bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance assessment of conceptual bifacial solar PV system in varying albedo conditions
Authors: Sreenath S , Sudhakar K , Yusop A F
Published: February 2021

There is a rapidly growing interest in bifacial module based solar PV. Unlike conventional solar PV modules, the energy output of the bifacial PV module is affected by the reflectance of the ground surface (albedo). This paper aims to assess the performance of conceptual bifacial solar PV systems in varying albedo conditions. Besides, the comparison of energy generation between monofacial and bifacial solar PV system is carried out. In this regard, four sites on an educational campus having different albedo factor is chosen. The annual energy output, specific yield, and performance ratio are estimated using PVSyst simulation software. The energy output of 164.5 MWh/year is predicted for the minimum albedo factor of 0.15. While 175.8 MWh/year is expected for the maximum albedo factor of 0.85. The specific yield for Case 5 (bifacial) is 10.58 % higher than that estimated for Case 1 (monofacial). Based on annual energy generation, the site of Case 4 is the best location for the solar PV system among the studied cases. It is concluded that setting up of bifacial solar PV module on the ground surface with a high value of albedo factor is suitable to maximize energy generation.
Hydroinformatics based technique for leak identification purpose – An experimental analysis
Authors: Hanafi M Y , Ghazali M F , Azmi W H , Yusof M F M , PiRemli M A
Published: February 2021

Analysis of single point pressure transient signal has the potential of providing information on the pipeline system. The technique uses the frequency response and experiments are satisfactory for low-frequency bandwidth. The concept behind this approach is that reflections are detected by leak-induced disturbances. Such reflections are often very difficult to identify, particularly because of excessive noise. The common approach to boost the analysis is to use a data denoising approach. The wavelet transforms for leak detection in water pipelines are proposed in this article. The wavelet filter is optimally calibrated using maximal kurtosis values and is chosen for leakage detection. The suggested approach is tested using high-noise laboratory test signals. The findings show that the method is superior to current signal processing methods for the conditions used. The system permits not only the detection of leakage but also the location and evaluation of its magnitude with errors of less than 7%.
Bioactivities of nano-scale magnesium oxide prepared using aqueous extract of Moringa Oleifera leaves as green agent
Authors: Amrulloh Hanif , Fatiqin Awalul , Simanjuntak Wasinton , Afriyani Hapin , Annissa Annissa
Published: February 2021

In this research, nano-size MgO (NS-MgO) was prepared from MgCl2 solution using aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (AEMOL) as green agent. Preparation procedure involved mixing of MgCl2.6H2O solution and the AEMOL, followed by dropwise addition of NaOH solution. The formation of NS-MgO in this synthesis was confirmed using UV-Vis absorption. The spherical crystal structure of NS-MgO was confirmed by XRD analysis. The average particle size of the synthesised NS-MgO was found between 40–70 nm using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and particle size analyser (PSA) results. Based on the maximum inhibition concentration (MIC) it was found that the NS-MgO has good antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli, and S. dysenteriae bacteria (MIC values: 250–500 μg ml−1), and much stronger antifungal activity against A. flavus, A. niger, and C. albican (MIC values: 62.5–125 μg ml−1). These findings suggest prospective potential of NS-MgO synthesised as therapeutic candidate for the treatment of candidiasis.
Excellent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of Fe–SnO2 nanoparticles as promising antiseptics and disinfectants
Authors: Obeizi Zahra , Benbouzid Houneida , Bouarroudj Tayeb , Bououdina Mohamed
Published: February 2021

In recent years, nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance are major public health problems. Nanotechnology should open new avenues to treat and prevent diseases. In this research work, iron-doped tin dioxide (Fe-SnO2) nanoparticles have been synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the formation of nanocrystalline SnO2 single phase with Fe favoring grain growth, the crystallite size increases from 13 up to 29 nm. FT-infrared spectroscopy analysis shows the presence of peaks characteristic of the SnO2 phase. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy analysis indicates Fe doping induces red-shift of SnO2 bandgap. Morphological observations by scanning electron microscopy reveal randomly arranged irregular-sized compact grains with sponge-like microstructure. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDX) confirms the purity of Fe-doped SnO2. Bacteria produce siderophores capable of capturing iron, a necessary nutrient. For this reason, SnO2 has been doped particularly with Fe to facilitate the entry of nanoparticles into the bacterial cell and improve its antibacterial activity. Fe-SnO2 nanoparticles exhibit significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities against all tested microorganisms; it is found that biofilm eradication of the tested strains is higher than 90%. The fabricated Fe–SnO2 nanopowders have potential as antiseptics and disinfectants that will eliminate, kill, or inactivate microorganisms usually found on inert surfaces such as soil, walls, medical-surgical equipment, to prevent nosocomial infections in hospitals.
Ultrasonic assisted solvent extraction in synthesis of ceria nanofluids from rare earth material for heat exchange application
Authors: Giri R , Ghosh M , Tripathy A , Nath G
Published: February 2021

Power ultrasound energy has been extended to sample pretreatment and particle disruption, as a consequence of which its penetration to atomic and subatomic spacing enhances the extraction of materials from their ores. Solvent extraction technique was employed for extraction of cerium from rare earth element by use of compatible optimum blended solvent. Nanoceria was prepared using cerous nitrate (Ce(NO3)3 · 6H2O) and ammonium acid carbonate (NH4HCO3) as starting materials resulted from extraction of rare earth material by ultrasonic cavitation method. Experimental techniques like x-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, infrared spectroscope, UV-Vis spectra and fluorescence spectrophotometer are employed for characterisation and analysis of other material properties of the ceria nanoparticles. Thermo physical properties like density and viscosity were measured in aqueous ceria nanofluids for different temperatures and volume fractions. Measured values of thermal conductivity and ultrasonically computed values are compared for optimum concentration of CeO2 nanofluid and the effect of ultrasonication in enhancement of thermal conductivity is discussed.
A study on compressive behaviour and biocompatibility of direct metal laser sintered Ti64 cellular structures
Authors: Jaivignesh M , Babu A Suresh , Arumaikkannu G
Published: February 2021

The Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) process is widely used for biomedical applications and to fabricate Cellular Structures (CS). Titanium alloy (Ti64) CS were modelled as a honeycomb structure with variations in pore diameters (0.8 mm, 0.9 mm and 1.0 mm) and interpore distances (1.6 mm, 1.7 mm and 1.8 mm) in this research work. The maxillofacial region is considered for implementation of CS, with mandible being the selected application. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was carried out on all CS models and the least von-mises stress was observed to be 48.67 MPa and the corresponding Young’s modulus was calculated to be 34.76 GPa. Based on FEA results, CS were fabricated through DMLS and tested for compressive behaviour. The average Young’s modulus was calculated to be 32.10 GPa, the average compressive strength was evaluated to be 51.25 MPa and the average strain energy was calculated to be 0.94 J, respectively. The FEA and experimental results were in correlation with each other. Since CS was able to withstand the required load for mandibular implant application, it can be considered as safe. The compressive behaviour of Ti64 CS was observed to be sensitive to varying rate of loading. A ductile fracture was observed upon fractography analysis and the CS exhibited a martensitic microstructure, which accounts for good compressive strength. The average surface roughness of the CS was measured to be 1.26 μm, which is within a suitable range of tissue growth for mandibular implant. The tissue culture was done to study the biocompatibility of CS and an increase in the percentage of cell viability was observed as 55% on day 1, 68% on day 3 and 75% on day 5, respectively.
Implementation of a Sample Pooling Strategy for the Direct Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chan Clarence W , Kwon Seunghyug , Matushek Scott M , Ciaglia Carol , Bethel Cindy , Beavis Kathleen G
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To report our institutional experience in devising and implementing a pooling protocol and process for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing over a 3-month period in the fall of 2020.

Methods

The widespread testing implemented in the United States for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to a significant shortage of testing supplies and therefore has become a major impediment to the public health response. To date, several institutions have implemented sample pooling, but publications documenting these experiences are sparse. Nasal and nasopharyngeal samples collected from low-positivity (<5%) areas were tested in pools of five on the Roche cobas 6800 analyzer system. Routine SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR turnaround times between sample collection to result reporting were monitored and compared before and after sample pooling implementation.

Results

A total of 4,131 sample pools were tested over a 3-month period (during which 39,770 RT-PCR results were reported from the Roche system), allowing our laboratory to save 13,824 tests, equivalent to a conservation rate of 35%. A 48-hour or less turnaround time was generally maintained throughout the pooling period.

Conclusions

Sample pooling offers a viable means to mitigate shortfalls of PCR testing supplies in the ongoing pandemic without significantly compromising overall turnaround times.
Multilevel prioritization of gene regulators associated with consensus molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer
Authors: Song Kai , Cai Hao , Zheng Hailong , Yang Jing , Jin Liangliang , Xiao Huiting , Zhang Jiashuai , Zhao Zhangxiang , Li Xin , Zhao Wenyuan , Li Xia
Published: February 2021

Consensus molecular subtypes (CMSs) are emerging as critical factor for prognosis and treatment of colorectal cancer. Gene regulators, including chromatin regulator, RNA-binding protein and transcriptional factor, are critical modulators of cancer hallmark, yet little is known regarding the underlying functional mechanism in CMSs. Herein, we identified a core set of 235 functional gene regulators (FGRs) by integrating genome, epigenome, transcriptome and interactome of CMSs. FGRs exhibited significant multi-omics alterations and impacts on cell lines growth, as well as significantly enriched cancer driver genes and pathways. Moreover, common FGRs played different roles in the context of CMSs. In accordance with the immune characteristics of CMSs, we found that the anti-tumor immune pathways were mainly activated by FGRs (e.g. STAT1 and CREBBP) in CMS1, while inhibited by FGRs in CMS2–4. FGRs mediated aberrant expression of ligands, which bind to receptor on immune cells, and modulated tumor immune microenvironment of subtypes. Intriguingly, systematic exploration of datasets using genomic and transcriptome co-similarity reveals the coordinated manner in FGRs act in CMSs to orchestrate their pathways and patients’ prognosis. Expression signatures of the FGRs revealed an optimized CMS classifier, which demonstrated 88% concordance with the gold-standard classifier, but avoiding the influence of sample composition. Overall, our integrative analysis identified FGRs to regulate core tumorigenic processes/pathways across CMSs.
Population Viability of Sea Turtles in the Context of Global Warming
Authors: Maurer Andrew S , Seminoff Jeffrey A , Layman Craig A , Stapleton Seth P , Godfrey Matthew H , Reiskind Martha O Burford
Published: February 2021

Sea turtles present a model for the potential impacts of climate change on imperiled species, with projected warming generating concern about their persistence. Various sea turtle life-history traits are affected by temperature; most strikingly, warmer egg incubation temperatures cause female-biased sex ratios and higher embryo mortality. Predictions of sea turtle resilience to climate change are often focused on how resulting male limitation or reduced offspring production may affect populations. In the present article, by reviewing research on sea turtles, we provide an overview of how temperature impacts on incubating eggs may cascade through life history to ultimately affect population viability. We explore how sex-specific patterns in survival and breeding periodicity determine the differences among offspring, adult, and operational sex ratios. We then discuss the implications of skewed sex ratios for male-limited reproduction, consider the negative correlation between sex ratio skew and genetic diversity, and examine consequences for adaptive potential. Our synthesis underscores the importance of considering the effects of climate throughout the life history of any species. Lethal effects (e.g., embryo mortality) are relatively direct impacts, but sublethal effects at immature life-history stages may not alter population growth rates until cohorts reach reproductive maturity. This leaves a lag during which some species transition through several stages subject to distinct biological circumstances and climate impacts. These perspectives will help managers conceptualize the drivers of emergent population dynamics and identify existing knowledge gaps under different scenarios of predicted environmental change.
A Highly Automated Mobile Laboratory for On-site Molecular Diagnostics in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Xing Wanli , Wang Jiadao , Zhao Chao , Wang Han , Bai Liang , Pan Liangbin , Li Hang , Wang Huili , Zhang Zhi , Lu Ying , Chen Xiang , Shan Sisi , Wang Dong , Pan Yifei , Weng Ding , Zhou Xinying , Huang Rudan , He Jianxing , Jin Ronghua , Li Weimin , Shang Hong , Zhong Nanshan , Cheng Jing
Published: February 2021

Background

Infectious disease outbreaks such as the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic call for rapid response and complete screening of the suspected community population to identify potential carriers of pathogens. Central laboratories rely on time-consuming sample collection methods that are rarely available in resource-limited settings.

Methods

We present a highly automated and fully integrated mobile laboratory for fast deployment in response to infectious disease outbreaks. The mobile laboratory was equipped with a 6-axis robot arm for automated oropharyngeal swab specimen collection; virus in the collected specimen was inactivated rapidly using an infrared heating module. Nucleic acid extraction and nested isothermal amplification were performed by a “sample in, answer out” laboratory-on-a-chip system, and the result was automatically reported by the onboard information platform. Each module was evaluated using pseudovirus or clinical samples.

Results

The mobile laboratory was stand-alone and self-sustaining and capable of on-site specimen collection, inactivation, analysis, and reporting. The automated sampling robot arm achieved sampling efficiency comparable to manual collection. The collected samples were inactivated in as short as 12 min with efficiency comparable to a water bath without damage to nucleic acid integrity. The limit of detection of the integrated microfluidic nucleic acid analyzer reached 150 copies/mL within 45 min. Clinical evaluation of the onboard microfluidic nucleic acid analyzer demonstrated good consistency with reverse transcription quantitative PCR with a κ coefficient of 0.979.

Conclusions

The mobile laboratory provides a promising solution for fast deployment of medical diagnostic resources at critical junctions of infectious disease outbreaks and facilitates local containment of SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) transmission.
Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Mentha piperita Essential Oils on the Khapra Beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in Terms of Feeding Inhibition, Oviposition, and Seed Damage
Authors: Borzoui Ehsan , Khaghani Ramin , Nouri-Ganbalani Gadir
Published: February 2021

Trogoderma granarium Everts, the Khapra beetle, is a major pest of stored products, especially grains. In this study, fumigant toxicity and sublethal effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (Myrtaceae) and Mentha piperita L. (Lamiaceae) essential oils (EOs) were investigated against different growth stages of T. granarium. To assess the sublethal effects, insects were exposed to an LC20 or LC50 concentration of each essential oil, and the ability of these oils to deter feeding, oviposition, and damage to wheat seeds and overall mass were surveyed. At LC50 concentrations, M. piperita EO showed higher fumigant toxicity than E. camaldulensis EO against eggs, 2nd instar larvae, 4th instar larvae, and adults of T. granarium. Furthermore, the adults were more sensitive to the tested EOs than immatures. In free-choice tests, both larvae and adults showed a preference for control-treated wheat seeds than for seeds treated with an LC20 or LC50 concentration of EOs from E. camaldulensis or M. piperita. In a no-choice test, adult females exposed to EOs showed lower fecundity and fertility in comparison to control females not exposed to EOs. Treatment of wheat seeds with E. camaldulensis or M. piperita EOs resulted in a dose-specific reduction in the number of damaged seeds and seed weight loss when compared to control. According to our results, both tested EOs, especially EOs extracted from M. piperita, showed good potential for use in integrated pest management strategies against T. granarium.
Aortic valve-sparing root replacement with Tirone E. David’s reimplantation technique: single-centre 25-year experience
Authors: Beckmann Erik , Martens Andreas , Krüger Heike , Korte Wilhelm , Kaufeld Tim , Stettinger Alissa , Haverich Axel , Shrestha Malakh Lal
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVES

Tirone E. David described aortic valve-sparing root reimplantion (AVSRR) almost 30 years ago. At our centre, we adopted this operation in 1993, and since then, we have performed >700 operations over a time period of >25 years. In this report, we present our single-centre experience.

METHODS

Between 1993 and 2019, a total of 732 patients underwent AVSRR at our centre. The mean age was 53 ± 15 and 522 (71%) were male. Marfan syndrome was present in 117 (16%) patients and bicuspid aortic valve in 81 (11%). The indication for surgery was aortic root aneurysm in 588 (80%) patients and acute aortic dissection in 144 (20%) patients.

RESULTS

Mini-sternotomy was performed in 74 (10%) patients. A straight tube graft (David I) was used in 677 (92%) and a Valsalva-graft in 55 (8%) patients. Cusp plasty was done in 83 (11%) patients. Concomitant cardiac procedures were performed in 438 (60%) patients. Overall in-hospital mortality was 3.8% (n = 29) and 1.9% (n = 11) in elective cases. Postoperative echocardiography was available for 671 patients and showed aortic insufficiency (AI) ≤I° in 647 (96%) patients. The mean follow-up time was 10 ± 6.7 years and comprised a total of 7307 patient-years. The 1-, 5-, 10- and 15-year survival rates were: 93%, 88%, 77% and 65%, respectively. The rates for freedom from valve-related reoperation at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years after initial surgery were 97%, 93%, 88% and 85%, respectively. Cox regression analysis identified age [odds ratio (OR) = 0.975, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.955–0.995, P = 0.016], hyperlipidaemia (OR = 1.980, 95% CI = 1.175–3.335, P = 0.010), preoperative level of left ventricular ejection function (OR = 1.749, 95% CI = 1.024–2.987, P = 0.041) and postoperative degree of AI (OR = 1.880, 95% CI = 1.532–2.308, P ≤ 0.001) as risk factors for the future AI or reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

David procedure can be performed extremely safely, with low risks for perioperative morbidity and mortality, both in elective situations via minimally invasive access and in emergent settings for acute aortic type A dissection. Regarding long-term outcome, David‘s AVSRR seems to provide excellent clinical results and sustainable function of the aortic valve in the majority of patients almost 3 decades after its introduction.
Soil microbial communities influencing organic phosphorus mineralization in a coastal dune chronosequence in New Zealand
Authors: Gaiero Jonathan R , Tosi Micaela , Bent Elizabeth , Boitt Gustavo , Khosla Kamini , Turner Benjamin L , Richardson Alan E , Condron Leo M , Dunfield Kari E
Published: February 2021

The Haast chronosequence in New Zealand is an ∼6500-year dune formation series, characterized by rapid podzol development, phosphorus (P) depletion and a decline in aboveground biomass. We examined bacterial and fungal community composition within mineral soil fractions using amplicon-based high-throughput sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). We targeted bacterial non-specific acid (class A, phoN/phoC) and alkaline (phoD) phosphomonoesterase genes and quantified specific genes and transcripts using real-time PCR. Soil bacterial diversity was greatest after 4000 years of ecosystem development and associated with an increased richness of phylotypes and a significant decline in previously dominant taxa (Firmicutes and Proteobacteria). Soil fungal communities transitioned from predominantly Basidiomycota to Ascomycota along the chronosequence and were most diverse in 290- to 392-year-old soils, coinciding with maximum tree basal area and organic P accumulation. The Bacteria:Fungi ratio decreased amid a competitive and interconnected soil community as determined by network analysis. Overall, soil microbial communities were associated with soil changes and declining P throughout pedogenesis and ecosystem succession. We identified an increased dependence on organic P mineralization, as found by the profiled acid phosphatase genes, soil acid phosphatase activity and function inference from predicted metagenomes (PICRUSt2).
AsaGEI2d: a new variant of a genomic island identified in a group of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida isolated from France, which bears the pAsa7 plasmid
Authors: Vincent Antony T , Intertaglia Laurent , Loyer Victor , Paquet Valérie E , Adouane Émilie , Martin Patrick , Bérard Céline , Lami Raphaël , Charette Steve J
Published: February 2021

Genomic islands (Aeromonas salmonicida genomic islands, AsaGEIs) are found worldwide in many isolates of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida, a fish pathogen. To date, five variants of AsaGEI (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b and 2c) have been described. Here, we investigate a sixth AsaGEI, which was identified in France between 2016 and 2019 in 20 A. salmonicida subsp. salmonicida isolates recovered from sick salmon all at the same location. This new AsaGEI shares the same insertion site in the chromosome as the other AsaGEI2s as they all have a homologous integrase gene. This new AsaGEI was thus named AsaGEI2d, and has five unique genes compared to the other AsaGEIs. The isolates carrying AsaGEI2d also bear the plasmid pAsa7, which was initially found in an isolate from Switzerland. This plasmid provides resistance to chloramphenicol thanks to a cat gene. This study reveals more about the diversity of the AsaGEIs.
Disruption of barley immunity to powdery mildew by an in-frame Lys-Leu deletion in the essential protein SGT1
Authors: Chapman Antony V E , Hunt Matthew , Surana Priyanka , Velásquez-Zapata Valeria , Xu Weihui , Fuerst Greg , Wise Roger P
Published: February 2021

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Mla (Mildew resistance locus a) and its nucleotide-binding, leucine-rich-repeat receptor (NLR) orthologs protect many cereal crops from diseases caused by fungal pathogens. However, large segments of the Mla pathway and its mechanisms remain unknown. To further characterize the molecular interactions required for NLR-based immunity, we used fast-neutron mutagenesis to screen for plants compromised in MLA-mediated response to the powdery mildew fungus, Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei. One variant, m11526, contained a novel mutation, designated rar3 (required for Mla6 resistance3), that abolishes race-specific resistance conditioned by the Mla6, Mla7, and Mla12 alleles, but does not compromise immunity mediated by Mla1, Mla9, Mla10, and Mla13. This is analogous to, but unique from, the differential requirement of Mla alleles for the co-chaperone Rar1 (required for Mla12 resistance1). We used bulked-segregant-exome capture and fine mapping to delineate the causal mutation to an in-frame Lys-Leu deletion within the SGS domain of SGT1 (Suppressor of G-two allele of Skp1, Sgt1ΔKL308–309), the structural region that interacts with MLA proteins. In nature, mutations to Sgt1 usually cause lethal phenotypes, but here we pinpoint a unique modification that delineates its requirement for some disease resistances, while unaffecting others as well as normal cell processes. Moreover, the data indicate that the requirement of SGT1 for resistance signaling by NLRs can be delimited to single sites on the protein. Further study could distinguish the regions by which pathogen effectors and host proteins interact with SGT1, facilitating precise editing of effector incompatible variants.
Childbirth, ‘Madness’, and Bodies in History
Authors: Carter Philippa
Published: February 2021

Looking at the casebooks kept by the early modern astrologer-physician Richard Napier, this article offers a close reading of cases in which he linked his patients’ ‘madness’ to their recent childbearing. Exploring this linkage, it engages with a longstanding historiographical debate about the relationship of culture, corporeality, and subjective embodiment. Napier’s ideas about childbirth-related mental ill health were profoundly gendered, and we cannot begin to understand them without studying the early modern gendering of planets, seasons, flesh, and blood. Contemporaries’ constructions of sex difference, in particular, underline the distance between their phenomenology of bodies and our own. Yet reading the case histories of these patients can give rise to impressions of familiarity, as well as strangeness. The article asks how historians should interpret the parallels between present-day understandings of childbirth-related health risks and those described in early modern England. It argues that we need to develop historical methodologies which allow room for both culture and the ‘extra-cultural’, even if we cannot separate out the two for scrutiny.
Performance characteristics of a heat pump using renewable transcritical CO2 refrigerant for heating water
Authors: Yunus Mohammed , Oreijah Mowffaq M
Published: February 2021

Among non-toxic and inflammable working fluids, carbon dioxide (CO2) proving a possible choice of refrigerant is gaining full status because of its reducing capacity of global warming and ozone depletion. Heat pump (HP) equipment uses energy more rationally to heat water by reducing emissions and global warming caused by conventional refrigerants. HP capability demands an environmentally friendly refrigerant for their full utilization and high energy saving as well to attaining higher coefficient of performance (COP) without much design corrections. CO2 is checked for sustainability to eliminate the standardized refrigerants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) and hydro-CFC. In this work, the performance of CO2 as an alternate refrigerant in HP for heating water at different pressure, flow rates, evaporator fan speed and preheating have been investigated. HP is accommodated with two condensers. The results showed that the increased mass flow rate had increased COP, overall heat transfer (HT) coefficient (U) and HT. However, logarithmic mean temperature difference was decreased for increasing evaporator’s fan speed and pressure. The outlet water temperature (TWO) of second condenser increased with decreasing water flow rate. Improved COP, HT and TWO of HP are observed from the experimental evaluation in case of preheating of water.
QuEChERS with Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Combined with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography for the Determination of 16 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediment
Authors: Wu Ling , He Qiurong , Zhang Jing , Li Yongxin , Yang Weiqing , Sun Chengjun
Published: February 2021

Background

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have attracted worldwide attention due to their carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation characteristics. Therefore, the sensitive, reliable, and rapid detection of PAHs in sediment is of great importance.

Objective

To develop a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence and ultraviolet detection after Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) treatment for simultaneous determination of 16 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency priority PAHs in sediment samples.

Method

The samples were ultrasonically extracted with acetone and then the supernatant was purified with a modified QuEChERS method. After centrifugation, the supernatant was injected into the HPLC system for analysis. The separation was accomplished on a ZORBAX Eclipse PAH column (150 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 μm) and the column temperature was set at 30 °C. The flow rate of the mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile in gradient elution mode was fixed at 0.9 mL/min. Detection was conducted on an ultraviolet detector and a fluorescence detector simultaneously. The qualitative analysis was based on retention time and the quantification was based on standard curves.

Results

Under the optimal conditions, this method showed good linearities in the range of 10–200 μg/L with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9993. The method had LODs ranging from 0.00108 to 0.314 ng/g. The mean recoveries ranged from 78.4 to 117% with intra-day and inter-day RSDs of 0.592–10.7% and 1.01–13.0%, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied to the detection of 16 PAHs in sediment samples collected from the Funan River in Chengdu, China with total contents of 431–2143 ng/g·dw.

Conclusions

The established method is simple, rapid, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. It can be applied to the analysis of 16 PAHs in sediment samples.

Highlights

A method of QuEChERS with ultrasound-assisted extraction combined with HPLC has been established for the analysis of 16 PAHs in sediment samples and the proposed method has been successfully applied to the analysis PAHs in real sediment samples.
Categorization of birth weight phenotypes for inclusion in genetic evaluations using a deep neural network
Authors: Ribeiro Andre , Golden Bruce L , Spangler Matthew L
Published: February 2021

Birth weight (BW) serves as a valuable indicator of the economically relevant trait of calving ease (CE), and erroneous data collection for BW could impact genetic evaluations for CE. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the use of deep neural networks (DNNs) for classifying contemporary groups (CGs) based on the method used to generate BW phenotypes. CGs (n = 120,000,000) ranging between 10 and 250 animals were simulated assuming 12 data collection and CG formation scenarios that could impact CG phenotypic variance, including weights recorded with a digital scale (REAL), hoof tape (TAPE), erroneous data collection (DIRTY), and those that were fabricated (FAB). The performance of eight activation functions (AFs; ReLu, Sigmoid, Exponential, ReLu6, Softmax, Softplus, Leaky ReLu, and Tanh) was evaluated. Four hidden layers were used with seven different scenarios relative to the number of neurons. Simulations were replicated 10 times. In general, accuracy (proportion of correct predictions) across AF and numbers of neurons were similar, with mean correlations ranging between 0.91 and 0.99. The AF ReLu, Sigmoid, Exponential, and ReLu6 had the greatest consistency (mean pair-wise correlation among replicates) with an average correlation of greater than 0.85. Independent of the number of neurons used, the sigmoid function produced the highest accuracy (0.99) and consistency (0.93). The model with the greatest accuracy and consistency was then applied to real BW data supplied by the American Hereford Association. In the real data, the lowest phenotypic variance was for FAB CG (2.65 kg2), REAL CG had the largest (15.84 kg2), and TAPE CG was intermediate (6.84 kg2). To investigate the potential impact of FAB data on routine genetic evaluations, CGs classified as FAB in 90% or more of the replicates were removed from the evaluation for CE, and the rank of resulting genetic predictions were compared with the case where records were not removed. The removal of FAB CG had a moderate impact on the prediction of CE expected progeny differences, primarily for animals with intermediate to high accuracy. The results suggest that a well-trained DNN can be effectively used to classify data based on quality metrics prior to the inclusion in routine genetic evaluation.
The Regeneration of Consumer Movement Solidarity
Authors: Chatzidakis Andreas , Maclaran Pauline , Varman Rohit
Published: February 2021

Consumer research has focused on the various resources and tactics that help movements achieve a range of institutional and marketplace changes. Yet, little attention has been paid to the persistence of movement solidarity, in particular its regeneration, despite a range of threats to it. Our research unpacks mechanisms that help consumer movement solidarity to overcome threats. Drawing on a 6-year ethnographic study of consumer movements in Exarcheia, a neighborhood in central Athens, Greece, we find that consumer movement solidarity persists despite a cataclysmic economic crisis that undermines their prevalent ideology and the emotional fatigue, that is, common in such movements. Three key mechanisms serve to overcome these threats: performative staging of collectivism, temporal tactics, and the emplacement of counter-sites. Overall, our study contributes to consumer research by illuminating how threats to solidarity are overcome by specific internal mechanisms that enable the regeneration of consumer movement solidarity.
Laryngeal perforation during Sistrunk procedure
Authors: Matos Leonor , Carvalho Lúcia , Alves Alexandre , Nora Mário
Published: February 2021

Thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is the most common congenital neck anomaly in childhood, although it can be diagnosed at any age group. Ultrasound of the thyroid gland and the neck structures is an appropriate tool for diagnosis.

The authors aim to report a rare case of a 22-year-old male with a laryngeal perforation during a TGDC excision and raise awareness to this potentially life-threatening complication.

The Sistrunk procedure is the surgical treatment of choice with a low morbidity and recurrence rates.
Small bowel perforation after low-velocity trauma: a case report
Authors: Sinz S , Benigno L , Zadnikar M A , Biraima-Steinemann M E
Published: February 2021

We report the case of a 63-year-old patient with a low-velocity abdominal trauma and bowel perforation. The patient slipped on a wet floor and fell down the stairs. On admission, the patient complained about abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan showed traumatic hematoma of the jejunum in the left upper quadrant and a small amount of intra-abdominal air. Also rib fractures on the left side were diagnosed. We performed a diagnostic laparoscopy and found a bowel perforation, which was manually repaired.
What can we learn from COVID-19 vaccine R&D in China? A discussion from a public policy perspective
Authors: Hu Yinglian , Chen Simiao
Published: February 2021

Given China’s relatively weak innovative and regulatory capacity compared with developed countries, China’s progress on COVID-19 vaccines is especially impressive. We summarize three key lessons from China’s experience with COVID-19 vaccine R&D: (i) set strategic vaccine R&D goals and achieve broad consensus; (ii) strengthen coordination across government agencies and (iii) adopt the state-driven collaborative model.
The combined use of steroids and immune checkpoint inhibitors in brain metastasis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jessurun Charissa A C , Hulsbergen Alexander F C , de Wit Anouk E , Tewarie Ishaan A , Snijders Tom J , Verhoeff Joost J C , Phillips John G , Reardon David A , Mekary Rania A , Broekman Marike L D
Published: February 2021

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been a breakthrough for selected cancer patients, including those with brain metastases (BMs). Likewise, steroids have been an integral component of symptomatic management of BM patients. However, clinical evidence on the interaction between ICI and steroids in BM patients is conflicting and has not adequately been summarized thus far. Hence, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on the association between steroid use and overall survival (OS) in BM patients receiving ICI.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed. Pooled effect estimates were calculated using random-effects models across included studies.

Results

After screening 1145 abstracts, 15 observational studies were included. Fourteen studies reported sufficient data for meta-analysis, comprising 1102 BM patients of which 32.1% received steroids. In the steroid group, median OS ranged from 2.9 to 10.2 months. In the nonsteroid group, median OS ranged from 4.9 to 25.1 months. Pooled results demonstrated significantly worse OS (HR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.22-2.77) and systemic progression-free survival (PFS; HR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.37-2.91) in the steroid group. Stratified analysis showed a consistent effect across the melanoma subgroup; not in the lung cancer subgroup. No significant association was shown between steroid use and intracranial PFS (HR = 1.31, 95% CI 0.42-4.07).

Conclusions

Administration of steroids was associated with significantly worse OS and PFS in BM patients receiving ICI. Further research on dose, timing, and duration of steroids is needed to elucidate the cause of this association and optimize outcomes in BM patients receiving ICI.
Bone Mineral Density Screening Among People With HIV: A Population-Based Analysis in the United States
Authors: Birabaharan Morgan , Kaelber David C , Karris Maile Y
Published: February 2021

HIV infection is associated with premature bone loss. The potential impact of recently updated osteoporosis screening guidelines is unknown. In a population-based cohort, we found low adherence and sex differences among eligible people with HIV.
Movers, Stayers, and the End of Southern Politics?
Authors: Morris Irwin L.
Published: February 2021

Southern politics is changing. Movers are altering the partisan and ideological landscapes of their new homes, where population growth spurs support for Democrats and greater progressivism. Stayers in communities vacated by these movers—often looking for better jobs and brighter economic futures—are changing as well. In many cases, these (largely white) communities are shifting in the conservative direction and are increasingly likely to vote Republican. As these dynamics alter the southern political landscape, the differences between high-growth areas and low-growth areas are only accelerating. Still the defining feature of southern politics, race relations are more complicated as the prominence of Latinos grows. Absent a wholesale reinvention of southern politics along the lines of class or (possibly) age, the current partisan trajectory does not bode well for Republicans. The COVID-19 pandemic will not change that.
Dead Zones
Authors: Kirchman David L.
Published: February 2021

This book explores the many rivers, lakes, and oceans that are losing oxygen. Aquatic habitats with little dissolved oxygen are called dead zones because nothing can live there except some microbes. The number and size of dead zones are increasing worldwide. The book shows that oxygen loss causes fish kills, devastates bottom-dwelling biota, reduces biological diversity, and rearranges aquatic food webs. In the 19th century in rich countries and in poor regions today, dead zones are accompanied by waterborne diseases that kill thousands of people. The open oceans are losing oxygen because of climate change, whereas dead zones in coastal waters and seas are caused by excessive nutrients, which promote excessive growth of algae and eventually oxygen depletion. Work by Gene Turner and Nancy Rabalais demonstrated that nutrients in the Gulf of Mexico come from fertilizers used in the US Midwest, home to the most productive cropland in the world. Agriculture is also the biggest source of nutrients fuelling dead zones in the Baltic Sea and other coastal waters. Today, fertilizers contaminate drinking water and kick-start harmful algal blooms in local lakes and reservoirs. Nutrient pollution in some regions has declined because of buffer zones, cover crops, and precision agriculture, but more needs to be done. The book concludes by arguing that each of us can do our part by changing our diet; eating less, especially eating less red meat, would improve our health and the health of the environment. A better diet could reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emitted by agriculture and shrink dead zones worldwide.
What Can't be Said
Authors: Deguchi Yasuo , Garfield Jay L. , Priest Graham , Sharf Robert H.
Published: February 2021

Paradox drives a good deal of philosophy in every tradition. In the Indian and Western traditions, there is a tendency among many (but not all) philosophers to run from contradiction and paradox. If and when a contradiction appears in a theory, it is regarded as a sure sign that something has gone amiss. This aversion to paradox commits them, knowingly or not, to the view that reality must be consistent. In East Asia, however, philosophers have reacted to paradox differently. Many East Asian philosophers—both in the Daoist and the Buddhist traditions—have openly embraced paradox. They have taken compelling arguments for contradictory positions to suggest that the world is—at least in some respects, and often in very deep respects—inconsistent, and that our best theories of the world will therefore be inconsistent. This book is an initial survey of the writings of some influential East Asian thinkers who were committed to paradox, and for good reason. Their acceptance of contradiction allowed them to develop important insights that evaded those who consider paradox out of bounds.
Non-dualism of the Two Truths
Authors: Deguchi Yasuo
Published: February 2021

This chapter addresses the way that paradox is handled in two early Chinese Buddhist exegetical traditions: Sanlun and Tiantai. We show that the Sanlun philosophers Jizang and pseudo-Jizang see paradoxes as arising in a dialectical hierarchy structured by the catuṣkoṭi, and as an artifact of language, but that Tiantai extends this view through the doctrine of the three truths into a full-blown dialetheism regarding reality.
Chan Cases
Authors: Sharf Robert H.
Published: February 2021

This chapter focuses on how medieval Chinese Chan exegetes grappled with the paradoxical structure of Buddhist thought. We show how Chan “public cases” (gong’an; Japanese: kōan) probe the nature and import of paradox with philosophical rigor and subtlety. Rather than viewing Chan cases as literary ephemera, or as anti-philosophy, or as incoherent mystical utterances, we see that they are critical and cogent treatments of issues at the very heart of both Mahāyāna thought and contemporary Western philosophy.
Dialetheism in the Work of Nishida Kitarō
Authors: Deguchi Yasuo , Fujikawa Naoya
Published: February 2021

This chapter shows that the 20th-century Kyoto School philosopher Nishida Kitarō was committed to dialetheism. We show that he argues both that the subject must be knowable as an object and that it cannot be known as an object. We also show that he argues that the self both is and is not identical to the world and to itself in the relation he calls “contradictory self-identity.” This chapter demonstrates that East Asian dialetheism persists in the 20th century.
Market Power Politics
Authors: Gent Stephen E. , Crescenzi Mark J.C.
Published: February 2021

This book explores how market power competition between states can create disruptions in the global political economy and potentially lead to territorial aggression and war. When a state’s firms have the ability to set prices in a key commodity market like oil or natural gas, state leaders can benefit from increased revenue, stability, and political leverage. Given these potential benefits, states may be motivated to expand their territorial reach in order to gain or maintain such market power. This market power motivation can sometimes lead to war. However, when states are economically interdependent, they may be constrained from using force to achieve their market power goals. This can open up an opportunity for institutional settlements. However, in some cases, institutional rules and procedures can preclude states from reaching a settlement in line with their market power ambitions. When this happens, states may opt for strategic delay and try to gradually accumulate market power over time through salami tactics. To explore how these dynamics play out empirically, the authors examine three cases of market power competition in hard commodity markets: Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait to seize market power in the oil export market, Russia’s territorial encroachment into Georgia and Ukraine to preserve and expand its market power in the natural gas market, and China’s ongoing use of strategic delay and gray zone tactics in the South and East China Seas to maintain its dominant position in the global market for rare earth elements.
Introduction
Authors: Berry Craig
Published: February 2021

The UK pensions system is in danger. How did we get here? Moreover, what exactly is it that is endangering UK pensions? This introductory chapter explores the main narratives of pensions crisis in elite and public discourse in the UK—centred around population ageing and increased longevity—and argues instead that pensions imperilment is a product of the UK’s dysfunctional political economy. Traditional private pensions practice has become increasingly incompatible with the financialization of economic life. The chapter introduces the book’s key analytical concepts, such as financialization and statecraft, and explore how the social sciences, particularly political economy scholarship, tend to treat generational change and inter-generational relations. Understanding private pensions provision as a set of temporal management mechanisms, organized cross-generationally, is integral to understanding the source of pensions imperilment—and how it can be overcome.