bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on effect of strength and durability parameters and performance of Self Compacting Concrete replacement with GGBS at different dosages
Authors: Vittalaiah A , Ravinder Rathod , Kumar C Vivek
Published: August 2020

To investigate experimentally, the behavior of exterior beam-column joint and strength characteristics of Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) containing Viscosity Modifying Admixture (VMA), and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS). Since there is no standard method of mix design is available for SCC. Hence mix design was arrived as per the rules of European Federation of National Associations Representing for Concrete (EFNARC). Marsh cone test was used to find the saturation of various kind of cements by adding the dosage of super plasticizer accordingly. In this investigation SCC was made by usual ingredients such as cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, water and ground granulated blast furnace slag at various replacement levels (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%), with that the Super Plasticizer (Glenium B233) and viscosity modifying agent (Glenium Stream 2) was used in appropriate amount for achieving the better flow in the concrete. The experiments were carried out by maintaining a constant water-powder ratio of 0.45. At various replacement levels the performance of freshly prepared SCC is checked by conducting tests such as slump flow, T50 slump flow, U-tube, L-box and V-funnel tests. Mechanical characteristics like Compressive, Split-tensile and Flexural strength examined. Also, the durability study for SCC after 28, 56 and 90 days curing was done by conducting a number of the tests like saturated water absorption, porosity, carbonation depth and alkalinity measurement
Traffic volume Analysis of Newly Developing semi-urban Road
Authors: Venkatcharyulu S. , Mallikarjunareddy V.
Published: August 2020

The purpose of the study and analyze traffic vehicular at peak hours, traffic congestion, determine level of service and provide suitable solution to reduce congestion and improve level of service. Hyderabad is a rapidly urbanizing metropolitan city with a population of 68.1lakhs. The increasing population has led to a tremendous increase in vehicular ownership resulting in high motorization rates. Vehicular population in Hyderabad is about 50lakhs. This increase in vehicular population, congestion and hazardous traffic conditions have resulted in traffic congestions, traffic delays, accidents, environ, noise pollution, air pollution and many more. Traffic volume studies are conducted for the counting number vehicles in th study area . . Data obtained from Nizampet road from the Miyapur useful for the identification of Heavy vehicular flow which studied and number of vehicle movement has studied . The data collected from surveys will be used for determination(PHO) and analysing the traffic volume, passenger car unit (PCU), congestion, Peak hour factor and Directional distribution, volume capacity ratio. A report is to be made on the road of 7km, semi urban road Miyapur X road to Nizampet ,(Hyderabad,INDIA) is studied for vehicles count, road conditions, traffic conditions, peak hour volume, pedestrian count where congestion usually happens, manually using tally sheets and recommend some measures for increasing Level of service of the road. The semi urban road has newly grown village which is immediate vicinity to the developed area. Hence the study of This traffic vehicular moment will help the local authorities to take decisions and finally control over movement of the vehicles.
Model Study of Decision Support System for Water Management
Authors: Venkatcharyulu S. , Viswanadh Dr.G.K.
Published: August 2020

Decision making system (DSS ) is Integrated , interacting tool with information which provide solutions or answers to the policy makers , Dss users, End users to make quick and useful decision. In this paper it is reviewed Dss model based journal papers and presented various model functionality and description of methodology that are used. It is also discussed about literature review of that papers. Most of the water resources journal papers are published on various approaches are based on Software used decision making. Dss in Inida is required for the water management and hydropower management. Several papers published GIS based decision making and papers emphasis on computer based decision making. Quick review of Dss with few number (14) reviewed and presented in this paper.
Effect of processing factors on the characteristics of centrifugal casting
Authors: Mohapatra Shubhashree , Sarangi Hrushikesh , Mohanty Upendra Kumar
Published: August 2020

Centrifugal castings are produced by pouring liquid metal into rotating moulds. It solidifies under the influence of centrifugal forces, directed from the center to the periphery of the mould on account of mould rotation, and exhibits directionality in solidification which helps to eliminate voids and discontinuities in the resultant casting, usually encountered in gravity castings. Also, a compositional gradient is sat up in the melt which can be monitored, to produce functionally graded materials (FGMs) of choice with multi-functionality. The pouring rate, pouring temperature, mould temperature, and mould material can be suitably selected and altered in isolation or in combination, to generate a desired thermal gradient in the melt which decides its cooling rate. The cooling rate of the melt has the greatest impact on the grain structure of the casting. On the other hand, the grain structure of the casting governs its mechanical performance and decides the suitability for any specific end-use. Thus, different processing factors influence the characteristics of centrifugal casting. In the present article, a sincere attempt is made to analyze the effect of these factors and to enumerate the role played by each one of these factors in deciding the centrifugal casting characteristics.
Efficient Digital Practices of Supplemental Vocational Education
Authors: Afanasyev Vladimir Vasilievich , Afanasyev Ilya Vladimirovich , Kunitsyna Svetlana Mikhailovna , Nechaev Mikhail Petrovich
Published: August 2020

Increasing importance and expansion of spectrum of functions of continuing education system in the era of digitalization will facilitate steady vocational and personal development of teachers. Searching for new pedagogical designs of supplemental vocational education can be considered as a force of sustainable development of occupational quality of teachers. In this context, the main aim of this work is to present one of significant constructs of such design of the system of supplemental vocational education: educational e-course. The main research methods are theoretical analysis of psychological and pedagogical, sociological and philosophical sources, analysis of actual data. The obtained result is the structure of educational e-course developed with consideration for decease in teachers’ labor consumption with obligatory preservation of education quality. Expert appraisal of the presented digital construct is based on reviews by teachers of educational entities, where advantages of electronic approach to development of educational course are mentioned and overall efficiency of such education is demonstrated.
Experience in Project-Oriented Professional Activities in The Digital Educational Environment of a School
Authors: Dmitrieva Elena Egorovna , Kovalev Grigory Nikolaevich , Churin Vladimir Vladimirovich , Iskumenko Mark Aleksandrovich
Published: August 2020

Today, education is being modified to meet the requirements of the digital environment. The educational function of the school is already being implemented using digital means. Therefore, it is possible to predict attempts to implement the upbringing function of the school in a digital environment. The purpose of the present research is to test professionally-oriented projects as a measure of pedagogical support for students’ professional choice in the context of the school’s digital educational environment. The methods to study professional interests included the use of the survey form proposed by G.V. Rezapkina and the questionnaire of N.S. Pryazhnikov. The method of creating professionally-oriented projects has become an instrumental method of pedagogical support for professional choice. The results of the study included examples of tasks that could be used to organize professionally-oriented projects in the context of the school’s digital educational environment. The experience of implementing these projects shows that the development of technologies for pedagogical support of professional choice employing the digital educational environment of the school is quite promising.
Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Integrating the Computer and Music Technologies into The Instrumental Performance Training of The Pedagogical University Students
Authors: Malaschenko Valery O. , Antonova Marina A. , Knyazeva Galina L. , Belokon Igor A. , Pechersky Boris A.
Published: August 2020

The work reveals the general social and technological prerequisites for integrating computer technologies into Russian education at various levels and profiles of educational institutions. The reasons for the basic contradictions in traditional and innovative pedagogical principles in professional training of performing musicians have been substantiated. Productive ways to solve the problem have been described based on the leading developments of education researchers in the computer and music technologies as well as in electronic music. The essence of the computer and music technologies concept as a specialized field of music pedagogy in Russia has been revealed. Features of hardware and software have been defined based on the digital interface of musical instruments and the prospects for their use in pedagogical activities. The methods, forms, and conditions for practical implementation of experimental training of pianist students from the Institute of Culture and Arts of the Moscow City University have been presented. The generalized results and conclusions of the experimental training in instrument performance of the pedagogical university students using the software and hardware components of the computer and music technologies have been analyzed and discussed.
Content Quality of Lesson Scenarios in Moscow E-School
Authors: Vachkova Svetlana Nikolaevna , Patarakin Evgeny Dmitrievich , Petryaeva Elena Yurevna
Published: August 2020

This work is aimed at assessment of content quality of lesson scenarios in Moscow e-school, comparison of expert data with the features of application of these scenarios in order to reveal strong points and deficiencies in content of lesson scenarios. The considered lesson scenarios are characterized by high quality of material component of educational content. The lesson scenarios substantiate forms and types of control of educational results. Methodological support of the lessons, differentiation and individualization of the content, existence of nonstandard situations stimulating personal participation of students, instructions for a student have been manifested least in the lesson scenarios. High expert quality appraisals of lesson scenarios mostly do not coincide with the popularity of lesson scenarios among the users.
Consideration of Subjective Effects of Virtual Reality Implementation upon Designing of Educational Systems
Authors: Voropaev Mikhail Vladimirovich , Legostaev Bogdan Leonidovich , Ganicheva Alla , Arapova Polina Iosifovna , Getmanenko Natalia I.
Published: August 2020

This article studies the effects of application of digital environment with extended number of variables for assessment of learning activity by teachers and principals. In the case analyzed in this article, the virtual reality (VR) technologies were implemented into schools. The main method of studies is structured survey with participants in the innovation project. The main experimental results presented in this article are the necessity to account for existing business processes in educational entities, cardinal rearrangement of learning process based on the principle of individual learning, integration of all applied assessment systems, formation of special module providing analysis of overall data combination. Implementation of VR technologies should be preceded by multi-aspect preparation of personnel, covering both technological aspects and variation of occupational position. This article discusses opportunities of efficient usage of VR technologies in learning process.
Study of The Teacher’s Readiness Condition to Implement the Idea of Managing the Personal Trajectory of Professional Development Within the Framework of Digitalization of Education
Authors: Zinovyeva Tatiana , Afanasyeva Zhanna , Bogdanova Antonina , Leonovich Evgeniy
Published: August 2020

The article deals with the topical issue of digitalization of education as a component of the digital transformation of contemporary society and the economy in general. The purpose of the research is to identify the readiness status of teaching staff for professional activity in the context of the digitalization of education. The main research methods were the questionnaire (implemented in the form of an online survey among students of the extramural form of study of the Moscow City Pedagogical University working at educational institutions of Moscow), and statistical analysis of the data obtained. The results of an online survey of teachers allowed concluding that today teachers have acquired a positive experience in the use of recommended tested digital educational resources, the ability to develop innovative digital educational and methodological support for the educational process, as well as recognized the need to build a personal trajectory of professional development in the framework of digital education.
Axiological Approach in The Development of Communicative Competences in University Students
Authors: Goykhman Oskar Yakovlevich , Goncharova Liubov Markovna , Kitanina Ella Anatolyevna , Nesterova Tatyana Vyacheslavovna
Published: August 2020

The article discusses the possibility of the development of axiological competences in university students in the process of teaching language-related disciplines within the world educational space. The problem of the development of communicative competences is relevant in the modern educational environment; it determines the purpose of the study: to analyze the survey results illustrating the attitude of students to the value of communication in society. During the research, linguistic and axiological parameters, defined by students as linguistic and communicative values, were identified, which makes it possible to talk about modern trends in education. Particular attention is paid to the value categories of the Russian language as the basis for national and cultural orientation, successful communication, intellectual development of people and formation of their linguistic personalities. The authors regard the axiological approach in the development of the student’s communicative competences as a fundamentally structured vision of the world through the prism of value orientation, which in the practice of cognition allows developing competences based on the cognitive needs and communicative intentions of students.
Scientific and Technological Creativity and Entrepreneurship in The Process of Projecting in Collaborative Graduation Qualification Works
Authors: Sunaeva Guzel Gazimovna , Sunaeva Svetlana Gazimovna , Goltseva Oksana Sergeevna , Belyakova Tatiana Evgenievna , Shevalie Konstantin Nikolaevich
Published: August 2020

The aim of the study is the introduction of elements of entrepreneurial creativity into the university learning process to form a project team, which consists of students from different areas of specialization. The method of a business game is used, when students, preparing the collaborative graduation qualification work, find themselves in a modulator of real contradictory relations between the specialists of an enterprise: technologists, designers, managers and economists. The development of the project business model according to the method of A. Osterwalder recreates the professional situation of the comprehensive solution of production problems at an enterprise. The results of the study show an increase in the synergy of scientific, technological and entrepreneurial creativity of students. As a result of project education at university, students demonstrate the acquired soft skills, which ensure successful participation in the work process and high productivity; they experience the excitement and show higher results of their collaborative graduation qualification work. Graduation qualification work acquires the features of a startup and has higher characteristics for introducing goods and services in the market. The presentation of the collaborative graduation qualification work reproduces the real situation of the evaluation of innovative idea prospects, an idea development plan and a team of likeminded people. The experience of participating in the business model development after the request of partners of an entrepreneurial university increases the competitiveness of graduates in the labour market.
The Experience of Organizing Research and Project Activities of Bachelors of Pedagogical Education in Professional Training
Authors: Naumova Olga Sergeevna , Boyarkina Maria Vladimirovna , Kostina Irina Nikolaevna , Plotnikova Larisa Ilinichna , Yuyshina Elena Alexandrovna
Published: August 2020

The article presents the experience of realization of the idea of the formation of project and research competence of future teachers during the organization of research and project activity of bachelors of pedagogical education. The purpose of the research: to justify the necessity to organize systematic project and research activities of students with the support of university professors and practicing teachers and to identify the prospects of solving this problem in the university educational process. Methods of research: study and analysis of scientific literature, normative documents, and Internet resources; comparative analysis; systematization; generalization of experience. The methods used by the authors are based on the synthesis of competence, systemic, and activity approaches. The authors propose to combine the acquisition of subject scientific knowledge and educational skills and abilities with the implementation, presentation, and defense of specific practice-oriented perspective pedagogical projects. The article presents the results of work for the period 2016-2020 with students of specializations 44.03.05 “Foreign languages (with two training specializations)” of full-time education and 44.03.01 “Foreign language education” of part-time education. The authors emphasize that strengthening the content of the subject disciplines (pedagogy, psychology, methodology of education and upbringing) and the inclusion of special additional research courses, modules, and practices in the training program of bachelors of education, and the development of the content of the pedagogical component of the state exam, demonstrating the appropriate level of formation of project and research competence, will solve the problem at a better level.
Relevant Problems of Personnel Training for The Real Sector of The Economy Based on The Competency-Based Approach in Education
Authors: Moiseenko N.A. , Serov V.M. , Astafieva O.E. , Shemyakina T.Yu. , Kozlovsky A.V.
Published: August 2020

Specialists’ level of professional training gains special significance in modern economic conditions. This problem is also relevant to organizations of the real sector of the economy. The present article examines the problems of training personnel for various economy sectors related to the competency approach adopted in the education system. Increasing the level of training of managerial personnel while accounting for industry characteristics and their specialization profile is noted to be one of the priority directions of work. The study is based on Russian practice in developing the country’s production potential and on the practice of scientific, technical, and economic development of foreign countries, particularly Japan, China, and others. The requirement of quantitative and qualitative staffing is an indispensable condition for the effective functioning and development of enterprises and organizations of all sectors and spheres of the national economy. In this regard, the goal of the present study is to identify, analyze, and summarize the positive and negative aspects of the competency approach to educational practice. Attainment of the set goal is based on the methodological approaches to the assessment of the existing educational system and the methods of comparative analysis of general economic consequences of such changes from the employer’s perspective. The scientific result of the study is the ways of resolving the identified problems suggested by the authors from the point of both the employers and the directions of the professional activity of higher and secondary special educational institutions. In particular, it is suggested to create corporate training centers at large organizations, the ideology of which would be based on improving the professional level of employees in accordance with the established qualification requirements.
The Conceptual Basis for The Formation of a Single Educational Space
Authors: Pavlova Nadezhda
Published: August 2020

The article deals with the study of educational trends at global and national levels. The purpose of the research is to study and analyze the conceptual foundations of the creation of a unified educational space. The main research methods involve studying literary sources, conducting theoretical analysis, and employing logical generalization methods. The research conducted allowed revealing the conceptual foundations of the unified educational space formation. The article identifies reference trends that characterize crisis developments in educational activities at the global and national levels. It is determined that in the conditions where humanity has come close to the borders of its existence on a global scale, the traditional universal values laid down in the foundation of modern man-made civilization will ensure its survival. In this regard, the task of the educational system based on universal human values is to develop knowledge and the foundations of existence that ensure the survival of civilization. Above all, this should be a philosophy of conservation and sustainable development.
Development of A Training Model for Working with Young Children in The Conditions of a Master’s Program and Additional Education in A Pedagogical University
Authors: Savenkov Alexander Ilich , Lyubchenko Olga Andreyevna , Vorovshchikov Sergey Georgievich , Lvova Anna Sergeevna
Published: August 2020

The paper presents and characterizes an integrative model of teacher training for working with young children. The purpose of the study is to develop a universal model that ensures the fulfillment of the society’s demand for the training of teachers in course of master’s programs and continuing pedagogical education, to help eliminate the shortage of professional staff in preschools. The model has been developed under the competence paradigm of education and taking into account the requirements of federal state educational standards of higher education and the professional standards for teachers in the conditions of coherence between the work-related activities (functions) and competencies. The universality of the model is determined by a unified educational outcome, content, forms, and technologies, as well as indicators and criteria for the effective preparation of teachers for working with young children both in the framework of their master’s program and in the continuing education system.
Success of Professional Activities of Representatives of Humanitarian Professions
Authors: Kodzhaspirov Alexey Yurievich , Polyakova Lyudmila Viktorovna
Published: August 2020

The study reveals the relationship between the success of professional activity with the personal characteristics of representatives of humanitarian professions. The following diagnostic means were used to establish the relationship of personal characteristics with the successful development of professional skills of students studying humanities: Methodology “Personality traits” (J. Barrett), Diagnostics of the structure of signal systems (E. F. Zeer, A. M. Pavlova), Methodology express – diagnostics of the characteristics of the nervous system by psychomotor indicators Е. P. Iliin. Based on the analysis of psychological and pedagogical literature and the study, the authors conclude that professional success in the humanitarian professions is associated with personality traits: sociability, focus on facts, as well as mobility of the nervous system. The absence of these traits negatively affects the effectiveness of professional activity.
The Problem of Satisfaction with The Results of The Professional Activity of The Employees of The Penal System of The Russian Federation
Authors: Suslov Yuri Evgenievich , Tishchenko Yuri Yuryevich , Samoylova Anastasia Andreyevna
Published: August 2020

The article considers the problem of satisfaction with work and results of work on the example of the professional activity of the penal system employees. In this regard, the purpose of the study, reflected in this work, is to analyze the professional activities of the penal system staff of the Russian Federation. The objective was achieved by analyzing scientific sources devoted to the problem of work, professional activity, and satisfaction with their results, as well as the study and comparison of the results of research conducted in the penal system. During the research, such general scientific methods and techniques as analysis, synthesis, comparison, induction, and deduction were applied.

The study draws a parallel between satisfaction with professional choices and satisfaction with one’s own life in general, emphasizing the existential nature of the discussed issue. In conclusion, the authors describe the levels of perception of professional activities results by penal system staff. The obtained results can be used for preventive, educational, and corrective measures with penal system staff.
Improving the Effectiveness and Demand for Educational Programs in Financial Technologies
Authors: Tsyganov Alexander A. , Brovchak Sergey V. , Gorelova Yulia А. , Krutova Lyubov S. , Selivanova Marina A.
Published: August 2020

The research purpose is to develop proposals for improving the quality of education in the field of innovative financial technologies.Methods. The following methods were used in the research: theoretical methods, including review and analytical study, comparison and generalization methods, as well as empirical methods, such as expert assessments (questionnaire survey), and statistical methods (statistical observation). Conclusion. Analyzing the respondents’ assessment, the data were obtained that allowed revealing that in practice, the development of the labor market associated with digitalization faced certain problems. In particular, it was revealed that, despite the potential value of improving the quality of education in the field of financial technologies, increasing the level of knowledge and competencies, there was a problem associated with reducing jobs, which in turn increased an opportunity for developing the labor market. Based on the results obtained, conclusions were formulated demonstrating the relationship between the quality of training of labor forces and innovative changes in the economy within the educational process and educational programs.
Project Management as a Technology for Managing a Modern Educational Organization
Authors: Podymova Lyudmila , Khmelkova Marina , Semyonova Maria , Golovyatenko Tatyana , Poliakova Maria
Published: August 2020

The main goal of the article is to describe project management used in education. The concept of “project management” and its main components in the conditions of educational organizations as a system mechanism in resource management have been theoretically analyzed. The role of investments and state support for training and education on project management not only in the national but also foreign education has been shown. The main goals and areas of the implementation in the educational sector have been revealed through the example of the Education national project. The role of the methodology for network planning of the employees’ activities in an organization has been considered. This creates guidelines for organizing the research on optimizing human resources in the organization and improving their efficiency. The article has focused on one of the approaches in project management, namely, the projective-resource one, where the head of the educational organization plays an important role both in project management and in the formation of a team for its implementation.
Design of The Learning Environment Considering the Gender Characteristics of Students
Authors: Shvetsova Maya Nickolaevna , Dolinskaya Lyudmila Aleksandrovna , Lukinova Anastasiia Vladimirovna , Sotnikova Marina Sergeevna , Solntseva Anna Sergeevna
Published: August 2020

In this study, the motivation and cognitive characteristics of students in the implementation of a gender-based approach to teaching and their consideration in the educational process of boys and girls are presented. The purpose of the study is to verify empirically the effectiveness of the design of the learning environment considering the gender characteristics of students by analyzing the cognitive characteristics of children studying in different types of classes. In the study, the following methods were used: “Amthauer Intelligence Structure Test” adapted by L. A. Yasyukova , “Test for assessing the formation of reading skills”, “Test for assessing the independence of thinking”, test “Determining the level of school motivation and emotional attitude to learning (Spilberg-Andreeva)”, as well as observation, comparison and assessment. It is shown that children studying in same-sex classes show a higher motivation for learning; their cognitive abilities manifest themselves differently than in mixed classes.
Influence of Connected Health Interventions for Adherence to Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: A Scoping Review
Authors: Agher Dahbia , Sedki Karima , Tsopra Rosy , Despres Sylvie , Jaulent Marie-Christine
Published: August 2020

Background Recent health care developments include connected health interventions to improve chronic disease management and/or promote actions reducing aggravating risk factors for conditions such as cardiovascular diseases. Adherence is one of the main challenges for ensuring the correct use of connected health interventions over time.

Objective This scoping review deals with the connected health interventions used in interventional studies, describing the ways in which these interventions and their functions effectively help patients to deal with cardiovascular risk factors over time, in their own environments. The objective is to acquire knowledge and highlight current trends in this field, which is currently both productive and immature.

Methods A structured literature review was constructed from Medline-indexed journals in PubMed. We established inclusion criteria relating to three dimensions (cardiovascular risk factors, connected health interventions, and level of adherence). Our initial search yielded 98 articles; 78 were retained after screening on the basis of title and abstract, 49 articles underwent full-text screening, and 24 were finally retained for the analysis, according to preestablished inclusion criteria. We excluded studies of invasive interventions and studies not dealing with digital health. We extracted a description of the connected health interventions from data for the population or end users.

Results We performed a synthetic analysis of outcomes, based on the distribution of bibliometrics, and identified several connected health interventions and main characteristics affecting adherence. Our analysis focused on three types of user action: to read, to do, and to connect. Finally, we extracted current trends in characteristics: connect, adherence, and influence.

Conclusion Connected health interventions for prevention are unlikely to affect outcomes significantly unless other characteristics and user preferences are considered. Future studies should aim to determine which connected health design combinations are the most effective for supporting long-term changes in behavior and for preventing cardiovascular disease risks.
Tutorial reflects on making mirrors for petawatt lasers
Authors: Patrick Chris
Published: August 2020

A newcomer’s guide to the struggles and strategies of designing durable mirrors for increasingly important petawatt lasers.
New insight on large-eddy simulation of flow past a circular cylinder at subcritical Reynolds number 3900
Authors: Tian Geng , Xiao Zuoli
Published: August 2020

Flow past a circular cylinder at the subcritical Reynolds number of 3900 is numerically investigated based on large-eddy simulations (LESs) via the open-source toolbox OpenFOAM. Good grid convergence property is achieved for the present LESs with different subgrid-scale models as far as the near-wake statistics are concerned. On the intermediate-resolution grid, current LES data in terms of mean flow and turbulence quantities are in good agreement with the benchmark experimental results. A comparison study on the Smagorinsky model manifests that increasing the model coefficient results in a longer recirculation length and smaller drag and lift coefficients. The budget analysis of the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) equation suggests that the main source in the wake area is the TKE production, which is transported downstream mainly through the advection by mean flow and further moved upward and downward through the transport terms. The flow patterns indicate that the weak production rates induced by the shear layers delay the downward movement of the mean flow, resulting in a longer recirculation region. This dynamic picture provides a reliable explanation for the differences in the recirculation length and mean flow profiles observed in the near-wake area from different experimental and numerical studies.
Theory of exciton transport in molecular crystals strongly coupled to a cavity: A temperature-dependent variational approach
Authors: Liu Jingyu , Zhao Qing , Wu Ning
Published: August 2020

We present a semianalytical theory for the exciton transport in organic molecular crystals interacting strongly with a single cavity mode. Based on the Holstein–Tavis–Cummings model and the Kubo formula, we derive an exciton mobility expression in the framework of a temperature-dependent variational canonical transformation, which can cover a wide range of exciton–vibration coupling, exciton–cavity coupling, and temperatures. A closed-form expression for the coherent part of the total mobility is obtained in the zeroth order of the exciton–vibration coupling, which demonstrates the significance of vibrationally dressed dark excitons in the determination of the transport mechanism. By performing numerical simulations on both the H- and J-aggregates, we find that the exciton–cavity coupling has significant effects on the total mobility: (1) At low temperatures, there exists an optimal exciton–cavity coupling strength for the H-aggregate at which a maximal mobility is reached, while the mobility in the J-aggregate decreases monotonically with an increase in the exciton–cavity coupling and (2) at high temperatures, the mobility in both types of aggregates get enhanced by the cavity. We illustrate the above-mentioned low-temperature optimal mobility observed in the H-aggregate by using realistic parameters at room temperature.
Structural evolution and mechanical properties of nitrogen doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin films
Authors: Xu Rui , Yang Kai , Zhao Tianqi , Jiang Li
Published: August 2020

Nitrogen doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin films, also recorded as silicon rich hydrogenated amorphous silicon nitride thin films, were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The structural evolution and mechanical properties of the films with different nitrogen contents were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman scattering spectroscopy, and the density and stress measurement system, respectively. The results showed that with the increase in ammonia gas flow rate from 0.5 SCCM to 20 SCCM, the tensile stress and the density of the films decreased from 600 MPa to 280 MPa and from 2.31 g/cm3 to 2.08 g/cm3, respectively. The hydrogen bonding configurations, hydrogen content, and structural ordering evolution were investigated to reveal the relationship between the structural and mechanical properties of the films. A qualitative model was proposed to explain the role of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms during the film growth.
Biological warfare: the history of microbial pathogens, biotoxins and emerging threats
Authors: Kaufer Alexa M , Theis Torsten , Lau Katherine A , Gray Joanna L , Rawlinson William D
Published: August 2020

Bioterrorism is the deliberate misuse of a pathogen (virus, bacterium or other disease-causing microorganisms) or biotoxin (poisonous substance produced by an organism) to cause illness and death amongst the population. Bioterrorism and biological warfare (biowarfare) are terms often used interchangeably. However, bioterrorism is typically attributed to the politically motivated use of biological weapons by a rogue state, terrorist organisation or rogue individual whereas biological warfare refers to a country’s use of bioweapons. Although rare, bioterrorism is a rapidly evolving threat to global security due to significant advancements in biotechnology in recent years and the severity of agents that could be exploited. The pursuit of publicity plays a vital role in bioterrorism. The success of a biological attack is often calculated by the extent of terror resulting from the event, psychological disruption of society and political breakdown, rather than the lethal effects of the agent used.
Contrast trees and distribution boosting
Authors: Friedman Jerome H.
Published: August 2020

Significance

Often machine learning methods are applied and results reported in cases where there is little to no information concerning accuracy of the output. Simply because a computer program returns a result does not ensure its validity. If decisions are to be made based on such results it is important to have some notion of their veracity. Contrast trees represent an approach for assessing the accuracy of many types of machine-learning estimates that are not amenable to standard validation methods. In situations where inaccuracies are detected boosted contrast trees can often improve performance. A special case, distribution boosting, provides an assumption-free method for estimating the full probability distribution of an outcome variable given any set of joint input predictor variable values.
Illuminating the allosteric modulation of the calcium-sensing receptor
Authors: Liu Hongkang , Yi Ping , Zhao Wenjing , Wu Yuling , Acher Francine , Pin Jean-Philippe , Liu Jianfeng , Rondard Philippe
Published: August 2020

Significance

G protein-coupled receptors regulate several physiological processes, many of which sense nutrients. The mode of action of these nutrients remains elusive, as it is difficult to control nutrient concentrations around living cells. The calcium-sensing receptor is regulated by multiple factors, including ions and amino acids, to control calcium homeostasis; and genetic mutations are responsible for human diseases. Here, we investigated this receptor in a perfect control of ambient nutrients. Based on the identification of calcium ion activation sites, we propose a molecular basis for how calcium and amino acids cooperate to control receptor activation. This leads to a model for the mechanism of activation of this receptor and its modulation by multiple ligands and genetic mutations.
IL-12 p40 monomer is different from other IL-12 family members to selectively inhibit IL-12Rβ1 internalization and suppress EAE
Authors: Mondal Susanta , Kundu Madhuchhanda , Jana Malabendu , Roy Avik , Rangasamy Suresh B. , Modi Khushbu K. , Wallace Jennillee , Albalawi Yasmeen A. , Balabanov Roumen , Pahan Kalipada
Published: August 2020

Significance

The level of IL-12 p40 monomer (p40), a neglected member of the IL-12 family of cytokines, is less in serum of MS patients as compared to controls. Accordingly, supplementation of p40 inhibits the disease process of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. The p40 inhibits the internalization of IL-12Rβ1, but neither IL-12Rβ2 nor IL-23R, and suppresses EAE via IL-12Rβ1. These results describe an anti-autoimmune property of p40 that may be beneficial in the treatment of MS and other autoimmune disorders.
Opportunities and limitations of genetically modified nonhuman primate models for neuroscience research
Authors: Feng Guoping , Jensen Frances E. , Greely Henry T. , Okano Hideyuki , Treue Stefan , Roberts Angela C. , Fox James G. , Caddick Sarah , Poo Mu-ming , Newsome William T. , Morrison John H.
Published: August 2020

The recently developed new genome-editing technologies, such as the CRISPR/Cas system, have opened the door for generating genetically modified nonhuman primate (NHP) models for basic neuroscience and brain disorders research. The complex circuit formation and experience-dependent refinement of the human brain are very difficult to model in vitro, and thus require use of in vivo whole-animal models. For many neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, abnormal circuit formation and refinement might be at the center of their pathophysiology. Importantly, many of the critical circuits and regional cell populations implicated in higher human cognitive function and in many psychiatric disorders are not present in lower mammalian brains, while these analogous areas are replicated in NHP brains. Indeed, neuropsychiatric disorders represent a tremendous health and economic burden globally. The emerging field of genetically modified NHP models has the potential to transform our study of higher brain function and dramatically facilitate the development of effective treatment for human brain disorders. In this paper, we discuss the importance of developing such models, the infrastructure and training needed to maximize the impact of such models, and ethical standards required for using these models.
Decoding three distinct states of the Syntaxin17 SNARE motif in mediating autophagosome–lysosome fusion
Authors: Li Ying , Cheng Xiaofang , Li Miao , Wang Yingli , Fu Tao , Zhou Zixuan , Wang Yaru , Gong Xinyu , Xu Xiaolong , Liu Jianping , Pan Lifeng
Published: August 2020

Significance

Macroautophagy is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and physiology in mammals, and relies on vesicle fusion between the autophagosome and the lysosome, forming the autolysosome to degrade unwanted cytosolic contents for recycling. The membrane fusion between the autophagosome and lysosome requires ATG8 family proteins and autophagy-related SNARE proteins including Syntaxin17, VAMP8, and SNAP29, but with poorly understood mechanisms. In this study, through systemic biochemical and structural characterizations, we reveal three different states of the key autophagosomal SNARE protein Syntaxin17 and provide mechanistic insights into the autoinhibited state of Syntaxin17 as well as its interactions with ATG8 family proteins, SNAP29 and VAMP8. Our findings are valuable for further understanding the functions of Syntaxin17 in the autophagosome–lysosome fusion process.
Suppressing neutrophil-dependent angiogenesis abrogates resistance to anti-VEGF antibody in a genetic model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Itatani Yoshiro , Yamamoto Takamasa , Zhong Cuiling , Molinolo Alfredo A. , Ruppel Jane , Hegde Priti , Taketo M. Mark , Ferrara Napoleone
Published: August 2020

Significance

Using mouse models that recapitulate key genetic abnormalities accumulating during colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis, we report that chemically induced colitis promoted development of colon tumors that were largely resistant to anti-VEGF antibody treatment. Serum G-CSF levels were markedly elevated after induction of colitis. Inhibition of G-CSF or Bv8/PROK2 increased the efficacy of anti-VEGF antibody and prevented onset of resistance. To verify the potential clinical relevance of these findings, we examined a series of CRC specimens and found that tumor-infiltrating neutrophils strongly expressed Bv8/PROK2. CRC patients had significantly higher plasma Bv8/PROK2 levels than healthy volunteers and high plasma Bv8/PROK2 levels were inversely correlated with overall survival. These findings establish Bv8/PROK2 as a translational target in CRC, in combination with anti-VEGF agents.
Bacteria- and temperature-regulated peptides modulate β-catenin signaling in
Hydra
Authors: Taubenheim Jan , Willoweit-Ohl Doris , Knop Mirjam , Franzenburg Sören , He Jinru , Bosch Thomas C. G. , Fraune Sebastian
Published: August 2020

Significance

Within the life span of an individual, animals adapt to their environment by adjusting their developmental programs dynamically. This phenotypic plasticity is highly specific to the lifestyle of an organism and represents a mechanism which may form the forefront of adaption to new environmental conditions. However, the implementation of the mechanism on the molecular level is not well understood. Here, we show that two taxonomic restricted or orphan genes are modulating the Wnt-signaling pathway in
Hydra
and that their expression depends on temperature and bacterial colonization. Our results demonstrate that environmental cues can be linked to developmental processes by the regulation of orphan genes that modulate conserved signaling pathways.
A socio­linguistic perspective on the (quasi-)modals of obligation and necessity in Australian English
Authors: Penry Williams Cara , Korhonen Minna
Published: August 2020

This article examines the distribution and socio­linguistic patterning of (quasi-)modals which express strong
obligation/necessity, namely must, have to, have got to, got to and need to, in Australian
English. Variationist studies in other varieties of English have had contrasting findings in terms of distributions of root forms,
as well as their conditioning by social and linguistic factors. The corpus analysis suggests real-time increased use of
need to and decrease in have got to through comparison to earlier findings. The variationist
analysis shows quasi-modals have to, have got to and got to as sensitive to speaker age and sex,
and a recent increase of have to via apparent time modelling. Linguistic conditioning relating to the type of
obligation and subject form is also found. The study contributes to socio­linguistic understanding of this large-scale change in
English and the place of Australian English amongst other varieties.
Discontinuous noun phrases in Ngkolmpu
Authors: Carroll Matthew J.
Published: August 2020

It has been claimed that Ngkolmpu (Yam, Papuan) displays discontinuous noun phrases (Donohue 2011). However, careful textual analysis of a corpus of naturalistic language reveals that, in practice, this is highly restricted. The data shows two relatively rare constructions which give rise to limited discontinuous structures. The first is an afterthought construction involving a full co-referential nominal constituent adjacent to the clause. This co-referential constituent is both syntactically and phonetically distinct from the main utterance. The other involves a topic marking demonstrative encliticised to verbs at the right edge of the clause interacting with general information-structural conditions on word order. This is the only true discontinuity found in the corpus and is restricted to demonstratives only. This paper clarifies a claim in the literature about the empirical facts of a specific language, Ngkolmpu, and adds a nuanced discussion of nominal discontinuity in a language of New Guinea.