bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycorrhizal associations relate to stable convergence in plant–microbial competition for nitrogen absorption under high nitrogen conditions
Authors: Du Zhenggang , Zhou Lingyan , Thakur Madhav P. , Zhou Guiyao , Fu Yuling , Li Nan , Liu Ruiqiang , He Yanghui , Chen Hongyang , Li Jie , Zhou Huimin , Li Ming , Lu Meng , Zhou Xuhui
Published: June 2024

Nitrogen (N) immobilization (Nim, including microbial N assimilation) and plant N uptake (PNU) are the two most important pathways of N retention in soils. The ratio of Nim to PNU (hereafter Nim:PNU ratio) generally reflects the degree of N limitation for plant growth in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the key factors driving the pattern of Nim:PNU ratio across global ecosystems remain unclear. Here, using a global data set of 1018 observations from 184 studies, we examined the relative importance of mycorrhizal associations, climate, plant, and soil properties on the Nim:PNU ratio across terrestrial ecosystems. Our results show that mycorrhizal fungi type (arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) or ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi) in combination with soil inorganic N mainly explain the global variation in the Nim:PNU ratio in terrestrial ecosystems. In AM fungi‐associated ecosystems, the relationship between Nim and PNU displays a weaker negative correlation (r = −.06, p < .001), whereas there is a stronger positive correlation (r = .25, p < .001) in EM fungi‐associated ecosystems. Our meta‐analysis thus suggests that the AM‐associated plants display a weak interaction with soil microorganisms for N absorption, while EM‐associated plants cooperate with soil microorganisms. Furthermore, we find that the Nim:PNU ratio for both AM‐ and EM‐associated ecosystems gradually converge around a stable value (13.8 ± 0.5 for AM‐ and 12.1 ± 1.2 for EM‐associated ecosystems) under high soil inorganic N conditions. Our findings highlight the dependence of plant–microbial interaction for N absorption on both plant mycorrhizal association and soil inorganic N, with the stable convergence of the Nim:PNU ratio under high soil N conditions.
Future carbon sequestration potential in a widespread transcontinental boreal tree species: Standing genetic variation matters!
Authors: Robert Etienne , Lenz Patrick , Bergeron Yves , de Lafontaine Guillaume , Bouriaud Olivier , Isabel Nathalie , Girardin Martin P.
Published: June 2024

Climate change (CC) necessitates reforestation/afforestation programs to mitigate its impacts and maximize carbon sequestration. But comprehending how tree growth, a proxy for fitness and resilience, responds to CC is critical to maximize these programs' effectiveness. Variability in tree response to CC across populations can notably be influenced by the standing genetic variation encompassing both neutral and adaptive genetic diversity. Here, a framework is proposed to assess tree growth potential at the population scale while accounting for standing genetic variation. We applied this framework to black spruce (BS, Picea mariana [Mill] B.S.P.), with the objectives to (1) determine the key climate variables having impacted BS growth response from 1974 to 2019, (2) examine the relative roles of local adaptation and the phylogeographic structure in this response, and (3) project BS growth under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways while taking standing genetic variation into account. We modeled growth using a machine learning algorithm trained with dendroecological and genetic data obtained from over 2600 trees (62 populations divided in three genetic clusters) in four 48‐year‐old common gardens, and simulated growth until year 2100 at the common garden locations. Our study revealed that high summer and autumn temperatures negatively impacted BS growth. As a consequence of warming, this species is projected to experience a decline in growth by the end of the century, suggesting maladaptation to anticipated CC and a potential threat to its carbon sequestration capacity. This being said, we observed a clear difference in response to CC within and among genetic clusters, with the western cluster being more impacted than the central and eastern clusters. Our results show that intraspecific genetic variation, notably associated with the phylogeographic structure, must be considered when estimating the response of widespread species to CC.
Soil organic matter priming: The pH effects
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: June 2024

Priming of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition by microorganisms is a key phenomenon of global carbon (C) cycling. Soil pH is a main factor defining priming effects (PEs) because it (i) controls microbial community composition and activities, including enzyme activities, (ii) defines SOM stabilization and destabilization mechanisms, and (iii) regulates intensities of many biogeochemical processes. In this critical review, we focus on prerequisites and mechanisms of PE depending on pH and assess the global change consequences for PE. The highest PEs were common in soils with pH between 5.5 and 7.5, whereas low molecular weight organic compounds triggered PE mainly in slightly acidic soils. Positive PEs up to 20 times of SOM decomposition before C input were common at pH around 6.5. Negative PEs were common at soil pH below 4.5 or above 7 reflecting a suboptimal environment for microorganisms and specific SOM stabilization mechanisms at low and high pH. Short‐term soil acidification (in rhizosphere, after fertilizer application) affects PE by: mineral‐SOM complexation, SOM oxidation by iron reduction, enzymatic depolymerization, and pH‐dependent changes in nutrient availability. Biological processes of microbial metabolism shift over the short‐term, whereas long‐term microbial community adaptations to slow acidification are common. The nitrogen fertilization induced soil acidification and land use intensification strongly decrease pH and thus boost the PE. Concluding, soil pH is one of the strongest but up to now disregarded factors of PE, defining SOM decomposition through short‐term metabolic adaptation of microbial groups and long‐term shift of microbial communities.
Aridity threshold for alpine soil nitrogen isotope signature and ecosystem nitrogen cycling
Authors: Mao Jinhua , Pan Junxiao , Song Lei , Zhang Ruiyang , Wang Jinsong , Tian Dashuan , Wang Quancheng , Liao Jiaqiang , Peng Jinlong , Niu Shuli
Published: June 2024

Determination of tipping points in nitrogen (N) isotope (δ15N) natural abundance, especially soil δ15N, with increasing aridity, is critical for estimating N‐cycling dynamics and N limitation in terrestrial ecosystems. However, whether there are linear or nonlinear responses of soil δ15N to increases in aridity and if these responses correspond well with soil N cycling remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated soil δ15N and soil N‐cycling characteristics in both topsoil and subsoil layers along a drought gradient across a 3000‐km transect of drylands on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. We found that the effect of increasing aridity on soil δ15N values shifted from negative to positive with thresholds at aridity index (AI) = 0.27 and 0.29 for the topsoil and subsoil, respectively, although soil N pools and N transformation rates linearly decreased with increasing aridity in both soil layers. Furthermore, we identified markedly different correlations between soil δ15N and soil N‐cycling traits above and below the AI thresholds (0.27 and 0.29 for topsoil and subsoil, respectively). Specifically, in wetter regions, soil δ15N positively correlated with most soil N‐cycling traits, suggesting that high soil δ15N may result from the “openness” of soil N cycling. Conversely, in drier regions, soil δ15N showed insignificant relationships with soil N‐cycling traits and correlated well with factors, such as soil‐available phosphorus and foliage δ15N, demonstrating that pathways other than typical soil N cycling may dominate soil δ15N under drier conditions. Overall, these results highlight that different ecosystem N‐cycling processes may drive soil δ15N along the aridity gradient, broadening our understanding of N cycling as indicated by soil δ15N under changing drought regimes. The aridity threshold of soil δ15N should be considered in terrestrial N‐cycling models when incorporating 15N isotope signals to predict N cycling and availability under climatic dryness.
Timing determines zooplankton community responses to multiple stressors
Authors: Sun Xinyu , Arnott Shelley E.
Published: June 2024

Human activities and climate change cause abiotic factors to fluctuate through time, sometimes passing thresholds for organismal reproduction and survival. Multiple stressors can independently or interactively impact organisms; however, few studies have examined how they interact when they overlap spatially but occur asynchronously. Fluctuations in salinity have been found in freshwater habitats worldwide. Meanwhile, heatwaves have become more frequent and extreme. High salinity pulses and heatwaves are often decoupled in time but can still collectively impact freshwater zooplankton. The time intervals between them, during which population growth and community recovery could happen, can influence combined effects, but no one has examined these effects. We conducted a mesocosm experiment to examine how different recovery times (0‐, 3‐, 6‐week) between salt treatment and heatwave exposure influence their combined effects. We hypothesized that antagonistic effects would appear when having short recovery time, because previous study found that similar species were affected by the two stressors, but effects would become additive with longer recovery time since fully recovered communities would respond to heatwave similar to undisturbed communities. Our findings showed that, when combined, the two‐stressor joint impacts changed from antagonistic to additive with increased recovery time between stressors. Surprisingly, full compositional recovery was not achieved despite a recovery period that was long enough for population growth, suggesting legacy effects from earlier treatment. The recovery was mainly driven by small organisms, such as rotifers and small cladocerans. As a result, communities recovering from previous salt exposure responded differently to heatwaves than undisturbed communities, leading to similar zooplankton communities regardless of the recovery time between stressors. Our research bolsters the understanding and management of multiple‐stressor issues by revealing that prior exposure to one stressor has long‐lasting impacts on community recovery that can lead to unexpected joint effects of multiple stressors.
Street‐level bureaucracy and democratic backsliding. Evidence from Poland
Authors: Piotrowska Barbara Maria
Published: June 2024

Street‐level bureaucrats (SLBs) are central to the implementation of government policies, which becomes crucial in the context of democratic backsliding. Their willingness to carry out policies developed by “unprincipled” principals influences the final impact of backsliding on citizens. Research on civil servants and anecdotal evidence indicate that SLBs may engage in various dissent activities when they disagree with politicians and their policies. However, the scale of this behavior depends on how many of them perceive the government as “unprincipled.” Hence, to understand the potential for dissent activities in the face of democratic backsliding, we need to examine SLBs' support for the ruling government. This paper focuses on Poland, an important case of democratic backsliding, analyzing the approval of the opposition parties and the protests in the wake of democracy‐undermining reforms among the SLBs. By analyzing Polish Center for Public Opinion Research survey data, it concludes that SLBs' support for the opposition was not overwhelming, rendering significant scale of dissent activities at the street level unlikely.
Risk factors for the long‐term persistent genitourinary toxicity after stereotactic body radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer: A single‐center, retrospective study of 306 patients
Authors: Tanabe Kenji , Kobayashi Shuichiro , Tamiya Takashi , Konishi Tsuzumi , Hinoto Ryoichi , Tsukamoto Nobuhiro , Kashiyama Shiho , Eriguchi Takahisa , Noro Akira
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To identify risk factors for the long‐term persistent genitourinary toxicity (GUT) after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for localized prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

A total of 306 patients who underwent SBRT at our institution between March 2017 and April 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. SBRT was performed at 35 Gy in five fractions over 5 or 10 days. Factors related to the long‐term persistence of acute GUT after SBRT were analyzed.

Results

During the median follow‐up period of 39.1 months, 203 (66%) patients experienced any grade of acute GUT, which remained in 78 (26%) patients 6 months after SBRT. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥75 years was consistently a significant independent risk factor for any grade of acute GUT 6, 12, and 24 months after SBRT (hazard ratio [HR] 2.31, p = 0.010; HR 2.84, p = 0001; and HR 3.05, p = 0.009, respectively). Older age was not a significant risk factor for the development of grade ≥2 acute GUT. The duration of acute GUT was significantly longer in the older group than in the nonolder group (median duration = 234 vs. 61 days, p < 0.001), and the incidence of persistent GUT was significantly more frequent in the older group beyond 6 months after SBRT.

Conclusions

Older age is a significant independent risk factor for the long‐term persistent GUT after SBRT for localized PCa.
Demystifying normal‐anion‐gap metabolic acidosis: pathophysiology, aetiology, evaluation and diagnosis
Authors: Bhandari Ritesh , Ekladious Adel , Javaid Muhammad M.
Published: June 2024

Normal‐anion‐gap metabolic acidosis (NAGMA) is a common but often under‐recognised and poorly understood condition, especially by less‐experienced clinicians. In adults, NAGMA might be an initial clue to a more significant underlying pathology, such as autoimmune diseases, hypergammaglobulinemia or drug toxicities. However, identifying the aetiology can be challenging due to the diverse processes involved in the development of acidosis. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of NAGMA can help treating physicians suspect and evaluate the condition early and reach the correct diagnosis. This article provides an overview of renal acid–base regulation, discusses the pathophysiological processes involved in developing NAGMA and provides a framework for evaluation to reach an accurate diagnosis.
Australian rheumatologists' perception of autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of systemic sclerosis: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Penglase Ross , Girgis Laila , Englert Helen , Ma David , Moore John
Published: June 2024

Background

Autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an effective treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc); however, treatment‐related toxicity remains a key issue.

Aims

To investigate the perceptions of rheumatologists on the use of AHSCT for SSc.

Methods

Australian rheumatologists were asked for their opinion on the role of AHSCT, the indications for treatment and the barriers to the use of AHSCT for SSc. A secondary analysis assessed what factors influenced the perception of AHSCT.

Results

A total of 77.8% rheumatologists agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that AHSCT is an accepted treatment for SSc. While 65.1% agreed or strongly agreed that treatment‐associated mortality was a significant barrier to referral for AHSCT, only 15.2% agreed or strongly agreed that this risk was unacceptable. Progressive lung or skin disease, or lack of response to other therapies, were considered the main referral criteria. A total of 92.0% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that reduction of treatment toxicity would increase their likelihood to refer patients for AHSCT. Rheumatologists who were aware of the correct evidence base were more likely to consider AHSCT an acceptable treatment for SSc (4.21 ± 0.7 vs 3.64 ± 0.9, P = 0.007). Rheumatologists desire improved patient selection criteria and access to treatment.

Conclusion

In this national survey of rheumatologists, AHSCT is considered an accepted therapy. However, concern about toxicity remains a potential barrier to patient referral. Access, studies to refine patient selection and development of AHSCT protocols that improve safety were identified as key areas of need.
High SARS‐CoV‐2 Exposure in Rural Southern Mozambique After Four Waves of COVID‐19: Community‐Based Seroepidemiological Surveys
Authors: de Jesus Áuria , Ernesto Rita , Massinga Arsénia J. , Nhacolo Felizarda , Munguambe Khátia , Timana Alcido , Nhacolo Arsénio , Messa Augusto , Massora Sérgio , Escola Valdemiro , Enosse Sónia , Gunjamo Rufino , Funzamo Carlos , Mwenda Jason M. , Okeibunor Joseph , Garcia‐Basteiro Alberto , Guinovart Caterina , Mayor Alfredo , Mandomando Inácio
Published: June 2024

Background

Mozambique was one of many African countries with limited testing capacity for SARS‐CoV‐2. Serosurveys, an alternative to estimate the real exposure to understand the epidemiology and transmission dynamics, have been scarce in Mozambique. Herein, we aimed to estimate the age‐specific seroprevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the general population of the Manhiça District, at four time points, for evaluating dynamics of exposure and the impact of vaccination.

Methods

We conducted four community‐based seroepidemiological surveys separated by 3 months between May 2021 and June 2022 to assess the prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. An age‐stratified (0–19, 20–39, 40–59, and ≥ 60 years) sample of 4810 individuals was randomly selected from demographic surveillance database, and their blood samples were analyzed using WANTAI SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG + IgM ELISA. Nasopharyngeal swabs from a subsample of 2209 participants were also assessed for active infection by RT‐qPCR.

Results

SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence increased from 27.6% in the first survey (May 2021) to 63.6%, 91.2%, and 91.1% in the second (October 2021), third (January 2022), and fourth (May 2022) surveys, respectively. Seroprevalence in individuals < 18 years, who were not eligible for vaccination, increased from 23.1% in the first survey to 87.1% in the fourth. The prevalence of active infection was below 10.1% in all surveys.

Conclusions

A high seroprevalence to SARS‐CoV‐2 was observed in the study population, including individuals not eligible for vaccination at that time, particularly after circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant. These data are important to inform decision making on the vaccination strategies in the context of pandemic slowdown in Mozambique.
Metabolic reprogramming‐driven homologous recombination and TCA cycle dysregulation contribute to poor prognoses in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Zhanyu , He Dongming , Huang Liuliu , Deng Kun , Jiang Wei , Qin Junqi , Zheng Zhiwen , Zheng Tiaozhan , Li Shikang
Published: June 2024

Increasing evidence has shown that homologous recombination (HR) and metabolic reprogramming are essential for cellular homeostasis. These two processes are independent as well as closely intertwined. Nevertheless, they have rarely been reported in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We analysed the genomic, immune microenvironment and metabolic microenvironment features under different HR activity states. Using cell cycle, EDU and cell invasion assays, we determined the impacts of si‐SHFM1 on the LUAD cell cycle, proliferation and invasion. The levels of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) and α‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α‐KGDH) were determined by ELISA in the NC and si‐SHFM1 groups of A549 cells. Finally, cell samples were used to extract metabolites for HPIC‐MS/MS to analyse central carbon metabolism. We found that high HR activity was associated with a poor prognosis in LUAD, and HR was an independent prognostic factor for TCGA‐LUAD patients. Moreover, LUAD samples with a high HR activity presented low immune infiltration levels, a high degree of genomic instability, a good response status to immune checkpoint blockade therapy and a high degree of drug sensitivity. The si‐SHFM1 group presented a significantly higher proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase, lower levels of DNA replication, and significantly lower levels of cell migration and both TCA enzymes. Our current results indicated that there is a strong correlation between HR and the TCA cycle in LUAD. The TCA cycle can promote SHFM1‐mediated HR in LUAD, raising their activities, which can finally result in a poor prognosis and impair immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Evaluation of shear bond strength based on substructure materials and ceramic veneering techniques
Authors: Song Han‐Sol , Huh Yoon‐Hyuk , Park Chan‐Jin , Cho Lee‐Ra , Ko Kyung‐Ho
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Bilayered restorations have both the strength of the substructure material and the esthetics of the veneer material; however, they should have appropriate bonding between the two materials. This study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) according to the substructure material and veneering technique used in bilayered restorations.

Materials and Methods

The experimental group was divided into four groups (n = 15 per group) based on the substructure materials (cobalt‐chromium [Co‐Cr] alloy and 3 mol% yttrium‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal [3Y‐TZP]) and veneering techniques (pressing and layering). Veneering was performed with disk shape (diameter: 5 mm, height: 2 mm) on a substructure using each veneering technique. Shear stress was applied to the interface of the substructure and the veneering ceramic using a universal testing machine. The shear bond strength, according to the substructure and veneering technique, was analyzed using a two‐way analysis of variance with a post‐hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference test. The failure mode was observed, and the surface was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy.

Results

The shSBS of the Co‐Cr alloy and 3Y‐TZP substructure was not different (p > 0.05); however, the pressing technique showed a higher SBS than the layering technique (p < 0.05). The SBS did not differ depending on the veneering technique in the Co‐Cr alloys (p > 0.05), whereas the SBS in the pressing technique was higher than that in the layering technique for 3Y‐TZP (p < 0.05). In the layering technique, the Co‐Cr alloy showed a higher SBS than 3Y‐TZP (p < 0.05). In the failure mode, mixed failure occurred most frequently in all groups. Extensive elemental interdiffusion was observed through the opaque layer in the Co‐Cr alloy, regardless of the veneering technique. In 3Y‐TZP, a wider range of elemental interdiffusion was observed in the pressing technique than in the layering technique.

Conclusions

In bilayered restorations with a 3Y‐TZP substructure, the pressing technique yielded higher bonding strength than layering. Using the layering technique, 3Y‐TZP showed a lower SBS than the Co‐Cr alloy. In bilayered restorations using 3Y‐TZP as a substructure, the veneering technique and thermal compatibility of the materials must be considered.
Getting the most out of remote care: Co‐developing a Toolkit to improve the delivery of remote kidney care appointments for underserved groups
Authors: Tum Patricia , Awan Fez , Baharani Jyoti , Coyne Emma , Dreyer Gavin , Ewart Catriona , Kalebe‐Nyamomgo Chipiliro , Mitra Udita , Wilkie Martin , Thomas Nicola
Published: June 2024

Background

Telephone and video appointments are still common post‐pandemic, with an estimated 25%–50% of kidney appointments in the United Kingdom still conducted remotely. This is important as remote consultations may exacerbate pre‐existing inequalities in those from underserved groups. Those from underserved groups are often not represented in health research and include those with learning disability, mental health needs, hearing/sight problems, young/older people, those from ethnic minority groups.

Objectives

The aim was to develop a Toolkit to improve the quality of remote kidney care appointments for people from different underserved groups.

Design

A parallel mixed methods approach with semistructured interviews/focus groups and survey. We also conducted workshops to develop and validate the Toolkit.

Participants

Seventy‐five renal staff members completed the survey and 21 patients participated in the interviews and focus groups. Patients (n = 11) and staff (n = 10) took part in the Toolkit development workshop, and patients (n = 13) took part in the Toolkit validation workshop.

Results

Four themes from interviews/focus groups suggested areas in which remote appointments could be improved. Themes were quality of appointment, patient empowerment, patient–practitioner relationship and unique needs for underserved groups. Staff reported difficulty building rapport, confidentiality issues, confidence about diagnosis/advice given, technical difficulties and shared decision making.

Conclusion

This study is the first to explore experiences of remote appointments among both staff and those from underserved groups living with kidney disease in the United Kingdom. While remote appointments can be beneficial, our findings indicate that remote consultations need optimisation to meet the needs of patients. The project findings informed the development of a Toolkit which will be widely promoted and accessible in the United Kingdom during 2024.
Experience from transport teams on interhospital transfer of patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: A qualitative study
Authors: Yu Anqi , Wang Yi , Zhang Meng , Deng Juan , Guo Chunling , Xiong Jie
Published: June 2024

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be a life‐saving treatment for patients requiring advanced cardiopulmonary support. Several ECMO centres offer interhospital transport (ECMO IHT) services that involve establishing ECMO teams to initiate ECMO at referring hospitals and then transfer patients to ECMO centres. ECMO IHT is often high risk and complex. Understanding the experience of transport team members is crucial to ensure patient safety and promote quality improvement.

Aim

To explore the experiences of transport teams performing ECMO IHT.

Study Design

A descriptive qualitative methodology was adopted.

Results

Thirteen health care professionals who have performed ECMO IHT at a general hospital in China agreed to be interviewed and enrolled in this study. Two investigators conducted face‐to‐face individual interviews in September–November 2022. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Three main themes and nine sub‐themes were developed: (1) practicing with good organizational management (conducting training programs, cultivating the spirit of good teamwork and developing a standardized transport procedure), (2) dedicated to ensuring patient safety (adequate preparation and regular checking to reduce risk, accurate evaluation to avoid futility and maintaining communication to increase safety) and (3) having confidence despite being uneasy (feeling stressed is common, facing insecurity in transport settings and gaining confidence through practice).

Conclusions

Health care professionals must adequately prepare and assess ECMO IHT to ensure patient safety. Supportive measures should be taken to ensure team members' health and improve patient safety. Good communication and teamwork could improve this challenging task. Further research is required for training programs and establishing standardized transport procedures.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study presents multi‐professional perspectives on the experience of performing ECMO IHT to help management identify what needs to be further developed. With the increasing number of ECMO IHT, promoting its standardization is warranted.
INTERNATIONAL DISTANCE EDUCATION AT TOKYO TECH
Authors: Nishihara Akinori
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces distance education activities at Tokyo Institute of Technology. The Center for Research and Development of Educational Technology (CRADLE), being its key player, has been using commercial satellite, testbed network, and normal internet connections for international distance education. We have been conducting formal higher education at graduate level, and accumulated knowledge to improve the effectiveness of distance education, if not compatible to face-to-face education. Information and communication technology can further improve distance education by transmitting better quality video or by assisting teachers and learners using a learning management system and other useful tools.
STUDY ON OPTIMIZATION OF ARCHIVING CONDITION UNDER JPEG2000 AND ITS QUALITY EVALUATION FOR MEDICAL ULTRASONIC ECHO IMAGE
Authors: Hamamoto Kazuhiko
Published: June 2024

Medical ultrasonic echo image is indispensable diagnostic technique and a large number of the investigation is carried out every day. Therefore, the image compression technique is very important. Author has proposed a technique using Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize quantization condition in JPEG2000. The result has shown image quality evaluation by PSNR (the objective assessment) and one by ultrasonographer (the subjective assessment by PSNR) are sometimes not equivalent. In this research, some objective assessment methods and the subjective assessment are compared for 4 images whose diseases part and scanning method are different (image group A). The result shows the objective assessment by a contrast is more consistent with the subjective assessment than the objective assessment by PSNR. Next, proposed GA is modified by using the contrast factor and image group A to optimize an archiving condition. The compressed images by the modified GA are evaluated by the objective assessment by the contrast and the subjective assessment. In this experiment, other 4 images, which are not used to decide the archiving condition, are also used (image group B). As the result, the archiving condition is effective for not only image group A but also image group B. That means the results of the objective assessment by the contrast and the subjective assessment are equivalent whenever using the archiving condition optimized by the modified GA using some typical ultrasonic images. The result also suggests the objective assessment using the contrast factor can be used instead of the subjective assessment.
THE DESIGN OF A FPGA BASED RECONFIGUARABLE IP VIDEO SURVEILLANCE AND CONTROL SYSTEM
Authors: Ngoc Nam Pham , Nguyen Minh Tien
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the HW/SW co-design of a reconfigurable IP video surveillance and control system based on low cost Xilinx Spartan 3E FPGA family. The system allows users to observe video images captured by a camera via any standard browser and control remote devices. Our design focuses on the design of the HW base line JPEG encoder on FPGA and the design of a SW web server running on uCLinux operating system ported on MicroBlaze, a soft-core microprocessor embedded on the FPGA. With the reconfigurability of FPGA, the system can be upgraded easily to support multiple cameras and more control functionality without incurring high additional design cost.
GROWTH, OPTICAL AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF InP NANOSTRUCTURES WITH In0.4Ga0.6P INSERTION LAYER
Authors: Han Soe Soe , Panyakeow Somsak , Ratanathammaphan Somchai , Higo Akio , Wang Yunpeng , Deura Momoko , Sugiyama Masakasu , Nakano Yoshiaki
Published: June 2024

Quantum dots in InP/GaAs system were grown by low pressure MOVPE via the StranskiKrastanow growth mode. In order to control the dots diameter and improve the size uniformity and photoluminescence (PL) emission, the ternary In0.4Ga0.6P layers thickness (0-4) monolayers (MLs) were inserted. The growth of thin In0.4Ga0.6P insertion layers between In0.49Ga0.51P matrix and InP QD layers reduced the mean height and size fluctuation and significantly improved the uniformity of InP QDs. A higher QDs PL intensity, better uniformity and smaller QDs size had been achieved at 2 ML thickness InGaP insertion layer. The PL emission could be observed around 780 nm red spectral range. There was no blue-shift with increase of the In0.4Ga0.6P insertion layer thickness.
EVALUATION OF SAMPLE QUALITY BY NONDESTRUCTIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE METHODS
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki , Horng Vuthy
Published: June 2024

Effects of sample disturbance on the undrained shear strength were investigated from samples with various qualities, retrieved by different types of samplers at the Takuhoku site, Sapporo, Japan. Sample disturbance, caused by difference in sampling tube geometry, was evaluated by two nondestructive methods: measurement of residual effective stress (p'r) by ceramic disc; and shear wave velocity (Vs), and thus maximum shear modulus (GBE), by bender element. Sample quality was also evaluated by three types of destructive test, i.e., shear tests: unconfined compression, fall cone and triaxial recompression tests. Geometry effects of the sampling tube, for example, thickness of the tube wall, edge angle, and existence of a piston were carefully examined. It was found from these studies that the small edge angle of a tube sampler is important to obtain high quality sample. In addition, the existence of a piston does not have a significant effect on the strength properties.
THE ESTIMATION OF CONGESTION COST FOR PRIVATE PASSENGER CAR AND ITS EFFECT AS A THROUGH TRAFFIC IN MALIOBORO, YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA
Authors: Sugiyanto Gito
Published: June 2024

Application of congestion cost for private vehicle in central urban road aims to maximize the efficiency of the urban transport system by discouraging unnecessary private vehicle use and increase the use of public transport. The aim of this research is to estimate the amount of congestion cost and to estimate the effect of application of congestion cost for private passenger cars users as a through traffic in Malioboro corridor. This study shows that estimation the amount of congestion cost for private passenger car users is IDR 2915.00 per trip. The application of congestion cost as IDR 5500.00 per trip for private passenger cars user as a through traffic in Malioboro, Yogyakarta will be shift as 10.901% of private passenger car to bus TransJogja.
PREFERRED DIRECTION OF KARST IN THE KUALA LUMPUR LIMESTONE FORMATION: A SMART TUNNEL CASE STUDY
Authors: Zabidiand Hareyani , Freitas Michael De
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a karstified limestone formation beneath the city of Kuala Lumpur is studied in reference to its relationship between the geological structure and river patterns. A preliminary prediction of karst that was likely to be readily developed was made based on the existing geological map, where the basic geology of the area was expected to be related to river patterns; which suspected can be obtained from the direction of fractures expected in the limestone. Two directions appear to be special interest: N030° to 070° and N120° to 150°; the investigation was then carried out in the field, using the two sites exposed for construction of the SMART tunnel under Kuala Lumpur to verify the prediction made in the desk study analysis. The method used for this study and the evidence are described.
CHARACTERIZING THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF DETERIORATED CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS WITH X-RAY MICROTOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Promentilla Michael Angelo
Published: June 2024

Cementitious material such as concrete is not only the most widely used infrastructure material, but it is also now being considered as an engineered barrier material for nuclear waste repository due to its structural strength and high confinement capacity for a long period of time. It is therefore imperative to understand how microstructure changes during deterioration to assess its long-term durability performance. This paper presents some applications of X-ray microtomography to examine the microstructure of deteriorated cementitious materials. X-ray microtomography is becoming an attractive option for nondestructive and noninvasive three-dimensional (3D) imaging of internal structure of materials. As this technique operates on the same basic principle of medical CT (computed tomography) scanners, it provides the 3D reconstruction of images from finite radiological images; but with much higher spatial resolution. For example, a microfocus X-ray CT system was used in our study to visualize the connected crack network of frost-induced damaged mortar at spatial resolution of orders of 10 µm. Moreover, synchrotronbased microtomography was also used to visualize at submicron level the pore spaces of mortar being deteriorated due to calcium leaching. Not only the CT images provide the qualitative information, but also these images allow us to make quantitative measurement of 3D parameters such as the connectivity and tortuosity. Representative samples from the analyzed 3D images were presented to demonstrate the said technique. Thus, these studies would serve as an impetus to further utilize X-ray microtomography in understanding the relationship between the microstructure and durability performance of these cementitious materials.
STRUCTURAL AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF ZNO NANOSTRUCTURES
Authors: Pung Swee-Yong , Choy Kwang-Leong , Hou Xianghui
Published: June 2024

The structural and crystal quality of ZnO film, Au-catalyzed ZnO nanowires (NWs) and catalystfree ZnO NWs were studied. ZnO film deposited at 145 oC by atomic layer deposition (ALD) had a smooth surface (RMS roughness: 2.850 nm), high transmittance in the visible light region (89.9±6.7%) and good film resistivity (4.131x10-3 Ω.cm). Thus, ZnO films with these attractive properties are suitable for transparent conducting oxide (TCO) applications. Both catalyst-free ZnO NWs and Au-catalyzed ZnO NWs were grown using chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Vertically aligned ZnO NWs (catalyst-free) could be synthesized using highly (002) oriented ZnO seed film pre-deposited on silicon substrate. The catalyst-free ZnO NWs exhibited the best crystal quality as it showed the largest percentage of Zn-O bonds in XPS analysis and highest UV/visible ratio in PL measurement. However, randomly grown Au-catalyzed ZnO NWs were synthesized on bare silicon substrate. The randomly grown NWs has been attributed to the large lattice mismatch between ZnO and silicon wafer. The growth of Au-catalyzed ZnO NWs was proposed to be governed by Vapour-Liquid-Solid_Vapour-Solid (VLS-VS) mechanism.
SYNTHESIS OF MESOPOROUS HYDROXYAPATITE THROUGH A SOFT TEMPLATE ROUTE USING NON-IONIC SURFACTANT
Authors: Cheah Wee-Keat , Ooi Chin-Wei , Othman Radzali , Yeoh Fei-Yee
Published: June 2024

Conventional synthesis of mesoporous hydroxyapatite (HAp) commonly employs coprecipitation method using cationic surfactants such as CTAB. Such surfactants are expensive and create tinier mesopores without an interconnecting pore structure. Using non-ionic surfactants in the synthesis of mesoporous HAp, the pore formation could be induced to tailor desirable pore characteristics. This paper reports on synthesis of mesoporous HAp through soft template route using non-ionic surfactants P123, F127 and P123/F127. Calcination was carried out at 550 °C for 6 hours to reveal pores through the removal of the organic surfactant. The formation of HAp prior and subsequent to the calcination was evaluated through several materials characterization techniques. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) diffractograms revealed characteristic peaks of HAp corresponds to a typical HAp crystal phase, whereby a hexagonal lattice structure was deduced. SEM micrographs revealed rod-like HAp particles with diameter of approximately 24 nm and length ranging from 100 nm. TEM revealed the formation of nanopore channels within the rod-like structure, aligned in a lengthwise direction within the rods. The nanopore channels were consistent with the cavities being generated by the removal of non-ionic surfactant. The pores formed were found to be randomly distributed within the HAp structure.
DAMAGE IDENTIFICATION WITH SENSOR PLACEMENT AND REFERENCE FREQUENCY CHOSEN BASED ON THEORETICAL ERRORS
Authors: Furukawa Aiko , Otsuka Hisanori
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a vibration-based damage identification technique for structures using Fourier amplitudes of acceleration responses generated by ground shaking. The proposed damage identification technique estimates structural damage by solving a simultaneous equation. This simultaneous equation is derived from the equation of motion of the structure before and after damage and composed by structural parameters of the intact state, such as mass, damping and stiffness, and measured Fourier amplitudes of the damaged state. Questions as to where to put sensors and Fourier amplitudes at which reference frequency should be used are unsettled. Since there always exist modeling and measurement errors, and since identification accuracy depends on the sensor placement and reference frequency, determination method of the sensor placement and reference frequency giving better accuracy is important. Therefore, the determination method based on theoretical error of the simultaneous equation is also proposed in this study. In the proposed method, the sensor placement and reference frequency generating small condition number of the coefficient matrix of the simultaneous equation is recommended. The validity of the damage identification technique and determination method is confirmed through experiment on a cantilever beam.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PERCEPTION AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF eBIDDING IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Authors: Nguyen Thu Anh , Chovichien Visuth , Tran Ngoc Thi Bich
Published: June 2024

eBidding has become a widely used means of awarding contracts and continues to gain in popularity because of its benefits. As an international trend, it provides benefits for all forms of commerce including the construction industry. The eBidding system is expected to reduce corruption in the bidding process and to maximize a project‟s potential for success. However, how to expand the eBidding system poses some challenges, particularly in rural, developing countries. Firstly, this paper aims to analyze some of the current problems with the eBidding process as used in the construction industry. Secondly, the differences between eBidding‟s perceived benefits and its practical application are explored. Finally, the underlying causes of problems with eBidding are studied. This research was conducted using a survey of 200 questionnaires during June and July 2011 in Vietnam. Statistical methods and factor analysis were used to analyze the results. From the results, eBidding is encountering a number of problems that can be classified into three groups related to governmental involvement, systemic issues and lack of standardization, and corporate officers and support staff in construction industry. It may cause the difference between the respondents‟ perceptions about eBidding benefits and its practical application. Even with a positive perception about the benefits, few people apply eBidding in their work if it not compulsory for a project. The analysis also illustrates three factors influencing the eBidding process. They are government guidelines, company leadership, and resource factors. Among these, the role of government is emphasized to effect the users‟ perception positively. However, there are some current challenges that negatively impact the eBidding system which require a systematic resolution. Therefore, further research to mitigate preventable factors underlying each type of problem is needed to improve the system so that it can be applied more widely.
CUSTOM IP DESIGN AND VERIFICATION FOR IEEE754 SINGLE PRECISION FLOATING POINT ARITHMETIC UNIT
Authors: Dharmavaram Asha Devi , M Suresh Babu. , G Prasad Acharya.
Published: June 2024

The compact and accurate way of representing numbers in a wide range is the advantage of floating-point (FP) representation and computation. The floating-point digital signal processors offer the IPs that should have the features of low power, high performance, and less area in cost-effective designs. The proposed paper demonstrates the design and implementation of a 32-bit floating-point arithmetic unit (FPAU). The arithmetic operations performed by the FPAU are in the IEEE 754 single precision format for FP numbers. Before performing the 32-bit FP arithmetic operations, the input operands are converted to IEEE 754 single precision. In order to make use of this functional unit in the processor designs, the proposed work discuss about the creation of custom IP. The validation and verification of this IP will be done with the Xilinx Vivado Design software. Here, the verification is performed with VIO hardware debug IP and Zed board. This FPAU IP can be used in DSP applications and can also be used as a floating-point arithmetic block in semi-custom microprocessor and microcontroller designs.
MULTI-CULTURAL TECHONOLOGY OR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE ITERATIVE ANALYSIS AND SYNTHESIS OF TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS
Authors: Martinez Iris Ann
Published: June 2024

Technology transfer has become a common practice of countries and organizations to acquire technology. Aside from enabling less advanced countries or organizations to acquire technology for economic advancement, a significant advantage of technology transfer is that it enables advanced countries to outsource their internal Research and Development (R&D). Thus, technology transfer results in the symbiotic relationship among organizations and countries. Although technology transfer is not a novel undertaking, it still encounters challenges. One of these is the transfer of decision-making capabilities. Decision-making capabilities are needed to sustain and enable local development of the technology. However, these capabilities are difficult to transfer. For this, this research proposes the Iterative Methodology of Analysis and Synthesis of Technology Components. The combination of analysis and synthesis is aimed at addressing the need to break down (analyze) the technology to present it in a more understandable form and the necessity to put a story (synthesize) to the technology to ensure the understanding of the technology by the recipient. Moreover, the “iterative” characteristic is to make sure that there is feedback and agreement between the transferor and the recipient. To prove the validity of the Iterative Analysis and Synthesis Model that this research proposes, a case study was performed on a long-standing technology transfer partnership between a Japanese mother company and its Philippine subsidiary. This research has found that the case study applied a technology transfer methodology that is similar to the methodology being proposed by this research. More case studies have been and are being performed to further prove the validity of this research. However, in this paper, one case study is specifically described. Although the discussion of the results of the case study brief in this paper, i.e., the results of the case studies are more comprehensively discussed in another paper, the results of the initial case study show that, in many aspects, the proposed Iterative Analysis and Synthesis Methodology is in agreement with the methodology that brought success to the technology transfer participants in the initial case study described herein. In conclusion, this research believes that given the previous related research works, the discussions in this research and the case study performed, the proposed methodology is valid. Furthermore, because the proposed methodology has been similarly applied in an existing technology transfer undertaking and has been observed to yield positive results, the proposed methodology is to some extent, credible and confirmable.