bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flnc: Machine Learning Improves the Identification of Novel Long Noncoding RNAs from Stand-Alone RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Li Zixiu , Zhou Peng , Kwon Euijin , Fitzgerald Katherine A. , Weng Zhiping , Zhou Chan
Published: October 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in human development and disease. Although there are over 100,000 samples with available RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data, many lncRNAs have yet to be annotated. The conventional approach to identifying novel lncRNAs from RNA-seq data is to find transcripts without coding potential but this approach has a false discovery rate of 30–75%. Other existing methods either identify only multi-exon lncRNAs, missing single-exon lncRNAs, or require transcriptional initiation profiling data (such as H3K4me3 ChIP-seq data), which is unavailable for many samples with RNA-seq data. Because of these limitations, current methods cannot accurately identify novel lncRNAs from existing RNA-seq data. To address this problem, we have developed software, Flnc, to accurately identify both novel and annotated full-length lncRNAs, including single-exon lncRNAs, directly from RNA-seq data without requiring transcriptional initiation profiles. Flnc integrates machine learning models built by incorporating four types of features: transcript length, promoter signature, multiple exons, and genomic location. Flnc achieves state-of-the-art prediction power with an AUROC score over 0.92. Flnc significantly improves the prediction accuracy from less than 50% using the conventional approach to over 85%. Flnc is available via GitHub platform.
The Origins of the Obesity Epidemic in the USA–Lessons for Today
Authors: Temple Norman
Published: October 2022

The obesity epidemic appeared in the USA in 1976–1980 and then spread across Westernized countries. This paper examines the most likely causes of the epidemic in the USA. An explanation must be consistent with the emergence of the epidemic in both genders and in all age groups and ethnicities at about the same time, and with a steady rise in the prevalence of obesity until at least 2016. The cause is closely related to changes in the American diet. There is little association with changes in the intake of fat and carbohydrate. This paper presents the opinion that the factor most closely linked to the epidemic is ultra-processed foods (UPFs) (i.e., foods with a high content of calories, salt, sugar, and fat but with very little whole foods). Of particular importance is sugar intake, especially sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). There is strong evidence that consumption of SSBs leads to higher energy intake and more weight gain. A similar pattern is also seen with other UPFs. Factors that probably contributed to the increased intake of UPFs include their relatively low price and the increased popularity of fast-food restaurants. Other related topics discussed include: (1) the possible importance of Farm Bills implemented by the US Department of Agriculture; (2) areas where further research is needed; (3) health hazards linked to UPFs; and (4) the need for public health measures to reduce intake of UPFs.
Verbal Communication with the Patient Is Not Enough: The Six Languages of the Sick
Authors: Bellieni Carlo Valerio
Published: October 2022

Evidence shows that verbal communication is just one of the ways patients indicate their wishes. For a sufficiently careful communication, we should also grasp other five unusual though evident languages: (a) body language, (b) the way patients manage their environment, (c) unconscious language, (d) lab-evidenced language, and (e) the way they master technology. So, we have six languages that should be intertwined to understand the real language of the sick. Grasping these languages helps health professionals frame the patient’s mood, their level of suffering or mental growth, and understand what words alone cannot express. Words cannot express completely what a patient senses: for subjection, shyness, because some patients are still non-verbal or because verbal communication is just a useful way of freezing concept but has not the same fluidity and liberty of the other above-described languages. It is mandatory for caregivers to wonder how many of these languages they are actually decrypting during an interview with the patient. On the other hand, caregivers unconsciously communicate much through two unexpected languages: the architectural language and the language of medical procedures. The way they welcome or obstruct the patient, their hesitations across a treatment, or in showing a serene collegiality are forms of subtle communication. A paradigmatic scenario where all these languages should be implemented is the “informed consent” process, which should be turned into a “shared therapeutic pathway”, summing up all the communicative modes illustrated in the text.
Narrow-Linewidth Single-Frequency Ytterbium Laser Based on a New Composite Yb3+-Doped Fiber
Authors: Koptev Maksim Yu. , Egorova Olga N. , Medvedkov Oleg I. , Semjonov Sergey L. , Galagan Boris I. , Sverchkov Sergey E. , Denker Boris I. , Zapryalov Alexander E. , Kim Arkady V.
Published: October 2022

Fiber single-frequency lasers are currently being actively developed, primarily due to the growing number of applications that require compact and reliable narrow-band sources. However, the most developed single-frequency fiber lasers based on phosphate fibers have the disadvantages of low mechanical strength of both the phosphate fibers themselves and their splices. In this paper we demonstrate a single-frequency laser based on a new composite Yb3+-doped active fiber. The core of this fiber is made of phosphate glass with a high concentration of ytterbium ions and its cladding is made of standard silica glass. This structure ensures a higher splicing strength of the fiber compared to the phosphate fibers and provides high resistance to atmospheric moisture. Despite the multimode structure of this fiber, we achieved stable single-frequency lasing with an average power of 10 mW and a spectral contrast of more than 60 dB in the scheme with a short (1.1 cm) cavity formed by two fiber Bragg gratings. We believe that further optimization of this fiber will make it possible to create powerful and reliable single-frequency lasers in the one-micron wavelength range.
Mesotronics: Some New, Unusual Optical Effects
Authors: Minin Igor V. , Minin Oleg V.
Published: October 2022

The recently emerged field of Mesotronics provides novel opportunities for subwavelength magnetic and electric field localization and giant enhancement by mesoscale dielectric particles and structures from low-index to high-index materials, supported by novel optical phenomena. In this case, two regions: non-resonant and resonant, can be distinguished. In this short review, which is a direct continuation of our recently published study, we continue to present the authors’ point of view on some new optical effects in dielectric mesotronics. Among them are anomalous apodization effect in phase mesoscale gratings, new effects on high order Fano-resonances and extreme effects in field localization, mesoscale particle-based super-resolution and high-speed communications, photonic hook-based high-contrast subwavelength imaging, and reverse optical energy flow in a perforated resonant spherical particle.
Design of High-Power Red VCSEL on a Removable Substrate
Authors: Peng Chun-Yen , Huang Wei-Ta , Lu Zhi-Kuang , Chen Shih-Chen , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: October 2022

In this work, the architecture of a high-power InAlGaP/InGaP vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with an emission wavelength of 680 nm was studied. The design of quantum well, including the well thickness, indium composition, and barrier aluminum composition targeting the emission wavelength, was elaborately optimized. Moreover, the influences of leakage current, temperature dependence of optical gain, and resonance mode gain to threshold current under different barrier aluminum compositions were investigated. Lastly, the temperature characteristics of InAlGaP/InGaP VCSEL with substrate removal have also been calculated with 24% and 40.6% improvement in thermal resistance and operating current range, respectively. It holds great promise for high-power red VCSEL application.
Seasonal Variations of Fine Root Dynamics in Rubber-Flemingia macrophylla Intercropping System in Southwestern China
Authors: Bibi Farkhanda , Balasubramanian Durairaj , Ilyas Muhammad , Sher Jan , Samoon Hamz Ali , Bin Khalid Muhammad Hayder , Alharby Hesham F. , Majrashi Ali , Alghamdi Sameera A. , Hakeem Khalid Rehman , Shah Muddaser , Rather Shabir A.
Published: October 2022

Intercropping cover crops with trees enhance land productivity and improves the soil’s physio-chemical properties while reducing the negative environmental impact. However, there is a lack of quantitative information on the relationships between fine root biomass and available soil nutrients, e.g., nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), especially in the rubber-Flemingia macrophylla intercropping system. Therefore, this study was initiated to explore the seasonal variation in fine root biomass and available soil nutrients at different stand ages (12, 15, and 24 years) and management systems, i.e., rubber monoculture (mono) and rubber-Flemingia macrophylla intercropping. In this study, we sampled 900 soil cores over five seasonal intervals, representing one year of biomass. The results showed that the total fine root biomass was greater in 12-year-old rubber monoculture; the same trend was observed in soil nutrients P and K. Furthermore, total fine root biomass had a significant positive correlation with available N (p < 0.001) in rubber monoculture and intercropping systems. Thus, it suggests that fine root growth and accumulation is a function of available soil nutrients. Our results indicate that fine root biomass and soil nutrients (P and K) may be determined by the functional characteristics of dominant tree species rather than collective mixed-species intercropping and are closely linked to forest stand type, topographic and edaphic factors. However, further investigations are needed to understand interspecific and complementary interactions between intercrop species under the rubber-Flemingia macrophylla intercropping system.
The Influence of Fertilization and Plant Density on the Dry Matter Yield and Quality of Black Mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch]: An Alternative Forage Crop
Authors: Karydogianni Stella , Roussis Ioannis , Mavroeidis Antonios , Kakabouki Ioanna , Tigka Evangelia , Beslemes Dimitrios , Stavropoulos Panteleimon , Katsenios Nikolaos , Tsiplakou Eleni , Bilalis Dimitrios
Published: October 2022

Black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch] is mainly cultivated as a seed crop, and there is a lack of information on biomass quality and its potential for animal feeding. A 2-year field experiment was set up in a split-plot design with 2 main plots (plant densities: 46 and 76 plants m−2), 4 sub-plots (fertilization levels: control, compost, urea with and without urease and nitrification inhibitors) and 3 replications for each treatment. The highest dry matter yield (17.55–18.34 tn ha−1) was observed in high-density plots fertilized with urea fertilizer coated with double (nitrification and urease) inhibitors. In terms of the qualitive parameters of total above-ground biomass, the highest crude protein (CP) content was achieved in plots with low density and urea with double inhibitors. Moreover, the highest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of above-ground biomass were found under compost and urea with double inhibitors. The high ADF, NDF and relatively high CP content characterized that black mustard aerial biomass can meet the requirements of lactating animals, and therefore the production of black mustard biomass as a forage crop could be of great importance. As a conclusion, black mustard cultivated at plant densities higher than 46 plants m−2 and under inorganic fertilization, especially with urea coated with double inhibitors, could be successfully used as a novel forage crop in ruminants’ diets.
From Şxex to Chorta: The Adaptation of Maronite Foraging Customs to the Greek Ones in Kormakitis, Northern Cyprus
Authors: Pieroni Andrea , Sulaiman Naji , Polesny Zbynek , Sõukand Renata
Published: October 2022

The traditional foraging of wild vegetables (WVs) has played an important role in the post-Neolithic development of rural local food systems of the Near East and the Mediterranean. This study assessed the WVs gathered by the ancient Maronite Arabic diaspora of Kurmajit/Kormakitis village in Northern Cyprus and compared them with those gathered by their Cypriot and Arab Levantine neighbors. An ethnobotanical field survey focusing on WVs was conducted via twenty-two semi-structured interviews among the few remaining Maronite elderly inhabitants (approximately 200); and the resulting data were compared with those described in a few field studies previously conducted in Cyprus, Lebanon, and coastal Syria. Wild vegetables in Kormakitis are grouped into a folk category expressed by the emic lexeme Şxex, which roughly corresponds to the Greek concept of Chorta (wild greens). The large majority of Şxex have Greek folk phytonyms and they overlap for the most part with the WVs previously reported to be gathered by Greek Cypriots, although a remarkable number of WVs are also shared with that of the other groups. The findings address a possible adaptation of Maronite WV foraging to the Greek one, which may be explained by the fact that the Maronite minority and the majority Greek communities lived side by side for many centuries. Additionally, after Turkish occupation in 1974, a remarkable migration/urbanization of Maronites to the main Greek centers on the southern side of the isle took place, and Kurmajit became part of Cypriot trans-border family networks.
Trihelix Transcriptional Factor GhGT26 of Cotton Enhances Salinity Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Yue , Hu Ziyao , Dong Yongmei , Xie Zongming
Published: October 2022

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), the most important textile crop worldwide, often encounters abiotic stress during its growing season and its productivity is significantly limited by adverse factors. Trihelix transcription factors (also known as GT factors) are important proteins involved in the morphological development and responses to abiotic stress in plants. However, their functions and molecular mechanisms in the cotton toward abiotic stress response remain unclear. In this study, a member (GhGT26) of the cotton Trihelix family was functionally characterized in the model plant Arabidopsis. This protein containing a SANT domain belongs to the GT-1 subgroup of trihelix proteins. GhGT26 was widely expressed in tissues (with the highest level in flower) and responded to high salt and ABA treatments at the transcriptional level. Using the Arabidopsis protoplast assay system, we found that the GhGT26 protein was located in the cell nuclei. The EMSA assay revealed that the GhGT26 protein could bind to the Site1-type GT cis elements (GT-3a) and MYB elements MRE3 and MRE4. The overexpression of GhGT26 improved plant tolerance to salt stress in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Although ABA inhibits root elongation, the statistical analysis revealed that the root lengths of GhGT26-overexpressing Arabidopsis were the same as the wild plants after ABA treatment. Our results demonstrate that GhGT26 positively regulates salt stress via ABA-independent pathways. This evidence suggests that the GhGT26 may participate in the regulation of stress tolerance in cotton.
Entropy Production Evaluation within a Prototype Pump-Turbine Operated in Pump Mode for a Wide Range of Flow Conditions
Authors: Yan Xiaotong , Kan Kan , Zheng Yuan , Chen Huixiang , Binama Maxime
Published: October 2022

Inside the pump-turbine, energy is irreversibly lost due to turbulent pulsations in the high Reynolds number zone and actions of viscous forces close to the wall. The conventional differential pressure method cannot obtain specific details of the hydraulic loss within the machine’s flow passages; on the other hand, the entropy production method can provide accurate information on the location of irreversible losses and the spatial distribution of energy dissipation. Therefore, based on the entropy production theory, this study investigates the composition and distribution of hydraulic losses under different flow conditions for a prototype pump-turbine in pump mode. Study results indicated that total hydraulic losses significantly decreased, then slowly increased with an increase in flow rate. The entropy production rate caused by turbulence dissipation (EPTD), direct dissipation (EPDD), and wall shear stress (EPWS) displayed the same variation patterns as that of total hydraulic losses, with EPTD and EPDD being the most dominating. The location of hydraulic loss within the pump-turbine’s flow domain strongly depended on flow conditions. High hydraulic losses primarily occurred in the guide vanes (GV) and draft tube under low flow rates. Under high flow conditions, however, high hydraulic losses were mostly concentrated in the stay vanes (SV), spiral casing, and GV. Hydraulic losses at low flow rates were primarily caused by flow separation within the GV flow channels, vortices in the vaneless region, and inlet flow impacts on the runner blade’s leading edge. On the other hand, large vortices within the GV and SV flow channels, GV wake flow, and unsteady flow at the spiral casing were the main contributors to hydraulic loss under high flow conditions. EPDD was mainly caused by strain rate, so it was closer to the main vortex regions, whereas EPTD was affected by turbulence intensity and had a wider distribution range in the unsteady flow.
Emerging PAT for Freeze-Drying Processes for Advanced Process Control
Authors: Juckers Alex , Knerr Petra , Harms Frank , Strube Jochen
Published: October 2022

Lyophilization is a widely used drying operation, but long processing times are a major drawback. Most lyophilization processes are conducted by a recipe that is not changed or optimized after implementation. With the regulatory demanded quality by design (QbD) approach, the process can be controlled inside an optimal range, ensuring safe process conditions. Process analytical technology (PAT) is crucial because it allows real-time monitoring and is part of a control strategy. In this work, emerging PAT (manometric temperature measurement (MTM), comparative pressure measurement, heat flux sensors, and ice ruler) are used for measurements during the freeze-drying process, and their potential for implementation inside a control strategy is outlined.
Hydrogen Production in Catalytic Membrane Reactors Based on Porous Ceramic Converters
Authors: Fedotov A. S. , Tsodikov M. V. , Yaroslavtsev A. B.
Published: October 2022

This article presents the results of the development of membrane-catalytic methods for obtaining purified hydrogen of various degrees of purity required for feeding high-, medium-, and low-temperature fuel cells. In order to conduct this, porous ceramic catalytic converters were obtained using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis. These converters are suitable for high-speed processes for producing synthesis gas with different carbon monoxide content (0.08–0.1 vol. %), which can be used to feed fuel cells of various types. Using a hybrid catalytic membrane reactor, in which the stage of catalytic conversion of organic substrates was combined with the stage of selective extraction of ultrapure hydrogen (content of H2 was not less than 99.9999 vol. %) from the reaction zone, combined carbon dioxide and steam reforming of organic substrates of various origins were carried out. The result of the work was the creation of a prototype of a small-sized electric generator plant in which a catalytic membrane reactor was combined with a solid-oxide fuel cell.
Influence of Water Saturation on Curtain Formation of Frozen Wall
Authors: Li Hewan , Liu Jian , Wang Laigui , Ren Tianjiao
Published: October 2022

In the process of in situ mining of underground oil shale, it is necessary to build an underground frozen wall around the mining area to prevent the inflow of groundwater and prevent oil and gas leakage. However, the water saturation of the frozen soil affects the formation of the freezing circle. In practical engineering, when building a frozen wall in soil under different water saturation conditions, the curtain is often not closed. It also affects the construction and operating costs of the entire project. In this paper, the methods of laboratory experiments and numerical simulation analysis are supplemented by the analysis of ordinary differential equations and partial differential equations. Aiming at the lowest cost, the temperature drop process and freezing time around the frozen well under different water saturation conditions are calculated and analyzed in detail. The formation law of the frozen wall curtain under different water saturation conditions is obtained. It provides a reference for the setting of the low-temperature loading time and the oil shale extraction range of frozen wells for different soils in practical engineering.
Maximizing Lubricant Life for Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Domínguez-García Saúl , Béjar-Gómez Luis , López-Velázquez Andrés , Maya-Yescas Rafael , Nápoles-Rivera Fabricio
Published: October 2022

Although the lubrication systems for internal combustion engines have been designed to prevent engine wear and friction, their configuration does not contemplate the maximum use of each load of lubricant; because of this limitation, lubricant consumption is currently an environmental and economic problem. In this work, the performance of lubrication systems to form the tribological film that prevents wear is simulated and optimized, through the mass balance of the lubricant precursors contained in the oil and the implementation of optimal control techniques. Optimization results indicate that regulating the flow of lubricant passing through the engine prevents excessive degradation of lubricant precursors, maximizing the life of each lube oil charge, giving the possibility to increase the sustainability of internal combustion engines.
Accounting Quality and Audit Attributes on the Stock Price Crashes in an Emerging Market
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Zimon Grzegorz , Hashim Hayder Adnan , Jędrzejczak Ryszard , Sadowski Adam
Published: October 2022

This study addresses the relationship between accounting quality and audit attributes (i.e., audit quality, auditor industry specialization, audit concentration, and audit fees) with companies’ SPCRs listed on the Iraqi Stock Exchange. A multivariate regression model was used to test the hypotheses. The research hypotheses were tested using a sample of 210 observations of the listed Iraqi firms from 2013 to 2018 and a multiple regression model based on the random-effects model’s panel data technique. The findings indicate a negative and significant relationship between the accounting quality, audit, auditor industry specialization and SPCRs. Results also conveyed a meaningful and positive association between stock price crash risk (SPCR) and audit fees. The results did not confirm the relationship between corporate governance and audit concentration with SPCR. The primary research model was tested with additional methods (t + 1, fixed effects, ordinary least squares). Since this is the first study addressing this issue in the emerging markets, it provides users, analysts, and legal entities with helpful information about audit attributes that significantly affect SPCR. These results also contribute to developing science and knowledge in this field and fill the literature gap.
Quality Factor Enhancement of Piezoelectric MEMS Resonator Using a Small Cross-Section Connection Phononic Crystal
Authors: Li Lixia , Zhu Chuang , Liu Haixia , Li Yan , Wang Qi , Su Kun
Published: October 2022

Anchor loss is usually the most significant energy loss factor in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) resonators, which seriously hinders the application of MEMS resonators in wireless communication. This paper proposes a cross-section connection phononic crystal (SCC-PnC), which can be used for MEMS resonators of various overtone modes. First, using the finite element method to study the frequency characteristics and delay line of the SCC-PnC band, the SCC-PnC has an ultra-wide bandgap of 56.6–269.6 MHz. Next, the effects of the height h and the position h1 of the structural parameters of the small cross-connected plate on the band gap are studied, and it is found that h is more sensitive to the width of the band gap. Further, the SCC-PnC was implanted into the piezoelectric MEMS resonator, and the admittance and insertion loss curves were obtained. The results show that when the arrangement of 4 × 7 SCC-PnC plates is adopted, the anchor quality factors of the third-order overtone, fifth-order overtone, and seventh-order overtone MEMS resonators are increased by 1656 times, 2027 times, and 16 times, respectively.
Smartphone-Based Facial Scanning as a Viable Tool for Facially Driven Orthodontics?
Authors: Thurzo Andrej , Strunga Martin , Havlínová Romana , Reháková Katarína , Urban Renata , Surovková Jana , Kurilová Veronika
Published: October 2022

The current paradigm shift in orthodontic treatment planning is based on facially driven diagnostics. This requires an affordable, convenient, and non-invasive solution for face scanning. Therefore, utilization of smartphones’ TrueDepth sensors is very tempting. TrueDepth refers to front-facing cameras with a dot projector in Apple devices that provide real-time depth data in addition to visual information. There are several applications that tout themselves as accurate solutions for 3D scanning of the face in dentistry. Their clinical accuracy has been uncertain. This study focuses on evaluating the accuracy of the Bellus3D Dental Pro app, which uses Apple’s TrueDepth sensor. The app reconstructs a virtual, high-resolution version of the face, which is available for download as a 3D object. In this paper, sixty TrueDepth scans of the face were compared to sixty corresponding facial surfaces segmented from CBCT. Difference maps were created for each pair and evaluated in specific facial regions. The results confirmed statistically significant differences in some facial regions with amplitudes greater than 3 mm, suggesting that current technology has limited applicability for clinical use. The clinical utilization of facial scanning for orthodontic evaluation, which does not require accuracy in the lip region below 3 mm, can be considered.
Numerical Simulation of Critical Production Pressure Drop of Injection and Production Wells in Gas Storage Based on Gas-Solid Coupling
Authors: Sui Yiyong , Luo Mengying , Lin Tangmao , Liu Guihua , Zhao Yuan , Wu Yazhou , Ren Lanqing
Published: October 2022

The periodic injection-production process of natural gas in underground gas storage make the rock bear alternating load under the gas-solid coupling. The alternating load changes the physical properties of rock, and then influence the critical production pressure drop of injection-production wells in gas storage. In the case of gas-solid coupling, the decisive factors affecting the alternating load are the number of injection-production cycles and the injection-production differential pressure. Therefore, a discrete element numerical simulation model is established to simulate the gas-solid coupling process of gas storage wells under different injection-production cycle and differential pressure. The influence mechanism of injection-production cycle and differential pressure on particle cementation and primary crack is analyzed microscopically and also the influence law of injection-production cycle and differential pressure on rock mechanical properties is analyzed from the macroscopic. Finally, the influence law of injection-production cycle and differential pressure on the critical production pressure drop of injection-production wells due to gas-solid coupling can be obtained. The results show that under the influence of gas-solid coupling, the number of bonded contact cracks and micro cracks in the model increase gradually, both the elastic modulus ratio and the cohesion ratio decrease gradually with the increase of injection-production cycle and the higher the injection-production differential pressure, the greater the decline range. Then, with the injection-production cycle increasing the Poisson’s ratio increases gradually and the higher the injection-production differential pressure, the greater the increase range. Finally, the internal friction angle ratio increases greatly in the initial stage, after that decreases and then shows a linear increase. According to the influence law, the relationship model between the critical production pressure drop of injection-production wells in gas storage and the injection-production cycle and differential pressure under the gas-solid coupling will be established, which is used for the dynamic prediction of the critical production pressure drop of injection-production wells in the whole life cycle of gas storage.
(Re)inspiring Narratives of Resistance: COVID-19, Racisms and Narratives of Hope
Authors: Phoenix Ann
Published: October 2022

In 2020, COVID-19 took many people by surprise, as did the intercontinental waves of protest triggered by the casual racist murder of George Floyd by a US policeman. The years of 2020 and 2021 will undoubtedly be remembered for massive, unexpected disruptions that require new social normalities to be negotiated. These social disruptions were triggered by unexpected viral pandemics and viral video footage. Yet they built on already existing, entrenched inequities marked by the intersections of racialisation/ethnicisation, social class and gender. It was common, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, for politicians and commentators to espouse a narrative that COVID-19 “does not discriminate”. This is, of course, true. However, the research analyses that followed showed that both COVID-19, and the measures taken to arrest it, exacerbated already existing social inequalities. This paper draws on two narratives of the racialized impact of COVID-19 to examine the ways in which the authors mobilise intertextual narratives to protest against racism and call for resistance to the racisms they identify. The paper argues that, while the authors do not overtly position themselves as calling for change, their narratives are crafted in ways that resist current constructions of their racialized or religious groups.
Influence of Alpine Skiing on Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Self-Concept in Physically Active Adults over 55 Years of Age
Authors: Conde-Pipó Javier , Valenzuela-Barranco Ignacio , López-Moro Alejandro , Román-Alconchel Blanca , Mariscal-Arcas Miguel , Zurita-Ortega Félix
Published: October 2022

Background: Older adults have the highest rates of a sedentary lifestyle. Alpine skiing could be considered a suitable activity to encourage continued sports practice and improve the health of this population in winter. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the practice of alpine skiing and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical self-concept (PSC), and sport motivation. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and descriptive, involving 280 Spanish adults aged over 55 years and physically active (75.35% skiers). To assess physical activity, PSC, HRQoL, and sport motivation, we used the Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity Questionnaire (RAPA-Q), the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP 30), the Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-36), and the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) questionnaires, respectively. Results: In the skier’s group, higher values were found for PSC (p < 0.001; d = 0.64), the physical component of HRQoL (p < 0.001, d = 0.48), physical function (p < 0.001, d = 61), and intrinsic motivation (p < 0.001; d = 0.85). The practice of alpine skiing was associated with higher levels of the physical health component (ORadj = 2.13, 95% CI 1.18–3.95, p = 0.013), PSC (ORadj = 2.92, 95% CI 1.58–5.52, p < 0.001), and intrinsic motivation (ORadj = 2.24, 95% CI 1.22–4.23, p = 0.010). Conclusions: The practice of alpine skiing is positively associated with higher values of HRQoL, PSC, and intrinsic motivation, and based on the above, it seems that alpine skiing can contribute to healthy ageing and improve the quality of life of older adults.
An Intelligent Based Symmetrical Classification of Online Shop Selling Counterfeit Products
Authors: Chen Shyh-Wei , Chen Po-Hsiang , Tsai Ching-Tsorng , Liu Chia-Hui
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the social network has become popular and people have started trading transactions on the Internet. Many counterfeit websites have begun to appear which create websites with counterfeit products or use the digital advertiser’s services to promote their websites on social media. Malicious sellers disguise high-quality products to attract consumers since buyers cannot receive transparent information. If there is asymmetry information, a secondary market will be formed. To solve the above problems, this research explored the machine-learning-based method to classify counterfeit and legitimate websites with symmetry information. The data set is 1612 websites used in this paper and a total of 15 feature values and takes 804 counterfeit websites and 808 legitimate websites. The Random Forest and Deep Neural Network algorithms were used to classify fake websites. This study also used statistical tests, such as Chi-square and ANOVA detection, to compare the importance of features in feature selection. The experiment results show that the RF accuracy is 99.2% and the DNN accuracy is 93.2%. The RF Precision and Recall are 100% and 98.5%, respectively. The DNN Precision and Recall are less than RF. Then, the RF F1-score is 99.2% which is higher than DNN.
3D Single-Breath Chemical Shift Imaging Hyperpolarized Xe-129 MRI of Healthy, CF, IPF, and COPD Subjects
Authors: Guan Steven , Tustison Nick , Qing Kun , Shim Yun Michael , Mugler John , Altes Talissa , Albon Dana , Froh Deborah , Mehrad Borna , Patrie James , Ropp Alan , Miller Braden , Nehrbas Jill , Mata Jaime
Published: October 2022

3D Single-breath Chemical Shift Imaging (3D-SBCSI) is a hybrid MR-spectroscopic imaging modality that uses hyperpolarized xenon-129 gas (Xe-129) to differentiate lung diseases by probing functional characteristics. This study tests the efficacy of 3D-SBCSI in differentiating physiology among pulmonary diseases. A total of 45 subjects—16 healthy, 11 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), 13 cystic fibrosis (CF), and 5 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—were given 1/3 forced vital capacity (FVC) of hyperpolarized Xe-129, inhaled for a ~7 s MRI acquisition. Proton, Xe-129 ventilation, and 3D-SBCSI images were acquired with separate breath-holds using a radiofrequency chest coil tuned to Xe-129. The Xe-129 spectrum was analyzed in each lung voxel for ratios of spectroscopic peaks, chemical shifts, and T2* relaxation. CF and COPD subjects had significantly more ventilation defects than IPF and healthy subjects, which correlated with FEV1 predicted (R = −0.74). FEV1 predicted correlated well with RBC/Gas ratio (R = 0.67). COPD and IPF had significantly higher Tissue/RBC ratios than other subjects, longer RBC T2* relaxation times, and greater RBC chemical shifts. CF subjects had more ventilation defects than healthy subjects, elevated Tissue/RBC ratio, shorter Tissue T2* relaxation, and greater RBC chemical shift. 3D-SBCSI may be helpful in the detection and characterization of pulmonary disease, following treatment efficacy, and predicting disease outcomes.
Efficient Energy Saving Scenarios for Indoor PM2.5 Management in an Apartment of South Korea
Authors: Kim Younghun , Shin Dongho , Hong Kee-Jung , Lee Gunhee , Kim Sang Bok , Park Inyong , Han Bangwoo , Hwang Jungho
Published: October 2022

Indoor PM2.5 must be effectively controlled to minimize adverse impacts on public health. Cooking is one of the main sources of PM2.5 in residential areas, and indoor air quality (IAQ) management methods such as natural and mechanical ventilation, range hood, and air purifier are typically used to reduce cooking-generated PM2.5 concentrations. However, studies on the combined effects of various IAQ management methods on indoor PM2.5 reduction and energy consumption are limited. In this study, a theoretical model was established to estimate the performance of various IAQ management methods for controlling indoor PM2.5 concentrations and energy consumption. The model was verified by comparative experiments in which, various IAQ management methods were operated individually or combined. Seasonal energy consumption was calculated through the verified model, and energy consumption saving scenarios were derived for maintaining indoor PM2.5 concentrations less than 10 μg/m3, a World Health Organization annual guideline, under fair and poor outdoor PM2.5 concentrations of 15 and 50 μg/m3, respectively. Based on our results, we found that energy consumption could be reduced significantly by applying natural ventilation in spring, autumn, and summer and mechanical ventilation in winter. Our study identified efficient energy saving PM2.5 management scenarios using various IAQ management methods by predicting indoor PM2.5 concentration and energy consumption according to the annual life patterns of typical residents in South Korea.
Black Hole Hyperaccretion in Collapsars: A Review
Authors: Wei Yun-Feng , Liu Tong
Published: October 2022

The collapsar model is widely accepted as one of the standard scenarios for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). In the massive collapsar scenario, the core will collapse to a black hole (BH) surrounded by a temporary hyperaccretion disk with a very high accretion rate. The newborn BH hyperaccretion system would launch the relativistic jets via neutrino annihilation and Blandford-Znajek (BZ) mechanism. At the initial accretion stage, the accretion disk should be a neutrino-dominated accretion flow (NDAF). If the jets can break out from the envelope and circumstellar medium, then a GRB will be triggered. In this review, we summarize the theoretical progress on the multimessenger astronomy of the BH hyperaccretion in the center of collapsars. The main topics include: jet propagation in collapsar, MeV neutrinos from NDAFs and proto-neutron stars, gravitational waves from collapsars.
Hormones and Spawning in Fish
Authors: LIN H.R.
Published: October 2022

Fish integrate their reproductive activities with seasonal environmental cycles. Certain en­vironmental factors such as temperature, photoperiod and rainfall act as cues for the approach­ing favorable season for reproduction. Signals from environmental cues and endogenous physi­ological cycles input to the neuroendocrine system, which in turn regulates pituitary and go­nadal functions. One of the main reasons for lack of ovulation and spawning in a number of cultured fish is failure of the pituitary to release gonadotropin (GtH-11), one of the hormones involved in the regulation of reproduction. GtH-U secretion in many teleosts is under a dual control, with release being stimulated by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), and inhibi­tion by dopamine on the actions of GnRH, as well as spontaneous release of GtH-H. The inhibi­tor}' actions of dopamine on GtH secretion can vary in potency between species. In goldfish, carps and catfish, dopamine inhibition is very strong: injection of a dopamine blocker, such as domperidone (DOM), results in potentiation of the actions of GnRH analogs, leading to a large release of GtH-11 and ovulation. In bream and loach, dopamine inhibition is weak, injection of a high dose of GnRH analog alone is effective in stimulating GtH-H release and ovulation; how­ever, the combination of DOM with GnRH analog results in potentiation of the GtH-11 response and shortening of the response time from injection to ovulation. In seabream, sciaenids and some other marine fish, GtH:11 secretion is not under dopaminergic inhibitory control, they are sensitive to GnRH a_haJ0gs and can be induced to ovulate and spawn by multiple injections or chronic administration of GnRH analogs.
Diel Feeding Pattern and Ration of Two Sizes of Tilapia, Oreochromis spp. in Pond and Paddy Field
Authors: HAROON A. K. YOUSUF
Published: October 2022

The diel feeding pattern, electivity and ration of tilapia, Oreochromis spp. (4.3-9.3 and 9.5-13.8 cm total length) were investigated to determine the ontogenetic shifts in diet and the importance of habitat on diet and feeding along with water quality characteristics from a nursery pond and a ricefield in Bangladesh. Feeding activity was continuous with diurnal variation in stomach content and per cent of fish feeding. Small tilapia were more active feeders than large ones. Both sizes exhibited a single feeding peak around afternoon-dusk in the pond but irregular feeding peaks in the ricefield. Stomach content did not differ qualitatively with size, ontogenetic shift in diet apparently was lacking, although resource exploitation was different in the two habitats. Periphytic detrital aggregate was the princi­pal diet in the paddy field while filamentous and colonial algae (Anabaena sp. and Melosira sp.) occurring as periphytic epipelon were the main food in the pond. Zooplankton was an insignificant dietary component in both habitats. Oreochrornis spp. was found to be an om­nivorous opportunistic-generalistic benthophagic browser or surface grazer. Its detritivory should not be confused with iliophagy. Feeding intensity and food consumption decreased with the increased fish size. Daily rations for small and large fish were estimated at 2.2 and 2.3% of bw in the pond and 0.91 and 0.45% of bw in the paddy field. Stomach content was computed to be completely evacuated in about 9-13 h in the pond and 1-4 h in the paddy field at water temperatures of 29.0-33.3°C. Total plankton density was higher in the pond than in the ricefield. Phytoplankton densities were higher in the pond while zoop­lankton densities were higher in the ricefield. Water quality properties were well within the acceptable ranges for aquaculture in both habitats. Lack of an ontogenetic dietary shifts suggest that caution should be taken in mixed-size rearing of tilapia.
Estudos de infraestrutura e práticas artísticas: reconhecendo entrecruzamentos
Authors: Figueiredo Ruy Cézar Campos
Published: October 2022

Ainda que na última década tenha se proliferado amplamente a atenção dos estudos de Mídia e Comunicação pelo tema das infraestruturas, há uma carência significativa de publicações e pesquisas sobre tal tema no contexto brasileiro. Buscando e assim justificando a relevância da presente colaboração com o avanço do conhecimento sobre o tema no cenário nacional, o presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar referências e conceitos relacionados aos estudos de infraestruturas das mídias. Oferece-se, todavia, um direcionamento para como tais estudos encontram em práticas artísticas modos de expor, aprofundar e performar questões de pesquisa, balizando-se de meios da arte para avançar no apontamento de problemas, na apresentação de conceitos e no desenvolvimento epistemológico dos estudos a partir de uma abordagem não logocêntrica, ou seja, que descentraliza a significância do textual e do verbal a partir de multimodalidades de exposição do conhecimento. Sendo assim, o artigo atravessa referências como Susan Leigh Star (1999), Lisa Parks (2014; 2015), Nicole Starosielski (2015), Jussi Parikka (2010; 2015), Ned Rossiter (2016), Jamie Allen (2014), Friedrich Kittler (2017), Vilém Flusser (2015), Wanda Strauven (2013), Robert Smithson (1968), Siegfried Zielinski (1996), Luisa Crosman (2020), Cláudio Bueno e Lígia Nobre (2018) para apresentar o tema e realizar entrecruzamentos entre arqueologia das mídias, estudos de infraestruturas e a arte.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF FORMING THE ARCHITECTURE OF TOURIST VISIT CENTERS AT COUNTRY PARKS
Authors: Boytsova D.
Published: October 2022

The article discusses the prerequisites for the appearance of a visit center as a new type of public building that implements the functions of tourism. The main types of parks and conditions that make it expedient to create visit centers are highlighted. Functional differences of visit centers from other types of public buildings, which are formed at country parks of various thematic orientation and size, are determined. The functional composition of the visit centers and the nuances of its formation depending on the type of park in which it is created are analyzed. The aspects of the formation of the master plan and improvement of the visit center are given. The dependence of the construction of the functional structure of the visitor center on the seasonality factor characteristic of tourist activity is considered. The classification of business centers according to the parameter of total area and capacity is proposed, considering the features of the functional composition and the specifics of the organization of spaces. The principles of the architectural and planning organization of the centers are determined. Fluctuations in demand for tourist services are determined. The features of its spatial organization and architectural solutions are analyzed and identified. The role of communication spaces and the exploited roof of the center is highlighted as a specific factor in the integration of the building into the natural context. It is advisable to use in the architectural formation of the concept of a visit center.
Game-based Learning. A tool that enhances the collaborative work. Case study: undergraduate students
Authors: Urcid Puga Rodrigo
Published: October 2022

The way a professor teaches in the classroom mostly at the undergraduate level is constantly changing, and this is reflected in how pedagogical resources are transformed. What was previously unthinkable to use in the classroom is now standard, including an impactful tool, the video games. This digital tool, over the years, has positioned itself as an element that goes beyond entertainment, and have proven that thanks to the interaction that it provides the alumni has gain more capacities and tools beyond the academic goal. The objective of this work was to delve into the relevance of Game-Based Learning (GBL) and how it affects students to develop and acquire teamwork competency and strengthen peer collaboration. This paper aims to show the results obtained from the research and analysis of 99 undergraduate students enrolled in creative studies; specially, the majors that are included are: communication, digital art, marketing, musical production, architecture, and industrial design, all these students are part of private college in Puebla, México. The quantitative methodology used a six-item, Likert-scale instrument. This questionnaire was applied to undergraduate students in academic programs related to the creation of multimedia and transmedia content and other creative areas. The results indicated that the students appreciated the educational methodology of using video games as a didactic tool and this creates that the students get more involved not only with the classes, but with their own learning. It must be cleared that this kind of methodology must be applied during the sessions, and, of course, it helps if cooperation exists among the class members inside and outside the classroom. Also, this tool supports teachers in improving class dynamics and the way of teaching changes allowing them to assume a new role as a guide to knowledge and encourager of more student interactions. Thus, recreational activities utilizing video games in various activities potentiates educational innovation. These tools positively impact