bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of foreign language competence of higher education students in the context of blended learning
Authors: Velushchak Maryna , Kravchenko Tetiana , Havrylenko Kateryna , Mykhailenko Tetiana , Sokolovska Larysa
Published: December 2021

The circumstances of active implementation of a blended learning format at all educational levels require increased motivation and advancement of the competences learned by students of higher education institutions.Such statement equally applies to foreign language competence, which is one of most relevant skills to the future professional activity of international relations specialists. In considering this, the Ukrainian higher education institutions conducted a study on the development of foreign language competence of higher education students in the context of blended learning. The purpose of the article is to develop and empirically establish the effectiveness of the author's model of foreign language competence development of higher education students in the context of blended learning. The study involved the development, implementation and evaluation of the effectiveness of the author's model of foreign language competence development of higher education students in the context of blended learning. The participants of the study were students of higher education institutions: HEI 1, HEI 2, HEI 3, who majored in the following specialties: international activities, international relations and some technical specialities. The participants were 1st, 3rd and 5th year students.A total of 138 students were interviewed (68 from the experimental and 70 from the control group). The study confirmed that the implementation of the method of organizing the formation of foreign language competence of  higher education students, which requires an optimal combination of blended learning with modern digital tools and the professional orientation of foreign language training in the system of higher education institutions, helps advance foreign language competence of higher education students.
EFFECTS OF SLIP ON FLOW BETWEEN TWO STRETCHABLE DISKS USING OPTIMAL HOMOTOPY ANALYSIS METHOD
Authors:   Ahmer Mehmood, Munawar Sufian
Published: December 2021

This work presents the analytic solution of flow of a viscous fluid between two stretching disks with slip boundaries. Suitable similarity transformations are used to normalize the governing system. Optimal homotopy analysis method has been used as a solution technique by considering one parameter; two parameters; three parameters and one step optimal HAM approaches
EDUCACIÓN INTERCULTURAL Y PROGRAMA DE INTERCAMBIO ERASMUS: ESTUDIANTES DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE MÁRMARA
Authors: MOLU ESRA , BAŞMAN MÜNEVVER , ERYIĞIT DERYA , TUNÇ BURCU , YAMAN GAMZE
Published: December 2021

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo subrayar la importancia y el impacto de la educación intercultural en los estudiantes de educación superior, prestando una especial atención al Programa de Intercambio ERASMUS en la Universidad de Mármara (Estambul, Turquía). Desde su lanzamiento, el Programa de Intercambio ERASMUS ha atraído a un gran número de estudiantes procedentes de distintos países de la UE. La experiencia que los estudiantes han obtenido no se limita al ámbito académico, sino que va más allá, como intercambio cultural, aprendizaje del otro, respeto a la diversidad y una mayor sensibilidad acerca de aspectos relacionados con la multiculturalidad y la educación intercultural. La Universidad de Mármara participa activamente en el programa desde 2004 y las cifras, tanto de intercambio de alumnos como de profesorado, sigue aumentando año tras año. Considerada como la primera universidad de Turquía en términos de recepción de estudiantes extranjeros y la sexta en cuanto a alumnos que viajan a otros países en el programa según la Agencia Nacional Turca (2013), se considera que las experiencias de sus estudiantes resultan fundamentales para fomentar y mejorar su participación en experiencias educativas interculturales. De acuerdo con el “ERASMUS Impact Study” de la Comisión Europea, el caso de la Universidad de Mármara se analiza aquí mediante un estudio descriptivo.
MOVILIDAD INTERNACIONAL DE LOS FUTUROS-MAESTROS: UNA HERRAMIENTA PARA DESARROLLAR UNA ACTITUD PROFESIONAL
Authors: STUNELL KARI
Published: December 2021

En la Europa actual, la movilidad estudiantil internacional se ha vuelto relativamente común y la idea de que pasar tiempo estudiando en el extranjero es una ventaja está ahora ampliamente aceptada. A través del análisis de las respuestas de los estudiantes y maestros a un cuestionario completado al final de un Erasmus Intensive Programme, este trabajo examina la medida en que la participación en un período de movilidad de los estudiantes podría ayudar a los futuros maestros a desarrollar cuatro medidas clave del maestro en su desarrollo profesional: la auto-reflexión crítica, la participación en redes profesionales, la vuelta a la teoría y el distanciamiento. Las conclusiones sugieren que el período de movilidad de los estudiantes contribuye de forma positiva al desarrollo de la postura profesional entre los participantes. Sin embargo, este estudio no revela el grado en que los procesos de transformación similares podrían activarse simplemente mediante la participación en grupo de trabajo colaborativo con los estudiantes-maestros que trabajan en otros sistemas educativos sin salir del país de origen.
DIE ‚NEUE‘ LEHRERBILDUNG IN DEUTSCHLAND. VOM PRAXISSCHOCK ZUR AUFGEKLÄRTEN ANEIGNUNG PROFESSIONELLEN HANDELNS? – LEHRERBILDUNG ALS SYSTEMISCHER TEIL DER BILDUNGSREFORM
Authors: VAN BUER JÜRGEN , PETZOLD-RUDOLPH KATHRIN
Published: December 2021

Seit über zehn Jahren ist die Lehrerbildung in Deutschland in den Bologna Prozess integriert. In der Folge wurde das Studienmodell mit 1. Staatsexamen und anschließendem 2. Staatsexamen zum Abschluss des Vorbereitungsdienstes für den Bereich des Hochschulstudiums auf die Bachelor-Master-Struktur umgestellt. Aktuell wird die zweite Runde der Studienprogramm-Reform implementiert. Diese fokussiert vorrangig die erziehungswissenschaftlichen und die fachdidaktischen Module. Dabei stellt sich durchaus drängend die Frage, wie Konzepte erfahrungsgebundenen eldorientierten Lernens verstärkt in das Studium des Lehramtes eingebunden werden können. Als eine Konsequenz flammen die durchaus kontrovers geführten Debatten über das Verhältnis von `Theorie´ und `Praxis´ in der Lehrerbildung erneut auf. Der Vorwurf der Befürworter erfahrungsbasierter Lernkonzepte lautet, die traditionelle Sichtweise der Lehrerbildung sei als weitgehend gescheitert anzusehen und durch ein Modell zu ersetzen, welches berufliche Kompetenzen zugrunde legt, die sowohl differenzierte wissenschaftlich fundierte Wissensstände als auch verhaltensbasierte Lehrstrategien und Fähigkeiten umfassen. Der folgende Artikel skizziert diese widerstreitenden Diskussionen - aus einer eher theoretischen Sichtweise wie auch aus der kritischen Betrachtung der einschlägigen empirischen Befunde. Dabei wird die Notwendigkeit sichtbar auszuführen, in welchem Ausmaß die aktuellen Reformen in der Lehrerbildung als systemischer Bestandteil des Gesamtkonzepts der Erneuerung des deutschen Schulwesens ausgestaltet werden.
UNIVERSIDAD Y COOPERACIÓN AL DESARROLLO
Authors: ÁLVAREZ PÉREZ RAÚL , IÁÑEZ DOMÍNGUEZ ANTONIO
Published: December 2021

Desde la perspectiva del desarrollo humano, la equidad y la sostenibilidad, las universidades deben tener un especial protagonismo porque les corresponde la tarea específica de la formación especializada y la investigación, pero a su vez, deben educar en la promoción de valores solidarios y de compromiso hacia una sociedad más igualitaria y justa. Esto supone asumir un compromiso firme con el cambio social que muchas universidades españolas han adquirido a través de la cooperación al desarrollo con los países más empobrecidos. Para ello, se han ido dotando de estructuras desde las cuales se llevan a cabo diferentes acciones. El interés por conocer las acciones concretas que ponen en marcha las universidades públicas andaluzas, fue lo que condujo a la realización de la investigación cuyos resultados se presentan en ese artículo.
El enfoque del trabajo ha sido de corte cualitativo, aplicando la técnica de entrevista semiestructurada en profundidad a informantes claves (técnicos de cooperación al desarrollo y responsables políticos) de las diez universidades públicas andaluzas.
Todas las universidades contemplan la cooperación al desarrollo dentro de sus estructuras organizativas y cuentan con personal y financiación para la organización y desarrollo de sus acciones, aunque el panorama es diverso y heterogéneo. Las acciones que se desarrollan se aglutinan en torno a la formación académica, investigación, promoción y sensibilización, voluntariado universitario y cooperación sobre el terreno.
BRECHAS DE GÉNERO EN LA EDUCACIÓN SUPERIOR EN CHILE Y SU IMPACTO EN LA SEGREGACIÓN LABORAL. UNA REVISIÓN SISTEMÁTICA DE LA LITERATURA
Authors: Guzmán Daniela
Published: December 2021

Desde una revisión sistemática de la literatura en bases de datos WoS, Scopus y Scielo y utilizando el modelo PRISMA, se obtienen 25 artículos que abordan la relación entre el género y la segregación laboral en los últimos 5 años en Chile. La segregación laboral horizontal comienza a gestarse con la elección de la carrera profesional a estudiar, cuyo impacto se observa posteriormente en la vida laboral las elecciones de las carreras, especialidades, ámbitos de desempeño e incluso metodologías de aprendizaje se relacionan al género. La presencia de estereotipos y los modelos de división sexual del trabajo operan como catalizadores de las restricciones intrínsecas (creencias interiorizadas) y restricciones extrínsecas (derivadas de normativa y procedimientos existentes o ausencia de estos en la educación superior), que desincentivan la participación de las mujeres en carreras que históricamente han sido desarrolladas por hombres. En relación a las opciones en Educación Superior, las mujeres se concentran en los ámbitos de salud, educación y servicios sociales, mientras los hombres se desarrollan en las matemáticas, carreras ligadas a la ciencias y tecnología, que son mejor remuneradas (Servicio de Información de Educación Superior, SIES, 2021). En Chile, ingresan a la educación superior más mujeres que hombres, en todos los tipos de instituciones. Sin embargo, existen áreas del conocimiento en donde la brecha de género negativa se hace más notoria. Según las cifras que maneja la Subsecretaría de Educación Superior del país, la brecha de género en Ciencias Básicas es de -0,1% y en Tecnología es de -65,7%.
Aftereffects in the Transient Electromagnetic Method: Inductively Induced Polarization
Authors: Kozhevnikov N.O. , Antonov E.Yu.
Published: December 2021

—Inductively induced electric polarization (IIP) is one of the aftereffects inherent in the geologic materials and affecting results of the transient electromagnetic method. Its effect on the inductive transient response manifests itself as a nonmonotonic EMF decay, including the polarity reversal. The dependence of IIP on many conditions makes it difficult to study the basic regularities in its manifestation. One of the ways to address this problem is to present the simulation results as a normalized transient response. From the most general point of view, the intensity and time range of the IIP manifestation are controlled by the competition between induction and induced polarization phenomena. Induced polarization manifests itself differently, depending on the transmitter used for the excitation of the ground response. Therefore, when studying polarizable ground, the results of the conventional IP method and those of the TEM method do not always correlate.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the MADS-Box Gene Family in Foxtail Millet (Setaria Italica L.) and Expression Analyses to Reveal Their Role During Drought Stress
Authors: Ma Xinlei , XU Ningwei , Gu Pengpeng , Du Liqiang , Guo Zhenqing , Zhang Haoshan , Bai Lin , Lin Xiaohu , Gao Hui
Published: December 2021

MADS-box gene family is a key regulatory factor family, which controls vegetative growth, reproductive development and can be used to mediate abiotic stresses in many plants. However, Knowledge of this gene family is still limited in Setaria italica. In the present study, a total of 70 SitMADS genes were identified and renamed on the basis of the chromosomal distribution of the SitMADS genes. According to gene structure, conserved motif and phylogenetic feature, the 70 SitMADSs were classified into type-Ⅰ (Mα, Mβ, Mγ) and type-Ⅱ (MIKCC and MIKC*). All of the SitMADS genes were randomly distributed on nine chromosomes, and five tandem duplicated genes and 12 pairs of duplicated gene segments were detected in the SitMADS genes family. Synteny analysis provided a high homology between SitMADS genes and OsMADS genes. A cis-element analysis inferred that SitMADS genes, except for SitMADS23, possessed at least one drought stress response and ABA(Abscisic Acid)-induced response cis-element. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis was used to detect the expression patterns of SitMADS genes in various tissues and demonstrated that the genes responded drought stress and ABA treatments. SitMADS23, SitMADS42, SitMADS51, SitMADS52, SitMADS58 and SitMADS64 were highly expressed in PEG(Polyethylene glycol) and drought stress, which suggested its important role in drought stress response. SitMADS51, SitMADS63 and SitMADS64 seemed to be responsive to ABA hormone signaling, suggesting that they were involved in the ABA signaling pathways. This paper provided a deep insight into the evolutionary characteristics of SitMADS genes. The results provide comprehensive information for further analyses of the molecular functions of the MADS-box gene family in Setaria italica.
On the Shortest Path Problem of Uncertain Random Digraphs
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Kun
Published: December 2021

In the field of graph theory, the shortest path problem is one of the most significant problems. However, since varieties of indeterminated factors appear in complex networks, determining of the shortest path from one vertex to another in complex networks may be a lot more complicated than the cases in deterministic networks. To illustrate this problem, the model of uncertain random digraph will be proposed via chance theory, in which some arcs exist with degrees in probability measure and others exist with degrees in uncertain measure. The main focus of this paper is to investigate the main properties of the shortest path in uncetain random digraph. Methods and algorithms are designed to calculate the distribution of shortest path more efficiently. Besides, some numerical examples are presented to show the efficiency of these methods and algorithms.
Safety And Efficacy of Terlipressin In Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure With Acute Kidney Injury – A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kulkarni Anand V. , T.R Sowmya , Tevethia Harshvardhan , Premkumar Madhumita , Kumar Karan , Sharma Mithun , Gupta Rajesh , Rao Padaki Nagaraja , Reddy D. Nageshwar
Published: December 2021

Background: Terlipressin with albumin, the recommended treatment for hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI), is associated with adverse events. Furthermore, the course of AKI in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is unknown. We aimed to analyze the safety and efficacy of terlipressin infusion and AKI course in patients with ACLF.Methods: We prospectively enrolled consecutive adult patients with ACLF with HRS-AKI (satisfying either EASL or APASL criteria) treated with terlipressin infusion between 14 October 2019 and 24 July 2020. The objectives were to assess the incidence of adverse events, response to terlipressin, and differential treatment response in EASL and APASL subgroups. Results: Of the 116 patients, 51 satisfied EASL criteria, and 65 satisfied APASL criteria. Twenty-one percent of patients developed adverse effects. Only 1/3rd of patients who developed adverse events were alive at day 90. Sixty-five percent of the patients responded to terlipressin. Nearly 22% developed recurrence of HRS, and 5.2% progressed to HRS-chronic kidney disease. Response to terlipressin was higher in EASL (78.43%) than APASL subgroup (53.84%;P=0.006). Terlipressin non-response predicted mortality in EASL (aHR,6.35[1.15-35.13];P=0.03) and APASL subgroups (aHR,3.07[1.47-6.4];P=0.003).Conclusion: ACLF patients who develop terlipressin adverse events have dismal prognoses. Terlipressin non-response predicts mortality in patients with ACLF and HRS-AKI.
Attempts to Purchase Misoprostol Online in Indonesia: A Mystery Client Study Design
Authors: Moore Ann M. , Philbin Jesse , Ariawan Iwan , Budiharsana Meiwita , Jorgy Geby Hasanah , Arifa Zahra Izza , Bankole Akinrinola
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Abortion is highly restricted in Indonesia; self-administered misoprostol can safely induce an abortion. Pharmacies, a common place to purchase misoprostol off-label in other parts of the world, are monitored in Indonesia so that they cannot function outside the law. Misoprostol is for sale online through in-country distributors. Such procurement offers a level of safety and anonymity to the buyer and seller. So as to understand online acquisition of misoprostol, we created a protocol to capture the most visible universe and of sellers, how they engaged with clients, and what women’s experiences were likely to be attempting to buy misoprostol from them. Methods and analysis: We carried out a mystery client methodology to replicate the experiences of women procuring misoprostol online. Our study consisted of five sections: (1) identify the universe of online sellers using the most common search terms, drawn from multiple platforms to capture diversity in interactions as well as products sold (2) remove sellers advertising on more than one site as determined by their telephone numbers (3) draw a roughly probability proportional to size sample (4) contact sellers as mystery clients through text/chat, depending on the platform and engage with them using one profile (marital status, age, and number of children) and (5) purchase drugs offered by the seller. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical considerations include that by purchasing abortion medications from these online sellers, its possible that we made it harder for women seeking to buy drugs from online sellers. Our engagement with these online sellers may have resulted in some of them feeling under scrutiny and possibly pausing their sales. Dissemination plans include depositing a preprint of the paper, sharing the protocol with other study teams who are interested in replicating the methodology in other locations, and sharing our data collection tools on SurveyCTO.
Salicylic Acid-Mediated Diacylglycerol/Triacylglycerol Conversion Affects the Freezing Tolerance of Arabidopsis
Authors: Xu Le , Wu Jun , Zhao Yancui , Liu Huaqiong , Zhang Wenying , Xu Yanhao
Published: December 2021

Diacylglycerol (DAG) is likely converted to triacylglycerol (TAG) by the enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), and this conversion is important in freezing tolerance of Arabidopsis. The phytohormone salicylic acid (SA) plays important roles in the chilling and freezing tolerance of plants. In our study, we analysed the chilling phenotype, proline and sugar accumulation, phytohormone measurement, and lipid profiling of dgat1 mutants during chilling or freezing stress. We found that dgat1-1 mutants exhibited higher sensitivity to long exposure to cold stress and showed lower proline and sugar accumulation under cold acclimation conditions. The freezing-sensitive phenotype of dgat1 mutants can be ameliorated by mutations of key salicylic acid (SA) signalling components SAG101, EDS1, and PAD4 through phenotyping analysis of double mutants. Dgat1 mutants accumulated more SA, ABA, JA-Ile (jasmonate isoleucine) and OPDA (12- oxyphytodienoic acid) during freezing stress and after recovery. In addition, the DAG/TAG content in the SA-deficient mutant sid2 was lower than that in the wild type, while the SA-excessive accumulated mutant siz1 showed the opposite trend. In summary, SA could mediate the freezing tolerance of Arabidopsis by regulating the ratio of DAG and TAG, which influences the integrity of the membrane.
The Functional Impact of Home-based Self-rehabilitation Following Arthroscopic Root Repair
Authors: Tahami Mohammad , Vaziri Arash Sharafat , Tahmasebi Mohammad Naghi , Ahmadi Mohammad Amin , Akbarzadeh Armin , Vosoughi Fardis
Published: December 2021

Purpose: COVID-19 pandemic makes outdoors rehabilitation a potential hazard. Patient education to perform simple home-based exercises seems to be an interesting and sometimes a mandatory option. This study provides a comparison between the conventional and home-based virtual rehabilitation after surgical repair of medial meniscus root tears. Methods: All patients who underwent MPRT repair with a modified trans-tibial pull-out technique from March 2019 to March 2021 were evaluated. Those who underwent surgery after December 2019 were trained to perform self-rehabilitation. The rest had undergone outdoors specialized rehabilitation according to a unified protocol and these were used as a historical control group. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 year after surgery. Final Lysholm scores were utilized to compare functional outcomes. Results: Forty-three consecutive patients with medial meniscal root tears were studied. Thirty-nine (90.7%) were women and 4 (9.3%) were men. The mean age of participants was 53.2 ±8.1 years. The total Lysholm knee score, and all its items were significantly improved in both groups at a two-year follow-up (p<0.05), except the “Using cane or crutches” item (p=0.065). Nevertheless, the final Lysholm knee score improvement was higher in patients who performed outdoors specialized rehabilitation and in patients with shorter time-to-surgery.Conclusion: Regardless of age and gender, home-based rehabilitation after meniscal root repair with the modified trans-tibial pull-out technique improved the patients’ function at a two-year follow-up. Nonetheless, this effect was still significantly lower than that of the outdoors specialized rehabilitation. Future work is required to clarify basic protocols for home-based tele-rehabilitation programs and determine clinical, radiological and functional results.Level of evidence: Level IV, therapeutic, historically controlled study
Combination of Violet Light Irradiation and Collagenase Treatments in a Rabbit Model of Keratoconus
Authors: Kobashi Hidenaga , Yano Takashi , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: December 2021

Purpose: We evaluated the use of collagenase treatment to generate a rabbit model of keratoconus and the impact of violet light (VL) irradiation on the disease model in six Japanese White rabbits. Methods: After epithelial debridement, the collagenase group was treated with a collagenase type II solution for 30 min; the control group was treated with a solution without collagenase. Three rabbits also underwent VL irradiation (375 nm, irradiance 310 μW/cm2) for 3 hours daily for 7 days after topical collagenase application. Slit-lamp microscopy results, steep keratometry (Ks), corneal astigmatism, central corneal thickness, and axial length were examined before and after the procedure. The corneas were obtained on day 7 for biomechanical evaluation. Results: A significant increase in Ks and corneal astigmatism was observed in the collagenase and VL irradiation groups compared with the control group at day 7. No significant difference was found in the change in corneal thickness between the groups. The elastic modulus at 10% strain, but not at 3% and 5% strain, was significantly lower in the collagenase group than in the control group. There was no significant difference in the elastic modulus at each level of strain between the collagenase and VL irradiation groups. The average axial length at day 7 was significantly longer in the collagenase group than in the control group. Collagenase treatment induced a keratoconic model by steepening the keratometric and astigmatic values. There was no significant difference in the observed elastic behaviour of normal and ectatic corneas under physiologically relevant stress levels. Conclusion: VL irradiation did not cause regression of corneal steepening in collagenase-induced model during short-term observation.
Antibiotic Exposures and the Likelihood of Developing Pediatric Autoimmune Diseases: a Register-based Matched Case-control Study
Authors: Räisänen Laura , Kääriäinen Sohvi , Sund Reijo , Engberg Elina , Viljakainen Heli , Kolho Kaija-Leena
Published: December 2021

Incidences of pediatric autoimmune diseases (ADs) have been increasing without clearly identified environmental risk factors. Using national registers (special reimbursement and drug purchase register), this matched case-control study aims to discover whether antibiotic exposures are related to development of ADs in general. From a cohort of 11,407 children (born 2000-2005, followed-up until December 2018), 242 children with ADs (type 1 diabetes (DM), autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)) generated the case group. Each case was matched with one to four child(ren) with similar age, sex, residential area, gestational age, and delivery mode, generating 708 matched controls. Number of antibiotic purchases throughout childhood was unrelated to the development of the studied ADs as one group, nor with DM, AIT, or IBD individually. While antibiotic exposures in infancy did not increase the likelihood of ADs, exposures to macrolides within two years before diagnosis showed minor association (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.51). Exposures to cephalosporins, macrolides, and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid throughout childhood may increase the likelihood of JIA (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.52; OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06-1.38; OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.02-1.39, respectively). Regardless of frequent use in childhood (40% of all antibiotics), penicillins were not associated with the onset of any ADs.Conclusion: Occasional use of antibiotics are relatively safe regarding overall development of ADs. Penicillins are unlikely to be associated with any ADs, while broad-spectrum antibiotics (including macrolides) should be used considerately as they may associate with an increased likelihood of ADs, especially JIA.
A Tensor-Based Formulation of Hetero-Functional Graph Theory
Authors: Farid Amro M. , Thompson Dakota J. , Schoonenberg Wester
Published: December 2021

Recently, hetero-functional graph theory (HFGT) has developed as a means to mathematically model the structure of large-scale complex flexible engineering systems. It does so by fusing concepts from network science and model-based systems engineering (MBSE). For the former, it utilizes multiple graph-based data structures to support a matrix-based quantitative analysis. For the latter, HFGT inherits the heterogeneity of conceptual and ontological constructs found in model-based systems engineering including system form, system function, and system concept. These diverse conceptual constructs indicate multi-dimensional rather than two-dimensional relationships. This paper provides the first tensor-based treatment of hetero-functional graph theory. In particular, it addresses the “system concept” and the hetero-functional adjacency matrix from the perspective of tensors and introduces the hetero-functional incidence tensor as a new data structure. The tensor-based formulation described in this work makes a stronger tie between HFGT and its ontological foundations in MBSE. Finally, the tensor-based formulation facilitates several analytical results that provide an understanding of the relationships between HFGT and multi-layer networks.
A Novel Parametric Model for Nonlinear Hysteretic Behaviors with Strain Stiffening of Magnetorheological Gel Based on Fruit Fly Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Guang , Zhang Zheng , Sun Min , Yu Yang , Wang Jiong , Cai Shibo
Published: December 2021

Magnetorheological (MR) gel is a new branch of MR materials, which can overcome the phenomenon of particle agglomeration existing in MR fluid, thus improving the controllability of materials in engineering applications. In this paper, a novel parametric model for tracking the nonlinear hysteretic behaviors with strain stiffening of MR gel is constructed. The measure data in relative to the five current levels of 0A, 0.2A, 0.5A, 0.8A and 1A under the strain amplitude and frequency of 10% and 0.1Hz respectively are utilized to identify the parameters. The optimal solution for the model parameters is conduced employing the fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA). The comparison study with two typical model such as Bouc-Wen model and viscoelastic-plastic model is conduced to to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed model. The model parameters are generalized with respect to the loading current, and the reliability of the generalized model is verified. The studies show that the proposed model can perfectly fit the strain stiffening and nonlinearity of sample, which can provide a theoretical basis for the semi-active control of MR gel in practical engineering applications.
Network Meta-Analysis of Physical Activity Interventions On Cognitive Functions In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Protocol of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Longxi , Wang Anni , Fang Qun , Moosbrugger Michelle E.
Published: December 2021

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms are usually observed by the age of 2 years. However, the mechanism of ASD is still encompassed in a block box and no identified cure exists. Based on accumulating evidence, intensive early treatment such as physical activity or exercise can make a significant difference in the cognitive control and development in children with ASD. This study aims to update the knowledge on extant literature and explore the efficacy of physical activity intervention strategies (PAIS) on cognitive functions in children with ASD. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis will be conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols for Network Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-NMA). Nine bibliographic databases (APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Dimensions, ERIC, MEDLINE Complete, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) will be systematically searched to screen eligible articles based on a series of inclusion and exclusion criteria. A study will be considered for inclusion if the study: (a) is not classified as a systematic review with or without meta-analysis; (b) is published from inception to date; (c) includes children aged 0-12 years with ASD; (d) quantitively measures cognitive outcomes; (e) treatment includes at least one PAIS. The internal validity and quality of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Statistical analyses will be produced in RStudio 3.6 with the BUGSnet package and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.3. Discussion: This study will provide an updated review of the extant literature by using an appropriate network meta-analytic model and address the questions regarding efficacy of PAIS that significantly impact cognitive functions in children with ASD with implications for future decision making. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021279054.
Diverse Regulations of Viral and Host Genes in Tomato Germplasms Responding to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus Inoculation
Authors: Xiao Wanyu , Zhou Xianyu , Ren Hailong , Sun Yijia , Zou Jiwen , Zhang Jing , Xu Donglin
Published: December 2021

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is the dominating pathogen of tomato yellow leaf curl disease that caused severe loss to tomato production in China. In this study, we found that a TYLCV-resistant tomato line drastically reduced the accumulation of viral complementary-sense strand mRNAs but just moderately inhibit that of viral DNA and virion-sense strand mRNAs. However, two other resistant lines did not have such virus inhibition pattern. Analysis of differential expressed genes showed that the potential host defense-relevant processes varied in different resistant tomatoes, as compared to the susceptible line, suggesting a diversity of tomato TYLCV-resistance mechanisms.
Air Primary Pollutant During 2015-2019 Over 19 Chinese Urban Agglomerations: Spatiotemporal Distribution And Emission Source Impacts
Authors: Tao Tianhui , Shi Yishao , Gilbert Katabarwa Murenzi , Liu Xinyi
Published: December 2021

The "comparative attitude" of urban agglomerations (UAs) involves multidimensional perspectives such as infrastructure, ecological protection, and air pollution. Based on monitoring station data, comparative studies of multispatial, multitime scale and multiemission pollution sources of air quality on 19 urban agglomerations (UAs) during the 13th Five-Year Plan period in China were explored by mathematical statistics. The comparison results are all visualized and show that clean air days gradually increased and occurred mainly in summer, especially in South and Southwest China. PM2.5, PM10 and O3 were still the main primary pollutants. PM2.5 is mainly concentrated in December, January and February, and PM10 is mainly concentrated in October-November and March-April. The O3 pollution in the Pearl River Delta and Beibu Gulf UA located in the south is mainly concentrated from August to November, which is different from others from May to September. Second, the hourly O3 concentration rates were significantly higher than the particulate matter (PM) pollution rates from 2015 to 2019. Diurnal trends in O3 concentration in all directions also showed a single peak, with the largest increments that appeared between 13:00 and 16:00, while the spatial distribution of this peak was significantly regional, earlier in the east but later in the west. Third, this analysis indicated that the annual average air quality index (AQI) showed a gradually decreasing trend outward, taking the Central Plains UA as the center. Furthermore, the total amount of PM2.5 pollution caused by anthropogenic sources is approximately 2.5 times that of PM10, and industries are the main sources of PM2.5, PM10 and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). VOCs and NOX increased in half of the urban agglomerations, which are the reasons for the increase in ozone pollution. The outcomes of this study will provide targeted insights on pollution prevention in urban agglomerations in the future.
Detecting spatio-temporal dynamics of urban growth and sprawl through geospatial technique and spectral indicators on Habra-I and Habra-II blocks of North 24 Parganas, India
Authors: HALDER BIJAY , Bandyopadhyay Jatisankar
Published: December 2021

The worldwide fertility rate is becoming a most significant context of anthropological condition. Rapid population pressure is one of increasing factors for the global land crisis and gradually affects the environment and boosting climatic vulnerability. But world population progressively increased and hammering the natural environmental condition. Urban heat island (UHI) is increased due to anthropogenic activities and urban expansion, which causes public health emergency. Space-based UHI identification methods are used to estimate the environmental degradation using Land surface temperature (LST) along with different spectral indicators derived from multi-temporal Landsat images. The Landsat imageries were used to calculated land use and land cover maps of 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020 were used for Habra-I and Habra-II blocks of North 24 Parganas. A supervised classification technique was applied for LU/LC classification. Shannon’s entropy model has been used for detecting urban expansion over the last 30 years. Land use and land cover (LULC) changes are notified in this study region because of urban expansion. 17.81 Sq.km of Agricultural land and 17.99 Sq,km of thick vegetation have been decreased similarly 43.24 Sq.km of the built-up area increased. Central Business District (CBD) is more densely population rather than the peripheral part. In the last thirty years around 6.52 ° C temperatures have been increased in this area. The highest values of NDBI are 0.16 (1990) to 0.59 (2020) respectively. The highest values of NDVI are 0.808 (1990) to 0.459 (2020) respectively. That spectral indicator shows that vegetated area has been affected due to urban expansion.
Transcriptome Analysis of Anther Wall Reveals Novel Insights Into the Regulatory Mechanisms Underlying Anther Wall Development in Rice
Authors: Hong Woo-Jong , Lee Su Kyoung , Kim Seok-Hui , Kim Yu-Jin , Moon Sunok , Kim Eui-Jung , Silva Jeniffer , Jung Ki-Hong
Published: December 2021

Rice is an important food staple that is consumed by half of the human population. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanism of male fertility in rice can improve production by enhancing the efficiency of hybrid seed production. However, information on the control mechanism of male fertility by anther dehiscence or wall development in rice is very limited. To further understand the regulatory mechanism for anther dehiscence in rice, we carried out transcriptome analysis for two tissues: the anther wall and pollen at the anthesis stage. With the anatomical meta-expression data, in addition to these tissues, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two tissues were further refined to identify 1,717 pollen-preferred genes and 534 anther wall-preferred genes. A GUS transgenic line and RT-qPCR analysis for anther wall-preferred genes supported the fidelity of our gene candidates for further analysis. The refined DEGs were functionally classified through Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and MapMan analyses. Through the analysis of cis-acting elements and alternative splicing variants, we also suggest the feature of regulatory sequences in promoter regions for anther wall-preferred expression and provide information of the unique splicing variants in anther walls. Subsequently, it was found that hormone signaling and the resulting transcriptional regulation pathways may play an important role in anther dehiscence and anther wall development. Our result could provide useful insight for future research to broaden the molecular mechanism of anther dehiscence or anther wall development in rice.
Local and Systemic Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients with Central Nervous System Metastases
Authors: Wellerdieck Ninke Elisabeth Aster , Wessels Peter , Los Maartje , Sonke Gabe S , Tromp Ellen , Brandsma Dieta
Published: December 2021

Purpose As survival of patients with central nervous system (CNS) metastases from breast cancer is poor and incidence rates are increasing, there is a growing need for better treatment strategies. In the current study, the efficacy of local and systemic therapies was analyzed in breast cancer patients with CNS metastases.Methods Medical records from patients with breast cancer and brain and/or leptomeningeal metastases treated at a tertiary referral center and a teaching hospital between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively studied. Main outcomes of interest were overall survival and CNS progression free survival. Analyses were performed for the different systemic and local therapies for CNS metastases, and subgroups based on breast cancer subtypes and brain metastases vs leptomeningeal metastases were tested.Results We identified 155 patients, 44 HER2-positive, 68 hormone receptor positive/HER2-negative and 43 triple negative. Median overall survival was 5.9 months for all 155 analyzed patients. Survival differed significantly between breast cancer subtypes (HER2-positive 22.8 months, hormone receptor positive/HER2-negative 2.4 months, triple negative 4.2 months, P<0.001). Patients receiving a combination of local and systemic therapy demonstrated prolonged median overall survival (18.5 months) as compared to local therapy only (5.7 months) or systemic therapy only (4.3 months, P<0.001). No significant difference in overall survival was observed between different systemic treatment regimens.Conclusion Breast cancer patients with CNS metastases show longest median overall survival when the subtype is HER2-positive and when they are treated with both local and systemic therapy.
Population genomic analysis provides strong evidence of the past success and future strategies of South China tiger breeding
Authors: Wang Chen , Wu Dong-Dong , Yuan Yao-Hua , Yao Meng-Cheng , Han Jian-Lin , Wu Ya-Jiang , Shan Fen , Li Wan-Ping , Zhai Jun-Qiong , Huang Mian , Peng Shi-Ming , Cai Qin-Hui , Yu Jian-Yi , Liu Qun-Xiu , Liu Zhao-Yang , Li Lin-Xiang , Teng Ming-Sheng , Huang Wei , Zhou Jun-Ying , Zhang Chi , Chen Wu , Tu Xiao-Long
Published: December 2021

The South China tigers (Panthera tigris amoyensis) are extinct in the wild, but viable populations remain in breeding centers and zoos after 60 years of effective conservation efforts. At present, however, the existing genetic variation of these tigers remains unknown. In this study, we assembled a high-quality chromosome-level genome using long-read sequences and re-sequenced 29 high-depth genomes of the South China tigers. We identified two significantly differentiated genomic ancestries in the extant populations, which also harbored some rare genetic variants introgressed from other subspecies, suggesting limited but essential genetic diversity to sustain the South China tigers. The unique pattern of dual ancestry and the genomic resources generated in our study pay the way for a genomics-informed conservation, following the real-time monitoring and controlled exchange of all reproductive South China tigers.
Feeding in neonates with antenatal doppler abnormalities- a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anne Rajendra Prasad , Aradhya Abhishek S , Murki Srinivas
Published: December 2021

Preterm neonates with antenatal doppler abnormalities are at increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In these neonates, we did a meta-analysis to compare the impact of early versus late initiation of feeding, and slow versus rapid feed advancement on the important neonatal outcomes. The databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane central, CINAHL and google scholar were searched on 6th September 2020. We included all randomized controlled trials addressing the study objective(s). The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias tool, version 2. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach. Early feeding did not increase the incidence of NEC stage 2 or more (odds ratio/OR 1.27, 95% confidence interval/CI 0.83, 1.96; 6 studies, 772 participants) and mortality (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.4, 1.57; 3 studies, 498 participants). A trend was noted towards an increased incidence of feeding intolerance (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.98, 1.92). There was a significant reduction in time to reach full feeds, duration of total parental nutrition, duration of hospital stay, and rates of hospital-acquired infections. The time to regain birth weight was not different. Rapid feed advancement decreased the time to reach full feeds, without affecting other outcomes. The overall certainty of the evidence was rated low. Heterogeneity was not significant. Conclusion: There is low-certainty evidence to recommend early feed initiation in preterm neonates with antenatal doppler abnormalities. The data is insufficient to make a recommendation on the rapidity of feed advancement.
Stem Cells From Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth Attenuate Trigeminal Neuralgia in Rats By Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Yang Zhijie , Wang Chun , Zhang Xia , Li Jing , Zhang Ziqi , Tan Zhao , Xiao Ke , Wang Junyi , Zhang Junyang , Bai Xiaofeng
Published: December 2021

The treatment of trigeminal neuralgia remains a challenging issue. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) provide optimized therapy for chronic pain. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the attenuation of trigeminal neuralgia by SHED. Our findings showed that local transplantation of SHED could relieve trigeminal neuralgia in rats. Further, transmission electron microscopy revealed swelling of endoplasmic reticulum in rats with trigeminal neuralgia. Moreover, SHED inhibited the tunicamycin-induced up-regulated expression of Bip mRNA and protein in vitro. Additionally, SHED decreased the up-regulated expression of Caspase12 mRNA and protein in the trigeminal ganglion of rats caused by trigeminal neuralgia after chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve mode. Our findings demonstrated that SHED could alleviate pain by relieving endoplasmic reticulum stress which provide potential basic evidence for clinical pain treatment.
Transgenic Elite Lines of Carioca Seeded Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) With Multiple Resistance to Viruses Reduce Cowpea Mild Mottle Virus Transmission
Authors: Silva Rodrigo S. , Faria Josias C , Knupp Adriano M , Aguiar Marcelo S , Pereira Helton S , Ferreira Amanda L , Zaidem Antonia L.M. , Pinheiro Patricia Valle , Melo Leonardo C , Souza Thiago L.P.O.
Published: December 2021

The most important viruses infecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Brazil are BCMV, BGMV and CPMMV, the last two transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, occurring simultaneously and causing severe yield losses. Genetically modified progenies of common bean, from carioca market class and multiple virus resistance (BCMV, BGMV and CPMMV), have been developed using conventional breeding and molecular tools. Agronomic performance and virus disease severity (VS) evaluated in two field trials, selected 39 elite progenies out of 477. Molecular analyses identified the presence of BCMV and BGMV resistance alleles in plants. CPMMV resistance was measured on mechanically inoculated plants using a VS scoring scale. Among the lowest VS average scores, five progenies showed resistance to BCMV, BGMV and CPMMV, and upright plant architecture, resistance to plant lodging and carioca market class grains, presenting potential to be developed into a new transgenic cultivar, with multiple virus resistance. Additionally, the resistant progenies may also contribute to reduce virus spread in the field, as they were a less efficient inoculum source of CPMMV in insect transmission assays.
Abnormal Glucose Metabolism Leads To Severe COVID-19 Due To Hyperinflammation: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Han , Yan Bingdi , Gao Rong , Ren Jin , Su Zhenzhong , Ma Tiangang , Yang Junling
Published: December 2021

Background: We aimed to describe the clinical features of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with or without diabetes, focusing on the effect of abnormal HbA1c levels on inflammatory reactions and disease severity.Methods: A total of 190 patients with COVID-19 were included in this cross-sectional study. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected and compared among moderate, severe, and critical cases, as well as among diabetes, prediabetes and nondiabetes cases. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to determine the diagnostic ability of HbA1c for disease severity. Logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between HbA1c levels and worse prognosis of COVID-19.Results: HbA1c levels at admission were significantly different in patients with moderate, severe, and critical diseases (P<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of HbA1c levels to distinguish between moderate and severe-critical diseases was 0.938 (95% CI 0.906–0.970). After adjustment for confounders, the results showed that the increasing odds of in-hospital deaths were associated with HbA1c levels >6.0% (42 mmol/mol) (aOR 2.971 [95% CI 1.002, 8.804], P=0.049), and the increasing odds of severe or critical COVID-19 were associated with HbA1c levels ≥5.7% (39 mmol/mol) (aOR 29.588 [95% CI 8.285, 105.457], P<0.001). In addition, HbA1c levels strongly correlated with inflammatory markers and cytokines.Conclusions: Abnormal glucose metabolism can cause a hyperinflammatory state of COVID-19, which manifests as severe disease.