bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controls of ocean carbon cycle feedbacks from different ocean
basins and meridional overturning in CMIP6
Authors: Katavouta Anna , Williams Richard G.
Published: January 2021

Abstract. The ocean response to carbon emissions involves a competition between the increase in atmospheric CO2 acting to enhance the ocean carbon storage, characterised by the carbon-concentration feedback, and climate change acting to decrease the ocean carbon storage, characterised by the carbon-climate feedback. The contribution from different ocean basins to the carbon cycle feedbacks and its control by the ocean carbonate chemistry, physical ventilation and biological processes is explored in diagnostics of 10 CMIP6 Earth system models. To gain mechanist insight, the dependence of these feedbacks to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is also investigated in an idealised climate model and the CMIP6 models. The Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans contribute equally to the carbon-concentration feedback, despite their different size. This large contribution from the Atlantic Ocean relative to its size is associated with an enhanced carbon storage in the ocean interior due to a strong local physical ventilation and an influx of carbon transported from the Southern Ocean. The Atlantic Ocean provides the largest contribution to the carbon-climate feedback relative to its size, which is primarily due to climate change acting to reduce the physical ventilation. The Southern Ocean provides a relatively small contribution to the carbon-climate feedback, due to a compensation between the climate effects of the combined decrease in solubility and physical ventilation, and the increase in accumulation of regenerated carbon in the ocean interior. In the Atlantic Ocean, the AMOC strength and its weakening with warming has a strong control on the carbon cycle feedbacks that leads to a moderate dependence of these feedbacks to AMOC on global scale. In the Pacific, Indian and Southern Oceans there is no clear correlation between AMOC and the carbon cycle feedbacks, suggesting that other processes control the ocean ventilation and carbon storage there.
IntelliO3-ts v1.0: a neural network approach to predict near-surface ozone concentrations in Germany
Authors: Kleinert Felix , Leufen Lukas H. , Schultz Martin G.
Published: January 2021

Abstract. The prediction of near-surface ozone concentrations is important for supporting regulatory procedures for the protection of humans from high exposure to air pollution. In this study, we introduce a data-driven forecasting model named “IntelliO3-ts”, which consists of multiple convolutional neural network (CNN) layers, grouped together as inception blocks. The model is trained with measured multi-year ozone and nitrogen oxide concentrations of more than 300 German measurement stations in rural environments and six meteorological variables from the meteorological COSMO reanalysis. This is by far the most extensive dataset used for time series predictions based on neural networks so far. IntelliO3-ts allows the prediction of daily maximum 8 h average (dma8eu) ozone concentrations for a lead time of up to 4 d, and we show that the model outperforms standard reference models like persistence models.
Moreover, we demonstrate that IntelliO3-ts outperforms climatological reference models for the first 2 d, while it does not add any genuine value for longer lead times. We attribute this to the limited deterministic information that is contained in the single-station time series training data. We applied a bootstrapping technique to analyse the influence of different input variables and found that the previous-day ozone concentrations are of major importance, followed by 2 m temperature. As we did not use any geographic information to train IntelliO3-ts in its current version and included no relation between stations, the influence of the horizontal wind components on the model performance is minimal. We expect that the inclusion of advection–diffusion terms in the model could improve results in future versions of our model.
Fragile protein folds: Sequence and environmental factors affecting
the equilibrium of two interconverting, stably folded protein
conformations
Authors: Xu Xingjian , Dikiy Igor , Evans Matthew R. , Marcelino Leandro P. , Gardner Kevin H.
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Recent research on fold-switching metamorphic proteins has revealed some notable exceptions to Anfinsen's hypothesis of protein folding. We have previously described how a single point mutation can enable a well-folded protein domain, one of the two PAS (Per-ARNT-Sim) domains of the human ARNT (aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator) protein, to interconvert between two conformers related by a slip of an internal beta-strand. Using this protein as a test case, we advance the concept of a fragile fold, a protein fold that can reversibly rearrange into another fold that differs by a substantial number of hydrogen bonds, entailing reorganization of single secondary structure elements to more drastic changes seen in metamorphic proteins. Here we use a battery of biophysical tests to examine several factors affecting the equilibrium between the two conformations of the switching ARNT PAS-B Y456T protein. Of note, we find that factors which impact the HI loop preceding the shifted I(beta)-strand affect both the equilibrium levels of the two conformers and the denatured state which links them in the interconversion process. Finally, we describe small molecules that selectively bind to and stabilize the wildtype conformation of ARNT PAS-B. These studies form a toolkit for studying fragile protein folds and could enable ways to modulate the biological functions of such fragile folds, both in natural and engineered proteins.
Debris-flow velocity and volume estimations based on seismic data
Authors: Schimmel Andreas , Coviello Velio , Comiti Francesco
Published: January 2021

Abstract. The estimation of debris-flow velocity and volume is a fundamental task for the development of early warning systems, the design of control structures and other mitigation measures. Previous analysis of the seismic energy produced by debris flows showed that the peak amplitudes are representative of the kinetic energy of each surge and debris-flow discharge can be therefore estimated based on seismic signals. Also, the debris-flow velocity can be calculated using seismic data recorded at two spatial separated stations located along the channel by the use of cross-correlation. This work provide a first approach for estimating the total volume of debris flows based on the seismic signal detected with simple, low-cost geophones installed along the debris-flow channel. The developed methods was applied to seismic data collected on three different test sites in the Alps: Gadria (IT), Lattenbach (AT), and Cancia (IT). An adaptable cross-correlation time window was used, which can offer a better estimation of the velocity compared to a constant window length. The analyses of the seismic data of 14 debris flows that occurred from 2014 to 2018 shows the strong control of the sampling rate and the sensor-distance on the velocity estimation. A simple approach based on a linear relation between square of the seismic amplitude and the event magnitude is proposed for a first order estimation of the debris-flow magnitude.
Multiscale Variations in Arctic Sea Ice Motion, Links to
Atmospheric and Oceanic Conditions
Authors: Fu Dongyang , Liu Bei , Qi Yali , Yu Guo , Huang Haoen , Qu Lilian
Published: January 2021

Abstract. Arctic sea ice drift motion affects the global material balance, energy exchange and climate change and seriously affects the navigation safety of ships along certain channels. Due to the Arctic's special geographical location and harsh natural conditions, observations and broad understanding of the Arctic sea ice motion of sea ice are very limited. In this study, sea ice motion data released by the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) were used to analyze the climatological, spatial and temporal characteristics of the Arctic sea ice drift from 1979 to 2018 and to understand the multiscale variation characteristics of the three major Arctic sea ice drift patterns. The results show that the sea ice drift velocity is greater in winter than in summer. The empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis method was used to extract the three main sea ice drift patterns, which are the anticyclonic sea ice drift circulation pattern on the scale of the Arctic basin, the average sea ice transport pattern from the Arctic Ocean to the Fram Strait and the transport pattern moving ice between the Kara Sea (KS) and the northern coast of Alaska. By using the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method, each temporal coefficient series extracted by the EOF method was decomposed into multiple time-scale sequences. We found that the three major drift patterns have 4 significant interannual variation periods of approximately 1, 2, 4 and 8 years. Furthermore, the second pattern has a significant interdecadal variation characteristic with a period of approximately 19 years, while the other two patterns have no significant interdecadal variation characteristics. Combined with the atmospheric and oceanic physical environmental data, the results of the correlation analysis show that the first EOF sea ice drift pattern is mainly affected by atmospheric environmental factors, the second pattern is affected by the joint action of atmospheric and oceanic factors, and the third pattern is mainly affected by oceanic factors. Our study suggests that the ocean environment also has a significant influence on sea ice movement. Especially for some sea ice transport patterns, the influence even exceeds atmospheric forcing.
Short term administration of cyproterone acetate for contraception: Effects on testosterone secretion and semen characteristics in rams (Ovis aries) and bucks (Capra hircus)
Authors: Flores-Gil Viviana N. , Velázquez Rosario , Toledano-Díaz Adolfo , Santiago-Moreno Julián , López-Sebastián Antonio
Published: January 2021

Aim of study: To examine the influence of administering cyproterone acetate (CPA), at the beginning of the mating season, on the testosterone concentration and morphometric and functional characteristics of ram and buck semen.Area of study: Madrid, SpainMaterial and methods: Five rams and five bucks were intramuscularly administered 200 mg of CPA in 2 mL of olive oil twice per week - from July 1st to 31st in the rams, and from August 1st to 31st in the bucks. Five control animals of each species were administered 2 mL of olive oil. Blood samples and ejaculates analysed from the start of treatment until eight weeks after the last day of treatment.Main results: GLM-ANOVA showed the interaction species × CPA treatment to have effect (p<0.05) on sperm motility, progressive motility and acrosome integrity; and greater effect (p<0.01) on curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), viability, and morphological abnormalities. In both the rams and bucks, plasma testosterone levels fell from the first week from the start of CPA administration until three weeks after the end of treatment. In rams, the total sperm count, sperm motility, progressive motility, viability, morphological abnormalities, VCL and VSL were all negatively affected by the treatment (p<0.001); acrosome integrity was also affected (p<0.05). In bucks, sperm motility, progressive motility, VCL, VSL and morphological abnormalities were negatively affected (p<0.05).Research highlights: Treatment with CPA affected testosterone secretion, semen characteristics and sperm morphometry in both the rams and bucks, and thus it might be used as short term contraceptive protocol in small ruminants.
Diagonal beam reinforcing for ductile frames
Authors: Buchanan A. H.
Published: January 2021

This paper describes a system of diagonal beam reinforcing for reinforced concrete ductile frame buildings in seismic areas. The development and application of the system is described with reference to the design of an 18 storey building. The proposed reinforcing system has a number of major structural advantages over conventional reinforcing. Moments and shears within the beam span can be resisted entirely by the main reinforcing. Plastic hinge lengths are substantially increased and the hinging is kept away from the column face allowing concrete strut action to be effective in resisting forces within the elastic beam column joint.
Obesity and Stroke: Does the Paradox Apply for Stroke?
Authors: Quiñones-Ossa Gabriel A , Lobo Carolina , Garcia-Ballestas Ezequiel , Florez William A , Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Agrawal Amit
Published: January 2021

Historically, obesity has been identified as one of the most important risk factors for developing cardiovascular diseases including stroke; however, a theory called “The Obesity Paradox” has been recently considered. The paradoxical theory is that obese or overweight patients (according to body mass index score) can have better outcomes compared to leaner or malnourished patients. The paradox was initially discovered in patients with heart failure. The purpose of this manuscript was to investigate whether this paradox also applies to stroke patients, according to information available in the current literature.
Rhetorical Devices as Multimodal Conceptual Blends in Brene Brown’s 99U Conference Talk (2013)
Authors: Nadeem Nahla
Published: January 2021

The present study examines the rhetorical devices used by Brené Brown in a 99U conference Talk (2013) in order to engage and persuade the audience that vulnerability is the seed of creativity and therefore, should be embraced as a stepping-stone to success. The study mainly explores the role conceptual blending theory plays in the exploitation of multimodal rhetorical devices, which include an inspirational quote, analogies and metaphors (both verbal and visual) and how they form a ‘mega-blend’ and a complex network of conceptual integration. The study also applies the conceptual blending model and the discursive process of framing in the analysis as crucial for the meaning construal of these multimodal rhetorical blends. The blending-framing analysis showed that these diverse rhetorical devices often require a complex multi-frame analysis and a larger mental space network of mappings to derive the intended message and achieve the intended rhetorical effect on the audience. The analysis also showed that the blending-framing model provided a unified theoretical framework that could examine the discursive function and multimodal representations of diverse rhetorical devices in edutainment events.
Eigen koers richting kalifaat, een beeld van Hizb ut-Tahrir in Nederland
Authors: Grol Peter , Weggemans Daan
Published: January 2021

Setting course to a Caliphate, the case of Hizb ut-Tahrir in the Netherlands

Political parties in the Netherlands have been calling for a ban on Hizb ut-Tahrir for years. But what do we actually know about this movement, its supporters and how they relate to Dutch society? This article is one of the first attempts to paint a more complete picture. It shows that the movement and its supporters adhere strictly to the course of the (re) establishment of the caliphate that was mapped out by founder Taqiuddin al-Nabhani in the 1950s. However, the assumption that the movement would advocate or encourage the use of violence requires nuance. These insights are not ‘static’ or ‘comprehensive’ and should be seen as a contribution to the discussion of the nature of the movement. The question of how the course – ideas and activities – of Hizb ut-Tahrir relates to democratic society will be addressed in a subsequent article.
Christendom en secularisme in Europa en de waarden van de democratische rechtsstaat
Authors: van Sasse van Ysselt Paul
Published: January 2021

Christianity and secularism in Europe and the values of democracy based on the rule of law

Since society was secularized, the values of democracy based on the rule of law seem to have the best (potential) binding force for social cohesion. These values are linked to Christianity however. The relation between both will be explained by a critical review of Larry Siedentops Inventing the individual and Olivier Roy’s l’Europe est-elle chrétienne?
Fogging of Goggles in PPE During COVID-19 Pandemic. A Practical Problem with Multiple Possible Solutions
Authors: Madan Manu , Malhotra Nipun , Gupta Nitesh , Ish Somya , Ish Pranav
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unequivocal occupational risk to the health care community [...]
Study of Inflammatory Biomarkers in COPD and Asthma Exacerbations
Authors: Vassiliou Alice , Vitsas Vlassios , Kardara Matina , Keskinidou Chrysi , Michalopoulou Pinelopi , Rovina Nikoletta , Dimopoulou Ioanna , Orfanos Stylianos E. , Tsoukalas Georgios , Koutsoukou Antonia , Kotanidou Anastasia
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Exacerbations are critical events in the course of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These events are potentially life-threatening, and the studies have shown that they have tremendous implications on long-term disease control and the overall prognosis of the patients. The aim of this study was to examine adipokines, cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) as potential biomarkers in asthma and COPD. Material and methods: Prospective cohort study of COPD and asthma patients treated for acute exacerbations. Thirty-nine COPD patients and 15 asthmatic patients were included in the study. Leptin, adiponectin, resistin, interleukin (Il)-6, 8, 18, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and CRP were measured at three time points: on admission, at resolution and at the stable phase. Pre- and post-bronchodilation spirometry was additionally performed at resolution and at the stable phase. Results: In COPD patients, leptin, leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio and resistin were elevated on admission compared to the stable phase. In asthmatic patients, leptin levels were raised on admission compared to the stable phase, and adiponectin was elevated at resolution compared to admission. In both diseases, CRP was significantly increased on admission compared to both resolution and stable disease. Finally, TNF-α could distinguish between asthma and COPD stable phase. Conclusions: Leptin and CRP levels may be useful biomarkers in monitoring COPD and asthma response to treatment during an exacerbation episode. Hypoadiponectinemia was detected in asthma and COPD during all stages of the diseases. TNF-α could distinguish between asthma and COPD stable phase.
Incidence and Predictors of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Following First Episode of Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Asl Fallah Sahar , Ghodsi Saeed , Soleimani Hamidreza , Mohebi Mehrnaz , Sabet Ali Hossein , Ariannejad Hamid , Shirani Shahpour , Jahanian Sakineh , Jenab Yaser
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Late obstructive pulmonary artery remodeling presented as CTEPH portends adverse sequelae and therapeutic challenges. Although progressive dyspnea on exertion beyond three-month period of treatment with anticoagulants is a diagnostic cornerstone, uncertainty still surrounds early identification and risk factors. Material and methods: We have conducted a prospective study among survivors of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) who were treated by anticoagulants for at least 3 months. Patients with preexisting pulmonary hypertension (PH), severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and low ejection fraction (EF) in baseline echocardiography (EF < 30%) were excluded. Complete follow-up for 290 subjects were performed. According to a predetermined stepwise diagnostic protocol, patients with exertional Dyspnea and PH probable features in echocardiography underwent lung perfusion scan. Results: Cumulative two-year incidence of CTEPH was 8.6% (n = 25). There was no patient with normal baseline right ventricular (RV) function in CTEPH group. In the same way, none of these patients had only segmental involvement in baseline CT angiography (CTA) in CTEPH group. Greater proportion of CTEPH group received fibrinolytic therapy, however the difference was not significant (2.6% vs. 8 %, P = 0.16). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated significant association of RV diameter, and PAP in baseline echocardiography as well as RV strain in CTA with development of CTEPH. Corresponding odds ratios were 1.147 (1.063–1.584) P < 0.0001) , 1.062 (1.019–1.106, P = 0.004), and 2.537 (1.041–6.674), P = 0.027), respectively. Conclusions: We found that incidence of CTEPH was relatively high in the present investigation. RV diameter, baseline PAP and RV dysfunction were independent predictors of CTEPH.
One mobile app – seven art museums. A case study of Kunstporten
Authors: Iranowska Joanna
Published: January 2021

As digital media change our society, museums are trying to rethink their mission and benefit from the possibilities digital tools afford. First, this article provides a historical background for the development of mobile apps as digital interpretive media in Norwegian museums between 2005 and 2020. Second, it analyses a specific case – the app Kunstporten – one of the most interesting apps to have emerged in the Norwegian cultural sector in recent years. The app was developed between 2012–2013 by seven Norwegian art museums, and the first museum app in Norway targeted explicitly at children. This small case study is based on interviews with museum educators and digital walkthroughs exploring the affordances (Gibson 1978) of Kunsporten. The article seeks to answer two questions: what have education departments learned from introducing this digital interpretive media? And why is the app more successful in some museums than others?
Making of an Exhibition. Iceland in the World, the World in Iceland
Authors: Rúnarsdóttir Anna Lisa
Published: January 2021

This paper explores the ways in which the 2016 exhibition Iceland in the World, the World in Iceland at the National Museum of Iceland was created in collaboration between museum staff, University of Iceland, academics and migrants. The exhibition dealt with themes such as: migration to and from Iceland, transnational relationships, historical racism, prejudice and the role of textbooks and children’s literature in promoting or maintaining ideas about race and difference. Various challenges the team encountered on the way will be examined, for instance how complex concepts such as racism and transnationalism were transmitted through this medium. The role of the museum in promoting openmindedness and tolerance is also discussed – and questions raised on its capacity to influence society to change or improve through interaction with visitors.
REGISTROS UBÍQUOS
Authors: Morandi Thiago de Andrade
Published: January 2021

Este texto pretende contextualizar o que engloba a ubiquidade, como surgiu este termo e como é utilizado enquanto possibilidade de registros imagéticos. São abordados dados históricos sobre a imagem feita com o celular e como podem ser utilizadas como instrumentos de pesquisa. O maior foco e proposta deste estudo envolve o registro de imagens de paisagens, e como ele pode contribuir para a preservação e a transmissão de tradições de patrimônio imaterial, em um estudo de caso sobre atividades executadas, em redes sociais, por sineiros na cidade histórica de São João Del-Rei, conhecida como “a cidade onde os sinos falam”.
Plant Responses to Salt Stress
Authors: Yildiz Mustafa , Poyraz İrem , Çavdar Aslinur , Özgen Yasin , Beyaz Ramazan
Published: January 2021

Salt stress is one of the harmful abiotic stress factors. It makes agricultural lands especially in arid and semi-arid regions useless despite the efforts. More than six percent of total world agricultural lands are on the edge of vanishing due to salt stress. Salinity in soil occurs as a result of the factors such as lack of drainage, improper irrigation, excessive accumulation of soluble salts. Salinity limits the growth of plants. Despite the main results, some results of plants due to these limitations vary from species to species. The negative effects get morphological, biochemical and physiological reactions from plants. Slowed or stopped growth of roots and shoots, closuring of stomata, germination slowing, decreased or stopped development of seedling, deterioration of photosynthetic activity are the main reactions of plants to stress. On the other hand, plants also develop tolerance mechanisms as a result of some auxiliaries for surviving under adverse conditions. Plants have tendency to protect themselves from salinity with osmotic protectants synthesized by them such as sugars, proline, amino acids, glycine betaine. In this review, the responses of plants to salt stress were investigated and gathered.
The Vegetation of the South Shetland Islands and the Climatic Change
Authors: Putzke Jair , Batista Pereira Antonio
Published: January 2021

Antarctica allows at the same time to study the effects of change on the environment with minimal anthropic interference and in the least modified conditions in the world regarding biodiversity and its relations. At the same time, it allows assessing its effects on an ecosystem of few species and with a food web that directly links the oceans to terrestrial organisms. The South Shetland Islands are located further north within Antarctic Maritime and are therefore more vulnerable to climate change. Part of the studies already carried out with vegetation in this archipelago are discussed with a focus on the effects already generated and on predictions about future changes in the structure and plant diversity of Antarctica.
Entrepreneurship at Any Age
Authors: (Marty) Martin William
Published: January 2021

Entrepreneurship represents a mindset and set of behaviors which can occur at many ages across the developmental continuum from early childhood to late adulthood. In this selective review of the literature, a narrative analysis illuminates insight to inform academics and practitioners regarding the intersection of age and entrepreneurship. These insights are first built upon a conceptual foundation grounded in a developmental perspective and then organized into opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs at various ages along the developmental continuum. Entrepreneurs of all share many commonalities yet they are also face unique opportunities and challenges. Many of these opportunities and challenges are age based. These commonalities and challenges must be understood by all those stakeholders in the entrepreneurship ecosystem to enhance the success of entrepreneurs of all ages.
Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: Outcomes, Safety and Complications
Authors: Elhag Wahiba , El Ansari Walid
Published: January 2021

Worldwide, the numbers of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed grown exponentially over the last decade, because of its simplicity, safety profile and excellent outcomes in terms of durable weight loss and improvement of obesity-associated comorbidities. This chapter will provide a comprehensive review on the outcomes of LSG as a metabolic surgery. It appraises LSG’s short, mid and long term weight loss outcomes, and compares these outcomes with those of other types of bariatric surgery. Then, a wider range of LSG outcomes are discussed, including a variety of comorbidities, clinical, biochemical and inflammatory parameters, while appraising the positive metabolic effects of LSG. The chapter also outlines the issues pertaining to LSG among a range of special populations such as adolescents, the elderly, renal transplant patients and others. The chapter concludes with a review of the safety and most common complications that may be encountered in the short term and long term, including surgical and nutritional complications, as well as mortality.
Coastal Sediment as an Ameliorant in Post-Mining Land Management
Authors: Sulakhudin  , Suswati Denah
Published: January 2021

Coastal sediment is a sediment resulting from sedimentation of eroded materials from up land through river flows that are deposited around the coast. It usually contains a lot of alkaline cations, especially Na so that it is good enough to decrease soil acidity. The use of coastal sediment must be considered carefully because it has a high level of salinity, which can inhibit plant growth and even cause death. Coastal sediment as an ameliorant can replace the role of lime in increasing the pH and base saturation of soil. Applying coastal sediment to sandy or post-gold mining soils can reduce soil acidity, increase soil CEC and soil base saturation, as well as the availability of nutrients, especially nutrients, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Improvement of some of these soil properties will encourage increased growth and crop yields in post gold mining land.
Data Compression Strategies for Use in Advanced Metering Infrastructure Networks
Authors: Hsu Chih-Wei , Hsieh Sun-Yuan
Published: January 2021

Internet of Things technology has advanced rapidly. For example, numerous sensors can be deployed in a city to collect a variety of data, and such data can be used to monitor the city’s situation. A possible application of such data is smart metering implemented by power suppliers for their consumers; smart metering involves installing a multiplicity of smart meters that, in conjunction with data centers, form a smart grid. Because a smart gird must collect and send data automatically, the establishment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) constitutes the primary step to establishing a smart grid. However, problems remain in smart metering: data traffic from smart meters flows rapidly at a huge volume, resulting in bandwidth bottlenecks. Thus, this chapter proposes some data compression technologies as well as a novel scheme for reducing the communication data load in AMI architectures.
Selected Issues and Constraints of Image Matching in Terrain-Aided Navigation: A Comparative Study
Authors: Turek Piotr , Grzywiński Stanisław , Bużantowicz Witold
Published: January 2021

The sensitivity of global navigation satellite systems to disruptions precludes their use in conditions of armed conflict with an opponent possessing comparable technical capabilities. In military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) the aim is to obtain navigational data to determine the location and correction of flight routes by means of other types of navigational systems. To correct the position of an UAV relative to a given trajectory, the systems that associate reference terrain maps with image information can be used. Over the last dozen or so years, new, effective algorithms for matching digital images have been developed. The results of their performance effectiveness are based on images that are fragments taken from source files, and therefore their qualitatively identical counterparts exist in the reference images. However, the differences between the reference image stored in the memory of navigation system and the image recorded by the sensor can be significant. In this paper modern methods of image registration and matching to UAV position refinement are compared, and adaptation of available methods to the operating conditions of the UAV navigation system is discussed.
L1-79 and the Role of Catecholamines in Autism
Authors: Rothman John
Published: January 2021

A growing body of evidence supports a role for catecholaminergic dysfunction in the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This paper reviews the direct and indirect role of catecholamines on the central and peripheral nervous systems in ASD. Catecholamines innervate every tissue in the body and almost all tracts of the brain, providing a common neurologic regulatory mechanism for all ASD symptoms. Because the morphology of the catecholaminergic synapse is regulated by growth factors that are released contemporaneously with neurotransmitters, an event that results in abnormally large catecholamine release, will also release high levels of growth factors, which can result in the budding and arborization of nerve terminals. Here, we hypothesize that a hypertrophic synaptic morphology can occur in catecholaminergic systems and increase catecholaminergic tone throughout the body, resulting in an imbalance between catecholaminergic neurologic mechanisms and those that oppose them, and consequently pathology. By exerting a presynaptic effect to inhibit tyrosine hydroxylase and thus the synthesis, storage and release of all catecholamines, L1–79 (a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor) may diminish neurotransmitter release and its associated growth factors exerting a therapeutic effect on ASD by reducing the hypertrophic morphology of the synapse and bringing catecholamines back into a homeostatic balance with oppositional neurologic and metabolic influences.
Emergency Remote Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic: Roles of Educators in Malaysia
Authors: Juhary Jowati
Published: January 2021

This chapter responds to the needs of educators in preparing to teach online fully due to the pandemic, COVID-19. This scenario becomes the new normal in the teaching and learning process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective of this chapter is to investigate the roles of educators in one public higher learning institution in Malaysia during emergency remote teaching due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Emergency remote teaching is argued to be the answer to the sudden change from face-to-face teaching to a fully online teaching environment. Data for this chapter were collected through an online survey distributed to potential respondents. Adopting a case study and quantitative approach to research, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted and presented. Preliminary findings suggest two key challenges. Firstly, educators were ready to embark on transformative emergency remote teaching. Nonetheless, they were not sure of the differences between emergency remote teaching and online teaching; these two have different pedagogical approaches. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, educators were able to use appropriate platforms and applications during the pandemic; however, they did not have ample time to study other platforms and applications. By this, the author argues that some educators have various options to choose from but may lack the knowledge and understanding on how these options work best. In accepting the new normal in teaching and learning, educators must be open to new and creative strategies to engage students during 100 percent online learning.
Bioclastic Deposits in the NW Gulf of Naples (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy): A Focus on New Sedimentological and Stratigraphic Data around the Island of Ischia
Authors: Aiello Gemma
Published: January 2021

Bioclastic deposits in the Gulf of Naples have been studied and compared based on new sedimentological and stratigraphic data, particularly referring to the rhodolith layers. They represent detrital facies deriving mainly from in situ rearrangement processes of organogenic material on rocky sea bottoms. These deposits are composed of medium-coarse-grained sands and bioclastic gravels in a scarce pelitic matrix and crop out at the sea bottom in a portion of the inner shelf located at water depths between −20 m and −50 m. Below water depths of −30 m the bioclastic deposits are rhodolith, characterized by gravels and lithoclastic sands. Rhodolith deposits are often found near the Posidonia oceanica meadows and/or in protected areas near the rocky outcrops. The Ischia Bank represents an excellent natural laboratory for studying the rhodolith layers. On the Ischia Bank, below the Posidonia oceanica meadow, both bioclastic sands immersed in a muddy matrix and volcaniclastic gravels were sampled. Both the Mollusk shells and the volcaniclastic fragments, where the contribution of the silty and sandy fractions is lower than 20%, were colonized by some species of red algae, while in the marine areas with a low gradient a maërl facies was deposited.
Histopathology of Wilson Disease
Authors: Karadag Soylu Nese
Published: January 2021

Wilson Disease (WD) is a genetic metabolic disease of copper metabolism. The implicated gene is ATP7B, encodes a P-type ATPase which transports copper. The resultant defective metabolism of copper results in copper accumulation in multiple tissues especially liver, eye and central nervous system. WD occurs worldwide, usually between 5 and 35 years; a wider age range is also reported. Clinical presentations are diverse and include combinations of hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic and psychiatric manifestations. Other organs or tissues may also be affected. Biochemical abnormalities such as serum ceruloplasmin and 24-h urinary copper excretion are important for the diagnosis but are not always abnormal in WD. The liver histopathology has several different patterns from mild nonspecific changes to acute fulminant hepatitis and cirrhosis. Copper histochemistry is helpful in diagnosis. Genetic testing is another diagnostic tool. It is important to diagnose WD because it is fatal when overlooked, curable when diagnosed. The diagnosis should be keep in mind at all ages in patients with hepatic disease, neurological disease, or psychiatric symptoms.
The Application of EMG-Based Methods in Evaluating the Impact of Prolonged Sitting on People’s Health
Authors: Jia Bochen
Published: January 2021

This chapter demonstrates a practical application of electromyography (EMG) technology in assessing the potential negative impacts of new trends (i.e., prolonged sitting) in life and work on people’s health. With the development of advanced technologies, prolonged sitting, have become more frequent at work and in everyday life. The potential risks associated with prolonged sitting can be assessed by evaluating localized muscle states using various EMG-based methods. However, due to the unique characteristics of prolonged sitting (i.e., sustained low-load condition), there are several challenges in applying traditional EMG methods to estimate the prolonged sitting related risks. Therefore, from the following aspects, this chapter discusses the potential applications and challenges of using surface EMG-based methods in identifying the effects of prolonged sitting: (1) what are the unique characteristics of the task conditions involved in prolonged sitting; (2) what are the available EMG-based methods; and (3) the advantage and disadvantage of each method in evaluating the impacts of prolonged sitting on people’s health;
Nanoparticle Formation and Deposition by Pulsed Laser Ablation
Authors: Takiya Toshio , Fukuda Naoaki
Published: January 2021

Pulsed Laser Ablation (PLA) in background gas is a good technique to acquire specific nanoparticles under strong non-equilibrium states. Here, after a history of PLA is mentioned, the application of nanoparticles and its deposition films to the several fields will be described. On the target surface heated with PLA, a Knudsen layer is formed around the adjacent region of the surface, and high-pressure and high-temperature vapor atoms are generated. The plume formed by evaporated atoms blasts off with very high-speed and expands rapidly with a shock wave. A supercooling phenomenon occurs during this process, and number of nucleus of nanoparticle forms in vapor-phase. The nuclei grow by the condensation of vapor atoms and deposit on a substrate as nanoparticle film. If the radius of nanoparticle is uniformized, a self-ordering formation can be shown as a result of interactive process between each nanoparticle of the same size on the substrate. In this chapter, the related technology to realize a series of these processes will be expounded.
InnovativeIn VitroModels for the Study of Lung Diseases
Authors: Picchio Vittorio , Cammisotto Vittoria , Pagano Francesca , Carnevale Roberto , Chimenti Isotta
Published: January 2021

Basic and translational research on lung biology and pathology can greatly benefit from the development of 3D in vitro models with physiological relevance. Lung organoids and lungs-on-chip allow the creation of different kinds of in vitro microenvironments, that can be useful for the elucidation of novel pathogenetic pathways, for example concerning tissue fibrosis in chronic diseases. Moreover, they represent important translational models for the identification of novel therapeutic targets, and for preliminary testing of new drugs. In this chapter, we provide a selected overview of recent studies on innovative 3D in vitro models that have enhanced our knowledge on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), particularly concerning oxidative stress and pro-fibrotic pathogenetic mechanisms. Despite several limitations, these complex models must be considered as complementary in all respects to in vivo studies on animal models and clinical research.
Studies on Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists by Using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Parambil Safna Hussan Kodakkat , Jayarajan Jithin Raj Indulekha , Urpayil Sailaja , Shahin Thayyil Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) is a quantum mechanical approach used to investigate the electronic structure (principally the ground state) of many-body systems, in particular atoms, molecules, and the condensed phases. In this work, we have used DFT/B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level of theory to get insight into the molecular geometry and thermochemical properties of histamine H2-receptor antagonists. Histamine H2-receptor antagonists or H2 blockers are a group of pharmaceutical ingredients that reduce the amount of acid produced by the cells in the lining of the stomach. The potential H2 blockers include cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, and ranitidine. The detailed theoretical investigation on the listed H2 blockers in terms of their thermochemical parameters and global descriptive parameters revealed that, though famotidine is the best among them with highest Gibbs free energy, nizatidine showed higher biological activity with high softness, low hardness, and high electrophilicity index. The theoretical vibrational spectra of these four Histamine H2-receptor antagonists were analyzed and the infrared spectra of nizatidine was compared with the experimental IR spectra, and found to be good agreement with the experimental values. Further, frontier molecular orbitals especially the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) were determined and the activation energy of the selected samples were calculated. In addition to this, the amorphisation technique were employed to enhance the solubility and bio availability of the best biologically active H2 blocker nizatidine using broadband dielectric spectroscopy.
Gastrointestinal Delivery of APIs from Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: Sabra Rayan , Billa Nashiru
Published: January 2021

Successful clinical treatment outcomes rely on achieving optimal systemic delivery of therapeutics. The oral route of administering Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) remains formidable because of ease to the patient and convenience. Yet, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) poses several barriers that need to be surmounted prior to systemic availability, especially for Class IV type drugs. Drug delivery systems in the form of nanoparticles (NP), can be appropriately formulated to alter the physicochemical properties of APIs, thereby addressing constraints related to absorption from the GIT. Polymers offer amenability in the fabrication of NP due to their diversity. Chitosan has emerged as a strong contender in orally deliverable NP because it is biocompatible, biodegradable and muco-adhesive. Due to the positively charged amine moieties within chitosan (NH3+), interactions with the negatively charged sialic acid of mucin within the mucosa is possible, which favors delayed GI transit and epithelial uptake. This ultimately results in improved systemic bioavailability. Thus, we expect research in the use of chitosan in oral NP delivery to intensify as we transcend the frontier toward clinical testing of viable formulations.
Flood Risk Analysis for Critical Infrastructure Protection: Issues and Opportunities in Less Developed Societies
Authors: C. Nkwunonwo Ugonna
Published: January 2021

This chapter presents all-important discussions relating to flood risk analysis which arguably is a subject of overwhelming significance within the context of less developed societies, for example Nigeria. Whilst a possible means of eradicating flooding from human environment is inconceivable, debates for more effective flood risk reduction methodologies for critical infrastructure protection must continue. Increased population and urbanisation scenarios drive worsened flood risk which trigger increased efforts for corporate adaptability to flooding. To ensure that social systems can cope with floods, it is important to investigate why best practices in flood risk reduction are not fully applicable. This chapter explores these issues drawing from extant dialogues on flood risk management (FRM). Arguably, the current flood modelling techniques and assessment of vulnerability operations largely do not support a realistic analysis of flood risk. Funnelled through an interpretative research paradigm, the chapter conceives that these limitations fall under five cardinal issues – (1) data, (2) theories and concepts, (3) existing flood risk analyses methods, (4) legislation and policy, and (5) sustainable development. It argues that the realisation of a more effective flood risk reduction for the poorer and less developed societies will depend on effective tackling of these issues which creates opportunities for flood risk analyses through simplified approaches, and use of free and open geospatial data infrastructure.
Liquid Biopsy Analysis of Circulating Tumor Biomarkers in Lung Cancer
Authors: Ping Lin Peter
Published: January 2021

Risk stratification, prognostication and longitudinal monitoring of therapeutic efficacy in lung cancer patients remains highly challenging. It is imperative to establish robust surrogate biomarkers for identifying eligible patients, predicting and effectively monitoring clinical response as well as timely detecting emerging resistance to therapeutic regimens. Circulating tumor biomarkers, analyzed by liquid biopsy, are primarily composed of nucleic acid-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and an aneuploid cell-based category of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor-derived endothelial cells (CTECs). Unlike ctDNA, cancer cells are the origin of all categories of various tumor biomarkers. Involvement of aneuploid CTCs and CTECs in tumorigenesis, neoangiogenesis, tumor progression, cancer metastasis and post-therapeutic recurrence has been substantially investigated. Both CTCs and CTECs possessing an active interplay and crosstalk constitute a unique category of cellular circulating tumor biomarkers. These cells concurrently harbor the intact cancer-related genetic signatures and full tumor marker expression profiles in sync with disease progression and therapeutic process. Recent progress in clinical implementation of non-invasive liquid biopsy has made it feasible to frequently carry out ctDNA analysis and unbiased detection of a full spectrum of non-hematologic circulating rare cells including CTCs and CTECs in lung cancer patients, regardless of variation in heterogeneous cell size and cancer cell surface anchor protein expression. In situ phenotypic and karyotypic comprehensive characterization of aneuploid CTCs and CTECs, in combination with single cell-based genotyping and improved ctDNA analyses, will facilitate and benefit multidisciplinary management of lung cancer.