bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To quit or not to quit : voluntary turnover among Millennial English-language journalists in Indonesia
Authors:   , Setiawati Indah
Published: December 2023

This qualitative study investigates the voluntary turnover and job satisfaction among millennial English-language journalists in Indonesia in order to understand why young journalists leave their news organization or journalism altogether. It also examines the motivation to stay and the intention to leave among the current journalists. Using grounded theory, this study used semi-structured interviews with 18 participants from three Jakarta-based news organizations. The journalists left because of a combination of complaints such as burnout, declining journalism standards, management, mentorship, pay and transparency, personal growth, fit, problem with supervisor, and training. Meanwhile, the stayers still maintained their job because they felt that they were still on track with their career and personal goals. However, seven out of eight millennial journalists plan to quit, with three contemplating on leaving the profession. This means that news organizations will possibly lose institutional memory and may have to frequently make new hires. Elements of job satisfaction and dissatisfaction were layers that could increase or decrease depending on what the participants felt about their experience and expectation in the news organization, as well as their career and personal goals. The findings indicate that news organizations need to listen to the feedback from their employees to make transformation in managing their personnel, especially in retaining talented millennials.
Detecting and explaining differential item functioning on the social, academic, and emotional behavior risk screener
Authors:   , Izumi Jared T.
Published: December 2023

Universal screening of social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) risk with teacher completed brief behavioral rating scales (BBRS) is one of the primary methods for identifying SEB risk in students. These measures should function similarly across races, ethnicities, and genders. However, there is limited research to support measurement invariance in universal screening for SEB risk. Therefore, the current study sought to expand upon the existing research on measurement invariance. The Emotional Behavior (EB) subscale of the Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener-Teacher Rating Scale (SAEBRS-TRS) was examined. Measurement invariance was examined through differential item functioning (DIF) within item response theory (IRT). A unidimensional graded response model was fit to the data and indicated that effect sizes of DIF ranged from small to large for Black students compared to all non-Black students (Cohen's d = -0.11 to -0.87) and negligible to medium for White students compared to all non-White students (Cohen's d = -0.01 to 0.54). Effect sizes for Hispanic students and students with multiple races and ethnicities were small to negligible. Positively worded items and males had larger DIF effect sizes. Next, the Item Response Questionnaire (IRQ) was developed from information processes theory to compare the process teachers go through when completing questions on the EB subscale with the median absolute effect sizes. A micro-macro multilevel model was fit to the data and indicated that the IRQ was not a significant predictor of effect sizes. However, teachers' rank ordering of subjectivity of the EB subscale items were significantly negatively correlated with effect sizes. Limitations of the current study, implications for practice, and directions for future research are discussed.
The role of relationship quality in vocabulary acquisition : evidence from Spanish-speaking preschoolers
Authors:   , Bonney Vida Nana Ama
Published: December 2023

Language acquisition is a process that requires frequent social interactions in which children receive input, practice opportunities, and feedback (Duursma et al., 2007), which influence children's subsequent vocabulary skills. For dual language learners, skills in both languages are a reflection of the quantity and quality of linguistic input received in each language as well as the opportunities for practice and feedback during social interactions (Palermo et al., 2014). The qualities of adult-child relationships during these social interactions may influence the association between input received and child language outcomes. Guided by sociocultural, sociolinguistic, and attachment theoretical frameworks, the present study used a sample of Spanish-speaking preschoolers to examine the role of adult-child relationships as a moderator in the association between the quantity of linguistic input in Spanish and English from parents and teachers and children's later receptive and expressive vocabulary skills in both languages. The findings revealed direct associations between the quantity of input in English and Spanish from teachers and parents and children's expressive and receptive vocabulary skills. Notably, teacher-child relationships and parenting behavior qualities moderated some of these associations. The findings highlight how the contributions of parents' and teachers' linguistic experiences to Spanish-speaking preschoolers' vocabulary skills in English and Spanish may vary as a function of children's relationship qualities with teachers and parents.
Stereoselective synthesis of seven-membered rings using intramolecular (4+3) cycloaddition reactions
Authors:   , Ripa Rawshan Ara
Published: December 2023

Heterocyclic molecules containing seven-membered rings have importance in organic synthesis owing to their presence in some natural products and biologically active molecules. Furthermore, these scaffolds act as important tools for developing new drugs and biological probes. A stereoselective, intramolecular (4+3) cycloaddition of an oxidopyridinium ion has been developed. N-Alkylation of a nicotinate derivative followed by reaction under basic condition in acetonitrile afforded (4+3) cycloaddition products in excellent yield and high stereoselectivity. Substitution at the 3, 2-TMS, and 1, 3 positions of the diene resulted in 100 [percent] stereoselectivity.
The soft sell : understanding the shared values initiative through the lens of the theory of planned behavior
Authors:   , Seymour Margaret
Published: December 2023

This research provides an analysis of the Shared Values Initiative (SVI) through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in order to both better understand the program and to explore how an academic advertising theory can help shape foreign policy programs. This research concludes that while neither TPB nor any other advertising theory was explicitly used in the inception, development, and implementation of the SVI, advertising approaches can certainly be seen in the final texts of the initiative. This research used a dual-method qualitative case study approach through semistructured interviews and rhetorical analysis to better understand the key components of the SVI--five "mini-documentaries" that attempted to persuade Muslims in the Middle East of the mutual supportability of U.S. culture and the Islamic way of life. These videos focused on shifting the social norms and overall belief of this claim in order to ultimately produce favorable intentions and outcomes of the viewers.
Adolescent sibling caregiving and responsibilty and competence in adulthood : retrospective reports among Latina/o young adults
Authors:   , Kline Gabrielle C.
Published: December 2023

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI--COLUMBIA AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Using attachment theory, cultural ecological framework, and an adapted cultural transmission model, I examined associations between familism values, sibling caregiving and success during young adulthood, specifically personal accountability and behavioral and emotional control, among 350 Latina/o/x young adults. I found that familism values were positively associated with sibling caregiving and personal accountability. Sibling caregiving was positively associated with personal accountability and negatively associated with behavioral and emotional control. I found two significant in direct effects. First, familism values were positively associated with sibling caregiving, which, in turn was positively associated with personal accountability. Second, familism values were positively associated with sibling caregiving, which, in turn was negatively associated with behavioral and emotional control. I conducted multigroup path analysis based on gender and found no gender differences. Findings highlight how sibling caregiving can be linked to responsibility during young adulthood.
Thwarted attempts at helping others : a new look at prosocial behavior and well-being
Authors:   , Titova Liudmila
Published: December 2023

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI--COLUMBIA AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] Prosocial behavior benefits happiness and well-being, making such behavior an important strategy for achieving well-being. The present studies investigate if depriving people of the opportunity to help others lowers well-being. In Study 1 (N = 162), participants were randomly assigned to rate how they would feel if they intended to help someone and were able to help, if they intended to help someone but somebody else helped first, or if they, or if they did not want to help someone. Participants who wanted to help but were deprived of this opportunity showed the lowest level of well-being (vs. other scenario conditions). Study 2 (N = 196) showed that thwarted basic need satisfaction mediated the association between being deprived of helping someone and lower well-being. Study 3 (N = 234) replicated this effect with a different type of scenario and investigated an additional condition--when the target helps themselves. Study 4 (N = 461) replicated findings of the first three studies in a concrete situation in which participants are deprived of opportunity to help, rather than relying on hypothetical scenarios. These studies add to the literature on prosocial behavior and well-being by showing that being thwarted in enacting one's prosocial intentions has negative consequences. They also add to emerging findings suggesting that beneficence may be a basic psychological need.
Merging technology development of trapped ion mobility spectrometry quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry with biological investigation of Medicago truncatularoot exudates
Authors:   , Schroeder Mark
Published: December 2023

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT REQUEST OF AUTHOR.] "New commercial ion mobility instrumentation has the potential to improve current analytical techniques, but developments need to be applicable to real-world problems. Analytically challenging biological samples (i.e. root exudates) can be improved by this application of new ion mobility instrumentation. To this end, I have established an analytical reference library and developed new instrumentation methods (Bruker timsTOF Pro) to be applied specifically for specialized plant metabolites. I have also developed a method for collecting biological samples specifically for the new instrumentation. Utilizing this co-development strategy, new technology coupled with biological objectives, the capabilities of both have been improved" --From Chapter 1.
Hydrodynamic characteristics and capillary-assisted heat transfer enhancement of non-condensing/condensing two-phase flows
Authors:   , Darzi Milad
Published: December 2023

Interfacial characteristics of two-phase flows were studied through visualization experiments and numerical simulation using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on the volume-of-fluid (VOF)-continuum surface force (CSF) method. An experimentally-validated analytical method was also presented for the geometrical correction of the optically-distorted objects in cylindrical tubes that is applicable to geometrical measurements (e.g., liquid-gas interfaces, solid particles, gas bubbles, void fraction) inside the tubes. The numerically-simulated two-phase flows agreed favorably with the visually-observed flows. The simulation of two-phase flows under reduced gravities indicated the important contribution of gravity on hydrodynamics of intermediate scale two-phase flows such as void fraction, pressure drop, slip ratio, and bubble velocity; the pressure drop of horizontal plug/bubble flows and Taylor bubble velocity of vertical slug flow is minimum around normal gravity. The computational model is then extended to account for convective and condensation heat transfer. The numerical results for a vertical slug flow show that a porous-tube-insert (PTI) promotes the internal liquid circulations in both axial and radial directions resulting in an enhanced convective heat transfer up to five times of that in bare tube. In addition, the PTI enhances the flow condensation heat transfer up to three times mainly due to the enforced ultra-thin liquid film near the tube wall and increased area for thin-film condensation.
The effect of visual inspection reliability on risk-based inspection
Authors:   , Hammed Mohammad Mujtaba
Published: December 2023

Bridge inspection has come a long way from its inception as a component level practice following the Silver Bridge collapse in 1967 to the most recent advancement enacted by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) legislation to determine the inspection interval using risk-based inspection (RBI) and mandated element-level data collection for all the states. RBI, a well-researched topic in other fields is new to the bridge inspection practice and element-level bridge inspection provides data for RBI condition attributes. The first objective of the research was to determine how inspection variability in condition state (CS) assignment and defect quantification affect the attributes in RBI practice. Based on the data collected from Indiana and Michigan, about 9 [percent] of the inspectors incorrectly assigned the bridges' elements to CS 4 (RBI screening attribute), and 18 [percent] of the inspectors incorrectly assigned the bridges' elements to CS 2 (low ranking score). The conclusion was made assuming that if most of the inspectors assign the same CS for a bridge's element, it is the correct CS assignment. The second objective was to determine how the inspection data variability affects the deterioration models (Markov chain, Kaplan-Meier, and Weibull). Based on the National Bridge Inventory (NBI) data from the seven states, it was shown that the NBI data do not fit the Weibull distribution and the variability in NBI data on Kaplan-Meier either extends or shortens the median time in condition rating (TICR) for a bridge component. Build on the details of the second objective, the Markov chain was proposed to calculate the probability of failure (POF) for the RBI occurrence factor (OF).
Biomimetic reactions relevant to the study of abasic sites in DNA
Authors:   , Nel Christopher A.
Published: December 2023

Abasic (Ap) sites represent the most common form of DNA damage in mammalian cells. With steady state levels of 10,000 sites existing in each cell, there is a dire need to study these noxious biological electrophiles. While much work has been done to study these lesions using small biomolecules, such as oligonucleotides, there is still much to be learned regarding the fundamental organic chemistry. This thesis attempts to use the tools of basic organic chemistry to understand the complex reactions, structure, and equilibria of the abasic site.
Exporting Hollywood excellence : public relations excellence theory and the MPPDA's European public affairs program of the 1920s
Authors:   , Shortal Taylor
Published: December 2023

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] To test the theory that the period between the mid-1920s and the 1950s was marked by the "two-way asymmetrical model" of public relations, this thesis searches for the modern elements of "excellence" in public relations management, as well as modern relationship cultivation strategies, within the European public affairs activities of the Motion Pictures Producers and Distributers of America, Inc., in the 1920s. Although many principles of modern excellence are lacking in this historical case study, substantial support can be found showing that the MPPDA did practice the modern two-way mixed-motive model of public relations, rather than the asymmetrical model. This finding contravenes previous historical understandings of this period in public relations. It also invites further research into other organizations' past public affairs programs to gain greater insight into the dynamics of modern PR techniques and to understand the industry's impact on wider historical processes.
Combining shamir and additive secret sharing to improve efficiency of SMC primitives against malicious adversaries
Authors:   , Goss Kenneth Richard
Published: December 2023

Secure multi-party computation provides a wide array of protocols for mutually distrustful parties be able to securely evaluate functions of private inputs. Within recent years, many such protocols have been proposed representing a plethora of strategies to securely and efficiently handle such computation. These protocols have become increasingly efficient, but their performance still is impractical in many settings. We propose new approaches to some of these problems which are either more efficient than previous works within the same security models or offer better security guarantees with comparable efficiency. The goals of this research are to improve efficiency and security of secure multi-party protocols and explore the application of such approaches to novel threat scenarios. Some of the novel optimizations employed are dynamically switching domains of shared secrets, asymmetric computations, and advantageous functional transformations, among others. Specifically, this work presents a novel combination of Shamir and Additive secret sharing to be used in parallel which allows for the transformation of efficient protocols secure against passive adversaries to be secure against active adversaries. From this set of primitives we propose the construction of a comparison protocol which can be implemented under that approach with a complexity which is more efficient than other recent works for common domains of interest. Finally, we present a system which addresses a critical security threat for the protection and obfuscation of information which may be of high consequence.
Using metacognitive monitoring feedback to improve student learning in augmented reality environments
Authors:   , Guo Wenbin
Published: December 2023

This research aims to use metacognitive monitoring feedback to improve student learning performance in an augmented reality environment. In this study, Microsoft HoloLens, a prominent augmented reality device and independent mobile computer, provided a more realistic augmented reality environment to engineering students. The near field electromagnetic ranging system collected students' real-time location data when they experienced the augmented reality learning modules. In Phase 1, the study utilized one of the topics in the Ergonomic class, called manual material handling. The Phase 1 experiment results showed that retrospective confidence judgments in augmented reality modules could significantly influence the way students learn when the contents require a high level of spatial awareness during content learning. Therefore, Phase 2 research considered specific engineering education related to spatial recognition. For Phase 2, the location-based augmented reality system was developed to improve user interaction. The augmented reality learning module was biomechanics: one of the Ergonomic class problematic concepts to engineering students. This new location-based augmented reality system allowed students to immerse themselves in the studying process and improved student engagement of hands-on training in an augmented reality environment. Metacognitive monitoring feedback was another tool applied to improve students' learning performance. Student test scores, confidence level, answering time, and reviewing time were collected as metrics for performance assessment during the experiment. Overall, Phases 1 and 2 study outcomes advanced our understanding of students' interactions and the learning content in an augmented reality learning environment. This study also provided a guideline for how engineers need to develop valuable learning content in augmented reality 'environments. Furthermore, using a metacognitive monitoring feedback tool in an augmented reality learning environment is an effective strategy to improve students' academic performance and calibration.
Environmental and human impacts on off-target movement of dicamba
Authors:   , Henry Jerri Lynn
Published: December 2023

Widespread use of dicamba on tolerant soybeans (Glycine max L.) since 2017 has resulted in reports of off-target movement. Although symptomology is quite striking, the relationship of sensitive soybean damage to crop yield is unclear. Field studies were established in 2018 and 2019 at three locations in central Missouri to assess the response of sensitive soybean to driftable concentrations of dicamba. Effects of dicamba were observed as early as 7 days after treatment (DAT). Apical meristem growth was reduced 10 to 54 percent and visual injury ranged from 15 to 47 percent at 21 DAT. Average soybean yield was significantly reduced by dicamba concentrations as low as 25 ppm and influenced by the developmental stage (V3 and R1) at the timing of dicamba exposure. Model statements were generated to predict yield reduction based on known dicamba concentrations and visual injury ratings 21 days after dicamba exposure. Statistical analysis of the prediction equations found the dicamba concentrations and soybean injury were adequate and accurate to predict soybean yield reductions in response to dicamba. Lastly, a subset of soybeans exposed to dicamba concentrations (0, 150, and 300 ppm dicamba) were collected prior to harvest, extracted using the rapid and effective (QuEChERS) method, and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Using HPLC, mean dicamba residues in soybean samples were 0.0, 0.72, and 0.81 mg kg-1 following exposure to 0, 150, and 300 ppm dicamba, respectively. Location significantly impacted residual dicamba concentrations, averaging 0.70, 0.35, and 0.54 mg kg-1 at Bradford (2018), Boonville (2018), and Bradford (2019), respectively. Individual samples did not exceed 10 mg kg-1 but samples with dicamba concentrations exceeding 0.5 mg kg-1 dicamba could violate residue limits for USDA National Organic Program standards. This study would suggest that sensitive soybeans that were injured by dicamba drift and allowed to go to yield would be safe for human consumption in the United States but could potentially violate the USDA regulations if driftable concentrations of dicamba moved off-target onto soybeans produced organically.
How moral value (in)congruence shapes Chinese textile employees' trust and their firm's financial performance
Authors:   , Huang Shuyi
Published: December 2023

Supporting by the Moral Responsibility for Corporate Sustainability theory and Resource Advantage Theory of Competition, this study is aimed at examining the relationship between the moral value (in)congruence between textile manufacturing employees and their manufacturing firms toward corporate sustainability and its impact on employees' trust toward their manufacturing firms. Second, the study seeks to examine the relationship between employees' trust toward their manufacturing firms and its impacts on their perceived competitive advantage and financial performance of their manufacturing firms. Both research goals are tested in the Chinese textile industry setting in Zhejiang Province. The data analysis result shows a) a significant negative relationship between employees-organization moral value incongruence of labor relationship and employees' trust toward their firms; b) participants' trust as psychological capital was qualified to be considered as one of the firms' intangible resources, and positively assisted to gain perceived competitive advantage of their firms. c) a significant relationship between employees' perceived competitive advantage of their firms and perceived financial performance of their firms; d) participants' perceived competitive advantage of their firms fully mediates the relationship between their trust and perceived financial performance toward their firms. The finding from this study newly provides the definition of how employees-organization moral value incongruence influence employees' attitude toward their firms. the findings of this study indicate that the MRCS model can be useful for examining the relationship between employees-organization moral value incongruence and employees' attitudes toward their firms. The researcher recommends that future studies utilizes the MRCS model to analyze other value incongruence that exists between employees and organization or consumers and brands, which potentially influence employees' or consumers' attitudes toward the firms.
The college destinations of black students : the influence of college-going culture in secondary schools
Authors:   , Isby Ashley
Published: December 2023

Black students' college enrollment has increased considerably over the past few decades. Higher enrollment has not translated into an increased representation of Black students across all institutional types as community colleges, and less-selective 4-year institutions experienced the most growth. This dissertation drew on Hossler and Gallagher's (1987) three-stage model of the college choice process by focusing on the model's final stage, choice, where students select the college they will attend. Perna's (2006) conceptualization of the multiple and overlapping contexts within which the college choice process takes place was also used to conceptualize secondary schools' influence as an essential context influencing the choice stage. Lastly, this dissertation utilized Kasse Freeman's (2005) categorization of Black students' college aspiration typology to examine the influence of aspiration type on Black students' college destinations. Utilizing the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009, this dissertation investigated the influence of secondary schools on Black students' college destinations. Specifically, this study used multinominal logistic regression to model the influence of college-going culture in secondary schools on Black students' college destinations as moderated by aspiration type (i.e., knowers and seekers), geographical location, and bounded aspiration. I used confirmatory factor analysis to identify college-promoting resources and norms and latent profile analysis to create a typology of high school college-going cultures. Findings suggest that schools with high college-going culture have Black students that are less likely to attend two-year institutions but did not significantly affect the likelihood of Black knowers and seekers attending highly selective versus moderately selective four-year institutions. Additionally, results indicatethat being a rural student does not influence the relationship between the college-going culture of secondary schools and Black students' college destinations. Finally, it appeared that the desire to remain close to family and community did not affect the relationship between the secondary school's college-going culture and the type of college Black students attend immediately after high school. Results suggest that Black students who aspire to attend a four-year institution achieve their goal irrespective of their high schools' college-going culture, geographical location, or possessing a bounded aspiration. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Subjectivities of risk and environmental uncertainty : residents, regulatory agencies, and corporate interests
Authors:   , Kalz Kristen Michelle
Published: December 2023

The West Lake Landfill Superfund site in Bridgeton, Missouri made for a compelling place to explore how risk was framed and contested by social groups and expert institutions in the context of environmental uncertainty. The landfill has been contested by various stakeholders, because Cold War era radioactive waste was dumped in the unlined landfill prior to regulatory oversight, and most recently an underground fire has been detected in portions of the landfill. Residents organized because they were fearful of the potential for a large-scale disaster and for their ongoing health and safety. The West Lake Landfill, thus, was an important context for investigating shifts in the framing and contestations of risks through time, as well as their multi-layered socio-technical entanglements. A case study design was used which included methods such as, the use of archival data, content analysis, participant observation, and ethnographic interviews. I investigated how environmental risk and its complex entanglements with scientific expertise and citizenship have unfolded since the second world war during which the regulatory structure, understanding of environmental risk, role of scientific experts, and voices of lay people changed dramatically. Local motheractivists have become central to countering expert claims by drawing upon their social media networks and traditional gender roles and have forged new ways of knowing in the process.
Medical students' narratives of peer bullying in women
Authors:   , Kleffner Kristen
Published: December 2023

This study uncovered complicated social dynamics of women students in an accelerated, combined degree program, specifically the narratives of students who experienced peer bullying. Individual and collective narratives were developed using narrative inquiry and through a feminist lens, this study reviews Queen Bee Syndrome and its parallel constructs in a medical education setting. Study participants revealed varying degrees of bullying. Findings include risks and rewards of friendships in women, unveiling frequent gossip and commitment to or ostracizing from social groups. Further, this study revealed participants had tendencies to acquiesce to or become autonomous to bullying behaviors. Several factors, including mental health, academic failure, competition, and sexism, influenced bullying experiences among students. Finally, participants described a social world where being one's best self was particularly important to their social standing. Implications for research, policy, and practice include additional work on mental health and student success, student wellness, proactive interventions, and additional research on men students.
Parent attachment and prosocial behaviors in Asian Indian young adults : prosocial moral reasoning and respect for family as intervening mechanisms
Authors:   , Maiya Sahitya
Published: December 2023

The primary goal of this study was to examine the intervening roles of prosocial moral reasoning and respect for family in associations between parent attachment and prosocial behaviors in Asian Indian young adults. Participants of this study included 281 Asian Indian young adults (60.5 percent female; M age [equals] 21.45 years). Path analyses were conducted to assess relations among parental attachment, prosocial moral reasoning, respect for family, and multiple types of prosocial behaviors. Parent attachment was positively associated with both respect for family and prosocial moral reasoning. In turn, respect for family was positively associated with emotional, compliant, dire, and anonymous prosocial behaviors, while prosocial moral reasoning was positively associated with altruistic and negatively associated with public prosocial behaviors. Prosocial moral reasoning and respect for family were positively intercorrelated with each other. Parent attachment was also directly related to emotional and compliant prosocial behaviors at the trend level. The findings of the study were robust across men and women. Discussion focuses on the importance of both general and culture-specific mechanisms in explaining links between parenting and prosocial behaviors in Asian Indian young adults.
Development of tissue based biomaterials for articular cartilage injuries
Authors:   , Snider Colten L.
Published: December 2023

Multiple biomaterials have been developed in this work. Decellularized porcine diaphragm extracellular matrix was homogenized and supplemented with various biomodulatory agents. It was developed as an injectable material with possible applications in mitigation of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Optimizing polycaprolactone and lecithin electrospun nanofibers for increased reproducibility was studied. A neutral pH liquid porcine collagen type I solution was developed for two separate projects including development of collagen microspheres (CMs) and 3D printed scaffolds. The main focus of this dissertation is on the development of CMs. The CMs were fabricated by emulsifying the liquid collagen solution in a water-in-oil emulsion. Characterization of the CMs through electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and biocompatibility analysis were conducted. The CMs were then investigated as a potential targeted PTOA mitigating agents by conjugating targeting antibodies on CMs to bind to damaged articular cartilage. CMs were also laden with mesenchymal stem cell and studied in culture over 2 weeks. The targeted CMs successfully bound to damaged cartilage and were able to mitigate reactive oxygen species production from interleukin-1beta stimulated human chondrocyte cells with addition of anti-inflammatory agent, curcumin. Finally, use of the developed liquid collagen as a potential bioink for 3D printing was investigated.
Lignin dissolution in deep eutectic solvents : a molecular dynamics study
Authors:   , Li Qianwei
Published: December 2023

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have shown great potential on lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment. Many DESs are capable of extracting lignin from biomass and dissolving hemicellulose while preserving most of cellulose in lignocellulosic biomass. The objective of this thesis is to understand the interaction between DESs and lignin as well as the role of DES constituents, especially hydrogen bond donor (HBD), in such interactions. DESs with choline chloride as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and polyol/ carboxylic acid as a HBD were studied for their effects on lignin dissolution behavior. The first part of the thesis focuses on the impact of spatial charge assignment on the simulation of a DES. The results indicate that the spatial charge assignment for DES is a key factor in determining the force/interaction energy, which would further change the microscopic arrangement of HBD/HBA. In the second part of this thesis, solvent structure of DESs with choline chloride as a HBA as well as interaction with lignin were studied via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Three HBDs, including ethylene glycol, formic acid, and lactic acid as well as two types of lignin models (GG lignin dimer and Adler lignin) were used to gain comprehensive understanding of the local solvent molecular arrangement, the mechanism of lignin dissolution and the dissociation of lignin from cellulose. The common supramolecular complexes in DES were found to show strong correlation with the solvent hydrogen bond network and lignin dissolution. Specially, both functional groups (hydroxyl group vs. carboxyl group) and oxygen atom number in the HBD of a DES determined its hydrogen bond networks and the strength of its interaction with lignin, which in turn largely defined the structural changes of lignin. Also, the chloride anion as well as HBD would preferentially preposition around hydroxyl groups (e.g., [alpha]-OH and [gamma]-OH) located in the lignin linkages. Such preference implies the potential route for bond cleavage in the lignin depolymerization. Molecular interaction between lignin and a DES played a key role in dissociating lignin from cellulose. We found that the carboxylic acid DESs can detach larger part of lignin from cellulose surface, especially on the hydrophobic surface than the polyol DES. The insights gained in this study would advance the understanding of lignin dissolution at an atomistic level and provide guidance for designing effective DESs for biomass pretreatment as well as lignin extraction and valorization toward sustainable and profitable biorefinery.
Inverse Determination Of Interfacial Properties of a Bonded Structure Using Lamb Waves Generated By Laser Lateral Excitation
Authors: Ye Tianming , Hu Wenxiang , Chen Tao , Li Yanxia
Published: December 2023

Nondestructive testing of the adhesive bond properties of a bonded structure is essential in aviation, automotive, and other industries. In this study, a Lamb wave–based quantitative characterization method is proposed to determine the interfacial stiffness of bonded structures. A theoretical model is established, with which the dispersion relationship of Lamb waves in a bonded structure is investigated. Different interfacial states ranging from a perfect bond to a weak bond are simulated, and the numerical results show the sensitivity of Lamb waves to interfacial stiffness. A lateral excitation method is proposed to enhance the excitation of the interfacial sensitive Lamb wave modes, and laser ultrasonic experiments show the enhancement of the Lamb wave signals on aluminum-epoxy-aluminum samples generated by the lateral excitation method. Then, a rapid construction method of inversion objective function is presented to reconstruct the interfacial stiffness coefficient of a bonded structure, and its functionality is validated via finite element simulations. Finally, the interfacial properties of the samples are reconstructed using the inversion scheme.
DOMINANTS OF METAMODERNISM: CRITICAL RECEPTION
Authors: Chernyshova Svitlana
Published: December 2023

This article analyzes developments in the field of literary studies that concentrate on the aesthetics of metamodernism. Researchers emphasize the following inherent characteristics of contemporary fictional writings: a return to modernist-style experimentation, the reconstruction of grand narratives rejected by postmodernism, oscillation between different aesthetic palettes, openness, a return to history, depth, affect, and new sincerity. The identification of these dominants in contemporary literature provides grounds for asserting the «waning» and exhaustion of postmodernism and the development ofa new way of narrativization and understanding of reality, which encompasses both the realities of high technological progress and economic instability.Scholars argue that innovative spirit of the early twentieth century serves as the foundation for the metamodernism of the twenty-first century. Metamodernism explores how the modernists expanded the horizons of literary potential by challenging well-established notions of narrative consistency. In contemporary fiction, we witness a response to modernism as an artistic endeavor that transcends borders, finding expression in various cultures. Metamodernist narratives, in this context, set themselves apart from an earlier form of modernism by embracing a self-aware and enduring commitment to rebellion and the presentation of the unfamiliar as literary innovations that emerged specifically during the early twentieth century.The metamodern turn’s oscillation between «irony and sincerity» can be seen as a thought-provoking response to the complex political landscape of an era marked by economic instability. In a world where economic uncertainties often shape political agendas and public discourse, this dynamic interplay between irony and sincerity reflects the multifaceted nature of contemporary political engagement.
The Effects of a Home Personal Computer-based Auditory Training Program on the Binaural Listening Skills of Children With Specific Learning Disability: A Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors:   Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Moallemi Marziyeh , Rahbar Nariman ,   Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Ahadi Mohsen ,   Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran., Maarefvand Mohammad ,   Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: December 2023

Background and Objectives: A high prevalence of central auditory processing disorders has been reported in children with learning disabilities. One of the crucial auditory processing disorders in these children is a binaural processing problem. Binaural hearing leads to improved auditory performance in noisy situations. This research aims to develop an auditory training program based on binaural interaction at the brainstem level and to investigate its effect on the binaural listening skills of children with a specific learning disability. Methods: After developing the rehabilitation program and determining its validity, this intervention study is conducted in three stages. The first stage includes baseline assessments, the second stage includes the implementation of rehabilitation intervention and the third stage consists of the re-implementation of the tests of the first stage once immediately after intervention and then once after 45 days of training. Masking level differences (MLD), Persian auditory recognition of words in noise (PARWIN), and binaural speech-auditory brainstem response (Speech-ABR) tests are the primary outcome measures. Persian randomized dichotic digits test (PRDDT), Persian pediatric competing word test (PPCWT), Persian pediatric competing sentences test (PPCST), and Persian version of the auditory processing disorder questionnaire (APDQ-P) were included as secondary outcome measures. The sample size in each intervention and control group was 15 people and the duration of training was 3 months. Conclusion: Considering the importance of brainstem function in binaural hearing, it is recommended to investigate the effectiveness of the developed binaural interaction training program in improving hearing in background noise in children with specific learning disabilities.
Evaluation of the Possibility of Controlling the Bolted Joints of Vessel Lids Using Ultrasonic Waves
Authors:   Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University, Kosterina A. V. , Teplyakova A. V. ,   Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University
Published: December 2023

The aim of the work is to study the applicability of the acoustic method for monitoring the loosening of fasteners on vessel lids, based on the change in signal amplitude during reflection and transmission of ultrasonic waves through the interface between plates. In the course of the work, theoretical dependences of the change in the amplitude of the received signal with a change in the applied pressure were obtained for the case of a flange connection without an additional gasket and in the presence of a gasket made of various materials. It has been established that in the absence of acoustic contact in the flange connection, the amplitude of the signal reflected from the interface is maximum, while in continuous contact it is minimal. The results obtained were verified experimentally using the shadow and echo method of ultrasonic testing. As a result of the study, it was found that the maximum change in the signal amplitude is observed at low frequencies, and when controlled by the shadow method, it is higher than when using the echo method.
New scientific and methodological approaches to the laying of root-related plantings of grapes
Authors: Kazakhmedov R. E. , Petrov V. S. , Agakhanov A. Kh. , Abdullaeva T. I.
Published: December 2023

Relevance. The transition to a grafted grape culture solved the problem of saving viticulture from phylloxera, however, the shortcomings of the grafted culture indicate that the problem has not been completely solved. The article substantiates the importance and possibility of maintaining a root culture of phylloxeratolerant varieties based on the development of innovative methodology and technological foundations for the creation and operation of intensive root plantations using scientifically based biotechnological and physiological methods against the background of phylloxera infection. Hypotheses are proposed and experimental data are presented confirming the possibility of forming root-related plantings of tolerant grape varieties in accordance with the biological characteristics of the grape plant. It has been established that the laying of new plantings with root-related cuttings of phylloxera-tolerant varieties in a permanent place using physiologically active compounds, meets the biology of the grape plant, promotes better plant development, accelerates the onset of fruiting and increases the fruitfulness of bushes, in comparison with traditional technology.
Improving the technology for obtaining of low molecular weight chitosan under conditions of controlled enzymatic cleavage
Authors: Muradyan Zh. Yu. , Albulov A. I. , Rogov R. V.
Published: December 2023

Relevance. Annotation. Experimental data on improving the production technology of regulated enzymatic cleavage of chitosan to obtain its low-molecular derivatives are presented. Experimental studies were carried out in the conditions of the Department of Disease Diagnostics, Therapy, Obstetrics and Animal Reproduction of the Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology — MVA named after K.I. Skryabin and on the basis of the All-Russian Research and Technological Institute of the Biological Industry.Methods. Acid-soluble chitosan from king crab shell (MM 700 kDa, SDA 85%), chitosan succinate (MM 330 kDa, SZ 75.2%), low-molecular food chitosan (hydrochloride) (MM 50 kDa) were used as raw materials for obtaining new modifications of chitosan, gel chitosan (2% solution in 2% acetic acid) manufactured by Bioprogress LLC.Results. As a result of the experiment, the technological parameters of obtaining low-molecular chitosan by enzymatic hydrolysis were selected. The greatest decrease in the dynamic viscosity of chitosan was reliably observed in the pilot-industrial series II (by 29.3 times), and the pilot-industrial series I and III — by 6.9 and 10.6 times, respectively. As a result of enzymatic hydrolysis of chitosan in the pilot series II, it was possible to reduce the molecular weight from 700 to 24 kDa, and in series I and III — to 102 and 66 kDa. Based on the research results, a technological scheme for obtaining low-molecular-weight chitosan derivatives by enzymatic hydrolysis has been developed, tested and proposed for industrial use, technical conditions have been developed.