bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equilibrium Position Analysis for Offloading Operations With Turret-Moored FPSO
Authors: Huang Alex S. , Moreno Felipe M. , Tannuri Eduardo Aoun , Câmara Joselito G. A.
Published: January 2019

With the expansion of oil exploration in deep waters, assessing the risks associated with offloading operations becomes essential in preventing accidents that may cause huge environmental disasters. In this paper, the system that composed of a turret-moored floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) connected to a conventional shuttle tanker, which is assisted by a tug boat to maintain its position during an offloading operation, will be studied. Using environmental data collected over a period of 6 years, from 2004 to 2009, from the Campos Basin in Brazil, the equilibrium positions of the system were calculated, considering its constraints (operational criteria defined by Petrobras) and verifying the stability of those equilibrium points. The hydrodynamic and aerodynamic static forces were calculated using models validated in the literature. Dynamic effects and oscillations are taken into account by adding safety margins to the operational sectors. With this analysis, we calculated the FPSO heading probabilities during an offloading operation and the expected downtime of operation in Campos Basin. We concluded that the downtime of the offloading operation with a conventional shuttle tanker is close to that with a dynamic positioned (DP) shuttle tanker (10% downtime). Furthermore, the results from the stability analysis were used to generate a simplified set of rules to classify the environmental conditions into four classes of operational risk by applying an unbiased decision tree. This method obtains practical rules based on measurements of wind, wave, and current, allowing the operator to quickly evaluate the risk level before starting the operation.
An Experimental Study of Mooring Line Damping and Snap Load in Shallow Water
Authors: Hsu Wen-Yang , Chuang Tzu-Ching , Yang Ray-Yeng , Hsu Wei-Ting , Thiagarajan Krish P.
Published: January 2019

The aim of this paper is to establish a simple approach to experimentally study the mooring line damping in shallow water, where snap loading may occur more frequently. Experimental measurements were conducted in a wave basin at a scale of 1:50, which corresponds to a full scale of 28 m water depth. A chain made by stainless steel was used, and the tension force at the fairlead was measured by tension gages. Moreover, the line geometry, touchdown point speed, and mooring line velocity were derived from image processing techniques. Surge motions at fairlead were driven from a programmable wavemaker. Regular surge motions with different frequencies and pretensions were tested in this system in order to investigate the quasi-static and dynamic behaviors of the mooring chain. In the quasi-static test, the mooring line keeps a typical catenary shape, and its indicator diagram exhibits a smooth-closed curve. In the dynamic test, the mooring line is fully lifted from the seabed, and it cyclically goes through the stage of semitaut and fully taut. We successfully reproduced a snap event in the laboratory scale, and the resulting mooring line damping can considerably increase in this manner. Two criteria for snap event were examined, and both of them were verified by the experiments.
New records of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from the Western Himalaya with the description of four new species
Authors: Pešić Vladimir , Smit Harry , Bahuguna Pankaj
Published: January 2019

New records of water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) from the Uttarakhand State of India are presented. Four species, i.e. Torrenticola uttarakhandensis, T. chatterjeei (Torrenticolidae), Atractides indicus and Hygrobates dobriyali (Hygrobatidae) are described as new to science. The first description of the female and deutonymph of Sperchon indicus Kumar, Kumar & Pešić, 2007 is given. Atractides cf. incertus Lundblad, 1969 is reported as new for the fauna of India.
Contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Antarctozetes (Acari, Oribatida, Punctoribatidae)
Authors: Ermilov Sergey G. , Minor Maria , Behan-Pelletier Valerir
Published: January 2019

A new species of Antarctozetes (Oribatida, Ceratozetoidea) is described from the soil in New Zealand based on adult morphology. Antarctozetes mariehammerae sp. nov. differs from Antarctozetes intermedius (Hammer, 1967) by the short rostral setae, very short stalks of bothridial setae, and bidentate lamellar cusps. A revised generic diagnosis is given, Antarctozetes is maintained in Punctoribatidae, although knowledge of juvenile instars is lacking. The relationship of Antarctozetes, Anellozetes, Africoribates and Kilimabates is discussed. Data on habitat and an identification key to known species of Antarctozetes in New Zealand are provided.
A new Trichouropodella species from bamboo bush and notes to the Trichouropodellidae fam. nov.
Authors: Kontschán Jeno
Published: January 2019

A new diagnosis of the Trichouropodellidae fam. nov. and the genus Trichouropodella Hirschmann & Zirngiebl-Nicol are given with the description of T. nemenyii sp. nov. discovered in a bamboo bush in Paraguay. The new species differs from the congeners in the shape of setae close to posterior margin of female genital shield and in the shape of setae posterior to the preanal line. All species of Trichouropodella are listed together with a new key to the known species. A comparative table for the three closely related families Nenteriidae, Trematuridae and Trichouropodellidae is presented.
Surface chemical reactions during atomic layer deposition of ZnO, ZnS, and Zn(O,S)
Authors: Ngoc Van Tran Thi , Ansari Abu Saad , Shong Bonggeun
Published: January 2019

Thin films of oxide, sulfide, and oxysulfide of zinc can be deposited with atomic layer deposition (ALD) using diethylzinc with H2O and H2S. While the atomic ratio between O and S in zinc oxysulfide can be arbitrarily tuned by varying the supercycles of oxide and sulfide ALD, it is known that the fraction of S incorporated in the film is higher than its ratio in the reactant pulses. To understand the mechanism controlling the composition of ALD zinc oxysulfide thin films, its surface chemical reactions are investigated using density functional theory calculations. It is observed that all half reactions of both oxide and sulfide ALD would be facile and spontaneous, while the reactions for deposition of sulfide are more favorable over those for oxide. Furthermore, an *OH group on the surface can be easily substituted into *SH by reaction with H2S, but the inverse reaction is less likely. As a result, excess S can be contained in the Zn(O,S) ALD thin films due to the exchange reactions between surface moieties. The authors suggest that the differences in the bond energies of O–H versus S–H moieties are the key governing factor for the composition of ALD zinc oxysulfide films.
Conformal deposition of GeTe films with tunable Te composition by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Cheng Lanxia , Adinolfi Valerio , Weeks Stephen L. , Barabash Sergey V. , Littau Karl A.
Published: January 2019

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of chalcogenide amorphous films has attracted attention, thanks to its ability to deposit highly conformal and uniform thin films on three-dimensional structures; these film properties are critical for the development of ultrahigh-density integrated electronic circuits such as nanoscale 3D cross-point memory stacks. Control over the composition of chalcogenide compounds is indispensable for fabricating functional electronic devices. In this work, the authors used trichlorogermane (HGeCl3) and bis(trimethylsilyl)telluride [(Me3Si)2Te] as ALD precursors to develop conformal and uniform germanium telluride (GeTe) films at low temperature (60 °C). The growth of GeTe resulted in moderately Ge rich films independently of the ALD precursor injection time and the use of single or discrete (Me3Si)2Te doses. To achieve control over the GeTe film composition, the authors developed a unique ALD of elemental tellurium (Te) using tellurium ethoxide [Te(OEt)4] and (Me3Si)2Te as precursors. Combining GeTe and elemental Te in an ALD supercycle fashion, they obtained GeTex films with a controllable Te content showing a uniform and conformal morphology on high aspect ratio trench structures. A detailed analysis of the variations in Ge and Te contents upon exposure of GeTex films to Te(OEt)4 revealed that an interfacial replacement of Ge atoms to form volatile Ge(OEt)2 takes place and produces a decrease in Ge and an increase in Te content. The ALD studies of GeTe and Te films described in this work provide a facile route for deposition of GeTe with controllable composition. This material system is important for the development of ovonic threshold switching selectors and phase change memories.
Difference in Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Obesity in Children With and Without Siblings
Authors: Kracht Chelsea L. , Sisson Susan B. , Guseman Emily Hill , Hubbs-Tait Laura , Arnold Sandra H. , Graef Jennifer , Knehans Allen
Published: January 2019

Background/Context: Children without siblings (singletons) have higher rates of obesity than do children with siblings (nonsingletons). Higher moderate to vigorous physical activity (PA) and less sedentary behavior (SB) are associated with lower childhood obesity. Purpose: To examine the difference in PA and SB between singleton and nonsingleton children. Methods: Mothers of children ages 5.0–7.9 years old who were singletons or nonsingletons with a sibling between the ages of 2.0 and 4.9 years old were recruited. Height, weight, and waist circumference of the 5.0- to 7.9-year-old children were measured, and age and sex percentiles were calculated. Accelerometry measured SB and PA, including light PA, moderate to vigorous PA, and counts per minute. Results: Fifty-six mother–child dyads (23 singletons and 33 nonsingletons) with an average child age of 5.7 (0.7) years participated. More singletons were classified as overweight or obese than were nonsingletons (49% vs 17%, P = .04). In adjusted linear models, singletons had less light PA per day (β = −38.1, SE = 19.2, P = .001) and more SB (β = 38.0, SE = 16.5, P = .02) than did nonsingletons, with no difference in moderate to vigorous PA or counts per minute. Conclusion: In this sample, singletons had higher obesity and lower light PA than did nonsingleton children. Investigation into differences in singleton/nonsingleton families, including family health behaviors, may help assess sibling influence in early behavior development.
The phytosphingosine-CD300b interaction promotes zymosan-induced, nitric oxide–dependent neutrophil recruitment
Authors: Takahashi Mariko , Izawa Kumi , Urai Makoto , Yamanishi Yoshinori , Maehara Akie , Isobe Masamichi , Matsukawa Toshihiro , Kaitani Ayako , Takamori Ayako , Uchida Shino , Yamada Hiromichi , Nagamine Masakazu , Ando Tomoaki , Shimizu Toshiaki , Ogawa Hideoki , Okumura Ko , Kinjo Yuki , Kitamura Toshio , Kitaura Jiro
Published: January 2019

A yeast cell wall component stimulates dendritic cells to recruit neutrophils and initiate inflammation in mice.
Insights into the Function of the
N
-Acetyltransferase SatA That Detoxifies Streptothricin in
Bacillus subtilis
and
Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Burckhardt Rachel M. , Escalante-Semerena Jorge C.
Published: January 2019

This work provides insights into how an abundant antibiotic found in soil is bound to the enzyme that inactivates it. This work identifies residues for the binding of the antibiotic and probes the contributions of substituting side chains for those in the native protein, providing information regarding hydrophobicity, size, and flexibility of the antibiotic binding site.
Impact of Rapid Molecular Detection of Respiratory Viruses on Clinical Outcomes and Patient Management
Authors: Kuypers Jane
Published: January 2019

To determine if rapid molecular testing for respiratory viruses in patients with respiratory illnesses can provide advantages to patients and hospitals, rigorous investigations on the impacts of using these assays are required. Well-conducted studies are needed to inform decisions about implementation of new rapid assays to replace standard molecular testing or to initiate testing in laboratories that are currently not doing molecular tests for respiratory viruses due to the complex nature of standard panels.
Epigenetic Modification Is Regulated by the Interaction of Influenza A Virus Nonstructural Protein 1 with the
De Novo
DNA Methyltransferase DNMT3B and Subsequent Transport to the Cytoplasm for K48-Linked Polyubiquitination
Authors: Liu Shi , Liu Li , Xu Gang , Cao Zhongying , Wang Qing , Li Shun , Peng Nanfang , Yin Jingchuan , Yu Haisheng , Li Mengqi , Xia Zhangchuan , Zhou Li , Lin Yong , Wang Xueyu , Li Qian , Zhu Chengliang , Yang Xuecheng , Wang Jun , She Yinglong , Lu Mengji , Zhu Ying
Published: January 2019

The nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of the influenza A virus (IAV) is a multifunctional protein that counters cellular antiviral activities and is a virulence factor. However, the involvement of NS1 in DNA methylation during IAV infection has not been established. Here, we reveal that the NS1 protein binds the cellular DNMT3B DNA methyltransferase, thereby inhibiting the methylation of the promoters of genes encoding suppressors of JAK-STAT signaling. As a result, these suppressor genes are induced, and JAK-STAT signaling is inhibited. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the NS1 protein transports DNMT3B to the cytoplasm for ubiquitination and degradation. Thus, we identify the NS1 protein as a potential trigger of the epigenetic deregulation of JAK-STAT signaling suppressors and illustrate a novel mechanism underlying the regulation of host immunity during IAV infection.
Biological and Molecular Characterization of Chenopodium quinoa Mitovirus 1 Reveals a Distinct Small RNA Response Compared to Those of Cytoplasmic RNA Viruses
Authors: Nerva L. , Vigani G. , Di Silvestre D. , Ciuffo M. , Forgia M. , Chitarra W. , Turina M.
Published: January 2019

This paper reports the first biological characterization of abona fideplant mitovirus in an important crop,Chenopodium quinoa, providing data supporting that mitoviruses have the typical features of cryptic (persistent) plant viruses. We, for the first time, demonstrate that plant mitoviruses are associated with mitochondria in plants. In contrast to fungal mitoviruses, plant mitoviruses are not substantially affected by the antiviral silencing pathway, and the most abundant mitovirus small RNA length is 16 nt.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bacillus coagulans ZB29, a Commercial Probiotic Strain
Authors: Chauhan Darshana , Patel Yama , Doshi Jayraj A. , Doshi Rashesh D. , Bose Anjali
Published: January 2019

Bacillus coagulans
ZB29, isolated from milk, is a safe strain already available on market shelves and characterized by certified beneficial effects. Here, we report the 3,646,473-bp genome sequence of this bacterium, its sequence assembly, and its annotations.
Draft Genome Sequence of Streptomyces spongiicola Strain 531S, an Actinobacterium Isolated from Marine Sediment
Authors: Dohra Hideo , Kaweewan Issara , Casareto Beatriz E. , Suzuki Yoshimi , Kodani Shinya
Published: January 2019

Streptomyces spongiicola
strain 531S (NBRC 113560) was isolated from marine sediment on a beach on Sesoko Island (Okinawa, Japan). We report here the draft genome sequence of
S. spongiicola
531S, in which 24 potential secondary metabolite gene clusters were predicted with antiSMASH.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Megasphaera elsdenii Strains, NCIMB 702410 and ATCC 25940
Authors: Hatmaker E. Anne , Klingeman Dawn M. , O’Dell Kaela B. , Riley Lauren A. , Papanek Beth , Guss Adam M.
Published: January 2019

Here, we report the complete genome sequences of two
Megasphaera elsdenii
strains, ATCC 25940 and NCIMB 702410.
M. elsdenii
is an anaerobic bacterium capable of producing butanoate and hexanoate and is a member of the
Negativicutes
.
Draft Genome Sequences of Legionella taurinensis Recovered from a Hot Water System in Austria, 2018
Authors: Chakeri Ali , Allerberger Franz , Kundi Michael , Stöger Anna , Rehak Sonja , Ruppitsch Werner , Schmid Daniela
Published: January 2019

Members of the genus
Legionella
are widespread in natural water sources. This is the first report on the draft genome sequences of
Legionella taurinensis
in Austria.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Escherichia coli Isolates from Cocoa Beans Imported from Bolivia
Authors: Nwanosike Hephzibah , Chung Taejung , Xiaoli Lingzi , Condello Megan , Dudley Edward G. , Kovac Jasna
Published: January 2019

Four
Escherichia coli
isolates were obtained from a batch of cocoa beans imported from Bolivia. The cocoa beans were rejected by a U.S.
A Hybrid Sequencing Approach Completes the Genome Sequence of Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus JW 200
Authors: Tennant Richard K. , Ayine Monica L. , Power Ann L. , Gilman James A. , Hewlett Mark , James Paul B. C. , Singleton Chloe , Parker David A. , Love John
Published: January 2019

Thermoanaerobacter ethanolicus
JW 200 has been identified as a potential sustainable biofuel producer due to its ability to readily ferment carbohydrates to ethanol. A hybrid sequencing approach, combining Oxford Nanopore and Illumina DNA sequence reads, was applied to produce a single contiguous genome sequence of 2,911,280 bp.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris 3107, Host for the Model Lactococcal P335 Bacteriophage TP901-1
Authors: Erazo Garzon Andrea , Mahony Jennifer , Bottacini Francesca , Kelleher Philip , van Sinderen Douwe
Published: January 2019

The complete genome sequence of
Lactococcus lactis
subsp.
cremoris
3107, a dairy starter strain and a host for the model lactococcal P335 bacteriophage TP901-1, is reported here.
Female advantage? Investigating female frequency and establishment performance in high-Arctic Silene acaulis
Authors: Svoen Mildrid Elvik , Müller Eike , Brysting Anne Krag , Kålås Ingvil Henden , Eidesen Pernille Bronken
Published: January 2019

Many Arctic plants overcome limited time budgets and energy budgets by selfing, increasing the risk of inbreeding. Gynodioecious breeding systems allows for selfing by hermaphrodites, whereas enforced outcrossing through females lowers risk of inbreeding. Females persist due to female advantage in the system. Using the gynodioecious species Silene acaulis (L.) Jacq., we compared establishment performance and female frequency in 17 populations in open, sparsely vegetated habitats versus closed, denser vegetated habitats, across a regional climate gradient in high-Arctic Svalbard. For two populations, genetics were performed using microsatellites to compare inbreeding levels between habitats. As S. acaulis is a pioneer species, we expected denser vegetation to represent more competitive environments, reducing establishment performance and increasing female frequency due to female advantage. We expected similar responses to harsher regional climate. Establishment performance was reduced in closed habitats and harsher climate, but female frequency was slightly lower in closed habitats and did not differ between regional climates. High inbreeding levels may indicate that female advantage is counteracted by pollen limitation. However, female frequency increased with latitude. Lower sun angle at higher latitudes reduce the heat-trap effect of the cushion growth form, and female advantage might be expressed as response to reduced microclimate amelioration.
Insight into the correlation between biochar amendment and shifts in bacterial community 4 years after a single incorporation in soybean- and maize-planted soils in northeastern China
Authors: Liu Huixue , Wang Yafang , Jiang Haizhu , Sun Dayu , Yang Fan
Published: January 2019

To date, there have been few reports examining the correlation between biochar treatments, crop species, and microbiome shifts. In this study, shifts in the soil bacterial community were investigated 4 years after a single incorporation of biochar in soils planted with soybeans and maize. Clear changes in the bacterial community composition and structure were detected in the soybean-planted soil amended with low-titer biochar (7.89 t/ha), whereas such changes in the maize-planted soil were not observed at the same biochar amendment rate, suggesting a more sensitive influence on the bacterial community in the soybean-planted soil than that in the maize-planted soil. Bacterial abundance in the maize-planted soil was reduced significantly with increasing biochar addition (15.78 and 47.34 t/ha), which was probably due to the inhibitory substances originating from biochar. Both the bacterial community and biomarkers in soil under biochar amendment varied with planted crops, bacterial communities responding differently to biochar amendment. All these results suggested that biochar might influence the bacterial community in maize- and soybean-growing soils under different mechanisms. Our findings should be valuable for an in-depth understanding of the potential mechanism of soil microbiome changes following biochar incorporation and for biochar application in agriculture.
Gravitational collapse in f(R) theories of gravity with non-minimal coupling
Authors: Nazar H. , Abbas G.
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the perfect fluid gravitational collapse in modified f(R) metric gravity theories with non-minimal curvature coupled to matter. For this inference, we investigate the effects on self-gravitating implosion with spherically symmetric non-static geometry in the presence of extra force [Formula: see text], that express the cosmic expansion with dark source constraints. Matching conditions are given in which we have taken the insertion of non-static interior and static exterior regions along with cosmological constant. We have investigated the apparent horizons with effective results and along with their physical interpretation. It is analyzed that the extra component of dark source material reduces the gravitating implosion, hence slowing the rate of collapse. This study also reflects the contribution towards the perfect fluid for the generalization in f(R) gravity with zero coupling constant [Formula: see text].
Relativistic and Newton–Cartan particle in de Broglie–Bohm theory
Authors: Klusoň Josef
Published: January 2019

This paper is devoted to the analysis of massive particle in general and Newton–Cartan Background in de Broglie–Bohm theory. We find classical and quantum version of Hamilton–Jacobi equations and their relations to wave equations. We also discuss fundamental difference between classical and quantum description of these two systems.
Symmetry reductions, explicit solutions, convergence analysis and conservation laws via multipliers approach to the Chen–Lee–Liu model in nonlinear optics
Authors: Aliyu Aliyu Isa , Inc Mustafa , Yusuf Abdullahi , Bayram Mustafa , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: January 2019

In this paper, symmetry analysis is performed for the nonlinear Chen–Lee–Liu equation (NCLE) arising in temporal pulses. New forms of explicit solutions of the equation are constructed using the optimal systems by applying the power series solutions (PSS) technique and the convergence of the PSS is investigated. Finally, the conservation laws (Cls) of the model is studied using the multiplier approach.
Spontaneous magnetization of ferromagnet in mean-field Heisenberg model
Authors: Durajski Artur P. , Olesik Anna B. , Auguscik Anita E.
Published: January 2019

The Heisenberg ferromagnet model has been studied theoretically using the Weiss mean-field theory and Green’s function technique. The equations for the Curie temperature, magnetization, and magnetic susceptibility were analytically derived. Moreover, we proved, that our results are useful in description of real materials. The calculated value of Curie temperature for [Formula: see text] alloy correspond well with the experimental results obtained recently on the base of the temperature dependences of magnetization.
Randomized Sharkovsky-type theorems and their application to random impulsive differential equations and inclusions on tori
Authors: Andres Jan
Published: January 2019

Our randomized versions of the Sharkovsky-type cycle coexistence theorems on tori and, in particular, on the circle are applied to random impulsive differential equations and inclusions. The obtained effective coexistence criteria for random subharmonics with various periods are formulated in terms of the Lefschetz numbers (in dimension one, in terms of degrees) of the impulsive maps and their iterates w.r.t. the (deterministic) state variables. Otherwise, the forcing properties of certain periods of the given random subharmonics are employed, provided there exists a random harmonic solution. In the single-valued case, the exhibition of deterministic chaos in the sense of Devaney is detected for random impulsive differential equations on the factor space [Formula: see text]. Several simple illustrative examples are supplied.
Broadhaven revisited: a new look at models of fault–fold interaction
Authors: Cawood A. J. , Bond C. E.
Published: January 2019

Classic fold-thrust structures within Carboniferous-age strata at Broadhaven, SW Wales are well-known for their excellent preservation of Variscan deformation. These sites have been important for conceptual model generation of the link between faulting and folding, and are often cited as exemplars of fault-propagation folds following work by Williams & Chapman. Here we employ the virtual outcrop method to digitally map and measure, in detail, the classic Den’s Door outcrop. 3D reconstruction of the site by digital photogrammetry allows us to extract high-density structural measurements, reassess the existing model of structural development for the outcrop, and re-evaluate the link between faulting and folding. We find that digital mapping highlights greater variability in fault displacement and bed thicknesses than previously documented. Fracture analysis shows that fracture intensity is closely linked to structural position and bed-thickness variability, and fracture orientations record the existence of discrete mechanical boundaries through the structure. These results record complex patterns of strain distribution and multi-phase deformation. Evidence for temporal and spatial variability in strain distribution suggests that multiple kinematic and non-kinematic models of deformation are required to faithfully describe even this apparently simple structure. This calls into question the applicability of end-member models of fault-related folding, particularly for multilayered stratigraphy.
Does Computer Game Design and Programming Benefit Children? A Meta-Synthesis of Research
Authors: Denner Jill , Campe Shannon , Werner Linda
Published: January 2019

It is widely believed that there are educational benefits to making computer games, but there is no systematic review of research on this topic. This article describes a meta-synthesis of research on children designing and programming computer games that investigates the extent to which there is evidence of benefits for computer science learning and motivation. Over 400 articles were identified, and 68 articles met the inclusion criteria. A systematic analysis and synthesis across studies showed some evidence that computer game design and programming can lead to changes in programming knowledge, problem solving, and computer science attitudes and confidence. However, most of the evidence described engagement in computing-related practices and did not measure learning. The findings were mostly positive, although several studies noted more negative attitudes toward programming after making games. The results were similar across different pedagogical approaches, although social interaction may provide unique opportunities for computer science learning. The synthesis resulted in a list of design elements for studying computer game design and programming activities; these can be used to increase the availability of evidence about learning. The article concludes with the identification of gaps in the research and suggestions for additional research.
Learning IS Child’s Play
Authors: Hosseini Hadi , Hartt Maxwell , Mostafapour Mehrnaz
Published: January 2019

Game-based learning has received significant attention in educational pedagogy as an effective way of increasing student motivation and engagement. The majority of the work in this area has been focused on digital games or games involving technology. We focus on the use of traditional game design in improving student engagement and perception of learning in teaching computer science concepts in higher education. In addition, as part of an interdisciplinary effort, we discuss the interplay between game-based learning in higher education and disciplinary cultures, addressing the lack of empirical evidence on the impact of game design on learning outcomes, engagement, and students’ perception of learning.
Identifying Pathways to Computer Science
Authors: Lakanen Antti-Jussi , Kärkkäinen Tommi
Published: January 2019

Short-term outreach interventions are conducted to raise young students’ awareness of the computer science (CS) field. Typically, these interventions are targeted at K–12 students, attempting to encourage them to study CS in higher education. This study is based on a series of extra-curricular outreach events that introduced students to the discipline of computing, nurturing creative computational thinking through problem solving and game programming. To assess the long-term impact of this campaign, the participants were contacted and interviewed two to five years after they had attended an outreach event. We studied how participating in the outreach program affected the students’ perceptions of CS as a field and, more importantly, how it affected their educational choices. We found that the outreach program generally had a positive effect on the students’ educational choices. The most prominent finding was that students who already possessed a “maintained situational interest” in CS found that the event strengthened their confidence in studying CS. However, many students were not affected by attending the program, but their perceptions of CS did change. Our results emphasize the need to provide continuing possibilities for interested students to experiment with computing-related activities and hence maintain their emerging individual interests.
ELSA
Authors: Cagliero Luca , Garza Paolo , Baralis Elena
Published: January 2019

Sentence-based summarization aims at extracting concise summaries of collections of textual documents. Summaries consist of a worthwhile subset of document sentences. The most effective multilingual strategies rely on Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) and on frequent itemset mining, respectively. LSA-based summarizers pick the document sentences that cover the most important concepts. Concepts are modeled as combinations of single-document terms and are derived from a term-by-sentence matrix by exploiting Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). Itemset-based summarizers pick the sentences that contain the largest number of frequent itemsets, which represent combinations of frequently co-occurring terms. The main drawbacks of existing approaches are (i) the inability of LSA to consider the correlation between combinations of multiple-document terms and the underlying concepts, (ii) the inherent redundancy of frequent itemsets because similar itemsets may be related to the same concept, and (iii) the inability of itemset-based summarizers to correlate itemsets with the underlying document concepts. To overcome the issues of both of the abovementioned algorithms, we propose a new summarization approach that exploits frequent itemsets to describe all of the latent concepts covered by the documents under analysis and LSA to reduce the potentially redundant set of itemsets to a compact set of uncorrelated concepts. The summarizer selects the sentences that cover the latent concepts with minimal redundancy. We tested the summarization algorithm on both multilingual and English-language benchmark document collections. The proposed approach performed significantly better than both itemset- and LSA-based summarizers, and better than most of the other state-of-the-art approaches.
Fine-Tuning Cytokine Signals
Authors: Lin Jian-Xin , Leonard Warren J.
Published: January 2019

Cytokines are secreted or otherwise released polypeptide factors that exert autocrine and/or paracrine actions, with most cytokines acting in the immune and/or hematopoietic system. They are typically pleiotropic, controlling development, cell growth, survival, and/or differentiation. Correspondingly, cytokines are clinically important, and augmenting or attenuating cytokine signals can have deleterious or therapeutic effects. Besides physiological fine-tuning of cytokine signals, altering the nature or potency of the signal can be important in pathophysiological responses and can also provide novel therapeutic approaches. Here, we give an overview of cytokines, their signaling and actions, and the physiological mechanisms and pharmacologic strategies to fine-tune their actions. In particular, the differential utilization of STAT proteins by a single cytokine or by different cytokines and STAT dimerization versus tetramerization are physiological mechanisms of fine-tuning, whereas anticytokine and anticytokine receptor antibodies and cytokines with altered activities, including cytokine superagonists, partial agonists, and antagonists, represent new ways of fine-tuning cytokine signals.
The Austronesian Homeland and Dispersal
Authors: Blust Robert
Published: January 2019

The Austronesian language family is the second largest on Earth in number of languages, and was the largest in geographical extent before the European colonial expansions of the past five centuries. This alone makes the determination of its homeland a research question of the first order. There is now near-universal agreement among both linguists and archaeologists that the Austronesian expansion began from Taiwan, somewhat more than a millennium after it was settled by Neolithic rice and millet farmers from Southeast China. The first “long pause,” between the settlement of Taiwan and of the northern Philippines, may have been due to inadequate sailing technology, an obstacle that was overcome by the invention of the outrigger canoe complex. The second “long pause,” between the settlement of Fiji–Western Polynesia and of the rest of Triangle Polynesia, may also have been due to inadequate sailing technology, an obstacle that was overcome by the invention of the double-hulled canoe.
How does homeostasis happen? Integrative physiological, systems biological, and evolutionary perspectives
Authors: Goldstein David S.
Published: January 2019

Homeostasis is a founding principle of integrative physiology. In current systems biology, however, homeostasis seems almost invisible. Is homeostasis a key goal driving body processes, or is it an emergent mechanistic fact? In this perspective piece, I propose that the integrative physiological and systems biological viewpoints about homeostasis reflect different epistemologies, different philosophies of knowledge. Integrative physiology is concept driven. It attempts to explain biological phenomena by continuous formation of theories that experimentation or observation can test. In integrative physiology, “function” refers to goals or purposes. Systems biology is data driven. It explains biological phenomena in terms of “omics”–i.e., genomics, gene expression, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics–it depicts the data in computer models of complex cascades or networks, and it makes predictions from the models. In systems biology, “function” refers more to mechanisms than to goals. The integrative physiologist emphasizes homeostasis of internal variables such as Pco2and blood pressure. The systems biologist views these emphases as teleological and unparsimonious in that the “regulated variable” (e.g., arterial Pco2and blood pressure) and the “regulator” (e.g., the “carbistat” and “barostat”) are unobservable constructs. The integrative physiologist views systems biological explanations as not really explanations but descriptions that cannot account for phenomena we humans believe exist, although they cannot be observed directly, such as feelings and, ultimately, the conscious mind. This essay reviews the history of the two epistemologies, emphasizing autonomic neuroscience. I predict rapprochement of integrative physiology with systems biology. The resolution will avoid teleological purposiveness, transcend pure mechanism, and incorporate adaptiveness in evolution, i.e., “Darwinian medicine.”
Group-Based Susceptible-Infectious-Susceptible Model in Large-Scale Directed Networks
Authors: Wang Xu , Song Bo , Ni Wei , Liu Ren Ping , Guo Y. Jay , Niu Xinxin , Zheng Kangfeng
Published: January 2019

Epidemic models trade the modeling accuracy for complexity reduction. This paper proposes to group vertices in directed graphs based on connectivity and carries out epidemic spread analysis on the group basis, thereby substantially reducing the modeling complexity while preserving the modeling accuracy. A group-based continuous-time Markov SIS model is developed. The adjacency matrix of the network is also collapsed according to the grouping, to evaluate the Jacobian matrix of the group-based continuous-time Markov model. By adopting the mean-field approximation on the groups of nodes and links, the model complexity is significantly reduced as compared with previous topological epidemic models. An epidemic threshold is deduced based on the spectral radius of the collapsed adjacency matrix. The epidemic threshold is proved to be dependent on network structure and interdependent of the network scale. Simulation results validate the analytical epidemic threshold and confirm the asymptotical accuracy of the proposed epidemic model.
Identification of Two Vulnerability Features: A New Framework for Electrical Networks Based on the Load Redistribution Mechanism of Complex Networks
Authors: Wei Xiaoguang , Gao Shibin , Huang Tao , Wang Tao , Fan Wenli
Published: January 2019

This paper proposes a new framework to analyze two vulnerability features, impactability and susceptibility, in electrical networks under deliberate attacks based on complex network theory: these two features are overlooked but vital in vulnerability analyses. To analyze these features, metrics are proposed based on correlation graphs constructed via critical paths, which replace the original physical network. Moreover, we analyze the relationship between the proposed metrics according to degree from the perspective of load redistribution mechanisms by adjusting parameters associated with the metrics, which can change the load redistribution rules. Finally, IEEE 118‐ and 300‐bus systems and a realistic large‐scale French grid are used to validate the effectiveness of the proposed metrics.
Tightly Secure Lossy Trapdoor Functions: Constructions and Applications
Authors: Qin Baodong
Published: January 2019

Lossy trapdoor functions (LTFs), introduced by Peiker and Waters in STOC’08, are functions that may be working in another injective mode or a lossy mode. Given such a function key, it is impossible to distinguish an injective key from a lossy key for any (probabilistic) polynomial-time adversary. This paper studies lossy trapdoor functions with tight security. First, we give a formal definition for tightly secure LTFs. Loosely speaking, a collection of LTFs is tightly secure if the advantage to distinguish a tuple of injective keys from a tuple of lossy keys does not degrade in the number of function keys. Then, we show that tightly secure LTFs can be used to construct public-key encryption schemes with tight CPA security in a multiuser, multichallenge setting, and with tight CCA security in a multiuser, one-challenge setting. Finally, we present a construction of tightly secure LTFs from the decisional Diffie-Hellman assumption.
Analysis of the Effects of Soil on the Seismic Energy Responses of an Equipment‐Structure System via Substructure Shaking Table Testing
Authors: Luo Lanfang , Jiang Nan , Bi Jihong
Published: January 2019

This study investigated the real‐time substructure shaking table testing (RTSSTT) of an equipment‐structure‐soil (ESS) system and the effects of soil on the seismic energy responses of the equipment‐structure (ES) subsystem. First, the branch modal substructure approach was employed to derive the formulas needed for the RTSSTT of the ESS system. Then, individual equations for calculating the energy responses of the equipment and the structure were provided. The ES subsystem was adopted as the experimental substructure, whereas the reduced soil model was treated as the numerical substructure when the RTSSTT was performed on the ESS system. The effectiveness of the proposed testing method was demonstrated by comparing the test results with those of the integrated finite element analysis. The energy responses of the ES subsystem in the case of rigid ground (i.e., the ES system) were compared with those considering the effects of soil (i.e., the ESS system). The input energy responses of the ES subsystem were found to decrease significantly after taking the effects of soil into account. Differences due to the soil effects should be considered in the seismic design for the ES system.
Study of the Catalytic Activity and Surface Properties of Manganese-Zinc Ferrite Prepared from Used Batteries
Authors: Winiarska Katarzyna , Klimkiewicz Roman , Tylus Włodzimierz , Sobianowska-Turek Agnieszka , Winiarski Juliusz , Szczygieł Bogdan , Szczygieł Irena
Published: January 2019

The catalytic activity of the Mn-Zn ferrites obtained by chemical methods from a solution after acid leaching of waste Zn-C and Zn-Mn batteries was studied. Precursors of metal ions (Fe, Mn, and Zn) were obtained using different precipitating agents ((NH4)2C2O4, Na2CO3, and NaOH), and then, the combustion route was used to prepare catalytically active nanocrystalline ferrites. The obtained ferrite catalysts differ in terms of microstructure, the number of acid and base sites, and the surface composition depending on the ion precursor used in the combustion process. All prepared materials were catalytically active in the butan-1-ol conversion test. Depending on the ion precursor applied in the combustion process, a selective catalyst towards aldehyde (carbonate precursor) or ketone (hydroxide precursor) formation can be obtained. Furthermore, the catalyst prepared from the hydroxide precursor exhibits the highest catalytic activity in the n-butanol test (nearly 100% conversion under the experiment conditions).
Structured Polyvinyl Alcohol/Zeolite/Carbon Composites Prepared Using Supercritical Fluid Extraction Techniques as Adsorbent for Bioethanol Dehydration
Authors: Laksmono Joddy Arya , Sudibandriyo Mahmud , Saputra Asep Handaya , Haryono Agus
Published: January 2019

Introduction. Adsorption is a purification process with a more efficient energy level than others. Adsorption performance is strongly influenced by the ability of the adsorbent to be used; therefore, the modification of the adsorbent becomes a very important key for the purification process that occurs. Methods. In this study, the preparation of composite adsorbents was carried out by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), zeolite (Zeo), and activated carbon (AC) as precursors. The crosslinking process was fulfilled by adding glutaraldehyde to the precursor mixtures followed by a supercritical fluid CO2 extraction (SFE) technique to create conditions for the crosslinking process. The composites were analyzed using Braunner–Emmet–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX-mapping), while individual and composite adsorbents were evaluated for their ability in bioethanol dehydration at various initial concentrations of ethanol and temperature. Results. The BET characterization shows that composite preparation under supercritical CO2 conditions provides reasonable surface areas, which are proportional to the content of activated carbon. The crosslinking process has been described by FTIR data interpretation, showing that PVA and glutaraldehyde were properly distributed on Zeo and AC precursors. The DSC characterization results give information that PVA successfully forms hydrophilic composites within Zeo and AC. The SEM micrograph analysis shows the formation of pores on the surface and cross section in structured adsorbents. The experimental adsorption shows that an increasing amount of AC in the composites increases the capacity of water adsorption (i.e., 0.80 gram of water/gram of adsorbent for PVA/Zeo/AC = 1 : 1 : 1 at 22°C). However, the effect is not significant when the ratio of AC is less than 0.5. As expected, the lower temperature increases the adsorption capacity. Further, by using approximately 4.5 gram adsorbents composite in 30 ml of water-ethanol mixtures, high concentration of bioethanol (>99%) can be achieved at various temperatures from 22°C to 40°C and bioethanol initial concentration from 88% to 96%. Conclusion. The SFE technique provides distinguished adsorbents composite properties. Further, the new composites provide about four times better adsorption capacity than that showed in the individual adsorbents test. The addition of AC influences on increasing the capacity and adsorption kinetics value.
Pricing of Fixed‐Strike Lookback Options on Assets with Default Risk
Authors: Choi Sun-Yong , Yoon Ji-Hun , Jeon Junkee
Published: January 2019

In over‐the‐counter markets, many options on defaultable instruments are influenced by default risks emanating from the possibility that the option writer may not fulfill its contractual obligations. In this paper, we investigate the valuation of fixed‐strike lookback options based on the issuer’s credit risk. Using double Mellin transforms and the method of images, we have a closed‐form solution to fixed‐strike lookback options with a default risk. Furthermore, we analyze the values of the vulnerable fixed‐strike lookback options with respect to the model parameters and also show that the Monte Carlo simulations and the Implicit Finite Difference Method converge to the closed‐form solutions and this verifies the correctness of our formulas.