bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing long-range search behavior in Diptera using complex 3D virtual environments
Authors: Kaushik Pavan Kumar , Renz Marian , Olsson Shannon B.
Published: May 2020

The exemplary search capabilities of flying insects have established them as one of the most diverse taxa on Earth. However, we still lack the fundamental ability to quantify, represent, and predict trajectories under natural contexts to understand search and its applications. For example, flying insects have evolved in complex multimodal three-dimensional (3D) environments, but we do not yet understand which features of the natural world are used to locate distant objects. Here, we independently and dynamically manipulate 3D objects, airflow fields, and odor plumes in virtual reality over large spatial and temporal scales. We demonstrate that flies make use of features such as foreground segmentation, perspective, motion parallax, and integration of multiple modalities to navigate to objects in a complex 3D landscape while in flight. We first show that tethered flying insects of multiple species navigate to virtual 3D objects. Using the apple fly
Rhagoletis pomonella
, we then measure their reactive distance to objects and show that these flies use perspective and local parallax cues to distinguish and navigate to virtual objects of different sizes and distances. We also show that apple flies can orient in the absence of optic flow by using only directional airflow cues, and require simultaneous odor and directional airflow input for plume following to a host volatile blend. The elucidation of these features unlocks the opportunity to quantify parameters underlying insect behavior such as reactive space, optimal foraging, and dispersal, as well as develop strategies for pest management, pollination, robotics, and search algorithms.
A near full-length HIV-1 genome from 1966 recovered from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue
Authors: Gryseels Sophie , Watts Thomas D. , Kabongo Mpolesha Jean-Marie , Larsen Brendan B. , Lemey Philippe , Muyembe-Tamfum Jean-Jacques , Teuwen Dirk E. , Worobey Michael
Published: May 2020

With very little direct biological data of HIV-1 from before the 1980s, far-reaching evolutionary and epidemiological inferences regarding the long prediscovery phase of this pandemic are based on extrapolations by phylodynamic models of HIV-1 genomic sequences gathered mostly over recent decades. Here, using a very sensitive multiplex RT-PCR assay, we screened 1,645 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens collected for pathology diagnostics in Central Africa between 1958 and 1966. We report the near-complete viral genome in one HIV-1 positive specimen from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), from 1966 (“DRC66”)—a nonrecombinant sister lineage to subtype C that constitutes the oldest HIV-1 near full-length genome recovered to date. Root-to-tip plots showed the DRC66 sequence is not an outlier as would be expected if dating estimates from more recent genomes were systematically biased; and inclusion of the DRC66 sequence in tip-dated BEAST analyses did not significantly alter root and internal node age estimates based on post-1978 HIV-1 sequences. There was larger variation in divergence time estimates among datasets that were subsamples of the available HIV-1 genomes from 1978 to 2014, showing the inherent phylogenetic stochasticity across subsets of the real HIV-1 diversity. Our phylogenetic analyses date the origin of the pandemic lineage of HIV-1 to a time period around the turn of the 20th century (1881 to 1918). In conclusion, this unique archival HIV-1 sequence provides direct genomic insight into HIV-1 in 1960s DRC, and, as an ancient-DNA calibrator, it validates our understanding of HIV-1 evolutionary history.
Live-cell protein engineering with an ultra-short split intein
Authors: Burton Antony J. , Haugbro Michael , Parisi Eva , Muir Tom W.
Published: May 2020

Split inteins are privileged molecular scaffolds for the chemical modification of proteins. Though efficient for in vitro applications, these polypeptide ligases have not been utilized for the semisynthesis of proteins in live cells. Here, we biochemically and structurally characterize the naturally split intein VidaL. We show that this split intein, which features the shortest known N-terminal fragment, supports rapid and efficient protein
trans
-splicing under a range of conditions, enabling semisynthesis of modified proteins both in vitro and in mammalian cells. The utility of this protein engineering system is illustrated through the traceless assembly of multidomain proteins whose biophysical properties render them incompatible with a single expression system, as well as by the semisynthesis of dual posttranslationally modified histone proteins in live cells. We also exploit the domain swapping function of VidaL to effect simultaneous modification and translocation of the nuclear protein HP1α in live cells. Collectively, our studies highlight the VidaL system as a tool for the precise chemical modification of cellular proteins with spatial and temporal control.
Transcriptomic network analyses shed light on the regulation of cuticle development in maize leaves
Authors: Qiao Pengfei , Bourgault Richard , Mohammadi Marc , Matschi Susanne , Philippe Glenn , Smith Laurie G. , Gore Michael A. , Molina Isabel , Scanlon Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Plant cuticles are composed of wax and cutin and evolved in the land plants as a hydrophobic boundary that reduces water loss from the plant epidermis. The expanding maize adult leaf displays a dynamic, proximodistal gradient of cuticle development, from the leaf base to the tip. Laser microdissection RNA Sequencing (LM-RNAseq) was performed along this proximodistal gradient, and complementary network analyses identified potential regulators of cuticle biosynthesis and deposition. A weighted gene coexpression network (WGCN) analysis suggested a previously undescribed function for PHYTOCHROME-mediated light signaling during the regulation of cuticular wax deposition. Genetic analyses reveal that
phyB1 phyB2
double mutants of maize exhibit abnormal cuticle composition, supporting the predictions of our coexpression analysis. Reverse genetic analyses also show that
phy
mutants of the moss
Physcomitrella patens
exhibit abnormal cuticle composition, suggesting an ancestral role for PHYTOCHROME-mediated, light-stimulated regulation of cuticle development during plant evolution.
Lessons from Hurricane Katrina for predicting the indirect health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Raker Ethan J. , Zacher Meghan , Lowe Sarah R.
Published: May 2020

Beyond their immediate effects on mortality, disasters have widespread, indirect impacts on mental and physical well-being by exposing survivors to stress and potential trauma. Identifying the disaster-related stressors that predict health adversity will help officials prepare for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Using data from a prospective study of young, low-income mothers who survived Hurricane Katrina, we find that bereavement, fearing for loved ones’ well-being, and lacking access to medical care and medications predict adverse mental and physical health 1 y postdisaster, and some effects persist 12 y later. Adjusting for preexisting health and socioeconomic conditions attenuates, but does not eliminate, these associations. The findings, while drawn from a demographically unique sample, suggest that, to mitigate the indirect effects of COVID-19, lapses in medical care and medication use must be minimized, and public health resources should be directed to those with preexisting medical conditions, their social networks, and the bereaved.
Wafer-level fabrication of individual solid-state nanopores for sensing single DNAs
Authors: Gatty Hithesh K , Chung Nguyen Xuan , Zhang Miao , Sychugov Ilya , Linnros Jan
Published: May 2020

For biomolecule sensing purposes a solid-state nanopore platform based on silicon has certain advantages as compared to nanopores on other substrates such as graphene, silicon nitride, silicon oxide etc Capitalizing on the developed CMOS technology, nanopores on silicon are scalable without any requirement for additional processing, the devices are low cost and the process can be repeatable with a high yield. One of the essential requirements in biomolecule sensing is the ability of the nanopore to interact with the analyte. In this work, we present a method for processing high aspect ratio, single nanopores in the range of 10–30 nm in diameter and approximately 700 nm in length on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. The presented method of manufacturing the high aspect ratio individual nanopores combines optical lithography and anisotropic KOH etching with a final electrochemical etching step to form the nanopores and is repeatable and can be processed in batches. We demonstrate electrical detection of dsDNA translocation, where the characteristic time of the process is in the millisecond range. We also analyse the translocation parameters and correlate the enhanced length of the nanopore to a longer translocation time as compared to other substrates.
Magneto-structural correlations in a systematically disordered B2 lattice
Authors: Ehrler Jonathan , Sanyal Biplab , Grenzer Jörg , Zhou Shengqiang , Böttger Roman , Eggert Benedikt , Wende Heiko , Lindner Jürgen , Fassbender Jürgen , Leyens Christoph , Potzger Kay , Bali Rantej
Published: May 2020

Ferromagnetism in certain B2 ordered alloys such as Fe60Al40 can be switched on, and tuned, via antisite disordering of the atomic arrangement. The disordering is accompanied by a ∼1 % increase in the lattice parameter. Here we performed a systematic disordering of B2 Fe60Al40 thin films, and obtained correlations between the order parameter  (S), lattice parameter  (a
0), and the induced saturation magnetization  (M
s). As the lattice is gradually disordered, a critical point occurs at 1 − S = 0.6 and a
0 = 2.91 Å, where a sharp increase of the M
s is observed. DFT calculations suggest that below the critical point the system magnetically behaves as it would still be fully ordered, whereas above, it is largely the increase of a
0 in the disordered state that determines the M
s. The insights obtained here can be useful for achieving tailored magnetic properties in alloys through disordering.
Improved electrical properties of NO-nitrided SiC/SiO2 interface after electron irradiation*
Authors: Hao Ji-Long , Bai Yun , Liu Xin-Yu , Li Cheng-Zhan , Tang Yi-Dan , Chen Hong , Tian Xiao-Li , Lu Jiang , Wang Sheng-Kai
Published: May 2020

Effective improvement in electrical properties of NO passivated SiC/SiO2 interface after being irradiated by electrons is demonstrated. The density of interface traps after being irradiated by 100-kGy electrons decreases by about one order of magnitude, specifically, from 3×1012 cm−2⋅eV−1 to 4×1011 cm−2⋅eV−1 at 0.2 eV below the conduction band of 4H-SiC without any degradation of electric breakdown field. Particularly, the results of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement show that the C–N bonds are generated near the interface after electron irradiation, indicating that the carbon-related defects are further reduced.
Acoustic radiation force on thin elastic shells in liquid*
Authors: Mo Run-Yang , Hu Jing , Chen Shi , Wang Cheng-Hui
Published: May 2020

Based on the coupled acoustic scattering of two neighboring fluid-filled thin elastic shells suspending in an unbounded viscous liquid, an analytical method is developed to calculate the acoustic radiation force (ARF) of the shells. Two physical effects are taken into account: elastic radiation scattering and the multiple interactions of shells. Numerical results reveal that the magnitude of ARF can be enhanced by the sound radiation from the elastic shell undergoing forced vibrations and two resonant peaks can be observed on the ARF function curves. The feature of the lower peak is determined by the interactions and acoustic response of the back shell. The attractive forces can be obtained in the low kR
1 band for the case of radius ratio R
2/R
1 > 1, while the magnitude of ARF at the lower peak may be influenced to some extent by acoustic shielding phenomenon for the case of radius ratio R
2/R
1 < 1. Accordingly, the interactions of particles cannot be ignored. The results may provide a theoretical basis for precisive manipulation of multiple particle systems.
Investigation of RDE thermal parameters during DLOFC in the absence of water inside the Reactor Cavity Cooling System
Authors: Tjahjono Hendro , Kusumastuti Rahayu , Ekariansyah Andi Sofrany , Kusuma Mukhsinun Hadi , Susmikanti Mike
Published: May 2020

Reaktor Daya Eksperimental (RDE) is a 10MWt small modular of High Temperature Gas-cooled Reactor (HTGR) with passive safety features. This reactor has a Reactor Cavity Cooling System (RCCS) to evacuate heat loss through reactor vessel in operation condition and also the decay heat in the case of accident condition. One of the most important accidents to be considered is the Depresurized Loss Of Forced Cooling (DLOFC) for a long time period. During this accident, the reactor decay heat is evacuated to the cavity cooling system which is supposed in condition of totally loss its cooling water The analysis simulation was performed by solving numerically the two-dimensional equation of heat conduction. The implicit approach was used in the discretization of the equation, Matlab application program was used to execute the simulation program. The simulation was performed in two periods such as 1500 hours calculation to reach the steady state condition in normal operation and 500 hours of DLOFC period. Three conditions to be compared in this analysis: condition with water panel, condition without water panel, and condition without water panel but with high conductivity of concrete. The results show the increasing temperature of core after reactor shut-down until attaint the maximum temperature divers from 1048°C to 1080°C. According to reactor building, the peak temperature of internal concrete wall is 96°C in condition with water panel and rises to 141.6°C in condition without water panel. The temperature can be decreased to 94.3°C in increasing three times the concrete conductivity. In all conditions the reactor core remains safe because the peak temperature is still under the limit of 1600°C. Increasing the concrete conductivity is an alternative means to keep the concrete temperature under the limit of 100°C in accident condition.
The Temperature Dependence Analysis of Carbon Monoxide Conversion on CuO Bed of RDE Helium Purification System
Authors: Sriyono Sriyono , Kusumastuti Rahayu , Febrianto  , Butarbutar Sofia Loren , Pancoko Marliyadi , Setiadipura Topan , Sunaryo Geni Rina
Published: May 2020

RDE is an experimental power reactor that designed base on HTGR technology. This reactor has an indirect cycle power conversion system with primary coolant is helium and it secondary is water. RDE uses pebble fuel and multi-pass refuelling scheme. Helium coolant was predicted to be contaminated with various of gas impurities such as CO2, H2O, O2, CH4, N2, and H2 and CO. Those impurities must be maintained at certain limits by using Helium Purification System (HPS). Carbon monoxide (CO) is difficult to separate from the helium due to its small molecular size. Firstly, in HPS CO must be converted to CO2 by using cupric oxide (CuO) in the CuO Column bed and then CO2 will be adsorbed by molecular sieve. The CuO column bed operation temperature has a significant contribution to CO oxidation results. The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of temperature to oxidation process on CuO bed. The ChemCAD computer code modelling and simulation was used as a method. CuO bed is simulated by kinetic reactor and activation energy of each reaction is set up. The inlet mass flow rate of helium to CuO bed is 10.5 kg/h, 30 bar of pressure and the temperature has been varied to get the optimum result of CO2. The simulation has shown that CuO bed optimum temperature for producing CO2 is 250°C. In the HPS, this temperature can be maintained by using heater that has been installed before CuO bed.
Analysis of Fuel Temperature Increase Accident in RDE core
Authors: Taryo Taswanda , Luthfi Wahid , Setiadipura Topan , Rokhmadi  , Zuhair  , Sudadiyo Sri , Saragi Elfrida
Published: May 2020

The 10 MW Indonesia’s Experimental Power Reactor (RDE) is a High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor (HTGR)-type and planned to be operational in the Puspiptek Serpong area in 2022/2023. The reactor applies helium gas coolants, graphite moderator and 17% 235U enrichment fuels and has 8 control fuel rods. To design a nuclear reactor, there are many safety aspects which should be taken into account and one of them is neutronic safety analysis dealing with an accident of reactivity core change due to increases of fuel and moderator temperatures. To begin with the safety analysis, the RDE core should be modeled utilizing the combination of nuclear data libraries and a computer code. Prior to estimate the reactivity core change in the RDE core, the calculation of neutron effective multiplication factors during the accident was accomplished using the MCNPX computer code. In this paper, the neutronic analysis of RDE core has been focused on how the fuel temperature increase implies the reactivity core change in the RDE reactor. By combining the three major world nuclear data libraries and the MCNPX code, the all calculated results showed that all core reactivity changes in the RDE core due to fuel temperature increases starting from 26.85 °C (300 K) to 2,726.85 °C (3,000 K) are all negatives except those in the reflector zone which principally accumulates generated neutrons always coming from the central of the core during reactor operation. Therefore, those do not affect at all the safety of the reactor core during the accident. Indeed, the RDE reactor core is totally safe in the event of fuel-temperature-increase during its reactor operation and hence the RDE reactor is in a steady, safe operation.
Comparatives Studies Of A Safety Analysis For Molten Salt Reactor (MSR)
Authors: Wulandari Rindi , Permana Sidik
Published: May 2020

The Generation IV nuclear power system has been developed by the Generation IV Forum (GIF) with its benefits such as highly economical, enhanced safety, low waste production, and proliferation resistant. MSR is one of Generation IV nuclear power system which uses molten salt as a fuel and a coolant, therefore its technology differs from the conventional solid-fuel reactors. In this study, the author focus on the safety characteristic analysis of the MSRs, in which a point kinetic equations and core heat transfer have been modeled by developing a mathematical model for MSRs. The founded model is applied to analyze the safety characteristics of the molten salt actinide recycler and transmuter system (MOSART) by simulating transient basic condition, and that is the unprotected loss of flow (ULOF) and unprotected overcooling accident (UOC). The result of reactor accident simulation is power distribution and temperature in the core reactor toward the time and showing that MOSART conceptual design is a reactor design which is stablee inherently. This reseach purposes to give basic understanding about safety characteristic of the MSR.
A framework for pavement crack detection and classification
Authors: Habib A , Kunt M M
Published: May 2020

Pavement damage detection is indeed a very important process for the management of roads. Nowadays, scholars are focusing on finding a simple and accurate way to detect road cracks aiming to increase its life span and improve its safety and quality. However, due to some factors including cost of implementation and level of experiences required small communities and developing countries are yet unable to adapt this idea. Therefore, developing a feasible method is becoming extremely important for improving the quality and safety of pavements. Thus, this study is intended to propose a framework for pavement crack detection and classification through the use of inexpensive set of sensors and the applications of artificial neural networks. As part of the project, difficulties that are going to be faced by local agencies in small communities will be highlighted and possible solutions will be suggested. In general, this framework is expected to be helpful to government entities in developing plans and taking actions toward providing a suitable pavement distress mitigation strategy.
Comparison of methods of evaluating materials’ tendency to brittle fracture
Authors: Tcupka S A , Vologzhanina S A , Igolkin A F
Published: May 2020

This article concerns different methods of evaluating material’s tendency to brittle fracture. It includes results of impact bending tests of cold-resistant metastable austenitic steel 12Cr18Ni10Ti (AISI 321) and ferritic steel 0Ni9A in a broad temperature range. The article shows that evaluation of the effectiveness of the material should be carried out in consideration of numerous factors, especially the specific exploitation conditions of the materials.
The use of SIMPEG-based data mining techniques in measuring employee performance in Islamic higher education
Authors: Akib A , Karno E , Erdiyanti E , Syahrul S , Badarwan B , Murniati M
Published: May 2020

This article intends to provide an overview of: 1) employee performance patterns based on Employ Information Systems (SIMPEG) data; 2) important characteristics of employee performance based on Employee Information System (SIMPEG) data; 3) employee performance classification based on Employee Information System (SIMPEG) data. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, where data collection is done through a process of observation, study of documents, and interviews. The results of the research show that: 1) employee performance at IAIN Kendari tends to be stagnant, which is reflected in the daily performance report (LKH); 2) important characteristics of the performance of IAIN Kendari employees are to focus on routine, based on tasks and functions; 2) the performance of IAIN Kendari employees is divided into high, medium and low categories.
Potential and prospect analysis of labor market in education in the fields of renewable energy engineering, industrial automation and robotics, and automotive engineering
Authors: Kuntadi I , Trisno B , Ratnata I W , Sukadi S , Sriyono S
Published: May 2020

The large number of graduate graduates who work not in accordance with the competence and rapid industrial revolution that occurred, demanding the implementation of higher education that is competent and relevant to the course of national development now and for the future. This paper will present the results of research on the prospects and employment potential of graduates of vocational education in the fields of renewable energy (RE), industrial automation and robotics (IAR) and automotive engineering (AE) in the industrial era 4.0 and driving technology. The aim of this research is to obtain a picture of the feasibility of developing the organization of vocational education in RE, IAR and AE study programs at the Faculty of Technology and Vocational Education (FPTK) Bandung Indonesia Education University. The research method used in this research is descriptive qualitative method. Data collection is done by studying and discussing; student interests and teacher conditions in 10 vocational high schools in the Bandung and Cimahi regions; the views of academics, appraisers of professional certification bodies and study of government policy program documentation in the development of study programs (RE, IAR and AE). From the results of the analysis and focus group discussions it was concluded that the three RE, IAR and AE study programs in the West Java region in particular and generally nationally feasible to be built in FPTK, its existence has a strategic position, prospects and potential for a wide open user market for graduates of third education these fields (RE, IAR and RE) work in the industrial, business and educational institutions.
Aquifer characteristic and groundwater hydrochemistry around South Cipete, DKI Jakarta Province, Indonesia
Authors: Nuryana S D , Nugraha D W A , Dian A , Kadyanto A
Published: May 2020

South Cipete area is a highly populated area, where the extraction of groundwater is very intensive, so that the allocation of groundwater has decreased in term of quality and quantity. The purpose of this study is to determine the type of aquifer and groundwater hydrochemistry. Research methods are including field observations, groundwater sampling, physical properties measurement and chemical analysis of the main ions. Based on the northwest-southeast cross section of lithology log, the aquifer types are: stressed aquifers composed of silt and sandstones; semi-stressed aquifers composed of clays and conglomerates at depths of 10 m to -15 m. From the southwest-northeastern cross section, the type of aquifer is: stressed aquifer composed of sandstones with clay; free aquifer buried by backfill materials and silt soils; and semi-stressed aquifers, surrounded by silt and clay sandstones. at the depths of ± 23 m to ± 3 m. Groundwater hydrochemistry in the sample SG/02, SG/04, SG/08 the dominant cations and anions are Na+ + K+ with a value of 56.56%; 57.13%; 25.03% and HCO3- at 26.91%. While in sample SG/06, SG/07 the dominant cations and anions are Mg2+ at 25.81%; 24.52% and anions SO42- at 32.70%; 30.96%.
Assessing of supply chain performance by adopting Supply Chain Operation Reference (SCOR) model
Authors: Prasetyaningsih E , Muhamad C R , Amolina S
Published: May 2020

This paper aims at an assessing of a supply chain performance by adopting the Supply Chain Operation Reference (SCOR) Model. The supply chain activities are divided into five core processes, i.e. plan, source, make, delivery and return. Each level of the SCOR model is weighted using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP). The mapping of SCOR Model consists of 5 core processes at 1st level, 21 performance matrices at 2nd level, and 28 Key Performance Indicator (KPI) at 3th level. The result shows that the supply chain performance is 68,231. Referring to the performance indicators, the performance achieved by the supply chain at this time is in the average category. Proposed improvement strategies are designed based on lean supply chain principles, through the implementation of Gemba Kaizen which consists of 17 proposed strategies.
Conceptual model of start-up business for strengthening Madrasah funding using Dynamic System approaches
Authors: Prasetyaningsih E , Renosori P , Satori M
Published: May 2020

A start-up business is generally developed in a limited financial so that they grow slowly. It also happens on the Cassava Meatballs start-up business run by Madrasah Al-Binaa, one of an Islamic non-formal boarding school. Therefore, it is required some alternative tactics to provide the liquidity and get profits that will encourage the start-up business to grow, develop and be sustain. The start-up business contains some trade-offs so that this study uses Dynamic System approach to simulate the interrelationships among the variables. This study aims to develop a conceptual model of start-up business run by Madrasah Al-Binaa. It is expected that the conceptual model can represent the real system of the Madrasah start-up business. The conceptual model development is begun by observing the phenomena of the existing start-up business process, and then a causal loop diagram and their equations are built. The structure of the developed conceptual model consists of seven elements, i.e. customers, products, liquidity, debt, reputation, workers and household spending. The research method is descriptive analytics. The result shows that the developed model is different with the generic model. In the developed conceptual model, the entrepreneurs are not paid from private payoff, but allow to consider household spending.
Determining the regional potential sector using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)
Authors: Rukmana A N , Aviasti A , Amaranti R
Published: May 2020

The main problem faced by local governments in establishing regional development policies lies in determining the focus of development based on the uniqueness or potential of the region. Different potentials in terms of local human, institutional or physical resources cause different regional characteristics. Development policies in the regions must consider all the potential they have. Therefore, local governments must have the ability to identify which sectors are the strengths or weaknesses of their regions. Sectors that are considered regional superiority have prospects to be developed and encourage the development of other sectors. Meanwhile, a weak sector is not expected to be an obstacle to the development process. This research was conducted to create a model that can be used to determine the leading sectors of sub-districts in Bandung Regency. The identification of leading sectors is done using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Three criteria with a total of 12 sub-criteria and six alternative sectors become the basis for determining the leading sector. Data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires with competent district or district government staff respondents in each sector. The results of the study in four sub-districts found that each sub-district studied had a different leading sector.
Didactical design of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes based on the Nature of Science and Technology
Authors: Marsya R F , Mudzakir A , Khoerunnisa F
Published: May 2020

Nature of science and technology (NOST) used to explain the phenomena of science and technology and to explore the relation of science, technology, and society. Organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) technology was one of the latest technologies that could be integrated into NOST aspects and could be used to improve the chemistry learning process. The purpose of this research was to develop the didactical design of OLED, including validity. The qualitative method was used in this study. The validation involved 5 experts (lecturers) as validators using a validation sheet that contain the relevancy of learning objectives, planned didactic situation, predictions of students’ responses, and the anticipation of educators. The validation analyzed using the content validity ratio (CVR) and the content validity index (CVI). The result showed that the didactical design of OLED obtained the CVR value of 1.00 and the CVI value of 1.00. Based on the results, it could be concluded that the didactical design of OLED was appropriate to be implemented in chemistry learning that integrated the chemical concepts with the latest technology.
Implementation of learning instrument based on Lumion animation video to improve student learning outcome in building construction and utility course in SMKN 2 Garut
Authors: Setiawan F , Busono T , Siswoyo S
Published: May 2020

Learning Instrument based on animation video is an intermediary tool that may display certain object replica in form of moving animation. The use of properties in learning may stimulate visual of student to work actively absorbing whole material presented. The problems happened continuously on students of XI class in SMKN 2 Garut that do not comprehend the material optimally. The lecture and slide presentation method of learning that still rely on hearing sense tend to be outmoded. As a result, the instrument development is needed in order to overcome with the problems. The development of learning instrument based on animation video goals to improve student comprehension in basic competencies of bathroom/toilet detailed drawing, so that improve the learning outcome. The method used is Borg and Gall research and development method. The result is in form of instrument appropriateness that may be measured by the validation of instrument and material expert. The results are 88.75% for instrument and 92.50% for material in which is in category of “very descent”. Further, the usage test was conducted to find out the student response and outcome. The response shows that 24 students claimed “very agree” with an average percentage of 80.68%. Meanwhile, the average score of students’ outcome increased from 39.58 to 77.73. In conclusion, the usage test resulted gain index of 0.63 in improvement score of “Medium” range category.
Dynamic peptide-folding mediated biofunctionalization and modulation of hydrogels for 4D bioprinting
Authors: Aronsson Christopher , Jury Michael , Naeimipour Sajjad , Boroojeni Fatemeh Rasti , Christoffersson Jonas , Lifwergren Philip , Mandenius Carl-Fredrik , Selegård Robert , Aili Daniel
Published: May 2020

Hydrogels are used in a wide range of biomedical applications, including three-dimensional (3D) cell culture, cell therapy and bioprinting. To enable processing using advanced additive fabrication techniques and to mimic the dynamic nature of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the properties of the hydrogels must be possible to tailor and change over time with high precision. The design of hydrogels that are both structurally and functionally dynamic, while providing necessary mechanical support is challenging using conventional synthesis techniques. Here, we show a modular and 3D printable hydrogel system that combines a robust but tunable covalent bioorthogonal cross-linking strategy with specific peptide-folding mediated interactions for dynamic modulation of cross-linking and functionalization. The hyaluronan-based hydrogels were covalently cross-linked by strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition using multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol). In addition, a de novo designed helix-loop-helix peptide was conjugated to the hyaluronan backbone to enable specific peptide-folding modulation of cross-linking density and kinetics, and hydrogel functionality. An array of complementary peptides with different functionalities was developed and used as a toolbox for supramolecular tuning of cell-hydrogel interactions and for controlling enzyme-mediated biomineralization processes. The modular peptide system enabled dynamic modifications of the properties of 3D printed structures, demonstrating a novel route for design of more sophisticated bioinks for four-dimensional bioprinting.
Phase transition in the high-order nonideal mixing model
Authors: Wang Lihua , Dong Yaojun
Published: May 2020

We extend the existing second-order nonideal mixing model, which only formally allows for the second-order phase transition, into the fourth-order. The Landau theory reveals that both first- and second-order phase transitions may exist in this higher-order model. Moreover, we show that a single structural parameter determines whether the phase transition abruptly switches between first- and second- orders. We note, it provides an explanation of either appearance or absence of the liquid-liquid critical point in the liquid-liquid phase transition on debate.
Medical assistance in dying and older persons in Belgium: trends, emerging issues and challenges
Authors: Van Den Noortgate Nele , Van Humbeeck Liesbeth
Published: May 2020

In 2002, the Belgian Act on euthanasia came into effect, regulating the intentional ending of life by a physician at the patient’s explicit request. Subsequently, the number of reported euthanasia deaths increased every year. Specifically, the proportion of euthanasia deaths in older persons has risen significantly in the last few years. Since the conception of the Euthanasia Act, Belgian physicians have been confronted with challenges concerning euthanasia requests in older persons with polypathology, tiredness of life or dementia. By exploring these issues, this commentary highlights the importance of a meticulous and team-based assessment of the (i) seriousness of the underlying condition, (ii) voluntariness of the request and (iii) decisional capacity of the older person requesting euthanasia.
Longitudinal Associations of US Acculturation With Cognitive Performance, Cognitive Impairment, and Dementia
Authors: Martinez-Miller Erline E , Robinson Whitney R , Avery Christy L , Yang Yang C , Haan Mary N , Prather Aric A , Aiello Allison E
Published: May 2020

US Latinos, a growing, aging population, are disproportionately burdened by cognitive decline and dementia. Identification of modifiable risk factors is needed for interventions aimed at reducing risk. Broad sociocultural context may illuminate complex etiology among culturally diverse Latinos. Among 1,418 older (≥60 years), low–socioeconomic position (SEP) Latinos (predominantly of Mexican descent) in Sacramento, California, we examined whether US acculturation was associated with cognitive performance, cognitive decline, and dementia/ cognitive impairment without dementia over a 10-year period and whether education modified the associations (Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging, 1998–2008). Analyses used linear mixed models, competing-risk regression, and inverse probability of censoring weights for attrition. Participants with high US acculturation had better cognitive performance (0.21 fewer cognitive errors at grand-mean-centered age 70 years) than those with low acculturation after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, practice effects, and survey language. Results may have been driven by cultural language use rather than identity factors (e.g., ethnic identity, interactions). Rate of cognitive decline and risk of dementia/cognitive impairment without dementia did not differ by acculturation, regardless of education (β = 0.00 (standard error, 0.00) and hazard ratio = 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.49, 1.35), respectively). High US acculturation was associated with better cognitive performance among these older, low-SEP Latinos. Acculturation may benefit cognition when SEP is low. Future studies should incorporate extended longitudinal assessments among more diverse groups.
Integrating patient-centric indications into the prescribing process: Experience at a tertiary academic medical center
Authors: Ho Jackie , Wrzesniewski Carolyn E , Hasson Noelle K
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To describe the development of and implementation of a patient-centric clinical indications library (CIL) into the prescribing process and determine the operational and humanistic outcomes (from prescriber, pharmacist, and patient perspectives) of including indications on outpatient prescription labels.

Methods

A descriptive retrospective data analysis was conducted. Multiple stakeholder groups were engaged to develop and integrate the CIL into the prescription package. After CIL integration, prescribers, pharmacists, and patients were surveyed. A focus group discussion consisting of Veterans and caregivers was held.

Results

Following implementation of the CIL, the proportion of prescriptions associated with an indication increased from 88% to 96%. Surveyed clinicians responded that indications helped them better understand a patient’s profile (61.1% of prescribers and 100% of pharmacists). Among surveyed pharmacists, 61.5% and 53.8%, respectively, believed that indications helped them catch instances of wrong medications and wrong doses ordered. Veterans surveyed found that indications on their prescription labels helped them know what their medications were for (91.0% of respondents) and why it is important to take their medications (70.7%). In focus group discussions, Veterans and family members and/or caregivers expressed a preference to see indications that describe how a medication works (eg, “to lower blood sugar” vs “for diabetes”) because they felt that type of phrasing is measurable, action oriented (which was appealing due to Veterans’ military background), provides surreptitious education, and tells the users what to expect.

Conclusion

Engaging multidisciplinary stakeholder groups, optimizing the electronic health record system, and authorizing pharmacists to add known indications to prescriptions increased the number of prescriptions with indications, decreased the perceived time spent on order entry and verification, and enabled better understanding of each medication’s purpose by providers and patients.
Impact of order entry alerts and modifications on doses of intravenous opioids dispensed during a national drug shortage
Authors: Bowers Laura A , Raymond Alex P , Guest Caity B , Bennett Mary , Shields Sara , Beardsley James R
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To address the intravenous (i.v.) opioid shortage, computer-based alerts and modifications were implemented over 2 phases beginning in August 2017 and February 2018, respectively. A study was conducted to assess the impact of these interventions on dispenses of intermittent doses of i.v. opioids during a national shortage.

Methods

A retrospective, single-center, pre- and postimplementation study was conducted to compare opioid dispenses from September 2017 through December 2017 (phase 1) and March 2018 through May 2018 (phase 2) with dispenses during the same time periods of the previous year (historical control periods). Dispense data for intermittent doses of i.v. fentanyl, hydromorphone, and morphine and select oral opioids were collected from automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs) located in nonprocedural areas. The primary endpoint was the percentage of total intermittent doses of i.v. and oral opioids that were dispensed for i.v. administration. A subanalysis accounting for unit type was conducted. Key secondary endpoints were the numbers of oral and i.v. opioid dispenses by month.

Results

The final analysis included data from 92 ADCs. The percentage of i.v. opioid dispenses significantly decreased, by 9.8% during phase 1 (P < 0.0001) and by 16.8% during phase 2 (P < 0.0001) compared to dispenses during the historical control periods. These decreases were significant across all unit types except pediatric units during phase 1. Average monthly dispenses of i.v. opioids were 49.9% and 74.2% fewer than dispenses during the historical control periods after the phase 1 and phase 2 implementations, respectively.

Conclusion

Order entry alerts and modifications significantly decreased dispenses of intermittent doses of i.v. opioids during a national shortage, with demonstrated sustainability of decreases over 7 months.
Investigating tree and fruit growth through functional–structural modelling: implications of carbon autonomy at different scales
Authors: Auzmendi Inigo , Hanan Jim S
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Many experimental studies assume that some topological units are autonomous with regard to carbon because it is convenient. Some plant models simulate carbon allocation, employing complex approaches that require calibration and fitted parameters. For whole-tree canopy simulations, simpler carbon allocation models can provide useful insights.

Methods

We propose a new method for simulating carbon allocation in the whole tree canopy considering various scales of carbon autonomy, i.e. branchlets, branches, limbs, and no autonomy. This method was implemented in a functional–structural plant model of growth of individual organs for studying macadamia tree growth during one growing season.

Key Results

This model allows the simulation of various scales of carbon autonomy in a simple tree canopy, showing organ within-tree variability according to the scale of autonomy. Using a real tree canopy, we observed differences in growth variability within the tree and in tree growth, with several scales of carbon autonomy. The simulations that assumed autonomy at branch scale, i.e. 2-year-old wood, showed the most realistic results.

Conclusions

Simulations using this model were employed to investigate and explain aspects of differences in carbon autonomy between trees, organ growth variability, competition between shoot and fruit growth, and time of autonomy.
If This Isn’t Racism, What Is? The Politics of the Philosophy of Immigration
Authors: Finlayson Lorna
Published: May 2020

Alison Jaggar (2020) recommends a radical break with a dominant approach to the philosophy of immigration shared by both liberal cosmopolitans and liberal nationalists. This paper is intended as an exploration of Jaggar’s conclusions and as an attempt to carry them further. Building on her critique, I argue that the characteristic questions asked by both cosmopolitans and nationalists appear inappropriate when seen against the political reality of immigration. In the last part of the paper, I argue that liberal nationalist contributions in particular have problematized immigration and immigrants in ways not fundamentally different from those seen on the racist right.
Structured sparsity regularization for analyzing high-dimensional omics data
Authors: Vinga Susana
Published: May 2020

The development of new molecular and cell technologies is having a significant impact on the quantity of data generated nowadays. The growth of omics databases is creating a considerable potential for knowledge discovery and, concomitantly, is bringing new challenges to statistical learning and computational biology for health applications. Indeed, the high dimensionality of these data may hamper the use of traditional regression methods and parameter estimation algorithms due to the intrinsic non-identifiability of the inherent optimization problem. Regularized optimization has been rising as a promising and useful strategy to solve these ill-posed problems by imposing additional constraints in the solution parameter space. In particular, the field of statistical learning with sparsity has been significantly contributing to building accurate models that also bring interpretability to biological observations and phenomena. Beyond the now-classic elastic net, one of the best-known methods that combine lasso with ridge penalizations, we briefly overview recent literature on structured regularizers and penalty functions that have been applied in biomedical data to build parsimonious models in a variety of underlying contexts, from survival to generalized linear models. These methods include functions of $\ell _k$-norms and network-based penalties that take into account the inherent relationships between the features. The successful application to omics data illustrates the potential of sparse structured regularization for identifying disease’s molecular signatures and for creating high-performance clinical decision support systems towards more personalized healthcare. Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Briefings in Bioinformatics online.
rmRNAseq: differential expression analysis for repeated-measures RNA-seq data
Authors: Nguyen Yet , Nettleton Dan
Published: May 2020

Motivation

With the reduction in price of next-generation sequencing technologies, gene expression profiling using RNA-seq has increased the scope of sequencing experiments to include more complex designs, such as designs involving repeated measures. In such designs, RNA samples are extracted from each experimental unit at multiple time points. The read counts that result from RNA sequencing of the samples extracted from the same experimental unit tend to be temporally correlated. Although there are many methods for RNA-seq differential expression analysis, existing methods do not properly account for within-unit correlations that arise in repeated-measures designs.

Results

We address this shortcoming by using normalized log-transformed counts and associated precision weights in a general linear model pipeline with continuous autoregressive structure to account for the correlation among observations within each experimental unit. We then utilize parametric bootstrap to conduct differential expression inference. Simulation studies show the advantages of our method over alternatives that do not account for the correlation among observations within experimental units.

Availability and implementation

We provide an R package rmRNAseq implementing our proposed method (function TC_CAR1) at https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/rmRNAseq/index.html. Reproducible R codes for data analysis and simulation are available at https://github.com/ntyet/rmRNAseq/tree/master/simulation.