bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motives for dropping out from higher education—An analysis of bachelor's degree students in Germany
Authors: Behr Andreas , Giese Marco , Teguim Kamdjou Herve D. , Theune Katja
Published: March 2021

The increasing number of students enrolled in higher education institutions and the growing demand in the labour market for university graduates make the analysis of study success and study dropout more and more important. Dropping out from higher education is a complex process and students have very different motives for leaving university without obtaining a degree. We provide a detailed analysis of the different dropout reasons and aim at identifying distinctive types of dropout students using cluster analysis. The most important reasons for leaving university without a degree were in this study observed to be mainly related to interest and expectations concerning study programmes as well as aspects associated with student performance. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, we have found that the dropout decision was based on a variety of reasons, rather than a clear single motive. Our results provide higher education institutions insights into the process of dropping out and thereby a basis for suitable and more specific countermeasures.
Making exemption the exception, not the rule: Inclusion of all students in foreign language education
Authors: Peker Hilal , Regalla Michele
Published: March 2021

This longitudinal quantitative study examines the first and second language vocabulary development of prekindergarten students enrolled in an inclusive foreign language exploratory (FLEX) program. The FLEX program, framed by the Cognitive Retroactive Hypothesis of cross‐linguistic transfer, is situated in a context where students with special needs are fully included in all academic activities. Data were collected over 2 years from 60 students in the form of standardized tests and classroom tests of first and second language vocabulary. Results indicate that all students showed evidence of learning second language vocabulary, although students with special needs scored lower than their peers. Furthermore, all participants showed evidence of first language vocabulary increases contradicting assumptions that foreign language exposure may cause interference with the first language for special needs students. Implications include discussion of the least restrictive environment for students with special needs by questioning deficiency‐centered decisions about foreign language exemptions.
Real‐world effectiveness and safety of direct‐acting antivirals in patients with cirrhosis and history of hepatic decompensation: Epi‐Ter2 Study
Authors: Berkan‐Kawińska Aleksandra , Piekarska Anna , Janczewska Ewa , Lorenc Beata , Tudrujek‐Zdunek Magdalena , Tomasiewicz Krzysztof , Berak Hanna , Horban Andrzej , Zarębska‐Michaluk Dorota , Pabjan Paweł , Buczyńska Iwona , Pazgan‐Simon Monika , Dybowska Dorota , Halota Waldemar , Pawłowska Małgorzata , Klapaczyński Jakub , Mazur Włodzimierz , Czauż‐Andrzejuk Agnieszka , Socha Łukasz , Laurans Łukasz , Garlicki Aleksander , Sitko Marek , Jaroszewicz Jerzy , Citko Jolanta , Dobracka Beata , Krygier Rafał , Białkowska‐Warzecha Jolanta , Tronina Olga , Belica‐Wdowik Teresa , Baka‐Ćwierz Barbara , Flisiak Robert
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the real‐life effectiveness and safety of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) in patients with cirrhosis and history of hepatic decompensation compared to those with compensated cirrhosis.

Method

Data of patients treated with DAAs and included in the EpiTer‐2 database (N = 10 152) were collected retrospectively. The primary endpoint was sustained viral response (SVR) at 12 weeks posttreatment. Patients were also evaluated in terms of liver‐related adverse events and treatment modification/discontinuation.

Results

The overall SVR rate was 91.4% in the intent to treat (ITT) analysis and 95.2% in the per‐protocol (PP) analysis (P < .001). Patients with decompensated cirrhosis had lower SVR rates compared to those with compensated cirrhosis in ITT analysis (86.4% vs 92.0%, P < .001), while not in PP analysis (92.9% vs 95.5%, P > .05). Adverse events (AE) occurred 45.6% and 29.3% of patients with decompensated and compensated cirrhosis (P < .001). Patients with decompensated cirrhosis were at higher risk of death (5.4% vs 0.9%; P < .0001) or liver decompensation (21.5% vs 1.3%; P < .0001). Treatment with protease inhibitors was not associated with hepatic decompensation (P = .3). Only 82.6% of patients with decompensated cirrhosis completed DAA treatment (vs 92.8% in compensated cirrhotics; P < .0001).

Conclusion

Despite higher frequency of AE and treatment modifications, once completed, DAAs yield comparable results for patients with decompensated and compensated cirrhosis. High rate of serious adverse events in patients with advanced liver disease treated with PI may not be related to the detrimental effect of the medications, but rather to the disease itself.
Prevalence of respiratory tract infections and influencing factors: A cross‐sectional survey in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Zhu Ting , Zhang Pinglan , Shen Xingrong , Cheng Jing , Chai Jing , Feng Rui , Wang Debin
Published: March 2021

Objectives

This study used available data to analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of various Respiratory tract infections (RTIs), to better our understanding of the local and national epidemiology, and to inform future prevention and control programs.

Design

We used a structured questionnaire to solicit information about social demographics and symptoms of the last RTI administered with stratified clustered randomized sampling. Descriptive analysis was used to investigate the reported symptoms, and multivariate logistic regression models to identify relationships between the prevalence and influencing factors of common RTIs.

Results

The study documented a prevalence rate of 1.5% for common cold, 0.5% for influenza, and 0.9% for 9‐AURTIs (nine acute upper RTIs, including acute pharyngitis, sore throat, acute tonsillitis, acute suppurative tonsillitis, acute laryngitis, acute bronchitis, acute pharyngitis, acute upper RTI, and viral upper RTI), adding up to 3.4% of overall RTIs in the past 2 weeks. Results also revealed a L‐shaped trend along age‐axis for all the RTIs, and marginal to moderate associations between RTIs and other commonly researched factors (education, body mass index, sex, and annual income), as well as environmental and behavior factors.

Conclusions

RTIs in Anhui, China are common and associated with a variety of socio‐demographic, behavioral, and environmental factors. RTIs merit better epidemiological understanding and added interventions tailored to efforts in reducing their health and economic burden. These understandings and efforts are especially relevant for public health nurses since most RTI patients are treated in community settings.
The absent presence of Paul Robeson in Wales: Appropriation and philosophical disconnects in the memorial landscape
Authors: Rhodes Mark Alan
Published: March 2021

Memorialisation of specific individuals necessitates processes of remembering and forgetting, memory work, and obfuscation. The African American Paul Robeson is considered an “honorary Welshman” and a “Welsh achiever.” How could Robeson, erased from the history books in his own country, be appropriated by popular vote as a Welsh national hero? This paper questions how Robeson’s philosophies, evident in his arts and actions, were memorialised into those of a Welsh hero through the theoretical lens of absent presence and geographies of biography. I explore this relationship between Wales and Robeson further to understand his influence and commemorative presence in Wales via the material memorial landscape of Robeson and how he is represented within broader Welsh memorialisation and nationalism. Through the discourse of the memorial landscapes of Wales, elements of his philosophy may be over‐ or under‐represented. For example, he connected with the strong socialist history in Wales, but the complexity of Robeson’s philosophical framework remains absent. Why were only some of his philosophical beliefs transmitted into Welsh society and the memorial landscape? This paper reveals both the presence and absence of Paul Robeson’s complex biography in the material memorial landscape in Wales. As a case study on the inclusion of (auto)biographical knowledge in the context of complex geographies and landscapes, this work frames biographical inclusion and exclusion as vital geographic concerns, particularly in the precarious Black geographies of Paul Robeson in Wales. In so doing, it further reifies the indelible connections between geography, biography, and the socio‐political contexts from which memorial landscapes emerge.
Contribuciones del asesoramiento a la función del docente en la universidad
Authors: Pérez-Cabrera María José , Llanes-Ordóñez Juan
Published: March 2021

El artículo explora la figura del docente universitario desde un papel próximo al asesoramiento para facilitar la gestión personal de la carrera y la posterior inserción profesional de los estudiantes.La investigación se sitúa dentro de un enfoque cualitativo y comprensivo, con el doble objetivo de identificar necesidades formativas docentes y definir el papel de profesor-asesor.La información fue extraída de un grupo de discusión y de una entrevista semiestructurada hecha a docentes, asesores y egresados.El estudio destaca la necesidad de reforzar la relación didáctica y el vínculo del docente con la profesión. También se define el perfil del profesor-asesor universitario.
“No estamos de acuerdo con el título”. Escribir un libro con estudiantes universitarios interculturales
Authors: Di Caudo Villoslada María Verónica
Published: March 2021

Este artículo de investigación presenta el proceso de investigación, escritura y publicación de un libro por partede un grupo de investigadores conformado por estudiantes universitarios y una académica. El propósito es mostrar cómo el trabajo colaborativo con los estudiantes permitió descubrir los sentidos, los significados y las prácticas que los convertían en estudiantes interculturales y no solo en beneficiarios de políticas y programas inclusivos. La experiencia se llevó a cabo en el contexto de una investigación etnográfica sobre los procesos de inclusión de jóvenes en los estudios superiores, realizada en Quito, Ecuador, entre el 2013 y el 2016.
The Circular Cylinder With a Band of Uniform Pressure on a Finite Length of the Surface
Authors: Barton M. V.
Published: March 2021

The solution to the fundamental problem of a cylinder with a uniform pressure over one half its length and a uniform tension on the other half is found by using the Papcovitch-Neuber solution to the general equations. In this paper, the results, given analytically in terms of infinite-series expressions, are exhibited as curves giving a complete picture of the stress and deformation. The case of a cylinder with a band of uniform pressure of any length, with the exception of very small ones, is then solved by the method of superposition. The stresses and displacements are evaluated for the special cases of a cylinder with a uniform pressure load of 1 diam and 1/2 diam in length. The problem of a cylinder heated over one half its length is solved by the same means.
Three-dimensional periodontal investigations using a prototype handheld ultrasound scanner with spatial positioning reading sensor
Authors: Chifor Radu , Li Mengxun , Nguyen Kim-Cuong T , Arsenescu Tudor , Chifor Ioana , Badea Alexandru Florin , Badea Mindra Eugenia , Hotoleanu Mircea , Major Paul W , Le Lawrence H
Published: March 2021

Aim: To demonstrate the feasibility of the 3D ultrasound periodontal tissue reconstruction of the lateral area of a porcine mandible using standard 2D ultrasound equipment and spatial positioning reading sensors. Material and method: Periodontal 3D reconstructions were performed using a free-hand prototype based on a 2D US scanner and a spatial positioning reading sensor. For automated data processing, deep learning algorithms were implemented and trained using semi-automatically seg-mented images by highly specialized imaging professionals. Results: US probe movement analysis showed that non-parallel 2D frames were acquired during the scanning procedure. Comparing 3 different 3D periodontal reconstructions of the same porcine mandible, the accuracy ranged between 0.179 mm and 0.235 mm. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated the diagnostic potential of 3D reconstruction using a free-hand 2D US scanner with spatial positioning readings. The use of auto-mated data processing with deep learning algorithms makes the process practical in the clinical environment for assessment of periodontal soft tissues.
Host-microbe cross-talk governs amino acid chirality to regulate survival and differentiation of B cells
Authors: Suzuki Masataka , Sujino Tomohisa , Chiba Sayako , Harada Yoichi , Goto Motohito , Takahashi Riichi , Mita Masashi , Hamase Kenji , Kanai Takanori , Ito Mamoru , Waldor Matthew Kaden , Yasui Masato , Sasabe Jumpei
Published: March 2021

Molecular chirality of amino acids is linked to bacterial recognition by mammals to modulate IgA for bacterial symbiosis.
Global political responsibility for the conservation of albatrosses and large petrels
Authors: Beal Martin , Dias Maria P. , Phillips Richard A. , Oppel Steffen , Hazin Carolina , Pearmain Elizabeth J. , Adams Josh , Anderson David J. , Antolos Michelle , Arata Javier A. , Arcos José Manuel , Arnould John P. Y. , Awkerman Jill , Bell Elizabeth , Bell Mike , Carey Mark , Carle Ryan , Clay Thomas A. , Cleeland Jaimie , Colodro Valentina , Conners Melinda , Cruz-Flores Marta , Cuthbert Richard , Delord Karine , Deppe Lorna , Dilley Ben J. , Dinis Herculano , Elliott Graeme , De Felipe Fernanda , Felis Jonathan , Forero Manuela G. , Freeman Amanda , Fukuda Akira , González-Solís Jacob , Granadeiro José Pedro , Hedd April , Hodum Peter , Igual José Manuel , Jaeger Audrey , Landers Todd J. , Le Corre Matthieu , Makhado Azwianewi , Metzger Benjamin , Militão Teresa , Montevecchi William A. , Morera-Pujol Virginia , Navarro-Herrero Leia , Nel Deon , Nicholls David , Oro Daniel , Ouni Ridha , Ozaki Kiyoaki , Quintana Flavio , Ramos Raül , Reid Tim , Reyes-González José Manuel , Robertson Christopher , Robertson Graham , Romdhane Mohamed Salah , Ryan Peter G. , Sagar Paul , Sato Fumio , Schoombie Stefan , Scofield R. Paul , Shaffer Scott A. , Shah Nirmal Jivan , Stevens Kim L. , Surman Christopher , Suryan Robert M. , Takahashi Akinori , Tatayah Vikash , Taylor Graeme , Thompson David R. , Torres Leigh , Walker Kath , Wanless Ross , Waugh Susan M. , Weimerskirch Henri , Yamamoto Takashi , Zajkova Zuzana , Zango Laura , Catry Paulo
Published: March 2021

Highly-threatened seabirds connect many countries and the high seas and therefore depend on coordinated ocean governance.
Exonuclease VII repairs quinolone-induced damage by resolving DNA gyrase cleavage complexes
Authors: Huang Shar-yin N. , Michaels Stephanie A. , Mitchell Brianna B. , Majdalani Nadim , Vanden Broeck Arnaud , Canela Andres , Tse-Dinh Yuk-Ching , Lamour Valerie , Pommier Yves
Published: March 2021

Exonuclease VII excises trapped DNA gyrase and provides a new strategy to overcome resistance to quinolones.
Mantis shrimp–inspired organic photodetector for simultaneous hyperspectral and polarimetric imaging
Authors: Altaqui Ali , Sen Pratik , Schrickx Harry , Rech Jeromy , Lee Jin-Woo , Escuti Michael , You Wei , Kim Bumjoon J. , Kolbas Robert , O’Connor Brendan T. , Kudenov Michael
Published: March 2021

Semitransparent polarization-sensitive organic detectors reveal unprecedented degrees of freedom for multidimensional imaging.
Reading between the lines: Listener’s vmPFC simulates speaker cooperative choices in communication games
Authors: Mi Qingtian , Wang Cong , Camerer Colin F. , Zhu Lusha
Published: March 2021

Listener vmPFC simulates speaker utterance choices in a rational, automatic way to recover unstated intent in communication.
Iodine reduction for reproducible and high-performance perovskite solar cells and modules
Authors: Chen Shangshang , Xiao Xun , Gu Hangyu , Huang Jinsong
Published: March 2021

An additive can remove detrimental iodine in degraded precursors, which enhances the performance and yield of perovskite devices.
Highly selective and high-performance osmotic power generators in subnanochannel membranes enabled by metal-organic frameworks
Authors: Liu Yi-Cheng , Yeh Li-Hsien , Zheng Min-Jie , Wu Kevin C.-W.
Published: March 2021

Ion channel–mimetic MOF-based membranes enable highly selective and high-performance blue energy conversion.
Hunting bats adjust their echolocation to receive weak prey echoes for clutter reduction
Authors: Stidsholt Laura , Greif Stefan , Goerlitz Holger R. , Beedholm Kristian , Macaulay Jamie , Johnson Mark , Madsen Peter Teglberg
Published: March 2021

Bat-borne tags reveal faint echoes and fast sensorimotor responses that reduce acoustic clutter in complex foraging habitats.
Hyaluronan orders water molecules in its nanoscale extended hydration shells
Authors: Dedic J. , Okur H. I. , Roke S.
Published: March 2021

Hyaluronan enhances the orientational order of water over up to 475 nm in its extended hydration shells.
Coherent electric field manipulation of Fe
3+
spins in PbTiO
3
Authors: Liu Junjie , Laguta Valentin V. , Inzani Katherine , Huang Weichuan , Das Sujit , Chatterjee Ruchira , Sheridan Evan , Griffin Sinéad M. , Ardavan Arzhang , Ramesh Ramamoorthy
Published: March 2021

We use electric fields to engineer the spin Hamiltonian of a magnetic impurity in a ferroelectric and achieve coherent control.
Biogenic Amines Increase the Odds of Bacterial Vaginosis and Affect the Growth of and Lactic Acid Production by Vaginal
Lactobacillus
spp.
Authors: Borgogna Joanna-Lynn C. , Shardell Michelle D. , Grace Savannah G. , Santori Elisa K. , Americus Benjamin , Li Zhong , Ulanov Alexander , Forney Larry , Nelson Tiffanie M. , Brotman Rebecca M. , Ravel Jacques , Yeoman Carl J.
Published: March 2021

Lactobacillus
spp. are credited with providing the primary defense against gynecological conditions, including BV, most notably through the acidification of the vaginal microenvironment, which results from their production of lactic acid. The microbial production of BAs has been hypothesized to play a mechanistic role in diminishing
Lactobacillus
species-mediated protection, enabling the colonization and outgrowth of diverse anaerobic bacterial species associated with BV.
Relationship between duty factor and external forces in slow recreational runners
Authors: Bonnaerens Senne , Fiers Pieter , Galle Samuel , Derie Rud , Aerts Peter , Frederick Edward , Kaneko Yasunori , Derave Wim , De Clercq Dirk , Segers Veerle
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Recreational runners show a large interindividual variation in spatiotemporal characteristics. This research focused on slow runners and intended: (1) to document the variance in duty factor (DF) between runners in a real-life running setting and (2) examine whether the interindividual variation in DF and stride frequency (SF) relates to differences in external loading parameters between runners.

Methods

Spatiotemporal characteristics of 23 slow runners (ie, <2.6 m/s) were determined during a 5.2 km running event. To relate the interindividual variation in DF and SF to differences in external forces between runners (maximal vertical ground reaction force (FzMax), peak braking force (PBF) and vertical instantaneous loading rate (VILR)), 14 of them were invited to the lab. They ran at 1.9 m/s on a treadmill while ground reaction forces were recorded. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to investigate the effect of DF and SF on external force measures.

Results

DF between slow runners varied from 42.50% to 56.49% in a recreational running event. DF was found to be a significant predictor of FzMax (R²=0.755) and PBF (R²=0.430). SF only improved the model for PBF, but to a smaller extent than DF (R² change=0.191). For VILR, neither DF nor SF were significant predictors.

Conclusion

External forces are lower in recreational runners that run with higher DFs and slightly lower SFs. These findings may be important for injury prevention purposes, especially directed to recreational runners that are more prone to overuse injuries.
RNA tape sampling in cutaneous lupus erythematosus discriminates affected from unaffected and healthy volunteer skin
Authors: Merola Joseph F , Wang Wenting , Wager Carrie G , Hamann Stefan , Zhang Xueli , Thai Alice , Roberts Christopher , Lam Christina , Musselli Cristina , Marsh Galina , Rabah Dania , Barbey Catherine , Franchimont Nathalie , Reynolds Taylor L
Published: March 2021

Objective

Punch biopsy, a standard diagnostic procedure for patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) carries an infection risk, is invasive, uncomfortable and potentially scarring, and impedes patient recruitment in clinical trials. Non-invasive tape sampling is an alternative that could enable serial evaluation of specific lesions. This cross-sectional pilot research study evaluated the use of a non-invasive adhesive tape device to collect messenger RNA (mRNA) from the skin surface of participants with CLE and healthy volunteers (HVs) and investigated its feasibility to detect biologically meaningful differences between samples collected from participants with CLE and samples from HVs.

Methods

Affected and unaffected skin tape samples and simultaneous punch biopsies were collected from 10 participants with CLE. Unaffected skin tape and punch biopsies were collected from 10 HVs. Paired samples were tested using quantitative PCR for a candidate immune gene panel and semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry for hallmark CLE proteins.

Results

mRNA collected using the tape device was of sufficient quality for amplification of 94 candidate immune genes. Among these, we found an interferon (IFN)-dominant gene cluster that differentiated CLE-affected from HV (23-fold change; p<0.001) and CLE-unaffected skin (sevenfold change; p=0.002), respectively. We found a CLE-associated gene cluster that differentiated CLE-affected from HV (fourfold change; p=0.005) and CLE-unaffected skin (fourfold change; p=0.012), respectively. Spearman’s correlation between per cent area myxovirus 1 protein immunoreactivity and IFN-dominant mRNA gene cluster expression was highly significant (dermis, rho=0.86, p<0.001). In total, skin tape-derived RNA expression comprising both IFN-dominant and CLE-associated gene clusters correlated with per cent area immunoreactivity of some hallmark CLE-associated proteins in punch biopsies from the same lesions.

Conclusions

A non-invasive tape RNA collection technique is a potential tool for repeated skin biomarker measures throughout a clinical trial.
Topological strings on toric geometries in the presence of Lagrangian branes
Authors: Muteeb M. Nouman
Published: March 2021

We propose expressions for refined open topological string partition function on certain non-compact Calabi Yau 3-folds with topological branes wrapped on the special lagrangian submanifolds. The corresponding web diagrams are partially compact and a lagrangian brane is inserted on one of the external legs. Partial compactification introduces a mass deformation in the corresponding gauge theory. We propose conjectures that equate these open topological string partition functions with the generating function of equivaraint indices on certain quiver moduli spaces. To obtain these conjectures we use the identification of topological string partition functions with equivariant indices on the instanton moduli spaces.
Hydrophobic antireflective coating with high laser damage threshold by physical vapor deposition
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Feng Cao , Zhang Weili , Xu Ziyuan , Liu Xiaofeng , Yi Kui , Shao Jianda
Published: March 2021

Hydrophobic antireflective coating is fabricated by physical vapor deposition. The optical, contact angle and laser damage resistance properties are investigated, respectively. The transmittance of the antireflective coating with hydrophobic layer is 99.58% at 1064 nm with normal incidence. The contact angle with water is 115.6[Formula: see text]. The laser damage threshold of the zero probability is 22 J/cm2at 1064 nm with the 12 ns pulse width. This new hydrophobic antireflective coating can be applied in the areas of astronomical optics, laser medical equipment and solar energy, etc.
Mechanical property of a three-dimensional freely rotating chain — A Monte Carlo approach
Authors: Zhou Zicong
Published: March 2021

Free rotating chain (FRC) is a well-known model of polymer but the knowledge to its mechanical property is yet incomplete. This work uses Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the relation between force and extension, the specific heat, the stretching strength and the fourth-order cumulants of the order parameter of a three-dimensional (3D) FRC. We simplify some expressions to calculate the thermodynamical quantities. Our results reveal that at low force, the behavior of the mechanical property of the model is the same as that of a free jointed chain (FJC) in both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D cases. But beginning from a moderate force, the two models have different mechanical properties. Moreover, we find that a 3D FRC has essential different mechanical property from its 2D counterpart, because the extension of a stretched 2D FRC can subject to a first order transition when the bond angle is large enough, but there is no such a transition for a 3D chain despite its stretching strength exhibits a peaks at large bond angle. Our findings reveal that the space constraint on a stretched polymer favors a sharp change in its size.
Multipoint Vibration Response Prediction under Uncorrelated Multiple Sources Load Based on Elastic‐Net Regularization in Frequency Domain
Authors: Cui ZhenKai , Wang Cheng , Chen Jianwei , He Ting
Published: March 2021

In order to solve the problems of large number of conditions at inherent frequencies and low prediction accuracy when using multiple multivariate linear regression methods for vibration response prediction alone, an elastic‐net regularization method is proposed. Firstly, a multi‐input and multioutput linear regression model of the multipoint frequency domain vibration response is trained using historical data at each frequency point. Secondly, the trained model under each frequency point is improved by the elastic regularization. Finally, the model is used in a working situation. The predicted vibration response on the experimental dataset of cylindrical shell acoustic vibration showed that the improvement of the multivariate regression vibration response prediction model by elastic regularization can better improve the accuracy and reduce the large number of conditions at some frequencies.
Boundary Value Problems of Nonlinear Mixed-Type Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Yu Ping , Li Hongju , Ding Jian , Ma Yanli
Published: March 2021

In this paper, by means of a fixed point theorem for monotone decreasing operators on a cone, we discuss the existence of positive solutions for boundary value problems of nonlinear fractional singular differential equation. The proof of the main result is based on Gatica–Oliker–Waltman fixed-point theorem. At last, an example is given to illustrate our main conclusion.
Coherence Between Brain Activation and Speech Envelope at Word and Sentence Levels Showed Age-Related Differences in Low Frequency Bands
Authors: Kolozsvári Orsolya B. , Xu Weiyong , Gerike Georgia , Parviainen Tiina , Nieminen Lea , Noiray Aude , Hämäläinen Jarmo A.
Published: March 2021

Speech perception is dynamic and shows changes across development. In parallel, functional differences in brain development over time have been well documented and these differences may interact with changes in speech perception during infancy and childhood. Further, there is evidence that the two hemispheres contribute unequally to speech segmentation at the sentence and phonemic levels. To disentangle those contributions, we studied the cortical tracking of various sized units of speech that are crucial for spoken language processing in children (4.7–9.3 years old, N = 34) and adults (N = 19). We measured participants’ magnetoencephalogram (MEG) responses to syllables, words, and sentences, calculated the coherence between the speech signal and MEG responses at the level of words and sentences, and further examined auditory evoked responses to syllables. Age-related differences were found for coherence values at the delta and theta frequency bands. Both frequency bands showed an effect of stimulus type, although this was attributed to the length of the stimulus and not the linguistic unit size. There was no difference between hemispheres at the source level either in coherence values for word or sentence processing or in evoked response to syllables. Results highlight the importance of the lower frequencies for speech tracking in the brain across different lexical units. Further, stimulus length affects the speech–brain associations suggesting methodological approaches should be selected carefully when studying speech envelope processing at the neural level. Speech tracking in the brain seems decoupled from more general maturation of the auditory cortex.
Taxonomic notes and typification of some Habenaria species in the Pan-Himalaya
Authors: PANDEY TIRTHA RAJ , JIN XIAO-HUA
Published: March 2021

Habenaria Willd. (1805: 44) is represented by more than 35 species in the Pan-Himalaya (Chen & Cribb 2009, Pearce & Cribb 2002, Hooker 1890). As part of the ongoing revision work on the Pan-Himalayan Habenaria, some species of this species-rich genus are typified for nomenclatural clarity. Several species belonging to this genus have a long collection and taxonomic history and therefore pose difficulty in locating the original materials partly because either they were dispersed over various herbaria or were often catalogued under the disguise of different names. Through the critical examination of all the putative original materials—herbarium specimens and corresponding protologues, here we propose lectotypes of three species.
Comments on the typification of Plagiochila cuspidata with a note on the morphology of Plagiochila cuspidata and Plagiochila parvifolia (Plagiochilaceae: Marchantiophyta)

Authors: MAJUMDAR SHUVADEEP
Published: March 2021

Inoue lectotypified the entire packet (G-010992/G00064158) of Plagiochila cuspidata Steph., but after re-examination, only a single plant in between two mica sheets should be considered the lectotype instead of the entire packet. Furthermore a note on differentiating P. cuspidata and P. parvifolia as two distinct species is provided here.
Checklist and identification key to Brazilian species of Triplocania Roesler (Psocodea: ‘Psocoptera’: Psocomorpha: Ptiloneuridae), with four new cave-dwelling species
Authors: DA SILVA NETO ALBERTO MOREIRA , ALDRETE ALFONSO N. GARCÍA , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO , FERREIRA RODRIGO LOPES
Published: March 2021

Four species of Triplocania are described and illustrated (T. brancoi n. sp., T. ferratilis n. sp., T. pains n. sp., and T. zairae n. sp.), all based on male specimens collected in caves of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. An identification key is presented to the Brazilian species of Triplocania, based on males, together with information on both sexes and distributions.
Pupil Detection System Using Intensity Labeling Algorithm in Field Programmable Gate Array
Authors: Baskaran S. , Ali L. Mubark , Anitharani A. , Rani E. Annal Sheeba , Nandhagopal N.
Published: March 2021

Pupil detection techniques are an essential diagnostic technique in medical applications. Pupil detection becomes more complex because of the dynamic movement of the pupil region and it’s size. Eye-tracking is either the method of assessing the point of focus (where one sees)
or the orientation of an eye relative to the head. An instrument used to control eye positions and eye activity is the eye tracker. As an input tool for human-computer interaction, eye trackers are used in research on the visual system, in psychology, psycholinguistics, marketing, and product
design. Eye detection is one in all the applications in the image process. This is very important in human identification and it will improve today’s identification technique that solely involves the eye detection to spot individuals. This technology is still new, only a few domains
are applying this technology as their medical system. The proposed work is developing an eye pupil detection method in real-time, stable, using an intensity labeling algorithm. The proposed hardware architecture is designed using the median filter, segmentation using the threshold process,
and morphology to detect pupil shape. Finally, an intensity Labeling algorithm is done to locate an exact eye pupil region. A Real-time FPGA implementation is done by Altera Quartus II software with cyclone IV FPGA.
Analysis of Various Security Methods of Virtual Machines in Cloud Computing
Authors: Jyothi G. , Bhargavi Ch. V. , Mani G. , Kumari Ch. Usha , Lydia E. Laxmi
Published: March 2021

Cloud computing can carry both software and hardware applications over the internet, based on the requirement of supplies and services. Hence it acts as the next generation network and computing easy of operations. Security is the at most significant also it influence the cloud computing.
Virtualization is the imperative factor through cloud computing related to speed and accuracy. This research work concentrates on the safety of simulated system in virtualized situation. The security problems in virtual machines are summarized first, as well as the safety issues which are
present in a virtual network. These are discussed and evaluated depend on the platform. At last, compare the simulation results with novel virtual network model and past methods. Virtualization is planned to monitor the interactions between human computations and computer design through physical
machines for increasing the security measures. The performance measures sensitivity 97.89%, efficiency 95.89%, F1 score 98.85% and accuracy 99.89% has been attained. These simulation results are outperforms the present technology compared to existed methods.
Degradation of Harmful Organics Using Visible Light Driven N-TiO2/rGO Nanocomposite
Authors: Vembuli Thanigaivel , Thiripuranthagan Sivakumar , Sureshkumar Thamaraiselvi , Erusappan Elangovan , Kumaravel Sakthivel , Kasinathan Maruthadurai , Natesan Balasubramanian , Sivakumar Aishwarya
Published: March 2021

Nitrogen doped titania over reduced form of graphene oxide (N-TiO2/rGO) catalysts were synthesized by adopting single step hydrothermal route. All the prepared photocatalysts were thoroughly characterized by using different analytical tools such as XRD, Raman, UV-DRS, FE-SEM
and HRTEM. The photocatalytic activities of bare and composite catalysts were evaluated towards the photocatalytic decolourisation/degradation of Methylene blue dye (MB) and Metronidazole antibiotic (MTZ) under visible electromagnetic radiation. Among all the synthesized catalysts, N-TiO2/rGO
composite catalyst showed the highest decolourisation/degradation activity towards both the dye and the antibiotic. The most active catalyst was also tested under UV and solar light irradiations which showed promising results. The stability of the most active catalyst (N-TiO2/rGO)
was examined by recyclability test. The possible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed for the composite catalyst.
Monthly Modulations of ENSO Teleconnections: Implications for Potential Predictability in North America
Authors: Chapman William E. , Subramanian Aneesh C. , Xie Shang-Ping , Sierks Michael D. , Ralph F. Martin , Kamae Youichi
Published: March 2021

Using a high-resolution atmospheric general circulation model simulation of unprecedented ensemble size, we examine potential predictability of monthly anomalies under El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) forcing and back-ground internal variability. This study reveals the pronounced month-to-month evolution of both the ENSO forcing signal and internal variability. Internal variance in upper-level geopotential height decreases (∼ 10%) over the North Pacific during El Niño as the westerly jet extends eastward, allowing forced signals to account for a greater fraction of the total variability, and leading to increased potential predictability. We identify February and March of El Niño years as the most predictable months using a signal-to-noise analysis. In contrast, December, a month typically included in teleconnection studies, shows little-to-no potential predictability. We show that the seasonal evolution of SST forcing and variability leads to significant signal-to-noise relationships that can be directly linked to both upper-level and surface variable predictability for a given month. The stark changes in forced response, internal variability, and thus signal-to-noise across an ENSO season indicate that subseasonal fields should be used to diagnose potential predictability over North America associated with ENSO teleconnections. Using surface air temperature and precipitation as examples, this study provides motivation to pursue ‘windows of forecast opportunity’, in which statistical skill can be developed, tested, and leveraged to determine times and regions in which this skill may be elevated.
Correcting Observational Biases in Sea Surface Temperature Observations Removes Anomalous Warmth during World War II
Authors: Chan Duo , Huybers Peter
Published: March 2021

Most historical sea surface temperature (SST) estimates indicate warmer World War II SSTs than expected from forcing and internal climate variability. If real, this World War II warm anomaly (WW2WA) has important implications for decadal variability, but the WW2WA may also arise from incomplete corrections of biases associated with bucket and engine room intake (ERI) measurements. To better assess the origins of the WW2WA, we develop five different historical SST estimates (reconstructions R1–R5). Using uncorrected SST measurements from the International Comprehensive Ocean–Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) version 3.0 (R1) gives a WW2WA of 0.41°C. In contrast, using only buckets (R2) or ERI observations (R3) gives WW2WAs of 0.18° and 0.08°C, respectively, implying that uncorrected biases are the primary source of the WW2WA. We then use an extended linear-mixed-effect method to quantify systematic differences between subsets of SSTs and develop groupwise SST adjustments based on differences between pairs of nearby SST measurements. Using all measurements after applying groupwise adjustments (R4) gives a WW2WA of 0.13°C [95% confidence interval (c.i.): 0.01°–0.26°C] and indicates that U.S. and U.K. naval observations are the primary cause of the WW2WA. Finally, nighttime bucket SSTs are found to be warmer than their daytime counterparts during WW2, prompting a daytime-only reconstruction using groupwise adjustments (R5) that has a WW2WA of 0.09°C (95% c.i.: −0.01° to 0.18°C). R5 is consistent with the range of internal variability found in either the CMIP5 (95% c.i.: −0.10° to 0.10°C) or CMIP6 ensembles (95% c.i.: −0.11° to 0.10°C). These results support the hypothesis that the WW2WA is an artifact of observational biases, although further data and metadata analyses will be important for confirmation.
The (Unequal) Interplay Between Cognitive and Noncognitive Skills in Early Educational Attainment
Authors: Gil-Hernández Carlos J.
Published: March 2021

Cognitive and noncognitive skills are key indicators of educational success and merit. However, even when accounting for inequalities in skill formation by family socioeconomic status (SES), a wide SES-gap in college enrolment remains. According to the compensatory advantage hypothesis, SES-gaps in educational transitions are largest among cognitively weak students, but little is known on mechanisms. It has long been argued that noncognitive traits such as effort and motivation might be at least as important as cognitive skills over the status-attainment process, and these skills might interact by being complements or substitutes. Thus, I test whether advantaged students substitute low cognitive skills in test scores by high returns to conscientiousness—rated by teachers— in the transition to academic secondary schools. I draw data from the German National Educational Panel Study to study a cohort of students from Grades 1 to 5, when early tracking is enforced. I estimate linear probability models with school fixed-effects and moderation. To account for measurement error, I also use composite latent skills across elementary education. I report three main findings: (a) High-SES students at the same level of cognitive and noncognitive skills than low-SES schoolmates are more likely to attend the academic track bridged to college; (b) in line with the compensatory hypothesis, these SES-inequalities are largest among low cognitive performers; (3) cognitively weak students from high-SES families get the highest educational returns to conscientiousness in comparison to high cognitive performers or low-SES peers, validating the skill substitution hypothesis. These findings challenge the liberal conception of merit as the sum of ability plus effort in assessing equal opportunity in education.
Latino Migrant Victims of Crime: Safe Reporting for Victims With Irregular Status in the United States and Spain
Authors: Delvino Nicola , González Beilfuss Markus
Published: March 2021

In both the United States and Spain, Latino migrants are disproportionately exposed to crime victimization. Among them, those with irregular status are scared to report crime to the police out of the fear of deportation. This article explores how national legislation and local policies in the United States and Spain regulate the possibility of irregular migrants who are victims of crime to interact with the police. We analyze the interplay between immigration and criminal legislation and enforcement structures in the United States and Spain to define whether deportation is a real or perceived risk for victims reporting crime. We identify opportunities for “safe reporting of crime,” and we look at how policy responses in the two countries compare. We find that national legislation in both countries introduced measures aimed at allowing safe interactions between migrant victims and the police. Additionally, in the United States, cities also adopted local “safe reporting” policies. However, despite these existing measures, opportunities for safe reporting remain limited in both countries. We conclude with a discussion on lessons that legislators in the United States and Spain could learn from each other to improve the reporting of crime from victims with irregular status.
Integrated Diabetes Self-Management Program Using Smartphone Application: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Yeojin , Lee Hyejin , Seo Ji Min
Published: March 2021

This study identified the effects of an integrated diabetes self-management program using smartphone application (app), based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral skills (IMB) model. A randomized comparison, using a pre-and post-test design, was conducted with 32 participants in the experimental group and 36 in the control group. The integrated diabetes self-management program consisted of face-to-face educational sessions, a diabetes self-management smartphone app, and phone counseling. In the experimental group, diabetes self-management knowledge (Z=-2.70, p=.007), social motivation (Z=-1.97, p=.048), and behavior (t=3.22, p=.002) improved, with their hemoglobin A1c (Z=-4.83, p<.001) decreasing compared to the control group. At the post-test, the experimental group’s fasting blood sugar level (t=2.79, p=.009), total calorie intake (t=3.94, p=.001), carbohydrate intake (t=5.69, p<.001), and fat intake (t=2.54, p=.021) decreased compared to the pre-test. An integrated diabetes self-management program using smartphone app, based on the IMB model, should be utilized as a nursing intervention.
Forced convection in 3D Maxwell nanofluid flow via Cattaneo–Christov theory with Joule heating
Authors: Ahmed Awais , Khan Masood , Sarfraz Mahnoor , Ahmed Jawad , Iqbal Zahoor
Published: March 2021

In this article, an investigation of the thermal and solutal energy transport in the 3 D flow of Maxwell nanofluid through a porous medium under the influence of the magnetic field is performed. The heat generation source and chemical reaction are also taken in account as a controlling agent for the heat and mass transport in the Maxwell liquid. A novel idea of Cattaneo-Christov theory and Buongiorno model for nanofluid is employed under the impact of Joule heating for the present analysis. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into a non-linear system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using flow similarities. The solution of similar ODEs is constructed through a well known semi-analytical technique which is the homotopy analysis method. The results of the investigation are explored in the form of graphs. It is observed that higher values of magnetic field decline the flow field. The temperature and concentration distributions decrease with the higher magnitude of thermal and solutal relaxation time phenomena, respectively. Moreover, the temperature field enhances when the Brownian motion of nanoparticles increases in flow while the concentration profile decreases. Also, it is found that the increase in resistive heating boosts up the thermal energy transport in the fluid motion.
The Struggle for the Human Right to a Good Life for Everyone: Oscar Correas’s Legacy for the Crítica Jurídica Movement in Latin America
Authors: Cristeche Mauro , Villena Cesar
Published: March 2021

Oscar Correas has been one of the promoters and main references of the Crítica Jurídica movement in Latin America due to his theoretical contributions and his permanent activism to develop the movement. In this paper, we firstly review his vast academic and intellectual career, and then we go through and analyse some of Correas’s main contributions to the study of the law and the Marxist thought. Special focus will be given to: (a) his approach to Marx’s works and its extension to the analysis of modern law; (b) his understanding of Hans Kelsen’s theory; and (c) Correas’s critical contributions to the debate on human rights. We aim to highlight the originality and wit of Oscar Correas’s work, and its importance for the development of the legal critical studies and debates on legal and human rights challenges from a critical perspective.
Adolescents’ Physical Activity and the Association With Perceived Social Support of Parents and Peers in Indonesia
Authors: Yusuf Rezky Aulia , Mont David Ferrandiz , Lin Wen-Hsu , Chen Hsin-Jen
Published: March 2021

This study examined the trends of adolescents’ physical activity (PA) and its association with parental and peer support, based on the Indonesia Global School-Based Health Survey. Between 2007 and 2015, prevalence of PA in adolescents declined from 24.4% to 16.5%. Prevalence of active transportation (AT) decreased from 47.2% to 32.3%. Prevalence of sedentary leisure behavior (SLB) declined from 33.6% to 27.2%. Girls’ SLB was inversely associated with parental supervision SLB in 2007 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.30-0.80) and in 2015 (adjusted OR [AOR] = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.43-0.71), and so was boys’ SLB in 2015 (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.59-0.95). Boys’ AT was inversely associated with peer support in 2015 (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.59-0.91). Parental control was associated with PA in girls (OR = 1.71; 95% CI = 1.23-2.37), in boys (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.07-2.54), and with SLB among girls in 2015 (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.11-1.47). Hence, adolescents’ PA was associated with perceived social support.