bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Destination Experience in the Sustainability of the Image of the Tourist Destination
Authors: Ban Olimpia , Hatos Adrian , Droj Laurențiu , Toderascu Carmen
Published: July 2021

The concept of destination image is closely related to the brand image of the destination. A good image is a step in branding the destination. The image of the destination can be a primary, sec-ondary or global one, the latter incorporating the first two. The sustainability of a positive image of the destination is based on both a positive secondary image and a positive global image. The purpose of this research is to analyze separately the two types of images for a given tourist des-tination that has registered in recent years a remarkable increase in the number of visitors. The research is based on a questionnaire-based survey of a sample of 607 people. The collected data were processed with SPSS and the results show significant differences between the two types of images (secondary image and global image), a dangerous situation in the medium and long term for destination management. The nuances in the perception of the image of the destination on the two types of respondents (who experienced respectively who did not experience the destination) can be explained by the aggressive strategy of promoting the tourist destination, but inefficient strategy for younger age groups. The study allows the formulation of conclusions and measures to correct the situation.
Disinformation and responsibility in young people during the Covid-19 era
Authors: Farfán Juana , Mazo María Elena
Published: July 2021

This paper analyzes the main variables which determines the relation between disinformation and the youth responsibility during the last stage of Covid-19 pandemic in Spain. The document presents relevant results on this subject. At the Introduction the reader will find the theoretical framework of the following concepts: disinformation, responsibility, credibility, and youth responsibility variables. The greatest interest, considering the authors specialization, falls in communication factors. The methods applied had been the reference review of the literature found about this subject, as well as a qualitative opinion research through discussion groups with young University students from Communication Schools in Madrid, both public and private. This recent study, held in June 2021, provide a very rich material for this paper. The main results and findings are the facts of being not satisfied with the information received about Covid-19; the knowledge about their most credible sources; the connection between information and responsibility, and some of the solutions said by youth to be more responsible in this context. As a conclusion, this paper confirms the first hypothesis of considering the disinformation as a variable which causes the lack of youth responsibility. Regarding the second hypothesis it is checked that young people consider communication as a solution for being more responsible.
Motivations to the Practice of Thermal Tourism: The Case of North and Centre of Portugal
Authors: Brandão Filipa , Liberato Dália , Teixeira Ana Sofia , Liberato Pedro
Published: July 2021

Health and wellness tourism should be particularly valued in the post-pandemic phase, as a stra-tegic product to enhance the population's well-being and quality of life indicators, at social, phys-ical, and environmental dimensions, with different proposals for specialized experiences that complement the destination's offer, positioning regions as health and wellness destinations. Thermal tourism should be encouraged, as a specific product, due to the innovation and diversi-fication observed in the services made available and the benefits recognized at different age levels of tourists and destinations communities. Considering the relevance of thermal springs and thermal tourists for tourism destinations image, positioning, and development, this research aims to identify the specific motivations of tourists to the practice of thermal tourism, to understand how the benefits that thermal tourists search for, and their sociodemographic profile influence the motivations, and how the motivations determine the travel characteristics. This research was de-veloped on the North and Centre of Portugal, for their relevance in the context of thermal springs and related tourism activities. To achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire survey was ap-plied to thermal tourists, through a non-probability by convenience sampling, using bivariate tests, such as Pearson’s chi-squared test, one-way ANOVA, and t-student. The results highlight that most respondents practiced thermal tourism due to leisure and relaxation benefits, such as the escape from daily stress, spend time with family, and being "pampered"; relaxation is the most valued motivation, followed by the search for psychological and physical wellbeing. The research found relations between the benefits expected by thermal tourists, and their travel characteristics such as the composition of the group, the general travel motivation, the thermal destination cho-sen, and the number of nights spent. In thermal tourism, new challenges emerge, demanding the development of strategies, products, and services responding to the needs of specific market segments.
Fresh Compost Tea Application Does Not Change Soil Bacterial Community Structure, and Has No Effects on Soybean Growth or Yield
Authors: Bali Rana , Pineault Jonathan , Chagnon Pierre-Luc , Hijri Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Soil bacteria drive key ecosystem functions, including nutrient mobilization, soil aggregation and crop bioprotection against pathogens. Bacterial diversity is thus considered a key component of soil health. Conventional agriculture reduces bacterial diversity in many ways. Compost tea has been suggested as a bioinoculant that may restore bacterial community diversity and promote crop performance under conventional agriculture. Here, we conducted a field experiment to test this hypothesis in a soybean-maize rotation. Compost tea application had no influence on bacterial diversity or community structure. Plant growth and yield were also unresponsive to compost tea application. Combined, our results suggest that our compost tea bacteria did not thrive in the soil, and that the positive impacts of compost tea applications reported elsewhere may be caused by different microbial groups (e.g., fungi, protists, nematodes) or by abiotic effects on soil (e.g., contribution of nutrients and dissolved organic matter). Further investigations are needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which compost tea influences crop performance.
Performance Evaluation for Repair of Hsgc-c5 Carcinoma Cell Using geant4-Dna
Authors: Sakata Dousatsu , Suzuki Masao , Hirayama Ryoichi , Abe Yasushi , Muramatsu Masayuki , Sato Shinji , Belov Oleg , Kyriakou Ioanna , Emfietzoglou Dimitris , Guatelli Susanna , Incerti Sebastien , Inaniwa Taku
Published: July 2021

Track-structure Monte Carlo simulations are useful tools to evaluate initial DNA damage induced by irradiation. In the previous study, we have developed a Gean4-DNA-based application to estimate the cell surviving fraction of V79 cells after irradiation, bridging the gap between the initial DNA damage and the DNA-rejoining kinetics by means of the two-lesion kinetics (TLK) model. However, since the DNA repair performance depends on cell line, the same model parameters cannot be used for the different cell lines. Thus, we extended the Geant4-DNA application with an updated TLK model for the evaluation of DNA damage repair performance in HSGc-C5 carcinoma cells which are typically used for evaluating proton/carbon radiation treatment effects. For this evaluation, we also performed experimental measurements for cell surviving fractions and DNA-rejoining kinetics of the HSGc-C5s cells. Concerning fast- and slow-DNA rejoining, the TLK model parameters were adequately optimized with the simulated initial DNA damage. Using the optimized TLK model, the Geant4-DNA simulation is now able to predict cell survival and DNA-rejoining kinetics for HSGc-C5s cells.
Distribution of Dissolved Nitrogen Compounds in the Water Column of a Meromictic Subarctic Lake
Authors: Vorobyeva Taisiya Y. , Chupakova Anna A. , Chupakov Artem V. , Zabelina Svetlana A. , Olga Moreva Y. , Pokrovsky Oleg S.
Published: July 2021

In order to better understand the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen in meromictic lakes, which can serve as a model for past aquatic environments, we measured dissolved concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, ammonium and organic nitrogen in deep (39 m maximal depth) subarctic Lake Svetloe (NW Russia). The lake is a rare type of freshwater meromictic water boy with high concentrations of methane, ferrous iron, manganese and low concentrations of sulfates and sulfides in the monimolimnion. In the oligotrophic mixolimnion, the concentration of mineral forms of nitrogen decreased in summer compared to winter, likely due to phytoplankton bloom. The decomposition of the bulk of organic matter occurs under microaerophilic/anaerobic conditions of the chemocline and accompanied by the accumulation of nitrogen in the form of N-NH4 in the monimonimlion. We revealed a strong relationship between methane and nitrogen cycles in the chemocline and monimolimnion horizons. The nitrate concentrations in Lake Svetloe varied in the range from 9 to 13 μM throughout the water column. This fact is rare for meromictic lakes, where nitrate concentrations up to 13 µM are found in the monimolimnion zone down to the bottom layers. We hypothesize, in accord with available data for other stratified lakes, that under conditions of high concentrations of manganese and ammonium at the boundary of redox conditions and below, anaerobic nitrification with the formation of nitrates occurs. Overall, most of organic matter in Lake Svetloe undergoes biodegradation essentially under microaerophilic/anaerobic conditions of the chemocline and the monimolimnion. Consequently, the manifestation of the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle is expressed in these horizons in the most vivid and complex relationship with other cycles of elements.
Development the dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model for open economy conditions
Authors: Shults Dmitriy Nikolaevich , Baluta Victor Ivanovich
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the DSGE-model that describes the following sectors of the economy in relation to domestic realities: households, enterprises of the real sector and financial intermediaries. In turn, households are represented by two groups: savers and borrowers. Extractive industries are distinguished in the manufacturing sector. A feature of the proposed model is the FSC approach, which assumes that the owners of fixed assets are firms. They also make investment decisions. For mining companies, the production level is set exogenously in order to adequately reflect the impact of the OPEC + agreement. Financial intermediaries transform temporarily free household funds into loans to enterprises in the real sector.
The spectral portraits method in digital threpsology
Authors: Kirilenko Elizaveta Igorevna , Orlov Yurii Nikolaevich
Published: July 2021

The paper analyzes a mathematical model for calculating the composition and size of portions of the optimal menu in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health, depending on the planning horizon. The questions of the accuracy of the solution depending on the accuracy of the input data are considered. Spectral portraits of diurnal and averaged nutrient matrices are studied. It is shown, that despite the poor conditionality of the daily matrices, the result of weekly averaging allows us to perform calculations at a sufficient level of accuracy.
Reliability and Validity of Accounting Classroom Anxiety Scale (ACAS) in the Philippines: Developing a New Instrument Authors
Authors:   Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Cardenas Nicky C. , Sotto Catherine D. ,   Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Published: July 2021

In Philippine context, accounting anxiety has been rarely investigated directly for the past decades. (Borja, 2003; Bearden 2004; Malgwi, 2004; Chen, B. H., Hsu, M.-S., & Chen, M.-H., 2012); Duman, H. et.al, 2015). This research study aimed at developing a new instrument to measure accounting anxiety among accounting students. Specifically, this study aimed to analyze the reliability and validity of Accounting Classroom Anxiety Scale (ACAS), a 30-item Likert scale developed by the researchers. It employed a simple random sampling technique. A total of 155 accounting students participated in this study. SPSS package was used for statistical data analysis. Results of the mean scores revealed that item-question 17 got the lowest mean score of 2.05 and item-question 2 got the highest mean score of 4.48. Respondents got a total mean score of 3.42 (moderately anxious). Results of the reliability analysis for Cronbach's Alpha if item deleted showed a range of acceptable internal consistency with a total range ? = .915 - .921. The internal consistency reliability of ACAS is ? = 0.92. Results of the factor analysis revealed an appreciable factor loading = .4 up to the high factor loading = .79 construct validity. Thus, it is concluded that accounting anxiety is a specific-construct emergent in the classroom. It is recommended that academic intervention be given for accounting anxiety reduction to foster efficient and enhanced teaching and learning process.
Decision Making, Attitudes, and Behaviours on Financial Literacy among Filipino College Students: Factorial and Correlational Analyses
Authors:   Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Cardenas Nicky C. , Fonte Julieta G. ,   Polytechnic University of the Philippines
Published: July 2021

Researches revealed that there is an urgent need for financial literacy (Hung, Parker, & Yoong, 2009; Nidar & Bestari, 2012; Mihal?ováa, Csikósová, & Antošovác, 2014; Agarwal et. al, 2015). However, in Philippine context, financial literacy has not been extensively explored (Leano, 2006). This research study aimed at analyzing the reliability and validity of Filipino college students’ financial literacy based on Questionnaire for Assessing Financial Literacy (QAFL), a 12-item Likert scale with acceptable internal consistency (? = 0.74) developed by (?onková, 2014). Specifically, this study aimed to analyze the relationship of students’ decision making, attitudes and behavior in the financial market. It utilized a simple random sampling technique. A total of 140 Filipino college students participated in this study. SPSS was used for statistical data analysis. Results of the reliability analysis for Cronbach's Alpha if item deleted showed an overall acceptable range (? =.722-.775) and Cronbach's Alpha based on standardized items (? = 0.750). Results of the factor analysis revealed an appreciable factor loading = .49 up to the high factor loading = .82 construct validity. Results of the correlation analysis revealed that the relationships were statistically significant as follows: decision making and attitudes toward finances (rs = 0.52), decision making and financial behavior (rs = 0.49), attitudes and financial behavior (rs = 0.45). Thus, it is concluded that financial literacy is relevant to aid students in addressing issues affecting their decision making, attitudes and behaviors in the financial market.
Reflexiones sobre las relaciones entre investigación, poder y representación
Authors: Sepúlveda Chávez Miguel
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this work is to reflect on the praxis and work of social research, mainly the one understood as committed or militant. Thus, it seeks firstly to make visible the authority that researchers have. Secondly, the limits and limitations of the subordinate category will be explored, using it as an example of the categories and nominations used within said kind of research. Finally, an attempt on accounting the challenges surrounding the practice of committed research will be made.
Responsabilidad social corporativa: factores influyentes en la divulgación de información en organizaciones de salud no lucrativas
Authors: Zanfrillo Alicia Inés , Artola María Antonia
Published: July 2021

Conscientes de la importancia de mejorar las condiciones de vida de la comunidad a través del desarrollo de hábitos saludables, las organizaciones no lucrativas de salud argentinas se enfrentan al desafío de ser sostenibles en un contexto inflacionario elevado y de ingresos limitados a los aportes salariales de sus afiliados, a fin de optimizar las demandas prestacionales. En el marco de la responsabilidad social corporativa (RSC), las acciones que favorecen el cuidado de la salud se sitúan en un lugar destacado para desarrollar la concientización de los afiliados sobre los comportamientos responsables individuales y colectivos. Ante este panorama, el propósito del trabajo consiste en analizar los factores influyentes en la divulgación de la dimensión social de la RSC en las entidades no lucrativas prestadoras o financiadoras de servicios de salud de la ciudad de Mar del Plata —República Argentina— como instrumento para desarrollar estrategias dirigidas a la promoción de la salud en la comunidad. La investigación cuantitativa fue efectuada sobre la publicación de contenidos en los medios digitales a través de un modelo de regresión categórica, lo que permitió distinguir la relevancia de los atributos organizativos frente a los tecnológicos, vinculando el fomento de prácticas saludables con la naturaleza de estas entidades.
Estágio supervisionado no formato de curso de Extensão na licenciatura em EPT do IFSC
Authors: Lengert Caroline , Gaedtke Kenia Mara
Published: July 2021

Este relato traz informações sobre uma experiência de estágio supervisionado realizado em formato de cursos de extensão por estudantes da Licenciatura em Educação Profissional e Tecnológica do Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina. Tal prática se deu durante o isolamento social causado pela pandemia de COVID-19, quando as instituições de ensino paralisaram suas atividades presenciais. Os cursos fizeram parte de um projeto de extensão coordenado pelos professores de estágio e foram planejados e executados pelos discentes da referida licenciatura, tendo como público-alvo estudantes de nível médio. Apresentando como tema geral a escolha profissional e o mundo do trabalho, os cursos partiram das formações e carreiras dos próprios discentes extensionistas e resultaram em vivências bastante significativas, tanto para os estudantes envolvidos quanto para a comunidade e para a própria instituição. Tal experiência abre espaço para a reflexão sobre as possibilidades de relacionar estágio e extensão, estimulando uma presença ainda maior de oportunidades da extensão na formação docente ofertada pelos institutos federais.
Boosted PTS Method with Mu-Law Companding Techniques for PAPR Reduction in OFDM Systems
Authors: Ibraheem Zeyid , k Kawakib , Fazea Yousef , Madi Mohammed , Mohammed Fathey , Ali Abdulrazzaq Qasem
Published: July 2021

Perpendicular rate of recurrence splitting up a group of numeral television or radio channels that are mixed together for broadcast Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing which can be a potential diffusion method for elevating the transmission capacity of the communication systems. In spite of the significance of OFDM, the primary issue of the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) which augments communication system complications, reduces the effectiveness of the communication system, resulting in low performance of bit-error-rate (BER), and making OFDM perceptive toward non-linear distortion within a broadcast. Various techniques were projected for treating PAPR issues, inclusive of partial transmit sequence (PTS) which captivated great interest. Thus, this paper proposed a hybrid method inclusive of a boosted PTS scheme with Mu-law compressing and expanding approach. The PTS approach was boosted through boosting its sub-block partitioning scheme, the place where the aggrandized partitioning scheme consolidated a conventional interleaved partitioning into an adjacent partitioning scheme. The present merger concerning Mu-Law characteristic in time domain for PAPR reduction in OFDM fundamentally boosts PAPR diminution performance. Accordingly, though the simulated pseudorandom sub-block partition method improved PAPR diminution supplementary further than other sub-block partition schemes appertaining to conventional PTS, while maintaining low computational complexity. The findings show that the boosted PTS scheme with Mu-law expanding approach, whilst upholding low computational complexity, achieves considerably superior to the pseudorandom partitioning PTS with regard to various type of modulation format and subcarriers.
The effects of Glucose and Ascorbic acid on in vitro development of Echinococcus granulosus Metacestodes
Authors: Sajadi Seyede Sogand , Haniloo Ali , Nadri Samad , Torabi Negin
Published: July 2021

Echinococcus granulosus-developed metacestodes in the cultured medium are used for the assessment of its susceptibility to different compounds; however, this procedure is time-consuming and risky. In the present study, aspirated protoscoleces from the infected sheep were used to evaluate the effects of glucose, as an energy source, as well as ascorbic acid, as an antioxidant vitamin, on larval development. Protoscoleces were maintained in RPMI1640 culture media containing 10% fetal calf serum, as well as different concentrations of glucose (6 and 8 mg/ml) and ascorbic acid (25, 50, and 100 µg/ml). A culture medium containing 4 mg/ml of glucose was served as the control. Larger cysts were achieved in a shorter time from the medium enriched with 6 mg/ml of glucose (740 ± 20 µm) compared to the control group (420 ± 40 µm). However, in the groups treated with ascorbic acid, the number of cysts was higher in 100 µg/ml (32.5 ± 0.7) compared to the control group (12.5 ± 0.7). Additionally, the mature cysts were achieved on the 7th day of cultivation with 100 µg/ml of ascorbic acid compared to 18 days in the control group.
Design of Dual Mode AVA with Enhanced Radiation Characteristics
Authors: N Sathishkumar , V Nandalal , Natarajan Rajesh
Published: July 2021

Dual mode antipodal Vivaldi antenna (AVA) with narrowband to wideband switching is proposed in this work. The antenna has the footprint of 60 mm x 40 mm x 1.6 mm and FR-4 substrate used for fabrication. The antenna exhibits 8.3 GHz bandwidth in wideband mode with a peak gain of 6.9 dBi and 1.6 GHz bandwidth in narrowband mode with a peak gain of 7 dBi. The simulations are performed using CST full wave simulator and the results are compared with the reference antenna of the same dimensions. PIN diodes are implemented to achieve the frequency switching. The working principle of the antenna is explained through simulation and verified through measurements.
HybridFaceMaskNet: A Novel Face-Mask Detection Framework Using Hybrid Approach
Authors: sadhukhan Mrinmoy , Bhattacharya Indrajit
Published: July 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19 ) is a contiguous disease which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus2(SARAS-2) started from Wuhan, china, and spread all over the world within a few months in 2019. Government of all countries had to apply lockdown to decrease the number of aﬀected patient as mortality rate of many countries became very high at that time. In the awake of 2nd wave of COVID 19 WHO has made mandatory to use mask in largely crowded areas, health centers, communities and in diﬀerent places to prevent spread of virus. Many countries have invented the vacancies but it will ﬁrstly available for corona front line warriors only, not for general people, So, people have to wear mask when they are going out from home. But In recent days it can be followed that people are reluctant to wear mask when they are entering in oﬃces, departmental stores or local shops where, gathering might happen anytime. This could lead to spread of COVID-19 among the communities. With the help of computer-vision, people who are not wearing mask can be detected by generating an alarm signal. To achieve this challenging task, a face mask detector ‘HybridFaceMaskNet’ is proposed, which is a combination of classical Machine Learning and deep learning algorithm. ‘HybridFaceMaskNet’ can achieve state-of-art accuracy on public faces. The real challenges are the low-quality images, diﬀerent distances of people from camera and dynamic lighting on the faces at daylight or in artiﬁcial light.This problem can be overcome by using diﬀerent noise removal techniques. HybridFaceMaskNet is trained with three diﬀerent classiﬁcation of images ‘proper-mask’, ‘incorrect-mask’ and ‘no-mask’ which are collected from real life images and some synthetic data , to generate alarm for diﬀerent scenario .This HybridFaceMaskNet is trained on Google Colab and is compared with diﬀerent existing face mask detector model. There is a possibility of deploy the model in IOT devices as it is light weight compare to other existing models.
Multi-Label Feature Selection Method Based on Dynamic Weight
Authors: Zhang Ping , Sheng Jiyao , Gao Wanfu , Hu Juncheng , Li Yonghao
Published: July 2021

Multi-label feature selection attracts considerable attention from multi-label learning. Information-theory based multi-label feature selection methods intend to select the most informative features and reduce the uncertain amount of information of labels. Previous methods regard the uncertain amount of information of labels as constant. In fact, as the classification information of the label set is captured by features, the remaining uncertainty of each label is changing dynamically. In this paper, we categorize labels into two groups: one contains the labels with few remaining uncertainty, which means that most of classification information with respect to the labels has been obtained by the already-selected features; another group contains the labels with extensive remaining uncertainty, which means that the classification information of these labels is neglected by already-selected features. Feature selection aims to select the new features with highly relevant to the labels in the second group. Existing methods do not distinguish the difference between two label groups and ignore the dynamic change amount of information of labels. To this end, a Relevancy Ratio is designed to clarify the dynamic change amount of information of each label under the condition of the already-selected features. Afterwards, a Weighted Feature Relevancy is defined to evaluate the candidate features. Finally, a new multi-label Feature Selection method based on Weighted Feature Relevancy (WFRFS) is proposed. The experiments obtain encouraging results of WFRFS in comparison to six multi-label feature selection methods on thirteen real-world data sets.
Floristic, Structure, and Regeneration of Woody Species in Bola Wanche Forest of Humbo Carbon Project, Wolaita, Ethiopia
Authors: Kuma Markos , Shibru Simon
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe forest resources of the Humbo Carbon Project have ecological and environmental problems such as soil degradation, soil erosion and alteration of natural resources are some of the negative effects resulting from the destruction of forests Our present study was carried out to investigate regeneration status and dynamics of populations of woody species in Bola Wanche forest of Humbo Carbon Project Wolaita zone, Ethiopia. Methods and ResultsThirty-two (20m x 20m) plots were laid at an interval of 100m to collect vegetation data. In each plot, five 1m 2 quadrats were laid to assess regeneration status. DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) of each woody species with DBH ≥2.5cm was measured. Altitude, aspect and slope of each plot were recorded. Among 61 woody species representing 56 genera and 35 families, Syzygium guineense and Dodonaea angustifolia were the most dominant. There was significant difference in the dominance (p < 0.0001) of species between plots. Inverted J-shape and bell-shape population distribution patterns were recognized. The regeneration phase was dominated by D. angustifolia. Only 36% of the species in matured vegetation was represented in seedling phase. Environmental factors considered in this study were not influenced abundance of species and individuals between plots. But when dominant species evaluated separately, altitude had significant influence on abundance of S. guineense and Combretum molle while aspect on C. molle and Terminalia schimperiana. But no factor had influenced abundance of D. angustifolia. ConclusionThe study concluded the abundance and dominance of few families and species, prevalence of small size populations and fair regeneration of forest. This may indicate that the forest is in its early secondary successional stage and need high intention of conservation and management.
Carbon Emissions from A Temperate Coastal Peatland Wildfire: Contributions from Natural Plant Communities and Organic Soils
Authors: Mickler Robert
Published: July 2021

Background: One of the scientific challenges of understanding climate change has been determining the important drivers and metrics ofglobal carbon (C) emissions and C cycling in tropical, subtropical, boreal, subarctic, and temperate peatlands. Peatlands account for 3% of global land cover, yet contain a major reservoir of 550 gigatons (Gt) of soil C, and serve as C sinks for 0.37 Gt of carbon dioxide (CO2) a year. In the United States, temperate peatlands areestimated to store 455 petagrams of C (PgC).There has been increasing interest in the role of wildfires in C cycling and altering peatlands from C sinks to major C sources. We estimated above- andbelow-ground C emissions from the Pains Bay Fire, a long-duration wildfire (112 days; 18,329 ha)that burned a coastal peatlandin eastern North Carolina, USA. Results: Soil C emissions were estimated from pre- and post-burn Light Detectionand Ranging (LIDAR) soil elevation data,soils series and C content mapping, remotely sensed soilburn severity, and post-burn field surveys of soil elevation.Total above-ground C emissions from the fire were 289,579 tC and 214 t C ha-1for the 10 vegetation communitieswithin the burn area perimeter. Above-ground sources of C emissions were comprised of litter (69,656 t C), shrub (168,983 t C), and foliage (50,940 t C).Total mean below-ground C emissions were 5,237,521 t C, and ranged from 2,630,529 – 8,287,900 t C,depending on organic matter content of different soil horizonswithin each of the 7 soil series. The mean below-ground C emissions within the burn area were 1,595.6 t C ha-1 and rangedfrom 629.3 – 2,511.3 t C ha-1.Conclusions: In contrast to undisturbed temperate peatlands, human induced disturbances of thenatural elevation gradient of the peatland has resulted in increased heterogeneity of floristic variation and assemblages that are a product of the spatial and temporal patterns of the water table level and the surface wetness across peatlands. Human induced changes in surface hydrology and land use influenced the fuel characteristics of natural vegetation and associated soils, thus influencing wildfire risk, behavior, and the resulting C emissions.
Different Mechanisms of Arctic and Antarctic Sea Ice Response to Ocean Heat Transport
Authors: Aylmer Jake Robert , Ferreira David , Feltham Daniel
Published: July 2021

Understanding drivers of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice on multidecadal timescales is key to reducing uncertainties in long-term climate projections. Here we investigate the impact of Ocean Heat Transport (OHT) on sea ice, using pre-industrial control simulations of 20 models participating in the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). In all models and in both hemispheres, sea ice extent is negatively correlated with poleward OHT. However, the similarity of the correlations in both hemispheres hides radically different underlying mechanisms. In the northern hemisphere, positive OHT anomalies primarily result in increased ocean heat convergence along the Atlantic sea ice edge, where most of the ice loss occurs. Such strong, localised heat fluxes (~100 W m − 2 ) also drive increased atmospheric moist-static energy convergence at higher latitudes, resulting in a pan-Arctic reduction in sea ice thickness. In the southern hemisphere, increased OHT is released relatively uniformly under the Antarctic ice pack, so that associated sea ice loss is driven by basal melt with no direct atmospheric role. These results are qualitatively robust across models and strengthen the case for a substantial contribution of ocean forcing to sea ice uncertainty, and biases relative to observations, in climate models.
Identification of Significant Genes With Poor Colorectal Cancer Prognosis In Via Bioinformatical Analysis
Authors: Li Shaodong , Dong Ruizhi , Liang Bin , Kang Zhenhua
Published: July 2021

Purpose:Identification of significant genes with poor colorectal cancer prognosis in via bioinformatical analysis.Method:Gene expression profiles of GSE74602、 GSE110223、GSE113513 and GSE 141174 were available from GEO database. There are 65 CRC tissues and 65 normal tissues in the four profile datasets. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CRC tissues and normal tissues were picked out by GEO2R tool and Venn diagram software. Next, we made use of the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) to analyze Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) pathway and gene ontology (GO). Then protein-protein interaction (PPI) of these DEGs with Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING).Results:There were total of 171 consistently expressed genes in the four datasets, including 148 up-regulated and 23 down-regulated genes. up-regulated DEGs were particularly enriched in oxidation-reduction process, in extracellular exosome, in zinc ion binding, in Metabolic pathways, Mineral absorption; and down-regulated DEGs in positive regulation of cell proliferation, in cytosol, in One carbon pool by folate. Furthermore, for the analysis of overall survival among those genes, Kaplan–Meier analysis was implemented and 30 of 88 genes had a significantly worse prognosis. For validation in Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), 13 of 30 genes were discovered highly expressed in CRC tissues compared to normal tissues. Furthermore, MYC 和 FGFR3 markedly enriched in the Bladder cancer pathway.Conclusion: We have identified two significant up-regulated DEGs with poor prognosis in CRC , which could be potential therapeutic targets for CRC patients.
Anti-Choking Suction Devices for Foreign Body Airway Obstruction in Children. Would Parents and Kindergarten Teachers be Able to Use Them Without Training?
Authors: Fazanes Aida Carballo , Abelairas-Gomez Cristian , Rodríguez-Ruiz Emilio , Barcala-Furelos Roberto , Núñez Antonio Rodríguez
Published: July 2021

There is limited scientific evidence on the brand-new suction anti-choking devices as alternative or complementary tools for the treatment of foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO). However, they are already available in some public places. With the hypothesis that laypersons would not use them properly we have carried out the present simulation study.A randomized crossover trial study in a simulated FBAO scenario was conducted. Forty-two parents and eight kindergarten staff without knowledge about anti-choking devices voluntarily participated. Participants had to solve a simulated FBAO situation in three randomized scenarios: 1) Following the current choking international guidelines, 2) Using the LifeVac® device, and 3) Using DeCHOKER® device, according to the instructions provided by manufacturers. Data from 51 participants (54.9% female) were analyzed. Higher success rate was achieved with the LifeVac® and DeCHOKER® devices in comparison with the standard FBAO protocol (median [IQR]: 100.0% [83.0-100.0], 100.0% [75.0-100.0], and 50% [38.0-75.0] respectively; p=0.004). No significant differences were observed between both anti-choking devices (p=0.796). The procedure time was significantly shorter with the LifeVac® device (p<0.001).Conclusion: Untrained laypeople, under simulated conditions, are able to properly handle LifeVac® and DeCHOKER® anti-choking devices according to the manufacturer’s instructions in less than one minute. However, they have difficulties to perform the current recommended choking protocol. Further studies are needed to confirm whether the new devices could have a role in the FBAO management.
Analyzing the Whole Transcriptome Profiles of ncRNAs and Predicting the Competing Endogenous RNA Networks in Cervical Cancer Cell Lines With Cisplatin Resistance
Authors: Lv Huimin , Jin Shanshan , Zou Binbin , Liang Yuxiang , Xie Jun , Wu Suhui
Published: July 2021

Objective:: Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. In order to identify the function between mRNA and non-coding RNA (ncRNA, including lncRNA,circRNA, miRNA) in CC DDP resistance, we analyzed its expression related to transcription profile and the RNA regulatory network between ncRNA and mRNA.Methods: In this study, whole transcriptome high-throughput sequencing (RNA-sequencing) analysis was used to study the ncRNA profiles of parental SiHA cells and DDP-resistant SiHA/DDP cells. Conducted gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and analyzed mRNAs (DE) with significant differences in expression. Then, based on the authoritative cytoscape software v.3.7.2, drug resistance-related genes and signal transduction pathways, a ceRNA network combining lncRNA and mRNA was predicted and constructed. In addition, a constructed ceRNA regulatory pathway was randomly selected, namely lnc-AC010198.2 / hsa-miR-34b-3p / STC2, and verified by real-time qPCR, dual luciferase reporter gene system, and RNA pull-down assay. After transfection with si-lnc-AC010198.2 and DDP resistance, the changes in gene expression and biological function in SiHA and SiHA/DDP cells were further analyzed.Results: Through bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter gene analysis, we found that lnc-AC010198.2 / miR-34b-3p / STC2 may be the mechanism by which SiHA / DDP cells are resistant to DDP compared to parent SiHA cells. After si-lnc-AC010198.2 is resistant to DDP after transfection, there are significant differences between SiHA/DDP and SiHA cells' downstream gene expression, the biological function of colony formation, invasion efficiency, and cell apoptosis.Conclusions: Our study may provide new markers and potential mechanisms for CC DDP resistance, and discover some novel targets for reversing it.
Modelling Present and Future Climate in the Mediterranean Sea: A Focus on Sea-Level Change
Authors: Sannino Gianmaria , Carillo Adriana , Iacono Roberto , Napolitano Ernesto , Palma Massimiliano , Pisacane Giovanna , Struglia MariaVittoria
Published: July 2021

We present results of three simulations of the Mediterranean Sea climate: a hindcast, a historical run, and a RCP8.5 scenario simulation reaching the year 2100. The simulations are performed with MED16, a new, tide-including implementation of the MITgcm model, which covers the Mediterranean - Black Sea system with a resolution of 1/16°, further increased at the Gibraltar and Turkish Straits. Validation of the hindcast simulation against observations and numerical reanalyses has given excellent results, proving that the model is also capable of reproducing near-shore sea level variations. Moreover, the spatial structure of the elevation field compares well with altimetric observations, especially in the Western basin, due to the use of improved sea level information at the Atlantic lateral boundary and to the adequate treatment of the complex, hydraulically driven dynamics across the Gibraltar Strait.Under the RCP8.5 future scenario, the temperature is projected to generally increase while the surface salinity decreases in the portion of the Mediterranean affected by the penetration of the Atlantic stream, and increases elsewhere. The warming of sea waters results in the partial inhibition of deep-water formation.The scenario simulation allows for a detailed characterization of the regional patterns of future sea level, arising from ocean dynamics, and indicates a relative sinking of the Mediterranean with respect to the Atlantic more pronounced than the current one. Explicit tidal forcing and an accurate resolution of the Gibraltar Strait are proved to be key features in the designing of numerical simulations for the Mediterranean Sea.
Study On Abrasive Particle Impact Modeling And Cutting Mechanism
Authors: Feng Long , Zhang Qiang , Du Mingchao , Zang Wanshun , Wang Haixia
Published: July 2021

Abrasive particles play a vital role in the impact on materials during abrasive waterjet cutting. To study the effect of particles on the cutting performance during abrasive waterjet cutting, the mostly irregular shape of the abrasive particles in the actual cutting process needs to be considered. In this paper, the particles are simplified as angular and circular particles. The method of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) is used to simulate the process of particle impact targeting in abrasive jet cutting. Because the abrasive particle impact causes a large local deformation or removal of the surface of the target material, the traditional grid-based numerical method is not suitable for such problems; thus, the SPH method, which is suitable for the impact problem, is selected to establish the numerical model and solve it. In this paper, the fracture process of abrasive particles with different shapes of impact ductility and brittle target materials is studied by a numerical model. In the modeling process, abrasive particles are modeled as rigid bodies with material properties, the ductile materials is an aluminum alloy, the brittle material is quartz glass, which are simulated by changing the initial input conditions and particle shape, and the model is verified by experiments. The results show that the model successfully reproduces the collision process of particles during abrasive jet cutting, including the deformation mechanisms of plowing, fracture and crushing of the target.
Sustainable Thermochemical Extraction of Amorphous Silica From Biowaste
Authors: Banoth Swapna , Babu V Suresh , G Raghavendra , Rakesh K , Ojha S
Published: July 2021

The objective is to utilize zero wastage rice hull material which contains major component silica in amorphous and used as reinforcement material for various applications. Burning of hull in controlled condition after removal of metal ions leads to white silica of high purity. An economical method for extraction of amorphous natural silica by thermochemical treatment (pyrolysis process) is performed. The pyrolyzed biomass at four different temperatures is observed for treated and untreated rice hull. Calcination of rice hull at 600ºc in muffle furnace turns into white amorphous natural silica. In this research, inorganic acid HCl is used to retrieve silica from rice hull. Synthesized Silica is characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, which indicates that the silica is amorphous form, it displayed a strong broad peak at 22.32º and 21.52˚ (2q). The FT-IR data was revealed the existence of peaks at 4000 cm-1& 400 cm-1 showing the siloxane & silanol groups were present, Fluorescence Spectrophotometer, SEM and EDS.
Risk Factors and Clinical Prognosis of Hyperbilirubinemia After Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Gao Yingdi , Li Dongjie , Dong Honghong , Guo Yulin , Peng Yuanshu , Liu Yan , Su Pixiong
Published: July 2021

Background: The incidence of hyperbilirubinemia after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is unclear. This study aimed at retrospectively analyzing the incidence and character of perioperative hyperbilirubinemia in patients undergoing OPCAB, to analyze the independent risk factors, to identify the correlation with adverse events and mortality, and to explore the management strategy of perioperative hyperbilirubinemia.Methods: Clinical data for 416 patients (314 males and 102 female), who had been subjected to off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from December, 2016 to March, 2019 were recorded. Hyperbilirubinemia was defined as serum total bilirubin ≥ 34.2 μmol/L within 5 days after surgery. Based on the occurrence of hyperbilirubinemia, patients were divided into the normal serum total bilirubin group and the hyperbilirubinemia group. Perioperative variables between the two groups were compared by univariate logistic regression analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze variables with statistical significance. Then, we determined the independent risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia after OPCAB. Moreover, incidences of adverse events, length of ICU stay, time of mechanical ventilation and mortality rates between the two groups were compared. Results: Thirty two of 416 patients were found to exhibit postoperative hyperbilirubinemia. The incidence rate was 7.7%. Based on univariate regresssion analysis, differences in gender, preoperative total bilirubin levels, perioperative IABP implantation, perioperative blood transfusion between the two groups were significant. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated preoperative serum total bilirubin levels (OR=1.241, p<0.001), perioperative blood transfusion (OR=0.237, p=0.002) and perioperative IABP implantation (OR=0.238, p=0.003) were independent risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia after OPCAB. Compared to the normal bilirubin group, incidences of new acute renal failure, continuous renal replacement therapy, perioperative myocardial infarction, pulmonary infection, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and in-hospital mortality in the hyperbilirubinemia group were significantly increased.Conclusions: Perioperative hyperbilirubinemia is associated with adverse events and mortality. In clinical practice, changes in serum total bilirubin levels among patients undergoing OPCAB should be routinely monitored, and active as well as early interventions in patients with risk factors performed. In this manner, postoperative complications can be reduced, thereby improving patient prognosis.
Anatomy Teaching and Learning in Malaysia During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tg Muda Tg Fatimah Murniwati , Rushaidhi Madihah , Choy Ker Woon , Dhamodharan Jagadeesh , Abdul Ghafar Norzana , Wong Kah Hui , Abas Razif , Teoh Seong Lin , Hadie Siti Nurma Hanim
Published: July 2021

The abrupt transition from face-to-face to online anatomy teaching amidst the COVID-19 pandemic has posed great challenges to anatomy lecturers in Malaysia, as they have had to adapt to new skills to prepare and deliver online classes. These online classes were delivered either synchronously via a web teleconferencing application or asynchronously through pre-recorded videos that were uploaded to the learning management system (LMS). The online delivery of anatomy practical classes has become a major concern among anatomy lecturers and students, especially in public institutions, as there is a lack of hands-on experience and social interaction. Nevertheless, some private medical schools have adapted well to both online lectures and practical classes, as they had been venturing towards online learning and virtual reality tools even before the pandemic commenced. The Malaysian Anatomical Association (MAA) webinar, “Transformation of Anatomy Education in Malaysia during COVID-19 Pandemic”, discussed the issues related to lecturers’ and students’ receptivity to online anatomy classes. This study discusses the issues related to online anatomy teaching and learning (T&L) and the actions taken by the university’s governance and anatomy faculty members to resolve the issues discussed in the academic discourse.