bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tahap Pengaplikasian Media Digital dalam Kalangan Guru Bahasa Tamil di Sekolah Rendah
Authors: Dorasamy Meenachi , Abu Samah Norazrena
Published: July 2023

Media digital memainkan peranan penting dalam pelaksanaan Pendidikan 4.0 bagi memastikan pembinaan modal insan yang mampu bersaing di persada dunia. Walaubagaimanapun, dapatan kajian-kajian lepas menunjukkan guru-guru mempunyai masalah dalam pengaplikasian media digital dalam aktiviti PdPR. Maka, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti tahap pengaplikasian media digital dalam aktiviti pengajaran dan pentaksiran. Di samping itu, kajian ini juga dijalankan bagi tahap pengaplikasian media digital berdasarkan pengetahuan, kemahiran dan sikap guru. Sejajar dengan itu, seramai 103 orang guru dari Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil di daerah Segamat telah terlibat sebagai sampel kajian ini. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah kuantitatif jenis tinjauan dengan menggunakan borang soal selidik. Data kajian ini telah dianalisis menggunakan kaedah analisis deskriptif dan inferensi bagi menjawab persoalan kajian. Hasil kajian menunjukkan tahap pengaplikasian media digital dalam aktiviti pengajaran dan pembelajaran dan aktiviti pentaksiran berada pada tahap yang tinggi. Tahap pengaplikasian media digital berdasarkan pengetahuan, kemahiran dan sikap guru juga berada pada tahap yang tinggi. Seterusnya, ujian korelasi menunjukkan terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan, kemahiran dan sikap guru dengan pengaplikasian media digital dalam pengajaran. Hasil daripada perlaksanaan kajian ini memberi input tentang tahap pembelajaran maya dan pelaksanaan elemen pendidikan abad ke 21 di Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil di daerah Segamat dan seterusnya membuatkan pihak pentadbir dan kementerian dalam meningkatkan lagi kemudahan internet di sekolah bagi memastikan penggunaan elemen pembelajaran maya di sekolah dilakukan tanpa sebarang gangguan bagi merealisasikan hasrat dan falsafah pendidikan negara perkembangan yang mencetus Pendidikan 4.0.
Kajian Berkaitan Pedagogi Guru-guru SJK (T) Daerah Segamat Dalam Pelaksanaan PdPR
Authors: Kuppan K.Anitha , Mohamad Said Mohd Nihra Haruzuan
Published: July 2023

Kajian ini dijalankan untuk meninjau pedagogi guru SJKT daerah Segamat dalam pelaksanaan PdPr. Terdapat tiga fokus utama yang ditekankan oleh pengkaji dalam objektif kajian ini iaitu komponen pedagogi yang digunakan oleh guru dalam melaksanakan PdPR dalam talian. Seterusnya, pengkaji juga ingin mengenal pasti hubungan antara komponen pedagogi guru dengan teknologi. Pengkaji juga mengenal pasti cabaran guru melaksanakan PdPr. Kajian ini dijalankan untuk mengetahui sama ada terdapat cabaran daripada guru SJK (T) di Segamat dalam melaksanakan proses PdPR dalam tempoh PKP dan ingin mengenal pasti komponen pedagogi yang digunakan oleh guru SJK (T) daerah Segamat dalam melaksanakan pembelajaran dan proses pengajaran semasa PKP untuk melengkapkan isi pelajaran dengan menggunakan pendekatan pembelajaran dalam talian seperti whatsApp, telegram dan google meet khususnya bagi pelajar di luar bandar yang mengalami gangguan internet di kawasan yang tiada kemudahan internet. Kajian yang dijalankan adalah kajian kuantitatif deskriptif menggunakan reka bentuk kajian tinjauan menggunakan soal selidik Soal selidik diedarkan secara atas talian menggunakan Borang Google. Seramai 50 orang responden telah dipilih dalam kajian ini. Responden dipilih secara rawak dalam kalangan guru SJKT di daerah Segamat. Melalui kajian ini, pengkaji mendapati secara umumnya telegram, google classroom dan whatsapp digunakan sebagai medium pengajaran dalam talian. Majoriti guru selesa dan sering menggunakan google meet dan telegram dalam proses pengajaran dan pembelajaran dalam talian. Pengetahuan teknologi responden dalam penggunaan google meet, telegram, google class room dan medium whatsapp adalah tahap tinggi. Tidak dinafikan secara keseluruhannya didapati majoriti responden menghadapi masalah internet. Pelajar juga tidak dapat menghantar tugasan tepat pada masany dan guru masih memerlukan bimbingan dalam menjalankan pengajaran dalam talian dengan lebih berkesan.
Aplikasi Android Pembelajaran Abjad Bahasa Jepun (JingoCat Apps)
Authors: Hamzah Norhasyimah , Mohd Rosli Nor Farah Emilia , Rubani Siti Nur Kamariah , Ariffin Arihasnida , Zakaria Normah
Published: July 2023

Bahasa asing menjadi salah satu bahasa yang perlu dipelajari oleh pelajar Ijazah Sarjana Muda di Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). Kajian ini bertujuan untuk membangunkan satu aplikasi android pembelajaran abjad bahasa jepun aras satu dan dua kepada pelajar UTHM khususnya dan umumnya boleh digunakan kepada mana-mana pengguna yang berminat. Aplikasi ini merupakan pembelajaran awal dalam mempelajari abjad Jepun di samping memudahkan pelajar untuk menguasai huruf Hiragana dan Katakana melalui aplikasi pembelajaran mudah alih berasaskan multimedia. Aplikasi android pembelajaran abjad jepun tahap 1 dan 2 (JingoCat Apps) mempunyai tiga menu utama iaitu Learn, Game dan Review di mana setiap menu mengandungi pembelajaran yang berbeza kandungan. Reka bentuk maklumat adalah berdasarkan Teori Kognitif, Teori Behaviorisme dan Teori Konstruktivisme. Model reka bentuk produk adalah berdasarkan Model Hannafin dan Peck (1988) terdiri daripada fasa Analisis, Reka Bentuk, Pembangunan dan Pengulangan dan Penilaian. Oleh itu, semua fasa akan mengandungi proses penilaian dan menyemak semula setiap fasa. Reka bentuk yang terlibat dalam pembangunan aplikasi JingoCat adalah informasi, interaksi dan antara muka. Penilaian terhadap pakar yang terdiri daripada dua orang pakar dalam bidang Multimedia Kreatif dan dua orang pakar dalam bahasa asing (Bahasa Jepun).  Hasil dapatan menunjukkan, keseluruhan pakar bersetuju bahawa reka bentuk informasi, interaksi dan antara muka memenuhi keperluan dan bersesuaian. Kesimpulannya, aplikasi pembelajaran abjad Jepun JingoCat menjadi satu Alat Bahan Bantu Mengajar (ABBM) dan mudah digunakan oleh semua pihak yang memerlukan.
Implementation of Formative Assessment in Teaching Infographics
Authors: Megat Norziha , Nurazean Maarop  , Rasimah Che Mohd Yusop  , Norazmah Suhailah Abdul Malek  , Suraya Yaacob  , Wan Azlan Wan Hassan
Published: July 2023

Designing learning instruction or pedagogical activities is one of the elements in constructive alignment. Constructive alignment is needed to assess students’ learning on the concept of infographics. In teaching the concept of infographics with good storytelling, students need to understand the principles and categories of visualization. This concept is quite challenging for students to understand and implement in real situations. Based on the given data, most of the students have used the wrong visualization technique. Therefore, this article provides the explanation on how a formative assessment can be conducted via online. In doing this, the researcher involved a group of postgraduate students in a case study. Findings show these students can improve their design via group work activities. Hopefully, this article contributes to provide innovative ideas on online learning and teaching andragogy and thus, makes it more meaningful and engaging to both students and teachers.
DESIGN OF SELF-REGULATED FLOW CONTROL MECHANISM FOR A TURBOCHARGER GAS STAND TEST FACILITY
Authors: Chiong Meng Soon , Soon Chun Mein , Mohammad Mahadhir , Md Sah Muhammad Hanafi , Tevar Muthuramalinga
Published: July 2023

A turbocharger test facility is essential to evaluate the turbocharger’s performance by mapping the turbine and compressor operating conditions. This paper aims to design a self-regulated airflow control mechanism for the turbocharger test facility in UTM LoCARtic. Previously, the gas stand airflow was regulated manually. However, the vast variety of turbocharger design and operating conditions increase the difficulty to continuously and precisely regulate the airflow manually. In this paper, the valve and actuator selection, the mechanical design and the control loop design will be presented. Four valves model have been considered, namely globe type, ball type, butterfly valve and gate valve. The final selection was based on the flow coefficient (Kv), pressure drop, stability and accuracy. The actuation system is also one major consideration to obtain the best accuracy and response time. An electric actuator helps to achieve a self-regulated flow control mechanism. In conclusion, the globe type valve was chosen because of the flow accuracy, flow stability and the Kv value is close to the gas stand’s requirement.
A STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF FIBER CONTENT AND FIBER ORIENTATION ON THE TENSILE STRENGTH OF GLASS FIBER REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITE FOR PIPE PRODUCTION: A STATISTICAL APPROACH
Authors: Samuel Bassey , Danjuma Saleh Yawas  , Akpan Imaobong
Published: July 2023

This study was aimed at optimizing the development parameters of a glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite for pipeline application. In this study, the Taguchi experimental design technique was applied to determine the best combination of process parameters (fiber content and orientation) for optimum tensile strength. The optimum tensile strength of 209.65MPa was reported at the fiber content of 50% and Fiber orientation of 45º. Analysis of variance also showed that in optimizing for high tensile strength, the glass fiber content and the fiber orientation are significant factors. The material at optimum tensile properties was applied in the simulation of the behavior of a high-pressured gas pipeline and results proved the reliability of the material in such application.
Nonnegative scalar curvature on manifolds with at least two ends
Authors: Cecchini Simone , Räde Daniel , Zeidler Rudolf
Published: June 2023

Let be an orientable connected ‐dimensional manifold with and let be a two‐sided closed connected incompressible hypersurface that does not admit a metric of positive scalar curvature (abbreviated by psc). Moreover, suppose that the universal covers of and are either both spin or both nonspin. Using Gromov's ‐bubbles, we show that does not admit a complete metric of psc. We provide an example showing that the spin/nonspin hypothesis cannot be dropped from the statement of this result. This answers, up to dimension 7, a question by Gromov for a large class of cases. Furthermore, we prove a related result for submanifolds of codimension 2. We deduce as special cases that, if does not admit a metric of psc and , then does not carry a complete metric of psc and does not carry a complete metric of uniformly psc, provided that and , respectively. This solves, up to dimension 7, a conjecture due to Rosenberg and Stolz in the case of orientable manifolds.
Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters Obtained From Safflower Oil: A Fully Renewable Biofuel
Authors: Isler-Kaya Asli , Karaosmanoglu Filiz
Published: June 2023

With the aim to obtain a pure renewable second-generation biofuel, transesterification reaction of safflower oil and sugar beet molasses-originated ethanol and usage options as a blend component were investigated. Depleting fossil fuels, increasing fossil fuel prices, and fossil fuel-related emissions are significant global problems. The progress in pure bio-based and safer fuels gains importance to figure out these problems. Biodiesel is an excellent fuel candidate that can substitute conventional diesel fuel. For its production, fatty acid methyl esters were primarily proposed. However, with their many advantages, ethyl esters have come to the fore because of environmental and technical issues. Thus, using a by-product originated bioethanol as alcohol and safflower oil as a nonedible raw material would further enhance the renewability and sustainability of one of the second-generation biofuels. This article studied the transesterification reaction of safflower oil with sugar-beet molasses-originated bioethanol. The effects of the safflower oil:ethanol (mole:mole) ratio, catalyst amount, and temperature on the ester content were individually investigated. The fuel properties of safflower oil ethyl ester and 2%, 5%, and 7% v/v safflower oil ethyl ester-blended diesel and rural diesel fuels were determined according to the standards. The main advantages of ethyl ester addition to diesel fuel include the increase in flash point and the decrease in the sulfur content. However, some additives should improve some properties (cold filter plugging point and oxidation stability).
Hydrogels of arrested phase separation simultaneously achieve high strength and low hysteresis
Authors: Zhang Guogao , Steck Jason , Kim Junsoo , Ahn Christine Heera , Suo Zhigang
Published: June 2023

Hydrogels are being developed to bear loads. Applications include artificial tendons and muscles, which require high strength to bear loads and low hysteresis to reduce energy loss. However, simultaneously achieving high strength and low hysteresis has been challenging. This challenge is met here by synthesizing hydrogels of arrested phase separation. Such a hydrogel has interpenetrating hydrophilic and hydrophobic networks, which separate into a water-rich phase and a water-poor phase. The two phases arrest at the microscale. The soft hydrophilic phase deconcentrates stress in the strong hydrophobic phase, leading to high strength. The two phases are elastic and adhere through topological entanglements, leading to low hysteresis. For example, a hydrogel of 76 weight % water, made of poly(ethyl acrylate) and poly(acrylic acid), achieves a tensile strength of 6.9 megapascals and a hysteresis of 16.6%. This combination of properties has not been realized among previously existing hydrogels.
Targeted gene deletions in the dimorphic fungal pathogen
Histoplasma
using an optimized episomal CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Rappleye Chad A.
Published: June 2023

The rapid development of CRISPR/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems has revolutionized the ability to produce genetic mutations in a desired locus, particularly in organisms with low rates of homologous recombination.
Histoplasma
is an important respiratory and systemic fungal pathogen that has few reverse genetic options. We describe an optimized CRISPR/Cas system for the efficient generation of mutations in desired genes. The limited requirements for CRISPR/Cas, namely a gene-targeting guide RNA (gRNA) and expression of a Cas endonuclease, enabled both the gRNA and the
Streptococcus pyogenes
Cas9 gene to be expressed from a single episomal vector. The gRNAs are expressed from a strong Pol(II) promoter, a critical parameter for increasing the recovery of mutated genes, and processed into the mature gRNA by ribozymes in the mRNA. Expression of dual-tandem gRNAs facilitates the generation of gene deletions at a good frequency which can be detected by PCR-based screening of pooled isolates resulting in the isolation of marker-less deletion mutants. The CRISPR/Cas system is encoded on an episomal telomeric vector facilitating curing strains of the CRISPR/Cas vector upon generation of the mutant. We demonstrate the successful application of this CRISPR/Cas system in diverse
Histoplasma
species and applicable for multiple genes. The optimized system shows promise for accelerating reverse genetic studies in
Histoplasma
spp.

IMPORTANCE

The ability to eliminate gene product functions is central to understanding molecular mechanisms. In the fungal pathogen
Histoplasma
, methods to inactivate or deplete gene products are inefficient, which hampers progress in defining
Histoplasma
’s virulence mechanisms. We describe an efficient CRISPR/Cas-based system for generating gene deletions in
Histoplasma
and show its validation on multiple genes with selectable and non-selectable phenotypes.
Transcriptome-guided metabolic network analysis reveals rearrangements of carbon flux distribution in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
during neutrophil co-culture
Authors: Potter Aimee D. , Baiocco Christopher M. , Papin Jason A. , Criss Alison K.
Published: June 2023

The ability of bacterial pathogens to metabolically adapt to the environmental conditions of their hosts is critical to both colonization and invasive disease. Infection with
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(the gonococcus, Gc) is characterized by the influx of neutrophils [polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)], which fail to clear the bacteria and make antimicrobial products that can exacerbate tissue damage. The inability of the human host to clear Gc infection is particularly concerning in light of the emergence of strains that are resistant to all clinically recommended antibiotics. Bacterial metabolism represents a promising target for the development of new therapeutics against Gc. Here, we generated a curated genome-scale metabolic network reconstruction (GENRE) of Gc strain FA1090. This GENRE links genetic information to metabolic phenotypes and predicts Gc biomass synthesis and energy consumption. We validated this model with published data and in new results reported here. Contextualization of this model using the transcriptional profile of Gc exposed to PMNs revealed substantial rearrangements of Gc central metabolism and induction of Gc nutrient acquisition strategies for alternate carbon source use. These features enhanced the growth of Gc in the presence of neutrophils. From these results, we conclude that the metabolic interplay between Gc and PMNs helps define infection outcomes. The use of transcriptional profiling and metabolic modeling to reveal new mechanisms by which Gc persists in the presence of PMNs uncovers unique aspects of metabolism in this fastidious bacterium, which could be targeted to block infection and thereby reduce the burden of gonorrhea in the human population.

IMPORTANCE

The World Health Organization designated Gc as a high-priority pathogen for research and development of new antimicrobials. Bacterial metabolism is a promising target for new antimicrobials, as metabolic enzymes are widely conserved among bacterial strains and are critical for nutrient acquisition and survival within the human host. Here we used genome-scale metabolic modeling to characterize the core metabolic pathways of this fastidious bacterium and to uncover the pathways used by Gc during culture with primary human immune cells. These analyses revealed that Gc relies on different metabolic pathways during co-culture with human neutrophils than in rich media. Conditionally essential genes emerging from these analyses were validated experimentally. These results show that metabolic adaptation in the context of innate immunity is important to Gc pathogenesis. Identifying the metabolic pathways used by Gc during infection can highlight new therapeutic targets for drug-resistant gonorrhea.
Supplemental Material: Reconstructing the paleoenvironment of an oxygenated Mesoproterozoic shoreline and its record of life
Authors: Slotznick Sarah P. , al. et
Published: June 2023

Figure S1: Low-temperature rock magnetic experiment data for Facies 1 specimens. Figure S2: Low-temperature rock magnetic experiment data for Facies 2 specimens. Figure S3: Low-temperature rock magnetic experiment data for Facies 3 specimens. Figure S4: Cross-plots of rock magnetic parameters delineating magnetic facies. Figure S5: Petrographic data from PC-1 and PRF18. Figure S6: Rock magnetic data from core WPB4. Figure S7: XRD data from bulk specimens. Figure S8: XRD data from clay peels. Figure S9: XRD minerals versus iron speciation oxalate extraction. Figure S10: Thermal demagnetization data for specimen with “mht” component. Figure S11: Inclination shallowing correction applied to Nonesuch paleomagnetic data. Figure S12: Example images of categorized organic material. Figure S13: Provisional palynomorph taxa in stratigraphic context. Table S1: Mean paleomagnetic poles for the Nonesuch Formation. Table S2: Nonesuch rock magnetic data. Table S3: Summary of palynological data. 
Limberg flap in mastectomy T-junction necrosis: an underutilised technique
Authors: Ofri Adam , Von Hagt Davina , Ponniah Kallyani
Published: June 2023

The Wise-pattern skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) is well known for its efficacy in large ptotic breasts, and its safety in facilitating immediate breast reconstruction. An unfortunate sequalae for all SSM techniques is mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSFN) with a reported range of occurrence of 5%–30%. For the Wise pattern, the common area of wound dehiscence or necrosis is the T-junction. Different techniques have been described in the management of MSFN—ranging from primary closure to local and distant flaps. Full thickness MSFN results in wound breakdown and can expose a prosthesis, subsequently closure must be obtained with potential for the prosthesis to be explanted. To date, there has been no reports in the literature of the usage of a rhomboid flap in an SSM with immediate prepectoral implant. We discuss our experience in the usage of this local cosmetic flap to avoid prosthesis loss and have reviewed the literature regarding MSFN, the application of the rhomboid (Limberg) flap in breast surgery and its applicability in MSFN to preserve underlying prosthesis.
SMARCA4mutation causes human otosclerosis and a similar phenotype in mice
Authors: Drabkin Max , Jean Matan M , Noy Yael , Halperin Daniel , Yogev Yuval , Wormser Ohad , Proskorovski-Ohayon Regina , Dolgin Vadim , Levaot Noam , Brumfeld Vlad , Ovadia Shira , Kishner Mor , Kazenell Udi , Avraham Karen B , Shelef Ilan , Birk Ohad S
Published: June 2023

Background

Otosclerosis is a common cause of adult-onset progressive hearing loss, affecting 0.3%–0.4% of the population. It results from dysregulation of bone homeostasis in the otic capsule, most commonly leading to fixation of the stapes bone, impairing sound conduction through the middle ear. Otosclerosis has a well-known genetic predisposition including familial cases with apparent autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. While linkage analysis and genome-wide association studies suggested an association with several genomic loci and with genes encoding structural proteins involved in bone formation or metabolism, the molecular genetic pathophysiology of human otosclerosis is yet mostly unknown.

Methods

Whole-exome sequencing, linkage analysis, generation of CRISPR mutant mice, hearing tests and micro-CT.

Results

Through genetic studies of kindred with seven individuals affected by apparent autosomal dominant otosclerosis, we identified a disease-causing variant inSMARCA4, encoding a key component of the PBAF chromatin remodelling complex. We generated CRISPR-Cas9 transgenic mice carrying the human mutation in the mouseSMARCA4orthologue. MutantSmarca4+/E1548Kmice exhibited marked hearing impairment demonstrated through acoustic startle response and auditory brainstem response tests. Isolated ossicles of the auditory bullae of mutant mice exhibited a highly irregular structure of the incus bone, and their in situ micro-CT studies demonstrated the anomalous structure of the incus bone, causing disruption in the ossicular chain.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that otosclerosis can be caused by a variant inSMARCA4, with a similar phenotype of hearing impairment and abnormal bone formation in the auditory bullae in transgenic mice carrying the human mutation in the mouseSMARCA4orthologue.
Association of choroid plexus volume with motor symptoms and dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jeong Seong Ho , Park Chae Jung , Jeong Hyun-Jae , Sunwoo Mun Kyung , Ahn Sung Soo , Lee Seung-Koo , Lee Phil Hyu , Kim Yun Joong , Sohn Young Ho , Chung Seok Jong
Published: June 2023

Background

The choroid plexus (CP) is involved in the clearance of harmful metabolites from the brain, as a part of the glymphatic system. This study aimed to investigate the association between CP volume (CPV), nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration and motor outcomes in Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

We retrospectively searched drug-naïve patients with early-stage PD who underwent dopamine transporter (DAT) scanning and MRI. Automatic CP segmentation was performed, and the CPV was calculated. The relationship between CPV, DAT availability and Unified PD Rating Scale Part III (UPDRS-III) scores was assessed using multivariate linear regression. We performed longitudinal analyses to assess motor outcomes according to CPV.

Results

CPV was negatively associated with DAT availability in each striatal subregion (anterior caudate, β=−0.134, p=0.012; posterior caudate, β=−0.162, p=0.002; anterior putamen, β=−0.133, p=0.024; posterior putamen, β=−0.125, p=0.039; ventral putamen, β=−0.125, p=0.035), except for the ventral striatum. CPV was positively associated with the UPDRS-III score even after adjusting for DAT availability in the posterior putamen (β=0.121; p=0.035). A larger CPV was associated with the future development of freezing of gait in the Cox regression model (HR 1.539, p=0.027) and a more rapid increase in dopaminergic medication in the linear mixed model (CPV×time, p=0.037), but was not associated with the risk of developing levodopa-induced dyskinesia or wearing off.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that CPV has the potential to serve as a biomarker for baseline and longitudinal motor disabilities in PD.
How does Canada’s new vitamin D fortification policy affect the high prevalence of inadequate intake of the vitamin?
Authors: Vatanparast Hassan , Longworth Zoe L
Published: June 2023

Health Canada’s new vitamin D fortification policy intends to promote bone health and reduce inadequacies by essentially doubling the mandatory fortification in margarine and cow’s milk. Using 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey data, we modelled the population-level impact of this policy. Among supplement non-consumers, the policy resulted in significant reductions of inadequacies across all population groups; however, 76% of Canadians were still below the estimated average requirement (10 µg/day or 400 IU/day). Among supplement consumers, no significant changes were found. Therefore, the fortification policy may benefit Canadians not taking supplements, although it alone cannot eliminate population-level vitamin D inadequacies and supplementation should be promoted.

Take-home message

The 2023 vitamin D fortification policy may significantly reduce inadequacies in non-supplement consumers; however, the policy is far from eliminating population-level vitamin D inadequacies and supplementation should still be encouraged.
River-influenced beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) summer habitat use in western Hudson Bay, Canada
Authors: Ausen Emma L. , Barber David G. , Basu Atreya , Ehn Jens , Walker David , Dalman Laura , Marcoux Marianne
Published: June 2023

River estuaries along western Hudson Bay, Canada, are important summer habitats for beluga whales ( Delphinapterus leucus (Pallas, 1776)) and subject to increasing industrial development activities including vessel traffic. The feasibility of establishing a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in western Hudson Bay is under consideration, requiring baseline studies and habitat monitoring. In this study, beluga whale locations were identified using aerial photographs collected during summer 2018 of the Seal, Knife, Churchill, and Nelson River estuaries. Sentinel 2 wavelength bands were used to outline river plume boundaries for the Seal, Knife, and Churchill Rivers. Multiple discriminant analysis was used to differentiate between beluga habitat areas according to their environmental characteristics including concentration of total suspended sediments (TSS), and coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The Seal River estuary, Knife River estuary, Churchill River outer estuary, Churchill River estuary, and Nelson River estuary were identified as distinct habitat areas. Resource selection functions and model selection were used to determine that habitat variables related to prey availability were important for beluga habitat selection, including TSS, CDOM, and the distance to river mouth or river plume. Identification of preferred habitat and habitat areas in this study are imperative for future management decisions including establishment of an NMCA.
Spatial and temporal harvest risk to polar bears in the Canadian Beaufort Sea
Authors: Hamilton Stephen G. , Henderson Erin M. , Derocher Andrew E.
Published: June 2023

Subsistence harvest in Arctic marine ecosystems is influenced by sea ice conditions affecting species distributions, abundance, and accessibility. We tracked 78 polar bears ( Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) of different age, sex, and reproductive classes via satellite telemetry in the Canadian Beaufort Sea (2007–2014, n = 71 258). We assessed vulnerability to harvest (no/low/medium/high) based on telemetry data overlap with density of historical harvest locations (1985–1987, n = 121). All classes of polar bears were detected in historical harvest areas of low to high risk in greater proportion than expected from available area during the harvest period (January to ice breakup), and all but solitary adult females had >50% of locations in the risk areas. Subadult males were proportionally more often inside risk areas yet were not observed in the high-risk areas. Other classes were observed <1% of the time in high-risk areas yet still proportionally greater than expected from available area. Landfast ice has declined in the pre-melt (January–March) and end-of-harvest (June–July) seasons (1980–2021), with the rate of decline being greater in lower-risk areas ( p ≤ 0.05). With sea ice predicted to decline in the future, we suggest that polar bears in the Beaufort Sea may become more concentrated into areas of higher harvest risk.
Influence of pulse–wheat crop rotations on aggregate size distribution dynamics in the brown soil zone in southern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Gallage Piumi , Bandara Manjula , Knight J. Diane
Published: June 2023

Diversification of conventional cereal-based cropping systems with pulse crops may aid producers to grow crops in an appropriate sequence and frequency with environmental, social, and economic benefits. This study examined the effects of including three pulse crops with different rooting depths (shallow- and deep-rooted) in wheat-based crop rotations on soil aggregate size distribution under semi-arid and rain-fed conditions. A 4 year cycle rotational study was established in Brooks, AB, using five selected treatments: continuous wheat, wheat alternately grown with lentil, field pea, or chickpea, or lentil and chickpea alternately grown with wheat. Soils were collected from 0–5 cm depth and dry-sieved to produce eight aggregate size classes, <0.053, 0.053–0.125, 0.125–0.149, 0.149–0.05, 0.05–1.0, 1.0–2.0, 2.0–6.35, and >6.35 mm. The continuous wheat treatment improved the macro-aggregates (>6.35 mm) development, whereas the rotations with pulse–wheat crops increased the micro- and meso-aggregates (0.50–1.0 and 0.15–0.5 mm) development. Soils sampled at 0–15 cm depth were used for soil organic matter and microbial analysis. The pulse–wheat rotations collectively had more light fraction organic matter (LFOM) than the continuous wheat, and chickpea alternated with wheat had the highest amount of LFOM in both years. All treatments had similar soil microbial biomass and microbial community composition. Our study underscores the contribution of pulse crops in cereal-based cropping systems in the formation of small aggregates.
LOAN DEMAND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: LUMA ZANA BEQIRI
Published: June 2023

We analyze the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on the demand for new loans across a nationally representative sample of over 10,000 firms in 45 countries. Loan demand decreases in response to the COVID-19 outbreak; however, this effect is heterogeneous across firms and countries. Small firms increase the demand for new loans whereas firms in economically more developed countries with better institutions make less loan applications following the start of the pandemic. Small firms face higher rejection rates resulting in less reliance on bank loans as a source of financing cash flow shortages. The implications of these findings together with future research directions are discussed.
Impact Response Analysis on Orthogrid Stiffened Composite Sandwich Plates Embedded with Viscoelastic Material Considering Temperature and Moisture Effects
Authors: Fu Wanbiao , Hua Fenfei , You Qingquan , Zhou Xiaoqiang
Published: June 2023

In this work, a new composite sandwich plate including a viscoelastic material (VEM) filling orthogrid core is proposed. Taking temperature and moisture effects into consideration, the dynamic ‘analysis for impact responses of this structure is presented. The equivalent material properties of the composite core layer are calculated using the Halpin–Tsai model. In order to model the impact force between the impactor and the structure, the modified Hertz contact law is utilized. The governing equations of the structure are derived by employing the Reddy’s higher-order shear deformation theory (HSDT) and Hamilton’s principle. Then the governing equations are solved through the Galerkin method with the aid of the Newmark direct integration scheme. After verifying the reliability and accuracy of this model, the effects of temperature, moisture, initial velocity of the impactor and boundary condition on the contact force and central deflection of the structure are discussed in detail. It has been demonstrated that changes of environmental temperature and moisture play a significant effect on the damping characteristics and impact responses of the composite sandwich plates.
Transformer-Based Approaches for Multilingual Visual Question Answering
Authors: Truong Linh Xuan , Pham Vinh Quang , Van Nguyen Kiet
Published: June 2023

Visual Question Answering (VQA) is a difficult task that has steadily gained popularity and made significant progress. VQA is also one of the potential tasks with a combination of Computer Vision and Computational Linguistics. Through the prism of the English language, VQA has mostly been researched. But using the same strategy to VQA in other languages would demand a significant investment in resources. Therefore, finding solutions to the multilingual VQA (mVQA) task is crucial. This topic is very challenging because it requires the model not only to comprehend the visual context of the image but also to understand the language and provide the correct answer to the input question in that language. Utilizing the outstanding development and remarkable performance of the Vision-Language Pre-training models, this paper presents our approach to the Multilingual Visual Question Answering shared tasks (EVJVQA) ( https://vlsp.org.vn/vlsp2022/eval/evjvqa ) of the Vietnamese Language and Speech Processing (VLSP) Challenge 2022. We propose a transformer-based framework with a specialized custom encoder consisting of two modules for question–answer embedding and visual embedding utilizing the Vision-Language Pre-training models. Without using any data augmentation techniques, our strategy performed better than the organizer’s baseline model and produced results that were competitive with those of other approaches on the public and private tests of the UIT-EVJVQA benchmark. Our highest result on the private test set is 34.67% and 41.15% in the two metrics BLEU and F1-score, respectively.
An End-to-End Review of Gaze Estimation and its Interactive Applications on Handheld Mobile Devices
Authors: Lei Yaxiong , He Shijing , Khamis Mohamed , Ye Juan
Published: June 2023

In recent years, we have witnessed an increasing number of interactive systems on handheld mobile devices which utilise gaze as a single or complementary interaction modality. This trend is driven by the enhanced computational power of these devices, higher resolution and capacity of their cameras, and improved gaze estimation accuracy obtained from advanced machine learning techniques, especially in deep learning. As the literature is fast progressing, there is a pressing need to review the state-of-the-art, delineate the boundary, and identify the key research challenges and opportunities in gaze estimation and interaction. This article aims to serve this purpose by presenting an end-to-end holistic view in this area, from gaze capturing sensors, to gaze estimation workflows, to deep learning techniques, and to gaze interactive applications.
Multi-Day Forecasting of Electric Grid Carbon Intensity Using Machine Learning
Authors: Maji Diptyaroop , Shenoy Prashant , Sitaraman Ramesh K.
Published: June 2023

The ever-increasing demand for energy is resulting in considerable carbon emissions from the electricity grid. In recent years, there has been growing attention on demand-side optimizations to reduce carbon emissions from electricity usage. A vital component of these optimizations is short-term forecasting of the carbon intensity of the grid-supplied electricity. Many recent forecasting techniques focus on day-ahead forecasts, but obtaining such forecasts for longer periods, such as multiple days, while useful, has not gotten much attention. In this paper, we present CarbonCast, a machine-learning-based hierarchical approach that provides multi-day forecasts of the grid's carbon intensity. CarbonCast uses neural networks to first generate production forecasts for all the electricity-generating sources. It then uses a hybrid CNN-LSTM approach to combine these first-tier forecasts with historical carbon intensity data and weather forecasts to generate a carbon intensity forecast for up to four days. Our results show that such a hierarchical design improves the robustness of the predictions against the uncertainty associated with a longer multi-day forecasting period. We analyze which factors most influence the carbon intensity forecasts of any region with a specific mixture of electricity-generating sources and also show that accurate source production forecasts are vital in obtaining precise carbon intensity forecasts. CarbonCast's 4-day forecasts have a MAPE of 3.42--19.95% across 13 geographically distributed regions while outperforming state-of-the-art methods. Importantly, CarbonCast is the first open-sourced tool for multi-day carbon intensity forecasts where the code and data are freely available to the research community.
Bedding as a variable affecting fasting blood glucose and vascular physiology in mice
Authors: Sveeggen Timothy M. , Isakson Brant E. , Straub Adam C. , Bagher Pooneh
Published: June 2023

This study demonstrates real-time measurement of changes in perfusion to pharmacological treatment using laser speckle contrast analysis. Furthermore, this investigation revealed that fasting mice overnight on corncob bedding has differential effects on vascular function and that there was increased fasting blood glucose in mice fasted on corncob bedding compared with paper pulp cellulose bedding. This highlights the impact that bedding type can have on outcomes in vascular and metabolic research and reinforces the need for thorough and robust reporting of animal husbandry practices.
Long-Term Outcomes of Bovine versus Porcine Mitral Valve Replacement: A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Broadwin M. , Ramkumar N. , Malenka D. J. , Quinn R. D. , Ross C. S. , Hirashima F. , Klemperer J. D. , Kramer R. S. , Sardella G. L. , Westbrook B. , Discipio A. W. , Iribarne A. , Robich M. P.
Published: June 2023

Introduction. Recent national guidelines recommending mitral valve replacement (MVR) for severe secondary mitral regurgitation have resulted in an increased utilization of mitral bioprosthesis. There is a paucity of data on how longitudinal clinical outcomes vary by prosthesis type. We examined long-term survival and risk of reoperation between patients having bovine vs. porcine MVR. Study Design. A retrospective analysis of MVR or MVR + coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) from 2001 to 2017 among seven hospitals reporting to a prospectively maintained clinical registry was conducted. The analytic cohort included 1,284 patients undergoing MVR (801 bovine and 483 porcine). Baseline comorbidities were balanced using 1 : 1 propensity score matching with 432 patients in each group. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Secondary end points included in-hospital morbidity, 30-day mortality, length of stay, and risk of reoperation. Results. In the overall cohort, patients receiving porcine valves were more likely to have diabetes (19% bovine vs. 29% porcine;

p
<
0.001

), COPD (20% bovine vs. 27% porcine;

p
=
0.008

), dialysis or creatinine >2 mg/dL (4% bovine vs. 7% porcine;

p
=
0.03

), and coronary artery disease (65% bovine vs. 77% porcine;

p
<
0.001

). There was no difference in stroke, acute kidney injury, mediastinitis, pneumonia, length of stay, in-hospital morbidity, or 30-day mortality. In the overall cohort, there was a difference in long-term survival (porcine HR 1.17 (95% CI: 1.00–1.37;

p
=
050

)). However, there was no difference in reoperation (porcine HR 0.56 (95% CI: 0.23–1.32;

p
=
0.185

)). In the propensity-matched cohort, patients were matched on all baseline characteristics. There was no difference in postoperative complications or in-hospital morbidity and 30-day mortality. After 1 : 1 propensity score matching, there was no difference in long-term survival (porcine HR 0.97 (95% CI: 0.81–1.17;

p
=
0.756

)) or risk of reoperation (porcine HR 0.54 (95% CI: 0.20–1.47;

p
=
0.225

)). Conclusions. In this multicenter analysis of patients undergoing bioprosthetic MVR, there was no difference in perioperative complications and risk of reoperation of long-term survival after matching.
Measurement of the Compressive Strength of Concrete Using Modeling of Deep Hybrid Forest Regression
Authors: Rajprasad J. , Priya Rachel P. , Arulselvan S. , Arul D. , Ramesh Kumar G. , Pallavi H. J. , Sivaraja M. , Singh Vinay Kumar , Gebreamlak Getachew
Published: July 2023

The paper proposes a deep hybrid forest regression-based modeling method for measuring the compressive strength (CS) of concrete. Then, the reduced feature vector is used as input to train multiple subforest models (SFM), the predicted values are selected from multiple subforests via the KNN (K-nearest neighbor) method to combine them to obtain the layer regression vector (LRV), and it is combined with the reduced feature vector to obtain the improved LRV, then the output of this layer is taken; second, the regression vector (RV) of the input layer enhancement layer is used as input to obtain the output of the second layer FM, and the steps are repeated until the output of the input layer FM is complete. Finally, the output of the FM of the first layer is obtained. Several SFMs are trained and the result is obtained. The final prognosis is obtained by arithmetically averaging the forecast results of the SFMs of this layer.
Lycopene in Feed as Antioxidant and Immuno‐Modulator Improves Broiler Chicken’s Performance under Heat‐Stress Conditions
Authors: Hidayat Dalila Fadhila , Mahendra Mohamad Yusril Nur , Kamaludeen Juriah , Pertiwi Herinda
Published: June 2023

Lycopene is a type of carotenoid pigment widely distributed in various plants and fruits, with tomatoes, carrots, and guava being the most abundant sources. Due to its high content of beneficial active components, lycopene has been used in medicine, where it is employed as a dietary additive for cancer therapy, immune modulator, and feed additive to improve livestock productivity. Lycopene is a lipophilic substance that can act as either a prooxidant or a free radical scavenger and is particularly efficient in enhancing broiler performance. Furthermore, lycopene can alleviate heat stress by improving the activity of various antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), and catalase (CAT), as well as increasing the total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and nuclear muscle factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), while simultaneously reducing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and muscle Keap1 expression. In addition, lycopene can improve broiler fertility by enhancing sperm performance and reducing inflammation by modulating the levels of interleukin 1, 2, and 10 (IL‐1, IL‐2, and IL‐10) in cases of infection. In cases of disease by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), lycopene can modulate interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), IL‐1, claudin‐1 (CLDN‐1), and zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1). Furthermore, under the lipopolysaccharide challenge, lycopene can increase the relative weights of immune organ indices such as the bursal, spleen, and thymus.
Simulation of Weft Knitted Fabric Using Three‐Dimensional Yarn Loops and Grid and Spring Mass Models
Authors: Hu Haodong , Li Tong , Ke Wei , Wang Lijing , Deng Zhongmin
Published: June 2023

The existing knitted fabric simulation methods cannot be effectively applied to three‐dimensional (3D) modeling and simulation of weft knitted garments due to the lack of simple and convenient 3D dynamic simulation models for weft knitted fabrics. This paper presents a method of constructing a loop model by coupling the grid model with the spring mass model. The simulation of weft knitted fabric with real effects was achieved through the coupled model construction of the loop model combined with the yarn simulation generation algorithm and yarn collision response algorithm. The method presented in this paper can quickly and simply simulate the design of weft knitted clothing with loop structure. It provides a reference for the 3D simulation design of weft knitted fabric.
Functional Role of RBP in Osteosarcoma: Regulatory Mechanism and Clinical Therapy
Authors: Que Ziyuan , Yang Kang , Wang Nan , Li Shuying , Li Tao
Published: June 2023

Malignant bone neoplasms can be represented by osteosarcoma (OS), which accounts for 36% of all sarcomas. To reduce tumor malignancy, extensive efforts have been devoted to find an ideal target from numerous candidates, among which RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) have shown their unparalleled competitiveness. With the special structure of RNA‐binding domains, RBPs have the potential to establish relationships with RNAs or small molecules and are considered regulators of different sections of RNA processes, including splicing, transport, translation, and degradation of RNAs. RBPs have considerable significant roles in various cancers, and experiments revealed that there was a strong association of RBPs with tumorigenesis and tumor cell progression. Regarding OS, RBPs are a new orientation, but achievements in hand are noteworthy. Higher or lower expression of RBPs was first found in tumor cells compared to normal tissue. By binding to different molecules, RBPs are capable of influencing tumor cell phenotypes through different signaling pathways or other axes, and researches on medical treatment have been largely inspired. Exploring the prognostic and therapeutic values of RBPs in OS is a hotspot where diverse avenues on regulating RBPs have achieved dramatical effects. In this review, we briefly summarize the contribution of RBPs and their binding molecules to OS oncogenicity and generally introduce distinctive RBPs as samples. Moreover, we focus on the attempts to differentiate RBP’s opposite functions in predicting prognosis and collect possible strategies for treatment. Our review provides forwards insight into improving the understanding of OS and suggests RBPs as potential biomarkers for therapies.
Quiste Vallecular: Caso clínico de estridor agudo
Authors: Viñuela M Macarena , Alvarado Arevalo Ricardo , Von Plessing C Ludwig
Published: June 2023

El enfrentamiento de estridor en el Servicio de Urgencias puede ser un desafío para el clínico. La mayoría de los pacientes responderán a medidas estándar de anafilaxia, no obstante, ante pacientes refractarios a tratamiento se deben sospechar otras patologías. Presentamos el caso clínico de una paciente refractaria a manejo de anafilaxia. Se realiza videolaringoscopia que identifica quiste de vallecula y se maneja mediante protección de vía aérea con intubación orotraqueal. Se decide escisión quirúrgica, en la cual se identifica estenosis subglótica que requiere instalación de traqueostomía. La paciente evoluciona favorablemente y es dada de alta.
Supplementary Figure S6 from Thyroid Cancers Exhibit Oncogene-Enhanced Macropinocytosis that Is Restrained by IGF1R and Promote Albumin–Drug Conjugate Response
Authors: Hu Huiyu , Ng Thomas S.C. , Kang Mikyung , Scott Ella , Li Ran , Quintana Jeremy M. , Matvey Dylan , Vantaku Venkata R. , Weissleder Ralph , Parangi Sareh , Miller Miles A.
Published: June 2023

IGF1R and IGF1 expression in four individual ATC patients, and IGF1 expression in myeloid cell subsets