bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complicated Sonographic View of Diffuse Hepatic Steatosis
Authors: Ardelean Melania , Buzas Roxana , Lighezan Daniel , Norina Basa , Duda-Seiman Corina , Duda-Seiman Daniel , Balica Nicolae Constantin , Ardelean Ovidiu
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to reveal the important role of CEUS in identifying correctly benign hepatic lesion vs a malignant one. We report a case of a diffuse hepatic steatosis particular sonographic aspect in a middle aged male presenting with general malaise. History revealed cardiac pathology, diabetes mellitus type 2 and chemotreated prostate neoplasia. The abdominal ultrasound (US) presented numerous hyperechoic lesions disseminated in the whole parenchyma. A contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of the lesions described an isoenhancement pattern of the lesions in the arterial phase, followed by the same aspect in the venous phase, with a high uptake pattern in the late phase. The CT and MRI also confirmed a diagnosis of a benign pathology. Hepatic steatosis may occur in chemotreated cancer patients, raising a suspicion of hepatic metastasis, but also due to the amount of lipid deposit distribution in the liver. Thus, CEUS was able to establish a correct diagnosis in a fast and reliable way.
Crosstalk between Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Obesity
Authors: Epingeac Mirela Elena , Gaman Mihnea Alexandru , Diaconu Camelia Cristina , Gaman Amelia Maria
Published: February 2020

Obesity is a multifactorial disease in which oxidative stress and inflammation play important roles. The aim of our study was to evaluate oxidative stress levels and inflammation markers in obese subjects vs. controls and to investigate the relationship between these values. We found increased levels of reactive oxygen species and inflammation markers (fibrinogen, ferritin, CRP, NLR) and decreased levels of antioxidants in obese subjects vs. controls.
Evaluation of Metabolic and Hydroelectrolytic Disturbances in Patients Diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Tilinca Mariana Cornelia , Nania Csilla , Pal Sandor , Tilinca Raluca , Szabo Monika , Nemes-Nagy Eniko
Published: February 2020

Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus, especially type 1 diabetic patients being predisposed to this condition. Ketoacidosis might occur also in other types of diabetes triggered by circumstances leading to shortage of insulin. The aim of the study was the assessment of metabolic, hydroelectrolytic disturbances and the relationship between different parameters in patients hospitalized with diabetic ketoacidosis. We evaluated the clinical state, parameters of blood-gas analyzer, biochemistry and hematology laboratory results of 32 patients admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis between January-November 2018 at the Department of Diabetology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases of the Emergency County Hospital in T�rgu Mureș. Demographic data, associated diseases, body mass index were also evaluated. The considered threshold of significance was 0.05. The distribution of type 1 and 2 diabetes was 40.6 and 46.9% in the studied group, 53.1% being male patients. Positive correlation could be observed between pH and base excess and between pH and bicarbonate values, while negative correlation could be found between triglyceridemia and body mass index (BMI). Severe hyperglycemia, very low pH values, glucosuria, ketonuria and electrolytic imbalances were very common in the studied patients. Pancreatitis, respiratory tract and urinary infections could be found in the background of ketoacidotic manifestations in the majority of the patients, dehydration occured in each of the cases. Many severe metabolic and hydroelectrolytic disturbances could be observed in the studied patients presenting diabetic ketoacidosis. Infectious diseases are the most common triggers of metabolic imbalance in diabetic patients.
Psoas Muscle Abscess
Authors: Ion Daniel , Socea Bogdan , Bolocan Alexandra , Paduraru Dan Nicolae , Andronic Octavian
Published: February 2020

Psoas muscle abcesses are a pathological entity, with very low incidence, and a lot of diagnosis and management discussions.Our paper aims to assess the presence of this pathology in literature as a short introductive narrative review and to present a series of cases from our experience.The research was retrospective, descriptive and enrolled a total of 14 patients.Specialty literature is poor regarding this pathology, with no agreement on the correct diagnosis and treatment algorithm. Future studies may offer diagnostic scores to facilitate rapid diagnosis.
Water Quality Monitoring Sensors Optimum Location in a Metropolitan Supply Network
Authors: Constantin Albert Titus , Lazar Gheorghe I. , Nicoara Serban-Vlad
Published: February 2020

The discrete numerical model developed by the help of TEVA-SPOT specialized software toolkit serves to a subsequent analysis that looks to estimate the water distribution system vulnerability in case of a contaminant agent release. The optimum location of the water quality sensors attached to a number of joints in the Timisoara (Romania) metropolitan water supply network can be reached in order to warn the company management and competent authorities and so to reduce the contamination effects upon the consumers.
Comparative Analysis of Parasitological, Immunodiagnostic and Histopathological Methods in the Diagnosis of Human Giardiasis
Authors: Tasic Natasa Miladinovic , Katic Vuka
Published: February 2020

Giardiasis/lambliosis is a disease caused by the presence of a protozoan Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) in the upper portions of the human digestive tract (DT). This cosmopolitan parasite is present particularly in children, but in all other age groups and socioeconomic conditions as well. The studies undertaken in the Ni�ava District (southeastern Serbia) have demonstrated a high prevalence of infection caused by G. lamblia species using conventional microscopy of three stool samples with or without concentration technique (6.24%), i.e. using the immunoenzymatic method to confirm the presence of G. lamblia antigen in the stool (6.59%). The use of invasive methods in the diagnosis of giardiasis is warranted in individual selected cases, when the significance of the parasite should be assessed regarding its involvement in the pathogenetic mechanisms of damage to the digestive tract mucosa.
Managing Radial Nerve Injuries Associated with Humeral Fracture
Authors: Carbunaru Vlad , Oproiu Ana Maria , Barbilian Adrian , Feng-Ifrim Chen , Ciotei Alexandra
Published: February 2020

The overall prevalence of radial nerve injury after humeral shaft fractures is up to 18% representing the most common peripheral nerve injury associated with long bone fractures. Spiral or oblique fractures of the junction between the middle and distal third of the humeral shaft are at greater risk for radial nerve injury. Iatrogenic damage to the radial nerve may also occur during manipulations of closed reduction. A prospective study between 2017-2019 following 5 patients (all male, with ages between 30 and 56 years old), who were treated at our clinic for complete radial nerve palsy after a high-energy fracture of the humerus. All the patients were followed-up for a mean of 6 months (range 4 - 15 months) post op. The first 3 cases showed the initial signs of recovery 4 weeks after the operation. In the last 2 cases a palliative radial intervention was required. The consequences of the radial nerve palsy associated with humeral fractures is strongly related to trauma mechanism. In high energy fractures, severe contusion or transection of the nerve must be expected. In this case, nerve recovery is unlikely and the patients should be informed of the poor prognosis and the need of tendon transfers.
Caracterización de Líquidos por Técnica Fotoacústica: Estudio de Sensores Piezoeléctricos de Banda Ancha
Authors: Cusato Leslie , Estevez Mariel , Santiago Guillermo Daniel , González Martín Germán
Published: February 2020

En este trabajo se presenta el estudio sobre tres sensores para sistemas fotoacústicos usados en caracterización de líquidos basados en películas delgadas de polímero piezoléctrico. Su desempeñoo fue comparado llevando a cabo mediciones sobre líquidos de características bien conocidas. A partir de los datos medidos se determinó la sensibilidad, el nivel de ruido y el límite de cuantificación de cada uno de los sensores. Aquel con las mejores características fue utilizado en la determinación de la eficiencia cuántica de los colorantes Rodamina 6G y Rodamina B. Los valores medidos concuerdan muy bien con los reportados por otros autores.
Tomografía de la red en un IXP: Primer análisis del PIT Bolivia
Authors: Carisimo Esteban
Published: February 2020

Los Puntos de Intercambios de Tráfico (PIT) han sido los principales autores del mayor cambio del ecosistema de Internet en los últimos 15 años. A pesar de la popularidad de los PITs, gran cantidad de países demoraron en incorporar esta infraestructura a sus redes. En 2013, Bolivia impulsó la creación del PIT nacional, lo que motivó nuestro interés de estudiar por primera vez un PIT en la región, en un país que aún no contará con esta infraestructura. Sin embargo, ante la ausencia de sondas de medición de Internet en Bolivia debidos desarrollar una plataforma (PladMeD) para observar la influencia del PIT. En este artículo se estudió durante seis meses el efecto del PIT en la red nacional, enfocándose en las modificaciones en la interconexión y la calidad de servicio en la red nacional.
Procedimiento para medición directa del Rechazo de Modo Común
Authors: Zothner Enrique , Zola Julio , Kelly Juan
Published: February 2020

Para medir el Rechazo en Modo Común (CMR) de un amplificador, es necesario llevar a cabo las mediciones del circuito implementado y terminado, y entonces realizar la medición de su comportamiento en condiciones de funcionamiento real. Esta medición es necesaria para evaluar la susceptibilidad a las interferencias electromagnéticas conducidas (EMI conducidas) sobre el amplificador. En este trabajo, se describe un procedimiento de medición directa del CMR de un amplificador sin alterar el circuito. Las mediciones se verifican mediante simulación con PSpice.
Aplicación de wavelets en la detección fotoacústica de gases traza con señales ruidosas
Authors: González Martín Germán , Santiago Guillermo Daniel , Slezak Verónica , Peuriot Alejandro
Published: February 2020

En este trabajo se muestra que la utilización de filtros basados en la transformada wavelet discreta (DWT) mejora la sensibilidad de sistemas fotoacústicos para medición de gases traza bajo condiciones de relación señal a ruido (SNR) desfavorables. Para lograr este objetivo se diseñó un filtro basado en la DWT de Meyer y se lo probó con senales simuladas y medidas. Para las mediciones se implementó un sistema para la detección de trazas de hexafluoruro de azufre en nitrógeno usando un láser pulsado de CO2. A partir de los resultados se obtuvo que el uso de DWT tuvo un muy buen desempeño para señales generadas con bajas energías láser (< 100 uJ) corrompidas con ruido impulsivo electromagnético.
Medición de desplazamientos nanométricos en polímeros piezoeléctricos usando método de descomposición en modos empíricos bivariados en patrones de speckle
Authors: Etchepareborda Pablo , Veiras Francisco , Bianchetti Arturo , Federico Alejandro , Gonzalez Martin German
Published: February 2020

En este trabajo se presenta un método óptico para la determinación directa del coeficiente piezoeléctrico de películas delgadas de material polimérico. Esto se logra a través de la medición de desplazamientos mecánicos nanométricos generados en el film cuando es excitado con señales eléctricas armónicas de baja frecuencia (0.5 Hz). El sistema está basado en la inteferometría temporal de patrones de speckle y en la recuperación de fase por descomposición en modos empíricos bivariada. El esquema experimental fue usado sobre una muestra de polifluoruro de vinilideno depositada sobre un substrato de vidrio que presenta condiciones de contorno similares a las que se encuentran en experiencias de caracterización de fluídos complejos por técnicas fotoacústicas. El valor medido concuerda con aquellos obtenidos por otros métodos y con el reportado por el fabricante.
Control de motores DC sin escobillas para vehículos eléctricos usando un μC doble núcleo
Authors: Ghignone Ramiro Adrián , Giampetruzzi Julián Guido , Domanico Sharon Michelle , Juárez Cristian Gabriel , Calá Federico Joaquín
Published: February 2020

El presente trabajo describe el proceso de desarrollo y verificación de un sistema de potencia para motores de corriente continua sin escobillas, especialmente diseñado para su uso en vehículos eléctricos, considerando el rápido crecimiento de las tecnologías de movilidad eléctrica. El diseño propuesto implementa funcionalidades adicionales clave para este tipo de aplicaciones, como frenado regenerativo y telemetría mediante una aplicación móvil. El prototipo construido fue verificado mediante diversos ensayos de laboratorio.
The TOEIC IP Test as a Placement Test: Its Potential Formative Value
Authors: Weaver Christopher
Published: February 2020

The use of the Test of English for International Communication Institutional Program (TOEIC IP) at postsecondary institutions in Japan has been increasing over the past decade. The revised TOEIC test provides test-takers and administrators with 3 levels of information: total score, listening and reading sectional scores, as well as the percentage of correct responses achieved on 4 listening subskills and 5 reading skills. Using a hierarchical cluster analysis, this study found significant differences between placement decisions for 1,524 university business students in an English for Specific Purposes program based upon their TOEIC IP scores and their 9 TOEIC subskill scores. The author also discusses some of the diagnostic shortcomings of using a standardized proficiency examination for placement purposes.

日本の高等教育機関におけるTOEIC IPの英語テストの使用は、ここ過去10年増加し続けている。改訂版TOEICテストでは受験者とテスト使用者に合計スコア、リスニング、リーディングという3つのスコアに加え、4つのリスニングサブスキルと5つのリーディングスキルの正答率が提供される。本研究では、階層的クラスター分析を用いて、1,524名の経営学を選考する大学生を対象に調査を行い、TOEIC IPテストのスコアに基づいた英語のクラス分けと、TOEICの９つのサブスコアに基づいた英語のクラス分けに有意な差があることを確認した。また、クラス分けの目的で標準化された能力試験を利用する際の診断的な問題点を指摘する。
The Role of Formative Assessment in Global Human Resource Development
Authors: Wicking Paul
Published: February 2020

Over the last few years, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has been advocating the development of guroubaru-jinzai [global human resources]. These global human resources are to be top global performers who are intellectually savvy and internationally minded young men and women able to communicate across cultural divides and promote Japanese interests on the world stage. The success or failure of this policy will in no small part be determined by how well the various components of the educational system are aligned towards the goal. In particular, the ways in which assessment is conceptualized and practiced is vitally important. The continuation of a testing and examination system that consistently rewards memorization and repetition of learned facts will stifle the independence, creativity, and collaboration skills that MEXT hopes to develop. Rather, the development of these skills is best facilitated through formative assessment processes, which have until now been lacking within secondary and higher education in Japan. Instead there has been an inordinate focus on summative assessment and high stakes testing within the education system. In this paper I argue for the importance of formative assessment in shaping learners into the top global performers desired by MEXT and suggest some steps to be taken towards a contextually-based formative assessment practice.

ここ数年文部科学省はグローバル人材の育成を推奨している。グローバル人材とは異文化コミュニケーション能力と国際理解を備え、日本の国益を視野に世界で活躍できる知的エリートと言える。この政策が成功するには、教育制度を構成する様々な要素の良好な連携が不可欠である。中でも教育評価の適切な概念化と実行は特に重要である。丸暗記や機械的な学習を奨励する試験制度は、自立、創造力および協調力など文部科学省が人材に求める能力の育成を妨害していると思われる。学生がこの能力を習得するためには、形成的評価が有効であるが、従来日本の高校や大学ではあまり行われてこなかった。実際には、総括的評価と一発試験ばかりが重要視されてきたと言ってよいだろう。本稿では、グローバル人材育成における形成的評価の重要性を論じ、教育環境に合わせた実践方法を提案する。
Coordination, Teacher Autonomy, and Collaboration in EFL Programs in Japanese Higher Education
Authors: Prichard Caleb , Moore Jana
Published: February 2020

Both teacher autonomy and program coordination have potential benefits. Recent research on English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) programs in the United States has suggested that programs tend to have significant levels of coordination and collaboration while maintaining teacher autonomy. Although Japanese universities have long had a culture of teacher autonomy, EFL educators based in higher educational institutions have described efforts to coordinate their programs. However, researchers have not explicitly analyzed EFL programs in Japan to determine how widespread these coordination efforts have become. In this study, we empirically evaluated levels of teacher autonomy, top-down coordination, and administration–staff collaboration in EFL programs in Japanese universities and colleges. The results suggest that these programs have high levels of curricular autonomy and general teaching autonomy related to pedagogy and classroom management. In contrast, the programs are reported to have low levels of top-down coordination and, compared to U.S. ESOL programs, significantly less coordination and collaboration.

教師の自律（teacher autonomy）とプログラム内でのトップダウンによる協調（program coordination）には潜在的利益がある。米国のESOL（English for speakers of other languages）プログラムに関する最近の研究によると、教師の自律を維持すると同時に、プログラム内でトップダウンの協調と協働（collaboration）を行う傾向がある。日本の大学では、長年教師の自律を支える文化がある一方で、高等教育機関に勤務する多くのEFL教育者は、プログラム内の協調に努力してきたと報告している。しかし、日本のEFLプログラムにおいてそのような協調の努力がどの程度行われているかを明確に分析した研究はほとんどない。そこで、本研究では、日本の大学や短大のEFLプログラムにおける教師の自律、トップダウン式による協調、管理部門と教育スタッフ間の協働のレベルの評価を行った。その結果、これらのプログラムは、教授法と教室マネジメントに関して、カリキュラム上、また一般教育上の自律を担保していることを示唆している。対照的に、トップダウン式の協調はあまり行われていないことが報告された。米国におけるESOLプログラムと比較すると、日本のプログラムでは、トップダウンによる協調と協働のレベルが低いことが判明した。
Oriented to English: Motivations and Attitudes of Advanced Students in the University Classroom
Authors: Shea David
Published: February 2020

The orientation to English among university students in Japan is a complex and shifting amalgam of attitudes and experiences that shape engagement in the classroom. Although research on learner motivation has highlighted the instrumental value of EFL in terms of imagined identity and investment, motivation is also affected by social factors such as Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) policy and teaching practice encountered prior to university entrance. In this paper, I report on a qualitative analysis of orientations among high proficiency advanced students in a 1st-year EFL class at a large university in Tokyo. Findings suggest that paths of study and admission routes varied widely, that a strong commitment to English was coupled with low levels of confidence, and that orientation seemed to shift noticeably after entering university, as students sensed the possibility of attrition and a reduced scope of English study. At the same time, students welcomed the chance to engage with content and build ideas in English as the role of the EFL classroom took on increased importance.

日本の大学生の英語への指向は一様ではなくその態度やこれまでの経験も様々であり、英語の授業に対する意欲も日々変化している。学習者の動機づけに関する研究は、自己効力感や自己投資に関するEFLの手段的価値を強調しているが、動機づけは同時に文部科学省の方針や高校における入試に対する指導法のような社会的要因にも影響される。本論文では、質的分析の方法を用い、東京の大規模なある大学の上級レベル１年生の英語授業における、学生の英語に対する姿勢を分析した。その結果、大学に入るまでの学習経験や入学形態は様々であること、英語に対する学習意欲は高い反面自信があまりないこと、燃え尽きの可能性や学習範囲の狭窄を感じ始め、大学入学後は英語に対する姿勢が著しく変わること等が分かった。しかし同時に英語で意見を構築する機会を好意的に受け入れ、EFLの授業の役割がより重要になる傾向が示された。
Validation of Scores From the Self-Evaluation Checklist for EFL Teachers in Japan
Authors: Mikami Akihiro
Published: February 2020

The purpose of this study was to validate scores produced by a reflection tool called the Self-Evaluation Checklist for EFL Teachers (SECEFLT) in the Japanese context. A survey was conducted with 760 EFL teachers in 984 junior high and lower secondary schools throughout Japan. The collected data were divided into 2 datasets for exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA results demonstrate that the original model with 32 items should be modified to a new 4-factor model with 18 items, including Content Knowledge and Skills, Pedagogical Knowledge and Skills, Professional Development Knowledge and Skills, and English Language Use by Teachers and Students. The CFA results show acceptable model fit between the new model and the second dataset. Therefore, both the EFA and CFA results provide positive evidence that the revised SECEFLT is a useful reflection tool for Japanese teachers of English in junior high schools and lower secondary schools in Japan.

本研究の目的は、英語教師のための自己評価チェックリストにおける構成概念妥当性と信頼性を検証することである。日本全国の中学校・中等教育学校から無作為に抽出された984校に所属する760名の英語教師を対象に調査を実施した。収集されたデータを2つのセットに分け、それぞれのセットを使用して探索的因子分析と検証的因子分析を実施した。探索的因子分析では、自己評価チェックリストの回答データは、初版の32項目より修正版の18項目から成る4因子構造 (教科の知識・技能、教科を教えるための知識・技能、教師の成長に関する知識・技能、教師と生徒による英語使用) に修正する必要があることが確認された。検証的因子分析では、修正版のモデルはデータに適合していることが確認された。したがって、自己評価チェックリスト (修正版) は、日本の中学校・中等教育学校の日本人英語教師の専門能力を測定するための論理的な基盤を持っていることが示唆された。
A Rotation Rate for the Planetary-mass Companion DH Tau b
Authors: Xuan Jerry W. , Bryan Marta L. , Knutson Heather A. , Bowler Brendan P. , Morley Caroline V. , Benneke Björn
Published: February 2020

DH Tau b is a young planetary-mass companion orbiting at a projected separation of 320 au from its ∼2 Myr old host star DH Tau. With an estimated mass of 8–22

this object straddles the deuterium-burning limit, and might have formed via core or pebble accretion, disk instability, or molecular cloud fragmentation. To shed light on the formation history of DH Tau b, we obtain the first measurement of rotational line broadening for this object using high-resolution (R ∼ 25,000) near-infrared spectroscopy from Keck/NIRSPEC. We measure a projected rotational velocity (v sin i) of 9.6 ± 0.7 km s−1, corresponding to a rotation rate that is between 9% and 15% of DH Tau b’s predicted breakup speed. This low rotation rate is in good agreement with scenarios in which magnetic coupling between the companion and its circumplanetary disk during the late stages of accretion reduces angular momentum and regulates spin. We compare the rotation rate of DH Tau b to published values for other planetary-mass objects with masses between 0.3 and 20

and find no evidence of a correlation between mass and rotation rate in this mass regime. Finally, we search for evidence of individual molecules in DH Tau b’s spectrum and find that it is dominated by CO and H2O, with no evidence of the presence of CH4. This agrees with expectations given DH Tau b’s relatively high effective temperature (∼2300 K).
Variability in the Massive Open Cluster NGC 1817 from K2: A Rich Population of Asteroseismic Red Clump, Eclipsing Binary, and Main-sequence Pulsating Stars
Authors: Sandquist Eric L. , Stello Dennis , Arentoft Torben , Brogaard Karsten , Grundahl Frank , Vanderburg Andrew , Hedlund Anne , DeWitt Ryan , Ackerman Taylor R. , Aguilar Miguel , Buckner Andrew J. , Juarez Christian , Ortiz Arturo J. , Richarte David , Rivera Daniel I. , Schlapfer Levi
Published: February 2020

We present a survey of variable stars detected in K2 Campaign 13 within the massive intermediate-age (∼1 Gyr) open cluster NGC 1817. We identify a complete sample of 44 red clump stars in the cluster, and have measured asteroseismic quantities (ν
max and/or Δν) for 29 of them. Five stars showed suppressed dipole modes, and the occurrence rates indicate that mode suppression is unaffected by evolution through core helium burning. A subset of the giants in NGC 1817 (and in the similarly aged cluster NGC 6811) have ν
max and Δν values at or near the maximum observed for core helium–burning stars, indicating they have core masses near the minimum for fully nondegenerate helium ignition. Further asteroseismic study of these stars can constrain the minimum helium core mass in red clump stars and the physics that determines this limit. Two giant stars show photometric variations on timescales similar to previously measured spectroscopic orbits. Thirteen systems in the field show eclipses, but only five are probable cluster members. We identify 32 δ Sct pulsators, 27 γ Dor candidates, and 7 hybrids that are probable cluster members, with most being new detections. We used the ensemble properties of the δ Sct stars to identify stars with possible radial pulsation modes. Among the oddities we have uncovered are: an eccentric orbit for a short-period binary containing a δ Sct pulsating star; a rare subgiant within the Hertzsprung gap showing δ Sct pulsations; and two hot γ Dor pulsating star candidates.
Application of Synoptic Magnetograms to Global Solar Activity Forecast
Authors: Kitiashvili I. N.
Published: February 2020

Synoptic magnetograms provide us with knowledge about the evolution of magnetic fields on the solar surface and present important information for forecasting future solar activity. In this work, poloidal and toroidal magnetic field components derived from synoptic magnetograms are assimilated, using the Ensemble Kalman Filter method, into a mean-field dynamo model based on Parker’s migratory dynamo theory complemented by magnetic helicity conservation. It was found that the predicted toroidal field is in good agreement with observations for almost the entire following solar cycle. However, poloidal field predictions agree with observations only for the first 2–3 yr of the predicted cycle. The results indicate that the upcoming Solar Maximum of Cycle 25 (SC25) is expected to be weaker than the current Cycle 24. The model results show that a deep extended solar activity minimum is expected during 2019–2021, and that the next solar maximum will occur in 2024–2025. The sunspot number at the maximum will be about 50 with an error estimate of 15%–30%. The maximum will likely have a double peak or show extended periods (for 2–2.5 yr) of high activity. According to the hemispheric prediction results, SC25 will start in 2020 in the southern hemisphere, and will have a maximum in 2024 with a sunspot number of about 28. In the northern hemisphere the cycle will be delayed for about 1 yr (with an error of ±0.5 yr), and reach a maximum in 2025 with a sunspot number of about 23.
Inference of Solar Rotation from Perturbations of Acoustic Mode Eigenfunctions
Authors: Schad Ariane , Roth Markus
Published: February 2020

Today’s picture of the internal solar rotation rate profile results essentially from helioseismic analyses of frequency splittings of resonant acoustic waves. Here we present another, complementary estimation of the internal solar rotation rate using the perturbation of the shape of the acoustic waves. For this purpose, we extend a global helioseismic approach developed previously for the investigation of the meridional flow to work on the components of the differential rotation. We discuss the effect of rotation on mode eigenfunctions and the observables based thereon. Based on a numerical study using a simulated rotation rate profile, we tailor an inversion approach and also consider the case of the presence of an additional meridional flow. This inversion approach is then applied to data from the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) on board the Solar Heliospheric Observatory and the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory. In the end, rotation rate profiles estimated from eigenfunction perturbation and frequency splittings are compared. The rotation rate profiles from the two different approaches are qualitatively in good agreement, especially for the MDI data. Significant differences are obtained at high latitudes >50° and near the subsurface. The result from HMI data shows larger discrepancies between the different methods. We find that the two global helioseismic approaches provide complementary methods for measuring the solar rotation. Comparing the results from different methods may help to reveal systematic influences that affect analyses based on eigenfunction perturbations, like meridional flow measurements.
Habitability and Water Loss Limits on Eccentric Planets Orbiting Main-sequence Stars
Authors: Palubski Igor Z. , Shields Aomawa L. , Deitrick Russell
Published: February 2020

A planet’s climate can be strongly affected by its orbital eccentricity and obliquity. Here we use a one-dimensional energy balance model modified to include a simple runaway greenhouse (RGH) parameterization to explore the effects of these two parameters on the climate of Earth-like aqua planets—completely ocean-covered planets—orbiting F-, G-, K-, and M-dwarf stars. We find that the range of instellations for which planets exhibit habitable surface conditions throughout an orbit decreases with increasing eccentricity. However, the appearance of temporarily habitable conditions during an orbit creates an eccentric habitable zone (EHZ) that is sensitive to orbital eccentricity and obliquity, planetary latitude, and the spectral type of the host star. We find that the fraction of a planet’s orbit over which it exhibits habitable surface conditions is larger on eccentric planets orbiting M-dwarf stars, due to the lower broadband planetary albedos of these planets. Planets with larger obliquities have smaller EHZs, but exhibit warmer climates if they do not enter a snowball state during their orbits. We also find no transient RGH state on planets at all eccentricities. Rather, planets spend their entire orbits either in an RGH or not. For G-dwarf planets receiving 100% of the modern solar constant and with eccentricities above 0.55, an entire Earth ocean inventory can be lost in 3.6 Gyr. M-dwarf planets, due to their larger incident X-ray and extreme ultraviolet flux, can become desiccated in only 690 Myr with eccentricities above 0.38. This work has important implications for eccentric planets that may exhibit surface habitability despite technically departing from the traditional habitable zone as they orbit their host stars.
A Simple Unified Spectroscopic Indicator of Stellar Luminosity: The Extended Flux-weighted Gravity–Luminosity Relationship
Authors: Kudritzki Rolf-Peter , Urbaneja Miguel A. , Rix Hans-Walter
Published: February 2020

We show that for a wide range of stellar masses, from 0.3 to 20 M
⊙, and for evolutionary phases from the main sequence to the beginning of the red giant stage, the stellar flux-weighted gravity, g

F
 ≡ g/

, is tightly correlated with absolute bolometric magnitude

. Such a correlation is predicted by stellar evolution theory. We confirm this relation observationally, using a sample of 445 stars with precise stellar parameters. It holds over 17 stellar magnitudes from

 = 9.0 to −8.0 mag with a scatter of 0.17 mag above

 = −3.0 and 0.29 mag below this value. We then test the relation with 2.2 million stars with 6.5 mag ≥ 

 ≥ 0.5 mag, where “mass-produced” but robust

,

  and

 from LAMOST DR5 and Gaia DR2 are available. We find that the same relation holds with a scatter of ∼0.2 mag for single stars offering a simple spectroscopic distance estimate good to ∼10%.
Local Group Analogs in ΛCDM Cosmological Simulations
Authors: Zhai Meng , Guo Qi , Zhao Gang , Gu Qing , Liu Ang
Published: February 2020

We use semi-analytic galaxy catalogs based on two high-resolution cosmological N-body simulations, Millennium-WMAP7 and Millennium-II, to investigate the formation of Local Group (LG) analogs. Unlike previous studies, we use the observed stellar masses to select the LG member (Milky Way (MW) and M31) analogs, and then impose constraints using the observed separation, isolation, and kinematics of the two main member galaxies. By comparing radial and low-ellipticity orbits between the MW and M31, we find higher tangential velocity results in higher total mass, which are

10

and

10

for radial and low-ellipticity orbits. The orbits also influence the individual mass distribution of MW and M31 analogs. For radial orbits, typical host halo masses of the MW and M31 are

10

and

10

for low-ellipticity orbits, the masses are

10

and

10

. The LG is located primarily in filaments with tails extending toward higher densities up to

. The dark matter velocity anisotropy parameters β of both the MW and M31 analogs are close to zero in the center, increasing to 0.2–0.3 at 50–80 kpc and decreasing slowly outward. The slope is much flatter than computed from the MW satellites, and the amplitude is smaller than traced by halo stars. Values of β from different tracers agree at ∼120 kpc where β ∼ 0.2. We also find that model predictions agree broadly with observations in the radial distribution and luminosity function of satellites around the MW and M31.
Interpreting the Equatorially Antisymmetric Gravitational Field of Saturn Measured by the Cassini Grand Finale
Authors: Qin Songhe , Kong Dali , Zhang Keke , Schubert Gerald , Huang Yong
Published: February 2020

The equatorially antisymmetric gravitational field of Saturn, represented by the four gravitational coefficients J
3, J
5, J
7, and J
9, has been measured by the Cassini Grand Finale. Since the rotational distortion and the internal structure do not contribute to the asymmetric gravity field, the spectrum of the odd coefficients offers a direct window into the structure and amplitude of fluid motion in Saturn. We show that the observed cloud-top asymmetric winds extending into Saturn’s interior cannot produce the measured gravity field, suggesting that the cloud-top winds are confined within a thin weather layer and hence do not contribute to the observed gravity. We interpret the asymmetric gravitational field by searching for an a priori unknown zonal circulation taking place in the molecular envelope. We find that a zonal circulation confined in the 20,000 km thick molecular layer produces the coefficients J
3, J
5, J
7, J
9 in agreement with measurements. The depth of the circulation is consistent with that inferred from the equatorially symmetric gravitational field of Saturn.
Ant Colony Optimization for Real Time Traffic Lights Control on a Single Intersection
Authors: Rida Nouha , Ouadoud Mohammed , Hasbi Aberrahim
Published: February 2020

In this paper, we present a new scheme to intelligently control the cycles and phases of traffic lights by exploiting the road traffic data collected by a wireless sensor network installed on the road. The traffic light controller determines the next phase of traffic lights by applying the Ant Colony Optimazation metaheuristics to the information collected by WSN. The objective of this system is to find an optimal solution that gives the best possible results in terms of reducing the waiting time of vehicles and maximizing the flow crossing the intersection during the green light. The results of simulations by the SUMO traffic simulator confirm the preference of the developed algorithm over the predefined time controller and other dynamic controllers.
An Empirical Investigation into Examination of Factors Influencing University Students’ Behavior towards Elearning Acceptance Using SEM Approach
Authors: Al Kurdi Barween , Alshurideh Muhammad , Salloum Said A. , Obeidat Zaid Mohammad , Al-dweeri Rami Mohammad
Published: February 2020

There are several reasons why most of the universities implement E-learning. The extent of E-learning programs is being offered by the higher educational institutes in the UAE are evidently expanding. However, very few studies have been carried out to validate the process of how E-learning is being accepted and employed by university students. The study involved a sample of 365 university students. To describe the acceptance process, the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method was used. On the basis of the technology acceptance model (TAM), the standard structural model that involved E-learning Computer Self-Efficacy, Social Influence, Enjoyment, System Interactivity, Computer Anxiety, Technical support, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Attitude, and Behavioral Intention to Use e-learning, was developed. The findings showed that TAM served as a suitable theoretical tool to comprehend the acceptance of e-learning by users. The most critical construct to explain the causal process employed in the model was E-learning Computer Self-Efficacy, Social Influence, Enjoyment, System Interactivity, Computer Anxiety, Technical support, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Attitude, followed by Behavioral Intention to Use e-learning. Practical implications are offered by the outcomes for decision makers, professionals and developers in how effective E-learning systems can be implemented properly.
Road Information Collector Using Smartphone for Measuring Road Width Based on Object and Lane Detection
Authors: Nasution Surya Michrandi , Husni Emir , Kuspriyanto Kuspriyanto , Yusuf Rahadian , Mulyawan Rahmat
Published: February 2020

This paper proposed an application for Android smartphone to collect road information. That information will be extracted to acquire road width, so the drivers could use right alternate routes for their types of vehicle. Object and lane detection are both used for obtaining road width when lane boundaries are detected in road image otherwise, road width is obtained using a vanishing point method. The average error rate for road width measurement using object and lane detection is 19.71%. Meanwhile, the average error rate when there is no lane boundary is in the range of 10-15%, 8-18%, and 10-19% for various capturing sides. Reclassification of the road is done when the error rate of road width is set. Accuracy of road category reclassification is in the range of 70-75% in various sides.
Mobile Application Development of Managing Elderly Household Accounts Using Speech Recognition
Authors: Nuanmeesri Sumitra
Published: February 2020

Using spoken language is the easiest and most natural way of communication for human beings. The communication between humans and machines using sounds or language is a huge move forward. This article demonstrates the development of a mobile application for managing household accounts with the integration of a speaking voice and touch-screen function on smartphones; this could also be used as a tool to manage household accounts for elderly Thai people. The content was evaluated by five experts to identify each feature of the developed mobile application. Afterwards, the developed mobile application was distributed to thirty-three elderly people. The findings showed that the elderly people were able to learn and use the mobile application effectively. The learning post-test results scored higher than the pre-test results. The effectiveness evaluation results in terms of the accessibility barriers that can be faced by elderly people while using mobile applications showed that the average mean was 4.13 and the standard deviation was 0.36 and the acceptance of the mobile application based on accessibility barriers that could be detected by elderly people while being used has high consensus. This indicates that the developed mobile application is effective for elderly users at a high level.
C1q/TNF-Related Protein 6 Is a Pattern Recognition Molecule That Recruits Collectin-11 from the Complement System to Ligands
Authors: Kirketerp-Møller Nikolaj , Bayarri-Olmos Rafael , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki , Garred Peter
Published: February 2020

C1q/TNF-related protein (CTRP) 6 is a member of the CTRP protein family associated with the regulation of cellular and endocrine processes. CTRP6 contains collagen and globular structures, resembling the pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) of the classical and lectin complement pathways. We expressed human CTRP6 in Chinese hamster ovary cells and investigated the binding to different putative ligands (acetylated BSA [AcBSA], zymosan, mannan, and LPS from Escherichia coli and Salmonella as well as to the monosaccharides l-fucose, d-mannose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine, and galactose). Furthermore, we investigated the binding of CTRP6 to various Gram-negative bacteria as well as PRMs and enzymes of the lectin complement pathway. We found that CTRP6 bound to AcBSA and to a lesser extent to zymosan. Using EDTA as chelating agent, we observed an increased binding to AcBSA, zymosan and the two strains of LPS. We detected no binding to mannan and BSA. We identified l-fucose as a ligand for CTRP6 and that it bound to certain enteroaggregative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, whereas to other bacterial isolates, no binding was observed. CTRP6 did not appear to interact directly with the activating enzymes of the lectin pathway; however, we could show the specific recruitment of collectin-11 and subsequent initiation of the complement cascade through deposition of C4. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the binding of CTRP6 to a variety of microbial and endogenous ligands identifying CTRP6 as a novel human lectin and PRM of importance for complement recognition and innate immunity.
Teichmüller space of circle diffeomorphisms with Hölder continuous derivatives
Authors: Matsuzaki Katsuhiko
Published: February 2020

Based on the quasiconformal theory of the universal Teichmüller space, we introduce the Teichmüller space of diffeomorphisms of the unit circle with

\alpha

-Hölder continuous derivatives as a subspace of the universal Teichmüller space. We characterize such a diffeomorphism quantitatively in terms of the complex dilatation of its quasiconformal extension and the Schwarzian derivative given by the Bers embedding. Then, we provide a complex Banach manifold structure for it and prove that its topology coincides with the one induced by local

C^{1+\alpha}

-topology at the base point.
Epidemiologic characteristics of early cases with 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) disease in Korea
Authors: Ki Moran
Published: February 2020

In about 20 days since the diagnosis of the first case of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Korea on January 20, 2020, 28 cases have been confirmed. Fifteen patients (53.6%) of them were male and median age of was 42 years (range, 20-73). Of the confirmed cases, 16, 9, and 3 were index (57.2%), first-generation (32.1%), and second-generation (10.7%) cases, respectively. All first-generation and second-generation patients were family members or intimate acquaintances of the index cases with close contacts. Fifteen among 16 index patients had entered Korea from January 19 to 24, 2020 while 1 patient had entered Korea on January 31, 2020. The average incubation period was 3.9 days (median, 3.0), and the reproduction number was estimated as 0.48. Three of the confirmed patients were asymptomatic when they were diagnosed. Epidemiological indicators will be revised with the availability of additional data in the future. Sharing epidemiological information among researchers worldwide is essential for efficient preparation and response in tackling this new infectious disease.
Chemical Characteristics, Spatiotemporal Distribution, and Source Apportionment of PM2.5 Surrounding Industrial Complexes in Southern Kaohsiung
Authors: Shen Huazhen , Cheng Po-Hung , Yuan Chung-Shin , Yang Zong-Mou , Hung Chung-Min , Ie Iau-Ren
Published: February 2020

This study investigated PM2.5, specifically, its chemical characteristics and spatiotemporal variation, and identified its potential sources in the Linhai industrial complex of southern Kaohsiung. Seasonal 12-h PM2.5 samples were collected simultaneously at three sampling sites. The results showed that high PM2.5 concentrations mainly occurred during winter and spring, with concentrations at the downwind sites always exceeding those at the upwind sites due to the transport of secondary aerosol by the prevailing winds. 31.4–56.8% of the PM2.5 consisted of water-soluble ions (WSIs), which were dominated by secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) (SO42– + NO3– + NH4+). High mass ratios between the SIA and the PM2.5 (SIA/PM2.5) were also observed during winter and spring, suggesting that SIA was the primary contributor to the high levels of PM2.5. A neutralization ratio (NR) < 1 indicated that the PM2.5 was acidic, and a nitrogen oxidation ratio (NOR) > 0.1 and a sulfur oxidation ratio (SOR) > 0.25 showed that SIA frequently formed during winter and spring. The metallic elements, which accounted for 12.0–20.2% of the PM2.5, tended to exhibit higher concentrations during daytime than nighttime, and the enrichment factors (EFs) revealed that the trace metals (Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn) were mainly anthropogenic in origin. Carbonaceous content formed 9.3–24.3% of the PM2.5, and high mass ratios between the organic and the elemental carbon (OC/EC) were also observed during winter and spring. Moreover, the mass ratios between the malonic and the succinic acid (M/S) were always > 1.0 during winter and spring and < 1.0 during summer and fall, demonstrating that organic acids dominated the SOA during the first two seasons. The major sources of PM2.5 in the Linhai industrial complex were steel plants, followed by secondary sulfate and nitrate, vehicular exhaust, petrochemical plants, and incinerators.
Manuscript Submission Guidelines
Authors: Editors Clotho
Published: February 2020

Clotho follows a double-blind reviewing procedure. Authors aretherefore requested to submit:– a blinded manuscript without any author names and affiliationsin the text or on the title page;– a separate title page containing title, all author names, affiliations,and the contact information of the corresponding author.Please follow the hyperlink “Make a Submission” on the journalhomepage (revije.ff.uni-lj.si/clotho) and upload all of your manuscriptfiles following the instructions given on the screen.
Early Explorers of the Eastern Desert and the History of Monasticism: Sir John Gardner Wilkinson and James Burton
Authors: Zabel Blaž , Ciglenečki Jan
Published: February 2020

This paper analyses the personal documents of two early explorers of the Eastern Desert who recorded several monastic monuments in the area: Sir John Gardner Wilkinson and James Burton. We argue that these papers are an important source for the history of early monasticism as they record many of the monuments now destroyed, severely damaged, or forgotten. It is also suggested that Burton preceded Wilkinson in visiting and documenting some of these archaeological sites, even though Wilkinson was the first to publish them.
Asian Smallholders in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Thompson Eric , Gillen Jamie , Rigg Jonathan , Thompson Eric , Rigg Jonathan , Gillen Jamie , Andriesse Edo , Cole Robert , Hung Po-Yi , Ngah Ibrahim , Kamarudin Khairul Hisyam , Nguyen Tuan Anh , Peou Chivoin , Shoji Gen , Soukkhy Outhai , Tubtim Tubtim , Wewalaarachchi Sakunika , Wijaya Holi Bina , Yokoyama Satoshi , Yoshida Kunimitsu , Young Sokphea
Published: February 2020

Asian Smallholders in Comparative Perspective provides the first multicountry, inter-disciplinary analysis of the single most important social and economic formation in the Asian countryside: the smallholder. Based on ten core country chapters, the volume describes and explains the persistence, transformations, functioning and future of the smallholder and smallholdings across East and Southeast Asia. As well as providing a source book for scholars working on agrarian change in the region, it also engages with a number of key current areas of debate, including: the nature and direction of the agrarian transition in Asia, and its distinctiveness vis à vis transitions in the global North; the persistence of the smallholder notwithstanding deep and rapid structural change; and the question of the efficiency and productivity of smallholder-based farming set against concerns over global and national food security.