bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avrupa Birliği’nin Rusya-Gürcistan ve Rusya-Ukrayna Çatışmalarına Karşı Tutumu: Almanya ve Fransa’nın Liderlikleri
Authors: AVAR Yusuf
Published: April 2021

Öz

Amaç: AB üye devlet sayısı ve karmaşık kurumsal yapısından dolayı AB karar alma mekanizmasında çeşitli sorunlar yaşamaktadır. Karar alma mekanizmasında yaşanılan bu sorun, AB’nin kendi bölgesinde şahit olduğu çatışmalara karşı gösterdiği tutumu da etkilemektedir. Aynı problem AB içinde liderlik sorununu da doğurmaktadır. Bu iddiayı sağlam temellere dayandırmak için çalışma AB’nin Rusya ile yaşadığı sorunları incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır.

Tasarım/Yöntem: Araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden yararlanmış ve örnek olaylar üzerinden (Rusya-Gürcistan Çatışması ve Rusya-Ukrayna Çatışması) AB’nin liderlik anlayışı incelenmiştir.

Bulgular: Sovyetler Birliği’nin dağılmasından sonra Gürcistan ve Ukrayna yönlerini Rusya’dan ziyade Batıya ve özellikle de AB’ye dönmüşlerdir. 2008 yılında da Gürcistan, Güney Osetya ve Abhazya bölgelerinden kaynaklanan sorunlardan dolayı Rusya ile direk karşı karşıya kalmıştır. Fransa AB içinde Rusya’ya karşı ortak tutumda AB içinde liderlik etmiş olsa da istenilen başarı sağlanamamıştır. Ukrayna ise 2013 yılının sonlarında ise özellikle Kırım ve Donbas bölgelerinden dolayı da Rusya ile çatışma yaşamıştır. Bu krizde AB içinde liderliği Almanya üstlenmiş ama istenilen başarı yine de sağlanamamıştır. Kendi yakın çevresinde etkili olmayan AB’nin uluslararası politikada aktörlüğü bu durumlardan dolayı oldukça tartışılmıştır.

Sınırlılıklar: Rusya, Gürcistan ve Ukrayna ile çeşitli sorunlar ve çatışmalar yaşamıştır ve bu durum AB’nin kendi güvenliği içinde tehdit oluşturmaktadır. Bu yüzden örnek olayların sadece Rusya-Gürcistan Çatışması ve Rusya-Ukrayna Çatışması olması çalışmanın sınırlarıdır.

Özgünlük/Değer: Araştırmanın özgün değeri; Fransa ve Almanya’nın liderlik anlayışını incelemesi ve buradan hareketle AB’nin Rusya-Gürcistan Çatışması ve Rusya-Ukrayna Çatışmasında liderlik anlayışını incelemesidir.
Automated characterization of ridge-swale patterns along the Mississippi River
Authors: Downard Alicia , Semmens Stephen , Robbins Bryant
Published: April 2021

The orientation of constructed levee embankments relative to alluvial swales is a useful measure for identifying regions susceptible to backward erosion piping (BEP). This research was conducted to create an automated, efficient process to classify patterns and orientations of swales within the Lower Mississippi Valley (LMV) to support levee risk assessments. Two machine learning algorithms are used to train the classification models: a convolutional neural network and a U-net. The resulting workflow can identify linear topographic features but is unable to reliably differentiate swales from other features, such as the levee structure and riverbanks. Further tuning of training data or manual identification of regions of interest could yield significantly better results. The workflow also provides an orientation to each linear feature to support subsequent analyses of position relative to levee alignments. While the individual models fall short of immediate applicability, the procedure provides a feasible, automated scheme to assist in swale classification and characterization within mature alluvial valley systems similar to LMV.
Análisis funcional y de correlaciones entre morfología y usos del suelo urbano en Madrid (España)
Authors: Aguilar Lucato Ramon
Published: April 2021

A fin de que se verificara como se refleja en el presente una producción históricamente desigual del espacio urbano madrileño se eligieron quince muestras de tejidos urbanos, tres en cada una de las clases morfológicas discutidas por Rodríguez-Tarduchy (2011), cada cual en una distinta realidad socioeconómica en el marco de su clase (inferior, intermediaria y superior). La investigación se basó, para cada tejido, en el análisis de 22 indicadores morfológicos y veinte funcionales y posibilitó conclusiones cuantitativas sobre las variaciones de carácter funcional dentro de una misma clase morfológica, pero en distintos paisajes sociales, bien como entre distintas clases, considerando un amplio espectro del espacio urbano madrileño. Al final, todos los indicadores funcionales fueron correlacionados entre sí, amén de estos con los morfológicos, de modo a que fuera contestada la indagación sobre cómo, con base en la muestra estudiada, las formas y las funciones urbanas se influyen. Se obtuvieron correlaciones consistentes entre densidades urbanas, edad media de la edificación, diversidad de funciones urbanas, valor del suelo, diversidad social, accesibilidad por transporte público y dimensión media de la manzana.
The Urgency of Sociolegal Analysis Studies to See The Authenticity of Law in Indonesia
Authors: Prasetyo Yogi , Ja'a Iffah
Published: April 2021

This article is the result of research that aims to explain the importance of study about socio-legal. The rapid development of society can lead to problems in life. Human beings must immediately fulfill the demands of practical interest. Therefore, sociolegal development as a discipline of law closely related to real-life in society becomes an urgent role. Various problems in social relations require the role of the law to solve them. We see how the law of life and development in society becomes essential in the science of law because law and society can not be separated. The research method used is a literature review with a philosophical approach. The research results show that sociolegal study is significant to see and understand the law in real life in society. The method of generalized inductive reasoning becomes sociolegal to understand it, and its practical value of use makes sociolegal a legal discipline that can follow the realities of the times.Artikel ini adalah hasil penelitian yang bertujuan untuk menjelaskan pentingnya studi tentang sociolegal. Perkembangan masyarakat yang pesat dapat menyebabkan masalah dalam kehidupan. Tuntutan kepentingan praktis harus segera dipenuhi oleh manusia. Oleh karena itu, pengembangan sociolegal sebagai disiplin ilmu hukum yang erat kaitannya dengan kehidupan nyata dalam masyarakat menjadi peran yang mendesak. Ada berbagai masalah dalam hubungan sosial yang membutuhkan peran hukum untuk menyelesaikannya. Melihat bagaimana perkembangan hukum dan pembangunan dalam masyarakat menjadi penting dalam ilmu hukum, karena hukum dan masyarakat tidak dapat dipisahkan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah studi pustaka dengan pendekatan filosofis. Dari hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kajian sosiologi hukum sangat penting untuk melihat dan memahami hukum dalam kehidupan nyata di masyarakat. Metode penalaran generalisir induktif membuat sociolegal untuk mendapatkan pemahaman tentang itu dan nilai praktis penggunaannya membuat sosiologi hukum merupakan disiplin hukum yang dapat mengikuti realitas zaman.
Personality, social relationships and depression in post menopause women with early stage breast cancer: a pilot study for a secondary prevention towards a positive aging.
Authors: Vespa Anna , Gagliardi Cristina , Spatuzzi Roberta , Ottaviani Marica , Gattafoni Pisana , Fabbietti Paolo , Giulietti Maria Velia
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The aim of our study is to establish whether a difference exists in the personality intrapsychic processes, SN and SS, ASQ-anxiety, and CDQ-depression of fifty-eight breast cancer(BC) women(W) and seventy-four healthy-women, all in post menopause. Methods: Tests: SASB Form-A intrapsychic behavior, Social Network List (SN), and Social support evaluation (SS). Statistical analysis: Variance analysis (ANOVA) was applied to evaluate the SASB clusters differences between the two groups; Pearson’s R coefficient was used to compare SASB, SN, SS dimensions, ASQ, and CDQ. Results: BC women showed a smaller size of SN (fewer social relationships), with ties stronger than healthy women. SASB Profile BC-W (comparison with healthy-women).” Not affiliation and Autonomy”: medium low value of autonomy, low self-appreciation and self-esteem, low expression of emotions and needs, difficulties in being able to achieve emotional and psychic equilibrium in presence of stress because of their control and self-critical behavior, depression, stress; difficulties in asking helps to family members. They invest in limited bonds for leisure, considered important but without fall into intimacy: they may be not always satisfied of their relationships. The depression is directly linked to these intrapsychic behaviors. Conclusions: Patients with “not Affiliation and Autonomy” SASB profile should be regarded as having a high risk of worse social support and depression, and could be followed up and screened, in order to plan the multidimensional and psychotherapeutic intervention specific to the single patient, aimed at modifying the problematic and unhealthy intrapsychic experience and promoting the development of a better quality of life.
Analysis of Petrinja 2020 Earthquake (Croatia) and First 500 Aftershocks >M1.0, Identification of Their Sources and Seismogenic Faults
Authors: Marjanac Tihomir , Čalogović Marina , Bermanec Karlo , Marjanac Ljerka
Published: April 2021

Strong earthquake of M6.4 stroke Petrinja and neighbouring cities of Sisak and Glina in Croatia on December 29th 2020. It was preceded by two foreshocks of M5.2 and M5.0, and followed by a series of aftershocks of various magnitudes and intensities. We have analysed first 500 earthquakes and aftershocks of > M1.0 which occurred from December 28th 2020 to January 19th 2021, their frequency, focal depths, and coseismic surface phenomena. Correlation of focal depths revealed the source of earthquakes was faulting of hanging wall of a listric normal fault with NW-SE strike and dip towards NE. Major fault seems to have caused earthquakes with only minor magnitudes. The strongest two earthquakes of M6.4 and M5.2 were initiated on synthetic fault, whereas M5.0 earthquake was initiated on an antithetic fault. Almost 50% of all seismic energy of the first 500 analysed seismic events over M1.0 was released on 1 km and 10 km deep hypocentres. Focal mechanisms of major earthquakes and strong fore- and aftershocks indicate dextral-slip mechanism, which is also in accordance with the orientation of surface cracks, land faulting and sand volcano trains. Co-seismic surface phenomena are land cracks and fissures, land faults, sand volcanoes, eruptive springing of ground water, activation of landslides, and formation of dozens of collapse sinkholes which continued to form and grow for about a month following the major earthquake.
Conversion of rice husk biomass into reducing sugars: influence of pretreatment with water and [C16MIM][Br-] ionic liquid
Authors: Bohn Patrícia D. , Anchieta Chayene G. , Kuhn Kátia R. , Muller Edson I. , Mayer Flávio , Kuhn Raquel C.
Published: April 2021

Rice husk is an agricultural lignocellulosic-rich waste which can be used in the production of second-generation ethanol. A biomass pretreatment is necessary to release structural sugars because of the recalcitrance-related properties of lignin and silicon. The use of a long chain imidazolium ionic liquid (IL), 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C16MIM][Br−]), for rice husk pretreatment is reported for the first time. The influence of the [C16MIM][Br−]:water ratio and temperature on reducing sugars yield was investigated using an experimental design. Structural, chemical, and morphological modifications were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Higher temperature (160°C) and lower water content (1:5, IL:water) improved sugar yield. The validation assay (180°C, 1:20 IL:water ratio, 10% (w/v) of biomass, 12 h) resulted in 38% yield of reducing sugars and 60% dissolution of biomass, whereas untreated biomass showed only 0.18% yield of reducing sugars. The characterization analysis confirmed the changes in rice husk structure and morphology after pretreatment with IL. Rice husk pretreatment with [C16MIM][Br−] resulted in a higher concentration of reducing sugars compared to untreated biomass. Therefore, solid ionic liquids combined with water could be used as an alternative solvent for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment.
Protective Effect of Glechoma Hederacea Extract Against Gallstone Formation in Rodent Models
Authors: Xiao Min , Yang Mengbi , Ji Xiaoyu , Li Dan , Xie Yuning , Lyu Yuanfeng , Zuo Zhong
Published: April 2021

Background: Our current study aimed to evaluate the effect of an Glechoma Hederacea extract (Hitrechol ®) in normal rats and gallstone diseased mice to explore its underlying mechanisms. Normal rats and C57BL/6 mice with/without cholesterol gallstone were used in this study. Methods: To monitor the effect of Hitrechol ®️ on bile secretion, bile flow rates at 15 min interval until 2 hours post-dosing in normal rats treated with vehicle and Hitrechol ®️ were compared using multiple t-test with a p<0.05 considered as statistically significant different. To further evaluate the effect of Hitrechol ®️ against the development of gallstone, mice were treated with vehicle or Hitrechol (QD-once daily or TID-three times daily) for 3 weeks followed by comparing the levels of bile composition among the treatment groups. In addition, the anti-oxidative biomarkers in liver and anti-inflammatory biomarker in serum were detected and compared among all the treatment groups to evaluate the hepato-protective effect of Hitrechol ®️. The obtained levels of biomarkers and bile composition were compared among different treatment groups using one-way ANOVA tests followed by Tukey’s mutiple comparisons with p<0.05 considered as statistically significant. Results: Despite no significant impact on the bile flow rate, Hitrechol TID treatment dramatically decreased size and amount of gallstone crystals and total cholesterol level (p<0.05), as well as total bile acid (p<0.05) and several types of bile acid (p<0.05) levels in gallstone diseased model mice. Hitrechol ®️ TID treatment could significantly decrease the frequencies of hepatocyte necrosis and lipid aggregation notably as well as increase the antioxidant enzymes level (p<0.05) in liver. Conclusions: Our findings for the first time demonstrated the beneficial effect of Hitrechol ®️ against gallstone via its litholytic, liver-protective and antioxidant activities.
Trapezoidal Microstrip Patch Antenna Array for Low Frequency Medical Applications
Authors: Santhanam Suganthi , Palavesam Thiruvalar Selvan
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the design of flexible trapezoidal radiating patch antenna array with FR4 substrate for onbody low frequency medical applications. The array resonates at 1.89 GHz with impedance bandwidth of 80 MHz and low return loss of -26.19 dB. The VSWR of 1.103 validate the activeness of the proposed antenna array having maximum surface current 133.1 (A/m) and directivity of 4.48 dBi. The antenna array exhibit the H-Field strength of 160.52 (A/m) and E-Field of 36093.4 (V/m) prove the radiation capability at low frequency on body application. These properties demonstrate the suitability of proposed array antenna for on body medical wireless applications.
Optimization of Ultra wide Band Communication TCA and AVA by using PSO and IGWO-FU Algorithm
Authors: rao kalakuntla nishanth , Meshram Vaibhav , Suresh H. N.
Published: April 2021

Recently, with the faster pace of development on the sophisticated detection and stealth technology, an extensive attention is being paid to the reduction of Radar Cross Section (RCS) as it emerge in security and commercial application. Communication based applications have greater influence depends upon design architecture and performance of an antenna. This paper proposed FSS to triumph over varying values as considering design parameters. Here, Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) is optimized with a technique said to be Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), used for tightly coupled array (PSO-UTC-FSS). This paper intends to design an Optimized Vivaldi antenna to enhance the gain performance. More particularly, optimization algorithms play a vital role in fine-tuning of parameter, and hence this paper intends to propose a new Improved Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm with Fitness based Update evaluation (IGWO-FU), which is the enhanced version of traditional GWO. Using above concepts, losses are minimized and hence it improves radiation efficiency, gain measurement, bandwidth ratio etc. Finally, the performance of proposed IGWO-FU model is compared over other traditional algorithms with respect to gain, VSWR, directivity, charge and current distribution, return loss as well.
Endophytic Microorganism From the Endangered Plant Nervilia Fordii (Hance) Schltr. In the Southwest Karst Area of China: Isolation, Genetic Diversity and Potential Functional Discovery
Authors: Tan Xiao-Ming , Yang Xin-Feng , Zhou Ya-Qin , Fu Peng , Hu Shi-Yi , Shi Zhong-Heng
Published: April 2021

The plant Nervilia fordii (Hance) Schltr. is known for its antimicrobial and antitumor properties. It is a rare and vulnerable perennial herb of the Orchidaceae family. In this study, 984 isolates were isolated from various tissues of N. fordii. and were identified through the sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region of the rRNA gene. Except for 12 unidentified fungi, all others were affiliated to at least 39 genera of 14 orders of Ascomycota (72.66%) and Basidiomycota (19.00%). Antimicrobial activity was determined by using the agar diffusion method. Subsequent assays revealed 20 strains of fungal endophytes exhibited antibacterial activity against at least one pathogenic bacterium or fungus. Moreover, the capability of promoting seed germination was evaluated on the basis of the interaction of Bletilla striata seeds with the isolates. Results revealed that the three isolates could promote B. striata seed germination. After 21 days, the germination rate under treatment with the best strain was 97.89%, which was higher than that under the control treatment (12.68%). Taken together, the present data suggested that various endophytic fungi of N. fordii could be exploited as sources of novel natural antimicrobial agents or used for the artificial breeding of rare orchids.
Low-Temperature Catalytic Pyrolysis of Cellulose in Acidic [Bmim]Otf: A Mechanism Model of Product Evolution
Authors: Li Zhishuncheng , Qu GuangFei , He Yanhua , Ning Ping , Xie Ruosong , Li Weijie , Xu Yibi
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we studied the catalytic pyrolysis behavior of microcrystalline cellulose (MC) in catalytic systems with acidic [Bmim]OTf as the media at temperatures of 140°C, 180°C, 220°C, 260°C, and 300°C. The pyrolysis behavior was investigated via SEM, XRD, FTIR, and GC-MS. During the catalysis of [Bmim]OTf, the pyrolysis temperature of MC was reduced to 140°C significantly and the crystalline structure of MC was destroyed rapidly. The novel synergistic catalytic effect of CF3SO3- and [Bmim]+ was discovered, which may lead to MC-selective cleavage of glycosidic, C-C, C-O, and C-H bonds, accompanied by new bond formation, which showed the production of many small molecular compounds. Furthermore, a novel mechanism model of evolution in [Bmim]OTf at low temperature was developed from a microscopic point of view. This research had obvious significance for the mechanism of directional regulation of target products, finally realizing the high efficiency utilization of biomass.
Using Voice and Biofeedback to Predict User Engagement during Requirements Interviews
Authors: Ferrari Alessio , Huichapa Thaide , Spoletini Paola , Novielli Nicole , Fucci Davide , Girardi Daniela
Published: April 2021

Capturing users’ engagement is crucial for gathering feedback about the features of a software product.
In a market-driven context, current approaches to collect and analyze users’ feedback are based on techniques leveraging information extracted from
product reviews and social media.
These approaches are hardly applicable in bespoke software development, or in contexts in which one needs to gather information from specific users.
In such cases, companies need to resort to face-to-face interviews to get feedback on their products.
In this paper, we propose to utilize biometric data, in terms of physiological and voice features, to complement interviews with information about the engagement of the user on the discussed product-relevant topics.
We evaluate our approach by interviewing users while gathering their physiological data (i.e., biofeedback) using an Empatica E4 wristband, and capturing their voice through the default audio-recorder of a common laptop.
Our results show that we can predict users' engagement by training supervised machine learning algorithms on biometric data, and that voice features alone can be sufficiently effective. The performance of the prediction algorithms are maximised when pre-processing the training data with the synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE).
The results of our work suggest that biofeedback and voice analysis can be used to facilitate prioritization of requirements oriented to product improvement, and to steer the interview based on users' engagement. Furthermore, the usage of voice features can be particularly helpful for emotion-aware requirements elicitation in remote communication, either performed by human analysts or voice-based chatbots.
A Core On The Edge: An Urban Bird Assemblage On The Atlantic Margin Of Europe
Authors: Luscier Jason David
Published: April 2021

Urbanization threatens bird populations globally, however many urban habitats present important refugia for wildlife in this rapidly changing landscape. Additionally, birds at the periphery of their global range are more prone to landscape changes and thus these distributions are good indicators of the effects of urbanization on diversity; e.g., bird populations and communities of Cork City, Ireland. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects from urbanization on bird densities (birds/ha), species richness, and species composition throughout Cork City. I surveyed 32 points selected with a stratified random sample within commercial areas, residential habitats, and green spaces throughout Cork City during four breeding seasons between 2016–2019. Species richness was highest in green spaces with 18–34 species; whereas residential habitats had 14–27 species and commercial areas had 9–20 species. The most densely populated species citywide were Rock Pigeons (5.4–9.1 birds/ha), Eurasian Jackdaws (2.9–3.8 birds/ha), Rooks (4.5–6.4 birds/ha), European Starlings (3.4–5.3 birds/ha), Eurasian Blackbirds (2.4–3.6 birds/ha), and House Sparrows (2.7–4.5 birds/ha). Overall a lack in urban green space surrounding survey points was most strongly associated with reduced species richness and population estimates. Also, both species richness and population densities tended to be higher in regions with less noise pollution and farther from the urban core. Ultimately these results corroborate other studies stressing the importance of urban green spaces for conserving biodiversity in cities. This is particularly important for the birds of Cork City given that these urban habitats are at the western edge of these species’ distributions.
Tittle Page： The ocular biometry characteristics of young patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma
Authors: Xu Yi , Tan Qian , Li Chunyan , Liu Dan
Published: April 2021

Backgroud: Although Primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) mainly occurs in elderly people, diagnosis of PACG in young patients is not uncommon . However, there is no article specialized on the ocular anatomical characteristics in these patients.Methods: In this retrospective, comparative study, patients diagnosed with PACG and recieved ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) examination in our department were included. Patients were divided into two groups: a young group comprised of patients aged ≤45 years of age and an old group comprised of patients＞45 years of age. A-scan ultrasonography and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM ) were used to measure ocular biometric parameters of patients in the two groups including axial length (AL), lens thickness (LT), central anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber width (ACW), angle opening distance 500 (AOD500), anterior angle closure 500 (ACA500), iris thickness 1000 mm from the iris root (IT1000), iris thickness 500 mm from the iris root (IT500), trabecular-ciliary process angle (TCPA), trabecular-ciliary process distance (TCPD), scleral– ciliary process angle (SCPA), lens vault (LV), and pupil diameter (PD). Plateau iris (PI) and base iris insertion were determined from UBM images, and the prevalence of PI and base iris insertion were compared between the two groups. The incidence of postoperative malignant glaucoma (MG) was also determined in both groups and ocular anatomical predictors for the development of malignant glaucoma were evaluated in young PACG patients.Results: 115 patients were included into young group and 144 patients were included into old group. The eyes of patients in the young group had shorter TCPD, shorter AL, narrower TCPA and narrower SCPA compared to the eyes of patients in the old group. There were no significant differences in ACD, LT, AL, LV, AOD 500, ACA500, IT500, IT1000, PD or ACW between the two groups. The prevalence of PI was 25.0% in older patients and 66.1% in younger patients (P < 0.001). Significantly more young patients had base iris insertion compared to old patients (P < 0.001). 87 patients in young group and 79 patients in old group underwent trabeculectomy in our department. Among these patients, 21 young patients and 4 old patients developed MG after trabeculectomy (P < 0.001). Conclusions: AL was shorter, the ciliary body was positioned more anteriorly, prevalence of PI was higher, and incidence of postoperative MG was higher in younger PACG patients compared to older PACG patients. Our results suggest that shorter AL, shorter TCPD and narrower TCPA may be predictors for development of malignant glaucoma in young PACG patients after trabeculectomy.
Lateral Strength Evaluation of Ferrocement Strengthened Masonry Infilled RC frame Based on Experimentally Observed Failure Mechanisms
Authors: Sen Debasish , Alwashali Hamood , Islam Md Shafiul , Seki Matsutaro , Maeda Masaki
Published: April 2021

In developing countries, lateral strengthening of seismically vulnerable masonry infilled RC buildings is one of the major concern. In this context, ferrocement can be used as a low cost and less labor-intensive strengthening scheme for those buildings. This study aims to experimentally identify major failure mechanisms, and to develop a lateral strength evaluation procedure of ferrocement strengthened masonry infilled RC frame. Subsequently, ductility of all of the identified major failure mechanisms is compared. Mainly four major failure mechanisms (i.e. overall flexural, column punching-joint sliding, diagonal compression, and diagonal cracking-sliding) are identified from the current experimental work and past experimental studies. The strength evaluation procedure, based on the identified failure mechanisms, is proposed and verified with an average calculated to experimental lateral strength ratio of 0.8. Among the identified failure mechanisms, overall flexural, and diagonal cracking-sliding mechanisms showed relatively ductile behavior when compared to the ductility of column punching-joint sliding, and diagonal compression failure mechanism.
Short term effects of Municipal Solid Waste compost, Khat-Derived Biochar and Co-composted Biochar on Soil quality and Faba bean Yield and Protein content
Authors: Tessfaw Zewdu Abebe , Beyene Abebe , Nebiyu Amsalu , Pikoń Krzysztof , Landrat Marcin
Published: April 2021

The effects of organic fertilizer to improve soil fertility and crop yield depend on the quality of organic fertilizer. The aim of this study was to test the short-term effects of the applications of municipal solid wastes (MSW) compost, co-composted biochar and biochar on soil quality and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grain yield and protein content compared with mineral fertilizer. The study was conducted in a field experiment prepared in randomized complete block design with three replicates of each treatment from February 2019 to June 2019. The eight treatments were; control compost, 5%, 15% and 25% w/w co-composted biochars, recommended rate of mineral N & P fertilizer (NPF), biochar, compost + 50% NPF, and control soil. Results showed that the soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable K+, Ca + 2 and Mg + 2 CEC and moisture in the residual soil were significantly increased in the municipal solid waste compost, co-composted biochar and khat-derived biochar amendments compared to the mineral NPF and control soil treatments. The faba bean grain yield was increased significantly (p < 0.05) by 34.2%, 33.7% and 30.% compared to the control soil and by 11.3%, 10.9% and 7.8% compared to the mineral NPF for the 5% co-composted biochar, compost + 50% NPF and control compost respectively. The organic fertilizer amendments with or without NPF applications were better than NPF alone with promoting nutrient concentrations, faba bean grain yield and protein contents. Thus, MSW compost and co-composted biochars are recommended because of their easy availability, sustainability and sufficient for proper growth of faba bean.
GaAs to Si Direct Wafer Bonding at T ≤ 220°C in Ambient Air via Nano-BondingTM and Surface Energy Engineering (SEE)
Authors: Gurijala Aashi R. , Chow Amber A. , Khanna Shaurya , Suresh Nikhil C. , Penmatcha Pranav V. , Jandhyala Siddarth V. , Sahal Mohammed , Peng Wesley , Balasooriya Thilina N. , Ram Sukesh , Diaz Timoteo , Bertram Michelle , Cornejo Christian E. , Kavanagh Karen L. , Culbertson Robert J. , Herbots Nicole
Published: April 2021

When different semiconductors are integrated into hetero-junctions, native oxides generate interfacial defects and cause electronic recombination. Two state-of-the-art integration methods, hetero-epitaxy and Direct Wafer Bonding (DWB), require temperatures > 400°C to reduce native oxides. However, T > 400°C leads to defects due to lattice and thermal expansion mismatches. In this work, DWB temperatures are lowered via Nano-Bonding™ (NB) at T ≤ 220°C and P ≤ 60 kPa (9 psi). NB uses Surface Energy Engineering (SEE) at 300K to modify surface energies (γT) to far-from-equilibrium states, so cross-bonding occurs with little thermal activation and compression. SEE modifies γT and hydro-affinity (HA) via chemical etching, planarization, and termination that are optimized to yield 2-D Precursor Phases (2D-PP) metastable in ambient air and highly planar at the nano- and micro- scales. Complementary 2D-PPs nano-contact via carrier exchange from donor 2D-PP surfaces to acceptor ones. Here, NB models and SEE are applied to the DWB of GaAs to Si for photo-voltaics. SEE modifies (1) the initial γT0 and HA0 measured via Three Liquid Contact Angle Analysis, (2) the oxygen coverage measured via High Resolution Ion Beam Analysis, and (3) the oxidation states measured via X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. SEE etches hydrophobic GaAs oxides with γT = 33.4 ± 1 mJ/m2, and terminates GaAs (100) with H+, rendering GaAs hydrophilic with γT = 60 ± 2 mJ/m2. Similarly, hydrophilic Si native oxides are etched into hydrophobic SiO4H2. H+- GaAs nano-bonds reproducibly to Si, as measured via Surface Acoustic Wave Microscopy, validating the NB model and SEE design.
Patient Education Booklet to Support Evidence- Based Low Back Pain Care in Primary Care – A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Simula Anna S. , Jenkins Hazel J. , Hancock Mark J. , Malmivaara Antti , Booth Neill , Karppinen Jaro
Published: April 2021

Background

Inappropriate imaging and low-value care for low back pain (LBP) are common. A new patient-education booklet was created to overcome identified barriers to the delivery of recommended care, including the use of inappropriate imaging. Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of this booklet as part of primary care for LBP patients in comparison to usual care.
Methods

A cluster-randomized trial was performed. The intervention involved providing practitioners with the new patient-education booklet and a 30-minute training session on its use. The booklet was provided during the clinical consult to all consenting LBP patients in the intervention group. Primary outcomes were the proportion of patients presenting with LBP who underwent imaging examinations during the first three months of follow-up and PROMIS PF-20 (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, 20-item physical functioning short form) change between baseline and three-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes, including sick leave and imaging examinations at 12 months, were investigated. Logistic regression using GEE-estimation was used for dichotomous outcomes, Poisson regression using GEE-estimation for count outcomes, and linear mixed models for continuous outcomes.
Results

Using the patient education booklet appeared to substantially reduce the proportion of LBP patients who underwent an imaging examination at three months, but the result was not statistically significant (OR 0.57, 95% confidence interval (Cl) 0.27 to 1.22). At 12 months, the effect was slightly larger and statistically significant (OR 0.50, 95%Cl 0.30 to 0.83, p = 0.008). No difference was observed in the PROMIS PF-20 T-score change between baseline and 3 months or 12 months (p = 0.365 and p = 0.923, respectively). The number of sick leave days in the intervention group was less than that in the control group at 3 months (RR 0.47, 95%Cl 0.26 to 0.83, p = 0.010) and at 12 months (RR 0.36, 95%Cl 0.18 to 0.72, p = 0.004).
Conclusions

The booklet appeared to be effective in reducing the proportion of LBP patients who underwent imaging examinations over 12 months. The intervention had no discernible effect on the PROMIS PF20 T-score change. The number of sick leave days was substantially lower in the intervention group.
Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN14389368, Registered 4 April 2019 - Retrospectively registered
Nutritional Behaviors of Women and Men in Poland During Confinement Related to the SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic
Authors: Boleslawska Izabela , Błaszczyk-Bębenek Ewa , Jagielski Paweł , Jagielska Anna , Przysławski Juliusz
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The influence of the confinement on the changes of eating behaviors in men and women in Poland and between groups were assessed.
Methods

Results were obtained for 112 healthy men and 200 women. An anonymous questionnaire available on-line from 29 April to 19 May 2020 was the research tool. It contained questions about the frequency of consumption "before" and "during" confinement. Additionally, anthropometric measurements were declared by the respondents.
Results

An increase in the number of meals and an improvement in their regularity were observed in both groups. However, the frequency of snacking also increased. During lockdown women consumed potatoes, sweets, canned meat and eggs and men consumed canned meat more frequently. Products consumed less frequently were: fast food, instant soups and energy drinks (women), and white bread and fast food (men). The frequency of alcohol consumption also increased during lockdown. Average body weight and BMI increased significantly during social isolation. Body weight increase was declared by almost half of women and 40% of men.
Conclusion

During the blockade period caused by the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic, changes in the dietary behavior of the study group of women and men were found. The nature of these changes varied according to gender and the dietary parameters analyzed.
In-Hospital Rehabilitation and Functional Status of Non-Critically ill COVID- 19 Survivors
Authors: Musheyev Benjamin , Janowicz Rebeca , Borg Lara , Matarlo Michael , Boyle Hayle , Hou Wei , Duong Tim Q
Published: April 2021

This study investigated in-hospital rehabilitation and functional status at discharge of non-critically ill COVID-19 survivors with respect to pre-admission dependency status, discharge durable medical equipment, discharge medical follow-up recommendation, hospitalization duration, demographics, comorbidities, laboratory tests, and vital signs at hospital discharge. Comparisons were made between COVID-19 survivors who received rehab (N=155) and those who did not (N=162). Functional scores were obtained using the “Mental Status”, ICU Mobility, and modified Barthel Index scores at hospital discharge. Relative to the non-rehab patients, rehab patients were older, had more comorbidities, had worse pre-admission dependency status (p<0.05), were discharged with more assistive equipment and supplemental oxygen (p<0.001), spent more days in the hospital (p<0.001), had more follow-up referrals (p<0.05) with cardiology, vascular medicine, urology, and endocrinology being the top referrals, and had more secondary in-hospital diagnosis of AKI and acute respiratory failure. Functional scores of non-critically ill COVID-19 survivors were impaired at discharge and were associated with pre-admission dependency. Some functional scores were negatively correlated with age, hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, psychiatric disease, anemia, and neurological disorders (p<0.05). These findings warrant follow up of COVID-19 survivors as many survivors will likely have significant post-acute COVID-19 sequela.
Severe and regionally-widespread increases in tissue urea in the human brain represent a novel finding of pathogenic potential in Parkinson’s disease dementia
Authors: Scholefield Melissa , Church Stephanie J. , Xu Jingshu , Patassini Stefano , Roncaroli Federico , Hooper Nigel M. , Unwin Richard D. , Cooper Garth J. S.
Published: April 2021

Background: Widespread elevations in brain urea have, in recent years, been reported in certain types of age-related dementia, notably Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Huntington’s disease (HD). Urea increases in these diseases are substantive, and approximate in magnitude to levels present in uraemic encephalopathy. In AD and HD, elevated urea levels occur across the entire brain, and not only in regions heavily affected by neurodegeneration. However, measurements of brain urea have not hitherto been reported in Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), a condition defined by changes in thinking and behaviour in someone with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, which shares neuropathological and symptomatic overlap with both AD and HD. This study aims to address this gap in the current knowledge of PDD.Methods: Here we report measurements of tissue urea from nine neuropathologically-confirmed regions of the brain in PDD and post-mortem-delay-matched controls, in regions that included the cerebellum, motor cortex, sensory cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra, middle temporal gyrus, medulla oblongata, cingulate gyrus, and pons, by applying ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Case-control differences were determined using multiple t-tests followed by correction with 10% false discovery rate.Results: We found urea concentrations to be substantively elevated in all nine regions, the average increase being 3-4-fold. Urea concentrations were remarkably consistent across regions in both cases and controls, with no clear distinction between regions heavily affected by neuronal loss in PDD compared to less severely affected areas. These urea elevations mirror those found in uraemic encephalopathy, where equivalent levels are generally considered to be pathogenic. These urea elevations also reflect those previously reported in AD and HD. Conclusions: Increased urea is a widespread metabolic perturbation in brain metabolism common to PDD, AD, and HD, at levels equal to those seen in uremic encephalopathy. This presents a novel pathogenic mechanism in PDD, which is shared with two other neurodegenerative diseases.
Safety and Feasibility of Autologous Olfactory Ensheathing Cell and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Co-transplantation in Chronic Human Spinal Cord Injury: A Clinical Trial
Authors: Zamani Homa , Soufizomorrod Mina , Oraee-Yazdani Saeed , Naviafar Dariush , Akhlaghpasand Mohammadhosein , Seddighi Afsoun , Soleimani Masoud
Published: April 2021

Cell-based therapies are considered as promising strategies for spinal cord regeneration. However, a combinatorial cell therapeutic approach seems more beneficial as it can target various aspects of the injury. Here, we assessed the safety and feasibility of autologous mucosal Olfactory Ensheathing Cell (OEC) and bone marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) co-transplantation in patients with chronic, complete (American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification A) Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Three patients with the traumatic SCI of the thoracic level were enrolled. They received autologous OEC and MSC combination through the lumbar puncture. All adverse events and possible functional outcomes were documented performing pre- and post-operative general clinical examination, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), neurological assessment based on the International Standard of Neurological Classification for SCI (ISNCSCI), and functional evaluation using Spinal Cord Independence Measure version III (SCIM III). No serious safety issue was recorded during the two years of follow-up. MRI findings remained unchanged with no neoplastic tissue formation. ASIA impairment scale improved from A to B in one of the participants. SCIM III evaluation also showed some degrees of progress in this patient's quality of life. The two other patients had negligible or no improvement in their sensory scores without any changes in the ASIA impairment scale and SCIM III scores. No motor recovery was observed in any of the participants. Overall, this two-year trial was not associated with any adverse findings, which may suggest the safety of autologous OEC and bone marrow MSC combination for the treatment of human SCI.This study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT registration number: IRCT20160110025930N2/ registration date: 2018-09-29).
Cell Lineage Dependent Apoptotic and Immunomodulatory Signaling Induced By Parthenin Analog P19: An Insight to Molecular Mechanism and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Kumar Ajay , Kaur Jagdeep
Published: April 2021

Leukemia is one of the deadliest types of cancer. Specifically, acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) has been considered as one of the most lethal types of cancer. Due to the rapid progress in the various cancer cases and the accumulation of resistances in the cancer cells, the discovery of the new lead molecules with more effective anticancer properties are required. There is a growing interest in using herbal products/analogs as multi-component agents (as anticancer agents and immunomodulators) for cancer treatment. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to explore the anticancer and immunomodulatory activity of P19 in ALL. P19 was reported to demonstrate the anticancer activity by activation of apoptotic signaling events through robust NO formation in human leukemia HL-60 cells. Contrary to this observation, P19 mediated apoptosis in Raji cells was independent of NO and ROS induction. The mechanism of P19 was observed to be cancer cell lineage dependent. Further, P19 demonstrated very effective anticancer properties against ALL (IC50 3µM). Molecular investigations revealed that P19 induced mitochondrion mediated apoptosis by Bax localization to mitochondria and enhanced cytosolic calcium in the cytoplasm. Further activation of the caspase 3, caspase 8 and PARP cleavage suggested the involvement of the caspase-mediated apoptosis. Anti-proliferative activity revealed the telomerase inhibition and cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase after P19 treatment. Immunomodulatory effects of the P19 revealed the enhanced INFɣ and NO production in Jurkat and THP cells. Owing to its antiproliferative and immunomodulatory potential against leukemia cells P19 can further be explored as an effective therapeutics against leukemia.
Error Comparison Based Patching (ECP) for Medium Access Control of Cell-free Massive MIMO Networks in 6G Terahertz Band Communications
Authors: Woo Tai-Kuo
Published: April 2021

The future Internet is supposed to support a myriad of applications that generate many bursts of multimedia traffic. While the classical cell-based architecture of wireless networks cannot scale up to meet the area traffic capacity and connection density requirements put forth by 6G, Terahertz band for cell-free massive MIMO is regarded as a promising solution. However, the medium access control in Terahertz band communication is significantly different from that of previous generations due to the distinct channel characteristics of Terahertz band. A good match to Terahertz communication is cell-free massive MIMO network architecture, where the antenna beams are located irregularly, coordination among base stations is required to improve the throughput. In this paper, we propose an error comparison based patching where replicated packets transmitted from different access points in various directions (locations) are compared with each other, section by section, based on the degree of consistency between a data packet and its corresponding polling data bits. The error comparison based patching puts together the best sections among replicas of a data packet to form a good one. In the performance evaluation, we demonstrate that the proposed error comparison based patching can significantly improve the percentage of intermittent blocking fading of the data packets in THz band communications for a cell-free massive MIMO network architecture by as high as 80 percent.
Elucidating the Impact of Feeding Behaviour on Body Composition in Finishing Pigs Fed Ad Libitum Using an Integrative Feeding Behaviour Index
Authors: Salgado Hector Hernando , Méthot Steve , Remus Aline , Létourneau-Montminy Marie-Pierre , Pomar Candido
Published: April 2021

Background: Large variability in body composition is observed in pigs fed and raised in similar conditions. Part of this variation might be explained by the feeding behavior of pigs, given its effect on metabolic hormones associated with energy regulation and protein metabolism. The objective of this study was to elucidate this relationship by examining body composition with a new index describing feeding behavior in finishing pigs. Feeding behavior and body composition information on 138 pigs during the last 28 d of the growing phase from three trials were used. For each pig, the sum of the areas between the observed relative cumulative feed intake and the regression line for the evolution of relative feed intake over time was used to calculate the new feeding behavior index. This index quantifies the irregularity of feed intake (IIFI) by integrating different components of feeding behavior into a single measurement. Body lipids and protein composition were estimated by dual X-ray densitometry at the beginning (day 1) and end of the finishing phase (day 28). Results: Weak to moderate correlations (r = ±0.31 to ±0.44; P < 0.05) of IIFI with body composition and performance variables were found only in datasets 1 and 2. However, in dataset 2, IIFI was also correlated with daily feed intake (r = - 0.54; P < 0.001). Irregular feeding behavior is associated to increased proportion of protein (PdDG) and decreased proportion of lipids (LdDG) in body gain. However, IIFI only accounted for 8% to 14% and 10% to 12% of the total variation of PdDG and LdDG in datasets 2 and 1, respectively. Additionally, factor analysis showed that the number of meals and IIFI had high loadings in a factor separate from factors associated with body composition or performance, suggesting that body composition and performance are independent of feeding behavior. Conclusion: Factors other than feeding behavior might be involved in modulating body composition of finishing pigs fed ad libitum.