bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of Urinary Etiocholanolone/Androsterone Ratio as Alternative to Serum Testosterone/Dihydrotestosterone Ratio for Diagnosis of 5 Alpha-reductase Type 2 Deficiency Patients and Carriers in Indonesia
Authors: Marzuki Nanis Sacharina , Idris Firman Pratama , Kartapradja Hannie , Renata Shirley , Harahap Alida , Batubara Jose Rizal Latief
Published: April 2021

Background: The 5 Alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency (5ARD2) is an inherited condition, which clinically presents as variable degrees of under virilization in affected 46,XY individuals. In the diagnostic pathway of 5ARD2, the testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) ratio is broadly employed before molecular analysis of the SRD5A2 gene. However, due to cost-benefit considerations, the DHT test in our country is routinely lacking in clinical settings; therefore, we considered applying the urinary etiocholanolone/androsterone (Et/An) ratio as an alternative test. Objectives: We aimed to determine the diagnostic value of the urinary Et/An ratio versus the T/DHT ratio in diagnosing 5ARD2 patients and carriers. Methods: Sixty-six suspected 5ARD2 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) individuals and 95 family members were recruited in the study. Their clinical manifestations, T/DHT and urinary Et/An ratios, and SRD5A2 genes were analyzed. Using molecular analysis of the SRD5A2 gene as the gold standard, we compared the accuracy of both ratios in diagnosing 5ARD2 patients and carriers with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Thirty-seven patients were confirmed molecularly to have 5ARD2, and the rest (n = 29) were assessed as normal controls, while in the carrier group, 53 were molecularly confirmed as carriers and 42 as controls. The AUCs (areas under the curve) of the T/DHT and urinary Et/An ratios were 57.7% (95% CI 43.0 - 72.4%, P > 0.05) and 79.7% (95% CI 69.0 - 90.4%, P < 0.001), respectively, in diagnosing 5ARD2 patients and 54.1% (95% CI 42.4 - 65.8%, P > 0.05) and 75.1% (95% CI 65.1 - 85.1%, P < 0.001), respectively, in diagnosing carriers. The cutoff value of the urinary Et/An ratio was set at ≥ 0.95 for detecting 5ARD2 patients and ≥ 0.99 for detecting carriers. Conclusions: The testosterone/DHT ratio was inaccurate in diagnosing 5ARD2 patients. When molecular analysis for the SRD5A2 gene is lacking, the urinary Et/An ratio may be a useful test to diagnose 5ARD2 patients and carriers.
Trends in Dietary Patterns and Diet-related Behaviors in China
Authors: Bu Tao , Tang Daisheng , Liu Yahong , Chen Dangui
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Determination of trends in diet-related behaviors and their interactions with cardio-metabolic diseases is an important research endeavor. Methods: We analyzed food categories, weight, eating frequency, eating location, cooking methods, time of food intake,
dietary knowledge, food preference, nutritional structure over time, and their interaction with cardiometabolic risks, using t tests and χ2 tests, based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey packages from 1997 to 2011. Results: Consumption of fruits, dairy products,
snacks, fast food, and beverages has increased significantly, as a concomitant and marked decrease in rice consumption has occurred. Food categories, eating frequency, cooking methods, and at-home eating are gradually increasing and diversifying. Persons not only prefer to consume carbohydrate-rich
foods like fruits and vegetables, but also enjoy energy-dense foods like meat, snacks, and beverages. There has been a switch from a predominantly plant-based diet to a Western style diet high in fat and animal-based foods. People have undergone significant changes in reducing the intake of
energy, carbohydrates, and protein, but significantly increased their fat intake. Conclusion: Chinese dietary patterns and diet-related behaviors have undergone significant transition in the past few decades, trending towards diversification and modernization.
Commercial Tobacco Retailing in Tribal Jurisdictions: A Field Study
Authors: Laux Fritz L. , Henderson Patricia Nez , Soto Claradina , Moor Gregg , Leischow Scott J.
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Our objective was to provide data contrasting commercial tobacco retailing in Tribal versus non-Tribal jurisdictions, in 3 states. These data may be relevant for US Food and Drug Administration regulation of Tribal retailing. Methods: With Tribal permission,
observations were made on commercial tobacco advertising, product variety, pricing, and retail concept for stores within and just outside Tribal jurisdictions in areas of Arizona (AZ), California (CA), and Oklahoma (OK). Results: A total of 87 Tribal (20 AZ, 53 CA, 14 OK) and 67 (10,
43, 14) non-Tribal retailer visits were completed. There was substantial variation across tribes, with sales in AZ and most CA Tribal jurisdictions handled at convenience stores, whereas OK Tribal retailing was done mostly in specialized tobacco-specialty shops. Electronic cigarettes were
ubiquitous across Tribal and non-Tribal outlets. Advertising and breadth of cigarette offerings was most extensive in the tobacco specialty retailers of Tribal OK. Surprisingly, Tribally manufactured cigarettes were found only at some CA Tribal retailers. Conclusions: Some Tribal commercial
tobacco outlets actually price above their non-Tribal competitors and there is substantial variation in retailing strategy across Tribal jurisdictions. Tribal governments can continue to evaluate and reform commercial tobacco retailing so as to improve Tribal health.
Predicting Factors on Modeling Health Behavior: A Systematic Review
Authors: Leman Michael A. , Claramita Mora , Rahayu Gandes R.
Published: April 2021

Objectives: In this study, we summarize current evidence on learning health behaviors through modeling, thereby offering greater insight into the predictors of modeling's effectiveness on health behavior change. Methods: We searched 5 electronic bases (PubMed, ProQuest
New Platform, EBSCOHost, ERIC, and ScienceDirect) drawing on articles from January 1986 to April 2018. In addition, we performed follow-up searches of unique citations from identified articles. Results: Overall, our search identified 3339 articles. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,
we reviewed 20 qualifying articles across 4 conditions of role modeling: attention, retention, motor reproduction, and motivation. Characteristics of role models and observers, use of technology to promote the modeling of health behavior, and use of peers as
role models emerged as predictive factors related to attention; types of information and adherence to a specific timeframe were related to retention. Opportunity to practice a modeled health behavior and a specific timeframe to perform what was observed were key elements for
motor reproduction. Support by significant others, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and policy incentives were predictive of sustained motivation. Conclusions: This review highlights several predictive factors in each situation in learning healthy behavior through role
modeling. Identification and application of these factors may increase health behavior adoption.
Vaping in the Workplace: Awareness and Support for E-cigarette Workplace Policies
Authors: Schillo Barbara A. , Diaz Megan C. , Briggs Jodie , Romberg Alexa R. , Rahman Basmah , Liu Michael , Graham Amanda L.
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Clean indoor air policies have been an important tool protecting the health of working adults. The purpose of this study was to examine awareness of and support for e-cigarette-free workplace policies among working adults in the United States. Methods: Employees
of companies with at least 150 employees (N = 1607, ages 18-65 years) were recruited from an opt-in national panel for an online survey. Results: Nearly half of respondents (48.4%) reported that their employer had a written policy addressing e-cigarette use, 30.2% reported their employer
did not have such a policy, and 21.4% reported that they did not know. Most respondents (73.5%) supported e-cigarette-free workplaces, including the majority of current e-cigarette users (53.5%). Multiple regression modeling found that odds of support for e-cigarette workplace policies was
significantly higher among never (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.19-2.64) and former e-cigarette users (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.15-2.54) relative to current users. Policy support also varied by perceived harm and other perceptions of workplace vaping, and demographic and workplace characteristics. Conclusions:
E-cigarette-free workplace policies have high levels of support among employees, including both current and former e-cigarette users. Policies restricting workplace vaping can improve the health of all employees.
El papel de la escuela en la promoción del patrimonio cultural. Un análisis a través del folklore.
Authors: Jiménez Daniel , Martínez de Miguel López Silvia , Vizcaíno Jaime
Published: April 2021

¿Aprovechan los centros educativos las posibilidades de su entorno para la enseñanza del patrimonio cultural folklórico? Partiendo de esta cuestión, esta investigación constituye un estudio sobre la promoción que realizan los centros educativos de su patrimonio cultural y, en concreto, de una manifestación rica y diversa como es el folklore. Para ello, se ha indagado en el conocimiento que poseen los docentes y el alumnado sobre dicha temática, así como su presencia en los currículos escolares. Además, se ha analizado la cooperación entre las instituciones culturales y los centros educativos para la promoción del folklore. Siguiendo un método de investigación no experimental, en el cual han participado docentes y alumnado de diferentes centros escolares, así como representantes de asociaciones culturales. Para la recogida de información se ha llevado a cabo una metodología mixta, por un lado, la encuesta, y por otro lado, la entrevista y grupo de discusión. Esta investigación refleja la necesidad de concienciar a los centros educativos e instituciones sociales y culturales del valor que tiene para la educación el conocimiento y estudio de nuestras raíces y tradiciones, a través de una herramienta tan enriquecedora, y presente en nuestro entorno, como es el folklore.

Do schools take advantage of the local environment possibilities to teach the cultural heritage? This investigation constitutes a study about the promotion that educational centers carry out relating to the local cultural heritage through folklore. In this way, it will look into the knowledge that teachers and students have about this topic, as well as the presence in the syllabus. In addition, it will analyze the cooperation between cultural institutions and schools for the promotion of local folklore. Following a non-experimental research method, in which teachers and students from different schools have participated, just as representatives of cultural associations. For the collection of information, a mixed methodology has been carried out, on the one hand, the survey, and on the other hand, the interview and discussion group. This research reflects the need to make aware schools and cultural and social institutions about the value that knowledge of our roots and traditions have for education, through something enriching, and present in our society, as is folklore
Análisis de datos cualitativos a través del sistema de tablas y matrices en investigación educativa
Authors: Hernández de la Torre Elena , González-Miguel Sandra
Published: April 2021

Este artículo tiene como objetivo aportar sistemas de análisis cualitativo de los datos generados a partir de la información obtenida en entrevistas de grupos focales y grupos de discusión como método de aprendizaje compartido y con carácter conversacional. Se han llevado a cabo entrevistas con dos grupos de expertos en educación, por una parte grupos focales formados por 4/5 profesores-asesores de centros de profesorado; por otro lado grupos de discusión formados por 4/6 profesores-mentores. Se ha utilizado un grupo de cada estrategia grupal para el análisis cualitativo de los datos, siendo los tópicos utilizados en los grupos focales “Ventajas e inconvenientes de la participación de centros educativos en redes escolares” y en los grupos de discusión  “Identificación de obstáculos y barreras en el proceso de asesoramiento a docentes principiantes”. En ambos casos se ha profundizado en la conversación sobre sus propias experiencias profesionales siendo analizadas con sistemas de tablas y matrices de las cuales proponemos dos modelos. Se concluye la necesidad de utilizar modelos rigurosos de análisis sistemático de la información obtenida con el objetivo de construir teorías sólidas por parte de los entrevistados sobre los tópicos a tratar en experiencias compartidas para la construcción del conocimiento.

This article aims to provide qualitative analysis systems of the data generated from the information obtained in interviews of focus groups and discussion groups as a method of shared and conversational learning. Interviews have been carried out with two groups of experts in education, on the one hand focus groups formed by 4/5 teachers-consultants of teaching centers; on the other hand discussion groups formed by 4/6 teacher-mentors. A group of each group strategy has been used for the qualitative analysis of the data, the topics being used in the focus groups “Advantages and disadvantages of the participation of schools in school networks” and in the discussion groups “Identification of obstacles and barriers in the process of advising beginner teachers”. In both cases, the conversation about their own professional experiences has been deepened, being analyzed with systems of tables and matrices of which we propose two models. It concludes the need to use rigorous models of systematic analysis of the information obtained with the objective of building solid theories by the interviewees on the topics to be treated in shared experiences for the construction of knowledge.
¿Es necesaria la formación del profesorado en metodologías inclusivas?
Authors: Lozano Martínez Josefina , Cava Antonia , Minutoli Gianluca , Castillo Reche Irina Sherezade
Published: April 2021

El desafío, que actualmente se plantea la escuela, es el de conjugar la didáctica curricular con la inclusión educativa.  La inclusión social y escolar desempeña hoy un papel fundamental en la aplicación de políticas y prácticas educativas eficaces e inclusivas. Pero, cabría preguntarse, ¿están preparados los docentes para ello? ¿Las metodologías y sus organizaciones responden a estos enfoques inclusivos? O, por el contrario, ¿se necesita más formación para los docentes generalistas? La investigación que se presenta indaga, a través de un cuestionario, en estos aspectos. Los resultados muestran la percepción de 606 profesores curriculares y de apoyo de las escuelas secundarias de segundo grado estatales de la ciudad italiana de Messina. El análisis de los datos pone de manifiesto la necesidad de una mayor formación y colaboración entre los profesores; así mismo, evidencia diferencias estadísticamente significativas en relación con la formación inicial del docente respecto a la respuesta a la diversidad y su valoración respecto a las ventajas que la inclusión puede aportar al aprendizaje, al clima socioafectivo y al crecimiento profesional.

The challenge the school must take up currently  is to combine school teaching activities with educational inclusion. Social and school inclusion has a key role in implementing efficient and inclusive educational policies and practices. However, a question should not be left unanswered: are teachers ready for this? Are methodologies and their techniques in line with these inclusive approaches? Or, on the contrary, is it necessary to have more training for generalist teachers? The aim of this paper is to investigate, through a questionnaire, these aspects. The results show the perception of 606 curricular and support teachers in high schools in the town of Messina. Data analysis reveals the need for a higher level of training and cooperation among teachers and at the same time points out statistically significant differences among teachers’ initial trainings in relation to response to diversity and their opinions about the benefits inclusion can have on learning, socio-affective environment and professional advancement.
El “desierto digital”: repercusiones de la COVID-19 en la Educación en España y Brasil
Authors: Moura Viera María Edna , Luderitz Hoefel Maria da Graça , Réal Collado José Tomas
Published: April 2021

Con la aparición de la COVID-19, la forma de hacer y pensar la educación mediatizada por las tecnologías digitales, surgió con una fuerza repentina y nunca experimentada de la forma en que la vimos ocurrir en el año 2020. Así, la nueva realidad educativa se evidencia en la distancia de los cuerpos y la distancia en los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje, que ha tenido numerosos impactos en la práctica diaria de la educación. Esta investigación busca conocer las percepciones de los profesores/as de educación básica en España y Brasil, sobre las repercusiones de la COVID-19 en la educación. Se trata de una investigación descriptiva-exploratoria, con enfoque cualitativo, que realizó 12 entrevistas semiestructuradas a profesores/as de educación básica de ambos países. Los resultados indican que la incorporación abrupta de tecnologías digitales provocó un gran sufrimiento a los docentes, debido a la falta de formación para ellos, falta de condiciones mínimas de trabajo, aparición de nuevas demandas profesionales y psicológicas, así como diferencias generacionales en las relaciones con las tecnologías.

With the emergence of Covid-19, the way of doing and thinking education permeated by digital technologies came up with sudden and never before seen strenght as we experienced in the year of 2020. With it, the new educational reality is highlighted in the distance between the bodies and the distance in teaching and learning processes, which has had numerous impacts in the daily practice of education. This investigation seeks to know the Basic Education professors and lecturers perceptions in Spain and Brasil, about the repercussions of Covid-19 in Education. It is a descriptive-exploratory investigation, with qualitative focus, that performed 12 semi-structured interviews to Basic Education teaching staff from both countries. The results indicate that the abrupt incorporation of digital technologies lead to a great suffering to teachers, on the account of a lack of training, lack of minimum working conditions, emergence of new professional and psychological demands, as well as generational differences in the relationships with the technologies.
La pedagogía de la muerte en la formación inicial docente
Authors: Colomo Magaña Ernesto , Gabarda Méndez Vicente , Cívico Ariza Andrea , Cuevas Monzonís Nuria
Published: April 2021

La muerte es un fenómeno natural y, como tal, forma parte de nuestras vidas. Sin embargo, su inclusión como contenido curricular dista mucho de ser efectiva, ni en la formación de los estudiantes, ni en la de los docentes. Partiendo de esta realidad, la presente propuesta analiza la integración de la pedagogía de la muerte en los planes de formación inicial del futuro profesorado de Educación Primaria. Concretamente, se examinan las propuestas formativas de 15 universidades públicas, mediante la presencia de términos relacionados con esta disciplina desde una perspectiva mixta: por un lado, se explora cuantitativamente la presencia de los términos y, por otro, se analiza cualitativamente en qué asignaturas se integran y con qué sentido (biológico, religioso, filosófico o sociocultural). Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la escasez de términos vinculados con la muerte y, por ende, la práctica inexistencia de formación docente en pedagogía de la muerte, permitiendo identificar la necesidad de establecer estrategias que permitan formar a los maestros y maestras en esta cuestión.

Death is a natural phenomenon and, as such, is part of our lives. However, its inclusion as curricular content is far from being effective, neither in the training of students nor in teacher´s training. Based on this reality, this proposal analyses the integration of the pedagogy of death into the initial training plans of future teachers of Primary Education. Specifically, the training plans of 15 public universities are examined, through the presence of terms related to this discipline from a mixed approach: on the one hand, the presence of the terms is quantitatively explored and, on the other hand, qualitatively analyzed in which subjects are integrated and with what conception (biological, religious, philosophical or sociocultural). The results highlight the scarcity of terms linked to death and, therefore, the non-existence of teaching training in pedagogy of death, allowing to identify the need no establish strategies to train teachers on this issue.
EXISTENCE AND SIZING OF BUFFERS IN PARALLEL ASSEMBLY LINES WITH MULTI-LINE WORKSTATIONS AND DIFFERENT CYCLE TIMES
Authors: PASTOR MORENO RAFAEL , AGUILAR GAMARRA HARRY , GARCIA VILLORIA ALBERTO
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT:
Parallel Assembly Lines with multi-line stations (PALBs) have been widely studied in recent years because PALBs can help improve the efficiency of a production system. However, the need of buffers has not been considered in the PALBP literature. In this study, for the first time in the literature, it is shown and demonstrated the need to consider the use of buffers in this type of line when their cycle times are different. Moreover, the buffer sizing problem in a multi-line workstation is presented and formalized. It is shown that the sequencing and scheduling of the task influences the buffer size. Finally, the designed resolution method is shown: solve a mixed integer linear programming model with a commercial software, with the objective of minimizing the size of the buffers.

Keywords: Parallel assembly lines balancing, buffer sizing, task sequencing and scheduling.
Clinicopathological Parameters Related to Malignant Transformation of Oral Leukoplakia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: RODRİGUEZ-ARCHİLLA Alberto , FUENTES-PEREZ Cristina
Published: April 2021

Objective. To assess the clinical-pathological factors related to the malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia. Materials and Methods. A search for articles on malignant transformation factors related to oral leukoplakia was conducted in the following electronic databases: PubMed (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library), Web of Science (WoS) and Google Scholar. Thirty-seven articles with a low-moderate risk of bias according to the Newcastle-Ottawa methodological quality scale were included in this meta-analysis. The data were analyzed using the statistical programs RevMan 5.4 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) and MedCalc Statistical Software version 16.4.3 (MedCalc Software Ltd. Ostend, Belgium) programs. The estimated prevalence was calculated according to DerSimonian and Laird random method. For dichotomous outcomes, the estimates of effects of an intervention were expressed as odds ratios (OR) using the Mantel-Haenszel (M-H) method with 95% confidence intervals. Results. The estimated global prevalence of malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia was 9.15%. The factors with the highest malignant transformation risk of oral leukoplakia were: non-homogeneous clinical types (OR: 5.41; p<0.001); leukoplakias with moderate-severe dysplasia (OR: 3.43; p<0.001); lesions located on the tongue and/or the floor of the mouth (OR: 3.19; p<0.001); leukoplakias in non-smokers (OR: 2.08; p<0.001) and lesions in women (OR: 1.73; p<0.001). In contrast, older age or regular alcohol intake were factors without significant influence (p>0.05).Conclusions. Non-homogenous oral leukoplakias and with moderate-severe dysplasia are those with the highest probability of malignant transformation.
Impact of Tooth Location on the Treatment of Multiple Gingival Recessions with Connective Tissue Graft Associated with a Coronally Advanced Flap
Authors: KAYAR Nezahat Arzu , AYTEKİN Zeliha
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Coronally Advance Flap (CAF) effectiveness has been extensively evaluated, but little information is available regarding the effect of tooth position. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of tooth location on the outcomes of CAF with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in the treatment of gingival recessions defects (GRs).
Materials and Methods: Nineteen patients who patients with a mean age of 36.3 ±7.6 years (11women, 8 men), each contributing Miller Class I and II GRs, were selected. Forty-four defects were treated with a combination of a CAF and a SCTG. Gingival recession depth (RD), gingival recession width (RW), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 12 months postoperatively
Results: The mean root coverage from baseline to 1year post-surgery was 89 % for the maxillary GRs and 68 % for the mandibular GRs. RD and RW were decrease in both groups from baseline to 12 months (p<0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between maxillary and mandibular dentition. Both treatments showed satisfactory esthetic results (RES in maxillary teeth 8.2 ±1.3 and in mandibular teeth 7.6 ± 1.1).
Conclusions: The findings of the current study have shown that the CAF is an effective procedure for the treatment of multible GRs. Besides, the two groups (maxillary and mandibular GRs) showed similar significant improvements from baseline to 12 months evaluations. 
Keywords: Connective tissue, gingival recession, surgical flaps, tooth.
Predictive Safety Management System Development
Authors: Bartulović Dajana
Published: April 2021

Safety management systems are used to systematically manage safety risks. The paper describes and explains safety management systems in the field of aviation. Three aviation safety management methodologies are presented in the paper: reactive, proactive, and predictive. The aim is to show how safety management systems operate in each of the three methodologies. The focus of the paper is on predictive safety management methodology, its advantages, and potential uses. An overview of predictive methods used in the aviation industry is also provided. The research collected information on each safety management methodology, and revealed correlations between them, improving our understanding of safety management systems in general. Based on research described in the paper, the author proposes the development of a more advanced safety management system, i.e. a predictive safety management system which would entail the development of an expanded and well-organised safety database, as well as the use of predictive (forecasting) methods to identify potential and emerging hazards, trends and behaviour patterns.
Liquefied Natural Gas as Ship Fuel: A Maltese Regulatory Gap Analysis
Authors: Cassar Mark Philip , Dalaklis Dimitrios , Ballini Fabio , Vakili Seyedvahid
Published: April 2021

With water covering almost three-quarters of the Earth’s surface and by factoring in that the maritime transport industry is holding the comparative advantage in relation to all other means, activities associated with the seas and oceans of our planet are extremely vital for the normal functioning of global trade. Furthermore, evaluating the opportunities of the so-called “Blue Economy” and possibilities for further growth should be at the epicentre of future development plans. Indicative examples -apart from various endeavours of maritime transport- include other sectors, like shipbuilding and repairs, fishing activities and related processes, as well as oil and gas exploration. All these provide significant economic output and facilitate job creation.

It is true that the shipping industry contributes to the carriage of vast quantities of cargo and maintains a crucial role in global trade; however, the specific industry is also responsible for significant quantities of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. IMO (MEPC) in 2018 adopted an initial strategy on the reduction of GHG emissions from ships. This plan envisages a reduction of CO2 emissions per transport work, at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards even further reduction by 2050, compared to the 2008 levels. It is imperative for shipping and related industries to investigate and introduce more environmentally friendly (“cleaner”) ways of operation. In the search for these cleaner fuels, it is the responsibility of maritime stakeholders to make available (economically viable) fuel alternatives worldwide.

In view of an increasing trend in using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, setting up regulations and amend national legislation to allow the provision of LNG as a ship fuel in a safe manner, is a first stage which potential service providing countries have to successfully fulfil. The current analysis is focusing on the small island state of Malta, which apart from certain international aspects introduced by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), it has to abide by European Union’s (EU) regulations and make LNG as a marine fuel available until 2025. Its main aim is to provide ways to cover the identified regulatory gap of the Maltese legislation, relating to ports, ship fuel bunkering and the local gas market.
A Novel Approach to Automated Behavioral Diagram Assessment using Label Similarity and Subgraph Edit Distance
Authors: Fauzan Reza , Siahaan Daniel Oranova , Rochimah Siti , Triandini Evi
Published: April 2021

Unified Modelling Language (UML) is one of the standard languages used in modelling software. Therefore, UML is widely taught in many universities. Generally, teachers assign students to build UML diagram designs based on a predetermined project. However, the assessment of such assignments can be challenging and teachers may be inconsistent in assessing students’ answers. Thus, automated UML diagram assessment becomes essential to maintaining assessment consistency. This study uses a behavioral diagram as the object of research since it is a commonly taught UML diagram. The behavioral diagram can show a dynamic view of the software. This study proposes a new approach to automatically assessing the similarity of behaviour diagrams as reliably as experts. We divide the assessment into two portions: semantic assessment and structural assessment. Label similarity is used to calculate semantic assessment, while subgraph edit distance is used to calculate structural assessment. The results suggest that the proposed approach is as reliable as an expert in assessing the similarity between two behaviour diagrams. The observed agreement value suggests strong agreement between the use of experts and the proposed approach.
Dependent, Distracted, Bored
Authors: Paasonen Susanna
Published: April 2021

A new approach to understanding the culture of ubiquitous connectivity, arguing that our dependence on networked infrastructure does not equal addiction.

In this book, Susanna Paasonen takes on a dominant narrative repeated in journalistic and academic accounts for more than a decade: that we are addicted to devices, apps, and sites designed to distract us, that drive us to boredom, with detrimental effect on our capacities to focus, relate, remember, and be. Paasonen argues instead that network connectivity is a matter of infrastructure and necessary for the operations of the everyday. Dependencies on it do not equal addiction but speak to the networks within which our agency can take shape.

Paasonen explores three affective formations—dependence, distraction, and boredom—as key to understanding both the landscape of contemporary networked media and the concerns connected to it. Examining social media platforms, mindfulness apps, clickbaits, self-help resources, research reports, journalistic accounts, academic assessments, and student accounts of momentary mundane technological failure, she finds that the overarching narrative of addicted, distracted, and bored users simply does not account for the multiplicity of things at play. Frustration and pleasure, dependence and sense of possibility, distraction and attention, boredom, interest, and excitement enmesh, oscillate, enable, and depend on one another. Paasonen refutes the idea that authenticity can be associated with lives led “off the grid” and rejects the generational othering and scapegoating of smart devices prescribed by conventional wisdom.
Differences in interactions between transmembrane domains tune the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors
Authors: Thibado Jordana K , Tano Jean-Yves , Lee Joon , Salas-Estrada Leslie , Provasi Davide , Strauss Alexa , Marcelo Lamim Ribeiro Joao , Xiang Guoqing , Broichhagen Johannes , Filizola Marta , Lohse Martin J , Levitz Joshua
Published: April 2021

The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) form a family of neuromodulatory G-protein-coupled receptors that contain both a seven-helix transmembrane domain (TMD) and a large extracellular ligand-binding domain (LBD) which enables stable dimerization. Although numerous studies have revealed variability across subtypes in the initial activation steps at the level of LBD dimers, an understanding of inter-TMD interaction and rearrangement remains limited. Here, we use a combination of single molecule fluorescence, molecular dynamics, functional assays, and conformational sensors to reveal that distinct TMD assembly properties drive differences between mGluR subtypes. We uncover a variable region within transmembrane helix 4 (TM4) that contributes to homo- and heterodimerization in a subtype-specific manner and tunes orthosteric, allosteric, and basal activation. We also confirm a critical role for a conserved inter-TM6 interface in stabilizing the active state during orthosteric or allosteric activation. Together this study shows that inter-TMD assembly and dynamic rearrangement drive mGluR function with distinct properties between subtypes.
Tissue-specific modulation of gene expression in response to lowered insulin signalling in Drosophila
Authors: Tain Luke Stephen , Sehlke Robert , Meilenbrock Ralf Leslie , Leech Thomas , Paulitz Jonathan , Chokkalingam Manopriya , Nagaraj Nagarjuna , Grönke Sebastian , Fröhlich Jenny , Atanassov Ilian , Mann Matthias , Beyer Andreas , Partridge Linda
Published: April 2021

Reduced activity of the insulin/IGF signalling network increases health during ageing in multiple species. Diverse and tissue-specific mechanisms drive the health improvement. Here, we performed tissue-specific transcriptional and proteomic profiling of long-lived Drosophila dilp2-3,5 mutants, and identified tissue-specific regulation of >3600 transcripts and >3700 proteins. Most expression changes were regulated post-transcriptionally in the fat body, and only in mutants infected with the endosymbiotic bacteria, Wolbachia pipientis, which increases their lifespan. Bioinformatic analysis identified reduced co-translational ER targeting of secreted and membrane-associated proteins and increased DNA damage/repair response proteins. Accordingly, age-related DNA damage and genome instability were lower in fat body of the mutant, and overexpression of a minichromosome maintenance protein subunit extended lifespan. Proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism showed altered expression in the mutant intestine, and gut-specific overexpression of a lysosomal mannosidase increased autophagy, gut homeostasis, and lifespan. These processes are candidates for combatting ageing-related decline in other organisms.
Corollary discharge promotes a sustained motor state in a neural circuit for navigation
Authors: Ji Ni , Venkatachalam Vivek , Rodgers Hillary Denise , Hung Wesley , Kawano Taizo , Clark Christopher M , Lim Maria , Alkema Mark J , Zhen Mei , Samuel Aravinthan DT
Published: April 2021

Animals exhibit behavioral and neural responses that persist on longer timescales than transient or fluctuating stimulus inputs. Here, we report that Caenorhabditis elegans uses feedback from the motor circuit to a sensory processing interneuron to sustain its motor state during thermotactic navigation. By imaging circuit activity in behaving animals, we show that a principal postsynaptic partner of the AFD thermosensory neuron, the AIY interneuron, encodes both temperature and motor state information. By optogenetic and genetic manipulation of this circuit, we demonstrate that the motor state representation in AIY is a corollary discharge signal. RIM, an interneuron that is connected with premotor interneurons, is required for this corollary discharge. Ablation of RIM eliminates the motor representation in AIY, allows thermosensory representations to reach downstream premotor interneurons, and reduces the animal’s ability to sustain forward movements during thermotaxis. We propose that feedback from the motor circuit to the sensory processing circuit underlies a positive feedback mechanism to generate persistent neural activity and sustained behavioral patterns in a sensorimotor transformation.
Application of Remote Sensing in Earth Sciences – A Review
Authors: Shirazy Adel Shirazy , Shirazy Aref , Nazerian Hamed
Published: April 2021

The application of remote sensing sciences in the field of geology is very diverse and wide. One of its most important applications in earth sciences is geological mapping. Mineral exploration using remote sensing techniques is done in different ways, one of them is the mapping alteration zones related to mineral resources. Given the importance of remote sensing and geosciences in today's industry and given that deposit-related alteration areas are one of the most important exploratory keys. in this review study the mapping methods and alteration zones detection using remote sensing techniques and other applications of remote sensing in earth sciences and its generalities are explained.
ЭННОДИЙ: РИМСКИЙ РИТОР В ЭПОХУ РИТОРИЧЕСКОГО ПОВОРОТА (к 1500-летию со дня смерти), "Средние века"
Authors: Тюленев В.М.
Published: April 2021

В статье дается обзор основных подходов, сложившихся в науке конца XX – начала XXI в., к изучению творчества Магна Феликса Эннодия, галло-римского ритора и миланского диакона начала VI в. Показано, что за последние десятилетия было пересмотрено традиционное пренебрежительное отношение к Эннодию как к автору, оторванному от действительности и стремившемуся в литературном творчестве исключительно к риторическому изяществу. Современная историческая и филологическая наука представляет Эннодия в качестве выразителя особой римской идентичности, носителя новых представлений о светской и духовной власти, интеллектуала, ищущего примирения между языческой школьной традицией и христианской верой.
Человечеству есть куда расти, "Энергия: экономика, техника, экология"
Authors: Морозов А.
Published: April 2021

По мнению лауреата Нобелевской премии по экономике Роберта Фогеля, научно-технический и социальный прогресс был обусловлен в первую очередь тем, что европейцы и североамериканцы начали лучше питаться. На протяжении большей части истории человечество питалось плохо и хронически недоедало. По мере развития технологий, примерно с начала XVIII века, количество потребляемых человеком калорий увеличилось на 250%. В результате масса тела среднестатистического жителя Европы и Северной Америки за последние примерно 300 лет увеличилась на 50%, количество детских смертей сократилось в разы, а продолжительность жизни возросла на 100%. Но эффект относительно сытой жизни сказался не только на возрастании средней массы тела человека вида Homo sapiens. Человечество в буквальном смысле выросло.
Single‐Atom Co‐Decorated MoS2 Nanosheets Assembled on Metal Nitride Nanorod Arrays as an Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for pH‐Universal Water Splitting
Authors: Doan Thi Luu Luyen , Nguyen Dinh Chuong , Prabhakaran Sampath , Kim Do Hwan , Tran Duy Thanh , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee
Published: April 2021

The commercialization of electrochemical water splitting technology requires electrocatalysts that are cost‐effective, highly efficient, and stable. Herein, an advanced bifunctional electrocatalyst based on single‐atom Co‐decorated MoS2 nanosheets grown on 3D titanium nitride (TiN) nanorod arrays (CoSAs‐MoS2/TiN NRs) has been developed for overall water splitting in pH‐universal electrolytes. When applied as a self‐standing cathodic electrode, the CoSAs‐MoS2/TiN NRs requires overpotentials of 187.5, 131.9, and 203.4 mV to reach a HER current density of 10 mA cm–2 in acidic, alkaline, and neutral conditions, respectively, which are superior to the most previously reported non‐noble metal HER electrocatalysts at the same current density. The CoSAs‐MoS2/TiN NRs anodic electrode also shows low OER overpotentials of 454.9, 340.6, and 508.0 mV, respectively, at a current density of 10 mA cm–2 in acidic, alkaline, and neutral mediums, markedly outperforming current OER catalysts reported elsewhere. More importantly, an electrolyzer delivered from the cathodic and anodic CoSAs‐MoS2/TiN NRs electrodes exhibits an extraordinary overall water splitting performance with good stability and durability in pH‐universal conditions.
Sol Electrolyte: Pathway to Long‐Term Stable Lithium Metal Anode
Authors: Sun Chuang , Dong Jing , Lu Xidi , Li Yinwei , Lai Chao
Published: April 2021

Lithium (Li) metal batteries are the subject of intense study due to their high energy densities. However, uncontrolled dendrite growth and the resulting pulverization of Li foil during the repeated plating/stripping process seriously diminish their cycling life. Herein, a facile approach using octaphenyl polyoxyethylene (OP‐10)‐based sol electrolyte is proposed to alleviate Li anode pulverization. This sol electrolyte possesses better ionic conductivity compared to gel and solid‐state electrolytes and also homogenizes Li ion diffusion throughout the entire electrolyte efficiently. As a result, Li/Li symmetric cells using this sol electrolyte demonstrate long‐term cycling stability for up to 1800 h, with a plating capacity of 3.0 mAh cm−2 without deteriorating the integrity of the thin Li foil. Using a conventional liquid electrolyte, electrode pulverization and battery failure can be observed after just three cycles. More importantly, a parameter of “throwing power” is introduced in a metal Li battery system to characterize the homogenizing ability of Li deposition in different electrolyte systems, which can serve as a guide to the efficient selection of electrolytes for Li metal batteries.
A HiPAD Integrated with rGO/MWCNTs Nano‐Circuit Heater for Visual Point‐of‐Care Testing of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Li Sijie , Huang Shiyi , Ke Yuqing , Chen Hongjun , Dang Jingqi , Huang Chengjie , Liu Wenjia , Cui Daxiang , Wang Jinglin , Zhi Xiao , Ding Xianting
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, the main obstacle for further miniaturization and integration of nucleic acids point‐of‐care testing devices is the lack of low‐cost and high‐performance heating materials for supporting reliable nucleic acids amplification. Herein, reduced graphene oxide hybridized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes nano‐circuit integrated into an ingenious paper‐based heater is developed, which is integrated into a paper‐based analytical device (named HiPAD). The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is still raging across the world. As a proof of concept, the HiPAD is utilized to visually detect the SARS‐CoV‐2 N gene using colored loop‐mediated isothermal amplification reaction. This HiPAD costing a few dollars has comparable detection performance to traditional nucleic acids amplifier costing thousands of dollars. The detection range is from 25 to 2.5 × 1010 copies mL−1 in 45 min. The detection limit of 25 copies mL−1 is 40 times more sensitive than 1000 copies mL−1 in conventional real‐time PCR instruments. The disposable paper‐based chip could also avoid potential secondary transmission of COVID‐19 by convenient incineration to guarantee biosafety. The HiPAD or easily expanded M‐HiPAD (for multiplex detection) has great potential for pathogen diagnostics in resource‐limited settings.
A Highly Sensitive, Reversible, and Bidirectional Humidity Actuator by Calcium Carbonate Ionic Oligomers Incorporated Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride)
Authors: He Yan , Kong Kangren , Guo Zhengxi , Fang Weifeng , Ma Zaiqiang , Pan Haihua , Tang Ruikang , Liu Zhaoming
Published: April 2021

Sensitivity and multi‐directional motivation are major two factors for developing optimized humidity‐response materials, which are promising for sensing, energy production, etc. Organic functional groups are commonly used as the water sensitive units through hydrogen bond interactions with water molecules in actuators. The multi‐coordination ability of inorganic ions implies that the inorganic ionic compounds are potentially superior water sensitive units. However, the particle forms of inorganic ionic compounds produced by classical nucleation limit the number of exposed ions to interact with water. Recent progress on the inorganic ionic oligomers has broken through the limitation of classical nucleation, and realized the molecular‐scaled incorporation of inorganic ionic compounds into an organic matrix. Here, the incorporation of hydrophilic calcium carbonate ionic oligomers into hydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is demonstrated. The ultra‐small calcium carbonate oligomers within a PVDF film endow it with an ultra‐sensitive, reversible, and bidirectional response. The motivation ability is superior to other bidirectional humidity‐actuators at present, which realizes self‐motivation on an ice surface, converting the chemical potential energy of the humidity gradient from ice to kinetic energy.
Woolen Respirators for Thermal Management
Authors: Iqbal Mohammad Irfan , Shuo Shi , Jiang Yuanzhang , Fei Bin , Xia Qingyou , Wang Xin , Hu Wenbo , Hu Jinlian
Published: April 2021

COVID‐19 pandemic recently has a great impact on personalized protection and healthcare, especially in the area of the respiratory mask. However, due to the complex relationship between filtration performance and thermal management, there is a lack of investigation considering both characters in respirators. Woolen knitwears are recently well acknowledged as textiles for both hot and cold because of their superior water‐actuated shape memory performance. To incorporate protective function against bacteria, virus, microdroplet, and particulate matter, melt‐blown polypropylene can be introduced as a barrier layer. Herein, a robust and sustainable bio‐based woolen respirator with the superior ability of thermal management is prepared using simple knitting and melt‐blown technology. The as‐prepared respirators provide excellent protection from airborne particulate along with the high level of comfort, compared with a commercial mask. Moreover, it exhibits a high rating during wear trial. This provides a new insight to develop high quality sustainable respiratory mask with an excellent comfort performance from functional biomaterials.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Tandem γ‐Arylation/Aromatization of Cyclohex‐2‐En‐1‐One Derivatives: A Route to 3,4‐Dihydroanthracen‐1(2H)‐Ones
Authors: Song Yi‐Kang , Xu Si‐Yu , Zhang Shu‐Sheng , Fu Jian‐Guo , Lin Guo‐Qiang , Feng Chen‐Guo
Published: April 2021

An intramolecular palladium‐catalyzed tandem γ‐arylation/aromatization reaction of cyclohex‐2‐en‐1‐one derivatives was developed. This work provides a simple and efficient approach for the construction of substituted 3,4‐dihydroanthracen‐1(2H)‐ones in good yields with a broad substrate scope.

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