bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Worldwide Inflation Rates
Authors: Garcia Helen P , Montecillo Marichu B , Carbajal Joyce Cecile D
Published: October 2022

This study examines the inflation rates of 215 countries in 2013. Researchers took the data from World Bank database, and fractal analysis was used to determine the hidden dimensions why countries have diverse inflation rates beyond the four identified factors. These factors are money supply, commodity prices, employment rate, and production capacity. The characteristic of inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices of goods and services increase. The result showed that there were countries that had extremely high or low inflation rates. Most of these countries that suffered extremely low inflation are in Africa, one in Europe and one in South America. World Bank established an ideal inflation rate of 2%. The majority of the countries in Europe, America and Asia, had stable inflation figures. Fractal analysis showed politics as the hidden dimension of the changes in inflation rates.
Simulating the Learning Method of Learners of English as a Second Language
Authors: Simene Grenna Marie Joy P , Consad Rizza R
Published: October 2022

Using the Language Change Model of Wilensky, this study predicted the most effective method in teaching English to second language learners (SLL). Using the parameters as set by the model, this study identified three teaching methods in teaching English to SLL: one-on-one interaction using the English language; group interaction using the English language; and the mixed method (the use of both one-on-one and group interactions, and learners encouraged to use the target language and their native tongue in the interactions). The generated data from the model were statistically treated using regression analysis. The results showed that one-on-one interaction using the English language and group interaction using the English language were the methods ESL learners could better learn the target language rather than through the mixed method. The results implied that a person can learn English without the facility of his/her first language, and that there are methods that are effective in the teaching of English. With the smorgasbord of strategies and methods in English language learning, there are methods that may cater to different kinds of learning. With the proper execution of the method, i.e., group interaction using English, learners can acquire a second language even without the facility of their first language.
The Learning Experiences of Filipino Pre-service Teachers in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program of a Thai Elementary School
Authors: Anar Lora E. , Petersen Rebecca Jane , Villanca Albert
Published: October 2022

Internationalization and ASEAN integration has lead pre service teachers to explore the world of teaching abroad.  The pre-service teachers have experienced many learning opportunities and challenges in a foreign country.  The study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Filipino pre-service in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics STEM Program of Anubanchonburi School Thailand. The 17 participants ranging from 19-21 years old from Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines were interviewed and 8 of them attended the focus group discussion. Thematic analysis revealed five major themes of their learning experiences: (1) travel exposures; (2) pedagogical learning; (3) social and multicultural learning, (4) personal and professional learning; and (5) technological learning.  This study provides insights to administrators, pre-service teaching supervisors, and educators to increase the opportunities of pre-service teachers to be exposed to a multicultural classroom and become globally competent.  This will provide avenues to forge stronger collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders in the country and abroad. Key words: internationalization, pre-service teachers, learning experiences, STEM Program
A Pragmatic Study on Speech Acts in Bukidnon Rituals
Authors: Abejuela Hazel Jean M
Published: October 2022

This study attempted to present a pragmatic description of Bukidnon rituals, in particular, the speech acts, sequential organization and cultural norms of this indigenous discourse.  The results indicated that the most frequently performed speech acts in Bukidnon rituals were directives and representatives. The former were attempts of the speaker (ritualists) to get the addressee(s) ( Supreme ruler,deities and/or participants of the ritual) to do something, i.e. to heed orders or grant requests. When issuing directives, Bukidnons are explicit and straightforward. They believe that the stronger the directive, the better are the chances for positive responses. Representatives were also prevalent specifically involving claims, affirmation, or declaration. Like other discourses, Bukidnon rituals were found to follow a distinct pattern beginning with Panawagtawag (call) or Pandalawit (invitation).  The spiritual guardians, custodians, and the supreme God, Magbabaya were  invoked to bless and guide the ritualists and the participants during the rituals.  The invitation part (pandalawit) was followed by a series of requests interspersed with representatives specifically information, description and explanation. The prayers of requests were further reinforced with the offering and partaking (panampulot) of sacrificial animals. As a distinct form of religious discourse, rituals involve customary requirements expressive of the distinct ethnocultural identity of this speech community.  It is through a pragmatic analysis of the speech acts that the readers are able to see ritual as an authentic communicative event.
Responsiveness Index for the Development of the 21st Century Abilities and Competencies
Authors: Sumbalan Elvira B. , Libertad Catherine D , Lapay Jocelyn D
Published: October 2022

There is no competency activity index currently available that can objectively assess the skills and competencies of students. The main objective of this study was to develop a responsiveness index to assess the development of the 21st Century abilities and competencies in the Philippine school systems in the teaching of the 21st Century skills. Specifically, it intends to:  identify the major dimensions of the responsiveness index and its key indicators; determine the optimal weight for each dimension and key indicators; determine the variables and its influence to the major dimensions, and validate the responsiveness index derived from a pilot sample.It was conducted in the Province of Bukidnon and its neighboring provinces of Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur, Davao City and Lanao del Sur last School Year 2014-2015. The Delphi approach and other statistical tools were utilized to gather and analyze the data. Findings showed the four major dimensions of the 21st Century skills as ways of thinking, ways of working, tools for working and skills for living with respective key indicators. Optimal weights were also determined per dimensions and its respective key indicators. It was also found out that variables like age, gender, educational attainment, employment status and employment agency influence the four dimensions. The responsiveness index was validated by one thousand respondents coming from different parts of the educational sector, both public and private as well as different stakeholders and different professions using a systematic random sampling.     The developed responsiveness index is an easy, valid, and responsive to assess 21st     -century abilities and competencies and can be useful to teachers, school leaders, and educational policy makers in the teaching and development of 21st Century abilities and competencies.
Unexpected Effects of Gender Equality in Education to Gender Disparities in Economic Participation: Global Evidences
Authors: Maureal Zeny L. , Tutanes Lezel Mernilo , Del Rosario Ann Sheila C , Pabelic Al Jefferson
Published: October 2022

This study explored on the parity in educational attainment and economic participation and opportunities among genders through data mining, a process used to uncover characteristics of phenomena and the relationship between them. The pattern of gender parity was drawn from the data set of World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index of 2015. The findings, based on the patterns generated, reveal no relationship between the equality in educational attainment and economic participation and opportunities among men and women. This indicates that educational attainment and success of women does not automatically mean higher economic status or greater political participation. It was deduced further that equality in both genders in terms of educational attainment instead, creates disparity in the economic opportunities of women. The factors of the disparity include gender stereotyping in the labor market; discriminatory practices in the workplace; and cultural, ethnic, and religious norms that draw attention to gender complementarity rather than gender equity.
Exploring Developmental Mathematics from Faculty Members’ Perspectives: How Internal and External Dynamics Influence Student Success in a Community College
Authors: Brooks Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2022

Exploring Developmental Mathematics in Community College: Faculty Members’ Perspectives on How Internal and External Dynamics Influence Student Success

 

 

Abstract

 

Objective: Recent studies have shown that successful completion of developmental mathematics can impact a students' academic achievement and completion of their educational goals. However, few students have examined the internal and external dynamics that can influence a students' level of engagement in developmental mathematics. To identify the internal and external factors that influence students‘ success at developmental mathematics courses at a community college based on the opinions of developmental mathematics instructors, class room observations, and institutional documents. The following research question guided the study: What internal and external dynamics influence student success in developmental mathematics at a community college? Method: We chose to conduct an exploratory case study using qualitative methods of data collection; interviews with developmental mathematics instructors, observations of developmental mathematics classes, and analysis of documents to understand the issue from multiple perspectives. Data were collected from developmental mathematics instructors at a community college located in the northern region of the east coast. Results: Findings indicated that internal dynamics related to the need for changes in institutional policies and guidelines can influence success in mathematics. External dynamics such as secondary schooling practices and local businesses involvement in the curriculum can weaken or strengthen the mathematics pipeline and influence student engagement. Contributions: This study uncovers some of the internal and external dynamics that can influence a students‘ engagement in developmental mathematics and subsequently her/his probability of achieving desired educational outcomes. Therefore, we discuss the importance for institutional leaders and external partners to examine practices that may impede student academic achievement.
Empirical Model for the Culture of Research in Basic Education
Authors: Torrentira, Jr. Moises C
Published: October 2022

This study developed an empirical model that will build the culture of research in thebasic education. The study was mainly quantitative involving the collection of primary datafrom 400 basic education teachers intended to determine the dimensions of organizationalcharacteristics and culture of research using principal component analysis of exploratoryfactor analysis (EFA). After this, the impact of the organizational characteristics on theculture of research was identified using the multiple linear regression analysis (MLR).Exploratory factor analysis revealed that there were three dimensions of organizationalcharacteristics which included institutional support and reward system, strategy, andstructure. The culture of research was also revealed to have three dimensions including theallocation of knowledge and skills training and development and resources, maximizationof incentives and personal and professional opportunities, and integration of researchinto the school routine. Given that these dimensions are adopted and well implemented,the culture of research is highly likely to be built. The regression analysis disclosed thatthe three dimensions of the organizational characteristics were significant predictors ofthe culture of research in basic education with their linear combination for a very highvariation in the culture of research.
Research Competitiveness among Higher Education Institutions in South East Asia: A Complex Adaptive System
Authors: Añar Lora E , Bicar Beverly B , Tantoy Omar A
Published: October 2022

Research competitiveness among higher education institutions is vital for knowledgegeneration and innovation. It leads to international recognition and tertiary educationquality that promotes the nation’s sustainable growth and development. This has led theresearchers to study the emergent behaviors of 63 higher education institutions in SoutheastAsia through the data sets provided by the University Ranking of Academic Performance(URAP) in 2018. Data taken from URAP were on articles, citation and total documents,article impact total, citation impact total, and international collaborations that werecategorized into three major dimensions through factor analysis of research productivity,research impact, and international collaboration. Cluster analysis was used to describe theASEAN universities by cluster based on their characteristics. These features were then usedas inputs to calculate the synergies. The study found that the research competitiveness ofhigher education institutions in Southeast Asia is high when there is an increase in researchimpact, research productivity, and international collaboration. As research productivityincreases, HEIs can establish more research collaboration. The researches made have tomake an impact in the fields of specialization to create more collaboration. The variationsof research competitiveness in HEIs from progressive countries in Southeast Asia are lessthan the variations in the HEIs of developing countries.
Analyzing the Risks Affecting the School-aged Children in Disaster-Prone Areas in the Province of Bukidnon
Authors: Bicar Beverly B , Añar Lora E , Valdez Maribel G
Published: October 2022

The school-aged children are among the vulnerable sectors in society in times of natural as well as anthropogenic calamities. This study described the hazards, exposures, and vulnerabilities of elementary school learners in the disaster-prone areas in the Province of Bukidnon, Philippines. It determined the effects of disasters, particularly landslide and flood to the school-aged children in terms of their school performance.  It also ascertained the adaptive and capacity-building strategies of these learners during landslide and flood. Six schools located in disaster-prone areas were chosen as the locale of the study with 188 school-aged children, six principals, teachers, and parents as participants of the study. The study found that flash flood, unsafe school buildings, and excessive runoff waters in school grounds led to cancellation of classes and caused damages to infrastructures and school properties - which have implications for the performance of school children. Remediation and other alternative delivery modes helped learners cope with missed classes. Drills, lifesaving skills, and parents’ support for technological gadgets like cell phones improved learners’ adaptive capacities to prepare for disasters. However, the study found limited support for implementing disaster preparedness and mitigation activities for learners in rural areas. Promoting access, quality, and sustained DRRM activities for learners in these schools could enhance the adaptive capacities of learners and mitigate the risks and hazards, affecting them.
Psychological Risk Assessment of Residents in Flood/Landslide-Prone Areas in the Province of Bukidnon
Authors: Egar Marites M , Recente Joan M , Arbutante Desiree C
Published: October 2022

Natural disasters like floods and landslides are potential threats to both the physical and emotional well-being of individuals. The psychological effect could influence the way people look at themselves and adapt to any untoward incidence in the future. The study aimed to assess the residents’ psychological state in terms of depression, anxiety, and stress in the aftermath of a disaster. Also, it assessed the adaptive capacity of affected populations to disaster; and recommended a program for disaster mitigation on psychological resilience at the barangay level. Questionnaires were used to gather data on disaster risk reduction elements, which determined the hazard, exposure, and vulnerability of the populations. With these variables, the risk and the adaptive capacity were computed. The adopted 42-item DASS questionnaire of Lovibond and Lovibond (1995) measures the three subscales of psychological health conditions which are depression, anxiety, and stress. Results showed that most of the respondents are on the normal scale in the three subscales. Of the three negative emotional states, the anxiety scale was consistently higher than depression and stress scales among respondents of the five barangays. The risk assessment of the five barangays showed that among the barangays, Barangay Batangan had the highest hazard and exposure. However, vulnerability was low in this barangay due to the high readiness factor, thus resulting in a higher adaptive capacity compared to the other four barangays.
Hydrologic Model for Flooding in Manupali Watershed and Its Implications to Land-Use Policies
Authors: Abendaño Marie Angelie C , Recente Joan M , Barroso Jennifer P
Published: October 2022

Flooding has become a recurring event in the Province of Bukidnon, causing severe destruction to houses, buildings, infrastructure, and livelihood. Since the province is not exempted in flooding events as an impact of typhoons, understanding the watershed hydrologic behavior is essential for vulnerability and risk assessment as to disaster preparedness and risk reduction. The study aims to analyze the hydrologic response of Manupali watershed through flood hazard maps, hydrologic, and hydraulic models. This paper presents the combination of geographic information system, high -resolution digital elevation model (DEM), land cover, observed hydro-meteorological data, and the combined hydrologic engineering center-hydrologic modeling system and river analysis system models. The hydrologic model assesses the relationship between rainfall and discharge of the watershed and the hydraulic model computes the flood depth and flow pattern in the floodplain. Upon calibration, the over-all performance of the hydrologic model was rated very good in its performance based on the standards set by Moriasi et al. (2015) with index values of 0.89, 0.75, 0.46. The calibrated hydrographs were used to produce flood hazard maps in 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100-year return periods, and assessed the number of flooded buildings in each flood hazard level per return period. The flood hazard maps may contribute to science-based land-use policy formulation, land-use zoning, planning, and management to mitigate extreme rainfall-induced flood risks in the affected barangays in the Manupali watershed.
A Bass Diffusion Model of Suicide in the Philippines
Authors: Necosia Joanne Vivien Belderol , Belderol John Dale
Published: October 2022

A growing number of researches have demonstrated that exposure to suicide throughtelevision or newspaper leads to increased suicide risk in vulnerable individuals. Highlypublicized celebrity suicides are often rationalized and sensationalized by the media. Thisphenomenon may result in an imitative, contagious suicide effect. This study uses theBass diffusion model to forecast suicide deaths in the Philippines from 2020 to 2025 basedon suicide data by the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2000 to 2017.The Bassmodel assumes that exposure to suicide (media, social media, verbal exchange of suicidestories) increases suicide deaths based on the suicide contagion hypothesis. The modeldepicts the successive increases in suicide deaths across Filipino age groups and predictsa suicide diffusion process. The resulting Bass model also underscores the necessity of asuicide contagion intervention plan to address the country’s expected increase of suicide.
Negative Antecedents of Affective Commitment of Filipino Call Center Employees: The Mediating Role of Leader-Member Exchange
Authors: Jabutay Felicito , Verbal Xyle Fe , Jabutay Jerwin , Swangchaeng Nantawan , Panyanidhikul Panidhan
Published: October 2022

The study aims to provide empirical evidence on the effects of perceived customerunfriendliness, emotional dissonance, and perceived stress on Filipino call center employees’affective commitment. Also, the study intends to show how leader-member exchange(LMX) mediates the relationships between the three posited antecedents and affectivecommitment. The study further proposes a hypothesized model based on insights fromthe literature. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used in testing the hypotheses usinga dataset from a sample of 689 Filipino call center employees. The results revealedthat emotional dissonance and perceived stress are consequences of perceived customerunfriendliness. They, in turn, posited adverse effects on affective commitment. The resultsalso indicated that LMX exercised a fully mediating role on perceived customer unfriendlinessand affective commitment while partially mediating the stress-commitment relationship.The findings highlight the importance of stakeholders’ intervention programs indecreasing employees’ emotional dissonance and perceived stress. It further implies thatquality LMX initiated by leaders may also facilitate in reducing the adverse effects of customer-related stressors and psychological strains on the affective commitment of Filipinocall center employees.
RASIO DAYA DUKUNG TIANG PANCANG TUNGGAL BERDASARKAN DATA KALENDERING DENGAN DATA TEST PDA
Authors: Sandi Dora Melati Nurita , Maldini Achmad Reynaldo , Rachmayu Farra Anindita
Published: October 2022

Pile bearing capacity can be obtained from static and dynamic approaches. Calculation of the carrying capacity of the pile statically is by approaching it through the technical properties of the soil. Meanwhile, the dynamic method is to analyse the ultimate capacity with data obtained from pile driving data. The research was conducted using calendaring data to get the carrying capacity ratio based on a dynamic approach. Carrying capacity based on calendaring data is calculated using five methods, namely Hilley, ENR, Danish, and Navy-Mc.Key, and Janbu. The results of these calculations, then a coMParison of the ratio to the carrying capacity of the PDA test is carried out. The research was carried out at two locations: the Gempol-Pasuruan toll road construction project and the Widuri Bondowoso Bridge. The results of the calculation of the carrying capacity for the ultimate Q at the Gempol-Pasuruan toll road location, the Danish method, which is close to the PDA test results with a ratio of 1.1132 (P1-2) 0.8911 (P3-5), for Qijin at the Gempol-Pasuruan toll location, the method Danish is close to the PDA test results with a ratio of 0.7421 (P1-2), 0.5940 (P3-5). The calculation results for the ultimate Q at the Widuri Bondowoso Bridge location, the ENR method is close to the PDA test results with a ratio of 1.7260 (P1-19), 1.2553 (P2-17), for Qijin at the Widuri Bondowoso Bridge location. This Hilley method is close to the PDA test results with a ratio of 1.0489 (P1-19), and 0.7625 (P2-17).
IDENTIFIKASI RISIKO KONSTRUKSI PADA PEKERJAAN STRUKTUR BAJA WORKSHOP PT. INKA BANYUWANGI DENGAN METODE ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP)
Authors: Wiryasuta I Ketut Hendra , Shofiyah Qurrotus , Azizah Wilghis Meilinia
Published: October 2022

Railway factory PT. Industri Kereta Api (Persero) in Banyuwangi was built by PT. Adhi Karya (Persero) Tbk. as the main contractor. The main construction used in the project is a steel structure (pre-engineered steel building). The work is not free from the emergence of risks, because of the significant weight of the work carried out. Risk cannot be eliminated, but it can be minimised by implementing risk management. One of the risk management processes is risk identification. This research aims to identify the possible risks that can occur, and the category of emergency for the project. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires to four respondents, namely the contractor’s project manager. Furthermore, the data from the questionnaire was processed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to find the risk weights. The analysis process is continued by assessing the risk level for each sub-risk variable, and the most significant result is considered the dominant risk. The identification resulted in 3 high risks, three medium risks, and 18 low risks. The three most increased risks are as follows: the availability of materials with a weight of 2.581, the transfer of potential senior workers with a weight of 0.989, and changes in the work schedule with a weight of 0.779.
Sistem Terintegrasi Administrasi dan Informasi Lahan Tanaman Porang
Authors: Fuad Al Haris Muhammad , Hidayat Alfin , Subono Subono , Alfaini Husnul
Published: October 2022

Umbi Porang adalah umbi yang memiliki fungsi dan manfaat serta termasuk dalam tanaman obat. Pembudidayaan tanaman ini dinilai dapat meningkatkan perekonomian. Hal ini didasari dari nilai ekspor porang yang cukup tinggi di Indonesia. Petani porang umumnya bergabung dalam suatu kelompok, begitu pula di Banyuwangi, terdapat suatu Asosisasi petani porang yang mengelola dan mengarahkan para petani porang. Selain itu juga menyediakan suplai bibit porang. Ketua kelompok memiliki tugas untuk memimpin para petani porang tiap kecamatan. Pada Asosiasi ini, ketua kelompok petani porang merupakan anggota dari Badan Pusat Pertanian tiap kecamatan. Tingginya Potensi petani Porang di Banyuwangi, belum diimbangi dengan pengelolaan administrasi petani yang baik. Ketika masa panen tiba, kelompok tani akan mendata hasil panen porang ke tiap tiap petani yang direkap dalam bentuk buku rekapan. Selain itu tidak semua petani terdata dengan baik, banyak petani yang terlewat dari pendataan sehingga hasil rekap panen lebih kecil dari jumlah panen sebenarnya. Berdasarkan hasil observasi tersebut, Solusi yang diajukan untuk permasalahan tersebut adalah Sistem Administrasi Petani dan Informasi Lahan Tanaman Porang Terintegrasi Berbasis Web. Dalam pembangunanya, sistem ini mengunakan Rapid Application Development serta Bahasa pemograman PHP yang dikemas dalam Framework Laravel disertai dengan basisdata MySQL. Hasil pengujian pada sistem dilakukan dengan metode black box testing. Diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa sistem telah sesuai dengan yang diharapkan. Sedangkan pengujian dengan kuesioner menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kualitas sistem dalam presentase adalah 88% dengan kriteria Sangat Baik.
Environmental Barriers Affecting the Function of Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis Based on ICF Core Set
Authors: Valizadeh Najafi Parvin , Hassani Mehraban Afsoon , Amini Malek , Motaharinezhad Fatemeh
Published: October 2022

Background: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) can identify body function, structure impairment, activity limitation, participation restriction, and contextual factors. Objectives: Considering the importance of the role of environmental barriers in disability and function, this study aimed to investigate the environmental barriers affecting the function of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) based on the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for MS. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals with MS who are registered in the ICF Medical Commission. The participants completed the consent form, the Persian version of the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors, Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and a demographic questionnaire based on the ICF Core Set for MS. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 25). Results: A total of 140 individuals with MS (34 males and 106 females) participated in this study. The most frequently reported environmental barriers were structural and physical, and the least frequently reported barriers were related to work and school. The barriers related to attitudes and support were significantly associated with the motor function (P = 0.003) and total FIM score (P = 0.002). The variables of attitudes and support and policies were the main predictors of motor function (RS = 0.093, P < 0.001) and the total FIM score (RS = 0.109, P < 0.001), respectively. None of the barriers was significant and predictive of cognitive function. Conclusions: Since environmental barriers can affect the function of MS patients, authorities should implement the necessary strategies to eliminate these barriers and facilitate participation.
Prognostic factors in inpatients with advanced cancer at a palliative care unit
Authors: Rosa Karla Santos da Costa , Oliveira Amanda Soares , Cypriano Raphael de Paiva , Oliveira Livia Costa de
Published: October 2022

Objectives: This study aims to identify prognostic factors and their discriminatory ability in inpatients with advanced cancer at a palliative care unit (PCU).

Material and Methods: Observational, prospective cohort study involving advanced cancer patients (October 2019 to May 2021) of their first admission to a PCU. Sociodemographic, clinical, functional, nutritional, and laboratory variables were evaluated. The outcome was death within 30 days. Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank test, and Cox proportional hazard model were used to assess prognostic value. The C-statistic was used to test the predictive accuracy of the variables.

Results: Among 136 patients, 77 (56.6%) died within 30 days and the median overall survival was 10 (interquartile range: 6-14) days. The variables of 30-day mortality were tumor in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-2.82), impaired functionality (HR: 1.73, 95%CI: 1.09-3.00), nutritional risk (HR: 4.58, 95%CI: 1.62-12.92), and albumin <3g/dL (HR: 1.88, 95%CI: 1.05-3.34). However, albumin presented acceptable discrimination, with a C-statistic value of 0.75.

Conclusion: Inpatients with advanced cancer in the GIT, impaired functionality, reduced serum albumin, and at nutritional risk have a worse prognosis. Albumin concentration has better discriminatory ability than the other factors identified.
Empirical Model of Uniflow Scavenging for Ultra-Long-Two-Stroke Marine Diesel Engines
Authors: Wang Yingyuan , Gu Jie , Yang Mingyang , Deng Kangyao , Cui Lei , Qian Yuehua
Published: October 2022

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Low-speed two-stroke diesel engines are widely employed in the marine industry, especially in tanks, owing to their advantages of fuel economy and reliability. However, with the emerging ultra-long-stroke trend, existing scavenging models, which are based on the configuration of cylinders with short strokes, are no longer applicable. In this study, we investigate the flow field and residual exhaust gas distribution in a cylinder using particle image velocimetry and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The result shows a strong Burgers vortex structure upstream of the scavenger flow and dissipates gradually as it moves downstream. Furthermore, the scavenging process comprises three processes according to the detailed CFD analysis: displacement, mixing scavenging, and short circuit. Inspired by the results, a tailored empirical model of ultra-long-stroke uniflow scavenging comprising three sub-models is proposed. Specifically, a logarithmic relationship between the concentration level and scavenging deliver ratio is proposed to describe the mixing scavenging process. Finally, the model was validated against CFD results. The results demonstrate that the discrepancy in the scavenging efficiency curve predicted by this model and CFD is less than 1%, thereby demonstrating model reliability.

Introduction

Owing to the advantages of a large power range, high thermal efficiency, low fuel consumption rate, and good reliability, marine low-speed engines are widely used to provide power to civil ships (Heywood 1999). The market for low-speed engines is vast and is improving the performance of low-speed engines through research has great economic and environmental significance (Woodyard 2004). To meet the requirements of ship owners for lower fuel consumption and the IMO’s regulation of halving the greenhouse gas emissions of newly built ships, the ultra-long stroke of low-speed engines has become a trend (Lamas & Vidal 2012). With an ultralong stroke, the combustion speed of low-quality fuel oil is slow, and an ultra-long-stroke cylinder can prolong the expansion process, improve the combustion process, and reduce the fuel consumption rate (Fenghua 2014). The ultra-long-stroke diesel engine further creates fuel savings of 3.5–7% based on the original low fuel consumption. Previously, ultra-long strokes could not be achieved, limited by materials and manufacturing processes. However, in recent years, with the advancement of materials and processes, ultra-long strokes have been widely adopted as they have demonstrated superior competitiveness.
El sueño español en la Amazonía. Migración forzada entre Ecuador y España
Authors: García Martínez José María
Published: October 2022

La aplicación de políticas de ajuste estructural tuvo como consecuencia un vertiginoso crecimiento de la migración forzada desde Ecuador. Uno de los principales lugares a los que se desplazaron estos migrantes fue a España, así como a otros destinos como Italia y Holanda. La escasez de medios de vida para subsistir que enfrentaron los migrantes y sus familias les obligó a establecer nuevas estrategias de supervivencia que incluían el proceso migratorio, con el fin de incrementar sus ingresos personales o familiares, logrando así escapar de una asfixiante situación de pobreza y falta de perspectivas de futuro en sus lugares de origen. Las consecuencias de la crisis sistémica ocurrida en el año 2008 y la destrucción de puestos de trabajo ocurrida en el anteriormente próspero sector de la construcción español conllevaron un incremento del desempleo, lo que condujo a muchos hombres y mujeres ecuatorianas a regresar a Ecuador. Las políticas llevadas a cabo por el gobierno de Alianza País, la retórica política del expresidente Correa, así como la prosperidad económica debida al incremento de los precios de las materias primas, atrajeron a los migrantes a unos territorios donde aún persisten tradicionales problemas de escasez de empleos adecuados y falta de ingresos en la agricultura, así como nuevas problemáticas relacionadas con la intensificación del modelo extractivista, que afecta especialmente a provincias ricas en minerales como es el caso de Zamora Chinchipe, lo que ha dado lugar a importantes transformaciones en las relaciones sociales entre los agentes presentes en este territorio local.
Det bevægende billede – billedets bevægelse
Authors: Garff Joakim
Published: October 2022

It takes time to get through Kierkegaard’s edifying discourses, not because philosophical and theological terminology complicates appropriation, as is the case with the pseudonymous works, but rather because of their rhetorical complexity. This is due, in turn, to the fact that the discourses ought to be read slowly. The reader is thereby exposed to time, experiences time, which is what the discourses are about. In each text, the rhetoric is not just a meaning­ful dimension, but also a part of the meaning. The text’s images are emotively moving, but they also move before the eyes of the reader, who is drawn into the movement and is transformed by it.
¿Te has colado?
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Lalueza Ferran
Published: October 2022

Bajo el título de «‘COMeIN’: pasen y sepan», el primer artículo publicado en esta revista constituía una inequívoca invitación a adentrarse en el conocimiento que se genera en los Estudios de Ciencias de la Información y de la Comunicación de la UOC: adelante, pasen, no se queden fuera, come in. Aunque no es lo mismo aceptar una invitación que colarse por la cara, en ocasiones ambas cosas pueden resultar sorprendentemente parecidas.
Neural defensive circuits underlie helping under threat in humans
Authors: Vieira Joana B , Olsson Andreas
Published: October 2022

Empathy for others’ distress has long been considered the driving force of helping. However, when deciding to help others in danger, one must consider not only their distress, but also the risk to oneself. Whereas the role of self-defense in helping has been overlooked in human research, studies in other animals indicate defensive responses are necessary for the protection of conspecifics. In this pre-registered study (N=49), we demonstrate that human defensive neural circuits are implicated in helping others under threat. Participants underwent fMRI scanning while deciding whether to help another participant avoid aversive electrical shocks, at the risk of also being shocked. We found that higher engagement of neural circuits that coordinate fast escape from self-directed danger (including the insula, PAG, and ACC) facilitated decisions to help others. Importantly, using representational similarity analysis, we found that the strength with which the amygdala and insula uniquely represented the threat to oneself (and not the other’s distress) predicted helping. Our findings indicate that in humans, as other mammals, defensive mechanisms play a greater role in helping behavior than previously understood.
Neural underpinning of a respiration-associated resting-state fMRI network
Authors: Tu Wenyu , Zhang Nanyin
Published: October 2022

Respiration can induce motion and CO2 fluctuation during resting-state fMRI (rsfMRI) scans, which will lead to non-neural artifacts in the rsfMRI signal. In the meantime, as a crucial physiologic process, respiration can directly drive neural activity change in the brain, and may thereby modulate the rsfMRI signal. Nonetheless, this potential neural component in the respiration–fMRI relationship is largely unexplored. To elucidate this issue, here we simultaneously recorded the electrophysiology, rsfMRI, and respiration signals in rats. Our data show that respiration is indeed associated with neural activity changes, evidenced by a phase-locking relationship between slow respiration variations and the gamma-band power of the electrophysiological signal recorded in the anterior cingulate cortex. Intriguingly, slow respiration variations are also linked to a characteristic rsfMRI network, which is mediated by gamma-band neural activity. In addition, this respiration-related brain network disappears when brain-wide neural activity is silenced at an isoelectrical state, while the respiration is maintained, further confirming the necessary role of neural activity in this network. Taken together, this study identifies a respiration-related brain network underpinned by neural activity, which represents a novel component in the respiration–rsfMRI relationship that is distinct from respiration-related rsfMRI artifacts. It opens a new avenue for investigating the interactions between respiration, neural activity, and resting-state brain networks in both healthy and diseased conditions.
Peer review without gatekeeping
Authors: Eisen Michael B , Akhmanova Anna , Behrens Timothy E , Diedrichsen Jörn , Harper Diane M , Iordanova Mihaela D , Weigel Detlef , Zaidi Mone
Published: October 2022

eLife is changing its editorial process to emphasize public reviews and assessments of preprints by eliminating accept/reject decisions after peer review.
A previously overlooked, highly diverse early Pleistocene elasmobranch assemblage from southern Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chia-Yen , Lin Chien-Hsiang , Shimada Kenshu
Published: October 2022

The Niubu fossil locality in Chiayi County, southern Taiwan is best known for its rich early Pleistocene marine fossils that provide insights into the poorly understood past diversity in the area. The elasmobranch teeth at this locality have been collected for decades by the locals, but have not been formally described and have received little attention. Here, we describe three museum collections of elasmobranch teeth (n = 697) from the Liuchungchi Formation (1.90–1.35 Ma) sampled at the Niubu locality, with an aim of constructing a more comprehensive view of the past fish fauna in the subtropical West Pacific. The assemblage is composed of 20 taxa belonging to nine families and is dominated by Carcharhinus and Carcharodon. The occurrence of †Hemipristis serra is of particular importance because it is the first Pleistocene record in the area. We highlight high numbers of large Carcharodon carcharias teeth in our sample correlating to body lengths exceeding 4 m, along with the diverse fossil elasmobranchs, suggesting that a once rich and thriving marine ecosystem in an inshore to offshore shallow-water environment during the early Pleistocene in Taiwan.
Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis of the anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin regulatory networks in red walnut natural hybrid progeny leaves
Authors: Wang Lei , Li Lin , Zhao Wei , Fan Lu , Meng Haijun , Zhang Ganggang , Wu Wenjiang , Shi Jiangli , Wu Guoliang
Published: October 2022

Background

Walnuts are among the most important dry fruit crops worldwide, typically exhibiting green leaves and yellow–brown or gray–yellow seed coats. A specific walnut accession with red leaves and seed coats, ‘RW-1’, was selected for study because of its high anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin (PA) contents. Anthocyanins and PAs are important secondary metabolites and play key roles in plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, few studies have focused on the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis in walnuts.

Methods

In this study, we determined the anthocyanin and PA components and their contents in different color leaves of ‘RW-1’ natural hybrid progenies at various developmental stages. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analyses were used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). We also performed conjoint analyses on DEGs and DAMs to ascertain the degree pathways, and explore the regulation of anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis.

Results

The results of widely targeted metabolome profiling and anthocyanin detection revealed 395 substances, including four PAs and 26 anthocyanins, in red (SR) and green leaves (SG) of ‘RW-1’ natural hybrid progenies. From the research, the contents of all anthocyanin components in SR were higher than that in SG. Among them, the contents of delphinidin 3-O-galactoside, cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, delphinidin 3-O-arabinoside and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside were significantly higher than others, and they were considered as the main types of anthocyanins. However, nine anthocyanins were detected only in SR. For PAs, the content of procyanidin C1 was higher in SR compared with SG, while procyanidin B1 and procyanidin B3 were higher in SR-1 and SR-3 but downregulated in SR-2 compared with the controls. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that the expressions of structural genes (C4H, F3H, F3′5′H, UFGT, LAR and ANR), three MYBs predicted as the activators of anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis, two MYBs predicted as the repressors of anthocyanin biosynthesis, and five WD40s in the anthocyanin and PA biosynthetic pathways were significantly higher in the SR walnuts. Gene-metabolite correlation analyses revealed a core set of 31 genes that were strongly correlated with four anthocyanins and one PA metabolites. The alteration of gene coding sequence altered the binding or regulation of regulatory factors to structural genes in different color leaves, resulting in the effective increase of anthocyanins and PAs accumulation in red walnut.

Conclusions

This study provides valuable information on anthocyanin and PA metabolites and candidate genes for anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis, yielding new insights into anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis in walnuts.
Effect of the Lubrication on the Friction Characteristics of EN AW-2024-T3 Aluminium Alloy Sheets
Authors:   Carpatian State School in Krosno, Krasowski Bogdan , Kubit Andrzej
Published: October 2022

The article presents the results of friction tests conducted on EN AW-2024 Alclad aluminium alloy sheets. The lubrication efficiency of oleic acid, mineral and vegetable oils with the addition of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles was determined using the strip drawing test to assess the friction conditions in the flange area in the deep drawing process. The samples in the form of sheet metal strips were pulled between countersamples with a rounded surface at a speed of 2.5 mm/s. Gear oil and oleic acid demonstrated the lowest value of the coefficient of friction (COF) in the whole range of nominal pressures investigated. The lowest efficiency in reducing the COF was shown by hydraulic oil, olive oil and machine oil. A high content of TiO2 nanoparticles (0.5-0.9%wt%) is beneficial in the friction process involving oleic acid.
A New Tooling Approach for Friction Stir Welding of Thin Sheet AA2024-T3 - Optimization of Welding Parameters
Authors: Myśliwiec Piotr
Published: October 2022

In this study a new ceramics tools with different groove distributions were designed and manufactured in order to enrich technological storage of joining thinwall structures and obtain sound joint with high quality of Alclad AA2024-T3 alloy of 0.5 mm in thickness. Four types of tools were tested, without grooves, with 1, 2 and 6 grooves. The tools are made of two materials. The straight shank is made from tungsten carbide and tool body made from ceramics strengthened with whiskers. The influence of technological parameters on the strength of FSW joints was tested by the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) method. The least durable weld is produced by a tool without grooves. The single and double flute tool produces a good quality weld over a wide range of tool speeds. It has been shown that the grooves on the tool shoulder significantly affect the quality of the obtained FSW joint.
Evaluation of Fungicides against Downy Mildew (Peronospora destructor Berk) of Onion (Allium cepa) in Bale Zone, South Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Abdurezake Mohammedamin , Asefa Getachew
Published: October 2022

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of tested fungicides against downy mildew of onion and determine the appropriate interval of fungicides application.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out down in randomized complete block design with three replications for each treatments.

Place and Duration of Study:  The experiment was carried out in farmers field of Aloshe village; Goba district of Bale zone in 2018/2019 during “Bona Season”.

Methodology: Locally available onion variety and two tested fungicides (Mancozeb (Mancozeb 80 Wp) and Ridomil (Ridomil Gold MZ 68WG) were used. Locally available variety of onion was planted in a plot size of 3m x 2.4m with three replications. Each two fungicides were applied at interval of seven day, fourteen and twenty one day interval including unapplied fungicide plot as control.

Results: The result indicated that, both fungicides (Mancozeb and Ridomil) were effectively reduces the severity level of the disease. The higher plant height(42.5cm), bulb weigh (289g), total weight of the bulbs (114Qt/ha) and lower severity (8.35%) were recorded from weekly application of Ridomil, fourteen day application of Ridomil and weekly application interval of Mancozeb. The higher marginal rate of return of 2833.45% and 1999.07% were recorded from weekly and fourteen applications of Mancozeb and Ridomil respectively.

Conclusion: The minimum application frequency of three times of Ridomil in fourteen days and weekly interval application of Mancozeb were effective against downy mildew and profitable.