergerakan harga dilakukan untuk mendeteksi sinyal divergence dari garis MACD dan histogram dengan parameter MACD 26, 12, dan 9. Platform charting Tradingview digunakan dalam melakukan analisa dan pengamatan. Hasil kajian ini membuktikan bahwa sinyal divergence pada osilator momentum (MACD) dapat diandalkan untuk mendeteksi perubahan kekuatan pada pergerakan suatu trend harga. Selanjutnya, kajian ini menyimpulkan bahwa sinyal tersebut dapat digunakan sebagai early warning signal guna mengantisipasi adanya perubahan trend.
Kata Kunci: Divergence; Momentum Indicator; MACD; Technical Analysis.
THERMAL ANALYSIS OF HIGH SPEED ROLLER BEARING BASED ON PARTIAL POWER LOSS PREDICTION
Authors:   Northwestern Polytechnical University, Pan Ying , Gao Wenjun ,   Northwestern Polytechnical University, li Kun ,   Northwestern Polytechnical University
Published: October 2022

In the operation of rolling element bearings(REBs), lack of a more complete understanding of the thermal characteristics severely limits its reliability. In this paper, an ananalytical approach is presented to combine the thermal network method with partial power loss prediction, to obtain a more precise thermal analysis of REBs. Bearing elements, including the inner and outer rings, the rollers and the cage, were represented by hundreds of finite-element nodes, and a thermal network was built based on their heat transfer relationship. Friction losses in different contact zones of the bearing were calculated by solving a quasi-dynamic model, which were added to the nodes in the contact zones as their heat source. By comparing with experimental results, the error of predicted temperature of the surface centerline of outer ring is less than 13%, indicating that the method developed in this paper is reliable enough for roller bearing’s thermal analysis.
TOWARDS REAL TIME TRANSIENT MGT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT: EFFECTIVE PREDICTION USING ACCURATE COMPONENT MODELLING TECHNIQUES
Authors:   Université Catholique de Louvain, University of Mons (UMONS), Aggelos Gaitanis Aggelos Gaitanis , Antoine Laterre Antoine Laterre ,   Université Catholique de Louvain, Francesco Contino Francesco Contino ,   Université Catholique de Louvain, Ward De Paepe Ward De Paepe ,   University of Mons (UMONS)
Published: October 2022

In an energy mix driven by renewables there is a need for small-scale highly efficient and flexible cogeneration units, such as Micro Gas Turbines (mGTs). These mGTs should perform transient operations and work at part-load to meet the power grid requirements. Therefore, full transient characterisation is necessary. One of the most crucial factors is to accurately incorporate the dynamic behaviour of each component. Compressor and Turbine performance maps, although essential, are usually obtained in costly test rigs or CFD simulations. Also, the accurate modelling of heat exchanger affects the efficiency of the whole cycle. The aim of this work is the development of real time transient mGT model, where we focus in the first step on accurate component modelling. Hence, an effective performance map representation method for mGT's compressor and turbine was developed. Moreover, a Recuperator 1-D numerical model is developed. Those modelling techniques were tested in a MATLAB/SIMULINK model in transient conditions. The fundamental target of this study is to enhance the fidelity of dynamic simulations for small scale gas turbines. Key parameters like shaft speed and combustor inlet temperature, show deviation from experiments less than 1% which solidifies our aim to establish a general and efficient performance prediction.
Research on the Influence of Variable Geometry Power Turbine Speed Adjustable on the Overall Performance of Turboshaft Engine
Authors:   Institute of Impeller Machinery and Supercharging Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhiwei Cui Zhiwei Cui , Weilin Yi Weilin Yi ,   Institute of Impeller Machinery and Supercharging Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology
Published: October 2022

Turboshaft engine has been widely used in aviation, land and other fields, and its operating range is expanding day by day. The performance of turboshaft engine with fixed geometry and fixed speed power turbine is greatly restricted. In this paper, T700 turboshaft engine is taken as the research object to explore the influence of variable power turbine geometry and adjustable speed on its overall performance. Referring to the design parameters of the engine, the 0D calculation model of turboshaft engine is built by using Matlab/Simulink platform. The influence of power turbine speed change on the overall performance is analysed, and the influence law of speed change on the overall fuel consumption is obtained, and the optimal variable speed strategy is determined. The characteristic diagram of the power turbine under different guide vane openings is obtained by using the NUMECA three-dimensional numerical simulation. After modeling, the overall performance series analysis is carried out, and the influence law of the different guide vane openings on the overall fuel consumption rate of the power turbine is obtained. Based on the relevant calculation results, the performance change of variable geometry power turbine is determined when the speed changes.
EFFECTS OF GROOVE STRUCTURE ON AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE OF A TURBINE BLADE
Authors:   Northwestern Polytechnical University, Fan Xin , Wu Yan ,   Northwestern Polytechnical University, Zhou Xiao ,   Northwestern Polytechnical University, Guo Xin ,   Northwestern Polytechnical University
Published: October 2022

In the tip gap between a blade and the casing, there are many highly three-dimensional and complex flow structures, which leads to significantly reduce the aerodynamic performance of a turbine. And the interaction between the tip leakage flow and the main passage flow is a substantial source of aerodynamic loss. In order to minimize the flow loss caused by the tip clearance leakage flow to the high-pressure turbine blades, the first-stage rotor of the GE-E3 high-pressure turbine introduced a groove structure and optimized the design parameters. Firstly, the control effect of the groove structure is proved.Then the influence of the design parameter of groove depth on the control effect is studied. Finally, based on the uniform design method, the flow control effect of the groove structure with different design parameter combinations is numerically simulated to obtain the optimal design plan for controlling the tip clearance leakage flow. The results show that there is an optimal groove depth value; the total pressure loss coefficient at the 110% axial chord length is reduced by 9.84%, and the rotor blade efficiency is increased by 0.323%. The obstructive effect of the groove structure causes the airflow to separate after passing through the pressure surface to form a return zone, which hinders the leakage flow and reduces the leakage loss.
METHOD FOR MODELING THE THERMAL STATE OF TURBINE BLADES OF AIRCRAFT ENGINES DURING THERMAL CYCLING TESTS
Authors:   Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), Alexander Roaldovich Lepeshkin Alexander Roaldovich Lepeshkin , Zheng Guanghua Zheng Guanghua ,   Northwestern Polytechnic University
Published: October 2022

Test method for turbine cooled blades of gas turbine engines is developed. The new approaches during development of inductor structures, induction heating devices, cooling systems, hydraulic force loading system and methods for their design to provide the prescribed nonuniform heating the turbine cooled blades and to carry out more effective the thermocyclic tests are presented taking into account the developed test method. Study of effect of the clearances between inductor and blade surface and change of inductor efficiency on the thermal state of blade is presented. The test rig and improved systems of induction heating and mechanical loading are used to improve accuracy and simulate more complete the operating thermomechanical loading the full-scale cooled and uncooled blades at the thermocyclic tests. The results of rig testing the turbine cooled monocrystalline blades of gas turbine engine are received according to the developed test method.
Características de la transposición dental en radiografías panorámicas digitales de pediátricos. Estudio retrospectivo
Authors: Cuadra Gonzaga Mayra Katherine , Corral Peñafiel David Francisco , Perea Paz Miguel Benjamín , Ubaqui Víctor Calderón
Published: October 2022

Objective: To evaluate of characteristics of dental transposition in digital panoramic radiographs of pediatric patients. Methods: A transversal, descriptive and retrospective study was carried out with 2386 digital panoramic radiographs of patients who are among 6 and 17, attended at Cayetano Heredia University dental center from 2015 to 2018. Results: The dental transposition frequency was 0.96%, of which 52.17% were female and the complete den­tal transpositions were 96.55%. According to the localization in the right-upper quadrant represents 51.72% and left-upper quadrant represents 48.28%. The premolar maxillary canines’ transpositions are most usual and represents 82.76%. Conclusions: The dental transposition frequency was low, the complete dental transposition was more common, and they were located on the upper maxilla with a predilection on the right side. The canine tooth and first premolar transpositions were more usual, and the dental transpositions were predominant on female.
La Educación en Odontología: volviendo a la presencialidad
Authors: Valdivieso Vargas Machuca Mónica Janet
Published: October 2022

Se ha escrito mucho sobre las consecuencias de la pandemia de la COVID 19 y en todos los aspectos de nuestras vidas, nos encontró poco preparados para poder enfrentarla, arrastrándonos a un caos del que finalmente, al parecer empezamos a salir.
Kappa-carrageenan-Functionalization of octacalcium phosphate-coated titanium Discs enhances pre-osteoblast behavior and osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Cao Wei , Jin Jianfeng , Wu Gang , Bravenboer Nathalie , Helder Marco N. , Schulten Engelbert A. J. M. , Bacabac Rommel G. , Pathak Janak L. , Klein-Nulend Jenneke
Published: October 2022

Bioactive coatings are promising for improving osseointegration and the long-term success of titanium dental or orthopaedic implants. Biomimetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP) coating can be used as a carrier for osteoinductive agents. κ-Carrageenan, a highly hydrophilic and biocompatible seaweed-derived sulfated-polysaccharide, promotes pre-osteoblast activity required for bone regeneration. Whether κ-carrageenan can functionalize OCP-coating to enhance osseointegration of titanium implants is unclear. This study aimed to analyze carrageenan-functionalized biomimetic OCP-coated titanium structure, and effects of carrageenan functionalization on pre-osteoblast behavior and osteogenic differentiation. Titanium discs were coated with OCP/κ-carrageenan at 0.125–2 mg/ml OCP solution, and physicochemical and biological properties were investigated. κ-Carrageenan (2 mg/ml) in the OCP coating of titanium discs decreased the pore size in the sheet-like OCP crystal by 41.32%. None of the κ-carrageenan concentrations tested in the OCP-coating did affect hydrophilicity. However, κ-carrageenan (2 mg/ml) increased (1.26-fold) MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast spreading at 1 h i.e., κ-Carrageenan in the OCP-coating increased pre-osteoblast proliferation (max. 1.92-fold at 2 mg/ml, day 1), metabolic activity (max. 1.50-fold at 2 mg/ml, day 3), and alkaline phosphatase protein (max. 4.21-fold at 2 mg/ml, day 3), as well as matrix mineralization (max. 5.45-fold at 2 mg/ml, day 21). κ-Carrageenan (2 mg/ml) in the OCP-coating increased gene expression of Mepe (4.93-fold) at day 14, and Runx2 (2.94-fold), Opn (3.59-fold), Fgf2 (3.47-fold), Ocn (3.88-fold), and Dmp1 (4.59-fold) at day 21 in pre-osteoblasts. In conclusion, κ-carrageenan modified the morphology and microstructure of OCP-coating on titanium discs, and enhanced pre-osteoblast metabolic activity, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. This suggests that κ-carrageenan-functionalized OCP coating may be promising for in vivo improvement of titanium implant osseointegration.
Ciliated epithelia are key elements in the recruitment of bacterial partners in the squid-vibrio symbiosis
Authors: Gundlach Katrina A. , Nawroth Janna , Kanso Eva , Nasrin Farzana , Ruby Edward G. , McFall-Ngai Margaret
Published: October 2022

The Hawaiian bobtail squid, Euprymna scolopes, harvests its luminous symbiont, Vibrio fischeri, from the surrounding seawater within hours of hatching. During embryogenesis, the host animal develops a nascent light organ with ciliated fields on each lateral surface. We hypothesized that these fields function to increase the efficiency of symbiont colonization of host tissues. Within minutes of hatching from the egg, the host’s ciliated fields shed copious amounts of mucus in a non-specific response to bacterial surface molecules, specifically peptidoglycan (PGN), from the bacterioplankton in the surrounding seawater. Experimental manipulation of the system provided evidence that nitric oxide in the mucus drives an increase in ciliary beat frequency (CBF), and exposure to even small numbers of V. fischeri cells for short periods resulted in an additional increase in CBF. These results indicate that the light-organ ciliated fields respond specifically, sensitively, and rapidly, to the presence of nonspecific PGN as well as symbiont cells in the ambient seawater. Notably, the study provides the first evidence that this induction of an increase in CBF occurs as part of a thus far undiscovered initial phase in colonization of the squid host by its symbiont, i.e., host recognition of V. fischeri cues in the environment within minutes. Using a biophysics-based mathematical analysis, we showed that this rapid induction of increased CBF, while accelerating bacterial advection, is unlikely to be signaled by V. fischeri cells interacting directly with the organ surface. These overall changes in CBF were shown to significantly impact the efficiency of V. fischeri colonization of the host organ. Further, once V. fischeri has fully colonized the host tissues, i.e., about 12–24 h after initial host-symbiont interactions, the symbionts drove an attenuation of mucus shedding from the ciliated fields, concomitant with an attenuation of the CBF. Taken together, these findings offer a window into the very first interactions of ciliated surfaces with their coevolved microbial partners.
Diversity of sialic acids and sialoglycoproteins in gametes and at fertilization
Authors: Fliniaux Ingrid , Marchand Guillaume , Molinaro Caroline , Decloquement Mathieu , Martoriati Alain , Marin Matthieu , Bodart Jean-François , Harduin-Lepers Anne , Cailliau Katia
Published: October 2022

Sialic acids are a family of 9-carbon monosaccharides with particular physicochemical properties. They modulate the biological functions of the molecules that carry them and are involved in several steps of the reproductive process. Sialoglycoproteins participate in the balance between species recognition and specificity, and the mechanisms of these aspects remain an issue in gametes formation and binding in metazoan reproduction. Sialoglycoproteins form a specific coat at the gametes surface and specific polysialylated chains are present on marine species oocytes. Spermatozoa are submitted to critical sialic acid changes in the female reproductive tract facilitating their migration, their survival through the modulation of the female innate immune response, and the final oocyte-binding event. To decipher the role of sialic acids in gametes and at fertilization, the dynamical changes of enzymes involved in their synthesis and removal have to be further considered.
Preparation of rambutan-like Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 as anode for high–performance lithium–ion batteries
Authors: Wang Qian , Wu Yongzi , Pan Ning , Yang Chenyu , Wu Shuo , Li Dejie , Gu Shaonan , Zhou Guowei , Chai Jinling
Published: October 2022

NiFe2O4 is a kind of promising lithium ion battery (LIB) electrode material, but its commercial applications have been limited due to the electronic insulation property and large volume expansion during the conversion reaction process, which results in rapid capacity decrease and poor cycling stability. We synthesized rambutan-like Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 using the self-templating solvothermal method. The special structure of Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 which was formed by the assembly of numerous nanosheets could effectively buffer the volume change during the charging and discharging process. Partial substitution of Ni with Co. in NiFe2O4 leads to Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4, the coexisting of both nickel and cobalt components is expected to provide more abundant redox reactions. The specific capacity of the rambutan-like Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 as an anode material for LIB could reach 963 mA h g−1 at the current density of 500 mA g−1 after 200 cycles, confirming that the as-synthesized material is a promising candidate for LIBs.
Transcatheter mitral valve replacement in native mitral valve with severe mitral annular calcification: Skirting the Sapien 3 to reduce the risk of paravalvular leaks
Authors: Pozzoli Alberto , Torre Tiziano , Pedrazzini Giovanni , Demertzis Stefanos , Ferrari Enrico
Published: October 2022

Background

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) may represent a significant challenge for heart surgeons with an extremely high perioperative risk during mitral valve (MV) surgery. The risk is further increased when patients fail to be eligible for any percutaneous treatment, particularly because circumferential calcifications involving the anterior leaflet suggest a critical obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT).

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after surgical mitral valve replacement using a Sapien 3 Ultra (Edwards Lifesciences, CA, USA) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) prosthesis, reinforced with a pericardial skirt, in high-risk selected patients with severe MAC.

Methods

Since 2020, five high-risk patients (mean age 70 years; 63–76; four women) with severe mitral disease in the context of severe MAC (computed tomography-based mean MAC Score 8.2 ± 1.1) were operated on after we adopted this novel technique. The operations were performed under general anesthesia, using a transapical TAVI delivery system to position the Sapien 3 in the mitral position under direct vision. To reinforce and avoid paravalvular leakages, a pericardial skirt was previously sewn around the prosthesis, securing it to the annulus and perivalvular atrial surface.

Results

Sapien 3 Ultra implantation was successful without residual MR in all five patients (mild paravalvular leak in one case). Four patients had a 29-mm valve implanted, while one had a 26-mm valve implanted. Predilatation of the native annulus was never performed. Perfusion and clamping times were 134 ± 53 mins and 108 ± 43 mins, respectively. The presence of the pericardial skirt reduced the risk of leakage between the prosthesis and the rigid calcium surface, with final mean and maximal gradients of the TAVI prosthesis of 4.1 and 10.8 mmHg, respectively. There were no left ventricular outflow tract obstructions (mean LVOT gradient of 8 ± 1 mmHg). All patients were discharged, and neither mortality nor prosthetic dysfunction, nor residual mitral regurgitation was recorded. During follow-up, the last patient treated (MAC Score 10, severe calcification of the mitro-aortic junction) returned to our attention with a significant recurrent jet originating from the anterolateral commissure, currently medically treated, given the prohibitive redo risk.

Conclusion

Direct open surgical implantation of the Sapien 3 valve can be safely done in patients with severe MAC in dedicated centers. Reinforcing the TAVI prosthesis by sewing a pericardial skirt led to satisfactory perioperative and early postoperative results, reducing paravalvular leakages. Complex anatomies have a CERTAIN risk of recurrence.
Lethal autonomous weapons systems, revulsion, and respect
Authors: Dean Richard
Published: October 2022

The potential for the use of artificial intelligence in developing lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS) has received a good deal of attention from ethicists. Lines of argument in favor of and against developing and deploying LAWS have already become hardened. In this paper, I examine one strategy for skirting these familiar positions, namely to base an anti-LAWS argument not on claims that LAWS inevitably fail to respect human dignity, but on a different kind of respect, namely respect for public opinion and conventional attitudes (which Robert Sparrow claims are strongly anti-LAWS). My conclusion is that this sort of respect for conventional attitudes does provide some reason for actions and policies, but that it is actually a fairly weak form of respect, that is often override by more direct concerns about respect for humanity or dignity. By doing this, I explain the intuitive force of the claim that one should not disregard public attitudes, but also justify assigning a relatively weak role when other kinds of respect are involved.
From drugs to targets: Reverse engineering the virtual screening process on a proteomic scale
Authors: Schottlender Gustavo , Prieto Juan Manuel , Palumbo Miranda Clara , Castello Florencia A. , Serral Federico , Sosa Ezequiel J. , Turjanski Adrián G. , Martì Marcelo A. , Fernández Do Porto Darío
Published: October 2022

Phenotypic screening is a powerful technique that allowed the discovery of antimicrobials to fight infectious diseases considered deadly less than a century ago. In high throughput phenotypic screening assays, thousands of compounds are tested for their capacity to inhibit microbial growth in-vitro. After an active compound is found, identifying the molecular target is the next step. Knowing the specific target is key for understanding its mechanism of action, and essential for future drug development. Moreover, this knowledge allows drug developers to design new generations of drugs with increased efficacy and reduced side effects. However, target identification for a known active compound is usually a very difficult task. In the present work, we present a powerful reverse virtual screening strategy, that can help researchers working in the drug discovery field, to predict a set of putative targets for a compound known to exhibit antimicrobial effects. The strategy combines chemical similarity methods, with target prioritization based on essentiality data, and molecular-docking. These steps can be tailored according to the researchers’ needs and pathogen’s available information. Our results show that using only the chemical similarity approach, this method is capable of retrieving potential targets for half of tested compounds. The results show that even for a low chemical similarity threshold whenever domains are retrieved, the correct domain is among those retrieved in more than 80% of the queries. Prioritizing targets by an essentiality criteria allows us to further reduce, up to 3–4 times, the number of putative targets. Lastly, docking is able to identify the correct domain ranked in the top two in about two thirds of cases. Bias docking improves predictive capacity only slightly in this scenario. We expect to integrate the presented strategy in the context of Target Pathogen database to make it available for the wide community of researchers working in antimicrobials discovery.
The added value of signal detection theory as a method in evidence-informed decision-making in higher education: A demonstration
Authors: Kurysheva Anastasia , van Ooijen-van der Linden Linda , van der Smagt Maarten J. , Dilaver Gönül
Published: October 2022

Signal Detection Theory (SDT) is rarely used in higher education, yet has much potential in informing decision-making. In this methodological paper, we describe the potential of SDT for different higher education contexts and demonstrate its practical application. Both the commonly used regression analyses and SDT analyses provide information on the accuracy of a predictor, and thus which instrument(s) to use. SDT analyses, in addition, provide information on the effects of setting specific cut-off scores on outcomes of interest. SDT provides the sensitivity and specificity information for the chosen instrument(s) at specific cut-off scores (criteria in SDT). This allows for evidence-informed, deliberate choice of cut-off scores to steer toward desired outcomes. Depending on how undesirable false positives and false negatives are considered in a specific situation, a lower or higher cut-off score can be deemed adequate. Using SDT analyses in our example, we demonstrate how to use the results to optimize “real-life” student selection. However, selection is only one of many decision-making practices where SDT is applicable and valuable. We outline some of the areas within higher education decision-making and quality assurance, where SDT can be applied to answer specific questions and optimize decision-making.
Syntactic structure and rhetorical combinations of Iranian English research article titles in medicine and applied linguistics: A cross-disciplinary study
Authors: Moslehi Shadab , Kafipour Reza
Published: October 2022

This corpus-based cross-disciplinary study investigated the syntactic structures and rhetorical combinations of 200 research article titles in two disciplines, namely, medicine (100) and applied linguistics (100). The RA titles were selected from four reputable Iranian English journals. The authors were all Iranian researchers in these two disciplines. The titles were analyzed in light of Dietz taxonomy. First, the frequencies and percentages of each syntactic and rhetorical construction occurrence have been calculated. Next, the authors performed a t-test regarding title length and the chi-square test to decide whether syntactic or rhetorical construction is a discipline-specific convention. The findings revealed thatmedical titles were longer than the linguistic ones. The frequency and percentage of both single- and multi-unit RA titles were essentially the same in both disciplines. Concerning the syntactic components of single-unit RA titles, the most frequently used structure was the nominal construction, followed by verbal and prepositional ones. The most recurrent syntactic components of the nominal structure in both disciplines were post- and pre-modified, with medical titles overtaking the linguistic titles in all nominal categories. In terms of verbal constructions, the dominant structure in medicine was the full sentence, and in applied linguistics, gerund phrases. Regarding the rhetorical components of multi-unit RA titles, medical titles took precedence over the linguistic titles in using the topic method. The topic scope and topic description organization are mostly reported in applied linguistics titles. In this study, however, two new rhetorical combinations were identified. The chi-square test results only confirmed the verbal structures of single-unit and the rhetorical combinations of multi-unit RA titles as distinctive features for each discipline.
The focus and timing of gaze matters: Investigating collaborative knowledge construction in a simulation-based environment by combined video and eye tracking
Authors: Lämsä Joni , Kotkajuuri Jimi , Lehtinen Antti , Koskinen Pekka , Mäntylä Terhi , Kilpeläinen Jasmin , Hämäläinen Raija
Published: October 2022

Although eye tracking has been successfully used in science education research, exploiting its potential in collaborative knowledge construction has remained sporadic. This article presents a novel approach for studying collaborative knowledge construction in a simulation-based environment by combining both the spatial and temporal dimensions of eye-tracking data with video data. For this purpose, we have investigated two undergraduate physics student pairs solving an electrostatics problem in a simulation-based environment via Zoom. The analysis of the video data of the students’ conversations focused on the different collaborative knowledge construction levels (new idea, explication, evaluation, and non-content-related talk and silent moments), along with the temporal visualizations of the collaborative knowledge construction processes. The eye-tracking data of the students’ gaze, as analyzed by epistemic network analysis, focused on the pairs’ spatial and temporal gaze behavior. We illustrate how gaze behavior can shed light on collaborative knowledge construction in terms of the quantity of the talk (e.g., gaze behavior can shed light on the different activities of the pairs during the silent moments), quality of the talk (e.g., gaze behavior can shed light on the different approaches when constructing knowledge on physical phenomena), and temporality of collaborative knowledge construction processes [e.g., gaze behavior can shed light on (the lack of) attempts to acquire the supporting or contrasting evidence on the initial ideas on the physical phenomena]. We also discuss the possibilities and limitations of gaze behavior to reveal the critical moments in the collaborative knowledge construction processes.
Clean technology and the environment: Key issues and implications in belt and road initiative economies
Authors: Nanli Zhu , Xiaoping Li , Sohail Akhtar Muhammad , Bilal Ahmer
Published: October 2022

China has planned the Belt and Road Initiative to start collaborations among relevant economies in the technology innovation sector. This study examined the impact of technology innovation on environmental quality among the host economies of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries by using panel data of 45 economies from 1991 to 2019. The study employed a fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) panel to estimate the long-run associations among suggested variables. The outcomes validated a healthy cross-sectional dependence within the panel BRI economies. One estimated result of FMOLS specified that increases in patents and trademarks improved the quality of the environment in only Europe in the long run. Trademarks also enhanced the environment in BRI, MENA, and Central Asia. In the short run, the panel heterogeneous causality showed bi-directional causality among patents, trademarks, and CO2 emissions. The results of this study articulated the environment-friendly policies in technology innovation in BRI regions.
Productive versus environmental objectives of agricultural policies dealing with climate change: a French case study
Authors: Guillet Tiphaine , Mouysset Lauriane
Published: October 2022

The study aims at reconciling contrasting productive and environmental goals of agricultural policies at a given budget in the context of climate change. Based on a quantitative bioeconomic model integrating interdependencies between agricultural systems and agroecosystems, we compare the impacts of 4 contrasted public policy scenarios based either on productive (food or energy) or environmental goals (pollution reduction or ecosystem state) on a set of 18 bioeconomic indicators. We run the policy scenarios under two contrasted climate change scenarios to investigate their robustness. We confirm that it is possible to achieve productive and environmental goals with the on-going budget of European agricultural policy. Synergies between productive and environmental performances exist even if they are not trivial nor systematic. More precisely, an agricultural public policy which focuses on energy production might offer a good compromise regarding the different facets of agricultural landscapes. The Pollution scenario constitutes a credible environmentally oriented alternative even if it remains slightly less competitive regarding both ecological and economic sides than an energy-oriented policy. Eventually, our analysis shows that our conclusions are robust to climate change, suggesting that adequate agricultural public policies might attenuate climate change effects when considering intermediary climate change scenarios.
Year-long monitoring of phytoplankton community, toxigenic cyanobacteria, and total microcystins in a eutrophic tropical dam supplying the Mexico megacity
Authors: Martínez-Jerónimo Fernando , Antuna-González Paloma del Carmen , Hernández-Zamora Miriam , Martínez-Jerónimo Laura , Munoz Gabriel , Simon Dana F. , Sauvé Sébastien
Published: October 2022

The Valle de Bravo dam is an important source of drinking water supply for the Mexico City Conurbation (>26 million inhabitants) and is also a hotspot for nautical sports, recreational fishing, and tourism. However, anthropogenic pressures in the upper reaches of the basin have led to increased eutrophication and numerous harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs). To determine the effect of abiotic variables on the characteristics of the phytoplanktonic community, as well as their influence on the diversity of toxigenic cyanobacteria and related cyanotoxins, we evaluated monthly variations in environmental factors, phytoplankton biovolume and composition and total microcystins in Valle de Bravo dam during the year of 2019. Overall, 75 phytoplanktonic species were identified, mostly belonging to the divisions Cyanobacteria, Chlorophyta, and Bacillariophyta. Cyanobacteria presented the highest biomass throughout the year, with water temperature and rainfall being the best correlated factors. The highest concentrations of total microcystins were recorded from July to September (maximum of 71 μg L−1), associated with the dominance of species such as M. smithii, M. aeruginosa, M. viridis M. flos-aquae, Aphanocapsa planctonica, and Dolichospermum crassum, and environmental factors such as rainfall, total dissolved solids, water temperature, and specific trace metals. In all months except December, the total cyanobacterial biovolume was above the World Health Organization alert level two, indicating potentially high risks to human health. The predominance of cyanobacteria and high biovolumes classified water quality as poor to very poor during most of the year. To avoid the development of HCBs in this dam, the contribution of nutrients by the tributary rivers and sewage must be controlled, since the poor-quality conditions of the water threaten the aquatic biota, the sports and recreation activities and affect the potable water supply.