bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facies Heterogeneity and Lobe Facies Multiscale Analysis of Deep-Marine Sand-Shale Complexity in the West Crocker Formation of Sabah Basin, NW Borneo
Authors: Jamil Muhammad , Siddiqui Numair Ahmed , Rahman Abdul Hadi Bin Abd , Ibrahim Noor Azahar , Ismail Mohd Suhaili Bin , Ahmed Nisar , Usman Muhammad , Gul Zain , Imran Qazi Sohail
Published: June 2021

Deepwater lobes constitute a significant volume of submarine fans and are primarily believed to exhibit a simple sheet geometry. However, recent studies interpret the geometries of these deep-marine lobes as distinct with respect to the complexity of the facies and their distribution. Hence, a conceptual model of deep-marine sediments is essential to discuss the deep-marine sediments associated with the fan and lobe architecture. The present study highlights the facies heterogeneity and distribution of various lobe elements at a multiscale level by considering a case study of the West Crocker Formation of Sabah in northwest Borneo. The formation was logged on a bed-to-bed scale from recently well-exposed sections, with a total vertical thickness of more than 300 m. The lithological characteristics, bed geometry, sedimentary textures and structures of individual beds were used to categorize the rock units into nine sedimentary lithofacies: five sandstone lithofacies (S1–S5), one hybrid bed facies (H), two siltstone facies (Si1 and Si2) and one shale or mudstone facies (M). These facies were grouped into four facies associations (FA1–FA4), which were interpreted as lobe axis (FA1), lobe off-axis (FA2), lobe fringe (FA3) and distal fringe to interlobe (FA4) facies associations. This study is applicable for the distribution of lobes and their subseismic, multiscale complexities to characterize the potential of hydrocarbon intervals in deep-marine sand-shale system around the globe.
Evolution of Polymer Tantalum Capacitors
Authors: Freeman Yuri , Lessner Philip
Published: June 2021

The major advantage of Polymer Tantalum capacitors over other types of tantalum capacitors is their low equivalent series resistance (ESR), providing a higher capacitance stability with frequency and ripple current capability. When Polymer Tantalum capacitors were introduced to the market in mid 1990s, they were low voltage, leaky, and unreliable, which limited their applications to commercial electronics. Today, some types of polymer tantalum capacitors demonstrate the highest working voltage, lowest DC leakage, and highest reliability ever achieved in tantalum capacitors. These Polymer Tantalum capacitors combine outstanding performance and reliability with superior volumetric charge efficiency, which makes them cost effective and attractive for numerous applications, including mission critical ones. This paper is dedicated to the major technological breakthroughs and scientific discoveries that enabled the radical evolution of Polymer Tantalum capacitors.
The Role of Prediabetes as a Predictive Factor for the Outcomes in Patients with STEMI. Which Is the Right Range of Glycated Hemoglobin to Adopt in This Setting?
Authors: Chatzianagnostou Kyriazoula , Guiducci Letizia , Paradossi Umberto , De Caterina Alberto Ranieri , Mazzone Annamaria , Berti Sergio , Vassalle Cristina
Published: June 2021

Background: Prediabetes (preT2D) is considered a subtle adverse cardiovascular (CV) risk factor after acute myocardial infarction. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ranges to identify preT2D are different between ADA and WHO guidelines (5.7–6.4 vs. 6.0–6.4%, respectively). Aim: To evaluate the prognostic value of HbA1c different preT2D-ranges and their correlation with demographic, instrumental, and laboratory parameters in STEMI. Methods: A total of 1681 patients (mean age 67 ± 13 years; 1217 males) were enrolled. Admission HbA1c was used to identify patients with no-T2D (<5.7%), HbA1c 5.70–5.99%, and WHO-preT2D with HbA1c 6–6.49%, and T2D (HbA1c ≥ 6.5). Results: HbA1c 5.7–5.99, WHO-preT2D, and T2D progressively correlated with an increasing number of CV risk factors. However, only T2D, but not preT2D, was significantly associated with adverse prognosis (in-hospital and one-year death). Conclusions: PreT2D is correlated with CV risk factors, but not with adverse prognosis as compared to no-T2D. Nonetheless, routine HbA1c testing in the STEMI population and HbA1c-5.7–5.99 patient inclusion in the preT2D category may help to identify those who may benefit from intervention and lifestyle strategies to early prevent preT2D progression.
Sustainability Requirements of Digital Twin-Based Systems: A Meta Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Carvalho Rui , da Silva Alberto Rodrigues
Published: June 2021

Sustainable development was defined by the UN in 1987 as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, and this is a core concept in this paper. This work acknowledges the three dimensions of sustainability, i.e., economic, social, and environmental, but its focus is on this last one. A digital twin (DT) is frequently described as a physical entity with a virtual counterpart, and the data, connections between the two, implying the existence of connectors and blocks for efficient and effective data communication. This paper provides a meta systematic literature review (SLR) (i.e., an SLR of SLRs) regarding the sustainability requirements of DT-based systems. Numerous papers on the subject of DT were also selected because they cited the analyzed SLRs and were considered relevant to the purposes of this research. From the selection and analysis of 29 papers, several limitations and challenges were identified: the perceived benefits of DTs are not clearly understood; DTs across the product life cycle or the DT life cycle are not sufficiently studied; it is not clear how DTs can contribute to reducing costs or supporting decision-making; technical implementation of DTs must be improved and better integrated in the context of the IoT; the level of fidelity of DTs is not entirely evaluated in terms of their parameters, accuracy, and level of abstraction; and the ownership of data stored within DTs should be better understood. Furthermore, from our research, it was not possible to find a paper discussing DTs only in regard to environmental sustainability.
Scheduling Optimization of Prefabricated Construction Projects by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Xie Linlin , Chen Yajiao , Chang Ruidong
Published: June 2021

Prefabricated buildings are the direction of the future development of the construction industry and have received widespread attention. The effective execution of prefabricated construction project scheduling should consider resource constraints and the supply arrangement of prefabricated components. However, the traditional construction resource-constrained project scheduling implementation method cannot simultaneously consider the characteristics of the linkage between component production and on-site assembly construction. It cannot also fully adapt to the scheduling implementation method of the prefabricated construction projects. It is difficult to work out a reasonable project schedule and resource allocation table. In order to determine the relevant schedule parameters that can reflect the actual construction situation of the prefabricated building and meet the scheduling requirements of the prefabricated project, this study proposes a prefabricated construction project scheduling model that considers project resource constraints and prefabricated component supply constraints. Additionally, it improves the design of traditional genetic algorithms (GAs). Research results of the experimental calculation and engineering application show that the proposed project scheduling optimization model and GA are effective and practical, which can help project managers in effectively formulating prefabricated construction project scheduling plans, reasonably allocating resources, reducing completion time, and improving project performance.
Metaheuristic Optimized Multi-Level Classification Learning System for Engineering Management
Authors: Chou Jui-Sheng , Pham Trang Thi Phuong , Ho Chia-Chun
Published: June 2021

Multi-class classification is one of the major challenges in machine learning and an ongoing research issue. Classification algorithms are generally binary, but they must be extended to multi-class problems for real-world application. Multi-class classification is more complex than binary classification. In binary classification, only the decision boundaries of one class are to be known, whereas in multiclass classification, several boundaries are involved. The objective of this investigation is to propose a metaheuristic, optimized, multi-level classification learning system for forecasting in civil and construction engineering. The proposed system integrates the firefly algorithm (FA), metaheuristic intelligence, decomposition approaches, the one-against-one (OAO) method, and the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM). The enhanced FA automatically fine-tunes the hyperparameters of the LSSVM to construct an optimized LSSVM classification model. Ten benchmark functions are used to evaluate the performance of the enhanced optimization algorithm. Two binary-class datasets related to geotechnical engineering, concerning seismic bumps and soil liquefaction, are then used to clarify the application of the proposed system to binary problems. Further, this investigation uses multi-class cases in civil engineering and construction management to verify the effectiveness of the model in the diagnosis of faults in steel plates, quality of water in a reservoir, and determining urban land cover. The results reveal that the system predicts faults in steel plates with an accuracy of 91.085%, the quality of water in a reservoir with an accuracy of 93.650%, and urban land cover with an accuracy of 87.274%. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system, its predictive accuracy is compared with that of a non-optimized baseline model, single multi-class classification algorithms (sequential minimal optimization (SMO), the Multiclass Classifier, the Naïve Bayes, the library support vector machine (LibSVM) and logistic regression) and prior studies. The analytical results show that the proposed system is promising project analytics software to help decision makers solve multi-level classification problems in engineering applications.
Grafting of (3-Chloropropyl)-Trimethoxy Silane on Halloysite Nanotubes Surface
Authors: Abu El-Soad Asmaa M. , Lazzara Giuseppe , Pestov Alexander V. , Tambasova Daria P. , Antonov Denis O. , Cavallaro Giuseppe , Kovaleva Elena G.
Published: June 2021

Modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-Cl) were synthesized by a coupling reaction with (3-chloropropyl) trimethoxysilane (CPTMS). The incorporation of chloro-silane onto HNTs surface creates HNTs-Cl, which has great chemical activity and is considered a good candidate as an active site that reacts with other active molecules in order to create new materials with great applications in chemical engineering and nanotechnology. The value of this work lies in the fact that improving the degree of grafting of chloro-silane onto the HNT’s surface has been accomplished by incorporation of HNTs with CPTMS under different experimental conditions. Many parameters, such as the dispersing media, the molar ratio of HNTs/CPTMS/H2O, refluxing time, and the type of catalyst were studied. The greatest degree of grafting was accomplished by using toluene as a medium for the grafting process, with a molar ratio of HNTs/CPTMS/H2O of 1:1:3, and a refluxing time of 4 h. The addition of 7.169 mmol of triethylamine (Et3N) and 25.97 mmol of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) led to an increase in the degree of grafting of CPTMS onto the HNT’s surface.
Dynamic OCT Signal Loss for Determining RPE Radiant Exposure Damage Thresholds in Microsecond Laser Microsurgery
Authors: Burri Christian , Hutfilz Alessa , Grimm Lorenz , Salzmann Simon , Arnold Patrik , Považay Boris , Meier Christoph , Ebneter Andreas , Theisen-Kunde Dirk , Brinkmann Ralf
Published: June 2021

Optical microsurgery of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) requires reliable real-time dosimetry to prevent unwanted overexposure of the neuroretina. The system used in this experiment implements optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect the intentional elimination of RPE cells. We evaluated the performance of OCT dosimetry in terms of its ability to detect RPE cell damage caused by microsecond laser pulses of varying duration. Therefore, ex-vivo porcine RPE choroid sclera explants were embedded in an artificial eye and exposed to single laser pulses of 2–20 µs duration (wavelength: 532 nm, exposure area: 120 × 120 µm2, intensity modulation factor: 1.3). Simultaneously, time-resolved OCT M-scans were recorded (central wavelength: 870 nm, scan rate: 33 kHz). Post-irradiation, RPE cell damage was quantified using a calcein-AM viability assay and compared with an OCT-dosimetry algorithm. The results of our experiments show that the OCT-based analysis successfully predicts RPE cell damage. At its optimal operating point, the algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 94% for pulses of 6 µs duration and demonstrated the ability to precisely control radiant exposure of a wide range of pulse durations towards selective real-time laser microsurgery.
Vortex Breakdown Control by the Plasma Swirl Injector
Authors: Li Gang , Jiang Xi , Du Wei , Yang Jinhu , Liu Cunxi , Mu Yong , Xu Gang
Published: June 2021

Vortex breakdown, observed in swirling flows, is an interesting physical phenomenon relevant to a wide range of engineering applications, including aerodynamics and combustion. The concept of using a plasma swirler to control vortex breakdown was proposed and tested in this study. The effect of plasma actuation on controlling the onset and development of the vortex breakdown was captured by particle image velocimetry. Flowfield measurement results suggested that, by varying the strength of the plasma actuation, the location and size of the vortex breakdown region was controlled effectively. The plasma swirl injector offers a method for optimal control and efficient utilization of vortex breakdown. The method being proposed here may represent an attractive way of controlling vortex breakdown using a small amount of energy input, without a moving or intrusive part.
Mechanical and Gamma-Ray Interaction Studies of PbO–MoO3–Li2O–B2O3 Glass System for Shielding Applications in The Low Energy Region: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Almuqrin Aljawhara H. , Sayyed M. I. , Albarzan Badriah , Javier-Hila Abigaile Mia V. , Alwadai Norah , Kumar Ashok
Published: June 2021

The mechanical and radiation shielding properties for the PbO–MoO3–Li2O–B2O3 glass system were theoretically investigated in this paper. The PbO–MoO3–Li2O–B2O3 glass system (coded as investigated glasses) was fabricated using the melt quenching mechanism. The optical packing density (OPD) increases from 75.563 to 84.366, and oxygen molar volume (OMV) decreases from 13.234 to 11.853 cm3/mol when increasing the PbO concentration. The values of elastic moduli decreased from 47.06 to 39.67 GPa for Young, from 33.51 to 32.41 GPa for bulk, from 19.82 to 16.29 GPa for shear and from 59.94 to 54.14 GPa for longitudinal moduli as the PbO is increased. The radiation attenuation characteristics were reported at the photon energies used in diagnostic radiology. The mass attenuation coefficient (MAC) was evaluated using the three photoatomic data libraries EPICS2017, EPDL97, and XCOM, available in the EpiXS and Phy-X programs. The MAC for the five investigated glasses at 20 keV was much higher than the MAC at 40, 60 and 80 keV. The MAC for investigated glasses increased with the addition of PbO, with Pb-S1 demonstrating the lowest MAC, and Pb-S5 demonstrating the highest MAC. Additionally, the rate of the increment of MAC at 20 keV as the concentration of PbO increased was higher than that at 40, 60 and 80 keV. The effective atomic number (EAN) was determined using Phy-X program. The EAN follows the trend: Pb-S5 > Pb-S4 > Pb-S3 > Pb-S2 > Pb-S1. The EAN results proved that the glass with low amounts of B2O3 and higher amounts of PbO had good attenuation features. The EAN had the maximum values of 73.55–76.67 at 20 keV, whereas the lowest values occurred at 80 keV and varied between 53.63 and 63.39. The half-value layer (HVL) results showed that the Pb-S1 glass had the greatest HVL, while Pb-S5 had the least. There is a higher discrepancy between the tenth-value layer values at 80 keV than at 20 keV. At 20 keV, the difference between the highest and lowest TVL values (Pb-S1 and Pb-S5) was only 0.004 cm, while the difference at 80 keV was 0.152 cm. Pb-S5 is the most space-efficient radiation shield.
Computer-Aided Decision Making for Regional Seismic Risk Mitigation Accounting for Limited Economic Resources
Authors: Nuzzo Iolanda , Caterino Nicola , Novellino Antonio , Occhiuzzi Antonio
Published: June 2021

Seismic risk mitigation levels for an existing building are a balance between the reduction of risk and the cost of rehabilitation. Evidently, the more that is paid the more risk is reduced; however, due to limited public budgets a practical approach is needed to manage the risk reduction program when a portfolio of buildings is concerned. Basically, decision makers face a challenge when there are a large number of vulnerable buildings and there is no plan for how to allocate the appointed budget. This study develops a technological platform that implements a decision-making procedure to establish how to optimally distribute the budget in order to achieve the maximum possible portfolio risk reduction. Decisions are made based on various presumed intervention strategies dependent on building’s level of risk. The technological platform provides an interactive, user-friendly tool, available online, that supports stakeholders and decision makers in understanding what the best economic resource allocation will be after selecting the available budget for a specific portfolio of buildings. In addition, the ease of use enables the user to analyze the extent of risk reduction achievable for different budget levels. Therefore, the web platform represents a powerful tool to accomplish two challenging tasks, namely optimal budget selection and optimal budget allocation to gain territorial seismic risk mitigation.
Investigating the Effect of CNTs on Early Age Hydration and Autogenous Shrinkage of Cement Composite
Authors: Park Byoungsun , Choi Young Cheol
Published: June 2021

In this study, the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the physical properties of cement composites was investigated. The mechanism of the change of autogenous shrinkage of CNTs-reinforced cement composites was also examined. In the experiments, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and fly ash (FA) were used as binders, and 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5% multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) were added to fabricate pastes. When the hydration heat was measured through isothermal calorimetry, it was found that CNTs accelerated the early age hydration of the pastes and that the hydration rate increased as the CNT content increased. The compressive strength was the highest when the CNT content was 0.1%. As the CNT content increased, the internal relative humidity (IRH) decreased and autogenous shrinkage showed a decreasing tendency. Through the analysis of the correlation between autogenous shrinkage and IRH, it was confirmed that the reduction in autogenous shrinkage due to the addition of CNTs resulted from the decrease in bulk strain.
A Novel Cascaded Modular Photovoltaic Energy Storage System for Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Fan Yuanliang , Fang Luebin , Wu Han , Liu Bingqian , Huang Jianye , Lin Shuang , Wang Zhenhao , Wang Yu
Published: June 2021

To satisfy the grid-connected voltage level, both photovoltaic modules and energy storage modules are connected in series. However, the multiple photovoltaic modules often fall into local maximum power point under partial shading conditions during practical operation, and the multiple energy storage modules may suffer from a reduction in the effective capacity caused by characteristic differences among modules. To solve this problem, a novel cascaded modular photovoltaic-energy storage system is proposed in this paper. In the proposed topology, the energy storage modules achieve maximum power point tracking of the corresponding distributed photovoltaic module, and the proposed energy optimization strategy based on particle swarm optimization can ensure the efficient constant active power transmission from a photovoltaic energy storage (PV/ES) system to the grid in a certain time period under capacity constraints. Compared with conventional photovoltaic systems, the proposed scheme can avoid hot spots or the hot strings phenomena for PV modules and the large current and voltage stresses for DC/DC converters. Furthermore, the proposed energy optimization strategy for the coordination of all ES modules can realize the independent MPPT of each PV module and the constant active power between the PV/ES system and the grid under inconsistency of the light intensity under partial shading conditions. A hardware-in-loop photovoltaic-energy platform is established to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed topology and control strategy, and the proposed system achieves efficiency of about 97% under partial shading conditions, thus providing an effective and practical solution for power generation system.
MicroRNA Sequences Modulated by Beta Cell Lipid Metabolism: Implications for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Tarlton Jamie M. R. , Patterson Steven , Graham Annette
Published: June 2021

Alterations in lipid metabolism within beta cells and islets contributes to dysfunction and apoptosis of beta cells, leading to loss of insulin secretion and the onset of type 2 diabetes. Over the last decade, there has been an explosion of interest in understanding the landscape of gene expression which influences beta cell function, including the importance of small non-coding microRNA sequences in this context. This review sought to identify the microRNA sequences regulated by metabolic challenges in beta cells and islets, their targets, highlight their function and assess their possible relevance as biomarkers of disease progression in diabetic individuals. Predictive analysis was used to explore networks of genes targeted by these microRNA sequences, which may offer new therapeutic strategies to protect beta cell function and delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Apocynin Prevents Anxiety-Like Behavior and Histone Deacetylases Overexpression Induced by Sub-Chronic Stress in Mice
Authors: Barbieri Silvia S. , Sandrini Leonardo , Musazzi Laura , Popoli Maurizio , Ieraci Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Anxiety disorders are common mental health diseases affecting up to 7% of people around the world. Stress is considered one of the major environmental risk factors to promote anxiety disorders through mechanisms involving epigenetic changes. Moreover, alteration in redox balance and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production have been detected in anxiety patients and in stressed-animal models of anxiety. Here we tested if the administration of apocynin, a natural origin antioxidant, may prevent the anxiety-like phenotype and reduction of histone acetylation induced by a subchronic forced swimming stress (FSS) paradigm. We found that apocynin prevented the enhanced latency time in the novelty-suppressed feeding test, and the production of malondialdehyde induced by FSS. Moreover, apocynin was able to block the upregulation of p47phox, a key subunit of the NADPH oxidase complex. Finally, apocynin prevented the rise of hippocampal Hdac1, Hdac4 and Hdac5, and the reduction of histone-3 acetylation levels promoted by FSS exposure. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that apocynin reduces the deleterious effect of stress and suggests that oxidative stress may regulate epigenetic mechanisms.
Secretory System Components as Potential Prophylactic Targets for Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Swietnicki Wieslaw
Published: June 2021

Bacterial secretory systems are essential for virulence in human pathogens. The systems have become a target of alternative antibacterial strategies based on small molecules and antibodies. Strategies to use components of the systems to design prophylactics have been less publicized despite vaccines being the preferred solution to dealing with bacterial infections. In the current review, strategies to design vaccines against selected pathogens are presented and connected to the biology of the system. The examples are given for Y. pestis, S. enterica, B. anthracis, S. flexneri, and other human pathogens, and discussed in terms of effectiveness and long-term protection.
Does Acute Exercise Stress Affect Postural Stability and Cognitive Function in Subjects with Chronic Ankle Instability?
Authors: Peri Miriam , Gottlieb Uri , Finestone Aharon S. , Springer Shmuel
Published: June 2021

Altered postural control in people with chronic ankle instability (CAI) may be attributed to deficits that are associated with neurocognitive function. Acute training is another factor that may negatively affect postural control and increase the risk of ankle sprain. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of acute exercise on postural stability and cognitive function among patients with CAI. Fifteen patients with CAI (aged 21.5 ± 2.0 years) and 15 healthy controls (aged 20.3 ± 1.7 years) completed a single-limb stance postural control test and a battery of computer-based cognitive tests before and after acute exercise. The overall stability index (OSI) was used as a measure of postural stability. The cognitive domains tested were global cognitive score, executive function, attention, visual-spatial perception, information processing, and fine motor control. Subjects in both groups had similar OSI scores, with a trend for reduced stability in the CAI after the exercise protocol (p = 0.053). There were no differences between the groups in all cognitive domains before or after exercise. Following exercise, the domains of overall cognitive score, visual-spatial perception, and information processing speed improved in both groups (p = 0.003, p = 0.033, p = 0.001; respectively). These findings should be considered with caution due to the heterogeneity of the CAI population.
Economic and Ultrafast Photocatalytic Degradation of Orange II Using Ceramic Powders
Authors: Bouras Dikra , Mecif Abla , Harabi Abdelhamid , Barillé Régis , hakim Mahdjoub Abdel , Zaabat Mourad
Published: June 2021

Different percentages of CuO and ZnO were added into a local kaolin ceramic-based powder (DD3) with and without ZrO2. The modified powders were first characterized, then, a test for the photocatalytic degradation of dyes with orange II (OII) was carried out. The DD3 powders that were obtained with the addition of ZrO2, ZnO, and CuO, were prepared by two different methods and have shown a large and very fast photocatalytic activity. Discoloration ratios of about 93.6% and 100% were reached after 15 min and 45 min, for CuO and ZnO respectively. Finally, an alternative photocatalysis mechanism, based purely on chemical reaction processes, is proposed. The photocatalysis results with modified powders are compared with the results obtained with thin films, made with the same materials.
Integrated Cleaner Biocatalytic Process for Biodiesel Production from Crude Palm Oil Comparing to Refined Palm Oil
Authors: Muanruksa Papasanee , Wongsirichot Phavit , Winterburn James , Kaewkannetra Pakawadee
Published: June 2021

An integrated cleaner biocatalyst process was performed for biodiesel production from crude palm oil (CPO) and refined palm oil (RPO). It was evaluated on process efficiency in terms of high purity of biodiesel as well as by-products without purification, less wastewater, less time consuming, and a simple downstream process. A first saponification step was carried out in both f CPO and RPO, a high purity of glycerol (86.25% and 87.5%) was achieved, respectively, while free fatty acids (FFASs) in soap were obtained after hexane extraction. High yields of FFASs were obtained from both CPO and RPO (98.83% and 90.94%). Subsequently, the FFAs were esterified to biodiesel by a biocatalyst of immobilized lipase. The highest biodiesel yields achieved were of 92.14% and 92.58% (CPO and RPO). Remarkably, biodiesel yields obtained from CPO and RPO achieved satisfactory values and the biocatalyst used could be reused for more than 16–17 cycles.
Emerging Role and Clinicopathological Significance of AEG-1 in Different Cancer Types: A Concise Review
Authors: Sriramulu Sushmitha , Sun Xiao-Feng , Malayaperumal Sarubala , Ganesan Harsha , Zhang Hong , Ramachandran Murugesan , Banerjee Antara , Pathak Surajit
Published: June 2021

Tumor breakthrough is driven by genetic or epigenetic variations which assist in initiation, migration, invasion and metastasis of tumors. Astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) protein has risen recently as the crucial factor in malignancies and plays a potential role in diverse complex oncogenic signaling cascades. AEG-1 has multiple roles in tumor growth and development and is found to be involved in various signaling pathways of: (i) Ha-ras and PI3K/AKT; (ii) the NF-κB; (iii) the ERK or mitogen-activated protein kinase and Wnt or β-catenin and (iv) the Aurora-A kinase. Recent studies have confirmed that in all the hallmarks of cancers, AEG-1 plays a key functionality including progression, transformation, sustained angiogenesis, evading apoptosis, and invasion and metastasis. Clinical studies have supported that AEG-1 is actively intricated in tumor growth and progression which includes esophageal squamous cell, gastric, colorectal, hepatocellular, gallbladder, breast, prostate and non-small cell lung cancers, as well as renal cell carcinomas, melanoma, glioma, neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma. Existing studies have reported that AEG-1 expression has been induced by Ha-ras through intrication of PI3K/AKT signaling. Conversely, AEG-1 also activates PI3K/AKT pathway and modulates the defined subset of downstream target proteins via crosstalk between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hedgehog signaling cascade which further plays a crucial role in metastasis. Thus, AEG-1 may be employed as a biomarker to discern the patients of those who are likely to get aid from AEG-1-targeted medication. AEG-1 may play as an effective target to repress tumor development, occlude metastasis, and magnify the effectiveness of treatments. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanism of AEG-1 in the process of carcinogenesis and its involvement in regulation of crosstalk between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Hedgehog signaling. We also highlight the multifaceted functions, expression, clinicopathological significance and molecular inhibitors of AEG-1 in various cancer types.
Themes and Theories Revisited: Perspectives on Processes in Family–Peer Relationships
Authors: Ladd Gary W. , Parke Ross D.
Published: June 2021

Nearly thirty years ago, we invited a consortium of esteemed researchers to contribute to a volume entitled Family–Peer Relations: Modes of Linkage that provided a state-of-the-science appraisal of theory and research within the newly emerging discipline of family–peer relations. The volume’s first chapter was titled, “Themes and Theories: Perspectives on Processes in Family–Peer Relationships”, and its primary aims were to identify the processes in the family system that were posited to have a bearing on children’s development in the peer system (and vice versa), characterize potential mechanisms of linkage, describe extant lines of investigation, appraise empirical accomplishments, and identify issues in need of further investigation. Here, nearly thirty years hence, we are pleased to have the opportunity to reappraise the theory and research on family–peer relations. In this article, we revisit the primary objectives that were addressed in our previously published “Themes and Theories” chapter but do so with the express purpose of evaluating the discipline’s progress. Likewise, we also revisit our prior roadmap and associated calls-to-action to update these entities in light of past accomplishments, current limitations, and pressing sociocultural issues and concerns.
Adrenomedullin Is a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Julián-Villaverde Francisco J. , Ochoa-Callejero Laura , Siles Eva , Martínez-Lara Esther , Martínez Alfredo
Published: June 2021

Hemorrhagic stroke remains an important health challenge. Adrenomedullin (AM) is a vasoactive peptide with an important role in cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. Serum AM and nitrate–nitrite and S-nitroso compounds (NOx) levels were measured and compared between healthy volunteers (n = 50) and acute hemorrhagic stroke patients (n = 64). Blood samples were taken at admission (d0), 24 h later (d1), and after 7 days or at the time of hospital discharge (d7). Neurological severity (NIHSS) and functional prognosis (mRankin) were measured as clinical outcomes. AM levels were higher in stroke patients at all times when compared with healthy controls (p < 0.0001). A receiving operating characteristic curve analysis identified that AM levels at admission > 69.0 pg/mL had a great value as a diagnostic biomarker (area under the curve = 0.89, sensitivity = 80.0%, specificity = 100%). Furthermore, patients with a favorable outcome (NIHSS ≤ 3; mRankin ≤ 2) experienced an increase in AM levels from d0 to d1, and a decrease from d1 to d7, whereas patients with unfavorable outcome had no significant changes over time. NOx levels were lower in patients at d0 (p = 0.04) and d1 (p < 0.001) than in healthy controls. In conclusion, AM levels may constitute a new diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for this disease, and identify AM as a positive mediator for hemorrhagic stroke resolution.
Endoscopic and Histopathological Findings of the Esophagus, Stomach, and Duodenum in Patients with Crohn’s Disease from a Reference Center in Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Pimentel Andrea Maia , Freitas Luiz Antônio Rodrigues de , Cruz Rita de Cássia Reis , Silva Isaac Neri de Novais , Andrade Laíla Damasceno , Marques Paola Nascimento , Braga Júlia Cordeiro , Fortes Flora Maria Lorenzo , Brito Katia Rejane Marques , Fontes Jaciane Araújo Mota , Almeida Neogélia Pereira , Surlo Valdiana Cristina , Rocha Raquel , Lyra André Castro , Santana Genoile Oliveira
Published: June 2021

(1) The aim of the present study was to describe the endoscopic and histopathological findings in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum in patients with Crohn’s disease. (2) Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that included patients receiving treatment from the inflammatory bowel disease outpatient clinic. Esophagogastroduodenoscopies with biopsies of the stomach and proximal duodenum were performed. Presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria was assessed by Giemsa staining. (3) Results: We included 58 patients. Erosive esophagitis was identified in 25 patients (43.1%), gastritis was diagnosed in 32 patients (55.2%) and erosive duodenitis was found in eight (13.8%). The most frequent histopathological finding in the H. pylori-positive group was increased inflammatory activity in the gastric body and antrum, with a predominance of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells. In turn, the most frequent finding in the H. pylori-negative group was chronic inflammation with predominance of mononuclear cells. Focally enhanced gastritis was identified in four patients (6.9%), all of whom were negative for H. pylori. Granulomas were not observed. H. pylori infection was present in 19 patients (32.8%). (4) Conclusions: Nonspecific endoscopic and histological findings were frequent in patients with Crohn’s disease. Focally enhanced gastritis was uncommon and observed only in H. pylori-negative patients. The time from the diagnosis, patient age, and therapy in use may have influenced the nondetection of epithelioid granuloma.
Influence of Lightly Burned MgO on the Mechanical Properties and Anticarbonization of Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Chao , Shu Chunxue , Yong Han , Wang Jianmin , Wang Hui
Published: June 2021

This study aims to study the influence of a lightly burned magnesium oxide (LBMO) expansion agent on the rheological properties (the slump flow, plastic viscosity and variation of shear stress) of cement-based materials. Four different mass contents (i.e., 0%, 3%, 6% and 9%) of LBMO were selected. The following compressive strength and expansion value of the corresponding cement concrete were tested. Cement concrete with two strength grades of 30 MPa and 50 MPa (C30 and C50) was selected. Results indicated that the addition of LBMO can effectively decrease the fluidity and increase the plastic viscosity of fresh cement paste. An optimum dosage (3%) of LBMO is the most advantageous to the compressive strength of cement concrete. The addition of LBMO can increase the expansion rate of cement concrete, thus preventing inside cracks. Moreover, the incorporation of LBMO led to a reduction in the fluidity of the cement paste and an increase in plastic viscosity. The addition of LBMO can increase the expansion rate of cement concrete, thus preventing inside cracks. It can be found that little difference exists in the compressive strength and the expansion rate of cement concrete with strength grades of 30 MPa and 50 MPa. Finally, the increased dosage of LBMO, curing age and compressive strength led to improving the carbonization resistance of cement concrete.
Animals Traded for Traditional Medicine Purposes in the Kumasi Central Market, Ghana: Conservation Implications
Authors: Boakye Maxwell Kwame , Agyemang Alfred Ofori , Wiafe Edward Debrah , Dossou-Yovo Hubert Olivier , Ziekah Meyir
Published: June 2021

The Kumasi Central Market is the largest urban open market in Ghana and animals used for medicinal purposes are among the items that are typically displayed for sale. However, no study has been undertaken on the animal species sold for traditional medicine purposes. This study took inventory of animal species traded for medicinal purposes in the Kumasi Central Market and examined their conservation implications. The species recorded to be traded comprised 5 taxonomic classes, belonging to 20 families. Chameleons were found to be the most traded animal species. Seven (23%) of the species traded were found to be threatened under IUCN Red List, with four (13%) species listed on Appendix I of CITES, and eight (26%) species on Schedule I of Wildlife Conservation Regulations of Ghana. Wildlife regulations are not serving as a deterrent to the trade in threatened animal species. There is a need to sensitize traders about the threats faced by these animal species and provide explanations as to why these species should be protected.
Potential Efficient Separation of Oil from Bilgewater and Kitchen Wastewater by Fractional Freezing Process
Authors: Mustapha Siti Nor Adibah , Amran Nurul Aini , Roslan Intan Lyana , Chandra Segaran Rubini , Samsuri Shafirah
Published: June 2021

Oily wastewater discharge to water bodies can have many negative consequences, especially on the marine ecological environment. Although there are numerous techniques for treating oily wastewater, this paper aims to introduce and evaluate the potential of the fractional freezing (FF) process as a new oil–water separation technique to overcome the several weaknesses found in the conventional oil–water separation methods. FF separates two liquid compounds based on their freezing point difference. In this study, two oily wastewater samples were used: oily bilgewater and oily kitchen wastewater. The effects of coolant temperature, freezing time, and stirring rate on the FF process efficiency were studied, and the significance of the data was supported by statistical analysis. The results show that a low coolant temperature is essential for allowing crystal nucleation formation and inducing crystal growth for an efficient separation process. However, the higher crystal growth rate that occurs at an even lower temperature might entrap the impurities inside the growing crystal. Consequently, continuing the crystallization for a longer time may yield a less efficient separation process. Furthermore, a too high stirring rate will rupture the solid formation, hence reducing the process efficiency. The final values of oil/grease and free fatty acids (FFA) obtained after the FF process of both samples were found to comply with the standard permitted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Palm Oil Refiners Association of Malaysia (PORAM). Moreover, the p-values obtained for both of the above-mentioned samples were below 0.05 for all experiments. It can be concluded that this method has the potential to separate oil from the oily bilgewater and kitchen wastewater.
Abstracts of the 2021 Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists Annual Meeting
Authors: Loree Jonathan , Powell Erin , Gill Sharlene , Welch Stephen , Colwell Bruce , Hao Desiree
Published: June 2021

On behalf of the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists, we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the 2021 Annual Meeting. The National CAMO Residents Research Day was held virtually on 1 April 2021 and the CAMO Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) & Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place on 22 April 2021. Twenty (20) abstracts were selected for presentation as oral presentations and rapid-fire presentations. Awards for the top three (3) abstracts were presented during the ASM and AGM. All of them were marked as “Award Recipient”. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution.
Diversity of Testate Amoebae as an Indicator of the Conservation Status of Peatlands in Southwest Europe
Authors: Carballeira Rafael , Pontevedra-Pombal Xabier
Published: June 2021

Testate amoebae are one of the most studied groups of microorganisms in Sphagnum peatland ecosystems and, therefore, one of the most reliable bioindicators of their ecological status. Peatland ecosystems are supported by a delicate biogeochemical balance that leads to the formation of peat, one of the main sinks of C, as a result of soil–atmosphere interaction, but currently they are one of the most threatened wetland types at their southern distribution limit. In the European continent, where climatic conditions limit peat formation, they have endured significant anthropic pressure for centuries, and the risk of loss of biodiversity linked to these ecosystems is critical. In addition, peatlands are poorly known ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula compared with other wetlands; therefore, we have studied the chemical parameters of water and the diversity patterns of testate amoebae in the western Iberian Peninsula to better understand the current status of these ecosystems. The analysis of testate amoeba communities showed an inverse relationship between the diversity and conservation status of these peatlands, both in relation to chemical parameters (i.e., pH, electrical conductivity, phosphates) and to the proportion of anthropized area, with a marked geographical pattern in the degree of anthropogenic disturbance.
A Preliminary Survey on the Planktonic Biota in a Hypersaline Pond of Messolonghi Saltworks (W. Greece)
Authors: Hotos George N.
Published: June 2021

During a survey in 2015, an impressive assemblage of organisms was found in a hypersaline pond of the Messolonghi saltworks. The salinity ranged between 50 and 180 ppt, and the organisms that were found fell into the categories of Cyanobacteria (17 species), Chlorophytes (4 species), Diatoms (23 species), Dinoflagellates (1 species), Protozoa (40 species), Rotifers (8 species), Copepods (1 species), Artemia sp., one nematode and Alternaria sp. (Fungi). Fabrea salina was the most prominent protist among all samples and salinities. This ciliate has the potential to be a live food candidate for marine fish larvae. Asteromonas gracilis proved to be a sturdy microalga, performing well in a broad spectrum of culture salinities. Most of the specimens were identified to the genus level only. Based on their morphology, as there are no relevant records in Greece, there is a possibility for some to be either new species or strikingly different strains of certain species recorded elsewhere.
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Sarcoidosis: Diagnosis, Management, and Health Outcomes
Authors: Saketkoo Lesley Ann , Russell Anne-Marie , Jensen Kelly , Mandizha Jessica , Tavee Jinny , Newton Jacqui , Rivera Frank , Howie Mike , Reese Rodney , Goodman Melanie , Hart Patricia , Strookappe Bert , De Vries Jolanda , Rosenbach Misha , Scholand Mary Beth , Lammi Mathew R. , Elfferich Marjon , Lower Elyse , Baughman Robert P. , Sweiss Nadera , Judson Marc A. , Drent Marjolein
Published: June 2021

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL), though rarely considered as a primary endpoint in clinical trials, may be the single outcome reflective of patient priorities when living with a health condition. HRQoL is a multi-dimensional concept that reflects the degree to which a health condition interferes with participation in and fulfillment of important life areas. HRQoL is intended to capture the composite degree of physical, physiologic, psychological, and social impairment resulting from symptom burden, patient-perceived disease severity, and treatment side effects. Diminished HRQoL expectedly correlates to worsening disability and death; but interventions addressing HRQoL are linked to increased survival. Sarcoidosis, being a multi-organ system disease, is associated with a diffuse array of manifestations resulting in multiple symptoms, complications, and medication-related side effects that are linked to reduced HRQoL. Diminished HRQoL in sarcoidosis is related to decreased physical function, pain, significant loss of income, absence from work, and strain on personal relationships. Symptom distress can result clearly from a sarcoidosis manifestation (e.g., ocular pain, breathlessness, cough) but may also be non-specific, such as pain or fatigue. More complex, a single non-specific symptom, e.g., fatigue may be directly sarcoidosis-derived (e.g., inflammatory state, neurologic, hormonal, cardiopulmonary), medication-related (e.g., anemia, sleeplessness, weight gain, sub-clinical infection), or an indirect complication (e.g., sleep apnea, physical deconditioning, depression). Identifying and distinguishing underlying causes of impaired HRQoL provides opportunity for treatment strategies that can greatly impact a patient’s function, well-being, and disease outcomes. Herein, we present a reference manual that describes the current state of knowledge in sarcoidosis-related HRQoL and distinguish between diverse causes of symptom distress and other influences on sarcoidosis-related HRQoL. We provide tools to assess, investigate, and diagnose compromised HRQoL and its influencers. Strategies to address modifiable HRQoL factors through palliation of symptoms and methods to improve the sarcoidosis health profile are outlined; as well as a proposed research agenda in sarcoidosis-related HRQoL.