bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resting-State Functional Connectivity and Scholastic Performance in Preadolescent Children: A Data-Driven Multivoxel Pattern Analysis (MVPA)
Authors: Westfall Daniel R. , Anteraper Sheeba A. , Chaddock-Heyman Laura , Drollette Eric S. , Raine Lauren B. , Whitfield-Gabrieli Susan , Kramer Arthur F. , Hillman Charles H.
Published: October 2020

Scholastic performance is the key metric by which schools measure student’s academic success, and it is important to understand the neural-correlates associated with greater scholastic performance. This study examines resting-state functional connectivity (RsFc) associated with scholastic performance (reading and mathematics) in preadolescent children (7–9 years) using an unbiased whole-brain connectome-wide multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA). MVPA revealed four clusters associated with reading composite score, these clusters were then used for whole-brain seed-based RsFc analysis. However, no such clusters were found for mathematics composite score. Post hoc analysis found robust associations between reading and RsFc dynamics with areas involved with the somatomotor, dorsal attention, ventral attention, limbic, frontoparietal, and default mode networks. These findings indicate that reading ability may be associated with a wide range of RsFc networks. Of particular interest, anticorrelations were observed between the default mode network and the somatomotor, dorsal attention, ventral attention, and frontoparietal networks. Previous research has demonstrated the importance of anticorrelations between the default mode network and frontoparietal network associated with cognition. These results extend the current literature exploring the role of network connectivity in scholastic performance of children.
Soil Erosion Susceptibility Mapping in Kozetopraghi Catchment, Iran: A Mixed Approach Using Rainfall Simulator and Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Esmali Ouri Abazar , Golshan Mohammad , Janizadeh Saeid , Cerdà Artemi , Melesse Assefa M.
Published: October 2020

Soil erosion determines landforms, soil formation and distribution, soil fertility, and land degradation processes. In arid and semiarid ecosystems, soil erosion is a key process to understand, foresee, and prevent desertification. Addressing soil erosion throughout watersheds scales requires basic information to develop soil erosion control strategies and to reduce land degradation. To assess and remediate the non-sustainable soil erosion rates, restoration programs benefit from the knowledge of the spatial distribution of the soil losses to develop maps of soil erosion. This study presents Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) data mining models to map soil erosion susceptibility in Kozetopraghi watershed, Iran. A soil erosion inventory map was prepared from field rainfall simulation experiments on 174 randomly selected points along the Kozetopraghi watershed. In previous studies, this map has been prepared using indirect methods such as the Universal Soil Loss Equation to assess soil erosion. Direct field measurements for mapping soil erosion susceptibility have so far not been carried out in our study site in the past. The soil erosion rate data generated by simulated rainfall in 1 m2 plots at rainfall rate of 40 mmh−1 was used to develop the soil erosion map. Of the available data, 70% and 30% were randomly classified to calibrate and validate the models, respectively. As a result, the RF model with the highest area under the curve (AUC) value in a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (0.91), and the lowest mean square error (MSE) value (0.09), has the most concordance and spatial differentiation. Sensitivity analysis by Jackknife and IncNodePurity methods indicates that the slope angle is the most important factor within the soil erosion susceptibility map. The RF susceptibility map showed that the areas located in the center and near the watershed outlet have the most susceptibility to soil erosion. This information can be used to support the development of sustainable restoration plans with more accuracy. Our methodology has been evaluated and can be also applied in other regions.
Mapping Flood-Based Farming Systems with Bayesian Networks
Authors: Liman Harou Issoufou , Whitney Cory , Kung’u James , Luedeling Eike
Published: October 2020

Many actors in agricultural research, development, and policy arenas require accurate information on the spatial extents of cropping and farming practices. While remote sensing provides ways for obtaining such information, it is often difficult to distinguish between different types of agricultural practices or identify particular farming systems. Stochastic system behavior or similarity in the spectral signatures of different system components can lead to misclassification. We addressed this challenge by using a probabilistic reasoning engine informed by expert knowledge and remote sensing data to map flood-based farming systems (FBFS) across Kisumu County in Kenya and the Tigray region in Ethiopia. Flood-based farming is an important form of agricultural production employed in regions with seasonal water surplus, which can be harvested and used to irrigate crops. Geographic settings for FBFS vary widely in terms of hydrology, vegetation, and local practices of agronomic flooding. Agronomic success is often difficult to anticipate, because the timing and amount of flooding usually cannot be precisely predicted. We generated a Bayesian network model to describe the FBFS settings of the study regions. We acquired three years (2014–2016) of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra spectral data as eight-day composite time series and elevation data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) to compute 10 spatial data metrics corresponding to 10 of the 17 Bayesian network nodes. We used the spatial data metrics in a fully probabilistic framework to generate the 10 spatial data nodes. We then used these as inputs for the probabilistic model to generate prior and posterior spatial estimates for specific metrics along with their spatially explicit uncertainties. We show how such an approach can be used to predict plausible areas for FBFS based on several scenarios. We demonstrate how spatially explicit information can be derived from remote sensing data as fuzzy quantifiers for incorporating uncertainties when mapping complex systems. The approach achieved a remarkably accurate result in both study areas, where 84–90% of various FBFS fields sampled were correctly mapped as having a high chance of being suitable for the practice.
BALSAM—An Interactive Online Platform for Breath Analysis, Visualization and Classification
Authors: Weber Philipp , Pauling Josch Konstantin , List Markus , Baumbach Jan
Published: October 2020

The field of breath analysis lacks a fully automated analysis platform that enforces machine learning good practice and enables clinicians and clinical researchers to rapidly and reproducibly discover metabolite patterns in diseases. We present BALSAM—a comprehensive web-platform to simplify and automate this process, offering features for preprocessing, peak detection, feature extraction, visualization and pattern discovery. Our main focus is on data from multi-capillary-column ion-mobility-spectrometry. While not limited to breath data, BALSAM was developed to increase consistency and robustness in the data analysis process of breath samples, aiming to expand the array of low cost molecular diagnostics in clinics. Our platform is freely available as a web-service and in form of a publicly available docker container.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of Treponema phagedenis from Bovine Digital Dermatitis
Authors: Espiritu Hector M. , Mamuad Lovelia L. , Jin Su-jeong , Kim Seon-ho , Kwon Seok-won , Lee Sang-suk , Lee Sang-myeong , Cho Yong-il
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to isolate and characterize Treponema spp. from bovine digital dermatitis (BDD)-infected dairy cattle. Seven isolates were characterized in this study. Isolates exhibited slow growth, and colonies penetrated the agar and exhibited weak β-hemolysis. Round bodies were observed in old and antibiotic-treated cultures. Cells ranged from 9–12 µm in length, 0.2–2.5 µm in width, and were moderately spiraled. The 16S rRNA analysis revealed the isolates as Treponema phagedenis with >99% sequence homology. Isolates had alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, β-galactosidase, N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, esterase (C4), esterase lipase (C8), naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase, and β-glucuronidase activities. Low concentrations of ampicillin, erythromycin, and tetracycline were required to inhibit the growth of isolates. Formic, acetic, and butyric acids were produced, while propionic acid was significantly utilized, indicating its essentiality for treponemal growth. The isolates shared the same characteristics and, therefore, were considered as a single strain. Isolate HNL4 was deposited as a representative isolate (Treponema phagedenis KS1). The average nucleotide identity of strain KS1 showed a small difference with the human strain (99.14%) compared with bovine strain (99.72%). This study was the first to isolate and characterize Treponema phagedenis from BDD in Korea and, hence, it delivered pathogenicity-related insights and provided valuable information that can be used for the management of BDD.
Thickness-Dependent NIR LSPR of Curved Ag/TiS2 Bilayer Film
Authors: Zhang Yongjun , Zhang Fan , Wang Yaxin
Published: October 2020

We demonstrated that the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) features of Ag/TiS2 nanostructures were dependent on the sublayer thickness. The Ag/TiS2 bilayer film was obtained by the self-assembly method and magnetron sputtering. The thickness was controlled by changing the sputtering time when the sputtering powers were the same. When the Ag thickness decreased from 50 nm to 5 nm, the LSPR was tuned from the visible region to the Near Infrared (NIR) region. When the TiS2 thickness decreased from 60 nm to 2 nm, the LSPR shifted from the IR to NIR region. Analysis showed the thickness changes of Ag and TiS2 resulted in the changed carrier density, which led to the thickness-dependent shift of the LSPR.
Harnessing Inorganic Nanoparticles to Direct Macrophage Polarization for Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
Authors: Corsi Francesca , Carotenuto Felicia , Di Nardo Paolo , Teodori Laura
Published: October 2020

Modulation of macrophage plasticity is emerging as a successful strategy in tissue engineering (TE) to control the immune response elicited by the implanted material. Indeed, one major determinant of success in regenerating tissues and organs is to achieve the correct balance between immune pro-inflammatory and pro-resolution players. In recent years, nanoparticle-mediated macrophage polarization towards the pro- or anti-inflammatory subtypes is gaining increasing interest in the biomedical field. In TE, despite significant progress in the use of nanomaterials, the full potential of nanoparticles as effective immunomodulators has not yet been completely realized. This work discusses the contribution that nanotechnology gives to TE applications, helping native or synthetic scaffolds to direct macrophage polarization; here, three bioactive metallic and ceramic nanoparticles (gold, titanium oxide, and cerium oxide nanoparticles) are proposed as potential valuable tools to trigger skeletal muscle regeneration.
Alterations in the Intestinal Morphology, Gut Microbiota, and Trace Mineral Status Following Intra-Amniotic Administration (Gallus gallus) of Teff (Eragrostis tef) Seed Extracts
Authors: Carboni Johnathon , Reed Spenser , Kolba Nikolai , Eshel Adi , Koren Omry , Tako Elad
Published: October 2020

The consumption of teff (Eragrostis tef), a gluten-free cereal grain, has increased due to its dense nutrient composition including complex carbohydrates, unsaturated fatty acids, trace minerals (especially Fe), and phytochemicals. This study utilized the clinically-validated Gallus gallus intra amniotic feeding model to assess the effects of intra-amniotic administration of teff extracts versus controls using seven groups: (1) non-injected; (2) 18Ω H2O injected; (3) 5% inulin; (4) teff extract 1%; (5) teff extract 2.5%; (6) teff extract 5%; and (7) teff extract 7.5%. The treatment groups were compared to each other and to controls. Our data demonstrated a significant improvement in hepatic iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) concentration and LA:DGLA ratio without concomitant serum concentration changes, up-regulation of various Fe and Zn brush border membrane proteins, and beneficial morphological changes to duodenal villi and goblet cells. No significant taxonomic alterations were observed using 16S rRNA sequencing of the cecal microbiota. Several important bacterial metabolic pathways were differentially enriched in the teff group, likely due to teff’s high relative fiber concentration, demonstrating an important bacterial-host interaction that contributed to improvements in the physiological status of Fe and Zn. Therefore, teff appeared to represent a promising staple food crop and should be further evaluated.
The Effect of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Isokinetic Torque in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lago-Rodríguez Ángel , Domínguez Raúl , Ramos-Álvarez Juan José , Tobal Francisco Miguel , Jodra Pablo , Tan Rachel , Bailey Stephen J.
Published: October 2020

Dietary nitrate (NO3−) supplementation, which can enhance performance in exercise settings involving repeated high-intensity efforts, has been linked to improved skeletal muscle contractile function. Although muscular strength is an important component of explosive movements and sport-specific skills, few studies have quantified indices of muscular strength following NO3− supplementation, particularly isokinetic assessments at different angular velocities. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether dietary NO3− supplementation improves peak torque, as assessed by the gold standard method of isokinetic dynamometry, and if this effect was linked to the angular velocity imposed during the assessment. Dialnet, Directory of Open Access Journals, MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus were searched for articles using the following search strategy: (nitrate OR beet*) AND (supplement* OR nutr* OR diet*) AND (isokinetic OR strength OR “resistance exercise” OR “resistance training” OR “muscular power”). The meta-analysis of data from 5 studies with 60 participants revealed an overall effect size of −0.01 for the effect of nitrate supplementation on isokinetic peak torque, whereas trivial effect sizes ranging from −0.11 to 0.16 were observed for independent velocity-specific (90°/s, 180°/s, 270°/s, and 360°/s) isokinetic peak torque. Four of the five studies indicated that dietary NO3− supplementation is not likely to influence voluntary knee extensor isokinetic torque across a variety of angular velocities. These results suggest that NO3− supplementation does not influence isokinetic peak torque, but further work is required to elucidate the potential of NO3− supplementation to influence other indices of muscular strength, given the dearth of experimental evidence on this topic.
Cognitive Impairment in the 3xTg-AD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease is Affected by Aβ-ImmunoTherapy and Cognitive Stimulation
Authors: Roda Alejandro R. , Esquerda-Canals Gisela , Martí-Clúa Joaquim , Villegas Sandra
Published: October 2020

Clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) include behavioral alterations and cognitive impairment. These functional phenotypes early occur in triple-transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice. Specifically, behavioral alterations are first detected when mice are at around 2.5 months old and cognitive impairment in between 3- and 5-month-old mice. In this work, the effect of chronic Aβ-immunotherapy on behavioral and cognitive abilities was tested by monthly administering the antibody fragment scFv-h3D6 to 3xTg-AD female mice from 5 to 9 months of age. An untreated group was used as a reference, as well as to attain some information on the effect of training during the longitudinal study. Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)-like symptoms were already evident in 5-month-old mice, in the form of neophobia and anxious-like behavior. The exploratory activity decreased over the longitudinal study, not only for 3xTgAD mice but also for the corresponding non-transgenic mice (NTg). Learning abilities of 3xTg-AD mice were not seriously compromised but an impairment in long-term spatial memory was evident at 5 months of age. Interestingly, scFv-h3D6-treatment affected the cognitive impairment displayed by 5-month-old 3xTg-AD mice. It is worth noting that training also reduced cognitive impairment of 3xTg-AD mice over the longitudinal study, suggesting that to properly quantify the isolated therapeutic potential of any drug on cognition using this model it is convenient to perform a prompt, age-matched study rather than a longitudinal study. In addition, a combination of both training and Aβ-immunotherapy could constitute a possible approach to treat Alzheimer’s disease.
Method of Moments Optimization of Distributed Raman Amplification in Fibers with Randomly Variying Birefringence
Authors: Ortiz-Mora Antonio , Rodríguez Pedro , Díaz-Soriano Antonio , Martínez-Muñoz David , Dengra Antonio
Published: October 2020

In this work, we develop a vectorial model, for optical communications, using distributed Raman amplification (DRA) applied to vectorial soliton pulses in monomode fiber optics. The main result, a dependent polarization effective Raman gain coefficient, is calculated considering the random birefringence character of the fiber and the relative mismatch between the continuous wave (CW) pump and the signal. The Method of Moments allows the determination of the optimal initial conditions to achieve a better performance in our system. With these starting values, the simulations carried out with the Split-Step Fourier Method (SSFM) elucidate the influence of the peak power and prechirping initial phase control on the vectorial soliton propagation.
The Influence of Environmental Features on the Morphometric Variation in Mauritia flexuosa L.f. Fruits and Seeds
Authors: Sander Nilo L. , da Silva Carolina J. , Duarte Aline V. M. , W. Zago Bruno , Galbiati Carla , G. Viana Iris , de Arruda Joari C. , E. Dardengo Juliana , P. Poletine Juliana , H. Siqueira Leite Marcelo , de Souza Marta H. S. , de Oliveira Robson F. , S. Guimarães Thallita , P. da Silva Valvenarg , A. A. Barelli Marco
Published: October 2020

The environmental heterogeneity may reflect the different morphological and phenotypic traits of individuals belonging to a single species. We used 14 morphological traits of Mauritia flexuosa L.f. to understanding the relation between environment and phenotypic traits. Twenty-five fruits were collected from each of the 10 individuals sampled in each study site: Chapada dos Guimarães (CG), Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade (VB), and Alta Floresta (AF). We analyzed the genetic divergence, using the standardized Euclidean distance, the sequential method of Tocher, unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA), and the projection of the distances onto 2D plane, and calculated the relative importance of the traits evaluated. The analysis showed the partition of individuals into three main groups: Two groups comprising the majority of individuals. Fresh fruit weight, pulp rate, fresh pulp weight, and moisture rate were the traits that most helped explaining the difference between materials. The results shown in the current study evidenced the influence of these three different environments on the biometric traits of M. flexuosa. Such influence has led to the formation of Alta Floresta and Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade individuals in different groups, whereas the Chapada dos Guimarães individuals were able to permeate the two other groups, although they showed stronger tendency to group with individuals from Vila Bela da Santíssima Trindade.
Correlating the Performance of a Fire-Retardant Coating across Different Scales of Testing
Authors: Ng Yan Hao , Zope Indraneel Suhas , Dasari Aravind , Tan Kang Hai
Published: October 2020

Material-scale tests involving milligrams of samples are used to optimize fire-retardant coating formulations, but actual applications of these coatings require them to be assessed with structural-scale fire tests. This significant difference in the scale of testing (milligrams to kilograms of sample) raises many questions on the relations between the inherent flammability and thermal characteristics of the coating materials and their “performance” at the structural scale. Moreover, the expected “performance” requirements and the definition of “performance” varies at different scales. In this regard, the pathway is not established when designing and formulating fire-retardant coatings for structural steel sections or members. This manuscript explores the fundamental relationships across different scales of testing with the help of a fire-protective system based on acrylic resin with a typical combination of intumescent additives, viz. ammonium polyphosphate, pentaerythritol, and expandable graphite. One of the main outcomes of this work dictates that higher heat release rate values and larger amounts of material participating in the pyrolysis process per unit time will result in a rapid rise in steel substrate temperature. This information is very useful in the design and development of generic fire-retardant coatings.
Geotextile Tube Dewatering Performance Assessment: An Experimental Study of Sludge Dewatering Generated at a Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Aparicio Ardila Maria Alejandra , Souza Samira Tessarolli de , Silva Jefferson Lins da , Valentin Clever Aparecido , Dantas Angela Di Bernardo
Published: October 2020

Using geotextile tubes as dewatering technology may significantly contribute to sustainable treatment of sludge generated in different industries, such as the water industry. This is an economical alternative for dewatering sludge from a Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which prevents sludge from being directly deposited in water bodies and makes it possible to then transfer the sludge to landfills. This paper presents a laboratory study and a statistical analysis, carried out to evaluate the geotextile tube dewatering of sludge from a WTP, discussing the relation between the independent variables (initial Total Solids (TS) of the sludge and polymer dosing) and dependent variables (performance indices used in the literature) evaluated using semi-performance tests. Sludge from a WTP and three different types of geotextiles bags were used. Changes in the geotextiles’ characteristics after dewatering were also evaluated, quantitatively using permittivity tests and qualitatively by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results indicated turbidity of effluent that met the Brazilian regulations for the discharge of effluents into Class 2 water bodies, as well as higher percent-solids than those obtained with mechanical dewatering technologies. This study underscores the importance of semi-performance tests to understand dewatering in geotextile tubes.
The Relationship between Regular Use of Ridesourcing and Frequency of Public Transport Use in the MENA Region (Tehran and Cairo)
Authors: Mostofi Hamid , Masoumi Houshmand , Dienel Hans-Liudger
Published: October 2020

Despite the growing share of ridesourcing services in cities, there is limited research about their impacts on other transport mode choices in the large cities of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). There is a debate about whether ridesourcing affects the frequent use of sustainable modes like public transport. This study uses the results of a large-scale series of face-to-face interviews in Tehran and Cairo to study the relationship between the regular use of ridesourcing and the frequency of public transport use. Descriptive statistics and logit regression are used to analyze this association. The findings indicate contradictory correlations between the regular use of ridesourcing and the frequent use of public transport in Tehran and Cairo. The regular use of ridesourcing has a positive correlation with the probability of frequent public transport use in Cairo. In contrast, this correlation is negative in Tehran, which means that the regular ridesourcing users are less likely than the non-regular users to use frequently public transport. The reasons for these different correlations are studied in terms of socioeconomic variables, accessibility, and the citizens’ perception of public transport in both cities.
Recent Developments in Low iLUC Policies and Certification in the EU Biobased Economy
Authors: Sumfleth Beike , Majer Stefan , Thrän Daniela
Published: October 2020

The development of a sustainable biobased economy (BBE) in Europe is associated with several challenges. Amongst others, lessons learned from the development of the biofuel sector and the complex debate around land use change associated with a growing demand for biomass have to be considered when developing BBE policies. In that regard, strategies to identify and verify feedstocks with low potential risks for direct and indirect land use change (iLUC) impacts are of specific importance. Complementing existing efforts to assess iLUC with modelling activities, the European Commission (EC) has proposed a risk-based approach, aiming to differentiate high and low iLUC risk biomass. Amongst others, different additionality measures can be used to produce certified biomass with low iLUC risk. However, a comprehensive overview and analysis of these additionality measures and the challenges related to their integration in an integer verification approach is still missing. Therefore, we analyse European Union (EU) policies dealing with iLUC, iLUC risk assessment studies, certification approaches, and iLUC modelling studies to identify and develop additionality practices potentially applicable in certification and to show how the potential application of the proposed measures could be realised and verified in practice. We identified five potential practices for low iLUC risk biomass production, which are likely to be used by market actors. For each practice, we identified methods for the determination of low iLUC risk feedstock and products. Finally, our review includes recommendations for follow-up activities towards the actual implementation of additionality measures in biomass certification schemes.
Does Car-Sharing Reduce Car-Use? An Impact Evaluation of Car-Sharing in Flanders, Belgium
Authors: Chapman Donald A. , Eyckmans Johan , Van Acker Karel
Published: October 2020

Private car-use is a major contributor of greenhouse gases. Car-sharing is often hypothesised as a potential solution to reduce car-ownership, which can lead to car-sharing users reducing their car-use. However, there is a risk that car-sharing may also increase car-use amongst some users. Existing studies on the impacts of car-sharing on car-use are often based on estimates of the users’ own judgement of the effects; few studies make use of quasi-experimental methods. In this paper, the impact of car-sharing on car-ownership and car-use in Flanders, Belgium is estimated using survey data from both sharers and non-sharers. The impact on car-use is estimated using zero-inflated negative binomial regression, applied to matched samples of car-sharing users and non-users. The results show that the car-sharing may reduce car-use, but only if a significant number of users reduce their car-ownership. Policy intervention may therefore be required to ensure car-sharing leads to a reduction in car-use by, for example, discouraging car-ownership. Further research using quasi-experimental methods is required to illuminate whether the promise of car-sharing is reflected in reality.
A Trajectory for Advancing the Meta-Cognitive Solving of Mathematics-Based Programming Problems with Scratch
Authors: Daher Wajeeh , Baya’a Nimer , Jaber Otman , Awawdeh Shahbari Juhaina
Published: October 2020

It is the intention of the current study to suggest a trajectory for the advancement of prospective mathematics teachers’ use of meta-cognitive skills in solving mathematics-based programming problems with Scratch. Scratch is a code-based program that can be utilized in teaching various disciplines, especially geometry and its rich range of subjects such as the topic of symmetry. The present study suggests that advancing prospective teachers’ meta-cognitive skills in the Scratch environment could be done through problem solving and negotiations. The present paper analyzed the implementation of the trajectory by two pedagogic supervisors who attempted, in the frame of one-year preparation (2018–2019), to educate 18 prospective teachers to use meta-cognitive skills in mathematics-based programming activities, where this attempt was based on problem solving and negotiation processes. Data were collected through videoing and recording the learning sessions of the prospective teachers and was analyzed using deductive and inductive constant comparison methods. The deductive analysis utilized theoretical models of meta-cognitive processes and negotiation processes. The research results indicated that the negotiation processes supported the development of the prospective teachers’ meta-cognitive processes in solving mathematics-based programming problems with Scratch.
A Sensitive Two-Analyte Immunochromatographic Strip for Simultaneously Detecting Aflatoxin M1 and Chloramphenicol in Milk
Authors: Wu Shih-Wei , Ko Jiunn-Liang , Liu Biing-Hui , Yu Feng-Yih
Published: October 2020

A two-analyte immunochromatographic strip (immunostrip) was developed for the simultaneous detection of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and chloramphenicol (CAP) in milk. Protein conjugates (AFM1-ovalbumin (OVA) and CAP-OVA) and goat anti-rabbit IgG were respectively drawn on nitrocellulose membrane as two test lines (T1 and T2) and a control line (C). The immunostrip was dipped into a well that contained a 200 μL milk sample, 5 μL AFM1 antibody-gold conjugates, and 8 μL CAP antibody-gold conjugates; the whole assay was completed in 15 min and the results could be interpreted visually or using a reader. This immunostrip has cut-off levels of 0.1 ng/mL and 0.5 ng/mL for AFM1 and CAP, respectively. Analysis of CAP and AFM1 in milk samples revealed that data from the immunostrip test agreed closely with those obtained from ELISA. The two-analyte immunostrip is a rapid way for on-site simultaneous detection of AFM1 and CAP in milk.
Widespread Evolution of Molecular Resistance to Snake Venom α-Neurotoxins in Vertebrates
Authors: Khan Muzaffar A. , Dashevsky Daniel , Kerkkamp Harald , Kordiš Dušan , de Bakker Merijn A. G. , Wouters Roel , van Thiel Jory , op den Brouw Bianca , Vonk Freek J. , Kini R. Manjunatha , Nazir Jawad , Fry Bryan G. , Richardson Michael K.
Published: October 2020

Venomous snakes are important subjects of study in evolution, ecology, and biomedicine. Many venomous snakes have alpha-neurotoxins (α-neurotoxins) in their venom. These toxins bind the alpha-1 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) at the neuromuscular junction, causing paralysis and asphyxia. Several venomous snakes and their predators have evolved resistance to α-neurotoxins. The resistance is conferred by steric hindrance from N-glycosylated asparagines at amino acids 187 or 189, by an arginine at position 187 that has been hypothesized to either electrostatically repulse positively charged neurotoxins or sterically interfere with α-neurotoxin binding, or proline replacements at positions 194 or 197 of the nAChR ligand-binding domain to inhibit α-neurotoxin binding through structural changes in the receptor. Here, we analyzed this domain in 148 vertebrate species, and assessed its amino acid sequences for resistance-associated mutations. Of these sequences, 89 were sequenced de novo. We find widespread convergent evolution of the N-glycosylation form of resistance in several taxa including venomous snakes and their lizard prey, but not in the snake-eating birds studied. We also document new lineages with the arginine form of inhibition. Using an in vivo assay in four species, we provide further evidence that N-glycosylation mutations reduce the toxicity of cobra venom. The nAChR is of crucial importance for normal neuromuscular function and is highly conserved throughout the vertebrates as a result. Our research shows that the evolution of α-neurotoxins in snakes may well have prompted arms races and mutations to this ancient receptor across a wide range of sympatric vertebrates. These findings underscore the inter-connectedness of the biosphere and the ripple effects that one adaption can have across global ecosystems.
Removal Characteristics of Effluent Organic Matter (EfOM) in Pharmaceutical Tailwater by a Combined Coagulation and UV/O3 Process
Authors: Wang Jian , Song Yonghui , Qian Feng , Du Cong , Yu Huibin , Xiang Liancheng
Published: October 2020

A novel coagulation combined with UV/O3 process was employed to remove the effluent organic matter (EfOM) from a biotreated pharmaceutical wastewater for harmlessness. The removal behavior of EfOM by UV/O3 process was characterized by synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (SFS) integrating two-dimensional correlation (2D-COS) and principal component analysis (PCA) technology. The highest dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and ratio of UV254 and DOC (SUVA) removal efficiency reached 55.8% and 68.7% by coagulation-UV/O3 process after 60 min oxidation, respectively. Five main components of pharmaceutical tail wastewater (PTW) were identified by SFS. Spectral analysis revealed that UV/O3 was selective for the removal of different fluorescent components, especially fulvic acid-like fluorescent (FLF) component and humus-like fluorescent (HLF) component. Synchronous fluorescence/UV-visible two-dimensional correlation spectra analysis showed that the degradation of organic matter occurred sequentially in the order of HLF, FLF, microbial humus-like fluorescence component (MHLF), tryptophan-like fluorescent component (TRLF), tyrosine-like fluorescent component (TYLF). The UV/O3 process removed 95.6% of HLF, 80.0% of FLF, 56.0% of TRLF, 50.8% of MHLF and 44.4% of TYLF. Therefore, the coagulation-UV/O3 process was proven to be an attractive way to reduce the environmental risks of PTW.
Application of a Multi-User Virtual Environment for Simulating Operations for New Projects of Manned Space Flights.
Authors: Kryuchkov B.I. , Usov V.M. , Mikhailyuk M.V.
Published: October 2020

The paper deals with the problem of obtaining professional experience by cosmonauts under the earth conditions in the interests of promising projects of manned space flights using a multi-user virtual environment as an online tool providing communication and control of an operational interaction between a cosmonaut and a scientific-pedagogical team of experts in various related fields when developing scenarios for the crew's activities under conditions of high uncertainty of the initial data in future projects.
A Study on Consumer Satisfaction Towards E-Learning Apps with Special Reference to Madurai City
Authors: Divya Margaret , Priya Vijaya
Published: October 2020

There are many terms used to describe learning that is delivered via the internet. E-learning or Electronic Learning is the portage of learning and training through digital resources like computers, tablets, laptops and, even cellular phones that are connected to the internet to access educational curriculum outside of a traditional classroom. This learning environment uses Information and Communication Technologies (ICT’s) as a platform for teaching and learning activities. As this teaching and learning pedagogy earns high momentum amidst teaching and student community, the researchers belonging to the respective communities undertook this study with the sole purpose of finding out the effect of e-learning apps in this high technology invaded the digital world with X-Generation learners. This study is descriptive and analytical. This research paper focuses on customer awareness, preference, and the level of satisfaction towards eLearning apps. The researcher has formulated core objectives relevant to the study and, both primary and secondary data are collected from the customers belonging to Madurai City. This study has well defined the number of e-Learning apps to fulfill the objectives of the study with the help of the statistical techniques. The researcher has used the IBM SPSS statistics tool for data analysis and interpretation. The study reveals the fact that despite the majority of the respondents supporting e-learning methodology but there are a handful of respondents who strongly believe that e-learning cannot replace face-to-face teaching and a tight bond between a teacher and a student.
BANKALARIN REKABETİ İHLAL KARARINDA TAZMİNAT TALEBİ ANALİZİ
Authors: KALE Süleyman , SELİMLER Hüseyin
Published: October 2020

Rekabet Kurulu, 08.03.2013 tarih, 13-13/198-100 sayılı kararıyla
“Türkiye’de faaliyet gösteren 12 bankanın mevduat, kredi ve kredi kartı
hizmetleri konusunda anlaşma ve/veya uyumlu eylem içerisinde bulunmak suretiyle
4054 sayılı Rekabetin Korunması Hakkında Kanun'u ihlal ettiğine” karar
vermiştir. Kararın soncu olarak, rekabetin ihlal edilmesinden zarar gören
müşterilerin bu zararlarının tazmini gündeme gelmiştir. Bu çalışmada rekabeti
ihlali sonucu müşterilerin talepte bulunup bulunamayacağı, ihlal sonucu oluşan
zararın nasıl tespit edileceği ve yargıdaki yaklaşımlar tartışılacak; bir
ticari kredi örneği üzerinden analiz ve değerlendirmeler yapılacaktır.
Directed formation of commercial quality of table grapes based on the use of foliar dressing with microfertilizers
Authors: Левченко Светлана Валентиновна , Бойко Владимир Александрович , Белаш Дмитрий Юрьевич , Алейникова Наталья Васильевна
Published: October 2020

На территории Республики Крым проводились двухлетние исследования, которые позволили оценить влияние внекорневых обработок регулятором роста Альбит, ТПС и комплексом удобрений ООО «Биокефарм Рус» («Сиамино Про», Дабл Вин, «Боро Про», Софт Гард, Алга, Мастер Грин Са) на формирование показателей товарного качества столовых сортов винограда в период вегетации виноградного растения. Применение регулятора роста Альбит, ТПС увеличило урожай с куста и среднюю массу грозди винограда сорта Молдова на 26,4 % и 14,8 % относительно контроля (система питания хозяйства). Урожай с куста и средняя масса грозди сорта Италия с использованием препарата Альбит, ТПС повысилась на 34,4 % и 14,9 %, комплекса удобрений ООО «Биокефарм Рус» на 29,5 % и 23,8 % по сравнению с контролем. Комплекс удобрений ООО «Биокефарм Рус» улучшил выход стандартной продукции винограда сорта Италия на 9,4 % в сравнении с контролем. Доля влияния исследуемых препаратов на урожайность сорта Молдова варьировала от 53,1% (Альбит, ТПС) до 90,3% (ООО «Биокефарм Рус») при Р<0.05 (P - значение по критерию Фишера). В опытах с применением регулятора роста «Альбит, ТПС» увеличилась общая дегустационная оценка винограда сорта Молдова - на 14,6 %, сорта Италия - на 5,8 %; при использовании комплекса препаратов ООО «Биокефарм Рус» - на 9,9% (сорт Молдова) и на - 9,6 % (сорт Италия) относительно контроля.

On the territory of the Republic of Crimea, a two-year study was carried out, which made it possible to assess the effect of foliar treatments with the growth regulator Albit, RP and a complex of fertilizers of Biokepharm Rus LLC (Siamino Pro, Double Win, Boro Pro, Soft Guard, Algae, Master Green Ca) on the formation of indicators of the commercial quality of table grape varieties during the growing season. The use of growth regulator Albit, RP increased the yield per bush and the average bunch weight of ‘Moldova’ grape variety by 26.4% and 14.8% relative to the control (food and agriculture system). The yield per bush and the average bunch weight of ‘Italia’ variety using Albit, RP preparation increased by 34.4% and 14.9%, using the fertilizer complex of Biokepharm Rus LLC - by 29.5% and 23.8% compared to the control. Fertilizer complex of Biokepharm Rus LLC improved the standard product output of ‘Italia’ grapes by 9.4% compared to the control. The influence degree of preparations studied on the cropping capacity of ‘Moldova’ variety ranged from 53.1% (Albit, RP) to 90.3% (Biokepharm Rus LLC) at P < 0.05 (P is Fisher's variance ratio). In experiments with the use of growth regulator Albit, RP, the overall tasting assessment of ‘Moldova’ grape variety increased by 14.6%, ‘Italia’ variety - by 5.8%; when using the complex of preparations of Biokepharm Rus LLC - by 9.9% (‘Moldova’ variety) and by - 9.6% (‘Italia’ variety) relative to the control.
Pengaruh Sosial Ekonomi Orang Tua Terhadap Prestasi Belajar Taruna Teknika
Authors: Prayogo Darul
Published: October 2020

Kondisi sosial ekonomi orang tua sangat dibutuhkan untuk menunjang proses belajar Taruna. Kondisi sosial ekonomi orang tua yang baik memungkinkan Taruna memperoleh sarana dan prasarana yang lebih banyak sehingga Taruna mampu mencapai prestasi belajar yang baik. Permasalahan yang akan diteliti dalam penelitian ini adalah Bagaimana kondisi sosial ekonomi orang tua Taruna tingkat 1 semester 2 Program Studi Teknika Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran tahun pelajaran 2019/2020, Apa Prestasi belajar mata pembinaan produktif Taruna, Adakah pengaruh terhadap kondisi sosial ekonomi orang tua, Seberapa besar sumbangan kondisi sosial ekonomi orang tua Taruna.

Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh Taruna tingkat 1 semester 2 yang berjumlah 104 Taruna. Sampel yang diambil adalah Taruna kelas T2B dan T2C yang berjumlah 68 orang. Variabel dalam penelitian ini ada dua yang meliputi variabel bebas yaitu kondisi sosial ekonomi orang tua yang diberi notasi (X) dan variabel terikatnya adalah prestasi belajar yang diberi notasi (Y). Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner yang berisi pertanyaan-pertanyaan dengan jawaban tertutup. Analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif persentase dan analisis regresi.

Hasil analisis deskriptif persentase diketahui tingkat kondisi sosial ekonomi orang tua baik dan prestasi belajar Taruna juga baik. Dari hasil analisis statistik regresi diperoleh kondisi sosial ekonomi orang tua Taruna kelas 1 semester 2 berpengaruh terhadap prestasi belajar Taruna. Besarnya sumbangan kondisi sosial ekonomi orang tua Taruna kelas 1 semester 2 berpengaruh terhadap prestasi belajar Taruna yaitu 28,25%.

Berdasarkan hasil penelitian tersebut disarankan kepada pihak sekolah khususnya Program Studi Teknika agar lebih memperhatikan Taruna yang kondisi sosial ekonomi orang tuanya sedang atau kurang mampu dan membuat kebijakan untuk memberikan beaTaruna atau pembebasan SPP dalam rangka untuk mencapai prestasi belajar yang baik bagi Taruna. Peneliti juga menyarankan agar peneliti selanjutnya mengembangkan penelitian yang serupa dengan variabel independen lainnya.
Hubungan Kekuatan dan Koordinasi terhadap Jauhnya Tendangan dalam Pemainan Sepakbola
Authors: Lau Bachtiar
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara kekuatan otot tungkai, kekuatan otot perut, dan koordinasi mata kaki dengan kemampuan menendang bola dalam permainan sepakbola. Termasuk kedalam jenis penelitian deskriptif dengan menggunakan teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah teknik korelasi dan regresi. Sedangkan sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian berjumlah 60 orang siswa. Hasil dari penelitian ini didapatkan: (1) terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara kekuatan otot tungkai dengan kemampuan menendang, (2) terdapat hubungan yang signifikan kekutan otot perut dengan kemampuan menendang bola, (3) terdapat hubungan yang signifikan koordinasi mata kaki dengan kekampuan menendang bola, dan (4) terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara kekuatan otot tungkai, kekuatan otot perut, dan koordinasi mata kaki dengan kemampuan menendang bola
Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Siswa dengan Probing Prompting Berdasarkan Nilai-nilai Islam Pada Materi Pola Bilangan
Authors: Meika Ika , Nenden Suciyati Sartika  , Asep Sujana  , Ridwan
Published: October 2020

This study aims to determine an increase in the mathematical connection ability of students of class VIII MTs Mathlabul Falah Labuan by using the Probing-prompting learning model based on Islamic values. The method used in this study is quasi-experimental method. Sampling was done by sampling technique saturated with a sample of 40 students from class VIII A as the experiment class and class VIII B as the control class. Based on the results of data analysis, the results show that there are differences in the ability to improve mathematical connections between experimentasl class students and control class students.

Keywords: Probing-Prompting, Mathematical Connection
Peal factor of signals of 5G mobile service systems
Authors: Kozel V. M. , Podvornaya D. A. , Kovalev K. A.
Published: October 2020

This article discusses the possible formats of signals of 5G mobile communication networks (NR, IMT-2020): configurations of the number of resource blocks and frequency shifts of subcarriers. modulation schemes, organizations of the physical level, as well as the broadband signals of these networks and, as a result, the need for introducing a margin on the linearity of the transceiver’s paths to eliminate distortion or the manifestation of blocking effects when the signal interferes with third-party means. We analyze the characteristics of the dynamic range of the signals from IMT-2020 ground mobile systems and make a conclusion about the noise-like signals. To find the ratio of the maximum amplitude to its average value and a given ratio not exceeded with a given probability, the Matlab mathematical models were used. We infer that the law of probability distribution of the module of the instantaneous amplitude of the 5G signals corresponds to the distribution characteristic of narrow-band radio noise. Based on the study, the peak factor of the signal of the IMT-2020 ground mobile systems for various variations is obtained and a sufficient level of power reserve is provided to ensure, with high probability, the transmission of the 5G signals through radio paths, eliminating signal distortion. The results of this study were applied in the examination of the electromagnetic compatibility of radio electronic devices of cellular mobile communications with existing and promising electronic means of civil and special purposes and in the study of the protection of ground satellite stations from the effects of radio electronic means of IMT-2020 cellular mobile telecommunication networks located at border territories.
ONLINE PURCHASE DECISION MAKING: A CASE STUDY IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Abd Rahman Ishak , Othman Abdullah Sanusi , Munimbar Mohd Ariff Irfan , Aziz Azmi
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study is to examine the factors that influence consumers in making online purchasing decisions in Malaysia. The focus of this study is related to consumer attitudes, the factors that influence them to make online purchasing decisions. Researchers evaluate the criteria that can motivate consumers to make decisions when buying online. There are three independent variables studied namely, product price, quality of product information, and product reviews to obtain study data. This study was designed using quantitative methods where survey questions were distributed to a total of 122 respondents via Google Form and distributed online randomly requiring Malaysians aged between 18 and above regardless of gender, race, household income, and education someone. The data collected will be analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Overall, based on the study conducted it is undeniable that there are many consumers making online purchases compared to buying directly at business premises as technology today is growing and Internet access is also expanding and easily in line with the changing lifestyle of society busy nowadays.