bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integration of Teaching and Assessing Intercultural Communicative Competence
Authors: Gu Xiaole , Zhao Yuqin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in China calls for a paradigm shift in theory and practice of foreign language (FL) teaching from a communicative language teaching approach (CLT) to intercultural language teaching (ICLT), which treats intercultural communicative competence (ICC) as the core of FL education. Unfortunately, the College English Curriculum Requirements of China (CECR) does not specify the aspects for cultural teaching or assessment; nor does it provide any theoretical or practical guidance for teachers on how to teach or assess ICC. This leads to teachers’ confusion about what should be taught and assessed and how, hence to a deficiency in real actions. In this paper, we first outline the learning outcomes of ICLT-oriented courses, the ICC components which respectively fall into the categories of intercultural attitude, knowledge and skills. By presenting the pedagogical practice of a cultural literacy course, we also demonstrate how FL teachers can help learners achieve these learning outcomes through a five-stage instruction process. Finally, we discuss how these learning outcomes can be assessed using formative and summative assessment tools, especially how ICC components can be incorporated into a comprehensive test of FL.
Computational drug repurposing study of antiviral drugs against main protease, RNA polymerase, and spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 using molecular docking method
Authors: Jalalvand Alireza , Khatouni Somayeh Behjat , Najafi Zahra Bahri , Fatahinia Foroozan , Ismailzadeh Narges , Farahmand Behrokh 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objectives
The new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) created a pandemic in the world in late 2019 and early 2020. Unfortunately, despite the increasing prevalence of the disease, there is no effective drug for the treatment. A computational drug repurposing study would be an appropriate and rapid way to provide an effective drug in the treatment of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study, the inhibitory potential of more than 50 antiviral drugs on three important proteins of SARS-CoV-2, was investigated using the molecular docking method.

Methods
By literature review, three important proteins, including main protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and spike, were selected as the drug targets. The three-dimensional (3D) structure of protease, spike, and RdRp proteins was obtained from the Protein Data Bank. Proteins were energy minimized. More than 50 antiviral drugs were considered as candidates for protein inhibition, and their 3D structure was obtained from Drug Bank. Molecular docking settings were defined using Autodock 4.2 software and the algorithm was executed.

Results
Based on the estimated binding energy of docking and hydrogen bond analysis and the position of drug binding, five drugs including, indinavir, lopinavir, saquinavir, nelfinavir, and remdesivir, had the highest inhibitory potential for all three proteins.

Conclusions
According to the results, among the mentioned drugs, saquinavir and lopinavir showed the highest inhibitory potential for all three proteins compared to the other drugs. This study suggests that saquinavir and lopinavir could be included in the laboratory phase studies as a two-drug treatment for SARS-CoV-2 inhibition.
Designing experiments informed by observational studies
Authors: Rosenman Evan T. R. , Owen Art B. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe increasing availability of passively observed data has yielded a growing interest in “data fusion” methods, which involve merging data from observational and experimental sources to draw causal conclusions. Such methods often require a precarious tradeoff between the unknown bias in the observational dataset and the often-large variance in the experimental dataset. We propose an alternative approach, which avoids this tradeoff: rather than using observational data for inference, we use it to design a more efficient experiment. We consider the case of a stratified experiment with a binary outcome and suppose pilot estimates for the stratum potential outcome variances can be obtained from the observational study. We extend existing results to generate confidence sets for these variances, while accounting for the possibility of unmeasured confounding. Then, we pose the experimental design problem as a regret minimization problem subject to the constraints imposed by our confidence sets. We show that this problem can be converted into a concave maximization and solved using conventional methods. Finally, we demonstrate the practical utility of our methods using data from the Women’s Health Initiative.
Validation of Unani concept of Abadāl-i-Adwiya (drug substitution) by physicochemical standardization and hepatoprotective activity of Aristolochia rotunda Linn. and its substitute Curcuma Zedoaria Rosc. in albino Wistar rats
Authors: Ansari Athar Parvez , Sana Sumyyah Hasina , Dar Mohammad Younis , Goswami Pankaj , Ahmed N. Zaheer 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To validate the concept of abadāl-i-adwiya (drug substitution) by evaluation of physicochemical standardization and hepatoprotective activity of Aristolochia rotunda & its substitute, Curcuma Zedoaria in albino Wistar rats.

Methods
Physicochemical standardization by estimation of moisture content, ash values and extractive values were carried out using standard methods. Hepatotoxicity was induced in albino Wistar rats using CCl4 1 mL/kg s. c. on alternate day for 14 days. Group I was served as Plain control and Group II as Negative control. Group III was administered silymarin 50 mg/kg p. o. while Group IV received HAE of A. rotunda 89.64 mg/kg p. o., and Group V was administered HAE of C. Zedoaria 45.73 mg/kg p. o. At the end of the study, serum bilirubin, AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT) and ALP were estimated. The histopathology of liver was also carried out.

Results
The physicochemical parameters of both test drugs viz. moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found within normal limit. The total serum bilirubin, direct bilirubin, AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT) levels were significantly decreased in Test groups A and B when compared to the Negative and Standard controls. The microscopic examination of liver collected from animals of Group IV and Group V revealed significant recovery from hepatic toxicity compared to the Negative control.

Conclusions
The study experimentation has revealed that C. Zedoaria may be used as a substitute for A. rotunda in the treatment of liver diseases. However, the outcome has to be further corroborated with phytochemical evaluation and clinical trials of both the drugs. Furthermore, the concept of drug substitute in Unani system of medicine is also validated in the light of above study.
A meta-analysis of exosome in the treatment of spinal cord injury
Authors: Yi Hanxiao , Wang Yang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Context
There are no recommended therapeutic agents for acute spinal cord injury (SCI) due to the pathophysiological complexity of the injury.

Objective
The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of various exosomes and potential factors impacting the efficacy of exosomes.

Methods
We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to systematically collect articles comparing the locomotor function of SCI rodents undergoing exosome treatment and untreated SCI rodents. No language was preferred.

Results
Pooled analysis revealed that the locomotor function recovery of SCI rodents receiving exosomes was greatly improved (583 rats, 3.12, 95% CI: 2.56–3.67, p < 0.01; 116 mice, 2.46, 95% CI: 1.20–3.72, p < 0.01) compared to those of control rodents. The trial sequential analysis demonstrated the findings of the meta-analysis with the cumulative Z-curve crossing the upper monitoring boundary for the benefit and reaching the adjusted required information size. However, the origin of the exosome, SCI model, and administration method determined the therapeutic effect to some extent.

Conclusions
Despite the proven therapeutic effects of exosomes on SCI rodents, the results should be interpreted cautiously considering the diversity in vivo and in vitro in relation to future trials.
Sub-micron pupillometry for optical EEG measurements
Authors: Rohweder Niels-Ole , Gertheiss Jan , Rembe Christian 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecent research indicates that a direct correlation exists between brain activity and oscillations of the pupil. A publication by Park and Whang shows measurements of excitations in the frequency range below 1 Hz. A similar correlation for frequencies between 1 Hz and 40 Hz has not yet been clarified. In order to evaluate small oscillations, a pupillometer with a spatial resolution of 1 µm is required, exceeding the specifications of existing systems. In this paper, we present a setup able to measure with such a resolution. We consider noise sources, and identify the quantisation noise due to finite pixel sizes as the fundamental noise source. We present a model to describe the quantisation noise, and show that our algorithm to measure the pupil diameter achieves a sub-pixel resolution of about half a pixel of the image or 12 µm. We further consider the processing gains from transforming the diameter time series into frequency space, and subsequently show that we can achieve a sub-micron resolution when measuring pupil oscillations, surpassing established pupillometry systems. This setup could allow for the development of a functional optical, fully-remote electroencephalograph (EEG). Such a device could be a valuable sensor in many areas of AI-based human-machine-interaction.
Verification of Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Active Military Personnel During Treadmill Running
Authors: Figueiredo Peter S. , Looney David P. , Pryor J. Luke , Doughty Elizabeth M. , McClung Holly L. , Vangala Sai V. , Santee William R. , Beidleman Beth A. , Potter Adam W. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Figueiredo, PS, Looney, DP, Pryor, JL, Doughty, EM, McClung, HL, Vangala, SV, Santee, WR, Beidleman, BA, and Potter, AW. Verification of maximal oxygen uptake in active military personnel during treadmill running. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1053–1058, 2022—It is unclear whether verification tests are required to confirm “true” maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o
2max) in modern warfighter populations. Our study investigated the prevalence of V̇o
2max attainment in U.S. Army soldiers performing a traditional incremental running test. In addition, we examined the utility of supramaximal verification testing as well as repeated trials for familiarization for accurate V̇o
2max assessment. Sixteen U.S. Army soldiers (1 woman, 15 men; age, 21 ± 2 years; height, 1.73 ± 0.06 m; body mass, 71.6 ± 10.1 kg) completed 2 laboratory visits, each with an incremental running test (modified Astrand protocol) and a verification test (110% maximal incremental test speed) on a motorized treadmill. We evaluated V̇o
2max attainment during incremental testing by testing for the definitive V̇O2 plateau using a linear least-squares regression approach. Peak oxygen uptake (V̇o
2peak) was considered statistically equivalent between tests if the 90% confidence interval around the mean difference was within ±2.1 ml·kg−1·min−1. Oxygen uptake plateaus were identified in 14 of 16 volunteers for visit 1 (87.5%) and all 16 volunteers for visit 2 (100%). Peak oxygen uptake was not statistically equivalent, apparent from the mean difference in V̇o
2peak measures between the incremental test and verification test on visit 1 (2.3 ml·kg−1·min−1, [1.3–3.2]) or visit 2 (1.1 ml·kg−1·min−1 [0.2–2.1]). Interestingly, V̇o
2peak was equivalent, apparent from the mean difference in V̇o
2peak measures between visits for the incremental tests (0.0 ml·kg−1·min−1 [−0.8 to 0.9]) but not the verification tests (−1.2 ml·kg−1·min−1 [−2.2 to −0.2]). Modern U.S. Army soldiers can attain V̇o
2max by performing a modified Astrand treadmill running test. Additional familiarization and verification tests for confirming V̇o
2max in healthy active military personnel may be unnecessary.
Importance of Joint Angle-Specific Hip Strength for Skating Performance in Semiprofessional Ice Hockey Athletes
Authors: Secomb Josh L. , Dascombe Benjamin J. , Nimphius Sophia 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Secomb, JL, Dascombe, BJ, and Nimphius, S. Importance of joint angle-specific hip strength for skating performance in semiprofessional ice hockey athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2599–2603, 2021—Ice hockey athletes with faster sprint acceleration and change-of-direction (COD) skating performance possess a competitive advantage. However, it is unknown whether joint angle-specific hip strength, in combination with measures known to relate to skating performance (e.g., countermovement jump [CMJ]), better explains skating performance. The purpose of this research was to determine whether hip strength in joint angles specific to skating positions and CMJ performance explains sprint skating acceleration and COD performance. Thirteen semiprofessional male hockey (26.7 ± 6.7 years; 88.4 ± 18.1 kg; 181.9 ± 5.4 cm) athletes were assessed for CMJ performance, hip abduction and adduction strength, 10-m sprint skating acceleration, and COD (505) performance. Linear multiple regressions to predict skating acceleration and COD performance were calculated with variables chosen based on functional justification and magnitude of correlation. Hip abductor relative peak force (rPF) at 25° of hip abduction and CMJ rPF explained 46.0% (adjusted) of variance in sprint acceleration performance (F[2,12] = 6.18, p = 0.02). Countermovement jump peak eccentric velocity, adductor rPF at 50° of hip abduction, and difference in abductor rPF between 50° and 25° of hip abduction explained 85.0% (adjusted) of the variance in 505 time (F[3,12] = 22.8, p < 0.001). Hip strength at joint angles functionally relevant to skating (e.g., at 25° and 50°), in combination with relevant CMJ variables, explained large and very large amounts of variance in sprint skating acceleration and COD performance in this cohort. The inclusion of joint angle-specific hip strength profiling to a physical performance testing battery may provide practitioners with more specific knowledge on the strength of the hip through abduction range of motion, which may affect skating performance.
External and Internal Load Measures During Preseason Training in Men Collegiate Soccer Athletes
Authors: Fields Jennifer B. , Merigan Justin M. , Gallo Sina , White Jason B. , Jones Margaret T. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Fields, JB, Merigan, JM, Gallo, S, White, JB, and Jones, MT. External and internal load measures during preseason training in men collegiate soccer athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(9): 2572–2578, 2021—Collegiate athletes are exposed to high volume loads during preseason training. Monitoring training load can inform training and recovery periods. Therefore, the purpose was to examine changes in and bidirectional relationship between external and internal load metrics in men collegiate soccer athletes (n = 20; age, 20 ± 1 year). Internal load measures of heart rate variability (HRV), salivary testosterone (T) and cortisol (C), and self-assessment wellness and ratings of perceived exertion scales were collected daily. External load measures of total distance, player load, high-speed distance, high inertial movement analysis, and repeated high-intensity efforts were collected in each training session using global positioning system/global navigation satellite system technology. A 1-way analysis of variance determined weekly changes in external load, physiological, hormonal, and subjective self-assessment measures of internal load. Bidirectional prediction of external load markers and self-assessment measures on physiological and hormonal markers of internal load were assessed by hierarchical linear regression models (p < 0.05). External load measures, C, energy, sleep, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) decreased (p < 0.01), whereas T, T:C ratio, anger, depression, and vigor increased (p < 0.01) from week 1 to week 2. Morning C positively predicted afternoon external load and post-training RPE (p < 0.05); T:C ratio negatively predicted afternoon external load and post-training RPE (p < 0.05); and morning HRV negatively predicted post-training RPE (p = 0.031). Despite reduced hormonal stress and external load across weeks, negative perceptions of fatigue increased, suggesting fatigue patterns may have a delayed response. Load may have a more belated, chronic effect on perceptions of fatigue, whereas hormonal changes may be more immediate and sensitive to change. Practitioners may wish to use a variety of external and internal load measures to understand athletes' stress responses to training.
Effects of Nitrate Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Mass: A Systematic Review
Authors: Anderson Olivia K. , Martinez-Ferran María , Lorenzo-Calvo Jorge , Jiménez Sergio L. , Pareja-Galeano Helios 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Anderson, OK, Martinez-Ferran, M, Lorenzo-Calvo, J, Jiménez, SL, and Pareja-Galeano, H. Effects of nitrate supplementation on muscle strength and mass: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3562–3570, 2022—This systematic review examines the effect of dietary nitrate supplementation (SUP) on muscle strength and hypertrophy when combined with physical exercise. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE were searched for full-text articles published between January 2000 and June 2020. For inclusion, studies had to report on the effects of SUP administered as acute or chronic doses together with a standardized exercise protocol on muscle strength and hypertrophy compared with placebo in healthy adults who were sedentary, physically active, or professional athletes. Twelve studies (1,571 subjects) were finally selected. In 5 studies, the SUP regime was acute, and in 7, it was chronic. SUP was nitrate-rich beetroot juice in 9 studies, a potassium nitrate capsule in 1, and increased dietary nitrate in 2. Ingested nitrate was 64–1,200 mg. Of the 12 studies, 6 observed an ergogenic effect of SUP compared with placebo. These findings indicate that muscle strength gains are possible provided the dose, format, frequency, period, and exercise test are appropriate. Best results were observed with a minimum acute dose of 400 mg of nitrate provided as beetroot juice/shot taken 2–2.5 hours before exercise involving low- and high-intensity muscle contractions. This SUP regime seems to improve muscle efficiency in terms of reduced phosphocreatine and energy costs (P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and improved time to exhaustion.
Effect of Temperature on Wear Behavior of Multilayered Thin Cr-Coated Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene Polymer: An Experimental and Prediction Study
Authors: Sureyya Karabeyoglu Sencer 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The wear behavior of thin chromium-coated and uncoated acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) samples were investigated by using a pin-on-disk test apparatus with a heat chamber for different temperatures of 30°C, 50°C, 70°C, 90°C, and 110°C. The wear tracks were characterized with a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and widefield confocal microscope. The tests showed that the wear of thin chromium-coated ABS samples exhibited better results under high temperature in comparison with uncoated samples. Then, the experimental data are used to create Nonlinear AutoRegressive with eXogenous inputs (NARX) and transfer function prediction models for wear experiments. It is observed that the NARX model matches quite well with the experimental data.
Experimental Study on Dynamic Mechanical Properties and Fracturing Behavior of Granite CSTFBD Specimens in SHPB Tests
Authors: Peng Linzhi , Yue Zhongwen , Wang Xu , Zhou Jun , Yue Xiaolei , Xu Shengnan , Qiu Peng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamic fracture mechanics characteristics and fracturing behavior of cracked-straight-through flattened Brazilian disk specimens using the Split Hopkinson Pressure bar system. The researchers also used Particle Flow Code 2D for simulating the crack process and achieved consistent outcomes. In this experiment, rock specimens were made from Beijing Fangshan granite. The results of the experiment determined the effects of impact pressures and loading angles on the crack mode and mechanical properties of the specimens. These specimens have attained the stress equilibrium state prior to failure. With greater impact pressure, there will be faster changes in the corresponding equivalent tensile stress, while the peak value remains relatively high under the same loading angle. With different loading angles, the change rate of the equivalent tensile stress remains the same; however, the time required to reach the maximum stress becomes different. For a 30° loading angle, the energy dissipation ratio in accordance with the same impact pressure is lower than compared to that of a 0° loading angle. In this experiment, several cracks have been produced under a different range of impact pressures and loading angles, which can be classified into six types. They include two types of tensile cracks, shear cracks, and tensile-shear cracks. At a 0° loading angle, mode I fracture occurs, and at 15° and 30° loading angles, a mixed-mode I-II fracture occurs on the specimen. Furthermore, triangular fracture zones occur on the two end faces of the specimens under the loading force due to the concentration of local stress during the force process.
Impactos emocionais e fisiológicos do isolamento durante a pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Dos Santos Daiane Silva , Silva Pedro Herculano Santos , Dos Santos Úrsula Pérsia Paulo , De Souza Tatiana , Ferreira Marcela Santos , Silva Júlio César Santos 
Published: July 2021

RESUMO

Objetivo: O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar os impactos emocionais e fisiológicos do distanciamento social durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Metodologia: Participaram 238 indivíduos de ambos os sexos e de diferentes faixas etárias que estavam em isolamento social durante a pandemia da COVID-19 e utilizou-se como instrumento de coleta de dados um questionário. Resultados: Dos participantes 65,5% (n= 156) eram do sexo feminino e 33,3% (n= 80) masculino. Nas emoções, 73,1% dos participantes concordaram que sentiam-se frequentemente desconfortáveis por causa do isolamento, 66% ansiosos/agitados, 66,8% dos participante irritados/estressados e 66.7% tristes/indispostos. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que os participantes tenderam a apresentar alterações emocionais em suas rotinas, sendo nocivas à sua saúde como um todo. Os aspectos emocionais e fisiológicos do distanciamento social durante a pandemia da COVID-19 possuem potencial significativo para impactar diretamente na saúde física e mental dos indivíduos.