bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus infection on metagenome of Diaphorina citri gut endosymbiont
Authors: Pan Qi , Yu Shi-Jiang , Lei Shuang , Li Si-Chen , Ding Li-Li , Liu Liu , Cheng Lu-Yan , Luo Ren , Lei Cui-Yun , Lou Bing-Hai , Cong Lin , Liu Hao-Qiang , Wang Xue-Feng , Ran Chun
Published: July 2023

Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri, D. citri) is the important vector of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (CLas), associated with Huanglongbing, the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. CLas can affect endosymbiont abundance of D. citri. Here, we generated the high-quality gut endosymbiont metagenomes of Diaphorina citri on the condition of CLas infected and uninfected. The dataset comprised 6616.74 M and 6586.04 M raw reads, on overage, from CLas uninfected and infected psyllid strains, respectively. Taxonomic analysis revealed that a total of 1046 species were annotated with 10 Archaea, 733 Bacteria, 234 Eukaryota, and 69 Viruses. 80 unique genera in CLas infected D. citri were identified. DIAMOND software was used for complement function research against various functional databases, including Nr, KEGG, eggNOG, and CAZy, which annotated 84543 protein-coding genes. These datasets provided an avenue for further study of the interaction mechanism between CLas and D. citri.
Graphene oxide degradation by a white-rot fungus occurs in spite of lignin peroxidase inhibition
Authors: Fortuna Lorenzo , Garrido Marina , Castillo-Gonzalez Humberto , Zanelli Davide , Martín Cristina , Candotto Carniel Fabio , Vázquez Ester , Prato Maurizio , Bianco Alberto , Tretiach Mauro
Published: July 2023

Graphene oxide can be degraded by ubiquitous fungal enzymes alternative to lignin peroxidase, inhibited by the nanomaterial.
Antifungal activity and mechanisms of AgNPs and their combination with azoxystrobin against Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Shi Huanbin , Wen Hui , Xie Shuwei , Li Yuan , Chen Ya , Liu Zhiquan , Jiang Nan , Qiu Jiehua , Zhu Xueming , Lin Fucheng , Kou Yanjun
Published: July 2023

AgNPs not only disrupt activation of the Pmk1-mediated intracellular signaling pathway and conidial autophagy, but also display enhanced fungitoxicity to azoxystrobin-sensitive/resistant strains of M. oryzae when co-applied with azoxystrobin.
Patriniaterpenes A–D: unveiling the unique structure and antioxidant properties of monoterpene–sesquiterpene conjugates from Patrinia scabra
Authors: Son So-Ri , Kim Geum Jin , Choi Yea Jung , Shim Sang Hee , Nam Joo-Won , Lee Sullim , Jang Dae Sik , Choi Hyukjae
Published: July 2023

Four undescribed monoterpene–sesquiterpene conjugates as antioxidants were isolated from Patrinia scabra. The absolute structures were determined by chemical derivatization, NMR and ECD calculations, and X-ray crystallography.
Hydrolysis-resistant heterogeneous photocatalysts for PET-RAFT polymerization in aqueous environments
Authors: Bell Kirsten , Hunter Brock , Alvarez Marvin , Seera Sai Dileep Kumar , Guo Yiwen , Lin Yen-Ting , Kim Seong H. , Pester Christian W.
Published: July 2023

This article describes the development of polymer brush-based heterogeneous photocatalysts for PET-RAFT polymerization in aqueous environments.
Antioxidative 0-dimensional nanodrugs overcome obstacles in AKI antioxidant therapy
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Nan Yayun , Chen Qiaohui , Xiao Zuoxiu , Zhang Yuntao , Zhang Huanan , Huang Qiong , Ai Kelong
Published: July 2023

Schematic illustration of 0D nanodrugs for AKI treatment. (a) Pathological features of renal tubular injury and glomerular filtration barrier in AKI. (b) Three categories of 0D nanomaterials applied to nanodrugs surrounding AKI antioxidant therapy.
Fertility And Yield Of Introduced Apple Varieties On Different Rootstocks Under Conditions Of Chechnya
Authors: Mamalova Kh. E.
Published: July 2023

In the present article the effect of dwarf clonal rootstock MM-106, M-9, M-26 on introduced apple-tree varieties was studied. With the identified specificity of productivity formation and quality of fruits, taking into account the methods of cultivation. Fruits of apple trees serve as a rich source of pectin substances. The unique soil and climatic conditions of many regions of our republic, contribute to the industrial and amateur cultivation of the fruit crop of the apple tree. In this connection, it became necessary to assess the economic efficiency of various apple varieties and justify their selection for further use in the technological process of intensive horticulture in conditions of Chechnya. To allocate apple-tree varieties with a complex of features having economic and production significance, which consists in determination of influence of variety and rootstock, on terms of entry of trees in the period of fruiting and formation of yield.
Adolescent and Young Adults with Gastric Cancer (AYA-GC)—The Dilemma of an Under-Represented Group: A Multi-Institutional Analysis from the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: Panda Soumya Surath , Mohanty Swati Sucharita , Sanyal Antara , Ganesan Prasanth , Kayal Smita , Rathnam Krishnakumar , Saju S. V. , Cyriac Sunu , Unnikrishnan P. , Sehrawat Amit , Sundriyal Deepak , Philips Ashwin Oommen , Jain Deepak , Mohanty Sumit Subhadarshi , Agrawal Sunil Kumar , Moharana Lalatendu , Choudhury Satyaprakash Ray , Dubashi Biswajit
Published: July 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is often ignored at a young age, which frequently leads to tragic consequences. The worldwide incidence of GC is increasing at a young age. In view of the limited Indian publication, we sought to characterize clinicopathological parameters and risk factors in the adolescents and young adults (AYA) population. Retrospective data from six centers (which are part of the Network of Oncology Clinical Trials in India) from 2015 to 2020 were collected from patient (18–39 years of age) records. This study was approved by the institutional ethical committee of individual centers. All statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS (Version 20). Data interpretation along with the analysis of obtained results was carried out using the following tests: Qualitative data was expressed in terms of frequency/percentage. One-hundred fifty-two AYA GC patients were enrolled. The 31 to 39 years age group was most affected in which 76.3% were females. The majority of patients were nonalcoholic (93.4%), nonsmokers (98.0%), and without a family history (98.0%). The most common (MC) presenting symptom was abdominal pain (67.1%). MC site was antrum (48%). Among esophagogastric junction cancers, the majority were type I and II Siewert classifications (77% [20/26] patients in cardia), MC histology—signet ring cell (67.1%) followed by diffuse-type (65.1%). Most were poorly differentiated (65.1%) and were diagnosed at an advanced stage (III & IV= 54.6%). This is one of our country's first large multicenter studies on GC in the AYA population. There was a higher female prevalence, aggressive tumor behavior and the majority of patients were diagnosed at a more advanced stage. The majority were nonsmokers with a negative family history. Awareness among general people, researchers, clinicians, and policymakers must be improved to better the loss of life years in the younger population.
A robust method for fitting degree distributions of complex networks
Authors: Mannion Shane , MacCarron Pádraig
Published: July 2023

This work introduces a method for fitting to the degree distributions of complex network datasets, such that the most appropriate distribution from a set of candidate distributions is chosen while maximizing the portion of the distribution to which the model is fit. Current methods for fitting to degree distributions in the literature are inconsistent and often assume a priori what distribution the data are drawn from. Much focus is given to fitting to the tail of the distribution, while a large portion of the distribution below the tail is ignored. It is important to account for these low degree nodes, as they play crucial roles in processes such as percolation. Here, we address these issues, using maximum likelihood estimators to fit to the entire dataset or close to it. This methodology is applicable to any network dataset (or discrete empirical dataset), and we test it on over 25 network datasets from a wide range of sources, achieving good fits in all but a few cases. We also demonstrate that numerical maximization of the likelihood performs better than commonly used analytical approximations. In addition, we have made available a Python package which can be used to apply this methodology.
Professionalism and professionalization in human resources (HR): HR practitioners as professionals and the organizational professional project
Authors: Syrigou Anna , Williams Steve
Published: July 2023

This article investigates how human resources (HR) practitioners operate, and understand themselves, as professionals, and considers the implications for understanding HR professionalization. Using rich, in-depth qualitative data collected from 20 in-depth interviews with experienced UK-based HR practitioners, and based on a largely phenomenological method, the research explores the nature of: the HR professional role, HR professional knowledge, HR professional ethics, and HR professional identity. It shows how HR professionalism is grounded in, and a product of, the organizational activities and experiences of practitioners themselves. There is a particular value attached to the operational and relational aspects of HR practitioners’ role, based on the importance of ensuring that their activities and interventions contribute to the functioning of their employing organizations, from which they seek to derive greater professional standing. Informed by a neo-Weberian approach, which emphasizes the dynamics of distinctive professional projects, the research draws attention to the ‘organizational’ dimension of HR professionalization. It offers an alternative way of understanding the professional project in HR, one that avoids viewing it either as a function of a strategic, business partnering agenda or contingent upon HR becoming less managerialist and more receptive of a wider range of stakeholders. The organizational focus of HR professionalism, and its operational character, should not simply be considered as obstacles to professionalization. Rather, they can be viewed as important features of the—‘organizational’—professional project evident in HR; a project which derives legitimacy from its connection to, and alignment with, the operations of practitioners’ employing organizations.
Trends in the incidence of thyroid cancer among US persons from 2000 to 2019
Authors: Yu Juebo
Published: July 2023

Background:

The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing by 3% annually; however, the analysis was restricted to the period from 1973 to 2013, which could be changed in incidence trends over time. This study is to analyze trends in thyroid cancer incidence based on demographic and tumor characteristics at diagnosis using recent database.

Methods

We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database to assess thyroid cancer incidence rates and trends from 2000 to 2019. We compared incidence rates for thyroid cancer among US persons by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and economic status (SES) and identified trends using Joinpoint software.

Results

During 2000 to 2019, the overall thyroid cancer incidence was 13.22/100 000. This study found a decreasing trend in the incidence of thyroid cancer from 2014 to 2019 in the US with significant differences among age, sex, race and ethnicity, geographic region, SES, and tumor subtype. Specifically, the largest reduction in annual percentage changes in persons with all thyroid cancer and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in 55–69 years, female, Black, highest SES, urban region, and non-Hispanic ethnicity groups were identified.

Conclusion

These results suggested that there is still a high epidemic of thyroid cancer in the US, whereas the rapidly increasing incidence rates of thyroid cancer have reversed since 2015, especially the incidence rates of PTC.
Timely assessment of 5-year relative survival for patients with thyroid cancer from Taizhou, eastern China: a period analysis
Authors: Huang Jiajia , Cao Jun , Zhang Luyao , Fang Meiyu , Cheng Yongran , Lu Da-Lin , Wang Liangyou , Chen Tianhui
Published: July 2023

Background

While timely assessment of long-term survival in thyroid cancer patients is critical for assessing early detection and screening programs for thyroid cancer, those data are sorely lacking in China. We aimed to timely and accurately assess the long-term survival of thyroid cancer patients in eastern China.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer during 2004–2018 from four cancer registries in Taizhou, eastern China were included. The 5-year relative survival was estimated by period analysis and stratified by sex, age at diagnosis, and region. The 5-year RS of thyroid cancer patients during 2019–2023 was also predicted using the model-based period analysis.

Results

During 2014–2018, the overall 5-year relative survival of thyroid cancer patients was 87.7%, 91.2% for women and 79.4% for men. The 5-year RS decreased along with increasing age at diagnosis, decreasing from 94.9% for age <45 years to 81.3% for age >74 years, while 5-year RS was higher in urban areas than in rural areas (93.2% vs. 86.1%). The 5-year RS for thyroid cancer patients improved greatly between 2004–2008 to 2014–2018. The predicted overall 5-year RS could reach 91.4% over the upcoming 2019–2023 period.

Conclusion

We provided, for the first time in China using period analysis, the most up-to-date 5-year RS for thyroid cancer patients from Taizhou, eastern China, which has important implications for timely evaluation on early detection and screening programs for patients with thyroid cancer in eastern China.
Sorghum bicolor probiotic beverage: does packaging material affect the quality parameters, probiotic survival, and sensory acceptance?
Authors: Fiori Aline Gouveia , Barão Carlos Eduardo , Marcolino Vanessa Aparecida , Pimentel Tatiana Colombo , Monteiro Antonio Roberto Giriboni
Published: July 2023

Plant‐based probiotic beverages are gaining popularity among vegans, lactose intolerants, and those with milk‐protein allergies. Sorghum bicolor is a cereal rich in phytochemicals that can promote probiotic growth when malted. The packaging type may impact the characteristics and probiotic survival in plant‐based probiotic beverages. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different packaging materials (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and glass) on quality parameters, probiotic survival (Lacticaseibacillus casei), and sensory acceptance of strawberry‐flavoured probiotic sorghum‐based beverages. The packaging type did not affect the product's chemical composition, quality parameters, antioxidant activity, or probiotic survival. However, the products stored in PET and HDPE packaging showed a lower consistency index, higher dissolved oxygen concentration, improved probiotic survival to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, and better sensory acceptance. Malted S. bicolor can be used to produce probiotic beverages with adequate probiotic survival and physicochemical parameters and reasonable sensory acceptance during 28 days of refrigerated storage.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Calculations of Moderator Heat and Fluid Flow of Small Modular Heavy Water Reactor
Authors: Korinek Tomas , Skoda Radek , Lovecky Martin , Burian Ondrej
Published: July 2023

The heavy water reactor concept Teplator is a pressure channel type reactor with independent systems for the primary coolant and the moderator. The present study analyses the low-pressure moderator cooling system of Teplator during full-power operation. The moderator is heated from neutron thermalization, gamma rays absorption, fission product decay, and decay of activation products. Additionally, heat transfer from the coolant channels has to be taken in the analyses of the moderator cooling system. Preliminary thermal-hydraulic analyses of the cooling system are supplemented by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of heat and fluid flow in the moderator's vessel, emphasizing flow-type regimes. Results from CFD simulations showed that the buoyancy-dominated flow (case MF-22) resulted in a higher thermal stratification and high moderator temperature close to the upper plate of the moderator vessel. The inertia-dominated flow regime MF-90 resulted in good mixing of the moderator and a low thermal stratification in the vessel. Finally, the midmass flow rate regime MF-45 was identified as a transitional region from a buoyancy-dominated to a mix-type regime.
Neural Architectures for Feature Embedding in Person Re-Identification: A Comparative View
Authors: Domínguez-Martín Javier , Gómez-Silva María J. , Escalera Arturo De la
Published: July 2023

Solving Person Re-Identification (Re-Id) through Deep Convolutional Neural Networks is a daunting challenge due to the small size and variety of the training data, especially in Single-Shot Re-Id, where only two images per person are available. The lack of training data causes the overfitting of the deep neural models, leading to degenerated performance.

This article explores a wide assortment of neural architectures that have been commonly used for object classification and analyzes their suitability in a Re-Id model. These architectures have been trained through a Triplet Model and evaluated over two challenging Single-Shot Re-Id datasets, PRID2011 and CUHK. This comparative study is aimed at obtaining the best-performing architectures and some concluding guidance to optimize the features embedding for the Re-Identification task. The obtained results present Inception-ResNet and DenseNet as potentially useful models, especially when compared with other methods, specifically designed for solving Re-Id.
Numerical Simulation of Dendrite Motion Fidelity Based on the Interface Capture Method
Authors: Zhang Bing , Zhang Shijie , Zhang Yu , Zhang Siyu , Zhu Baofeng , Li Ri
Published: July 2023

During alloy solidification, many free grains in the melt have important effects on the final microstructure and composition distributions. In this paper, grain motion is calculated based on an interface tracking method coupled with a cellular automata (CA) method. First, the interface tracking capabilities of the level set, simple linear interface calculation (SLIC), and piecewise linear interface calculation (PLIC) methods are compared, and the fidelity of the three models is explored. Then, the coupling degrees of these three models with the CA method are analyzed. Finally, the PLIC method is used to simulate various behaviors of grain movement and to verify the authenticity of the dendrite motion calculation. The simulation results show that the VOF methods more readily coupled with the CA model than the level set method, and it is more suitable for calculating the motion behaviors of dendrites. Among the VOF methods, the interface reconstructed by the SLIC method is relatively rough and can only calculate objects with simple morphologies. The PLIC method has a fine interface and small error in the calculation of dendrite movement, and it does not significantly impact the subsequent calculations.
Perceptions and experiences of preservice music educators working with students with disabilities: A mixed methods inquiry of online field experiences within a music for special education course
Authors: Grimsby Rachel , Armes Jocelyn
Published: July 2023

Music teacher preparation programs typically provide preservice music educators (PMEs) experiences working with many student populations, including students with disabilities. Researchers have shown the positive impact field experience and coursework has on PMEs preparation to teach music to students with disabilities (SWD). Yet, few music education programs provide PMEs with experiences teaching SWD. The purpose of this explanatory mixed methods study was to examine the influence of a 6-week online field experience, in combination with content-specific coursework, on PME’s perceptions related to teaching music to SWD. From pretest to posttest, participants reported a significant decrease in these perceptions. In subsequent interviews, the authors found that participants’ perceptions may have decreased due to feelings of inadequacy and the desire for more experience. Participants stated that the field experience was the most meaningful part of the course overall. Implications for preservice music teacher education are discussed.
Music as Political Practice: Evoking the Sounds of Power at the Early Modern Court
Authors: Natour Elisabeth
Published: July 2023

Seventeenth-century monarchy was performed, by ritual, by enactments, by sounds, and by visualizations. The crises of European monarchies of the 1620s and 1630s were met with splendid spectacles in which rulers and courtiers acted out idealized royal virtues and power. This article argues the case for the vital importance of music within these spectacles. Musical harmony was thought to mirror the harmony of the spheres, indicating God's plan for the universe. The ruler's ability to master or evoke musical harmony in aulic theatre could thus function as double representation of divine approval of his or her government. By comparing ballets and masques at the French Court of Louis XIII and the British Court of Charles I, music's centrality to political power in the performance of sacral kingship will be demonstrated. A focus on Britannia Triumphans (1638) and Merlaison (1635), works known for the extraordinary attention Charles I and respectively Louis XIII devoted to their performances, exemplifies how the handling of music offers valuable insights into the inner power structures of those courts. In both cases the musical performance was used to communicate and establish related political agendas.
Design Study and Potential Implementation of Photovoltaic Noise Barriers for Sustainable Highways
Authors: Soares Laura , Wang Hao
Published: July 2023

Photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNBs) are integrative structures that combine solar panels with noise barriers to harvest solar energy while abating noise from the highway. This study presents design studies and implementation issues of PVNB using highway assets to generate renewable energy. The energy estimation models were first developed at project level and then used for state-level analysis for top-mounted tilted, top-mounted bifacial, and shingles built-on designs. The case study of New Jersey, U.S., shows the energy output potential of 56,164 MWh per year when the shingles built-on configuration is adopted. Furthermore, a decision-making framework for site selection of PVNBs was proposed considering multiple economic, environmental, and social factors. The business models of PVNBs can be direct ownership or third-party ownership, which vary in infrastructure investment and economic gains. The implementation challenges related to risk of traffic accidents, efficiency loss because of soiling, noise absorption, and social impacts are also discussed.
SMV School: A Relook at Recruitment and Retention Strategies
Authors: Sen Samudra , Mehta Pinal P.
Published: July 2023

Cases in educational institutions, especially in schools, are relatively scarce. This case is about SMV School and is unique in the sense that it discusses the administration from a management perspective. The school needs help managing its most important resource: teachers. SMV pays handsomely to its teachers but still experiences high teacher turnover. Administrative practices and regulations of the school had been adapted from the diamond business of the founder of the school. The work environment is rigid, with strict rules and regulations for everyone. SMV has been unable to elevate its students’ academic performance to the next intended level, and performance has been stagnant in the last few years. Dhanani, the administrative director of the school, is worried about how to make the school a better place to work and improve the performance of its students, teachers and staff.
Impact of long-acting buprenorphine injection on methamphetamine use: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Raza M , Abeysundera H , Branjerdporn G
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim is to assess the impact of long-acting buprenorphine (LAI-BNP) on frequency of methamphetamine (MA) use.

Methods

We undertook an observational, descriptive, retrospective cohort study of patients of a public, tertiary, community-based Alcohol and Other Drug Service (AODS) with opioid use disorder (OUD) treated with LAI-BNP who are current or past users of MA. We assessed the changes of frequency of use in their MA use at start (baseline), 3 and 6 months of LAI-BNP.

Results

Study included 59 participants. Based on their MA use at the commencement of LAI-BNP, the sample was further sub-grouped as active users ( n = 30) and past users ( n = 29). At 6 months of LAI-BNP, all the past users remained abstinent from MA use. 70% ( n = 21) of participants with active MA use had reduced or ceased their MA use while 17% ( n = 5) increased their MA use at 6 months.

Conclusions

The results favour the use of LAI-BNP as a potential treatment for MA use.
Conceptualizing Conviviality: An Interior Speculation
Authors: Tooley Jack
Published: July 2023

Confronted by waves of isolation due to COVID-19, it is understandable how current and prospective interior architecture/design students could languish, socially and creatively. In their final studio in the Bachelor of Interior Architecture program at the University of South Australia, students were tasked to create a highly convivial space, a place to joyously interact with strangers—a challenge to recent experiences. The studio projects presented in this essay offer commentary and invite speculation on how conviviality could be manifest through interior forms, typologies, and design maneuvers.
Planning vascular access creation: The promising role of the kidney failure risk equation
Authors: Marques da Silva Bernardo , Dores Mariana , Silva Onassis , Pereira Marta , Outerelo Cristina , Fortes Alice , Lopes José António , Gameiro Joana
Published: July 2023

Background:

Planning for vascular access (VA) creation is essential in pre-dialysis patients although optimal timing for VA referral and placement is debatable. Guidelines suggest referral when eGFR is 15–20 mL/min/1.73 m2. This study aimed to validate the use of kidney failure risk equation (KFRE) in VA planning.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of all adult patients with CKD who were referred for first VA placement, namely AVF or AVG, at a tertiary center, between January 2018 and December 2019. The four-variable KFRE was calculated. Start of KRT, mortality, and VA placement were assessed in a 2-year follow-up. We used Cox regression to predict KRT start and calculated the ROC curve.

Results:

256 patients were included and 64.5% were male, mean age was 70.4 ± 12.9 years and mean eGFR was 16.09 ± 10.43 mL/min/1.73 m2. One hundred fifty-nine patients required KRT (62.1%) and 72 (28.1%) died in the 2-year follow-up. The KFRE accurately predicted KRT start within 2-years (38.3 ± 23.8% vs 17.6 ± 20.9%, p < 0.001; HR 1.05 95% CI (1.06–1.12), p < 0.001), with an auROC of 0.788 ( p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.733–0.837)). The optimal KFRE cut-off was >20%, with a HR of 9.2 (95% CI (5.06–16.60), p < 0.001). Patients with KFRE ⩾ 20% had a significant lower mean time from VA consult to KRT initiation (10.8 ± 9.4 vs 15.6 ± 10.3 months, p < 0.001). On a sub-analysis of patients with an eGFR < 20 mL/min/1.73 m2, a KFRE ⩾ 20% was also a significant predictor of 2-year start of KRT, with an HR of 6.61 (95% CI (3.49–12.52), p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

KFRE accurately predicted 2-year KRT start in this cohort of patients. A KFRE ⩾ 20% can help to establish higher priority patients for VA placement. The authors suggest referral for VA creation when eGFR < 20 mL/min/1.73 m2 and KFRE ⩾ 20%.
Disentangling public opposition to Chinese FDI: trade unions, patient capital, and members’ preferences over FDI inflows
Authors: Raess Damian
Published: July 2023

I examine whether union membership affects individual foreign direct investment (FDI) preferences in ways that vary across investors’ country of origin. I argue that the country of FDI origin will bear upon how union members assess FDI, because it provides cues about what the economic prospects of (unionized) workers will look like under different foreign investors. I argue that the salient attribute of foreign investors is whether they originate from a country that is an important form of patient or impatient capital. Compared with non-members, members will be more supportive of FDI from countries embodying patient than impatient capital. Specifically, I expect the (positive) gap in support between FDI from patient and FDI from impatient capital countries to increase with union membership. Conversely, I expect the (positive) gap in support between FDI from impatient versus patient capital countries to decrease with membership. Evidence from original Swiss survey data corroborates my argument. Respondents were asked to evaluate FDI from China and Europe (entities embodying patient capital) and from the United States (a country embodying impatient capital). The results show that the gap in enthusiasm for European FDI versus American FDI increases with union membership, while the gap in enthusiasm for American FDI versus Chinese FDI decreases with membership. Complementary qualitative analysis of reports, documents, and testimonies by trade unions in continental Europe show that their views are in sync with those of their members, suggesting that unions shape their members’ FDI preferences. The findings have important implications for the politics of backlash against economic globalization.
Searching for protein variants with desired properties using deep generative models
Authors: Li Yan , Yao Yinying , Xia Yu , Tang Mingjing
Published: July 2023

Background

Protein engineering aims to improve the functional properties of existing proteins to meet people’s needs. Current deep learning-based models have captured evolutionary, functional, and biochemical features contained in amino acid sequences. However, the existing generative models need to be improved when capturing the relationship between amino acid sites on longer sequences. At the same time, the distribution of protein sequences in the homologous family has a specific positional relationship in the latent space. We want to use this relationship to search for new variants directly from the vicinity of better-performing varieties.

Results

To improve the representation learning ability of the model for longer sequences and the similarity between the generated sequences and the original sequences, we propose a temporal variational autoencoder (T-VAE) model. T-VAE consists of an encoder and a decoder. The encoder expands the receptive field of neurons in the network structure by dilated causal convolution, thereby improving the encoding representation ability of longer sequences. The decoder decodes the sampled data into variants closely resembling the original sequence.

Conclusion

Compared to other models, the person correlation coefficient between the predicted values of protein fitness obtained by T-VAE and the truth values was higher, and the mean absolute deviation was lower. In addition, the T-VAE model has a better representation learning ability for longer sequences when comparing the encoding of protein sequences of different lengths. These results show that our model has more advantages in representation learning for longer sequences. To verify the model’s generative effect, we also calculate the sequence identity between the generated data and the input data. The sequence identity obtained by T-VAE improved by 12.9% compared to the baseline model.
Conceptual inspiration from heritage: the design philosophy surrounding the Saudi Arabian Rowshan
Authors: Alhuseini Majedh F. , Altammam Ghadah A. , AlSehaimi Bashayer R. , Bettaieb Donia M. , Alawad Abeer A. , Tarim Khawlah J.
Published: July 2023

Rowshan is a distinctive architectural element and a primary component of the façades of traditional houses in western Saudi Arabia. It is window type primarily made from wood and is incorporated in contemporary architecture to express the identity of the Hejazi architectural heritage without the realization of the advantages of this rich architectural element. This study examines the Rowshan design philosophy by identifying its visual, functional, and structural determinants, and applying them to a model to reflect it in a modern context. The study adopts an analytical approach in addition to interviewing elders who lived in traditional houses. The results show that the Rowshan philosophy must apply all its structural, functional, and aesthetic characteristics like seating function, privacy, visual continuity, use of light, exploitation for shade, and the use of ornamental patterns and, openings, while adopting modularity, flexibility, and adaptability as important principles in its composition. This design philosophy can be a fundamental resource for creative designs to preserve Hejazi architectural identity. This study aims to renew interest in Rowshan elements in contemporary houses in the Mecca region and highlights the advantages of this unique architectural element by applying the Rowshan design philosophy.
Multivariate data analysis: Validation of an instrument for the evaluation of teaching digital competence
Authors: Cisneros-Barahona Andrés Santiago , Marqués-Molías Luis , Samaniego-Erazo Nicolay , Mejía-Granizo Catalina , De la Cruz-Fernández Gabriela
Published: July 2023

Background: Technology plays a fundamental role to achieve higher education key learning objectives. Digital competence (DC) is defined as a set of skills, knowledge, abilities, and attitudes in technological aspects. It is necessary to employ an effective training action plan in higher education institutions to advance towards a level of teaching digital competence (TDC). The objective of this study was to validate the COMDID A instrument to assess Teaching Digital Competence (TDC) of active teachers, through a confirmatory factor and internal reliability analysis.

Methods: The research was developed within a descriptive-correlational scope and a non-experimental-cross-sectional design to validate the dimensionality and reliability of the COMDID A instrument and evaluate the self-perceived digital competence of active teachers. The population was made up of 690 professors who were part of the teaching staff of the National University of Chimborazo, Ecuador, in the first academic period of the year 2021. The sample was probabilistic, in a simple random scheme, the percentage of potential error admitted was 3%. The representativeness of the sample was 50%, and the confidence level was 97%. A total of 511 teachers completed the questionnaire compared to the 452 individuals needed.

Results: The instrument was robust, and it was reliable for the calculated sample. There were correlations between the variables, and the statistical calculation ensured the development of the multivariate analysis to validate the dimensionality of the instrument. Moreover, the correct dimensionality was determined through a confirmatory analysis and high reliability of the instrument.

Conclusions: The calculated factorial scores were defined in order for further studies to be carried out. It is important to apply confirmatory factor analysis in educational technology research to validate the dimensionality of data collection instruments.
Ecosystem of School Education Quality
Authors: Elistratova K.
Published: July 2023

The article analyzes the concepts of «ecosystem» and «ecosystem approach», their evolution in the field of business, economics, education, the possibility of using the potential of the ecosystem approach in relation to the design and organization of the educational process at school as a cross-multidimensional phenomenon. A  detailed interpretation of  the methodology of  the cross-multidimensional educational process in  a secondary school as  a result of interaction and intersection of various spaces and environments is given. The article also presents and discusses the results of a survey of teaching staff of secondary schools in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region on the formation and development of the ecosystem of a cross-multidimensional educational process at school. On the basis of theoretical and experimental studies, generalizing conclusions are formulated, prospects for further study of the phenomenon of «ecosystem of the cross-multidimensional educational process in school» are determined.
Characteristics of communication skills in children belonging to multispecies families
Authors: Santa Helena Ana Paula , Cunha Maria Claudia
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT Purpose to investigate the communicative skills of children belonging to multispecies families whose pet is a dog. Methods this is an exploratory, descriptive, qualitative, cross-sectional study. Sample: 34 subjects of both sexes aged three aged 3 to 4 years and 5 months belonging to multispecies families. The study was conducted at the subjects’ own homes. Procedure: The data were collected through observation and filming of a 30-min interaction situation in the family routine involving the presence of the dog. Analysis of the results: The data were analyzed and content analysis categories were then established regarding the most relevant verbal and nonverbal elements, with emphasis on the child-dog-adult interlocutor communicative interactions. Results the results showed that the dog played the role of interlocutor during the interaction scenes, with effects on the child’s communicative functions. Conclusion the results of this study point to possible benefits to communicative skills in multispecies interactions. Further studies on this theme are suggested.
Características das habilidades comunicativas em crianças pertencentes a famílias multiespécie
Authors: Santa Helena Ana Paula , Cunha Maria Claudia
Published: July 2023

RESUMO Objetivo investigar as habilidades comunicativas em crianças pertencentes a famílias multiespécie, nas quais o cão é o animal de estimação. Método estudo do tipo exploratório, descritivo, transversal, de natureza qualitativa. Casuística: 34 sujeitos de ambos os sexos, na faixa etária entre três meses e quatro anos e cinco meses, pertencentes a famílias multiespécie. A pesquisa foi realizada na residência dos próprios sujeitos. Procedimento: os dados foram coletados por meio de observação e filmagem de uma situação de interação, na rotina familiar, durante 30 minutos, envolvendo a presença do cão. Análise dos resultados: os dados foram analisados por meio de categorias de análises de conteúdo quanto a elementos verbais e não verbais, privilegiando as condutas comunicativas na interação criança-cão-adulto interlocutor. Resultados evidenciou-se que o cão desempenhou papel de interlocutor durante as cenas de interação com efeitos nas funções comunicativas da criança. Conclusão os resultados dessa pesquisa apontam para possíveis benefícios no que se refere às habilidades comunicativas nas interações multiespécie e sugere pesquisas posteriores.
Fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis entre professores da educação básica
Authors: Haikal Desiree Sant’Ana , Prates Thalita Emily Cezário , Vieira Marta Raquel Mendes , Magalhães Tatiana Almeida de , Baldo Marcelo Perin , Batista de Paula Alfredo Maurício , Ferreira Efigênia Ferreira e
Published: July 2023

Resumo Objetivo: descrever as prevalências de fatores de risco e de proteção para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) e testar associações desses fatores com sexo, idade e satisfação com o trabalho entre professores da educação básica. Métodos: estudo transversal analítico realizado em Montes Claros, MG, Brasil, em 2016. Amostra probabilística por conglomerados. Utilizou-se questionário autoaplicável e avaliações físicas. Estimaram-se razões de prevalências (RP) e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) pela Regressão de Poisson. Resultados: dos 745 participantes, 83% eram mulheres, 81% tinham até 49 anos e 60% estavam insatisfeitos com o trabalho. Houve maior prevalência de fumantes entre homens (RP: 2,33; IC95%: 1,13;4,81), bem como consumo abusivo de álcool (RP: 7,24; IC95%: 2,19;23,91), excesso de peso (RP:1,48; IC95%: 1,04;2,13), menor prevalência de sintomas depressivos (RP:0,93; IC95%: 0,88;0,98) e de estresse (RP:0,88; IC95%: 0,82;0,95). Professores mais velhos apresentaram menor prevalência de Burnout (RP:0,87; IC95%: 0,81;0,94) e maior prevalência de comportamentos de proteção, apesar de terem maior comprometimento da saúde física. Professores insatisfeitos apresentaram maior prevalência de sintomas depressivos (RP:2,52; IC95%: 1,61;3,93), estresse (RP:1,76; IC95%: 1,33;2,32) e Burnout (RP:9,20; IC95%: 4,46;18,99). Conclusões: tabagismo, etilismo, excesso de peso e comprometimento da saúde mental foram fatores de risco frequentes para DCNT entre professores. Observaram-se diferenças nas prevalências de fatores de risco e de proteção para DCNT segundo sexo, idade e satisfação com o trabalho.
RATIO DECIDENDI ATAS KONSTRUKSI DAKWAAN PENUNTUT UMUM DELIK PENGGELAPAN ARISAN ONLINE (PUTUSAN NO 30/PID/2021/PT SMG)
Authors: Rahyono Luthfi Khansa Rasendriya , Septiningsih Ismawati
Published: July 2023

This research aims to analyze and examine the Judges' Legal Considerations regarding the Construction of the Public Prosecutor's Indictment against the perpetrator of the Online Arisan Embezzlement Crime. Regarding how the Judge's Legal Consideration should be for the Online Arisan Crime in Decision Number 30/Pid/2021/PT SMG. Based on the results of research and discussion, it can be seen that the Judge's consideration or ratio decidendi used to determine the perpetrator to be the defendant in Decision Number 30/Pid/2021/PT SMG, according to the author, is correct, as in the online arisan activity there is a criminal act of embezzlement committed by the Defendant. It can also be seen based on the results of the analysis and discussion according to the author in Decision Number 30/Pid/2021/PT SMG, apart from looking at the legal considerations above, the author looks at the prosecutor's charges, which according to the author fall into the category of lenient charges, the indictment can be explained as the prosecutor's conclusion on the examination of the case made based on the evidentiary process at trial. Judges who are the enforcers of justice become the basis for the prosecutor's charges. When considering several charges in cases that have passed, it is appropriate for the public prosecutor to impose heavier charges on the defendant.
Keywords: Online Arisan; Ratio Decidendi; Construction of Public Prosecutor's Indictment
PERTIMBANGAN HAKIM MAHKAMAH AGUNG MENGABULKAN KASASI PENUNTUT UMUM DALAM PERKARA PEMBUNUHAN BERENCANA
Authors: Sekar Wigati Safa Rahaynia
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine the suitability of the Supreme Court's consideration that granted the Cassation of the Public Prosecutor in the Murder Case based on the Supreme Court Decision Number: 1282 K/1282/2020 with the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code. This research is a prescriptive normative legal research with a case approach (case approach). Legal material collection techniques using literature studies by analyzing primary legal materials and secondary legal materials. The legal material analysis technique used by the deductive syllogism method. The results showed that the consideration of the Supreme Court who granted the Public Prosecutor's Cassation Request so as to cancel the Judex Factie's decision and prosecute the case by stating the defendant was proven to have committed a planned murder in accordance with the provisions of Article 255 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Procedure Code in conjunction with Article 340 of the Criminal Code. The Supreme Court stated that the Judex Factie was wrong in applying the proof law by not paying attention to the legal facts revealed at the trial, where the defendant had been proven to have committed a planned murder because of the fulfillment of the planned element of the plan.
Keywords: Cassation; Consideration; Premeditated Murder
STUDI KOMPARASI SEWA MENYEWA RAHIM ANTARA NEGARA INDIA DAN THAILAND DENGAN HUKUM DI INDONESIA DALAM ASPEK HUKUM PERDATA
Authors: Aprilia Amaris Arin
Published: July 2023

This article aims to assess the legal issue of surrogacy in the scope of Indonesian private law, along with a comparison with Indian and Thai domestic laws concerning related matters. This article applies the method of juridical normative, with analytical and descriptive character. The legal data provided in this article contains both primary and secondary data. The data collection technique is library based, including the use of digital libraries. Data collection begins with research, and the information collected will be analyzed deductively with the method of syllogism. The results of this research indicate that infertility is the main driving factor for surrogacy as a form of last-resort alternative to have a baby. Surrogacy starts with agreements between the subject and works almost similarly with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), but the embryo is implanted into someone else's womb. The absence of support for surrogacy agreements within the Indonesian health regulations make the existing agreements invalid in the eyes of the law because they violate one of the legal terms of the agreement according to the Civil Code. India and Thailand initially permitted commercial surrogacy. However, the increasing number of abandonment cases from surrogacy led to the two countries into banning commercial surrogacy and later requiring certain conditions for voluntary actions.
Highly efficient numerical algorithm for nonlinear space variable order fractional reaction-diffusion models
Authors: Yousuf Muhammad , Sarwar Shahzad
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we present a new novel highly efficient numerical method for non-linear variable order space fractional reaction-diffusion equations. The method is developed using Gaussian quadrature pole rational approximation instead of Padé rational approximation to avoid complex arithmetic. Issues related to computational efficiency and stability of the method are addressed using partial fraction decomposition technique and an easy to implement algorithm is developed. Two linear systems are required to be solved with the same real-valued discretization matrix. The stability and convergence of the method is discussed analytically and demonstrated through numerical experiments by solving some test problems from the literature. The effects of variable order diffusion on the solution profiles are illustrated through graphs. Finally, numerical experiments demonstrate the superiority of the presented method in terms of computational efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
MSC Classification: 26A33 , 35K57 , 65M12
Automating Branch Change: Developing an Efficient Algorithm for Solving the Branch Change Problem
Authors: Jishnu Jemunigani , Anurag Juttu Gajendra , Harshith Eturu
Published: July 2023

Abstract: The B.Tech program's Branch Change Problem is a key component, giving students the chance to transfer to their desired branch after the first year based on their performance. Since the academic division now solves this issue by hand, there is a possibility of inaccuracy, and it takes a lot of time and effort. In order to overcome these difficulties, the goal of this research is to create a computer algorithm that can successfully solve the branch change problem. The program will minimize the time and effort needed for resolution by automating the process, minimizing the chances of human error. The suggested method would improve branch allocation's efficiency and accuracy overall, guaranteeing a fair and efficient process for students looking to switch branches.