bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Network Education and Blended Learning: Cyber University concept and Higher Education post COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Carius Ana Carolina
Published: October 2020

Educational processes, over the past few years, are changing due to the various changes that society has been going through, driven by the insertion of the internet in daily life. The present study presents an essay on the perspectives for Higher Education from the pedagogical practices developed during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Concepts such as Network Education and Hybrid Education bring to light the reflection on the physical and virtual place of the university, involving economic issues that would make higher education courses cheaper in a virtual modality. Based on an exploratory research, outlined in a bibliographic way, the validity of the thesis about a paradigm shift for Higher Education, built under a hybrid model, was investigated. It is concluded that experiencing the university, from a social point of view, is very relevant, in addition to the accumulation of knowledge without articulation with everyday life, and that Hybrid Teaching is a methodological alternative in the establishment of the Network Education process, effective from Active Methodologies.
Evidence-based mapping of third molar techniques for age estimation applied to Brazilian adolescents – a systematic review
Authors: Franco Ademir , Vidigal Maria Tereza Campos , Oliveira Murilo Navarro de , Nascimento Claudio Tarso de Jesus Santos , Silva Rhonan Ferreira da , Paranhos Luiz Renato
Published: October 2020

This study was performed to review the international techniques for third molar dental age estimation applied to Brazilian adolescents. A systematic literature review was structured according to PRISMA. Six primary electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, Embase and Web of Science) and two sources of grey literature (Open Grey and Open Thesis) were screened. Only cross-sectional studies were included. The risk of bias was assessed with Joanna Briggs Institute tool for systematic reviews. The initial search found 2284 studies. Ten studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The samples varied between 288 and 2097 individuals. The sampled age interval ranged from 5 to 23 years. Seven techniques were found within the eligible studies. All the studies had low risk of bias. Three techniques: Demirjian (DEM), Nicodemo (NIC) and Cameriere (I3M) were included in the quantitative analysis. For each of the developmental stages of the techniques DEM and NIC, as well as for each measuring ratio of I3M, combined age values between studies were reported. In general, the international techniques for dental age estimation based on the radiographic assessment of the third molars were applicable to the Brazilian population.
Studies on infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) and infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) in cultured penaeid shrimp in Egypt
Authors: Aly SM , Mansour SM , Thabet RY , Mabrok M
Published: October 2020

The present study aimed to diagnose infectious myonecrosis virus (IMNV) and infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) among cultured penaeid shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus, n = 120) collected from private farms in 2 Egyptian provinces (Damietta and North Sinai) along the Mediterranean coast. The collected shrimp were subjected to clinical examination, histopathology, molecular characterization, and phylogenetic analysis. Most of the shrimp infected with IMNV showed a distinctive appearance resembling cooked shrimp and white necrosis on distal abdominal segments and tail fans. Simultaneously, IHHNV-infected cases displayed opaque abdominal muscles, white milky to buff mottling on the shell, and a pathognomonic runt-deformity syndrome. Histopathological examination of infected specimens revealed muscular edema, hemocyte infiltration, deformities, Zenker’s necrosis, and eosinophilic intra-nuclear inclusion bodies (Cowdry type A). PCR results gave predictable amplicon sizes of 139 and 81 bp and confirmed the presence of IMNV and IHHNV with a total prevalence of 37.5 and 25%, respectively. A homology search by BLAST analysis showed that the retrieved isolates putatively belonged to IMNV and IHHNV based on 96.3 to 97% nucleotide identity to the corresponding open reading frame gene of each virus. The phylogenetic analysis clearly showed genetic similarity and cross-lineage between our isolates and other isolates from Egypt, the USA, Brazil, Indonesia, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Ecuador. In conclusion, gross inspection and histopathology may aid in the diagnosis of viral diseases; however, molecular tools are indispensable for confirming a possible infection. The current study recommends strict regulations during live shrimp transportation and implementing health control certificates over all imports and exports, especially in developing countries, including Egypt.
Impact of change in body condition score in mid-late pregnancy in ewes fed a mixed diet on lamb survival and performance
Authors: McCoard Sue , Hea Shen-Yan , McKenzie Catherine , Hammond Kirsty , Smith Tim
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect that body condition score of pregnant ewes fed on turnip and swede crops during mid-late gestation had on offspring survival and performance. Data were collected from 755 multiparous mixed-age ewes carrying 1–4 fetuses. Ewes grazed a turnip crop for 1 month prior to pregnancy scanning with supplementary ryegrass/clover baleage (~75 days gestation) followed by a swede crop with supplementary Lucerne baleage for 1 month following pregnancy scanning (to ~120 days gestation). Ewe body condition score (BCS) at mating, pregnancy scanning and pre-lambing, along with lamb survival and growth rates to weaning were recorded. Lamb survival from pregnancy scanning to tailing differed by litter size (P<0.001) with lower survival in litters with 3 or more lambs compared to singles and twins which did not differ. Improving BCS from pregnancy scanning to 120 days gestation had a positive effect on lamb survival irrespective of litter size and ewe age (P<0.001). Lamb survival in ewes ≥5 years of age, irrespective of litter size, was lower (P<0.001) compared to 2 or 3–4-year-old ewes, which in turn did not differ from each other. The key finding of the study was that loss in BCS from pregnancy scanning to 120 days gestation, negatively impacted on lamb survival, especially in ewes carrying 3 or more fetuses and in ewes >5 years of age irrespective of the number of fetuses carried. Furthermore, there was high variation in BCS change observed in both early and mid-pregnancy.
Pengaruh Pemberian Pendidikan Kesehatan Dengan Metode Story Telling Terhadap Tingkat Pengetahuan Kebersihan Gigi Pada Anak Usia Sekolah di SDN Inpres Kala Tahun 2019
Authors: Budiwibowo Arif , Riana Sah , Uprianingsih Ayudiah
Published: October 2020

Kesehatan gigi dan mulut merupakan bagian dari kesehatan jasmani yang tidak dapat dipisahkan satu dan lainnya karena akan mempengaruhi tubuh secara keseluruhan. Kesehatan harus dimulai sejak dini, oleh karena itu perlu diberikan pendidikan kesehatan kepada anak mulai dari sekolah dasar untuk membangun rangsangan dan kesadaran anak tentang kebersihan dan pentingnya hidup sehat, salah satu diantaranya adalah kebersihan gigi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian pendidikan kesehatan dengan metode story telling terhadap tingkat Pengetahuan Kebersihan Gigi Anak Sekolah di SDN Inpres Kala Tahun 2019. Bentuk penelitian ini adalah penelitian eksperimen yang menggunakan one group pretest-posttest design. Data diperoleh menggunakan dua alat istrumen penelitian yaitu obsevasi dan test, kemudian dilakukan analisis menggunakan program komputer SPSS 16.0 for Windows. Sebelum mendapatkan pendidikan kesehatan melalui metode story telling, sebagian besar anak sekolah di SDN Inpres Kala memiliki tingkat pengetahuan kebersihan gigi kategori sedang. Setelah mendapatkan pendidikan kesehatan melalui metode story telling, sebagian besar anak sekolah di SDN Inpres Kala memiliki tingkat pengetahuan kebersihan gigi pada kategori tinggi (p = 0,037 ; p < 0,05). Sehingga terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan pendidikan kesehatan melalui metode story telling terhadap tingkat pengetahuan kebersihan gigi anak sekolah di SDN Inpres Kala
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN KOMUNIKASI MATEMATIS SISWA MELALUI MODEL SSCS PROBLEM SOLVING DENGAN METODE HYPNOTEACHING
Authors: Dimyati Ahmad
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengkaji dan membandingkan perbedaan peningkatan kemampuan komunikasi matematis antara siswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran Model Search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) dengan metode hypnoteaching dengan pembelajaran konvensional, Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuasi eksperimen dengan desain penelitian kelompok kontrol non-ekuivalen yang terdiri dari kelas eksperimen yang memperoleh pembelajaran Model SSCS dengan metode hypnoteaching dan kelas kontrol yang memperoleh pembelajaran konvensional. Populasi penelitian ini adalah siswa MTs Negeri di kabupaten Tangerang dengan sampel penelitian siswa kelas VIII di salah satu MTs Negeri di kabupaten Tangerang. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data pada penelitian ini terdiri dari instrumen tes kemampuan komunikasi matematis dan lembar observasi. Data yang diperoleh dianalisis menggunakan uji perbedaan rataan yaitu Uji-t dan Mann-Whitney. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peningkatan kemampuan komunikasi matematis siswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran Model SSCS dengan metode hypnoteaching lebih baik daripada siswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran konvensional.
‘It was then I knew life’: Political Critique and Moral Debate in Teresa Deevy's Temporal Powers (1932)
Authors: Bheacháin Caoilfhionn Ní
Published: October 2020

This article argues that Teresa Deevy's early plays for the Abbey Theatre deliberately intervened in the cultural politics of the Irish Free State. While the focus here is on Temporal Powers (1932), Deevy's first two Abbey productions, The Reapers (1930) and A Disciple (1931), are also considered. Taken together, this article demonstrates how these plays present a striking critique of the new state under the Cumann na nGaedhael administration. Set in 1927, during the Land Annuities crisis, Temporal Powers meditates on the relationship of poor tenant labourers to the land and society they inhabit. In it, Deevy explores themes such as eviction, homelessness, emigration, justice, religion, grief, and poverty. This article introduces this little-known play, contextualises it, and discusses her treatment of key themes through an examination of characters, Shavian influences, dramatic structure and form.
Impact of COVID-19-Related Lockdown on Psychosocial, Cognitive, and Functional Well-Being in Adults With Down Syndrome
Authors: Villani Emanuele Rocco , Vetrano Davide Liborio , Damiano Cecilia , Paola Antonella Di , Ulgiati Aurora Maria , Martin Lynn , Hirdes John P. , Fratiglioni Laura , Bernabei Roberto , Onder Graziano , Carfì Angelo
Published: October 2020

People with Down Syndrome (DS) have a high prevalence of physical and psychiatric comorbidities and experience early-onset dementia. With the outbreak of CoVID-19 pandemic, strict social isolation measures have been necessary to prevent the spreading of the disease. Effects of this lockdown period on behavior, mood and cognition in people with DS have not been assessed so far. In the present clinical study, we investigated the impact of CoVID-19-related lockdown on psychosocial, cognitive and functional well-being in a sample population of 46 adults with DS. The interRAI Intellectual Disability standardized assessment instrument, which includes measures of social withdrawal, functional impairment, aggressive behavior and depressive symptoms, was used to perform a three time-point evaluation (two pre-lockdown and one post-lockdown) in 37 subjects of the study sample, and a two time point evaluation (one pre- and one post-lockdown) in 9 subjects. Two mixed linear regression models – one before and one after the lockdown – have been fitted for each scale in order to investigate the change in the time-dependent variation of the scores. In the pre-lockdown period, significant worsening over time (i.e., per year) was found for the Depression Rating Scale score (β = 0.55; 95% CI 0.34; 0.76). In the post-lockdown period, a significant worsening in social withdrawal (β = 3.05, 95% CI 0.39; 5.70), instrumental activities of daily living (β = 1.13, 95% CI 0.08; 2.18) and depression rating (β = 1.65, 95% CI 0.33; 2.97) scales scores was observed, as was a significant improvement in aggressive behavior (β = −1.40, 95% CI −2.69; −0.10). Despite the undoubtful importance of the lockdown in order to reduce the spreading of the CoVID-19 pandemic, the related social isolation measures suggest an exacerbation of depressive symptoms and a worsening in functional status in a sample of adults with DS. At the opposite, aggressive behavior was reduced after the lockdown period. This finding could be related to the increase of negative and depressive symptoms in the study population. Studies with longer follow-up period are needed to assess persistence of these effects.
The In-Silico Development of DNA Markers for Breeding of Spring Barley Varieties That Are Resistant to Spot Blotch in Russia
Authors: V. Rozanova Irina , M. Lashina Nina , M. Efimov Vadim , S. Afanasenko Olga , K. Khlestkina Elena
Published: October 2020

The fungal pathogen Cochliobolus sativus Drechs. Ex Dastur, anamorph Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker is one of the most common barley pathogens worldwide and causes spot blotch and root rot in barley. Spot blotch is considered to be the major biotic stress hampering the commercial production of barley. During high disease severity, which occurs in the northwestern region of Russia once every three to four years, yield losses for barley may reach 40%. An increase in common root rot severity results in yield losses that can reach 80%. The goal of the current study was to identify significant markers that can be employed as diagnostic DNA markers to breed C. sativus pathogen-resistant varieties of barley. In 94 spring barley cultivars and lines, the resistance of seedlings and adult plants to the impact of C. sativus on their leaves and roots was investigated. Five genomic regions associated with resistance to Spot blotch were identified (on chromosome 1H (50–61.2 cM), 2H (68.7–69.68 cM), 3H (18.72–26.18 cM), 7H (7.52–15.44 cM)). No significant loci were determined to be associated with root rot. According to obtained data, 11 significant SNPs were converted into KASP markers and 6 markers located on chromosome 3H were determined to possess good accuracy and the potential to be employed in marker-assisted selection.
Long-Term Fertilization Affects Soil Microbiota, Improves Yield and Benefits Soil
Authors: Kurzemann Felix R. , Plieger Ulrich , Probst Maraike , Spiegel Heide , Sandén Taru , Ros Margarita , Insam Heribert
Published: October 2020

Fertilization of soil is needed to fulfill the growing demand for livestock feed and human food requirements. However, fertilization has short and long-term impacts on the soil microbiota. These, in turn, may influence plant viability and growth. We investigated the soil microbiota of a 27-year field trial, focusing on the influences of mineral nitrogen (N) fertilization, different composts and combinations of compost plus mineral N as soil amendments. Two N rates (0 and 80 kg per ha) and four different composts (urban organic waste compost (OWC) green waste compost (GC), farmyard manure (MC) compost and sewage sludge compost (SSC)) were used. Soil samples for this study were taken in 2018 after the growing season of maize. In addition to maize yield, the effects on soil physicochemical properties and the soil microbiota were analyzed. There was a trend for increased maize yields for all fertilizers; however, only the application of GC and SSC in combination with mineral N fertilizer showed significant effects. The different organic amendments influenced physicochemical soil properties. Phosphorus concentrations were three times higher in plots receiving SSC (≈312 mg kg−1) and SSC + N (≈297 mg kg−1) than control (≈89 mg kg−1) or mineral N fertilizer (≈97 mg kg−1) alone. Magnesium concentrations in plots treated with SSC (≈74 mg kg−1) were lower compared to soils treated with GC and MC, respectively (≈135 mg kg−1 and 126 mg kg−1). Bacteria exceeded the fungal community in terms of both richness and diversity. While the bacterial community composition differed significantly among the treatments, the fungal community composition was rather unaffected. Our conclusion is that composts produced from various substrates serve as valuable nutrient sources for plants and can partially substitute mineral N. In addition, composts increased soil microbial biomass and modulated the composition of the soil’s microbial community.
The Effects of Temperature on the Quality and Storage Stalibity of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam]) Grown in Central Europe
Authors: Krochmal-Marczak Barbara , Sawicka Barbara , Krzysztofik Barbara , Danilčenko Honorata , Jariene Elvyra
Published: October 2020

The research focuses on the effects of temperature on the quality and storage stability of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. [Lam]). It is based on the results of a field experiment conducted between 2015–2017 in Żyznów (49°49′ N, 21°50′ E). The experimental factors were: storage temperatures (5° and 15 °C) and sweet potato cultivars (‘Carmen Rubin’, ‘White Triumph’, ‘Beauregard’, ‘Satsumo Imo’, ‘Purple’). Tubers were harvested at BBCH stage 97. Tubers were stored in a climatic chamber with temperature control and fixed ambient humidity for 6 months during the 2015/16–2017/18 seasons. The storage of tubers at 15 °C helped reduce tuber waste and weight losses resulting from germination, transpiration, respiration and rotting. The quality of the stored tubers depended mostly on storage temperature. It was observed that at 15°, the content of dry matter and total sugars was higher than at 5°, whereas the content of starch was lower. The factor determining storage stability was the genetic features of the cultivars under study. The cultivars ‘Purple’ and ‘Satsumo Imo’ demonstrated good storage stability. The cultivar ‘Carmen Rubin’ turned out least suitable for long storage. The experiment results can contribute to developing storage technology of sweet potato tubers cultivated in Central Europe.
Effect of Vanadium on the Uptake and Distribution of Organic and Inorganic Forms of Iodine in Sweetcorn Plants during Early-Stage Development
Authors: Grzanka Marlena , Smoleń Sylwester , Kováčik Peter
Published: October 2020

Iodine and vanadium are elements that are closely related to organisms in water environments. Iodine and vanadium are known as “beneficial elements” that stimulate the growth and development of higher plants. Iodine is an essential element for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine in the human body, with vanadium also known to be involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The cooperation of both elements in the human body and in algae presents a question regarding the impact of vanadium interaction on iodine uptake in higher plants. The absorption of iodine from seawater in algae is known to be more efficient in the presence of vanadium, with key role in this process played by the iodoperoxidase enzyme, with vanadium acting as a cofactor. The study of the nature of the absorption of iodine by higher plants, and in particular by crops such as corn, remains insufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vanadium on iodine uptake via vanadium-dependent iodoperoxidase (vHPO) activity in sweetcorn plants (Zea mays L. subsp. Mays Saccharata Group) “Złota Karłowa”. The experiment was carried out with organic and inorganic iodine compounds, namely potassium iodide (KI), potassium iodate (KIO3), 5-iodosalicylic acid (5-ISA), and 2-iodobenzoic acid (2-IBeA), each used in a dose of 10 μM. These compounds were applied with and without vanadium in the form of ammonium methavanadate (NH4VO3) at a dose of 0.1 μM. A double control was used, the first without iodine and vanadium and the second with vanadium but without iodine. Root length, root mass, and above-ground weight were significantly higher after iodine and vanadium compared to controls. Plants were collected at the five true leaf stage. vHPO activity level was much higher in the roots than in the leaves, but greater variation in the leaves was observed between treatments in terms of vHPO activity. Vanadium was shown to accumulate in the roots. The use of a relatively low dose of vanadium may have caused changes in the accumulation of this element in the aerial parts of the plant, leaves, and shoots. Fertilization with iodine and vanadium compounds decreased the accumulation of most minerals, macroelements, and microelements compared to controls. The obtained results of iodine accumulation in individual parts after applying iodine and vanadium fertilization testify to the stimulating effect of vanadium on iodine uptake and accumulation.
The Role of Complement in the Mechanism of Action of Therapeutic Anti-Cancer mAbs
Authors: Golay Josée , Taylor Ronald P.
Published: October 2020

Unconjugated anti-cancer IgG1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) activate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by natural killer (NK) cells and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) by macrophages, and these activities are thought to be important mechanisms of action for many of these mAbs in vivo. Several mAbs also activate the classical complement pathway and promote complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), although with very different levels of efficacy, depending on the mAb, the target antigen, and the tumor type. Recent studies have unraveled the various structural factors that define why some IgG1 mAbs are strong mediators of CDC, whereas others are not. The role of complement activation and membrane inhibitors expressed by tumor cells, most notably CD55 and CD59, has also been quite extensively studied, but how much these affect the resistance of tumors in vivo to IgG1 therapeutic mAbs still remains incompletely understood. Recent studies have demonstrated that complement activation has multiple effects beyond target cell lysis, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity mediated by soluble complement fragments, such as C3a and C5a, and by stimulating complement receptors expressed by immune cells, including NK cells, neutrophils, macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells. Complement activation can enhance ADCC and ADCP and may contribute to the vaccine effect of mAbs. These different aspects of complement are also briefly reviewed in the specific context of FDA-approved therapeutic anti-cancer IgG1 mAbs.
Identification of New Antimicrobial Peptides from Mediterranean Medical Plant Charybdis pancration (Steinh.) Speta
Authors: Cunsolo Vincenzo , Schicchi Rosario , Chiaramonte Marco , Inguglia Luigi , Arizza Vincenzo , Cusimano Maria Grazia , Schillaci Domenico , Di Francesco Antonella , Saletti Rosaria , Lo Celso Fabrizio , Barone Giampaolo , Vitale Maria
Published: October 2020

The present work was designed to identify and characterize novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from Charybdis pancration (Steinh.) Speta, previously named Urginea maritima, is a Mediterranean plant, well-known for its biological properties in traditional medicine. Polypeptide-enriched extracts from different parts of the plant (roots, leaves and bulb), never studied before, were tested against two relevant pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. With the aim of identifying novel natural AMPs, peptide fraction displaying antimicrobial activity (the bulb) that showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) equal to 30 µg/mL against the above mentioned strains, was analysed by high-resolution mass spectrometry and database search. Seventeen peptides, related to seven proteins present in the investigated database, were described. Furthermore, we focused on three peptides, which due to their net positive charge, have a better chance to be AMPs and they were investigated by molecular modelling approaches, in order to shed light on the solution properties of their equilibrium structures. Some of new detected peptides could represent a good platform for the development of new antimicrobials in the fight against antibiotic resistance phenomenon.
Optimizing Roller Design to Improve Web Strain Uniformity in Roll-to-Roll Process
Authors: Kang Yousung , Jeon Yongho , Ji Hongkyu , Kwon Sin , Kim Ga Eul , Lee Moon G.
Published: October 2020

In this work, we investigated the compensation of strain deviation in the machine direction of a web in the roll-to-roll process. As flexible devices have become popular, many researchers have begun to study roll-to-roll processes for the mass-production of flexible devices at low cost. In the continuous roll-to-roll process, an electronic circuit pattern is printed on the web while the web is transferring. Due to tension and Poisson’s ratio, a non-uniform strain distribution can occur in the web. This strain distribution occurs mainly at the center of the web and causes a register error in the machine direction. In this work, we designed a roller to minimize the strain deviation. The design of the compensation roller was optimized using the design of experiments (DOE) methodology and analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the compensation performance was verified through experiments and simulations. According to the results of a comparative experiment conducted to confirm the correcting performance of the optimized roller, the strain deviation in the machine direction decreased by approximately 48% with the proposed roller compared to that of the conventional roller.
Generative Adversarial Network for Global Image-Based Local Image to Improve Malware Classification Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Jang Sejun , Li Shuyu , Sung Yunsick
Published: October 2020

Malware detection and classification methods are being actively developed to protect personal information from hackers. Global images of malware (in a program that includes personal information) can be utilized to detect or classify it. This method is efficient, given that small changes in the program can be detected while maintaining the overall structure of the program. However, if any obfuscation approach that encrypts malware code is implemented, it becomes difficult to extract features such as opcodes and application programming interface functions. Given that malware detection and classification are performed differently depending on whether malware is obfuscated or not, methods that can simultaneously detect and classify general and obfuscated malware are required. This paper proposes a method that uses a generative adversarial network (GAN) and global image-based local image to classify unobfuscated and obfuscated malware. Global and local images of unobfuscated malware are generated using pixel and local feature visualizers. The GAN is utilized to visualize local features and generate local images of obfuscated malware by learning global and local images of unobfuscated malware. The local image of unobfuscated malware is merged with the global image generated via the pixel visualizer. To merge the global and local images of unobfuscated and obfuscated malware, the pixels extracted from global and local images are stored in a two-dimensional array, and then merged images are generated. Finally, unobfuscated and obfuscated malware are classified using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The results of experiments conducted on the Microsoft Malware Classification Challenge (BIG 2015) dataset indicate that the proposed method has a malware classification accuracy of 99.65%, which is 2.18% higher than that of the malware classification approach based on only global images and local features.
Crack Width and Propagation in Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete Beams Reinforced with Steel Fibres
Authors: Ghalehnovi Mansour , Karimipour Arash , de Brito Jorge , Chaboki Hamid Reza
Published: October 2020

Reducing the crack width is a vital feature for protecting rebars from corrosion. In this investigation, the impact of steel fibres (SFs) on the cracking of recycled coarse aggregate reinforced concrete (RCARC) beams was investigated. Twenty-seven reinforced concrete (RC) experimental samples (150 mm × 200 mm × 1500 mm) were manufactured. Shear rebars were considered with different spacings. Specimens were tested under a four-point flexural setup. Recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) from a destroyed building was employed at 0%, 50% and 100% by weight. SFs were added at three contents (0%, 1% and 2%) in order to reduce the crack width. The mid-span load–displacement relationship and the crack propagation and width were measured during the tests. Therefore, this study intended to assess the impact of utilising RCA and natural coarse aggregate on cracks’ spacing and propagation in RC beams when SFs were employed. The obtained outcomes were compared with the requirements of CSA S474, NS 3473E, EC2-04, CEB-FIP and ACI 224R-01. It was found that enough shear rebars should be provided through the beams to control the crack width and propagation, but that SFs enhanced the bending performance of RCARC with no shear rebars.
Development of an Advanced Fluid-Structure-Acoustics Framework for Predicting and Controlling the Noise Emission from a Wind Turbine under Wind Shear and Yaw
Authors: Zhou Mingyue , Sessarego Matias , Yang Hua , Shen Wen Zhong
Published: October 2020

Noise generated from wind turbines is a big challenge for the wind energy industry to develop further onshore wind energy. The traditional way of reducing noise is to design low noise wind turbine airfoils and blades. A wind turbine operating under wind shear and in yaw produces periodic changes of blade loading, which intensifies the amplitude modulation (AM) of the generated noise, and thus can give more annoyance to the people living nearby. In this paper, the noise emission from a wind turbine under wind shear and yaw is modelled with an advanced fluid-structure-acoustics framework, and then controlled with a pitch control strategy. The numerical tool used in this study is the coupled Navier–Stokes/Actuator Line model EllipSys3D/AL, structure model FLEX5, and noise prediction model (Brooks, Pope and Marcolini: BPM) framework. All simulations and tests were made on the NM80 wind turbine equipped with three blades made by LM Wind Power. The coupled code was first validated against field load measurements under wind shear and yaw, and a fairly good agreement was obtained. The coupled code was then used to study the noise source control of the turbine under wind shear and yaw. Results show that in the case of a moderate wind shear with a shear exponent of 0.3, the pitch control strategy can reduce the mean noise emission about 0.4 dB and reduce slightly the modulation depth that mainly occurs in the low-frequency region.
Combined Use of a Transmission Detector and an EPID-Based In Vivo Dose Monitoring System in External Beam Whole Breast Irradiation: A Study with an Anthropomorphic Female Phantom
Authors: Arilli Chiara , Wandael Yannik , Galeotti Chiara , Marrazzo Livia , Calusi Silvia , Grusio Mattia , Desideri Isacco , Fusi Franco , Piermattei Angelo , Pallotta Stefania , Talamonti Cinzia
Published: October 2020

We evaluate the combined usage of two systems, the Integral Quality Monitor (IQM) transmission detector and SoftDiso software, for in vivo dose monitoring by simultaneous detection of delivery and patient setup errors in whole breast irradiation. An Alderson RANDO phantom was adapted with silicon breast prostheses to mimic the female anatomy. Plans with simulated delivery errors were created from a reference left breast plan, and patient setup errors were simulated by moving the phantom. Deviations from reference values recorded by both monitoring systems were measured for all plans and phantom positions. A 2D global gamma analysis was performed in SoftDiso for all phantom displacements. Both IQM signals and SoftDiso R-values are sensitive to small MU variations. However, only IQM is sensitive to jaw position variations. Conversely, IQM is unable to detect patient positioning errors, and the R-value has good sensitivity to phantom displacements. A gamma comparison analysis allows one to determine alert thresholds to detect phantom shifts or relatively large rotations. The combined use of the IQM and SoftDiso allows for fast identification of both delivery and setup errors and substantially reduces the impact of error identification and correction on the treatment workflow.
Performance Evaluation of Sub-Grid Orographic Parameterization in the WRF Model over Complex Terrain in Central Asia
Authors: Li Huoqing , Liu Junjian , Zhang Hailiang , Ju Chenxiang , Shi Junjie , Zhang Junlan , Mamtimin Ali , Fan Shuiyong
Published: October 2020

The terrain of Central Asia is complex and rugged over mountains. Consequently, wind speed is overestimated over mountains and plains when using the Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model in winter. To solve this problem, three different simulations (named as control simulation (CRTL), gravity waves (GWD), and flow-blocking drag (FBD), respectively) were designed to investigate the impact of sub-grid orography (gravity waves and flow-blocking drag) on wind forecasts. The results illustrated that near-surface wind-speed overestimations were alleviated when sub-grid orographic drag was used in GWD, though the upper-level wind fields at 500 hPa were excessively reduced compared to CRTL. Thus, we propose eliminating the gravity wave breaking at the upper level to improve upper-level wind underestimations and surface wind speeds at the same time. The sub-grid orographic drag stress of the vertical profile over mountains was reduced when only the flow-blocking drag was retained in FBD. This alleviated underestimations of the upper-level wind speed and near-surface wind, which both have the same positive effects as the gravity wave and flow-blocking total. The mean bias and root mean squared error reduced by 32.76% and 9.39%, respectively, compared to CRTL. Moreover, the temperature and specific humidity in the lower troposphere were indirectly improved. The results of the study demonstrate that it is better to remove sub-grid orographic gravity wave drag when using the gravity wave drag scheme of the WRF model.
Low Cost MR Compatible Haptic Stimulation with Application to fMRI Neurofeedback
Authors: Young Kymberly D. , Prause Nicole , Lazzaro Sarah , Siegle Greg J.
Published: October 2020

The most common feedback displays in the fMRI environment are visual, e.g., in which participants try to increase or decrease the level of a thermometer. However, haptic feedback is increasingly valued in computer interaction tasks, particularly for real-time fMRI feedback. fMRI-neurofeedback is a clinical intervention that has not yet taken advantage of this trend. Here we describe a low-cost, user-friendly, MR-compatible system that can provide graded haptic vibrotactile stimulation in an initial application to fMRI neurofeedback. We also present a feasibility demonstration showing that we could successfully set up the system and obtain data in the context of a neurofeedback paradigm. We conclude that vibrotactile stimulation using this low-cost system is a viable method of feedback presentation, and encourage neurofeedback researchers to incorporate this type of feedback into their studies.
Indole C6 Functionalization of Tryprostatin B Using Prenyltransferase CdpNPT
Authors: Gardner Eric D. , Dimas Dustin A. , Finneran Matthew C. , Brown Sara M. , Burgett Anthony W. , Singh Shanteri
Published: October 2020

Tryprostatin A and B are prenylated, tryptophan-containing, diketopiperazine natural products, displaying cytotoxic activity through different mechanisms of action. The presence of the 6-methoxy substituent on the indole moiety of tryprostatin A was shown to be essential for the dual inhibition of topoisomerase II and tubulin polymerization. However, the inability to perform late-stage modification of the indole ring has limited the structure–activity relationship studies of this class of natural products. Herein, we describe an efficient chemoenzymatic approach for the late-stage modification of tryprostatin B using a cyclic dipeptide N-prenyltransferase (CdpNPT) from Aspergillus fumigatus, which generates novel analogs functionalized with allylic, benzylic, heterocyclic, and diene moieties. Notably, this biocatalytic functionalizational study revealed high selectivity for the indole C6 position. Seven of the 11 structurally characterized analogs were exclusively C6-alkylated, and the remaining four contained predominant C6-regioisomers. Of the 24 accepted substrates, 10 provided >50% conversion and eight provided 20–50% conversion, with the remaining six giving <20% conversion under standard conditions. This study demonstrates that prenyltransferase-based late-stage diversification enables direct access to previously inaccessible natural product analogs.
Old Buildings’ Façades: Fieldwork and Discussion of Thermal Retrofitting Strategies in a Mediterranean Climate
Authors: Corrêa Diana , Flores-Colen Inês , Dinis Silvestre José , Pedroso Marco , Andrade Santos Rita
Published: October 2020

This work is within the scope of thermal retrofitting, applied to old buildings’ façades (built between 1700 and 1960) located in Mediterranean climates, such as Portugal. The aim is to increase the sustainability of existing buildings, by reducing their energy consumption needs, for heating and cooling, and the corresponding gaseous emissions, while increasing their users’ comfort. Firstly, an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of several thermal insulation solutions for façades was carried out, supported in current literature. Then, a survey of real retrofitting scenarios and interviews with experts was completed, to allow the selection of the most adequate thermal insulation techniques. Finally, as a result of this study, the discussion of retrofitting strategies was carried out to support the designer’s decision process, based on a flowchart with complementary tables, discussing the best thermal retrofitting technique to be implemented on old buildings’ façades, case-by-case.
The Value of Strain Elastography in Predicting Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Cepeha Cristina Mihaela , Paul Corina , Borlea Andreea , Borcan Florin , Fofiu Renata , Dehelean Cristina Adriana , Stoian Dana
Published: October 2020

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT) defines a diffuse intrathyroidal lymphocytic infiltration associating a destructive process of the thyroid follicles, most commonly in evolution developing hypothyroidism. Typical ultrasound changes may suggest the presence of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the performance of strain elastography in detecting autoimmune thyroiditis as an additional tool to the conventional ultrasound examination. A total of 250 patients were enrolled in the study; 180 had biochemical confirmation of CAT, the other 70 healthy subjects represented the control group. All patients were examined clinically and by means of conventional thyroid ultrasound (US) and real-time elastography using a Hitachi Preirus machine (5–15 MHz linear probe). Five valid measurements for the parenchyma/muscle strain ratios (SR) were taken for each subject, considering the mean value for analysis. A mean SR value above 1.64 was found to predict the presence of CAT with sensitivity (Sen) 69%, specificity p92%, positive predictive value (PPV) 95.4%, negative predictive value (NPV) 54% and area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) 0.87. Moreover, when comparing the mean values for SR, significantly higher values were found in CAT patients compared with the controls (2.81 ± 2.11 vs. 1.03 ± 0.51; p < 0.0001). Of the 180 CAT subjects, 92 were on thyroid hormone replacement therapy; significantly higher values were detected for patients under therapy compared with asymptomatic cases (3.45 ± 2.53 vs. 2.15 ± 1.27, p < 0.0001). A cut-off value of 2.94 was established for identifying CAT patients who needed hormonal treatment (Sen 52.3%, Sp 83.7%, PPV 75.4%, NPV 64.7% and AUROC 0.66). No correlation was found between stiffness and antibody titers nor for functional status. Elastography does add valuable information to the US evaluation of cases with autoimmune thyroiditis.
Raman Spectroscopy of Changes in the Tissues of Teeth with Periodontitis
Authors: Timchenko Elena , Timchenko Pavel , Volova Larisa , Frolov Oleg , Zibin Maksim , Bazhutova Irina
Published: October 2020

The results of experimental studies of the tissues of teeth with periodontitis, using the Raman spectroscopy method, are presented in this work. Spectral changes in the tissues of teeth with periodontitis were identified, and the results can be used for the correction of treatment of this disease in dental practice. Criteria for the noninvasive diagnosis of periodontitis, based on changes in tooth enamel spectral properties, were developed.
Toy Models of Top Down Causation
Authors: Kent Adrian
Published: October 2020

Models in which causation arises from higher level structures as well as from microdynamics may be relevant to unifying quantum theory with classical physics or general relativity. They also give a way of defining a form of panprotopsychist property dualism, in which consciousness and material physics causally affect one another. I describe probabilistic toy models based on cellular automata that illustrate possibilities and difficulties with these ideas.
Tropical Monsoon Forest Thermodynamics Based on Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Sandlersky Robert
Published: October 2020

This paper addresses thermodynamic variables that characterize the energy balance and structure of the solar energy transformation by the ecosystems of deciduous tropical forests. By analyzing the seasonal dynamics of these variables, two main states of the thermodynamic system are determined: the end of the drought season and the end of the wet season. Two sub-systems of solar energy transformation are also defined: a balance system that is responsible for the moisture transportation between the ecosystem and atmosphere; and a structural bioproductional system responsible for biological productivity. Several types of thermodynamic systems are determined based on the ratio between the invariants of the variables. They match the main classes of the landscape cover. A seasonal change of thermodynamic variables for different types of thermodynamic systems is additionally studied. The study reveals that temperature above the forest ecosystems is about 4° lower than above the open areas during most of the year.
Compassionate Flexibility and Self-Discipline: Student Adaptation to Emergency Remote Teaching in an Integrated Engineering Energy Course during COVID-19
Authors: Gelles Laura A. , Lord Susan M. , Hoople Gordon D. , Chen Diana A. , Mejia Joel Alejandro
Published: October 2020

The global pandemic of COVID-19 brought about the transition to Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) at higher education institutions across the United States, prompting both students and the faculty to rapidly adjust to a different modality of teaching and learning. Other crises have induced disruptions to academic continuity (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes), but not to the same extent as COVID-19, which has affected universities on a global scale. In this paper, we describe a qualitative case study where we interviewed 11 second-year Integrated Engineering students during the Spring 2020 semester to explore how they adapted to the transition to remote learning. Our results revealed several student challenges, how they used self-discipline strategies to overcome them, and how the faculty supported students in the classroom through a compassionate and flexible pedagogy. Faculty members showed compassion and flexibility by adjusting the curriculum and assessment and effectively communicating with students. This was especially important for the women participants in this study, who more frequently expressed utilizing pass/fail grading and the personal and gendered challenges they faced due to the pandemic. During this unprecedented crisis, we found that a key element for supporting students’ well-being and success is the faculty members communicating care and incorporating flexibility into their courses.
New Applications and Architectures Based on FPGA/SoC
Authors: Bravo-Muñoz Ignacio , Gardel-Vicente Alfredo , Lázaro-Galilea José Luis
Published: October 2020

Nowadays, the digital world demands continuous technological evolutions [...]
Conventional and Advanced Exergy and Exergoeconomic Analysis of a Spray Drying System: A Case Study of an Instant Coffee Factory in Ecuador
Authors: Tinoco-Caicedo Diana L. , Lozano-Medina Alexis , Blanco-Marigorta Ana M.
Published: October 2020

Instant coffee is produced worldwide by spray drying coffee extract on an industrial scale. This production process is energy intensive, 70% of the operational costs are due to energy requirements. This study aims to identify the potential for energy and cost improvements by performing a conventional and advanced exergy and exergoeconomic analysis to an industrial-scale spray drying process for the production of instant coffee, using actual operational data. The study analyzed the steam generation unit, the air and coffee extract preheater, the drying section, and the final post treatment process. The performance parameters such as exergetic efficiency, exergoeconomic factor, and avoidable investment cost rate for each individual component were determined. The overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the spray drying system are 67.6% and 30.6%, respectively. The highest rate of exergy destruction is located in the boiler, which amounts to 543 kW. However, the advanced exergoeconomic analysis shows that the highest exergy destruction cost rates are located in the spray dryer and the air heat exchanger (106.9 $/h and 60.5 $/h, respectively), of which 47.7% and 3.8%, respectively, are avoidable. Accordingly, any process improvement should focus on the exergoeconomic optimization of the spray dryer.
Passive Fault-Tolerant Control Strategies for Power Converter in a Hybrid Microgrid
Authors: Jadidi Saeedreza , Badihi Hamed , Zhang Youmin
Published: October 2020

Control of AC/DC pulse-width modulation (PWM) power electronic converter, referred to as “AC/DC PWM converter”, is vital to the efficient regulation of power flow between AC and DC parts of a hybrid microgrid. Given the importance of such converters in AC/DC microgrids, this paper investigates the design of fault-tolerant control for AC/DC PWM converters in the presence of microgrid faults. In particular, two novel fault-tolerant schemes based on fuzzy logic and model predictive control are proposed and implemented in an advanced hybrid microgrid benchmark in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The considered hybrid microgrid consists of dynamic loads and distributed energy resources including solar photovoltaic arrays, wind turbines, and battery energy storage systems. The proposed schemes especially target the fault effects due to common power-loss malfunctions in solar photovoltaic arrays in the presence of microgrid uncertainties and disturbances. The effectiveness of proposed fault-tolerant control schemes is demonstrated and compared under realistic fault scenarios in the hybrid microgrid benchmark.