bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multiscale model of terrain dynamics for real-time earthmoving simulation
Authors: Servin Martin , Berglund Tomas , Nystedt Samuel
Published: May 2021

A multiscale model for real-time simulation of terrain dynamics is explored. To represent the dynamics on different scales the model combines the description of soil as a continuous solid, as distinct particles and as rigid multibodies. The models are dynamically coupled to each other and to the earthmoving equipment. Agitated soil is represented by a hybrid of contacting particles and continuum solid, with the moving equipment and resting soil as geometric boundaries. Each zone of active soil is aggregated into distinct bodies, with the proper mass, momentum and frictional-cohesive properties, which constrain the equipment’s multibody dynamics. The particle model parameters are pre-calibrated to the bulk mechanical parameters for a wide range of different soils. The result is a computationally efficient model for earthmoving operations that resolve the motion of the soil, using a fast iterative solver, and provide realistic forces and dynamic for the equipment, using a direct solver for high numerical precision. Numerical simulations of excavation and bulldozing operations are performed to test the model and measure the computational performance. Reference data is produced using coupled discrete element and multibody dynamics simulations at relatively high resolution. The digging resistance and soil displacements with the real-time multiscale model agree with the reference model up to 10–25%, and run more than three orders of magnitude faster.
The degree of astrocyte activation is predictive of the incubation time to prion disease
Authors: Makarava Natallia , Mychko Olga , Chang Jennifer Chen-Yu , Molesworth Kara , Baskakov Ilia V.
Published: May 2021

In neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and prion diseases, astrocytes acquire disease-associated reactive phenotypes. With growing appreciation of their role in chronic neurodegeneration, the questions whether astrocytes lose their ability to perform homeostatic functions in the reactive states and whether the reactive phenotypes are neurotoxic or neuroprotective remain unsettled. The current work examined region-specific changes in expression of genes, which report on astrocyte physiological functions and their reactive states, in C57Black/6J mice challenged with four prion strains via two inoculation routes. Unexpectedly, strong reverse correlation between the incubation time to the diseases and the degree of astrocyte activation along with disturbance in functional pathways was observed. The animal groups with the most severe astrocyte response and degree of activation showed the most rapid disease progression. The degree of activation tightly intertwined with the global transformation of the homeostatic state, characterized by disturbances in multiple gene sets responsible for normal physiological functions producing a neurotoxic, reactive phenotype as a net result. The neurotoxic reactive phenotype exhibited a universal gene signature regardless of the prion strain. The current work suggests that the degree of astrocyte activation along with the disturbance in their physiological pathways contribute to the faster progression of disease and perhaps even drive prion pathogenesis.
Motivation, pedagogy, and gender: examining the multifaceted and dynamic situational responses of women and men in college STEM courses
Authors: Stolk Jonathan D. , Gross Michael D. , Zastavker Yevgeniya V.
Published: May 2021

Background

Research illustrates that student motivations influence learning engagement, persistence, and achievement in powerful ways and that positive motivations are linked to deeper learning, critical thinking, pro-social behavior, and better performance. Most studies of learner motivation, however, are conducted outside of STEM and are focused at the contextual level, which may describe why students attend college or choose a degree program, but not why they engage in classroom activities. Furthermore, there is little research that meaningfully connects learner motivations with gender identity and course pedagogy. This study addresses these gaps by examining the interconnections among course pedagogy, gender, and situational-level motivations, which reveal why learners engage in different course activities and how engagement may vary over time. This detailed perspective on learner motivations is essential for instructors to gain insights into how their pedagogical and course design choices influence students’ motivational responses and to more effectively develop interventions that support positive forms of motivation among all students.

Results

Participants in the study are undergraduate students enrolled in 72 introductory-level STEM courses across 11 institutions, and the dataset includes over 5000 unique responses to the Situational Motivation Scale, a Self-Determination Theory-based instrument that was administered weekly in each course. Analysis reveals seven typical motivational response types, ranging from a highly control-oriented to a highly autonomous response. Most students express multiple types of motivation during an academic term in a course, illustrating the dynamic nature of motivations. Cluster distributions by gender and pedagogy indicate significant differences in lecture-based learning courses, with women reporting less self-determined motivations compared to men. Motivational response profiles of women and men are both more similar, and more positive overall, in courses that employ active learning.

Conclusions

These findings have important implications for practitioners. The concept of motivational co-expression encourages instructors to move toward a more nuanced appraisal of learner motivation. The stability analyses challenge embedded beliefs about the fixed nature of learner motivation. The gender analyses raise questions about how instructors may more effectively promote the positive motivations of all students through their course design decisions.
Preparation of β(1→3)/β(1→4) xylooligosaccharides from red alga dulse by two xylanases from Streptomyces thermogriseus
Authors: Fujii Yuki , Kobayashi Manami , Miyabe Yoshikatsu , Kishimura Hideki , Hatanaka Tadashi , Kumagai Yuya
Published: May 2021

Red alga dulse contains xylan with β(1→3)/β(1→4) linkages. We previously prepared xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) from dulse xylan; however, the product contained many d-xylose residues and fewer XOSs with β(1→3) linkages. To improve the efficiency of XOS production, we prepared two recombinant endoxylanases from Streptomyces thermogriseus (StXyl10 and StXyl11). Comparing the kcat/Km values for dulse xylan, this value from StXyl10 was approximately two times higher than that from StXyl11. We then determined the suitable conditions for XOS production. As a result, dulse XOS was prepared by the successive hydrolysis of 10 mg/mL dulse xylan by 0.5 μg/mL StXyl10 for 4 h at 50 °C and then 2.0 μg/mL StXyl11 for 36 h at 60 °C. Xylan was converted into 95.8% XOS, including 59.7% XOS with a β(1→3) linkage and 0.97% d-xylose. Our study provides useful information for the production of XOSs with β(1→3) linkages.
Avoiding anticoagulation drugs for postoperative atrial fibrillation enabled successful conservative treatment of left atrial dissection: a case report
Authors: Kiryu Kentaro , Kadohama Takayuki , Itagaki Yoshinori , Yamaura Gembu , Tanaka Fuminobu , Takagi Daichi , Wada Takuya , Igarashi Itaru , Yamazaki YuYa , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

Background

Left atrial dissection is a rare complication of cardiac surgery, most commonly associated with mitral valve surgery. Herein, we report on the successful conservative treatment of left atrial dissection while avoiding anticoagulation therapy.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old man developed left atrial dissection during operation for acute type A aortic dissection, most likely due to retrograde cardioplegia cannulation. As there was no connection between the left atrial dissection cavity and the left atrium on enhanced computed tomography, we did not administer anticoagulants to prevent expansion of the left atrial dissection cavity. However, the patient developed atrial fibrillation, which was successfully managed by beta-blocker and amiodarone administration. Follow-up imaging showed gradual left atrial dissection reduction, and the patient was started on anticoagulation therapy.

Conclusion

We were able to resolve left atrial dissection by preventing the use of anticoagulation therapy in the acute stage by managing the atrial fibrillation with antiarrhythmic drugs.
Patient engagement in fertility research: bench research, ethics, and social justice
Authors: Fleming Perry R. , Swygert Makayla M. , Hasenkamp Coen , Sterling Jessica , Cartee Ginny , Russ-Sellers Rebecca , Cozad Melanie , Chosed Renee J. , Roudebush William E. , Kennedy Ann Blair
Published: May 2021

Background

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in research is increasingly being utilized to better connect patients and researchers. The Patient Engagement Studio (PES) supports PPI in research by working directly with researchers throughout various stages of their projects. Recently, two researchers presented to the PES for assistance with their project, Embryo+™. The purpose of Embryo+™ is to decrease miscarriage rates using RNA sequencing technology that screens for the most viable embryos. To date, no examples of PPI directly in the planning or implementation of bench research concerning in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer have been identified.

Main body

Embryo+™ researchers met in-person with the PES two times (fall 2019; each meeting had 9 PES members in attendance) for initial feedback and protocol development. After these meetings, PES leadership and Embryo+™ researchers decided that the unique nature of the project merited a PPI evaluation. Subsequent evaluation of engagement efforts occurred by reviewing the PES reports for the Embryo+™ researchers, conducting two recorded web-based discussion meetings with the PES (summer 2020; meeting 1 n = 7; meeting 2 n = 6), and a brief survey (n = 13). The discussion meetings provided an opportunity for the PES members to define engagement themes through consensus via verbal agreement to the studio director’s periodic summaries during the discussions. Combining survey results and PES themes allowed for a broad discussion for meaningful engagement.

The Embryo+™ researchers established trust with the patients by changing some of their language in response to patient suggestions, allowing for unintended ethical conversations, and implementing the patient developed protocols. Overall, the patient experts thought this project was very meaningful and valuable, quantified by a mean loyalty score 89.43 (s.d. 10.29).

Conclusion

Bench science researchers may need additional PPI training prior to engaging with patient groups. PPI in this project was successful in large part due to this training, where the director emphasized the importance of gaining trust with the patients. The researchers applied what they learned and several examples of how to develop trust with patients are discussed. If trust is established, PPI in an ethically charged, basic science research study can be both valuable and successful.
Dutch reference values for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Scale v1.2 - Global Health (PROMIS-GH)
Authors: Elsman Ellen B. M. , Roorda Leo D. , Crins Martine H. P. , Boers Maarten , Terwee Caroline B.
Published: May 2021

Background

To add context to the impact of medical conditions, it is important to interpret and compare health outcomes across studies and populations. We aimed to determine Dutch reference values for the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Scale v1.2 - Global Health (PROMIS-GH).

Methods

The PROMIS-GH, also referred to as PROMIS-10, was completed by 4370 Dutch persons, representative for the 2016 Dutch population. T-scores for the mental health (GMH) and physical health (GPH) subscales, and their shorter two-item subscales, were calculated for the entire population, age groups and gender. T-scores for GMH and GPH were compared to the US reference population, representative for the 2000 US general population. Interpretability thresholds for poor, fair, good, very good and excellent GPH and GMH were calculated based on T-scores of participants, which were categorized into five groups based on their response to item Global01. For each group the mean GPH and GMH T-score was calculated and the midpoint between two adjacent means was identified, resulting in thresholds. Thresholds based on the Dutch data were compared to US thresholds.

Results

The Dutch population had a GMH T-score of 44.7 and a GPH T-score of 45.2, both substantially worse than the US reference population T-score of 50. Lower T-scores were also found for age-range and gender subpopulations. Dutch GMH and GPH interpretability thresholds were mostly not substantially different compared to the US thresholds, although the Dutch threshold between fair and poor mental health was considerably higher (29 vs. 38).

Conclusions

This study reports reference values for the PROMIS-GH scale for the Dutch general population, including age-range and gender subpopulations. These reference values provide an important tool for healthcare professionals and researchers to better evaluate and interpret patient-reported mental health and physical health. Scores are notably worse than the US reference values. The exact reason for this remains subject for further research, although possibilities for the differences are discussed, including the presence of differential item functioning and the representativeness and recentness of the data.
Implementation of a sagittal T2-weighted DIXON turbo spin-echo sequence may shorten MRI acquisitions in the emergency setting of suspected spinal bleeding
Authors: Sollmann Nico , Rüther Charlotte , Schön Simon , Zimmer Claus , Baum Thomas , Kirschke Jan S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for evaluating soft tissue damage along the spine in the emergency setting, yet access and fast protocol availability are limited. We assessed the performance of a sagittal T2-weighted DIXON turbo spin-echo sequence and investigated whether additional standard sagittal T1-weighted sequences are necessary in suspected spinal fluid collections/bleedings.

Methods

Seventy-four patients aged 62.9 ± 19.3 years (mean ± standard deviation) with MRI including a sagittal T2-weighted DIXON sequence and a T1-weighted sequence were retrospectively included. Thirty-four patients (45.9%) showed a spinal fluid collection/bleeding. Two layouts (layout 1: fat-only and water-only and in-phase images of the DIXON sequence and T1-weighted images; layout 2: fat-only and water-only and in-phase images of the DIXON sequence) were evaluated by three readers (R1, R2, and R3) concerning presence of spinal fluid collections/bleedings and diagnostic confidence from 1 (very low confidence) to 5 (very high confidence). χ2 and κ statistics were used.

Results

There was no difference in detecting spinal fluid collections/bleedings between the layouts (R1 and R2 detected all, R3 missed one spinal fluid collection/bleeding in the same patient in both layouts). Confidence was high (layout 1, R1 4.26 ± 0.81, R2 4.28 ± 0.81, R3 4.32 ± 0.79; layout 2, R1 3.93 ± 0.70, R2 4.09 ± 0.86, R3 3.97 ± 0.73), with higher inter-reader agreement for layout 1 (κ 0.691–0.780) than for layout 2 (κ 0.441–0.674).

Conclusions

A sagittal T2-weighted DIXON sequence provides diagnostic performance similar to a protocol including standard T1-weighted sequences.
The genetic influence of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism in chronic low back pain
Authors: Yamada Angela Shiratsu , Antunes Flavia Tasmim Techera , Ferraz Camila , de Souza Alessandra Hubner , Simon Daniel
Published: May 2021

Background

The Val66Met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is a potential biomarker of vulnerability to pain. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association of this polymorphism with clinical and biopsychosocial factors in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods

A total of 107 individuals with CLBP answered questionnaires that were validated and adapted for the Brazilian population, including the Brief Inventory of Pain, the Central Sensitization Inventory, the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Survey of Pain Attitude-Brief, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All of the subjects were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism.

Results

The sample showed moderate scores of disability, central sensitization, and kinesiophobia, in addition to mild anxiety, hopelessness, and ruminant thoughts. No significant association was observed between the Val66Met polymorphism and the variables analyzed. Besides, there was no relationship between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with CSI, catastrophization, or disabilities that were generated by CLBP.

Conclusion

The results showed that the Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene was not associated with clinical and biopsychosocial characteristics of CLBP in the sample studied.
Chlorpyrifos and other pesticide exposure and suspected developmental delay in children aged under 5 years: a case-control study in Phitsanulok, Thailand
Authors: Juntarawijit Yuwayong , Chaichanawirote Uraiwan , Rakmeesri Paphada , Chairattanasakda Punaphop , Pumyim Varintorn , Juntarawijit Chudchawal
Published: May 2021

Background: Developmental delay among children under 5 years of age is a serious global public health problem and much research has been carried out to find potential causes. Pesticides - especially organophosphates - are suspected to be one of the main causes of the problem.  This study aimed to investigate the association between pesticide use by the mother during pregnancy and preschool children development using a case-control study.

Methods: Data on prenatal and postnatal pesticide exposure of 442 children with suspected developmental delay, and 413 controls with normal development were included for analysis. The children were matched for gender, age, and residency. Data on pesticide exposure were collected via interview with the mother, and data on pregnancy outcomes abstracted from hospital records.  

Results: Chlorpyrifos exposure significantly increased the risk of developmental delay with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.71 (95% CI 1.03-13.36) for ever use of the pesticide, and an OR of 5.92 (95% CI 1.01-34.68) for postnatal exposure (p <0.05). Some other pesticides also had a positive association with developmental delay but none were statistically significant (p <0.05). Those pesticides were insecticide, fungicide, herbicide, and molluscicide. Individual pesticides with a positive association were glyphosate, paraquat, butachlor, methyl parathion (pholidon), savin, methomyl, endosulfan, carbosulfan, methamidophos, monochrotofos, mancozeb, and bordeaumixture.

Conclusions: This case-control study found that chlorpyrifos and some other pesticide exposure during pregnancy was positively associated with developmental delay in children aged under 5 years. Further research should be conducted to better understand this potential effect of pesticides on child neurodevelopment, and the public - especially those who plan to have families - should be informed.
Nutrient loading and farm characteristics of giant gourami fish aquaculture systems in Lake Maninjau, Indonesia: basic knowledge of production performance
Authors: Syandri Hafrijal , Azrita Azrita , Sumiarsih Eni , undefined Elfiondri
Published: May 2021

Background

Aquaculture systems for giant gourami, Osphronemus goramy Lacepède (1801), have significantly improved fish production yields and food security in Indonesia. However, these systems also cause serious problems in terms of eutrophication in waterbodies. This study analysed the nutrient loading and farm characteristics of giant gourami in floating cages in Lake Maninjau.

Method

A total of 20 floating cages were used to record these nutrients in feed supply, female and male juvenile fish, dead fish and harvested fish to estimate nutrient loading. Data on the harvested fish, production cycle, stock number and cage capacity were used to estimate the stocking density, feeding rate, feed efficiency, and net fish yield, and the relationship between feed supply and nutrient loading and farm characteristics was analysed by least squares regression methods.

Results

A total of 20 floating cages released nutrients into waterbodies at an average rate of 236.27±60.44 kg/cycle for C, 84.52±20.86 kg/cycle for N and 8.70±3.63 kg/cycle for P. On average, fish production for each floating cage (±SD) was 1226±282 kg wet weight/cycle, and the net fish yield was 12.63±2.82 kg/m3/cycle. Survival rates ranged from 86.33 to 95.27%/cycle. The production cycles varied from 160 to 175 days with feed conversion ratios between 1.60 and 1.75, feed conversion efficiencies were between 0.58 and 0.63. The production parameters that had strong relationships with the net fish yield were feed supply (r2=0.960), stocking rates (r2=0.924) and feeding rates (r2=0.961). In contrast, the length of the production cycle was not strongly related to the net fish yield (r2=0.187).

Conclusion

Nutrient loading from the supplied feed was greater than that from the harvested fish, juvenile fish and dead fish. Increasing the net fish yield in floating cages was better predicted by the stocking densities and feeding levels than by the other factors.
General public’s knowledge and practices on face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional exploratory survey from Dharan, Nepal
Authors: Alam Kadir , Palaian Subish , Shankar Pathiyil Ravi , Jha Nisha
Published: May 2021

Background: 

 Facemasks are considered a cheap, effective, and safe method to control the spread of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). This study assessed the knowledge and practice of face mask use amongst the Nepalese public during the COVID-19 lockdown.  

Methods:  

A cross-sectional study using a self-developed, validated questionnaire (Cronbach alpha 0.556) was conducted in Dharan, Nepal during May 2020. Pharmacists from ten pharmacies throughout Dharan city administered and recorded responses from a selected sample, stratified across age, gender, education, and place of residence. Completed questionnaires were entered in SPSS, coded, and normality tested using a one-sample K-S test. Demographic characteristics were described using descriptive statistics. Median scores among subgroups were compared using inferential statistics. Descriptive analyses were performed for demographic parameters and inferential statistics for outcome variables, calculating median scores among subgroups which were further compared using non-parametric tests at alpha=0.05.  

Results:  

381 individuals participated - 211 males (55.4%) and 170 females (44.6%) . 93 (24.5%) respondents were between 20-30 years of age and three (0.8%) were over 70. 200 (52.5%) participants were educated between classes VIII to XII; seven (1.8%) having postgraduate education. 129 (33.9%) participants were from hill tribes. Knowledge scores were high (median score 16; maximum score 18).  Around 20% of participants had never used a face mask before the pandemic; most knew about the ongoing pandemic (80%), about washing hands before using a mask (92.6%), and covering the mouth and nose (78.7%),  Under half knew to avoid touching the mask while wearing it (42.3%). Knowledge scores were higher among men (p=0.038), younger age groups (p=0.010), and those with greater education (p=0.048). 

Conclusion:  

Knowledge was good, and the public were aware of the proper use of face masks. Educational interventions could be targeted to those with lesser knowledge, and steps to promote sustained face mask use could be beneficial.
Interventions to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born moderate to late preterm: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Agyeman-Duah Josephine , Kennedy Stephen , O'Brien Frances , Natalucci Giancarlo
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Prematurity (birth before 37+0 weeks’ gestation) is associated with wide-ranging neurodevelopmental impairment. Prognosis among moderate to late (32+0 to <37+0  weeks’ gestation) preterm infants (MLPT) is better compared to their counterparts born very preterm (<32+0  weeks’ gestation). However the risk of developmental impairment among MLPT, who make up about 84% of all preterm infants, is 2-3 times higher when compared to infants born at term.

Early interventions have aimed to improve outcomes in preterm infants generally, but there are limited data on their need and effect in MLPT specifically. Prioritising research, long-term follow-up and early interventions targeted at ameliorating the impact of preterm birth among MLPT is required.

Objectives: To conduct a systematic review of the type of early childhood interventions (from birth until 4 years of age) offered to  MLPT children and to evaluate their impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes (cognitive, neurobehavioural and motor) as assessed in these children during childhood (until 18 years of age).

Methods and analysis: A systematic literature search in Web of Science, Medline Ovid, PsycINFO, CINAHL and EMBASE will be conducted. Data on MLPT children receiving developmental interventions until the age of 4 years will be evaluated. Interventions may involve parents or primary caregivers. Primary outcomes are cognitive, neurobehavioural and motor development as measured from birth until the age of 18 years.

The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool will be used to evaluate the methodological quality of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) included in the review and will be graded as low, high  or unclear risk of bias. The quality of non-RCTs will be evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The quality of evidence for each outcome will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation Approach. Publication and reporting bias will be assessed using Egger’s test and funnel plots respectively.
Theory of change: Drama and arts-based community engagement for malaria research and elimination in Cambodia
Authors: Ean Mom , Sanann Nou , Callery James J. , Pell Christopher , Peto Thomas J. , Tripura Rupam , Cheah Phaik Yeong
Published: May 2021

Background: Across the Greater Mekong Sub-region, malaria persists in isolated communities along international borders. Arts and drama have been used to reach to communities in Cambodia to engage them in malaria research, prevention and control. The “Village Drama Against Malaria” (VDAM) project was conducted in north eastern and western Cambodia: Stung Treng; Battambang and Pailin provinces during 2016 to 2019.  In total, VDAM reached 55 rural villages, 2,378 student participants and 43,502 audience members.

Methods: This article presents the results of two stakeholder-led evaluation workshops in which participants collaboratively developed theories of change to better understand the potential and actual impact of arts and drama-based activities on malaria in these communities. The workshops had a particular focus on identifying areas for monitoring and evaluation so that impact can be measured. Workshop participants included village malaria workers, community leaders, professional and student drama performers, and representatives from the local health authorities and the national malaria control programme.

Results: Five broad areas were identified as relevant for monitoring and evaluation: logistical and practical challenges; embeddedness and reach of engagement; health knowledge and confidence of young people; effectiveness of communications; impact on malaria. These areas align well with the monitoring and evaluation conducted to date and point to additional opportunities for data collection.

Conclusions: The findings from these workshops will inform future engagement strategies, for example, we may engage a smaller number of young people but over a longer period and more in-depth.
Structural Analysis of the Polymerase Protein for Multiepitopes Vaccine Prediction against Hepatitis B Virus
Authors: Ahmed Rolla Abdalkader , Almofti Yassir A. , Abd-elrahman Khoubieb Ali
Published: May 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. DNA polymerase protein of HBV is the immunogenic protein inducing immune response against B and T cells. The aim of this study wasto develop multi-epitope vaccine fromthe polymerase protein elicitingimmune responses.The predicted vaccine comprises epitopes against B and T lymphocytesobtained by IEDB server. The predicted epitopes were linked via suitable spacers (linkers). The 50S ribosomal protein L7/L12 was used as an adjuvant at amino terminal and His-tag at the carboxyl terminal of the vaccine construct. The candidate vaccine contains 457aa and was potentially antigenic and nonallergic. Vaccine molecular weightwas 50.03 KDa with pI of 10.04. The instability index was 25.78 and GRAVY was -0.354 indicating stability andhydrophilicity of the chimeric vaccine,respectively.Vaccine structure (Secondary and tertiary structures) were predicted, refined and used for molecular docking with TLR4.The docking with TLR4 provided energy scores of -1458.7 and -1410.3 for chain A and B, respectively, demonstrated strong binding between the chimeric vaccine and TLR4 chains.The vaccine provided favorable solubility compared to E. coli proteins. Stability via disulﬁde bonds engineering was predicted to reduce the entropy and mobility regions invaccine construct. Molecular dynamics simulation wasperformed to strengthen the prediction. In silicomolecular cloning was usedto guarantee the efficient clonabilityof the vaccine and translation within suitable vector.
El ‘youtuberismo’ como respuesta docente en tiempos de confinamiento. Una experiencia docente de la asignatura de Derecho Procesal Penal
Authors: Miguel Barrio Rodrigo
Published: May 2021

La pandemia ocasionada por la Covid 19 ha supuesto una reinvención de la docencia, debiendo adaptarse precipitadamente y sin planificación previa a la metodología telemática. La presente experiencia se basó en la aplicación de una docencia con tintes ‘youtuberescos’. Con la intención de formalizar una docencia más sugestiva se adaptaron los clásicos videos didácticos conforme a las actuaciones realizadas por aquellos youtubers de mayor fama en la difusión de contenido, generando un conjunto de ideas que conjugaban el aspecto didáctico con el de ocio, de gran aceptación entre el alumnado ante el aprendizaje por medios no tediosos. Como conclusiones se destaca una docencia más sugestiva a través de un clima de estudio más relajado que ha contado con una alta valoración y seguimiento por parte de los discentes encuestados.
Experimental study on the effect of defect curvature on the impact
fracture behavior of structures using the real-virtual caustics
method
Authors: Ding Chenxi , Yang Renshu , Chen Cheng , Wang Desheng , Gong Min
Published: May 2021

Defects have significant influence on the impact fracture behavior of structures. In
this paper, the real-virtual caustics method is used to study the
impact fracture behavior of structures with elliptical arc defects
under impact loading of the drop hammer, and the impact loading
process is simultaneously analyzed. The research results show that
impact loading of the drop hammer in this experiment is a multi-period
dynamic loading process, and the fracture of specimens under impact
loading of the drop hammer is an energy-controlled process. The
running crack initiates under impact loading and propagates toward the
elliptical arc defect. After reaching the end of the elliptical arc
defect, the running crack arrests and accumulates energy, and then it
initiates again and propagates toward the loading position. The
greater the end curvature of the elliptical arc defect, the shorter
the time for the running crack to stagnate and accumulate energy at
the defect end, and the earlier the time for the running crack to
initiate again at the defect end, the smaller the impact loading
stress of the drop hammer and the dynamic stress intensity factor of
running crack tip when the running crack initiates again at the defect
end.
Reduction of spherical and chromatic aberration in axial-scanning optical systems with tunable lenses
Authors: Strother James A.
Published: May 2021

Optical systems with integrated tunable lenses allow for rapid axial-scanning without mechanical translation of the components. However, changing the power of the tunable lens typically upsets aberration balancing across the system, introducing spherical and chromatic aberrations that limit the usable axial range. This study develops an analytical approximation for the tuning-induced spherical and axial chromatic aberration of a general optical system containing a tunable lens element. The resulting model indicates that systems can be simultaneously corrected for both tuning-induced spherical and chromatic aberrations by controlling the lateral magnification, coma, and pupil lateral color prior to the tunable surface. These insights are then used to design a realizable axial-scanning microscope system with a high numerical aperture and diffraction-limited performance over a wide field of view and deep axial range.
Phase noise reduction of a 2  µm passively mode-locked laser through hybrid III-V/silicon integration
Authors: Li Xiang , Sia Jia Xu Brian , Wang Wanjun , Qiao Zhongliang , Guo Xin , Ng Geok Ing , Zhang Yu , Niu Zhichuan , Tong Cunzhu , Wang Hong , Liu Chongyang
Published: May 2021

Passively mode-locked semiconductor lasers are promising for a wide variety of chip-scale high-speed and high-capacity applications. However, the phase noise/timing jitter of such light sources are normally high, which restricts their applications. A simple and low-cost chip-scale solution to address this issue is highly desired. In this work, a two-section GaSb-based passively mode-locked laser (MLL) emitting in the 2 µm wavelength band with a fundamental repetition frequency of

∼

13.35

G
H
z

is presented. Dramatic phase noise reduction is achieved through its hybrid integration with a silicon photonic circuit which provides chip-scale optical feedback to the MLL. Under a fixed laser bias condition, more than

50

×

improvement of radio frequency linewidth to sub-kilohertz level is realized by carefully adjusting the feedback strength (via a p-i-n junction-based variable optical attenuator) and optical length of the feedback loop (via integrated heater on the silicon waveguide). The phase noise reaches

−

113

d
B
c

/

H
z

at 1 MHz offset with integrated timing jitters of 274 fs (100 kHz to 100 MHz) and 123 fs (4 to 80 MHz). At the same time, the pulse-to-pulse jitter reaches as low as 7.8 fs/cycle. These values are record low for 2 µm passively mode-locked semiconductor lasers. Our results prove the feasibility of MLL noise reduction with the chip-scale hybrid III-V/silicon integration method, bringing low-noise light sources to the silicon platform. Moreover, this work also suggests the potential miniaturization of various other functional setups with the same method.
Effects of several UV-protective substances on the persistence of the insecticidal activity of the Alphabaculovirus of Chrysodeixis chalcites (ChchNPV-TF1) on banana (Musa acuminata, Musaceae, Colla) under laboratory and open-field conditions
Authors: Çakmak Taylan , Simón Oihane , Kaydan Mehmet Bora , Tange Denis Achiri , González Rodríguez Agueda Mª. , Piedra-Buena Díaz Ana , Caballero Murillo Primitivo , Hernández Suárez Estrella
Published: May 2021

Alphabaculovirus of Chrysodeixis chalcites (ChchNPV-TF1) has been investigated as a useful bioinsecticide against C. chalcites (Esper) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in banana crops. This study investigated the effects of several substances on the persistence of ChchNPV-TF1 under field conditions in the Canary Islands. Natural photoprotective substances, such as moringa, cacao, green tea, benzopurpurine, charcoal, iron dioxide, benzimidazole, kaolinite, and bentonite, were first evaluated under laboratory conditions using a Crosslinker as UV light source at 200 J/cm2. The photoprotective substances were divided into three groups: low protection (0–8%; kaolinite), intermediate protection (48–62%; green tea, moringa, bentonite and cacao) and high protection (87–100%; charcoal, iron ioxide). Benzopurpurine and benzimidazole did not provide any photoprotective effects. Two of the substances that yielded the best results, 1% cacao and 1% charcoal, were selected for the open-field experiment in a banana plantation. The persistence of ChchNPV-TF1 OBs (occlusion bodies) on leaf surfaces with sunlight exposure was analysed by comparing the initial mortality of 2nd instar C. chalcites larvae with the mortality observed at various intervals postapplication. The mortality rates decreased over time in all treatments and were always higher in the UV-protective substance-treated parcels. The 1% charcoal treatment exhibited the highest protection in both the laboratory and field experiments. No specific interference of UV-protective substances on the maximum photochemical efficiency of banana plants was observed under field conditions.
Numerical estimation of the torsional stiffness characteristics on urban Shell Eco-Marathon (SEM) vehicle design
Authors: Ary Angga Kengkongan , Sanjaya Yuwana , Prabowo Aditya Rio , Imaduddin Fitrian , Nordin Nur Azmah Binti , Istanto Iwan , Cho Joung Hyung
Published: May 2021

Shell Eco-Marathon (SEM) is an international competition among university students that involves designing, building, and driving energy-efficient cars. The car frame is the most crucial aspect influencing the strength of the car. This research aims to obtain maximum torsional strength with variations in the material and thickness of the frame. Calculation and testing are done using the simulation method to obtain a strong car frame. This simulation method is calculated by a series of finite element analyses. Then, data from the simulation method are obtained in the form of deformation and safety factors. By comparing the moment received with its deformation, torsional stiffness is then obtained. Furthermore, the torsional stiffness is divided by the weight to produce a value ratio. It is known that the factor which has the most significant influence on the difference in torsional stiffness of each variation is the shear modulus of the material used. In contrast, the weight of the chassis is influenced by the density of the material and the thickness of the chassis. Additionally, the safety factor of each variation is strongly influenced by the strength of the chassis structure itself. The results of this study will demonstrate the car frame design with the best performance.
Crystal structure of [aqua-(4-iodopyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato-κ3
O,N,O′)-(1,10-phenanothroline-κ2
N,N′)copper(II)] dihydrate, C19H16O7N3CuI
Authors: Lv Benlian
Published: May 2021

C19H16O7N3CuI, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 12.5772(2) Å, b = 17.3473(3) Å, c = 18.8445(3) Å, Z = 8, V = 4111.50(12) Å3, R

gt
(F) = 0.0310, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0775, T = 289 K.
On the Syntax of FrenchQu’est-ce queClauses and Related Constructions
Authors: Pollock Jean-Yves
Published: May 2021

In the Romance domain, French is unique in having homophonous interrogative, exclamative and relative constructions sharing the sameQue+est+ce+questring. The main goal of this article is to shed light on this enigmatic sequence. It will do so by investigating the rarely studied syntax ofque, combienandce queexclamatives and relatives and will show that the sequence initialQuein theirQue+est+ce+quecounterparts is the covert duplicate of the subsequent exclamative and relative (ce+)queclauses. The article extends the main features of this analysis to allQui, quand, où,…+est-ce quequestions by showing that thece questring followingestin such questions is to be analysed, despite the spelling conventions of Modern French, as the complex complementiser of headless relatives. As the article proceeds, various questions concerning the syntax of similar clauses in other Romance languages are raised and the uniqueness of French is argued to be tied to the defective properties ofestin these three constructions. Finally, its appendix extends and shows the fruitfulness of Kayne's ideas concerning thece quecomplex determiner.
Analogical Levelling in the Majorcan Catalan Demonstrative System
Authors: Todisco Emanuela , Guijarro-Fuentes Pedro , R. Coventry Kenny
Published: May 2021

Demonstratives are cross-linguistically widespread expressions. The use of demonstratives is flexible due to their semantic elasticity, which allows them to describe more or less extensive regions or referents in a communicative scenario. The constant remapping between demonstratives and referents might lead to a restructuring of the deictic system itself in accordance with the parameters affecting its use. To that end, we analyzed the structural changes affecting demonstratives in Majorcan Catalan by analysing whether speakers use three or two terms (aquest/aqueix/aquellvs.aquest/aquell) to convey spatial information. We also assessed whether any change in the adnominal/pronominal forms mirrored locative adverbs reduction. We elicited the production of demonstratives in 36 simultaneous Majorcan/Spanish bilinguals via a psycholinguistic experiment and we found two main results. First, simultaneous bilingual speakers do not extensively use the termaqueixto convey information related to physical distance. Second, the pronominal/adnominal reduction from three- to two-terms differs from the adverbial reduction. In the first case,aqueixis dropping out of the system, while locative adverbs present a shift with substitution ofaçíforaquí. Overall, our results shed new light on how the Majorcan Catalan demonstrative system is structured and explain structural changes in terms of ‘analogical levelling’ in paradigmatic relations.
Word Prosody in Lung’Ie: One System or Two?
Authors: Agostinho Ana Lívia , Hyman Larry M.
Published: May 2021

Creole languages have generally not figured prominently in cross-linguistic studies of word-prosodic typology. In this paper, we present a phonological analysis of the prosodic system of Lung’Ie or Principense (ISO 639-3 code: pre), a Portuguese-lexifier creole language spoken in São Tomé and Príncipe. Lung’Ie has produced a unique result of the contact between the two different prosodic systems common in creolization: a stress-accent lexifier and tone language substrates. The language has a restrictive privative H/Ø tone system, in which the /H/ is culminative, but non-obligatory. Since rising and falling tones are contrastive on long vowels, the tone must be marked underlyingly. While it is clear that tonal indications are needed, Lung’Ie reveals two properties more expected of an accentual system: (i) there can only be one heavy syllable per word; (ii) this syllable must bear a H tone. This raises the question of whether syllables with a culminative H also have metrical prominence, i.e. stress. However, the problem with equating stress with H tone is that Lung’Ie has two kinds of nouns: those with a culminative H and those which are toneless. The nouns with culminative H are 87% of Portuguese origin, incorporated through stress-to-tone alignment, while the toneless ones are 92% of African origin. Although other creole languages have been reported with split systems of “accented” vs. fully specified tonal lexemes, and others with mixed systems of tone and stress, Lung’Ie differs from these cases in treating African origin words as toneless, a quite surprising result. We consider different analyses and conclude that Lung’Ie has a privative /H/ tone system with the single unusual stress-like property of weight-to-tone.
Simple Monotransitive and Complex Dative Alternation Predicates in Spanish Monolingual Child Acquisition Data
Authors: Sánchez Calderón Silvia
Published: May 2021

This work analyzes the acquisition of simple and complex constructions in Spanish monolingual children’s data. It examines the emergence and the role played by adult input in child production of simple monotransitive constructions when compared to two types of complex predicates that undergo dative alternation (DA), namely, a/para-datives and dative-clitic doubled (DCLD) structures. In order to shed light on these issues, we have analyzed data from Spanish monolingual children and from the adults that they interact with, as available in CHILDES (MacWhinney, Brian. 2000. The CHILDES project: Tools for analyzing talk [Dataset], 3rd edn. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum. http://childes.talkbank.org (accessed 20 October 2019)). The results show that there is an order in the onset of simple and complex predicate constructions, as reflected in the earlier emergence of monotransitives when compared to DA constructions. The latter also show a subsequent order of first occurrence, namely, DCLDs before a/para-datives. Thus, the degree of syntactic complexity seems to have played a role in the acquisition of simple and complex constructions, as measured by the number of Case assignment relations between the verb and its internal argument(s). Moreover, the differences in the Spanish monolingual children’s incidence of the three structures under analysis do not appear to be explained by the relative frequency of exposure in the adult input.
Statistical Test of Two Taguchi Six-Sigma Quality Indices to Select the Supplier with Optimal Processing Quality
Authors: Chang Tsang-Chuan , Chen Kuen-Suan
Published: May 2021

Because of rapid changes in consumer needs, diverse and small-batch production has become a crucial strategy for companies progressing toward sustainability in intensely competitive industries. To swiftly meet the diverse needs of consumers using this production strategy, often manufacturers must outsource noncore processes to external contractors or purchase component parts from suppliers. The objective of this article was to develop a supplier selection model based on the processing quality of suppliers. Owing to the fact that the Taguchi Six-Sigma quality index for process with nominal-the-best specification (Qpm) can fully reflect product loss and the achieved quality level for the quality characteristic of the process in question, Qpm is employed as a tool to assess and compare the processing quality level of two-sided specification limits provided by each supplier. In practice, Qpm is based on the sample data collected from a stable process to estimate prior to the processing quality assessment. This can lead to misjudgment because of sampling error. To increase the reliability of supplier selection, we further propose hypothesis testing of the quality index Qpm for two suppliers. The applicability and effectiveness of the proposed model is validated using an example involving the double-sided grinding process of a bicycle disc brake.