bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution and damage of powdery mildew disease in cassis and raspberry in Tashkent province, Uzbekistan
Authors: Jumanazarov Gayrat , Zuparov Mirakbar , Mamiev Mukhiddin , Allayarov Abdurakhmon
Published: July 2021

This article provides information on the species composition of the powdery mildew pathogen found in medicinal plants cassis and raspberry, as well as its distribution, development and damage to farms in the Tashkent province. The development of raspberry powdery mildew in the farms studied and the relatively low yield loss may depend on the raspberry navigation planted on the farm, the agronomic practices carried out, and the disease control measures taken. The prevalence of powdery mildew in cassis was 25.6-49.8%, development was 14.2-27.1%, yield loss was 12.0-20.0%, and the prevalence of powdery mildew in raspberry was 12.5-31.4%, development was 5.3-25.2%, and yield loss was 10.9-22.7%.
Beyond dogmatic fundamentalism in mathematics
Authors: Rogal Andrey , Pikalov Dmitry
Published: July 2021

In this work we discuss the path from the initial stage of mathematical awareness to the understanding and critique of one’s standing beliefs as new stages of conceptual realization occur. Initial interpretation of discourse at the beginning of mathematical education passes through several stages from naive to reflexive and critical. We arrive at the concept of “initiation” into the intersubjective system at the root of mathematics and the necessity of faith in its agreements at the initial building blocks of mathematical method. There is an urgent need to reform the introduction of abstract concepts in mathematics at an earlier stage in education as they turn out not to be linked to accepted ways of teaching mathematics in a historical setting. Education in natural science suffers from lack of progression in maths curriculum and to achieve a consistent programme of development the educational progression needs to be reformed. The current state of mathematical education leaves students 500 years behind the present day and is inadequate for further progression of science.
Business architecture design for project management systems in the FMCG companies
Authors: Voronova Olga , Sheleyko Viktoria , Ilyin Igor , Ilyina Irina
Published: July 2021

The article considers the project management system as a tool for achieving strategic goals of network trading companies. This study is relevant, because in retail project management is widely used to solve unique and large-scale business problems, but the degree of prevalence of the project approach is still low, which affects the income of companies. In the course of the research, the classification of the activities of network trading companies, the functional-oriented organizational structure of project management of a network trading organization is presented, the model of the business architecture of project management of a network trading company is developed, and the algorithm of selection and the main functions of the software for project management are considered. As a result of the research, a standard project portfolio and a top-level model of the business architecture of a network trading company with an implemented corporate project management system were developed.
Effectiveness of the influence of rehabilitation physical education on the psychological and physical status of people
Authors: Dychko Danil , Dychko Vladyslav , Dychko Elena , Grigorenko Grigory , Kokhan Sergey
Published: July 2021

The research work deals with the actual problem of visual impairment in children at an early age, which creates difficulties in the accumulation of sensory experience, which delays the formation of mental processes. Children with visual impairments have specific peculiarities of activity, communication and psychophysical development, which are manifested in lagging, impairment and originality of the development of motor activity, spatial orientation, the formation of ideas and concepts, in the methods of object and practical activity, in the peculiarities of the emotional and volitional sphere, social communication, integration into society, adaptation to work. The authors developed a rehabilitation complex of physical exercises and studied the effectiveness of its influence on the psychophysical status of children and adolescents at the age of 10-16 years with visual impairments. In the course of the study (groups of children with visual impairment at the age of 10-14 and 15-16 years), it was found that the author's rehabilitation complex of physical exercises has a positive effect on the performance of tests characterizing the psychomotor reaction to a simple auditory and motor reaction, the sound version of the corrective test , contact coordination, hand strength and endurance, tapping test (strength of the nervous system) in children with visual impairment, and it can be recommended for widespread use by specialists to work with children at the age of 10-16 years with visual impairments to improve the psychophysiological state and improving the quality of life.
The environmental situation in the socio-cultural development of Karachay-Cherkessia
Authors: Lezhebokov Andrey , Sergodeewa Elena , Tekeeva Lejla , Grishai Elena , Grishai Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The article presents the results of a sociological study of the attitude of the Karachay-Cherkessia Republic population to the essential components of the ecological situation. The significance of the ecological factor of the region as the basis for socio-cultural development and modernization of the territory of the republic is determined. A literature review shows the importance of such studies in regions with an extreme environmental situation and in regions traditionally considered to be prosperous and even resort areas. For such territories, the nature and absence of air and water pollution are a possible growth point, an attractive factor for forming tourist complexes. The development of tourism infrastructure and a competent media campaign will attract investors’ funds and create prerequisites for increasing tourist flows. Analysis of the survey results showed that the republic’s population as a whole positively evaluates the environmental situation, which is an additional condition for the success of the modernization process in the region.
The facilitation of the formation process of the conceptual foundation of students
Authors: Shaykhutdinov Rustam , Sadritdinova Maria , Kochurov Mikhail
Published: July 2021

The article presents practicing pianists and teachers` recommendations and advice on how to form the process of the conceptual foundation of students of higher education institutions. Scherzo No. 1 in B minor op. 20 F. Chopin is one of the brightest masterpieces of the romantic piano repertoire was chosen as an example. In the tradition of Russian music pedagogy, the authors encourage the young pianist to work on the Scherzo from the idea of composing it to details and nuances connected with professional aspects of the artistic conception; they want to encourage the constant striving for thoughtful, comprehensive rich content and perfect form of the performed opus. Thus, to actualize students' personal, cognitive and creative potential, the teacher facilitates the process of acquiring their unique interpretations of a given musical opus. Such a method of facilitation is in demand in Western pedagogy; it was actively developed by such scientists as C. Rogers, J. Freiberg, F. Flemming, T. Kaiser, and others. The main ideas of facilitation are reflected in the pages of their works “Freedom to Learn” [1], “Transformative Dialogues” [2], ” Mining Group Gold: How to Cash in on the Collaborative Brain Power of a Team for Innovation and Results ” [3] and many others. The “Methods” section presents a detailed model to analyze the musical form of the Scherzo, the problems on the content and artistic image that is based on a thorough study of the musical text and its sound embodiment through.
The effects of split direct injection on the operation of a tractor diesel engine fueled by biodiesel B20
Authors: Niculae Andrei Laurentiu , Rashid Adnan Kadhim , Chiriac Radu
Published: July 2021

The use of biodiesel-diesel blends is a current solution to some important problems, such as the depletion of oil resources, global warming, and the pollutant emissions of smoke, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons of diesel engines. However, the use of this alternative fuel is characterized by a reduction in engine effective power and an increase in brake-specific fuel consumption and nitrogen oxide pollutant emissions. Using the AVL MCC zero-dimensional combustion model of the AVL BOOST simulation program, it was evaluated to what extent split injection strategies can improve the performance and fuel economy of a tractor diesel engine fuelled with biodiesel B20 at maximum brake torque condition considering noise and pollutant emissions limitation. Various pilot – main – post split injection strategies have been studied to establish the optimal injection characteristics in terms of performance and fuel economy. Subsequently, they have been adapted in terms of compliance with current emission standards. In this way, it has been emphasized that the split injection solution is a viable way to improve performance, economy, and pollutant emissions of a tractor diesel engine.
Sorption characteristics of ready-made mixtures containing oatflakes, apples, and cinnamon
Authors: Durakova Albena , Vasileva Adelina , Choroleeva Kornelia
Published: July 2021

The present paper studies the sorption characteristics of readymade mixtures containing oatflakes – 89.5%, apples – 10%, and cinnamon – 0.5 % at the temperatures of 10°C, 25°C and 40°C and for eight water activities in the 11% - 85% range. The results obtained demonstrate that at a constant water activity, the increase in temperature is coupled with a decrease in equilibrium moisture content. The sorption isotherms of the analyzed ready-made mixture belong to Type III according to the classification of Brunauer et аl. In order to describe the isotherms following the evaluation criteria, that is mean relative error, standard deviation, and distribution of residuals, the study recommends the threeparameter modified Oswin for adsorption and the Henderson model for desorption. Via linearization of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller model, we calculate the values of monolayer moisture content (MMC) at aw < 0.5 for both processes. For adsorption, the ММC falls within the 2.51% - 3.57% d.b. range, whereas for desorption it is within the 3.41% - 3.71% d.b. range. Temperature affects the MMC since its increase leads to a decrease in the ММC for both processes. For adsorption, at a temperature between 10°C and 40°C the ММC decreases by 1.06%, and for desorption - by 0.3%.
Storage of grains and technical plants through active ventilation for the purpose of maintaining the quality of stored products
Authors: Pӑun Anişoara , Stroescu Gheorghe , Zaica Alexandru , Yasbeck Khozamy Samir , Zaica Ana , Cristea Oana , Ştefan Vasilica , Bălţatu Carmen
Published: July 2021

The problem of grain storage and storage can be approached from two perspectives: storage and storage of cereals and technical plants within individual agricultural holdings; storage and storage of cereals and technical plants within agricultural associations and companies. At the level of Romania, the storage and storage of cereals at small agricultural producers are deficient in terms of ensuring optimal storage conditions according to standards. These variants include: preservation at low temperatures; preservation by active aeration; self-preservation; chemical preservation; conservation with the help of radiation. In the paper we will approach the conservation by active aeration because it folds better for small agricultural producers. Proper aeration is one of the most important processes in a grain storage system and is essential for maintaining the quality of stored products. Aeration means the movement of a relatively small volume of air through the grain mass in order to control the temperature of the grain and to reduce the risk of product degradation. The two main objectives of aeration are to maintain a uniform temperature in the grain mass and at the same time the temperature must be as low as possible from a practical point of view. The paper will present the results of experiments for storing bulk grain in a metal cell with central aeration system, which is based on a patent. This type of storage system can be used successfully in small agricultural producers.
Temporal trends and determinants of fish biomass in two contrasting natural lake systems: insights from a spring long-term monitoring scheme
Authors: Bounas Anastasios , Catsadorakis Giorgos , Koutseri Irene , Nikolaou Harris , Nicolas Delphine , Malakou Myrsini , Crivelli Alain J.
Published: July 2021

Freshwater fish declines are triggered by a suite of anthropogenic threats, including habitat degradation, climate and land use change, biological invasions, pollution and overfishing. Robust monitoring schemes are needed to understand and detect any effects of different factors on freshwater fish abundance and to be able to predict and respond to potential stressors. Here, we used standardized biomass-per-unit-effort (BPUE) data deriving from gillnet sampling over a 34-year period in the two Prespa Lakes and determined species trends using general additive models coupled with structural change models. Furthermore, the influence of seven environmental variables was assessed for each fish species using an analytical approach based on random forests. We showed that the total annual BPUE is increasing in Lake Mikri Prespa whereas it is stable in Megali Prespa and that the relative BPUE of introduced species in the former is increasing through the years. Differences in the lakes' trophic status were reflected in species trend patterns. Random forests showed that air temperature, the introduction of the invasiveLepomis gibbosus, predation and water management played a role in shaping species biomass in Mikri Prespa whereas abiotic factors are the main drivers of biomass changes in Megali Prespa. Our results provide empirical evidence on the importance of long-term monitoring in distinguishing between direct and indirect effects of large-scale stressors on fish abundance as well as insights towards sustaining the integrity of fish communities.
L’objet voilé
Authors: Samacher Robert
Published: July 2021

Quelle est la fonction du voilement du corps dans les religions monothéistes et les sociétés patriarcales ? Le voilement du corps de la femme répond à l’angoisse de castration chez l’homme, ce dernier substitue un objet ersatz qui vient voiler l’absence de pénis chez la femme, castration qu’elle doit assumer en se faisant porteuse de l’objet cause de désir pour l’homme, soit l’objeta.Chaque structure répond par un objet ersatz à l’absence de pénis chez la femme. L’homme de structure perverse fétichise un objet particulier prélevé sur le corps de la mère, substitut du pénis qui dénie la castration de la mère. De nos jours, le courant intégriste de l’Islam impose différents vêtements (voile, burqa, burkini) qui recouvrent le corps de la femme en le fétichisant, ils font de ces objets des objets de consommation qui entrent dans le circuit capitaliste, ils deviennent ainsi semblant d’objetacause de désir, rien d’autre que des lathouses qui participent à une stratégie de voilement de la vérité de sujets en quête d’idéalité qui sont embrigadés dans des idéologies politiques et religieuses totalitaires. L’Islamisme radical prône une idéologie de destruction de l’autre différent comme acte de salubrité tentant ainsi de mettre une frontière entre le pur et l’impur à éliminer ouvrant ainsi la porte d’un paradis qui inscrit une non-limite entre la vie et la mort passant par la jouissance des biens dont le corps de vierges à posséder. Cette idéologie religieuse octroie un pouvoir de négativité à un garant de l’Un qui récompense ou qui se venge. La parole absolue d’un Dieu vengeur fait loi, ses affidés sont identifiés à son bras armé, le champ de la haine lui est alors ouvert pour détruire tous ceux qui ne sont pas les « mêmes » dans un projet identitaire.
De l’enfant imaginaire à l’enfant réel : réalité psychique subjective des parents ayant un enfant Infirme Moteur Cérébral au Cameroun
Authors: Tchokote Émilie Clarisse
Published: July 2021

La survenue d’un enfant infirme moteur cérébral (IMC) impose un bouleversement dans la vie du parent et oblige à faire le deuil de l’enfant imaginaire, à confronter l’enfant du désir à l’enfant réel. L’objectif est de saisir la réalité psychique subjective des parents ayant un enfant IMC au Cameroun. Se basant sur la méthode clinique et l’analyse thématique de contenue des verbatims, trois entretiens clinique de recherche par participants ont été menés auprès de quatre mères d’enfants IMC rencontrées dans un centre de prise en charge et de rééducation fonctionnelle à Douala (Cameroun). Bien que le vécu de la grossesse soit motivé par un certain désir individuel d’une partbet les exigences de la communauté d’appartenance d’autre part, les analyses montrent que la confrontation au réel de l’enfant IMC s’est faite avec beaucoup de souffrance et un retentissement subjectif très perceptible. Un ensemble de symptômes psychopathologiques (troubles de sommeil, dépression, tristesse, stress) a été recensé avec une intensification due à des représentations culturelles à connotation négative. D’où la nécessité d’envisager un espace de parole et d’échange afin d’accompagner psychologiquement les parents concernées et éviter le risque d’effondrement psychique et relationnel.
Stand-Alone KVT-basierte Interventionen via Smartphone zur Förderung der psychischen Gesundheit
Authors: Anna Marciniak Marta , Shanahan Lilly , Rohde Judith , Ehrt Yamina , Schulz Ava , Wackerhagen Carolin , Kobylińska Dorota , Tüscher Olivier , Binder Harald , Walter Henrik , Kalisch Raffael , Kleim Birgit
Published: July 2021

Einleitung Eine wachsende Zahl psychologischer Behandlungsangebote erfolgt über das Smartphone, bzw. über Apps. Viele der wissenschaftlich geprüften Apps basieren auf den Prinzipien der kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie (KVT), Goldstandard zur Behandlung vieler psychischer Problematiken. Ziel dieses Reviews war es, den Status Quo der Forschung zu Stand-Alone Smartphone-basierten Apps zusammenzufassen, welche auf diesen therapeutischen Ansätzen basieren und mittels App-basierten Ecological Momentary Interventions (EMIs) durchgeführt werden.

Methode Eine systematische Literaturrecherche in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase und PubMed identifizierte 26 zwischen 2007 und 2020 publizierte, peer-reviewte Studien, in denen Durchführbarkeit und/oder Wirksamkeit und/oder Effektivität von KVT-basierten EMIs sowohl in Studiendesigns mit inter- als auch intraindividuellen Vergleichen, sowohl bei gesunden als auch klinischen Stichproben untersucht wurden. Gemischte Interventionen (blended interventions), z. B. App-basierte Behandlungen in Kombination mit klassischer Psychotherapie wurden nicht mitberücksichtigt.

Ergebnisse KVT-basierte EMIs wurden von Teilnehmern angenommen, verbesserten das Wohlbefinden der Nutzer signifikant und reduzierten Symptome psychischer Störungen. Stand-Alone EMIs wurden von den Teilnehmenden als hilfreich (M = 70,8 %) und bezüglich der Outcomes als zufriedenstellend (M = 72,6 %) eingeschätzt.

Schlussfolgerung In Summe zeigten die Studien, dass EMIs dazu beitragen können, die psychische Gesundheit zu verbessern und damit Individuen in ihrem täglichen Leben zu unterstützen. Sie bieten somit eine unmittelbar verfügbare, skalierbare und evidenzbasierte Form der Unterstützung psychischer Gesundheit. Diese Charakteristiken sind nicht zuletzt relevant im Kontext der Bemühungen, die individuellen und ökonomischen Kosten psychischer Erkrankungen zu reduzieren, wie auch im Kontext globaler Pandemien.
Corneal Parameters in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kiliç Soner , Gündogan Medine
Published: July 2021

Objective To evaluate the corneal topographic parameter values measured with the Pentacam Scheimpflug system in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods A total of 108 eyes of 62 MS patients were studied. In addition to a complete examination of anterior and posterior segments, all patients were scanned using the Pentacam
Scheimpflug camera. The diagnosis of MS was made according to the McDonald criteria. All MS patients were clinically assessed using the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS).

Results The mean age was 38.89 ± 10.18 years (36.16 – 41.30) for MS patients and 40.94 ± 9.44 years (38.49 – 43.11) for the controls (p = 0.26). Only central corneal thickness (CCT)
and corneal volume (CV) values were significantly lower in MS patients (p < 0.001). The other corneal parameters were not significantly different between the study eyes and control eyes
(p > 0.05 for all). Pachymetric measurements at the corneal apex were 525.69 ± 29.35 (518.29 – 533.67) µm for the study eyes versus 563.13 ± 23.70 (562.13 – 576.36) µm for the control
eyes. CV were 59.22 ± 4.11(58.18 – 60.20) mm3 for the study eyes versus 62.78 ± 3.09 (62.38 – 64.00) mm3 for the control eyes.

Conclusion This is the first study that has reported lower CCT and CV measurements in MS patients than healthy subjects of a similar age. These results should be supported by further
studies.
Changes in political trust in Britain during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020: integrated public opinion evidence and implications
Authors: Davies Ben , Lalot Fanny , Peitz Linus , Heering Maria S. , Ozkececi Hilal , Babaian Jacinta , Davies Hayon Kaya , Broadwood Jo , Abrams Dominic
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we document changes in political trust in the UK throughout 2020 so as to consider wider implications for the ongoing handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. We analysed data from 18 survey organisations with measures on political trust (general, leadership, and COVID-19-related) spanning the period December 2019–October 2020. We examined the percentage of trust and distrust across time, identifying where significant changes coincide with national events. Levels of political trust were low following the 2019 UK General Election. They rose at the onset of UK lockdown imposed in March 2020 but showed persistent gradual decline throughout the remainder of the year, falling to pre-COVID levels by October 2020. Inability to sustain the elevated political trust achieved at the onset of the pandemic is likely to have made the management of public confidence and behaviour increasingly challenging, pointing to the need for strategies to sustain trust levels when handling future crises.
Calculation of CYP450 protein–ligand binding and dissociation free energy paths
Authors: Su Kuan-Hsuan , Wu Chin-Teng , Lin Shang-Wei , Mori Seiji , Liu Wei-Min , Yang Hsiao-Ching
Published: July 2021

The function of an enzyme depends on its dynamic structure, and the catalytic mechanism has long been an active focus of research. The principle for interpreting protein selectivity and fidelity stems from optimization of the active site upon protein–substrate complexation, i.e., a lock-and-key configuration, on which most protein–substrate molecule binding recognition, and hence drug discovery, relies. Yet another thought has been to incorporate the protein folding interior tunnels for stereo- and regio-selectivity along the protein–substrate or protein–ligand/inhibitor binding process. Free energy calculations provide valuable information for molecular recognition and protein–ligand binding dynamics and kinetics. In this study, we focused on the kinetics of cytochrome P450 proteins (CYP450s) and the protein interior tunnel structure–dynamics relationship in terms of the substrate binding and leaving mechanism. A case in point is given by the prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) homologous isomerase of prostacyclin synthase. To calculate the reactant and product traversing the tunnels to and from the heme site, the free energy paths and tunnel potentials of mean force are constructed from steered molecular dynamics simulations and adaptive basing force umbrella sampling simulations. We explore the binding tunnels and critical residue lining characteristics for the ligand traverse and the underlying mechanism of CYP450 activity. Our theoretical analysis provides insights into the decisive role of the substrate tunnel binding process of the CYP450 mechanism and may be useful in drug design and protein engineering contexts.
Bilingual students’ attitudes toward the Tibetan language
Authors: Gan Yongtao , Sude Sude
Published: July 2021

This study investigates bilingual students’ attitudes toward the Tibetan language, examining the structural models of the attitudes of Tibetan students and the differences in attitudes between living communities and as moderated by learning years (comparing Tibet-based and Han-based communities). The participants were 1,118 Tibetan students in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China. The results indicated the following: (i) the data supported the three components of attitude (Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral) in terms of bilingual students’ perception of the Tibetan language; (ii) the five lower-level domains of the attitudes toward the Tibetan language can be grouped into two categories – Cognitive (self-concept of the Tibetan language and social status) and Affective (friendliness, helpfulness, and identification) – and there is a causal relationship between them; and (iii) there are significant differences in attitudes toward the Tibetan language dependent on living community and learning year. Practical suggestions for educators in schools for bilingual students learning the Tibetan language are discussed.
Emotional engagement in expressive writing
Authors: Sabo Mordechay Daphna , Eviatar Zohar , Nir Bracha
Published: July 2021

HaCohen et al. (2018) identified three types of narratives that emerge
in the context of integrating a difficult event into one’s life story. We use their identification while focusing on the quality
of emotional involvement evidenced in texts, and combining it with an abstract-content text analysis. This allows us to quantify
emotional engagement in Expressive Writing (EW) texts. We analyze personal-experience narratives produced in EW, and examine
whether good EW outcome cases (in terms of well-being improvement) would be characterized with different types of narratives than
poor outcome cases. Results show that texts produced by good outcome cases presented more emotional involvement than poor cases.
Furthermore, good cases presented with a more complex and well-integrated narrative of their story than poor cases. It is
suggested that good outcome participants’ writings are more emotionally involved, integrated and personal. Our findings emphasize
the importance of context-sensitive and function-oriented accounts of EW texts.
The Western Balkans in translated children’s literature
Authors: Todorova Marija
Published: July 2021

This study approaches translations as framing and representation sites that can serve to either contest or promote stereotypes. Critically looking at textual and visual images of the source culture, the discussion considers how the particular location of different participants in the translation production process contributes to the presentation of violence as a predominant image of Western Balkan nations. The analysis uncovers networks of source-based production participants focusing on images of ‘nesting’ Balkanisms and self-representations centring on love and humaneness. On the other hand, networks led by editors located in the target culture often emphasise the preconceived stereotypes of dominant violence in the Western Balkans or turn towards globalising the images of violence.
Incorporating latent hardening in visco-plastic self-consistent framework for performing texture simulations
Authors: Kumar Mirtunjay , Singh Amit , Beura Vikrant Kumar , Mishra Sumeet
Published: July 2021

In the present work, the role of latent hardening on texture evolution at large strains is examined by embedding the latent hardening interaction matrix in the visco-plastic self-consistent framework. All possible interactions between different slip systems are allowed by specifying the 12 × 12 interaction matrix which consists of the relative strength of different dislocation junctions. In particular, the role of colinear junction which is the strongest among all dislocation locks on texture evolution is highlighted. It was observed that texture simulations in the latent hardening mode with a strong colinear lock provided excellent agreement with the experimentally measured textures, whereas isotropic hardening mode (12 × 12-unit matrix) failed to reproduce the experimental textures in a satisfactory manner.
Surface Observation of Laser-treated Carbon Steel and Application of Laser Ccleaning for Corroded Steel Member
Authors: Zhuang S , Kainuma S , Yang M , Haraguchi M , Asano T
Published: July 2021

A newly developed laser system is adopted in this study as a surface preparation method for corroded steel structures. To investigate the thermal effects of laser beam on steel material, carbon steel plates are treated by two different laser processing parameters. Then the surface condition, heat-affected zone, and iron oxide on laser-treated specimens are evaluated using optical microscope, SEM-EDX, and XRD. Moreover, a severely corroded steel member was used as laser irradiation target to verify the cleaning effects of laser beam. Results show that surface morphologies are varied according to laser processing parameters. Due to thermal effects, iron oxide was formed after laser irradiation, and higher laser power induced deeper heat-affected zone. The application of laser treatment for corroded steel member showing desirable surface cleanliness after laser irradiation. The laser surface treatment could be an alternative surface preparation method for steel structures in the construction field.
Effect of different steel fiber types on mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete
Authors: Yan Xinyi , Gao Yuxin , Luo Yaoling , Bi Yao , Xie Yuhao
Published: July 2021

The influence of steel fiber on the mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) were studied through slump, compressive strength, flexural strength test. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of steel fiber had an influence on the working performance of UHPC, and the slump and expansion degree of UHPC were inversely proportional to the volume content and length-diameter ratio of steel fiber. The steel fiber significantly improved the compressive and flexural strength of UHPC. The mechanical property of UHPC was the best when the steel fiber content was 4%, with 28 day compressive strength up to 163.2MPa and flexural strength up to 45.9MPa. UHPC showed a trend of gradual decrease of compressive strength and gradual increase of flexural strength with the increase of aspect ratio of steel fiber on the condition of constant volume content of steel fiber. The addition of special-shaped steel fiber can improve the compressive and flexural strength of UHPC effectively.
Corrosion behavior of Incoloy 840 in molten nitrate salt for CSP plants
Authors: Zhang Yujun , Xiao Leilei , Liu Junhua
Published: July 2021

As the tube materials of receiver in the solar tower power plant, molten salt corrosion behavior of Incoloy 840 has been studied. In this work, after Incoloy 840 samples were deposed separately in molten Solar Salts (40wt.% KNO3 + 60wt.% NaNO3) at 560°C for different times (5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 80h), the weight-loss of samples were measured, the metallurgical structure of as-received Incoloy 840 was observed by optical microscope, the metallurgical structure of corroded films on the samples were observed by SEM, the corrosion products chemistries of the oxide film were analyzed by EDS and XRD. The results showed that the corrosion kinetics of the Incoloy 840 follows typical parabolic rule at 560°C in mixture molten salts (40wt.% KNO3 + 60wt.% NaNO3), and the corrosion rate of Incoloy 840 is 12.3 μm/year. The corroded films had a bilayer structure, the outer layer consists of Fe2O3, and the inner layer consists of γ-(Fe, Ni) and Cr2O3.
Noval Ag·AgBr@TiO2 porous power: fabrication and photocatalyst
Authors: Gong Liangfa , Wu Zhe , Hao Yi , Guo Zhiyang , Li Cuiqing
Published: July 2021

It is of great importance to investigate the doped TiO2 photocatalyst for the better photocatalytic activity via visible light. In this study, a newly Ag·AgBr@TiO2 photocatalyst has been prepared via a facile sol-gel process using n-butyl titanate as titanium source, silver nitrate as silver source, and potassium bromide as bromine source. The different nano porous catalyst products were prepared by using of calcining precipitates (obtained by drying the sol-gel in an oven at 80°C) in air at 300, 480, and 660 °C for 3 hours respectively. The selected precursor treatments and heterostructure display significantly improved photodegradation activity on organic 2-naphthol. The microstructures were characterized by XRD and SEM. The results showed that TiO2 and doped TiO2 are both anatases generally. Compared with those of undoped TiO2 and AgBr, the Ag, AgBr-doped TiO2 has remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity towards 2-naphthol. Owing to the higher absorption of Ag, AgBr nanoparticles on to the TiO2, the excellent photocatalytic activities of Ag·AgBr@TiO2 were obtained. The degradation rates of 2-naphthol reached 69% under Ag, AgBr-doped TiO2 photocatalyst, whereas, with undoped TiO2 and pure AgBr, the degradation rates of 2-naphthol are 20% and 43% respectively.
Study on template-free preparation of porous g-C3N4 and its enhanced visible-light catalytic performance
Authors: Li Chen , Xie Linkun , Xiao Ke , Zhang Haonan , Chai Xijuan
Published: July 2021

Employing thiourea as precursor, the bulk graphitic carbon nitride (named SCN) was prepared via thermal polymerization strategy. The SCN was then stripped and treated by different concentrations of NaOH solution, and then porous carbon nitride SCN with loose structure was obtained and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL). Then catalytic performance of the obtained porous carbon nitride SCN samples was evaluated by degrading methyl blue solution (MB). The results show that the normal pressure alkaline treatment is an effective way to prepare porous carbon nitride. After being treated by NaOH solution of 0.3 mol/L, the specific surface area of SCN increased to three times than that of bulk SCN. The synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis boosts the photocatalytic efficiency of SCN by 1.78 times compared with bulk SCN, and the first-order reaction rate constant Kapp is increased by 2.9 times.
Remarks on the convexity of free boundaries (Scalar and system cases)
Authors: El Hajj L. , Shahgholian H.
Published: July 2021

Convexity is discussed for several free boundary value problems in exterior domains that are generally formulated as
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="normal upper Delta u equals f left-parenthesis u right-parenthesis in normal upper Omega minus upper D comma StartAbsoluteValue nabla u EndAbsoluteValue equals g on partial-differential normal upper Omega comma u greater-than-or-equal-to 0 in double-struck upper R Superscript n Baseline comma">

Δ
u
=
f
(
u
)
 
in 
Ω
∖
D
,

|

∇
u

|

=
g
 
 on 
 
∂
Ω
,

u
≥
0
 
 in 
 

R

n

,

\begin{equation*} \Delta u = f(u) \ \text {in } \Omega \setminus D, \quad |\nabla u | = g \ \text { on } \ \partial \Omega , \quad u\geq 0 \ \text { in } \ \mathbb {R}^n, \end{equation*}

where

u
u

is assumed to be continuous in

R

n

\mathbb {R}^n

,

Ω
=
{
u
>
0
}

\Omega = \{u > 0\}

(is unknown),

u
=
1

u=1

on

∂
D

\partial D

, and

D
D

is a bounded domain in

R

n

\mathbb {R}^n

(

n
≥
2

n\geq 2

). Here

g
=
g
(
x
)

g= g(x)

is a given smooth function that is either strictly positive (Bernoulli-type) or identically zero (obstacle type). Properties for

f
f

will be spelled out in exact terms in the text.

The interest is in the particular case where

D
D

is star-shaped or convex. The focus is on the case where

f
(
u
)

f(u)

lacks monotonicity, so that the recently developed tool of quasiconvex rearrangement is not applicable directly. Nevertheless, such quasiconvexity is used in a slightly different manner, and in combination with scaling and asymptotic expansion of solutions at regular points. The latter heavily relies on the regularity theory of free boundaries.

Also, convexity for several systems of equations in a general framework is discussed, and some ideas along with several open problems are presented.
Frank Kameny and UK astronomy
Authors: Bowler Sue
Published: July 2021

Sue Bowler talks to Kenneth Philips and Mark Stenhoff about changing cultures, role models and riots
Founder reconstruction enables scalable and seamless pangenomic analysis
Authors: Norri Tuukka , Cazaux Bastien , Dönges Saska , Valenzuela Daniel , Mäkinen Veli
Published: July 2021

Motivation

Variant calling workflows that utilize a single reference sequence are the de facto standard elementary genomic analysis routine for resequencing projects. Various ways to enhance the reference with pangenomic information have been proposed, but scalability combined with seamless integration to existing workflows remains a challenge.

Results

We present PanVC with founder sequences, a scalable and accurate variant calling workflow based on a multiple alignment of reference sequences. Scalability is achieved by removing duplicate parts up to a limit into a founder multiple alignment, that is then indexed using a hybrid scheme that exploits general purpose read aligners. Our implemented workflow uses GATK or BCFtools for variant calling, but the various steps of our workflow (e.g. vcf2multialign tool, founder reconstruction) can be of independent interest as a basis for creating novel pangenome analysis workflows beyond variant calling.

Availability and implementation

Our open access tools and instructions how to reproduce our experiments are available at the following address: https://github.com/algbio/panvc-founders.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Improved Apis mellifera reference genome based on the alternative long-read-based assemblies
Authors: Kaskinova Milyausha , Yunusbayev Bayazit , Altinbaev Radick , Raffiudin Rika , Carpenter Madeline H , Kwon Hyung Wook , Nikolenko Alexey , Harpur Brock A , Yunusbaev Ural
Published: July 2021

Apis mellifera L., the western honey bee is a major crop pollinator that plays a key role in beekeeping and serves as an important model organism in social behavior studies. Recent efforts have improved on the quality of the honey bee reference genome and developed a chromosome-level assembly of 16 chromosomes, two of which are gapless. However, the rest suffer from 51 gaps, 160 unplaced/unlocalized scaffolds, and the lack of 2 distal telomeres. The gaps are located at the hard-to-assemble extended highly repetitive chromosomal regions that may contain functional genomic elements. Here, we use de novo re-assemblies from the most recent reference genome Amel_HAv_3.1 raw reads and other long-read-based assemblies (INRA_AMelMel_1.0, ASM1384120v1, and ASM1384124v1) of the honey bee genome to resolve 13 gaps, five unplaced/unlocalized scaffolds and, the lacking telomeres of the Amel_HAv_3.1. The total length of the resolved gaps is 848,747 bp. The accuracy of the corrected assembly was validated by mapping PacBio reads and performing gene annotation assessment. Comparative analysis suggests that the PacBio-reads-based assemblies of the honey bee genomes failed in the same highly repetitive extended regions of the chromosomes, especially on chromosome 10. To fully resolve these extended repetitive regions, further work using ultra-long Nanopore sequencing would be needed. Our updated assembly facilitates more accurate reference-guided scaffolding and marker/sequence mapping in honey bee genomics studies.
Use of food web knowledge in environmental conservation and management of living resources in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Eero Margit , Dierking Jan , Humborg Christoph , Undeman Emma , MacKenzie Brian R , Ojaveer Henn , Salo Tiina , Köster Friedrich Wilhelm
Published: July 2021

Food webs are central entities mediating processes and external pressures in marine ecosystems. They are essential to understand and predict ecosystem dynamics and provision of ecosystem services. Paradoxically, utilization of food web knowledge in marine environmental conservation and resource management is limited. To better understand the use of knowledge and barriers to incorporation in management, we assess its application related to the management of eutrophication, chemical contamination, fish stocks, and non-indigenous species. We focus on the Baltic, a severely impacted, but also intensely studied and actively managed semi-enclosed sea. Our assessment shows food web processes playing a central role in all four areas, but application varies strongly, from formalized integration in management decisions, to support in selecting indicators and setting threshold values, to informal knowledge explaining ecosystem dynamics and management performance. Barriers for integration are complexity of involved ecological processes and that management frameworks are not designed to handle such information. We provide a categorization of the multi-faceted uses of food web knowledge and benefits of future incorporation in management, especially moving towards ecosystem-based approaches as guiding principle in present marine policies and directives. We close with perspectives on research needs to support this move considering global and regional change.
The Stabilized Automorphism Group of a Subshift
Authors: Hartman Yair , Kra Bryna , Schmieding Scott
Published: July 2021

For a mixing shift of finite type, the associated automorphism group has a rich algebraic structure, and yet we have few criteria to distinguish when two such groups are isomorphic. We introduce a stabilization of the automorphism group, study its algebraic properties, and use them to distinguish many of the stabilized automorphism groups. We also show that for a full shift, the subgroup of the stabilized automorphism group generated by elements of finite order is simple and that the stabilized automorphism group is an extension of a free abelian group of finite rank by this simple group.
A Five Distance Theorem for Kronecker Sequences
Authors: Haynes Alan , Marklof Jens
Published: July 2021

The three-distance theorem (also known as the three-gap theorem or Steinhaus problem) states that, for any given real number $\alpha $ and integer $N$, there are at most three values for the distances between consecutive elements of the Kronecker sequence $\alpha , 2\alpha ,\ldots , N\alpha $ mod 1. In this paper, we consider a natural generalization of the three-distance theorem to the higher-dimensional Kronecker sequence $\vec \alpha , 2\vec \alpha ,\ldots , N\vec \alpha $ modulo an integer lattice. We prove that in 2D, there are at most five values that can arise as a distance between nearest neighbors, for all choices of $\vec \alpha $ and $N$. Furthermore, for almost every $\vec \alpha $, five distinct distances indeed appear for infinitely many $N$ and hence five is the best possible general upper bound. In higher dimensions, we have similar explicit, but less precise, upper bounds. For instance, in 3D, our bound is 13, though we conjecture the truth to be 9. We furthermore study the number of possible distances from a point to its nearest neighbor in a restricted cone of directions. This may be viewed as a generalization of the gap length in 1D. For large cone angles, we use geometric arguments to produce explicit bounds directly analogous to the three-distance theorem. For small cone angles, we use ergodic theory of homogeneous flows in the space of unimodular lattices to show that the number of distinct lengths is (1) unbounded for almost all $\vec \alpha $ and (2) bounded for $\vec \alpha $ that satisfy certain Diophantine conditions.
Effect of efavirenz-based ART on the pharmacokinetics of rifampicin and its primary metabolite in patients coinfected with TB and HIV
Authors: Sundell Jesper , Bienvenu Emile , Äbelö Angela , Ashton Michael
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of concomitant efavirenz-based ART and genetic polymorphism on the variability in rifampicin and 25-desacetylrifampicin pharmacokinetics.

Patients and methods

Plasma concentrations of rifampicin and 25-desacetylrifampicin from 63 patients coinfected with TB and HIV were analysed by LC-MS/MS followed by non-linear mixed-effects modelling. Patients were genotyped for SLCO1B1 (463 C>A, 388 A>G, 11187 G>A, rs4149015, 521 T>C and 1436 G>C) and SLCO1B3 (334 T>G).

Results

One-compartment disposition models described the observations adequately. The oral clearances of rifampicin and 25-desacetylrifampicin were 140% and 110% higher, respectively, in patients on concomitant efavirenz-based ART. Rifampicin bioavailability was also lower in patients on concomitant ART. Further, although not included in the final model, a lower relative bioavailability in carriers of WT SLCO1B3 334 T>G compared with carriers of mutations in the genotype was estimated.

Conclusions

The results presented indicate both pre-systemic and systemic induction by efavirenz-based ART affecting rifampicin pharmacokinetics. The described drug–drug interaction has a clinical impact on rifampicin exposure prior to steady state and may impact the early bactericidal activity in patients on efavirenz-based ART.
Managing Diversity Differently: The External Environment and Cross-Sector Differences in Diversity Management
Authors: McCrea Austin M , Zhu Ling , Johansen Morgen S
Published: July 2021

A growing literature identifies the external environment as a key driver of diversity management in frontline public services. With many public services spanning the public, nonprofit, and private sectors, the degree to which ownership moderates the link between the environment and diversity management practice is an important area that has received little attention. Using longitudinal data on nearly 4,000 American hospitals from 2008 to 2012, we explore how public, nonprofit, and private hospitals diverge in their responses to three environmental factors—market competition, inter-organizational collaboration, and the racial diversity of the population in their local service area. Findings from random effects panel models and panel logistic regressions suggest that these factors are associated with heterogeneous diversity management activities across different sectors. For public hospitals, diversity management is influenced by the racial diversity of clients. Nonprofit hospitals’ diversity management is influenced by both inter-organizational collaboration and the racial diversity of clients. Market competition is the main driver of diversity management in the private sector. These findings bring insights from contingency theory and the cross-sector comparison literature into diversity management research. Key findings suggest there are complex and multiple mechanisms guiding diversity management practices across different sectors.