bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers and facilitators for students with disabilities: Results of semi-structured interviews in Swiss universities
Authors: Köferli Sara , Pierrès Oriane , Sethe Rolf , Manning Juliet , Darvishy Alireza
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This paper investigates the following two research questions: What are the barriers and facilitators for students with disabilities while studying at Swiss universities? When do these barriers and facilitators occur for students with disabilities? Research on barriers and facilitators encountered by students with disabilities at higher education institutions in Switzerland is still scarce. Identifying when and how to include persons with disabilities could enable Swiss universities to uphold their commitment to the inclusion of people with impairments.
Methods: 31 qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with students with diverse impairments who were enrolled in French- and German-speaking Swiss universities. Interviews were analyzed thematically in a deductive and inductive manner.
Results: The study demonstrates that students with disabilities experience many barriers before and throughout the term, as well as during examinations. Awareness of disability and accessibility among staff and peers was revealed to be a key issue, both as a major barrier where awareness was lacking and as an important facilitator where awareness was high. Awareness levels were also shown to be connected to other aspects of accessibility. Factors such as access to accommodations for exams, advanced access to study materials, and digital accessibility, arose as important issues for students with disabilities.
Key Message: This study underscores the crucial role of awareness, both as a barrier when lacking and as a facilitator when present. Exam accommodations also emerged as a critical issue, again both as a barrier where experiences were unsatisfactory and as a facilitator where accommodations were received. The interviews emphasize the importance of providing study materials in advance, as well as the impact of course formats on inclusion, particularly the positive effect of online learning. The presence of barriers and facilitators before the start of lectures suggests that support should be offered even before the start of the semester.
A Pvr–AP-1–Mmp1 signaling pathway is activated in astrocytes upon traumatic brain injury
Authors: Li Tingting , Shi Wenwen , Ho Margaret S , Zhang Yong Q
Published: October 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by external mechanical forces is a major health burden worldwide, but the underlying mechanism in glia remains largely unclear. We report herein that Drosophila adults exhibit a defective blood–brain barrier, elevated innate immune responses, and astrocyte swelling upon consecutive strikes with a high-impact trauma device. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of these astrocytes revealed upregulated expression of genes encoding PDGF and VEGF receptor-related (Pvr, a receptor tyrosine kinase), adaptor protein complex 1 (AP-1, a transcription factor complex of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway) composed of Jun-related antigen (Jra) and kayak (kay), and matrix metalloproteinase 1 (Mmp1) following TBI. Interestingly, Pvr is both required and sufficient for AP-1 and Mmp1 upregulation, while knockdown of AP-1 expression in the background of Pvr overexpression in astrocytes rescued Mmp1 upregulation upon TBI, indicating that Pvr acts as the upstream receptor for the downstream AP-1–Mmp1 transduction. Moreover, dynamin-associated endocytosis was found to be an important regulatory step in downregulating Pvr signaling. Our results identify a new Pvr–AP-1–Mmp1 signaling pathway in astrocytes in response to TBI, providing potential targets for developing new therapeutic strategies for TBI.
Formin-like 1β phosphorylation at S1086 is necessary for secretory polarized traffic of exosomes at the immune synapse in Jurkat T lymphocytes
Authors: Ruiz-Navarro Javier , Fernández-Hermira Sara , Sanz-Fernández Irene , Barbeito Pablo , Navarro-Zapata Alfonso , Pérez-Martínez Antonio , Garcia-Gonzalo Francesc R , Calvo Víctor , Izquierdo Pastor Manuel
Published: October 2024

We analyzed here how formin-like 1 β (FMNL1β), an actin cytoskeleton-regulatory protein, regulates microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) and multivesicular bodies (MVB) polarization and exosome secretion at an immune synapse (IS) model in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. IS formation was associated with transient recruitment of FMNL1β to the IS, which was independent of protein kinase C δ (PKCδ). Simultaneous RNA interference of all FMNL1 isoforms prevented MTOC/MVB polarization and exosome secretion, which were restored by FMNL1βWT expression. However, expression of the non-phosphorylatable mutant FMNL1βS1086A did not restore neither MTOC/MVB polarization nor exosome secretion to control levels, supporting the crucial role of S1086 phosphorylation in MTOC/MVB polarization and exosome secretion. In contrast, the phosphomimetic mutant, FMNL1βS1086D, restored MTOC/MVB polarization and exosome secretion. Conversely, FMNL1βS1086D mutant did not recover the deficient MTOC/MVB polarization occurring in PKCδ-interfered clones, indicating that S1086 FMNL1β phosphorylation alone is not sufficient for MTOC/MVB polarization and exosome secretion. FMNL1 interference inhibited the depletion of F-actin at the central region of the immune synapse (cIS), which is necessary for MTOC/MVB polarization. FMNL1βWT and FMNL1βS1086D, but not FMNL1βS1086A expression, restored F-actin depletion at the cIS. Thus, actin cytoskeleton reorganization at the IS underlies the effects of all these FMNL1β variants on polarized secretory traffic. FMNL1 was found in the IS made by primary T lymphocytes, both in T cell receptor (TCR) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-evoked synapses. Taken together, these results point out a crucial role of S1086 phosphorylation in FMNL1β activation, leading to cortical actin reorganization and subsequent control of MTOC/MVB polarization and exosome secretion.
Etikprövningslagens geografiska tillämpningsområde
Authors: Johansson Mats , Bülow William , Persson Vilhelm , Wahlberg Lena
Published: October 2024

I Sverige är etikprövning reglerat i lag. Lagen har på senare år blivit föremål för hård kritik. Kritiken har i hög grad kretsat kring hur etikprövningssystemet drabbar forskare och forskningen, inte minst inom humaniora och samhällsvetenskap. Hur väl den skyddar forskningspersonerna har emellertid fått begränsat utrymme. Ur detta perspektiv är lagens geografiska tillämpningsområde av intresse. Den svenska etikprövningslagen gäller nämligen endast den forskning som utförs i Sverige, vilket medför att viss etiskt problematisk forskning helt faller mellan stolarna. I denna artikel analyseras lagens geografiska tillämpningsområde och de konsekvenser den fått i relation till syftet att skydda människor vid forskning.
A multi-queue-based ECN marking strategy for multi-class QoS guarantee in programmable networks
Authors: Liu Yazhi , Yao Xinyi , Yang Zhigang , Li Wei
Published: October 2024

Currently, network applications are experiencing explosive growth, and various types of network applications are showing a trend of varied demands for quality of network service. However, the existing Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) marking methods have not taken into account the diversified Quality of Service (QoS) requirements of network applications. This article introduces a multi-queue ECN marking strategy targeting multiple QoS guarantees. The strategy utilizes virtual queues and dynamic weighted round-robin scheduling to achieve traffic partitioning in a programmable data plane. It constructs a multi-queue, multi-class QoS queuing model based on the QoS requirements of different traffic and network conditions. The model is solved by real-time to obtain the ECN marking thresholds and round-robin weights for different queues, in order to achieve dynamic QoS requirements of different network applications. We implemented this strategy in Mininet and BMv2, and compared it with DCQCN, P4QCN, and TCN. The experimental results indicate that this policy demonstrates good performance in terms of queue length, RTT, and throughput, while also ensuring fairness between traffics. Results of the experiment indicate that the proposed approach is superior to DCQCN and P4QCN in the field of performance fluctuation and rapid feedback, and it exhibits notable advantages over TCN, and also ensures the fairness of traffic.
A novel recursive sub-tensor hyperspectral compressive sensing of plant leaves based on multiple arbitrary-shape regions of interest
Authors: Li Zhuo , Xu Ping , Jia Yuewei , Chen Ke-nan , Luo Bin , Xue Lingyun
Published: October 2024

Plant hyperspectral images (HSIs) contain valuable information for agricultural disaster prediction, biomass estimation, and other applications. However, they also include a lot of irrelevant background information, which wastes storage resources. In this paper, we propose a novel recursive sub-tensor hyperspectral compressive sensing method for plant leaves. This method uses recursive sub-tensor compressive sensing to compress and reconstruct each arbitrary-shape leaf region, discarding a large amount of background information to achieve the best possible reconstruction performance of the leaf region and significantly reduce storage space. The proposed method involves several key steps. Firstly, the optimal band is determined using the spatial spectral decorrelation criterion, and its corresponding mask image is used to extract the leaf regions from the background. Secondly, the recursive maximum inscribed rectangle algorithm is applied to obtain rectangular sub-tensors of leaves recursively. Each sub-tensor is then individually compressed and reconstructed. Finally, all sub-tensors can be reconstructed to form complete leaf HSIs without background information. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves superior image reconstruction quality at extremely low sampling rates compared to other methods. The proposed method can improve average Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) values by about 3.04% and 0.74% compared to Tensor Compressive Sensing (TCS) at the sampling rate of 2%. In the spectral domain, the proposed method can achieve significantly smaller Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) values and relatively lower spectral indices errors for Double Difference, Triangular Vegetation Index, Leaf Chlorophyll Index, and Modified Normalized Difference 680 than those of TCS. Therefore, the proposed method achieves better compression performance for reconstructed plant leaf HSIs than the other methods.
Edge computing task scheduling method based on user’s social relations: a construction and solution for Smart City Library
Authors: Teng Yun , Liu Zijia
Published: October 2024

In the realm of the development of a Smart City Library, the integration of robust edge computing is vital. The research suggests a novel task-scheduling model for edge computing, leveraging user’s social relationships. Analyzing these connections involves constructing a user’s social relationship graph by implementing mathematical convolution and the Jaccard similarity ratio. This precise quantification of social ties ensures secure and reliable task scheduling. An equipment connection graph of a user equipment service is also crafted based on Euclidean distance, aligning task scheduling with device-to-device (D2D) communication conditions. Combining a user’s social relationship graph and a user’s device-service device connection graph creates a task-device bipartite graph. On the other hand, the calculation of a task execution cost and edge weight determination finalize a scheduling model. Implementing the proposed method for constructing a model for edge computing task scheduling based on utilizing the Kuhn–Munkres (KM) algorithm demonstrates positive impacts, which are few delays and less energy consumption, on edge computing task scheduling. For instance, when the social threshold score changes from 02. To 0.6, the total task execution delay time increases from 23 to 32, which is the best when compared with other algorithms. The approach strengthens security and reliability while decreasing task execution delays and energy consumption. This research advances edge computing for Smart City Libraries, promising transformative implications.
The behavior patterns of giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) housed across 18 US zoos
Authors: Wark Jason D. , Cronin Katherine A.
Published: October 2024

Interpreting animal behavior in the context of welfare can be inherently challenging given the limited behavior data available for many species housed in zoos. Describing common behavior patterns may help animal managers by providing additional background when assessing the individuals in their care. Although valuable, these efforts require a large, collaborative approach and have, consequently, been rare. Here, we share the behavior patterns of zoo-housed giraffes, an iconic and commonly housed megafauna in zoos. Behavior data were evaluated for 66 giraffes living across 18 AZA-accredited zoos using the ZooMonitor Community platform. Data were recorded during 10-minute observation sessions. Observations were conducted during daytime hours over the course of approximately one year at each zoo (mean total observed time per individual = 23.2 hr). The most common behaviors observed were feeding/ foraging behaviors, which accounted for 38.6% of the mean visible time budget across giraffes. Time spent in these behaviors varied by individual and ranged from 14.3% to 69.3% of visible time. Stereotypic behaviors occurred in all study individuals, with oral stereotypic behaviors being most common. Although prevalent, stereotypic behaviors varied considerably across giraffes, with some individuals exhibiting these behaviors only on a few occasions to an individual that exhibited these behaviors once every few minutes. This study provides a robust evaluation of giraffe behavior across zoos to present a picture of their common behavior patterns in managed care. We hope these multi-institutional behavior patterns can provide perspective to aid animal managers in evaluating giraffes in their care.
Phylogenetic and taxonomic revisions of Jurassic sea stars support a delayed evolutionary origin of the Asteriidae
Authors: Fau Marine , Wright David F. , Ewin Timothy A.M. , Gale Andrew S. , Villier Loïc
Published: October 2024

Background

The superorder Forcipulatacea is a major clade of sea stars with approximately 400 extant species across three orders (Forcipulatida, Brisingida, Zorocallida). Over the past century, the systematics of Forcipulatacea have undergone multiple revisions by various authors, with some considering numerous families such as Asteriidae, Zoroasteridae, Pedicellasteridae, Stichasteridae, Heliasteridae, Labidiasteridae, and Neomorphasteridae, while others recognized only two families (i.e., Asteriidae and Zoroasteridae). Recent molecular analyses have shown the artificial nature of some of these groupings. Notably, four well-supported clades (Zorocallida, Brisingida, Stichasteridae, and Asteriidae) emerged from a synthesis of morphological and molecular evidence. The majority of extinct forcipulatacean species have been placed in modern families. However, many of these fossil species are in need of revision, especially those species placed within the Asteriidae, the largest of all forcipulatacean families.

Methods

In light of recent advancements in forcipulatacean systematics, we comprehensively reassess six well-preserved Jurassic forcipulatacean taxa, including the earliest crown-group members from the Hettangian (∼201.4 Ma), and also describe two new Jurassic genera, Forbesasterias gen. nov. and Marbleaster gen. nov. We assembled the largest and most comprehensive phylogenetic matrix for this group, sampling 42 fossil and extant forcipulatacean species for 120 morphological characters. To infer phylogenetic relationships and construct an evolutionary timeline for the diversification of major clades, we conducted a Bayesian tip-dating analysis incorporating the fossilized birth-death process. A total of 13 fossil species were sampled in our analysis, including six taxonomically revaluated herein, two recently reappraised species from the Jurassic, and five additional species from the Cretaceous and Miocene.

Results

Contrary to prior assumptions, our results indicate that none of the Jurassic taxa investigated belong to Asteriidae or any other modern families, and instead represent stem-forcipulatids. Furthermore, our phylogenetic results suggest that Asteriidae likely originated during the late Cretaceous. Our findings highlight a greater early diversity within the Forcipulatacea than previously presumed, challenging existing perceptions of the evolutionary history of this significant clade of marine invertebrates.
Effect of bioceramic-based and resin-based sealers on postoperative discomfort following root canal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Supare Mansi , Pawar Ajinkya M. , Sawant Kashmira , Wahjuningrum Dian Agustin , Arora Suraj , Elmsmari Firas , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Thakur Bhagyashree
Published: October 2024

Background

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to furnish evidence-based recommendations for the utilization of bioceramic-based and resin-based sealers in clinical endodontics, with a focus on reducing postoperative discomfort.

Methods

The investigation’s methodology was registered on the International Prospective Database of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42022355506) and executed using the 2020 PRISMA protocol. Articles were selected utilizing the PICO technique and applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Articles published between January 2000 and August 2022, PubMed, MEDLINE, and DOAJ were utilized as primary data sources. After the identification of studies, two autonomous reviewers evaluated the titles and abstracts, and data from qualifying studies were extracted.

Results

Nine published studies were included in this analysis. The findings indicate that there were no significant differences in the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores between resin-based and bioceramic root canal sealers at intervals of 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after treatment.

Conclusion

The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that after the utilization of bioceramic sealers during root canal therapy, the pain and discomfort levels were not significantly different from those experienced pain after the use of resin-based sealers.
Assessing population structure and morpho-molecular characterization of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) for elite germplasm identification
Authors: Lavudya Sampath , Thiyagarajan Kalaimagal , Ramasamy Sasikala , Sankarasubramanian Harish , Muniyandi Senthivelu , Bellie Anita , Kumar Sushil , Dhanapal Susmitha
Published: October 2024

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), known for its adaptability and high yield potential, is vital in global edible oil production. Estimating genetic diversity is a key pre-breeding activity in crop breeding. The current study comprised of 48 genotypes which were assessed for their biometrical traits at department of Oilseeds, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, during the rainy season of 2022. The lines were subsequently characterised using 103 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for molecular diversity analysis. The results indicated that the net nucleotide distances indicated varying genetic divergence, with subpopulations II and V showing the highest (0.056) and I and IV the lowest (0.014). Subpopulation IV exhibited the highest heterozygosity (0.352), while subpopulation III had the lowest heterozygosity and a low Fst (0.173). Principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis were employed for assessing the morphological diversity, facilitating genotype grouping and parent selection for breeding programs. The first four components cumulatively accounted for 86.72% of the total variation. Cluster Analysis grouped 48 sunflower genotypes into three clusters based on genetic diversity. COSF 13B stands out for its high head diameter, oil content, seed yield, and oil yield based on mean performance of morphological data. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) mirrored the groupings from the Neighbor Joining method, with the first three components explaining 27.24% of the total variation. Molecular data analysis identified five distinct clusters among the germplasm. By integrating morphological and molecular marker data with genetic distance analysis, substantial diversity was revealed with the genotypes RHA 273 and GMU 325 consistently demonstrated high oil yield per plant. The genotypes GMU 477, GMU 450, COSF 13B, RHA 102, CMS 1103B, and RHA GPR 58 have been identified as suitable parents for enhancing oil content in sunflower breeding programs. These findings also aid in selecting SSR markers for genotype characterization and in choosing diverse parents for breeding programs.
Identification and validation of a prognostic model based on immune-related genes in ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Yu Min , Li Dan , Zhang Li , Wang Ke
Published: October 2024

Background

A novel valuable prognostic model has been developed on the basis of immune-related genes (IRGs), which could be used to estimate overall survival (OS) in ovarian cancer (OC) patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) dataset.

Methods

This prognostic model was engineered by employing LASSO regression in training cohort (TCGA dataset). The corresponding growth predictive values of this model for individualized survival was evaluated using survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve), and risk curve analysis. Combined with clinical characteristics, a model risk score nomogram for OS was well built. Thereafter, depended on the model risk score, patients were divided into high and low risk subgroups. The survival difference between these subgroups was measured using Kaplan-Meier survival method. In addition, correlations containing pathway enrichment, treatment, immune cell infiltration and the prognostic model were also analyzed. We established the ovarian cancer cell line W038 for this study and identified the performances of GBP1P1 knockdown on a series of activities including cellular proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of W038 cells in vitro.

Results

We constructed a 25-genes prognostic model (TNFAIP8L3, PI3, TMEM181, GBP1P1 (LOC400759), STX18, KIF26B, MRPS11, CACNA1C, PACSIN3, GMPR, MANF, PYGB, SNRPA1, ST7L, ZBP1, BMPR1B-DT, STAC2, LINC02585, LYPD6, NSG1, ACOT13, FAM120B, LEFTY1, SULT1A2, FZD3). The areas under the curves (AUC) of 1, 2 and 3 years were 0.806, 0.773 and 0.762, in the TCGA cohort, respectively. Besides, the effectiveness of the model was verified using ICGC testing data. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis exposes the risk score as an independent prognosis predictor for OS both in the TCGA and ICGC cohort. In summary, we utilized comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to build an effective prognostic gene model for OC patients. These bioinformatic results suggested that GBP1P1 could act as a novel biomarker for OC. GBP1P1 knockdown substantially inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of W038 cells in vitro, and increased the percentage of apoptotic W038 cells.

Conclusions

The analyses of genetic status of patients with 25-genes model might improve the ability to predict the prognosis of patients with OC and help to select patients suit able to therapies. Immune-related gene GBP1P1 might serve as prognostic biomarker for OC.
Deep-ocean macrofaunal assemblages on ferromanganese and phosphorite-rich substrates in the Southern California Borderland
Authors: Guraieb Michelle , Mendoza Guillermo , Mizell Kira , Rouse Greg , McCarthy Ryan A. , Pereira Olívia S. , Levin Lisa A.
Published: October 2024

Mineral-rich hardgrounds, such as ferromanganese (FeMn) crusts and phosphorites, occur on seamounts and continental margins, gaining attention for their resource potential due to their enrichment in valuable metals in some regions. This study focuses on the Southern California Borderland (SCB), an area characterized by uneven and heterogeneous topography featuring FeMn crusts, phosphorites, basalt, and sedimentary rocks that occur at varying depths and are exposed to a range of oxygen concentrations. Due to its heterogeneity, this region serves as an optimal setting for investigating the relationship between mineral-rich hardgrounds and benthic fauna. This study characterizes the density, diversity, and community composition of macrofauna (>300 μm) on hardgrounds as a function of substrate type and environment (depth and oxygen ranges). Rocks and their macrofauna were sampled quantitatively using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) during expeditions in 2020 and 2021 at depths above, within, and below the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). A total of 3,555 macrofauna individuals were counted and 416 different morphospecies (excluding encrusting bryozoans and hydrozoans) were identified from 82 rocks at depths between 231 and 2,688 m. Average density for SCB macrofauna was 11.08 ± 0.87 ind. 200 cm−2 and mean Shannon-Wiener diversity per rock (H′[loge]) was 2.22 ± 0.07. A relationship was found between substrate type and macrofaunal communities. Phosphorite rocks had the highest H′ of the four substrates compared on a per-rock basis. However, when samples were pooled by substrate, FeMn crusts had the highest H′ and rarefaction diversity. Of all the environmental variables examined, water depth explained the largest variance in macrofaunal community composition. Macrofaunal density and diversity values were similar at sites within and outside the OMZ. This study is the first to analyze the macrofaunal communities of mineral-rich hardgrounds in the SCB, which support deep-ocean biodiversity by acting as specialized substrates for macrofaunal communities. Understanding the intricate relationships between macrofaunal assemblages and mineral-rich substrates may inform effects from environmental disruptions associated with deep-seabed mining or climate change. The findings contribute baseline information useful for effective conservation and management of the SCB and will support scientists in monitoring changes in these communities due to environmental disturbance or human impact in the future.
Prioritising non-native fish species for management actions in three Polish rivers using the newly developed tool—dispersal-origin-status-impact scheme
Authors: Błońska Dagmara , Grabowska Joanna , Tarkan Ali S. , Soto Ismael , Haubrock Phillip J.
Published: October 2024

Background

Biological invasions are a major threat to global biodiversity, with freshwater ecosystems being among the most susceptible to the successful establishment of non-native species and their respective potential impacts. In Poland, the introduction and spreading of non-native fish has led to biodiversity loss and ecosystem homogenisation.

Methods

Our study applies the Dispersal-Origin-Status-Impact (DOSI) assessment scheme, which is a population-level specific assessment that integrates multiple factors, including dispersal mechanisms, origin, status, and impacts, providing a nuanced framework for assessing invasion risks at local and regional levels. We used this tool to evaluate the risks associated with non-native fish species across three major Polish rivers (Pilica, Bzura, and Skrwa Prawa) and to prioritise them for management actions.

Results

Using DOSI, we assessed eight non-native species identified in the three studied rivers: seven in both Pilica and Bzura and four in Skrwa Prawa. The DOSI assessment scheme identified high variability in the ecological impacts and management priorities among the identified non-native species. Notably, species such as the Ponto-Caspian gobies exhibited higher risk levels due to their rapid spread and considerable ecological effects, contrasting with other species that demonstrated lower impact levels and, hence, received a lower priority for intervention.

Conclusion

The adoption of the DOSI scheme in three major rivers in Poland has provided valuable insights into the complexities of managing biological invasions, suggesting that localised, detailed assessments are crucial for effective conservation strategies and highlighting the importance of managing non-native populations locally.
Analysis of Domestic and International Policy Research for the Establishment of the Separate Contracting System in Fire Facility Constructions: Domestic Construction Performance and International Guarantee Systems
Authors: Choi Jieun , Kim Wonchang , Lee Taegyu
Published: October 2024

This study aims to help establish the separate contracting system in fire facility construction by analyzing the status of existing construction projects and empirical research cases implemented by other public institutions. Through this analysis, we seek to derive performance analysis areas for the separate contracting system in fire facility construction. In addition, we intend to analyze domestic and international guarantee systems and propose improvement directions to address issues related to construction performance guarantees for small to medium-sized fire facility construction companies. Using data from the National Statistical Portal, an analysis of public and private fire facility construction projects over the past five years shows an increasing trend in the gross amount of primary contracts, indicating the success of the separate contracting system. Empirical studies on the separate contracting system by public institutions in other construction projects primarily focused on analyzing construction cost, project scale, and construction duration. These studies generally demonstrated the benefit of reduced construction costs. However, it was also observed that if the project owner is not an expert, an additional cost of 4.4% might be incurred to hire a construction safety manager. An analysis of construction performance guarantee systems for fire facility construction companies, both domestically and internationally, revealed that pre-assessment measures, such as those under the Miller Act, should be implemented to evaluate capabilities appropriate to the construction scale. Furthermore, in cases of non-performance due to the fault of the existing contractor, administrative procedures should be streamlined and regulations relaxed to support the participation of capable fire facility construction companies.
Cómo construir estéticamente un pueblo: sobre cierto modernismo sombrío y su actualidad
Authors: Safatle Vladimir
Published: October 2024

Estamos acostumbrados a hablar del fascismo y sus variantes contemporáneas como «enemigos de la cultura», como una fuerza política animada por el desprecio hacia las artes. Sin embargo, es evidente la extrema importancia que el fascismo concede al ámbito de la cultura; sus batallas culturales son procesos constitutivos centrales de sus luchas. Creo que pasaremos por alto dimensiones fundamentales del fenómeno fascista si no lo entendemos como una batalla por la formación de la sensibilidad social, por el cultivo de los afectos y por la producción del horizonte sensible de la política. El orden sensible es el fundamento de la imaginación social, de sus límites y formas, y el control de la imaginación y la sensibilidad es el fundamento de todo poder. En la medida en que es consciente de ello, el fascismo es un proyecto estético, una reconstrucción de la sensibilidad que define los límites de lo visible y lo perceptible dentro del orden social. Lo que propongo aquí es comprender la dinámica de la actualización de tal revolución cultural fascista, teniendo en cuenta el estadio actual de los procesos materiales de reproducción cultural en las sociedades capitalistas
Utopía al margen de la realidad: Herbert Marcuse, crítico de la ideología
Authors: Carneiro Silvio
Published: October 2024

El artículo pretende analizar el concepto de utopía como central en la teoría crítica de Herbert Marcuse (1898-1979). En primer lugar, abordaremos el debate que el autor desarrolla con Max Horkheimer. En el ensayo fundamental «Teoría tradicional y teoría crítica», Horkheimer subraya la importancia de la utopía para construir una imagen del futuro, pero desconfía de las potencias utópicas y de sus vínculos idealistas. En «Filosofía y teoría crítica» (1937), Marcuse responde a esta postura: la teoría crítica no debe temer a la utopía. En lugar de dejarla para un futuro incierto, Marcuse señala que las promesas utópicas ya se ofrecen en el presente y que el pensamiento crítico también debe tomar nota de ello. Años más tarde (1967), Marcuse reconoce el cambio de la perspectiva utópica basada en la sociedad del trabajo. Con la tecnología, las relaciones sociales se transforman. Pero esto no significa que las energías utópicas estén agotadas, como afirma Jürgen Habermas. Por el contrario, son muchas las luchas sociales que surgen en este periodo. En fin, con Marcuse, las energías utópicas se renuevan, recuperando un nuevo sentido de libertad y necesidad que surge de estas luchas. 190-206
Effects of Daily Weather on Aedes Genus (Culicidae: Diptera) Arthropod Mosquito Vectors Profusion and Dengue Epidemics Transmission: A Systematic Review
Authors: Masimalai Palaniyandi
Published: October 2024

Dengue is a vector borne flavivirus usually caused by DENV1 virus, and a quantity of cases reported with DENV2, DENV3, and DENV4 viruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera) day biting female vector mosquitoes, belongs to Culicidae family. The symptoms of dengue were first clinically confirmed in Japan during 1943, and later, it was recorded simultaneously in the Asia, Africa, and North America during the 1980. Dengue epidemics situation was reported in the 142 countries across the world Dengue and severe dengue, (Global Strategy for dengue prevention and control, (2012–2020), 2020) and the epidemics had been changed to endemic situation in many of the countries for the past 2 decades, and the people who have been living in the epidemic countries estimated at risk about 450 million. The occurrence of dengue outbreaks and it’s extend have been reported in the tropical and sub-tropical countries across the globe largely in metropolitan, small towns, and semi-urban settlements. The climate variables viz. temperature, relative humidity, saturation deficiency, and rainfall, are fuelled for conducing environment for the vector longevity, survival and also for dengue virus incubations in mosquitoes. Temperature ranges between > 21 and < 34, and relative humidity >70% and <90% has influence on the impact of variations on the vector survival, fecundity, fertility and longevity of female Aedes aegypti and flying capacity is reduced with temperature < 10 0C, and laying egg is reduced with increase of mean temperature >35 0C. Dengue epidemics clusters are directly correlated with abundance of Aedes species mosquitoes which are controlled by the annual average precipitation 300 mm to 1200 mm. The longitudinal dengue epidemics transmissions are mainly associated with monsoon and tend to have seasonal patterns, particularly, during and after the monsoon. Climatic factors are playing important role in the increase or decrease of vector mosquitoes as well as dengue epidemics. Therefore, the present study is addressed on the echelon of daily weather and seasonal change in climate condition and its control on the incidence of dengue outbreaks.
Distillation
Authors: Fair* James R. , Kister Henry Z.
Published: April 2018

Distillation is the most widely used industrial method for separating liquid mixtures into their constituents that is based on the difference in composition between a liquid mixture and the vapor formed from it. In chemical plants and petroleum refineries, distillations are normally carried out in vertical columns (also referred to as towers) containing devices for bringing the flowing liquid mixture into intimate contact with a flowing vapor mixture that is generated by partial vaporization of the liquid.

The article covers the fundamental physical and mathematical relationships that are needed for the design and analysis of distillation columns, distillation processes and equipment, and economic considerations.
LC‐NMR: An Overview of A Hyphenated Technique
Authors: Sharma Kamna , Kumar Kapil , Rawal Ravindra K. , Singh Virender
Published: April 2018

LC‐NMR, a hyphenated system of liquid chromatography (LC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), is an efficient technique used in various fields such as metabolites analysis, drug impurity profiling, structure elucidation, identification of volatile oils, analysis of pesticides, and other natural products. The technique provides quantitative information on chemical compositions, including the structure and type of functional groups. The major drawback ofLC‐NMRis its low sensitivity that can be overcome by using cryogenic probes and higher magnetic field strength.

In this article, theLC‐NMRinstrumentation, modes of operation, and sample preparation are introduced. Applications, advancement in the field, and performance ofLC‐NMRcompared with other analytical techniques are also discussed.
Two‐ and Three‐Phase Chemical Reactors
Authors: Pangarkar Vishwas Govind
Published: April 2018

This article presents a discussion on three major types of two/three‐phase reactors: bubble column or two/three‐phase sparged reactor, stirred reactor, and venturi loop reactor. The aim is to provide appropriate process design philosophy. The basics of mass transfer accompanied by a chemical reaction are initially presented followed by experimental methods used for discerning reaction kinetics of a multiphase reaction. Metrics for reactor selection have been outlined. A simplified design philosophy that is based on identification of the rate‐controlling step and the associated rate equation has been presented. The intrinsic reaction kinetics do not vary with the type/size of the reactors used. Therefore, the problem reduces to prediction of reactor type and size‐dependent mass transfer coefficients.

Subsequent discussion deals with individual reactors with respect to (i) advantages/drawbacks, (ii) areas of application, (iii) hydrodynamic regimes, (iv) gas‐phase holdup, (v) gas–liquid and solid–liquid mass transfer coefficients,kLaandKSL, respectively. The focus is on presenting reliable correlations forkLaandKSLthat allow estimation of the rates of corresponding mass transfer steps. Comparison of these with the intrinsic reaction rate yields the rate‐controlling step and associated rate expression for reactor design. The article concludes with a comparison of the performance of the three types chosen for discussion. For the specific reaction chosen, it is concluded that the venturi loop system yields superior performance.
Spatially Explicit, Regional‐Scale Simulation of Lake Carbon Fluxes
Authors: Zwart J. A. , Hanson Z. J. , Vanderwall J. , Bolster D. , Hamlet A. , Jones S. E.
Published: April 2018

Lakes are areas of intense biogeochemical processing in the landscape, contributing significantly to the global carbon cycle despite their small areal coverage. However, current large‐scale estimates of lake biogeochemical fluxes are all generated by multiplying a mean observed areal rate by regional or global lake surface area, which ignores important heterogeneous spatial and temporal processes that regulate lake carbon cycling. We have developed a process‐based model that integrates core scientific knowledge in hydrology, biogeochemistry, and ecology that is specifically designed to be applied over large geographic regions to hindcast or forecast regional lake carbon fluxes. We used our model to simulate daily carbon fluxes and pools for 3,675 lakes in the Northern Highlands Lake District from 1980–2010 and produced spatial and seasonal patterns consistent with observations. Variabilities in lake carbon fluxes were well predicted by relatively simple hydrologic metrics, such as the fraction of hydrologic export as evaporation (FHEE). Overall, lakes with a high FHEE processed a greater percentage of carbon inputs in the simulations than lakes with a low FHEE, but low‐FHEE lakes ultimately processed more total carbon because of greater carbon inputs. Large lakes with low FHEE and high external loading of dissolved inorganic carbon contributed most to total CO2 emissions for the Northern Highlands Lake District, and our model estimated that 78% of total CO2 emissions from lakes to the atmosphere originated from external loads of dissolved inorganic carbon. By better characterizing the unique biogeochemical processes for each individual lake, regional estimates of carbon fluxes are more accurately determined.
Probabilistic Hazard From Pyroclastic Density Currents in the Neapolitan Area (Southern Italy)
Authors: Sandri Laura , Tierz Pablo , Costa Antonio , Marzocchi Warner
Published: April 2018

The metropolitan area of Napoli (∼3 M inhabitants) in southern Italy is located in between two explosive active volcanoes: Somma‐Vesuvius and Campi Flegrei. Pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) from these volcanoes may reach the city center, as witnessed by the Late Quaternary stratigraphic record. Here we compute a novel multivolcano Probabilistic Volcanic Hazard Assessment of PDCs, in the next 50 years, by combining the probability of PDC invasion from each volcano (assuming that they erupt independently) over the city of Napoli and its surroundings. We model PDC invasion with the energy cone model accounting for flows of very different (but realistic) mobility and use the Bayesian Event Tree for Volcanic Hazard to incorporate other volcano‐specific information such as the probability of eruption or the spatial variability in vent opening probability. Worthy of note, the method provides a complete description of Probabilistic Volcanic Hazard Assessment, that is, it yields percentile maps displaying the epistemic uncertainty associated with our best (aleatory) hazard estimation. Since the probability density functions of the model parameters of the energy cone are unknown, we propose an ensemble of different hazard assessments based on different assumptions on such probability density functions. The ensemble merges two plausible distributions for the collapse height, reflecting a source of epistemic (specifically, parametric) uncertainty. We also apply a novel quantification for a spatially varying epistemic uncertainty associated to PDC simulations.
Lagrangian Modeling of Arctic Ocean Circulation Pathways: Impact of Advection on Spread of Pollutants
Authors: Kelly S. , Popova E. , Aksenov Y. , Marsh R. , Yool A.
Published: April 2018

Sea‐ice‐free summers are projected to become a prominent feature of the Arctic environment in the coming decades. From a shipping perspective, this means larger areas of open water in the summer, thinner and less compact ice all year round, and longer operating seasons. Therefore, the possibility for easier navigation along trans‐Arctic shipping routes arises. The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is one trans‐Arctic route, and it offers a potential 10 day shortcut between Western Europe and the Far East. More ships transiting the NSR means an increased risk of an accident, and associated oil spill, occurring. Previous research suggests that current infrastructure is insufficient for increased shipping. Therefore, should an oil spill occur, the window for a successful clean‐up will be short. In the event of a failed recovery, the long‐term fate of the unrecovered pollutants must be considered, at least until the next melt season when it could become accessible again. Here we investigate the role of oceanic advection in determining the long‐term fate of Arctic pollutants using a high‐resolution ocean model along with Lagrangian particle‐tracking to simulate the spread of pollutants. The resulting “advective footprints” of pollutants are proposed as an informative metric for analyzing such experiments. We characterize the circulation along different parts of the NSR, defining three main regions in the Eurasian Arctic, and relate the distinctive circulation pathways of each to the long‐term fate of spilled oil. We conclude that a detailed understanding of ocean circulation is critical for determining the long‐term fate of Arctic pollutants.
Observed Characteristics and Vertical Structure of Mesoscale Eddies in the Southwest Tropical Pacific
Authors: Keppler Lydia , Cravatte Sophie , Chaigneau Alexis , Pegliasco Cori , Gourdeau Lionel , Singh Awnesh
Published: April 2018

In the Southwest Pacific Ocean, waters transit from the subtropical gyre before being redistributed equatorward and poleward. While the mean pathways are known, the contribution to the mixing and transport of the water from mesoscale eddies has not been comprehensively investigated. In this research, satellite altimetry data, combined with an eddy detection and tracking algorithm is used to investigate the distribution and surface characteristics of mesoscale eddies in this region of complex bathymetry (10°S–30°S, 140°E–190°E). Detected eddies are then colocalized with in situ data from Argo floats to determine their vertical structure and the effect of eddies on the water masses. The numerous islands affect the eddy behavior as most eddies are formed in the lee of islands, propagate westward and decay when encountering shallow bathymetry. Eddies are sparse and short‐lived in the tropical area north of Fiji, impacting only the top 200 meters of water. They do not appear to be able to trap and transport waters in this region. In the Coral Sea, a region of lateral shear between currents transporting waters of different origins, eddies are more numerous and energetic. They affect the water properties down to at least 500 m depth, and anticyclonic eddies trap water to ∼200 m, contributing to the upper thermocline waters mixing and transport. South of New Caledonia, mesoscale eddies are ubiquitous, with typical lifetimes longer than 5 months. They affect the temperature, salinity, and velocities down to ∼1,000 m depth, and weakly contribute to the mixing of lower thermocline waters.