bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-muscle myosin 2 at a glance
Authors: Quintanilla Melissa A. , Hammer John A. , Beach Jordan R. 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT
Non-muscle myosin 2 (NM2) motors are the major contractile machines in most cell types. Unsurprisingly, these ubiquitously expressed actin-based motors power a plethora of subcellular, cellular and multicellular processes. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we review the biochemical properties and mechanisms of regulation of this myosin. We highlight the central role of NM2 in multiple fundamental cellular processes, which include cell migration, cytokinesis, epithelial barrier function and tissue morphogenesis. In addition, we highlight recent studies using advanced imaging technologies that have revealed aspects of NM2 assembly hitherto inaccessible. This article will hopefully appeal to both cytoskeletal enthusiasts and investigators from outside the cytoskeleton field who have interests in one of the many basic cellular processes requiring actomyosin force production.
Validation of the Dominican system for measuring early childhood development
Authors: Sánchez-Vincitore Laura V. , Alonso Pellerano María Angélica , Valdez María Elena , Jiménez Angie Sabrina , Ruiz-Matuk Carlos B , Castro Arachu , Díaz Felipe , Cubilla-Bonnetier Daniel 
Published: March 2023

Background: The purpose of the study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Dominican System for Measuring Early Childhood Development (SIMEDID, for its Spanish acronym), to adjust the sequence of item presentation, and to provide age-standardized norms for each item, to enable policy and program managers to make decisions based on specific and structured data. Methods: After approval from an ethics committee, a total of 948 children from 0 to 60 months participated in this study. Participants were evaluated on four early childhood development domains (gross motor, fine motor, language development, and socio-emotional development). The data were collected from November 2021 to February 2022, either at early childhood care centers or at home, using mobile devices that guided the evaluators through the screener. Data were later synced to a global database. Psychometric properties were calculated using Cronbach’s alpha and split-half parallel reliability. For reorganizing item presentation and to obtain age-standardized norms, we conducted a logistic regression analysis for each item on dependent variable item success, and independent variable age. Results: The instrument showed excellent reliability and additional evidence of validity. The item presentation order was rearranged according to the probability of item success progression. In addition, the study characterized the expected evolution of item success probability across participants' age. Conclusions: SIMEDID is a valid and reliable instrument for depicting childhood development in national evaluations. Its integration with electronic platforms for national monitoring represents a cost-effective, time-efficient screening tool adapted to the Dominican sociocultural context. This represents a promising tool to strengthen strategies that support early childhood development.
Improving genomic prediction of rhizomania resistance in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) by implementing epistatic effects and feature selection
Authors: Lange Thomas Martin , Heinrich Felix , Kopisch-Obuch Friedrich , Keunecke Harald , Gültas Mehmet , Schmitt Armin O. 
Published: March 2023

Background: Rhizomania counts as the most important disease in sugar beet Beta vulgaris L. for which no plant protection is available, leaving plant breeding as the only defence strategy at the moment. Five resistance genes have been detected on the same chromosome and further studies suggested that these might be different alleles at two resistance clusters. Nevertheless, it was postulated that rhizomania resistance might be a quantitative trait with multiple unknown minor resistance genes. Here, we present a first attempt at genomic prediction of rhizomania resistance in a population that was genotyped using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Methods: First, genomic prediction was performed using all SNPs. Next, we calculated the variable importance for each SNP using machine learning and performed genomic prediction by including the SNPs incrementally in the prediction model based on their variable importance. Using this method, we selected the optimal number of SNPs that maximised the prediction accuracy. Furthermore, we performed genomic prediction with SNP pairs. We also performed feature selection with SNP pairs using the information about the variable importance of the single SNPs. Results: From the four methods under investigation, the latter led to the highest prediction accuracy. These results lead to the following conclusions: (I) The genotypes that were resistant at all known resistance genes, provided the highest possible variation of virus concentrations that the machine can measure. Thus, it can be assumed that more genes must be involved in the resistance towards rhizomania. (II) We show that prediction models that include SNP interactions increased the prediction accuracy. Conclusions: Altogether, our findings suggest that rhizomania resistance is a complex quantitative trait that is affected by multiple genes as well as their interaction.
Learning Equilibria in Asymmetric Auction Games
Authors: Bichler Martin , Kohring Nils , Heidekrüger Stefan 
Published: March 2023

Computing Bayesian Nash equilibrium strategies in auction games is a challenging problem that is not well-understood. Such equilibria can be modeled as systems of nonlinear partial differential equations. It was recently shown that neural pseudogradient ascent (NPGA), an implementation of simultaneous gradient ascent via neural networks, converges to a Bayesian Nash equilibrium for a wide variety of symmetric auction games. Whereas symmetric auction models are widespread in the theoretical literature, in most auction markets in the field, one can observe different classes of bidders having different valuation distributions and strategies. Asymmetry of this sort is almost always an issue in real-world multiobject auctions, in which different bidders are interested in different packages of items. Such environments require a different implementation of NPGA with multiple interacting neural networks having multiple outputs for the different allocations in which the bidders are interested. In this paper, we analyze a wide variety of asymmetric auction models. Interestingly, our results show that we closely approximate Bayesian Nash equilibria in all models in which the analytical Bayes–Nash equilibrium is known. Additionally, we analyze new and larger environments for which no analytical solution is known and verify that the solution found approximates equilibrium closely. The results provide a foundation for generic equilibrium solvers that can be used in a wide range of auction games. History: Accepted by Ram Ramesh, Area Editor for Data Science & Machine Learning. Funding: This work was supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Grant BI-1056/I-9]. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.1281 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2021.0151 ) at ( http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7407158 ).
Using NDVI For Variable Rate Cotton Irrigation Prescriptions
Authors: Stone Kenneth C. , Billman Eric , Bauer Philip , Sigua Gilbert 
Published: March 2023

<p>This is digital research data corresponding to a published manuscript, "Using NDVI For Variable Rate Cotton Irrigation Prescriptions", in <em>Applied Engineering in Agriculture</em>, 2022, Volume 38(5): 787-795. doi:10.13031/aea.15071. </p>
<p>Irrigation timing is crucial for achieving high cotton yields and lint quality. This irrigation timing is more challenging in the southeastern U.S. Coastal Plain region due to its spatial variable sandy soils with low water and nutrient holding capacities and rainfall variability during the growing season. To address these challenges, we conducted a 2-year (2017 and 2018) study evaluating two irrigation scheduling methods under a variable rate irrigation system. The two irrigation methods were: (1) a uniform irrigation management based on weekly crop water usage, and (2) spatial crop coefficients derived from normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVI). We compared cotton yields and water use efficiency using the two irrigation scheduling methods at two different planting densities. The two plant populations were 5 and 11.5 plants m<sup>-1</sup> of row to provide different NDVI readings and water requirements.</p>
How do Vocational Teachers Learn? Formal and Informal Learning by Vocational Teachers in Kenya
Authors: Njenga Moses 
Published: March 2023

Context: Participation in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) supports the development of vocational teacher competencies. However, it is often not clear what learning methods vocational teachers use in their CPD. This study therefore investigated the CPD practices of vocational teachers in Kenya, with a specific focus on the formal and informal learning methods used. Approach: The study used a questionnaire survey to collect data from TVET teachers randomly drawn from six Technical and Vocational Colleges in Kenya's Nairobi Metropolitan Area. Descriptive and inferential analysis of the data was used to determine how frequently different learning methods are used and to identify associations between CPD practices and teacher characteristics.Findings: TVET teachers in Kenya were found to use different learning methods depending on the availability of the learning methods and the learning goals teachers have. Formal academic learning and discussions with colleagues are frequently used while collaborative learning methods and practice-based learning activities are less frequently used. Rarely used are written reflections about practice and its outcomes. Despite viewing Lecturer Industrial Attachment (LIA) as important and therefore wishing to attend LIA, more than a third of the participants indicated that they had never attended LIA. The use of professional literature is restricted to text books with limited use of primary and secondary literature. CPD activities such as mentoring, supervising other teachers, and school visits were found to form a unique category of CPD activities that is more frequently used by teachers with administrative responsibilities. Conclusion: The limited use of active learning methods that involve critical evaluation of practices and their outcomes risks limiting the ability of vocational teachers in Kenya to transform and adopt better practices. It is recommended that vocational teachers in Kenya are encouraged to adopt a broad conception of teacher CPD that embraces collaborative, reflective, and practice-based learning.
Influence of a thin dielectric layer on resonance frequencies of square SRR metasurface operating in THz band
Authors: Lopato Przemyslaw , Herbko Michal , Mescheder Ulrich , Kovacs Andras 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This article investigates the effect of an additional thin dielectric layer on the top of the metasurface (MS), on the transmission of electromagnetic waves in the terahertz band. For this purpose, the split ring resonator-based MS was designed and analyzed in the terahertz band. The influence of permittivity, film thickness, and suspension height on S
21 transmission coefficient characteristics was studied. For this purpose, a numerical model was created and solved using the finite element method. The conducted study can be helpful in three cases. First, changing the suspension height of the dielectric layer may allow tunable MSs using MEMS structures. Also, this research can be used to determine the effect of applying an additional layer of protection when using the MS as a sensor to test substances that can damage it. In addition, there is an opportunity to study the dielectric properties of thin films using the proposed MS.
Effects of ellagic acid and ε-polylysine hydrochloride on the content of biogenic amines, volatile compounds and quality of salmon slices during chilled storage
Authors: Zhao Nan , Zhang Xinyuan , Zhang Zian , Guo Xiaohua , Ma Rui , Meng Yuqiong , Li Yingchang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate effects of ellagic acid (EA) and ε-polylysine hydrochloride (ε-PL) on biogenic amines (BAs), volatile compounds and quality of salmon slices stored at 4 °C. The results showed that EA and ε-PL attenuated the production of BAs, retarded the increase of TVC, TVB-N and TBARS. Additionally, water mobility, texture properties of salmon slices were also stabilized by the EA and ε-PL. Volatile compounds including aldehydes, alcohols and hydrocarbons were identified and spoilage-related compounds reduced by the EA and ε-PL, which was related to the inhibition of bacterial, TVB-N and TBA growth by EA and ε-PL. The content of phencthylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine and tyramine in EA-s-PL groups reduced by 46.53%, 54.1%, 26.42%, 31.98% and 45.37% compared to the control group at the end of storage, respectively. Therefore, EA and ε-PL can be applied for inhibiting the increase of BAs and delaying quality deterioration of salmon slices.
Wheat thermoplastic starch composite films reinforced with nanocellulose
Authors: Norrrahim Mohd Nor Faiz , Janudin Nurjahirah , Asmal Rani Mohd Saiful , Jenol Mohd Azwan , Sharip Nur Sharmila , Nurazzi Norizan Mohd , Asyraf Muhammad Rizal Muhammad , Ilyas Rushdan Ahmad 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The rising costs of non-renewable plastic and environmental concerns with their industrial usage have encouraged the study and development of renewable products. As an alternative, biological-based materials create a huge opportunity for a healthy and safe environment by replacing non-renewable plastic in a variety of applications. Wheat is one of the world’s most widely cultivated crops. Due to its mechanical and physical properties, wheat starch is vital in the biopolymer industry. Wheat thermoplastic starch exhibits useable properties when plasticizers, elevated temperatures and shear are present. Thus, make it very suitable to be used as packaging material. However, this material suffers from low mechanical properties, which limit its applications. Several studies looked at the feasibility of using plant components which is nanocellulose as a reinforcing agent in wheat starch thermoplastic composites. Overall, the addition of nanocellulose can improve the performance of wheat thermoplastic starch, especially for its mechanical properties. It can potentially be used in several areas of packaging and biomedical. The objective of this review is to discuss several achievements regarding wheat starch/nanocellulose-based composites. Several important aspects of the mechanical performance and the thermal properties of the composites were evaluated. The discussion on wheat starch and nanocellulose was also tackled in this review.
COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE AS A BASIS FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
Authors: Tsaryk Olga 
Published: March 2023

The article is devoted to the study of communicative competence as a basis for the successful implementation of international projects. The concepts of "competence" and "communicative competence" are considered. The purpose of the article is to analyze the main methods and forms of development of communicative competence, the study of communicative competence as a basis for the successful implementation of international projects. It was established that communicative competence is defined as an integrative personal resource that ensures the success of communicative activity. The development of communicative competence includes the organization of communication, the development of communicative abilities and the formation of communicative skills. It has been proven that communicative competence can be effectively developed with the help of international projects. The priority task of the university is the development and implementation of international projects and programs in the field of youth work. It is emphasized that improvement of communicative competence cannot be separated from personality development.
Keywords: competence, communicative competence, project method, international project.
Evaluating the influence of cold plasma bubbling on protein structure and allergenicity in sesame milk
Authors: Manoharan Dharini , Rajan Anbarasan , Stephen Jaspin , Radhakrishnan Mahendran 
Published: March 2023

Background: Sesame is a traditional oilseed comprising essential amino acids. However, the presence of allergens in sesame is a significant problem in its consumption; thus, this study attempted to reduce these allergens in sesame oilseeds.
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cold plasma processing on structural changes in proteins, and thereby the alteration of allergenicity in sesame milk. Method: Sesame milk (300 mL) was processed using atmospheric pressure plasma bubbling unit (dielectric barrier discharge, power: 200 V, and airflow rate: 16.6 mL/min) at different exposure times (10, 20, and 30 min).
Results: The efficiency of plasma-bubbling unit as measured by electron paramagnetic resonance in terms of producing reactive hydroxyl (OH) radicals proved that generation of reactive species increased with exposure time. Further, the plasma-processed sesame milk subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and differential scanning calorimetery analysis revealed that plasma bubbling increased the oxidation of proteins with respect to bubbling time. The structural analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and circular dichroism revealed that the secondary structure of proteins was altered after plasma application. This change in the protein structure helped in changing the immunoglobulin E (IgE)-binding epitopes of the protein, which in turn reduced the allergen-binding capacity by 23% at 20-min plasma bubbling as determined by the sandwich-type enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. However, 30-min plasma bubbling intended to increase allergenicity, possibly because of increase in IgE binding due to the generation of neo epitopes.
Conclusion: These changes proved that plasma bubbling is a promising technology in oxidizing protein structure, and thereby reducing the allergenicity of sesame milk. However, increase in binding at 30-min bubbling is to be studied to facilitate further reduction of the binding capacity of IgE antibodies.
Ocupación y uso campesino de la tierra en el municipio de Pradera (1900-2010): Un siglo de tensiones socio-territoriales
Authors: Ordoñez-Botero Harold 
Published: March 2023

Si bien los lineamientos vigentes para el Ordenamiento Social de la Propiedad Rural-OSPR establecen, entre otros criterios, la transversalización del enfoque diferencial y la verificación de presencia de comunidades étnicas, no se reconoce expresamente el derecho a la tierra del campesinado. Partiendo de las perspectivas teóricas del Estructuralismo Agrario y del Enfoque Socio-Territorial, este trabajo busca proponer lineamientos complementarios para adelantar un proceso de Ordenamiento Social de la Propiedad Rural OSPR que reconozca este derecho, en los corregimientos que actualmente están siendo propuestos para la constitución de una Zona de Reserva Campesina (ZRC) en Pradera, Valle del Cauca. Para tal fin, se hace un acercamiento a la dinámica histórica del poblamiento y apropiación de la tierra por parte del campesinado y se geoespacializan dentro del polígono de la ZRC los predios por rango de tamaño, las coberturas y fertilidad del suelo y la zonificación de la Reserva Forestal, con los cuales se evidencia la existencia de una territorialidad campesina, la necesidad de redistribuir la tierra, de sustraer áreas de la reserva forestal y de acelerar la constitución de la Zona de Reserva Campesina (ZRC).
Retrospective Study of Thrombosis in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 in Rural North Carolina
Authors: Brechko Amanda , Jiroutek Michael R. , Jones Kyla , Brenseke Bonnie , Maharty Donald C. , Cappola James , Holly Stephen P. 
Published: March 2023

Background Some patients with COVID-19 develop life-threatening thrombotic complications including myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and ischemic stroke. These inflammatory and hypercoagulable states have been well documented in patient cohorts from metropolitan areas, but not in more rural populations, nor has a data-driven treatment plan been developed for thrombotic COVID-19 patients. Methods We undertook a retrospective case-control study of COVID-19-positive patients to analyze the impact of thrombosis on various clinical endpoints including terminal diagnosis and disease severity. Prevalence and impact of thrombosis were determined using medical records from 2237 COVID-19-positive patients hospitalized in Cumberland County, North Carolina. Odds ratios for terminal diagnosis, death, ICU admission, and ventilation were calculated based on thrombosis status, D-dimer level, or type of antithrombotic treatment. Results Terminal diagnosis [OR 1.81; 95% CI (1.10, 2.98)], ICU admission [2.25; (1.33, 3.81)], and ventilation [2.46; (1.45, 4.18)] were all more likely in thrombotic patients (N = 97) compared to nonthrombotic patients (N = 2140) after adjusting for age. D-dimer levels were associated with death overall, but not among thrombotic patients. Treatments that combined antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs appeared to be more efficacious than anticoagulants alone in preventing death and severe disease. Limitations Patient medical history prior to hospitalization was not evaluated. Conclusion In this cohort, those with thrombosis are at increased risk for adverse outcomes including death and severe disease. Antithrombotic therapy that includes antiplatelet drugs provides improved outcomes. Higher-powered prospective trials will be necessary to confirm any potential merits of antiplatelet therapy.