bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bottleneck, Isolate, Amplify, Select (BIAS) as a Mechanistic Framework for Intracellular Population Dynamics of Positive Sense RNA Viruses
Authors: Qu Feng , Zheng Limin , Zhang Shaoyan , Sun Rong , Slot Jason , Shuhei Miyashita
Published: October 2020

Many positive sense RNA viruses, especially those infecting plants, are known to experience stringent, stochastic population bottlenecks inside the cells they invade, but exactly how and why these populations become bottlenecked are unclear. A model proposed ten years ago advocates that such bottlenecks are evolutionarily favored because they cause the isolation of individual viral variants in separate cells. Such isolation in turn allows the viral variants to manifest the phenotypic differences they encode. Recently published observations lend mechanistic support to this model, and prompt us to refine the model with novel molecular details. The refined model, designated Bottleneck, Isolate, Amplify, Select (BIAS), postulates that these viruses impose population bottlenecks on themselves by encoding bottleneck-enforcing proteins (BNEPs) that function in a concentration-dependent manner. In cells simultaneously invaded by numerous virions of the same virus, BNEPs reach the bottleneck-ready concentration sufficiently early to arrest nearly all internalized viral genomes. As a result, very few (as few as one) viral genomes stochastically escape to initiate reproduction. Repetition of this process in successively infected cells isolate viral genomes with different mutations in separate cells. This isolation prevents mutant viruses encoding defective viral proteins from hitchhiking on sister genome-encoded products, leading to the swift purging of such mutants. Importantly, genome isolation also ensures viral genomes harboring beneficial mutations accrue the cognate benefit exclusively to themselves, leading to the fixation of such beneficial mutations. Further interrogation of the BIAS hypothesis promises to deepen our understanding of virus evolution, and inspire new solutions to virus disease mitigation.
Data-Driven Solutions and Discoveries in Mechanics Using Physics Informed Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Qi , Chen Yilin , Yang Ziyi
Published: October 2020

Deep learning has achieved remarkable success in diverse computer science applications, however, its use in other traditional engineering fields has emerged only recently. In this project, we solved several mechanics problems governed by differential equations, using physics informed neural networks (PINN). The PINN embeds the differential equations into the loss of the neural network using automatic differentiation. We present our developments in the context of solving two main classes of problems: data-driven solutions and data-driven discoveries, and we compare the results with either analytical solutions or numerical solutions using the finite element method. The remarkable achievements of the PINN model shown in this report suggest the bright prospect of the physics-informed surrogate models that are fully differentiable with respect to all input coordinates and free parameters. More broadly, this study shows that PINN provides an attractive alternative to solve traditional engineering problems.
Cybersecurity in Intelligent Transportation Systems
Authors: Mecheva Teodora , Kakanakov Nikolay
Published: October 2020

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are emerging field characterized by complex data model, dynamics and strict time requirements. Ensuring cybersecurity in ITS is a complex task on which the safety and efficiency of transportation depends. The imposition of standards for a comprehensive architecture, as well as specific security standards, is one of the key steps in the evolution of ITS. The article examines the general outlines of the ITS architecture and security issues. The main focus of security approaches is: configuration and initialization of the devices during manufacturing at perception layer; anonymous authentication of nodes in VANET at network layer; defense of fog-based structures at support layer and description and standardization of the complex model of data and metadata and defense of systems, based on AI at application layer. The article oversees some conventional methods as network segmentation and cryptography that should be adapted in order to be applied in ITS cybersecurity. The focus is on innovative approaches that have been trying to find their place in ITS security strategies recently. The list of innovative approaches includes blockchain, bloom filter, fog computing, artificial intelligence, game theory, and ontologies. In conclusion, a correspondence is made between the commented methods, the problems they solve and the architectural layers in which they are applied.
Parks are Critical Urban Infrastructure: Perception and Use of Urban Green Spaces in NYC During COVID-19
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Kennedy Christopher , McPhearson Timon
Published: October 2020

Urban green spaces provide a range of environmental and health benefits, which may become even more critical during times of crisis such as the current COVID-19 pandemic. However, with a radical shift in mobility, additional concerns over safety, and access temporarily restricted during the implementation of social distancing policies, the experience and use of urban green spaces may be reduced. This is particularly concerning for densely populated cities like New York, considered the first U.S. epicenter or vanguard of the outbreak. To better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the perception and use of urban green spaces, we conducted a social survey during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic in New York City (May 13 - June 15, 2020). The results of the survey show respondents continued to use urban green spaces during the pandemic and consider them to be more important for mental and physical health than before the pandemic began. However, the study revealed a pattern of concerns residents have about green space accessibility and safety, and found key differences between the concerns and needs of different populations, suggesting a crucial role for inclusive decision-making, support for additional management strategies, and urban ecosystem governance that reflect the differential values, needs and concerns of communities across the City. As urban centers face looming budget cuts and reduced capacity, this study provides some empirical evidence to illustrate the value of urban green spaces as critical urban infrastructure, and may have implications for funding, policy, and management, of urban green spaces in NYC, with potential applications to other cities, particularly during times of crisis.
A Diverse Virome of Leafroll-Infected Grapevine Unveil by dsRNA Sequencing
Authors: Fall Mamadou L. , Xu Dong , Lemoyne Pierre , Moussa Issam E. Ben , Beaulieu Carole , Carisse Odile
Published: October 2020

Quebec is the third-largest wine grape producing province in Canada, and the industry is constantly expanding. Traditionally, 90% of the grapevine cultivars grown in Quebec were rustic or semi-rustic and largely dominated by winter hardy interspecific hybrid Vitis sp. cultivars. Over the years, the winter protection techniques adopted by growers and climate changes have offered an opportunity to establish V. vinifera L. cultivars (e.g. Pinot Noir). We characterized the virome of leafroll-infected interspecific hybrid cultivar and compared it to the virome of V. vinifera cultivar to support and facilitate the transition of the industry. A dsRNA sequencing method was used to sequence symptomatic and asymptomatic grapevine leaves of different cultivars. The results suggested a complex virome in terms of composition, abundance, richness, and phylogenetic diversity. Three viruses, grapevine Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus, grapevine leafroll-associated virus (GLR) 3 and 2 and hop stunt viroid (HSVd) largely dominated the virome. However, their presence and abundance varied among grapevine cultivars. The symptomless grapevine cultivar Vidal was frequently infected by multiple virus and viroid species and different strains of the same virus, including GLR virus 3 and 2. Our data shows that viruses and viroids associated with the highest number of grapevines expressing symptoms included HSVd, GLR3 and GLR2, in gradient order. However, co-occurrence analysis revealed that the presence of GLR species was randomly associated with the development of virus-like symptoms. These findings and their implication for grapevine leafroll disease management were discussed.
Material and Design Challenges in Phase Change Memory
Authors: Ng Wenfa
Published: October 2020

Together with display and input, storage and processing are requisite to computing. While storage technologies have improved tremendously in capacity and speed over the years, the basic principles enabling information storage into digital 1 and 0 remains the same: induction of phase change in the storage substrate. But recently, there has been much research into structural phase change material (SPCM) and exploration of its possible use in various types of memory storage applications. Despite unconventional use of structural change between amorphous and crystalline state as well as that between crystal structures for encoding information, key barriers for its widespread use remains access speed, capacity to cost ratio, and fidelity of storage. Hence, given the performance requirement of SPCM for memory applications, what are the material and design considerations that feed into translating a promising application into a practical reality? Given the important role of kinetic and thermal energy in structural organization of a phase change material, precise characterization of structural change in the material with external physical factors such as heat, voltage and current, is critical for storage material design. Next comes the precision at which individual memory cells for storing single bits of information could be defined reproducibly and at high fidelity using SPCM. In congruent with memory cell definition lies the equally important aspect of constraining the field characteristics used in modulating the phase state of the memory medium. Specifically, while heat is useful for mediating the “melting” of a crystalline material into its amorphous state, heat conduction is less useful for transferring the “switch command” from the effector to the memory material. More importantly, choice of structural phase change material for memory applications likely revolves around those where individual memory cells could be defined in a cross array format, which is amenable to high density information storage. Durability and fidelity of information storage are additional factors of design that favours selection of SPCM with phase change occurring at narrow operating windows without hysteresis over extended cycling. But, the most important requirement is speed of access. To this end, energetic cost of phase transitions might affect operation of the phase change memory at the system level: for example, usage of large current for high energy transition step may impact on device durability. Ultimately, there is a fundamental limit on the number of reproducible phase transitions in a SPCM before fidelity of information storage is no longer guaranteed. Hence, what are the drivers for uptake of phase change memories in consumer devices? Performance gains must be realized in access speed, storage capacity, form factor, and fidelity of information storage for practical application of structural phase change memories.
Statistical Approach for Biologically Relevant Gene Selection from High-Throughput Gene Expression Data
Authors: Das Samarendra , Rai Shesh N.
Published: October 2020

Selection of biologically relevant genes from high dimensional expression data is a key research problem in gene expression genomics. Most of the available gene selection methods are either based on relevancy or redundancy measure, which are usually adjudged through post selection classification accuracy. Through these methods the ranking of genes was done on a single high-dimensional expression data, which leads to the selection of spuriously associated and redundant genes. Hence, we developed a statistical approach through combining Support Vector Machine with Maximum Relevance and Minimum Redundancy under a sound statistical setup for the selection of biologically relevant genes. Here, the genes are selected through statistical significance values computed using a non-parametric test statistic under a bootstrap based subject sampling model. Further, a systematic and rigorous evaluation of the proposed approach with nine existing competitive methods was carried on six different real crop gene expression datasets. This performance analysis was carried out under three comparison settings, i.e. subject classification, biological relevant criteria based on quantitative trait loci, and gene ontology. Our analytical results showed that the proposed approach selects genes that are more biologically relevant as compared to the existing methods. Moreover, the proposed approach was also found to be better with respect to the competitive existing methods. The proposed statistical approach provides a framework for combining filter, and wrapper methods of gene selection.
The Association between Influenza Vaccination and the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Severe Illness, and Death: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Del Riccio Marco , Lorini Chiara , Bonaccorsi Guglielmo , Paget John , Caini Saverio
Published: October 2020

We reviewed the association between seasonal influenza vaccination and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or complicated illness or poor outcome (e.g. severe disease, need for hospitalization or ventilatory support, or death) among COVID-19 patients. None of the studies that were reviewed (n=12) found a significant increase in the risk of infection or in the illness severity or lethality, while some reported significantly inverse associations. Our findings support measures aimed at raising influenza vaccination coverage in the coming months.
Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens: Challenges in ‘No Antibiotics Ever’ Broiler Production and Potential Solutions
Authors: Fancher Courtney , Zhang Li , Kiess Aaron , Adhikari Pratima , Dinh Thu , Theradiyil Sukumaran Anuraj
Published: October 2020

United States is the largest producer and the second largest exporter of broiler meat in the world. In the U.S, broiler production is largely converting to antibiotic-free programs which has caused an increase in morbidity and mortality within broiler farms. Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens are two important pathogenic bacteria readily found in the broiler environment and result in annual billion-dollar losses from colibacillosis, gangrenous dermatitis, and necrotic enteritis. Broiler industry is in search of non-antibiotic alternatives including novel vaccines, prebiotics, probiotics, and housing management strategies to mitigate production losses due to these diseases. This review provides an overview of the broiler industry and antibiotic free production, current challenges, and emerging research on antibiotic alternatives to reduce pathogenic microbial presence and improve bird health.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Psychological Distress among a National Sample of In-School Adolescents in Bhutan
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: October 2020

The goal of the study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress (=PD) among adolescent school children in Bhutan. Nationally representative cross-sectional data were analysed from 7,576 adolescents (16 years median age) that took part in the “2016 Bhutan Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS).” PD was assessed with a 2-item screening measure (BMC Psychiatry. DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02888-3). Results indicate that the prevalence of PD was 15.8%, 12.8% among males and 18.4% among females. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, female sex, having no close friends, older age, bullying victimization, infrequently physically attacked, parental emotional neglect, parents never check home work, passive smoking trouble from alcohol use, ever had sex, high sedentary behaviour and having sustained a single or multiple serious injuries (past year) were associated with PD. In addition, adequate fruit and vegetable consumptions was protective against PD. Almost one in six students reported PD and several associated factors were identified which can aid prevention and control strategies.
Geographic Distribution of Ehrlichia Canis Genotypes in Brazil
Authors: Taques Isis , Campos Amanda , Kavazaki Mayara , Almeida Sayanne , Aguiar Daniel
Published: October 2020

Tandem repeat proteins of 36 kDa (TRP36) are major immunoreactive proteins of Ehrlichia canis, which have been used in the serological diagnosis of different genotypes of the microorganism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of the American (USTRP36), Brazilian (BrTRP36) and Costa Rican (CRTRP36) genotypes of E. canis in Brazil, using ELISA assays. Serum samples of 815 dogs from 49 cities from all over Brazil were analyzed. Our results showed that 33.9% of the samples were reactive to the USTRP36 genotype and 32.6% to the BrTRP36 genotype. The two genotypes appeared to occur equally throughout Brazil, although the frequency of seropositivity was lower in the south than in the country’s other regions. Co-positivity for the American and Brazilian genotypes was also observed in 16% of samples. A few dogs (n=5; 0.6%) reactive to E. canis-TRP36 genotype (CRTRP36) were also detected in the northeast and southern regions. We conclude that the American and Brazilian genotypes of E. canis are distributed evenly in Brazil, especially in the tropical region, while the temperate region in the south presented the lowest prevalence values. This study offers the first report of dogs seropositive for the Costa Rican genotype in Brazil.
Base Point Split Algorithm for Generating Polygon Skeleton Lines
Authors: Lewandowicz Elżbieta , Flisek Paweł
Published: October 2020

The article presents the Base Point Split (BPSplit) algorithm for generating a polygon skeleton based on sets of vector data describing lakes and rivers. A key feature of the BPSplit algorithm is that it is dependent on base points representing the source or mouth of a river or a stream. The input values of base points determine the shape of the resulting skeleton. Various skeletons can be generated with the use of different base points. Base points are applied to divide polygon boundaries into segments. Segmentation supports the selection of TIN edges inside polygons. The midpoints of selected TIN edges constitute a basis for generating a skeleton. The algorithm handles polygons with numerous holes, and it accounts for all holes. This article proposes a method for modifying a complex skeleton with numerous holes. In the discussed approach, skeleton edges that do not meet the preset criteria (e.g. that the skeleton is to be located between holes in the center of the polygon), are automatically removed. A simple algorithm for smoothing zigzag lines was proposed.
Household Social Expenditure in Ghana: Examining the Ex-post Effects and Vulnerability to Poverty
Authors: Nkrumah Richard Kwabena , Annim Samuel Kobina , Afful Jr Benedict
Published: October 2020

We estimate the effect of household social expenditure on vulnerability to poverty using the four latest cross-sectional waves of Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS) from 1999 to 2017. Using a 3-Stage Least Square and Quantile Regression, our results show a widening consumption ex-post welfare gap between the poorest households and the non-poor households in a per-cedi social expenditure. Also, we estimate the probability of an ex-ante poverty using vulnerability to expected poverty. The results, however, indicate that regardless of poverty status, household vulnerability to poverty increased consistently between 1999 and 2017, and the very poor households showing the severest vulnerability. Hence, it is concluded that social expenditure increases the chances of a poor household falling into chronic poverty a non-poor household into transient poverty in the future.
Enterprise Work Safety Standardization Optimization Mode on VSM in China
Authors: Liu Dunwen , Gong Chun , Jian Yinghua
Published: October 2020

The work safety standardization of enterprises based on the traditional work safety theory has played a significant role in reducing the number of accidents and improving work safety to some extent in China. However, some problems are coming with the work safety standardization of enterprises developing constantly in China. On the one hand, it is not combined with the actual situation of the enterprise, lacking pertinence and specificity, these defects resulted that it is not integrated with original safety production management system of enterprise and make it difficult to carry out. On the other hand, there is a lack of systematic management methods for the work safety management system of enterprise, most of enterprises only pay attention to the inspection result rather than the process control. This means after the check of the government, many enterprises will relax to carry out the system. This paper puts forward a new method for optimizing the standardization management mode of work safety based on the Viable System Model(VSM), which can solve the defects of work safety standardization of enterprises management system. An optimization model of work safety standardization based on VSM was construct for explaining the process optimization and control of work safety standardization management. It can improve the connectivity between the enterprise and the government. The conclusion of this paper can provide reference for achieving the development and optimization of work safety standardization of enterprises in China.
Enhancing the Joining Properties of Biodegradable PLA from Fused Deposition Modeling by Infrared Laser Irradiation
Authors: Vazquez-Martinez J.M. , Piñero D. , Salguero J. , Batista M.
Published: October 2020

The development of high complexity geometry parts is one of the main goals of the additive manufacturing technology. However, the failure of printed structures and the joining of different parts to create complex assemblies represents a real challenge in the research of efficient and sustainability techniques for the permanent assembly of polymers. Laser welding processes have been used as a single step method to join metals until years ago. Nowadays, the growing trend in the use of thermoplastics for additive manufacturing has led to the need to adapt this technique to materials with a very specific nature and more sensitive to thermal effects. Also, the possibility of transmitting the laser beam through transparent polymer layers allows to focus the energy supply on internal sections of the assembled components. In this research, an infrared laser marking system was used to join two different samples of polylactic acid manufactured by fused deposited modeling technology. In order to increase the effectiveness of the bonding process, a transparent and a dark sample have been used as assembly material, focusing the laser beam on the interface area of the two parts. By means of tensile tests, dimensional measurement and the use of optical microscopy techniques, a basis was established that links the supplied energy by laser to the joining performance.
AE36 HER2/neu-derived Peptide Linked to Positively Charged Liposomes with CpG-ODN as an Effective Therapeutic and Prophylactic Vaccine for Breast Cancer
Authors: Barati Nastaran , Nikpoor Amin Reza , Mosaffa Fatemeh , Razazan Atefeh , Badiee Ali , Motavallihaghi Mousa , Behravan Javad , Jafari Mahmoud Reza
Published: October 2020

In the present day and age, cancer is still a life-limiting factor whose one of the therapeutic strategies is immunotherapy with vaccines. This research aims to prepare and characterize nanoliposomal vaccine formulation attached to HER2/neu-derived peptide (AE36) with or without CpG-ODN, and to evaluate its immunological responses to the therapy using BALB/c mice with HER2 overexpressing breast cancer. Methods: AE36 was conjugated to the liposomes containing DOTAP, DOPE and Cholesterol. Such formulations are able to produce CD8+ and CD4+ responses and induce synthesis of cytokines detectable via Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, cytotoxicity testing and intracellular cytokine staining combined with flow cytometry. Therapeutic and prophylactic effectiveness were evaluated through the formulation in samples. The highest effectiveness was found in DDC-peptide + CpG-ODN in both prophylactic and therapeutic studies, which decreased the size of tumors significantly and increased time of survival. These nanoliposomes linked to AE36 could be regarded as an appropriate candidate for the treatment and also for prophylaxis of HER2+ breast cancer; however further studies are needed.
Water Resistance of Torrefied Wood Pellets Prepared by Two Methods
Authors: Yoshida Takahiro , Kuroda Katsushi , Kamikawa Daisuke , Kubojima Yoshitaka , Nomura Takashi , Watada Hiroki , Sano Tetsuya , Ohara Seiji
Published: October 2020

To examine the hydrophobicity of torrefied wood fuel, the water resistances of torrefied pellets prepared by two different methods were evaluated using exposure tests under indoor and outdoor conditions. Torrefied pellets from the xylem of Japanese cedar (Sugi, Cryptomeria japonica) and oak (Konara, Quercus serrata) were prepared by two methods: the torrefaction of wood chips followed by pelletization and the pelletization of wood chips followed by torrefaction. It was found that the pellets prepared by pelletization followed by torrefaction had much lower moisture levels than those prepared by the other method and they showed almost no change in diameter after an outdoor weathering test. These characteristics are unique and indicate that the pellets can be applied not only for industrial use but also for residential and commercial purposes.
Big Data-driven Budgeting and Business Planning
Authors: Faccia Alessio
Published: October 2020

The business planning process can be considered as a strategic phase of any business. Given that the business plan is a management accounting tool, there are countless approaches that can be adopted to prepare it since there is no legal requirement, as opposed to obligations relating to financial accounting. However, in general, every business plan consists of a numerical part (budget) and a narrative part. In this research, the author highlights, on the basis of experiences and commonly used theories, a standard process that can be adaptable to the business plan of any type of activity. The use of big data is highlighted as an essential part of feeding the data of almost all the steps of the budget. The author then manages to determine a generally applicable standard process, indicating all the data necessary to prepare an accurate and reliable business plan. A case study will provide adequate support to the demonstration of the immediate applicability of the proposed model.
Development of In Vitro Corneal Models: Opportunity for Pharmacological Testing and Legislative Aspects
Authors: Citi Valentina , Piragine Eugenia , Brogi Simone , Ottino Sara , Sansò Marco , Calderone Vincenzo
Published: October 2020

Human eye is a specialized organ with complex anatomy and physiology, because it is characterized by different cell types with specific physiological functions. Given the complexity of the eye, ocular tissues are finely organized and orchestrated. In the last few years many in vitro models have been developed, in order to meet the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction and Refinement) for eye toxicity testing which is necessary to ensure that the risks associated with ophthalmic products meet appropriate safety criteria and are clearly labelled. In vitro preclinical testing is now a well-established practice of significant importance for evaluating the efficacy and safety of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical products. Along with in vitro testing, also computational procedures, herein described, for evaluating the pharmacological profile of potential ocular drug candidates including their toxicity, are in rapid expansion. In this review the ocular cell types and functionality are described providing an overview about the scientific challenge for the development of three-dimensional in vitro models.
The Structures, Molecular Orbital Properties and Vibrational Spectra of the Homo- and Heterodimers of Sulphur Dioxide and Ozone. An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Ford Thomas A.
Published: October 2020

The structures of a number of dimers of sulphur dioxide and ozone have been optimized by means of a series of ab initio calculations. The dimer species have been classified as either genuine energy minima or transition states of first or higher order, and the most probable structures consistent with the experimental data have been confirmed. The molecular orbitals engaged in the interactions resulting in adduct formation have been identified and relations between the orbitals of the dimers of the valence isoelectronic monomer species examined. The vibrational spectra of the most probable structures have been computed, and compared with those reported in the literature, particularly with spectra observed in cryogenic matrices. The calculations have been extended to predict the properties of a number of possible heterodimers formed between sulphur dioxide and ozone.
Heritage, Tourism and Local Development in Peripheral Rural Spaces: Mértola (Baixo Alentejo, Portugal)
Authors: García-Delgado F. Javier , Martínez-Puche Antonio , Lois-González Rubén C.
Published: October 2020

In the context of multiple repurposing of rural spaces, tourism represents a path for development, with the potential to revitalize these areas. The conservation and restoration of heritage, and its promotion through tourism, can become an opportunity for local development, in which a range of stakeholders fulfil different roles in the carrying out of the processes involved. The aim of the study was to analyse the process and results of channelling heritagisation through tourism in Mértola (Baixo Alentejo, Portugal). A series of interviews with the chief stakeholders in the process was conducted, from which the contexts and conceptualisations of development were determined. On the basis of secondary data (statistics), an analysis of the impacts of the process of heritagisation and the development of tourism was undertaken. The objectives of this study consisted in determining: a) the importance of the process of heritagisation in Mértola; b) the viability of the project, given the cost and lack of comprehensive conservation, in creating a unified whole; d) the performance of, and power relationships between, the various stakeholders; e) the limited participation of locals due to disaffection with the project; f) the correlation between heritage, rural tourism and local development.
The Driving Force and Progressive Mechanisms of Evolution Deduced from Thermodynamics
Authors: Chen Ji-Ming
Published: October 2020

Studies on evolution have made significant progress in multiple disciplines, but evolutionary theories remain scattered, complicated, elusive, and controversial. To address this issue, a novel evolutionary theory is deduced from thermodynamics in this article. As per the formula of Gibbs free energy, carbon-based entities (CBEs) on Earth tend to absorb more energy. This is the evolutionary driving force leading to organic synthesis of higher-hierarchy CBEs (HHCBEs). The organic synthesis raises the amount of HHCBEs and increases the structural complexity and hierarchy of CBEs. Increased structural complexity and hierarchy spontaneously offer complicated functions to HHCBEs. Genetic mutations, epigenetic changes, and uninheritable variations provide diversified HHCBEs for natural selection which is redefined as survival of the fit and elimination of the unfit, leading to increase of diversity and fitness of HHCBEs. Order in biology resulting from permanent natural selection is largely contrary to order in physics. Natural selection acts on the overall fitness involving all traits through the co-action of positive selection and negative selection. Natural selection can establish biological traits in short geological periods. Different combinations of traits can lead to sympatric speciation targeting the same niche. Altruism, collaboration, and obeying rules with balanced freedom are all important throughout the CBE evolution which harbors three overlapping phases including chemical evolution (abiogenesis), biological evolution, and group evolution. Altogether, this theory termed the CBE evolutionary theory (CBEET) suggests that evolution which favors fitness and diversity is driven hierarchy-wise by energy. It reveals the driving force of evolution and reestablishes the key role of natural selection. It integrates with advances from multiple disciplines and provides simple and rational answers to some evolutionary conundrums. It removes several elusive or erroneous views including the one regarding negative entropy. It bridges natural sciences and social sciences and sheds novel insights into harmonious development of human society.
Wireless Networks: Active and Passive Attack Vulnerabilities and Privacy Challenges
Authors: Eian Isaac Chin , Lim Ka Yong , Yeap Majesty Xiao Li , Yeo Hui Qi , Z Fatima
Published: October 2020

In recent years, wireless networks have undoubtedly become a convenient way to connect to the Internet and provide connection to everyone in any corner of the world. In fact, in this era, people are connected to the internet almost everyday and wireless networks give us this privilege in a seamless manner. A wireless network normally consists of access points and nodes where the access points are responsible to amplify the wireless signals, while the nodes are the gadgets that are receiving these signals. However, with such great convenience provided, many challenges are also faced by the users and stakeholders. With no physical connection to devices, wireless networks are evidently more vulnerable to invisible cyber attacks. In this research paper, it the security issues that cause issues in the wireless networks are discussed. Furthermore, an analytical review of privacy challenges found in these networks is performed; these challenges are segregated into security issues and privacy issues. The paper will then present the methods used in conducting a survey and gathering the research results along with further discussion on the results obtained through this study. Finally, a suitable solution is proposed to prevent and overcome the intrusions faced in terms of security and privacy in wireless network scenarios through detection and response mechanism for mitigation of the problems.
Do Transformational Leadership, Interpersonal Communication, and Career Development Have Direct and Indirect Effect on Diplomats’ Organizational Commitment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Indonesia in Jakarta?
Authors: Asrarudin  , Purwana Dedi , Madhakomala R.
Published: October 2020

Objective of this research is to determine direct and indirect effects of transformational leadership, interpersonal communication, and career development on the commitment of diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia in Jakarta. The sample design used is probability sampling which provides equal opportunity for each element (member) of the population to be selected as a sample member. And the technique for determining the number of samples is proportionate Stratified Random Sampling. This technique is used because the population is not homogeneous and proportionally distributed.

The research design used is a quantitative approach with a total sample of 255 respondents. The data analysis tool used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with WarpPLS 5.0 software. This research reveals that transformational leadership has a positive and significant effect on interpersonal communication which indicates that the better transformational leadership, interpersonal communication will be more increased; transformational leadership has a positive and significant influence on career development which describes that the better transformational leadership, career development will get better; Transformational leadership contributes positively and significantly to organizational commitment through career development which shows an increase in career development then transformation leadership will be better and have an impact on increasing organizational commitment; and interpersonal communication has a positive but not significant role on organizational commitment through career development which shows that good interpersonal communication has neither effect on career development nor impact on the commitment of diplomatic organizations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Influence Of Transformational Leadership, Power Distance, And Followership On The Capability Of Making A First Decision In Kostrad
Authors: Amin Burhanudin , Hamidah  , Gunawan Kazan
Published: October 2020

The purpose of the study is to analyze the influences of Transformational Leadership, Power Distance and Followership on the Capability of Officers' Decision Making in Kostrad. The research method used is the survey method which is taken from 293 respondents and associative research explanations using the quantitative research. The writer uses path analysis as the data analysis techniques. The results of the study shows that (1) Transformational Leadership has a direct positive effect in Decision Making Capabilities, (2) Power Distance has a direct positive effect in Decision Making Capabilities, (3) Followership has a direct positive effect in Decision Making Capabilities, 4) Transformational leadership has a direct positive in Followership, (5) Power Distance has a direct positive effect in Followership, (6) Transformational leadership has a direct positive effect in Decision Making Capabilities that has a direct positive effect in Power Distance, (7) Transformational leadership is influential not through the Power Distance mediation variable, (8) Transformational leadership has a positive indirect effect in Decision Making Capabilities through mediation in Followership variables. (9) Power Distance has an indirect positive effect in Decision Making Capabilities through mediation in Followership variables.
Analisis faktor yang mempengaruhi kinerja UKM di pasar internasional
Authors: Hatmawan Aglis Andhita
Published: October 2020

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are currently important players in international trade. Commitment from business actors and wider networks are required to not only penetrate the international market but also to survive and compete at the national and international levels. This study aims to analyze entrepreneurial orientation, network capabilities, and innovation on the performance of SMEs in the international market. This study used a survey method by giving questionnaires and interviews to 75 manufacturing SMEs in the district and city of Madiun. The results of this study indicate that all entrepreneurial orientation variables, network capability, and innovation have positive and significant effects on the performance of SMEs in the international market. This study contributes to the internationalization of SME's literature by analyzing the influence of entrepreneurship orientation, networking capabilities, and innovation on SME performance in international markets, especially for manufacturing companies.
The role of job satisfaction as a mediating variable on leadership styles to employee performance
Authors: Siswanto Siswanto , Masyhuri Masyhuri , Maksum Ikhsan , Murdiansyah Isnan
Published: October 2020

This research aims to analyze the influence of transformational and transactional leadership styles mediated by job satisfaction on performance. The study used a quantitative approach to testing between variables; the sample used in this study was 60 respondents at PT. Cendana Teknika Utama resulted from the dissemination of questionnaires and interviews. The sampling technique used is  saturated sampling. Analyze data using Smart-PLS. The results showed that transformational leadership harmed job satisfaction, transactional leadership had a positive effect on job satisfaction, and job satisfaction had no positive effect on performance. The results of the variable's influence on job satisfaction mediation on transformational and transactional leadership are different. Job satisfaction does not become a mediation variable for the influence of transformational leadership on performance. Nevertheless, job satisfaction becomes a mediation variable between transactional leadership influence and performance. The limitation of this study is that the number of respondents is too few. Several respondents in several companies expected to add to improve the generalization of the study results of the next study.
Gamificación y derecho procesal: ¿diversión o perversión?
Authors: Blanco García Ana Isabel , Borges Blázquez Raquel , De Luis García Elena , Simó Soler Elisa
Published: October 2020

El presente proyecto ha consistido en la incorporación, dentro del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de la asignatura de Derecho Procesal, de un sistema de gamificación a través de la herramienta Kahoot. Su utilización ha servido para comprobar la utilidad de la aplicación en la docencia de una materia compleja, incluso en un contexto socio-educativo marcado por la crisis sanitaria consecuencia del Covid-19. Esta herramienta gratuita permite fomentar la competitividad entre los/las estudiantes e incentivar una mayor participación, con repercusiones positivas para la organización del estudio de los exámenes.

Asimismo, este proyecto ha permitido analizar si el idioma en que se imparte la docencia –castellano, valenciano e inglés- constituye un factor clave en los resultados obtenidos por el alumnado o su implicación en la asignatura.

Es importante destacar que la herramienta Kahoot permite la integración de los dispositivos móviles en su proceso de aprendizaje, dejando de lado sus usos menos apropiados para la docencia, de igual forma que fomenta la interacción, participación y compromiso con la asignatura, contribuyendo su retroalimentación a una mejora del rendimiento del alumnado.
Cómo generar conocimiento a partir de la innovación docente: Estudio de las villae romanas en Asturias
Authors: Piay Augusto Diego
Published: October 2020

El proyecto que se describe nació con el firme propósito de introducir al alumnado de 2º curso del grado de Historia de la Facultad de Filosofía y Letras de la Universidad de Oviedo, que cursa la materia Historia Antigua de Roma, en los resortes de la investigación histórica, acercándolos al estudio de un fenómeno de gran interés para la historia antigua de Asturias como lo es la difusión de las villae (haciendas de carácter rural propiedad de individuos pudientes de la sociedad romana).

Durante el proyecto que se describirá, el alumnado, asistido en todo momento por el docente, aprendió el funcionamiento de los catálogos arqueológicos de Asturias, vaciando la información de interés para el cometido que nos habíamos marcado; elaboró fichas, empleando una base de datos creada ex profeso para este proyecto; revisó y trabajó con la bibliografía de referencia; y expuso los resultados de la investigación de forma coherente. Todo ello persiguiendo una triple motivación: la superación de la asignatura a partir del desarrollo de un proyecto motivador; la experiencia altamente formativa de trabajar con el método histórico; y el fin último del proyecto: la publicación de los resultados junto con el equipo docente, que supervisó toda la actividad.
Quão heterogêneo é o setor público no Brasil? Uma análise das diferenças salariais entre os poderes executivo, legislativo e judiciário.
Authors: Nakamura Leonardo Masashi , Vaz Daniela Verzola
Published: October 2020

O presente trabalho busca mensurar a diferença salarial entre os servidores dos Poderes Executivo, Legislativo e Judiciário no Brasil em 2015, por meio da metodologia de Blinder-Oaxaca, utilizando os dados da Relação Anual de Informações Sociais. Sabe-se que, em média, os funcionários do Poder Judiciário auferem um salário superior ao observado nos outros dois Poderes de governo. Dessa forma, busca-se compreender quanto dessa diferença salarial está associada às características individuais do trabalhador, como a escolaridade e a experiência profissional, e quanto se deve a outros fatores, como a ação de sindicatos e a existência de regras próprias para a determinação salarial em cada Poder de governo.
FORMA E ESPÍRITO DA GESTÃO SOCIAL: o relato de Celso Furtado na brigada internacional do trabalho – Iugoslávia 1947
Authors: Oliveira Lucas Canestri , Cançado Airton Cardoso , Pereira José Roberto
Published: October 2020

O paper analisa os relatos de uma experiência vivida por Celso Furtado em 1947 na Brigada Internacional do Trabalho na Iugoslávia, onde jovens do mundo todo participaram da construção da “Omladinska Pruga” – “Estrada de Ferro da Juventude”. As questões norteadoras desse trabalho são as seguintes: - É possível observar características, que hoje são atribuídas a Gestão Social, na experiência/prática relatada por Celso Furtado na Iugoslávia? Quais? Qual o ethos da ação? O método comparativo/analítico aqui utilizado fundamenta-se nas categorias teóricas de Forma e Espírito de Max Weber, mas especificamente, consultamos o clássico “A Ética Protestante e o Espírito do Capitalismo”. A primeira categoria diz respeito a aspectos institucionais e a segunda categoria a aspectos culturais. Celso Furtado discorre sobre a união nacional e a solidariedade internacional entre jovens (Interesse Bem Compreendido) identificando correntes de opinião (Esfera Pública) capazes de levar a diante o que chama de revolução psicológica (Emancipação).
Quantitative proteomics analysis of FFPE tumor samples reveals the influences of NET-1 siRNA nanoparticles and sonodynamic therapy on tetraspanin protein involved in HCC
Authors: Wu Bolin , Shang Haitao , Liang Xitian , Yang Huajing Yang Huajing , Jing Hui , Li Bo , Cheng Wen
Published: October 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) poses a severe threat to human health. The NET-1 protein has been proved to be strongly associated with HCC proliferation and metastasis in our previous study. Here, we established and validated NET-1 siRNA nanoparticles system to conduct targeted gene therapy of HCC xenograft in vivo with the aid of sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Then, a label-free proteome mass spectrometry workflow to analyze formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded HCC xenograft samples collected in this study. The result showed that 78 proteins were differentially expressed after NET-1 protein inhibited. Among them, the expression of 61 proteins up-regulated and the expression of 17 proteins were significantly down-regulated. Of the differentially expressed proteins, the vast majority of Gene Ontology enrichment terms belong to the biological process. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the 78 differentially expressed proteins significantly enriched in 45 pathways. We concluded that the function of the NET-1 gene is not only to regulate HCC but also to participate in a variety of biochemical metabolic pathways in the human body. Furthermore, the protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that the interactions of differentially expressed proteins are incredibly sophisticated. All the protein-protein interactions happened after the NET-1 gene has been silenced. Finally, our study also provides a useful proposal for targeted therapy based on tetraspanin proteins to treat HCC, and further mechanism investigations are needed to reveal a more detailed mechanism of action for NET-1 protein regulation of HCC.