bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slitted inset fed butterfly-shaped microstrip patch antenna
Authors: Indzic Mustafa , İmeci Şehabeddin Taha
Published: July 2020

In this paper, the design, and simulation of a High-Frequency Slitted Butterfly-shaped Inset Fed Microstrip Patch Antenna is studied. As its name says, the butterfly-shaped antenna is introduced with symmetric indentations at the top, bottom, and sides. Excitation was used at the bottom point of the antenna with inset and via feeding. An input match (S11) of -34.48 dB at the resonance frequency of 26.35 GHz with an electric field phi-polarized gain of 7.37 dB was obtained. Cross polarization level (electric field theta-polarized) is -20 dB. The 26 GHz band covers the 3.25 GHz of the spectrum between 24.25 GHz and 27.5 GHz and is being prioritized across Europe as the first high-frequency band for 5G. This high-frequency spectrum (known as ‘mmWave spectrum’), offers very high data capacity and speeds but with a limited range [1].
How do weights affect faculty performance evaluations?
Authors: Buyukdagli Ozge , Yeralan Sencer
Published: July 2020

Quite commonly, faculty performance evaluations use a weighted scheme. Individual faculty members are evaluated on a scale with respect to teaching, research, and service activities. These scores are then combined using pre-determined weights to obtain a combined score that is often used to compare different members. The presented study aimed to investigate the effects of selecting the weights on the individual scores and rankings. The interest is not on single faculty members, but rather on the systems aspects of the practice. That is, how do the weights affect the educational system as a whole? How sensitive is the evaluation system to the selection of the weights? In order to question the leverage, a decision-maker who determines the weights would have on the outcome of the rankings, the approach based on numerical examples and formal linear programming (LP) considerations is used.
A Catalog of Holes and Shells in the Interstellar Medium of the LITTLE THINGS Dwarf Galaxies
Authors: Pokhrel Nau Raj , Simpson Caroline E. , Bagetakos Ioannis
Published: July 2020

We present a catalog of holes and shells in the neutral atomic hydrogen (H i) of 41 gas-rich dwarf galaxies in LITTLE THINGS (Local Irregulars That Trace Luminosity Extremes, The H i Nearby Galaxy Survey). We analyzed their properties as part of an investigation into the relation between star formation and structures and kinematics in the H i of small galaxies. We confirmed 306 holes between 38 pc (our resolution limit) and 2.3 kpc, with expansion velocities up to 30 km s−1. The global star formation rates (SFRs) measured by Hα and far-UV (FUV) emission are consistent with those estimated from the energy required to create the cataloged holes in our sample. Although we found no obvious correlation between global SFRs and the H i surface and volume porosities of our sample, two of the four galaxies with the lowest porosity and the two galaxies with the highest porosity have no recent star formation as measured by Hα and FUV emission.
A White Dwarf with Transiting Circumstellar Material Far outside the Roche Limit
Authors: Vanderbosch Z. , Hermes J. J. , Dennihy E. , Dunlap B. H. , Izquierdo P. , Tremblay P.-E. , Cho P. B. , Gänsicke B. T. , Toloza O. , Bell K. J. , Montgomery M. H. , Winget D. E.
Published: July 2020

We report the discovery of a white dwarf exhibiting deep, irregularly shaped transits, indicative of circumstellar planetary debris. Using Zwicky Transient Facility DR2 photometry of ZTF J013906.17+524536.89 and follow-up observations from the Las Cumbres Observatory, we identify multiple transit events that recur every ≈107.2 days, much longer than the 4.5–4.9 hr orbital periods observed in WD 1145+017, the only other white dwarf known with transiting planetary debris. The transits vary in both depth and duration, lasting 15–25 days and reaching 20%–45% dips in flux. Optical spectra reveal strong Balmer lines, identifying the white dwarf as a DA with

and

. A Ca ii K absorption feature is present in all spectra both in and out of transit. Spectra obtained during one night at roughly 15% transit depth show increased Ca ii K absorption with a model atmospheric fit suggesting [Ca/H] = −4.6 ± 0.3, whereas spectra taken on three nights out of transit have [Ca/H] of −5.5, −5.3, and −4.9 with similar uncertainties. While the Ca ii K line strength varies by only 2σ, we consider a predominantly interstellar origin for Ca absorption unlikely. We suggest a larger column density of circumstellar metallic gas along the line of site or increased accretion of material onto the white dwarf’s surface are responsible for the Ca absorption, but further spectroscopic studies are required. In addition, high-speed time series photometry out of transit reveals variability with periods of 900 and 1030 s, consistent with ZZ Ceti pulsations.
An In Situ Interplanetary “U-burst”: Observation and Results
Authors: Martínez Oliveros Juan Carlos , Castillo Saida Milena Díaz , Krupar Vratislav , Pulupa Marc , Bale Stuart D. , Calvo-Mozo Benjamín
Published: July 2020

We report and examine the observation of an unusual and rare in situ electron observation associated with a solar type III radio burst on 1996 December 24. This radio event was accompanied by high-energy electrons, measured by the Solid State Telescope on board the Wind spacecraft. The type III radio emission started at ≈13:10 UTC and was associated with a C2.1 GOES-class flare whose maximum was at 13:11 UTC and hosted by the active region NOAA 8007/8004, located on the west limb at N05° W74°/N06° W85°. During this event, the observation of an electron energy distribution likely to be associated with the radio emission was registered. The electrons arrive at the spacecraft predominantly from the antisolar direction, suggesting that their general motion is sunward along a closed magnetic field line. Leblanc et al. propose a model in which energetic electrons are injected into a coronal flux tube at one of its footpoints, releasing standard type-III emission. As the magnetic field then directs them back toward the magnetic-conjugate footpoint of the first, the electrons release subsequent emission whose radio profile is a quasi-time reversal of the standard. We have constructed a cylindrical flux rope facsimile of this scenario that reproduces the U-burst profiles. We also report observational features indicating a secondary electron energy distribution and propose a scenario that explains this feature.
A Search for Gravitational Waves from Binary Mergers with a Single Observatory
Authors: Nitz Alexander H. , Dent Thomas , Davies Gareth S. , Harry Ian
Published: July 2020

We present a search for merging compact binary gravitational-wave sources that produce a signal appearing solely or primarily in a single detector. Past analyses have heavily relied on coincidence between multiple detectors to reduce nonastrophysical background. However, for ∼40% of the total time of the 2015–2017 LIGO-Virgo observing runs only a single detector was operating. We discuss the difficulties in assigning significance and calculating the probability of astrophysical origin for candidates observed primarily by a single detector and suggest a straightforward resolution using a noise model designed to provide a conservative assessment given the observed data. We also describe a procedure to assess candidates observed in a single detector when multiple detectors are observing. We apply these methods to search for binary black hole (BBH) and binary neutron star (BNS) mergers in the open LIGO data spanning 2015–2017. The most promising candidate from our search is 170817+03:02:46UTC (probability of astrophysical origin p
astro ∼ 0.4): if astrophysical, this is consistent with a BBH merger with primary mass

, suggestive of a hierarchical merger origin. We also apply our method to the analysis of GW190425 and find

, though this value is highly dependent on assumptions about the noise and signal models.
Band-limited Features in the Primordial Power Spectrum Do Not Resolve the Hubble Tension
Authors: Liu MiaoXin , Huang Zhiqi
Published: July 2020

For a standard ΛCDM universe with a power-law primordial power spectrum, the discrepancy between early- and late-universe measurements of the Hubble constant continued to grow and recently reached 5.3σ. During inflation, local features in the inflationary potential often lead to band-limited features in the primordial power spectrum, hence breaking the power-law assumption in the derivation of the Hubble tension. We investigate whether such inflationary “glitches” can ease the Hubble tension. The recently released Planck temperature and polarization data and the 2019 SH0ES+H0LiCOW joint constraint on the Hubble constant are combined to drive a blind Daubechies wavelet signal search in the primordial power spectrum, up to a resolution

. We find no significant detection of any features beyond power law. With 64 more degrees of freedom injected in the primordial power spectrum, the Hubble tension persists at a 4.9σ level.
Toward an Understanding of the Massive Red Spiral Galaxy Formation
Authors: Guo Rui , Hao Cai-Na , Xia Xiaoyang , Shi Yong , Chen Yanmei , Li Songlin , Gu Qiusheng
Published: July 2020

To understand the formation and quenching processes of local massive red spiral galaxies with M
* > 1010.5
M
⊙, we perform a statistical analysis of their spectroscopic and structural properties and compare them with elliptical and blue spiral galaxies of similar mass. The sample was selected from the stellar mass catalog of galaxies in SDSS DR7, according to their locations on the u − r color−stellar mass diagram. We find that red spirals harbor compact cores with high stellar mass surface densities measured by Σ1 and are bulge dominated. Particularly, the red spirals, especially their bulges, follow the Σ1–M
* ridgeline for quenched galaxies. Furthermore, the red spirals show similarly large central D

n
(4000), high [Mg/Fe], and dark matter halo mass to ellipticals. These results suggest that the bulges of red spirals formed within a short timescale before redshift ∼1–2 and were quenched via a fast mode, similar to ellipticals. Careful examinations of the optical morphologies reveal that ∼70% of red spirals show strong bars, rings/shells, and even merging features, which suggests that interactions or mergers might have played an important role in the formation of red spirals. In contrast, most of the massive blue spirals have completely different spectral and structural properties from red spirals. However, the blue spirals with high Σ1 (

) show similar structural and morphological properties, as well as similar halo mass and H i mass to red spirals. We discuss rejuvenation from red to blue as a possible explanation for these high-Σ1 blue spirals.
Intermediate Luminosity Red Transients by Black Holes Born from Erupting Massive Stars
Authors: Tsuna Daichi , Ishii Ayako , Kuriyama Naoto , Kashiyama Kazumi , Shigeyama Toshikazu
Published: July 2020

We consider black hole formation in failed supernovae when a dense circumstellar medium (CSM) is present around the massive star progenitor. By utilizing radiation hydrodynamical simulations, we calculate the mass ejection of blue supergiants and Wolf–Rayet stars in the collapsing phase and the radiative shock occurring between the ejecta and the ambient CSM. We find that the resultant emission is redder and dimmer than normal supernovae (bolometric luminosity of 1040–

, effective temperature of ∼5 × 103 K, and timescale of 10–100 days) and shows a characteristic power-law decay, which may comprise a fraction of intermediate luminosity red transients (ILRTs) including AT 2017be. In addition to searching for the progenitor star in the archival data, we encourage X-ray follow-up observations of such ILRTs ∼1–10 yr after the collapse, targeting the fallback accretion disk.
Explaining the Galilean Satellites’ Density Gradient by Hydrodynamic Escape
Authors: Bierson Carver J. , Nimmo Francis
Published: July 2020

The Galilean satellites exhibit a monotonic decrease in density (and increase in ice mass fraction) with distance from Jupiter. Whether this is because of the background conditions when they formed, the process of accretion itself, or later loss due to tidal heating has been in dispute for 40 yr. We find that a hitherto largely neglected process—vapor loss driven by accretional heating—can reproduce the observed density trend for accretion timescales ≳300 kyr, consistent with gas-starved satellite formation models. In this model, both Io and Europa develop an early surface liquid water ocean. Vapor escape from this ocean causes the water inventories of Io and Europa to be completely and mostly lost, respectively. Isotopic fractionation arising from vapor loss means that Europa will develop a higher D/H ratio compared with Ganymede and Callisto. We make predictions that can be tested with in situ measurements of the D/H of potential Europa plumes by the Europa Clipper spacecraft or infrared spectroscopic determinations of D/H at all three bodies.
Resolved Multi-element Stellar Chemical Abundances in the Brightest Quiescent Galaxy at z ∼ 2
Authors: Jafariyazani Marziye , Newman Andrew B. , Mobasher Bahram , Belli Sirio , Ellis Richard S. , Patel Shannon G.
Published: July 2020

Measuring the chemical composition of galaxies is crucial to our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution models. However, such measurements are extremely challenging for quiescent galaxies at high redshifts, which have faint stellar continua and compact sizes, making it difficult to detect absorption lines and nearly impossible to spatially resolve them. Gravitational lensing offers the opportunity to study these galaxies with detailed spectroscopy that can be spatially resolved. In this work, we analyze deep spectra of MRG-M0138, a lensed quiescent galaxy at z = 1.98, which is the brightest of its kind, with an H-band magnitude of 17.1. Taking advantage of full spectral fitting, we measure [Mg/Fe] = 0.51 ± 0.05, [Fe/H] = 0.26 ± 0.04, and, for the first time, the stellar abundances of six other elements in this galaxy. We further constrained, also for the first time in a z ∼ 2 galaxy, radial gradients in stellar age, [Fe/H], and [Mg/Fe]. We detect no gradient in age or [Mg/Fe] and a slightly negative gradient in [Fe/H], which has a slope comparable to that seen in local early-type galaxies. Our measurements show that not only is MRG-M0138 very Mg-enhanced compared to the centers of local massive early-type galaxies, it is also very iron rich. These dissimilar abundances suggest that even the inner regions of massive galaxies have experienced significant mixing of stars in mergers, in contrast to a purely inside-out growth model. The abundance pattern observed in MRG-M0138 challenges simple galactic chemical evolution models that vary only the star formation timescale and shows the need for more elaborate models.
Electron Acceleration in One-dimensional Nonrelativistic Quasi-perpendicular Collisionless Shocks
Authors: Xu Rui , Spitkovsky Anatoly , Caprioli Damiano
Published: July 2020

We study diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) of electrons in nonrelativistic quasi-perpendicular shocks using self-consistent one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. By exploring the parameter space of sonic and Alfvénic Mach numbers we find that high Mach number quasi-perpendicular shocks can efficiently accelerate electrons to power-law downstream spectra with slopes consistent with DSA prediction. Electrons are reflected by magnetic mirroring at the shock and drive nonresonant waves in the upstream. Reflected electrons are trapped between the shock front and upstream waves, and undergo multiple cycles of shock-drift acceleration before the injection into DSA. Strong current-driven waves also temporarily change the shock obliquity and cause mild proton pre-acceleration even in quasi-perpendicular shocks, which otherwise do not accelerate protons. These results can be used to understand nonthermal emission in supernova remnants and intracluster medium in galaxy clusters.
The Far-ultraviolet Variations of 17 Com
Authors: Monier Richard
Published: July 2020

All the archival International Ultraviolet Explorer spectra of 17 Com, the most massive member of the open cluster Coma Berenices, are used to show that the far-ultraviolet spectral energy distribution shows large variations at wavelengths shorter than 1800 Å. The large far-ultraviolet variations are most likely due to spots or belts of overabundant elements (chromium in particular) which come and go into the line of sight as the star rotates.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Selgantolimod, an Oral Toll-Like Receptor 8 Agonist: A Phase Ia Study in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Reyes Maribel , Lutz Justin D , Lau Audrey H , Gaggar Anuj , Grant Ethan P , Joshi Adarsh , Mackman Richard L , Ling John , Tan Susanna K , Ayithan Natarajan , Daffis Stephane , Woo Jacky , Wu Peiwen , Lam Tina , Fletcher Simon P , Kottilil Shyamasundaran , Poonia Bhawna , Gane Edward J , Mathias Anita , German Polina
Published: July 2020

Background

Selgantolimod is a novel oral, selective Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) agonist in development for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). TLR8 is an endosomal innate immune receptor and a target for treatment of viral infections. This first-in-human study investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of selgantolimod in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Of 71 subjects enrolled, 59 received a single dose of selgantolimod (0.5, 1.5, 3 or 5 mg) or placebo, and 12 were evaluated for food effect. Safety, PK and PD activity by induction of cytokines, chemokines and acute phase proteins were assessed. PK/PD analyses were conducted.

Results

Single doses of 0.5–5 mg were generally safe. No serious adverse events (AEs) or AEs leading to discontinuation were reported, and most were Grade 1 in severity. Selgantolimod displayed rapid absorption and dose-proportional PK and PD activity. Food had minimal effect on PK but resulted in diminished PD activity. In PK/PD analyses, near-saturation of induction for most evaluated biomarkers occurred at the 5-mg dose.

Conclusions

Single doses of up to 5 mg selgantolimod were safe and induced dose-dependent PD responses. These data support evaluation of selgantolimod in combination with other agents in future clinical studies of CHB. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registration: ACTRN12616001646437.
La découverte de Moïse au bord du Nil selon Nicolas Poussin en 1647
Authors: Somon Matthieu
Published: July 2020

L’étude propose une réévaluation du sémantisme des motifs solaires et des effets d’ensoleillement que Nicolas Poussin a peints dans un Moïse sauvé des eaux destiné au marchand de soie Jean Pointel. À partir d’une observation rapprochée de la composition qu’éclairent aussi la poésie et l’exégèse relatives à la découverte de Moïse, on tâche de montrer comment le chromatisme et la disposition des personnages et du décorum aboutissent à une réinvention sublime du sujet, présenté comme la naissance d’un astre providentiel qui dissipe les ténèbres de la religion païenne égyptienne et présage l’avènement du monothéisme chrétien en tant que figure du Christ Soleil de Justice, étoile brillante du matin, et Verbe lumière.
Carbon Dioxide-Induced Mortality of Four Species of North American Fishes
Authors: Treanor Hilary B. , Ray Andrew M. , Amberg Jon J. , Gaikowski Mark P. , Ilgen Jason E. , Gresswell Robert E. , Gains-Germain Leslie , Webb Molly A.H.
Published: July 2020

Fisheries managers have a growing interest in the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a tool for controlling invasive fishes. However, limited published data exist on susceptibility of many commonly encountered species to elevated CO2 concentrations. Our objective was to estimate the 24-h 50% lethal concentration (LC50) and 95% lethal concentration (LC95) of CO2 for four fishes (Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, Common Carp Cyprinus carpio, Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus, and Westslope Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi). In the laboratory, we exposed juvenile fish to a range of CO2 concentrations for 24 h in unpressurized, flow-through tanks. We developed a Bayesian hierarchical model to estimate the dose-response relationship for each fish species with associated uncertainty, and estimated 24-h LC50 and LC95 values based on laboratory trials for each species. The minimum concentration inducing mortality differed among cold water–adapted species and warm water–adapted species groups: 150 mg CO2/L for Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout and 225 mg CO2/L for Common Carp and Channel Catfish. We observed complete mortality at 275 mg CO2/L (38,672 microatmospheres [μatm]), 225 mg CO2/L (30,711 μatm), and 495 mg CO2/L (65,708 μatm [Common Carp]; 77,213 μatm [Channel Catfish]) for Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and both Common Carp and Channel Catfish, respectively. There was evidence of a statistical difference between the 24-h LC95 values of Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout (245.0 [222.2–272.2] and 190.6 [177.2–207.8] mg CO2/L, respectively). Additionally, these values were almost half the estimated 24-h LC95 values for Common Carp and Channel Catfish (422.5 [374.7–474.5] and 434.2 [377.2–492.2] mg CO2/L, respectively). Although the experimental findings show strong relationships between increased CO2 concentration and higher mortality, additional work is required to assess the efficacy and feasibility of a CO2 application in a field setting.
Religion and Spirituality Empowering Female Refugee Entrepreneurship
Authors: Dryjanska Laura
Published: July 2020

Female refugees face additional challenges and obstacles on their path to entrepreneurship. This can be explained by intersectionality, taking into account compounded discrimination due to gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and also religion. While conservative religious values and norms tend to be portrayed in a negative light, as hindering female leadership and fostering patriarchal views, this chapter assesses the positive impact that religion and spirituality may have for women refugee entrepreneurs. From the perspective of social psychology, it also considers how a comprehensive and creative training for female entrepreneurs should account for the demand-side, supply-side, soft skills, mental health, and religion and spirituality, preceded by a sound analysis of the context.
Migrants Learning to Become Entrepreneurs
Authors: De Moraes Ailson J. , Teixeira Carlos Antonio
Published: July 2020

This study investigates migrant self-selection on values, beliefs, and attitudes who have become entrepreneurs and are engaged in entrepreneurial activities in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The authors investigate, during the second semester of 2019, migrants who became entrepreneurs in the food industry, in the manufacture and trade of food typical of the migrant countries of origin. Findings provide new insights into the determinants of research and practice of migrant entrepreneurship. They seek to link the discussion of migrant and refugee entrepreneurship with the issue of UNESCO's recognition that cuisine integrates the concept of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity and to relate the entrepreneurial performance of migrants and refugees to issues related to cultural identity with associations to the memory of the homeland. The results provide economic, political, and cultural contexts for theories; identify contexts that promote community development; and help reconcile debates in the areas of migrants and entrepreneurship.
Insular Tourism
Authors: Mascarenhas Margarida , Rodrigues Bruno , Sousa-Ferreira Ivo , Pereira Elsa
Published: July 2020

This chapter aimed to analyse the profile and patterns of consumption of non-resident spectators of a sporting event that took place in an insular tourist city: Funchal (Madeira Island, Portugal). Data collection was performed at the entrance of the football stadium where 108 (n) spectators were randomly surveyed. Data were analysed based on descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that on average, each tourist spent 231 euros in the city; the highest cost was due to accommodation and secondly to tickets; ‘arrival time at the stadium' was the variable that most positively influenced the total expenditure; individuals with higher education/wage levels had a greater predisposition to spend more money on food/drink and accommodation. As spectators' opinion on the city/stadium showed high levels of satisfaction, the event improved the visitors' perception and image of the city. This study highlights how sporting events can increase the insular tourism. Future research should replicate this study in similar events hosted in comparable destinations.
Tourism and Sex Outside the “Sex Tourism Paradigm”
Authors: Lança Milene , Ribeiro Fernando Bessa
Published: July 2020

The relationship between tourism and sex has been intensively explored over the past decades. The great majority of the studies examining this relationship focus disproportionately on commercial sex tourism as if all the sexual encounters in tourism context are related to prostitution, commercialization, trafficking, inequalities, and disrespect for the human rights. Despite these contributions, the purpose of this chapter is to show that most of the romantic and sexual encounters that occur in a tourism setting are positive, gratifying, and nonpecuniary. Therefore, these relationships should be analyzed outside “sex tourism paradigm.” Results from 29 in-depth interviews with tourists in the Algarve (South Portugal) confirm the strong relationship between holidays and romantic and sexual behaviors, due to the liminal nature of tourism. In addition, results show different perspectives and behaviors according to gender, due to the continuous sexual double standard.
Requirements to Products and Processes for Software of Safety Important NPP I&C Systems
Authors: Sklyar Vladimir , Volkoviy Andriy , Gordieiev Oleksandr , Duzhyi Vyacheslav
Published: July 2020

Features of software as a component of instrumentation and control (I&C) systems are analyzed. Attention is paid to the importance of functions performed by software and hazards of such software. Requirements for characteristics of software as a component of I&C systems are analyzed. Different regulatory documents are considered in order to disclose common approaches to the use of dedicated software and off-the-shelf software components. Classification of software, as well as classification of requirements, is described. Criteria of selection and structuring of requirements, as well as criteria for software verification, are defined. As long as the characteristics of software components directly depend on the quality of the processes of software development and verification, requirements for software life cycle processes are considered.
Portuguese Tourist Signage
Authors: Neves João Vasco Matos , da Silva José Miguel Gago
Published: July 2020

Social, cultural, and technological changes on a large scale, combined with increasing mobility and consequent globalization, have decisively influenced society and consequently tourism, assuming this as one of the main sectors of the world economy, with constant global growth. The tourist activity motivated a greater influx of people to certain territories, generating the need to guide citizens in unknown spaces and communicate basic messages with a universal language. This chapter is the result of a research on information design, which aims to analyze tourist signage systems, to propose principles for the development of these systems, which can contribute to the aesthetic and functional improvement of tourist signage of information and guidance, to innovation and to the competitiveness of the tourism sector.
Visual Diagnostic Strategy
Authors: Silva Jose Miguel , Neves João Matos , Martins Daniel Raposo
Published: July 2020

The following article focuses on the development of a visual exploratory study in the form of a diagnostic, tested in a learning experience to support the development of the final project. A project developed in the field of visual communication design, degree of Visual Communication Design and Audiovisual Production of the School of Applied Arts, Castelo Branco Polytechnic Institute, Portugal. The visual diagnostic exploratory study, involving several phases of information gathering, was conducted by the students within the scope of the Curricular Unit of Research Design, of the curricular year of 2018/19. The introduction of the visual diagnostic exploratory study provided new solutions to the visual communication level of a product or service in the final degree project. From its application, it resulted in a greater solidity in the arguments of the solutions proposed by the students; however, there were observed gaps in the understanding of the perspective of the consumer in the phase of mapping the archetypes and creation of narratives in the customer journey.
Evaluation of an Adhesive Containing Calcium Salt of Acidic Monomers on Inhibition of Biofilm Formation of Bacteria Related to Root Caries
Authors: Thaweboon Sroisiri , Saito Takashi , Nagano Keiji , Thaweboon Boonyanit
Published: July 2020

Root caries is a critical dental problem for the elderly people due to increased tooth retention and exposed root surfaces in aged society. The presence of a cariogenic biofilm and fermentable carbohydrates is the main etiologic factors. Streptococcus mutans, lactobacilli and Actinomyces spp. have been demonstrated to be associated with root caries. Currently, dental materials with multifunctional features have been combined into clinical adhesives. Calcium salt of acidic monomer (calcium salt of 4-methacryloxyethyl trimellitic acid or CMET) has been demonstrated to promote a significant remineralization and an adhesive containing CMET has been developed. However, there is no data regarding its antimicrobial potential. This study aimed to evaluate the property of an adhesive containing CMET and 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen calcium phosphate (MDCP) on the biofilm formation of bacteria related to root caries. The adhesive was applied onto the flat-bottom surface of 96-well plate and LED light-cured. Then it was coated with sterile saliva at 37 °C for 60 min. The bacterial suspensions of 107 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL (Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25715, Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 and Actinomyvces viscosus ATCC 19246) were added and incubated at 37°C in 5% CO2 atmosphere for 24 h to allow the biofilm formation. The amount of vital biofilm was determined by WST-8 Microbial Cell Counting Kit (Dojindo Molecular Technologies, USA). All tests were carried out in triplicate and repeated three times. Student’s t-test was employed for the statistical analysis. The significant suppressive effects were clearly noticed on S. mutans compared with a control. The percentage of biofilm reduction was nearly 65%. A 2% biofilm reduction was found on L. casei and A. viscosus, though no statistical significant decreases of biofilm were observed compared with a control. In conclusion, an adhesive containing calcium salt of acidic monomers could significantly inhibit biofilm formation of S. mutans. Using this adhesive can be beneficial for the prevention of root caries on the tooth surface.
Lack of Evidence for a Substantial Rate of Templated Mutagenesis in B Cell Diversification
Authors: Fukuyama Julia , Olson Branden J. , Matsen Frederick A.
Published: July 2020

BCR sequences diversify through mutations introduced by purpose-built cellular machinery. A recent paper has concluded that a “templated mutagenesis” process is a major contributor to somatic hypermutation and therefore Ig diversification in mice and humans. In this proposed process, mutations in the Ig locus are introduced by copying short segments from other Ig genes. If true, this would overturn decades of research on B cell diversification and would require a complete rewrite of computational methods to analyze B cell data for these species. In this paper, we re-evaluate the templated mutagenesis hypothesis. By applying the original inferential method using potential donor templates absent from B cell genomes, we obtain estimates of the methods’ false positive rates. We find false positive rates of templated mutagenesis in murine and human Ig loci that are similar to or even higher than the original rate inferences, and by considering the bases used in substitution, we find evidence that if templated mutagenesis occurs, it is at a low rate. We also show that the statistically significant results in the original paper can easily result from a slight misspecification of the null model.
The Quantitative Assessment of the Secreted IgG Repertoire after Recall to Evaluate the Quality of Immunizations
Authors: Eyer Klaus , Castrillon Carlos , Chenon Guilhem , Bibette Jérôme , Bruhns Pierre , Griffiths Andrew D. , Baudry Jean
Published: July 2020

One of the major goals of vaccination is to prepare the body to rapidly secrete specific Abs during an infection. Assessment of the vaccine quality is often difficult to perform, as simple measurements like Ab titer only partly correlate with protection. Similarly, these simple measurements are not always sensitive to changes in the preceding immunization scheme. Therefore, we introduce in this paper a new, to our knowledge, method to assay the quality of immunization schemes for mice: shortly after a recall with pure Ag, we analyze the frequencies of IgG-secreting cells (IgG-SCs) in the spleen, as well as for each cells, the Ag affinity of the secreted Abs. We observed that after recall, appearance of the IgG-SCs within the spleen of immunized mice was fast (<24 h) and this early response was free of naive IgG-SCs. We further confirmed that our phenotypic analysis of IgG-SCs after recall strongly correlated with the different employed immunization schemes. Additionally, a phenotypic comparison of IgG-SCs presented in the spleen during immunization or after recall revealed similarities but also significant differences. The developed approach introduced a novel (to our knowledge), quantitative, and functional highly resolved alternative to study the quality of immunizations.
Cutting Edge: Batf3 Expression by CD8 T Cells Critically Regulates the Development of Memory Populations
Authors: Qiu Zhijuan , Khairallah Camille , Romanov Galina , Sheridan Brian S.
Published: July 2020

The basic leucine zipper transcription factor ATF-like 3 (BATF3) is required for the development of conventional type 1 dendritic cells that are essential for cross-presentation and CD8 T cell–mediated immunity against intracellular pathogens and tumors. However, whether BATF3 intrinsically regulates CD8 T cell responses is not well studied. In this article, we report a role for cell-intrinsic Batf3 expression in regulating the establishment of circulating and resident memory T cells after foodborne Listeria monocytogenes infection of mice. Consistent with other studies, Batf3 expression by CD8 T cells was dispensable for the primary response. However, Batf3−/− T cells underwent increased apoptosis during contraction to contribute to a substantially reduced memory population. Batf3−/− memory cells had an impaired ability to mount a robust recall response but remained functional. These findings reveal a cell-intrinsic role of Batf3 in regulating CD8 T cell memory development.
A fast method for solving a block tridiagonal quasi-Toeplitz linear system
Authors: Belhaj Skander , Hcini Fahd , Zhang Yulin
Published: July 2020

This paper addresses the problem of solving block tridiagonal quasi-Toeplitz linear systems. Inspired by [10], we propose a more general algorithm for such systems. The algorithm is based on a block decomposition for block tridiagonal quasi-Toeplitz matrices and the Sherman–Morrison–Woodbury inversion formula. We also compare the proposed approach to the standard block

LU

decomposition method and the Gauss algorithm. A theoretical error analysis is also presented. All algorithms have been implemented in Matlab. Numerical experiments performed on a wide variety of test problems show the effectiveness of our algorithm in terms of efficiency, stability and robustness.
Comparative antioxidant, antiproliferative and cytotoxic potentials of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.) Milne-Redh. and Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook) Raf. (Fabaceae) stem bark
Authors: Gbolade Adebayo , Muazu Ibrahim , Haruna Abdulrauf
Published: July 2020

Methanol extract and solvent fractions of Piliostigma thonningii (Schum.) Milne-Redh. and Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook) Raf. (Fabaceae) stem barks were investigated for antiproliferative effect on guinea corn (Sorghum bicolor) seeds, cytotoxicity on tadpoles (Raniceps ranninus), in vitro 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydraxyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and ferric reducing power activities. All tested agents of both plants at 0.25 - 5.0 mg/ml gave significant decreases in mean radicle length of guinea corn seeds (antiproliferative action) which was concentration-dependent. Growth inhibition ranking at 72 h for both plants at the most active concentration, 5 mg/ml was: aqueous fraction > methanol extract > chloroform fraction. However, the aqueous fraction of D. regia (95.3% inhibition) was more active than that of P. thonningii (62.6%). With the cytotoxic assay, the chloroform fractions (LC50, 5.0 mg/ml and 6.0 mg/ml respectively, for P. thonningii and D. regia) were more active than their aqueous fractions. Extracts and fractions of these plants yielded inactive DPPH radical scavenging activity at the tested concentrations of 20 - 100 µg/ml. In the concentration-dependent ferric reducing power model, the methanol extracts of both plants were more active than their partitioned fractions as antioxidant agents at 100 µg/ml. Although D. regia stem bark was richer in phenols (0.321 - 0.339 mg gallic acid equivalent /g) and flavonoids (0.041 - 0.046 mg quercetin equivalent /g) than P. thonningii, phenolic contents of these plants were five-six times more than that of their flavonoids. Data reported herein showed that D. regia was a better antioxidant, cytotoxic and antiproliferative plant than P. thonningii . These findings hereby justify the folkloric use of P. thonningii and D. regia in the treatment of oxidative stress-induced diseases.Keywords: Piliostigma thonningii, Delonix regia, antiproliferative activity, cytotoxicity, antioxidant assay
Bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolones and contributing factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a mixed methods study
Authors: Mekuria Banchirega , Gebretekle Gebremedhin Beedemariam , Bekele Tamerat , Negussie Mesfin , Kifle Melaku , Fenta Teferi Gedif
Published: July 2020

Fluoroquinolones are widely used globally and there is a growing trend of resistance to these agents. However, there is scanty information in Ethiopia and this study aimed to assess the level of bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolones and identify contributing factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Concurrent mixed methods study design was used. Records (January 2013 to December 2016) of the Microbiology Laboratory of International Clinical Laboratories were retrospectively reviewed. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted with purposively selected 20 prescribers’ and dispensers’ to explore perceived contributing factors to resistance. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data and possible association was explored using multivariable logistic regression. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. A total of 7,889 bacterial isolates were identified from 4,310 patients. The overall resistance of bacterial isolates to fluoroquinolones was 42.5% and the highest resistance was to nalidixic acid (63.3%). Enterococci and Escherichia coli developed high level of resistance to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin; while Enterococci had higher resistant to nalidixic acid (77.8%). Resistance to fluoroquinolones was 5-times more likely in patients aged ≥ 60 years than those < 15 years old (AOR = 5.63, 95% CI: 4.71, 6.73). Resistance to fluoroquinolones increased from 40.4% in 2013 to 49.0% in 2015 but declined to 46.3% in 2016. Respondents of the qualitative interviews suggested that injudicious prescribing due to lack of institutional antibiogram and inadequate knowledge, nonprescription sales of antibiotics and/or patient hording and sharing practices contributed for the high level of fluoroquinolone resistance. The study showed a high level of bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolones. Patients’ age and year of testing were significantly associated with resistance. Moreover, inappropriate prescribing practice, illegal over-the-counter sales as well as their unreasonable use by patients were key drivers to the problem. This calls for the strict regulation of non-prescription sales of antibiotics, public awareness creation and development of local antibiogram to guide prescribing. Keywords: fluoroquinolones, bacterial resistance, qualitative interview, enterococci, Escherichia coli
Constraints faced by rice processors in milling and branding of home grown rice in Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Nwachukwu Cynthia Uzoamaka , Ukwuaba Ikenna Charles , Umeh Jonathan Onyebuchi
Published: July 2020

This study examined the constraints faced by rice processors in milling and branding of home grown rice produced in Enugu State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the factors that influence the branding of home grown processed rice and examine the major constraints in processing home grown produced rice into high quality rice. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to survey 23 respondents across three communities in three local government areas and two agricultural zones selected. Factor analysis, mean and percentages were used to analyse the data collected. Findings showed that along the unit of home grown rice branding, packaging is the only form of branding carried out by processors. The factors that influenced the branding of home grown processed rice in the study area were grouped into four which include inability to appreciate new technology, non-availability of required technology, labour and cost of packaging materials. Also, the major constraints in the processing of home grown rice to improved quality brands are grouped into five factors which are inability to appreciate new knowledge, new technology, communication on storage facilities, labour and marketing information. Rice processors should be trained adequately on branding and improving the quality of home grown processed rice and provision of the required technology. This will improve the competitiveness of home grown rice relative to imported rice thereby increasing its demand.Keywords: Rice processing, branding, constraints, factor analysis, Enugu State
Evaluation of the Phytoplanktons Species Diversity, Distribution and Physicochemical Characteristics of Pindiga Pond in Gombe State of Nigeria
Authors: Abdullahi Y. , Moses P. , Kwaya V.B.
Published: July 2020

Studies were conducted on the diversity, distribution and physicochemical characteristics of phytoplanktons of Pindiga Pond. Water and phytoplankton samples were collected for three months at ten (10) days interval. The objective of the present research is to determine the phytoplanktons distribution and physicochemical characteristics of the Pond. Standard procedures were adopted for determination of physicochemical parameters viz; Temperature, pH, Transparency, Conductivity, Nitrate, Phosphate, Dissolved oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD).These physicochemical characteristics were observed to have varied within the period of the study. Seventeen (17) genus, Thirteen (13) orders, four (4) classes, and four (4) division of phytoplankton were identified, and the class Bacillariophyceae (46 %) was the highest percentage recorded during the study, Chlorophyceae (32 %), Euglenophyceae (19 %) and Cyanophyceae (3%) the least in occurrence and distribution. The study also revealed that pindiga pond had luxuriant phytoplanktons flora, diverse and seasonal with fluctuating pattern of physicochemical characteristics recorded. The physicochemical characteristics were also within productive limit in Pindiga pond.Key words: Phytoplanktons, Diversity, Distribution, Pond
Morphological and Anatomical Diversity Study on three Species of Amaranthus namely; A. hybridus L., A. viridis L. and A.spinosus L. from Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ozimede C.O. , Obute G.C. , Nyananyo B.L.
Published: July 2020

A study of morphological and anatomical diversity on three species of Amaranthus in the Amaranthaceae family namely; A. hybridus L., A.viridis L. and A. spinosus L. from the three senatorial district of Rivers state namely; Rivers East (upland), Rivers South East (upland) and Rivers West (coastal region) was studied to examine the diversity that exist even among similar species from different regions. Result obtained from this research showed high rate of diversity. Examination of the tran–sections of blades revealed uni–seriate epidermis, ground tissue with angular collenchyma and slender parenchyma. The vascular bundles shape had only crescent as the shape pattern. The midrib shape in cross section has three patterns in which arc, rounded and crescent bundle occurs. The examination of the petioles exhibits new and varied characters for A. viridis such as petiole shape (cross section), vascular bundles (shape, number, arrangement). While the resulted characters from the observation of the stem structure showed less variation. 52 quantitative and qualitative characters were achieved from morphological and anatomical characters and applied for construction of a dendogram using the Paleontological statistics (PAST) software which showed variation even among similar species from different senatorial district.Keywords: Amaranthus, Morphology, Anatomy, Diversity
Genetic Diversity on Amaranthus hybridus L., Amaranthus viridis L. and Amaranthus spinosus L. in parts of Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Ozimede C.O. , Obute G.C. , Nyananyo B.L.
Published: July 2020

The Amaranth plants are annuals or short-lived perennials with over 103 species of flowering plants in the family Amaranthaceae, distributed nearly worldwide. Several amaranth species are useful as food crops and are grown both for their leaves and for their edible seeds, which are a nutritious pseudocereal (nongrass seeds used like cereal grains). This paper reports the genetic diversity of three species of Amaranthus (A. hybridus L., A. viridis L. and A. spinosus L.) in Rivers state of Nigeria. Result obtained from this research showed high rate of diversity. DNA characterization and sequencing of the species were done through plastid Ribulose-1,5biophosphate Carboxylase large chain (rbcL) genetic marker to determine the rate of genetic variation among members of this genus in our study area. The sequence figures were firstly compared on Basic Local Alignment Sequence Tool for validation. Phylogenetic and molecular evolutional analysis was conducted using MEGA version 7. The dendogram of the molecular phylogeny generated from MEGA 7 software shows elevated rate of variation among studied species.Keywords: Amaranthus, Genetic, Diversity, rbcl