bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological, virological and serological investigation of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak (Alpha variant) in a primary school: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Lorthe Elsa , Bellon Mathilde , Michielin Grégoire , Berthelot Julie , Zaballa María-Eugenia , Pennacchio Francesco , Bekliz Meriem , Laubscher Florian , Arefi Fatemeh , Perez-Saez Javier , Azman Andrew S. , L’Huillier Arnaud G. , Posfay-Barbe Klara M. , Kaiser Laurent , Guessous Idris , Maerkl Sebastian J. , Eckerle Isabella , Stringhini Silvia ,   on behalf of the SEROCoV-Schools Study Group
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To report a prospective epidemiological, virological and serological investigation of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in a primary school.

Methods

As part of a longitudinal, prospective, school-based surveillance study, this investigation involved repeated testing of 73 pupils, 9 teachers, 13 non-teaching staff and 26 household members of participants who tested positive, with rapid antigen tests and/or RT-PCR (Day 0–2 and Day 5–7), serologies on dried capillary blood samples (Day 0–2 and Day 30), contact tracing interviews and SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing.

Results

We identified 20 children (aged 4 to 6 years from 4 school classes), 2 teachers and a total of 4 household members who were infected by the Alpha variant during this outbreak. Infection attack rates were between 11.8 and 62.0% among pupils from the 4 school classes, 22.2% among teachers and 0% among non-teaching staff. Secondary attack rate among household members was 15.4%. Symptoms were reported by 63% of infected children, 100% of teachers and 50% of household members. All analysed sequences but one showed 100% identity. Serological tests detected 8 seroconversions unidentified by SARS-CoV-2 virological tests.

Conclusions

This study confirmed child-to-child and child-to-adult SARS-CoV-2 transmission and introduction into households. Effective measures to limit transmission in schools have the potential to reduce the overall community circulation.
Impact of protein identity on tumor-associated antigen uptake into infiltrating immune cells: A comparison of different fluorescent proteins as model antigens
Authors: Yi Rulan , Chen Emily , Roberts Edward W. , Krummel Matthew F. , Serwas Nina Kathrin
Published: August 2022

Effective immune responses depend on efficient antigen uptake in the periphery, transport of those antigens to, and presentation in draining lymph nodes (LNs). These processes have been studied intensively using stable fluorescent proteins (FPs) as model antigens. To date, ZsGreen is the only FP that can be tracked efficiently towards LNs, hence, it is difficult to compare studies using alternated tracking proteins. Here, we systematically compared six different FPs. We included ZsGreen, ZsYellow, DsRed, AsRed, mCherry, and mRFP based on sequence homology and/or origin species, and generated FP-expressing tumor cell lines. Stability of fluorescent signal was assessed in vitro over time, across different pH environments, and in vivo through FP antigen uptake and transfer to immune cells isolated from tumors and tumor-draining LNs. ZsGreen could be detected in high percentages of all analyzed tumor-infiltrating immune cells, with highest amounts in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and type 2 conventional dendritic cells (cDC2s). ZsYellow, AsRed, and DsRed followed a similar pattern, but percentages of FP-containing immune cells in the tumor were lower than for ZsGreen. Strikingly, mRFP and mCherry demonstrated a ‘non-canonical’ antigen uptake pattern where percentages of FP-positive tumor-infiltrating immune cells were highest for cDC1s not TAMs and cDC2s despite comparable stabilities and localization of all FPs. Analysis of antigen-containing cells in the LN was hindered by intracellular degradation of FPs. Only ZsGreen could be efficiently tracked to the LN, though some signal was measurable for ZsYellow and DsRed. In summary, we find that detection of antigen uptake and distribution is subject to variabilities related to fluorophore nature. Future experiments need to consider that these processes might be impacted by protein expression, stability, or other unknown factors. Thus, our data sheds light on potential under-appreciated mechanisms regulating antigen transfer and highlights potential uses and necessary caveats to interpretation based on FP use.
Recent advances in urban system science: Models and data
Authors: Arcaute Elsa , Ramasco José J.
Published: August 2022

Cities are characterized by the presence of a dense population with a high potential for interactions between individuals of diverse backgrounds. They appear in parallel to the Neolithic revolution a few millennia ago. The advantages brought in terms of agglomeration for economy, innovation, social and cultural advancements have kept them as a major landmark in recent human history. There are many different aspects to study in urban systems from a scientific point of view, one can concentrate in demography and population evolution, mobility, economic output, land use and urban planning, home accessibility and real estate market, energy and water consumption, waste processing, health, education, integration of minorities, just to name a few. In the last decade, the introduction of communication and information technologies have enormously facilitated the collection of datasets on these and other questions, making possible a more quantitative approach to city science. All these topics have been addressed in many works in the literature, and we do not intend to offer here a systematic review. Instead, we will only provide a brief taste of some of these above-mentioned aspects, which could serve as an introduction to the collection ‘Cities as Complex Systems’. Such a non-systematic view will lead us to leave outside many relevant papers, and for this we must apologise.
The origin of chert in the Aurignacian of Vogelherd Cave investigated by infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Schürch Benjamin , Wettengl Stefan , Fröhle Simon , Conard Nicholas , Schmidt Patrick
Published: August 2022

The analyses of raw material provenance offers the possibility of tracing short and long-distance raw material transport. So far, most studies of raw material of flint and chert in Europe have been based on macroscopic analyses. We apply infrared spectroscopy to Aurignacian assemblages from Vogelherd cave and to the Magdalenian site Randecker Maar in southwestern Germany. We compare raw material samples from three chert-bearing areas in Germany with archaeological samples from Vogelherd. Our results show that infrared spectroscopy can distinguish between different raw materials. Our archaeological samples from Vogelherd correspond to the sampled geological cherts in terms of their spectral signature. Our comparison of reference samples and archaeological samples highlights problems in commonly used macroscopic identifications of chert raw materials.
Identifying the knowledge structure of electromagnetic fields and health research: Text network analysis and topic modeling
Authors: Seomun GyeongAe , Ban Suyeon , Park Jinkyung
Published: August 2022

Background

With technological and scientific advancement, people are being increasingly exposed to electromagnetic fields, particularly from portable devices such as mobile phones. However, there is currently no consensus regarding the health effects of electromagnetic field exposure, despite the large amount of research conducted on this topic. This study aimed to understand the knowledge structure and trend of electromagnetic field and health research through text network analysis and topic modeling.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched, and 3,880 articles published before June 2021 were identified. We explored the main keywords and research topics regarding electromagnetic fields and human health by constructing a network of keywords. A social network analysis program was used to analyze the data, visualize the network, and perform topic modeling.

Results

Four keywords, “exposure,” “effect,” “cell,” and “cancer,” were highly correlated to other keywords and formed each colony in the knowledge structure of research on electromagnetic fields and health. Five topics were derived from topic modeling: cell research, research on the adaption of MRI, health effects of mobile phones, pain therapy, and exposure measurement. Cell research has been continuously performed, and many studies have been conducted on the health effects of mobile phones since 2000.

Conclusions

These findings will assist in gaining insights into and understanding changes in research on the health effects of electromagnetic fields, and suggest important areas and directions for future research.
Exploration of sensing data to realize intended odor impression using mass spectrum of odor mixture
Authors: Hasebe Daisuke , Alexandre Manuel , Nakamoto Takamichi
Published: August 2022

Recently, olfactory information on odorants has been associated with their corresponding molecular features. Such information has been obtained by predicting the sensory test evaluation scores from the molecular structure parameters or the sensing data. On the other hand, we develop a method of the prediction of molecular features corresponding to the odor impression. We utilize a machine-learning-based odor predictive model introduced in our previous research, and we propose a mathematical model for exploring the sensing data space. By using mass spectrum as sensing data in the predictive model, we can represent predicted mass spectrum as those of an odor mixture, and the mixing ratio can be obtained. We show that the mass spectrum of apple flavor with enhanced ‘fruit’ and ‘sweet’ impressions can be obtained using 59 and 60 molecules respectively by using our analysis method.
A CTR prediction model based on session interest
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Liu Fang’ai , Zhao Xiaohui , Tan Qiaoqiao
Published: August 2022

Click-through rate prediction has become a hot research direction in the field of advertising. It is important to build an effective CTR prediction model. However, most existing models ignore the factor that the sequence is composed of sessions, and the user behaviors are highly correlated in each session and are not relevant across sessions. In this paper, we focus on user multiple session interest and propose a hierarchical model based on session interest (SIHM) for CTR prediction. First, we divide the user sequential behavior into session layer. Then, we employ a self-attention network obtain an accurate expression of interest for each session. Since different session interest may be related to each other or follow a sequential pattern, next, we utilize bidirectional long short-term memory network (BLSTM) to capture the interaction of different session interests. Finally, the attention mechanism based LSTM (A-LSTM) is used to aggregate their target ad to find the influences of different session interests. Experimental results show that the model performs better than other models.
Using machine learning-based variable selection to identify hydrate related components from FT-ICR MS spectra
Authors: Gjelsvik Elise Lunde , Fossen Martin , Brunsvik Anders , Tøndel Kristin
Published: August 2022

The blockages of pipelines caused by agglomeration of gas hydrates is a major flow assurance issue in the oil and gas industry. Some crude oils form gas hydrates that remain as transportable particles in a slurry. It is commonly believed that naturally occurring components in those crude oils alter the surface properties of gas hydrate particles when formed. The exact structure of the crude oil components responsible for this surface modification remains unknown. In this study, a successive accumulation and spiking of hydrate-active crude oil fractions was performed to increase the concentration of hydrate related compounds. Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) was then utilised to analyse extracted oil samples for each spiking generation. Machine learning-based variable selection was used on the FT-ICR MS spectra to identify the components related to hydrate formation. Among six different methods, Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was selected as the best performing model and the 23 most important variables were determined. The FT-ICR MS mass spectra for each spiking level was compared to samples extracted before the successive accumulation, to identify changes in the composition. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) exhibited differences between the oils and spiking levels, indicating an accumulation of hydrate active components. Molecular formulas, double bond equivalents (DBE) and hydrogen-carbon (H/C) ratios were determined for each of the selected variables and evaluated. Some variables were identified as possibly asphaltenes and naphthenic acids which could be related to the positive wetting index (WI) for the oils.
Novel estrogen-responsive genes (ERGs) for the evaluation of estrogenic activity
Authors: Nishi Kentaro , Fu Wenqiang , Kiyama Ryoiti
Published: August 2022

Estrogen action is mediated by various genes, including estrogen-responsive genes (ERGs). ERGs have been used as reporter-genes and markers for gene expression. Gene expression profiling using a set of ERGs has been used to examine statistically reliable transcriptomic assays such as DNA microarray assays and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). However, the quality of ERGs has not been extensively examined. Here, we obtained a set of 300 ERGs that were newly identified by six sets of RNA-seq data from estrogen-treated and control human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. The ERGs exhibited statistical stability, which was based on the coefficient of variation (CV) analysis, correlation analysis, and examination of the functional association with estrogen action using database searches. A set of the top 30 genes based on CV ranking were further evaluated quantitatively by RT-PCR and qualitatively by a functional analysis using the GO and KEGG databases and by a mechanistic analysis to classify ERα/β-dependent or ER-independent types of transcriptional regulation. The 30 ERGs were characterized according to (1) the enzymes, such as metabolic enzymes, proteases, and protein kinases, (2) the genes with specific cell functions, such as cell-signaling mediators, tumor-suppressors, and the roles in breast cancer, (3) the association with transcriptional regulation, and (4) estrogen-responsiveness. Therefore, the ERGs identified here represent various cell functions and cell signaling pathways, including estrogen signaling, and thus, may be useful to evaluate estrogenic activity.
Relationships between double cycling and inspiratory effort with diaphragm thickness during the early phase of mechanical ventilation: A prospective observational study
Authors: Itagaki Taiga , Akimoto Yusuke , Nakano Yuki , Ueno Yoshitoyo , Ishihara Manabu , Tane Natsuki , Tsunano Yumiko , Oto Jun
Published: August 2022

Background

Increased and decreased diaphragm thickness during mechanical ventilation is associated with poor outcomes. Some types of patient-ventilator asynchrony theoretically cause myotrauma of the diaphragm. However, the effects of double cycling on structural changes in the diaphragm have not been previously evaluated. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between double cycling during the early phase of mechanical ventilation and changes in diaphragm thickness, and the involvement of inspiratory effort in the occurrence of double cycling.

Methods

We evaluated adult patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h. The end-expiratory diaphragm thickness (Tdiee) was assessed via ultrasonography on days 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 after the initiation of mechanical ventilation. Then, the maximum rate of change from day 1 (ΔTdiee%) was evaluated. Concurrently, we recorded esophageal pressure and airway pressure on days 1, 2 and 3 for 1 h during spontaneous breathing. Then, the waveforms were retrospectively analyzed to calculate the incidence of double cycling (double cycling index) and inspiratory esophageal pressure swing (ΔPes). Finally, the correlation between double cycling index as well as ΔPes and ΔTdiee% was investigated using linear regression models.

Results

In total, 19 patients with a median age of 69 (interquartile range: 65–78) years were enrolled in this study, and all received pressure assist-control ventilation. The Tdiee increased by more than 10% from baseline in nine patients, decreased by more than 10% in nine and remained unchanged in one. The double cycling indexes on days 1, 2 and 3 were 2.2%, 1.3% and 4.5%, respectively. There was a linear correlation between the double cycling index on day 3 and ΔTdiee% (R2 = 0.446, p = 0.002). The double cycling index was correlated with the ΔPes on days 2 (R2 = 0.319, p = 0.004) and 3 (R2 = 0.635, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Double cycling on the third day of mechanical ventilation was associated with strong inspiratory efforts and, possibly, changes in diaphragm thickness.
The differing approaches to sustainability between practising and academic Quantity Surveyors
Authors:   London South Bank University, London, UK, Seidu Rafiu Dimeji , Young Bert Ediale ,   London South Bank University, London, UK, Stanton Connor ,   London South Bank University, London, UK, Momoh Job ,   London South Bank University, London, UK, Ayinla Kudirat ,   London South Bank University, London, UK
Published: August 2022

Most interpretations of sustainability in construction stem from the definition of sustainable development, which is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the future generation’s needs. Various research and sustainability studies within the construction industry focus on finding economical, social, and environmental balance. Construction professionals, such as Quantity Surveyors, begin their learning journey by studying in colleges and progressing to higher education. As the construction industry evolves through modern techniques, higher education institutions must also follow suit. These modern techniques have arisen due to the shift of ethos towards sustainability. Without the higher education institutions including this new knowledge in their curriculum, future professionals will not be equipped with the correct skills. Few research have been conducted in relation to students’ views on sustainability. Although such research is at a minute level, thus the converse side of the argument is how professional Quantity Surveyors view these topics on sustainability and whether they implement them in their daily duties. Hence, the research explores the differences in understanding between practicing and academic Quantity Surveyors on sustainable development in their various professional duties. The research was conducted using questionnaires that was distributed using survey monkey. The results were analysed through Spearman and ANOVA statistical tests to check their correlations. The study found a difference in the knowledge acquired by practicing and academic Quantity Surveyors. This finding conveys the importance of sustainability knowledge and how it is fundamental in achieving the UN sustainable goals and using such knowledge in practice.
Some approaches to assessing the informative of user identification parameters by keyboard handwriting based on behavioral biometrics
Authors:   Vladimir State University named after Alexander and Nicolay Stoletovs, Vladimir, Russia, Artyushina L.A. , Troitskaya E.A. ,   Vladimir State University named after Alexander and Nicolay Stoletovs, Vladimir, Russia
Published: August 2022

Domestic normative documents, in particular the National Standard of the Russian Federation on Information Protection, outlines three levels of confidence in the results of identification, based on some degree of confidence in the authenticity of the subject of access, but not containing specific values. The article proposes approaches to qualitative assessment of informativeness of user identification parameters by keyboard handwriting on the basis of behavioral biometrics. Objective of the study. Evaluation of informativeness of user identification parameters by keyboard handwriting. Materials and methods of research. To determine approaches to assessing the informativeness of parameters, we studied and analyzed known scientific results and practical solutions on the problem of user identification in information and telecommunication computer systems, available in various open sources in Russian and English. Main results. We identified the currently relevant set of parameters, identifying the user by the keyboard handwriting; the list of noises affecting the informativeness of the parameters. Average values of identification reliability levels were calculated. The basic and additional criteria for evaluating the informativeness of the parameters were defined. False access and false denial rates and overall system evaluation were selected as basic criteria for evaluating reliability of identification by handwriting. As additional criteria the speed of operation, ease of use, the cost of the system are highlighted. For the main criteria the indicators that we propose to use as evaluation characteristics, which could be used to judge the degree of achievement of the criterion: the stability of the parameter in distinguishing users from each other; the number of implementations of the parameter, required to ensure its stability in distinguishing users. The qualitative characteristics of the degree of informativeness of the parameters on the main criteria are given. The directions for further research are defined. Conclusion. The list of parameters and noises presented in the article, the assessment of identification reliability by criteria and corresponding indicators will be useful to developers and researchers for further refinement of identification methods to improve their reliability.
Recognition of microscopic images of pollen grains using the convolutional neural network VGG-16
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Kamalova Yu.B. , Andriyanov N.A. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
Published: August 2022

The article presents the result of an experiment on the application of transfer learning using the Visual Geometry Group with 16 layers (VGG-16) convolutional neural network in relation to the problem of recognizing pollen grains in images. An analysis of the information-theoretical base on the application of machine learning algorithms to the problem of classifying pollen grains over the past few years has shown the need to develop (apply) a new method for recognizing images of pollen grains obtained using an optical microscope. Currently, automatic classification for pollen identification is becoming a very active area of research. The article substantiates the task of automating the classification of pollen grains. The aim of the study is to analyze the efficiency and accuracy of classifying microscopic images of pollen grains using transfer learning of the VGG-16 convolutional neural network. Transfer learning was performed using the VGG-16 neural network, which has 13 convolutional layers grouped into 5 blocks with pooling and 3 smoothing layers at the output. Since transfer learning is used, the number of training epochs can be chosen to be small. For this network, only the smoothing output layers change, and the feature extraction remains the same as in the classical model. Therefore, it was chosen to use 10 training epochs. Other hyperparameters are as follows: Drop Out regularization with a probability of 50%, optimization method is ADAM, activation function is sigmoid, loss function is cross-entropy, batch size is 32 images. As a result, by adjusting the hyperparameters of the model and using augmentation, it was possible to achieve a share of correct recognitions of about 80%. At the same time, due to the different number of training examples, the particular characteristics of the classes differ somewhat. Thus, the maximum precision and recall reach 94% and 83%, respectively, for the Dandelion type. In the future, studies are planned to use augmentation as a preprocessing to create a balanced sample. By applying the VGG-16 convolutional neural network to the problem of pollen grain image recognition, high accuracy and efficiency of the method were achieved.
About the creation of a crisis management system at an enterprise in conditions of uncertainty
Authors:   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russia, Averina T.A. , Avdeeva E.A. ,   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russia, Kurbatova T.M. ,   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russia
Published: August 2022

The threat of business interruption is always present and it is believed that the number of crises is increasing. Since the spring of 2020, the world has faced a rare crisis: a previously unknown virus (COVID-19) has been discovered. The situation was harder to handle than traditional crises. The crisis is often viewed as a negative phenomenon, there is a close relationship between crisis and change, which reflects the positive crisis momentum for the successful development of the company. The research objective is to substantiate the need to create an anti-crisis management system at the enterprise by analyzing the typology of modern crises and to highlight new areas of modern business models in order to maintain the sustainability and development of the enterprise. Methods. With the help of trend, comparative and factor analysis, a number of conclusions and generalizations were made. Results. When choosing a crisis strategy, crisis diagnostics helps: the components of crisis management are highlighted, including an analysis of the situation, a crisis headquarters, schemes and algorithms for eliminating problems, directions for restoring the work of the organization, financial indicators, global and point goals, resources for achieving goals, communications. The priority principles for the implementation of anti-crisis measures are formulated: adaptability, synergy, advanced management, prompt response, rationality. On the basis of the studied domestic and foreign experience, crises possible in modern conditions are classified, their essence, causes and response measures are highlighted: financial, technological, personnel, organizational, technogenic. To assess the strength and suitability of the existing system of crisis management, questions for managers' self-questionnaires are formulated. Companies today need to be stable and dynamic. New areas of modern business models are summarized: the transition to fully digital technologies, the development of new business lines, virtual and digital sales models - for example, the virtual experience of consumers in product deve¬lopment and testing, alternative sources of supply for risk management. Conclusion. It is emphasized that dramatic changes are happening too fast for companies to continue with traditional annual strategic planning – it is necessary to move to monthly strategic meetings to review existing portfolios of planned strategic steps and update them as new opportunities arise or external conditions change.
The intellectual support efficiency methods evaluation in the sphere of social infrastructure accessibility managing for low-mobile population groups
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Hollay A.V. , Tashkin A.O. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia,   ANO “Public Initiatives Center “MIR”, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
Published: August 2022

Modern society significant part is made up of People with Limited Mobility (PLM). This category of citizens is limited in movement and experiences problems of interaction with social infrastructure: first of all, these are people with disabilities (disabled people), who, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), make up more than 15% of the world's population, as well as people moving, for example, from baggage or stroller. Researchers identify three main problems in the interaction of PLM with social infrastructure: the first is related to the physical barriers of social infrastructure facilities (SIF) the second is the inaccessibility of information about SIF, and the third includes a number of social problems caused by the attitude towards PLM within society. Efficiency improving in the field of urban mana¬gement and ensuring the information availability of SIF for PLM is possible through the use of geographic information technologies, electronic maps and digital city information systems, as well as specialized decision support systems. The purpose of research is to solve an urgent scientific and technical problem of implementing a support system for making informed management decisions in the field of ensuring the availability of information systems for PLM, as well as developing a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of the DSS. Materials and methods. Control theory for the development of an intelligent decision support method, software and hardware implementation tools, as well as an analytical, computational and graphical method for evaluating the effectiveness of development. Results. A DSS has been developed in the field of managing the availability of SIF for PLM. An assessment of the DSS functioning quality and efficiency was made, the analytical and graphical results of the efficiency assessment were reflected. Conclusion. The paper describes a methodology for the development of a DSS for managing the accessibility of SIF for PLM, including the introduction into the existing urban management system and evaluating the effectiveness of intellectual support methods in managing the accessibility of social infrastructure for PLM.
Forecasting model municipal labor market
Authors:   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Perm, Russia, Fedoseev S.A. , Gorbunov D.L. ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Perm, Russia
Published: August 2022

The paper considers applied application of the previously proposed system-dynamic model of the economic system consisting of a finite number of elements. Aim. according to the model conception, subjects of the labour market are divided into three categories depending on the value of demand for their labor: subjects of high, low and medium qualification. Materials and metods. The model enables to calculate stable values of the number of subjects with all three qualification categories in each labour market enterprise and among unemployed subjects depending on the input data. A methodology has been developed to assign initial numerical values to each of the modelled parameters which presents three alternative ways of assigning qualifications to each labour market entity. The model has been tested with real data. Input parameters of the model are the labour market indicators of Sylva settlement of the Perm Region in 2021. Results. The modeled system is represented by the backbone enterprise, the sector of private enterprises, the sector of budgetary enterprises, the sector of shadow employment and unrecorded unemployment as well as the sector of registered unemployed. We have obtained three alternative forecasts for sustainable values of the shares of subjects with all three qualification categories in the ackbone enterprise and in each of the listed sectors of the Sylva’s labor market.
Examination of The Relationship Between School Administrator’ Coaching Behaviour and Academic Optimism Of Schools
Authors: AYMAZ Kerim , B.BOSTANCI Aynur
Published: August 2022

This study aims to reveal the relationship between school administrator’coaching behaviours and academic optimism of schools. It was designed with the correlational model. The population consisted of 2487 teachers in Salihli district of Manisa province and the sample consists of 497 teachers. This study adopted Convenience sampling method. According to the results of research, the perception levels of teachers toward the school administrators’ coaching behaviours were high. Additionally, as reported in the study, the perceptions of teachers toward administrators’ coaching behaviors at schools differed significantly in accordance with the variable of the number of teachers working at their schools and the gender variable, but no significant difference was determined in terms of the other variables. Teachers' perception level towards school academic optimism was high. The perception level of teachers regarding the schools’ academic optimism differed in accordance with the variables of the school level and graduation status significantly. There was a significant, medium-level and positive-oriented correlation among teachers’perception of administrators’ coaching behaviours and school academic optimism level of teachers. Subsequently, perceptions of teachers concerning situation determination dimension of administrator’ coaching behaviours in schools increased the level of teachers' academic optimism
Commutability assessment of reference materials for homocysteine
Authors: Xing Tongtong , Liu Jianyi , Sun Haofeng , Gao Yanhong , Ju Yi , Liu Xiaolin , Song Dewei
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Commutability of reference materials is essential for ensuring the traceability of patient measurement results and the technical basis for the use of reference materials. Commutability is only relevant for matrixed reference material; it is a prerequisite for the accuracy and authenticity of calibration methods. In this study, we evaluated the commutability of reference materials for homocysteine.

Methods

Five conventional measurement methods were applied to simultaneously measure 30 serum samples and seven homocysteine reference materials from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the National Institute of Metrology. Liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry was used as a reference method. Two methods were used to evaluate the commutability of the seven reference materials according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute EP30-A and the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) commutability assessment document.

Results

Among 35 combinations of the five conventional methods and seven reference materials, after evaluation in accordance with the EP30-A, the seven reference materials passed the commutability assessment, and 34 combinations were commutable. According to the IFCC, the commutability evaluation of 28 combinations was conclusive (commutable or non-commutable), while results for the remaining seven combinations could not be determined.

Conclusions

The homocysteine reference materials showed good commutability. The sensitivity of the measurement procedure, measurement deviation and uncertainty, and differences in the “measurand” selected by different methods may affect the evaluation results. Additionally, different judgment standards for different methods may explain the observed variations in evaluation results.
An insightful overview of the distribution pattern of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in the marine sediments of the Red Sea
Authors: Ghandourah Mohammed A.
Published: August 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are produced during the combustion of coal and oil, and they can cause sediment contamination. Marine sediments are an important source of information regarding human activities in coastal regions and the long-term fate of xenobiotics. PAHs are a serious environmental problem for marine ecosystems because of their detrimental health impacts on species, including endocrine-disrupting activities. The type of organic contaminants in marine sediments is determined by their origin, with PAHs classed as either petrogenic or pyrogenic. Accidental or deliberate discharges and spills of oil from ships, particularly tankers, offshore platforms, and pipelines, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are the most obvious and visible sources of oil pollution in the marine environment. The current review study will be extremely important and beneficial as a desk review as a result of the growing human population and rapid development in the area. The distribution pattern of PAHs along the Red Sea coastal sediments was limited. The majority of research along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast demonstrates pyrogenic and petrogenic origins of PAHs, as well as in other parts of the world. Industrial activity, municipal waste runoff, petroleum spills, and sewage runoff have a significant impact on PAH distribution throughout the Red Sea’s coastal estuaries. However, after the Gulf war in 1992, much of the attention was occurred especially in the Arabian Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia. This study portrayed a comparison of distribution pattern of PAHs with the other parts of the world as well.
Observation of intrinsic crystal phase in bare few-layer CrI3
Authors: Liu Zhen , Guo Yongzheng , Chen Zhiyong , Gong Tao , Li Yue , Niu Yuting , Cheng Yingchun , Lu Haipeng , Deng Longjiang , Peng Bo
Published: August 2022

Intrinsic structural phase is a crucial foundation for the fundamental physical properties, and for creating innovative devices with unprecedented performances and unique functionalities. Long-range ferromagnetic orders of van der Waals CrI3 are strongly tied with interlayer stacking orders. However, the intrinsic structure of few-layer CrI3 still remains elusive; the predicted monoclinic phase has not yet been experimentally detected in bare few-layer CrI3. Here we uncover the intrinsic structure of few-layer CrI3 with interlayer antiferromagnetic coupling, which unambiguously show monoclinic stacking in both bare and hBN-encapsulated bilayer and tri-five-layer CrI3 throughout an entire temperature range from 300 to 10 K. An exotic spring damping effect from hBN encapsulation layers is experimentally observed in hBN/CrI3/hBN heterostructures, which partly hinders interlayer sliding of CrI3. This work demonstrates the intrinsic monoclinic crystal phase of few-layer CrI3 and associated correlation with magnetic orders, opening up numerous opportunities for creating magnetic texture by stacking design.
Research on modification of mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete by replacing sand with graphite tailings
Authors: Zhang Chen , Li Ben , Wu Fanghong , Yu Ying , Zhang Yu , Xu Hu
Published: August 2022

How to more effectively and comprehensively utilize recycled aggregate resources to prepare a richer new low-carbon concrete material system is the key path to achieve low-carbon development in China’s construction field. Based on the material properties of graphite tailings (GT), this article explores the organic combination of GT to replace sand and recycled aggregates (RA) to replace natural stones, in order to propose an efficient recycling path for multiple solid wastes and a new and cost-effective recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). This article focuses on investigating the influences of GT (0–40%) and RA (0–40%) on the workability, water absorption, and mechanical properties of GT reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (GTRAC). Simultaneously, the hydration products, microstructure morphology, key chemical bonds, and pore structure characteristics were analyzed by a combination of microscopic tests such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared and mercury intrusion porosimetry to propose the key factors affecting the macroscopic performance of GTRAC. The results show that incorporating 10–30% GT has significant positive effects on water absorption, surface water content, compressive strength, and elastic modulus of RAC. RAC’s micro-crack density, hydration, and pore structure distribution can be maximally improved by appropriate GT (20%). However, the high content of GT will lead to the degradation of its mechanical properties. Therefore, 20% GT and 30% recycled aggregate are the optimum combinations of the concrete material system. However, it might be changed when the ratio of water to binder varies. Finally, this article also comprehensively analyzes and evaluates the performance and price of different types of RACs, which provides theoretical support for evaluating and predicting the practical engineering application value of GTRAC. In summary, the research results in this study provide theoretical guidance for understanding the mechanism of GT on the enhancement of mechanical properties of RAC and exploring new ways of practical engineering application of it.
The Tapering Practices of Competitive Weightlifters
Authors: Winwood Paul W. , Keogh Justin W. L. , Travis S. Kyle , Pritchard Hayden J.
Published: August 2022

Winwood, PW, Keogh, JW, Travis, SK, and Pritchard, HJ. The tapering practices of competitive weightlifters. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 829–839, 2023—This study explored the tapering strategies of weightlifting athletes. Weightlifting athletes (n = 146) (mean ± SD; age: 29.2 ± 8.7 years, height: 172.5 ± 10.1 cm, body mass: 84.0 ± 17.2 kg, 4.7 ± 3.4 years of weightlifting training experience, and 3.9 ± 3.3 years of competitive weightlifting experience) completed a self-reported 4-page, 39-item internet survey on tapering practices. Subgroup analysis by sex (male and female) and competitive standard (local or regional, national and international level) was conducted. Ninety-nine percent (n = 144) of weightlifting athletes reported they used a taper. Athletes stated that their typical taper length was 8.0 ± 4.4 days, with the linear (36%) and step tapers (33%) being the most performed. Training volume decreased during the taper by 43.1 ± 14.6%, and athletes ceased all training 1.5 ± 0.6 days out from competition. Muscular strength, light technique work, and aerobic conditioning were the most common types of training performed in the taper. Athletes typically stated that tapering was performed to achieve rest and recovery, physical preparation for peak performance and mental preparation; training intensity and training duration decreased whereas training frequency remained the same or decreased; traditional exercises were performed further out from competition than weightlifting exercises; assistance exercises and some strength work were reduced; nutritional changes, foam rolling, static stretching, and massage were strategies used in the taper; and poor tapering occurred because of training too heavy, too hard, or too light and life–work circumstances. These results may aid athletes and coaches in strength sports to optimize tapering variables leading to improved performances.
Comparing Engineering Properties from Small Diameter Pressuremeter Tests to Nuclear Density Unit Weights and Lightweight Deflectometer Stiffnesses in Cemented Coquina Base and Sandy Subgrades
Authors: Cosentino Paul J. , Misilo Thaddeus J.
Published: August 2022

Small diameter pressuremeter (SDPMT) equipment was developed and evaluated at four sandy embankment/roadbed sites in east-central Florida. These materials ranged from very loose to very dense. SDPMT tests were developed with the goal of supplementing or even replacing the nuclear density gauge (NDG) tests. SDPMT probes were placed in the pin holes made from NDG testing. Two probe lengths of 15 and 30 cm (6 and 12 in) were used, and two SDPMT testing procedures were used. One was the conventional incremental volume injection method and the second was a continuous injection process. Incremental tests were completed in about 15 min, whereas the continuous tests were completed in less than 1 min. SDPMT elastic moduli and limit pressures were obtained from 156 SDPMT tests. They were compared to dry unit weights from 96 NDG tests and 96 moduli from each of two lightweight deflectometer (LWD) models, one with digital load-deflection output and the other with input load and digital deflection output. One-hundred and twenty statistical models were developed describing the relationships between SDPMT, LWD, and NDG data. Linear, logarithmic, and exponential models were used. Ninety-three of the 120 models produced regression coefficients (R2) greater than 0.7, and 46 of the 120 produced R2 values greater than 0.8. Of the 40 models comparing SDPMT strength and stiffness to NDG dry unit weights, 12 or 30 %, produced R2 values greater than 0.8. Of the 40 models comparing SDPMT strength and stiffness to the Zorn LWD, 23 or 57.5 % produced R2 values greater than 0.8. Of the 40 models comparing SDPMT strength and stiffness to the Dynatest LWD, 11 or 27.5 % produced R2 values greater than 0.8. These models indicate that SDPMT strengths and stiffnesses are strongly correlated to NDG unit weights and LWD stiffnesses.
A Balanced Scheduling Method of Smart City Enterprise Resource Information Based on Improved Ant Colony Algorithm
Authors: Chen Suqing
Published: August 2022

In order to address the problems of low resource utilization rate and poor scheduling balance in current enterprise resource information balanced scheduling, an enterprise resource information balanced scheduling method based on an improved ant colony algorithm (ACO) was proposed. The ACO framework is introduced in this algorithm to establish a balanced scheduling model of enterprise resource information. By adding a mapping algorithm of a virtual machine and physical machine, an improved algorithm of load balancing between nodes is proposed based on the ACO. Forward ants detect node types, record node information, and leave foraging pheromones when they encounter load nodes. The backward ants trace back to the load node according to the tracking pheromone and allocate the overloaded node task reasonably. In the search process, the path pheromone is dynamically modified according to the node type, and the analysis of enterprise resource information balance scheduling algorithm is completed. The experimental results show that this method has good balance of resource information scheduling and can effectively improve resource utilization.
341 Repeats Is Not Enough for Methylation in a New Fragile X Mouse Model
Authors: Colvin Steven , Lea Nick , Zhang Qiangge , Wienisch Martin , Kaiser Tobias , Aida Tomomi , Feng Guoping
Published: August 2022

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders, spurring decades of intense research and a multitude of mouse models. So far, these models do not recapitulate the genetic underpinning of classical FXS—CGG repeat-induced methylation of theFmr1locus—and their findings have failed to translate into the clinic. We sought to answer whether this disparity was because of low repeat length and generated a novel mouse line with 341 repeats,Fmr1hs341, which is the largest allele in mice reported to date. This repeat length is significantly longer than the 200 repeats generally required for methylation of the repeat tract and promoter region in FXS patients, which leads to silencing of theFMR1gene. Bisulfite sequencing fails to detect the robust methylation expected of FXS inFmr1hs341mice. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting results also do not resemble FXS and instead produce a biochemical profile consistent with the fragile X-associated premutation disorders. These findings suggest that repeat length is unlikely to be the core determinant preventing methylation in mice, and other organisms phylogenetically closer to humans may be required to effectively model FXS.
Ethylene controls translational gatekeeping to overcome flooding stress in plants
Authors: Maric Aida , Hartman Sjon
Published: August 2022

Protein synthesis is an essential but energetically expensive cellular process that is challenged under environmental stress in plants. Recent work demonstrates that the plant hormone ethylene, through GCN2, represses general translation during flooding stress to conserve energy. Moreover, ethylene also promotes the translation of specific stress‐responsive mRNAs to survive submergence stress.