bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CORONENE ORGANIC FILMS: OPTICAL AND SPECTRAL CHARACTERISTICS UNDER ANNEALING TEMPERATURE INFLUENCES
Authors: ERDOGAN ERMAN
Published: May 2021

In this study, spin coating, which is a chemical film layer thin film deposition method, was used for coronene films that were grown on Si substrates annealed at 325, 350 and 375[Formula: see text]K to examine the impacts on the optical properties of films. This method allows for easy control of the deposition parameters such as concentration, temperature and time as well as enables the film growth at low cost. Optical (UV–Vis) spectral measurements in the wavelength range from 200[Formula: see text]nm to 800[Formula: see text]nm were used to extract the bandgap information and to calculate various optical parameters of the spin-coated coronene films. The electronic transitions on the absorption of photons of suitable energy are of indirect allowed type. The corresponding optical bandgap ([Formula: see text]) was determined. Complex dielectric constants, dissipation factor, optical and electrical conductances and refractive index of coronene films were analyzed as a function of temperature. As the film annealing temperature was increased, the dielectric constants and the refractive index values increased, whereas the optical bandgap and electrical and optical conductivity values decreased.
EFFECT OF THE TOOL SURFACE AREA AND WORKPIECE VIBRATION ON THE μEDM PERFORMANCE
Authors: UNUNE DEEPAK RAJENDRA
Published: May 2021

This work investigates the influence of tool surface area (TSA) on the average surface roughness ([Formula: see text], tool wear rate (TWR) and material removal rate (MRR) in the micro-electrical discharge machining ([Formula: see text]EDM). The effects of three different TSAs were investigated at three different discharge energy settings. It was observed that the TSA had substantial influence on [Formula: see text]EDM performance owing to scaling effect. Therefore, the low-frequency workpiece vibration was applied to improve the [Formula: see text]EDM performance. The surface topography of machined surfaces was examined using scanning electron microscopy to disclose the effect of TSA as well as vibration frequency on [Formula: see text]EDMed surfaces.
Generalized Cumulative Residual Entropy of Time Series Based on Permutation Patterns
Authors: Zhou Qin , Shang Pengjian
Published: May 2021

Cumulative residual entropy (CRE) has been suggested as a new measure to quantify uncertainty of nonlinear time series signals. Combined with permutation entropy and Rényi entropy, we introduce a generalized measure of CRE at multiple scales, namely generalized cumulative residual entropy (GCRE), and further propose a modification of GCRE procedure by the weighting scheme — weighted generalized cumulative residual entropy (WGCRE). The GCRE and WGCRE methods are performed on the synthetic series to study properties of parameters and verify the validity of measuring complexity of the series. After that, the GCRE and WGCRE methods are applied to the US, European and Chinese stock markets. Through data analysis and statistics comparison, the proposed methods can effectively distinguish stock markets with different characteristics.
AN EVOLUTION ANALYSIS ON THE DYNAMIC GAME OF TAX COMPLIANCE BEHAVIOR WITH CREDIT EVALUATION IN EWA LEARNING MODEL
Authors: YU QINGSONG , WU BIN , CHEN FENG
Published: May 2021

Tax credit management system (TCMS) implemented by the State Administration of Taxation (SAT) of China in 2014 is an innovative mechanism of tax collection and management. This paper attempts to incorporate the TCMS into the model of Allingham and Sandmo [Allingham, M. G. and Sandmo, A., Income tax evasion: A theoretical analysis, [Formula: see text]. Public Econ. 1(3–4) (1972) 323–338], and then proposes an agent-based tax compliance model combined with EWA model. In this model, enterprises are divided into three categories: enterprises paying taxes for better credit, paying taxes to avoid a punishment, and not paying taxes. Enterprises can borrow from banks based on their own tax credit rating. The experimental results based on the model show that: (i) When the probability of spot check is low, the actual tax behavior of some enterprises is inconsistent with the results of tax credit publicized by tax authorities. (ii) In order to reduce the proportion of tax evasion, we try to change the parameter variables of integral reward, audit probability, punishment, financial subsidy and loan interest rate. The results show that the punishment of fixed high loan interest rate on tax evasion enterprises can effectively restrain tax evasion and increase the proportion of enterprises with high credit rating.
Self-Assembly of Ba2+ Pillared Ti3C2 with Enlarged Interlayer Spacing Towards Improved Supercapacitive Performance
Authors: Hu Yu-Xia , Zhang Dong-Ting , Liu Mao-Cheng
Published: May 2021

MXenes have excellent electrochemical performance due to their remarkable electrical conductivity and abundant surface functional groups. However, the smaller interlayer spacing and self-stacking limit their practical applications. Herein, the Ba[Formula: see text] ions pillared Ti3C2 MXene (Ba[Formula: see text]–Ti3C[Formula: see text] with enlarged interlayer spacing has been successfully fabricated by electrostatic self-assembly. The pillared Ba[Formula: see text] ions between Ti3C2 layers can enlarge interlayer spacing, increase specific surface area, expose more active sites and provide open ions transfer channels due to its pillaring effects on the layered structure of Ti3C2. The Ba[Formula: see text]–Ti3C2 exhibits a higher specific capacitance (168[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text] at 0.2[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text] than pure Ti3C2 (123 F[Formula: see text] at 0.2[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] and outstanding cycle performance, which remains at 164 F[Formula: see text] after 1100 cycles at 1[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]. The Ba[Formula: see text]–Ti3C2//AC asymmetric supercapacitor achieved a high power density of 1140[Formula: see text]W[Formula: see text]Kg[Formula: see text] as well as long cycle stability with capacitance retention of 86.35% at a current density of 1[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] after 4000 cycles. The results demonstrate that expeading interlayer spacing can obviously enhance and optimize the supercapactive performance of MXenes, providing an idea to design the 2D energy storage materials with large interlayer spacing and high rate capability.
A Simple Visualization Method for Three-Dimensional (3D) Network
Authors: Kim Sangkwon , Lee Chaeyoung , Park Jintae , Yoon Sungha , Choi Yongho , Kim Junseok
Published: May 2021

The network is a concept that can be seen a lot in many areas of research. It is used to describe and interpret datasets in various fields such as social network, biological network, and metabolic regulation network. As a result, network diagrams appeared in various forms, and methods for visualizing the network information are being developed. In this article, we present a simple method with a weight of information data to visualize the network diagram for the three-dimensional (3D) network. The generic method of network visualization is a circular representation with many intersections. When dealing with a lot of data, the three-dimensional network graphics, which can be rotated, are easier to analyze than the two-dimensional (2D) network. The proposed algorithm focuses on visualizing three factors: the position and size of the nodes and the thickness of the edge between linked nodes. In the proposed method, an objective function is defined, which consists of two parts to locate the nodes: (i) a constraint for given distance, which is the weight of the relationship among all the data, and (ii) the mutual repulsive force among the given nodes. We apply the gradient descent method to minimize the objective function. The size of the nodes and the thickness of the edges are defined by using the weight of each node and the weight between other nodes associated with it, respectively. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm, the relationships of the characters in the two novels are visualized using 3D network diagram.
The Inflammasome Signaling Pathway Is Actively Regulated and Related to Myocardial Damage in Coronary Thrombi from Patients with STEMI
Authors: Nordeng Jostein , Schandiz Hossein , Solheim Svein , Åkra Sissel , Hoffman Pavel , Roald Borghild , Bendz Bjørn , Arnesen Harald , Helseth Ragnhild , Seljeflot Ingebjørg
Published: May 2021

Background. The Nod-Like-Receptor-Protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) pathways are central mechanisms of the inflammatory response in myocardial reperfusion injury. Expanding our knowledge about the inflammasome signaling axis is important to improve treatment options. In a cross-sectional study, we aimed to study presence, localization, and genetic expression of inflammasome- and IL-6- signaling-related proteins in coronary thrombi and circulating leukocytes from ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, with relation to myocardial injury and time from symptoms to PCI. Methods. Intracoronary thrombi were aspirated from 33 STEMI patients. Blood samples were drawn. mRNA of Toll-Like-Receptor-4 (TLR4), NLRP3, caspase 1, Interleukin-1β (IL1-β), Interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-6, IL-6-receptor (IL-6R), and glycoprotein 130 (gp130) were isolated from thrombi and circulating leukocytes and relatively quantified by RT-PCR. A part of each thrombus was embedded in paraffin for histology and immunohistochemistry analyses. Results. Genes encoding the 8 markers were present in 76-100% of thrombi. Expression of TLR4 in thrombi significantly correlated to troponin T (

r
=
0.455

,

p
=
0.013

), as did NLRP3 (

r
=
0.468

,

p
=
0.024

). Troponin T correlated with expression in circulating leukocytes of TLR4 (

r
=
0.438

,

p
=
0.011

), NLRP3 (

r
=
0.420

,

p
=
0.0149

), and IL-1β (

r
=
0.394

,

p
=
0.023

). IL-6R expression in thrombi correlated significantly to troponin T (

r
=
0.434

,

p
=
0.019

), whereas gp130 was inversely correlated (

r
=
−
0.398

,

p
=
0.050

). IL-6 in circulating leukocytes correlated inversely to troponin T (

r
=
−
0.421

,

p
=
0.015

). There were no significant correlations between genes expressed in thrombi and time from symptom to PCI. Conclusions. The inflammasome signaling pathway was actively regulated in coronary thrombi and in circulating leukocytes from patients with STEMI, in association with myocardial damage measured by troponin T. This supports the strategy of medically targeting this pathway in treating myocardial infarction and contributes to sort out optimal timing and targets for anti-inflammatory treatment. The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov with identification number NCT02746822.
“One Size Fits All”: A Fallacy in Measuring Staff Job Satisfaction—Monetary Recompenses Examined in the Ugandan-Based Chartered Private Universities
Authors: Ssemugenyi Fred
Published: May 2021

While looking at the senior academic staff in chartered private universities in Uganda, the study intended to establish if the homogeneous motivation model of using money as a sole predictor of job satisfaction fits the unique characteristics of the employees for whom it is intended. Using a mixed-method explanatory sequential approach, both numerical and interview responses were obtained from a statistically representative sample of 136 and 12 key informants, respectively, from six chartered private universities. At the univariate, bivariate, and multivariate levels, data were analyzed using SPSS16.0 software. Results indicated that monetary recompenses such as salary and allowances did not significantly and positively affect employee job satisfaction since the

p

values were higher than the calculated probability of 0.05, which was the minimum level of significance required in this study to declare a significant effect. The interview responses on the effect of salary and allowances were equally corroborated with the numerical data. However, bonuses were found to have a positive influence with corresponding positive remarks from the interviews. Although there are noticeable flashes of scholarly rigor in the existing body of literature that is skillfully threaded and cogently argued to support monetary incentives, contextual realities on the ground suggested otherwise. Senior academics have continued to quit work despite reasonable pay. Regrettably, at the time of this study, the human resource officers were confident that the ultimate drive for work is money. Little did they know that monetary recompenses have limitations in influencing senior academics. It is thus recommended that the idea of lumping employees into a homogeneous entity with no regard to their uniqueness and the existing individual differences among them is long outdated and deserves no space in modern human resource practices.
Impact of Rule Governance Mechanism on Project Performance in Public Rental Housing PPP Projects: Control Rights as a Moderating Variable
Authors: Liu Dan , Mo Wenfeng , Yin Chuanbin
Published: May 2021

Exploring the relationship among rule governance mechanism, project control rights allocation, and project performance in public-private partnership (PPP) projects is of great significance for optimizing control rights allocation and governance mechanism to improve project performance of PPP projects. Previous studies have mainly focused on the impact of contractual governance or rule-based governance on the performance of PPP projects, and the research on the allocation of project control rights into the analysis framework is insufficient. The goal of this study is to explore the moderating effect of the allocation of project control rights on the project’s rule mechanism affecting project performance. Based on the theoretical analysis and literature review, three hypotheses are put forward, and the hypotheses are tested by structural equation model using the large sample data collected by questionnaire survey. This study shows that both the rule governance mechanism and project control right allocation have a positive impact on project performance, and the allocation of project control right has a negative moderating effect on the impact of rule governance mechanism on project performance. The public characteristics of PPP projects determine that it is inappropriate for social capital to have too much project control rights. The degree of project control rights owned by social capital should be balanced with the rule governance in the dynamic management process.
Ultrasound-Guided Transforaminal Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma Compared with Steroid in Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Xu Zhen , Wu Shaoling , Li Xiao , Liu Cuicui , Fan Shengnuo , Ma Chao
Published: May 2021

Transforaminal steroid injection is extensively used as a treatment in cases of herniated disc, but it is associated with complications. In comparison, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection has been used in musculoskeletal disorders and could be another option. This study is aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety aspects between ultrasound-guided transforaminal injections of PRP and steroid in patients who suffer from radicular pain due to lumbar disc herniation. In a randomized controlled trial, ultrasound-guided transforaminal injections of either PRP (

n
=
61

) or steroid (

n
=
63

) were administered to a total of 124 patients who suffer from radicular pain due to lumbar disc herniation. Patients were assessed by the visual analogue scale (VAS), pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the physical function (PF) and bodily pain (BP) domains of the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) before operation and 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after operation. The rate and latency of F-wave were obtained before operation and 12 months postoperation. There was no statistical difference in terms of age and sex between both groups. Statistically significant improvements from the patients’ data before operation to data obtained 1-month postoperation were observed in VAS, PPTs, ODI, and PF and BP of SF-36 in both groups and kept for 1 year. F-wave rate and latency were improved significantly at 1-year postoperation in both groups. Intergroup differences during follow-ups over a period of 1 year were not found to be significant in all the above assessment between the PRP and steroid groups. No complications were reported. The results showed similar outcome for both transforaminal injections using PRP and steroid in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation, suggesting the possible application of PRP injection as a safer alternative. The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-INR-17011825).
Screening of Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Georgia
Authors: Botchorishvili Nazibrola , Shiukashvili Nino , Mikeladze Nina , Dzagnidze Ann , Mikava Nino , Tighashvili Maia , Janelidze Marina
Published: May 2021

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS), with a significant negative impact on the occupational and social functioning of patients. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of CI among MS patients in Georgia. Sixty-eight patients with MS attending a neurology outpatient clinic in Tbilisi, Georgia, were enrolled in the study. Cognitive status was evaluated using two screening tools: the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. The overall prevalence of CI in our MS patients was 47%. We found negative associations between cognitive test results and patients’ age, disability status, and depression. Lower education, higher scores on the Expanded Disability Status Scale, and the progressive course of MS were the main predictors of CI in the logistic regression analysis. This is the first study in Georgia to evaluate CI in patients with MS. The prevalence of CI in our study was comparable with those reported in other countries; however, we found greater impairment of the executive system compared to other cognitive domains. In our study, patients who were on continuous DMT showed significantly better performance on the cognitive tests used, indicating possible favorable effect of immunomodulatory drugs on cognition.
Deterioration of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Rocks by Cyclic Drying and Wetting
Authors: Zhang Zhizhen , Niu Yixin , Shang Xiaoji , Ye Peng , Zhou Rui , Gao Feng
Published: May 2021

Both surface and underground rocks in nature often undergo repeated drying and wetting. The dry-wet cycle is a weathering effect that includes physical and chemical processes, which has varying degrees of degradation effects on the physical and mechanical properties of rocks. This paper analyzes and discusses this kind of rock degradation based on the existing literature data. First, the deterioration degree of various physical and mechanical properties (including density, P-wave velocity, porosity, static and dynamic compressive/tensile strength, and fracture toughness) is summarized as the number of dry-wet cycles increases. Secondly, the possible degradation mechanism of the dry-wet cycle is explained in terms of clay mineral swelling, solute migration, and microcrack evolution. Then, the damage constitutive model of the rock after cyclic dry-wet treatment is introduced. Finally, the issues that need to be studied in the future are put forward.
Hydrological Models and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to Simulate Streamflow in a Tropical Catchment of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunathilake Miyuru B. , Karunanayake Chamaka , Gunathilake Anura S. , Marasingha Niranga , Samarasinghe Jayanga T. , Bandara Isuru M. , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: May 2021

Accurate streamflow estimations are essential for planning and decision-making of many development activities related to water resources. Hydrological modelling is a frequently adopted and a matured technique to simulate streamflow compared to the data driven models such as artificial neural networks (ANNs). In addition, usage of ANNs is minimum to simulate streamflow in the context of Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study presents an intercomparison between streamflow estimations from conventional hydrological modelling and ANN analysis for Seethawaka River Basin located in the upstream part of the Kelani River Basin, Sri Lanka. The hydrological model was developed using the Hydrologic Engineering Centre-Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC-HMS), while the data-driven ANN model was developed in MATLAB. The rainfall and streamflows’ data for 2003–2010 period have been used. The simulations by HEC-HMS were performed by four types of input rainfall data configurations, including observed rainfall data sets and three satellite-based precipitation products (SbPPs), namely, PERSIANN, PERSIANN-CCS, and PERSIANN-CDR. The ANN model was trained using three well-known training algorithms, namely, Levenberg–Marquadt (LM), Bayesian regularization (BR), and scaled conjugate gradient (SCG). Results revealed that the simulated hydrological model based on observed rainfall outperformed those of based on remotely sensed SbPPs. BR algorithm-based ANN algorithm was found to be superior among the data-driven models in the context of ANN model simulations. However, none of the above developed models were able to capture several peak discharges recorded in the Seethawaka River. The results of this study indicate that ANN models can be used to simulate streamflow to an acceptable level, despite presence of intensive spatial and temporal data sets, which are often required for hydrologic software. Hence, the results of the current study provide valuable feedback for water resources’ planners in the developing region which lack multiple data sets for hydrologic software.
Treatment of Cutting Oil-in-Water Emulsion by Combining Flocculation and Fenton Oxidation
Authors: Hai Nam Chu Thi , Thu Hien Nguyen Thi , Thu Huyen Nguyen Thi , Hiep Hoang Huu , Thuong Nghiem Thi
Published: May 2021

Recently, the disposal of waste oil-in-water cutting emulsion has become an urgent issue because of its extremely high chemical oxygen demand (COD). The present work focuses on treating the waste cutting emulsion generated from the Samsung Thai-Nguyen factory in Vietnam. This work used multistage methods to treat the waste cutting emulsion to meet the wastewater disposal requirement and characterize the oil recovered. The multistage methods consist of the flocculation method (stage 1) and Fenton oxidation (stage 2). The wastewater after stage 1 treatment has a COD reduction efficiency of 98.24% at the condition of pH 5, Al2(SO4)3 2 g/L, C-PAM 12 mg/L, stirring speed 50 rpm, and stirring time 15 minutes. At that condition, the COD value decreased from 147200 mg/L to 2484 mg/L. After stage 2, the COD value further decreased from 2484 mg/L to 85.4 mg/L with total COD removal efficiency increasing to 99.9% at the optimum conditions of pH 3, H2O2 : FeSO4 concentration ratio of 10 : 1, and FeSO4 concentration of 14.04 g/L. After the stage 2 treatment, the wastewater with the COD value of 85.4 mg/L and BOD5 value of 30 mg/L satisfied the Vietnam standard grade B and grade A, respectively, for industrial wastewater. The oil recovered from the treatment has a heating value of 38095 ± 8 kJ/kg, and thus, it could be reusable as fuel gas.
Catching Takayasu Early: Diagnosing the “Pulseless” Disease in a Child with Palpable Pulses
Authors: Rao A. R. Santosh , Jahagirdar Vinay , Rama Kaanthi
Published: May 2021

Takayasu arteritis is a systemic vasculitis of large vessels that mainly involves the aorta and its branches. It normally presents in the third decade of life and is rarely seen in children. We report a case of childhood Takayasu arteritis, in a 12-year-old girl, who presented with abdominal pain and hypertension. Although all her peripheral pulses were palpable, there was a discrepancy between her upper and lower limbs’ blood pressure. CT angiography revealed stenosis of the abdominal aorta, at the origin of the celiac artery and right renal artery. She was started on steroids and an antihypertensive, after which she attained remission. Five years down the line, the child has sustained remission, with no signs of disease progression. Early diagnosis of Takayasu and initiation of immunosuppression, before the onset of the classic “pulseless” phase, may contribute to improved long-term prognosis.
Quantitative Weighted Visual Cryptographic (k, m, n) Method
Authors: Wu Yewen , Zeng Shi , Wu Bin , Yang Bin , Chen Xianyi
Published: May 2021

The weighted visual cryptographic scheme (WVCS) is a secret sharing technology, where weights are assigned to each shadow (participant) according to its importance. Among WVCS, the random grid-based WVCS (RGWVCS) is a frequently visited subject. It considers the premise of equality of all participants, without taking into account the existence of privileged people in reality. To address this problem of RGWVCS, this paper designs a new model, named as (k, m, n)-RGWVCS (where

m
<
k
<
n

), in which the secret is encrypted into n shares and sent to k participants. In the recovery end, the secret could be reconstructed by minimum m shares when the privileged join in; otherwise, k shares are needed. The experimental results show that our method has the advantage of no pixel expansion and no codebook design by means of random grid. Moreover, the contrast of our model increased by 32.85% on average compared with that of other WVCS.
Malicious URL Detection Based on Improved Multilayer Recurrent Convolutional Neural Network Model
Authors: Chen Zuguo , Liu Yanglong , Chen Chaoyang , Lu Ming , Zhang Xuzhuo
Published: May 2021

The traditional malicious uniform resource locator (URL) detection method excessively relies on the matching rules formulated by the network security personnel, which is hard to fully express the text information of the URL. Thus, an improved multilayer recurrent convolutional neural network model based on the YOLO algorithm is proposed to detect malicious URL in this paper. First, single characters are mapped to dense vectors using word embedding, and the dense vectors are participated in the training process of the whole model according to the structural characteristics of the URL in the method. Then, the CSPDarknet neural network model based on the improved YOLO algorithm is proposed to extract features of the URL. Finally, the extracted features are used to evaluate malicious URL by the bidirectional LSTM recurrent neural network algorithm. In order to verify the validity of the algorithm, a total of 200,000 URLs are collected, including 100,000 normal URLs labeled “good” and 100,000 malicious URLs labeled “bad”. The experimental results show that the method detects malicious URLs more quickly and effectively and has high accuracy, high recall rate, and high accuracy compared with Text-RCNN, BRNN, and other models.
The Song of the Science Mermaid: A Philosophical Trilogue on the Osteological Paradox
Authors:   University of Tartu, Morrone Alessandra , Zorzato Lisa ,   University of Tartu
Published: May 2021

As a modern academic Ulysses, the historical scientist is enticed by numerous plausible scientific theories that can explain the historical data in search of the truth. However, the predicament of her work is to inevitably crash onto the rocks and cliffs of uncertainty. The problem discussed in this paper is that several scientific models can be suitable to account for the same empirical observations. The risk of falling into speculation is looming, and exceedingly dangerous in science. This is also the case in archaeological sciences, such as bioarchaeology. A bioarchaeologist frequently encounters traces of disease in ancient skeletons, and pertinent patterns may often result from equally probable different causes. This is a methodological issue commonly encountered in the interpretation of pathological patterns in human remains, and constitutes part of the problem known in bioarchaeology as the osteological paradox. During an informal trilogue, three characters discuss the osteological paradox, and attempt to define it in philosophical terms. The aim of this work is to present the problems of scientists with the philosophical approach to the debate between scientific realism and antirealism, focusing in particular on the so-called problem of underdetermination. Our original approach is to apply the distinction between ‘how-possibly’ models and ‘how-actually’ models by Alisa Bokulich to archaeological issues, integrating various fields of science with a multidisciplinary and omnivorous approach. The trilogue ends providing the historical scientist with reasons and means to believe in her ability to conceive of true and reliable scientific models to interpret the historical past.
Repensando as interpretações e memórias de 1968
Authors: Almada Pablo Emanuel Romero
Published: May 2021

O artigo analisa como as interpretações e as memórias dos acontecimentos de 1968 se transformam ao longo de suas comemorações decimais. Respalda-se na análise qualitativa da História do Tempo Presente, abordando as Políticas de Memória em torno dos sentidos que aqueles eventos foram ganhando ao longo de seus cinquenta anos, tanto por parte de seus intérpretes quanto pelos protagonistas. Argumenta-se que a ampla gama de estudos valorizou seus sujeitos e conflitos, abrindo um enorme leque de interpretações, as quais guiam 1968 pelo tempo presente, renovando as suas memórias. Conclui-se discutindo algumas linhas memorialísticas em torno dos atores coletivos e de novos relatos de protagonistas, que permitem reinterpretações de 1968, em seus cinquenta anos, elucidando o seu diálogo com as atuais identidades políticas.
Trabalho doméstico e de cuidado: um campo de debate
Authors: Araujo Anna Bárbara , Monticelli Thays Almeida , Acciari Louisa
Published: May 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar como o Estado, o mercado e os movimentos políticos de trabalhadoras domésticas e cuidadoras têm concretizado estratégias para marcar as possíveis liminaridades e fronteiras entre essas duas ocupações. Para isso, analisamos a Lei Complementar nº 150/2015, que amplia direitos trabalhistas às trabalhadoras domésticas, e o Projeto de Lei da Câmara 11/16, que propõe regulamentar a profissão de cuidadora. No âmbito do mercado, consideramos o discurso dos empregadores sobre cuidado e trabalho doméstico e a crescente utilização do Microempreendor Individual (MEI) para contratação. Por último, examinamos entrevistas com representantes dos movimentos políticos organizados do setor. A análise revela que os conflitos em jogo estão relacionados com as concepções de “valor” e “reconhecimento” nos três campos, refletindo as desigualdades e a precariedade que marcam esse setor de atividade.
Peregrinações de um sociólogo caipira: entrevista com Sedi Hirano
Authors: Rubbo Deni Alfaro , Shishito Fábio Akira
Published: May 2021

Entrevista com Sedi Hirano, professor emérito do Departamento de Sociologia da Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
Optimizing over subsequences generates context-sensitive languages
Authors: Lamont Andrew
Published: May 2021

Phonological generalizations are finite-state. While Optimality Theory is a popular framework for modeling phonology, it is known to generate non-finite-state mappings and languages. This paper demonstrates that Optimality Theory is capable of generating non-context-free languages, contributing to the characterization of its generative capacity. This is achieved with minimal modification to the theory as it is standardly employed.
Influence of prey diet quality on predator-induced traits in wood frog tadpoles (Lithobates sylvaticus)
Authors: Chuirazzi Catherine , Ocampo Melissa , Takahashi Mizuki K.
Published: May 2021

Diet quality and predation are two critical factors in determining the growth and development of organisms. Various anurans are susceptible to phenotypic changes influenced by these factors. Yet, few studies examined prey diet quality as potential influence over predator-induced traits. Using wood frog tadpoles (Lithobates sylvaticus) as a model species, we investigated the effects of three diet compositions (plant-based, animal-based, omnivorous) crossed with presence or absence of chemical cues from predatory dragonfly larvae (Aeshnidae). After 35 days, we recorded 11 morphological measurements, Gosner stage, and intestinal length of tadpoles to assess phenotypic changes under the six different experimental conditions. Our results showed the additive effects of both diet quality and predator chemical cue without detection of interactions between the two. Tadpoles receiving the omnivorous diet grew and developed faster with wider denticle rows than those receiving the plant or animal diets. The growth and development of tadpoles receiving only the animal diet were significantly hindered. These results emphasize the importance of diet quality in the growth and development of larval wood frogs. Chemical cues from predators significantly reduced tadpole body size but, in contrast to previous findings, did not affect tail size. Our experimental procedure of providing water containing predator and injured conspecific chemical cues on a weekly basis likely provided relatively weak predation risk perceived by tadpoles compared to previous studies using caged predators. The predator environment in our experiment, however, represents one ecologically relevant scenario in which predation risk is not urgent.
Epistemology’s Prime Evils
Authors: Bondy Patrick
Published: May 2021

This essay addresses what we can call epistemology’s Prime Evils. These are the three demons epistemologists have conjured that are the most troublesome and the most difficult to dispel: Descartes’ classic demon; Lehrer and Cohen’s New Evil Demon; and Schaffer’s Debasing Demon. These demons threaten the epistemic statuses of our beliefs—in particular, the statuses of knowledge and justification—and they present challenges for our theories of these epistemic statuses. This paper explains the key features of these three central demons, highlights their family resemblances and differences, and attempts to show that a certain kind of internalist view of justification provides the resources to handle these demons well.
A Teacher’s Practical Knowledge in an SSI-STEAM Program Dealing with Climate Change
Authors: Won A-Rang , Choi Su-Yeon , Chu Hye-Eun , Cha Hyun-Jung , Shin Hyeonjeong , Kim Chan-Jong
Published: May 2021

Teachers do not simply deliver a set curriculum, but carry out classes based on practical knowledge, including their values, beliefs, and experiences. Therefore, it is meaningful to investigate the practical knowledge of teaching among teachers in terms of orientation, structure, and content in order to understand the teacher’s knowledge, conflicts, and trial and error experiences in the classroom. In this study, we explored the practical knowledge of a teacher conducting SSI-STEAM classes themed on climate change. In the specific context of SSI-STEAM classes, it was possible to understand how the teacher organized climate change classes and guided the actions of students in action-oriented classes. In addition, we expect that this study, which examines the practical knowledge of a novice teacher, will serve as the first step in narrowing the gap in SSI-STEAM education between pre-service teacher education and actual school classroom experience.
Scientific Medicine in the Time of Cholera: the Johns Hopkins Ethos and US Friendly Power in North China, 1919
Authors: Girouard Kim , Lamb Susan
Published: May 2021

Vashti Bartlett, a Johns Hopkins nurse and member of the American Red Cross Commission to Siberia, was part of a global expansion of United States (US) influence before and after World War I. Through close examination of Bartlett’s extensive personal archives and her experiences during a 1919 cholera epidemic in Harbin, North China, we show how an individual could embody a “friendly” or “capillary” form of imperialist US power. Significantly, we identify in Bartlett yet another form that US friendly power could take: scientific medicine. White, wealthy, female, and American, in the context of her international nursing activities Bartlett identified principally as a scientific practitioner trained at Johns Hopkins where she internalized a set of scientific ideals that we associate with a particular “Hopkins ethos.” Her overriding scientific identity rendered her a useful and conscientious agent of US friendship policies in China in 1919.
Termite taxonomy from 2001–2021: the contribution of Zootaxa
Authors: CONSTANTINO REGINALDO
Published: May 2021

Termites comprise a relatively small group of insects, with 3176 known species (2976 living and 200 fossil) (Constantino 2020).  They include, however, very important urban and agricultural pests, and also major decomposers of plant matter in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in the tropics.  For instance, the annual economic impact of a single invasive termite species, Coptotermes formosanus, was estimated as US$11 billion in the United States in 1999 (Su 2002), placing it among the most important insect pests in the world.
Improving the Use of Hydrologic Probabilistic and Deterministic Information in Decision-Making
Authors: Carr Rachel Hogan , Semmens Kathryn , Montz Burrell , Maxfield Keri
Published: May 2021

Uncertainty is everywhere and understanding how individuals understand and use forecast information to make decisions given varying levels of certainty is crucial for effectively communicating risks and weather hazards. To advance prior research about how various audiences use and understand probabilistic and deterministic hydrologic forecast information, a social science study involving multiple scenario-based focus groups and surveys at four locations (Eureka, California; Gunnison, Colorado; Durango, Colorado; Owego, New York) across the United States was conducted with professionals and residents. Focusing on the Hydrologic Ensemble Forecast System, the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service, and briefings, this research investigated how users tolerate divergence in probabilistic and deterministic forecasts and how deterministic and probabilistic river level forecasts can be presented simultaneously without causing confusion. This study found that probabilistic forecasts introduce a tremendous amount of new, yet valuable, information but can quickly overwhelm users based on how they are conveyed and communicated. Some were unaware of resources available, or how to find, sort, and prioritize among all the data and information. Importantly, when presented with a divergence between deterministic and probabilistic forecasts, most sought out more information while some others reported diminished confidence in the products. Users in all regions expressed a desire to “ground truth” the accuracy of probabilistic forecasts, understand the drivers of the forecasts, and become more familiar with them. In addition, a prototype probabilistic product that includes a deterministic forecast was tested, and suggestions for communicating probabilistic information through the use of briefing packages is proposed.
Classifying planetary cloudiness with an updated set of MODIS Cloud Regimes
Authors: Cho Nayeong , Tan Jackson , Oreopoulos Lazaros
Published: May 2021

We present an updated Cloud Regime (CR) dataset based on Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection 6.1 cloud products, specifically joint histograms that partition cloud fraction within distinct combinations of cloud top pressure and cloud optical thickness ranges. The paper focuses on an edition of the CR dataset derived from our own aggregation of MODIS pixel-level cloud retrievals on an equal area grid and pre-specified 3-hour UTC intervals that spatiotemporally match International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) gridded cloud data. The other edition comes from the 1-degree daily aggregation provided by standard MODIS Level-3 data, as in previous versions of the MODIS CRs, for easier use with datasets mapped on equal angle grids. Both editions consist of 11 clusters whose centroids are nearly identical.

We provide a physical interpretation of the new CRs and aspects of their climatology that have not been previously examined, such as seasonal and interannual variability of CR frequency of occurrence. We also examine the makeup and precipitation properties of the CRs assisted by independent datasets originating from active observations, and provide a first glimpse of how MODIS CRs relate to clouds as seen by ISCCP.
Research on a design method of pneumatic logic control system
Authors: Liu Wenting , Sun Qun
Published: May 2021

Aiming at the complex characteristics of the sequential logic control system design, such as X-D diagram and karnaugh map method, a design method based on stepper module was proposed, the procedure of which does not need to be checked and corrected. The design of different pneumatic circuits was carried out with the automatic drilling machine as the application object. First, a stepper module composed of a two-position three-way valve and a dual-pressure valve was constructed, and its structure principle was analyzed in detail. Next, three kinds of stroke programs were listed by analyzing the working process of automatic drilling machine, which were multi-cylinder single reciprocating, multi-cylinder multi reciprocating and multi-cylinder multi-section reciprocating stroke program, and the pneumatic circuit control system was designed by the stepper module method. Finally, the pneumatic circuit was simulated and analyzed using the software Fluid-SIM. The simulation results showed that each actuator can complete the corresponding actions according to the design requirements, which verified the correctness and reliability of the stepper module design method. This work would provide a fast and effective method for the design of the sequential logic control system.
Comparing approaches for multi-axis kinematic positioning in machine tools
Authors: Rooker Tim , Potts Graeme , Worden Keith , Dervilis Nikolaos , Stammers Jon
Published: May 2021

Maintaining minimal levels of geometric error in the finished workpiece is of increasing importance in the modern production environment; there is considerable research on the identification, verification and calibration of machine tool kinematic error, and the development of Postprocessor implementations to generate NC-code optimised for machining accuracy. The choice of multi-axis positioning function at the controller, however, is an often-overlooked potential source of kinematic error which can be responsible for costly mistakes in the production environment. This paper presents an investigation into how mis-management of the positional error parameters that define the rotary-axes’ pivot point can lead to unintended variations in multi-axis positioning. Four approaches for kinematic positioning on a Fanuc-based controller are considered, which reference two separate parameter locations to define the pivot point – managing the kinematics within the Postprocessor itself, full five-axis positioning with a fixture offset, full five-axis with rotation tool centre point control and 3+2-axis with a tilted workplane. Error vectors across four sets of rotary-axis indexations are simulated based on the theoretical kinematic model, to highlight the expected differences in geometric error attributable to mismatched pivot point parameters. Finally, the simulation results are verified experimentally, demonstrating the importance of maintaining a consistent approach in both programming and operation environments.
Contribution of astrocytes to neurovascular coupling in the spinal cord of the rat
Authors: Paquette Thierry , Piché Mathieu , Leblond Hugues
Published: May 2021

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the spinal cord relies on the integrity of neurovascular coupling (NVC) to infer neuronal activity from hemodynamic changes. Astrocytes are a key component of cerebral NVC, but their role in spinal NVC is unclear. The objective of this study was to examine whether inhibition of astrocyte metabolism by fluorocitrate alters spinal NVC. In 14 rats, local field potential (LFP) and spinal cord blood flow (SCBF) were recorded simultaneously in the lumbosacral enlargement during noxious stimulation of the sciatic nerve before and after a local administration of fluorocitrate (N  = 7) or saline (N  = 7). Fluorocitrate significantly reduced SCBF responses (p  < 0.001) but not LFP amplitude (p  = 0.22) compared with saline. Accordingly, NVC was altered by fluorocitrate compared with saline (p  < 0.01). These results support the role of astrocytes in spinal NVC and have implications for spinal cord imaging with fMRI for conditions in which astrocyte metabolism may be altered.
Impact of water deficit on the development and senescence of tomato roots grown under various soil textures of Shaanxi, China
Authors: Ahmad Husain , Li Jianming
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Water scarcity is expected to extend to more regions of the world and represents an alarming threat to food security worldwide. Under such circumstances, water holding capacity is an important agronomic trait, which is primarily controlled by soil texture.

Methods

Our work examined three different soil textures from three cities of Shaanxi Province in China, i.e., silt-sandy loam from Yulin (north of Shaanxi), loam—clay loam from Yangling (middle and western part of Shaanxi), and clay loam-clay from Hanzhong soil (south of Shaanxi), at two moisture levels, i.e., field capacity of 70–75% (well-watered) and 50–55% (water deficit).

Results

The differences in soil particle sizes altered the soil physiochemical properties and soil enzymatic activities. Soil urease and ß-glucosidase activities were significantly higher in the Yangling soil under the well-watered treatment, while the differences were nonsignificant under the water deficit conditions. The leaf photosynthesis rate and total chlorophyll content were significantly higher in Hanzhong soil after 15 days of treatment; however, the overall highest plant length, root cortex diameter, and xylem element abundance were significantly higher in Yangling soil under the water deficit conditions. Furthermore, comparable differences were observed in antioxidant defence enzymes and endogenous hormones after every 15 days of treatments. The auxin, gibberellic acid and cytokinin concentrations in leaves and roots were comparably high in Yangling soil, while the abscisic acid concentrations were higher in Hanzhong soil under the water deficit conditions.

Conclusions

Our findings concluded that soil compaction has a significant role not only in root morphology, growth, and development but also in the soil physicochemical properties and nutrient cycle, which are useful for the growth and development of tomato plants.