bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Mental Health and House Sharing: Evidence from Seoul
Authors: Oh Jihun , Kim Jeongseob
Published: March 2021

While the association between general housing and mental health has been well documented, little is known about the mental health outcomes of house sharing. As shared housing has been viewed as an economically and socially viable housing option for young adults, a broader understanding of how shared housing affects the residents’ quality of life, including mental health, is needed. In this context, this study aims to provide empirical evidence about the relationship between mental health and house sharing after controlling for residents’ self-selection. We conducted a survey of 834 young single adults living in shared housing and non-shared housing in Seoul, Korea. Then, to control for residential self-selection, we applied the residential dissonance framework. The main findings of this study were two-fold: first, house-sharers with a positive attitude toward shared housing were more likely to respond that their mental health status improved after they started residing in shared housing; second, if young adults are forced to live in shared housing, this could increase the potential risk of social dysfunction of house-sharers. Based on these findings, we suggest policy measures for shared housing, including pre-occupancy interviews, resident behavior codes, and fostering a livable dwelling environment to ensure a healthier life in shared living arrangements.
Effect of the Information Support Robot on the Daily Activity of Older People Living Alone in Actual Living Environment
Authors: Mizuno Jumpei , Saito Daisuke , Sadohara Ken , Nihei Misato , Ohnaka Shinichi , Suzurikawa Jun , Inoue Takenobu
Published: March 2021

Information support robots (ISRs) have the potential to assist older people living alone to have an independent life. However, the effects of ISRs on the daily activity, especially the sleep patterns, of older people have not been clarified; moreover, it is unclear whether the effects of ISRs depend on the levels of cognitive function. To investigate these effects, we introduced an ISR into the actual living environment and then quantified induced changes according to the levels of cognitive function. Older people who maintained their cognitive function demonstrated the following behavioral changes after using the ISR: faster wake-up times, reduced sleep duration, and increased amount of activity in the daytime (p < 0.05, r = 0.77; p < 0.05, r = 0.89, and p < 0.1, r = 0.70, respectively). The results suggest that the ISR is beneficial in supporting the independence of older people living alone since living alone is associated with disturbed sleep patterns and low physical activity. The impact of the ISR on daily activity was more remarkable in the subjects with high cognitive function than in those with low cognitive function. These findings suggest that cognitive function is useful information in the ISR adaptation process. The present study has more solid external validity than that of a controlled environment study since it was done in a personal residential space.
Perceived Safety and Pedestrian Performance in Pedestrian Priority Streets (PPSs) in Seoul, Korea: A Virtual Reality Experiment and Trace Mapping
Authors: Lee Haeryung , Kim Seung-Nam
Published: March 2021

Pedestrian Priority Street (PPS) project, launched to encourage safer and more convenient walking by improving the inferior pedestrian environment on narrow streets without sidewalks, is based on Monderman’s shared space concept. Similar to the shared space approach, PPS aims for mutual consideration between pedestrians and drivers and strives to create a pedestrian-friendly environment, but the project relies on a unique road surface design. Considering the two main goals of the PPS project, this study investigated how subjective safety and pedestrians’ movements differed by design types. To analyze safety perception, ordered Logit regression and post-hoc interviews were conducted with visual assessment survey using recorded VR (virtual reality) videos. Next, trace mapping and analysis were performed based on the video recordings to measure the degree of free walking. The results found that pedestrians perceived higher safety level in PPSs than in general back road. Further, the pedestrians moved more freely in the street with an integrated design. In other types, which suggested a pedestrian zone at the roadside, there was not much difference in behavior from the general back roads. Thus, the design principle of PPS, which does not set a boundary between pedestrian and vehicle area, should be observed to lead to behavioral changes in pedestrians.
Effects of the Physician–Primary-Healthcare Nurse Telemedicine Model (P-NTM) on Medication Adherence and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of Patients with Chronic Disease at Remote Rural Areas
Authors: Kwak Mi Young , Hwang Eun Jeong , Lee Tae Ho
Published: March 2021

Chronic diseases are a major cause of death and have a negative impact on community health. This study explored the effects of a chronic-disease management program utilizing the physician–primary-healthcare nurse telemedicine model (P–NTM) on medication adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in 113 patients with chronic diseases in remote rural areas. We used a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent-control-group pretest–post-test design. This study used secondary data from the 2018 Pilot Telemedicine Project for Underserved Remote Rural Areas. In this study, 113 subjects participated, in which the patient’s first visit was assigned as a control group for the previous face-to-face hospital care; after three months of receiving the P–NTM program, the same subjects were assigned to be the experiment group for P–NTM. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, a paired t-test, and logistic regression. With regard to the results, subjects showed a 1.76 times higher probability of improving medication adherence after participating in P–NTM compared to hospital care (odds ratio (OR) = 1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.34–2.31). Our findings showed that patients with chronic diseases, especially those who reside in remote rural areas, should be provided with effective health services, utilizing various strategies to enhance a healthy life.
Prediction of Lumbar Disc Bulging and Protrusion by Anthropometric Factors and Disc Morphology
Authors: Hung Isabella Yu-Ju , Shih Tiffany Ting-Fang , Chen Bang-Bin , Guo Yue Leon
Published: March 2021

The relationship between reduced disc height and disc bulging and/or protrusion has been controversial. The purposes of this study were to examine the relationship between disc morphology and disc bulging and protrusion and to establish a model for predicting disc bulging and protrusion. This is a retrospective study. A total of 452 MRI scans from a spine study were analysed, 210 (46.5%) were men. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the association between anthropometric factors, disc morphology factors, and outcome. Model 1 was constructed using anthropometric variables to investigate the capacity for predicting outcomes. Model 2 was constructed using anthropometric and disc morphology variables. Age, body weight, body height, disc height, and disc depth were significantly associated with outcome. The area under the curve (AUC) statistics of Model 2 were significantly better than those of Model 1 at the L3-L4 and L4-L5 levels but not at the L5-S1 level. The results showed an association between disc morphology and disc bulging and/or protrusion at the L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 levels. The model utilizing both anthropometric factors and disc morphology factors had a better capacity to predict disc bulging and/or protrusion compared with the model using only anthropometric factors.
Lab-Scale Study of Temperature and Duration Effects on Carbonized Solid Fuels Properties Produced from Municipal Solid Waste Components
Authors: Świechowski Kacper , Stępień Paweł , Syguła Ewa , Koziel Jacek , Białowiec Andrzej
Published: March 2021

In work, data from carbonization of the eight main municipal solid waste components (carton, fabric, kitchen waste, paper, plastic, rubber, paper/aluminum/polyethylene (PAP/AL/PE) composite packaging pack, wood) carbonized at 300–500 °C for 20–60 min were used to build regression models to predict the biochar properties (proximate and ultimate analysis) for particular components. These models were then combined in general models that predict the properties of char made from mixed waste components depending on pyrolysis temperature, residence time, and share of municipal solid waste components. Next, the general models were compared with experimental data (two mixtures made from the above-mentioned components carbonized at the same conditions). The comparison showed that most of the proposed general models had a determination coefficient (R2) over 0.6, and the best prediction was found for the prediction of biochar mass yield (R2 = 0.9). All models were implemented into a spreadsheet to provide a simple tool to determine the potential of carbonization of municipal solid waste/refuse solid fuel based on a local mix of major components.
Antibacterial Activity of Propolis-Embedded Zeolite Nanocomposites for Implant Application
Authors: Son Jun Sik , Hwang Eun Ju , Kwon Lee Seong , Ahn Yong-Gook , Moon Byung-Kwon , Kim Jin , Kim Douk Hoon , Kim Su Gwan , Lee Sook-Young
Published: March 2021

This study investigates the potential of propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposites for dental implant application. Propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposites were fabricated by complexation of propolis and zeolites. Then, they were pelleted with Poly(L-lactide) (PLA)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymer for the fabrication of a dental implant. The chemical properties of propolis were not changed during the fabrication of propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposites in attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infra-red (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy measurements. Propolis was continuously released from propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposites over one month. PLA/PCL pellets containing propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposites showed longer sustained release behavior compared to propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposites. Propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposite powder showed similar antibacterial activity against C. albicans in an agar plate and formed an inhibition zone as well as chlorohexidine (CHX) powder. Eluted propolis solution from PLA/PCL pellets also maintained antibacterial activity as well as CHX solution. Furthermore, eluted propolis solution from PLA/PCL pellets showed significant antibacterial efficacy against C. albicans, S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Dental implants fabricated from PLA/PCl polymer and propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposites also have antibacterial efficacy and negligible cytotoxicity against normal cells. We suggest that PLA/PCl pellets containing propolis-embedded zeolite nanocomposites are promising candidates for dental implants.
Dry Film Photoresist-Based Microfabrication: A New Method to Fabricate Millimeter-Wave Waveguide Components
Authors: Farjana Sadia , Ghaderi Mohamadamir , Rahiminejad Sofia , Haasl Sjoerd , Enoksson Peter
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a novel fabrication method based on dry film photoresists to realize waveguides and waveguide-based passive components operating at the millimeter-wave frequency (30–300 GHz). We demonstrate that the proposed fabrication method has a high potential as an alternative to other microfabrication technologies, such as silicon-based and SU8-based micromachining for realizing millimeter-wave waveguide components. Along with the nearly identical transfer of geometrical structures, the dry film photoresist offers other advantages such as fewer processing steps, lower production cost, and shorter prototyping time over the conventional micromachining technologies. To demonstrate the feasibility of the fabrication process, we use SUEX dry film to fabricate a ridge gap waveguide resonator. The resonator is designed to exhibit two resonances at 234.6 and 284 GHz. The measured attenuation at 234 GHz is 0.032 dB/mm and at 283 GHz is 0.033 dB/mm for the fabricated prototype. A comparative study among different existing technologies indicates that the reported method can give a better unloaded Q-value than other conventional processes. The measured unloaded Q-values are in good agreement with the simulated unloaded Q-values. The signal attenuation indicates that SUEX dry film photoresists can be used to fabricate passive devices operating at millimeter-wave frequencies. Moreover, this new fabrication method can offer fast and low-cost prototyping.
Swapping the Positions in a Cross-Strand Lateral Ion-Pairing Interaction between Ammonium- and Carboxylate-Containing Residues in a β-Hairpin
Authors: Huang Cheng-Hsin , Wong Tong Wai , Yu Chen-Hsu , Chang Jing-Yuan , Huang Shing-Jong , Huang Shou-Ling , Cheng Richard P.
Published: March 2021

Cross-strand lateral ion-pairing interactions are important for antiparallel β-sheet stability. Statistical studies suggested that swapping the position of cross-strand lateral residues should not significantly affect the interaction. Herein, we swapped the position of ammonium- and carboxylate-containing residues with different side-chain lengths in a cross-strand lateral ion-pairing interaction in a β-hairpin. The peptides were analyzed by 2D-NMR. The fraction folded population and folding free energy were derived from the chemical shift data. The ion-pairing interaction energy was derived using double mutant cycle analysis. The general trends for the fraction folded population and interaction energetics remained similar upon swapping the position of the interacting charged residues. The most stabilizing cross-strand interactions were between short residues, similar to the unswapped study. However, the fraction folded populations for most of the swapped peptides were higher compared to the corresponding unswapped peptides. Furthermore, subtle differences in the ion-pairing interaction energy upon swapping were observed, most likely due to the “unleveled” relative positioning of the interacting residues created by the inherent right-handed twist of the structure. These results should be useful for developing functional peptides that rely on lateral ion-pairing interactions across antiparallel β-strands.
New Insights into the Metabolism of Methyltestosterone and Metandienone: Detection of Novel A-Ring Reduced Metabolites
Authors: Loke Steffen , Liu Lingyu , Wenzel Maxi , Scheffler Heike , Iannone Michele , de la Torre Xavier , Schlörer Nils , Botrè Francesco , Keiler Annekathrin Martina , Bureik Matthias , Parr Maria Kristina
Published: March 2021

Metandienone and methyltestosterone are orally active anabolic-androgenic steroids with a 17α-methyl structure that are prohibited in sports but are frequently detected in anti-doping analysis. Following the previously reported detection of long-term metabolites with a 17ξ-hydroxymethyl-17ξ-methyl-18-nor-5ξ-androst-13-en-3ξ-ol structure in the chlorinated metandienone analog dehydrochloromethyltestosterone (“oral turinabol”), in this study we investigated the formation of similar metabolites of metandienone and 17α-methyltestosterone with a rearranged D-ring and a fully reduced A-ring. Using a semi-targeted approach including the synthesis of reference compounds, two diastereomeric substances, viz. 17α-hydroxymethyl-17β-methyl-18-nor-5β-androst-13-en-3α-ol and its 5α-analog, were identified following an administration of methyltestosterone. In post-administration urines of metandienone, only the 5β-metabolite was detected. Additionally, 3α,5β-tetrahydro-epi-methyltestosterone was identified in the urines of both administrations besides the classical metabolites included in the screening procedures. Besides their applicability for anti-doping analysis, the results provide new insights into the metabolism of 17α-methyl steroids with respect to the order of reductions in the A-ring, the participation of different enzymes, and alterations to the D-ring.
The Newly Synthetized Chalcone L1 Is Involved in the Cell Growth Inhibition, Induction of Apoptosis and Suppression of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of HeLa Cells
Authors: Kuruc Tomas , Kello Martin , Petrova Klaudia , Kudlickova Zuzana , Kubatka Peter , Mojzis Jan
Published: March 2021

Over the past decades, natural products have emerged as promising agents with multiple biological activities. Many studies suggest the antioxidant, antiangiogenic, antiproliferative and anticancer effects of chalcones and their derivatives. Based on these findings, we decided to evaluate the effects of the newly synthetized chalcone L1 in a human cervical carcinoma cell (HeLa) model. Presented results were obtained by western blot and flow cytometric analyses, live cell imaging and antimigratory potential of L1 in HeLa cells was demonstrated by scratch assay. In the present study, we proved the role of L1 as an effective agent with antiproliferative activity supported by G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, we proved that L1 is involved in modulating Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-β) signal transduction through Smad proteins and it also modulates other signalling pathways including Akt, JNK, p38 MAPK, and Erk1/2. The involvement of L1 in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was demonstrated by the regulation of N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and MMP-9 levels. Here, we also evaluated the effect of conditioned medium from BJ-5ta human foreskin fibroblasts in HeLa cell cultures with subsequent L1 treatment. Taken together, these data suggest the potential role of newly synthesized chalcone L1 as an anticancer-tumour microenvironment modulating agent.
Design of Topical Ocular Ciprofloxacin Nanoemulsion for the Management of Bacterial Keratitis
Authors: Youssef Ahmed Adel Ali , Cai Chuntian , Dudhipala Narendar , Majumdar Soumyajit
Published: March 2021

Bacterial keratitis (BK) is a critical ocular infection that can lead to serious visual disability. Ciprofloxacin (CIP), moxifloxacin (MOX), and levofloxacin (LFX) have been accepted as monotherapies by the US Food and Drug Administration for BK treatment. CIP is available commercially at 0.3% w/v concentration as an ophthalmic solution and as an ointment for ocular delivery. Because of solubility issues at physiological pH, CIP precipitation can occur at the corneal surface post instillation of the solution dosage form. Consequently, the ocular bioavailability of CIP is reduced. The ointment dosage form is associated with side effects such as blurred vision, itching, redness, eye discomfort, and eye dryness. This study aimed to design a CIP loaded nanoemulsion (NE; CIP-NE) to facilitate drug penetration into the corneal layers for improved therapeutic outcomes as well as to overcome the drawbacks of the current commercial ophthalmic formulations. CIP-NE formulations were prepared by hot homogenization and ultrasonication, using oleic acid (CIP-O-NE) and Labrafac® Lipophile WL 1349 (CIP-L-NE) as the oily phase, and Tween® 80 and Poloxamer 188 as surfactants. Optimized CIP-NE was further evaluated with respect to in vitro release, ex vivo transcorneal permeation, and moist heat sterilization process, using commercial CIP ophthalmic solution as a control. Optimized CIP-O-NE formulation showed a globule size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of 121.6 ± 1.5 nm, 0.13 ± 0.01, and −35.1 ± 2.1 mV, respectively, with 100.1 ± 2.0% drug content and was spherical in shape. In vitro release and ex vivo transcorneal permeation studies exhibited sustained release and a 2.1-fold permeation enhancement, respectively, compared with commercial CIP ophthalmic solution. Autoclaved CIP-O-NE formulation was found to be stable for one month (last time-point tested) at refrigerated and room temperature. Therefore, CIP-NE formulation could serve as an effective delivery system for CIP and could improve treatment outcomes in BK.
Increased Therapeutic Efficacy of SLN Containing Etofenamate and Ibuprofen in Topical Treatment of Inflammation
Authors: Mancini Giuliana , Gonçalves Lídia M. D. , Marto Joana , Carvalho Filomena A. , Simões Sandra , Ribeiro Helena Margarida , Almeida António J.
Published: March 2021

Innovative formulations, including solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), have been sought to improve skin permeation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The present study explores the use of SLNs, prepared using a fusion-emulsification method, to increase skin permeation and in vivo activity of two relevant NSAIDs: A liquid molecule (etofenamate) and a solid one (ibuprofen), formulated in a 2% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose gel through the gelation of SLN suspensions. Compritol® 888 ATO and Tween® 80 were used as a solid lipid and a surfactant, respectively. All production steps were up scalable, resulting in SLNs with high encapsulation efficiency (>90%), a mean particle size of <250 nm, a polydispersity index <0.2, and that were stable for 12 months. In vitro permeation, using human skin in Franz diffusion cells, showed increased permeation and similar cell viability in Df and HaCaT cell lines for SLN formulations when compared to commercial formulations of etofenamate (Reumon® Gel 5%) and ibuprofen (Ozonol® 5%). In vivo activity in the rat paw edema inflammation model showed that SLN hydrogels containing lower doses of etofenamate (8.3 times lower) and ibuprofen (16.6 times lower) produced similar effects compared to the commercial formulations, while decreasing edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, and causing no histological changes in the epidermis. These studies demonstrate that encapsulation in SLNs associated to a suitable hydrogel is a promising technological approach to NSAIDs dermal application.
Fabrication and Characterization of Polycaprolactone/Chitosan—Hydroxyapatite Hybrid Implants for Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Nawrotek Katarzyna , Mąkiewicz Mariusz , Zawadzki Dawid
Published: March 2021

Major efforts for the advancement of tubular-shaped implant fabrication focused recently on the development of 3D printing methods that can enable the fabrication of complete devices in a single printing process. However, the main limitation of these solutions is the use of non-biocompatible polymers. Therefore, a new technology for obtaining hybrid implants that employ polymer extrusion and electrophoretic deposition is applied. The fabricated structures are made of two layers: polycaprolactone skeleton and chitosan–hydroxyapatite electrodeposit. Both of them can be functionalized by incorporation of mechanical or biological cues that favor ingrowth, guidance, and correct targeting of axons. The electrodeposition process is conducted at different voltages in order to determine the influence of this process on the structural, chemical, and mechanical properties of implants. In addition, changes in mechanical properties of implants during their incubation in phosphate-buffered solution (pH 7.4) at 37 °C up to 28 days are examined. The presented technology, being low-cost and relatively simple, shall find a broad scope of applications in customized nerve tissue engineering.
A Review: Research Progress in Modification of Poly (Lactic Acid) by Lignin and Cellulose
Authors: Zhai Sixiang , Liu Qingying , Zhao Yuelong , Sun Hui , Yang Biao , Weng Yunxuan
Published: March 2021

With the depletion of petroleum energy, the possibility of prices of petroleum-based materials increasing, and increased environmental awareness, biodegradable materials as a kind of green alternative have attracted more and more research attention. In this context, poly (lactic acid) has shown a unique combination of properties such as nontoxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and good workability. However, examples of its known drawbacks include poor tensile strength, low elongation at break, poor thermal properties, and low crystallization rate. Lignocellulosic materials such as lignin and cellulose have excellent biodegradability and mechanical properties. Compounding such biomass components with poly (lactic acid) is expected to prepare green composite materials with improved properties of poly (lactic acid). This paper is aimed at summarizing the research progress of modification of poly (lactic acid) with lignin and cellulose made in in recent years, with emphasis on effects of lignin and cellulose on mechanical properties, thermal stability and crystallinity on poly (lactic acid) composite materials. Development of poly (lactic acid) composite materials in this respect is forecasted.
Statistical Copolymers of N-Vinylpyrrolidone and Isobornyl Methacrylate via Free Radical and RAFT Polymerization: Monomer Reactivity Ratios, Thermal Properties, and Kinetics of Thermal Decomposition
Authors: Kokkorogianni Olga , Kontoes-Georgoudakis Philippos , Athanasopoulou Maria , Polizos Nikolaos , Pitsikalis Marinos
Published: March 2021

The synthesis of statistical copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) with isobornyl methacrylate (IBMA) was conducted by free radical and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The reactivity ratios were estimated using the Finemann-Ross, inverted Fineman-Ross, Kelen-Tüdos, extended Kelen-Tüdos and Barson-Fenn graphical methods, along with the computer program COPOINT, modified to both the terminal and the penultimate models. According to COPOINT the reactivity ratios were found to be equal to 0.292 for NVP and 2.673 for IBMA for conventional radical polymerization, whereas for RAFT polymerization and for the penultimate model the following reactivity ratios were obtained: r11 = 4.466, r22 = 0, r21 = 14.830, and r12 = 0 (1 stands for NVP and 2 for IBMA). In all cases, the NVP reactivity ratio was significantly lower than that of IBMA. Structural parameters of the copolymers were obtained by calculating the dyad sequence fractions and the mean sequence length. The thermal properties of the copolymers were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermogravimetry (DTG). The results were compared with those of the respective homopolymers.
The Intake of Kiwifruits Improve the Potential Antioxidant Capacity in Male Middle- and Long-Distance Runners Routinely Exposed to Oxidative Stress in Japan
Authors: Imai Nami , Kobayashi Yuki , Uenishi Kazuhiro
Published: March 2021

Oxidation damages cells and muscles, and thus, causes injuries and fatigue, which negatively affect the conditioning of athletes. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of high-antioxidant fruits (kiwifruit) intake on oxidative stress level (d-ROMs) and antioxidant activity (BAP) in male middle- and long-distance runners routinely exposed to oxidative stress. This study was performed from May to July 2017 (Study 1) and October to December 2018 (Study 2). The subjects in Study 1 were 30 male runners, of which 15 consumed two yellow kiwifruits (Zespri® SunGold Kiwifruit) per day for one month of the survey period (Intake group). The subjects of Study 2 were 20 male runners who had high d-ROMs from preliminary testing. These runners consumed two yellow kiwifruits (Zespri® SunGold Kiwifruit) per day for two months. d-ROMs and BAP were measured using a free radical analyzer. In study 1, the d-ROMs decreased while the potential antioxidant capacity (BAP/d-ROMs ratio) increased in the Intake group. In study 2, BAP/d-ROMs ratio was higher after one and two months compared to that at pre-intervention. Study findings suggested that consumption of kiwifruits may reduce oxidative stress levels and increase antioxidant activity, resulting in improved potential antioxidant capacity.
Validation of Water Quality Monitoring Algorithms for Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-3 in Mediterranean Inland Waters with In Situ Reflectance Data
Authors: Sòria-Perpinyà Xavier , Vicente Eduardo , Urrego Patricia , Pereira-Sandoval Marcela , Tenjo Carolina , Ruíz-Verdú Antonio , Delegido Jesús , Soria Juan Miguel , Peña Ramón , Moreno José
Published: March 2021

Freshwater quality maintenance is essential for human use and ecological functions. To ensure this objective, governments establish programs for a continuous monitoring of the inland waters state. This could be possible with Sentinel-2 (S2) and Sentinel-3 (S3), two remote sensing satellites of the European Space Agency, equipped with spectral optical sensors. To determine optimal water quality algorithms applicable to their spectral bands, 36 algorithms were tested for different key variables (chlorophyll a (Chl_a), colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), colored dissolved organic matter (TSS), phycocyanin (PC) and Secchi disk depth (SDD)). A database of 296 water-leaving reflectance spectra were used, as well as concomitant water quality measurements of Mediterranean reservoirs and lakes of Spain. Two equal data sets were used for calibration and validation. The best algorithms were recalculated using all database and used the following band relations: SDD, R560/R700; CDOM, R665/R490; PC, R705/R665 for S2 and R620, R665, R709 and R779 for S3, using a semi-analytical algorithm; R700 for TSS < 20 mg/L and R783/R492 (S2) or R779/R510 (S3) for TSS > 20 mg/L; and for Chl_a, the maximum (R443; R492)/R560 for Chl_a < 5 mg/m3 and R700/R665 for Chl_a > 5 mg/m3. A preliminary test with a satellite image in a well-known reservoir showed results consistent with the expected ranges and spatial patterns of the variables.
The Cross-Dike Failure Probability by Wave Overtopping over Grass-Covered and Damaged Dikes
Authors: van Bergeijk Vera M. , Verdonk Vincent A. , Warmink Jord J. , Hulscher Suzanne J. M. H.
Published: March 2021

A probabilistic framework is developed to calculate the cross-dike failure probability by overtopping waves on grass-covered dikes. The cross-dike failure probability of dike profiles including transitions and damages can be computed to find the most likely location of failure and quantify the decrease in the failure probability when this location is strengthened. The erosion depth along the dike profile is calculated using probability distributions for the water level, wind speed and dike cover strength. Failure is defined as the exceedance of 20 cm erosion depth when the topsoil of the grass cover is eroded. The cross-dike failure probability shows that the landward toe is the most vulnerable location for wave overtopping. Herein, the quality of the grass cover significantly affects the failure probability up to a factor 1000. Next, the failure probability for different types of damages on the landward slope are calculated. In case of a damage where the grass cover is still intact and strong, the dike is most likely to fail at the landward toe due to high flow velocity and additional load due to the slope change. However, when the grass cover is also damaged, the probability of failure at the damage is between 4 and 125 times higher than for a regular dike profile.
Prevalência da sintomatologia depressiva e capacidade funcional em idosos
Authors: Bizerra Mendes Joyce , Florêncio e Silva Jessica Bruna , Silva Maia Daniele Maria , Da Costa Elanny Mirelle , Sena Bento Ana Clara , Silva Joelma Gomes
Published: March 2021

Introdução. O envelhecimento é algo natural, caracterizado pela diminuição da funcionalidade do indivíduo. Objetivo. avaliar a relação da capacidade funcional e nível de depressão em idosos participantes de um grupo de convivência. Método. O estudo caracterizou-se por ser de natureza transversal com caráter descritivo e de abordagem quantitativa. Para coleta de dados utilizou-se um formulário sociodemográfico, e dois questionários, Índice de Katz e Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS). Resultados. A amostra foi composta de 55 idosos, com a maior parte dos participantes sendo do sexo feminino (n= 38). Ao observar a capacidade funcional constatou-se que o sexo feminino se mostrou mais dependente (5,71±0,73) e apresentou maior sintomatologia depressiva comparada ao sexo masculino (4,39±1,84). Com relação ao nível de depressão de maneira isolada pôde-se analisar que apenas 27,3% dos participantes apresentaram sintomatologia depressiva. Observou-se também uma correlação negativa e significante entre o Índice de Katz e GDS. Conclusão. Desta forma, conclui-se que a depressão afeta diretamente e de maneira negativa a vida de um idoso.
The influence of ischemia limb reperfusion on mineralization condition under connected abdomino-skeletal injury and massive treatment
Authors: Kryliuk V.O. , Hariyan S.V.
Published: March 2021

The influence of limb reperfusion in the model of concomitant injury and massive blood loss on the processes of mineralization was studied. The experiment was conducted with 130 adult male Wistar rats weighing 190–220 g, which were on a standard diet of vivarium. All animals were divided into four groups i.e. control and three experimental ones; the control group contained intact animals (10 animals); the first experimental group consisted of animals, which modeled a hip fracture, massive external bleeding and ischemia-reperfusion of the lower extremities (40 animals); the second group were made up of animals that were modeled for skeletal trauma, massive external blood loss, and closed trauma to the abdominal organs (40 animals); the third group consisted of animals that modeled closed abdominal trauma, skeletal trauma, massive external blood loss, and lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion (40 animals). The animals of the experimental groups were removed from the experiment under conditions of thiopental sodium anesthesia by total blood flow from the heart 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after trauma modeling. The bone of the lower extremities was removed for the study. In the bone homogenate, the level of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase was determined and a mineralization index was calculated based on these data. It has been established that limb reperfusion in the model of combined abdominal-skeletal trauma has a potentiating effect on changes of alkaline and acid phosphatase indices, which is manifested by a significant increase in their activity during the 21 days after the traumatic period. Changes in the index of mineralization index among experimental animals indicate a negative impact of ischemia reperfusion on reparative processes in bone tissue, which outlines directions for further research.
Simplified and Precise Design of Crossflow Turbine Power Transmission Components
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Systems Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, Ebhota* Williams S, , Tabakov Pavel Y. ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Systems Science, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
Published: March 2021

Despite the merits of small hydropower (SHP), coupled with the perennial inadequate and unreliable electricity supply in SSA, the huge SHP potential in the region is hugely untapped. This is largely attributed to the lack of adequate technical components for the development of SHP turbines, which are: technical personnel, and production facilities in the region. The hydraulic power possessed by flowing water in SHP resources can be harnessed and transformed into usable electrical energy via the deployment of a hydro turbine plant. Commonly used hydro turbines include crossflow (CFT), Pelton, Turgo, and Francis turbines. Amongst these turbines, CFT is mostly applied in low head sites and has efficiency ranging from 70–85%. The CFT power transmission subsystem is considered vital to its performance; the shaft, which transmits the generated motion to drive the alternator, is the most critical part of the CFT transmission subsystem and it requires careful design and production processes. This study centres on the development of a simplified systematic design process for power transmission shaft, pulley, and belt, to facilitate CFT power generation efficiency. .Further, the study is geared towards boosting CFT technology capacity domestically for the benefit of local production. The hydrological properties of the Ayiba SHP site in Osun state, Nigeria, were adopted for this work as a case study. The head and power for this resource are 11.8 m and 122.4 kW, respectively, and are served as the fundamental parameters for the design of the power transmission subsystem. The design computation shows that a shaft of diameter 65 mm and a D-type of V-belt with a corresponding pulley will be required to transmit the generated turbine power to the alternator. A 3-D model was created based on the design values and this was used to validate the integrity of the shaft by static stimulation. The simulation result, which is based on von Mises was satisfactory as the highest stress obtained in the shaft was 205 N/mm2; resulting in a 2.6 factor of safety.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations on Hydraulic Barrier Bottom Plug for Deep Excavations A Case Study
Authors:   Hydraulic Construction Institute, Hanoi, Vietnam., Vinh An Phung
Published: March 2021

In Vietnam, the solution of designing and constructing deep foundation pits with the geology of sandy or clayey sand is very difficult, especially in case soil mix mud. In some deep foundation pits, the unreasonable treatment solution causes the bottom plug of the foundation pit to be pushed up to the foundation pit or not to pump a foundation pit dried. Solving those problems, this article introduces a particular case study, sealing the bottom of the foundation pit for no14 of Yen Xa drainage works with the Jet grouted bottom plug hydraulic barriers. To treat the soft soil layer, mix organic without breaking the upper soil layers, this solution uses Jet-grouting technology with a mixture of materials including cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, lime in a reasonable proportion to ensure waterproof and not uplift the massive bottom plug hydraulic barriers when excavating soil in the pit. Results of calculation and acceptance after the foundation pit is completed show that this is a good solution, high reliability and can be applied to seal the bottom of the foundation pit in similar geological conditions.
Disease of the endocrine system. Diabetes
Authors:   Bakı Slavyan Universiteti, Rufat Sadikhova Gulara , Yolchu gizi Ibrahimova Sayali ,   Bakı Slavyan Universiteti
Published: March 2021

It is common knowledge that the Diabetes is a widespread disease of the endocrine system. To outline the main points, it is worth too say that Diabetes is a chronic disease associated with an absolute or relative deficiency of the hormone insulin, wherein the insulin secreted by the pancreas and cleaves the glucose in the blood. Diabetes affects many organ systems of the body so that the most severe complication of the disease is coma. Therefore, in the treatment of the disease, sugar-reducing drugs and mandatory diet are used. It comes as no surprise that almost 422 mln of the world's population suffer from Diabetes, as it is stipulates by the World Health Organization statistics. Key words: Diabetes, hormone insulin, diet, coma
PREDICTION OF PATHOLOGICAL STAGE IN PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS BY PROSTATE MRI: ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS METHODS
Authors:   Department of Urology Azerbaijan Medical University, Mammadov Emin , Nizami Huseyn Elcin ,   Research Laboratory of Intelligent Control and Decision Making Systems in Industry and Economics Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University
Published: March 2021

Prostate cancer is a disease that is most common in males and causes death in the second frequency in the world. If prostate cancer is diagnosed in the early stages, surgery can be performed and the disease can be cured. The aim of this study is to design an expert system to catch prostate cancer as early as possible with the chance of surgical treatment by being diagnosed in the limited phase of the organ. The most accurate diagnosis is to use risk factors such as Age, PSA (prostate Specific antigen), Clinical Stage, Tumor Size, Prostate Size and ISUP (International Society of Urological Pathology). In other words, it is aimed to biopsy the minimum number of patients and to diagnose the largest number of cancers. For better detection both sets of characteristics are used in our research. In this study, as a diagnostic model, we use a system based on multiple-layer (deep) feed-forward neural networks. The networks are trained with Differential Evolution training algorithm using in parallel a pair of data sets (training and validation sets) to avoid overfitting and improve model’s generalization ability (performance on untrained data). The applied DE algorithm has allowed avoiding local minima of error function during the training. A third data set is used for testing trained network performance. According to the obtained results, this method demonstrated better results than other existing approaches. Key words: Prostate Cancer, Artificial Neural Network, Differential Evolution Optimization Computational Intelligence Methods
Growth and development of Hippophae rhamnoides L. introduced in Absheron
Authors:   AMEA Dendrologiya  İnstitutu, Arastun Sadigov Kamala
Published: March 2021

The presented article provides seed propagation, seedling morphology and growth dynamics, root system development in connection with the introduction of Hippophae rhamnoides L. species found in our natural flora in Absheron. The study found that the species Hippophae rhamnoides L. is well adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of Absheron and can be grown in cultural conditions. Key words: Hippophae rhamnoides L., introdiction, seed, repoduction, morphology, dewelopment, root system
Development of interactive methods and research skills in the methodology of teaching biology
Authors:   Odlar Yurdu Universiteti, Azizova Narmin
Published: March 2021

So, here some major points were discussed such as the interactive teaching methods and research in teaching methodology of biology. If we look at to the topics that covered in this research, we will see a big difference between what should be and what is actually taught. We can conclude that in Azerbaijan schools have insufficient attention to the curriculum. Lessons are not held in accordance with the rules that established during the education. As a result, the student is not able to perceive completely the modern textbook. The subject curriculum has its own characteristics. For example, the use of active teaching methods, assessment of knowledge and conception, involvement to the training and etc. According to the new educational program, biology is teaching in the general secondary and complete secondary education levels. The content of the learning during the training must be compatible in accordance to the curriculum standards. If we look at the current lessons, we will see that the curriculum remains being just the term at the same time. There are specific reasons for this. Thus, the curriculum is not sufficiently appropriated to teachers. This term is not used properly because its true meaning has not been conveyed. Key words: interactive, evaluation, presentation, curriculum, methodology
Study of characteristics and adsorption properties of cerium belongs to the lanthanides series of rare-earth elements
Authors:   AMEA Kataliz və Qeyri-Üzvi Kimya İnstitutu, Tahmasib Rahimli Nargiz , Arif Mammadova Gunel ,   AMEA Radiasiya Problemleri İnstitutu, Asif Shukurlu Najabat ,   Azərbaycan, Bakı şəhəri
Published: March 2021

Cerium was the first metal discovred among rare earth elements. The chemical symbol of the serium is "Ce." The atomic number is 58, the atomic mass is 140.11, and the density is 6.77. The melting point is 799 degrees and the boiling point is 3443 degrees. It is silvery, silvery-white, soft, artificial metal. Pure cerium can be cut with a knife and can easily be used. Cerium is named after the düarf planet "Ceres", it has different characterisatins from other lanthanoids. Therefore, the scope of use is different and broad. It is an element that can be used in burn medicines. After the discovery, the gas lamp was used as a torch. The flame burner consists of 50% cerium. Cerium has no biological role for human health. On average it shows toxic properties. Cerium turnings self-ignite in air between 65 and 80 degrees. The adsorption properties of aqueous solutions with various composite adsorbents of cerium metal were studied. At this time ph, concentration, contact duration, etc. evaluated.The pH 5,5-pH 6,5 range for the cerium was determined to be the optimal pH. Isotherm models such as Langmur and Frendlix have also been studied. Desorption specifications are defined for reuse. Key words: cerium metal, adsorption, adsorption properties
The role of aerocosmic research in metallogenic prediction (on the example of antimony-mercury ore formation deposits in Azerbaijan)
Authors:   AMEA Geologiya və Geofizika İnstitutu, Abdulla Valiyev Zaki
Published: March 2021

Mercury degassing is a global process. In geological development, it begins with the formation of deep fractures that can penetrate the great depths of the mantle. As the linearity lengthens, the temporal degassing and intensity of mercury weaken this connection with the depths of its individual parts and the Earth, or the period of strengthening of this connection will vary depending on the development of the characteristics observed. The concentration of mercury and antimony-mercury ores along the outer frame of circular and oval and other structures can most likely be explained by the Earth's total mercury degassing. In our opinion, the ideal situation is the junction of circular, oval, and other structures with linear nodes, where industrially important deposits of minerals can be formed. Key words: mercury, aerospace research, metallogenic prediction, minerals
DEEP LEARNING METHOD FOR EARLY PROGNOSIS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE ACUTENESS
Authors:   Research Laboratory of Intelligent Control and Decision  Making Systems in Industry and Economics  Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Nizami Huseyn Elcin
Published: March 2021

Generally, Parkinson’s disease (PD) in medicine is a long-term neurodegenerative and progressive disorder. In some brain parts, as the dopamine generating neurons die or they are damaged. Then people begin to have difficulty in walking, writing, speaking or making other basic missions Some of the indications of the disease worsen over time and thus result in increased acuteness of Parkinson's disease. We have proposed a methodology for the prognosis of Parkinson’s disease acuteness. In this scientific article, we used deep neural networks in UCI's Parkinson's telemonitoring voice dataset patients. We have utilized Keras and TensorFlow in Python deep learning library to implement our neural network for prognosis the PD acuteness. The correctness values obtained with our method are preferable than the correctness values specified in the previous research test. Key words: Parkinson's disease, Deep Learning, UCI, Python, Deep Neural Network, Keras, TensorFlow, UPDRS