bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure and Velocity Correlation in the wake of a Propeller
Authors: Di Felice F. , Felli M. , Giordano G. , Soave M.
Published: January 2022

An experimental study of the flow and pressure field behind a marine propeller in a non-cavitating regime is reported. The flow field measurements, in phase with the propeller revolution angle, were performed by using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), and propeller wake evolution from the blade trailing edge to the slipstream contraction (near wake) was investigated. Pressure measurements, performed in four radial and eight longitudinal positions downstream of the propeller, were carried out at different advance coefficients, in order to point out the wake structures at different propeller operating conditions. The transducer data are analyzed by using the slotting technique to reconstruct the pressure in phase with the revolution of the reference blade. Finally, the correlation of the flow field and pressure signals is performed.
Hydrodynamic Assessment of Alternative Propulsion Arrangements
Authors: Metcalf Bryson J. , Karafiath Gabor
Published: January 2022

Non-traditional hydrodynamic propulsion systems such as pods, water jets, surface drives, and vertical axis propellers either inherently provide a steering capability or are sold with the steering element as an integral part. In addition, the appendage drag of these systems varies greatly. Thus the traditional measure of merit, the propulsive coefficient, which is mostly concerned with propeller efficiency and hull-propeller interaction, is not the best assessment of non-traditional propulsion systems.

A new proposed measure of merit called the Hydrodynamic system coefficient is presented It is the ratio of the "bare hull" effective power to the final delivered power. Bare hull in this case refers to the vessel configuration without it's steering and propulsion-related appendages. The Hydrodynamic system coefficient is presented for several cases of the following vessel configurations; twin-pod propulsion, traditional shaft and strut arrangements, and nonintegral type skegs. Additionally, the application is also explained for vertical axis propellers, water-jet propulsion, tunnel hull arrangements, and surface drives.

It is shown that the Hydrodynamic system coefficient is an excellent single parameter for comparing/assessing the performance among these various types of propulsion arrangements. The unadjusted model-test results are presented along with an adjusted calculation for cases where the rotating element of the model propulsor had poor performance.
Hydroelastic Analysis of Composite Marine Propellers
Authors: Young Yin Lu
Published: January 2022

Recent increases in the availability of low-cost composites and improvements in the reliability of manufacturing techniques lead to an increase in the use of composites for marine propulsion systems. In addition to the obvious advantage of low mass and high specific weight, the anisotropic characteristics of composites can also be exploited to improve the hydrodynamic performance by automatically adjusting the shape of the blade. The objective of this work is to develop a numerical tool to predict the hydroelastic response of composite marine propellers. This is achieved by coupling a 3-D boundary element method (BEM) with a 3-D finite element method (FEM) to predict the interaction between blade deformation and fluid pressure variation on the blade. An overview of the numerical algorithm is presented, along with experimental validation study of a composite propeller tested at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division (NSWCCD).
Det Norske Vertias' Methodology for Propulsion Shaft Design - A cost-saving and reliable supplement to the ICAS simplified code
Authors: Dahler Geir , Roaldsoy Jonny , Sandberg Erik
Published: January 2022

Det Norske Veritas has developed an alternative design-verification methodology for shafting systems for ship propulsion. This methodology satisfies all shaft fatigue safety requirements and gives a better basis for cost optimizations than other established codes. For two-stroke powered propulsion plants, such as discussed in this paper, saved costs are basically related to the choice of torsional vibration damper size and more slender shafts resulting in simpler shaft alignment and less bearing problems. Shaft design examples based on the Del Norske Veritas methodology and essential elements of the theory are presented.
Teatro com a floresta: um trajeto
Authors: Valle Vitor Ribeiro do , Conceição Flávio da , Kaxinawa Joaquim Paulo de Lima
Published: January 2022

Este é um relato de experiência sobre uma trajetória de aproximação ao povo Huni kuĩ pelo viés da estética relacional, com o objetivo de suprir uma escassez dos saberes tradicionais nos espaços formais de educação. Para enriquecer o encontro de alteridades, houve o processo reflexivo “Teatro com a floresta”, visando potencializar o acontecimento teatral pelo viés ecológico. Três eixos emergiram desse processo: o público, a socialidade e o espaço. Como meio prático dessa busca foram utilizados o teatro de João Redondo e o teatro de Lambe-Lambe dentro do ambiente tradicional da comunidade, a floresta. Os principais autores utilizados foram: Nicolas Bourriaud (2009), André Carreira (2009, 2013), Els Lagrou (2002, 2010) e Fritjof Capra (1997).
Tossed on the seas of Visual Theatre: challenges to Puppetry’s survival as an independent discipline
Authors: Rei Leino
Published: January 2022

The goal was to understand the current situation and give an overview of Baltic and Nordic countries' puppet theater and puppet theater training traditions and whether and how the puppeteer's profile has changed recently. To get an idea of the trends in this area, the common ground of the different countries, I interviewed theatre makers from  Finland, Sweden, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The title of this research is "Tossed on the seas of visual theatre: challenges to puppetry’s survival as an independent discipline."To have a wider look at the puppetry, I also did two additional interviews. One of them with Marek Waszkiel - "Puppetry's challenges in the new visual theatre paradigm" and another one with Russian director Yana Tumina - "The puppeteer in the 21st century".
Bringing All the Stakeholders to the Table: A Collaborative Approach to Data Sharing
Authors: O'Donnell Megan N. , Brundy Curtis
Published: January 2022

Objective: This paper examines a unique data set disclosure process at a medium sized, land grant, research university and the campus collaboration that led to its creation.

Methods: The authors utilized a single case study methodology, reviewing relevant documents and workflows. As first-hand participants in the collaboration and disclosure process development, their own accounts and experiences also were utilized.

Results: A collaborative approach to enhancing research data sharing is essential, considering the wide array of stakeholders involved across the life cycle of research data. A transparent, inclusive data set disclosure process is a viable route to ensuring research data can be appropriately shared.

Conclusions: Successful sharing of research data impacts a range of university units and individuals. The establishment of productive working relationships and trust between these stakeholders is critical to expanding the sharing of research data and to establishing shared workflows.
Financial Intermediation by Microfinance Banks in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa: Financial Intermediation Theoretical Approach
Authors: Bongomin George Okello Candiya , Yosa Francis , Lubega Joseph Baleke Yiga , Yourougou Pierre , Amani Alain Manzi
Published: January 2022

Premised on Meta analysis of financial intermediation theory by Gurley and Shaw (1960), Leland and Pyle (1977), Diamond and Dybvig (1983), Allen and Santomero (1996), Scholtens and van Wensveen (2000), the main purpose of this study is to test for the predictive power of each of the dimensions of financial intermediation of market penetration and quality of financial services on financial inclusion of the poor by microfinance banks in rural sub-Saharan Africa grounded on the financial intermediation theory. This study adopted a cross-sectional research design and data were collected from 400 poor households located in rural Uganda. The data were analyzed using ordinary least square hierarchical regression (OLS) in SPSS (statistical packages for social sciences) to generate the explanatory power of each of the dimensions of financial intermediation on financial inclusion based on coefficient of determination (R²). In addition, results from analysis of variances (ANOVA) were also generated to establish the differences in the perceptions of the poor towards being financially included through financial intermediation. The results revealed that market penetration and quality of financial services as dimensions of financial intermediation significantly explains 22 percent of the variation in financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Additionally, when individual effects were considered, both market penetration and quality of financial services had significant and positive effects on financial inclusion of the poor in rural Uganda. Accordingly, our study contributes and recommends specific policies toward the role of financial intermediaries in financial deepening, especially in rural sub-Saharan Africa where there are limited presence of traditional banking structures to serve the unbanked rural poor households.
Academic traditions of pre-university training in the system of school-studio education for future students of architects and designers (on the example of the experience of ten studio schools in Krasnoyarsk)
Authors: Gantsov Marat , Murina Natal'ya Valentinovna
Published: January 2022

The subject of this research is the methodological approaches in the pre-university career guidance training of future students of architecture and design universities, organized in the system of pre-university or school general education – on the example of the activities of selected ten studio schools in the city of Krasnoyarsk. The goal of this work is to identify peculiarities of methodological organization of pre-university training for the development of their abilities to master future architectural and artistic professions. The results of the conducted research are presented by a set of revealed methodological features in the system of pre-university architectural and design training in teaching such key art disciplines as drawing, painting, composition (paper plastic, prototyping), and graphics.The novelty lies in the integrated approach towards the analysis of the structure of artistic training in studio schools, combining various visual disciplines, as well as in the comparative study of specific practices of pre-university training in Krasnoyarsk studios aimed at vocational architectural and artistic training. The acquired conclusions indicate the effectiveness of methods for the development of students' artistic abilities through the use of traditional academic methods of training within the framework of the key visual art disciplines, such as drawing, painting, composition, graphics.
Comparative analysis of approaches of the Russian Federation, the United States and Germany towards recruitment of highly skilled migrants (2010–2016)
Authors: Ermolaev Ivan Alekseevich , Loginov Evgenii Andreevich , Madumarova Aisuluu Rustamovna , Nesterov Aleksei Vyacheslavovich , Morgunova Oksana Alekseevna
Published: January 2022

The subject of this research is the programs for attracting highly skilled workers in the United States, the Russian Federation, and Germany. The developed countries compete for such valuable and limited resource as highly skilled workforce. It is emphasized that the immigration system and the priority of highly skilled workers in migration flows contributes to the long-term rise in labor productivity, technological innovations, and entrepreneurial development. The currently implemented in the Russian Federation policy of recruiting highly skilled workers leans on the experience of countries that have already embarked on such programs of priority migration. Within the framework of comparative analysis of the category “highly skilled migrant” in the United States, the Russian Federation and Germany, the authors highlight their characteristic features of national approaches towards migration policy. The ambiguity of the term “highly skilled workforce” and national peculiarities of visa policy with regards to migrants are outlined. The need for highly skilled migrants is substantiated with consideration of the global and national factors. Over the period from 2010 to 2016, in the United States the number of H-1B visa applications has increased by 28%, the number of issued H-1B visas by 44%; Germany marks the increase in the number of highly skilled migrants by 8%; the approved visas for highly skilled workers in the Russian Federation amounts to 82%. The article systematizes the relevant methods of recruiting highly skilled specialists in the United States, the Russian Federation and Germany.
Design of indoor navigation system for buildings with complex hierarchical structure
Authors: Okhotnichenko Aleksei Vasil'evich , Kukhta Iuliia Borisovna
Published: January 2022

There is currently a wide variety of navigation system, which allow determining the exact GPS coordinates and building a route taking based on the specified parameters. However, such systems are not suitable for indoor use, mostly due to no access to the floor plans. In view of this, it is relevant to minimize the time of searching for the location of a particular object, including in a building with complex hierarchical structure. The article examines the theoretical and practical developments in the sphere of navigation, conducts their comparative analysis, which indicated the need for designing the module for indoor navigation in a multi-storey building, considering the peculiarities of its floor plan. As a result, the authors designed the structure of the indoor navigation module in a building with complex hierarchical structure using the graph theory for detecting the shortest route and affine transformation algorithms for graphical representation of floor plan of a building on the example of the main building of the Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University. The article provides the description of its subsystems and blocks, as well as instruments for determining geopositioning of the object. The authors outline the prospects for the development of indoor navigation system, taking into account the peculiarities of creating electronic floor plans of a building based on the graph theory, as well as development of the algorithm for modification of the parameters of the existing 3D-objects. As a result of full implementation of the project, there will be designed the system of indoor navigation in a multi-storey building with complex hierarchical structure using a mobile app; it will help to easily find the geopositioning of the object and shortcuts.
Effect of N
2O treatment on performance of back channel etched metal oxide thin film transistors
Authors: Xu Hua , Liu Jing-Dong , Cai Wei , Li Min , Xu Miao , Tao Hong , Zou Jian-Hua , Peng Jun-Biao ,   Guangzhou New Vision Opto-electronic Technology Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510530, China,   State Key Laboratory of Luminescence Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China,   Ji Hua Laboratory, Foshan 528000, China
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the rare earth element praseodymium-doped indium tin zinc oxide semiconductor is used as the channel layer of the thin film transistor, and the aluminum oxide-based wet back channel etched thin film transistor is successfully prepared. The effect of N 2O plasma treatment on the back-channel interface of thin film transistor is studied, and the effect of treatment power and time on device performance are studied in detail. The results show that the good device performance can be obtained under certain power and time treatment, and the prepared device has good thermal stability of positive bias and negative bias under light conditions. The results from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy show that the amorphous structure of the metal oxide semiconductor material can effectively resist the wet etchant, and that no obvious component segregation phenomenon is found. Further, X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy tests show that N 2O plasma treatment can form an oxygen-rich, low-carrier-concentration interface layer at the interface. On the one hand, it can effectively resist the damage of the back channel caused by the plasma of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and on the other hand, it acts as a passivation body of hydrogen from PECVD plasma, suppressing the generation of low-level donor state of hydrogen. This study provides an important reference for low-cost, high-efficiency thin film transistor performance optimization methods.
Derivation of fast neutron multiplicity measurement equation of uranium material
Authors: Li Su-Fen , Li Kai-Le , Zhang Quan-Hu , Cai Xing-Fu ,   Rocket Force University of Engineering, Xi’an 710025, China
Published: January 2022

With the deepening of international nuclear disarmament, attribute certification for nuclear material has attracted more and more attention. The fast neutron multiplicity measurement technology－a non-destructive testing method－uses scintillator detector for measurement, which plays a more and more important role in the military control verification system. At present, the fast neutron multiplicity measurement methods for plutonium materials are relatively mature, but the fast neutron multiplicity analysis model and measurement equations of uranium materials are still under development. In order to establish the active fast neutron multiplicity measurement equation for uranium materials, based on the derivation process of neutron multiplicity counting analysis equation, in this paper uses the probability generating function is used to derive the fast neutron multiplicity measurement equation of uranium materials according to the difference between the physical processes of uranium and plutonium materials, without considering the reaction of \begin{document}$ (\alpha , n) $\end{document} or the influence of fast neutron scattering crosstalk. On this basis, in order to verify the validity of the measurement equation, Geant4 is used to build a 3 × 8 well-type detection system for simulation measurement. The fitting function relationship between the coupling coefficient and the value-added coefficient, the multiplicity counting rate, and the solution deviation of the quality are analyzed, thereby confirming the reliability and the accuracy of the measurement equation, which is of great significance in developing the fast neutron multiplicity technology.
Ultrasonic attenuation model of mixed particle three-phase system based on Monte Carlo method
Authors: Zhao Ning-Ning , Xiao Xin-Yu , Fan Feng-Xian , Su Ming-Xu ,   School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
Published: January 2022

From the perspective of calculating ultrasonic absorption and scattering properties of individual solid particle and droplet, the ultrasonic wave is treated as discrete phonons. And by tracking their motion process and event statistics, a new prediction model of ultrasonic attenuation of spherical mixed particles in gaseous medium is established with Monte Carlo method. Considering the difference in physical properties between solid particles and liquid particles, the ultrasonic absorption characteristics of the two kinds of particles are obviously different, and when dimensionless particle size kR ≤ 1, the backscattering of particles is uniform and dominant, then the ultrasonic scattering pressures gradually transit from the dominant position of backscattering to the trend of forward enhancement with the increase of dimensionless particle size. The numerical simulation results for the system with a single particle type are compared with those from various standard models such as classical ECAH model and McC model, showing that they are in good agreement. Similarly, the results are then compared with experimental results, which accord with each other in general. After calculating and verifying the ultrasonic attenuation of aluminum particles and submicron droplets respectively in air, the method is extended to the three-phase monodisperse and polydisperse mixed particle system composed of aluminum particles and liquid droplets. In the three-phase system of gas-liquid-solid mixed particles, the particle type has a significant influence on ultrasonic attenuation, and the attenuation contribution of different particles against mixing ratio does not follow the linear gradient with the increase of volume concentration. For a polydisperse system, the ultrasonic attenuation spectrum is greatly affected by the average particle size, but it is insensitive to the width of particle size distribution. The numerical results also show that both the particle type and particle distribution size should be carefully take into account in the polydisperse system. Moreover, the MCM model can be further extended to non-spherical particles and combined with mathematical inversion to form the theoretical basis for the measurement of mixed particle system.
Simulation of neutron irradiation damage in lead lanthanum zirconate titanate by Monte Carlo method
Authors: Wang Li-Min , Duan Bing-Huang , Xu Xian-Guo , Li Hao , Chen Zhi-Jun , Yang Kun-Jie , Zhang Shuo ,   School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China,   Institute of Electronic Engineering, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang 621900, China,   College of Nuclear Equipment and Nuclear Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
Published: January 2022

Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) has a broad application prospect for energy storage devices with high energy density, since it possesses excellent dielectric and energy storage properties. To investigate the irradiation damage to the PLZT induced by neutrons with different energy, the primary energetic recoil spectra of each kind of element are first extracted from the transportation simulations of neutrons with energy ranging from 1 to 14 MeV, respectively. Then, the displacement damages (including vacancies and interstitial atoms) induced by each type of recoil with different energy are simulated based on the binary collision approximation method. Finally the number of defects in PLZT produced by neutrons with an energy range from 1 to 14 MeV is calculated based on the recoil energy spectra and the defect number produced by the recoils. The results show that the number of defects produced in the PLZT material with a thickness of 3 cm is approximately independent of the neutron energy for the fast neutrons with energy in a range from 1 to 14 MeV, even though the primary recoil energy spectra from neutrons with different energy are completely different. The average number of defects produced in 3-cm-thick PLZT is about 460 ± 120 vacancies/neutrons. For neutrons with energy ranging from 1 to 14 MeV, the produced defect concentration in PLZT decreases slightly with the depth increasing within a thickness of 3 cm. The difference in defect concentration in this 3 cm is in a range of 50%. This decrease is caused mainly by the fact that some of neutrons are back-scattered during transport. The average defect concentration produced by neutron irradiation in the PLZT with a thickness of 3 cm is slightly(～20%) higher than that in the PLZT with a thickness of 1 mm. The reason for the higher defect concentration in a thicker (3 cm) PLZT can be attributed to the following facts: (i) the (n, 2n) reactions between neutron and material can make the number of neutrons increase during transport; (ii) the scattering can make the path of neutron longer; (iii) the inelastic scattering can lead to a smallnumber of moderated neutrons, which have a slightly larger interaction cross section with materials. This indicates the damage produced in thick PLZT is quite complicated and closely related to the process of neutron transport. This work presents a method of calculating the displacement damage of neutrons in materials, and the simulation results can provide guidance for studying the neutron irradiation effects of PLZT-based electronic devices.
Birefringence effect of high reflectivity cavity mirrors and its influence on cavity enhanced spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Jian-Xin , Zhao Gang , Zhou Yue-Ting , Zhou Xiao-Bin , Ma Wei-Guang ,   State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute of Laser Spectroscopy, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China,   Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China
Published: January 2022

In laser absorption spectroscopy, in order to improve gas detection sensitivity, optical cavity with high finesse is used to prolong the interaction path between the laser and the absorber. However, the birefringence of high reflectivity cavity mirrors generates two polarization eigenstates, and owing to the different phase shifts along the two directions, the cavity mode will be split. In this work, we first measure the cavity enhanced signal under birefringence and observe the mode split. And a model to mimic cavity enhanced spectroscopy under birefringent effect is presented, which can accurately fit the different polarization ratios at transmission. Finally, we propose a cavity ring-down signal model considering different coupling efficiencies of the two polarization directions of the cavity. Comparing with the conventional exponential model, the standard deviation of residual maximum suppression is as high as 9 times. And this analysis is helpful in improving the signal-to-noise ratio and uncertainty of cavity ring-down signal and increasing the accuracy of concentration inversion.
Structure stability of cyclic chain-like cavitation cloud in thin liquid layer
Authors: Li Fan , Zhang Xian-Mei , Tian Hua , Hu Jing , Chen Shi , Wang Cheng-Hui , Guo Jian-Zhong , Mo Run-Yang ,   Institute of Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ultrasonics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710062, China
Published: January 2022

In this paper, the evolution of the cavitation bubbles is investigated. A model is developed to describe the cyclic chain-like cavitation cloud and analyze its structure stability in a thin liquid layer. By considering the effect of secondary acoustic radiation of bubbles, the dynamic equations of the bubbles in three zones of the cyclic chain are obtained. The secondary Bjerknes force is selected and used to explore the interaction between the bubbles in different regions. Numerical results show that the newborn bubbles inside the pure liquid zone of the thin layer can be attracted by the bubbles at the cyclic chain-like bubble chain. The bubble number density can affect the coupling strength between bubbles, and it is closely related to the driving pressure. Therefore, the structure stability of cyclic chain-like cavitation cloud can be disrupted by the perturbations of the acoustic pressure. To verify our analysis, we observe the structure of cavitation cloud in a thin liquid layer in a strong acoustic field by using a high speed camera. It is observed that the simultaneous collapse of local bubbles occurs, and pure liquid-like thin layers are distributed in the bubble cloud randomly. The boundary of the pure liquid-like thin layers oscillates with the acoustic field, and these liquid zones sustain about 4 acoustic cycles. The experimental results accord well with theoretical results.
Volume growth in animal cells is cell cycle dependent and shows additive fluctuations
Authors: Cadart Clotilde , Venkova Larisa , Piel Matthieu , Cosentino Lagomarsino Marco
Published: January 2022

The way proliferating animal cells coordinate the growth of their mass, volume, and other relevant size parameters is a long-standing question in biology. Studies focusing on cell mass have identified patterns of mass growth as a function of time and cell cycle phase, but little is known about volume growth. To address this question, we improved our fluorescence exclusion method of volume measurement (FXm) and obtained 1700 single-cell volume growth trajectories of HeLa cells. We find that, during most of the cell cycle, volume growth is close to exponential and proceeds at a higher rate in S-G2 than in G1. Comparing the data with a mathematical model, we establish that the cell-to-cell variability in volume growth arises from constant-amplitude fluctuations in volume steps rather than fluctuations of the underlying specific growth rate. We hypothesize that such ‘additive noise’ could emerge from the processes that regulate volume adaptation to biophysical cues, such as tension or osmotic pressure.
Multi-omics investigation of Clostridioides difficile-colonized patients reveals pathogen and commensal correlates of C. difficile pathogenesis
Authors: Fishbein Skye RS , Robinson John I , Hink Tiffany , Reske Kimberly A , Newcomer Erin P , Burnham Carey-Ann D , Henderson Jeffrey P , Dubberke Erik R , Dantas Gautam
Published: January 2022

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) imposes a substantial burden on the health care system in the United States. Understanding the biological basis for the spectrum of C. difficile-related disease manifestations is imperative to improving treatment and prevention of CDI. Here, we investigate the correlates of asymptomatic C. difficile colonization using a multi-omics approach. We compared the fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles of patients with CDI versus asymptomatically colonized patients, integrating clinical and pathogen factors into our analysis. We found that CDI patients were more likely to be colonized by strains with the binary toxin (CDT) locus or strains of ribotype 027, which are often hypervirulent. We find that microbiomes of asymptomatically colonized patients are significantly enriched for species in the class Clostridia relative to those of symptomatic patients. Relative to CDI microbiomes, asymptomatically colonized patient microbiomes were enriched with sucrose degradation pathways encoded by commensal Clostridia, in addition to glycoside hydrolases putatively involved in starch and sucrose degradation. Fecal metabolomics corroborates the carbohydrate degradation signature: we identify carbohydrate compounds enriched in asymptomatically colonized patients relative to CDI patients. Further, we reveal that across C. difficile isolates, the carbohydrates sucrose, rhamnose, and lactulose do not serve as robust growth substrates in vitro, consistent with their enriched detection in our metagenomic and metabolite profiling of asymptomatically colonized individuals. We conclude that pathogen genetic variation may be strongly related to disease outcome. More interestingly, we hypothesize that in asymptomatically colonized individuals, carbohydrate metabolism by other commensal Clostridia may prevent CDI by inhibiting C. difficile proliferation. These insights into C. difficile colonization and putative commensal competition suggest novel avenues to develop probiotic or prebiotic therapeutics against CDI.
Adaptation of the periplasm to maintain spatial constraints essential for cell envelope processes and cell viability
Authors: Mandela Eric , Stubenrauch Christopher J , Ryoo David , Hwang Hyea , Cohen Eli J , Torres Von L , Deo Pankaj , Webb Chaille T , Huang Cheng , Schittenhelm Ralf B , Beeby Morgan , Gumbart JC , Lithgow Trevor , Hay Iain D
Published: January 2022

The cell envelope of Gram-negative bacteria consists of two membranes surrounding a periplasm and peptidoglycan layer. Molecular machines spanning the cell envelope depend on spatial constraints and load-bearing forces across the cell envelope and surface. The mechanisms dictating spatial constraints across the cell envelope remain incompletely defined. In Escherichia coli, the coiled-coil lipoprotein Lpp contributes the only covalent linkage between the outer membrane and the underlying peptidoglycan layer. Using proteomics, molecular dynamics, and a synthetic lethal screen, we show that lengthening Lpp to the upper limit does not change the spatial constraint but is accommodated by other factors which thereby become essential for viability. Our findings demonstrate E. coli expressing elongated Lpp does not simply enlarge the periplasm in response, but the bacteria accommodate by a combination of tilting Lpp and reducing the amount of the covalent bridge. By genetic screening, we identified all of the genes in E. coli that become essential in order to enact this adaptation, and by quantitative proteomics discovered that very few proteins need to be up- or down-regulated in steady-state levels in order to accommodate the longer Lpp. We observed increased levels of factors determining cell stiffness, a decrease in membrane integrity, an increased membrane vesiculation and a dependance on otherwise non-essential tethers to maintain lipid transport and peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Further this has implications for understanding how spatial constraint across the envelope controls processes such as flagellum-driven motility, cellular signaling, and protein translocation
Social+Me: a persuasive application to increase communication between students and their support networks in Southern Chile
Authors: Fernández-Vera Fabián , Urrutia Denisse C. , Rossel Pedro O. , Herskovic Valeria , Fuentes Carolina
Published: January 2022

Technology can improve university students’ communication, helping them maintain relationships. Although there are many available technological tools, students face challenges—e.g., living far from home, failing grades, depression—that may isolate them from their networks. Most research into these topics has been conducted in countries in which students leave their parents’ home while at university, which is not the case for most students in southern Chile. In this context that has been seldom studied, this paper presents two studies, focusing on two research questions: (1) How do university students in southern Chile communicate? (2) Can a mobile application persuade university students to increase their communication patterns? To answer these questions, we conducted a survey with 90 students in southern Chile, and then developed a persuasive application called Social+Me, aimed at monitoring communication with students’ support networks and persuading them to keep in touch. We conducted a preliminary evaluation of Social+Me, and the application was well received by participants, who felt that it improved their communication with their social network. The main impact of our study lies in applying persuasive technologies to the communicative practice of university students to prevent students from feeling isolated or unsupported.
Soil health and nutrient density: preliminary comparison of regenerative and conventional farming
Authors: Montgomery David R. , Biklé Anne , Archuleta Ray , Brown Paul , Jordan Jazmin
Published: January 2022

Several independent comparisons indicate regenerative farming practices enhance the nutritional profiles of crops and livestock. Measurements from paired farms across the United States indicate differences in soil health and crop nutrient density between fields worked with conventional (synthetically-fertilized and herbicide-treated) or regenerative practices for 5 to 10 years. Specifically, regenerative farms that combined no-till, cover crops, and diverse rotations—a system known as Conservation Agriculture—produced crops with higher soil organic matter levels, soil health scores, and levels of certain vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. In addition, crops from two regenerative no-till vegetable farms, one in California and the other in Connecticut, had higher levels of phytochemicals than values reported previously from New York supermarkets. Moreover, a comparison of wheat from adjacent regenerative and conventional no-till fields in northern Oregon found a higher density of mineral micronutrients in the regenerative crop. Finally, a comparison of the unsaturated fatty acid profile of beef and pork raised on one of the regenerative farms to a regional health-promoting brand and conventional meat from local supermarkets, found higher levels of omega-3 fats and a more health-beneficial ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats. Despite small sample sizes, all three crop comparisons show differences in micronutrient and phytochemical concentrations that suggest soil health is an under appreciated influence on nutrient density, particularly for phytochemicals not conventionally considered nutrients but nonetheless relevant to chronic disease prevention. Likewise, regenerative grazing practices produced meat with a better fatty acid profile than conventional and regional health-promoting brands. Together these comparisons offer preliminary support for the conclusion that regenerative soil-building farming practices can enhance the nutritional profile of conventionally grown plant and animal foods.
VALIDATION OF SCREENING MODEL OF CANCER: A REVIEW
Authors: Tripathi Ankita , . Utsav , Bhardwaj Khushboo , Gupta Meenakshi , Raj Shristi , Shareef Farheen
Published: January 2022

Cancers are characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the development of metastatic qualities. The reason for the cause of cancer can be intrinsic factors like oncogenes, external factors like radiation, certain chemical exposure, etc., or biological like infection from certain viruses, bacteria. Hence, because of these factors, 200 different forms of cancer exist making cancer a leading of death and major health problem even in the present world. However, the lack of a comprehensive understanding of cancer biology in the modern period is a significant impediment to studying cancer tumour formation, invasion, and metastasis. Hence, cancer models can be crucial in removing that impediment and can give us a better understanding of the cancers because even in the 21st-century cancer is still an unsolved puzzle and with cancer models like in vivo models, In-vitro models and computerized models a better understanding can be achieved.
A RANDOMISED OPEN LABELLED COMPARATIVE PARALLEL GROUP CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF INTERFERENTIAL THERAPY & KATI BASTI IN GRIDHRASI WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SCIATICA
Authors: Khadka Biraj Jung , Puttur Ganesh
Published: January 2022

Snigdha Swedana plays an important role in the management of Vata Vyadhi among which Katibasti is one which is indicated in Vata related pathogenesis in Kati Pradesha. Gridhrasi is a Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi. Katibasti is an effective treatment in Gridhrasi as it acts as both Snehana and Swedana. Interferential therapy is a form of electrical current that is primarily used for relief from pain. It is said to be effective in case of low back pain. Both Katibasti and Interferential therapy are commonly used treatment modalities in sciatica, hence the present study is intended to compare the efficacy of Katibasti and Interferential therapy in the treatment of Gridhrasi. Thirty-four subjects of Gridhrasi were randomly distributed in 2 groups (A and B) of 15 subjects each. Group A subjects were treated with Katibasti using Maha Vishagarbha Taila for 7 days. Group B subjects were treated with Interferential Therapy for 7 days. Follow up was done on the 14th day. The statistical analysis within the group showed significant improvement in all the parameters in Katibasti group as well as IFT group. Comparative analysis between the groups showed no significant difference between the groups in all the parameters. Clinically, there was a slight difference between two groups. During follow up it was noticed that symptomatic relief was more in Katibasti than Interferential Therapy.
Evaluation of Different Extractants for Boron Estimation in Soils of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Choudhari P. L. , Dixit Sreenath , Priyadarsini Srija , Nimje Chetna , Vijayaranganatha C. , Satish P. V.
Published: January 2022

The present study was conducted to compare the four different extractants widely used in boron (B) determination in soils and to screen the most suitable extractant for acidic (Alfisols) and alkaline (Vertisols) soils of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. A total of 200 surface soil samples were collected across two sites (100 from each site) representing different pH ranges. Hot-water-soluble boron (HWS-B) extraction procedure being the most widely used B determination procedure was kept as a benchmark in order to compare the B extracting efficiency by the extractants viz., 0.01 M Calcium Chloride (CaCl2), 1 N Ammonium acetate (NH4OAc) pH-7.0 and 0.01 M Barium Chloride. The mean values of hot water extractable B for acidic soils were 0.49 (mean between 0.18 and 1.50 mg kg-1), CaCl2 – 0.42 (mean between 0.14 and 1.52 mg kg-1), BaCl2 – 0.45 (mean between 0.10 and 1.68 mg kg-1) and NH4OAc – 0.60 (mean between 0.17 and 2.43 mg kg-1). The mean values of hot water extractable B for alkaline soils were 1.87 (mean between 0.71 and 4.79 mg kg-1), CaCl2 – 1.57 (mean between 0.45 and 5.43 mg kg-1), BaCl2 – 1.37 (mean between 0.52 and 4.15 mg kg-1) and NH4OAc – 1.92 (mean between 0.85 and 8.33 mg kg-1) in acidic and alkaline soils respectively. The coefficient of variation for extractable B varied from 53.0 to 66.6 and 42.7 to 55.7 in acidic and alkaline soils respectively. The variation in B extracting efficiency in both the types of soils was found in the order: Hot water > Hot CaCl2 > BaCl2 > NH4OAc.  Authors conclude that amongst all the compared extractants, 0.01 M CaCl2   extraction may be an adequate procedure for B determination in both the acidic as well as alkaline soils.
Effect of Rotating Shift on Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome and Inflammation among Health Personnel in Gaza Governorate
Authors: Mohammed Arafat Heba , Al Laham Nahed Ali , Shamallakh Ohood Mohammed , Shamallakh Kholoud Mohammed
Published: January 2022

Background: It's been suggested that shift employment is linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). It is a complex syndrome that has been linked to the development of cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus. The goal of the study was to determine the prevalence of MetS among health-care workers and to investigate the impact of rotating shift work on MetS biomarkers and inflammation.

Methods: 100 current daytime workers were compared to 210 rotating shift workers in comparative analytical cross-sectional research involving 310 health care personnel. A questionnaire on socio-demographic (sex, age, marital status, job), health-related behaviors such as a physical activity) and occupational history about shift work, as well as a health examination with anthropometric and arterial blood pressure measurements, and laboratory investigations. For the diagnosis and determination of MetS, we used the Adult Treatment Protocol III National Cholesterol Education Program of America (ATPIII) indicators. SPSS version 20 was used for the statistical analysis.

Results: The overall prevalence of MetS among healthcare workers was 8.4% (9.0% among current daytime workers and 8.1% among rotating shift workers) with no significant difference between males and females, and shift category. Elevated C-reactive protein (44.5%) was the most commonly altered component among healthcare workers, followed by high triglyceride (35.5%), raised total cholesterol (24.8%), and elevated BMI>30 (20.6 %). In descending order, the following were the main risk factors for MetS in both sexes among rotating shift workers: high blood pressure (OR = 59.5; 95 percent CI, 16.4- 215.8), high fasting blood sugar (OR = 43.9; 95 percent CI, 12.9- 149.1), high triglyceride (OR = 42.3; 95 percent CI, 5.5- 326.6), obesity (BMI >30) (OR = 11.8; 95 percent CI, 4- 34.6), and low HDL cholesterol (OR = 1.6; 95 percent CI, 0.3- 6.1)

Conclusion: MetS was prevalent amongst Gaza Strip healthcare workers, with a consistent increase in prevalence as people were older and had a higher BMI. There was no direct relationship between shift category and the occurrence of MetS and inflammation; however, other factors such as genetics, lifestyle factors, and the work itself may have a greater impact than shift category.
Working Away from Home, Coping Strategies, Quality of Working Life, Well-being and Performance
Authors: P. Smith Andrew
Published: January 2022

Background:  There has been recent interest in the problems associated with studying or working away from home. A recent model of “working away” describes appropriate coping strategies across the time course from preparing to leave home for work, adapting to work away and returning home from work. Support for this model has come from studies of international students, and the aim of the present study was to extend this to workers from Asia who work in the service industry in the Middle East.

Aims: The study aimed to examine associations between working away strategies and quality of working life, well-being and performance efficiency. Established predictors of these outcomes were statistically controlled.

Methodology:  The research was carried out with the approval of the School of Psychology, Cardiff University, ethics committee and the informed consent of the participants (N=216; mean age = 38.3 years s.d. = 9.2). An online survey was carried out, and regressions were used to examine associations between the working away strategies and the outcomes.

Results: Working away strategies were significantly associated with better quality of working life, more positive well-being and better performance. An unexpected result was that these strategies were also associated with more negative well-being. This possibly reflects negative factors leading to the use of working away strategies, which subsequently lead to positive outcomes.

Conclusion: The results of this study confirm earlier research that shows associations between working away strategies and quality of working life, positive well-being and performance efficiency. The use of these strategies may initially be related to underlying stress, and their subsequent use then leads to beneficial outcomes.
Obesity Related Cardiovascular Diseases and Diagnosis
Authors: Padale Avinash , Mishra Aditi , Manwani Tamana , Wanjari Anil , Acharya Sourya
Published: January 2022

Obesity is defined as a condition in which the amount of adipose tissue in the body is excessive and there has been many researches proving a strong correlation between cardiovascular diseases in obese individuals. The elevated incidence of many identified risk factors including hypertension (HTN) ,diabetes mellitus (DM), and hyperlipidaemia, it could be single and as disease is transmitted to a degree that is indirect great degree for higher incidence of cardiovascular disease in obese people. Obesity, on the other hand, has numerous direct effects on the cardiovascular system, which will be explored in depth. We also look at how to overcome the numerous problems that obesity poses in the performance and interpretation of cardiac tests. Adiposity raises danger of unfavourable cardiovascular system (CVS) problems in a variety of ways. These effects may be mediated indirectly by metabolic syndrome danger elements such as hyperlipidemia, HTN, and dysglycemia, or by the impact of adiposity-related sleep disturbances. Dysmetabolic syndrome are linked to truncal adiposity, associated fat spread mostly part of the abdomen as compared to periphery. The circumference of waist are effective measures of adipose spread and higher amount indicate a higher danger of cardiovascular disease. However, there are several direct consequences of adiposity on CVS that aren’t influenced by metabolic syndrome factors or related effects of sleep disturbances. This essay will mostly focus on these topics. Because of restrictions in physical examination as well as different tests such as electrocardiograms (EKGs), imaging examinations, and cardiac catheterization, obesity also makes it difficult to make an accurate cardiovascular diagnosis. We'll talk about these restrictions and offer suggestions for how to overcome them.