bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Frequency Low-Current Second-Order Bandpass Active Filter Topology and Its Design in 28-nm FD-SOI CMOS
Authors: Ballo Andrea , Grasso Alfio Dario , Pennisi Salvatore , Venezia Chiara
Published: September 2020

Fully Depleted Silicon on Insulator (FD-SOI) CMOS technology offers the possibility of circuit performance optimization with reduction of both topology complexity and power consumption. These advantages are fully exploited in this paper in order to develop a new topology of active continuous-time second-order bandpass filter with maximum resonant frequency in the range of 1 GHz and wide electrically tunable quality factor requiring a very limited quiescent current consumption below 10 μA. Preliminary simulations that were carried out using the 28-nm FD-SOI technology from STMicroelectronics show that the designed example can operate up to 1.3 GHz of resonant frequency with tunable Q ranging from 90 to 370, while only requiring 6 μA standby current under 1-V supply.
A New Systematic Series of Foil Sections with Parallel Sides
Authors: Saporito Antonio , Persson Adam , Larsson Lars , Mancuso Antonio
Published: September 2020

Parallel-sided foil sections are used for centerboards and rudders in sailing dinghy classes and also for struts placed in a fluid flow. The objective of this work is to create a systematic series of parallel-sided sections to be used under different conditions, with an emphasis on the sailing dinghies 470, 420 and Optimist. The loss, and surprisingly the gain, in performance relative to 4-digit NACA sections are also investigated. A 2D Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solver is used with the k-ω SST turbulence model and the gamma transition criterion. A verification study is carried out based on four grids of systematically varied density, and results compared with experimental data on a NACA 64-006 section. The parallel-sided sections are modeled with rational Bézier curves whose geometrical parameters permit to link the shape of the profile to physical variables, which are systematically varied. Three Reynolds numbers and two angles of attack are investigated. Systematic plots show the influence of the trailing edge angle and nose radius for the different section families, and the optimum combination is presented in a table. Physical explanations of the trends, and of the exceptions, are given in the paper, using flow visualizations as well as pressure and friction plots.
A Genotyping/Phenotyping Approach with Careful Clinical Monitoring to Manage the Fluoropyrimidines-Based Therapy: Clinical Cases and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Conti Valeria , De Bellis Emanuela , Manzo Valentina , Sabbatino Francesco , Iannello Francesco , Dal Piaz Fabrizio , Izzo Viviana , Charlier Bruno , Stefanelli Berenice , Torsiello Martina , Iannaccone Teresa , Coglianese Albino , Colucci Francesca , Pepe Stefano , Filippelli Amelia
Published: September 2020

Fluoropyrimidines (FP) are mainly metabolised by dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), encoded by the DPYD gene. FP pharmacogenetics, including four DPYD polymorphisms (DPYD-PGx), is recommended to tailor the FP-based chemotherapy. These polymorphisms increase the risk of severe toxicity; thus, the DPYD-PGx should be performed prior to starting FP. Other factors influence FP safety, therefore phenotyping methods, such as the measurement of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) clearance and DPD activity, could complement the DPYD-PGx. We describe a case series of patients in whom we performed DPYD-PGx (by real-time PCR), 5-FU clearance and a dihydrouracil/uracil ratio (as the phenotyping analysis) and a continuous clinical monitoring. Patients who had already experienced severe toxicity were then identified as carriers of DPYD variants. The plasmatic dihydrouracil/uracil ratio (by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)) ranged between 1.77 and 7.38. 5-FU clearance (by ultra-HPLC with tandem mass spectrometry) was measured in 3/11 patients. In one of them, it reduced after the 5-FU dosage was halved; in the other case, it remained high despite a drastic dosage reduction. Moreover, we performed a systematic review on genotyping/phenotyping combinations used as predictive factors of FP safety. Measuring the plasmatic 5-FU clearance and/or dihydrouracil/uracil (UH2/U) ratio could improve the predictive potential of DPYD-PGx. The upfront DPYD-PGx combined with clinical monitoring and feasible phenotyping method is essential to optimising FP-based chemotherapy.
University Endowment Committees, Modern Portfolio Theory and Performance
Authors: Lord Mimi
Published: September 2020

University endowments with broad portfolio diversification have been correlated with performance, but committees’ decision-making process has received relatively little attention. This study is unique in postulating that the committee’s learning commitment and open-mindedness are significant contributors to a decision process that is based on the principles of Modern Portfolio Theory (or, simply, Portfolio Theory). The use of Portfolio Theory as a decision-making framework leads to greater portfolio diversification, which, in turn, leads to higher risk-adjusted returns. This study also demonstrates that greater committee expertise across multiple asset classes contributes to more diversified portfolios.
Impact of Direction Parameter in Performance of Modified AODV in VANET
Authors: Ahamed Afsana , Vakilzadian Hamid
Published: September 2020

A vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is a technology in which moving cars are used as routers (nodes) to establish a reliable mobile communication network among the vehicles. Some of the drawbacks of the routing protocol, Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV), associated with VANETs are the end-to-end delay and packet loss. We modified the AODV routing protocols to reduce the number of route request (RREQ) and route reply (RREP) messages by adding direction parameters and two-step filtering. The two-step filtering process reduces the number of RREQ and RREP packets, reduces the packet overhead, and helps to select the stable route. In this study, we show the impact of the direction parameter in reducing the end-to-end delay and the packet loss in AODV. The simulation results show a 1.4% reduction in packet loss, an 11% reduction in the end-to-end delay, and an increase in throughput.
The Acquisition of Chinese as a First and Second Language
Authors: Wen Xiaohong
Published: September 2020

The last two decades have witnessed a surge of interest in learning Chinese as a second language (L2 Chinese) [...]
Over Expression of the Cyanobacterial Pgr5-Homologue Leads to Pseudoreversion in a Gene Coding for a Putative Esterase in Synechocystis 6803
Authors: Margulis Ketty , Zer Hagit , Lis Hagar , Schoffman Hanan , Murik Omer , Shimakawa Ginga , Krieger-Liszkay Anja , Keren Nir
Published: September 2020

Pgr5 proteins play a major direct role in cyclic electron flow paths in plants and eukaryotic phytoplankton. The genomes of many cyanobacterial species code for Pgr5-like proteins but their function is still uncertain. Here, we present evidence that supports a link between the Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 Pgr5-like protein and the regulation of intracellular redox balance. The knockout strain, pgr5KO, did not display substantial phenotypic response under our experimental conditions, confirming results obtained in earlier studies. However, the overexpression strain, pgr5OE, accumulated 2.5-fold more chlorophyll than the wild type and displayed increased content of photosystems matching the chlorophyll increase. As a result, electron transfer rates through the photosynthetic apparatus of pgr5OE increased, as did the amount of energy stored as glycogen. While, under photoautotrophic conditions, this metabolic difference had only minor effects, under mixotrophic conditions, pgr5OE cultures collapsed. Interestingly, this specific phenotype of pgr5OE mutants displayed a tendency for reverting, and cultures which previously collapsed in the presence of glucose were now able to survive. DNA sequencing of a pgr5OE strain revealed a second site suppression mutation in slr1916, a putative esterase associated with redox regulation. The phenotype of the slr1916 knockout is very similar to that of the strain reported here and to that of the pmgA regulator knockout. These data demonstrate that, in Synechocystis 6803, there is strong selection against overexpression of the Pgr5-like protein. The pseudoreversion event in a gene involved in redox regulation suggests a connection of the Pgr5-like protein to this network.
Automotive Lightweight Design: Simulation Modeling of Mass-Related Consumption for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Del Pero Francesco , Berzi Lorenzo , Antonacci Andrea , Delogu Massimo
Published: September 2020

A thorough assessment of Life-Cycle effects involved by vehicle lightweighting needs a rigorous evaluation of mass-induced consumption, on which energy and sustainability benefits during use stage directly depend. The paper proposes an analytical calculation procedure to estimate the weight-related energy consumption of pure Electric Vehicles (EVs), since existing literature leaves considerable room for improvement regarding this research area. The correlation between consumption and mass is expressed through the Energy Reduction Value (ERV) coefficient, which quantifies the specific consumption saving achievable through 100 kg mass reduction. The ERV is estimated for a number of heterogeneous case studies derived from real 2019 European market EV models and according to three drive cycles, to consider different driving behaviors. For the case studies under consideration, ERV ranges from 0.47 to 1.17 kWh/(100 km × 100 kg), with the variability mainly depending on vehicle size and driving cycle. Given the high uncertainty of mass-related consumption on car size, an analytical method is refined to estimate accurately the ERV for any real-world EV model, starting from vehicle technical features. Along with energy assessment, the research also evaluates the environmental implications of lightweight design by means of the Impact Reduction Value (IRV), which is estimated for three distinct electricity grid mixes. Finally, the ERV/IRV modeling approach is applied to a series of comparative lightweight case studies taken from the literature. Such an application demonstrates the effective utility of the work to reduce the uncertainty for all cases where no physical tests or computer-aided simulations are available.
Application of the Entropy Method and Color Difference Formula to the Evaluation of Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Scintillation
Authors: Liu Fukang , Guo Ying , Lv Shaojie , Chen Guange
Published: September 2020

A modeling approach combining the entropy method and color difference formula is proposed in order to quantitatively evaluate diamond scintillation. The images of 66 diamonds were captured from 0° to 105° rotation at 15° intervals. The color difference of corresponding pixels in adjacent rotation angle images was calculated using a MatLab r2014a program, which indicated the diamond’s color change due to its scintillation. A threshold (10) was determined to divide the color difference into seven color difference intervals, the percentage of which indicated the color-change area. The color difference and the percentage were comprehensively analyzed using the entropy method to evaluate diamond scintillation objectively and quantitatively. Lightness was the main factor affecting the diamond scintillation while chroma and hue also significantly affected it.
Laser Oscillating Welding of TC31 High-Temperature Titanium Alloy
Authors: Wang Zhimin , Sun Lulu , Ke Wenchao , Zeng Zhi , Yao Wei , Wang Chunming
Published: September 2020

The joining of high-temperature titanium alloy is attracting much attention in aerospace applications. However, the defects are easily formed during laser welding of titanium alloys, which weakens the joint mechanical properties. In this work, laser oscillating welding was applied to join TC31 high-temperature titanium alloy. The weld appearance, microstructure and mechanical properties of the laser welds were investigated. The results show that sound joints were formed by using laser oscillating welding method, and a large amount of martensite was presented in the welds. High mechanical properties were achieved, which was approaching to (or even equaled) the strength of the base material. The joints exhibited a tensile strength of up to 1200 ± 10 MPa at room temperature and 638 ± 6 MPa at 923 K. Laser oscillating welding is beneficial to the repression of porosity for welding high-temperature titanium alloy.
Cutting Forces and Chip Shaping When Finish Turning of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel under Dry, Wet, and MQL Machining Conditions
Authors: Leksycki Kamil , Feldshtein Eugene , Lisowicz Joanna , Chudy Roman , Mrugalski Roland
Published: September 2020

This paper analyses three components of total cutting force and chip shape changes when finish turning 17-4 PH (precipitation hardening) stainless steel. A Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation of cutting forces was also performed using the Johnson–Cook constitutive model. The results were compared with those obtained from experimental studies. Variable feeds of 0.05–0.4 mm/rev and depth of cut of 0.2–1.2 mm with a cutting speed of 220 m/min were used. The studies were carried out under dry and wet cooling conditions and with the use of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL). This research was realized based on the Parameter Space Investigation (PSI) method. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was carried out using Statistica-13 software. It was found that the cutting force Fc and feed force Ff depend on the depth of cut and feed, and the passive force Fp depends mainly on the feed. Compared to dry cutting conditions, a reduction of 43% and 39% of the cutting force Fc was achieved for wet machining and MQL machining, respectively. Regardless of the cooling conditions, a favorable chip shape was registered for ap = 1–1.1 mm and f = 0.25–0.3 mm/rev. Compared to the experimental studies, the FEM simulation showed differences of ~13% for the cutting force Fc and of ~36% for the feed force Ff.
Genetic Relatedness and Diversity of Staphylococcus aureus from Different Reservoirs: Humans and Animals of Livestock, Poultry, Zoo, and Aquaculture
Authors: Salgueiro Vanessa , Manageiro Vera , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Ferreira Eugénia , Clemente Lurdes , Caniça Manuela
Published: September 2020

The main aim of this study was the characterization of antibiotic resistance mechanisms in 82 Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from humans and animals. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on all S. aureus isolates accordingly, and antibiotic-resistant genes were investigated by genotypic methods. The genetic diversity of S. aureus was studied through spa, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and agr typing methods. The majority of S. aureus from human sources were resistant to cefoxitin (and harbor the mecA gene) and fluoroquinolones, whereas only four strains of S. aureus from animal sources revealed resistance to ciprofloxacin. In the set of S. aureus isolated from humans, the most frequent spa, MLST, and agr group were t032, ST22, and I, respectively. In strains from animal origin the most common spa, MLST, and agr group found were t2383, ST398, and III/not typable, respectively. S. aureus from humans and animals were identified either in clonal complexes CC5, CC30, and CC398, suggesting that they have the same putative founder in their evolution. Considering the three CCs encompassing strains from human and animal reservoirs with different spa-types, we can hypothesize that this might reflect an adaptation to different phylogenetic lineages in those reservoirs (host species) probably associated to genetic diversification of pre-existing strains.
Osteogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Behavior of Injectable Calcium Phosphate Loaded with Therapeutic Drugs
Authors: Fasolino Ines , Soriente Alessandra , Ambrosio Luigi , Raucci Maria Grazia
Published: September 2020

Bone fractures related to musculoskeletal disorders determine long-term disability in older people with a consequent significant economic burden. The recovery of pathologically impaired tissue architecture allows avoiding bone loss-derived consequences such as bone height reduction, deterioration of bone structure, inflamed bone pain, and high mortality for thighbone fractures. Actually, standard therapy for osteoporosis treatment is based on the systemic administration of biphosphonates and anti-inflammatory drugs, which entail several side effects including gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, fever, and articular pain. Hence, the demand of innovative therapeutic approaches for locally treating bone lesions has been increasing in the last few years. In this scenario, the development of injectable materials loaded with therapeutically active agents (i.e., anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and peptides mimicking growth factors) could be an effective tool to treat bone loss and inflammation related to musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. According to this challenge, here, we propose three different compositions of injectable calcium phosphates (CaP) as new carrier materials of therapeutic compounds such as bisphosphonates (i.e., alendronate), anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., diclofenac sodium), and natural molecules (i.e., harpagoside) for the local bone disease treatment. Biological quantitative analyses were performed for screening osteoinductive and anti-inflammatory properties of injectable drug-loaded systems. Meanwhile, cell morphological features were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and confocal investigations. The results exhibited that the three systems exerted an osteoinductive effect during later phases of osteogenesis. Simultaneously, all compositions showed an anti-inflammatory activity on inflammation in vitro models.
Realizing Hydrogen De/Absorption Under Low Temperature for MgH2 by Doping Mn-Based Catalysts
Authors: Sun Ze , Zhang Liuting , Yan Nianhua , Zheng Jiaguang , Bian Ting , Yang Zongming , Su Shichuan
Published: September 2020

Magnesium hydride (MgH2) has been considered as a potential material for storing hydrogen, but its practical application is still hindered by the kinetic and thermodynamic obstacles. Herein, Mn-based catalysts (MnCl2 and Mn) are adopted and doped into MgH2 to improve its hydrogen storage performance. The onset dehydrogenation temperatures of MnCl2 and submicron-Mn-doped MgH2 are reduced to 225 °C and 183 °C, while the un-doped MgH2 starts to release hydrogen at 315 °C. Further study reveals that 10 wt% of Mn is the better doping amount and the MgH2 + 10 wt% submicron-Mn composite can quickly release 6.6 wt% hydrogen in 8 min at 300 °C. For hydrogenation, the completely dehydrogenated composite starts to absorb hydrogen even at room temperature and almost 3.0 wt% H2 can be rehydrogenated in 30 min under 3 MPa hydrogen at 100 °C. Additionally, the activation energy of hydrogenation reaction for the modified MgH2 composite significantly decreases to 17.3 ± 0.4 kJ/mol, which is much lower than that of the primitive MgH2. Furthermore, the submicron-Mn-doped sample presents favorable cycling stability in 20 cycles, providing a good reference for designing and constructing efficient solid-state hydrogen storage systems for future application.
Recent Developments in Plasmonic Nanostructures for Metal Enhanced Fluorescence-Based Biosensing
Authors: Badshah Mohsin Ali , Koh Na Yoon , Zia Abdul Wasy , Abbas Naseem , Zahra Zahra , Saleem Muhammad Wajid
Published: September 2020

Metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) is a unique phenomenon of surface plasmons, where light interacts with the metallic nanostructures and produces electromagnetic fields to enhance the sensitivity of fluorescence-based detection. In particular, this enhancement in sensing capacity is of importance to many research areas, including medical diagnostics, forensic science, and biotechnology. The article covers the basic mechanism of MEF and recent developments in plasmonic nanostructures fabrication for efficient fluorescence signal enhancement that are critically reviewed. The implications of current fluorescence-based technologies for biosensors are summarized, which are in practice to detect different analytes relevant to food control, medical diagnostics, and forensic science. Furthermore, characteristics of existing fabrication methods have been compared on the basis of their resolution, design flexibility, and throughput. The future projections emphasize exploring the potential of non-conventional materials and hybrid fabrication techniques to further enhance the sensitivity of MEF-based biosensors.
Genesis of Non-Coding RNA Genes in Human Chromosome 22—A Sequence Connection with Protein Genes Separated by Evolutionary Time
Authors: Delihas Nicholas
Published: September 2020

A small phylogenetically conserved sequence of 11,231 bp, termed FAM247, is repeated in human chromosome 22 by segmental duplications. This sequence forms part of diverse genes that span evolutionary time, the protein genes being the earliest as they are present in zebrafish and/or mice genomes, and the long noncoding RNA genes and pseudogenes the most recent as they appear to be present only in the human genome. We propose that the conserved sequence provides a nucleation site for new gene development at evolutionarily conserved chromosomal loci where the FAM247 sequences reside. The FAM247 sequence also carries information in its open reading frames that provides protein exon amino acid sequences; one exon plays an integral role in immune system regulation, specifically, the function of ubiquitin-specific protease (USP18) in the regulation of interferon. An analysis of this multifaceted sequence and the genesis of genes that contain it is presented.
Impact of a Three-Year Obesity Prevention Study on Healthy Behaviors and BMI among Lebanese Schoolchildren: Findings from Ajyal Salima Program
Authors: Habib-Mourad Carla , Ghandour Lilian A. , Maliha Carla , Dagher Michèle , Kharroubi Samer , Hwalla Nahla
Published: September 2020

Most school-based obesity prevention programs in low- to middle-income countries are of short duration, and few undertake follow-up analyses after the termination of the project. The aims of the current study are to investigate (1) the long-term effects of a school-based intervention program when implemented over two years on body mass index (BMI), healthy dietary behaviors, and physical activity (PA); and (2) whether the effects are sustained after one-year washout. The study is a cluster-randomized trial; 36 public and private schools were randomized into either intervention or control groups. Students (8–12 years) completed pre-and post-assessment anthropometric measurements and questionnaires about their eating and physical activity habits. Students in the intervention groups received the program components for two consecutive years. Multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the effect of the intervention on BMI and healthy behaviors. Students in the intervention groups were less likely to be overweight at washout, only in public schools. The number of children reporting change in dietary behaviors significantly increased in intervention groups, with a sustained effect only in public schools. Policies aiming at securing a positive nutrition environment in schools, and adoption of nutrition programs, are needed for achieving sustained behavior and prompting BMI changes in children.
Lipid Nanoparticles for Enhancing the Physicochemical Stability and Topical Skin Delivery of Orobol
Authors: Kim Min-Hwan , Jeon Yae-Eun , Kang Soobeen , Lee Jae-Young , Lee Ki Won , Kim Ki-Taek , Kim Dae-Duk
Published: September 2020

Orobol is one of the major soy isoflavones, and has been reported to have various pharmacological activities, including an anti-skin-aging effect. However, since it has low solubility in water and physicochemical instability, the formulation of orobol for delivery into the dermal layer of the skin could be challenging. The objective of this study was to prepare lipid nanoparticles formulations of orobol to enhance its stability as well as its deposition into the skin. Formulations of orobol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were characterized in terms of their mean particle size, entrapment efficiency, and morphology. The nano-sized spherical NLCs formulations maintained the stability of orobol for up to 28 days. Moreover, the NLCs formulation significantly increased the in vitro deposition of orobol into both Strat-M membranes and human cadaver skin compared with the other formulations. Additionally, the NLCs formulation did not cause significant skin irritation in clinical study. These results demonstrate that a shea butter-based NLC formulation could be a promising and safe carrier system for improving the stability of orobol and enhancing its topical skin delivery.
Synthesis of Bio-Based Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Butylene Itaconate) Copolyesters with Pentaerythritol: A Thermal, Mechanical, Rheological, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Chen Chin-Wen , Mao Hsu-I , Yang Zhi-Yu , Huang Kuan-Wei , Yan Hao-Chen , Rwei Syang-Peng
Published: September 2020

Bio-based unsaturated poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene itaconate) (PBABI) aliphatic copolyesters were synthesized with pentaerythritol (PE) as a modifier, observing the melting point, crystallization, and glass transition temperatures were decreased from 59.5 to 19.5 °C and 28.2 to −9.1 °C as an increase of itaconate concentration, and Tg ranged from −54.6 to −48.1 °C. PBABI copolyesters tend to the amorphous state by the existence of the BI unit above 40 mol%. The yield strength, elongation, and Young’s modulus at different BA/BI ratios were valued in a range of 13.2–13.8 MPa, 575.2–838.5%, and 65.1–83.8 MPa, respectively. Shear-thinning behavior was obtained in all BA/BI ratios of PBABI copolyesters around an angular frequency range of 20–30 rad s−1. Furthermore, the thermal and mechanical properties of PBABI copolyesters can be well regulated via controlling the itaconic acid contents and adding the modifier. PBABI copolyesters can be coated on a 3D air mesh polyester fabric to reinforce the mechanical property for replacing traditional plaster applications.
Effect of a Monomer Composition on the Mechanical Properties and Glass Transition Temperature of a Waterborne Polyurethane/Graphene Oxide and Waterborne Polyurethane/MWCNT Nanocomposite
Authors: Kim Hyung Joong , Han Jihye , Son Younggon
Published: September 2020

Anionic waterborne polyurethane (aWPU) is not compatible with graphene oxide (GO) due to the repulsive force acting on identical ionic charges. In this study, we fabricated cationic surfactant treated GO and cationic surfactant treated carbon nanotube (CNT) to increase the compatibility with aWPU. Cationic waterborne polyurethane (WPU) and nanocomposites thereof were also prepared. On the basis of the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, glass transition temperature (Tg), and a stability test, it was found that the compatibility between WPU and a nanofiller (NF) was enhanced to a great extent when WPU and NF had opposite ionicity. The Tg and mechanical properties of WPU increased with the addition of NF, showed the maximum value and thereafter decreased with further addition. The effect of composition of ionic monomer in WPU was also investigated. As the composition of the ionic monomer increases, the concentration of NF for the maximum Tg and mechanical properties increases. This was attributed to the ionic association between the NF and WPU.
The Probability of Ischaemic Stroke Prediction with a Multi-Neural-Network Model
Authors: Liu Yan , Yin Bo , Cong Yanping
Published: September 2020

As is known, cerebral stroke has become one of the main diseases endangering people’s health; ischaemic strokes accounts for approximately 85% of cerebral strokes. According to research, early prediction and prevention can effectively reduce the incidence rate of the disease. However, it is difficult to predict the ischaemic stroke because the data related to the disease are multi-modal. To achieve high accuracy of prediction and combine the stroke risk predictors obtained by previous researchers, a method for predicting the probability of stroke occurrence based on a multi-model fusion convolutional neural network structure is proposed. In such a way, the accuracy of ischaemic stroke prediction is improved by processing multi-modal data through multiple end-to-end neural networks. In this method, the feature extraction of structured data (age, gender, history of hypertension, etc.) and streaming data (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.) based on a convolutional neural network is first realized. A neural network model for feature fusion is then constructed to realize the feature fusion of structured data and streaming data. Finally, a predictive model for predicting the probability of stroke is obtained by training. As shown in the experimental results, the accuracy of ischaemic stroke prediction reached 98.53%. Such a high prediction accuracy will be helpful for preventing the occurrence of stroke.
The Effect of Resistance Exercise Intensity on Acute Hyperglycemia in Young Adult Males
Authors: Schick Evan E. , Segura Luis E. , Emamjomeh Shayán , Cotter Joshua A.
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of resistance exercise (RE) intensity on acute hyperglycemia, in young adult males. Thirteen males (age 23.43 ± 2.18 years, height 175.16 ± 10.44 cm, weight 77.02 ± 8.91 kg, body fat 20 ± 0.03%) participated in three randomized testing sessions, each separated by 96 h. The three testing conditions were: control (CON; induction of hyperglycemia with no-exercise), high (HI; induction of hyperglycemia followed by high-intensity RE: 5 × 4, 90% 1-repetition maximum (1-RM)), and moderate (MO; induction of hyperglycemia followed by low-intensity RE: 3 × 14, 65% 1-RM). In all three testing conditions, participants orally ingested a D100 (100 g/10 oz) glucose beverage at a dosage of 2 g glucose/kg body weight and capillary blood was obtained for plasma glucose and insulin analysis at 0 (fasting), 30, 60, 90 and 120 min, following glucose ingestion. At 30-min post-ingestion in the HI and MO conditions, participants began the respective RE protocols. Acute hyperglycemia was achieved throughout all three 2-h testing conditions; mean 2-h plasma glucose levels during CON (7.1 ± 1.3 mmol∙L−1), MO (7.5 ± 0.6 mmol∙L−1) and HI (8.2 ± 1.9 mmol∙L−1) were all significantly (p < 0.05) greater than mean fasting plasma glucose (5.6 ± 0.46 mmol∙L−1). Plasma glucose and insulin did not differ (p < 0.05) between treatment conditions at any times points over the 120 min, however, 2-h glucose area under the curve in the HI condition was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than CON and MO. In conclusion, this study indicates that hyperglycemia, induced prior to RE, may be exacerbated by high-intensity RE.
Impacts of Viscous Dissipation and Brownian motion on Jeffrey Nanofluid Flow over an Unsteady Stretching Surface with Thermophoresis
Authors: El-Zahar Essam , Rashad Ahmed , Seddek Laila
Published: September 2020

The goal of this investigation is to explore the influence of viscous dissipation and Brownian motion on Jeffrey nanofluid flow over an unsteady moving surface with thermophoresis and mixed convection. Zero mass flux is also addressed at the surface such that the nanoparticles fraction of maintains itself on huge obstruction. An aiding transformation is adopted to renovate the governing equations into a set of partial differential equations which is solved using a new fourth-order finite difference continuation method and various graphical outcomes are discussed in detail with several employed parameters. The spectacular influence of pertinent constraints on velocity and thermal curves are inspected through various plots. Computational data for the heat transfer rate and skin-friction coefficient are also reported graphically. Graphical outcomes indicate that an augmentation in buoyance ratio and thermophoretic parameter leads to diminish the velocity curves and increase the temperature curves. Furthermore, it is inspected that escalating Deborah number exhibits increasing in the skin friction and salient decreasing heat transmission. Increasing magnetic strength leads to a reduction in the skin friction and enhancement in the Nusselt number, whilst a reverse reaction is manifested with mixed convection aspects.
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Understand Hydrologic and Geochemical Processes at Koiliaris Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Lilli Maria A. , Efstathiou Dionissis , Moraetis Daniel , Schuite Jonathan , Nerantzaki Sofia D. , Nikolaidis Nikolaos P.
Published: September 2020

Koiliaris CZO is a European Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) typical of the Mediterranean karstic geomorphology, which represents watersheds affected by humans over the centuries. This study aims to provide information that underpins the hydrologic and geochemical processes functioning at Koiliaris CZO. Linking geomorphologic and tectonic analysis improved the delineation of a karstic area which extends outside of the Koiliaris watershed and identified how structural elements influence the regional hydrology. The fluctuation in the river flow represents processes occurring in the karst and the periodic signal is related to Earth tide stressing of the karstic reservoirs. The conceptualization of a two-reservoir, well-mixed karstic system is confirmed by both the geomorphologic and tidal analysis. The hydrologic response is fast and it is manifested especially during extreme events where 70% of the precipitation becomes surface runoff, creating major flood events. The different sampling sites in the Koiliaris CZO were geochemically clustered and the quantification of the weathering fluxes showed that 25 mm/1000 years and 39 mm/1000 years of carbonate were removed by chemical weathering for the Keramianos ephemeral river and the springs, respectively. These studies illustrate the importance of critical zone science and transdisciplinary studies on water and soil management.
The effectiveness of brooding of eggs of crosses lohmann of different selection
Authors: Gorelik O. , Kharlap S.
Published: September 2020

The technological process of brooding is closely related to the biological usefulness of eggs, the mode of their storage before brooding, the technical characteristics and level of operation of brooders and auxiliary equipment, the brooding technique and the qualification of service personnel. It is constantly work to improve the quality of hatching eggs and bring the brooding environments closer to the natural optimum. Many factors including genetic factors play an important role in the quality of the hatchable egg. The purpose of the research was to carry out a comparative analysis of the technology and effectiveness of brooding of eggs of crosses of Lomann of different selection: Lohmann White, Lohmann Brown, Lohmann Sandy in a poultry farm in the Sverdlovsk region. It has been found as a result of the conducted research that the first biological control of the cross Lohmann White was superior to the cross Lohmann Brown and Lohmann Sandy. After the second biological control a large number of frozen embryos have been detected in cross Lohmann White – 7042 pieces. Crosses Lohmann Brown and Lohmann Sandy were almost identical in terms of biological control after brooding. The large number of embryos died in the group of eggs of the cross Lohmann White – 14.03 % of eggs were unfertilized, the blood-ring was set at 1,8 %; frozen – 16,3 %, weak – 2,8 %, crippled – 4,3 %, suffocated – 7,2 % compared to other crosses, this was more than 2–4 times, depending on the cause. When calculating the effectiveness of brooding the leader was cross Lohmann White where yield of chickens was 80,25 % and the cost of chickens accepted for rearing was 254 242,5 rubles. In the crosses Lohmann Brown and Lohmann Sandy the cost of chickens accepted for rearing were 112 815 rubles and 116 902,5 rubles, respectively. Thus, the advantage of the hatchable egg of the cross Lohmann White has been established.
An investigation of fertility haplotypes in Holstein cows of Dutch origin under environments of the Rostov region
Authors: Getmantseva L. , Shevtsova V. , Kolosova M. , Romanenkova O. , Kostyunina O.
Published: September 2020

The intensification of animal husbandry in recent years has led to a significant increase in the productivity of farm animals. The use of modern breeding methods has led to a decrease in genetic diversity and the spread of recessive lethal and semi-lethal mutations in the animal genome. In the world population of cattle of Holstein rather high rates of fertility haplotypes have been identified that affect reproductive traits as well as those associated with embryonic and post-embryonic mortality at various stages. The results of an investigation of Holstein cows of Dutch origin (n=70) are housed in one of the breeding farms of the Rostov region for the presence of 4 fertility haplotypes: HCD (APOB), HH0 (FANCI), HH3 (SMC2) and HH5 (TFB1M) have been presented in the article. The researches have been performed as part of the task of the Federal Agency of Scientific Organizations No. AAAA18-118021590138-1. In order to diagnose mutations test systems developed in the laboratory of molecular principles of selection of the Department of biotechnology and molecular diagnostics of animals of the Federal Research Center of Animal Husbandry – All-Russian Institute of Animal Husbandry named after academician L. K. Ernst have been used. Hidden carriers of haplotypes HCD, HH0 and HH3 have been identified in the studied group of cows. The frequency of HCD, HH0, and HH3 haplotypes was 1,43 %, 7,14 and 4,29 %, respectively. Carriers of the HH5 haplotype have been not found in the studied sample of Holstein cows. The results of molecular genetic testing have been confirmed by the analysis of pedigrees. The development of methods for diagnosing genetic anomalies and identifying loci associated with the decrease in productive trait as well as continuous monitoring of breeding stock will allow selecting animals that have high productive traits and are not burdened with genetic defects and malformations.
The correlation of the main qualitative characteristics of wool with the histological structure of the skin
Authors: Dmitrik I.
Published: September 2020

A comparative evaluation of the study of the main traits of wool with indicators of the histostructure of the skin of rams has been shown that the fat content in wool averaged 13,1 %. The correlation coefficient between the percentage of pure wool yield and the amount of fat was 0,38. A negative correlation between the amount of wool shorn, the yield of pure fiber, and the length of the wool has been was obtained with the amount of sweat in the wool (P < 0,01). This suggests that the reduction of the sweat part in the fat content will occur to a certain extent due to indirect selection for wool productivity. As the level of the comprehensive evaluation has decreased, the wool thinned by an average of 0,98 microns. The difference in the length of the wool of rams of the 1st group with average indicators was 1,3 cm, and for the amount of wool shorn and the yield of pure fiber –1,18 kg and 7,17 %, respectively. A negative correlation (r = –0,50) has been obtained in rams with the thinness of 23,0–25,0 microns compared to herdmates with 18,0–20,0 microns when studying the correlation between follicle density and the primordial follicle/secondary follicle ratio. The narrower the DPF/DSF ratio the thinner the coat, and vice versa animals with the narrower ratio (0,98) have been characterized by a more balanced fiber. The correlation coefficient between the thinness of wool and the diameter of the secondary fiber was 0,42. With increasing thickness of the skin and especially its pilar layer the hair becomes shorter. Rams with a hair length of 10 cm have 19,2 % thicker skin and 23 % thicker pilar layer. There is a tendency to thicken the skin and pilar layer in rams of the 3rd group. Animals with the total follicle density of 80,0 pcs/mm[sup]2[/sup] or higher have 8,0 % less thickness compared to their herdmates who have 50,0 follicles per mm[sup]2[/sup] . Thus, the significant correlation has been found not only between the traits of fleece and wool, but also indicators of skin histostructure. This confirms the need to evaluate the fleece for the entire range of various properties of wool and skin histogenesis.
Theoretical and practical bases of creation of prestarter granulated compound feed for piglets
Authors: Shulaev G. , Milushev R. , Engovatov V. , Engovatov D.
Published: September 2020

Currently, the country’s industrial pig breeding uses mainly imported granulated compound feed and expensive enrichment additives containing protein products with different processing technologies, and biologically active substances. This leads to an increase in the cost of pig products. Alternative to imported analogues complex enrichment additive for prestarter feed from domestic raw materials has been developed, the use of which has been scientifically justified. The basis of this additive is soya and lupin with different processing methods, corn gluten, fish meal and milk whey, as well as biologically active substances. Optimal modes of extrusion of soya, fl ax seeds, grain feed, processing additives and granulated feed under the conditions of the feed mill have been worked out. Tests of granulated compound feeds with experimental and imported processing additives on piglets of suckling age have been carried out at the pig breeding complex. It has been established that the qualitative characteristics of the granulated compound feed with additives and processing subjects were almost equal. As the result of their use on the large number of pigs, high livability of off spring was ensured and almost equal indicators of live weight of young animals at 24-day age were obtained at the level of 253–254 g. At the same time, the level of hemoglobin in the blood was high at 119,7–120,6 g/l, and the young animals of the experimental group had the advantage in the content of γ-globulins by 1,92 %, which indicates the higher immune status of the animals of the experimental group. Studies have shown that granulated compound feed with the complex enrichment additive of domestic production is cheaper than imported by 29,76 %. This is economically beneficial for the farm.
The correlation between dairy productivity traits in the herd of holsteinized cows of Black and White breed
Authors: Fedoseeva N. , Usov V. , Shepinyev D.
Published: September 2020

It is important to study the nature of the association between the characteristics of milk productivity in breeding work with cattle. The purpose of the researches was to study the correlation between the traits of milk productivity in the herd of holsteinized cows of Black-and-White breed. A signifi cant low negative correlation r=–0,108 (P < 0,01) and r=–0,125 (P < 0,001) has been found between the traits of milk yield and the mass fractions of fat and protein for the 1st lactation. It should be noted that for the 1st, 2nd lactations and on average for the fi rst three lactations between the mass fractions of fat and protein a reliable average positive correlation has been determined from r=0,512 (P < 0,001) to r=0,565 (P < 0,001), for the 3rd lactation a high positive correlation has been found r=0,613 (P < 0,001). It has been found for all three lactations that milk yield had high, positive and reliable correlation coeffi cients with milk fat yield from r= +0,958 (P < 0,001) to r=+0,974 (P < 0,001) and milk protein yield from r=+0,995 (P < 0,001) to r=+0,997 (P < 0,001). This can serve as an indicator of possible eff ective selection based on these characteristics. In order to determine the infl uence of sires on the content of mass fractions of fat and protein in the milk of their daughters, the degree of correlation of these characteristics has been studied. Correlation coeffi cients between milk yield and fat mass fraction were negatively low from r=–0,139 (P < 0,01) to r=–0,280 (P < 0,05). The correlation between milk yield and protein mass fraction has been found from the average negative value of r=–0,372(P < 0,05) to the positive low indicator – r=+0,234 (P < 0,001). The correlation coeffi cients have been obtained for milk productivity indicate the individual characteristics of individual sires.
The influence of processing of hatching eggs by coniferous complex on fetal and postnatal development of quails
Authors: Zadorozhnaya M. , Lysko S. , Suntsova O.
Published: September 2020

The hatchery is an important link in the production process of a poultry enterprise, and therefore there is a need to take eff ective measures to prevent the penetration and spread of infection. For this purpose hatching eggs are processed, veterinary and sanitary measures are carried out using disinfectants. The most common chemical disinfectants, but many of them have a short-term eff ect and have a negative infl uence on the embryos, and the task of any incubator is to get high-quality young birds. In most cases poultry farms use formalin, which when used repeatedly has a negative enfl uence not only on the embryos and their development, but also on the maintenance staff . In this regard, the creation of non-toxic, highly eff ective, eco-friendly products that do not pollute the environment, inhibit the growth of microorganisms that do not aff ect the embryo and maintenance personnel is an urgent task for veterinary science and practice. One of these drugs is a complex of coniferous balsamic fi r. The purpose of our researches was to study the infl uence of treatment of hatching eggs with the new drug on the fetal and postnatal development of quails. Egg processing has been performed before laying and during transfer in 15,5 days: in the experimental group with coniferous complex, in the control group with formalin. Biological control has been carried out in 9,5 and 15,5 days, taking into account the hatchability of eggs, the livability and live weight of quails. Blood has been collected at the age of 7 and 14 days for biochemical analysis, examining it for the content of total protein, albumins and globulins. The complex coniferous balsamic fi r did not have the negative infl uence on the fetal and postnatal development of the resulting young birds increased the hatchability of eggs, the livability and live weight of quails. Thus, the live weight of quails in the experimental group at the age of 7 days exceeded the control by 2,3 %, and at 14 days by 0,3 %. The livability of quails obtained from eggs treated with the studied drug the period of 1–14 days was 2,0 % higher compared to the control group.