bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Enabling Multihop Wireless Local Area Networks for Disaster Communications
Authors: Laghari Muhammad Bux , Shahwani Hamayoun , Shah Syed Attique , Wagan Raja Asif , Rauf Zahid , Ali Ihsan , Alshamrani Sultan S. , Frnda Jaroslav
Published: May 2021

xCalamities such as earthquakes and tsunami affect communication services by devastating the communication network and electrical infrastructure. Multihop relay networks can be deployed to restore the communication environment quickly in catastrophe‐stricken areas. However, performance in terms of throughput is affected by deploying the relay networks. In wireless local area networks (WLANs), the primary purpose of multiband transmission employing multihop relay networks is to increase the throughput and reduce the latency. In the future, wireless networks are believed to carry high throughput, more data rates, and less latency by expanding bandwidth‐demanding applications. Simultaneous multiband transmission in WLAN systems is considered to increase the coverage area without power escalation. Due to the inherent characteristics of different bands and channel conditions, transmission rates tend to be different. The impact of such conditions may cater to the disproportional distribution of data among bands, causing some of the bands to be overwhelmed, which incurs buffer overflow and packet loss. In contrast, the channel capacity of some of the bands remains underutilized. In this paper, we consider the channel conditions and transmission rates of each band on either side of the relay to address the problems mentioned above. Furthermore, this paper proposes a load distribution‐based end‐to‐end traffic scheduling technique to improve system performance. The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method with maximizing throughput and minimizing end‐to‐end delay.
Process-Based Improvement of Urban Metabolism in Optimizing the Development Cycle of the Small City Using MIA Method
Authors: Delivandani Farzad , Rajabi Azita , Kermani Ali Nouri
Published: May 2021

In order to maintain the health and stability of the urban ecosystem, humans must undermine the negative effects of improper land use in cities by planning to reduce entropy and regulate urban metabolism, material, and energy cycles, and considering resource capacity when providing the needs of the urban ecosystem population. Subsequently, the general purpose of this study is to explain the process-based pattern of healthy urban metabolism in the development cycle of a small city. The purpose of studying the urban metabolism, which is an integral part of the government from the environment, is to prepare reports and take measures indicating city sustainability. Indeed, the urban metabolism incorporates the relevant information on energy saving, material cycle, and management of waste and infrastructure in the urban systems. The present study employs a descriptive-analytical method. Accordingly, the metabolic impact assessment (MIA) method was utilized to analyze the data and achieve the study results. According to the assessment results in the input part of the urban metabolism process, the water and energy criteria are closer to the ideal status with 64% and 40%, respectively. In total, the performance of the input process is equal to 52%, and after that, the air quality, materials, and output sectors have a performance equal to 35, 31, and 33%, respectively. Moreover, land cover and transport have a performance of 14% and 65%, respectively, revealing that they are in a desirable condition. The above results based on mathematical optimization illustrate that there is no balance between the input and output of the urban metabolism model in the study area, and the main problems are evident in the output sectors and particularly in the recycling of materials and water.
Anemia That Presented with Desaturation: A Focus on Core Concepts
Authors: Shobhavat Lakshmi , D’Costa Antonio , Shroff Karthik
Published: May 2021

Background. Methemoglobinemia is a potentially life-threatening condition which presents with cyanosis and characteristic “chocolate-coloured blood.” Although a co-oximetry would give a prompt diagnosis, there have been multiple reports of misdiagnosing this treatable condition—from being diagnosed as sepsis to asthma and even being operated for “ruptured ectopic pregnancy.” Here, we report a case which presented without the classical signs of poisoning and methemoglobinemia—without vomiting, cyanosis, or chocolate-coloured blood. We also discuss the common misconceptions regarding anemia physiology and the pitfalls in diagnosing this condition and warn the reader regarding the reflexive use of antidotes like methylene blue. Case Presentation. A well-grown 3-year old boy presented with an acute history of irritability, cola-coloured urine, and desaturation on examination. The child was pale, with tachypnoea and in failure. Blood smear was suggestive of severe hemolytic anemia. Methemoglobinemia was diagnosed on co-oximetry. By focussing on physiologic principles of management rather than a specific antidote, the child was discharged home, well and active within 3 days of intensive care admission.
Design and Experimental Research of a New Type of Asteroid Anchoring System
Authors: Yongbin Wang , Wansong Jiang , Long Long , Qian Zhu , Rui Feng , Liwu Wang
Published: May 2021

Asteroid detection is of great significance to the study of the formation of the solar system and the origin of life. However, there are many types of asteroids, and they are far away from the earth, and the understanding of their various characteristics is not clear, which brings huge technical challenges to the landing and attachment of star catalogs. At present, the world is mainly based on surround, overflight, and short-term contact detection, and long-term attachment detection has not yet been realized. In order to solve the long-term attachment detection requirements of asteroids, focusing on the geological characteristics of various types of stars, this paper proposes a new type of asteroid attachment mechanism based on the beetle bionic theory, which can realize intelligent and flexible attachment and has strong adaptability. Around this design, this paper analyzes the mechanism of adhesion and realizes the adaptive matching of unascertained terrain landing point adhesion. On this basis, a prototype of the asteroid landing attachment mechanism was developed and verified by experiments. The experiment proved that the mechanism has strong multiterrain matching ability and can obtain an adhesion force of not less than 36 N on ordinary concrete ground.
Seroprevalence and Public Health Significance of Toxoplasmosis in Small Ruminants of Pastoral Community in Yabello District, Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Jilo Kula , Tegegne Dechassa , Kasim Sadik , Dabasa Golo , Zewdei Wubishet
Published: May 2021

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic protozoan disease. Data on seroepidemiology of toxoplasmosis in Ethiopia is scarce, almost null in the pastoral area of the Borana zone. The study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence, to identify risk factors of toxoplasmosis in sheep and goats, and to assess the awareness level of pastoralists about toxoplasmosis in the Yabello district of Borana zone, Southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to April 2017 in six peasant associations of the Yabello district of Borana zone, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 400 serum samples of randomly selected small ruminants owned by pastoralists were examined to detect antibodies specific to Toxoplasma gondii using Latex Agglutination Test (SPINREACT, Girona, Spain). A semistructured questionnaire survey was used to conduct a face-to-face interview with owners (n = 100) of sampled flocks. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of hypothesized risk factors. The overall seroprevalence was 52.8% of which 57.8 and 47.8% were sheep and goats, respectively. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a higher seroprevalence ratio of T. gondii infection in sheep than goats (COR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.226–3.112;

P

 = 0.005). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated significantly higher odds of acquiring T. gondii infection in adult animals (sheep: (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.323–3.874;

P

 = 0.003), goats: (AOR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.009–4.579;

P

 = 0.047)), female sheep (AOR = 2.45; CI: 1.313–4.568;

P

 = 0.005), animals from lowland areas (sheep: (AOR = 2.28; CI: 1.190–4.356;

P

 = 0.013), goat: (AOR = 3.27; CI: 1.386–7.723;

P

 = 0.007)), animal drinking lake water (sheep: (AOR = 1.93; CI: 1.011–3.698;

P

 = 0.046), goat: (AOR = 2.96; CI: 1.297–6.771;

P

 = 0.010)), and goats with history of abortion (AOR = 2.42; CI: 1.242–4.711;

P

 = 0.009) than young animals, male (sheep), animals from midland areas, animals drinking wells water, and flock with no history of abortion (goat), respectively. Among respondents, 97.0% had no knowledge about toxoplasmosis and 75.0% drink raw milk and consume the meat of sheep and goats. 80.0% of respondents had no knowledge about the risk of cats to human and animal health while 70.0% of them had domestic cats and practice improper fetal body handling. Highly prevailing toxoplasmosis in small ruminants of the Yabello district might pose a serious economic loss and be a potential public health threat to the extremely vulnerable pastoralists. Therefore, awareness and further studies are warranted to tackle the economic and public health consequences of T. gondii infection.
Research on Rapid Evaluation of Rock Mass Quality Based on Ultrasonic Borehole Imaging Technology and Fractal Method
Authors: Zhang Yuezheng , Ji Hongguang , Li Wenguang , Hou Kuikui
Published: May 2021

The distribution of discontinuities in the deep stratigraphic rock mass is random and irregular, and the spatial distribution has statistical self‐similarity, which can be analyzed by fractal theory. The borehole wall image obtained based on the ultrasonic borehole imaging technology can clearly reflect the rich structural surface information such as the inclination, density, and crack width of the structural surface in the rock mass. Due to its inherent fractal characteristics, the fractal box dimension of the hole wall image can be used to describe the complexity of the structural surface. In the study, the fractal box dimension of the hole wall image and the RQD value of the rock mass are compared, and it is found that there is a linear correlation between the two. Therefore, the rock quality can be evaluated according to the fractal box dimension value of the hole wall image. Finally, a rapid quantitative evaluation method for rock mass quality classification is established based on ultrasonic borehole imaging technology and fractal method.
Factors Determining the Removal Efficiency of Procion MX in Waters Using Titanate Nanotubes Catalyzed by UV Irradiation
Authors: Que Vo Nguyen Xuan , Khoi Tran Tien , Thuy Nguyen Thi , Dung Ta Thi Minh , Binh Dao Thi Thanh , Huy Nguyen Nhat
Published: May 2021

The treatment of wastewater from the textile industry containing organic dyes faces many challenges since these compounds resist the biodegradation process in conventional treatment units. Among the physicochemical processes, photocatalysis is considered a facile, cheap, and environmental-friendly technology for treating persistent organic pollutants in waters at low concentrations. This study investigated several physicochemical factors determining the photocatalytic activity of titanate nanotubes (TNTs) to remove Procion MX 032 (PMX), an azo dye, in waters. Degradation of PMX by photocatalytic oxidation process at room temperature (30°C) was set up with the UV irradiation in the presence of different types of photocatalyst such as ST-01 (100% anatase), industrial TiO2, TNTs calcined at 120°C and 500°C. Effect of reaction time, catalyst amount, pH, light wavelength and intensity, and oxidants was investigated. Consequently, TNTs calcined at 500°C provided the highest removal efficiency. The photocatalytic oxidation of PMX by TNT calcined at 500°C was affected by pH variation, getting the highest removal at pH of 8, and inhibited with the presence of H2O2 and O2. Particularly, the PMX degradation using titanate nanotubes was optimized under the UV-A intensity of 100 W/m2. The dye was degraded by more than 95% at the TNTs concentration of 75 mg/L and pH 8.0 after 90 min. The results suggest that photocatalysis using TNTs can be a simple but efficient treatment method to remove PMX and potentially be applied for the treatment of wastewaters containing dyes.
Analysis of Phase Velocity of Love Waves in Rigid and Soft Mountain Surfaces: Exponential Law Model
Authors: Bharti Uma , Vaishnav Pramod Kumar , Abo-Dahab S.M. , Bouslimi Jamel , Mahmoud K.H.
Published: May 2021

Irregularity may occur on the earth’s surface in the form of mountains due to the imperfection of the earth’s crust. To explore the influence of horizontally polarized shear waves on mountains, we considered the fluid‐saturated porous medium (superficial layer) over an orthotropic semi‐infinite medium with rigid (Model‐I) and soft (Model‐II) mountain surfaces for wave propagation. The mountain surface is defined mathematically as a periodic function of the time domain. The physical interpretation of materials’ structure has been explained in rectangular Cartesian coordinate system originated at the contact interface of layer and half‐space. The displacement of the mountains has been derived by solving energy equations analytically. The influence of rigid and soft mountain surfaces on the phase velocity of shear waves has been demonstrated graphically (we used MATLAB software for graphical representations).
Microfluidic Device Control System Based on Segmented Temperature Sensor
Authors: Xu Anlin , Li Ping
Published: May 2021

Microfluidic technology refers to the technique of controlling the flow, mass transfer, and heat transfer of a fluid with a volume of picoliter to nanoliter in a low-dimensional channel structure with at least one dimension of micron or even nanometer scale. It is widely used in biochemical analysis, immunity, minimally invasive surgery, and environmental monitoring. This paper proposes a microfluidic device based on a segmented temperature sensor. This device can be used for segmental temperature measurement and controlling the temperature of the solution in the microchannel of a glass microfluidic chip. The device is based on a transparent indium tin oxide film glass as a heating element. It adopts a temperature control platform of a proportional-integral-derivative control algorithm. The system uses a charged coupled device camera, a fluorescence microscope, and an image acquisition card to form a noncontact fluorescent indicator temperature measuring device. The device measures the temperature distribution of the microfluid space with time and controls the microfluidics. Moreover, the device has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, and convenient operation.
A Propagator Method for Bistatic Coprime EMVS-MIMO Radar
Authors: Yang Yongqiang , Ruan Ningjun , Huang Guanjun , Shi Junpeng , Wen Fangqing
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a novel two-dimensional (2D) direction-of-departure (DOD) and 2D direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimate algorithm is proposed for bistatic multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar system equipped with coprime electromagnetic vector sensors (EMVS) arrays. Firstly, we construct the propagator to obtain the signal subspace. Then, the ambiguous angles are estimated by using rotation invariant technique. Based on the characteristic of coprime array, the unambiguous angles estimation is achieved. Finally, all azimuth angles estimation is followed via vector cross product. Compared to the existing uniform linear array, coprime MIMO radar is occupying large array aperture, and the proposed algorithm does not need to obtain signal subspace by eigendecomposition. In contrast to the state-of-the-art algorithms, the proposed algorithm shows better estimation performance and simpler computation performance. The proposed algorithm’s effectiveness is proved by simulation results.
Previous and First Detected Cardiovascular Diseases in Patients with New Coronavirus Pneumonia: Possible Mechanisms and Place in a Unified Prognostic Model
Authors: Blagova Olga V. , Varionchik Nadezhda V. , Zaidenov Vladimir A. , Savina Polina O. , Sarkisova Natalia D.
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of cardiac involvement in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), possible immune mechanisms of myocardial injury, and the place of cardiovascular pathology among other prognostic factors. Methods: The study included 86 patients (48 male, 60.2 ± 16.6 years) with COVID-19. In addition to common investigation, examination of troponin T (n = 18) and anti-heart antibodies (AHA, n = 34) were used. The average hospital period was 14 [12; 18] days. Results: The incidence of cardiovascular disease and symptoms was 45.3%. Arrhythmias, heart failure, low-QRS voltage, repolarization disorders, and pericardial effusion were the typical for coronavirus cardiac injury. The level of AHA was increased in 73.5%. Significant (p < 0.05) correlations of AHA level with inflammatory activity, pneumonia, respiratory failure, cardiac symptoms, and death were found. D-dimer >0.5 μg/mL had a sensitivity of 79.2% and specificity of 60% in the prediction of cardiovascular manifestations. Cardiac failure was one of the causes of death in 3/8 patients (37.5%). Lethality in the presence of cardiovascular pathology was 17.9 versus 2.2% without it, p < 0.05. The most powerful prognostic model includes age, diabetes, oxygen therapy volume, maximum leukocyte level, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer (correlation coefficient 0.871, p < 0.001). The model with only age, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease included also had predictive power (correlation coefficient 0.568, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The cardiovascular pathology is frequent in patients with COVID-19 and strong correlates with the D-dimer. It indicates the high significance of prothrombotic and ischemic mechanisms. High AHA levels may reflect an inflammatory heart injury. The cardiovascular pathology is associated with higher lethality.
The Role of Interleukin-27 in Atherosclerosis: A Contemporary Review
Authors: Jafarizade Mehrian , Kahe Farima , Sharfaei Sadaf , Momenzadeh Kaveh , Pitliya Anmol , Zahedi Tajrishi Farbod , Singh Preeti , Chi Gerald
Published: May 2021

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammation characterized by an imbalance between inhibitors and stimulators of the inflammatory system that leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessel walls. Interleukin (IL)-27 is one of the recently discovered cytokines that have an immunomodulatory role in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, the definite role of IL-27 in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis remains unclear. Recent studies on cardiomyocytes and vascular endothelium have demonstrated mechanisms through which IL-27 could potentially modulate atherosclerosis. Upregulation of the IL-27 receptor was also observed in the atherosclerotic plaques. In addition, circulatory IL-27 levels were increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction. A regenerative, neovascularization, and cardioprotective role of IL-27 has also been implicated. Future studies are warranted to elucidate the biologic function and clinical significance of IL-27 in atherosclerosis.
A genealogia negro-brasileira contemporânea de autoria feminina na literatura de Conceição Evaristo: Tempo, Temporalidade e Ancestralidade em Olhos d'água (2018)
Authors: Sousa Rayron Lennon Costa , Freitas Risoleta Viana de
Published: May 2021

A literatura negro-brasileira contemporânea pode ser vista como umas das áreas mais profícuas para materializar a decolonialidade, pois, de maneira crescente, negras e negros passam a se autorrepresentar, autoficcionalizar e ficcionar suas realidades e as dos outros que, ao mesmo tempo em que são individuais, servem para o coletivo. A partir desse contexto, o texto literário de autoria feminina serve de mecanismo político e ideológico, alinhado à proposta decolonial, para a discussão de diversas epistemologias “Outras”. Tais questões justificam a tessitura deste texto, no qual objetivamos discutir o lugar do Tempo, da Temporalidade e da Ancestralidade como características dialógicas que se fundem nas representações literárias de Conceição Evaristo. Assim, temos como corpus, o conto Olhos d’água (2018), para pensar a genealogia feminina e materna negra. A metodologia é básica, precedida de revisão bibliográfica, caracterizada como análise-crítica, de natureza explicativa. No tocante ao aporte teórico, recorremos às discussões de Moraes (2018), Rivera (2011), Proença Filho (2004), Ferreira (2014), etc. Intentamos relacionar o texto literário com a história, no tocante ao lugar do tempo, da temporalidade e da presença das ancestralidades para perceber a construção de uma narrativa que liga as mulheres pela sororidade e pela dororidade, partindo do que Evaristo, enquanto teórica, conceitua como Escrevivência.
Quem é mulher de verdade? – corpo feminino e sexualidade em A via crucis do corpo, de Clarice Lispector
Authors: Comissário Ana Paula Pereira , Araújo Rosanne Bezerra de
Published: May 2021

O presente trabalho pretende investigar de que modo o corpo feminino e a sexualidade se configuram nos contos Ele me bebeu e Praça mauá do livro A via crucis do corpo (1991), de Clarice Lispector (1920- 1977). Nessa coletânea de contos, o corpo feminino adquire contornos mais complexos ao vir atravessado por questões, como travestilidade e condição feminina. Tentaremos analisar como os discursos de gênero e sexualidade operam na formação identitária das personagens, reafirmando ou negando concepções hegemônicas do que vem a ser mulher. Como aporte teórico, adotamos a crítica literária feminista (ZOLIN, 2009), a noção de abjeto e performatividade de gênero de Butler (2003), e as contribuições sobre corpo, erotismo e sexualidade de Foucault (2015) e Paz (1994). As análises dos contos apontam para o caráter ficcional das categorias de sexo e gênero, na medida em que um sexo (corpo biologicamente diferenciado), sem o gênero que lhe atribui culturalmente um significado, é um corpo vazio. Assim, se não são naturais, propomos a sua subversão, como fazem até certo ponto as personagens das narrativas, adotando performatividades que cruzem as fronteiras binárias em direção à libertação dos corpos e suas potencialidades.
Seis poetisas hoje
Authors: Machado Daniel Almeida , Guida Angela
Published: May 2021

Com a publicação de 26 poetas hoje (1976) e Esses poetas: uma antologia dos anos 90 (1998), Heloisa Buarque de Hollanda legou ao público leitor brasileiro a oportunidade de conhecer uma produção literária até então desconhecida, especificamente no que diz respeito à poesia. Dentre os escritores e escritoras selecionados/as encontrava-se Ana Cristina Cesar, ícone de uma geração marginal, cuja literatura influenciou uma legião de leitores e leitoras. Na direção do gesto suscitado por Hollanda (1976; 1998), o presente artigo propõe mapear seis poetisas brasileiras contemporâneas, tendo como critério de seleção pensar aquelas que produzem sua literatura não só influenciadas pela produção poética de Ana C., mas que desejam firmar-se como voz insurgente na poesia de autoria feminina. Desse modo, esperamos contribuir para identificar a presença da mulher escritora de poesia no século XXI, preenchendo espaços que a lógica hegemônica e falocêntrica ainda visa apagar e/ou questionar.
Thick cuticles as an anti-predator defence in nematodes
Authors: Ichiishi Kanata , Ekino Taisuke , Kanzaki Natsumi , Shinya Ryoji
Published: May 2021

Although some anti-predator defences have been documented in nematodes, the role of the cuticle in defending against predator attacks remains unclear. Microscopical observations have suggested that certain Poikilolaimus species, including P. oxycercus and P. regenfussi, have thick cuticles relative to their congeners, which may represent an anti-predator defence, but the role of the cuticle in reducing predation has not been examined. To address this knowledge gap, we first quantified cuticle structure using transmission electron microscopy among four Poikilolaimus species (P. oxycercus, P. regenfussi, P. floridensis and P. carsiops). We then examined their survival rates following exposure to the predatory aphelenchoidid nematode, Seinura caverna, and assessed correlations between cuticle thickness and survival rate. The cuticles of P. oxycercus and P. regenfussi were significantly thicker than those of P. floridensis and P. carsiops. In addition, P. oxycercus and P. regenfussi had an osmophilic zone in their cuticle structure, which was not observed in P. floridensis and P. carsiops. Both thickness of specific cuticle zones and total cuticle thickness were positively correlated with survival in the presence of a predator, with the strongest correlation observed with the thickness of the osmophilic zone. We suggest that P. oxycercus and P. regenfussi have uniquely evolved cuticles among members of Poikilolaimus in terms of thickness and structure that play an important role in reducing predation.
Ilyenkov’s Dialectics of the Ideal and Engels’s Dialectics of Nature
Authors: Piedra Arencibia Rogney
Published: May 2021

Within the current resurgence of interest in E.V. Ilyenkov, the influence of Engels on Ilyenkov’s work is either overlooked or denied, making Ilyenkov seem closer to Western Marxism than he actually is. In this paper, by considering Engels’s place in his philosophy, I show that Ilyenkov’s approach is fundamentally hostile to many of Western Marxism’s main views. Ilyenkov, like Engels, conceives philosophy as Logic and affirms the ‘alliance’ between philosophy and the natural sciences against speculative metaphysics. In this regard, he develops an original cosmological hypothesis based on Engels’s insights on the hierarchy of matter’s forms of movement and provides a remarkable account of the ideal as an attribute of nature that reproduces its concrete universality through social labour, the active transformation of nature’s phenomena into objects stamped with the seal of our subjectivity.
Fossil woods from the Eocene of Corcovado, Argentinean Patagonia: geological setting and conifer diversity
Authors: Pujana Roberto R. , Aramendía Inés , García Massini Juan L. , Noetinger Sol
Published: May 2021

Eocene paleofloras of Patagonia are diverse and increasingly known. A new assemblage of fossil wood has been recovered from Eocene sediments in Corcovado, western Argentinean Patagonia. The lithological succession (formerly Arroyo Lyn Formation sensu Pesce 1979) is correlated with the Huitrera Formation. The specimens were mostly found embedded in sandstones and conglomerates. One-third of the assemblage are conifers and studied herein. We found four taxonomic types: Agathoxylon cf. antarcticum (Araucariaceae), Phyllocladoxylon antarcticum (Podocarpaceae), Podocarpoxylon dusenii (Podocarpaceae), and Cupressinoxylon hallei (Cupressaceae or Podocarpaceae). The presence of four taxonomic units among only 7 specimens suggests a significant conifer species richness in the assemblage. Araucariaceae and dominant Podocarpaceae are usually found in previously described conifer wood assemblages from the Eocene of Patagonia andAntarctica. The diversity of the conifer assemblage in Corcovado is very similar to that found at Laguna del Hunco (these two localities are 170 km distant), also from the Huitrera Formation. This is consistent with the proposal that the bearing sediments of both localities are from the same stratigraphic unit.
The vascular plant diversity of Dzungarian Gobi in western Mongolia, with an annotated checklist

Authors: BAASANMUNKH SHUKHERDORJ , OYUNTSETSEG BATLAI , OYUNDARI CHULUUNKHUYAG , OYUNDELGER KHURELPUREV , URGAMAL MAGSAR , DARIKHAND DAVAAJAV , SONINKHISHIG NERGUI , NYAMBAYAR DASHZEVEG , KHALIUNAA KHURELBAATAR , TSEGMED ZAGARJAV , KECHAYKIN ALEXEY A. , SHMAKOV ALEXANDER I. , ERST ANDREY S. , FRIESEN NIKOLAI , RITZ CHRISTIANE M. , WESCHE KARSTEN , CHOI HYEOK JAE
Published: May 2021

The Dzungarian Gobi (DzG), one of 16 phytogeographical regions in the country, is located in the southwestern part of Khovd province in western Mongolia. It comprises some of Mongolia’s largest reserves, namely the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area and the National Park Bulgan gol-Ikh Ongog. We conducted a comprehensive survey of the area’s floristic diversity between 2009 and 2019 by collecting vascular plants from different vegetation types in various seasons. In addition, we critically checked relevant published literature and material from the herbaria ALTB, GLM, GWF, HAL, KHU, LE, MW, NS, OSBU, UBA, and UBU to determine the occurrence of vascular plant species in the DzG region. Based on our collection data, a comprehensive checklist of DzG’s flora was compiled, representing 913 vascular plant taxa (including 34 subspecies and one variety) belonging to 329 genera and 70 families. Twenty-one taxa were newly found in the DzG region. We also investigated the conservation status of all species noted, and 19 endemic plants and 96 threatened species, including six critically endangered, 26 endangered, 57 vulnerable, and seven near threatened plants were recognized in this region. Eight rare species were newly assessed according to regional conservation status based on GeoCat and IUCN. The richest plant families found were Asteraceae (153 species), Fabaceae (77 species), Amaranthaceae (69 species), and Poaceae (68 species). Several uncertain endemic and non-endemic plants remain still discussion, such as Papaver baitagense and Rosa baitagensis; thus, further studies are needed on their taxonomic and conservation status. For each taxon, we provide its distribution in the region, elevation range, voucher number, and additional references. Finally, we analyzed species hotspots of DzG, based on three different plant species richness criteria: i. all recorded species, ii. endemic species, and iii. threatened species using our georeferenced records. The most diverse hotspot area in DzG is the Baitag Bogd Mountain area, which comprises the highest species number of all three richness criteria.
Euphorbia mongoliensis (Euphorbiaceae), a new species from Inner Mongolia, China

Authors: ZANG ER-HUAN , ZHANG MING-XU , WANG WEN-LE , ZHANG CHUN-HONG , LI MIN-HUI
Published: May 2021

In May 2020, a new taxon of Euphorbia, Euphorbiaceae was collected from a dry hillside of Dongsheng District, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia. The morphological characteristics of the specimens analyzed differ from those of the known Euphorbia species from this region; therefore, we suspected this may be a new species, and we set to analyze the ITS2 sequences of some Euphorbia species. The results show that the new taxon belongs to the sect. Esula of Euphorbia subg. Esula. It is similar to Euphorbia esula (description from Flora of China) but does not belong to the same species. Concomitantly, plant morphological data and pollen morphology results show significant differences between the new taxon, E. esula and E. caesia, a finding that supports the delimitation of this new taxon, which is named Euphorbia mongoliensis in accordance with its geographical distribution.
Oxynoemacheilus nasreddini, a new nemacheilid loach from Central Anatolia (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae)
Authors: YOĞURTÇUOĞLU BARAN , KAYA CÜNEYT , FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: May 2021

Oxynoemacheilus nasreddini, new species, from Lake Akşehir, Eber, Eğirdir, and Ilgın basins in Central Anatolia is distinguished from other species of Oxynoemacheilus in Central Anatolia by having irregularly shaped blotches on flank; 2–4 dark-brown bands on caudal fin; a slender body, and an emarginate caudal fin in which the shortest middle caudal-fin ray is 76–91% of the longest ray of the upper caudal-fin lobe. Molecular data suggest that the new species is closely related to O. mediterraneus from the Aksu and Köprüçay drainages. Although the two species are separated by only a minimum K2P distance of 1.2% in the mtDNA COI barcode region, they are well distinguished morphologically. The situation is complicated by loaches from Lake Eğirdir basin that are identified as O. nasreddini by their morphological character states but are only distinguished from O. mediterraneus by a minimum K2P distance of 0.2% in the mtDNA COI barcode region.
Pelagic amphipods (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyperiidea) in western Mexico. 3. Family Lestrigonidae
Authors: GASCA REBECA , HENDRICKX MICHEL E.
Published: May 2021

Thirteen species belonging to five genera of pelagic amphipods of the family Lestrigonidae were collected during a deep-water survey off western Mexico: four species of Hyperietta, two species of Hyperioides, five species of Lestrigonus, and one species each of Phronimopsis and Themistella. This represents 93% of all known species of Lestrigonidae world-wide. A total of 1092 specimens were obtained in 40 sampling localities in the Gulf of California (35) and off southwestern Mexico (5). Although sampling methodology was rather heterogeneous, two species, Hyperioides sibaginis and Lestrigonus bengalensis, were particularly abundant (336 and 562 specimens) and frequent (present in 24 and 31 localities) in the samples, representing 82% of the total catch. The southernmost distribution limit of Hyperietta stebbingi is extended to off SW Mexico. Of the 13 species that were collected during this survey, 10 and 8 species co-occurred at two sampling localities in the SE Gulf of California.
A new species of the genus Aalatettix Zheng & Mao (Orthoptera, Tetrigoidea, Tetrigidae) from China
Authors: WANG LI-MING , LU YING , LUO HAN
Published: May 2021

This paper provides a new species of the genus Aalatettix Zheng & Mao, 2002. The type specimens are deposited in the Insect Collection of College of Life Sciences, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, China.
Scale-Dependent Value of QPF for Real-Time Streamflow Forecasting
Authors: Ghimire Ganesh R. , Krajewski Witold F. , Quintero Felipe
Published: May 2021

Incorporating rainfall forecasts into a real-time streamflow forecasting system extends the forecast lead time. Since quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) are subject to substantial uncertainties, questions arise on the trade-off between the time horizon of the QPF and the accuracy of the streamflow forecasts. This study explores the problem systematically, exploring the uncertainties associated with QPFs and their hydrologic predictability. The focus is on scale dependence of the trade-off between the QPF time horizon, basin-scale, space-time scale of the QPF, and streamflow forecasting accuracy. To address this question, the study first performs a comprehensive independent evaluation of the QPFs at 140 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) monitored basins with a wide range of spatial scales (~10 – 40,000 km2) over the state of Iowa in the Midwestern United States. The study uses High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) and Global Forecasting System (GFS) QPFs for short and medium-range forecasts, respectively. Using Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) quantitative precipitation estimate (QPE) as a reference, the results show that the rainfall-to-rainfall QPF errors are scale-dependent. The results from the hydrologic forecasting experiment show that both QPFs illustrate clear value for real-time streamflow forecasting at longer lead times in the short- to medium-range relative to the no-rain streamflow forecast. The value of QPFs for streamflow forecasting is particularly apparent for basin sizes below 1,000 km2. The space-time scale, or reference time (tr) (ratio of forecast lead time to basin travel time) ~ 1 depicts the largest streamflow forecasting skill with a systematic decrease in forecasting accuracy for tr > 1.
An idealized modeling study of the mid-latitude variability of the wind-driven meridional overturning circulation
Authors: Spall Michael A.
Published: May 2021

The frequency and latitudinal dependence of the mid-latitude wind-driven meridional overturning circulation (MOC) is studied using theory and linear and nonlinear applications of a quasi-geostrophic numerical model. Wind-forcing is varied by either changing the strength of the wind or by shifting the meridional location of the wind stress curl pattern. At forcing periods less than the first mode baroclinic Rossby wave basin crossing time scale the linear response in the mid-depth and deep ocean is in phase and opposite to the Ekman transport. For forcing periods close to the Rossby wave basin crossing time scale, the upper and deep MOC are enhanced, and the mid-depth MOC becomes phase shifted, relative to the Ekman transport. At longer forcing periods the deep MOC weakens and the mid-depth MOC increases, but eventually for long enough forcing periods (decadal) the entire wind-driven MOC spins down. Nonlinearities and mesoscale eddies are found to be important in two ways. First, baroclinic instability causes the mid-depth MOC to weaken, lose correlation with the Ekman transport, and lose correlation with the MOC in the opposite gyre. Second, eddy thickness fluxes extend the MOC beyond the latitudes of direct wind forcing. These results are consistent with several recent studies describing the four-dimensional structure of the MOC in the North Atlantic.
Developing and Validating a Computer-Based Training Tool for Inferring 2D Cross-Sections of Complex 3D Structures
Authors: Sanandaji Anahita , Grimm Cindy , West Ruth , Sanchez Christopher A.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Developing and validating a novel domain-agnostic, computer-based training tool for enhancing 2D cross-section understanding of complex 3D structures.

Background

Understanding 2D cross-sections of 3D structures is a crucial skill in many disciplines, from geology to medical imaging . It requires a complex set of spatial/visualization skills including mental rotation, spatial structure understanding, and viewpoint projection. Prior studies show that experts differ from novices in these skills.

Method

We have developed a novel training tool for inferring 2D cross-sections of 3D structures using a participatory design methodology. We used a between-subject study design, with 60 participants, to evaluate the training tool. Our primary effectiveness evaluation was based on pre- and postspatial tests that measured both cross-section abilities and specific spatial skills: viewpoint, mental rotation, and card rotation.

Results

Results showed significant performance gains on inferring 2D cross-sections for participants of the training group. Our tool improves two other spatial skills as well: mental rotation and viewpoint visualization.

Conclusion

Our training tool was effective not only in enhancing 2D cross-section understanding of complex 3D structures, but also in improving mental rotation and viewpoint visualization skills.

Application

Our tool can be beneficial in different fields such as medical imaging, biology, geology, and engineering. For example, an application of our tool is in medical/research labs to train novice segmenters in ongoing manual 3D segmentation tasks. It can also be adapted in other contexts, such as training children, older adults, and individuals with very low spatial skills.
Remind Me Again: Physician Response to Web Surveys: The Effect of Email Reminders Across 11 Opinion Survey Efforts at the American Board of Internal Medicine from 2017 to 2019
Authors: Barnhart Brendan J. , Reddy Siddharta G. , Arnold Gerald K.
Published: May 2021

For survey researchers, physicians in the United States are a difficult-to-reach subgroup. The purpose of this study is to quantify the effect of email reminders on web-based survey response rates targeting physicians. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 11 American Board of Internal Medicine surveys from 2017 to 2019. We compute aggregate response rates for the periods between weekly email contacts across the 11 surveys, while controlling for survey time to complete, physician age, gender, region, board certification status, and initial exam performance. The overall predicted response rate after six weekly email contacts was 23.7%, 95% CI: (17.1%, 33.0%). Across the 11 surveys, we found response rate for the first period to be 8.9%, 95% CI: (6.5%, 12.2%). We observed a 50% decrease in response from the first to the second period, which had a 4.4%, 95% CI: (3.2%, 6.2%), response rate. The third and fourth response periods yielded similar response rates of 3.0%, 95% CI: (2.3%, 3.9%) and 3.3%, 95%CI: (2.4%, 4.6%), respectively. The fifth and sixth response periods yielded similar response rates of 2.2%, 95%CI: (1.5%, 3.3%) and 1.9%, 95% CI: (1.3%, 2.7%), respectively. The results were further stratified into different levels of participant survey interest, and are helpful for cost and sample size considerations when designing a physician survey.
Explaining the Variability in School Nurse Workload and Educational Outcomes
Authors: McKinley Yoder Claire , Cantrell Mary Ann , Hinkle Janice L.
Published: May 2021

This secondary analysis examined the variability in the effects of school nurse workload on individual student outcomes of 9th grade attendance, being on track to graduate, and high school graduation. A principal axis factor analysis of the variables underlying school nurse workload and a structural equation model of the latent construct school nurse workload in 5th grade and the three outcome variables was tested using data from student records ( N = 3,782). Two factors explained 82% of the variability in school nurse workload: acuity and volume factor and social determinants of health factor. The model had acceptable fit indices and school nurse workload explained between 35% and 52% of the variability in the outcomes with a moderate effect size (.6–.72). Creating school nurse workload assignments that maximize student educational outcomes may improve graduation from high school, which in turn increases the resources available for lifelong health.
Supine tubeless PCNL in horseshoe kidney (a series of cases)
Authors: Gupta Sandeep , Kasim Atar , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: May 2021

Objective:

Objective of this case series is accurate access to the respective calyx with stone in horseshoe kidney while performing percutaneous nephrolithotmy in supine position. Reducing operative time and anaesthetic morbidity while performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy in horseshoe kidney with nephrolithiasis in supine position.

Materials and Methods:

Four patient with one having bilateral renal calculi with horshoe kidney were selected randomly. There were no preference for age, gender; size, location and laterality of stone or BMI. All the patients fit into the AUA guideline criteria for management by percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Preoperative, perioperative and follow up data were collected.

Results:

Four patients with one having bilateral renal calculi underwent supine tubeless PCNL in 1 year in GMSV position. There was no intraoperative, post operative or on follow up complications in any patient. In all the patients stones were cleared completely in single setting.

Conclusion:

Supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy in horseshoe kidney is an alternative to the standard prone percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the horseshoe kidney. It provides an additional benefit of performing the procedure in a single position, which is known to reduce total operating time, less anaesthesia related complications and less neuromusculoskeletal injury.
Complexes of Emotions in Joseph and Aseneth
Authors: Smith Tyler
Published: May 2021

The ancient Greek novel introduced to the history of literature a new topos: the “complex of emotions.” This became a staple of storytelling and remains widely in use across a variety of genres to the present day. The Hellenistic Jewish text Joseph and Aseneth employs this topos in at least three passages, where it draws attention to the cognitive-emotional aspect of the heroine’s conversion. This is interesting for what it contributes to our understanding of the genre of Aseneth, but it also has social-historical implications. In particular, it supports the idea that Aseneth reflects concerns about Gentile partners in Jewish-Gentile marriages, that Gentile partners might convert out of expedience or that they might be less than fully committed to abandoning “idolatrous” attachments. The representations of deep, grievous, and complex emotions in Aseneth’s transformational turn from idolatry to monolatry, then, might play a psychagogic role for the Gentile reader interested in marrying a Jewish person.
Susanna and the Elders: A Hebrew Legend with Egyptian Wordplay?
Authors: Domning Daryl
Published: May 2021

The Egyptian word seshen (“water lily,” a cognate of the Hebrew name Susanna, written with hieroglyphs depicting a door bolt, a garden pool, and water), may have inspired the setting of the Theodotion form of Daniel 13:1–27. This may constitute a novel type of “bilingual visual paronomasia,” and point to an Egyptian source of the details of Susanna’s bath, absent in the earliest (Old Greek) form of the biblical text of Daniel.
Ice shell construction in Hokkaido of Japan during 1980–2012
Authors: Kokawa Tsutomu
Published: May 2021

This paper summarizes research and development of an ice shell construction carried out in inland Hokkaido of Japan from 1980 to 2012.The ice shell is made of thin-walled curved ice plate and constructed according to the following method. (1) Building up a three-dimensional formwork by inflating a two-dimensional membrane bag covered with ropes anchored to the snow-ice foundation ring. (2) Covering the formwork with a thin saturated snow layer of less than 1 cm thickness by blowing milled snow with a rotary snow blower and spraying water with an adjustable nozzle, and letting it freeze naturally at temperatures below −10°C. (3) Repeating (2) until shell thickness reaches to the design thickness, then removing the bag and ropes for reuse. A number of ice shells were constructed as temporary winter structures while improving the construction technique through the repeated construction experiences. Based on the field experiments of 10–30 m ice domes (“ Xm ice dome” means the ice dome constructed by using Xm diameter of circular membrane bag in the formwork before inflation) which measured the deflection and temperature under long term period after the completion and further observed the behavior of the collapse, it was recognized that understanding the creep behavior is extremely important for evaluating the structural safety of the ice shell.
Exploring Changes in Perceptions and Practices of Sustainability in ESD Communities in Australia during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Beasy Kim , Gonzalez Laura Ripoll
Published: May 2021

Education for sustainable development (ESD) aims to empower future generations to address current global environmental threats, though it faces challenges to implementation, often linked to narrow perceptions of sustainability. To observe such changes in practice and draw their implications for ESD, we explore the effects of COVID-19 in perspectives and practices of sustainability across an education community. We reflect on how disruptions or threats can trigger a (re)imagination of individual and collective action. Our findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on individuals and societies have altered perceptions and practices of sustainability through envisaging previously unimaginable global environmental restoration, and experiencing personal, professional and collective changes. Our study shows that the perceived restorative effects on the environment of the pandemic lifted the education community spirits and enhanced a willingness to change by leveraging the social network around the education community to promote collective action.