bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Integration: A New Frontier in BIM
Authors: Jordan Alexander , Hanlon Leathen , Petrov Georgi I. , Biswas Preetam
Published: March 2021

SOM recently completed engineering and design for Bangalore International Airport Terminal 2. Several Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordination tools were developed in response to this expansive project. The visual programming language Dynamo, was used to improve the quality assurance and control of BIM processes, including the generation of complex roof geometry for the airport. A tool has also been developed for interdisciplinary collaboration with the architecture team, where room and department data is leveraged to populate intelligent structural loading maps. A final tool provides visual maps for verifying geometric consistency between BIM and analysis models, flagging areas where the two models do not align. Furthermore, the mapping of structural elements between the two programs allows large batch design of structural elements and automatic assignment of design results back into the BIM model, avoiding time consuming markups and errors in transcription. Further development of this tool has brought the entire mapping process into the BIM environment, improving the user experience. The paper will address the project challenges that spurred these developments, the design and methodology of the tools, and future developments to improve their functionality.
Development in culvert repair technology: Strengthening using UHPFC shotcrete
Authors: Kaczkowski Nicolas , Attie Elie , Fabry Nicolas , Aldatmaz Umut
Published: March 2021

There are currently no standardization regarding the production, design, and operational execution of Ultra- High Performance Fibre-Reinforced Shotcrete structures. Based on the recent practical feedback and understanding of the standard UHPFC cast in place, Freyssinet has developed an innovative technology, which is particularly suitable in repair solution to improve the competitiveness of strengthening design both technically and economically.

This attractive alternative repair solution is implemented on a specific shaped structure like a culvert pipe composed of a corrugated tin steel plate, and used for secondary human or hydraulic path under highway embankments surroundings rural and urban areas.

Despite their general simple appearance, pipe structures provide key issues involved in the design, implementation and maintenance when their sizes are reaching their limits. The combined use of the blast technology and the UHPFC material performance have allowed to develop a new sustainable repair solution.

The design solution provides a thin UHPFC shotcrete shell adapting to the roughness of the existing steel plate, and keeps similar flexible behavior relevant to the soil/structure stiffness interaction. In terms of strengthening and robustness, the solution develops the full load capacity for extending the structure design life.
The Third Bosporus Bridge monitoring
Authors: Delémont Thierry , Virlogeux Michel , Gaudry Laurent , Seyhan Samet , Yagcioglu Alp , Bellanger Emilie
Published: March 2021

Designing a world record span bridge is not the ultimate goal. Making it last and following it up so that it persists more than 100 years is the real challenge.

Thus, after having designed the Third Bosporus Bridge, the Designer participates in the follow-up of the structure by setting up an adequate monitoring.

Monitoring calibrating and interpreting is now the best way to ensure the sustainability of an exceptional structure. As everyone knows, the third Bosporus bridge is an hybrid structure, both suspended and stay cable bridge, a main span of 1408m and pylons of 323m. But what about monitoring?

What is the monitoring to put in place? On pylons, deck, main cables, hangers or stays and supports?

How to calibrate this monitoring to have a true zero point?

How often and under what events do you save it and interpret it? So many questions that an engineer today has to ask himself.

T-engineering wants to share both his point of view on this subject and his wonderful experience, mixing technical challenges and international context.
St. Philips footbridge in Bristol. A new river crossing for urban regeneration
Authors: Beade-Pereda Héctor , McElhinney John , Barbulescu Bogdan
Published: March 2021

The inauguration of the Great Western Railway, the line connecting London and Bristol (United Kingdom, approximately 450 000 inhabitants), in 1840 changed part of the outskirts of Bristol to a major railway hub and home of many rail‐related activities. Due to these activities, an area behind the station in between the railway, the River Avon and the Bath road, known at the time as Temple Island, was restricted to rail uses (workshops, depots or goods, engines and carriage sheds) for more than 150 years, making it inaccessible and unattractive as the railway use decreased.

The transformation of this area into a new neighborhood in the city center is one of the most important urban development projects currently being carried out in Bristol. The new St Philips footbridge spans the River Avon, contributing to accessibility to the site. The footbridge is an innovative solution to a complex crossing problem: the connection of two banks with a significant elevation difference, and development planned for only one of them in the immediate future. The design should be appropriate for the current site and the future scenario.

The bridge is a 50m‐span and 4‐m wide steel beam with a forked geometry, seamlessly hosting a ramp for disabled and cyclists and a staircase to maximise functionality. The design approach to generate its shape was at the same time structural, aesthetical, and functional. Thanks to this holistic design approach, the bridge is compact, simple, elegant, and clearly legible for both footbridge and river path users.
The Krause Gateway Center
Authors: Reynolds Thomas
Published: March 2021

The selection of a building superstructure framing is the result of many different factors. There are cost, constructability and physical constraints that govern a designer’s ability to utilize a particular material when laying out the framing for a new structure. The ability to achieve an architect’s and owners vision has to be woven into this decision-making process as well. The Krause Gateway Center in Des Moines Iowa

represented challenges that were not easily solved with one material or something previously seen in an office building. The plan layout, the extreme cantilevers and other geometric constraints demanded materials and options that are flexible and provide the opportunity to be built and modified in ways not

typically seen. Structural steel framing (after many rounds of test fits and studies of post tensioned concrete and other precast ides) was chosen for its ability to be built and designed to meet the needs of the building in ways other materials could not.
Burlington Bay Skyway Hanger Fail-Safe System
Authors: Mermigas Konstantinos Kris , Krall Martin , Parsons Chris
Published: March 2021

The Burlington Bay Skyway was built in 1954 and rehabilitated in the 1980s. A continuous three span truss rises from below the deck up over the roadway across the 151 m central span over a navigational channel into Hamilton Harbour. The deck system hangs from the truss and the consequences of a hanger impact could be severe and include prolonged closure, impediment of the navigation channel, and could trigger a progressive collapse of the suspended deck system arising from simply supported stringers and floor trusses. The regional economic impact of bridge closure on one of Ontario’s major arteries is considerable.

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is adding redundancy trusses to transfer the load from the deck system to adjacent hangers in the event of hanger loss. Each truss runs longitudinally below the edge of the deck through the main span, within the depth of the existing transverse floor trusses. The proactive retrofit improves redundancy of the deck system and keeps the bridge serviceable and safe after hanger loss, in-line with current code requirements.
Effect of Discontinuation of Nusinersen Treatment in Long-Standing SMA3
Authors: Hiebeler Miriam , Abicht Angela , Reilich Peter , Walter Maggie C.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease leading to ongoing degeneration of anterior horn cells in the spinal cord. Nusinersen is the first approved treatment for the condition, an intrathecally administered antisense oligonucleotide. It modulates pre-RNA splicing of the SMN2 gene and increases full-length SMN protein expression, thereby increasing SMN protein levels. The benefit of Nusinersen for patients with spinal muscular atrophy type 3 (SMA3) has recently been shown in several real-world cohorts.

Objective:

We aim to elucidate not only the effect of therapy with Nusinersen, but the development of the disease course after discontinuation of treatment. To our knowledge, there are so far no reports on the effects of Nusinersen discontinuation.

Methods:

We report on a 45-year-old female patient with genetically confirmed SMA3 and a disease duration of 40 years prior to treatment onset.

Results:

The patient was non-ambulantory, best motor function at treatment onset was holding arms with support, reflected in MRC of 3/5 in upper limbs. After having received Nusinersen for 11 months without complications, the patient showed improvement in motor functions, as measured by hand grip measurement (HGS), Hammersmith Functional Rating Scale Expanded (HFMSE), and Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM). Due to worsening of a pre-existing anxiety disorder, treatment was discontinued after six injections. Sixteen months later, progression of the disease became evident with worsening of HFMSE and RULM scores, while hand strength remained stable.

Conclusion:

Treatment with Nusinersen in SMA3 improves motor function in longstanding disease even in clinically advanced stages; however, after discontinuation of treatment, further progression mirroring the natural history of the disease is anticipated.
A Crop Recommendation System to Improve Crop Productivity using Ensemble Technique
Authors:   Computer Science and Engineering, Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, India., Ujjainia Shikha , Gautam Pratima ,   Computer Science and Information Technology, Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, India., Veenadhari S. ,   Computer Science and Engineering, Rabindranath Tagore University, Bhopal, India.
Published: March 2021

An integration of technology with crop yielding prediction methodology brought a major transformation in the production level globally. Machine learning concept has boosted that technology in such a manner that has further optimized the situation of farmer and agricultural industry. The combination of different types of algorithm enhances the competency of technological device to a level where the prediction becomes very effective and least deviation can be expected from the agricultural industry in the production level. The research of machine learning states about the integration of three types of models which is usually followed separately in programming the device. The study has proved the intervention of Information technology in the agricultural industry via different functions. An effective prediction by using the ensemble algorithm makes the agricultural industry competent enough to maintain the expected amount of production of crop.
Learning Based Vehicle Platooning Threat Detection, Identification and Mitigation
Authors: Khanapuri Eshaan , Chintalapati Veera Venkata Tarun Kartik , Sharma Rajnikant , Gerdes Ryan
Published: March 2021

The security of cyber-physical systems, such as vehicle platoons, is critical to ensuring their proper operation and acceptance to society. In platooning, vehicles follow one another according to an agreed upon control law that determines vehicle separation. It has been shown that a vehicle within a platoon and under the control of a malicious actor could cause collisions involving, or decrease the efficiency of, surrounding vehicles. In this paper we focus on detecting, identifying and mitigating so called destabilizing attacks that could cause vehicle collisions. Our approach is decentralized and requires only local sensor information for each vehicle to identify the vehicle responsible for the attack and then deploy an appropriate mitigating controller that prevents collisions. A Deep Learning approach (Convolutional Neural Network) with various data preprocessing techniques are used to detect and identify the malicious vehicle. Results indicate that with noise upto 30% in range/relative speed data we achieve an accuracy upto 96.3%. Also, once the adversarial vehicle is localized, we derive conditions for controller gains using Routh Hurwitz criterion to mitigate the attack and ensure stability of the platoon. Realistic simulator CARLA and MATLAB simulation results validate the effectiveness of our proposed approaches
Structuring Contract-for-Difference Instruments for Hedging Electricity Price Risks on a Blockchain-based Marketplace
Authors: Alao Olakunle , Cuffe Paul
Published: March 2021

The volatile nature of day-ahead electricity markets means that participants often resort to some form of derivative hedging instrument. One such derivative instrument is a Contract-for-Difference (CfD), specifically available to renewable generators in some jurisdictions to enable them to hedge against their price risk. CfD is a bilateral arrangement between a generator selling into, and an offtaker buying out of, a centrally cleared pool market for electricity. In this arrangement, the generator subsidizes the offtaker when the spot price is high; whereas, the offtaker subsidizes the generator when the spot price is low. This establishes a synthetic bilateral electricity transaction, operating in parallel to the pool market. Embracing CfD to hedge against price risk presents new risks such as counterparty credit, margining, third-party, and legal risks. They also incur high costs and possess underlying process risks. Decentralized Finance - an overarching term representing financial services built on top of a public blockchain - seems to present particularly compelling opportunities in electricity derivatives for these reasons. Therefore, we propose a novel Decentralized Finance instrument: a blockchain-based marketplace governed by a smart contract to act as a mediator between stakeholders mutually enrolled in bilateral CfD arrangements. The employed smart contract structure autonomously and irrefutably enforces the terms of the CfD, underpinned by a novel collateralization and settlement mechanism. This novel approach mitigates the hedging-related and underlying process risks of traditional CfD instruments.
The Influence of Micro-Teaching in Enhancing Teaching Competences of Pre-Service Teachers: A Case of Saint Augustine University of Tanzania
Authors: R. Kimaro1 Anathe , Mhagama Michaela , Onyango Daniel
Published: March 2021

The study examined the influence of micro-teaching in enhancing teaching competencies of pre-service teachers at Saint Augustine University of Tanzania. The objectives of the study were to: assess teaching skills pre-service teachers acquired during micro-teaching practices, asses the perception of pre-service teachers on the contributions of micro-teaching in improving their teaching skills and examine the efficacy of micro teaching in enhancing teaching competencies among pre-service teachers. The study used mixed research approach. A sample size of 140 pre-service teachers was used to generate data through questionnaire and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). The study findings revealed that micro teaching provides an opportunity for pre-service teachers to gain basic teaching skills such as scheme of work preparation, lesson plan preparation, classroom management and motivation strategies as well as time management skills. It was also found that pre-service teachers gained some experience during micro teaching which helped them to gain insights on instructional process that may help them during the actual teaching practice. Conclusively, micro teaching is an excellent way of improving teaching competencies of pre-service teachers. It is therefore recommended that teacher educators in higher learning institutions should plan and implement micro-teaching as part of teacher training in order to improve pre-service teachers’ teaching competencies.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) COMPETENCY OF SERVING TEACHERS FOR QUALITYINSTRUCTIONAL SERVICE DELIVERY IN AMINU SALEH COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, AZARE, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
Authors:   Department of Computer Science Education,  Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria, A. Jimoh , A. Salawu ,   Department of Computer Science Education,  Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria, A. Yusuf ,   Department of Computer Science Education,  Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria, I. Folorunso ,   Department of Computer Science, Nasarawa State Polytechnic,  Lafia Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Published: March 2021

ICT has permeated all spheres of human endeavours in this 21st century of information-driven society, education sector inclusive. Consequence upon this development, teachers as stakeholders are not left behind in the aspect of training and retraining to acquire relevant skills in the usage of ICT in order to be ICT-compliant and use same in their teaching methodologies. This paper, therefore, examined ICT competency of serving teachers for quality instructional service delivery in Aminu Saleh College of Education, Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design as questionnaire was used as an instrument for data collection from the sampled serving teachers. The questionnaire used for this research was structured on three components of ICT: Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation, Internet Usage and Usage of projector/interactive multimedia board. Simple random sampling technique was used to draw sample of 196 from the population of entire academics totally 436 currently serving in the area of the study using sample size table provided by Research Advisor. The instrument used for the study was validated by the specialists in the fields of Computer Science and Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability index of the instrument yielded 0.82 using Crobanch alpha reliability technique. The results revealed that academics have skills in the usage of Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation for effective instructional service delivery. Besides, it was found out that the serving teachers possess technical-know-how in Internet usage for gathering materials for their lessons, but lack skills on how to operate projector/interactive multimedia board for their lectures. It was also discovered that age, gender and years of experience had significant influence on the level of ICT skills acquisition and usage of serving teachers. However, there was no association between educational qualification of serving teachers and their level of ICT skills acquisition. The study recommends that Bauchi state government, in conjunction with College authority, should organize seminar on how to use and operate projector as well as interactive multimedia board for quality instructional service delivery by the lecturers.
PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CROSS-BORDER PATIENT MOBILITY AND UTILIZATION OF HEALTHCARE FACILITIES ON THE NIGERIA-CAMEROON BORDER, BAMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BORNO STATE
Authors:   School of Social Sciences Umar Ibn Ibrahim El-kanemi College of Education,  Science and Technology, Bama PMB 16, Bama, Borno State Nigeria, Abba Ibrahim , Hassan Jibir
Published: March 2021

This research was carried out retrospectively on the Nigerian – Cameroon border. There are so many communities that live on this border. It was stated in the Border Community Development Agency Act (2003) that Bama Local Government area has 120 identified border communities. These populations therefore need to have access to healthcare facilities on either side of the boundary as they interact in different ways, which expose them to infections, contagious and other socially transmittable diseases. Cross-border healthcare access is therefore relevant to people living on the border. This study examines the extent of cross-border patient mobility and healthcare utilization in the three districts (Banki, Dare-el-jamal and Kumshe) on the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The researchers used mix methods research design. Survey was conducted supplemented by qualitative method which enables the researchers to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data. The researchers and two trained research assistants went to the two camps that host internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Bama local government area (Dalori camp I and II) and identified 625 cross-border patients that come from Banki, Dare-el-jamal and Kumshe districts. This served as the sample population for the research and 40% of the population was selected as sample respondents by random sampling technique. Descriptive statistical tools were used to interpret the data acquired i.e percentages and Chi-square at P≤0.05 was used to test whether cross-border healthcare utilization in the study area was gender sensitive. Distance decay curves were also used to measure the impact of distance on the level of patronage of healthcare facilities across the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The study revealed that there were established health centres in the three districts but were poorly equipped and that more Nigerians patronize the healthcare facilities across the border where 65.5% of the respondents indicated that more Nigerians sought treatment in Cameroon.
IMPACT OF DOMESTIC DEBT ON PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA (2000-2019)
Authors:   Department of Business Management, Baze University, Abuja, Nigeria, M. Olaolu , M. Ibrahim ,   Department of Banking & Finance, Nasarawa State University, Keffi
Published: March 2021

This study examined the impact of domestic debt on private sector investment and economic growth in Nigeria, covering the period 2000-2019. The causal research design was employed. Unit root and cointegrated tests were carried out and the unit root test results showed that the variables were non-stationary at level but became stationary after first differencing. Cointegration test results revealed that the variables are cointegrated meaning that they have long-run equilibrium relationship. Using the ordinary least squares (OLS) method to estimate the specified multiple regression models, findings showed that domestic debt and interest on domestic debt negatively and significantly impacted on private sector investment and economic growth in Nigeria during the period under consideration. The negative impact of domestic debt on private sector investment indicates that government domestic borrowing crowd-out private sector investment. In lieu of the fact that government borrowing (especially domestic borrowing) stifles (crowd-out) private sector investment and retards economic growth in Nigeria, it is recommended that since government borrowing especially through the money market is exerting adverse effects on private sector investment and economic growth, government should endeavor to borrow domestically through the capital market by further developing the Nigerian equity and bond markets in order to enable these markets have the capacity to provide the needed funds. Also, to avoid stunt economic growth and crowding-out effect of government borrowing, government should endeavor to put in place fiscal prudent measures that would favor the private investor by discouraging high government spending in areas that don’t have direct positive impact on private sector investment growth and economic growth.
Stellate Ganglion Block for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety
Authors: Li Yan , Loshak Hannah
Published: March 2021

The evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of stellate ganglion block for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder was mixed. A randomized controlled trial included in a systematic review did not detect significant differences in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the stellate ganglion block versus sham groups, while another randomized controlled trial did detect significantly greater improvements in symptoms between these groups. Furthermore, the second randomized controlled trial detected significantly greater improvements in depression, anxiety, and distress, but not in pain and mental and physical functioning for participants receiving stellate ganglion block compared to sham.

Authors of the randomized controlled trial included in the systematic review did not detect significant differences in rates of adverse events between groups. Of the 6 adverse events reported in the second randomized controlled trial, 3 were deemed related to stellate ganglion block treatment (injection site pain, self-resolving bradycardia, and temporary laryngeal irritation); the statistical analysis was not reported.

Authors of 1 evidence-based guideline were unable to provide recommendations for or against the use of stellate ganglion block for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder because of insufficient evidence.

No relevant literature or guidelines regarding the clinical effectiveness or use of stellate ganglion block for the treatment of depression or anxiety were identified.
Políticas públicas e outra perspectiva de avaliação: uma abordagem antropológica
Authors: Gussi Alcides , de Oliveira Breynner
Published: March 2021

Este artigo problematiza outros enfoques de avaliação para a compreensão das políticas públicas em diferentes contextos culturais, sociais e econômicos a partir da construção de parâmetros de avaliação distintos daqueles indicados pelo modelo técnico-formal de avaliação. Propõe-se uma ruptura com essa visão ortodoxa ao assumir que a avaliação de políticas públicas desconsidera os atores sociais envolvidos nas políticas, suas agendas e interesses, tornando-os invisíveis. Ao introduzir o conceito de trajetória, base para a construção de uma avaliação sob a abordagem antropológica, outro paradigma avaliativo emerge, configurando-se como um ethos epistemológico mais estruturado e crítico, alargando as bases conceituais e metodológicas.
Chinese foreign policy strategies’ shifts towards Africa (Goals and Perspectives)
Authors:   Ph.D. Student, Sakarya University, Republic of Turkey, Malik Dalia
Published: March 2021

African continent is gaining great importance to Chinese policymakers, and that importance increases with the steady growth of the Chinese economy, which necessitates the need for markets and resources founded in Africa. Therefore, this research paper examines Chinese strategies in Africa, their dimensions, objectives and prospects, as well as the stakes arising from them as one of the strategic topics that sparked widespread controversy.
The factors that helped in the development of East Asian countries and the extent of their application in Arab countries
Authors:   Department of Economics, College of Political Science & Economics, Korea University, South Korea, Khelwai Huda Ahmed
Published: March 2021

The world is witnessing great developments in various sectors; some countries have managed to change their course and rise from the setbacks and crises they are going through to achieve great success in the indicators of development and economic growth that has facilitated the entire world, such as the great development that East Asian countries have gone through. It was able to turn into the greatest developed country in a short period of time, as it did not exceed 25 years; This prompted many other countries to identify the factors that helped this development,
Secretory Defense Response in the Bird’s Gastro-Intestinal Tract and Nutritional Strategies to Modulate It
Authors: Gomez-Osorio Luis-Miguel , Jiang Zhengyu , Zhang Qian , Yan Hui , Villegas Ana-Maria , Applegate Todd
Published: March 2021

The Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is a very complex environment which converges a lot of players including nutrients, microorganisms, pathogens, cells, and peptides which determine the type of outcome against threats affecting feed efficiency and body weight gain. Traditionally, GIT is examined as a selective barrier which permit or deny the entrance of molecules, but beyond of that, it is a crucial place to produce important proteins for the host which, at least in part, determine the outcome for a threat such as microorganisms, toxins, anti-nutritional factors, among others. During the non-antibiotic promotants time, there is a necessity to understand how this system works and how we can modulate through nutrition, in part to take advantage of this, and support a better immune response and nutrient absorption in challenged poultry environments. The goal of this chapter is to review the different mechanism of immunity in the GIT emphasizing on secretory defense response and the nutritional strategies including fiber and fatty acids to improve it.
Double Burden of Poverty and Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Low-Resource Communities in South Africa
Authors: Oldewage-Theron Wilna , Grobler Christa
Published: March 2021

Limited studies evaluating the prevalence of cardiovascular risk (CVR) in resource-poor black communities in South Africa (SA), exist. The objective of this chapter is to evaluate the prevalence of CVR in a cross-sectional studies in randomly selected low income children, adults and elderly in Gauteng, Free State and Eastern Cape, SA. The test panel of CVR markers included: anthropometry, lipid profile, blood pressure, fibrinogen, high sensitive–C–reactive protein (HS–CRP), homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, glucose and dietary intakes. The main findings indicated high CVR with prevalence of overweight/obesity, Hypertension, hyperhomocysteinaemia, increased fibrinogen and HS-CRP, as well as low intakes of dietary fibre, vitamins B6 and B12, folate and polyunsaturated- and monounsaturated fatty acids, and high intakes of dietary sodium, saturated and trans fatty acids, and added sugars. Multiple CVR factors are present among all the communities. It can thus be concluded that a double burden of poverty and risk of CVD exists across the different age groups and geographical locations in these resource-poor communities.
МОДЕРНИЗАЦИЯ ИНОЯЗЫЧНОГО ОБРАЗОВАНИЯ КАК ФАКТОР ИННОВАЦИОННОГО РАЗВИТИЯ ЭКОНОМИКИ
Authors:   Петрозаводский государственный университет, Абрамова Ирина Евгеньевна
Published: March 2021

Необходимость обеспечения нового уровня профессионального образования выпускников российских вузов сопровождается усилением требований к качеству массовой иноязычной подготовки студентов неязыковых специальностей. Цель статьи — проанализировать слабые и сильные стороны современной языковой подготовки, рассмотреть возможные варианты модернизации системы иноязычного образования в нелингвистических вузах. Приводятся данные экспериментального обучения студентов Петрозаводского государственного университета в единой иноязычной образовательной среде вуза. Предлагаются не только комплекс единых подходов к формированию коммуникативной компетенции у студентов, но и система единого контроля и оценивания качества обучения. Делается вывод о необходимости продолжения поиска инновационных путей модернизации иноязычного обучения студентов-нелингвистов для обеспечения качественной подготовки кадрового потенциала российских регионов.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on working students: Results from the Labour Force Survey and the student lifestyle survey
Authors: Tsurugano Shinobu , Nishikitani Mariko , Inoue Mariko , Yano Eiji
Published: March 2021

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused devastating damage to employment globally, particularly among the non-standard workforce. The objective of this study was to identify the effects of the pandemic on the employment status and lives of working students in Japan.

Methods

The Labour Force Survey (January 2019 to May 2020) was used to examine changes in students’ work situations. In addition, to investigate the economic and health conditions of university students during the pandemic, the Student Lifestyle Survey was conducted in late May 2020. This survey asked students at a national university in Tokyo about recent changes in their studies, work, and lives.

Results

The number of working students reported in the Labour Force Survey has declined sharply since March 2020, falling by 780,000 (46%) in April. According to a survey of university students’ living conditions, 37% were concerned about living expenses and tuition fees, and a higher percentage of students who were aware of financial insecurity had poor self-rated health.

Conclusion

Nearly half of working students have lost their jobs during the pandemic in Japan, which has affected their lives, studies, and health. There is a need to monitor the impact of economic insecurity on students’ studies and health over time, and to expand the safety net for disadvantaged students.
Complex Optical Index of HgTe Nanocrystal Infrared Thin Films and Its Use for Short Wave Infrared Photodiode Design
Authors: Rastogi Prachi , Chu Audrey , Dang Tung Huu , Prado Yoann , Gréboval Charlie , Qu Junling , Dabard Corentin , Khalili Adrien , Dandeu Erwan , Fix Baptiste , Xu Xiang Zhen , Ithurria Sandrine , Vincent Gregory , Gallas Bruno , Lhuillier Emmanuel
Published: March 2021

The limited investigation of the optical properties of HgTe nanocrystal (NC) thin films has become a bottleneck for the electromagnetic design of devices. Using broadband ellipsometry, the refractive index (n) and the extinction coefficient (k) are determined for a series of HgTe NC films relevant to infrared sensing applications. Electromagnetic simulations reveal that the n value of HgTe NC thin films can conveniently be approximated by its mean spectral value n = 2.35 ± 0.15. This complex optical index is then used to design a diode with i) a reduced amount of Hg containing material (thin film < 150 nm) and ii) a thickness of the device better‐matched with the carrier diffusion length. It is demonstrated that introducing an aluminum grating onto the transparent conductive electrode leads to an enhanced absorption while reinforcing the work‐function difference between the two electrodes. Broadband (≈1 µm), non‐polarized, and strong absorption up to 100% is designed. This leads to a responsivity of 0.2 A W−1 and a detectivity of 2 × 1010 Jones for 2 µm cut‐off wavelength at room‐temperature, while the time response is as short as 110 ns.
LaSiP3 and LaSi2P6: Two Excellent Rare‐Earth Pnictides with Strong SHG Responses as Mid‐ and Far‐Infrared Nonlinear Optical Crystals
Authors: Sun Yingshuang , Chen Jindong , Yang Shunda , Li Bingxuan , Chai Guoliang , Lin Chensheng , Luo Min , Ye Ning
Published: March 2021

Two rare‐earth pnictide‐based infrared (IR) nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals, LaSiP3 and LaSi2P6, are successfully synthesized by metal salt flux method, which are the first two cases for rare‐earth pnictides as IR NLO crystals. LaSiP3 (Pna21) features 2D structure consisting of alternately stacked SiP4 tetrahedra layers and isolated PP chains. LaSi2P6 (Cmc21) has a 3D structure composed of two types of SiP4 tetrahedra layers and diversiform phosphorous polyanions. Particularly, LaSi2P6 exhibits the largest second‐order NLO coefficient (d33 = 98.5 pm V−1) among the known IR NLO phosphides. Besides, LaSiP3 and LaSi2P6 both can achieve phase matching, cover wide IR transparent regions, and own large birefringence (0.24 and 0.25 @2050 nm for LaSiP3 and LaSi2P6, respectively). The studies on LaSiP3 and LaSi2P indicate that they are potentially applied in the middle‐ and far‐IR regions. In addition, more importantly, the theoretical calculations uncover the second‐harmonic‐generation enhancement mechanisms for PP bonds in different forms, which highlight that either PP chains or phosphorous polyanions will be excellent NLO‐active units for constructing high‐performance IR NLO crystals.
Asymmetric [3+2] Annulations of Thioaurone and Aurone Derivatives for the Construction of Spiroheterocycles
Authors: Liu Bao‐Xin , Yan Ru‐Jie , Li Xiao‐Xun , Du Wei , Chen Ying‐Chun
Published: March 2021

Aurones and their analogues are convenient two‐atom units for the rapid construction of valuable spiroheterocycles. Here, we demonstrate that the Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates of isatins can be efficiently assembled with thioaurones, aurones, or even methyleneindolinones in a highly asymmetric [3+2] annulation manner, affording a broad spectrum of densely functionalized spiro‐benzothiophene, ‐benzofuran and bisspirooxindole frameworks in high yields with good to excellent stereoselectivity.
Effect of the Ethanol/BTC Ratio on the Methane Uptake of Mechanochemically Synthesized MOF‐199
Authors: Kim Manuela Leticia , Barrera Deicy , Kimura Mutsumi , Hinestroza Juan P. , Sapag Karim , Otal Eugenio Hernán
Published: March 2021

We report on a detailed textural analysis of mechanochemically synthesized MOF‐199 including N2 adsorption‐desorption and CO2 adsorption isotherms data at 77 K and 273 K (up to atmospheric pressure), respectively, and CH4 adsorption data at 298 K (up to 35 bar). We used the isotherm adsorption data to determine the micropore volume of the MOF‐199 structures, to establish their methane uptake capacity and to understand how these properties depended on the Ethanol/BTC ratio used during the synthesis. The maximum methane uptake capacity for our specimens was recorded at 130 v/v at 35 bars. These results open an avenue for a better understanding of alternative manufacturing processes of MOF structures for gas storage applications.
Academic Engagement and Achievement Predict Career Adaptability
Authors: Datu Jesus Alfonso D. , Buenconsejo Jet U.
Published: March 2021

Abundant evidence indicates that personality, social, cultural, and contextual factors predict career adaptability. However, little research attends to the roles of academic engagement and achievement in career adaptability, especially in non‐Western cultural contexts. We examined the associations of perceived academic engagement dimensions (i.e., behavioral and emotional engagement) and academic achievement with facets of career adaptability among 324 Filipino high school students. Results of hierarchical regression analyses demonstrate that, after controlling for age and gender, behavioral engagement served as the strongest predictor of concern, curiosity, confidence, and control. In addition, perceived academic achievement was the weakest predictor of career adaptability dimensions. Our findings underscore the benefits of integrating active involvement in school‐related tasks to foster career adaptability in high school student populations.
A Grounded Theory Analysis of Cultural Humility in Counseling and Counselor Education
Authors: Zhu Peitao , Luke Melissa , Bellini James
Published: March 2021

Using a grounded‐theory methodology, we interviewed 14 experienced counselor educators regarding the enactment and development of cultural humility (CH). We present a coherent theory depicting a cyclical process of CH involving lifelong learning. Implications include enacting CH in addressing microaggressions in the therapeutic setting and incorporating critical incident reflection in CH in counselor education.
Spray Deposition of Supercapacitor Electrodes using Environmentally Friendly Aqueous Activated Graphene and Activated Carbon Dispersions for Industrial Implementation
Authors: Boulanger Nicolas , Skrypnychuk Vasyl , Nordenström Andreas , Moreno‐Fernández Gelines , Granados‐Moreno Miguel , Carriazo Daniel , Mysyk Roman , Bracciale Gaetan , Bondavalli Paolo , Talyzin Alexandr V.
Published: March 2021

A spray gun machine was used to deposit high‐surface‐area supercapacitor electrodes using green non‐toxic aqueous dispersions based on different kinds of high specific surface area nanostructured carbon materials: activated graphene (a‐rGO) and activated carbon (AC). Tuning the spray conditions and dispersion formulation allowed us to achieve good adhesion to stainless‐steel current collectors in combination with high surface area and a satisfactory mechanical stability of the electrodes. The specific surface area of approximately 2000 m2/g was measured directly on a‐rGO and AC electrodes showing only around a 20 % decrease compared to the precursor powder materials. The performance of the electrodes deposited on stainless‐steel and aluminum current collectors was tested in supercapacitor devices using three electrolytes. The electrodes were tested in an “as‐deposited” state and after post‐deposition annealing at 200 °C. The spray deposition method and post‐deposition annealing are completely compatible with roll‐to‐roll industrial production methods. The a‐rGO demonstrated superior performance compared to AC in supercapacitor electrodes with gravimetric capacitance, energy, and power density parameters, which exceed commercially available analogues. The formulation of the dispersions used in this study is environmentally friendly, as it is based on only on water as a solvent and commercially available non‐toxic additives (graphene oxide, fumed silica, and carbon nanotubes).
Exploration of Ligand‐receptor Binding and Mechanisms for Alginate Reduction and Phenotype Reversion by Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Burns Felicia N. , Alila Mercy A. , Zheng Hewen , Patil Pankaj D. , Ibanez Arizza Chiara S. , Luk Yan‐Yeung
Published: March 2021

Bacteria in general can develop a wide range of phenotypes under different conditions and external stresses. The phenotypes that reside in biofilms, overproduce exopolymers, and show increased motility often exhibit drug tolerance and drug persistence. In this work, we describe a class of small molecules that delay and inhibit the overproduction of alginate by a non‐swarming mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Among these molecules, selected benzophenone‐derived alkyl disaccharides cause the mucoid bacteria to swarm on hydrated soft agar gel and revert the mucoid to a nonmucoid phenotype. The sessile (biofilm) and motile (swarming) phenotypes are controlled by opposing signaling pathways with high and low intracellular levels of bis‐(3’,5’)‐cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (cdG), respectively. As our molecules control several of these phenotypes, we explored a protein receptor, pilin of the pili appendages, that is consistent with controlling these bioactivities and signaling pathways. To test this binding hypothesis, we developed a bacterial motility‐enabled binding assay that uses the interfacial properties of hydrated gels and bacterial motility to conduct label‐free ligand‐receptor binding studies. The structure‐activity correlation and receptor identification reveal a plausible mechanism for reverting mucoid to nonmucoid phenotypes by binding pili appendages with ligands capable of sequestering and neutralizing reactive oxygen species.
Evaluation of particle swarm optimization techniques applied to maximum power point tracking in photovoltaic systems
Authors: Díaz Martínez David , Trujillo Codorniu Rafael , Giral Roberto , Vázquez Seisdedos Luis
Published: March 2021

Even with significant progresses in the maximum power point (MPP) research area, the necessity to improve the existing methods becomes mandatory to increase the energy conversion efficiency. Since the power–voltage (P‐V) characteristic curve of photovoltaic (PV) arrays has multiple peaks under partially shaded (PS) conditions, the conventional MPP tracking (MPPT) control methods have the difficult challenge of locate the global MPP (GMPP) among many local MPPs (LMPPs). In recent years, numerous research papers have been focused on techniques to efficiently track the GMPP and alleviate the partial shading effects. One of the most popular evolutionary search technique is particle swarm optimization (PSO) that provides high tracking speed and the ability operate under different environmental conditions. For solving some conventional PSO technique common weaknesses, several modifications and improvements have emerged in the past years. This paper provides a comparative and comprehensive review of some relevant PSO‐based methods taking into account the effects of important key issues such as particles initialization criteria, search space, convergence speed, initial parameters, performance with and without partial shading, and efficiency. The simulation results are validated under numerous test conditions using MATLAB code and Simulink package.
Calculated plasma volume status and outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Shimura Tetsuro , Yamamoto Masanori , Yamaguchi Ryo , Adachi Yuya , Sago Mitsuru , Tsunaki Tatsuya , Kagase Ai , Koyama Yutaka , Otsuka Toshiaki , Yashima Fumiaki , Tada Norio , Naganuma Toru , Yamawaki Masahiro , Yamanaka Futoshi , Shirai Shinichi , Mizutani Kazuki , Tabata Minoru , Ueno Hiroshi , Takagi Kensuke , Watanabe Yusuke , Hayashida Kentaro ,   OCEAN‐TAVI investigators
Published: March 2021

Aims

This study investigated the prognostic value of plasma volume status (PVS) in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods and results

Plasma volume status was calculated in 2588 patients who underwent TAVR using data from the Japanese multicentre registry. All‐cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization (HFH) within 2 years of TAVR were compared among the PVS quartiles (Q1, PVS < 5.5%; Q2, PVS 5.5–13.5%; Q3, PVS 13.5–21.0%; and Q4, PVS ≥ 21.0%). Subgroups were stratified by the PVS cut‐off value combined with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class as follows: low PVS with NYHA I/II (n = 959), low PVS with NYHA III/IV (n = 845), high PVS with NYHA I/II (n = 308), and high PVS with NYHA III/IV (n = 476). The cumulative all‐cause mortality and HFH within 2 years of TAVR significantly increased with increasing PVS quartiles [8.5%, 16.8%, 19.2%, and 27.0% (P < 0.001) and 5.8%, 8.7%, 10.3%, and 12.9% (P < 0.001), respectively]. The high‐PVS group regardless of the NYHA class had a higher all‐cause mortality and HFH [9.6%, 18.2%, 24.5%, and 30.4% (P < 0.001) and 6.1%, 10.4%, 14.1%, and 11.3% (P < 0.001)]. In a Cox regression multivariate analysis, the PVS values of Q3 and Q4 had independently increased all‐cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR), 1.50 and 1.64 (P = 0.017 and P = 0.008), respectively], and Q4 had independently increased HFH (HR, 1.98, P = 0.005). The low PVS with NYHA III/IV, high PVS with NYHA I/II, and high PVS with NYHA III/IV also had significantly increased all‐cause mortality [HR, 1.45, 1.73, and 1.86 (P = 0.006, P = 0.002, and P < 0.001), respectively] and HFH [HR, 1.52, 2.21, and 1.70 (P = 0.049, P = 0.002, and P = 0.031), respectively].

Conclusions

Plasma volume status is useful for predicting all‐cause mortality and HFH after TAVR.
A perspective on machine learning methods in turbulence modeling
Authors: Beck Andrea , Kurz Marius
Published: March 2021

This work presents a review of the current state of research in data‐driven turbulence closure modeling. It offers a perspective on the challenges and open issues but also on the advantages and promises of machine learning (ML) methods applied to parameter estimation, model identification, closure term reconstruction, and beyond, mostly from the perspective of large Eddy simulation and related techniques. We stress that consistency of the training data, the model, the underlying physics, and the discretization is a key issue that needs to be considered for a successful ML‐augmented modeling strategy. In order to make the discussion useful for non‐experts in either field, we introduce both the modeling problem in turbulence as well as the prominent ML paradigms and methods in a concise and self‐consistent manner. In this study, we present a survey of the current data‐driven model concepts and methods, highlight important developments, and put them into the context of the discussed challenges.