Intermediate Levels Research Articles

Biogeographic shifts in the microbial co-occurrence network features of three domains across complex environmental gradients in subtropical coastal waters

BackgroundBacteria, Archaea, and Microeukaryotes comprise taxonomic domains that interact in mediating biogeochemical cycles in coastal waters. Many studies have revealed contrasting biogeographic patterns of community structure and assembly mechanisms in microbial communities from different domains in coastal ecosystems; however, knowledge of specific biogeographic patterns on microbial co-occurrence relationships across complex coastal environmental gradients remains limited. Using a dense sampling scheme at the regional scale, SSU rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and network analysis, we investigated intra- and inter-domain co-occurrence relationships and network topology-based biogeographic patterns from three microbial domains in coastal waters that show environmental gradients across the inshore-nearshore-offshore continuum in the East China Sea.ResultsOverall, we found the highest complexity and connectivity in the bacterial network, the highest modularity in the archaeal network, and the lowest complexity, connectivity, and modularity in the microeukaryotic network. Although microbial co-occurrence networks from the three domains showed distinct topological features, they exhibited a consistent biogeographic pattern across the inshore-nearshore-offshore continuum. Specifically, the nearshore zones with intermediate levels of terrestrial impacts reflected by multiple environmental factors (including water temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient-related parameters) had a higher intensity of microbial co-occurrence for all three domains. In contrast, the intensity of microbial co-occurrence was weaker in both the inshore and the offshore zones at the two ends of the environmental gradients. Archaea occupied a central position in the microbial inter-domain co-occurrence network. In particular, members of the Thaumarchaeota Marine Group I (MGI, now placed within the Family Nitrosopumilaceae of the Phylum Thermoproteota) appeared to be the hubs in the biogeographic shift between inter-domain network modules across environmental gradients.ConclusionsOur work offers new insights into microbial biogeography by integrating network features into biogeographic patterns, towards a better understanding of the potential of microbial interactions in shaping biogeographic patterns of coastal marine microbiota.

Selective maintenance of the complex system considering maintenance time uncertainty for system components with multiple repairpersons

AbstractThis research presents an innovative selected maintenance model for complex systems that considers the uncertainty in maintenance time (MT) for system components with multiple repairpersons. The computational model of uncertain MT for system components is established. An imperfect maintenance model is introduced, which has many imperfect maintenance levels not only considering do nothing, minimal repair, and replacement but also considering multiple intermediate maintenance levels. Furthermore, the system components maintenance assignment algorithm with multiple repairpersons is proposed to addresses the problem of how to assign multiple maintenance tasks to multiple repairpersons in order to minimize system MT. And it is innovatively integrated into the particle swarm optimization (PSO) to solve the proposed selective maintenance model, which enables heuristic algorithm to efficiently assign the multiple maintenance tasks with multiple repairpersons. The effectiveness and advantages of the proposed model and algorithm are verified by numerical experiments.

Predictors of nasolacrimal duct intubation failure for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction: a computed tomography-dacryocystography (CT-DCG) study.

Making a choice between nasolacrimal duct intubation and dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) is an important issue in clinical practice. This study aimed to determine the potential lacrimal sac characteristics that could be used as predictors of unsuccessful intubation for PANDO based on computed tomography-dacryocystography (CT-DCG). In this retrospective comparative observational study, we included PANDO patients with a history of failed intubation for nasolacrimal duct obstruction as the intubation failure group and PANDO patients without a history of intubation as the control group. We analyzed the lacrimal sac height, lacrimal sac width, and obstruction site based on CT-DCG, all measured based on several reference levels on axial sections (upper, intermediate, lower level, common canaliculus level, and lowermost contrast level), which were defined according to the contrast and the bony structure. A total of 114 sides of the PANDO were studied, including 36 in the intubation failure group and 78 in the control group. The intubation failure group showed a smaller lacrimal sac height (11.69±4.59 mm) and width (2.28±1.97 mm, intermediate level) than the control group (14.13±2.92, 3.32±2.02 mm, P=0.005 and 0.012, respectively). The intubation failure group had a higher obstruction site than the control group (P=0.009). A small lacrimal sac and high obstruction site are predictors of nasolacrimal duct intubation failure in PANDO. For PANDO patients with a small lacrimal sac or a high obstruction position, DCR is recommended as opposed to intubation.

Exploring Marzano Higher-Order Thinking Skills: Demographic Disparities Among Technical Students

Higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) encompass the capacity to apply knowledge, skills, and values in comprehending, reflecting, solving problems, making decisions, innovating, and creating new ideas. These skills vary among individuals, especially in learning contexts, problem-solving, and product design. The goal of this study is to evaluate technical students' perceptions of their mastery of Marzano's Higher Order Thinking Skills. A total of 351 students, including those from Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering programs at Sultan Abdul Halim Muad'zam Shah Polytechnic, were randomly chosen as participants. This research employed a survey design with a quantitative approach, and data were analyzed using SPSS software, with results presented in terms of means, frequencies, and percentages. Findings suggest that overall, students' mastery of Marzano HOTS remains at a generally low level, except for four specific skills—analyzing error, constructing support, abstracting, and analyzing perspectives—which are rated at an intermediate level. On the contrary, nine HOTS areas were identified as being at a low level. An ETA analysis revealed a minimal positive correlation between Marzano HOTS mastery and variables such as gender, age, field of study, and year of study. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were found in HOTS levels based on gender, age, and year of study. These outcomes suggest that students need further development in HOTS to better tackle learning challenges. The study also offers key insights that could assist TVET practitioners in developing more effective curricula and interventions for improving higher-order thinking skills among technical students.

Microwave field sensor based on cold cesium Rydberg three-photon electromagnetically induced spectroscopy

Abstract We present the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) spectra of cold Rydberg four-level cascade atoms consisting of the 6S1/2 → 6P3/2 → 7S1/2 → 60P3/2 scheme. A coupling laser drives the Rydberg transition, a dressing laser couples two intermediate levels and a weak probe laser probes the EIT signal. We numerically solve the Bloch equations and investigate the dependence of the probe transmission rate signal on the coupling and dressing lasers. We find that the probe transmission rate can display an EIT or electromagnetically induced absorption (EIA) profile, depending on the Rabi frequencies of the coupling and dressing lasers. When we increase the Rabi frequency of the coupling laser and keep the Rabi frequency of the probe and dressing laser fixed, flipping of the EIA to EIT spectrum occurs at the critical coupling Rabi frequency. When we apply a microwave field coupling the transition 60P3/2 → 61S1/2, the EIT spectrum shows Autler–Townes splitting, which is employed to measure the microwave field. The theoretical measurement sensitivity can be 1.52 × 10−2 nV⋅cm−1⋅Hz−1/2 at the EIA–EIT flipping point.

Status of infection prevention and control in Cameroon healthcare facilities: lessons learned from the WHO COVID-19 scorecard tool under the hierarchy of control model

BackgroundInfection prevention and control (IPC) helps prevent disease transmission in healthcare facilities. There is a dearth of information on the implementation of IPC during the COVID-19 outbreak in Cameroon using the recommended WHO COVID-19 IPC scorecard tool. The present study assessed healthcare facilities’ compliance to IPC by continuous assessments, with an evaluation of the tool using the hierarchy of control theory. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in the 10 administrative regions of Cameroon by evaluating healthcare facilities prioritized by the Ministry of Public Health as high-risk facilities between March 2020 and November 2023. Comparisons were made regarding the facilities’ ownership, level and status. Results2,188 assessments from 1,358 healthcare facilities were collected. The median IPC scores at each evaluation were between the intermediate and advanced level, with a bias linked with decreasing selection of facilities. However, only 172 (13%) healthcare facilities achieved advanced IPC score (≥75%). Higher IPC scores were found in hospitals (p<0.001) and in private facilities (p=0.02). Predictors of good IPC compliance were hospital (OR=3.7, CI: 1.4-9.8) and private facility (OR=2.3, CI: 1.6-3.3). The tool met the five domains of the hierarchy of control model. ConclusionRepeated IPC assessments using recommended tools contribute to a better compliance of IPC by healthcare facilities in resources constrained settings.

Monte Carlo modeling and simulation of a new 3D printed phantom for WBC calibration with ballistic gel as a tissue substitute

Whole-body counter (WBC) systems are used for in vivo monitoring in occupational internal dosimetry, typically calibrated using physical anthropomorphic phantoms. Our research group previously 3D-printed the Reference Female Phantom for Internal Dosimetry (RFPID) without internal organs specifically designed for WBC calibration. The RFPID and it is intended to fill it homogenously with ballistic gel, which is commonly used as a tissue equivalent in ballistic studies. However, comprehensive characterization of its physicochemical properties and radiological behavior as a tissue surrogate for dosimetry is limited. This study aims to evaluate the suitability of ballistic gel as a tissue substitute for physical phantoms in WBC system calibration and to analyze the RFPID as a model for WBC calibration. Ballistic gel tests determined its density and attenuation coefficients, comparing it to muscle, water, and PMMA. The RFPID was modeled and simulated using MCNP6.2 code and placed in an in vivo monitoring system using an 8”x4” NaI(Tl) scintillator detector previously validated. The simulations were repeated with the RCP_AF of ICRP-110. Results indicate that ballistic gel has a density approximately 6% different from muscle and shows similar linear attenuation coefficients to muscle at intermediate and high energy levels (186 to 2200 keV). Simulations revealed a disparity of less than 9% in counting efficiency between RFPID and RCP_AF for energies from 100 to 3000 keV, confirming the phantom's suitability for WBC calibration and ballistic gel's viability as a tissue surrogate in internal dosimetry.

Proteomic analysis of wild boar meat: Effect of storage method and time on muscle protein stability

Oxidation processes affect proteins from various molecular pathways and are crucial for wild boar meat quality, shelf life and human health. This study investigated the effects of different storage methods on the formation and composition of oxygen-induced protein aggregates in the muscles of European wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa). Vacuum packaging (VAC), modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and dry-ageing (DA) were compared over a 21-day storage period. The results showed significant differences in protein aggregation depending on the method and storage time. The most intense protein aggregation occurred in the MAP (80 % O2), while air DA (20.9 % O2) resulted in intermediate levels of protein aggregation. Crucial myofibrillar proteins involved in aggregate formation were titin, myosin isoforms (MYH1, MYH2 and MYH7) and nebulin, which were cross-linked with small sarcoplasmic enzymes, such as muscle creatine kinase, isocitrate dehydrogenase and ATPase 1. High‑oxygen storage conditions also promoted the oxidation of ATP synthase, beta-enolase 3, ADP/ATP translocase and myoglobin.

Influence of the equation of state for moderate to high pressure gaseous systems

For transportation and defense systems, equations of state describe the thermodynamical behavior of gases, as a function of pressure, density, and temperature and are often used to close systems of equation (such as Navier–Stokes for fluid mechanics). For low pressure system (under a few dozen MPa), the ideal gas equation can be used, whereas for high pressure system (above 1000 MPa), dedicated equations of state are used (Jones-Wilkins-Lee: JWL or Becker-Kistiakowsky-Wilson: BKW). For intermediate pressure systems, such as interior ballistics or pyromechanisms, where the pressure is around a few hundreds MPa and many phenomena interact closely and simultaneously (multiphysics system: combustion, fluid dynamics, thermics, fluid-structure interaction, thermodynamics…), the ideal gas equation is not valid anymore and nor are the JWL or BKW equations. A dedicated equation of state is then necessary for intermediate level of pressures, and its choice is not obvious. This paper presents a comparison of equations of state for this range of pressure (Noble-Abel, Van der Waals, virial), details the calculations of the involved coefficients and their effects on uncertainties, and studies the influence of the equation of state on the predictions of pressure, density, pressure coefficient, and heat transfer, with both analytical and numerical approach. The results highlight the importance of the choice of the equation of state, especially for a multiphysics system, as the equation of state influences not only thermodynamical properties (pressure, density, temperature) but also thermical properties of a system, such as heat transfer.

Post closure safety assessment for near surface disposal

Near-surface facilities which are designed on or below the surface are typically used for Low Level Waste (LLW) and short-lived Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) disposal. Due to the site characteristics changes such as climate in the long-term period, a comprehensive disposal Safety Assessment (SA) is required to predict the future situation. The main aim of this paper is to make a safety assessment of a trench type near surface disposal facility in Iran based on ISAM methodology recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In such a manner, a surface water erosion, a shepherd, and a human intrusion are considered as design and alternative scenarios to model using AMBER code for a period of 100000 years. Results presented; the maximum radiation is related to human intrusion scenario in which the total dose radiation reached to 0.3 mSv/y in the first year after the site passive institutional control. Moreover, the dose released from the investigated scenarios in the post-closure phase was less than 1 mSv/y, which is the IAEA regulatory body safety criteria. Comparison of the results showed that the current site is designed and constructed in accordance with safety guidelines which are established by the IAEA and Iran National Regulatory Authority (INRA).

Exploring teaching learning barriers, supports, targets, and needs in developing English multisensory media: A case study of Malangnese visually impaired students

It is critical to comprehend and accommodate the English performance of visually impaired students (VIS), due to the variation of distinctive language learning factors, needs, and targets of each Malangnese VIS. This case study research explores teaching learning (TL) barriers, supports, learning targets, and needs in order to help develop media for long-term achievements. The study involved four teachers and one VIS at three special schools, the so-called Sekolah Luar Biasa A (SLB A) in Malang, Indonesia. Data were garnered through interviews and analyzed thematically. Results show that the inequality in English teaching, inadequate Braille sources, English chapters, and meeting reduction, as well as diverse VIS English competence, have impeded the overall TL process. On the other hand, classroom management, teacher and VIS Braille mastery, learning techniques, and English recognition have simultaneously backed up most of the inadequacy. The primary learning needs are providing ample Braille English sources, constructing daily life-based English themes and diverse learning materials for VIS at beginner and intermediate levels. This research aims to raise awareness and encourage collaboration among English educational parties and the stakeholders of SLB A in regenerating English TL experiences.

한국 대학생 영어학습자의 외국어 불안감 및 학습전략에 대한 수준별 분석

This study analyzed the relationship between foreign language anxiety and language learning strategies among EFL learners at different English proficiency levels. The study involved 195 participants and examined the correlation between their levels of foreign language anxiety and their use of learning strategies through a Google survey, followed by in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that learners at high proficiency levels exhibited moderate language anxiety, and metacognitive strategy was found to be the most effective in managing anxiety at this level. At the intermediate level, cognitive strategy significantly helped reduce foreign language anxiety. Learners at low proficiency levels displayed higher anxiety, particularly regarding test and communication, but social and metacognitive strategies were effective in alleviating this anxiety. These results underscored the critical role of targeted learning strategies in mitigating foreign language anxiety, offering valuable insights for educators in developing instructional methods or educational content that apply affective filter strategies according to proficiency levels to enhance language acquisition.

Descriptive characterization of Brazilian surfers and their injuries: a cross-sectional and retrospective study

PurposeThe present study aimed to describe the main characteristics of Brazilian surfers and their injuries, and to analyze the probability of developing injuries according to skill level, experience in surfing, training volume, and age.MethodsA total of 1829 Brazilian surfers answered an electronic survey about their characteristics and previous and current injuries. The association between participant characteristics and percentage of injuries was investigated using a chi-squared test. The statistical significance of the results was assumed at a &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;-value &lt; 0.05. The prevalence ratio (PR) was also calculated to illustrate the probability of having injuries.ResultsMost surfers are men (84.2%), young adults (72.0%), with more than 2 years of experience in surfing (60.7%), with an intermediate level of skill (49.3%), recreational surfers (99.2%), and who practice surfing 1 to 2 days a week (79.7%) for 1 to 3 hours a day (65.9%). About 55.5% of the participants were already affected by an injury or had some surfing-related pain. In the last 12 months, 52.2% of surfers suffered injuries. For both, more than 50% of injuries occurred in the lower limbs. Brazilian surfers with higher skill levels, time of experience, hours per day of surf training, and age presented higher prevalence ratios of previous and current injuries.ConclusionsIn summary, Brazilian surfers are predominantly male, young adults, and non-competitive athletes. The most injured anatomical region in this group is the lower limbs. Contrary to expectation, higher experience and skill levels might not act as protective factors against injuries due to increased training volume.

Analysis of the Main Influencing Factors of Plateau Phenomenon in Chinese Normal University Latin Competitors

This article investigates the primary factors contributing to the plateau phenomenon observed in Latin dance competitors from Chinese normal universities. Through a comprehensive analysis of training methodologies, psychological influences, and environmental conditions, the study aims to identify the key elements that hinder progress at intermediate and advanced levels. By examining these factors, the research provides insights into optimizing training programs and support systems to enhance the performance and growth of Latin dance athletes in this specific educational context.

The method of forming ensembles of complex signals based on multi-scale decomposition of time intervals at different levels of detail

This article addresses the challenges of forming signal ensembles in dynamic cognitive radio environments, focusing on the limitations of traditional methods. The study proposes a new approach based on multiscale time interval decomposition, which allows for the creation of signal ensembles at varying levels of temporal detail. The key innovation of this method is its ability to improve signal reproduction accuracy, reduce inter-symbol and inter-channel interference, and enhance the overall efficiency of data processing. The method's adaptability to changing environmental conditions is also a core advantage, enabling better use of bandwidth and reduced transmission delay. Through the decomposition of time intervals into coarse, intermediate, and fine levels, this method allows for the detailed analysis of short-term, medium-term, and long-term signal components. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of this approach in terms of signal recovery accuracy, noise resilience, and processing speed. These findings highlight the potential for optimizing signal processing in cognitive radio networks, particularly in environments with high levels of noise and interference. Future research aims to integrate machine learning algorithms to further enhance adaptability in real-time scenarios.

Assessment of intermediate level radioactive waste disposal cell evolution in granitic host rock applying abstracted reactive transport models

Assessment of intermediate level radioactive waste disposal cell evolution in granitic host rock applying abstracted reactive transport models

Colletotrichum species associated with anthracnose disease on mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Azúcar in Colombia

The role of some Colletotrichum species is uncertain in crops of economic importance for Colombia such as mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Azúcar. Eight Colletotrichum isolates from asymptomatic plant tissues were characterized by their pathogenicity on fruits and identified by phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of the ITS, GADPH, Tub2, CHs-1 and Act genomic regions. Colletotrichum asianum, C. gloeosporioides and C. tropicale of the C. gloeosporioides species complex and C. karstii of the C. boninense species complex were identified. The highest virulence was observed for isolates of C. asianum, that was the most prevalent species, and for C. tropicale, that showed high and intermediate virulence levels, indicating diversity in pathogenicity within the same species. The isolate of C. karstii, which displayed intermediate virulence, is the first report on mango in Colombia. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides presented intermediate virulence and was isolated at a low frequency in the present research. The mycelial growth rate did not show differences between species and ranged between 6.1 and 8.3 mm per day. Colletotrichum asianum recorded higher values of conidia germination and appressoria formation than other species, at 77% and 79%, respectively (p < 0.001). The shape and size of conidia did not vary between species. Appressoria exhibited different shapes between isolates and the largest average diameter was for C. karstii with 7.6 µm (p < 0.001). There was a diversity of Colletotrichum species associated with mango cv. Azúcar in Colombia, with differential virulence among isolates of the same species.

Enhancing brain tumor classification through ensemble attention mechanism.

Brain tumors pose a serious threat to public health, impacting thousands of individuals directly or indirectly worldwide. Timely and accurate detection of these tumors is crucial for effective treatment and enhancing the quality of patients' lives. The widely used brain imaging technique is magnetic resonance imaging, the precise identification of brain tumors in MRI images is challenging due to the diverse anatomical structures. This paper introduces an innovative approach known as the ensemble attention mechanism to address this challenge. Initially, the approach uses two networks to extract intermediate- and final-level feature maps from MobileNetV3 and EfficientNetB7. This assists in gathering the relevant feature maps from the different models at different levels. Then, the technique incorporates a co-attention mechanism into the intermediate and final feature map levels on both networks and ensembles them. This directs attention to certain regions to extract global-level features at different levels. Ensemble of attentive feature maps enabling the precise detection of various feature patterns within brain tumor images at both model, local, and global levels. This leads to an improvement in the classification process. The proposed system was evaluated on the Figshare dataset and achieved an accuracy of 98.94%, and 98.48% for the BraTS 2019 dataset which is superior to other methods. Thus, it is robust and suitable for brain tumor detection in healthcare systems.

Speaking Performance of Maritime Students: A Pre-Experimental Study

The Philippines provides several workers all over the world, particularly in the Maritime industry. The need to train graduates who are proficient in the English language is a must. However, academic institutions need to identify ways that can facilitate enhancing the students' speaking skills. This pre-experimental study determined the speaking skills of 38 Maritime students enrolled in an English Proficiency class in one of the Higher Education Institutions in Ozamiz City. The Speaking Test performance of the participants and the intervention materials were taken from the DynEd courseware. The data were analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation, and t-test. The study revealed that the participants' pretest performance for the Speaking Test was categorized at the elementary level, while their post-test performance was at a lower intermediate level. There was a significant difference in the participants' speaking test performance after the intervention was conducted. The use of computer-based instruction as facilitated by teachers could improve the English-speaking performance of language learners. It is recommended that institutions utilize computer software that can enhance the speaking skills of college students.

Understanding vortex dynamics in CaK(Fe,Ni)4As4 and Ba(Fe,Co)2As2 single crystals under the influence of random point disorder

Abstract We report on the influence of doping on vortex dynamics in 3 MeV proton-irradiated single crystals of CaK(Fe1−x Ni x )4As4 (1144, x = 0.015, 0.025, and 0.03) and Ba(Fe1−x Co x )2As2 (x = 0.04, 0.062, 0.066 and 0.074). Non-irradiated crystals of the 1144 system display superconducting critical temperatures ranging from 31 K for x = 0.015–20.5 K, as doping increases to 0.03. On the other hand, pristine crystals of the 122 system show Tc values between 14.6 and 23.6 K, with the maximum Tc occurring at intermediate doping levels. The fluence was set at 3 × 1016 p cm−2, resulting in a decrease in the Tc by around 1.5 K for all samples and significantly affecting the vortex dynamics by reducing the flux creep relaxation compared to previously reported values for unirradiated crystals. Parameters such as vortex pinning energy U 0 and the glassy exponent μ dependencies on doping and magnetic field strength are identified. For the 1144 system, U 0 reaches values approaching 500 K for small fields in samples with Tc = 29.3 K (x = 0.015), systematically decreasing to around 200 K as Tc falls below 20 K. Furthermore, U 0 decreases as the field increases to 3 T for the same sample, varying from approximately 250 K to 100 K as Tc decreases. These changes are typically accompanied by modifications in μ, gradually increasing from values around 1 towards 1.5, corresponding to small bundle relaxation in the collective creep theory. Despite differences in the substitutional disorder and magnetic phase diagram with respect to the 1144 system, the results for 122 single crystals follow a similar tendency in which U 0 usually reduces and μ increase rise as the applied magnetic field is increased. Due to moderate U 0 in these systems (few hundreds of kelvins), the resulting decay of persistent current at liquid helium temperatures is primarily determined by a balance between U 0 and bundle size contribution. These findings provide valuable insights for potential applications of these systems, particularly in the context of intrinsic superconducting parameters and the resulting pinning landscape.