bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational identity and programming empowerment of students in computational thinking development
Authors: Kong Siu‐Cheung , Lai Ming
Published: December 2021

The participatory view of learning emphasises students' identity construction. However, identity research in the context of programming education to cultivate students' computational thinking is scarce. In this study, an instrument of computational identity with components of engagement, imagination and affiliation, was developed and validated. Convenience sampling was used to select 1066 senior primary school students studying programming to respond to the instrument, and to a programming empowerment instrument developed previously with components of meaningfulness, self‐efficacy and impact. The two instruments' factor structure was confirmed to have acceptable discriminant validity and support gender invariance. There was a positive relationship between programming empowerment and computational identity. Specifically, students' perceived meaningfulness and self‐efficacy of programming related to all aspects of computational identity. The perceived impact of programming is related only to the imaginative aspect of computational identity. The establishment of the instrument enables researchers to investigate further factors related to students' computational identity development. The results also indicate that the programming curriculum should be carefully designed so that students can realise the meaning of the activities and foster their programming self‐efficacy. This, in turn, is critical to enable these primary school students to participate in and become a member of the digital community.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic

Cultivating students' computational thinking (CT) has become an educational goal in various countries around the world.

It is necessary to develop appropriate tools to assess students' CT development.

Founded on a participatory view of learning, identity has been employed in different subject areas to assess students' development, but identity research in CT is scarce.

What this paper adds

An instrument of computational identity with components of engagement, imagination and affiliation is developed and validated with a sample of senior primary students.

This study shows the importance of empowerment in developing primary students' computational identity.

Students' perceived meaningfulness of programming and self‐efficacy relate to all aspects of identity, but the impact of programming only relates to the imaginative aspect of identity.

Implications for practice and/or policy

The curriculum for CT should be designed carefully to foster the development of students' computational identity.

The curriculum should allow students to see the meaning of programming activities and how young people can make an impact by means of CT.

The programming tasks should be designed at an optimal level of difficulty so that students' self‐efficacy can be fostered.
Unlocking collective cooperation in the midst of COVID‐19: The role of social support in predicting the social class disparity in cooperation
Authors: Tanjitpiyanond Porntida , Álvarez Belén , Jetten Jolanda , Bentley Sarah V. , Casara Bruno Gabriel Salvador , Crimston Charlie R. , Ionescu Octavia , Jarukasemthawee Somboon , Krug Henning , Selvanathan Hema Preya , Steffens Niklas K. , Wang Zhechen , Wibisono Susilo
Published: December 2021

We examined whether (the lack of) social support can explain why researchers have found lower rates of adherence to follow public health guidelines amongst people who perceived themselves as coming from lower social class backgrounds during the COVID‐19 pandemic. To do this, we surveyed 5818 participants from 10 countries during the first wave of lock‐down. Contrary to previous findings, social class was not related to general adherence to COVID‐19 regulations or desire to engage in citizenship behaviours (e.g., showing initiatives to help others during the pandemic). However, we found evidence of an indirect effect whereby those who perceived themselves as higher social class were more likely to be both therecipientandproviderof social support which in turn predicted greater adherence and desire to engage in citizenship behaviours during the earlier wave of the pandemic. Our findings highlight the importance of social support in unlocking potential for collective cooperation (i.e.,adherenceto COVID‐19 rules and desire to engage incitizenship behaviours). They suggest that instead of enforcing strict regulations, government authorities need to address existing social support barriers within lower income communities to facilitate cooperation from everyone in the community.
Redesigning harvest strategies for sustainable fishery management in the face of extreme environmental variability
Authors: Blamey Laura K. , Plagányi Éva E. , Hutton Trevor , Deng Roy A. , Upston Judy , Jarrett Annie
Published: December 2021

Short‐lived, fast‐growing species that contribute greatly to global capture fisheries are sensitive to fluctuations in the environment. Uncertainties in exact stock–environment relationships have meant that environmental variability and extremes have been difficult to integrate directly into fisheries management. We applied a management strategy evaluation approach for one of Australia's large prawn stocks to test the robustness of harvest control rules to environmental variability. The model ensemble included coupled environmental‐population models and an alternative catchability scenario fitted to historical catch per unit effort data. We compared the efficacy of alternative management actions to conserve marine resources under a variable environment while accounting for fisher livelihoods. Model fits to catch per unit effort were reasonably good and similar across operating models (OMs). For models that were coupled to the environment, environmental parameters for El Niño years were estimated with good associated precision, and OM3 had a lower AIC score (77.61)  than the base model (OM1, 80.39), whereas OM2 (AIC 82.41) had a similar AIC score, suggesting the OMs were all plausible model alternatives. Our model testing resulted in a plausible subset of management options, and stakeholders selected a permanent closure of the first fishing season based on overall performance of this option; ability to reduce the risk of fishery closure and stock collapse; robustness to uncertainties; and ease of implementation. Our simulation approach enabled the selection of an optimal yet pragmatic solution for addressing economic and conservation objectives under a variable environment with extreme events.
Effects of stream intermittency on minnow (Leuciscidae) and darter (Percidae) trophic dynamics in an agricultural watershed
Authors: Fallon Christine E. , Capps Krista A. , Freeman Mary C. , Smith Chelsea R. , Golladay Stephen W.
Published: December 2021

Stream intermittency is predicted to increase where water withdrawals and climate warming are increasing. In regions coupled with high fish diversity, understanding how intermittency influences fish trophic ecology is critical for informing ecosystem function. This study compared fish diets across seasons in perennial and intermittent streams to estimate the immediate and cumulative effects of stream drying on fish foraging patterns. We used gut content analysis to compare the diets of small‐bodied, secondary consumer fishes, including two minnow and three darter species found in the lower Flint River Basin of southwestern Georgia, during both the summer (before stream dry‐down) and fall (post flow resumption) seasons. Fish communities in perennial streams had greater diet richness compared to fishes in intermittent streams for both seasons. Darter diets were characterised by rheophilic aquatic insects in perennial streams and by benthic crustaceans (copepods, cladocerans and isopods) and predatory aquatic insects in intermittent streams. Minnow diets were typified by freshwater sponges, eggs and organic detritus in intermittent streams and by terrestrial insects and diatoms in perennial streams. Fishes in intermittent streams consumed significantly more benthic crustaceans in the fall (37% increase in proportional volume) compared to preflow cessation conditions in the summer, suggesting these organisms play an important, yet relatively unrecognised role in supporting fish communities in southeastern streams. Our findings enhance our understanding of how stream intermittency influences the trophic dynamics of secondary consumer fishes in an agricultural watershed increasingly affected by water scarcity.
Temporal and spatial patterns of common hippopotamus populations in the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Inman Victoria L. , Bino Gilad , Kingsford Richard T. , Chase Michael J. , Leggett Keith E. A.
Published: December 2021

Conservation requires reliable estimates of a species' population and their spatial distribution. Knowledge of large‐scale habitat use and population trends in common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius; hereafter hippo) in wetland ecosystems is limited, with no studies of hippo populations in the Okavango Delta (the Delta), Botswana.

We examined the drivers of long‐term trends and spatial patterns in the Delta's hippo population, using 13 years of aerial surveys (1996–2018) informing on the potential impacts of changes in inflow, flooding patterns and rainfall on hippo populations.

We estimated temporal changes in hippo populations and relationships with rainfall and inflow. We also examined how spatially explicit hippo counts related to flood and surface water extent and vegetation class at different scales.

The Delta's hippo population has increased, probably due to increasing long‐term rainfall and inflow, following a period of severe drought/low flooding. Hippos were positively associated with areas with high variation in flooding and negatively associated with broad‐scale surface water extent, indicating hippos avoided permanent swamps and main channels, probably due to water depth, lack of nearby grazing, and thick riparian vegetation. At a fine scale, hippos relied on large lagoons for daytime refuge.

The most recent population estimate indicates that Botswana has the third highest hippo population in Africa, reflecting the importance of the Delta. Reductions in inflow and rainfall from climate change and water resource development would threaten these hippo populations by reducing grazing availability, lagoon sizes, and seasonal swamps. Ongoing monitoring of hippos should continue as they represent a good indicator for the entire floodplain ecosystem.
How Does Monetary Policy Pass‐Through Affect Mortgage Default? Evidence from the Irish Mortgage Market
Authors: BYRNE DAVID , KELLY ROBERT , O'TOOLE CONOR
Published: December 2021

This paper uses a quasi‐natural experiment to identify the impact of interest rates on mortgage default. Using loan‐level panel data for Ireland, we deal with selection bias by exploiting the variation between two adjustable‐rate mortgages offered in the 2000s. We link interest rates to default directly through borrower installments. We find a strong, statistically significant, impact of interest rates on default; a 1% increase in installment is associated with a 5.8% increase in the likelihood of default. We also find evidence that negative equity amplifies the increase in default risk caused by higher interest rates.
Puberty enables oestradiol‐induced progesterone synthesis in female mouse hypothalamic astrocytes
Authors: Mohr Margaret A. , Keshishian Tina , Falcy Brennan A. , Laham Blake J. , Wong Angela M. , Micevych Paul E
Published: December 2021

The development of oestrogen positive feedback is a hallmark of female puberty. Both oestrogen and progesterone signalling are required for the functioning of this neuroendocrine feedback loop but the physiological changes that underlie the emergence of positive feedback remain unknown. Only after puberty does oestradiol (E2) facilitate progesterone synthesis in the rat female hypothalamus (neuroP), an event critical for positive feedback and the LH surge. We hypothesize that prior to puberty, these astrocytes have low levels of membrane oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα), which is needed for facilitation of neuroP synthesis. Thus, we hypothesized that prepubertal astrocytes are unable to respond to E2 with increased neuroP synthesis due a lack of membrane ERα. To test this, hypothalamic tissues and enriched primary hypothalamic astrocyte cultures were acquired from prepubertal (postnatal week 3) and post‐pubertal (week 8) female mice. E2‐facilitated neuroP was measured in the hypothalamus pre‐ and post‐puberty, and hypothalamic astrocyte responses were measured after treatment with E2. Prior to puberty, E2‐facilitated neuroP synthesis did not occur in the hypothalamus, and mERα expression was low in hypothalamic astrocytes, but E2‐facilitated neuroP synthesis in the rostral hypothalamus and mERα expression increased post‐puberty. The increase in mERα expression in hypothalamic astrocytes corresponded with a post‐pubertal increase in caveolin‐1 protein, PKA phosphorylation, and a more rapid [Ca2+]i flux in response to E2. Together, results from the present study indicate that E2‐facilitated neuroP synthesis occurs in the rostral hypothalamus, develops during puberty, and corresponds to a post‐pubertal increase in mERα levels in hypothalamic astrocytes.
The hyoid as a sound conducting apparatus in laryngeally echolocating bats
Authors: Snipes Chelsie C. G. , Carter Richard T.
Published: December 2021

The morphology of the stylohyal‐tympanic bone articulation found in laryngeally echolocating bats is highly indicative of a function associated with signal production. One untested hypothesis is that this morphology allows the transfer of a sound signal from the larynx to the tympanic bones (auditory bulla) via the hyoid apparatus during signal production by the larynx. We used µCT data and finite element analysis to model the propagation of sound through the hyoid chain into the tympanic bones to test this hypothesis. We modeled sound pressure (dB) wave propagation from the basihyal to the tympanic bones, vibratory behavior (m) of the stylohyal—tympanic bone unit, and the stylohyal and tympanic bones when the stylohyal bone is allowed to pivot on the tympanic bone. Sound pressure wave propagation was modeled using the harmonic acoustics solver in ANSYS and vibratory behavior was modeled using coupled modal and harmonic response analyses in ANSYS. For both analyses (harmonic acoustics and harmonic response), the input excitation on the basihyal and thyrohyals was modeled as the estimated pressure (Pa) imposed by the collision of the vibrating thyroid cartilage of the larynx against these bones during signal production. Our models support the hypothesis that this stereotypical hyoid morphology found in laryngeally echolocating bats can transfer sound to the auditory bullae at an amplitude that is likely heard for the species Artibeus jamaicensis and Rhinolophus pusillus.
Beyond adverbialism: A new non‐relational theory of perceptual experience
Authors: Gow Laura
Published: December 2021

All non‐relational views of perceptual experience face Jackson's famous many‐property problem. I argue that the original problem, and the existing responses to it, have focused too closely on the controversial terminology for which adverbialism is best known. We can also direct Jackson's many‐property problem explicitly onto the adverbialist's metaphysics, generating a new challenge. The responses contemporary adverbialists and non‐relationalists have made to the original objection are not successful against this challenge. We need a new non‐relational account. I sketch an outline of a new theory, and motivate the view by explaining how it can respond successfully to this additional challenge.
Primary age‐related tauopathy in a Finnish population‐based study of the oldest old (Vantaa 85+)
Authors: Savola Sara , Kaivola Karri , Raunio Anna , Kero Mia , Mäkelä Mira , Pärn Kalle , Palta Priit , Tanskanen Maarit , Tuimala Jarno , Polvikoski Tuomo , Tienari Pentti J. , Paetau Anders , Myllykangas Liisa
Published: December 2021

Aims

Few studies have investigated primary age‐related tauopathy (PART) in a population‐based setting. Here, we assessed its prevalence, genetic background, comorbidities and features of cognitive decline in an unselected elderly population.

Methods

The population‐based Vantaa 85+ study includes all 601 inhabitants of Vantaa aged ≥ 85 years in 1991. Neuropathological assessment was possible in 301. Dementia (DSM IIIR criteria) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were assessed at the baseline of the study and follow‐ups. PART subjects were identified according to the criteria by Crary et al and were compared with subjects with mild and severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathological changes. The effects of other neuropathologies were taken into account using multivariate and sensitivity assays. Genetic analyses included APOE genotypes and 29 polymorphisms of the MAPT 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR region).

Results

The frequency of PART was 20% (n = 61/301, definite PART 5%). When PART subjects were compared with those with severe AD pathology, dementia was less common, its age at onset was higher and duration shorter. No such differences were seen when compared with those with milder AD pathology. However, both AD groups showed a steeper decline in MMSE scores in follow‐ups compared with PART. APOE ε4 frequency was lower, and APOE ε2 frequency higher in the PART group compared with each AD group. The detected nominally significant associations between PART and two MAPT 3′UTR polymorphisms and haplotypes did not survive Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

PART is common among very elderly. PART subjects differ from individuals with AD‐type changes in the pattern of cognitive decline, associated genetic and neuropathological features.
Effects of bariatric surgery on cardiorespiratory fitness: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ibacache‐Saavedra Paulina , Jerez‐Mayorga Daniel , Carretero‐Ruiz Alejandro , Miranda‐Fuentes Claudia , Cano‐Cappellacci Marcelo , Artero Enrique G.
Published: December 2021

Although bariatric surgery (BS) is recognized as an effective strategy for body weight loss, its impact on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is still unclear. We aimed to examine postoperative changes in CRF (VO2max/peak) and its relationship with weight loss among adults undergoing BS. We systematically searched the WoS, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases. Observational and intervention studies were selected reporting the presurgery and postsurgery CRF, measured by breath‐by‐breath VO2 or its estimation. Eleven articles (312 patients) revealed that BS leads to a reduction in absolute VO2max/peak in the short term (effect size, ES = −0.539; 95%CI = −0.708, −0.369; p < 0.001), and those patients who suffered a more significant decrease in BMI after BS also had a greater loss of absolute VO2max/peak. However, VO2max/peak relative to body weight increased after surgery (ES = 0.658; 95%CI = 0.473, 0.842; p < 0.001). An insufficient number of studies were found investigating medium and long‐term changes in CRF after BS. This study provides moderate‐quality evidence that the weight loss induced by BS can reduce CRF in the short term, which represents a therapeutic target to optimize BS outcomes. More high‐quality studies are needed to evaluate the impact of BS on VO2max/peak in the short, medium, and long term including normalized values for fat‐free mass.
Climate change and biocrust disturbance synergistically decreased taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity in annual communities on gypsiferous soils
Authors: Sánchez Ana M. , Peralta Ana M. L. , Luzuriaga Arantzazu L. , Prieto María , Escudero Adrián
Published: December 2021

Rainfall and biocrusts are important sources of temporal and spatial environmental heterogeneity and niche differentiation for annual plants, a major component of diversity in drylands. Therefore, global change processes comprising shifts in rainfall timing and drought exacerbation, together with biocrust disturbance may affect species coexistence and result in disrupted diversity patterns. In this study, we experimentally evaluated the effects of the rainfall amount and timing as well as physical biocrust disturbance and their interaction on the taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity of annual plant communities on gypsum soil drylands. All diversity estimates were determined at different times during community development in each experimental unit (α), as the contribution of each experimental unit to the total diversity in each treatment (β) and as the total diversity in each treatment (γ). Rainfall timings led to changes in all diversity dimensions, with higher diversity under the typical timing. The community was quite resilient to moderate reductions in rainfall, but extreme droughts decreased the alpha and beta taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversities. In addition, the simultaneous occurrence of biocrust disturbance and extreme drought led to consistent collapses in all diversity dimensions, probably because the effects of water shortage were exacerbated. Observations of the community at different times during its development highlighted the importance of regenerative strategies for niche differentiation and species coexistence, and their strong dependence on global change drivers. Indeed, our experimental study demonstrated that rainfall patterns and biocrusts are key factors related to the maintenance of diversity in semiarid annual plant communities. In particular, our results highlight the key role of biocrusts in modulating the effects of drought on plant diversity and the need for integrative approaches that consider both plants and biocrusts in order to elucidate the influence of climate change on the diversity of drylands.
Mapping regions with partially defined boundaries
Authors: Plewe Brandon
Published: December 2021

Many types of regions, even administrative regions, have boundaries that are partially or inconsistently defined, especially in historical GIS applications. Such a region may have a mix of clearly defined boundaries, vague references, uncertain locations, and gaps with no definition at all. These types of boundary definitions can be represented in a Qualified Assertion database that faithfully represents source materials. Using a hypothesis of how humans reason in these situations, an algorithm has been developed to estimate the extent of a queried region from these piecemeal boundaries, visually representing vagueness and uncertainty. This estimation is performed at query time, rather than being stored in the database. This region estimation algorithm is implemented in a web service that maps the extent of historical religious congregations that exhibit a wide variety of uncertainty and vagueness in their jurisdictional boundaries.
Protection of Patient Autonomy via Consumer Protection Litigation: The Israeli Eltroxin Class Action as a Case Study
Authors: Gidron Tamar , Schild Elad
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The world famous Eltroxin saga of 2009–2011, which ignited heated public debates in Europe, Canada, and Australia, reveals the problematic nature of standalone autonomy protection cases. Eltroxin is a life‐sustaining thyroid hormone replacement medicine used by millions worldwide; it was reformulated in 2008, and around 10% of patients were badly affected. Poor communication and lack of professional information triggered public hysteria as a global wave of complaints about harmful side effects, including hair loss, weight gain, extreme fatigue, headaches, diarrhoea, and heightened heart rates, flooded the media. Israeli Eltroxin users (around 250 thousand people) were similarly unaware. Following many media reports and ministerial regulations, a high‐profile consumer class action was launched against Perrigo, the distributor. Ten years of court proceedings culminated in a compensation settlement of approximately US$ 14 million. This relatively low sum covered the injuries of those patients who were physically affected; compensation for standalone autonomy injuries to all patients (who were denied information about changes to their life‐sustaining medicine) was refused. The monetary settlement and court decision were hugely disappointing to the class plaintiffs, and a negative signal was sent to the proponents of consumers' and patients' personal autonomy. However, the class action still marked a positive change in pharmaceutical protocols for relations between health authorities, commercial pharmacy entities, and patients/consumers as seen by the proactive communication around a subsequent Eltroxin reformulation in 2020 in Israel, Europe, and South Africa (Aspen Pharmacare, 2020).1 This paper highlights the vast potential value of consumer class action proceedings, and pharmaceutical consumer (patient) class actions in particular, for public welfare and private autonomy. The paper will explain leading Israeli case law related to consumer autonomy protection in tort law and will argue that this law still holds the unique protection of autonomy as a basic human right and accordingly recognises harm to autonomy as a viable form of damage. Additionally, it illustrates why and how consumer protection class actions are an important tool for protection of human rights in general and of patients' rights in particular.
Effects of weed infestation on the productivity of hybrid and inbred rice varieties in Myanmar
Authors: Lun Thang Lam , Kyu Mar Mar , Kato‐Noguchi Hisashi
Published: December 2021

Double rice‐cropping areas in the dry and wet seasons have been increasing in Myanmar, and hybrid rice has been cultivated throughout the country. However, weeds are often not adequately managed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of weed infestation on rice production of three hybrid varieties (Palethwe 1, Palethwe 3, and Palethwe Basmati) and three inbred varieties (Manaw Thu Kha, Shwe Thwe Yin, and Sin Thwe Latt) in the dry and wet seasons in a lowland rice field. In the dry and wet seasons, 19 ‐ 20 weed species were naturally infested into the fields. Limnocharis flava was the most abundant weed in both seasons. Weed dry weight and rice grain yield showed a negative linear relationship in both seasons. Manaw Thu Kha showed the highest yield loss in the un‐weeded fields in both seasons, while Sin Thwe Latt and Palethwe Basmati showed the lowest yield loss in the dry season and wet season, respectively. Sin Thwe Latt recorded the lowest yield loss of 30.21% on average in both seasons, and the highest yield loss of 60.37% was recorded for Manaw Thu Kha. The average rice grain yield loss of all the varieties in the un‐weeded fields was 64.37 and 33.66% for the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Thus, the yield loss in the dry season was 1.9‐times greater than that in the wet season. The present research suggests that adequate weed management is necessary for rice cultivation, especially in the dry season in Myanmar.
PREDICTIVE MODELING OF MIXED HALIDE PEROVSKITE CELL USING HYBRID L27 OA TAGUCHI-BASED GA-MLR-GA APPROACH
Authors: Kaharudin Khairil Ezwan , Salehuddin Fauziyah
Published: December 2021

Perovskite photovoltaic cell is regarded as an alternative configuration for the conventional photovoltaic cells predominantly due to its high efficiency. In this paper, a predictive modeling using a hybrid L27 orthogonal array (OA) Taguchi-based Grey relational analysis (GRA), multiple linear regression (MLR) and genetic algorithm (GA) was proposed to optimize the device parameters for better overall performance. The Perovskite photovoltaic cell model is initially constructed and simulated using solar cell capacitance simulator (SCAPS). The final results reveal that the proposed hybrid L27 OA Taguchi-based GRA-MLR-GA approach has effectively optimized the device parameters in which SnO2:F thickness, SnO2:F donor density, ZnO thickness, ZnO donor density, CH3NH3PbI3-xClx thickness, CH3NH3PbI3-xClx donor density, Spiro-OMeTAD thickness and Spiro-OMeTAD acceptor density are predictively tuned at 0.198 μm, 8.973 x 1018 cm-3, 0.039 μm, 8.827 x 1017 cm-3, 0.386 μm, 1.929 x 1013 cm-3, 0.233 μm and 8.984 x 1018 cm-3 respectively. After the predictive modeling, both FF and PCE of the perovskite photovoltaic cell have been improved for ~5.93% and ~5.78% respectively.
EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT, ANTIMICROBIAL AND WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY OF POIKILOSPERMUM SUAVEOLENS
Authors: Ahmad Hartati , Ahmad Muhammad Habil , Ali Alimuddin , Pagarra Halifah , Salempa Pince , Md Salleh Liza , Passitta Muharram
Published: December 2021

Poikilospermum suaveolens is a plant could grows in the limestone area in Maros, Indonesia. The leaves are generally widely used as traditional medicine for treatment of wounds by local communities. This study aims to examine the wound healing potential of P. suaveolens leaves extract as well as scientific clarify of the plant. The plant leaves were extracted by maceration. The measurement of antioxidant activity by the DPPH technique (1,1 diphenil-2-pikrilhidrazil) spectrophotometrically. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by formation of the inhibition zone. The wound healing activity was performed the percentage of injury closure in rats skin injury. The antioxidant activity showed that 70% ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts were not significantly different, however, highly distinct to the positive control (Butylated Hidroxyanisole). The antimicrobial activity of extract showed 70% ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts were not significantly against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, but significantly against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The evaluation of P. suaveolens extract on the rate of wound closure activity quickly, i.e., within 15 days the injury on the test animal was recovered. This study concludes that the P. suaveolens plant extracts are potential as a sources of active substances for wound healing.
ANTIMICROBIAL STUDY OF PYROLIGNEOUS EXTRACT FROM RHIZOPHORA APICULATE AGAINST URINARY TRACT PATHOGENS
Authors: Loong Teo Chee
Published: December 2021

Various parts of the human body are host to certain microorganism species, such as fungi and bacteria which may cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). In this research, the pyroligneous extract as antimicrobial agent on urinary tract infection-related pathogenic microorganism were studied. The Time-kill kinetics assay was used to study an antimicrobial agent over time. A series of various concentration (0 – 24%) of the pyroligneous extract was tested. Each strain’s bioactivity was quantified after 60 minutes of incubation at 22.5 oC. From the result showed that pyroligneous extract reached 100% of reduction effects with different concentration (E.faecalis (19433) at 20%, E.coli (8739) at 4%, P.vulgaris (33420) at 4%), K.pneumoniae (13883)  at 4%, C.albicans (10231) at 4%). For bioprocess kinetics analysis, the highest specific reduction rate and halve rate according concentration: E.faecalis at 24% (0.1426, 0.2058), E.coli  at 4% (0.1219, 0.1759), P.vulgaris at 4% (0.1311, 0.1891), K.pneumoniae  at 4% (0.1175, 0.1695), C.albicans at 4% (0.1175, 0.1695).These findings shows the importance of pyroligneous extract as antimicrobial agent, especially in urinary tract infection, as a natural antimicrobial agent in public health industries.
THE INVESTIGATION OF KADIDIA GEOTHERMAL FIELD (INDONESIA) USING GRAVITATIONAL DATA AND POWER SPECTRUM ANALYSIS
Authors: Sismanto Sismanto , Hoerunisa Anis , Risdianto Dikdik , Rahadinata Tony
Published: December 2021

Kadidia is one of the area with geothermal potential in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Therefore, this study aims to estimate the depth of reservoir and identify subsurface geological structures using gravity data and power spectrum analysis. It uses secondary data from the field survey results of the geophysical team from the Mineral and Geothermal Resource Center Agency. Furthermore, the data were processed to obtain a complete Bouguer anomaly, reduction in a flat field, regional and residual anomalies. The results of residual anomalies showed high and low values in the range of (5-13) mGal corresponding to volcanic rocks and in the range of -10 to -4 mGal spread evenly in the study area respectively. The analysis of derivative showed the presence of intrusive rocks which are thought to be granite, and the power spectrum showed that the heat source rocks from the geothermal system were inferred as granite at a depth of more than (3.68-6.00) km. In addition, the reservoir rocks were interpreted as low-density sandstones at a depth of (0.80-1.37) km, and a caprock in the form of sandstones with medium density at a depth of (0.20-0.80) km, and from the surface to 0.20 km is soil. The interpretation of three-dimensional modeling showed that the faults control geothermal manifestations, i.e. the Koalarawa and Towingkoloe faults, which extends from northwest-southeast.
Sports Medicine Research Practices for Categorizing Transgender and/or Intersex Participants
Authors: Herzog Valerie W. , Cohen Alysia
Published: December 2021

Context:Approximately 1 to 1.4 million individuals (0.58% of the population) in the United States identify as transgender, yet no literature could be found regarding how researchers should adapt clinical research studies when intersex or transgender individuals volunteer as participants. Therefore, the objective was to determine if there is a consensus among recently published researchers in 3 athletic training and sports medicine journals regarding procedures used to categorize participants and data of transgender or intersex individuals in a research study.Methods:The authors developed a 14-item survey using Qualtrics XM to assess how researchers categorize individuals and their data when intersex or transgender individuals volunteer to participate in clinical research studies that are not intended to focus on intersex or transgender individuals. The survey was sent to 378 individuals in athletic training and related fields who recently published research manuscripts from 2018 to 2020 in one or more of 3 leading journals in the field including theJournal of Athletic Training, theJournal of Sport Rehabilitation, and theAthletic Training and Sports Health Care Journal.Results:A total of 82 respondents completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 21.69%. When categorizing research participants who were not using hormones or surgery to transition, several respondents were unsure how to categorize transgender individuals (n = 14, 17.1%) or intersex individuals (n = 35, 42.7%). If the research participant was using hormones and/or surgery to transition, many respondents were unsure how to categorize the sex of the individual (n = 27, 32.9%). Only 5 (6.1%) respondents indicated that their organization has policies that guide their inclusion of transgender and/or intersex individuals in research studies.Conclusions:There does not appear to be consensus among researchers who recently published in athletic training and sports medicine journals regarding how to categorize transgender and intersex individuals who volunteer to participate in research studies.
Comparing the Stress–Strength Reliability of Multicomponent Parallel Systems with Heterogeneous Exponentiated Half Logistic-F Components
Authors: Pakdaman Zohreh , Shekari Marzieh
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the stress–strength reliability of two multicomponent parallel systems with heterogeneous exponentiated half logistic-[Formula: see text] components under the same and the different baseline distribution functions are compared. The comparisons are carried out concerning the usual stochastic order and reversed hazard rate order with majorized shape parameters of the distributions. Also, the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and uniformly minimum variance unbiased estimator (UMVUE) of the stress–strength reliability of the aforementioned multicomponent parallel system are obtained and then compared via Monte Carlo simulations.
Reducing the Effect of Carry Propagation on Spintronic Adders
Authors: Raouf Mina , Timarchi Somayeh
Published: December 2021

Due to the exponential increase of transistor leakage currents, especially in the technologies lower than 90[Formula: see text]nm, the static power consumption has dramatically increased. So, it is regarded as one of the main problems of the CMOS circuits. The spintronic devices, such as magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), have notable advantages including low-static power consumption, nonvolatility, high endurance, compatibility with the CMOS transistors and the possibility of fabrication in high scales. Hence, the hybrid MTJ/CMOS circuits are considerable options to mitigate the problem of high-static power consumption in CMOS circuits. In this paper, a nonvolatile and low-power hybrid MTJ/CMOS full adder is proposed for implementation of in-memory computing. The drawback of existing full adders is their low-speed and high-power consuming for MTJ switching, which terribly affect the performance of multi-bit adders using these full adders. In this work, a new full adder is designed by eliminating the MTJ and transistor related to the input carry bit and modifying the tree structure of the MTJ network associated with the other inputs. In the proposed full adder, the effect of carry propagation has drastically decreased and its power consumption is also improved.
Uncertainty in Self-adaptive Systems: A Research Community Perspective
Authors: Hezavehi Sara M. , Weyns Danny , Avgeriou Paris , Calinescu Radu , Mirandola Raffaela , Perez-Palacin Diego
Published: December 2021

One of the primary drivers for self-adaptation is ensuring that systems achieve their goals regardless of the uncertainties they face during operation. Nevertheless, the concept of uncertainty in self-adaptive systems is still insufficiently understood. Several taxonomies of uncertainty have been proposed, and a substantial body of work exists on methods to tame uncertainty. Yet, these taxonomies and methods do not fully convey the research community’s perception on what constitutes uncertainty in self-adaptive systems and on the key characteristics of the approaches needed to tackle uncertainty. To understand this perception and learn from it, we conducted a survey comprising two complementary stages in which we collected the views of 54 and 51 participants, respectively. In the first stage, we focused on current research and development, exploring how the concept of uncertainty is understood in the community and how uncertainty is currently handled in the engineering of self-adaptive systems. In the second stage, we focused on directions for future research to identify potential approaches to dealing with unanticipated changes and other open challenges in handling uncertainty in self-adaptive systems. The key findings of the first stage are: (a) an overview of uncertainty sources considered in self-adaptive systems, (b) an overview of existing methods used to tackle uncertainty in concrete applications, (c) insights into the impact of uncertainty on non-functional requirements, (d) insights into different opinions in the perception of uncertainty within the community and the need for standardised uncertainty-handling processes to facilitate uncertainty management in self-adaptive systems. The key findings of the second stage are: (a) the insight that over 70% of the participants believe that self-adaptive systems can be engineered to cope with unanticipated change, (b) a set of potential approaches for dealing with unanticipated change, (c) a set of open challenges in mitigating uncertainty in self-adaptive systems, in particular in those with safety-critical requirements. From these findings, we outline an initial reference process to manage uncertainty in self-adaptive systems. We anticipate that the insights on uncertainty obtained from the community and our proposed reference process will inspire valuable future research on self-adaptive systems.
Towards a universal cognitive tool
Authors: Wu Keke
Published: December 2021

Data visualization leverages human visual system to enhance cognition, it helps a person quickly and accurately see the trends, outliers, and patterns in data. Yet using visualization requires a viewer to read abstract imagery, estimate statistics, and retain information. These processes typically function differently for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and have created an inaccessible barrier for them to access data. Preliminary findings from our graphical perception experiment suggest that people with IDD use different strategies to reason with data and are more sensitive to the design of data visualization compared with non-IDD populations. This article discusses several implications from that study and lays out actionable steps towards turning data visualization into a universal cognitive tool for people with varying cognitive abilities.
Threats from the Dark: A Review over Dark Web Investigation Research for Cyber Threat Intelligence
Authors: Basheer Randa , Alkhatib Bassel
Published: December 2021

From proactive detection of cyberattacks to the identification of key actors, analyzing contents of the Dark Web plays a significant role in deterring cybercrimes and understanding criminal minds. Researching in the Dark Web proved to be an essential step in fighting cybercrime, whether with a standalone investigation of the Dark Web solely or an integrated one that includes contents from the Surface Web and the Deep Web. In this review, we probe recent studies in the field of analyzing Dark Web content for Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), introducing a comprehensive analysis of their techniques, methods, tools, approaches, and results, and discussing their possible limitations. In this review, we demonstrate the significance of studying the contents of different platforms on the Dark Web, leading new researchers through state-of-the-art methodologies. Furthermore, we discuss the technical challenges, ethical considerations, and future directions in the domain.
Aircraft Control Parameter Estimation Using Self‐Adaptive Teaching‐Learning‐Based Optimization with an Acceptance Probability
Authors: Kanokmedhakul Yodsadej , Panagant Natee , Bureerat Sujin , Pholdee Nantiwat , Yildiz Ali R.
Published: December 2021

This work presents a metaheuristic (MH) termed, self‐adaptive teaching‐learning‐based optimization, with an acceptance probability for aircraft parameter estimation. An inverse optimization problem is presented for aircraft longitudinal parameter estimation. The problem is posed to find longitudinal aerodynamic parameters by minimising errors between real flight data and those calculated from the dynamic equations. The HANSA‐3 aircraft is used for numerical validation. Several established MHs along with the proposed algorithm are used to solve the proposed optimization problem, while their search performance is investigated compared to a conventional output error method (OEM). The results show that the proposed algorithm is the best performer in terms of search convergence and consistency. This work is said to be the baseline for purely applying MHs for aircraft parameter estimation.
Fault Tolerance of Optical Hypercube Interconnection Networks with r‐Communication Pattern
Authors: Li Xianyong , Du Yajun , Fan Yongquan
Published: December 2021

As power grids and optical interconnection networks are interdependent, the reliabilities of the optical networks are critical issues in power systems. The optical networks hold prominent performance including wide bandwidth, low loss, strong anti‐interference capability, high fidelity, and reliable performance. They are regarded as promising alternatives to electrical networks for parallel processing. This paper is aimed at taking the first step in understanding the communication efficiencies of optical networks. For that purpose, on optical networks, we propose a series of novel notions including communication pattern, r‐communication graph, reduced diameter, enhanced connectivity, r‐diameter, and r‐connectivity. Using these notions, we determine that the r‐diameter and r‐connectivity of the optical n‐dimensional hypercube network are ⌈n/r⌉ and , respectively. Since the parameter r is variable, we can adjust different values of r on the basis of the wavelength resources and load of the optical networks, achieving enhanced communication efficiencies of these networks. Compared with the electric n‐dimensional hypercube network, the proposed communication pattern on the optical hypercube network not only reduces the maximum communication delay of the conventional electrical hypercube significantly but also improves its fault tolerance remarkably.
Analysis of Internet Financial Risk Control Model Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Liu Mingjin , Gao Ruijie , Fu Wei
Published: December 2021

On the basis of traditional credit risk control, this paper proposes the demand and direction of a new credit risk control strategy based on machine learning and relying on big data. First, on the basis of introducing the basic algorithmic principles of machine learning, we give reasons for choosing machine learning models and build a machine learning-based Internet consumer finance credit risk control strategy model to provide theoretical support for the empirical analysis later. Second, we take the test data of Internet consumer finance S company as the research sample and carry out empirical analysis according to the machine learning-based Internet consumer finance credit risk control strategy model. The comparison of the training results is based on the comprehensive consideration of training time, validation set accuracy, TPR evaluation indicators, and interpretability of the results; it verifies the advantages of the machine learning model in screening the key influencing factors that cause the overdue performance of credit customers. According to the optimized credit risk control strategy, corresponding strategy suggestions are provided for the credit risk control of S company. The research results show that the prediction effect of the classification model based on traditional linear regression is generally lower than that of the model based on the classification algorithm based on machine learning, and there is a complex nonlinear relationship between platform default and its related influencing factors. The accuracy of classification and early warning results of the random forest algorithm is relatively high, and the detection rate of the decision tree model is relatively high, but the cost is also the highest. In addition, the accuracy of the four types of early warning models is relatively stable, reaching an average of 80%. This paper proposes a machine learning-based Internet consumer finance credit risk control strategy model. Its system, timeliness, and risk prediction capabilities provide new ideas and suggestions for Internet consumer finance companies to design risk control strategies.
Fractional-Order PID and Active Disturbance Rejection Control with Tuning Parameter Optimization for Induction Heating
Authors: Li Bingyu , Guo Jining , Fu Ying
Published: December 2021

Induction heating systems are characterized by model uncertainty, nonlinearity, and external disturbances, and the control accuracy of the system directly affects the performance of the heated workpiece. In order to improve the temperature control accuracy and anti-interference performance of induction heating systems, this paper proposes a composite control strategy combining fractional-order PID (FOPID) and active disturbance rejection control (ADRC). Meanwhile, for the problem of too many controller tuning parameters, an improved quantum behavior particle swarm optimization (QPSO) algorithm is used to transform the nine parameters to be tuned in fractional-order PID active disturbance rejection control (FOPID-ADRC) into a minimization value optimization problem for solving. The simulation results show that the FOPID-ADRC controller improves the anti-interference capability and control accuracy of the temperature control system, and the improved QPSO algorithm has better global search capability and local optimal adaptation value.