bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and development of handover simulator model in 5G cellular network
Authors: Abdulkarem Abdulkarem Basil , Audah Lukman
Published: April 2021

In the modern era of technology, the high speed internet is the most important part of human life. The current available network is reckoned to be slow in speed and not be up to snuff for data transmission regarding business applications. The objective of handover mechanism is to reassign the current session handle by internet gadget. The globe needs the next generation high mobility and throughput performance based internet model. This research paper explains the proposed method of design and development for handover based 5G cellular network. In comparison to the traditional method, we propose to control the handovers between base-stations using a concentric method. The channel simulator is applied over the range of the frequencies from 500 MHz to 150 GHz and radio frequency for the 700 MHz bandwidth. The performance of the simulation system is calculated on the basis of handover preparation and completion time regarding base station as well as number of users. From this experiment we achieve the 7.08 ms handover preparation time and 9.98 ms handover completion time. The author recommended the minimum handover completion time, perform the high speed for 5G cellular networks.
Tangible user interface design for learners with different multiple intelligence
Authors: Sudsanguan Salintip , Tangwannawit Sakchai , Chintakovid Thippaya
Published: April 2021

The creation of learning activities responsive to learners with different basic skills has been limited due to a classroom environment and applied technologies. The goals of this research were to develop Tang-MI, a game with a tangible user interface supporting primary school learners’ analytical skills based on the theory of multiple intelligences (MI), and to present design guidelines for a tangible user interface suitable for learners in different MI groups. In this research, the Tangible user interface for multiple intelligence (Tang-MI) was tested with thirty students initially evaluated for their multiple intelligences. The learners’ usage behavior was observed and recorded while the students performed the assigned tasks. The behavioral data were analyzed and grouped into behaviors occurring before performing the tasks, during the tasks, and after completing the tasks. Based on the learners’ usage behavior, the tangible user interface design guidelines for learners in different MI groups were proposed concerning physical equipment design, question design, interactive program design, audio design, and animated visual feedback design. These guidelines would help educators build learning games that respond to the learners’ intelligence styles and enhance students’ motivation to learn.
Smart security door system using SMS based energy harvest
Authors: Hamas Abdullah , Muneer Amgad , Fati Suliman Mohamed
Published: April 2021

Over the last decade, different studies have been conducted to increase security to identify sensor technology and provide alternative energy with other energy harvest techniques such as vibration energy harvester and sun energy harvester. There is no combinational approach to utilize the door to create energy and use it for security measures in the literature, making our system different and unique. This proposed system comprises the security and the energy harvest; the security section utilizes a motion detector sensor to detect intruders. For instance, the magnetic door lock type firmly locks the door, which can only open with a generated password. On the other side, the energy harvest section utilizes the door motion to generate electricity for the system, which solves power shortage and limited battery life issues. Moreover, this study includes a GSM module that allows authorized owners to receive a generated password as a security enhancement. This design mainly focuses on improving or optimizing the conventional security doors' overall performance as sliding door, panel door, or revolving door. The experimental results show the system efficiency in terms of power generation and the time needed to authenticate the property owner. Notably, the power generator can generate electricity more rapidly, while the needed time to receive the mobile device's security code is around 3.6 seconds.
The impact of sentiment analysis from user on Facebook to enhanced the service quality
Authors: Albesta Daniel D. , Jonathan Michael L. , Jawad Muhammad , Hardiawan Oktovianus , Suhartono Derwin
Published: April 2021

Facebook's influence on the modern social media platform is undoubtedly enormous. While it has gotten a backlash for its inability to control its influence over important affairs, there are still many questions regarding people's perception of Facebook and their sentiment over Facebook. This paper's role in this ongoing debate is to give a glimpse of people's sentiment and perception of Facebook in recent times. By collecting samples data from Facebook's Top Page, this paper hopes to represent a significant amount of people's aspirations towards this company. By processing the data with a processing tool to construct and model out the data and a sentiment analyzer tool helps determine the sentiment, this paper can deduce a 600-comment worth of processed data. The results from the 600 sampled comments concluded that the sentiments towards Facebook are 41.50% negative comments, 22.83% neutral comments, and 35.67% positive comments.
An algorithm for characterizing skin moles using image processing and machine learning
Authors: Sanchez Zaid , Alva Alicia , Zimic Mirko , Carpio Christian del
Published: April 2021

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, forms in cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin. There are low-income regions that lack specialized dermatologists, causing skin cancer to be diagnosed in advanced stages. In Peru, in high Andean communities with low resources, the problem is aggravated by the high incidence of ultraviolet radiation and lack of medical resources to make the diagnosis. Normally, mole images are obtained from dermatoscopes. The present work seeks to use mole images obtained from smartphones to make the classification of them as suspected or not suspected of being melanoma, by means of a feature extraction algorithm. The first step is to make color and lighting corrections. After this, the image is segmented using the K-Means algorithm, and we obtain the areas of the mole and skin. With the segmented mole we proceed to extract the main visual characteristics and then use classification algorithms such as support vector machine (SVM), random forest and naïve bayes, which obtained an accuracy of 0.9473, 0.7368 and 0.6842, respectively. These results show that it is possible to use images obtained from smartphones to develop a classification algorithm with 94.73% accuracy to detect melanoma in skin moles.
Two-step artificial neural network to estimate the solar radiation at Java Island
Authors: Kurniawan Adi , Shintaku Eiji
Published: April 2021

The availability of information about solar radiation characteristics, particularly solar radiation predictions, is important for efficiently designing solar energy systems. Solar radiation information is not available in Indonesia because official measurements have not been conducted by the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG). In this study, a new two-step artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed to estimate both the daily average and hourly solar radiation at Java Island, Indonesia. The input parameters for the daily average solar radiation estimation are the location and time required, along with five selected monthly meteorological parameters that BMKG predicts for the subsequent month. The selected meteorological parameters are temperatures, relative humidity, and precipitation. The estimated daily average solar radiation is then used as the input parameter of the hourly solar radiation estimation along with the local time and location. The ANN training was conducted using two years of data, 2018 and 2019, from Surabaya and Jakarta, while the validation was performed in the same cities for January through July 2020. The accuracy of the proposed method is comparable to previous studies with an average R2 of 98.70% for the daily average solar radiation estimate and 97.44% for the hourly solar radiation estimate.
Análise da sedimentologia como subsídio à avaliação da sensibilidade ambiental a óleo da Bacia Sedimentar de Pelotas-RS/SC, Brasil
Authors: Marques Vanessa Caetano , Nicolodi João Luiz
Published: April 2021

As atividades da indústria petrolífera se distribuem por todo o território brasileiro, ocasionando impactos ao longo de sua zona costeira, ao passo que neste cenário coexistem demandas econômicas e socioambientais do país. De modo a gerir os riscos e danos que tais atividades podem acarretar aos ambientes marinhos e costeiros, o governo brasileiro, por meio do Ministério do Meio Ambiente (MMA), deu início, ainda em 2002, ao mapeamento da sensibilidade ambiental a derramamentos de óleo das bacias sedimentares marítimas brasileiras. O presente trabalho se insere neste contexto através do Projeto Cartas SAO – Bacia de Pelotas, tendo como objetivo apresentar os resultados do estudo granulométrico de praias oceânicas, lagunares e estuarinas da porção brasileira da bacia sedimentar de Pelotas, bem como discutir lacunas presentes no método oficial de classificação da sensibilidade ambiental de tais ambientes. A metodologia adotada neste trabalho obteve os parâmetros granulométricos de amostras sedimentares coletadas nas faces das praias que, em conjunto com referências sobre a hidrodinâmica da área e permeabilidade de praias, possibilitou a discussão da representatividade do método oficial para praias que compõem a planície costeira em questão. Os resultados apresentaram algumas lacunas no Índice de Sensibilidade do Litoral (ISL), relacionadas à variação dos parâmetros granulométricos analisados, uma vez que o mesmo não considera a dinâmica da distribuição espacial das partículas sedimentares dentro de um mesmo pacote, fator fundamental para a definição da permeabilidade das praias, além de interpretar de maneira teórica a permeabilidade atribuída a estes pacotes sedimentares. Tais discrepâncias podem confundir a tomada de decisão em ações de resposta a acidentes com óleo, deixando vulneráveis os ambientes e as comunidades que neles residem e que através deles sobrevivem.
Multi-Omics Approaches to Define Calcific Aortic Valve Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Blaser Mark C. , Kraler Simon , Lüscher Thomas F. , Aikawa Elena
Published: April 2021

Calcific aortic valve disease sits at the confluence of multiple world-wide epidemics of aging, obesity, diabetes, and renal dysfunction, and its prevalence is expected to nearly triple over the next 3 decades. This is of particularly dire clinical relevance, as calcific aortic valve disease can progress rapidly to aortic stenosis, heart failure, and eventually premature death. Unlike in atherosclerosis, and despite the heavy clinical toll, to date, no pharmacotherapy has proven effective to halt calcific aortic valve disease progression, with invasive and costly aortic valve replacement representing the only treatment option currently available. This substantial gap in care is largely because of our still-limited understanding of both normal aortic valve biology and the key regulatory mechanisms that drive disease initiation and progression. Drug discovery is further hampered by the inherent intricacy of the valvular microenvironment: a unique anatomic structure, a complex mixture of dynamic biomechanical forces, and diverse and multipotent cell populations collectively contributing to this currently intractable problem. One promising and rapidly evolving tactic is the application of multiomics approaches to fully define disease pathogenesis. Herein, we summarize the application of (epi)genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to the study of valvular heart disease. We also discuss recent forays toward the omics-based characterization of valvular (patho)biology at single-cell resolution; these efforts promise to shed new light on cellular heterogeneity in healthy and diseased valvular tissues and represent the potential to efficaciously target and treat key cell subpopulations. Last, we discuss systems biology- and network medicine-based strategies to extract meaning, mechanisms, and prioritized drug targets from multiomics datasets.
Variant Intronic Enhancer Controls
SCN10A-short
Expression and Heart Conduction
Authors: Man Joyce C.K. , Bosada Fernanda M. , Scholman Koen T. , Offerhaus Joost A. , Walsh Roddy , van Duijvenboden Karel , van Eif Vincent W.W. , Bezzina Connie R. , Verkerk Arie O. , Boukens Bastiaan J. , Barnett Phil , Christoffels Vincent M.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Genetic variants in
SCN10A
, encoding the neuronal voltage-gated sodium channel Na
V
1.8, are strongly associated with atrial fibrillation, Brugada syndrome, cardiac conduction velocities, and heart rate. The cardiac function of
SCN10A
has not been resolved, however, and diverging mechanisms have been proposed. Here, we investigated the cardiac expression of
SCN10A
and the function of a variant-sensitive intronic enhancer previously linked to the regulation of
SCN5A
, encoding the major essential cardiac sodium channel Na
V
1.5.

Methods:

The expression of
SCN10A
was investigated in mouse and human hearts. With the use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, the mouse intronic enhancer was disrupted, and mutant mice were characterized by transcriptomic and electrophysiological analyses. The association of genetic variants at
SCN5A-SCN10A
enhancer regions and gene expression were evaluated by genome-wide association studies single-nucleotide polymorphism mapping and expression quantitative trait loci analysis.

Results:

We found that cardiomyocytes of the atria, sinoatrial node, and ventricular conduction system express a short transcript comprising the last 7 exons of the gene (
Scn10a-short
). Transcription occurs from an intronic enhancer-promoter complex, whereas full-length
Scn10a
transcript was undetectable in the human and mouse heart. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis revealed that the genetic variants in linkage disequilibrium with genetic variant rs6801957 in the intronic enhancer associate with
SCN10A
transcript levels in the heart. Genetic modification of the enhancer in the mouse genome led to reduced cardiac
Scn10a-short
expression in atria and ventricles, reduced cardiac sodium current in atrial cardiomyocytes, atrial conduction slowing and arrhythmia, whereas the expression of
Scn5a
, the presumed enhancer target gene, remained unaffected. In patch-clamp transfection experiments, expression of
Scn10a-short
–encoded Na
V
1.8-short increased Na
V
1.5-mediated sodium current. We propose that noncoding genetic variation modulates transcriptional regulation of
Scn10a-short
in cardiomyocytes that impacts Na
V
1.5-mediated sodium current and heart rhythm.

Conclusions:

Genetic variants in and around
SCN10A
modulate enhancer function and expression of a cardiac-specific
SCN10A-short
transcript. We propose that noncoding genetic variation modulates transcriptional regulation of a functional C-terminal portion of Na
V
1.8 in cardiomyocytes that impacts on Na
V
1.5 function, cardiac conduction velocities, and arrhythmia susceptibility.
Additional, Mechanized Upper Limb Self-Rehabilitation in Patients With Subacute Stroke: The REM-AVC Randomized Trial
Authors: Rémy-Néris Olivier , Le Jeannic Anaïs , Dion Angelina , Médée Béatrice , Nowak Emmanuel , Poiroux Élodie , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle , Beis Jean-Marie , Bensmaïl Djamel , Benaim Charles , Luaute Jacques , Bonan Isabelle , Boyer François , Coudeyre Emmanuel , Daviet Jean-Christophe , Dehail Patrick , Ferrapie Anne-Laure , Isambert Jean-Luc , Kerdraon Jacques , Marque Philippe , Froger Jerome , Allart Etienne , Gross Raphaël , Yelnik Alain , Bensoussan Laurent , Tasseel-Ponche Sophie
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose:

Additional therapy may improve poststroke outcomes. Self-rehabilitation is a useful means to increase rehabilitation time. Mechanized systems are usual means to extend time for motor training. The primary aim was to compare the effects of self-rehabilitation using a mechanized device with control self-exercises on upper extremity impairment in patients with stroke.

Methods:

Phase III, parallel, concealed allocation, randomized controlled, multicenter trial, with 12-month follow-up. Patients aged 18 to 80 years, 3 weeks to 3 months poststroke with a Fugl-Meyer Assessment score of 10 to 40 points, were randomized to the Exo or control groups. All undertook two 30-minute self-rehabilitation sessions/day, 5 days/wk for 4 weeks in addition to usual rehabilitation. The Exo group performed games-based exercises using a gravity-supported mechanical exoskeleton (Armeo Spring). The control group performed stretching plus basic active exercises. Primary outcome was change in upper extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment score at 4 weeks.

Results:

Two hundred fifteen participants were randomly allocated to the Exo group (107) or the control group (108). Mean age (SD), 58.3 (13.6) years; mean time poststroke, 54.8 (22.1) days; and mean baseline Fugl-Meyer Assessment score, 26.1 (9.5). There was no between-group difference in mean change in Fugl-Meyer Assessment score following the intervention: 13.3 (9.0) in the Exo group and 11.8 (8.8) in the control group (
P
=0.22). There were no significant between-group differences in changes for any of the other outcomes at any time point (except for perception of the self-rehabilitation). There was no between-group difference in cost utility at 12 months.

Conclusions:

In patients with moderate-to-severe impairment in the subacute phase of stroke, the purchase and use of complex devices to provide additional upper limb training may not be necessary: simply educating patients to regularly move and stretch their limbs appears sufficient.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01383512.
Selection for Action: The Medial Frontal Cortex Is an Executive Hub for Stimulus and Response Selection
Authors: Asanowicz Dariusz , Panek Bartłomiej , Kotlewska Ilona
Published: April 2021

This EEG study investigates the electrophysiological activity underlying processes of stimulus and response selection, and their executive orchestration via long-range functional connectivity under conflict condition, in order to shed more light on how these brain dynamics shape individual behavioral performance. Participants (n = 91) performed a modified flanker task, in which bilateral visual stimulation and a bimanual response pattern were employed to isolate the stimulus and response selection-related lateralized activity. First, we identified conflict-related markers of task-relevant processes; most importantly, the stimulus and response selection were evidenced by contra–ipsilateral differences in visual and motor activity, respectively, and executive control was evidenced by modulations of midfrontal activity. Second, we identified conflict-related functional connectivity between midfrontal and other task-relevant areas. The results showed that interregional phase synchronization in theta band was centered at the midfrontal site, interpreted here as a “hub” of executive communication. Importantly, the theta functional connectivity was more robust under the condition of increased demands for stimulus and response selection, including connectivity between the medial frontal cortex and the lateral frontal and motor areas, as well as cross-frequency theta–alpha coupling between the medial frontal cortex and contralateral visual areas. Third, we showed that individual differences in the measured conflict-related EEG activity, particularly the midfrontal N2, theta power, and global theta connectivity, predict the behavioral efficiency in conflict resolution.
Postproverbials in Igbo Language
Authors: Abana Ifeoma , Eke Obiora
Published: April 2021

This treatise assesses the pragmatic implicature derived during the use of postproverbials in Igbo language and culture. Igbo proverbs have been so much studied that it would certainly be monotonous for a paroemiographer to resume making belated significance of Igbo speculations on the meaning and essence of a proverb. It is a glaring fact that that there is virtually no substantial controversy about the importance of proverbs in culture and the significance of proverbs in Igbo traditional society as a repository and verbal effulgence of wisdom is indeed proverbial. This study relies on Austin’s pragmatic theory of speech acts, conversational implicature and presupposition. The data is drawn from oral interview conducted by the researchers on ten Igbo elders with the aim of unraveling the linguistic idiosyncrasies associated with the connotation of postproverbials as it relates to different contextual usages. The paper will look at the development of this threat to the fixability of Igbo proverbs, the normative rapture and by extension establish the presence of “new” proverbs with new syntactic forms, new meanings and perhaps, new values. The analytic emphasis is based on the type of transformation, the shift in the construction of users. This paper concludes that postproverbiality is situated in the dynamic space of informal speech of a younger and adventurous generation.
Efficacy of the Ekiti State Antigrazing Law: Key Stakeholders' Perspectives
Authors: Olutegbe Nathaniel S. , Ogungbaro Oke O.
Published: April 2021

The study examines the perceived efficacy of the Ekiti state Anti-grazing Law (EAGL) as a strategy for managing farmers-herders conflict among stakeholders. Quantitative information was obtained from 148 crop farmers and 73 Fulani pastoralists selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure, while a total of five Focus Group Discussion sessions and In-depth Interviews were also conducted. Analyses of results were carried out using frequency counts meant-test and Tobit regression. A significant proportion (82.4%; 90.4%) of crop farmers and herdsmen, respectively had a high level of knowledge of the EAGL, perceived the EAGL to have substantial limitations (97.3% crop farmers; 100.0% herdsmen) as measures adopted for conflict management, with poor consultation and mobilization of stakeholders as the most rated factor. Also, 70.3% of crop farmers, but only 8.2% of herdsmen rated the efficacy of the EAGL as high. Farmers and herdsmen were significantly different in their perceived limitation (t = 12.44) and efficacy (t = 11.84) of the EAGL. Years of experience (β = 0.102), farm size (β = 0.0001), herd size (β = -0.112) and perceived limitation (β = 0.228) and being a crop farmer (β = 6.689) were predictors of the perceived efficacy of the EAGL. A robust stakeholder analysis and engagement is advocated for the sustainable management of conflicts and commons in future interventions.
Teaching the Ineffable Through Narrative
Authors: Baloian Bruce Edward
Published: April 2021

The concept of faith is a dominant motif in both Jewish and Christian Scriptures and yet the authors never chose to give faith a clear, concise definition in propositional formulations. Both Testaments repeatedly refer to its importance but only approach the subject by telling stories where this valued aspect is present or absent. Luke follows suit with the rest of the Gospels and the precedent set in the Jewish Scriptures. It heralds faith’s importance and necessity but never defines faith with theological statements. Using aspects of Structural Analysis, an adaptation of Form Criticism, the narratives in Luke will be investigated for how faith was taught and by whom.
Closing the Water Cycle from Observations across Scales: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: Dorigo Wouter , Dietrich Stephan , Aires Filipe , Brocca Luca , Carter Sarah , Cretaux Jean-François , Dunkerley David , Enomoto Hiroyuki , Forsberg René , Güntner Andreas , Hegglin Michaela I. , Hollmann Rainer , Hurst Dale F. , Johannessen Johnny A. , Kummerow Christian , Lee Tong , Luojus Kari , Looser Ulrich , Miralles Diego G. , Pellet Victor , Recknagel Thomas , Vargas Claudia Ruz , Schneider Udo , Schoeneich Philippe , Schröder Marc , Tapper Nigel , Vuglinsky Valery , Wagner Wolfgang , Yu Lisan , Zappa Luca , Zemp Michael , Aich Valentin
Published: April 2021

Life on Earth vitally depends on the availability of water. Human pressure on freshwater resources is increasing, as is human exposure to weather-related extremes (droughts, storms, floods) caused by climate change. Understanding these changes is pivotal for developing mitigation and adaptation strategies. The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) defines a suite of essential climate variables (ECVs), many related to the water cycle, required to systematically monitor Earth’s climate system. Since long-term observations of these ECVs are derived from different observation techniques, platforms, instruments, and retrieval algorithms, they often lack the accuracy, completeness, and resolution, to consistently characterize water cycle variability at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Here, we review the capability of ground-based and remotely sensed observations of water cycle ECVs to consistently observe the hydrological cycle. We evaluate the relevant land, atmosphere, and ocean water storages and the fluxes between them, including anthropogenic water use. Particularly, we assess how well they close on multiple temporal and spatial scales. On this basis, we discuss gaps in observation systems and formulate guidelines for future water cycle observation strategies. We conclude that, while long-term water cycle monitoring has greatly advanced in the past, many observational gaps still need to be overcome to close the water budget and enable a comprehensive and consistent assessment across scales. Trends in water cycle components can only be observed with great uncertainty, mainly due to insufficient length and homogeneity. An advanced closure of the water cycle requires improved model–data synthesis capabilities, particularly at regional to local scales.
Educational tool for analysis of proportional integral and fractional order proportional integral controlled quadratic boost converter system using MATLAB/simulink
Authors: Gopal J Nandha , NB Muthuselvan
Published: April 2021

This paper displays an simple method for identification of controller for wind based Quadratic Boost Converter Inverter system. India, being the fourth largest wind power generator has attracted numerous researchers towards the improvement of wind energy conversion system. This paper also presents improved controller techniques for a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG) coupled with Cascaded Quadratic Boost Converter (QBC) and Space Vector Modulation Inverter (SVMI). The digital simulation and execution of PMSG based wind turbine along with QBC and SVM Inverter is presented in a closed loop system. The performance of closed loop system is realized using Proportional Integral (PI) and Fractional Order Proportional Integral (FOPI) controllers. Initially, the AC power from PMSG wind turbine is rectified to DC using rectifier circuit. The DC power from the bridge rectifier is then boosted to the required level using quadratic boost converter. The output from QBC is then given to the SVM inverter. The closed loop investigations are carried with PI and FOPI controllers. The simulation results of both PI and FOPI controlled QBC are compared. The outcome of FOPI controller represents that the steady state error and settling time are reduced when compared to PI controlled closed loop Quadratic Boost Converter. The overall Matlab/simulink model is applied to undergraduate/postgraduate course as a educational tool and assessed thoroughly.
The Cost of Regime Survival: Political Instability, Underdevelopment, and (Un)natural Disasters in Haiti Before the 2010 Earthquake
Authors: Charles Jean Max
Published: April 2021

This article critically examines the underlying political and structural conditions that lead to Haiti’s underdevelopment and the vulnerability of the country to natural disasters. Using the scholarship of Percy Hintzen and Michel-Rolph Trouillot, the article argues that disjunctures in the post-revolutionary governance of Haiti created conditions of precarity, vulnerability, and preempted possibilities for development. Those disjunctures were exacerbated under the Duvaliers and continue to be part of the fabric of Haiti. The explanation rests in the policies and practices of powerful domestic and foreign actors with vested interests in maintaining conditions of underdevelopment. This explains the failure of the county to effectively respond to extreme natural events such as earthquakes and hurricanes, thereby transforming them into pervasive natural disasters. The calamities that the world noticed on January 12, 2010 were simply an epiphenomenon of those deeply underlying conditions.
Recycling technology of epoxy glass fiber and epoxy carbon fiber composites used in aerospace vehicles
Authors: Thamizh Selvan R , Vishakh Raja PC , Mangal Pradyumna , Mohan Navami , Bhowmik Shantanu
Published: April 2021

Materials used for aircraft structures are chosen very carefully with a lot of consideration towards high strength and lightweight properties. Traditionally, metal alloys have been the favourite choice for manufacturers. But aircraft materials have undergone a paradigm shift over the years from wooden structures to composite materials. Epoxy-based composites are widely used in aircraft structures and they are difficult to recycle as thermoset resins are cross-linking, become rigid upon heating and cannot be remolded. As more than fifty percent of aircraft structure, by weight, being composed of composite materials these days, there will be a lot of waste generated when such aircraft reach their end-of-life. This calls for a sustainable approach towards waste management and a move towards recycling. This is a comprehensive study of recycling of composites like Glass Fibre Epoxy and Carbon Fibre Epoxy, the most used composite in aircraft structures. Glass Fiber Epoxy composite can be used in construction applications after processing through mechanical recycling. This investigation throws light on what kind of value-added products can be made from recycling of such composites. Carbon Fibre is an ideal reinforcement material used in aircraft composites and hence its proper reclamation and recycling are also of paramount importance. Thus, the recycling methodology to be followed for Carbon Fibre Epoxy composites, which are placed higher on the economic spectrum, is also discussed.
Does Europe Need an Emergency Constitution?
Authors: Kreuder-Sonnen Christian
Published: April 2021

The European Union is increasingly shaped by emergency politics as a mode of rule. Other than the state of exception in domestic constitutions, emergency politics at the European level is largely unregulated—with important negative effects for the integrity and normative quality of the European Union’s legal and political order. This article discusses whether and how a European-level emergency constitution could dampen the costs to constitutionalism by formally pre-regulating the assumption and exercise of emergency powers in the European Union. It proposes design principles that a European emergency constitution would need to meet in order to be desirable. They include prescriptions on who should declare an emergency and who should wield emergency authority up to what constitutional limit. While a European emergency constitution could theoretically alleviate some of the normative concerns about emergency politics, it is plagued by issues of implementation that only a fundamental constitutional overhaul of the European Union could address.
Educational Attainment Has a Causal Effect on Economic, But Not Social Ideology: Evidence from Discordant Twins
Authors: Hebbelstrup Rye Rasmussen Stig , Weinschenk Aaron , Nørgaard Asbjørn Sonne , von Bornemann Hjelmborg Jacob , Klemmensen Robert
Published: April 2021

In this article, we examine the nature of the relationship between educational attainment and ideology. Some scholars have argued that the effect of education on political variables like ideology is inflated due to unaccounted-for family factors, such as genetic predispositions and parental socialization. Using the discordant twin design and data from a large sample of Danish twins, we find that after accounting for confounders rooted in the family, education has a (quasi)-causal effect on economic ideology, but not social ideology. We also examine whether the relationship between education and economic ideology is moderated by levels of economic hardship in the local context where individuals reside. We find that the (quasi)-causal effect of education on economic ideology increases in economically challenged areas.
Manipulating Environmental Commitment: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Wesselmann Eric D. , Boyd Shane W. , Arellanes Jordan A. , Driskell Alexander , Hesson-McInnis Matthew S.
Published: April 2021

Environmental commitment, the subjective experience of dependence on the natural environment, is marked by a long-term orientation and psychological attachment towards the natural environment. The current research replicates and extends previous research on temporarily increasing environmental commitment ( Davis et al., 2009 ). We employed Davis et al.’s manipulation in two experimental studies (one laboratory, one online): we asked participants to spend time writing either about ways in which they are interdependent with the natural environment (high commitment manipulation) or unconnected with the environment (low commitment manipulation). In both studies we replicated the key finding that reflecting on one’s interdependence with the environment increases commitment. We extended the previous research by finding evidence that this commitment effect was mediated by satisfaction with one’s relationship to the environment. We did not replicate the original findings that the interdependence manipulation influences environmental behavioral intentions.
MiR-326 mediates malignant biological behaviors of lung adenocarcinoma by targeting ZEB1
Authors: Liu Mingxin , Wu Hong , Liu Yiqiang , Tan Yan , Wang Songtao , Xie Shaohua , Xiang Run , Liang Jingchen , Zhang Ru , Xu Chuan , He Jintao , Li Qiang
Published: April 2021

MiR-326 functions as an antioncogene in the several types of cancer. However, the underling mechanisms through which miRNA-326 regulates the anti-carcinogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma have remained elusive. The aim of this study was to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of miR-326 in cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression pattern of miR-326 in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBES-2B), 4 kinds of lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (H23, H1975, H2228, H2085) and 20 lung adenocarcinoma tissues. Then, H23 cells were infected with miR-326 mimics, miR-326 inhibitors and si-ZEB1 to build up-regulated miR-326 cell lines, down-regulated ZEB1(zinc-finger-enhancer binding protein 1)cell lines, simultaneous down-regulated ZEB1 and miR-326 cell lines. Moreover, CCK-8 assay, transwell invasion assay, wound healing assay and flow cytometry assay were employed to examine the effects of miR-326 and ZEB1 on the proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis abilities of H23 cells. Western blot was performed to explore the effects of miR-326 and ZEB1 on the expression of invasion and migration related proteins N-cadherin, E-cadherin, MMP7, MMP13, SLUG and apoptotic proteins PARP, BAX. On the mechanism, a dual-luciferase reporter gene was used to measure the target relationship between miR-326 and ZEB1. MiR-326 expression was significantly downregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. Overexpression of miR-326 significantly inhibited the malignant behaviors of H23 cells. Mechanically, luciferase reporter assay showed that ZEB1 was a direct target of miR-326. MiR-326 mimic downregulated the expression of ZEB1. Furthermore, knocking down ZEB1 strongly inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of H23 cells but promoted apoptosis. MiR-326 could target ZEB1 to inhibit the proliferation, invasion and migration of lung adenocarcinoma cells and promote apoptosis, which is a potential therapeutic target for lung adenocarcinoma.
Pathologies associated with the mandibular third molar impaction
Authors: Ye Zhou-Xi , Qian Wen-Hao , Wu Yu-Bo , Yang Chi
Published: April 2021

To evaluate the associations of impaction patterns of mandibular third molars (M3Ms) with pathologies caused by them. In this study, 262 patients with 432 impacted M3Ms who referred in Shanghai Xuhui District Center were reviewed. The pathologies include pericoronitis, mandibular second molar (M2M) caries, and M2M distal periodontal pathology. The impaction patterns of M3Ms and the pathologies were examined, while the M2M outcomes after surgeries were evaluated. A χ2 test was used to analyze the data, with a p value of <0.05 being considered statistically significant. Pericoronitis was the major symptom in all patients, whereas the propensities of M2M distal caries and periodontal pathologies increased in older patients. Soft tissue impacted and vertically angulated teeth were more associated with pericoronitis ( p < 0.05); mesio-angular impacted teeth in less deep positions had greater risks of M2Ms distal caries ( p < 0.05); mesio-angular and horizontal impacted teeth in relative deep positions were more likely to cause M2Ms distal periodontal pathologies ( p < 0.05). Extractions of soft tissue impacted teeth in vertical angulations should be considered, while removals of mesially and horizontally angulated or bony impacted teeth could be delayed.
Otolaryngology activity in two hospitals in northern and central Italy differently affected by COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Minni Antonio , Pilolli Francesco , Ralli Massimo , Mevio Niccolò , Roncoroni Luca , Placentino Angelo , Cialente Fabrizio , Candelori Francesca , Milani Alessandro , de Vincentiis Marco , Dragonetti Alberto Giulio
Published: April 2021

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic had a significant impact on the Italian healthcare system, although geographical differences were present; regions in northern Italy have been the most severely affected while regions in the south of the country were relatively spared. Otolaryngologists were actively involved in the management of the pandemic. In this work, we analyzed and compared the otolaryngology surgical activity performed during the pandemic in two large public hospitals located in different Italian regions. In northern Italy, otolaryngologists were mainly involved in performing surgical tracheotomies in COVID-19 positive patients and contributed to the management of these patients in intensive care units. In central Italy, where the burden of the infection was significantly lower, otolaryngologists focused on diagnosis and treatment of emergency and oncology patients. This analysis confirms the important role of the otolaryngology specialists during the pandemic, but also highlights specific differences between two large hospitals in different Italian regions.
Mobility for Me but Not for Others: The Contradictory Cosmopolitan Practices of Contemporary White British Youth
Authors: Keating Avril
Published: April 2021

This article seeks to problematise the perception that young people are committed cosmopolitans by highlighting some of the contradictory and contingent practices that young White British youth engage in. To do so, I explore a contradiction that emerged in my recent projects when young people talked about mobility and migration, namely how some White British youth want (and assume) freedom of movement for themselves but are opposed to freedom of movement when it involves immigrants coming to Britain. Here I argue that this can be viewed as an effort to enjoy the benefits of a cosmopolitan lifestyle (particularly through geographical mobility) while nonetheless wishing to limit opportunities for cultural Others to do likewise. This manifestation, I suggest, should be seen as a one-way form of cosmopolitanism that is not just contradictory, but also a reflection of the mixed messages young people in Britain receive about mobility, migration, multiculturalism, citizenship and individualism.
Improving Engagement: Integrating Assistive Technology in Early Literacy
Authors: Marsh Kathryn L. , Schladant Michelle , Sudduth Christina , Shearer Rebecca , Dowling Monica , Natale Ruby
Published: April 2021

Although there are documented benefits and legislative mandates for children from birth through age 22, assistive technology (AT) is highly underused, especially among young children (Dunst & Trivette, 2011). One of the main reasons for this underuse is that while teachers are legally required to provide AT for children with disabilities, many teachers do not have the knowledge, confidence, or skills needed to provide AT to support early literacy instruction (Dean, 2020; Hilaire & Gallagher, 2020; Temple, 2019). This article identifies the benefits of AT during early literacy instruction and describes how teachers can integrate practical AT tools and strategies into early literacy instruction using a widely utilized framework call the SETT (Student Environment Task Tool; Zabala, 1995) Framework. The authors aim to provide free professional development resources to improve teachers integration of AT in their classrooms to enhance opportunities for young children with disabilities to meaningfully participate in everyday literacy activities.
Influence rules and mechanisms of mechanical vibration at different frequencies on dynamic process of gas diffusion from coal particles
Authors: Shen Maoliang , Chen Xuexi
Published: April 2021

To study the influence of vibration on gas desorption and diffusion in particle coal, gas desorption experiments on soft coal with outburst risk under different frequency vibrations were carried out by using a self-designed gas adsorption and desorption platform under vibration conditions, and the influence of different frequency vibrations on the diffusion kinetic parameters was quantitatively analyzed by using a dynamic diffusion coefficient model. The influence mechanism of vibration on gas desorption and diffusion in coal was further analyzed from the three aspects of gas molecules, energy conversion and pore structure through theoretical analysis and mercury injection experiments. The results showed that with increasing vibration frequency, the gas desorption of the coal samples first increases and then decreases. The initial diffusion coefficient of gas in the coal samples increases linearly with increasing vibration frequency, but the attenuation coefficient of the diffusion coefficient decreases first and then increases with increasing vibration frequency. The "throwing effect" and thermal effect of vibration on the gas molecules are both conducive to the desorption of gas molecules. In addition, vibration causes changes in the pore structure in coal, increasing gas diffusion paths and reducing diffusion resistance.
Lateral Neck Dissection for Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Is Prophylactic Level V Neck Dissection Necessary? A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Neiderman Narin N. Carmel , Baris Harel , Duek Irit , Warshavsky Anton , Ringel Barak , Izkhakov Elena , Horowitz Gilad , Fliss Dan M.
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The presence of clinically detectable papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) metastases in the lateral neck is an indication for neck dissection (ND) and thyroidectomy. Although there is a consensus regarding the importance of therapeutic selective ND of involved levels II to IV in patients with clinically evident locoregional metastatic disease, the prognostic benefit of level V prophylactic ND remains debatable.

Methods:

All patients who underwent thyroidectomy with ND for metastatic PTC between 2006 and 2019 were included in a single-institution retrospective study. Preoperative characteristics at initial presentation, imaging workup, intraoperative findings, and the final histopathological reports were retrieved from the institutional database.

Results:

A total of 189 patients with locally advanced PTC were identified, of whom 22 (11.6%) patients underwent therapeutic selective ND at levels II to IV together with level V dissection due to clinical involvement. Comparison of the patients who were operated on level V to those who were not revealed no significant difference. The disease recurrence rate was 20.1% throughout an average follow-up of 5.1±3.1 years. No significant differences in recurrence rate were found between patients who underwent and those who did not undergo level V ND (22.7% vs 19.8%, P = .648). No recurrence at resected level V was detected during follow-up, while recurrence at level V was found in 4 (2.1%) patients who did not undergo level V dissection. Evidence of macroscopic and microscopic extrathyroidal extension was significant predictors of disease recurrence risk.

Conclusion:

There were no significant associations between level V dissection and risk for recurrence. Recurrence at level V was rare (4/189 patients, 2.1%). Our study’s findings suggest a low prophylactic benefit of an elective level V ND. Elective level V ND should not be done routinely when lateral ND is indicated but should rather be considered after careful evaluation in high-risk patients.
Impact of Isolation on Adenoid Size and Symptoms in Preschool Children Who Previously Qualified for Adenoidectomy: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Zwierz Aleksander , Masna Krystyna , Zwierz Karol , Bojkowski Maksymilian , Burduk Paweł
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

To analyze the role of factors that influence adenoid-related symptoms, and the influence of 3 months of isolation in preschool children who were qualified for adenoidectomy.

Methods:

This was a cohort study of the impact of 3 months of isolation on children aged 3 to 6 years with adenoid-related symptoms and endoscopically confirmed grade II and III adenoid hypertrophy. The children had previously qualified for adenoidectomy. After 3 months, 141 children were asked about their symptoms, 71 of whom were randomly chosen for medical examination, including endoscopic adenoid examination. Additionally, pre- and post-isolation tympanometry results were analyzed.

Results:

In our study, significant or mild improvements in health were observed in approximately 73% of the children; 92% of the surveyed parents reported that their children exhibited improved nasal patency, 63% of children discontinued snoring, and 30% of children showed a decrease in snoring. Data collected through surveys correlated with endoscopic findings wherein the size of the adenoid decreased by an average of 5.4%, but the amount of mucus covering the adenoid decreased more significantly in 76% of patients, which may be the main problem determining symptoms reported before isolation. In addition, the amount of residual mucus in the nasopharynx significantly affected the middle ear effusion in adenoid hypertrophy.

Conclusions and Relevance:

This study found that isolation in preschool children stabilizes the bacterial microbiome of the nose and nasopharynx, thereby having a significant effect not only on the number of recurrent infections of the upper respiratory tract but also on the patency of the nose. The only symptom that depended on the size of the pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy was snoring. There was a weak correlation between prevalence of infections and adenoid size. During the isolation period, the adenoid size reduced by approximately 5.4% only, statistically more significant in the group with grade III adenoid hypertrophy, but the prevalence of infections rapidly decreased. Residual mucous in the nasopharynx found to be in correlation with middle ear effusion.