bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the problem posing skills of gifted students in mathematics teaching
Authors: Yildiz Ahmet
Published: July 2022

Gifted students are individuals who show extraordinary development in at least one area compared to their peers. The common feature of gifted students is their creativity. The gifted students need training to improve their skills. If they do not receive such training, their abilities will fade out over time. Problem posing is one of the activities that promote the creative skills of gifted students. Problem posing activities, which are more effective in the development of creativity than problem solving, have little place in the curriculum. Thus, it is thought that awareness will be created about problem-posing activities in the education of gifted students. In this context, the study aims to examine the problem posing skills of gifted students. The results of the present research reveal that one-third of gifted students' answers are left blank. The problems they pose are not difficult. Solving problems often requires at least three steps. The established problems are grammatically correct in view of Turkish language. The gifted students have used the mathematical language correctly in the problems. These results are compared with the studies in the literature and discussed. As a result of the research, various suggestions have been made to the teachers of gifted students and other teachers who will work in the field in question.
Developing a mathematical creativity self-efficacy perception scale for pre-service mathematics teachers
Authors: Açikgül Kübra , Aksungur Altun
Published: July 2022

The aim of this research is to develop a Mathematical Creativity Self-Efficacy Perception Scale for Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers. In the research, the exploratory sequential mixed method in which the qualitative and quantitative procedures are used, respectively, is preferred. The 5-point Likert type measurement tool consists of fluency, flexibility, and originality factors. A structure consisting of 27 items and explaining the 64.028% of the total variance was obtained due to the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The 3-factor structure obtained through EFA was validated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In addition, it was determined that the convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity are provided. The reliability analysis of the measurement tool resulted acceptably. The research concluded that the Mathematical Creativity Self-Efficacy Perception Scale for Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers is valid, reliable, and useful for pre-service mathematics teachers.
Learning mediation via Web 2.0 tools in the context of school health and safety
Authors: Kamali Arslantas , Yavuz Tabak , Tabak Hasan
Published: July 2022

This collaborative project-based learning (CPBL) study concerns the design and development of educational material set by preservice teachers. During the study, Web 2.0 technologies were used as tools to support collaborative knowledge construction in terms of school health and safety. Based on the purpose of the study, mixed method was employed. Qualitative results indicated that CPBL was an appropriate choice for studies aiming to increase awareness and knowledge in a special context. Preparing an educational material set with a wide variety of Web 2.0 tools based on predetermined criteria through CPBL strategy can enable participants to enhance their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Moreover, CPBL was effective in increasing the participants' motivation and self-regulation towards technology learning.
The role of action research in the prevention of violent communication of students
Authors: Maksimović Jelena , Milanović Nedeljko , Osmanović-Zajić Jelena
Published: July 2022

Modern educational work requires dedication, improvement and innovation of educational practice. Being a pedagogical worker (educator, teacher) reflective practitioner is a challenge of the postmodern age in the field of upbringing and education. The aim of this article is preventive action in the aspect of violent communication through the application of action research. A total of fifteen students participated. The research included certain phases and steps that we purposefully followed. We first noticed the educational problem and focused our attention on designing activities and content. With a range of detailed and selected activities (lectures, problem situations, workshops and interactive games), we tried to act preventively in the field of violent communication. Finally, in the summative evaluation of the program effects process, an overview of the results is given before and after the research. The obtained results show that the applied contents and activities had a positive effect on students in the field of reducing and preventing violent communication. Orientation towards the development of non-violent communication must take an honorable place in the modern system of upbringing and education, because in that way forms of violent and forms of successful communication can be reduced and eliminated.
Metaphoric perceptions of special education pre-service teachers regarding assistive technology
Authors: Aslan Cem , Yalçın Gülistan
Published: July 2022

This study aims to determine the metaphoric perceptions of special education pre-service teachers regarding the concept of assistive technology. The phenomenology pattern, one of the qualitative research approaches, was employed in this study. In this study, 81 special education pre-service teachers participated. The study used a questionnaire consisting of two parts. In the first part, the teachers' demographic information and the second part, an open-ended questionnaire in which "Assistive technology is like/similar to...because..." prompt exists. For the analysis of the study data, content analysis was conducted. At the end of the research, it was determined that special education pre-service teachers created 76 different metaphors for the concept of assistive technology. In general, metaphors such as "friend", "organ", "guide," and "light" came to the fore. In addition, the metaphors created by the pre-service teachers were grouped under seven different themes: "providing/being support", "guidance", "integration", "facilitating life", "independence", "acceleration," and "individualization."
The evaluation of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) program at an engineering faculty at a private university in Turkey
Authors: Sandal Özgür , Özkan Yonca
Published: July 2022

This study aims to evaluate the English for Specific Purposes (ESP) program at the engineering faculty at Toros University in Turkey. The research was based on Hutchinson and Waters' (1987) framework for ESP, and multiple sources of data collection were used. The participants of this study were 66 engineering faculty students. The study, the abridged version of the MA thesis conducted in 2018-2019 Academic Year, demonstrated that the main objective of the ESP program is to develop personal strategies for reviewing new related vocabulary, to use vocabulary in a variety of academic speaking, listening, writing and reading activities. The students' needs were grouped into three categories which are occupational, social and educational. The primary need of the engineering students is the expansion of vocabulary because they are unfamiliar with the terminology of their future professions. The majority of the students believed they were competent in grammar but needed to develop their vocabulary. Most of the students wanted to use a textbook explicitly prepared for their major study area.
Incidence of different types of irritable bowel syndrome in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Popović Divna , Rošić Stefan , Lukić Snežana
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is an excessive accumulation of fat, detected by imaging methods or histologically, in people who haven't consumed alcohol, associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, diagnosed by Rome IV criteria, with no morphological disorders in the digestive system. Aim: Detecting frequency between different types of IBS in different grades of steatosis to distinguish possible association between the two diseases. Material and methods: In retrospective study at the Clinic for Gastroenterohepatology of the University Clinical Center of Serbia, from January to June 2020, a number of 49 patients over 18 years were diagnosed with NAFLD and IBS. Based on the ultrasound examination, patients are classified into those with grades I, II and III of steatosis, and according to the Roma IV criteria, into IBS-C, IBS-D and IBS-M type. Body Mass Index (BMI), hyperglycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT, AST, gGT, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), arterial hypertension, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and cholelithiasis are examinated. Results: In retrospective study at the Clinic for Gastroenterohepatology of the University Clinical Center of Serbia, from January to June 2020, a number of 49 patients over 18 years were diagnosed with NAFLD and IBS. Based on the ultrasound examination, patients are classified into those with grades I, II and III of steatosis, and according to the Roma IV criteria, into IBS-C, IBS-D and IBS-M type. Body Mass Index (BMI), hyperglycemia, cholesterol, triglycerides, ALT, AST, gGT, Diabetes Mellitus (DM), arterial hypertension, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and cholelithiasis are examinated. Conclusion: Patients with NAFLD and IBS are predominantly female. Non-alcoholic fatty liver is associated with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, GERD, and cholelithiasis. No association was shown between the grade of steatosis and the type of IBS, except in cholesterol, with the highest frequency in grade III of steatosis and the IBS-C type.
The association of SOD2 and GST gene polymorphisms with the risk of development and prognosis of papillary renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Đorđević Katarina , Peličić Milena , Bumbaširević Uroš , Ćorić Vesna
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Redox imbalance is an important factor in both carcinogenesis and progression of renal cell carcinoma. Numerous studies are focused on finding potential biomarkers that can aid in early detection, as well as in monitoring disease progression. Among the candidates there are genes coding for antioxidant enzymes - superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and glutathione S -transferase (GST). Aim: This study aims to assess the role of SOD2 and GST genes polymorphisms as risk biomarkers for papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC), along with their impact on the survival of these patients. Material and methods: This study included 39 patients and 336 controls. The following polymorphisms were determined by appropriate PCR methods: SOD2 (rs4880), GSTA1 C69T, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 (rs1695) . ELISA method was used to measure 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE)-DNA adducts plasma level. The effect of the polymorphisms on postoperative prognosis was examined using the available survival data. Results: There was no significant difference in the distribution of SOD2, GSTA1, GSTM1, and GSTT1 gene variants between patients and controls (p > 0.05). However GSTP1 variant (GSTP1 * IleVal + ValVal) genotype was statistically significantly more frequent in patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Similarly, carriers of GSTP1 variant genotype were at significantly higher risk of developing carcinoma compared to carriers of GSTP1 reference genotype (OR = 16.103, 95% IP = 2.036 - 127.398). There was no association between the level of both 8-OHdG and BPDE-DNA adducts, and different genotypes (p > 0.05). The investigated polymorphisms did not show any prognostic significance (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that the GSTP1 variant genotype was related to an increased risk of papillary renal cell carcinoma development. In order to fully understand the effect of investigated polymorphisms as a potential risk and prognostic biomarkers of this cancer, further research with a bigger sample size and longer follow-up are required.
Influence of seed inoculation by nitrogenfixing bacteria and varieties on morphological properties and soybean productivity (Glicine max L.)
Authors: Miladinović Vladimir , Ugrenović Vladan , Kolašinac Stefan , Kiprovski Biljana , Grujić Tara , Jovković Marina , Dajić-Stevanović Zora
Published: July 2022

Recommended agrotechnical measure that is performed immediately before sowing of soybean is the inoculation of grain with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The purpose of the experiment was to examine the influence of inoculation and variety on morphological characteristics, yield and content of primary grain metabolites. Three domestic soybean cultivars (Apollo, Gorštak and Trijumf) were examined on the plot on which soybeans were previously grown, on chernozem-type land, at the experimental field of the Tamiš Pancevo Institute. The following morphological characteristics and yield parameters were studied: plant height, number of side branches, number of nodes, plant height to the first pod, number of pods per plant, the mass of pods per grain per plant, grain weight per plant and grain yield per hectare. The content of oil, nitrogen and protein was determined by standard analytical methods. Inoculation had a statistically significant effect on the morphological trait of plant height up to the first pod, while inoculation had no statistically significant impact on other morphological traits and yield parameters. Inoculation did not have a statistically significant effect on oil, nitrogen and protein content. For most of the examined parameters, the effect of genotype was observed. The average yield of plants of inoculated seed (1250 kg ha-1) and non-inoculated seed (1230 kg ha-1) was far lower than the multi-year average, due to significantly lower precipitation compared to the multi-year average and high average air temperatures during the growing season.
Laser cleaning of unwanted jewelry patina
Authors: Ristić Slavica , Polić Suzana , Radojković Bojana
Published: July 2022

Women's necklace-filigree with patina, of unknown age, owned by a private collection was cleaned with a Nd:YAG laser. Laser parameters were varied during the experiment; wavelength, fluence and number of pulses, ie irradiation time. The influence of the mentioned factors on the efficiency of laser cleaning of the patina was investigated. The ablation results were examined by optical microscopy. The test results showed that the most efficient cleaning is with l = 1064 nm. The choice of fluence has the greatest influence on the efficiency of laser cleaning, for the mentioned subject, and the influence of the number of laser pulses has a smaller influence.
Assessment the movement of the engineering structures within PANDA software package
Authors: Božić Branko , Milovanović Branko , Tucikešić Sanja , Vasiljević Slavko
Published: July 2022

The paper describes the assessment of the significance of the displacement of the points of the deformation structure (object) by the geodetic method of deformation analysis using the PANDA software package. According to the pre-assumed displacement and the measurement plan, the data of length measurements in two different time epochs were simulated. and the intensity and direction of deformation were assessed using the PANDA program. Within the deformation assessment, different assessment strategies were analyzed, through a one - and two - step procedure. In both cases, the expected agreement of the displacement estimate with the pre-assumed value was reached.
Application of acid treatments in order to improve the characteristics of the rock collector
Authors: Burgić Natalija , Danilović Dušan , Leković Branko
Published: July 2022

During the exploitation life of one tray, different influences cause damage to the rocks located in the borehole. Damaged rocks are characterized by the clogging of the hard space, which is manifested by reduced bandwidth, resulting in a decline in fluid production. In order to solve this problem, there are different stimulating methods that are successfully applied around the world. In Serbia, there is a practice that acid treatments are most commonly used when solving the problem of rock damage. These methods are based on the application of acid solutions of different composition, depending on the mineral composition of the rock collector. This paper describes the process of resolving the reduction of production of X-1 and X-2 wells, whose production intervals are represented by rocks with different carbonate content , and the problem-solving approach is different.
On capabilities of quantum-mechanical computer models
Authors: Simonović Svetomir
Published: July 2022

The work includes the analyses of the theoretical capabilities of quantum-mechanical versus classical computer models in terms of their universality, their application domain, their efficacy in solving the problems and their technological feasibility. The concepts of deterministic Turing machine, probabilistic Turing machine and quantum-mechanical Turing machine are exposed. The concept of basic information unit of quantum-mechanical computer modelqubit is introduced and the qubit is represented through the use of Bloch sphere. The use of Dirac's bra-ket notation in description of quantum-mechanical state is explained, and the notation is used to form state equation of a quantummechanical Turing machine cell. Especially, consequences of quantum parallelism, quantum interference and wave function collapse are studied in respect to capabilities of quantum-mechanical computer models. The interrelationship between classes of problems that can be efficiently solved by quantum mechanical and/or classical computer models is displayed.
Effect of Oral Placement and Expressive Therapies on Speech Intelligibility of Adolescents with Articulation Disorder
Authors: Amodu Temitope Adebisi , Osisanya Ayodele , Dada Oluseyi Akintunde , Petters Janet Sunday , Uzor Margaret Okwuonu , Sarimiye Francis Kibai , Orovwigho Andrew Oghenerukevwe , Mbaekwe Uzoamaka Nneka , Etim Victoria Enefiok , Ngwu Maria Enemeba , Nnamani Ololade Olayinka , Orim Samuel Orim
Published: July 2022

Intelligible speech is vital to every adolescent's life, but this skill can be confounded with the presence of articulation disorder. Meanwhile, studies have been conducted using different therapies to improve speech intelligibility. This study investigated the effect of oral placement and expressive therapies on speech intelligibility among adolescents with articulation disorders.

The study adopted a pretest-posttest, control group, quasi-experimental research design with a 3x2x2 factorial matrix. Three special centers were randomly selected, and purposive sampling was used in selecting 60 adolescents having articulation disorders comprising 34 males and 26 females. These adolescents were randomly assigned to Experimental Group 1 (n= 22), Experimental Group 2 (n= 21), and Control (n= 17). Speech Intelligibility Assessment Scale (r=0.92) was the instrument used for the study. Participants in the experimental groups were exposed to the oral placement and expressive therapeutic treatments, while those in the control groups were sensitized to a placebo. Three hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance, while data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), mean scores, and Bonferroni Post Hoc Test.

Findings revealed that there was a significant main effect of treatments F(2,56) = 112.52; p <0.05 (oral placement therapy, expressive therapy, and control group with placebo), and also a significant interaction effect of treatments, gender, and age F(2, 47) = 7.37; p <0.05 on speech intelligibility of adolescents with articulation disorders despite the presence of placebo. Oral placement and expressive therapies were effective in managing the speech intelligibility of adolescents with articulation disorders.

Therefore, speech therapists should adopt these therapeutic interventions in rehabilitating adolescents with articulation disorders.
Mindfulness, Quality of Life, and Resilience among Mothers of Children with ASD: The Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies
Authors: Abdul Azeem Mubarak Doaa Mohammed
Published: July 2022

Background: The aim is to investigate the relationships between mindfulness, QoL, and resilience based on the mediating role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation strategies (CERs) data on 110 mothers were collected and analyzed.

Methods: A descriptive research with a correlational model in which the path analysis model is used to obtain the relationship between variables was used. Results indicate that Adaptive CER has a direct and significant correlation with QoL, Mindfulness, and Resilience. Non-Adaptive CER has an inverse and significant correlation with QoL, Mindfulness, and Resilience.

Results: The results of structural equation modeling indicate that all paths adaptive CERs and non-Adaptive CERs were significant. E.g. the path of mindfulness to adaptive CERs was significant, and to non-adaptive CERs was significant. The path of QoL to adaptive CERs was significant, and to non-Adaptive CERs was significant. The path of resilience to adaptive CERs was significant, and to non-Adaptive CERs was significant.

Conclusion: It can be said that when the mother has mental health components, she can provide a rich and healthy environment for the child with ASD to be able to help him/her develop.
Resiliencia académica en tiempos de pandemia por COVID-19: las prácticas curriculares en los Grados de Trabajo Social de las universidades españolas
Authors: García Yolanda , Vázquez-Pérez Raquel , Pastor-Seller Enrique
Published: July 2022

La COVID-19 creó una situación de incertidumbre generalizada entre profesorado, estudiantado y profesionales e instituciones participantes en los programas de las prácticas curriculares obligatorias de los Grados de Trabajo Social en España. Nuestro objetivo ha sido analizar dicha incidencia en las universidades y en la Universidad de Vigo en particular. A partir de la recopilación y valoración de datos cualitativos a diferentes escalas, en el presente artículo describimos la situación y las respuestas dadas desde los equipos universitarios de coordinación de prácticas curriculares para afrontar el estado de alarma y la progresiva supresión de las plazas ofertadas en los cursos anteriores a la pandemia. Observamos y constatamos cómo en dicho contexto de incertidumbre, entre todos los actores implicados se implanta la formación a distancia, se suprimen las prácticas presenciales o se adaptan las guías docentes para convalidar prácticas extracurriculares o tutorías y seminarios online personalizados o en pequeños grupos de estudiantes. Finalmente, a modo de reflexión fundamentada concluimos que hubo por parte de los actores implicados una reacción resiliente y de adaptación, pero la experiencia puede ser una oportunidad al abrirse un debate sobre la importancia que adquieren las tecnologías de la información y comunicación en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de las/os futuras/os profesionales del Trabajo Social.
Sistema de Alerta para la Identificación de Posibles Factores de Deserción de Estudiantes de Grado en Período de Pandemia en Paraíba (Brasil)
Authors: Castelo Branco Uyguaciara Veloso , Jezine Edineide , Santos Diniz Adriana Valéria , Silva Geovania Toscano
Published: July 2022

Este artículo es el resultado de reflexiones, intensificadas por el período de la pandemia, que apuntan a la necesidad de identificar los elementos cuantitativos que permitan un mapeo rápi- do y seguro de la situación escolar de los estudiantes de grado, especialmente en lo que se refiere a la posibilidad de abandono/deserción de cursos, habilitando intervenciones y acciones de gestión académica. El objetivo del artículo es señalar posibles indicadores académicos, variables sociode- mográficas y factores relacionados con el entorno de enseñanza, para desarrollar un estudio que contribuya a la creación de un modelo matemático, utilizando el Análisis de Agrupamientos (Clus- ter Analysis). Se tomó como parámetro teórico-metodológico el Sistema de Alerta desarrollado por la Universitat de València (UV) (España) por Villar-Aguilés, García-Ros, i Dobón, y Muñoz-Rodríguez (2017), con la réplica de dos cuestionarios, C1 y C2 y el Cuestionario C3, la Escala de Entorno de Enseñanza, validada por Castelo-Branco (2020). El modelo fue construido a partir del análisis de la capacidad predictiva de las variables testeadas sobre la probable deserción de los estudiantes en un determinado año, posibilitando el diseño de un Sistema de Alerta adaptado a la Universidad Federal de Paraíba (UFPB), en Paraíba-Brasil. Los datos analizados permitieron identificar que el Análisis de Agrupamientos fue importante para detectar posibles indicios de deserción de los estudiantes, ya que los ítems de las escalas C1 y C3 contribuyeron para la construcción del modelo de análi- sis, que mostró una buena estimación. Los datos apuntan a posibles características que exponen a los estudiantes a la deserción, ayudando a tomar mejores decisiones, con la confirmación de estas tendencias de deserción en el segundo cuatrimestre.
Phosphoregulation accommodates Type III secretion and assembly of a tether of ER-Chlamydia inclusion membrane contact sites
Authors: Ende Rachel J , Murray Rebecca L , D'Spain Samantha K , Coppens Isabelle , Derré Isabelle
Published: July 2022

Membrane contact sites (MCS) are crucial for nonvesicular trafficking-based interorganelle communication. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–organelle tethering occurs in part through the interaction of the ER resident protein VAP with FFAT motif-containing proteins. FFAT motifs are characterized by a seven amino acidic core surrounded by acid tracks. We have previously shown that the human intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis establishes MCS between its vacuole (the inclusion) and the ER through expression of a bacterial tether, IncV, displaying molecular mimicry of eukaryotic FFAT motif cores. Here, we show that multiple layers of host cell kinase-mediated phosphorylation events govern the assembly of the IncV–VAP tethering complex and the formation of ER-Inclusion MCS. Via a C-terminal region containing three CK2 phosphorylation motifs, IncV recruits CK2 to the inclusion leading to IncV hyperphosphorylation of the noncanonical FFAT motif core and serine-rich tracts immediately upstream of IncV FFAT motif cores. Phosphorylatable serine tracts, rather than genetically encoded acidic tracts, accommodate Type III-mediated translocation of IncV to the inclusion membrane, while achieving full mimicry of FFAT motifs. Thus, regulatory components and post-translational modifications are integral to MCS biology, and intracellular pathogens such as C. trachomatis have evolved complex molecular mimicry of these eukaryotic features.
Brain-wide analysis of the supraspinal connectome reveals anatomical correlates to functional recovery after spinal injury
Authors: Wang Zimei , Romanski Adam , Mehra Vatsal , Wang Yunfang , Brannigan Matthew , Campbell Benjamin C , Petsko Gregory A , Tsoulfas Pantelis , Blackmore Murray G
Published: July 2022

The supraspinal connectome is essential for normal behavior and homeostasis and consists of numerous sensory, motor, and autonomic projections from brain to spinal cord. Study of supraspinal control and its restoration after damage has focused mostly on a handful of major populations that carry motor commands, with only limited consideration of dozens more that provide autonomic or crucial motor modulation. Here, we assemble an experimental workflow to rapidly profile the entire supraspinal mesoconnectome in adult mice and disseminate the output in a web-based resource. Optimized viral labeling, 3D imaging, and registration to a mouse digital neuroanatomical atlas assigned tens of thousands of supraspinal neurons to 69 identified regions. We demonstrate the ability of this approach to clarify essential points of topographic mapping between spinal levels, measure population-specific sensitivity to spinal injury, and test the relationships between region-specific neuronal sparing and variability in functional recovery. This work will spur progress by broadening understanding of essential but understudied supraspinal populations.
Accounting for diet and age
Authors: Tonnelé Hélène , Baud Amelie
Published: July 2022

The diet and age of mice can modulate how different genetic variants impact body weight, demonstrating the need to take context into account when performing genetic studies.
Structural and functional characteristics of soil microbial community in a Pinus massoniana forest at different elevations
Authors: Zhang Jian , Xu Ming , Zou Xiao , Chen Jin
Published: July 2022

Shifts in forest soil microbial communities over altitudinal gradients have long been attracting scientific interest. The distribution patterns of different soil microbial communities along altitudinal gradients in subtropical mountain forest ecosystems remain unclear. To better understand the changes in soil microbial communities along an altitude gradient, we used Illumina MiSeq metagenome sequencing technology to survey the soil microbial communities in a Pinus massoniana forest at four elevations (Mp1000, Mp1200, Mp1400, Mp1600) and in a tea garden in Guizhou Leigong Mountain in Southwestern China. We observed that the richness of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the soil microbial community changed in a unimodal pattern with increasing elevation while that of Archaea first increased significantly, then decreased, and finally increased again. Euryarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota were the predominant Archaea, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were the predominant bacterial groups, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the predominant fungal groups, and Myoviridae, Podoviridae, and Siphoviridae were the predominant virus groups. Amino acid transport and metabolism, energy production and conversion, signal transduction mechanisms, and DNA replication, restructuring and repair were the predominant categories as per NOG function gene-annotation. Carbohydrate metabolism, global and overview map, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism were predominant categories in the KEGG pathways. Glycosyl transferase and glycoside hydrolase were predominant categories among carbohydrate enzyme-functional genes. Cluster, redundancy, and co-occurring network analyses showed obvious differences in the composition, structure, and function of different soil microbial communities along the altitudinal gradient studied. Our findings indicate that the different soil microbial communities along the altitudinal gradient have different distribution patterns, which may provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that determine microbial life in a mid-subtropical mountain forest ecosystem.
Muscone improves hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced neuronal injury by blocking HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway via modulating microRNA-142
Authors: Ren Weihua , Zhao Fucheng , Han Yanru , Liu Zhenzhou , Zhai Jianli , Jia Kui
Published: July 2022

Previous reports have indicated that natural muscone has neuroprotective effects against cerebral hypoxia injury; however, little is known in regards to its pharmacological mechanism. In this study, we tried to evaluate the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of muscone against cerebral hypoxia injury using an in vitro model. The cerebral hypoxia injury cell model was produced by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). The cell viability and apoptosis were measured using the cell counting Kit-8 and the Annexin V-FITC/PI Apoptosis Detection kit, respectively. To screen microRNAs regulated by muscone, we analyzed the gene expression datasets of GSE84216 retrieved from gene expression omnibus (GEO). Here, it was demonstrated that muscone treatment significantly alleviated the cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in H/R-exposed neurons. Subsequently, through analyzing GSE84216 from the GEO database, miR-142-5p was markedly upregulated by treatment of muscone in this cell model of cerebral hypoxia injury. Further experiments revealed that downregulation of miR-142-5p eliminated the neuroprotective effects of muscone against H/R induced neuronal injury. Additionally, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), an important inflammatory factor, was identified as a direct target of miR-142-5p in neurons. Meanwhile, we further demonstrated that muscone could reduce the expression of HMGB1 by upregulating miR-142-5p expression, which subsequently resulted in the inactivation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway, finally leading to the improvement of cell injury in H/R-exposed neurons. Overall, we demonstrate for the first time that muscone treatment alleviates cerebral hypoxia injury in in vitro experiments through blocking activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway by targeting HMGB1, suggesting that muscone may serve as a potential therapeutic drug for treating cerebral hypoxia injury.
Comparing Effect Sizes and their Confidence Intervals: A Primer on Equivalence Testing in Educational Research
Authors: Ponce-Renova Hector F.
Published: July 2022

This paper’s objective was to teach the Equivalence Testing applied to Educational Research to emphasize recommendations and to increase quality of research. Equivalence Testing is a technique used to compare effect sizes or means of two different studies to ascertain if they would be statistically equivalent. For making accessible Equivalence Testing, this technique was explained with two examples by conducting manual calculations, using an online calculator, the software R, the software SPSS, and a t table. Furthermore, the software R with an Equivalence Testing code was used, and its results were graphed and discussed with details. Among other recommendations given, Equivalence Testing can be a useful tool for comparing means and effects within certain bounds that could hopefully imply a practical significance to provide meaning to findings. The results of Equivalence Testing can indicate that two treatments’ effects are statistically equivalent or not. Thus, the Equivalence Testing can be a channel to replicate studies and observe if there is a possible pattern regarding the appearance of a phenomenon.
Inclusive Leadership From the Family Perspective in Compulsory Education
Authors: Crisol-Moya Emilio , Romero-López María Asunción , Burgos-García Antonio , Sánchez-Hernández Yessica
Published: July 2022

Distributed and pedagogical leadership plays a key role in the creation and upholding of inclusive school practices as a strategy for improvement and success in the management of quality education for students. Aims: describe, through an inclusive perspective, the actions and initiatives implemented to promote attention to diversity by school leadership teams, from the point of view of families. Methodology: Descriptive-exploratory design with a cross-sectional, quantitative focus. Sample: 25 schools (public schools, N = 18, and charter schools, N = 7) with 631 families. These families completed the questionnaire, “Leading inclusive education in compulsory-education schools-families”. Results: identifying actions and strategies aimed at the prevention of truancy through a school environment that generates respect, recognition and appreciation of the different needs of their students. Conclusions: Actions taken are advancing the development of a school culture where the family plays a key role. Some of the actions implemented focus on respecting the different needs of students and the educational community in order to develop an inclusive school climate. However, schools should both make families aware of the importance and benefits and promote the participation of students and the educational community in the school.
SAR Recognition of Target Variants Using Channel Attention Network without Dimensionality Reduction
Authors: Park Ji-Hoon , Choi Yeo-Reum , Chae Dae-Young , Lim Ho
Published: July 2022

In implementing a robust automatic target recognition(ATR) system with synthetic aperture radar(SAR) imagery, one of the most important issues is accurate classification of target variants, which are the same targets with different serial numbers, configurations and versions, etc. In this paper, a deep learning network with channel attention modules is proposed to cope with the recognition problem for target variants based on the previous research findings that the channel attention mechanism selectively emphasizes the useful features for target recognition. Different from other existing attention methods, this paper employs the channel attention modules without dimensionality reduction along the channel direction from which direct correspondence between feature map channels can be preserved and the features valuable for recognizing SAR target variants can be effectively derived. Experiments with the public benchmark dataset demonstrate that the proposed scheme is superior to the network with other existing channel attention modules.
Analysis of Deception Jamming Effects on FM Radio based Passive Radar
Authors: Song Kyuha , Kwak Hyungyu , Kim Sanhae , Jeong Inhwan , Lee Jonghwan , Lee Byeongnam
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we analyze the performance of an FM radio based passive radar in the presence of deception jamming such as false-target generation. To do this, we examine the effects of applying the deception jamming signal to the passive radar through the derivation of the construction of the amplitude-range-Doppler(ARD) plot. The analysis results show that applying the deception jamming signal with the low power similar to the target echo signal generates false targets at positions set by the jamming variables compared to the real target position in the ARD plot. Also, it is possible to induce the jamming effect so that only false targets are detected by selecting appropriate jamming power. Simulations are included to verify the theoretical results and to discuss on the effectiveness of the deception jamming on the FM radio based passive radar.
A Study of Test and Evaluation Method for Performance Improvement of Air to Ground Communication Radios
Authors: Lee Byeongheon , Ahn Seungbeom , Choi Myungsuk , Hur Jang-Wok
Published: July 2022

The Republic of Korea has a close cooperative relationship with NATO, of which the United States is a member. NATO is encouraged to follow UHF coalition waveforms for military air operations(SATURN) as defined in STANAG 4372. SATURN is a high-speed frequency hopping waveform with enhanced anti-jamming and security functions. Plans to improve the performance of existing military aircraft with air to ground radios to which SATURN function is applied. IFF case analysis and MRT evaluation plan were established to present an efficient test and evaluation plan for air to ground radios.
Synthesis of the Tetrazolium Derivatives for Ionic Liquid Rocket Fuel and a Study of Their Ignition Delay Time and Viscosity
Authors: Lee Hyun-Woong , Choi Seong-Ho
Published: July 2022

In order to use the liquid rocket fuel, 1,5-diamino-4-methyltetrazolium azide, [DMT]+[N3]－ and 1,5-diamino-4-methyltetrazolium cyanide, [DMT]+[CN]－ were synthesized and prepared the ionic liquid rocket fuel after dissolving the synthesized solid-type energetic chemicals in hydrazine, respectively. The thermal decomposition temperatures(Td) and densities(d) of the prepared ionic liquid rocket fuels were about 200 ℃ and above 1.0 g/cm3 respectively. The ignition delay times(Idt) of the ionic liqud rock fuels with [DMT]+[N3]－ and [DMT]+[CN]－ were in a range of 26.6 - 82.5 ms and the 44.0 - 98.5 ms, respectively. These results mean that the synthesized tetrazolium salts could be used as an ionic liquid rocket fuels. The viscosities of the ionic liqud rock fuels with [DMT]+[N3]－ and [DMT]+[CN]－, which were dissolved in mixture solution of hydrazine/2-hydroxyethylhydrazine were to be 1.34 - 101 cP, and 1.29 - 80.5 cP, respectively. The synthesized ionic liquid rocket fuels in this study could be used as rocket fuel because the [Idt(100 ms or less), Td(150 ℃ or more), d(1.00 g/cm3 or more), and η (40.0~ 100 cP)] were achieved to satisfy the range of the used liquid rocket fuels.
Object Detection Accuracy Improvements of Mobility Equipments through Substitution Augmentation of Similar Objects
Authors: Heo Jiseong , Park Jihun
Published: July 2022

A vast amount of labeled data is required for deep neural network training. A typical strategy to improve the performance of a neural network given a training data set is to use data augmentation technique. The goal of this work is to offer a novel image augmentation method for improving object detection accuracy. An object in an image is removed, and a similar object from the training data set is placed in its area. An in-painting algorithm fills the space that is eliminated but not filled by a similar object. Our technique shows at most 2.32 percent improvements on mAP in our testing on a military vehicle dataset using the YOLOv4 object detector.
The Study of Optimal Performance Improvement Method for Aircraft of Various Variants within the Same Type
Authors: Kim Youngil , Ahn Seungbeom , Choi Myeongseok
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we studied the optimal method of improving performance for aircraft having various variants within the same type. The study defined configuration of an entire fleet of aircraft being subject to a performance improvement program. And selected the most complicated aircraft configuration among them as a Standard Aircraft for modification by according to the proposed Aircraft Selection Process for developing an optimal Aircraft Performance Improvement Process. Based on the selected the Standard Aircraft, drew a system integration design result and carried out Evaluation Test and obtained Airworthiness Certification. Created the database with the design data of the Standard Aircraft, Evaluation Test, and Airworthiness Certification results, and applied it to variants of aircraft to complete the performance improvement program with optimized schedules and costs. By applying the proposed method to IFF performance improvement program, drew optimal system integration design and completed the program with minimized schedule.
Stiffness Graded Electroactive Artificial Muscle
Authors: Taghavi Majid , Chen Hsing‐Yu , Conn Andrew T. , Rossiter Jonathan
Published: July 2022

In nature, hydrostatic, endo‐ and exo‐skeletons are widely observed, and provide essential rigidity and anchoring points for the application of muscular forces. The efficient interface between a hard skeleton and soft muscle in biology is made possible by a complex hierarchy of structures and composite materials, extending from the nano‐ to the meso‐scale. In contrast, artificial constructs that aim to bridge this hard‐soft interface are prone to failure due to local discontinuities and concentrations in stress and strain which lead to material ruptures, delamination, and tearing. In this article, the concept of a stiffness‐graded electroactive material is proposed which emulates the soft‐rigid interface in the nature biological systems and provides both electromechanical activity and the smooth stiffness gradient needed to bridge these two extreme states. This is achieved by programming the diffusion of a rigid filler material (polyvinyl chloride) in a liquid plasticizer (diisodecyl adipate). It is shown that the resulting stiffness gradient can match that of biological tissues such as smooth and skeletal muscles, and that the distal rigid region can be drilled and bonded and significant loads can be safely applied. Additionally, the resulting composite shows electroactive capability through graded anodophilic actuation characteristics. This protocol can be extended to numerous morphologies such as vertical or radial gradients depending on the deployment of two precursor ingredients. Finally, example applications including surface morphing and motion generation are demonstrated. The embodied stiffness gradient and electroactivity make this concept suitable for the development of bio‐integrating and wearable artificial muscles systems and more effective soft robots.
Altering Local Chemistry of Single‐Atom Coordination Boosts Bidirectional Polysulfide Conversion of Li–S Batteries
Authors: Huang Ting , Sun Yingjie , Wu Jianghua , Shi Zixiong , Ding Yifan , Wang Menglei , Su Chenliang , Li Ya‐yun , Sun Jingyu
Published: July 2022

Single‐atom catalysts affording multifarious typed metal centers and varied coordination numbers are extensively employed in Li−S realm to promote redox kinetics. Nevertheless, the modulation of coordination environment pertaining to local atomic composition to dictate the catalytic efficiency toward sulfur electrochemistry, has remains meaningful yet unexplored thus far. In this contribution, a new type of single‐atomic iron mediator with a designed FeN3P1 coordination structure is reported to boost bidirectional polysulfide conversion in comparison with FeN4 counterpart. Theoretical calculations imply that the substitution by one P atom at the first‐coordination shell of Fe center will be beneficial to strengthen adsorption toward sulfur species and reduce energy barrier for Li2S decomposition. The bidirectional electrocatalytic behavior for polysulfide conversion via FeN3P1 mediator is confirmed by electrokinetic analysis. Consequently, the constructed Li−S battery achieves elongated lifespan with a capacity decay of 0.04% per cycle at 1.0 C and exhibits considerable capacity release of 6.2 mAh cm−2 even under a sulfur loading of 6.4 mg cm−2. This strategy of local composition engineering offers a vivid example in probing the correlation between the definitive structure of single atoms and their catalytic performance in Li−S chemistry.
High Performance InP‐based Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes via the Suppression of Field‐Enhanced Electron Delocalization
Authors: Li Haiyang , Bian Yangyang , Zhang Wenjing , Wu Zhenghui , Ahn Tae Kyu , Shen Huaibin , Du Zuliang
Published: July 2022

To understand the exciton dynamics due to the electron delocalization in InP‐based quantum dot light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs), the exciton dynamics are systematically controlled in InP‐based QLEDs through varying the shell thicknesses of InP/ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) and the effective electrical field (E‐field) across the QDs. It is found that the field‐independent energy transfer is effectively suppressed as the shell thickness increases. However, InP/ZnSe QDs with thicker shells only have limited benefit for suppressing the exciton transfer due to field‐enhanced electron delocalization in films on electron transport layers or working devices. The field‐assisted exciton transfer is mainly driven by the large E‐field and field‐enhanced electron delocalization in InP/ZnSe QDs. External quantum efficiency of 22.56% is achieved in InP‐based QLEDs by reducing the effective E‐field (at 2 V bias). The breakthrough luminance of 136 090 cd/m−2 is achieved at a large bias of 7.2 V, due to the suppression of field‐enhanced electron delocalization by the ultra‐thick shell.