Entry Behavior Research Articles

Structural determinants of spike infectivity in bat SARS-like coronaviruses RsSHC014 and WIV1.

The bat SARS-like CoVs RsSHC014 and WIV1 can use hACE2 for cell entry without further adaptation, indicating their potential risk of emergence in human populations. The S glycoprotein, responsible for receptor recognition and membrane fusion, plays a crucial role in cross-species transmission and infection. In this study, we determined the cryo-EM structures of the S glycoproteins of RsSHC014 and WIV1. Detailed comparisons revealed dynamic structural variations within spike proteins. We also elucidated the complex structure of WIV1 S-hACE2, providing structural evidence for the potential emergence of WIV1 in humans. Although RsSHC014 and WIV1 had similar hACE2-binding affinities, they exhibited distinct pseudovirus cell entry behavior. Through mutagenesis and cryo-EM analysis, we revealed that besides the structural variations, the 623 site in the SD2 region is another important structural determinant of spike infectivity.

Modulated Cell Internalization Behavior of Icosahedral DNA Framework with Programmable Surface Modification.

Surface modification could enhance the cell internalization efficiency of nanovehicles for targeted gene or drug delivery. However, the influence of surface modification parameters, including recognition manners, valences, and patterns, is often clouded, especially for the endocytosis of DNA nanostructures in customized shapes. Focusing on an icosahedral DNA framework, we systematically programmed three distinct types of ligands with diverse valence and spatial distribution on their outer surface to study the internalization efficiency, endocytic pathways, and postinternalization fate. The comparison in different aspects of parameters deepens our understanding of the intricate relationship between surface modification and cell entry behavior, offering insights crucial for designing and optimizing DNA framework nanostructures for potent cell-targeted purposes.

A coupled computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method modeling for the dynamic behavior of the polar detector in a crushed ice environment during polar exploration

Investigating the dynamic behavior of polar detectors holds significance for the polar exploration of clean energy production. This paper uses computational fluid dynamics and the discrete element method, complemented by laboratory experiments, to systematically explore the water entry dynamics of a projectile passing through a zone of crushed ice accumulation. The research analyzes the influence of different crushed ice accumulation heights (ha) and water entry conditions on cavity formation, flow field distribution, and dynamic characteristics as the projectile passes through the crushed ice zone. Moreover, the influence of multi-body coupling on the movement of crushed ice and fluid is analyzed. The findings reveal alterations in the water entry behavior of the projectile due to the presence of the crushed ice accumulation zone. A notable two-way coupling mechanism between crushed ice and fluid is identified: crushed ice particles influence liquid level fluctuations and cavity evolution, while fluid flow impacts the movement of crushed ice particles. As the height of crushed ice accumulation increases, this coupling effect intensifies, leading to changes in the flow field distribution near the cavity and the hydrodynamic behavior of the projectile. While the alteration in water entry Froude number (Fr) may not significantly alter the evolution pattern of the liquid level flow field, it notably affects the distribution range and formation scale of the flow field characteristics. Additionally, the water entry Fr influences the load characteristics of the projectile as it passes through the crushed ice zone.

Improving Biology Learning Outcomes Through the Application of Entry Behavior in Intervertebrate Material in Senior High Schools

Purpose of the study: This research aims to determine the improvement in student Biology learning outcomes through the implementation of Entry Behavior in class X at Public High School 1 West Bajeng, Gowa Regency. Methodology: This research is Classroom Action Research. The research location is at Public High School 1 West Bajeng which is located in Gowa Regency. The research subjects were 36 class X 4 students. This classroom action research procedure was carried out in two cycles, namely cycle I and cycle II. Each cycle consists of four stages, namely Planning, Action, Observation and Reflection. Main Findings: Completeness of learning outcomes in cycle I was 61% which met the minimum completeness criteria and overall from 36 students the average score obtained was 73.88 or on a descriptive scale categorized as sufficient, and there was an increase in cycle II which was 92% which met the minimum completeness criteria and overall from the 36 students the average score obtained was 85 or on a descriptive scale categorized as good. Implementation of learning by applying Entry Behavior in general can improve Biology learning outcomes because it has met the Minimum Accomplishment Criteria specified in the Biology subject Animalia material in class X 4 of Public High School 1 West Bajeng, Gowa Regency. Novelty/Originality of this study: The focus on the application of Entry Behavior (initial behavior) in Intervertebrate material in class X 4 at Public High School 1 West Bajeng, Gowa Regency.

CFD-DEM analysis of oblique water entry under a polar environment

Research on the water entry behavior of detectors passing through crushed ice zones in polar environments is essential for the exploration of polar oil resources. This study integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the discrete element method (DEM) with laboratory experiments to analyze projectiles' oblique water entry behavior through crushed ice zones. The investigation reveals that the unique polar environment, characterized by crushed ice accumulation, significantly influences the projectile's water entry behavior. Key parameters, such as water entry angle and the height of ice accumulation, are examined for their impact on the water entry process, flow field evolution, and projectile dynamics. The study identifies a complex multi-body coupling mechanism among the projectile, crushed ice particles, and fluid during oblique water entry. Crushed ice alters the cavity evolution and deflection patterns of projectiles, affecting the flow field dynamics. Variations in water entry angles modify the interaction patterns among the projectile, liquid level, and crushed ice, influencing cavity formation and fluid-ice coupling. Increasing crushed ice height enhances the coupling effects, leading to a greater degree of projectile deflection. These findings provide insights into optimizing detector design and launch strategies, contributing to more efficient oil exploration in polar environments.

Video-tracked Anopheles arabiensis entry and exit behaviour at washed and damaged pyrethroid-treated bednets.

Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are the most effective method for malaria prevention in Africa. Using near-infrared video tracking in a laboratory environment, we recorded and assessed bednet entry and exit by a northern Tanzanian population of Anopheles arabiensis at a human-occupied untreated net and a PermaNet® 2.0 ITN. Both had 12 holes, each 10 cm in diameter, punctured at specific locations, and the ITN was washed 20 times to further simulate the wear and tear of ageing. Washing reduced the insecticide content of ITNs by 61%, which then showed similar rates to the untreated nets for net entry (39% entered untreated net and 41% entered ITN; p = 0.84) and exit (37% and 43%, respectively; p = 0.67). Regardless of treatment, approximately 40% of mosquitoes entered nets within 20 s of first appearing in the field of view and reached the volunteer's skin within 5 s of entering the net. Mortality rates post-exposure were significantly higher (p = 0.048) at ITNs (26.6%; 95% CI 13.4%-39.7%) than at untreated controls (6.4%; 95% CI 1.8%-14.6%). The washed and aged ITN provided little additional personal protection for the sleeper over an untreated net. Simple adjustments to materials and design that could extend the effective lifespan of ITNs are discussed.

Entry Behaviour, Learner Motivation, Self-Regulation and Academic Performance of First Year ICT Students: Evidence from Kibi Technical Institute

The study investigated the impact of entry behaviour on academic performance among first-year ICT students at Kibi Technical Institute, while also exploring learner motivation and self-regulation as predictive factors. The study, rooted in motivation and self-regulation theory, utilized a positivist approach and an explanatory design. Data, gathered from 100 first-year ICT students using a structured questionnaire and academic records, were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics v26. Results showed that self-regulation significantly predicted academic performance, whereas entry behaviour and learner motivation had insignificant effects. It recommends integrating self-regulation training programs into the curriculum to empower students with effective learning strategies and management techniques

Accelerated failure time modeling of in-lane street hawkers’ lane entry and exit behaviors at signalized intersections

In-lane street hawking is the intermittent entry of signalized intersections by traders to sell groceries to drivers and passengers. Studies have shown that hawkers get exposed to traffic injuries but the lack of quantitative analysis of their lane entry and exit behaviors in signalized intersections makes it difficult to improve traffic safety. This study analyzes the significant predictors of in-lane street hawkers’ (1) lane entry within 30 s after the red signal illumination, (2) lane exit within 30 s after the green signal illumination, and (3) probability of getting injuries during the green signal time. Drone-based trajectory data were collected from a selected signalized intersection in Accra, Ghana. A Weibull accelerated failure time duration model incorporating Gamma frailty was used to evaluate hawkers’ behaviors. Overall, the majority of hawkers exhibited red-light running behaviors exposing them to traffic injuries. An increase in traffic speed, especially beyond 20 km/h, exposed hawkers to injury risks significantly. Notably, hawkers’ lane entry decreased significantly as the traffic speed increased. Their lane exit duration was significantly predicted by the queue lengths and traffic volumes. Accordingly, safety practitioners can enhance traffic regulation and control methods in addition to pro-poor social interventions to demotivate hawking at signalized intersections.

Gutless Helper-Dependent and First-Generation HAdV5 Vectors Have Similar Mechanical Properties and Common Transduction Mechanisms.

Delivering vectorized information into cells with the help of viruses has been of high interest to fundamental and applied science, and bears significant therapeutic promise. Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) have been at the forefront of gene delivery for many years, and the subject of intensive development resulting in several generations of agents, including replication-competent, -defective or retargeted vectors, and recently also helper-dependent (HD), so-called gutless vectors lacking any viral protein coding information. While it is possible to produce HD-AdVs in significant amounts, physical properties of these virus-like particles and their efficiency of transduction have not been addressed. Here, we used single-cell and single virus particle assays to probe the effect of genome length on HAdV-C5 vector transduction. Our results demonstrate that first-generation C5 vectors lacking the E1/E3 regions of the viral genome as well as HD-AdV-C5 particles with a wild type (wt) ∼36 kbp or an undersized double-strand DNA genome are similar to human adenovirus C5 (HAdV-C5) wt regarding attachment to human lung epithelial cells, endocytic uptake, endosome penetration and dependency on the E3 RING ubiquitin ligase Mind Bomb 1 for DNA uncoating at the nuclear pore complex. Atomic force microscopy measurements of single virus particles indicated that small changes in the genome length from 94% to 103% of HAdV-C5 have no major impact on physical and mechanical features of AdV vectors. In contrast, an HD-AdV-C5 with ∼30 kbp genome was slightly stiffer and less heat-resistant than the other particles, despite comparable entry and transduction efficiencies in tissue culture cell lines, including murine alveolar macrophage-like Max-Planck-Institute (MPI)-2 cells. Together, our in vitro studies reinforce the use of HD-AdV vectors for effective single round gene delivery. The results illustrate how physical properties and cell entry behavior of single virus particles can provide functional information for anticipated therapeutic vector applications.

THE ROLE OF COMPETITION IN PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR MARKET EFFICIENCY

Background: Competition plays a pivotal role in private enterprise systems, impacting resource allocation, pricing, and overall market efficiency. This study investigates the influence of competition on these economic factors, particularly focusing on how monopolistic practices and barriers to entry affect market outcomes. Methods: The paper employs an econometric analysis to evaluate the impact of various sectors on GDP, utilizing regression models to quantify the contributions of agriculture, industry, manufacturing, and services. The analysis integrates theoretical perspectives on competition and monopolistic behaviour with empirical data to assess how different market conditions influence economic efficiency. Results: The findings reveal significant effects of competition on economic outcomes. Agriculture, industry, manufacturing, and services all contribute differently to GDP, with services showing the highest impact. The analysis also highlights the negative implications of monopolistic practices, including resource misallocation and higher prices, while barriers to entry and strategic behaviour further influence competitive dynamics. Conclusions: Effective competition fosters optimal resource utilization and market efficiency, benefiting consumers and the broader economy. Monopolistic behaviour and entry barriers can lead to inefficiencies and suboptimal outcomes. The study underscores the need for robust competition policy and regulation to enhance market efficiency and drive economic growth.

An integrative temperature-controlled microfluidic system for budding yeast heat shock response analysis at the single-cell level.

Cells can respond and adapt to complex forms of environmental change. Budding yeast is widely used as a model system for these stress response studies. In these studies, the precise control of the environment with high temporal resolution is most important. However, there is a lack of single-cell research platforms that enable precise control of the temperature and form of cell growth. This has hindered our understanding of cellular coping strategies in the face of diverse forms of temperature change. Here, we developed a novel temperature-controlled microfluidic platform that integrates a microheater (using liquid metal) and a thermocouple (liquid metal vs. conductive PDMS) on a chip. Three forms of temperature changes (step, gradient, and periodical oscillations) were realized by automated equipment. The platform has the advantages of low cost and a simple fabrication process. Moreover, we investigated the nuclear entry and exit behaviors of the transcription factor Msn2 in yeast in response to heat stress (37 °C) with different heating modes. The feasibility of this temperature-controlled platform for studying the protein dynamic behavior of yeast cells was demonstrated.

Investigation of Relationship between Corrosion and Hydrogen Entry Behavior of Electro-Galvanized Steel under Atmospheric Environment

Investigation of Relationship between Corrosion and Hydrogen Entry Behavior of Electro-Galvanized Steel under Atmospheric Environment

Opening the black box of environmental governance: Environmental target constraints and industrial firm pollution reduction

Due to the increasingly serious problem of environmental pollution, environmental governance in various countries is constantly improving. To open the black box of environmental governance, this study assesses whether and how environmental target constraints affect pollution emissions from the perspective of firms’ behavior. Based on the exogenous impact of including environmental performance in officials' evaluations, the continuous difference-in-differences (DID) method was used. Benchmark analysis showed that the environmental target constraint policy effectively reduced the SO2 emissions of firms, especially polluting firms, and inhibited the emission of other air pollutants, exerting a collaborative governance effect on multiple pollutants. Expansion analysis showed that the environmental target constraint policy was beneficial for optimizing the energy structure and strengthening the pollution control of firms. However, the environmental target constraint policy did not effectively promote the green technology innovation of Chinese industrial firms. In addition, as a result of environmental target constraints, the distribution of the SO2 emission intensity of firms in each region tended to be uniform through an asymmetric impact on the entry and exit behavior of firms with different pollution levels. This study presents an objective foundation for developing an effective pollution control policy framework for other countries, especially developing countries.

Imperfect Surrogate Users: Understanding Performance Implications of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems through Bounded Rationality, Human Error, and Interruption Modeling

Nonspeaking individuals with motor disabilities frequently rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems that allow users to communicate through a text entry interface coupled with a speech synthesizer. Such systems are notoriously difficult to evaluate with end-users. However, recent research has proposed envelope analysis as a method to estimate text entry rates and keystroke savings by simulating the interaction of an expert surrogate user entering sentences on a conceptual word-predictive text entry system. While only a part of the evaluation process of an AAC system, this method enables AAC designers to benefit from quantitative insights early on in the design process. This paper extends prior work by (1) demonstrating how to incorporate natural language generation, such as sentence generation, in such analyses; (2) presenting a model of an imperfect surrogate user that incorporates bounded rationality, human error, and interruptions to provide a more realistic simulation of text entry behavior; and (3) demonstrating how to estimate model parameters by observing users' actual typing behavior. We validate the model with data collected from eight participants using an AAC system on a touchscreen.

Analysis of the Ability Levels of Biology Teachers to Implement Inquiry-Based Approach in Secondary Schools in Kiambu County, Kenya

The ability levels of teachers to implement an Inquiry-Based Approach (IBA) during teaching corresponds to the ability of teachers to prepare and present inquiry activities, possess pedagogical content knowledge, engage students in critical thinking and questioning skills, understand teaching inquiry using the levels of inquiry effectively, and providing guidance for students during inquiry. Inquiry-based classroom requires building a scientific environment similar to that of scientists which requires asking questions, observing, experimenting, and communicating results. This study investigated the ability levels of Biology Teachers to implement an Inquiry-Based Approach. The study adopted the descriptive survey design which involved qualitative and quantitative data with a target population of 1,194 students from Form 3, 29 Biology teachers, and 37 secondary schools. Data was collected using Biology teachers’ questionnaires, Form 3 students’ questionnaires, and classroom observation schedules. Data was analyzed using descriptive and thematic analysis. The findings show that majority of the teachers understand IBA and can implement IBA during teaching. However, Biology teachers pointed out that, students’ preparedness, inadequate teachers’ training in IBA, limited time, and students’ weak entry behavior in Biology posed challenges to their ability to implement IBA. The study recommends training programs should be organized for Biology teachers to enable them to implement IBA. The study also recommends that the Biology curriculum should have an extended time to enable Biology teachers to implement IBA frequently.

Spatio-temporal process and influencing factors of polluting enterprises' migration: an empirical study based on the Yangtze River Delta

The migration of polluting enterprises (MPE) is a crucial subject within the fields of Environmental Economic Geography and Enterprise Geography. An analysis was conducted on the temporal-spatial evolution and influencing factors of the MPE by employing the full-sample enterprises data from the "Qichacha" system. The main findings were obtained: (1) The polluting enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta have undergone an evolutionary process of proximity migration, intra-provincial proximity to intra-provincial long distance migration, with intra-provincial migration being the main focus supplemented by inter-provincial migration, and coexisting intra-provincial and inter-provincial migration. (2) The estimation results, based on the panel negative-binomial model, reveal that the variables having a greater impact on the MPE encompass environmental regulation, industrial upgrading policies, cost factors, geographical distance, coastal and inter-provincial boundaries, etc. These influencing factors display time heterogeneity and industry heterogeneity. (3) By taking the Nijiaxiang Group, which was involved in the 321 Explosion Accident in Xiangshui, as an example, it was discovered that insufficient inheritance of environmental protection concepts, corruption of officials, and social governance problems have resulted in shortcomings in the area. This has led to a lowered level of local environmental regulation, transforming the local area into a haven for polluting enterprises such as the Nijiaxiang Group. The contribution of this study lies in observing the MPE from the perspective of "inter-regional association," and within the group enterprises. It addresses the deficiencies of existing research that mainly examines the evolution of industrial geographic patterns and statically observes polluting enterprises' entry and exit behavior. Moreover, this study demonstrates that the Pollution Shelter Hypothesis is not universal and has an impact in the Yangtze River Delta region after 2012.

Structure and Conduct of the Ocean Freight Cargo Container Industry

The existence of globalization increases economic activity between countries. International trade activities are divided into two categories: exports and imports. Sea mode transportation requires tools to transport goods safely from the origin country to the destination country. These tools are called containers or cargo containers. The cargo container shipping industry is an industry that provides containers. The purpose of this study are to: 1) prove that the market structure in the ocean freight container cargo industry is oligopoly, 2) analyse the influence of market structure on behaviour in the ocean freight container cargo industry, and 3) prove the existence of market power in the ocean freight container cargo industry. This research uses time series data from 2010–2022 and cross section data from 100 companies. Data collection was conducted through non-participant observation and interviews. By using secondary data from companies in the global cargo container industry and interviews. Using SCP theory, the analysis techniques used are concentration ratio, HHI, market entry barriers, behaviour, and market performance. The results of the study found that the cargo container industry market is a moderately low-concentration oligopoly with high market entry barriers. Market structure influences corporate behaviour in the container industry. Market structure and company behaviour affect market performance through market power.

Cancer ontology understanding among community oncologists: Insights from a survey linked to implementation of mCODE-informed electronic health record (EHR).

e18860 Background: Real-world data (RWD) will help recognize the gaps between evidence and practice, re-shaping clinical assessments. Data collected at the source in oncology-tailored EHRs are expected to facilitate generation of high-quality RWD. In the process of implementing a new EHR informed by mCODE standards in our network of oncology clinics, we defined mandatory variables amenable to structured data capture. However, medical knowledge about cancer ontology has not been methodically investigated. Methods: Online survey with 4 multiple-choice questions that illustrate in clinical cases the most important concepts and terminologies related to cancer diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcome. The questionnaire was shared with ~ 300 medical oncologists from our institution through mobile messaging app in December 2022. Physicians signed electronic informed consent for anonymized data analysis. Results: In total, 203 oncologists agreed to participate and 152 completed the survey. Most oncologists (75%) correctly define “therapy intent” (palliative versus curative) and corresponding “treatment line”. Many (51%) do not understand that “disease stage” is static (defined at the time of diagnosis) and does not change to stage IV if patient presents with relapsed/recurrent disease. A significant proportion of oncologists (66%) wrongly define “response status” to a given therapy as stable/progressive disease in a patient that had major clinical/radiological response but presents with unconfirmed tumor marker increase and no clear change in bone metastases by imaging. However, most oncologists (88%) can correctly define “reason for therapy discontinuation” as “planned interruption” in the end of adjuvant chemo-immunotherapy. When stratifying physicians according to self-defined knowledge of disease ontology, we found that 27% of those with moderate/deep understanding of mCODE scored 4 correct answers in the questionnaire as compared to 8% with 4 correct answers if mCODE knowledge was null or vague (P value < 0.001, odds ratio 5.1, CI95% 1.8-15.8). Conclusions: Overall understanding of cancer-specific data dictionaries is low among community oncologists. With the new EHR system we are nudging physicians not to update the “stage at diagnosis” status at the time of disease relapse/recurrence by creating a “current cancer status” element with mandatory completion (linked to prescriptions/ pharmacy claims). Also, “response status” as assessed by physicians must be cross-checked with other data sources (tumor markers, imaging results, physician notes and reason for therapy discontinuation) given inconsistent definition of “clinical benefit versus progressive disease” among physicians. In addition, we will constantly educate oncologists and monitor their EHR data entry behavior for successful execution of RWD projects.

Heterogeneous agent-based modeling of endogenous boom-bust cycles in financial markets with adaptive expectations and dynamically switching fractions between contrarian and fundamental market entry strategies

Financial systems present nonlinear dynamics whilst in some conditions chaotic behaviours emerge, rendering the stability of these systems utterly volatile. In this novel study we investigate boom-bust cycles in stock markets with heterogeneous agent-based modeling, yet incorporating endogenously evolving fractions of market participants, particularly those switching between contrarian and fundamental strategies. The dynamical behavior of various market entry behaviours of market agents are studied via numerical simulations and analyses of phase portraits, bifurcation diagrams and Lyapunov exponents. If the system adjusts in a partial equilibrium of at least one positive Lyapunov exponent, we observe the emergence of chaotic dynamics. Overall, chaos emerges via endogenous boom-bust cycle dynamics, caused by time-varying fractions of switching strategies between contrarian versus fundamental trading strategies. Our results prove to be invaluable to different types of market participants, such as traders, arbitrageurs, investors, speculators and institutional market makers.

Strategic Alliances Practices on Performance of Local Airlines in Kenya

Freedom in the airline industry coupled with deregulation has created variation in fares in response to demand, created by the challenging and ever-changing competitive environment leading to the entry of many airlines in the industry. However, airlines have been met with many challenges to remain operational and competitive in the industry. Airlines have changed their dynamics of operation to counter network carriers in the industry by forming strategic alliances, which have become a powerful tool for these airlines, enhancing revenue, expanding networks, and rationalizing costs. The main purpose of this study was to assess strategic alliance practices on the performance of local airlines operating in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to: Determine the effect of entry behavior practices, Competitive market practices, Bargaining power, and Transaction costs on the performance of local airlines The study was anchored on the following theories: Market power, Transaction cost, RBV of a firm, and The institutional theory The study used a descriptive research design and targeted all 59 Airline companies currently operating in Kenya. The study purposively targeted the heads of Strategy, Marketing, Product and Development, and Finance, yielding a total of 236 respondents. However, the study scientifically applied a 30% sampling technique of the target population to attain a representative sample size of seventy–one study respondents. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire through a 'drop and pick' method. A pilot study was conducted on six Airlines to test the reliability and validity of study tools. The collected data were analyzed both descriptively and inferentially using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software Version 24. The study results were presented in statistical frequency distribution tables. The study results revealed that entry behavior, competitive market, bargaining power, and transactional cost all had a statistical and significant positive effect on performance. Moreover, the study showed that strategic alliance practices jointly accounted for approximately 80.82% (R2 = 0.8082) variation in the performance of these local Airline firms in Kenya. The study hence recommended that the management of local Airlines improve on these strategic alliances to improve their performances.