Critical Characters Research Articles

The Leadership Style and Approach

Abstract: This article is an article about the style and approach of leadership in an organization. The leadership styles and approaches discussed are about leaders as The Strongman, Super Leadership, The Transactor, The Visionary Leader and Spiritual Leadership. Writing this journal is writing by using literature study. The results of this journal reveal that (1) A leader as a person who has the power to influence subordinates, (2) a leader must be able to develop the organization by developing the ability of self and subordinates and carry out their duties and responsibilities properly, (3) leaders who can design and regulate the mechanism of work and work with subordinates according to their abilities and expertise, (4) visionary leaders must have intelligent and critical characters to face various situations and generate new ideas, and (5) leaders must have values, attitudes and behaviors that can motivate yourself and subordinates.

Two new species of the bristle millipede genus Pauropsxenus (diplopoda, Polyxenidae) in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

Two new species of the bristle millipede family Polyxenidae, Pauropsxenus extraneus sp. nov. and Pauropsxenus extraneus sp. nov., are described from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. They can be confidently placed in the extant genus Pauropsxenus (Polyxenidae) based on a set of critical characters. In additions, the morphological similarity of hooked caudal trichomes shared by the new species and extant counterparts may suggest a similar defensive function. Our discovery indicates that a prey-predator relationship between polyxenids and other soil animals has already been established in the Cretaceous period.

Systematic Studies of the High Output Thermoelectric Power Generation

Authors have methodically investigated the alternative energy technologies based upon thermoelectricity generation. Firstly, its power is systematically investigated under various work conditions in thermoelectric applications. In addition, they have modelled, designed, and constructed the thermoelectric power system. Moreover, they have invented a state-of-the-art table-top instrument that may evaluate several critical thermoelectric characters in situ. Several aspects of the thermoelectric features are characterized in situ that include the efficiency, force response curve, current-voltage (i.e., I-V) curve, power-voltage (P-V) curve, and the power versus temperature (P-T) responses. Furthermore, they have successfully built a high-power heat harvester and have applied to the automotive case study in details. Finally, they have obtained the multi-stack thermoelectric devices that have improved characters; e.g., both the power output and the thermoelectric efficiency have improved in comparison to the devices commercially available. The investigation leads to 19+% efficiency in triple stack devices and 10+% in dual-stack.

The effectivity of APOS model based worksheets on the improper integral

The APOS model is a mathematical learning model based on APOS theory, with syntax consisting of phases: Orientation, Practicum, Small Group Discussion, Classroom Discussion, Exercise and Evaluation. The APOS model has been implemented in Integral Calculus courses by Class A Semester 3 Students in Mathematics Education Study Program FKIP UNIB 2017/2018 TA. Specifically for the improper integral subject, there are five students who choose to discuss improper integral LK independently in group. The purpose of this study is to see the effectivity of APOS Model Based Worksheets on the Improper Integral subject matter. The effectivity was analized from the mastery of the improper integral by giving a test, if the five students were still master the material, after the launch time of up to two months. The instrument used were a test, and an open questionnaire. From the results of this study, we conclude that mastery of the material was in category “very effective”. Based on the polling from the questionnaire, it can be concluded that the worksheet based on the APOS Model was effective to help the development of independent, diligent, thorough, resilient, responsible, jointly active, helpful, critical and creative characters of students. So, the Apos Based Worksheets was effective to use in calculus class on the Improper Integral material.

Back from the Past: DNA Barcodes and Morphology Support Ablabesmyia americana Fittkau as a Valid Species (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Short, standardized gene fragments for species identification (DNA barcodes) have proven effective in delineating closely-related insect species, and can be critical characters to include in taxonomic studies. This is also the case for the species-rich and widely distributed fly family Chironomidae (non-biting midges). Inspired by observed genetic differences in partial COI gene sequences between North American and European populations of the chironomid Ablabesmyia monilis sensu lato, we investigated whether or not the morphology of male and female adults supported the distinction of more than one species. Our results support that the junior synonym Ablabesmyia americana is a valid species separate from A. monilis, and that A. monilis sensu stricto is distributed both in the Palearctic region and in North America. We provide re-descriptions of all of the major life stages of A. americana and of the adult female of A. monilis.

Bolbitis lianhuachihensis (Dryopteridaceae), a new species from Taiwan.

A new species of Bolbitis, B. lianhuachihensissp. nov., was found in central Taiwan. It most resembles B. virens var. compacta and B. hainanensis. A phylogenetic tree of Taiwanese and other Asian species of Bolbitis species supports the recognition of the new species. Morphologically, the combination of anastomosing venation and fewer sterile pinnae are critical characters to discriminate B. lianhuachihensis from other Taiwanese Bolbitis species. Bolbitis lianhuachihensis can be further distinguished from B. virens var. compacta and B. hainanensis by having lanceolate sterile pinnae and absent or fewer free veinlets in small areoles of sterile pinnae. The morphological descriptions, illustration, ecology and distribution of the new species are presented. A key to all Taiwanese Bolbitis is also provided.

(Invited) A “Cocktail” Approach to Effective Passivation of Metal Halide Perovskite Magic Sized Clusters and Quantum Dots Using Novel Planar Molecular Ligands Based on Trivalent Metal Nitrate Coordination Complex

Metal halide perovskites nanoparticles, including magic sized clusters (MSCs) and perovskite quantum dots (PQDs), exhibit interesting properties promising for emerging applications in energy and photonics. Their stabilization is critical for maintaining their properties and functionalities. One approach to stabilization is to use molecular ligands to passivate their surface. We have discovered a new class of molecular ligands based on trivalent metal nitrate coordination complex that is highly effective in passivating perovskite MSCs or PQDs. We can tune from PQDs to MSCs at will by adjusting the ligand concentration and/or using different ligands, with stronger binding ligands and higher ligand concentration favoring MSCs over PQDs. Both the MSCs and PQDs are highly stable and photoluminescent. Experimental evidence suggests that the planar geometry of the coordination ligands is critical for the outcomes observed. Such ligands should work for both nanoparticles and bulk films, and are likely more desired than linear or “cone-shaped” ligands. The results indicate that the size, shape, charge (including distribution), orientation, and inter-ligand interaction are critical characters affecting the effectiveness of passivation. Furthermore, due to the nature of multiple defects on the MSC or PQD surface, a combination of ligands is required for effective passivation, essentially a “cocktail” approach. We also found that the approach works well for both all inorganic perovskites such as CsPbBr3 as well as organo-metal halide perovskites such as CH3NH3PbBr3. We suggest that the passivation approach developed may be applicable to materials beyond perovskites.

Systematic Studies of the High Output Thermoelectric Power Generation

Authors have methodically investigated the alternative energy technologies based upon thermoelectricity generation. Firstly, its power is systematically investigated under various work conditions in thermoelectric applications. In addition, they have modeled, designed, and constructed the thermoelectric power system. Moreover, they have invented a state-of-the-art table-top instrument that may evaluate several critical thermoelectric characters in situ. Several aspects of the thermoelectric features are characterized in situ that include the efficiency, force response curve, current-voltage (i.e., I-V) curve, power-voltage (P-V) curve, and the power versus temperature (P-T) responses. Furthermore, they have successfully built a high-power heat harvester and have applied to the automotive case study in details. Finally, they have obtained the multi-stack thermoelectric devices that have improved characters; e.g., both the power output and the thermoelectric efficiency have improved in comparison to the devices commercially available. The investigation leads to 19+% efficiency in triple stack devices and 10+% in dual-stack.

The Weevil Fauna Preserved in Burmese Amber—Snapshot of a Unique, Extinct Lineage (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea)

Only a few weevils have been described from Burmese amber, and although most have been misclassified, they show unusual and specialised characters unknown in extant weevils. In this paper, we present the results of a study of a much larger and more diverse selection of Burmese amber weevils. We prepared all amber blocks to maximise visibility of structures and examined these with high-magnification light microscopy as well as CT scanning (selected specimens). We redescribe most previously described taxa and describe 52 new species in 26 new genera, accompanied by photographs. We compare critical characters of these weevils with those of extant taxa and outline the effects of distortion on their preservation and interpretation. We conclude that only two weevil families are thus far represented in Burmese amber, Nemonychidae and a newly recognised family, Mesophyletidae, which appears closely related to Attelabidae but cannot be accommodated in this family. The geniculate antennae and long rostrum with exodont mandibles of most Mesophyletidae indicate that they were highly specialised phytophages of early angiosperms preserved in the amber, likely ovipositing in flowers or seeds. This weevil fauna appears to represent an extinct mid-Cretaceous ecosystem and fills a critical gap in the fossil record of weevils.

Revision of Phryssonotus burmiticus (Diplopoda, Polyxenida, Synxenidae) in mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar

Phryssonotus burmiticus (Cockerell, 1917) was the first formally described millipede species in the mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. Although it has been reassigned and redescribed several times, critical characters for a reliable placement of the species remain elusive. Here we provide detailed morphological characters of P. burmiticus on the basis of six well-preserved adults (five males, one female) and nine juveniles. The species has many similarities to extant species in many aspects, including the number of ommatidia, the number and arrangement of sensory trichomes, morphology and arrangements of body trichomes, and features of the trunk appendages. It differs from extant species by assemblage of numbers of ommatidia and trichome B. The new morphological interpretation indicates a long-term morphological stasis in this peculiar millipede group.

Emerging Roles of Sonic Hedgehog in Adult Neurological Diseases: Neurogenesis and Beyond

Sonic hedgehog (Shh), a member of the hedgehog (Hh) family, was originally recognized as a morphogen possessing critical characters for neural development during embryogenesis. Recently, however, Shh has emerged as an important modulator in adult neural tissues through different mechanisms such as neurogenesis, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and autophagy. Therefore, Shh may potentially have clinical application in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries. In this article, we present some examples, including ours, to show different aspects of Shh signaling and how Shh agonists or mimetics are used to alter the neuronal fates in various disease models, both in vitro and in vivo. Other potential mechanisms that are discussed include alteration of mitochondrial function and anti-aging effect; both are critical for age-related neurodegenerative diseases. A thorough understanding of the protective mechanisms elicited by Shh may provide a rationale to design innovative therapeutic regimens for various neurodegenerative diseases.

Initial commented checklist of Iranian mayflies, with new area records and description of Procloeon caspicum sp. n. (Insecta, Ephemeroptera, Baetidae).

An initial checklist of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) of Iran is compiled based on critical review of available literature data, complemented with new data from 38 localities of Gilan and Ardabil provinces. At present, altogether only 46 species and 25 genera are known from Iran, 18 species are reported as new to Iran in this study. Some previously published data are critically evaluated and doubtful taxa are excluded from the list. Basic analysis of the distribution and biogeography of recorded species is given. Procloeon (Pseudocentroptilum) caspicum Sroka, sp. n. is described based on mature larva and egg. Critical differential diagnostic characters distinguishing the species from related taxa are discussed in detail.

Molecular genetic diversity of Gongylonema neoplasticum (Fibiger & Ditlevsen, 1914) (Spirurida: Gongylonematidae) from rodents in Southeast Asia.

More than a dozen Gongylonema spp.(Spirurida: Spiruroidea: Gongylonematidae) have been described from a variety of rodent hosts worldwide. Gongylonema neoplasticum (Fibiger & Ditlevsen, 1914), which dwells in the gastric mucosa of rats such as Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout) and Rattus rattus (Linnaeus), is currently regarded as a cosmopolitan nematode in accordance with global dispersion of its definitive hosts beyond Asia. To facilitate the reliable specific differentiation of local rodent Gongylonema spp. from the cosmopolitan congener, the genetic characterisation of G. neoplasticum from Asian Rattus spp. in the original endemic area should be considered since the morphological identification of Gongylonema spp. is oftendifficult due to variations of critical phenotypical characters, e.g. spicule lengths and numbers of caudal papillae. In the present study, morphologically identified G. neoplasticum from 114 rats of seven species from Southeast Asia were selected from archived survey materials from almost 4,500 rodents: Thailand (58 rats), Cambodia (52 rats), Laos (three rats) and Philippines (one rat). In addition, several specimens from four rats in Indonesia were used in the study. Nucleotide sequences of the ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) (5,649 bp) and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) (818 bp) were characterised. The rDNA showed little nucleotide variation, including the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions. The cox1 showed 24 haplotypes, with up to 15 (1.83%) nucleotide substitutions regardless of parasite origin. Considering that Rattus spp. have been shown to originate from the southern region of Asia and G. neoplasticum is their endogenous parasite, it is reasonable to propose that the present study covers a wide spectrum of the genetic diversity of G. neoplasticum, useful for both the molecular genetic speculation of the species and the molecular genetic differentiation of other local rodent Gongylonema spp. from the cosmopolitan congener.

Diversity of Chroothece (Rhodophyta, Stylonematales) including two new species

ABSTRACTChroothece has been reported from a range of freshwater environments, including streams, shallow ponds, trickling water on cliffs and moist soils, mostly in Europe and North America. The identification of genera and species by morphology is difficult because of overlaps in critical characters. To help clarify diversity within the genus, samples from Spain and from other regions (UK and Guam, western Pacific) were compared. Ecological and morphological data from field and cultured material were correlated with molecular data (rbcL gene sequences) that differentiate two new species: Chroothece thermalis I. Chapuis, P. Sánchez, M. Aboal & O. Necchi Jr., sp. nov. in a thermal spring and Chroothece lobata M. Aboal, B. A. Whitton, I. Chapuis, P. Sánchez & O. Necchi Jr., sp. nov. in a semi-arid stream. The results suggest recognition of four species, C. thermalis, C. lobata, C. richteriana Hansgirg and C. rupestris Hansgirg, from Spain. Morphology and ecology are useful to help distinguish these species, but the genus needs further study for possible cryptic diversity.

Thermosensitive Liposomal Codelivery of HSA-Paclitaxel and HSA-Ellagic Acid Complexes for Enhanced Drug Perfusion and Efficacy Against Pancreatic Cancer.

Fibrotic stroma and tumor-promoting pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), critical characters in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) microenvironment, promote a tumor-facilitating environment that simultaneously prevents drug penetration into tumor foci and stimulates tumor growth. Nab-PTX, a human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticle of paclitaxel (PTX), indicates enhanced matrix penetration in PDA probably due to its small size in vivo and high affinity of HSA with secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), overexpressed in the PDA stroma. However, this HSA nanoparticle shows poor drug blood retention because of its weak colloidal stability in vivo, thus resulting in insufficient drug accumulation within tumor. Encapsulating HSA nanoparticles into the internal aqueous phase of ordinary liposomes improves their blood retention and the following tumor accumulation, but the large 200 nm size and shielding of HSA in the interior might make it difficult for this hybrid nanomedicine to penetrate the fibrotic PDA matrix and promote bioavailability of the payload. In our current work, we prepared ∼9 nm HSA complexes with an antitumor drug (PTX) and an anti-PSC drug (ellagic acid, EA), and these two HSA-drug complexes were further coencapsulated into thermosensitive liposomes (TSLs). This nanomedicine was named TSL/HSA-PE. The use of TSL/HSA-PE could improve drug blood retention, and upon reaching locally heated tumors, these TSLs can rapidly release their payloads (HSA-drug complexes) to facilitate their further tumor accumulation and matrix penetration. With superior tumor accumulation, impressive matrix penetration, and simultaneous action upon tumor cells and PSCs to disrupt PSCs-PDA interaction, TSL/HSA-PE treatment combined with heat exhibited strong tumor growth inhibition and apoptosis in vivo.

Augment color discrimination of local descriptors

Scale invariance and color invariance are two critical characters of robust local descriptors. For scale invariance, most of local descriptors are constructed based on scale pyramid only, while lack of considering the resolution influence. For color invariance, most of local descriptors are constructed by joining the color features to gray features. This enhances color discrimination of local descriptors but doubles descriptors' length. In this paper, we analyze the resolution influence for descriptor robustness and give a way to construct the base layer of scale pyramid by resolution analysis. And then we propose a color transformation method to extract robust color discriminated local descriptors. At last, we validate the proposed method on different color and resolution image sets.

The blueprint of the Amphiesmenoptera – Tarachoptera, a new order of insects from Burmese amber (Insecta, Amphiesmenoptera)

Abstract. Based on a total of 14 inclusions from Burmese amber the new insect order Tarachoptera is established. The family Tarachocelidae previously described from Burmese amber and then placed in Amphiesmenoptera incertae sedis is assigned to this new order. The genus Kinitocelis gen. nov. is established to accommodate three new fossil species: K. hennigi spec. nov., K. divisinotata spec. nov. and K. brevicostata spec. nov. The new genus differs from Tarachocelis gen. nov. by the absence of androconial scales on the wings and the loss of Cu2 in the forewings. The species are described in detail and the critical characters are illustrated by line drawings and photos. Both males and females were described. The species can be distinguished by traits in the wing venation. The new order Tarachoptera is placed in the superorder Amphiesmenoptera based on the presence of seven amphiesmenopteran apomorphies and nine tarachopteran apomorphies. Apomorphic characters of Trichoptera and Lepidoptera could not be disclosed, which suggests an independent origin and evolution from an amphiesmenopteran ancestor which was not the ancestor of the Trichoptera-Lepidoptera clade. The species of Tarachoptera are tiny insects with a wing span of 2.3–4.5 mm but highly specialized according to their aberrant morphology. Aspects of the presumed life history of the adults were deduced from some of the derived morphological traits that could be interpreted as adaptations to a highly structured micro-environment.

Celebrity Chief Executive Officers Influence on Firm Performance: A Review of Theory and Evidence

There have been a lot of studies on Chief Executive Officers’ (CEO) influence on firm performance. The studies have mainly focused on the Chief Executive Officers as a whole. Despite the various studies on the role of CEO as critical characters in the performance of firms, there does not seem to be specific focus on the influence of celebrity CEOs on firm performance. This study addresses the gap by reviewing existing theory and empirical literature and identifying the research gaps. The researcher has also developed a theoretical framework that explains the relationship between celebrity CEOs and firm performance. The review suggests that celebrity CEOs are under immense pressure as they are considered intangible assets and are expected to have high performance standards. This high expectation of celebrity status could have a negative influence on the firm performance.

Prosodic expectations in silent reading: ERP evidence from rhyme scheme and semantic congruence in classic Chinese poems

In an ERP study, classic Chinese poems with a well-known rhyme scheme were used to generate an expectation of a rhyme in the absence of an expectation for a specific character. Critical characters were either consistent or inconsistent with the expected rhyme scheme and semantically congruent or incongruent with the content of the poem. These stimuli allowed us to examine whether a top-down rhyme scheme expectation would affect relatively early components of the ERP associated with character-to-sound mapping (P200) and lexically-mediated semantic processing (N400). The ERP data revealed that rhyme scheme congruence, but not semantic congruence modulated the P200: rhyme-incongruent characters elicited a P200 effect across the head demonstrating that top-down expectations influence early phonological coding of the character before lexical-semantic processing. Rhyme scheme incongruence also produced a right-lateralized N400-like effect. Moreover, compared to semantically congruous poems, semantically incongruous poems produced a larger N400 response only when the character was consistent with the expected rhyme scheme. The results suggest that top-down prosodic expectations can modulate early phonological processing in visual word recognition, indicating that prosodic expectations might play an important role in silent reading. They also suggest that semantic processing is influenced by general knowledge of text genre.

Orquídeas de Bolivia y Perú, novedades taxonómicas I (Pleurothallidinae)

Se describen e ilustran siete especies nuevas de orquídeas pertenecientes a la subtribu Pleurothallidinae de los bosques montanos de la Cordillera Oriental de los Andes, seis de ellas Bolivia y una de Bolivia y Perú,: Brachionidium lopez-robertsiae, Brachionidium sulcatum, Lepanthopsis trulliformis, Stelis pertusa, Trichosalpinx adnata, Trichosalpinx gabi-villegasiae y Trichosalpinx giovi-mendietae. De cada especie se proporcionan datos de hábitat, distribución y fenología. Además se comentan rasgos sobresalientes y afinidades con especies similares.