Methodological Techniques Research Articles

Autonomic nervous system and viscera-related responses to manual therapy: A narrative overview

BackgroundManual therapy (MT) has long-held that it physiologically impacts autonomic nervous system (ANS) and viscera-related function. This narrative review is intended to serve as a consolidated interdisciplinary resource of original studies related to physiological effects of MT as it relates to the ANS for MT clinicians and researchers new to this MT-related topic. ObjectiveThis review seeks to identify ANS and viscera-related physiological responses to MT interventions using search terms commonly used by chiropractic, massage, osteopathic, physical therapy, and structural integration clinicians and to provide a quick reference resource of original MT-related studies investigating ANS effects. MethodsFor this interdisciplinary review, the search was limited to the largest and most commonly used database (PubMed) between years 2000 and 2024, with a focus on direct ANS-related physiological outcomes. Unlike systematic reviews, assessment of scientific rigor and potential bias of included articles was beyond the scope and purpose of the current work. ResultsOriginal MT-related studies provide mixed evidence with regards to immediate and/or short term ANS and/or viscera-related responses on blood pressure, heart rate variability, skin conductance/temperature, respiratory and lymphatic changes. ConclusionsThis review identified a large number of MT and ANS-related original research in PubMed. Careful study of original MT-related research is needed with particular attention focused on the standardization of MT methodological approaches, appropriate controls, study design, appropriate populations, MT techniques, and anatomical site delivery so as to design more rigorous studies in order to arrive at definitive conclusions regarding direct effects of MT on the ANS.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of soluble dietary fiber (β-glucan) from different barley varieties and study of its characterization and functional attributes.

Green technology, encompassing sustainable practices in food production, extends to dietary fiber extraction. This study aimed to enhance dietary fiber extraction from the selected barley varieties (Jou-17, Sultan-17, and Pearl-21) using the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) technique. This process involved washing, drying, de-fatting (using ethanol as green solvent), and protein removal steps. The response surface methodology (RSM) technique was used to optimize the yield of soluble dietary fiber (SDF; β-glucan) with time, temperature, and power. Optimal conditions yielded the highest SDF (5.21%) in all selected varieties after 17.5 min at 41.70°C with 130.5 W. FTIR pattern confirmed the functional group in the tested sample. TGA and DSC spectra determined the thermal of SDF (β-glucan). Monosaccharide composition confirmed that SDF (β-glucan) is glucose in nature. Proximate analysis indicated that Jou-17 had the highest moisture (13.4%) and crude fiber (10.10%) content. Sultan-17, on the other hand, had the maximum levels of ash (2.75%), crude fat (1.22%), and protein (8.84%). The NFE, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, and foaming capacity of extracted SDF (β-glucan) in the "Pearl-21" barley variety were determined to be 78.37%, 14.07 g/g, 6.99 g/g, and 126.17%, whereas highest foaming-stability (96.26%) was observed in Jou-17 variety. PCA also confirmed the association in studied variables. In a nutshell, optimizing the extraction of SDF (β-glucan) from the selected barley varieties using green technology and its favorable properties opens up promising paths for future endeavors and contributes to the advancement of sustainable and health-conscious practices in the food industry.

Modelling and optimization of shea butter biodiesel engine performance evaluation using response surface methodology

In this study, the performance and emission parameters of compression ignition (CI) diesel engine powered by shea butter biodiesel blends with diesel via clay doped ionic liquid catalyst (CD-IL) were modelled, optimized and predicted using Response surface methodology (RSM) technique. Using the (American Society for Testing Materials) ASTM D 6751 criteria, the produced biodiesel's quality was successfully evaluated. The biodiesel blends (B0, B50, B100), load (100, 200, 300)kg and speeds (1400, 1800, 2200) rpm were considered as the factors while Brake thermal efficiency, Brake specific consumption, Brake power, Nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emission were considered as the responses of the shea butter biodiesel engine. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Brunaeuer Emmet and Teller (BET) were used to analyze the catalyst before and after treatment to ascertain their suitability for the process. The capability of the models was evaluated using the correlation coefficient (R2) and mean square error (MSE). The second-order polynomial model is shown in the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with an (R2 -0.9948, Adjusted R2–0.9880, Predicted R2–0.9163) for brake thermal efficiency, (R2 -0.9908, Adjusted R2–0.9790, Predicted R2–0.8529) for brake specific consumption,(R2 -0.9988, Adjusted R2–0.9972, Predicted R2–0.9807) for brake power, (R2 -0.9995, Adjusted R2–0.9988, Predicted R2–0.9917) for Carbon monoxide emission and (R2 -0.9979, Adjusted R2–0.9951, Predicted R2–0.9659) Nitrogen dioxide emission demonstrating the model's acceptance. The optimal condition for shea butter biodiesel engine performance of brake thermal efficiency (16.3%), brake specific consumption(0.83),brake power (1.5), Carbon monoxide emission (175 ppm) and Nitrogen oxide (150 ppm) was obtained at a biodiesel blend (B50), load of 300 kg and speed of 2200 rpm. The 3D model graphs showed the process parameters impacted on the response significantly with better combustion, cleaner air.fuel ration blend, lesser friction loss and air consumption. Hence the proposed RSM modelling tool for shea butter biodiesel engine performance prediction had the best performance at (B50) (50% biodiesel and 50% diesel).

Methods of Teaching Russian Derivation as a Basis for Expanding the Vocabulary of Foreign Medical Students

The article raises the pedagogical problem of creating an integrated system of training foreign students receiving higher medical education using an intermediary language (English) for the state final certification, which takes place in Russian. The analysis of the texts of situational tasks in examination disciplines (therapy, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics) allowed us to identify their standard structure with the allocation of a finite number of typical syntactic blocks in the tasks, which allowed us to focus on their lexical content and, above all, on the systemic word-formation analysis of different parts of speech, understanding the meanings of words and their significant parts. The formation of students’ systematic understanding of language occurs through the use of functional-communicative, structural-semantic, component methods, modeling methods in word-formation refraction, methods of systematization and classification of word-formation material. This is facilitated by the innovative generalizing course “Scientific activity of a doctor” (8–10 semesters) developed by the authors, the purpose of which is to create motivational attitudes that ensure the use of system data of derivatology in teaching Russian as a foreign language. It is concluded that the creation of an idea of the Russian word structure and its assimilation, form the ability to correlate the basics of different types, to identify word-formation morphemes that make it possible to predict the meaning of previously unknown words and facilitate the understanding of a complex special text of clinical situational tasks, which contributes to the formation of a professional terminological dictionary of a medical university student. It is confirmed that methodological techniques that ensure knowledge of the semantics of communicatively significant derived lexical units make it possible to fully perceive and generate speech. Keywords: methods of teaching, derivation, linguodidactics, professional communication, bilingual education

Potential of students' independent work for improving the quality of knowledge in physics in the context of reduced classroom hours

Introduction. Currently, the higher education system is experiencing a reduction in classroom hours in favor of increased share of students' independent work. Therefore, the scientific and methodological problem of organizing extracurricular independent work of students in physics without losing the quality of education is relevant. Objective: within the framework of theoretical and experimental research, to develop and test methodological techniques for organizing independent educational activities of students for mastering general physics at a university while maintaining the specificity of physics as an experimental science, and to provide recommendations for correcting the educational process at the university. Methodology and methods. The study was conducted at FSBEI HE Vyatka State University (Russia). Three groups of second-year students took part in the pedagogical experiment (total sample was 180 people). Methods of experimental research were: written survey, element-by-element analysis of students' work, statistical processing of results (φ* – Fisher's angular transformation). Independent work of students in the experimental group was organized using specially designed and selected tasks aiming to master knowledge and key skills in teaching physics. It also aimed to compensate for classroom laboratory work; therefore it contained creative tasks that boost students' activities and help master symbolic physical thinking. Results. The experimental group showed statistically significant results in mastering subject knowledge and a number of experimental skills on a par with the group of students whose classroom workload was a third higher due to the laboratory practical training. At the same time, the experimental group showed the best results in mastering the skills of visual representation and description of phenomena (φ* = 5.187; p < 0.05) due to the orientation of the controlled independent work, including formation of symbolic physical thinking. Conclusion. The proposed methodological ideas for organizing independent activities of students focused on direct work with signs (pictures, texts, diagrams, models) contribute to maintaining the quality of students' knowledge in the conditions of reduced classroom load but do not solve a number of skills formation problems that develop when a full-scale physical experiment is conducted. The results of the study can be useful for doctoral students, postgraduate students, and university teachers.

ФОНЕТИЧЕСКАЯ ИНТЕРФЕРЕНЦИЯ КАК ЛИНГВОМЕТОДИЧЕСКАЯ ПРОБЛЕМА ПРЕПОДАВАНИЯ РУССКОГО ЯЗЫКА КАК ИНОСТРАННОГО В КОНСЕРВАТОРИИ

The article is devoted to the problems associated with the interfering influence of the native (Chinese) language in mastering Russian language by students receiving vocal education at Russian Conservatory. The relevance of the research topic is due to the large number of students from China studying in Russia in the field of vocal art. Having chosen phonetic interference as a priority aspect and relying on studies of this process conducted by linguists over the years, the authors propose special methodological techniques that take into account professional specifics of the contingent of trainees. The article emphasizes an important role of the correct selection of didactic material in the organization of the educational process. The authors illustrate their suggestions on ways to overcome phonetic interference with examples and analyze in detail the phonetic features of the texts of vocal works included in the repertoire of Chinese vocalists of the first academic year. The article notes the importance of interaction between teachers of Russian as a foreign language and vocal teachers in the process of working on the elimination of pronouncing defects at the stage of the introductory phonetic course. The materials of the article can be used by specialists of higher educational musical institutions working with Chinese students whose goal is to receive vocal education.

Inclusive tourism: A driving force for collaborative governance in advancing sustainable village tourism

This study aims to investigate the relationship between collaborative governance inclusive tourism in fostering sustainable tourism development in Bali. Employing a quantitative approach, data was collected from a comprehensive sample of 137 tourism villages across in Bali. This study implemented Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) as a robust statistical methodology technique to analyze the relationship between collaborative governance, inclusive tourism, and sustainable tourism. This study draws upon the tenets of Collaboration Theory, which underscores the critical role of collaboration in realizing sustainable tourism villages. The findings of this research reveal that collaborative governance provides a significant positive influence on sustainable tourism. Notably, this impact is amplified by the moderating effect of inclusive tourism, suggesting that inclusive tourism plays a multifaceted and complex role in the intricate nexus between collaborative governance and sustainable tourism in tourism villages. Overall, the research suggests that the combination of collaborative governance and inclusive tourism is a powerful recipe for sustainable village tourism.

The Importance of Stakeholder Involvement in Promoting the Cherchell Aqueducts as Tourist Attractions: Current Situation and Prospects

The Roman aqueducts in Cherchell, built in the second century AD, are a remarkable engineering achievement that spans over 130 kilometers and has historical significance. Today, the aqueducts have five easily accessible bridges. However, there is a lack of coordination among stakeholders involved in managing the cultural heritage in Cherchell. The 2014 strategic plan aimed to safeguard and enhance archaeological monuments and historic buildings by promoting and advertising the Cherchell aqueducts. The Protection and Enhancement Plan for Archaeological Sites with their protected zones (PPMVSAZP) focuses on tackling tourism through various measures and attributes. Two methodological techniques were used for this case study: Researching accounting values through design (RtD) and the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach. Consulting examples of Gallo-Roman aqueducts in France allowed for a critical comparison of strategies required for managing development projects with all stakeholders. The main focus of this paper is to establish a critical analysis of the current situation by situating dysfunctions in the collaborative relationships between different stakeholders. The paper aims to emphasize how stakeholders, community organizations, and professionals can work together to designate, enhance, and manage the case study, proposing an efficient collaborative assessment as a potential opportunity for the future.

Efforts to achieve sustainable competitive advantage for SMEs: The strategic entrepreneur model

The aim of this research is to examine and analyze the dimensions of strategic entrepreneurship that are able to realize long-term sustainable competitive advantage in small and medium businesses. This research methodology and sampling technique use a purposive sampling method, with a total of 150 respondents from Batik Small and Medium Enterprises industry leaders in Central Java Province, Indonesia. Then the analysis technique uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS software. Empirical data supports the six hypotheses proposed in this study. Specifically, the first hypothesis is that entrepreneurial culture is influenced by entrepreneurial learning. The second hypothesis posits that entrepreneurial culture influences entrepreneurial capacity. The third entrepreneurial learning hypothesis is influencing entrepreneurial capacity. The four entrepreneurial capacities are influencing sustainable competitive advantage. The fifth hypothesis is that entrepreneurial learning influences a sustainable competitive advantage. The sixth hypothesis is that entrepreneurial culture influences a sustainable competitive advantage. The practical implication for realizing sustainable competitive advantage for batik Small and Medium Enterprises in Central Java Province, Indonesia, is to improve and develop entrepreneurial learning built by indicators 1). Experience 2). Cognitive; 3). Network; 4). Social relationships. Entrepreneurial learning and entrepreneurial capacity can mediate entrepreneurial culture towards sustainable competitive advantage. The strategic entrepreneurship development model begins with the establishment and enhancement of an entrepreneurial culture, which encompasses the following elements: 1). Enthusiasm 2). Stakeholder alignment 3). Learning and Development Support. 4). Change is driven by business opportunities.

Electrolytic biodiesel production from spent coffee grounds: Optimization through response surface methodology and artificial neural network

BackgroundThe disposal of waste spent coffee grounds (SCG) presents a pressing environmental concern, necessitating effective pre-treatment strategies to mitigate potential damage. Transesterification emerges as a viable solution for converting SCG lipids into biodiesel, offering both environmental and economic benefits. MethodsIn this study, the utilization of SCG as a renewable feedstock for biodiesel production through an innovative electrolysis process has been explored, aiming to address the dual challenges of waste management and sustainable energy production. To obtain maximum conversion of SCG oil to biodiesel, a comprehensive analysis of the fatty acid profile using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), was conducted allowing for precise characterization of lipid content. Additionally, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to categorize functional groups and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy was utilized to analyze the molecular structure of the SCG oil. Optimization of process parameters namely, catalyst concentration, electrolysis time, and direct current (DC) voltage was performed using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) techniques. The ANN model, with its ability to capture complex nonlinear relationships, was particularly effective in identifying the optimal combination of parameters, thereby maximizing biodiesel yield. Significant findingsThe extracted SCG oil was characterized using FTIR, GC–MS and 1H NMR analysis. The GC- MS analysis of bio-oil has reported 44.6 % Linoleic acid, 31.6 % Palmitic acid. The extracted oil had got significant amount of key saturated and unsaturated fatty acid making it suitable for transesterification process. Through ANN, the optimal combination of parameters for electrolytic transesterification i.e.,0.75 wt% catalyst loading, 2 h electrolysis time, and 40 V DC voltage, yielded the highest biodiesel production (98.32 wt.%). Comparative analysis indicated superior performance of the ANN model (R2 = 0.9931, MAE = 0.123) over RSM (R2 = 0.9636, MAE = 1.546). The artificial neural network (ANN) provided a more accurate forecast of the process yield; however, the RSM model effectively predicted the interactions and significance of the pyrolysis factors. The artificial neural network (ANN) provided a more accurate forecast of the process yield; however, the RSM model effectively predicted the interactions and significance of the pyrolysis factors. Biodiesel characterization via FTIR and 1H NMR analysis showed physiochemical properties within standard limits for SCG biodiesel.

Violence against women: a pedagogical proposal for promoting Critical Statistical Literacy

The text is part of a research that aimed to study a pedagogical proposal developed and carried out with high school students from the theoretical perspective of Critical Statistical Literacy. Evidence was sought of the contributions that this theory could bring to the teaching and learning of statistics. The methodological technique used was participant observation, which developed from news published on social media about violence against women. Data collection was carried out using three instruments: video recording of the class; teacher's logbook; and videos created as a final task by students. The analysis indicates that the theoretical perspective adopted and the use of real data in statistics classes contribute to the development of criticality on social issues and statistical literacy. Thus, it became possible to offer conditions for implementing what is partially proposed in the curricular documents guiding Brazilian education.

From Data to Insight: Transforming Online Job Postings into Labor-Market Intelligence

In the continuously changing labor market, understanding the dynamics of online job postings is crucial for economic and workforce development. With the increasing reliance on Online Job Portals, analyzing online job postings has become an essential tool for capturing real-time labor-market trends. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for processing online job postings to generate labor-market intelligence. The proposed methodology encompasses data source selection, data extraction, cleansing, normalization, and deduplication procedures. The final step involves information extraction based on employer industry, occupation, workplace, skills, and required experience. We address the key challenges that emerge at each step and discuss how they can be resolved. Our methodology is applied to two use cases: the first focuses on the analysis of the Greek labor market in the tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing shifts in job demands, skill requirements, and employment types. In the second use case, a data-driven ontology is employed to extract skills from job postings using machine learning. The findings highlight that the proposed methodology, utilizing NLP and machine-learning techniques instead of LLMs, can be applied to different labor market-analysis use cases and offer valuable insights for businesses, job seekers, and policymakers.

Clock mesh synthesis through dynamic programming with physical parameters consideration

In response to the evolving technological landscape, the traditional clock network architecture faces challenges in meeting the complexities of modern System-on-Chip (SoC) designs. While the clock mesh topology offers resilience against On-Chip Variation (OCV) fluctuations, its manual implementation leaves room for advancements in methodology and swift analytical techniques. This paper introduces an innovative clock mesh synthesis approach, leveraging dynamic programming algorithms and emphasizing compliance with critical physical implementation parameters. Our experimental results demonstrate a significant 26.6% reduction in power consumption compared to baseline methodologies. Moreover, it achieves an impressive average runtime reduction of 78.0% when contrasted with traditional simulation methods. These findings underscore the potential of our methodology to enhance the efficiency and power management of clock mesh designs.

Dimensionality of instructional quality in physical education. Obtaining students' perceptions using bifactor exploratory structural equation modeling and multilevel confirmatory factor analysis.

In research on instructional quality, the generic model of the three basic dimensions is an established framework, which postulates that the three dimensions of classroom management, student support and cognitive activation represent quality characteristics of instruction that can be generalized across subjects. However, there are hardly any studies that examine if the three basic dimensions model could represent a suitable approach to measure instructional quality in physical education. Based on an extended model of the basic dimensions, a measurement model of instructional quality for physical education is presented, which integrates different theoretical approaches from the fields of educational and psychological research as well as different subfields of sports science in order to test the factorial structure of the corresponding measurement model. 1,047 students from 72 seventh to ninth grade classes from different German-speaking Swiss cantons participated in the study. The conceptualization of the instrument is based on a hybrid approach that integrates generic and subject-specific characteristics. The simultaneous analysis at the individual and class level using MCFA was supplemented by more complex methodological techniques within the relatively new B-ESEM framework at the individual level. The postulated five-factor structure was initially tested using ICM-CFA and showed a good model fit (e.g., χ2/df = 2.32, RMSEA = 0.03, CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.97, SRMR = 0.04). MCFA revealed a differential factorial structure at both levels of analysis with five factors at the individual level and four factors at the class level (e.g., χ2/df = 2.23, RMSEA = 0.03, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.96, SRMR within = 0.04, SRMR between = 0.10). ESEM and B-ESEM outperformed the ICM-CFA and showed an excellent model fit (B-ESEM: χ2/df = 1.19, RMSEA = 0.01, CFI = 1.00, TLI = 1.00, SRMR = 0.01). Inter-factor correlations and factor loadings are largely in line with expectations, indicating arguments for construct validity. The study represents a substantial contribution in linking physical education and the generic research on instructional quality. Overall, strong arguments for the factorial structure of the measurement model were demonstrated. The study can be interpreted as a first step in a multi-step procedure in terms of further validity arguments.

Response surface methodology and artificial neural network modelling of palm oil decanter cake and alum sludge co-gasification for syngas (CO+H2) production

Syngas (CO + H2) production through biomass gasification offers a promising and sustainable alternative to conventional fuels. This study investigates the co-gasification of palm oil decanter cake (PODC) and Alum Sludge (AS), utilizing response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques to optimize and predict syngas production. Conducted in a fixed bed horizontal reactor, the experiment investigates temperature, airflow rate, and particle size as input parameters. Results revealed that optimal condition of 900 °C temperature, 10 mL/min airflow rate, and 2 mm particle size yielded the highest syngas production at 39.48 vol%. The RSM showed an R2 value of 0.9896, whereas ANN network revealed an overall R2 value of 0.971. Both models demonstrated strong alignment with experimental data and the modelled equation. This research demonstrates the effective use of statistical modelling to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of syngas production, thereby fostering advancements in sustainable energy production.

Color, COD, and turbidity removal from surface water by using linseed and alum coagulants: optimization through response surface methodology

This study examined the treatment of surface water using a mixed natural (linseed) and chemical (alum)-based coagulant in terms of color, turbidity, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (%) removal in a laboratory jar test. Experimental results showed that using a combined coagulant has shown higher removal of color (99.72%) and turbidity (97.76%) at pH values of 3.5 using a 1.5 g/L dosage and a stirring time of 38.58 min. Similarly, at the same pH value and 2.5 g/L dosage, the COD removal was 96%. To determine the optimum value with the highest percent removal efficiency of the coagulation–flocculation process, several experimental parameters including blended dosage, pH, COD concentration, and initial turbidity have been studied in terms of the percent of color, chemical oxygen demand, and turbidity removal. The optimum value was found for the highest removal of color-97.75%, turbidity-96.86%, and COD-90.33% with the pH values of 7.0, at a dosage of 2.5 g/L and a stirring time of 40 min, respectively. Statistical techniques of response surface methodology were used in experimental design and optimization, in order to calculate the confidence intervals to assess population parameter precision. An ANOVA-95% confidence interval ensures that the high reliability optimizes the result. The findings proved the excellent adsorption potential and high performance of the blended coagulant in the removal of contaminants from surface water.

Semaphorin7A patterns neural circuitry in the lateral line of the zebrafish

In a developing nervous system, axonal arbors often undergo complex rearrangements before neural circuits attain their final innervation topology. In the lateral line sensory system of the zebrafish, developing sensory axons reorganize their terminal arborization patterns to establish precise neural microcircuits around the mechanosensory hair cells. However, a quantitative understanding of the changes in the sensory arbor morphology and the regulators behind the microcircuit assembly remain enigmatic. Here, we report that Semaphorin7A (Sema7A) acts as an important mediator of these processes. Utilizing a semi-automated three-dimensional neurite tracing methodology and computational techniques, we have identified and quantitatively analyzed distinct topological features that shape the network in wild-type and Sema7A loss-of-function mutants. In contrast to those of wild-type animals, the sensory axons in Sema7A mutants display aberrant arborizations with disorganized network topology and diminished contacts to hair cells. Moreover, ectopic expression of a secreted form of Sema7A by non-hair cells induces chemotropic guidance of sensory axons. Our findings propose that Sema7A likely functions both as a juxtracrine and as a secreted cue to pattern neural circuitry during sensory organ development.

The Role Of Government Public Relations In Building A Positive Image

Image is one of the crucial things needed by an organization, it determines how an organization is viewed by the public. However, the image of an organization does not automatically form. Therefore, it is necessary to have the role of a Public Relations. Good or bad image of an organization is determined by how a Public Relations builds an image, if the image is built in a good direction, it will certainly provide benefits. Conversely, if the image is built in a bad direction it will cause losses. The research was written with the aim of knowing the role of Public Relations in building the image of the Surakarta Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office (KPPBC TMP B Surakarta), using qualitative methodology and data collection techniques, namely interviews, observations and literature studies. To test the validity of the data, this research uses a credibility test with triangulation techniques. In this research, Public Relations of the Surakarta Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office (KPPBC TMP B Surakarta) is the subject of research. With this research, it is hoped that it can help the agency's Public Relations in building a positive image of the company to face the increasing number of negative news exposure that can reduce public trust in the agency.

Semaphorin7A patterns neural circuitry in the lateral line of the zebrafish.

In a developing nervous system, axonal arbors often undergo complex rearrangements before neural circuits attain their final innervation topology. In the lateral line sensory system of the zebrafish, developing sensory axons reorganize their terminal arborization patterns to establish precise neural microcircuits around the mechanosensory hair cells. However, a quantitative understanding of the changes in the sensory arbor morphology and the regulators behind the microcircuit assembly remain enigmatic. Here, we report that Semaphorin7A (Sema7A) acts as an important mediator of these processes. Utilizing a semi-automated three-dimensional neurite tracing methodology and computational techniques, we have identified and quantitatively analyzed distinct topological features that shape the network in wild-type and Sema7A loss-of-function mutants. In contrast to those of wild-type animals, the sensory axons in Sema7A mutants display aberrant arborizations with disorganized network topology and diminished contacts to hair cells. Moreover, ectopic expression of a secreted form of Sema7A by non-hair cells induces chemotropic guidance of sensory axons. Our findings propose that Sema7A likely functions both as a juxtracrine and as a secreted cue to pattern neural circuitry during sensory organ development.

Experimental Investigations on Aeroelastic Stability of Combined Plunge-Pitch Mode Shapes in a Linear Compressor Cascade

Abstract The effect of mode shape and reduced frequency on the flutter stability of a linear low-speed compressor cascade was investigated experimentally, employing the aerodynamic influence coefficient (AIC) approach. This paper describes in detail the methodology, experimental setup, and measurement techniques. The paper presents experimentally determined influence coefficients, and discusses the findings with regard to the aeroelastic design parameter “plunge-to-twist incidence ratio” (PTIR), which combines reduced frequency and torsion axis setback in an attempt a design variable reduction. The influence of the vibrating blade on itself was always stabilizing, while other blades, mainly the first pressure side neighbor, vibrating at forward-traveling, low nodal diameter inter-blade phase angles (IBPAs), can destabilize the reference blade. As PTIR is increased, the phase of the complex modal force coefficients (AICs) of all blades is decreased, increasing the stabilizing effect of the vibrating blade on itself and overall cascade stability. Within the considered parameter range, the impact of reduced frequency is eliminated to a large extent if the incidence ratio is kept constant, requiring the torsion axis setback to be adjusted accordingly. The findings show that the plunge-to-twist incidence ratio is a meaningful aeroelastic design parameter that can explain the global effect of mode shape on flutter stability and should be considered early in the aeromechanical blade design process to ensure flutter-free blading.