bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the issue of the adversarial process in modern civil proceedings
Authors: Volchikhina Lyudmila A.
Published: October 2021

The study attempts to expand the content of the definition of the adversarial process in civil proceedings. Conclusion: the adversarial process in civil proceedings includes three components, which include the pre-trial activities of the parties to resolve the material legal conflict that has arisen, the direct judicial consideration of the material legal conflict that has arisen, and the activities of the parties after the judicial resolution of the conflict. Examining the content of the adversarial process when considering and resolving the material legal conflict that has arisen by the court, it is concluded that, by managing the process, the court is the organizer of the adversarial process at all stages of the consideration of the case in the court of first instance. The role of the parties in the adversarial process is limited to their participation in the proving process. Examining the adversarial process of the parties to resolve a substantive conflict before going to court, it is proposed to the legislator to expand the list of categories of cases in which the use of the pre-trial procedure for resolving a dispute is mandatory. Investigating changes in the procedural form of civil proceedings concerning the obligation of the plaintiff to refer other persons involved in the case, copies of the statement of claim and the actions of the parties to disclose evidence, we consider it expedient to secure by the legislator the application of these rules in the adversarial process of the parties before they apply judicial forms of pro-tection.
Modeling the material of the cylindrical work with welded seam at compression distribution of vehicle parts
Authors: Puzyr Ruslan , Siraia Yulia , Diatlovska Viktoriia
Published: October 2021

It is shown that the distribution of the ends of tubular billets, which are the main connecting elements of the vehicle brake system, is accompanied by a loss of stability in the circumferential and axial directions, as well as localization of deformations, followed by destruction in the form of a longitudinal crack that occurs at the end of the preform. The presence of the weld complicates the general conditions of deformation during crimping and distribution and leads to the destruction of the workpiece along the weld. To prevent cracking, it is necessary to tighten the crimping and distributing factors, which inevitably leads to an increase in the number of transitions, the complexity of the process and the cost of manufacturing the part as a whole. The issue of deformation of welded structures is of interest with the development of new materials for the automotive industry, such as joining two or more steel sheets with different mechanical properties, thickness or type of coating, which are important for reducing weight, minimizing costs and reducing scrap. It is shown that the deformation of the pipe billet will depend not only on the plasticity characteristics of the base metal and the weld metal, which is obvious, but also on the ratio of the squares of the pipe billet. The increase in the above modulus of plasticity is accompanied by hardening of the welded joint compared with the initial metal of the workpiece, respectively, a decrease in the value of the secant modulus in both directions – a decrease in the strength characteristics of the weld metal. Further analysis of the deformation of the welded workpiece should be carried out taking into account the local anisotropy caused by the welding seam, which will make it possible to determine the conditions of sustained plastic deformation and create an additional effect on the weakened area.
Repeatability of multipass laser forming of sheet materials
Authors: Kaglyak Alexey , Prokhorenko Odarka , Romanov Bogdan , Honcharuk Alexey , Siora Alexander , Melnyk Olena , Golovko Leonid
Published: October 2021

Laser forming (LF) of sheet material is a progressive treatment process and have some benefits. Laser forming is a flexible process and need no heavy metal-intensive equipment and tools. Materials with high rigidity, brittle, elastic materials can be treated by laser forming.  Therefore, the investigation of LF is important task. An important point to study is repeatability of multipass laser forming of sheet materials and explore of the possibilities of stabilizing process parameters. Actually, this research is aimed at these issues.
  Methods and results of experimental investigation of repeatability of multipass laser forming of sheet materials on parallel and multidirectional passes are described.
A methodical approach of using the VisualWeld software package for modeling the process of multi-pass laser forming has been developed. The mentioned software package was used for modeling as an alternative to a physical experiment to predict sample deformations and determine treating parameters.  It has been experimentally established that the repeatability in laser forming is quite high, the difference in the amount of deformation preferably did not exceed 5%. In addition, it is shown that by varying the direction of irradiation trajectories, their step and the number of passes on each trajectory, it is possible to obtain a complex spatial configuration of the product.
Stamping a medium – sized cartridge blank from low – carbon steel
Authors: Kalyuzhniy Volodymyr , Yarmolenko Oleksandr , Marchuk Kostyantyn
Published: October 2021

The work is devoted to obtaining a medium – sized cartridge blank from low-carbon steel. The sequence of punching transitions includes a hot back- extrusion operation, two cold draw – thinning operations, and a cold crimp operation. Modeling using the finite element method established: efforts and specific forces during operations, thermal effect during shaping, shape and size of semi – finished products with distributions of strain intensity. An elastoplastic metal model was used, which made it possible to reveal the forces of extracting the tool from deformed semifinished products and the forces of removing semifinished products from the matrix. A hollow semifinished product with the required dimensions of a protrusion on the bottom part from the side of the cavity and a protrusion on the end for forming a flange is obtained by reverse extrusion. The possibility of carrying out the first drawing operation with thinning through three sequentially located matrixes is shown. After this operation, annealing of the semi-finished product is required to restore plasticity. In the second operation of drawing with thinning and additional stamping of the bottom part, the final dimensions of this part from the side of the cavity and the shaping of the flange on the lateral surface of the semi-finished product are provided with the creation of a macrostructure to ensure the required operational properties. The shape and dimensions of the wall of the semi-finished product after the second drawing, the distribution of the intensity of deformations in it are determined from the condition of reaching the final dimensions and mechanical properties of the cartridge blank at the last crimping operation. For this, the deformations obtained as a result of the second drawing are taken into account when modeling the crimp. The proposed technology for stamping a blank of a sleeve can be implemented on a universal press – forging equipment, has a high productivity and minimizes mechanical processing.
Радіотехнічному факультету КПІ ім. Ігоря Сікорського 90 років
Authors: Антипенко Руслан Володимирович
Published: October 2021

Стаття містить короткий огляд напрямків наукових досліджень та вагомих досягнень науково-педагогічних працівників радіотехнічного факультету КПІ ім. Ігоря Сікорського за 90 років його існування. Наведено основні результати наукових робіт останнього десятиліття.
Компактная 4x4 MIMO антенна для UWB устройств с копланарным питанием и подавлением Wi-Fi и WLAN
Authors: Кумар Анубхав
Published: October 2021

В статье представлена компактная MIMO антенна с питанием копланарным волноводом для UWB устройств. Четырехэлементная антенна с питанием копланарным волноводом выполнена в виде излучателя. Развязка между элементами с одинаковой поляризацией и ортогонально поляризованными элементами составляет более 20 и 25 дБ, соответственно. Дополнительный элемент используется для улучшения развязки на более высокой частоте. Смоделированная и измеренная ширина полосы пропускания предложенной широкополосной UWB (ultra wideband) MIMO антенны, определяемая по входному сопротивлению IBW (impedance bandwidth) по уровню 10 дБ, составляет от 3,6 до 10,3 ГГц. Для предложенной антенны также смоделированы и/или измерены коэффициент отражения, развязка, диаграммы направленности, коэффициент корреляции по огибающей ECC (envelope correlation coefficient), полный активный коэффициент отражения TARC (total active reflection coefficient), коэффициент передачи при приеме на разнесенные антенны DG (diversity gain) и потери по пропускной способности канала CCL (channel capacity loss). Получены значения коэффициентов ECC Ј 0,0022, DG > 9,9 дБ, TARC имеет минимальные отклонения при различных углах, а CCL < 0,4 бит/с/Гц при ширине полосы пропускания, определяемой по входному сопротивлению, по уровню 10 дБ. Данная антенна может быть использована в портативных UWB устройствах.
Термостабильный радиационно-стойкий генератор опорного тока на базе полевых транзисторов
Authors: Викулин Иван Михайлович , Викулина Лидия Федоровна , Горбачев Виктор Эдуардович , Михайлов Н. С.
Published: October 2021

Экспериментально исследовано влияние температуры и ионизирующего излучения на характеристики стабилизаторов тока на основе полевых транзисторов (ПТ) с p–n-переходом в качестве затвора и МОП ПТ в режиме насыщения при двухполюсном включении, когда затвор замкнут с истоком. Показано, что у первого типа транзисторов температурный коэффициент изменения тока отрицательный, а у второго типа — положительный. Включение в цепь истока ПТ стабилизирующего резистора соответствующей величины позволяет свести температурные изменения выходного тока стабилизатора на одном ПТ к минимуму и для ПТ с p–n-переходом, и для МОП ПТ. Однако при таком способе температурной стабилизации выходного тока значительно снижается выходная мощность стабилизатора. Впервые предложенная авторами конструкция генератора опорного тока использует принцип компенсации внешнего воздействия на прибор, собранный из двух различных типов ПТ с противоположной реакцией на это воздействие. Экспериментально установлено, что при параллельном соединении пар таких транзисторов получаем генератор стабильного тока в широком диапазоне температур. Более того, эксперименты показали, что если для изготовления генератора опорного тока выбрать МОП ПТ с малыми значениями тока насыщения стока, то воздействие ионизирующего излучения на весь прибор будет компенсироваться, поскольку после облучения ток через такой МОП ПТ будет увеличиваться, а ток через ПТ с p–n-переходом будет уменьшаться.
Фазовая дальнометрия на основе цифрового спектрального анализа N-OFDM сигналов
Authors: Бондаренко Максим Васильевич , Слюсар Вадим Иванович
Published: October 2021

В работе предложены методы фазового многочастотного радиолокационного измерения дальности с позиций решения задачи цифрового спектрального анализа. В настоящее время для решения дальномерных задач широкое распространение получили ортогональные сигналы типа OFDM. Однако основанные на их использовании методы измерения приводят к погрешностям определения дальности при наличии допплеровского смещения частоты, имеют ограниченную спектральную эффективность и помехозащищенность. Это все в полной мере относится и к известным методам сверхразрешения.
Принципиальным отличием предложенного в статье подхода является использование многочастотных неортогональных сигналов (N-OFDM), в которых расположение частот гармонических составляющих не привязано к максимумам амплитудно-частотных характеристик (АЧХ) фильтров, синтезированных посредством быстрого преобразования Фурье (БПФ). Рассмотренные в данной работе методы с использованием неортогональных сигналов следует рассматривать как более общий случай по отношению к OFDM. Преимуществом предлагаемого подхода является возможность произвольного изменения таких параметров многочастотного сигнала, как частоты гармонических составляющих (поднесущих) и длина наблюдаемой выборки. Это позволяет учесть доплеровский сдвиг поднесущих, обеспечить управление величиной разрешающей способности по дальности и достигаемого отношения сигнал/шум. Такой подход позволяет реализовать адаптивную отстройку от сосредоточенных по частоте помех путем выбора значений частот поднесущих, минимально подверженных негативному воздействию, уменьшить пик-фактор многочастотной сигнальной смеси, улучшить электромагнитную совместимость радиолокационных средств за счет сужения полосы частот сигналов. Кроме того, неортогональный частотный план не позволяет средствам радиотехнической разведки определять дальность до РЛС по той же разности фаз поднесущих, что в принципе возможно при использовании фиксированной сетки частот в случае OFDM сигналов.
На основе теории многоканального анализа в статье сформулирована система уравнений, обеспечивающая ее решение в случае нескольких целей. Предложенный в статье метод оценивания дальности на основе максимального правдоподобия потенциально гарантирует достижение нижней границы Крамера–Рао для дисперсий несмещенных оценок параметров сигналов. При этом все другие методы сверхразрешения по отношению к методу максимального правдоподобия являются квазиоптимальными.
Turkey’s Policy Towards Ukraine
Authors: Svistunova I.
Published: October 2021

Turkey persuades the policy of developing multilateral ties with Ukraine starting from 1990s. Nowadays Turkish-Ukrainian relations are becoming deeper both at bilateral and international levels. Turkic minorities inhabiting Ukraine are important factors of the Turkish policy. Crimea accession to Russia has given additional impetus to the regional cooperation between Ankara and Kyiv. At the same time Turkey is interested in keeping balance in its relations with Ukraine and Russia.
Central Asian Countries in the Context of the Afghan Crisis
Authors: Ionova E.
Published: October 2021

The Taliban’s (terrorist organization banned in Russia) victory in Afghanistan creates new threats and challenges to the countries of Central Asia. At the same time, the attitude of the Central Asian republics to the new government is significantly different. While Tajikistan is not yet ready to establish ties with the Taliban, Uzbekistan, interested in economic projects with Afghanistan, aims to develop good-neighborly relations with the Taliban. In the context of the aggravation of the situation on the southern borders of the CIS, cooperation between Russia and the countries of the region in the field of security is strengthening, which increases its role in Central Asia. Having carried out the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan, the United States does not abandon its attempts to gain a foothold in the region, seeking to involve the Central Asian countries in solving their problems. At the same time, proposals are being put forward that may create additional difficulties for the Central Asian republics.
Ukraine’s Struggle for Gas Transit
Authors: Tsedilina E.
Published: October 2021

Kiev's hopes for stopping the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline were not achieved. As a result of the compromise reached between Berlin and Washington the construction was completed. The launch of the Nord Stream 2 can result in great losses for the Ukrainian state. Therefore, Ukraine continues to fight against the new northern route, hoping to prevent its launch or make its operation as difficult as possible. At the same time, the Kiev authorities are trying to secure guarantees for the preservation of Russian gas transit for another 15 years with the help of Western allies and to get compensation for the damage that will be caused to Ukraine in the event of a termination or a sharp reduction in gas transit.
Addendum to “The VIT Transform Approach to Discrete-Time Signals and Linear Time-Varying Systems”
Authors: Kamen Edward
Published: October 2021

This addendum contains clarifications and a sharpening of some of the results on the VIT transform framework developed in [1]. The focus is on the right-coefficient and left- coefficient forms of the transform, the extraction of a first-order term from a left polynomial fraction, and the application to linear time-varying systems.
Small RNAs Asserting Big Roles in Mycobacteria
Authors: Coskun Fatma S. , Plocinski Przemyslaw , van Oers Nicolai S.C.
Published: October 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), with 10.4 million new cases per year reported in the human population. Recent studies on the Mtb transcriptome have revealed the abundance of noncoding RNAs expressed at various phases of mycobacteria growth, in culture, in infected mammalian cells and in patients. Among these noncoding RNAs are both small RNAs (sRNAs) between 50-350 nts in length and smaller RNAs (sncRNA) <50 nts. In this review, we provide an up-to-date synopsis of the identification, designation, and function of these Mtb-encoded sRNAs and sncRNAs. The methodological advances including RNA sequencing strategies, small RNA antagonists and locked nucleic acid sequence specific RNA probes advancing the studies on these small RNA are described. Initial insights into the regulation of the small RNA expression and putative processing enzymes required for their synthesis and function are discussed. There are many open questions remaining about the biological and pathogenic roles of these small non-coding RNAs, and potential research directions needed to define the role of these mycobacterial noncoding RNAs summarized.
Graphene Prepared via the Dry Ice in Flames Method and Its Purification Using Different Routes: A Comparative Study
Authors: Cuadros-Lugo Eduardo , Martinez-Rodríguez Harby A. , Lardizabal-Gutiérrez Daniel , Estrada-Guel Ivanovich , Herrera-Ramirez Jose M. , Carreño-Gallardo Caleb
Published: October 2021

Although the dry ice method used to synthesize exfoliated graphite/graphene is little known and used, it has significant advantages over others: it is low cost, simple, and a large quantity of material can be obtained using some inorganic and highly available acids (which can be reused). Despite the above advantages, the main reason for its incipient development is the resulting presence of magnesium oxide in the final product. In the present work, three different treatments were tested to remove this remnant using some acid chemical leaching processes. Based on the experimental evidence, it was found that using aqua regia, among other chemical mixtures, was the most efficient way of removing such as remnant, the residue being only 0.9 wt.%. A mandatory high-energy mechanical milling stage was necessary during this treatment, in order to expose and dissolve the highly insoluble oxide without secondary chemical reactions on the graphenes. The obtained surface area was 504 m2g-1; this high value resulted from the intense exfoliation can potentiate the use of this material for a wide variety of applications.
Spectrum of Clinical Research in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: a Cross-Sectional Analysis of Registered Studies in Clinicaltrials.gov and Clinicaltrialsregister.eu
Authors: Lehmann Ronny , Ries Markus
Published: October 2021

Management of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has improved tremendously in recent years due to the introduction of new drug therapies but remains complex also in terms of non-pharmaceutical issues. In order to determine the direction of scientific progress by characterizing the current spectrum of ongoing clinical research in JIA, we analyzed all ongoing studies in the field of JIA registered in clinicaltrials.gov and clinicaltrialsregister.eu concerning sponsoring, enrollment, duration, localization, and particularly objectives. Close of database was 7 January 2021. After identifying doubled-registered studies, N=72 went into further analysis. Of these, 61.1% were academia-sponsored and 37.5% by pharma industry. The majority of studies was of interventional type (77.8%), while others (22.2%) were observational. Median planned enrollments were 100 participants (interventional studies) and 175 participants (observational studies), respectively. Duration differed remarkably from one month to more than 15 years with a median of 42.5 months. 61.1% of studies were located in a single country, 38.9% were in several. Europe and North America clearly dominated study localizations. Study objectives were DMARDs (56.9%), followed by diagnostics and disease activity measurement (18.1%), and medication other than DMARD (12.5%), besides others. Studies on DMARDs were mainly sponsored by industry, predominantly interventional studies on established and novel biologics, with several on specific issues like systemic JIA and others. The spectrum of registered studies is currently centered on drug therapy and diagnostics, while other issues in JIA play a subordinated role.
The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Four Plant Species, Their SSR Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis
Authors: Zhu Yueyi , Zhang Xianwen , Li Guopeng , Xiang Jiqian , Su Jinghua , Wu Liwen , Daud Muhammad Khan , Mei Lei
Published: October 2021

The chloroplast genome is conservative and stable, which can be employed to resolve genotypes. Currently, published nuclear sequences and molecular markers failed to differentiate the species from taxa robustly, including Machilus leptophylla, Hanceola exserta, Rubus bambusarum, and Rubus henryi. In this study, the four chloroplast genomes were characterized, and then their simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and phylogenetic positions were analyzed. The results demonstrated the four chloroplast genomes consisted of 152.624 kb, 153.296kb, 156.309 kb, and 158.953 kb in length, involving 124, 130, 129, and 131 genes, respectively. Moreover, the chloroplast genomes contained typical four regions. Six classes of SSR were identified from the four chloroplast genomes, in which mononucleotide was the class with the most members. The types of the repeats were various within individual classes of SSR. Phylogenetic trees indicated that M. leptophylla was clustered with M. yunnanensis, and H. exserta was confirmed under family Ocimeae. Additionally, R. bambusarum and R. henryi were clustered together, whereas they did not belong to the same species due to the differing SSR features. This research would provide evidence for resolving the species and contributed new genetic information for further study.
Satellite Multi/Hyper Spectral HR Sensors for mapping the Posidonia oceanica in South Mediterranean Islands
Authors: Borfecchia Flavio , Micheli Carla , De Cecco Luigi , Sannino Gianmaria , Struglia Maria Vittoria , Di Sarra Alcide Giorgio , Gomez Carlo , Mattiazzo Giuliana
Published: October 2021

The Mediterranean basin is a hot spot of climate change where the Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile (PO) and other seagrass are under stress due to its effect on marine habitats and the rising influence of anthropogenic activities (tourism, fishery). The PO and seabed ecosystems, in the coastal environments of Pantelleria and Lampedusa, suffer additional growing impacts from tourism in synergy with specific stress factors due to increasing vessel traffic for supplying potable water, fossil fuels for electrical power generation. Earth Observation (EO) data, provided by high resolution (HR) multi/hyperspectral operative satellite sensors of the last generation (i.e. Sentinel 2 MSI and PRISMA) have been successfully tested, using innovative calibration and sea truth collecting methods, for monitoring and mapping of PO meadows under stress, in the coastal waters of these islands, located in the Sicily Channel, to better support the sustainable management of these vulnerable ecosystems. The area of interest in Pantelleria was where the first prototype of the Italian Inertial Sea Wave Energy Converter (ISWEC) for renewable energy production was installed in 2015, and sea truth campaigns on the PO meadows were conducted. The PO of Lampedusa coastal areas, impacted by ship traffic linked to the previous factors and tropicalization effects of Italy southernmost climate change transitional zone, was mapped through a multi/hyper spectral EO-based approach, using training/testing data provided by side scan sonar data, previously acquired. Some advanced machine learning algorithms (MLA) were successfully evaluated with different supervised regression/classification models to map seabed and PO meadow classes and related Leaf Area Index (LAI) distributions in the areas of interest, using multi/hyperspectral data atmospherically corrected via different advanced approaches.
Predictive Model of ACC Speed to Enhance Engine Operating Conditions
Authors: Kolachalama Srikanth , Malik Hafiz
Published: October 2021

The ACC feature when activated augments the engine performance in real-time. This article presents a novel methodology to predict the optimal adaptive cruise control set speed profile (ACCSSP) by considering all the effecting parameters. This paper investigates engine operating conditions (EOC) criteria to develop a predictive model of ACCSSP in real-time. We developed a deep learning (DL) model using the NARX method to predict engine operating point (EOP) mapping the vehicle-level vectors (VLV). We used real-world field data obtained from Cadillac test vehicles driven by activating the ACC feature for developing the DL model. We used a realistic set of assumptions to estimate the VLV for the future time steps for the range of allowable speed values and applied them at the input of the developed DL model to generate multiple sets of EOP’s. We imposed the defined EOC criteria on these EOPs, and the top three modes of speeds satisfying all the requirements are derived for each second. Thus three eligible speed values are estimated for each second, and an additional criterion is defined to generate a unique ACCSSP for future time steps. Performance comparison between predicted and constant ACCSSPs indicates that the predictive model outperforms constant ACCSSP.
Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Prevalence in Bats’ Guano from Caves and Attics of Buildings Studied by Culture and qPCR Examinations
Authors: Pavlik Ivo , Ulmann Vit , Modra Helena , Gersl Milan , Rantova Barbora , Zukal Jan , Zukalova Katerina , Konecny Ondrej , Kana Vlastislav , Kubalek Pavel , Babak Vladimir , Weston Ross Tim
Published: October 2021

A total of 281 guano samples were collected from caves (N = 181) in 8 European countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia) and attics in the Czech R. (N = 100). The correlation of detection of mycobacteria between Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) microscopy and culture examination and qPCR was strong. ZN microscopy was positive in guano from caves (58.6%) more than double than positivity in guano from attics (21.0%; P <0.01). From 89 mycobacterial isolates (73 isolates from cave guano and 16 isolates from attics’ guano) 68 (76.4%) isolates of 19 sp., ssp. and complex were identified as members of 3 Groups (M. fortuitum, M. chelonae, and M. mucogenicum), and 4 Complexes (M. avium, M. terrae, M. vaccae, and M. smegmatis). A total of 20 isolates (22,5%) belonged to risk group 1 (environmental saprophytes), 48 isolates (53.9%) belonged to risk group 2 (potential pathogens), and none of isolates belonged to risk group 3 (obligatory pathogens). When comparing bat guano collected from caves and attics, differences (P<0.01; Mann-Whitney test) were observed for the electrical conductivity, total carbon, total organic and total inorganic carbon. None difference (P> 0.05; Mann-Whitney test) was found for pH and oxidation-reduction potential parameters.
On the Use of Artificial Intelligence to Define Tank Transfer Functions
Authors: Schmitt Pál , Gillan Charles , Finnegan Ciaran
Published: October 2021

Experimental test facilities are generally characterised using linear transfer functions to relate the wavemaker forcing amplitude to wave elevation at a probe located in the wavetank. Second and third order correction methods are becoming available but are limited to certain ranges of waves in their applicability. Artificial intelligence has been shown to be a suitable tool to find even highly nonlinear functional relationships. This paper reports on a numerical wavetank implemented using the OpenFOAM software package which is characterised using artificial intelligence. The aim of the research is to train neural networks to represent non-linear transfer functions mapping a desired surface-elevation time-trace at a probe to the wavemaker input required to create it. These first results already demonstrate the viability of the approach and the suitability of a single setup to find solutions over a wide range of sea states and wave characteristics.
Beyond Bitcoin: Recent Trends and Perspectives in Distributed Ledger Technology
Authors: Romano Diego , Schmid Giovanni
Published: October 2021

In the last four years, the evolution and adoption of blockchain and, more generally, distributed ledger systems have shown the affirmation of many concepts and models with significant differences in system governance and suitable applications. This work aims to update the critical analysis of blockchain technologies carried out by our previous contribution to this journal, extending the focus to distributed ledger components and systems. Starting from the topical concept of decentralization, we introduce concepts and building blocks currently adopted in the available systems centering on their functional aspects and impact on possible applications. We present some conceptual framing tools helpful in the application context, and we will propose the concept of process authenticity, which we will discuss through two use cases: blockchain document dematerialization and e-voting.
Online System for Power Quality Operational Data Management in Frequency Monitoring using Python and Grafana
Authors: Sierra-Fernández Jose-María , Florencias-Oliveros Olivia , Espinosa-Gavira Manuel-Jesús , González-de-la-Rosa Juan-José , Agüera-Pérez Agustín , Palomares-Salas José-Carlos
Published: October 2021

This article proposes a measurement solution designed to monitor instantaneous frequency in power systems. It uses a data acquisition module and a GPS receiver for time stamping. A program in Python takes care of receiving the data, calculating the frequency, and finally transferring the measurement results to a database. The frequency is calculated with two different methods, which are compared in the article. The stored data is visualized using the Grafana platform, thus demonstrating its potential for comparing scientific data. The system as a whole constitutes an efficient low cost solution as a data acquisition system.
Agronomic Factors Influencing the Scale of Fusarium Mycotoxin Contamination of Oats
Authors: Kolawole Oluwatobi , DeRuyck Karl , Greer Brett , Meneely Julie , Doohan Fiona , Danaher Martin , Elliott Christopher
Published: October 2021

Seven agronomic factors (crop season, farming system, harvest date, moisture, county, oat variety, and previous crop) were recorded for 202 oat crops grown across Ireland, and samples were analysed by LC-MS/MS for four major Fusarium mycotoxins: deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin. Type A trichothecenes were present in 62% of crops, with 7.4% exceeding European regulatory limits. DON (6.4%) and ZEN (9.9%) occurrences were rela-tively infrequent, though one and three samples were measured over their set limits respectively. Overall, the type of farming system and the previous crop were the main factors identified to significantly influence mycotoxin prevalence or concentration. Particularly, adherence to an organic farming system and growing oats after a previous crop of grass were found to decrease contamination by type A trichothecenes. These are important findings and may provide valuable insights for many other types of cereals crops as Europe moves towards a much greater organic based food system.
Cross-border Investigations on the Prevalence and Transmission Dynamics of Cryptosporidium Species in Dairy Cattle Farms in Western Mainland Europe
Authors: Pinto Pedro , Ribeiro Claudia A , Hoque Sumaiya , Hammouma Ourida , Leruste Hélène , Détriché Sébastien , Canniere Evi , Daandels Yvonne , Dellevoet-Groenewegen Martine , Roemen Janine , Barbier Bourgeois Anne , Kváč Martin , Follet Jerome , Tsaousis Anastasios D.
Published: October 2021

Cryptosporidium is comprised an apicomplexan parasitic protist, which infects a wide range of hosts, causing cryptosporidiosis. In cattle farms, the incidence of cryptosporidiosis results in high mortality in calves leading to considerable economic loss in the livestock industry. Infected animals may also act as a major reservoir of Cryptosporidium spp., in particular C. parvum, the most common cause of cryptosporidiosis in calves. This poses a significant risk to other farms via breeding centres, to trading of livestock and to human health. This study, funded by the Interreg-2-seas programme, is a part of a global project aimed at strategies to tackle cryptosporidiosis. To reach this target, it was essential to determine whether prevalence was dependent on the studied countries or if the issue was borderless. Indeed, C. parvum occurrence was assessed across dairy farms in certain regions of Belgium, France and the Netherlands. At the same time, the animal-to-animal transmission of the circulating C. parvum subtypes was studied. To accomplish this, 1084 faecal samples, corresponding to 57 dairy-farms from all three countries, were analysed. Well-established protocols amplifying the 18S rDNA and gp60 genes fragments, followed by DNA sequencing, were used for the detection and subtyping C. parvum; the DNA sequences obtained were further characterised using a combination of bioinformatics and phylogenetics methods. Our results show 25.7%, 24.9% and 20.8% prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in Belgium, France and the Netherlands respectively. Overall, 93% of the farms were Cryptosporidium positive. The gp60 subtyping demonstrated a significant number of the C. parvum positives belonged to the IIa allelic family, which has been also detected in humans. Consequently, this study highlights how widespread is C. parvum in dairy farms and endorses cattle as a major carrier of zoonotic C. parvum subtypes, which subsequently pose a significant threat to human health.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Remodeling of Adsorbed Type I Collagen – Effect of Collagen Oxidation
Authors: Komsa Penkova Regina , Stavreva Galya , Kyurkchiev Stanimir , Belemezova Kalina , Todinova Svetla , Altankov George
Published: October 2021

Abstract: The effect of collagen type 1 (Col I) oxidation on Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADMSCs) remodeling is described as a model for acute oxidative stress. Morphologically, remodeling was presented by a mechanical rearrangement of adsorbed FITC-Col I and a trend for its organization in a fibril-like pattern - a process strongly abrogated in oxidized samples, but without visible changes in cell morphology. The cellular proteolytic activity was quantified in multiple samples utilizing fluorescence de-quenching (FRET effect). In the presence of ADMSCs a significant increase of native FITC-Col I fluorescence was observed, almost absent in the oxidized samples. Parallel studies in cell-free systems confirmed the enzymatic de-quenching of native FITC-Col I by Clostridial collagenase, again showing significant inhibition in oxidized samples. The structural changes in the oxidized Col I was further studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry: an additional endotherm at 33.6°C along with the typical for native Col I at 40.5°C with sustained enthalpy (∆H) was observed in oxidized samples. Collectively, it has been evidenced that remodeling of Col I by ADMSCs is altered upon oxidation due to the intrinsic changes in the protein structure, thus presenting a novel mechanism for the control of stem cells' behavior toward collagen.
Biomechanical Behavior Evaluation of a Novel Hybrid Occlusal Splint-mouthguard for Contact Sports: 3D-FEA
Authors: Kalman Les , Dal Piva Amanda Maria de Oliveira , de Queiroz Talita Suelen , Tribst João Paulo Mendes
Published: October 2021

Orofacial injuries are common occurrences during contact sports activities; however, there is an absence of data regarding the performance of hybrid occlusal splint mouthguards, especially during compressive loading. To evaluate the total deformation and stress concentration, a skull model was selected and duplicated to receive two different designs of mouthguard devices: one model received a conventional custom-made mouthguard (MG) with 4-mm thickness and the other received a novel hybrid occlusal splint-mouthguard (HMG) with the same thickness. Both models were subdivided into finite elements. The frictionless contacts were used, and a nonlinear analysis was performed simulating the compressive loading in occlusion. The results were presented in von-Mises stress maps (MPa) and Total Deformation (mm). A higher stress concentration in teeth was observed for the model with the conventional MG, while the HMG design displayed a promising mechanical response with lower stress magnitude. The HMG de-sign displayed a higher magnitude of stress on its occlusal portion than the MG design. The hybrid mouthguard (HMG) reduced (1) jaw displacement during chewing and (2) the generated stresses in maxil-lary and mandibular teeth.
Assessing Visual Science Literacy Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy with an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Kavner Amanda , Lamb Richard , Antonenko Pavlo , Koh Do Hyong
Published: October 2021

The primary barrier to understanding visual and abstract information in STEM fields is representational competence the ability to generate, transform, analyze and explain representations. The relationship is known between the foundational visual literacy and the domain specific science literacy, however how science literacy is a function of science learning is still not well understood despite investigation across many fields. To support the improvement of students’ representational competence and promote learning in science, identification of visualization skills is necessary. This project details the development of an artificial neural network (ANN) capable of measuring and modeling visual science literacy (VSL) via neurological measurements using functional near infrared spectrometry (fNIRS). The developed model has the capacity to classify levels of scientific visual literacy allowing educators and curriculum designers the ability to create more targeted and immersive classroom resources such as virtual reality, to enhance the fundamental visual tools in science.
Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program Social Media Presence During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bram Joshua T. , Jia Lori , Huffman William , Ahn Jaimo
Published: October 2021

Background:

In light of away rotation and in-person interview cancellations for the 2020 to 2021 application cycle, social media has become a popular tool for orthopaedic surgery residency programs to highlight their strengths, curricula, and social life to prospective applicants. The authors sought to explore the proliferation and utilization of 3 popular social media platforms by both orthopaedic surgery departments and residencies.

Methods:

Orthopaedic surgery departmental and residency program social media accounts and their creation dates across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram were identified using a standardized search methodology. Residency Instagram accounts were further evaluated for the number of posts, followers, likes, and comments. Both departments and residency programs were cohorted by affiliation with a US News &World Report (USNWR) top 50 American hospital for orthopaedics or by status as a Doximity top 20 program based on reputation.

Results:

Across a total of 192 residency programs included for analysis, Instagram was the most popular social media platform (61.5%), followed by Twitter (19.8%) and Facebook (10.4%). Conversely, orthopaedic departments more frequently used Facebook (33.9%) and Twitter (28.1%) over Instagram (17.2%). Of the 118 residency Instagram accounts, 102 (86.4%) were created after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Larger residency programs (≥6 spots/year) and those programs in the Doximity top 20 or affiliated with USNWR top 50 orthopaedic hospitals had a greater number of followers as well as likes and comments per post (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions:

Given the recruitment challenges faced by residency programs because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Instagram has rapidly become a prominent platform for attracting orthopaedic surgery applicants. These accounts have a large number of followers, particularly for residency programs with higher Doximity reputation rankings.
Hábitat y espectro acústico como factores determinantes de la ocupación de anuros neotropicales
Authors: Cano Rojas Estefany , Sánchez Giraldo Camilo , Bedoya Carol , Daza Rojas Juan Manuel
Published: October 2021

Empleando modelos de ocupación, se evaluaron cinco variables (cuatro del paisaje y una del paisaje acústico) como predictoras de la ocupación del hábitat por parte de diez anuros neotropicales. Se reportó por primera vez una variable que describe el uso del espectro acústico como un predictor en la ocupación de anuros. Se encontró que la ocupación de las especies estuvo asociada con al menos una de las variables evaluadas, y tres especies presentaron ocupaciones asociadas con el uso del espectro acústico. Los resultados muestran que la cobertura de bosque, la topografía y el uso del espectro acústico son predictores de la ocupación de anuros neotropicales. Este estudio destaca el potencial de incorporar ecoacústica y la caracterización del paisaje en un marco metodológico único, para predecir patrones poblacionales.
Improving Early Childhood Cooperation Ability Through Whirlwind Games at Rodhatul Athfa
Authors: Hima Iqvina , Salim Agus
Published: October 2021

Developing the cooperative ability of preschoolers is an important milestone for a child's social development process. Experiences at school become a place for students to discuss agreements with groups of children or their peers. Based on the research there are 70% of the students are still not capable in terms of social skills so that this research aims to increase the ability of cooperation in students. The approach used in this research is Classroom Action Research which is carried out in three stages, namely Pre-cycle, Cycle I and Cycle II in order to obtain results in accordance with the assessment. At the Pre-cycle stage, the average score obtained by students was 42%, while at the Cycle I stage an average score was increased by 63%, which means that the average value is still not in accordance with the achievement target of the assessment, so the research is continued in the Cycle stage. II, after the Cycle II stage, the average value increased significantly, which was 87%. This can be seen from the comparison at each stage of the cycle during the research carried out. From the results obtained there is an increase which proves that through the Whirlwind Game can improve the ability of cooperation in children.
U-Pb Geochronology and Hf Isotope Geochemistry of the Turtleback Complex and East Sound Group, San Juan Islands, Northwestern North American Cordillera
Authors: Plange Kojo M. , Gehrels George E. , Brown Edwin H. , Schermer Elizabeth R. , McClelland William C.
Published: October 2021

This study focuses on Paleozoic rocks of the Turtleback Complex (TBC) and East Sound Group (ESG) of northwestern Washington. These assemblages record a long and complex history of magmatism, sedimentation, and volcanism as part of the Chilliwack composite terrane. This study investigates the tectonic setting and magmatic evolution of the Chilliwack terrane by analyzing U-Pb geochronologic and Hf isotopic data from zircons extracted from igneous and sedimentary rocks of the TBC and ESG. Igneous rocks of the TBC yield U-Pb ages of ~420-~370 Ma for zircon rims, which are interpreted to record pluton crystallization, and ages of ~500-370 Ma for inherited cores and antecrysts. Zircons older than 410-400 Ma yield typical igneous values of U/Th and U concentration and somewhat more evolved εHft values (+5 to +10), whereas younger grains yield values of U/Th and U concentrations that record ongoing metamorphism and have more juvenile εHft values of +10 to +15. This evolution is interpreted to have occurred in a long-lived island arc that experienced a transition at ~410-400 Ma from crustal thickening to regional crustal extension. Detrital zircon grains from the ESG yield dominant ages of ~421-~366 Ma and εHft values of +8 to +15, both of which overlap with values from igneous rocks of the underlying TBC. Strata of the ESG also contain abundant older zircon grains, with a dominant age peak of ~1860 Ma and subordinate peaks at 2673, 2570, 1485, 1113, 736, and 553 Ma. When compared with similar results from other assemblages and terranes in the northern Cordillera, our results suggest possible connections with the Yellow Aster Complex of the nearby North Cascade Range. Our results also suggest general similarities with the Alexander terrane, Wrangellia terrane, and southeast Alaska portion of the Yukon-Tanana terrane. These similarities are consistent with previous interpretations that the Chilliwack composite terrane formed in association with the Alexander, Wrangellia, and southeast Alaska portion of the Yukon-Tanana terrane along the paleo-Arctic margin of Laurentia during early Paleozoic time. Our work also illustrates the importance of recycling of older magmatic rocks over millions of years within a juvenile island arc system.
Memes e imaginarios sociales mexicanos en Copa del Mundial de la FIFA 2018
Authors: Bañuelos Capistrán Jacob , Pérez Restovic Branko
Published: October 2021

Los memes se han convertido en una forma de expresión representativa de la cultura mediática digital, empleada para la representación de valores e imaginarios sociales. Como caso de estudio realizamos el análisis de los memes publicados en el marco de la actuación de la selección mexicana de fútbol en la Copa Mundial de FIFA-Rusia 2018, lo que permitió comprender los imaginarios sociales que construyen la identidad cultural mexicana en redes como Facebook, Instagram, Twitter y plataformas digitales como WhatsApp y Sitios Web Informativos. El estudio aplica una metodología etnográfica digital cualitativa, con enfoque sociocultural, para fenómenos en redes y plataformas digitales (Hine, 2005; Wouters y Beaulieu, 2009; Ardèvol y Gómez, 2012), lo permitió recuperar 600 memes en diversas comunidades, plataformas y redes sociales cercanas. Para su categorización y análisis empleamos los conceptos sobre imaginarios sociales de Cornelius Castoriadis (1997), identidad mexicana desde Ramos (1951), Paz (1992), Villoro (2018), Giddens (1997), Giménez (2000), Berger y Luckmann (2006), así como el abordaje de conceptos propios de las narrativas digitales como el mismo meme en Dawkins (1989), transmedia y multiplataforma, desde Jenkins (2008) y Scolari (2013).  El estudio revela que los memes publicados en el contexto de este evento deportivo, a través de plataformas digitales y redes sociales, representan imaginarios sociales instituidos con valores que han prevalecido y se actualizan en la definición de la identidad cultural mexicana.