bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why are ACE2 binding coronavirus strains SARS‐CoV/SARS‐CoV‐2 wild and NL63 mild?
Authors: Rawat Puneet , Jemimah Sherlyn , Ponnuswamy P. K. , Gromiha M. Michael
Published: November 2020

Coronaviruses are responsible for several epidemics, including the 2002 SARS, 2012 MERS, and COVID‐19. The emergence of recent COVID‐19 pandemic due to SARS‐CoV‐2 virus in December 2019 has resulted in considerable research efforts to design antiviral drugs and other therapeutics against coronaviruses. In this context, it is crucial to understand the biophysical and structural features of the major proteins that are involved in virus‐host interactions. In the current study, we have compared spike proteins from three strains of coronaviruses NL63, SARS‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV, known to bind human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), in terms of sequence/structure conservation, hydrophobic cluster formation and importance of binding site residues. The study reveals that the severity of coronavirus strains correlates positively with the interaction area, surrounding hydrophobicity and interaction energy and inversely correlate with the flexibility of the binding interface. Also, we identify the conserved residues in the binding interface of spike proteins in all three strains. The systematic point mutations show that these conserved residues in the respective strains are evolutionarily favored at their respective positions. The similarities and differences in the spike proteins of the three viruses indicated in this study may help researchers to deeply understand the structural behavior, binding site properties and etiology of ACE2 binding, accelerating the screening of potential lead molecules and the development/repurposing of therapeutic drugs.
Development of a microsurgery‐assisted robot for high‐precision thread traction and tension control, and confirmation of its applicability
Authors: Hangai Satoshi , Nozaki Takahiro , Soma Tomoya , Miyashita Hidetaka , Asoda Seiji , Yazawa Masaki , Sato Kazuki , Kawana Hiromasa , Ohnishi Kouhei , Kobayashi Eiji
Published: November 2020

Background

Microsurgery requires high skills for suturing using fragile threads, often within narrow surgical fields. Precise tension is required for good healing and to avoid the risk of thread breakage.

Methods

To meet the demands, we developed a novel assist robot utilizing high‐precision sensorless haptic technology. The robot adopts a cable‐driven mechanism to maintain a distance from the surgical area and enhances compatibility with surgical equipment such as microscopes. The robot performance was verified through in vitro and in vivo experiments using a rat model.

Results

The realization of precise tension control was confirmed in both experiments. In particular, in the in vivo experiments, the developed robot succeeded to produce a knot with an accurate tension of 0.66% error.

Conclusions

The developed robot can realize to control traction force precisely. This technology might open up the window for a full assist robot for microsurgery with haptic feeling.
Hierarchical Pores Structured Inverse Opal‐TiO2‐Bi2WO6 for Photocatalytic Tetracycline Elimination‐Testing by Real‐Time Monitor of Germination Rate and Growth Rate of Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Lv Chao , Lan Xuefang , Wang Lili , Wang Cheng , Liu Xiaogang , Shi Jinsheng
Published: November 2020

A novel Inverse Opal‐TiO2‐Bi2WO6 (ITB) with hierarchical pores structure was composed for tetracycline photodegradation, whose degradation effect was investigated by real‐time monitor of germination rate and growth rate of cabbages. The three‐dimensional hierarchical pores structure could contribute to a high surface area of catalysts, hence enhance adsorption sites for tetracycline. A Z‐scheme heterojunction is proved to be formed between inverse opal structured TiO2 (IO‐TiO2) and Bi2WO6, which could enhance carrier's separation and transfer efficiency to enhance tetracycline degradation activity. In addition, the possible photocatalytic mechanism was explored and proposed. Based on free radical trapping experiments, hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH) and oxygen anion free radicals (⋅O2−) play important roles in tetracycline photodegradation. This is the first work reported on real‐time investigation of the effect of photocatalysts on crop germination rate and growth rate by decreasing tetracycline concentration.
Aggregating data center measurements for availability analysis
Authors: da Silva Rocha Élisson , G. F. da Silva Leylane , Santos Guto L. , Bezerra Diego , Moreira André , Gonçalves Glauco , Marquezini Maria Valéria , Mehta Amardeep , Wildeman Mattias , Kelner Judith , Sadok Djamel , Endo Patricia T.
Published: November 2020

A data center infrastructure is composed of heterogeneous resources divided into three main subsystems: IT (processor, memory, disk, network, etc.), power (generators, power transformers, uninterruptible power supplies, distribution units, among others), and cooling (water chillers, pipes, and cooling tower). This heterogeneity brings challenges for collecting and gathering data from several devices in the infrastructure. In addition, extracting relevant information is another challenge for data center managers. While seeking to improve the cloud availability, monitoring the entire infrastructure using a variety of (open source and/or commercial) advanced monitoring tools, such as Zabbix, Nagios, Prometheus, CloudWatch, AzureWatch, and others is required. It is often common to use many monitoring systems to collect real‐time data for data center components from different subsystems. Such an environment brings an inherent challenge stemming from the need to aggregate and organize the whole collected infrastructure data and measurements. This first step is necessary prior to obtaining any valuable insights for decision‐making. In this paper, we present the Data Center Availability (DCA) System, a software system that is able to aggregate and analyze data center measurements aimed toward the study of DCA. We also discuss the DCA implementation and illustrate its operation, monitoring a small University research laboratory data center. The DCA System is able to monitor different types of devices using the Zabbix tool, such as servers, switches, and power devices. The DCA System is able to automatically identify the failure time seasonality and trend present in the collected data from different devices of the data center.
Energy‐Efficient Preparation Method of Water‐Swellable Starch Phosphate Carbamate Particles
Authors: Harada Nobuyuki , Mitsukami Yoshiro , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

A simple preparation method for highly water‐swellable starch phosphate carbamate (SPC) particles is proposed. In this method, a mixture of starch, urea and aqueous phosphate solution is heated in the form of gel particles under ambient pressure. The physical properties of SPC and the reaction kinetics are compared with those of the conventional method in which the thermal reaction is carried out in the form of paste. The reaction mechanism is studied by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The high efficiency of the proposed method and the excellent balance of water absorption capacity and shear modulus of the product are attractive from an industrial point of view.
Experimental cyclic performance of steel shear walls with single rectangular opening
Authors: Kordzangeneh Ghavam , Showkati Hossein , Rezaeian Abbas , Yekrangnia Mohammad
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the results of evaluating the effects of the location and size of rectangular opening on the cyclic performance of steel plate shear wall (SPSW) systems through an experimental study. A total of seven 1:6 scale SPSW specimens were tested under quasi‐static cyclic loads. Apart from a solid (without opening) specimen, six specimens with different opening locations and sizes were considered. The rectangular opening in the SPSW specimens with the relative opening‐to‐plate area of 4.00, 6.76% and 10.24% caused a reduction in maximum shear capacity by 28%, 33%, and 46% respectively. A similar trend was also noticed in the reduction of initial stiffness. The test results proved good performance of the stiffeners around the opening perimeter in preventing the zipping of the plate at these regions. However, from the drift ratio of 1.0%, the tearing of the plate began gradually and was followed by significant strength degradation. Because of the buckling and snap‐back of the plate, pinching in force‐displacement of all the specimens was observed. Also, a finite element simulation of all the specimens was performed, which led to acceptable results in terms of the characteristics of force‐displacement response.
Under-resolved and large eddy simulations of a decaying Taylor–Green vortex with the cumulant lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Geier Martin , Lenz Stephan , Schönherr Martin , Krafczyk Manfred
Published: November 2020

We present a comprehensive analysis of the cumulant lattice Boltzmann model with the three-dimensional Taylor–Green vortex benchmark at Reynolds number 1600. The cumulant model is investigated in several different variants, using regularization, fourth-order convergent diffusion and fourth-order convergent advection with and without limiters. In addition, a cumulant model combined with a WALE sub-grid scale model is being evaluated. The turbulence model is found to filter out the high wave number contributions from the energy spectrum and the enstrophy, while the non-filtered cumulant methods show good correspondence to spectral simulations even for the high wave numbers. The application of the WALE turbulence model appears to be counter productive for the Taylor–Green vortex at a Reynolds number of 1600. At much higher Reynolds numbers ($${\hbox {Re}}=160{,}000$$

Re
=
160
,
000

) a deviation from the ideal Kolmogorov theory can be observed in the absence of an explicit turbulence model. Cumulant models with fourth-order convergent diffusion show much better results than single relaxation time methods.
Association between lipid-lowering agents and severe hyponatremia: a population-based case–control study
Authors: Skov Jakob , Falhammar Henrik , Calissendorff Jan , Lindh Jonatan D , Mannheimer Buster
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Drug-induced hyponatremia is common, with medications from many drug-classes implicated. Lipid-lowering agents are among the most prescribed drugs. Limited evidence suggests an inverse association between statins and hyponatremia, while data on other lipid-lowering agents is absent. The objective of this investigation was to study the association between lipid-lowering drugs and hospitalization due to hyponatremia.

Methods

This was a register-based case–control study of the general Swedish population. Those hospitalized with a main diagnosis of hyponatremia (n = 11,213) were compared with matched controls (n = 44,801). Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for co-medication, diseases, previous hospitalizations, and socioeconomic factors was used to explore the association between severe hyponatremia and the use of lipid-lowering drugs.

Results

Unadjusted ORs (95% CI) for hospitalization due to hyponatremia were 1.28 (1.22–1.35) for statins, 1.09 (0.79–1.47) for ezetimibe, 1.38 (0.88–2.12) for fibrates, and 2.12 (1.31–3.35) for resins. After adjustment for confounding factors the adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) compared with controls were 0.69 (0.64–0.74) for statins, 0.60 (0.41–0.86) for ezetimibe, 0.87 (0.51–1.42) for fibrates, and 1.21 (0.69–2.06) for resins.

Conclusions

Use of statins and ezetimibe was inversely correlated with severe hyponatremia. Consequently, these drugs are unlikely culprits in patients with hyponatremia, and they appear safe to initiate in hyponatremic patients. A potential protective effect warrants further studies on how statins and other lipid-lowering drugs are linked to dysnatremias.
Timing and Type of Venous Thromboembolic Prophylaxis in Isolated Severe Liver Injury Managed Non‐Operatively
Authors: Jakob Dominik A. , Benjamin Elizabeth R. , Liasidis Panagiotis , Demetriades Demetrios
Published: November 2020

Background

The optimal timing and type of pharmacological venous thromboembolic prophylaxis (VTEp) after severe liver injury selected for nonoperative management (NOM) are controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of timing and type of VTEp in severe liver injuries selected for NOM.

Methods

ACS‐TQIP database study (2013–17) including patients with blunt isolated severe liver injuries (AIS ≥ 3), selected for NOM, who received VTEp with either unfractionated heparin (UH) or low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH). Patients who underwent laparotomy or angiointervention within 24 h or prior to the initiation of VTEp were excluded. The study population was stratified according to the timing of VTEp ≤ 48 h (EP) and > 48 h (LP) groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify differences between the groups.

Results

A total of 4074 patients was included in the study. 2004 (49.2%) received EP and 2070 (50.8%) LP. Patients with more severe injuries were more likely to receive LP than an EP [ISS 24 (19–29) vs 22 (17–27), p < 0.001]. On multivariate analysis (correcting for age, gender, comorbidities, blood pressure, GCS, ISS, type of VTEp), LP was identified as an independent risk factor for thromboembolic events (OR 1.52, p = 0.032) and mortality (OR 2.49, p = 0.031). LMWH was independently associated with lower mortality (OR 0.36, p = 0.007), compared to UH. EP did not increase the risk of laparotomy or angiointervention after starting VTEp, compared to LP (p = 0.992).

Conclusion

Early VTEp (≤ 48 h) is safe and independently associated with fewer thromboembolic events and a lower mortality after isolated severe liver injuries managed nonoperatively. LMWH was independently associated with improved outcomes when compared with UH.
Proposal of Thermoactinomyces mirandus sp. nov., a filamentous, anaerobic bacterium isolated from a biogas plant
Authors: Mutschlechner Mira , Lackner Nina , Markt Rudolf , Salvenmoser Willi , Dunlap Christopher A. , Wagner Andreas O.
Published: November 2020

We isolated a filamentous, thermophilic, and first anaerobic representative of the genus Thermoactinomyces, designated strain AMNI-1T, from a biogas plant in Tyrol, Austria and report the results of a phenotypic, genetic, and phylogenetic investigation. Strain AMNI-1T was observed to form a white branching mycelium that aggregates into pellets when grown in liquid medium. Cells could primarily utilize lactose, glucose, and mannose as carbon and energy sources, with acetate accelerating and yeast extract being mandatory for growth. The optimum growth temperature and pH turned out to be 55 °C and pH 7.0, respectively, with an optimum NaCl concentration of 0–2% (w/v). 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison indicated that the genetic relatedness between strain AMNI-1T and Thermoactinomyces intermedius, Thermoactinomyces khenchelensis, and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris was less than 97%. The G + C content of the genomic DNA was 44.7 mol%. The data obtained suggest that the isolate represents a novel and first anaerobic species of the genus Thermoactinomyces, for which the name Thermoactinomyces mirandus is proposed. The type strain is AMNI-1T (= DSM 110094T = LMG 31503T). The description of the genus Thermoactinomyces is emended accordingly.
Myocardial involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis evaluated with cardiopulmonary magnetic resonance
Authors: Lagan Jakub , Naish Josephine H. , Fortune Christien , Bradley Joshua , Clark David , Niven Robert , Chaudhuri Nazia , Schelbert Erik B. , Schmitt Matthias , Miller Christopher A.
Published: November 2020

Patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) most commonly die from cardiac causes, however, cardiac involvement remains poorly characterised and the relationship between cardiac and pulmonary disease is not known. This study aimed to characterise myocardial and pulmonary manifestations of EGPA, and their relationship. Prospective comprehensive cardiopulmonary investigation, including a novel combined cardiopulmonary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology, was performed in 13 patients with stable EGPA. Comparison was made with 11 prospectively recruited matched healthy volunteers. Stable EGPA was associated with focal replacement and diffuse interstitial myocardial fibrosis (myocardial extracellular volume 26.9% vs. 24.7%; p = 0.034), which drove a borderline increase in left ventricular mass (56  ±  9 g/m2 vs. 49  ±  8 g/m2; p = 0.065). Corrected QT interval was significantly prolonged and was associated with the severity of myocardial fibrosis (r = 0.582, p = 0.037). Stable EGPA was not associated with increased myocardial capillary permeability or myocardial oedema. Pulmonary tissue perfusion and capillary permeability were normal and there was no evidence of pulmonary tissue oedema or fibrosis. Forced expiratory volume in one second showed a strong inverse relationship with myocardial fibrosis (r = −0.783, p = 0.038). In this exploratory study, stable EGPA was associated with focal replacement and diffuse interstitial myocardial fibrosis, but no evidence of myocardial or pulmonary inflammation or pulmonary fibrosis. Myocardial fibrosis was strongly associated with airway obstruction and abnormal cardiac repolarisation. Further investigation is required to determine the mechanisms underlying the association between heart and lung disease in EGPA and whether an immediate immunosuppressive strategy could prevent myocardial fibrosis formation.
Dissolution of cotton by 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate studied with time–temperature superposition for three different fibre arrangements
Authors: Liang Yunhao , Hawkins James E. , Ries Michael E. , Hine Peter J.
Published: November 2020

This study has investigated the dissolution of cotton fibres in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([C2mim][OAc]) for three fibre arrangements. Dissolution was carried out with excess [C2mim][OAc] at various temperatures and times followed by coagulation with water. Optical microscopy (OM) of the resulting processed and dried cotton fibres indicated that this procedure produced a coagulated fraction surrounding the original fibres. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the crystal structure of this coagulated fraction was predominantly cellulose II, as opposed to the original fibres—mostly cellulose I. The OM and XRD results showed that growth of the coagulated fraction obeyed time–temperature superposition (TTS) and displayed an Arrhenius behaviour allowing a dissolution activation energy to be determined. Although the growth of the coagulated fraction with time were different for these distinct three arrangements, all could be individually shifted to form master curves using TTS, leading to very similar activation energies, 96 ± 3 kJ/mol (23 ± 1 kcal/mol).

Graphic abstract
(Re)Configuring Hybrid Meetings: Moving from User-Centered Design to Meeting-Centered Design
Authors: Saatçi Banu , Akyüz Kaya , Rintel Sean , Klokmose Clemens Nylandsted
Published: November 2020

Despite sophisticated technologies for representational fidelity in hybrid meetings, in which co-located and remote participants collaborate via video or audio, meetings are still often disrupted by practical problems with trying to include remote participants. In this paper, we use micro-analysis of three disruptive moments in a hybrid meeting from a global software company to unpack blended technological and conversational practices of inclusion and exclusion. We argue that designing truly valuable experiences for hybrid meetings requires moving from the traditional, essentialist, and perception-obsessed user-centered design approach to a phenomenological approach to the needs of meetings themselves. We employ the metaphor of ‘configuring the meeting’ to propose that complex ecologies of people, technology, spatial, and institutional organization must be made relevant in the process of design.
Distribution and length composition of lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) in a nursery ground in southern Cuba
Authors: Ruiz-Abierno Alexei , Márquez-Farías J. Fernando , Hueter Robert E. , Macías-Romero Lázaro , Barros-García J. Manuel , García-Córdova Lisandra , Hurtado Andrés , Miller Valerie
Published: November 2020

Characterization of essential habitat for sharks is a key requirement for effective conservation of shark populations. In Cuba, shark essential habitat is largely undocumented. Here we present the first study of a shark nursery area in Cuban waters, for the lemon shark. Nursery areas for lemon sharks are typically surrounded by mangroves and contain sandy substrate where the young can feed, grow, move, and eventually disperse from the area. We conducted our study in Cuba’s La Salina Wildlife Refuge during 2015–2019, to understand the role this refuge might play as a lemon shark nursery area, by documenting the distribution and length structure of juveniles. Our results indicate that juvenile lemon sharks are present throughout much of the refuge with no clear pattern of aggregation by size. The size range of all juveniles captured was 39.8–108.0 cm precaudal length (PCL) with a mode in length-class 70.0–75.0 cm PCL. The mean size and weight of all individuals during the study period was 75.8 cm PCL and 5.5 kg, respectively. We infrequently observed neonates in May, June, and September with size range 39.8–55.5 cm PCL. Enforcement of management regulations, difficult access to the refuge for fishers and other user groups, and isolation from human settlements are factors that help maintain nearly pristine conditions in La Salina Wildlife Refuge. The size/age structure of lemon sharks likely represents a population unaltered by human influence. We recommend our study be expanded to contribute to shark conservation and management as outlined in Cuba’s National Plan of Action for sharks.
Schematic Refutations of Formula Schemata
Authors: Cerna David M. , Leitsch Alexander , Lolic Anela
Published: November 2020

Proof schemata are infinite sequences of proofs which are defined inductively. In this paper we present a general framework for schemata of terms, formulas and unifiers and define a resolution calculus for schemata of quantifier-free formulas. The new calculus generalizes and improves former approaches to schematic deduction. As an application of the method we present a schematic refutation formalizing a proof of a weak form of the pigeon hole principle.
Efficient Position Estimation of 3D Fluorescent Spherical Beads in Confocal Microscopy via Poisson Denoising
Authors: Benfenati Alessandro , Bonacci Francesco , Bourouina Tarik , Talbot Hugues
Published: November 2020

Particle estimation is a classical problem arising in many science fields, such as biophysics, fluid mechanics and biomedical imaging. Many interesting applications in these areas involve 3D imaging data: This work presents a technique to estimate the 3D coordinates of the center of spherical particles. This procedure has its core in the processing of the images of the scanned volume: It firstly applies denoising techniques to each frame of the scanned volume and then provides an estimation of both the center and the profile of the 2D intersections of the particles with the frames, by coupling the usage of Total Variation functional and of a regularized weighted Least Squares fit. Then, the 2D information is used to retrieve the 3D coordinates using geometrical properties. The experiments provide evidence that image denoising has a large impact on the performance of the particle tracking procedures, since they strongly depend on the quality of the initial acquisition. This work shows that the choice of tailored image denoising technique for Poisson noise leads to a better estimation of the particle positions.
A review on deformation-induced electromagnetic radiation detection: history and current status of the technique
Authors: Sharma Sumeet Kumar , Chauhan Vishal S. , Sinapius Michael
Published: November 2020

Development of the deformation monitoring techniques for the infrastructures so as to avoid catastrophic failure and resulting economic/human loss has remained a key interest of scientists and engineers. Among various deformation monitoring techniques utilized and explored by groups of researchers, electromagnetic radiation detection is one of the intriguing techniques which has remained popular in researchers’ community till today. Almost every type of material is being explored and studied by researchers for the electromagnetic emissions when subjected to external loading and/or failure. Experimental and theoretical investigations are demonstrating these emissions to be a suitable candidate for the deformation monitoring, as a failure predictor and to know about the complex phenomenon of fracture. This article presents extensive literature review and a rigorous discussion on the work done in the past several decades regarding the exploration of electromagnetic emissions from a wide variety of materials and the underlying physical mechanisms. Thus, this review is an attempt to highlight main findings, proposed physical mechanisms, prospective applications, future scope and challenges of the electromagnetic emission detection technique.
Embedded implicature: what can be left unsaid?
Authors: Benz Anton , Gotzner Nicole
Published: November 2020

Previous research on scalar implicature has primarily relied on meta-linguistic judgment tasks and found varying rates of such inferences depending on the nature of the task and contextual manipulations. This paper introduces a novel interactive paradigm involving both a production and a comprehension side and a precise conversational goal. The main research question is what is reliably communicated by some in this communicative setting, both when the quantifier occurs in unembedded and embedded positions. Our new paradigm involves an action-based task from which participants’ interpretation of utterances can be inferred. It incorporates a game-theoretic design, thereby including a precise model to predict participants’ behaviour in the experimental context. Our study shows that embedded and unembedded implicatures are reliably communicated by some. We propose two cognitive principles that describe what can be left unsaid. In our experimental context, a production strategy based on these principles is more efficient (with equal communicative success but shorter utterances) than a strategy based on literal descriptions.
“We Need Other Human Beings in Order to be Human”: Examining the Indigenous Philosophy of Umunthu and Strengthening Mental Health Interventions
Authors: Wright Jerome , Jayawickrama Janaka
Published: November 2020

This paper examines how cultural, historical and contemporary perspectives of mental health continue to inform ways of understanding and responding to mental distress even under the biomedical gaze of the Movement for Global Mental Health (MGMH). Based on experiences in Malawi, the authors explore three prominent interventions (practical support, counselling and support groups) employed by village health workers within a mental health task-shifting initiative and reveal how the ancient philosophy of Umunthu with its values of interconnectedness, inclusion and inter-relationships informs and shapes the direction of these interventions. Practical support is marshalled through traditional village structures, counselling provides advice and an encouragement to hope, and support groups provide a place for emotional exchange and a forum for the enactment of values, reflection and reinforcement of Umunthu. What are pronounced as biomedical psychosocial interventions are in fact the delivery of culturally embedded therapeutic approaches. Historical and socio-political evidence is offered to explain the dominance of biomedical perspectives and the HSAs’ responses and a call is made for a transformation of MGMH to embrace rich philosophies such as Umunthu and enact respectful, inclusive and democratic values to enlist collaborations between equals to develop relevant and effective knowledge and local responses to mental distress.
Sweet/Fat Preference Taste in Subjects Who are Lean, Obese and Very Obese
Authors: Leohr Jennifer , Kjellsson Maria C.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study assessed the perception of sweetness, creaminess, and pleasantness from a sweet/fat preference test in subjects who are lean (BMI: 19–25), obese (BMI: 30–33) or very obese (BMI: 34–40) using categorical modeling.

Methods

Subjects tasted 16 dairy solutions consisting of 0%, 3.5%, 11.3% and 37.5% fat and each containing 0%, 5%, 10%, or 20% sugar and rated them for sweetness, creaminess and pleasantness.

Results

A proportional odds model described the perception of sweetness using an Emax for the effect of sugar and a linear effect for fat. Perception of creaminess was dependent on the fat and sugar content and was described with proportional odds model with linear effects of sugar and fat. Perception of pleasantness increased with sugar and fat but decreased in solutions containing 37.5% fat. A differential odds model using an Emax model for fat and sugar with a negative interaction between them allowed the sugar content to be less than proportional and the fat content to be greater than proportional for pleasantness.

Conclusions

Application of modeling provided understanding of these complex interactions of sugar and fat on the perception of sweetness, creaminess, and pleasantness and provides a tool to investigate obesity and pharmacological intervention.
When international academic conferences go virtual
Authors: Falk Martin Thomas , Hagsten Eva
Published: November 2020

This study investigates the extent to which international academic conferences changes format to virtual when faced by sudden Covid-19 related immobility. Data on 587 conferences in the fields of business, economics, information technology, management and other social sciences that were planned to be held between March and August 2020 are retrieved from authorised conference listings. Approximately 28% of the conferences changed to virtual format during the period of time studied. Probit estimations reveal that the probability of changing format to virtual increases with the country of location (United States), planning horizon and the available quality of broadband infrastructure in the scheduled conference country. However, the role of planning horizon differs across fields and location of the conference. The probability of virtual conferences is highest in the United States and for academic conferences in the field of information technology.
Visualizing research trends and research theme evolution in E-learning field: 1999–2018
Authors: Bai Yang , Li Hongxiu , Liu Yong
Published: November 2020

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of major research themes and trends in e-learning research. A co-word analysis is applied for the analysis of the 21,656 keywords collected from 7214 articles published in 10 journals in the field of e-learning from the years 1999 to 2018. Specifically, a cluster analysis, social network analysis, strategic diagram, and graph theory were applied in the analysis for two time periods: 1999–2008 and 2009–2018. The study detects the bridging, popular, and core topics in e-learning research for the two periods. The research results indicate that e-learning research has undergone a health evolution over the past two decades. There is a temporal continuity of e-learning research because some research topics have kept their continuity over the studied 20 years. Meanwhile, the research traditions in the e-learning field are also continuously evolving with the development of new technologies. The results also offer useful hints on the future direction of how the field may evolve.
Land Registration Concepts in Translation
Authors: Gościński Jan , Kubacki Artur D.
Published: November 2020

Land registration systems are used throughout the world in order to store information on the ownership of land, rights attached to it, and burdens affecting it. A smoothly functioning land registration system guarantees the security of land transfer operations. However, there are significant differences in the way national land registration systems are run due to their historical development and divergent legislative approaches to land registration. Consequently, the need arises to compare different systems so as to find both common ground and discrepancies between them. The paper contains such a comparative analysis which has been carried out with translation in mind: to discover the best ways of transferring land registration legal concepts expressed in one linguistic framework and characteristic of a given legal culture into target legal spaces using other linguistic frameworks. The comparison in question has taken place in a third space, a space where selected aspects of selected legal systems mingle revealing more or less clear similarities and more or less distinct differences between them. The juxtaposition of source and target legal cultures in a third space has resulted in finding translation equivalents that do not abuse (traumatize) the original ideas or—if this has been unavoidable—abuse them to the smallest extent possible. The analysis has covered the Polish land registration system and equivalent systems in English- and German-speaking countries (England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, the USA, Austria, Germany, Switzerland) and has been conducted from the point of view of a Polish-English and Polish-German translator.
A Tourist Segmentation Based on Motivation, Satisfaction and Prior Knowledge with a Socio-Economic Profiling: A Clustering Approach with Mixed Information
Authors: D’Urso Pierpaolo , De Giovanni Livia , Disegna Marta , Massari Riccardo , Vitale Vincenzina
Published: November 2020

The popularity of the cluster analysis in the tourism field has massively grown in the last decades. However, accordingly to our review, researchers are often not aware of the characteristics and limitations of the clustering algorithms adopted. An important gap in the literature emerged from our review regards the adoption of an adequate clustering algorithm for mixed data. The main purpose of this article is to overcome this gap describing, both theoretically and empirically, a suitable clustering algorithm for mixed data. Furthermore, this article contributes to the literature presenting a method to include the “Don’t know” answers in the cluster analysis. Concluding, the main issues related to cluster analysis are highlighted offering some suggestions and recommendations for future analysis.
When failure fails to be productive: probing the effectiveness of productive failure for learning beyond STEM domains
Authors: Nachtigall Valentina , Serova Katja , Rummel Nikol
Published: November 2020

The current work builds on research demonstrating the effectiveness of Productive Failure (PF) for learning. While the effectiveness of PF has been demonstrated for STEM learning, it has not yet been investigated whether PF is also beneficial for learning in non-STEM domains. Given this need to test PF for learning in domains other than mathematics or science, and the assumption that features embodied in a PF design are domain-independent, we investigated the effect of PF on learning social science research methods. We conducted two quasi-experimental studies with 212 and 152 10th graders. Following the paradigm of typical PF studies, we implemented two conditions: PF, in which students try to solve a complex problem prior to instruction, and Direct Instruction (DI), in which students first receive instruction followed by problem solving. In PF, students usually learn from their failure. Failing to solve a complex problem is assumed to prepare students for deeper learning from subsequent instruction. In DI, students usually learn through practice. Practicing and applying a given problem-solving procedure is assumed to help students to learn from previous instruction. In contrast to several studies demonstrating beneficial effects of PF on learning mathematics and science, in the present two studies, PF students did not outperform DI students on learning social science research methods. Thus, the findings did not replicate the PF effect on learning in a non-STEM domain. The results are discussed in light of mechanisms assumed to underlie the benefits of PF.
Incidental findings detected with panoramic radiography: prevalence calculated on a sample of 2017 cases treated at a major Italian trauma and cancer centre
Authors: Ghassemzadeh Sogol , Sbricoli Luca , Frigo Anna Chiara , Bacci Christian
Published: November 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of incidental findings, not strictly related to dentistry, viewed with panoramic radiography.

Methods

Panoramic radiographs performed between December 2013 and June 2016 were retrospectively collected. These images were analyzed, searching for incidental findings. All the information collected was statistically analysed

Results

A total of 2307 Panoramic Radiograph were analyzed and 2017 of them were included in the study. 529 incidental findings were seen: 255 (48.2%) were ESP (Elongation of Styloid Process), 167 were CAC (Carotid Artery Calcification) (31.57%), 36 were maxillary sinus pathologies (6.8%) and 71 were other incidental findings (13.42%). The total prevalence of IF was 26, 23%., CAC was 8.28% in the total population, and it was higher in women (9.82%) than men (6.54%). 48.5% of CAC were bilateral. When unilateral, the right side showed a higher right side prevalence. The prevalence of ESP was 12.64% in total population (men: 13.82%; women: 11.60%). 84.71% of ESP were bilateral and, when present unilaterally, no side difference was seen. 13.33% of the ESP appeared segmented. The prevalence of maxillary sinus pathologies was 1.78% (men: 2.32%; women: 1.31%). Only 8.33% of these pathologies were bilateral, and, when unilateral, they were mostly present on the right side. Between the 71 other IF (prevalence: 3.52%), sialoliths and tonsilloliths were assessed most frequently.

Conclusion

Due to the high prevalence of incidental findings detected with panoramic radiography, dental practitioners should be aware of the various pathologic conditions seen on the panoramic radiographs.
Effect of exclosure on dryland woody species restoration in northeastern Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Eshetie Mubarek , Gobezie Tsegaye , Dawd Seid Muhie
Published: November 2020

In Ethiopia, among many restoration efforts to reverse deforestation and land degradation, area exclosure is one of the most common practices to restore secondary forests with assisted natural regeneration. The present study in the Sekota district, northeastern Amhara region, Ethiopia evaluated the influence of areas exclosures on woody species diversity, population structure and regeneration status. A total of 36 and 27 quadrats, each 20 m × 20 m, were used to collect data in exclosures and non-exclosures, respectively. Within quadrats, four 5 m × 5 m and 2 m × 2 m quadrats at the corners were used to sample saplings and seedlings, respectively. In exclosures, 35 woody species representing 21 families and 29 genera were recorded; 19 woody species representing 13 families and 13 genera were recorded in the non-exclosure. Acacia etbaica was the most dominant species in the two land-uses. The Shannon diversity index was 1.77 ± 0.46 in exclosures and 1.39 ± 0.46 in non-exclosures. Shannon and Simpson diversity indices showed a significant difference between the two land-uses (p < 0.01). The regeneration status of all wood species in exclosures was good, only fair in non-exclosures. Area exclosures have thus played a great role in the restoration of degraded lands by improving vegetation diversity and regeneration status. The least dominant woody species should be maintained through active restoration. Continuous follow-up, maintenance of soil water conservation structure to improve soil fertility will further help enhance the woody species diversity and abundance.
3D anatomy and flow dynamics of net-depositional cyclic steps on the world’s largest submarine fan: a joint 3D seismic and numerical approach
Authors: Shao Da-Li , Fan Guo-Zhang , Wang Hai-Qiang , Ma Hong-Xia , Zuo Guo-Ping , Ding Liang-Bo , Cai Zheng , Li Wei-Qiang
Published: November 2020

Supercritical flows are ubiquitous in natural environments; however, there is rare 3D anatomy of their deposits. This study uses high-quality 3D seismic datasets from the world’s largest submarine fan, Bengal Fan, to interpret 3D architectures and flow processes of Pliocene undulating bedforms that were related to supercritical flows. Bengal undulating bedforms as documented in this study were developed in unconfined settings, and are seismically imaged as strike-elongated, crescentic bedforms in plan view and as rhythmically undulating, upstream migrating, erosive, discontinuous reflections in section view. Their lee sides are overall 3 to 4 times steeper (0.28° to 1.19° in slope) and 3 to 4 times shorter (117 to 419 m in length) than their stoss flanks and were ascribed to faster (high flow velocities of 2.70 to 3.98 m/s) supercritical flows (Froude numbers of 1.53 to 2.27). Their stoss sides, in contrast, are overall 3 to 4 times gentler (0.12° to 0.27° in slope) and 3 to 4 times longer (410 to 1139 m in length) than their lee flanks and were related to slower (low velocities of 2.35 to 3.05 m/s) subcritical flows (Froude numbers of 0.58 to 0.97). Bengal wave-like features were, thus, created by supercritical-to-subcritical flow transformations through internal hydraulic jumps (i.e., cyclic steps). They have crests that are positive relative to the surrounding region of the seafloor, suggesting the predominant deposition of draping sediments associated with net-depositional cyclic steps. Turbidity currents forming Bengal wave-like features were, thus, dominated by deposition, resulting in net-depositional cyclic steps. Sandy deposits associated with Bengal net-depositional cyclic steps are imaged themselves as closely spaced, strike-elongated high RMS-attribute patches, thereby showing closely spaced, long and linear, strike-elongated distribution patterns.
Exciton recycling via InP quantum dot funnels for luminescent solar concentrators
Authors: Bahmani Jalali Houman , Sadeghi Sadra , Baylam Isinsu , Han Mertcan , Ow-Yang Cleva W. , Sennaroglu Alphan , Nizamoglu Sedat
Published: November 2020

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) absorb large-area solar radiation and guide down-converted emission to solar cells for electricity production. Quantum dots (QDs) have been widely engineered at device and quantum dot levels for LSCs. Here, we demonstrate cascaded energy transfer and exciton recycling at nanoassembly level for LSCs. The graded structure composed of different sized toxic-heavy-metal-free InP/ZnS core/shell QDs incorporated on copper doped InP QDs, facilitating exciton routing toward narrow band gap QDs at a high nonradiative energy transfer efficiency of 66%. At the final stage of non-radiative energy transfer, the photogenerated holes make ultrafast electronic transitions to copper-induced mid-gap states for radiative recombination in the near-infrared. The exciton recycling facilitates a photoluminescence quantum yield increase of 34% and 61% in comparison with semi-graded and ungraded energy profiles, respectively. Thanks to the suppressed reabsorption and enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield, the graded LSC achieved an optical quantum efficiency of 22.2%. Hence, engineering at nanoassembly level combined with nonradiative energy transfer and exciton funneling offer promise for efficient solar energy harvesting.
Sand failure: effect of biocide on the geomechanical properties of outcrop carbonate rock under static condition
Authors: Wuyep Elizabeth , Oluyemi Gbenga , Yates Kyari , Akisanya Alfred R.
Published: November 2020

The effects of chemical interaction of a biocide with formation rocks on the rock geomechanical properties are examined. A combination of analytical tests (scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and particle size distribution) and uniaxial compression test was used in this study. The particle size distribution in the effluent showed an increase in D50 with poor sorting for the chemically treated outcrop carbonate core samples. The XRPD shows evidence of altered minerals in the chemically treated samples. It was observed that the interaction led to precipitation of new materials that clogged the pore space of the samples leading to up to 150% increase in compressive strength of the carbonate following treatment with the biocide. The results give more insight into the limitations of existing sand production prediction models with respect to the effect of oilfield chemicals on the strength of the reservoir rocks.
An activity theory approach toward teacher professional development at scale (TPD@Scale): A case study of a teacher learning center in Indonesia
Authors: Lim Cher Ping , Juliana  , Liang Min
Published: November 2020

Continuous teacher professional development (TPD) ensures that teachers have the capacity to continually plan and implement quality teaching and learning that supports students in achieving their expected program/course learning outcomes. However, teachers’ access to quality TPD is a challenge due to geographical limitations, gender, special needs, marginalized communities, and the government’s policies, or lack of policies, regarding teachers. There are tensions between quality and equity, and cost implications that may hinder the scaling up of quality TPD programs. This paper adopts an activity theory approach to examine how a teacher learning center (TLC) in a regency of Indonesia enhances teachers’ access to quality TPD. The findings reveal that teachers learn in the TLC through different TPD activities. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are found to mediate the professional learning activities, learning resources, learning support, and assessments in the TLC. Furthermore, three key stakeholders—the local government, teacher working groups, and school principals—play significant roles in supporting teachers’ professional learning in the TLC.
The digitization of the automated steel construction through the application of microcontrollers and MQTT
Authors: Dai Rushi , Kerber Ethan , Reuter Felix , Stumm Sven , Brell-Cokcan Sigrid
Published: November 2020

Data acquisition and transfer are crucial aspects of the digitization and automation of construction workflows. Through the integration of microcontrollers in machinery, a multitude of data can be acquired and analyzed to adapt fabrication processes and optimize performance. The goal of this research was to develop connected multi-functional robotic systems that can transfer data across a wireless network through MQTT, a robust and lightweight IoT communication protocol. This research demonstrates a use case for such interconnected robotic technology by establishing wireless communication through MQTT between a mobile robot and a plasma cutting station. A microcontroller was utilized in the digitization and automation of this steel construction process to obtain, process and transfer the data in a way that was monitorable and storable for managing and optimizing workflows.