bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Language Model Using Neural Turing Machine Based on Localized Content-Based Addressing
Authors: Lee Donghyun , Park Jeong-Sik , Koo Myoung-Wan , Kim Ji-Hwan
Published: October 2020

The performance of a long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural network (RNN)-based language model has been improved on language model benchmarks. Although a recurrent layer has been widely used, previous studies showed that an LSTM RNN-based language model (LM) cannot overcome the limitation of the context length. To train LMs on longer sequences, attention mechanism-based models have recently been used. In this paper, we propose a LM using a neural Turing machine (NTM) architecture based on localized content-based addressing (LCA). The NTM architecture is one of the attention-based model. However, the NTM encounters a problem with content-based addressing because all memory addresses need to be accessed for calculating cosine similarities. To address this problem, we propose an LCA method. The LCA method searches for the maximum of all cosine similarities generated from all memory addresses. Next, a specific memory area including the selected memory address is normalized with the softmax function. The LCA method is applied to pre-trained NTM-based LM during the test stage. The proposed architecture is evaluated on Penn Treebank and enwik8 LM tasks. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach outperforms the previous NTM architecture.
Influence of Lateral Sinus Floor Elevation Procedures on the Pulpal and Periapical Status of Adjacent Vital Teeth
Authors: Beitlitum Ilan , Slutzkey Gil , Nemcovsky Carlos E. , Blazer Tamar , Rosen Eyal , Tsesis Igor
Published: October 2020

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pulpal and periapical status of vital teeth within the area of a lateral sinus floor elevation (LSFE). The files of patients treated by LSFE between 2009 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. The radiographic bone measurements and the periapical status of the teeth adjacent to the LSFE area were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months following the surgery by CBCT. The pulpal status of the adjacent teeth was clinically evaluated using thermal pulp vitality testing. Vital teeth within the sinus floor elevation area were the main inclusion criteria for this study. A total of 158 LSFE procedures were evaluated; 18 cases fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and 20 adjacent teeth were vital. There were no cases of periapical pathology or loss of pulp vitality. There was a statistically significant difference in the ridge height between the baseline and 6 months postoperatively and in the distance from the apex to the sinus floor between pre- and 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.01).The pulpal and periapical status of vital teeth was not affected following LSFE.
Visuo-Haptic Simulations to Understand the Dependence of Electric Forces on Distance
Authors: Neri Luis , Robledo-Rella Víctor , García-Castelán Rosa María Guadalupe , Gonzalez-Nucamendi Andres , Escobar-Castillejos David , Noguez Julieta
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the potential of visuo-haptic simulators to help engineering students to understand the nature of electric forces between different electric charge distributions is addressed. Three visuo-haptic simulators were designed to perceive the attractive–repulsive behavior as well as the dependence on distance of electrical forces for: (a) point charge, (b) line charge, and (c) plane charge. Design elements were incorporated to improve the 3D perception of the simulators. A sample of N = 111 engineering students practiced with the simulators: 87 enrolled in an Electricity and Magnetism course and 24 enrolled in a more advanced Electromagnetic Fields course. Pre-test and Post-test were applied before and after working with the simulators and average learning gains were obtained. t-tests were performed to determine the statistical significance of the results. Significant learning gains were obtained for the comprehension of the force dependence in the case of line charge and plane charge, but not for the point charge, due to the fact that most students started with very high Pre-test scores in this last case. These results suggest that the use of visuo-haptic simulators may help students to better identify the dependence of electric forces on distance. It was also observed that the potential effect of improving the recognition of electric interactions was higher among students with lower previous familiarity with these topics, as compared to more advanced students. Through exit surveys, it was found that the students liked very much the haptic activity and that it sparked their interest in learning new physical concepts.
Artificial Intelligence Visual Metaphors in E-Learning Interfaces for Learning Analytics
Authors: Franzoni Valentina , Milani Alfredo , Mengoni Paolo , Piccinato Fabrizio
Published: October 2020

This work proposes an innovative visual tool for real-time continuous learners analytics. The purpose of the work is to improve the design, functionality, and usability of learning management systems to monitor user activity to allow educators to make informed decisions on e-learning design, usually limited to dashboards graphs, tables, and low-usability user logs. The standard visualisation is currently scarce, and often inadequate to inform educators about the design quality and students engagement on their learning objects. The same low usability can be found in learning analytics tools, which mostly focus on post-course analysis, demanding specific skills to be effectively used, e.g., for statistical analysis and database queries. We propose a tool for student analytics embedded in a Learning Management System, based on the innovative visual metaphor of interface morphing. Artificial intelligence provides in remote learning immediate feedback, crucial in a face-to-face setting, highlighting the students’ engagement in each single learning object. A visual metaphor is the representation of a person, group, learning object, or concept through a visual image that suggests a particular association or point of similarity. The basic idea is that elements of the application interface, e.g., learning objects’ icons and student avatars, can be modified in colour and dimension to reflect key performance indicators of learner’s activities. The goal is to provide high-affordance information on the student engagement and usage of learning objects, where aggregation functions on subsets of users allow a dynamic evaluation of cohorts with different granularity. The proposed visual metaphors (i.e., thermometer bar, dimensional morphing, and tag cloud morphing) have been implemented and experimented within academic-level courses. Experimental results have been evaluated with a comparative analysis of user logs and a subjective usability survey, which show that the tool obtains quantitative, measurable effectiveness and the qualitative appreciation of educators. Among metaphors, the highest success is obtained by Dimensional morphing and Tag cloud transformation.
A 422-Year Reconstruction of the Kaiken River Streamflow, Xinjiang, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Heli , Shang Huaming , Chen Feng , Chen Youping , Yu Shulong , Zhang Tongwen
Published: October 2020

Our understanding of Central Asian historical streamflow variability is still limited because of short instrumental hydrologcial records. Based on tree-ring cores collected from three sampling sites in Kaiken River basin near Tien Shan, a regional tree-ring width chronology were developed. The correlation analysis showed that the runoff of Kaiken River from previous August to current June was significantly correlated with the regional chronology, and the high correlation coefficient was 0.661 (P < 0.01). Based on the regional chronology, the August-June runoff of Kaiken River has been reconstructed over the past 422 year, and it accounted for 43.7% of actual runoff variance during the common period 1983–2013. The reconstruction model is reliable, and the trend of observed and reconstructed data is relatively consistent. The results of multi-taper spectral analysis for the runoff reconstruction indicated some remarkable cycles for the past 422 years; the 11.5-year cycles correspond to the solar cycle and is found widely in runoff reconstructions in Central Asia. This may imply a solar influence on the hydroclimate variations of Tien Shan. The runoff reconstruction of Kaiken River compares well with runoff reconstructions the Urumqi River and Manas River, and implies that there is a common driving factor for the runoff in central Tien Shan, China. The analysis of linkages between climate variation and the runoff reconstruction of Kaiken River shows that there is a relationship between extremes in runoff variation and abnormal atmospheric circulations. Our 422-year steamflow reconstruction provides long-term perspective on current and 20th century hydrological events in central Tien Shan, is useful for aids sustainable water management and addresses regional climate change challenges.
Obesity Augments Glucocorticoid-Dependent Muscle Atrophy in Male C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Gunder Laura C. , Harvey Innocence , Redd JeAnna R. , Davis Carol S. , AL-Tamimi Ayat , Brooks Susan V. , Bridges Dave
Published: October 2020

Glucocorticoids promote muscle atrophy by inducing a class of proteins called atrogenes, resulting in reductions in muscle size and strength. In this work, we evaluated whether a mouse model with pre-existing diet-induced obesity had altered glucocorticoid responsiveness. We observed that all animals treated with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone had reduced strength, but that obesity exacerbated this effect. These changes were concordant with more pronounced reductions in muscle size, particularly in Type II muscle fibers, and potentiated induction of atrogene expression in the obese mice relative to lean mice. Furthermore, we show that the reductions in lean mass do not fully account for the dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance observed in these mice. Together, these data suggest that obesity potentiates glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy.
Anti-Gravity Treadmill Training for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Baizabal-Carvallo José , Alonso-Juarez Marlene , Fekete Robert
Published: October 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor impairment. Freezing of gait, impaired mobility and falls are common problems in these patients. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a novel therapy for these patients. Methods: We studied patients with moderate to severe freezing of gait who underwent antigravity treadmill training twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks with 50% reduction of body weight. Results: We enrolled 26 consecutive patients with PD, 19 completed the study. There were 10 males; mean age at evaluation was 72.7 ± 10.1 years. Compared to baseline, patients showed improvement in the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (p = 0.001); and a mean reduction of 7 s in the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test (p = 0.004). Moderate or significant improvement in gait was reported by 84% of patients. Conclusions: Antigravity treadmill training improved freezing of gait and mobility in patients with PD.
Fire Protection of Building Constructions with the Use of Fire-Retardant Intumescent Compositions
Authors: Eremina Tatiana , Korolchenko Dmitry
Published: October 2020

The influence of basic components of intumescent paint on fire protection properties is studied. The resulting changes in properties are assessed by the intumescence coefficient and thermal analysis data. Influence of the binder polymer composition on fire protection properties under the same conditions was evaluated, quantitatively using the example of fire-retardant water-dispersion paint; the best result was obtained in the formulation based on vinyl acetate copolymers. The brands of ammonium polyphosphate (PFA) from different manufacturers were investigated under the same conditions. The results of the thermal analysis and testing of the physicochemical properties of the samples on various PFAs are presented, with conclusions about their influence on the fire-retardant properties of the paint. The results of the thermal analysis of the influence of orthophosphoric acid, as a modifying additive, on the fire-retardant properties of the paint are presented.
Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) Based Photocatalysts: An Outstanding Strategy for Efficient Photocatalytic CO2 Conversion
Authors: Razzaq Abdul , Ali Shahzad , Asif Muhammad , In Su-Il
Published: October 2020

CO2 conversion to solar fuels/chemicals is an alluring approach for narrowing critical issues of global warming, environmental pollution, and climate change, caused by excess atmospheric CO2 concentration. Amongst various CO2 conversion strategies, photocatalytic CO2 conversion (PCC) is considered as a promising approach, which utilizes inexpensive sunlight and water with a photocatalyst material. Hence, development of an efficient and a stable photocatalyst is an essential activity for the respective scientific community to upscale the PCC research domain. Until today, metal oxides, such as TiO2, ZnO, etc., are categorized as standard photocatalysts because of their relative stability, abundant availability and low cost. However, their performance is tethered by limited light absorption and somewhat physical properties. Recently, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have offered an exciting and efficient way for PCC due to their superb CO2 adsorption and moderate photocatalytic properties. The LDH based photocatalysts show marvelous physiochemical and electrical properties like high surface area, stability, and excellent conductivity. In the present review article, a summarized survey is portrayed regarding latest development for LDH based photocatalysts with a focus on synthesis strategies employing various photocatalyst materials, influencing parameters and possible mechanism involved in PCC to useful fuels and chemicals like CO, CH4, CH3OH, and H2.
Steric Effects of Mesoporous Silica Supported Bimetallic Au-Pt Catalysts on the Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols
Authors: Yan Jun , Shan Longlong , Gu Xiaoli , Zhang Xingguang , Cai Junmeng
Published: October 2020

Three series of catalysts consisting of gold (Au), platinum (Pt), or gold-platinum bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled sizes (Au NPs 10 ± 2 nm, Pt NPs 6 ± 2 nm) anchored on hierarchical micro-/meso-/macroporous silica were successfully developed and systematically evaluated for the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols to their corresponding aldehydes. The catalysts were prepared by the sol-immobilization method using as-made Au NPs and/or Pt NPs colloids; the silica supports were prepared with controlled pore structures and the hierarchical porous structures of catalysts were created by controllable desilication via the alkaline solution of the metal colloids. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and these results showed no synergistic effect between Au and Pt on boosting the catalytic performance, whereas they demonstrated a clear dependence of catalytic conversions and reaction rates on the structural porosity of Au-Pt bimetallic catalysts. Our findings could potentially inspire peer researchers and scientists to develop designer porous catalysts and processes in the selective organic conversions.
Tunable Superhydrophobic Aluminum Surfaces with Anti-Biofouling and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Agbe Henry , Sarkar Dilip Kumar , Chen X.-Grant
Published: October 2020

Surfaces in a hygiene critical environment can become potential reservoirs for transmission of pathogenic infections. Engineering surfaces with the tunable anti-biofouling and antibacterial properties could reduce infections particularly in hospitals and public transport hubs. In the present work, a facile two-step process has been deployed to fabricate a superhydrophobic and antibacterial aluminum surface by chemical etching, followed by passivation with low surface energy octyltriethoxysilane (OTES) molecules. The wettability and antibacterial properties of the OTES passivated aluminum was monotonically tuned by adding quaternary ammonium (QUATs) molecules. An anti-biofouling property of 99.9% against Staphylococcus aureus, 99% against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 99% against E. coli bacteria, was achieved.
Comparison of Oxalate, Citrate and Tartrate Ions Adsorption in the Hydroxyapatite/Aqueous Electrolyte Solution System
Authors: Janusz Władysław , Skwarek Ewa
Published: October 2020

The kinetics of adsorption/desorption of oxalate, citrate and tartrate anions was investigated using hydroxyapatite from solutions at the initial concentrations of 0.000001 and 0.001 mol/dm3 anions. The adsorption process from a solution with a concentration of 0.001 mol/dm3 takes place in three stages and is well described by the multiexponential equation of adsorption kinetics. The process of tartrate and citrate ion desorption after increasing the pH to 10 is irreversible, while the oxalate ions undergo significant desorption with the increasing pH. The adsorption of oxalate ions decreases with the increasing pH. This effect is weaker in the adsorption of citrate and tartrate ions. Ion adsorption studies were supplemented with the measurements of zeta potential, FTIR and particle distribution of hydroxyapatite particles.
Control of Thermophysical Properties of Langasite-Type La3Ta0.5Ga5.5O14 Crystals for Pressure Sensors
Authors: Usui Haruki , Tokuda Makoto , Sugiyama Kazumasa , Hoshina Takuya , Tsurumi Takaaki , Lebbou Kheirreddine , Yanase Ikuo , Takeda Hiroaki
Published: October 2020

We present a possible method to reduce the anisotropy of the thermal stress generated on langasite-type La3Ta0.5Ga5.5O14 (LTG) piezoelectric crystals arising from the mismatch of the thermal expansion coefficients and Young’s moduli of the crystals and metals at high temperatures. To formulate this method, the thermal stresses of order-type langasite crystals, in which each cation site is occupied by one element only, were calculated and compared to each other. Our results suggest that the largest cation site affects the thermal stress. We attempted to replace La3+ in LTG by a larger ion and considered Sr2+. Single crystals of strontium-substituted LTG (Sr-LTG) were grown using the Czochralski method. The thermal stress along the crystallographic c-axis decreased but that perpendicular to the c-axis increased by strontium substitution into the LTG crystal. The anisotropic thermal stress was reduced effectively. The Sr-LTG single crystal is a superior candidate material for pressure sensors usable at high temperatures.
Empowering Design Based on Hybrid TwinTM: Application to Acoustic Resonators
Authors: Martín Clara Argerich , Méndez Arnulfo Carazo , Sainges Olivier , Petiot Emilie , Barasinski Anais , Piana Mathieu , Ratier Louis , Chinesta Francisco
Published: October 2020

In the framework of civil aviation noise levels are becoming restricted every year, on one hand to provide comfort to the passengers and on the other hand to be compliant with regulations protecting airports surroundings. New technologies are required to reduce noise to cope with this restrictions as well as to guarantee a comfortable flight for passengers. For technological industries it is compulsory to stay competitive and keep improving the technology related to air intake acoustic liners. With an unceasingly growing market, for industries it is key to stay in the vanguard of air inlet technologies, ensuring innovation and establishing a proactive environment for future product generations. One of the main objectives in this framework is the reduction of the development time of these new technologies in all the stages of the process. In this work we focus on the design stage of a new prototype and we propose a hybrid technique enabling faster design and the reduction of development time. When designing new technologies or prototypes there are usually two constraints. On one hand, more innovative prototypes may present unconventional shapes are not accurately represented by conventional physical models. On the other hand, the available data is scarce, thus limiting the use of most innovative techniques based on the state-of-art of Artificial Intelligence. In this paper we propose a solution laying in the hybrid twin paradigm, combining both, data in the low limit and physics to provide a hybrid model able to represent unconventional and innovative acoustic solutions.
Bilateral Phyllodes Giant Tumor. A Case Report Analyzed by Array-CGH
Authors: Fortarezza Francesco , Pezzuto Federica , Cazzato Gerardo , Punzo Clelia , d’Amati Antonio , Lettini Teresa , Gentile Mattia , Buonadonna Antonia Lucia , Mariano Marta , Pezzolla Angela , Serio Gabriella
Published: October 2020

The breast phyllodes tumor is a biphasic tumor that accounts for less than of 1% of all breast neoplasms. It is classified as benign, borderline, or malignant, and can mimic benign masses. Some recurrent alterations have been identified. However, a precise molecular classification of these tumors has not yet been established. Herein, we describe a case of a 43-year-old woman that was admitted to the emergency room for a significant bleeding from the breast skin. A voluminous ulcerative mass of the left breast and multiple nodules with micro-calcifications on the right side were detected at a physical examination. A left total mastectomy and a nodulectomy of the right breast was performed. The histological diagnosis of the surgical specimens reported a bilateral giant phyllodes tumor, showing malignant features on the left and borderline characteristics associated with a fibroadenoma on the right. A further molecular analysis was carried out by an array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) to characterize copy-number alterations. Many losses were detected in the malignant mass, involving several tumor suppressor genes. These findings could explain the malignant growth and the metastatic risk. In our study, genomic profiling by an array-CGH revealed a greater chromosomal instability in the borderline mass (40 total defects) than in the malignant (19 total defects) giant phyllodes tumor, reflecting the tumor heterogeneity. Should our results be confirmed with more sensitive and specific molecular tests (DNA sequencing and FISH analysis), they could allow a better selection of patients with adverse pathological features, thus optimizing and improving patient’s management.
In Vivo Endoscopic Optical Coherence Tomography of the Healthy Human Oral Mucosa: Qualitative and Quantitative Image Analysis
Authors: Albrecht Marius , Schnabel Christian , Mueller Juliane , Golde Jonas , Koch Edmund , Walther Julia
Published: October 2020

To date, there is still a lack of reliable imaging modalities to improve the quality of consultation, diagnostic and medical examinations of the oral mucosa in dentistry. Even though, optical technologies have become an important element for the detection and treatment of different diseases of soft tissue, for the case of oral screenings the evidence of the benefit in comparison to conventional histopathology is mostly still pending. One promising optical technology for oral diagnostics is optical coherence tomography (OCT). To prove the potential of OCT, even the amount of freely accessible OCT data is not sufficient to describe the variance of healthy human oral soft tissue in vivo. In order to remedy this deficiency, the present study provides in vivo OCT cross sections of the human oral mucosa of the anterior and posterior oral cavity as well as the oropharynx of 47 adult volunteers. A collection of representative OCT cross sections forms the basis for a randomized blinded image analysis by means of seven criteria to assess the main features of the superficial layers of the human oral mucosa and to determine its correlation to regional features known from hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stained histology.
Buckling Analysis for Wind Turbine Tower Design: Thrust Load versus Compression Load Based on Energy Method
Authors: Ma Yang , Martinez-Vazquez Pedro , Baniotopoulos Charalampos
Published: October 2020

Tubular steel towers are the most common design solution for supporting medium-to-high-rise wind turbines. Notwithstanding, historical failure incidence records reveal buckling modes as a common type of failure of shell structures. It is thus necessary to revisit the towers’ performance against bending-compression interactions that could unchain buckling modes. The present investigation scrutinises buckling performances of a cylindrical steel shell under combined load, by means of the energy method. Within the proposed framework, the differential equations to obtain dimensionless expressions showed the energy-displacement relations taking place along the shell surface. Furthermore, shell models integrated with initial imperfection have been embedded into finite element algorithms based on the Riks method. The results show buckling evolution paths largely affected by bending moments lead to section distortions (oval-shaped) that in turn change the strain energy dissipation routine and section curvature. The shell geometrical parameters also show a strong influence on buckling effects seemingly linked to a noticeable reduction of the shell bearing capacity during the combined loading scenarios.
Performance Evaluation of Energy Research Projects Using DEA Super-Efficiency
Authors: Bang Sungsig
Published: October 2020

This study proposes super efficiency (SE) as an efficient analytical method for evaluating the performance of energy research projects. Because the SE method is based on data envelopment analysis (DEA), it is free from the difficulty of weighting output, allows for the use of variables with diverse standards of measurement, and is capable of providing ranking information that regular DEA (CCR, BCC) analysis techniques cannot. To analyze the feasibility of the DEA-SE method, an efficiency evaluation was performed for energy research projects using both the weighting method as an existing method and the SE method. When the results were compared and analyzed, skewing toward particular output types was observed in the weighting method, owing to problems inherent in the method itself and in the weighting of subordinate variables that make up the total performance score. Therefore, adopting DEA-SE will redress the known problems of the weighting method by minimizing the problems of weighting and skewing in outputs, enabling use of the input and output variables with diverse units and standards of measurement, and providing ranking information of research performance evaluation that is unobtainable with the existing DEA method.
Impact of Precipitation and Temperature Variability of the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM) on Annual Radial Increment of Selected Tree Species in Northeast China
Authors: Hipler Sandra-Maria , Speicher Benedikt , Sprengel Lars , Kahle Hans-Peter , Spiecker Heinrich , Wu Shuirong
Published: October 2020

A dendroclimatological approach was used to analyze growth responses of the tree species Pinus tabuliformis Carr., Larix gmelinii Rupr., Picea asperata Mast. and Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. in a region of temperate climate in Northeast China. Annual radial increment (ARI) measurements from stem cross-sections were used to identify the effects of precipitation, air temperature and standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) on tree growth under monsoon-related conditions. We analyzed the ARI of 144 trees from 49 forest stands and applied response function and moving correlation analysis as well as a linear mixed-effects model to detect climate signal in the tree-ring series. Analyses of climate-growth relations confirmed the influence of monsoon intensities on ARI, especially in the months of May to July of the current year. Particularly in times of a weak monsoon, the preceding autumn months significantly affect the ARI. The positive effect of precipitation in times of a strong monsoon and the negative effect of air temperature-indicating increased evapotranspiration-in times of a weak monsoon alternate. An increase in drought sensitivity of the ARI was found, especially after long dry periods. The results revealed for L. gmelinii the highest climate sensitivity, with ARI more strongly influenced by precipitation in the monsoon-related months, whereas Q. mongolica was most drought tolerant and recovered quicker after growth depression. P. asperata and P. tabuliformis were located in between. Our findings provide evidence for a strong influence of the periodically fluctuating monsoon intensities on the ARI of all investigated tree species. Our results support decision-making for forest management under anticipated climate change, especially for tree species selection, in the climate sensitive region of Northeast China.
Biodiversity of the Cocoa Agroforests of the Bengamisa-Yangambi Forest Landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Authors: Batsi Germain , Sonwa Denis Jean , Mangaza Lisette , Ebuy Jérôme , Kahindo Jean-Marie
Published: October 2020

Cocoa agroforestry has evolved into an accepted natural resource conservation strategy in the tropics. It is regularly proposed as one of the main uses for REDD+ projects (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation and the role of conservation, sustainable management of forests, and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, few studies have characterized the cocoa agroforestry systems in this country. Hence, this research proposes to determine the impact of distance from Kisangani (the unique city in the landscape) and land-use intensity on the floristic composition of cocoa agroforests in Bengamisa-Yangambi forest landscape in the Congo Basin. The results revealed that species diversity and density of plants associated with cocoa are influenced by the distance from Kisangani (the main city in the landscape and province). Farmers maintain/introduce trees that play one or more of several roles. They may host caterpillars, provide food, medicine, or timber, or deliver other functions such as providing shade to the cocoa tree. Farmers maintain plants with edible products (mainly oil palms) in their agroforests more than other plants. Thus, these agroforests play key roles in conserving the floristic diversity of degraded areas. As cocoa agroforestry has greater potential for production, biodiversity conservation, and environmental protection, it should be used to slow down or even stop deforestation and forest degradation.
A Quixotic Endeavor: The Translator’s Role and Responsibility in Bridging Divides in the (Mis)handling of Translations
Authors: Osuna Cesar
Published: October 2020

Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote de la Mancha, one of the most translated works of literature, has seen over twenty different English translations in the 406 years since its first translation. Some translators remain more faithful than others. In a world where there should be an erasure of the lines that separate cultures, the lines are, in fact, deepening. John Felstiner explains in his book, Translating Neruda: The Way to Macchu Picchu, that “a translation converts strangeness into likeness, and yet in doing so may bring home to us the strangeness of the original... Doing without translations, then, might confine us to a kind of solipsistic cultural prison” (Felstiner 5). By looking at translations of Don Quixote de la Mancha, this paper examines how the inaccuracies and misrepresentations by translators deepen the lines that divide cultures. Textual edits are made, plots are altered, and additions are made to the text. These differences might seem inconsequential to the reader, but the reverberations of such changes have tremendous consequences. While there may not be a perfect translation, editors and translators must aim towards that objective. Instead, the translators appropriate the work, often styling or rewriting it in order to mold it to fit their own visions of what the work should be. Thus, Don Quixote lives on through translation and is lost due to being an unwitting and unwilling participant of malpractice. The only way to bridge cultures is for the translator responsibly to present readers with translations that stay true to the original. By doing so, readers can be more empathetic towards cultures unfamiliar to them, and only then can we truly have an understanding of others.
Trust, Connection and Equity: Can Understanding Context Help to Establish Successful Campus Community Gardens?
Authors: Marsh Pauline , Mallick Suzanne , Flies Emily , Jones Penelope , Pearson Sue , Koolhof Iain , Byrne Jason , Kendal Dave
Published: October 2020

Campus community gardens (CCGs) can potentially improve student health and wellbeing, mitigate social and ecological problems, and nurture university-community relationships. However, CCGs are located in complex socio-political and ecological settings and many community gardens struggle or fail. However, few studies have assessed the socio-political/ecological context of a garden setting prior to its development to understand the potential barriers and enablers of success. Our study assessed the socio-spatial context of a proposed CCG at a student university accommodation site. We engaged diverse university and community stakeholders through interviews, focus groups and a survey to explore their perceptions of the space generally and the proposed garden specifically. Visual observations and public life surveying were used to determine patterns of behavior. Results confirmed known problems associated with an underutilized site that provides little opportunity for lingering or contact with nature; and unknown barriers, including socially disconnected stakeholders and community distrust of the university. The research also uncovered positive enablers, such as stakeholder appreciation of the social, wellbeing and ecological benefits that a CCG could deliver. Our findings suggest that an in-depth exploration of a proposed garden context can be an important enabler of its success.
The Impact of a Change in Employment on Three Work-Related Diseases: A Retrospective Longitudinal Study of 10,530 Belgian Employees
Authors: Maniscalco Laura , Schouteden Martijn , Boon Jan , Matranga Domenica , Godderis Lode
Published: October 2020

Background: The literature that has investigated to what extent a change in employment contributes to good health is contradictory or shows inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to investigate whether an association exists between a change in employment and cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and neuropsychological diseases in a sample of 10,530 Belgian workers in a seven-year follow-up study period. Methods: The following factors were analysed: Demographic variables, a change in employment and the work-related risks. Individuals being on medication for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychological diseases were used as proxies for the three health issues. Logistic regression models for autocorrelated data with repeated measures were used to examine each medication type. Results: A change in employment and psychosocial load can have an important effect on the health of cardiovascular employees. Demographic variables, such as BMI and age, are risk factors for all three medications. Repetitive, manual tasks, handling static, exposure to noise levels of 87 dB, mechanical and/or manual handling with loads, and shift work were found to be positively associated with medications taken for musculoskeletal diseases. Exposure to noise 80 dB(A), managing physical loads and night work were found to be associated with being on medication for neuropsychological diseases. Physical activity and skill levels were considered to be protective factors for being on medication for neuropsychological diseases. Conclusions: Change in employment and psychosocial load were found as two important risk factors for being on medication for cardiovascular (CVD). Dealing with loads, doing shift work and being daily exposed to the noise of 87 dB correlated with being on medication for musculoskeletal (MSD). Dealing with physical loads, doing night work and being exposed to the noise of 80 dB were risk factors for being on medication for neuropsychological (NPD). While doing physical activity and reporting higher skill levels were found to be protective factors for NPD.
Investigation of the Role of Anxiety and Depression on the Formation of Phantom Vibration and Ringing Syndrome Caused by Working Stress during Medical Internship
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsuan , Lin Kuan-I , Pan Yuan-Chien , Lin Sheng-Hsuan
Published: October 2020

Phantom vibration syndrome (PVS) and phantom ringing syndrome (PRS) are prevalent hallucinations during medical internship. Depression and anxiety are probably understudied risk factors of PVS and PRS. The aim was to evaluate the role of anxiety and depression on the relationship between working stress during medical internship and PVS and PRS. A prospective longitudinal study, consisted of 74 medical interns, was carried out. The severity of phantom vibrations and ringing, as well as anxiety and depression as measured before, at the third, sixth, and 12th month during internship, and two weeks after internship. We conducted a causal mediation analysis to quantify the role of depression and in the mechanism of working stress during medical internship inducing PVS and PRS. The results showed that depression explained 21.9% and 8.4% for stress-induced PRS and PVS, respectively. In addition, anxiety explained 15.0% and 7.8% for stress-induced PRS and PVS, respectively. Our findings showed both depression and anxiety can explain a portion of stress-induced PVS and PRS during medical internship and might be more important in clinical practice and benefit to prevention of work-related burnout.
Polymorphisms in GP6, PEAR1A, MRVI1, PIK3CG, JMJD1C, and SHH Genes in Patients with Unstable Angina
Authors: Rudzik Rafał , Dziedziejko Violetta , Rać Monika Ewa , Sawczuk Marek , Maciejewska-Skrendo Agnieszka , Safranow Krzysztof , Pawlik Andrzej
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant public health problem because it is one of the major causes of death worldwide. Several studies have investigated the associations between CAD and polymorphisms in genes connected with platelet aggregation and the risk of venous thromboembolism. Aim: In this study, we examined the associations between polymorphisms in GP6 (rs1671152), PEAR1A (rs12566888), MRVI1 (rs7940646), PIK3CG (rs342286), JMJD1C (rs10761741), SHH (rs2363910), and CAD in the form of unstable angina as well as selected clinical and biochemical parameters. The study enrolled 246 patients with diagnosed unstable angina and 189 healthy controls. Results: There were no significant differences in the distribution of the studied polymorphisms between the patients with unstable angina and the controls. In patients with the GP6 rs1671152 GG genotype, we observed increased BMI values and an increased frequency of type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest a lack of association between GP6 (rs1671152), PEAR1A (rs12566888), MRVI1 (rs7940646), PIK3CG (rs342286), JMJD1C (rs10761741), SHH (rs2363910), and unstable angina. The results indicate an association between GP6 (rs1671152) and type 2 diabetes.
Dynamic Changes, Spatiotemporal Differences and Factors Influencing the Urban Eco-Efficiency in the Lower Reaches of the Yellow River
Authors: Zhang Yu , Geng Wenliang , Zhang Pengyan , Li Erling , Rong Tianqi , Liu Ying , Shao Jingwen , Chang Hao
Published: October 2020

The measurement of eco-efficiency is an important tool to evaluate the level of urban sustainable development. Therefore; improving urban eco-efficiency in the lower reaches of the Yellow River ensures the implementation of ecological protection and high-quality development strategies in the Yellow River Basin. In this study; the dynamic changes of urban eco-efficiency and spatiotemporal differences in the lower reaches of the Yellow River were investigated using the Super-SBM (Super-Slack measure model) model with undesirable outputs and standard deviation ellipse. The STIRPAT (Stochastic Impacts by Regression Population; Affluence and Technology) model was introduced to analyze the factors affecting the change in urban eco-efficiency. The results showed that the overall urban eco-efficiency in the lower reaches of the Yellow River has not reached the optimal level. The overall eco-efficiency in the lower reaches of the Yellow River in Shandong Province was higher than that in Henan Province but the gap is narrowing. The spatial differentiation of urban eco-efficiency in the lower reaches of the Yellow River showed the following trends: “blooming in the middle and reverse development at both ends” in the high-value area and gradual decrease in the low-value area. From 2007 to 2018; a direction was notable with respect to the development of urban eco-efficiency in the lower reaches of the Yellow River; with the centripetal force weakening. Although the mean center of urban eco-efficiency located in Shandong Province; it notably shifted to the west during the study period. In terms of driving factors; affluence and technological progress play positive roles in driving eco-efficiency; while investment intensity; industrial structure; and foreign investment intensity hindered the optimization and improvement of urban eco-efficiency in the lower reaches of the Yellow River. The results of this study show that urban eco-efficiency in the lower reaches of the Yellow River is improving; but the regional coordination is poor. The main methods promoting the sustainable development in the study area include changing the mode of extensive investments and the introduction of foreign capital; which improve the energy efficiency and promote faster and better economic development.
Percolation Conduction of Carbon Nanocomposites
Authors: Bocharov Grigorii S. , Eletskii Alexander V.
Published: October 2020

Carbon nanocomposites present a new class of nanomaterials in which conducting carbon nanoparticles are a small additive to a non-conducting matrix. A typical example of such composites is a polymer matrix doped with carbon nanotubes (CNT). Due to a high aspect ratio of CNTs, inserting rather low quantity of nanotubes (on the level of 0.01%) results in the percolation transition, which causes the enhancement in the conductivity of the material by 10–12 orders of magnitude. Another type of nanocarbon composite is a film produced as a result of reduction of graphene oxide (GO). Such a film is consisted of GO fragments whose conductivity is determined by the degree of reduction. A distinctive peculiarity of both types of nanocomposites relates to the dependence of the conductivity of those materials on the applied voltage. Such a behavior is caused by a non-ideal contact between neighboring carbon nanoparticles incorporated into the composite. The resistance of such a contact depends sharply on the electrical field strength and therefore on the distance between neighboring nanoparticles. Experiments demonstrating non-linear, non-Ohmic behavior of both above-mentioned types of carbon nanocomposites are considered in the present article. There has been a model description presented of such a behavior based on the quasi-classical approach to the problem of electron tunneling through the barrier formed by the electric field. The calculation results correspond qualitatively to the available experimental data.
Effect of Cleaning Multiple-Funnel Traps on Captures of Bark and Woodboring Beetles in Northeastern United States
Authors: Dodds Kevin J. , DiGirolomo Marc F.
Published: October 2020

Two experiments were conducted in mixed hardwood-conifer forests in the northeastern United States to test the effects of cleaning surfactant and non-surfactant treated multiple-funnel traps used to catch bark and woodboring beetles. Large amounts of pollen and other debris often form a crust on the interior of traps (personal observations). Such surface deposits may provide footholds for beetles to escape capture in traps. In one experiment, we tested cleaned surfactant and non-surfactant traps against non-cleaned surfactant and non-surfactant traps. In a second experiment, we tested field cleaning of modified multiple-funnel traps as an alternative to substituting clean traps on each collection visit. There was no effect of surfactant treated traps, cleaned or not, on total beetles or individual bark beetle species captured. However, in situ cleaned traps were statistically better at capturing total beetles, total bark beetles, and several bark beetle species than non-cleaned control traps. Surfactant-treated non-modified traps and cleaned modified traps had higher species richness and abundance than other treatments at the site level. Our results suggest that cleaning traps to remove accumulated pollen and debris may be helpful for some species but would have limited benefit for broad-scale trapping of bark and woodboring beetles in northeastern forests.
Evaluating Response of Mass-Reared and Irradiated Navel Orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), to Crude Female Pheromone Extract
Authors: Reger Joshua , Wenger Jacob , Brar Gurreet , Burks Charles , Wilson Houston
Published: October 2020

The navel orangeworm, Amyleois transitella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a key pest of almonds and pistachios in California. Larvae directly feed on nuts, reducing quality and yield, and adults can introduce fungi that produce aflatoxins. The development of sterile insect technique (SIT) is currently being explored as a management tool for this pest. Large quantities of A. transitella are mass-reared, irradiated, and shipped to California from a USDA APHIS facility in Phoenix, AZ. Preliminary field releases of sterile A. transitella from this facility resulted in poor recovery of males in pheromone traps, raising concerns that mass-reared male A. transitella may not be responding to pheromone from virgin females. In this study, a wind tunnel was used to evaluate the response of both irradiated and non-irradiated mass-reared A. transitella males to crude pheromone extract from females, and their performance was compared to two strains of locally reared non-irradiated A. transitella. While initial responses associated with pheromone detection where similar between mass-reared and locally reared moths, a lower proportion of the mass-reared moths ultimately made contact with the pheromone source. Surprisingly, the addition of irradiation did not further decrease their performance. While mass-reared moths respond to pheromone, their ability to locate and make contact with the pheromone source appears to be impeded. The underlying mechanism remains unclear, but is likely related to damage incurred during the mass-rearing and shipping process.