bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A feminist becoming? Louise Thompson Patterson’s and Dorothy West’s sojourn in the Soviet Union
Authors: Wiedlack Katharina
Published: January 2021

This article follows the socialist activist Louise Thompson (later Patterson) and the writer Dorothy West on their infamous journey to Soviet Russia to shoot a film about North American anti-Black racism in 1932. The film about the US history of racial oppression was ultimately never made, but the women stayed in the Soviet Union for several months, travelling to the Soviet republics, meeting famous Soviets, and experiencing Soviet modernization. Looking at the travel writings, correspondence, and memoirs of Thompson and West through the lens of intersectionality, this article analyses the women’s distinctly gendered experiences and their experience of socialist women’s liberation movements. It argues that a close reading of the literary writing, travel notes, letters, and memoirs and their biographical trajectories after they returned to the United States reveals how their experiences in the Soviet Union created a feminist consciousness within the two women that crucially altered their political and personal views of Black women’s agency and significantly altered their life trajectories.
Women’s travel writing in the cyber-world – ecofeminist and difference feminist approaches in travel blogs
Authors: Riggert Mirja
Published: January 2021

This paper intends to track the development of traditional feminist ideas through the analysis of three contemporary travel blogs. These traditional feminist concepts are to be seen in the construction of a collective female identity that enables transnational and transgenerational solidarity: by receiving and transmitting inspiration, shelter and encouragement among female travellers, the narrators in the blogs create a system of female authority. Within this system, female role models as well as maternal figures become points of reference that help to revalue female attributes. This concept shows allusions to the theory of difference feminism as it is presented in the «symbolic order of the mother» by Luisa Muraro. A similar approach of revaluating femininity happens through the orientation towards ‘Mother Nature’. By staging women’s ability to give birth, cultural ecofeminists like Susan Griffin intend to affirm a close bond between women and nature. This representation of an emphasised femininity becomes a central marker in the narratives of the blogs. While this agenda might be designed to counter gendered spaces and the traditional alienation of women within travel discourse, it is problematised by exclusionary and essentialist definitions of femininity that harden engendered binaries like masculinity/femininity or nature/culture.
Az észlelt tanári énhatékonyságot befolyásoló tényezők vizsgálata a kényszerű digitális oktatás időszakában (2. rész)
Authors: Jagodics Balázs , Kóródi Kitti , Szabó Éva
Published: January 2021

A pandemia kritikus helyzetet teremtett a közoktatásban is. 2020 tavaszán lényegében napok alatt kellett áttérni a digitális oktatási formára. Az új helyzethez való alkalmazkodás sikeressége számos tényező függvénye volt. Korábbi tanulmányunkban (Szerzők, 2020) bemutattuk a tanári énhatékonyság jellemzőit ebben az időszakban. Jelen tanulmány keretében azokra a tényezőkre fókuszálunk, amelyek befolyásolták, hogy a pedagógusok mennyire érezték magukat hatékonynak. Online kérdőíves vizsgálatunkban 769 pedagógus vett részt az ország minden részéből (Méletkor= 46,3 év, SD = 9,39). Az énhatékonyság és a relatív énhatékonyság kapcsolatát vizsgáltuk néhány demográfiai és munkával összefüggő jellemzővel. Eredményeink szerint az életkor és a pályán eltöltött idő nem függött össze a hatékonyság élménnyel. Azonban, akiknek saját iskolás gyermeke is volt, az átlagosan két órával többet dolgozott naponta. A legnagyobb óraszámban oktatott tantárgy nem befolyásolta a hatékonyság élményt, de a digitális eszközök alkalmazásában szerzett korábbi tapasztalat egyértelműen javította a tanárok eredményesség élményét. Meglepő módon az 1-4. osztályban tanítók számoltak be legmagasabb és a 9-13. osztályokban tanítók a legalacsonyabb énhatékonyságról. Kutatásunk rámutatott arra, hogy a pedagógusok énhatékonysága számos tényező együttes hatásától függött a digitális oktatás időszakában, és a kép korántsem tekinthető egységesnek.
The Six-Day War of 1967: Folk Myths and “Battles of Historians”
Authors: Rumyantsev V.P.
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes the role and influence of folk and historical myths on the process of forming the historical memory towards the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, which was one of the most significant events in international life in the Middle East. The disputes of historians about the causes, nature and consequences of this war create their own field of discussion. When the wars waged by the armies cease, other wars waged by historians begin. These wars are directly related to the creation of national identity and the formation of historical memory. The disputes of historians about the Six-Day War are actually not only about the past. They affect the present and future of the Middle East region and its chances for peace. On the one hand, some historians view Israel as a stronghold of the Western democracy surrounded by a hostile Arab world. Therefore they believe that the Israeli attack on Arab countries in 1967 was a justified act of self-defense. On the other hand, some historians believe that Arab-Israeli coexistence and cooperation are possible, so they are trying to prove that the war in 1967 could have been avoided by using the chances of a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. Those who tend to demonize the policy of the Russian Federation in the Middle East in the 21st century still see the insidious “hidden hand of Moscow” in the events occurred 50 years ago.
Democratic Transition in Russia in the 1990s in Textbooks on Russian History
Authors: Suslov A.B. , Shuiskaya E.V.
Published: January 2021

The article analyzes how the problems of democratic transition are presented in modern textbooks on the history of Russia. The relevance of the problem under study is determined primarily by the importance of history textbooks for constructing a memory policy. At the same time, attention is drawn to insufficient coverage in the modern historiography of the transformations of the 1990s that is an important period of historical development. Presentation of Russian history in 1992-1999 in textbooks has been analyzed in comparison with expert evaluations of economists, sociologists and political scientists.

The authors conclude that there are different interpretations of the problems of post-Soviet democratic transition in textbooks for the 10th grade on the history of Russia. In particular, in one textbook 1990s completely correspond to the current image of the “likhie 90s” (the hard 90s). In another one it is not only a time of great difficulties, but also an era of hopes and opportunities. But these differences are leveled, when economic and political development of the country at this time is appeared mainly in negative interpretation in the frame of the subsequent 2000s, which are presented as a time of success.
EU Memory Politics in the Context of Understanding Decolonization and a Common European Identity
Authors: Khakhalkina E.V.
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the article is to determine the relationship between the processes of Decolonization, the search for strengthening European identity and building a memory policy on the example of the European Union with the aim of identifying problematic and promising points at the current stage of development of the association. The terminological difficulties of using such categories as “memory policy”, “decolonization” and “European identity” and the process of their constant filling with new meanings are shown. Particular attention is paid to the moral aspect of decolonization and the problems of responsibility of the former European metropolises to developing countries, which for a long time were part of their formal and informal empires. It was revealed that the migration crisis of 2014-2016. It became a kind of “break point” in relation to migrants in general and refugees in particular, casting doubt on traditional European values and the willingness of EU countries to resolve the crisis in the spirit of humanitarian assistance and a development philosophy. The interpretation of Decolonization in a number of European countries not only did not end, but also did not begin at the ideological, political and institutional level. Such a situation is determined by the relevance of the considered subjects and their scientific, practical and political significance.
Successful Nucleoside Analog and Corticosteroid Therapy for Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy in a Patient With Hepatitis B Virus Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Nugraha Eka Surya , Huang Ian , Supriyadi Rudi , Girawan Dolvy , Bestari Muhammad Begawan
Published: January 2021

Here, we describe the case of a 44-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, who was admitted with progressive muscle weakness and paresthesia in all extremities. He showed slight icterus. Positive HBV e-antigen test, significant HBV-deoxyribonucleic acid load, hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, mild ascites, and demyelinating peripheral axonal lesions in both sensory and motor nerves led to the diagnosis of Child-Pugh class B HBV cirrhosis with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Oral lamivudine, intravenous steroids, calcium, and vitamin D therapy led to a significant recovery of muscle strength within 6 weeks and a gradual return to normal after 24 weeks.
THE EFFECT OF FOOTWEAR TO THE POSTURE
Authors: Trebuňová Marianna , Danko Mária , Bednarčíková Lucia , Michalíková Monika , Živčák Jozef
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of footwear on postural status of a group of volunteers representing the general population of female students. Based on the assumption that the elegant shoe with tapered toe and high heel does not provide adequate foot support, the study was designed to assess its direct link and impact to body segment alignment and resulting negative effect on posture. Repetition of this misalignment ensures the individual circumstances of posture. Due to the heel elevation, the weight is transferred to the distal part, resulting in a postural response of the entire musculoskeletal system to maintain balance. The group consisted of 30 women of the age 18–28 years with an average age of 22.7 years, height 167±0.3 cm and weight 57±0.9 kg. Anamnesis and aspection were performed to assess of the occurrence of shortened and weakened muscles and subsequently the patient's standing was examined. Two static methods were chosen for evaluation of the posture. The first one was the Silhouette Posture Analysis and the evaluation method by Jaros and Lomnicka. The result was the identification of typical muscle imbalance as the most common presumption of faulty posture, and it was confirmed that footwear affects a person's natural posture. Differences in the sensitivity of the two methods were also identified and studies are not only appropriate that but also evaluate differences in impact among subjects.
Flame Retardancy Enhancement of Jute Fabric Using Chemical Treatment
Authors:   KhwajaYunus Ali University, Department of Textile Engineering, Sirajgang-6751, Bangladesh, Repon Md. Reazuddin ,   Kaunas University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Department of Production Engineering, Kaunas Studentu 56, LT-51424, Kaunas, Lithuania, Alam Siddiquee Nure ,   KhwajaYunus Ali University, Department of Textile Engineering, Sirajgang-6751, Bangladesh, Abdul Jalil Mohammad ,   Khulna University of Engineering and Technology, Department of Textile Engineering, Khulna-9203, Bangladesh, Mikučionienė Daiva ,   Kaunas University of Technology, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Design, Department of Production Engineering, Kaunas Studentu 56, LT-51424, Kaunas, Lithuania, Karim Md. Rezaul ,   Port City International University, Department of Textile Engineering, Chittagong-4202, Bangladesh, Islam Tarikul ,   Jashore University of Science and Technology, Department of Textile Engineering, Jashore-7408, Bangladesh
Published: January 2021

This work aims to improve the flame retardancy of jute fabric. Raw and bleached plain weave jute fabric was used in this work. Flame retardants borax, diammonium phosphate and thiourea were applied in different concentrations in a raw and bleached jute fabric with the padding method. The influences of flame retardant finishing on the vertical flammability behaviour and tensile properties as well as wash resistance were inves¬tigated. Flame spread time was found to significantly increase when these simple flame retardant finishing agents were used. It was found that the borax-treated raw and bleached specimens exhibited higher flame spread time among all. The assessment of physical properties such as weight gain percentage and breaking load along warp and weft direction of the control and treated fabrics revealed that the increase of flame retardant finishing weight gain caused a decrease in breaking load. Furthermore, the specimens treated with borax and diammonium phosphate flame retardant showed better results than thiourea for flame retardancy and wash durability. These flame retardant jute fabrics have industrial protective textile applications as brattice cloth in mines and many other potential fields of application, e.g. flame retardant kitchen apron, furnishings for public hall, theatre and hospital, etc.
Overview of Human Lineage Genetic Marker Studies in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Y chromosome story
Authors: Pirić Aldin , Ćordić Sabahudin , Smajlović-Skenderagić Lejla , Dogan Serkan , Marjanović Damir ,   International Burch University
Published: January 2021

Abstract – Modern Bosnia and Herzegovina is a state consisting of multiple ethnicities and regions located in the Western Balkan, with a very complex history. The earliest historical findings show that its area was inhabited since the Paleolithic. From that time, this part of Europe, especially the region of the Modern Bosnia and Herzegovina, could be recognized as the crossroad for the different human migration and the meeting point for different cultures, religions and gene pools. Mitochondrial DNA is being used for maternal lineage testing, while the Y chromosome is being used for paternal lineage testing. Therefore, these markers are being referred to as lineage markers. Lineage markers are often used for parental lineage monitoring in population genetics, human genetics, as well as in forensic genetics. The main intention of this paper is to construct a short overview of the Y chromosome studies performed in Bosnia and Herzegovina within the last two decades.
Multi-Objective Optimization Dispatch Based Energy Management of A Microgrid Running Under Grid Connected and Standalone Operation Mode
Authors: Lagouir Marouane , Badri Abdelmajid , Sayouti Yassine
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a novel optimization approach for a day-ahead power management and control of a DC microgrid (MG). The multi-objective optimization dispatch (MOOD) problem involves minimizing the overall operating cost, pollutant emission levels of (NOx, SO2 and CO2) and the power loss cost of the conversion devices. The weighted sum method is selected to convert the multi-objective optimization problem into a single optimization problem. Then, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method is applied to determine the weight coefficients, according to the preference of each objective function. The system’s performance is evaluated under both grid connected and standalone operation mode, considering power balancing, high level penetration of renewable energy, optimal scheduling of charging/discharging of battery storage system, control of load curtailment and the system technical constraints. Ant lion optimizer (ALO) method is considered for handling MOOD, and the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with other known heuristic optimization techniques.  The simulation results prove the effectiveness and the capability of the developed approach to deal better with the coordinated control and optimization dispatch problem.They also revealed that economically running the MG system under grid connected mode can reduce the overall cost by around 4.70% compared to when it is in standalone operation mode.
Efektivitas Limbah Kulit Kering Nanas Madu (Ananas Comosus l.Merr) untuk Pembuatan Bioetanol dengan Proses Fermentasi dan Distilasi
Authors: Wandono E Hugeng , Kusdiyantini Endang , Hadiyanto Hadiyanto
Published: January 2021

Bioenergi adalah salah satu energi yang dapat diperbaruhi dan juga ramah lingkungan, salah satunya adalah bioetanol. Bahan baku yang mengandung glukosa, selulosa dan pati dapat digunakan menjadi bioetanol Nanas madu adalah tanaman yang dapat dimanfaatkan menjadi bioenergi. Penelitian ini bertujuan membuktikan efektivitas limbah kulit nanas madu kering untuk pembuatan bioetanol serta mengetahui kadar bioetanol yang dihasilkan. Proses fermentasi yang digunakan dalam peneltian ini . Kulit nanas madu yang sudah dikeringkan di proses hidrolisis, fermentasi dan distilasi. Proses fermentasi dengan variasi waktu fermentasi 1 hari, 2 hari, 3 hari, 4 hari, 5 hari, 6 hari, 7 hari,8 hari, 9 hari, 10 hari, 11 hari dan 12 hari. Hasil fermentasi tercepat akan didistilasi sebanyak dua kali dan dianalisa kadar bioetanol dengan GC-MS. Kadar bioetanol dari limbah kulit kering nanas madu didapatkan sebesar 95,66 % dengan waktu fermentasi selama 4 hari.
Humanistyka w szkole – tryb awaryjny
Authors: Koc Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

Humanistyka w szkole – tryb awaryjny
Paradoksy edukacji humanistycznej
Authors: Kłakówna Zofia Agnieszka
Published: January 2021

Tekst wskazuje na zależność myślenia o edukacji humanistycznej od znaczeń nadawanych pojęciom humanizm, humanitaryzm, humanistyka. Akcentuje przy tym absurdy charakteryzujące polską szkołę współczesną. Konkluzja obejmuje jeden zasadniczy wniosek i jeden równie zasadniczy postulat: (1) kultywowanie dziewiętnastowiecznej z ducha edukacyjnej tradycji w zderzeniu z cywilizacyjno-kulturowym kontekstem współczesności prowadzi do intelektualnej katastrofy na pokolenia w przód, (2) o naprawie sytuacji nie ma mowy bez gruntownego przepracowania idei szkoły i de facto wymyślenia jej na nowo.
PISA: czytanie, rozumienie, rozumowanie i - nieporozumienia
Authors: Biedrzycki Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

Artykuł stanowi syntetyczne przedstawienie założeń i wyników badania PISA. Omówione są metodologia badania, sposób jego przeprowadzania, formy zadań. Szczególną uwagę poświęca się dziedzinie głównej z roku 2018, czyli rozumieniu czytanego tekstu. Zostały wyjaśnione podstawowe pojęcia związane z tekstem, sytuacją czytelnika, aktem lektury. W dalszej części omówiono wyniki, z uwzględnieniem pozostałych dziedzin (matematyka, nauki przyrodnicze), zmian w ujęciu historycznym oraz porównań z innymi krajami. Przedstawione zostały również wyniki badań kontekstowych, które dają możliwość przyjrzenia się klimatowi polskiej szkoły, sposobom nauczania, dobrostanowi uczniów. Na koniec została przedstawiona propozycja interpretacji wyników.
Local versus nonlocal elliptic equations: short-long range field interactions
Authors: Cassani Daniele , Vilasi Luca , Wang Youjun
Published: January 2021

In this paper we study a class of one-parameter family of elliptic equations which combines local and nonlocal operators, namely the Laplacian and the fractional Laplacian. We analyze spectral properties, establish the validity of the maximum principle, prove existence, nonexistence, symmetry and regularity results for weak solutions. The asymptotic behavior of weak solutions as the coupling parameter vanishes (which turns the problem into a purely nonlocal one) or goes to infinity (reducing the problem to the classical semilinear Laplace equation) is also investigated.
Stray light analysis and design optimization of geometrical waveguide
Authors: Zhou Yao , Zhang Jufan , Fang Fengzhou
Published: January 2021

Waveguide technology has great prospects of development in optical see-through near-eye displays with larger field of view, lower thickness and lighter weight than other conventional optical technologies. However, the stray light is usually inevitable in current optical design and manufacturing, causing a poor imaging quality. In this paper, the principle and structures of stray light generation are analyzed, and the causes are discussed by non-sequential ray-tracing with mass precision calculation. From the ray-tracing, the suppression of stray light by optimizing design and manufacturing are achieved. A 2 mm-thickness geometrical waveguide with partially reflective mirror array is designed. The field of view of the optimized geometrical waveguide reaches 47° with 10  mm at exit pupil diameter and 20  mm at eye relief.
Influence of photobiomodulation and vitamin D on osteoblastic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells and bone-like tissue formation through enzymatic activity and gene expression
Authors: Abdelgawad Latifa Mohamed , Abdelaziz Asmaa Mohamed , Sabry Dina , Abdelgwad Marwa
Published: January 2021

(1)

Background

Human periodontal ligament stem cells (HPDLSCs) are a unique population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Recently, the positive effects of photobiomodulation on the regulation of MSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation have gained significant attention. This study aimed to assess the effects of photobiomodulation and vitamin D (as an anabolic factor) on HPDLSCs for bone regeneration.

(2)

Methods

HPDLSCs were collected, isolated, and characterized and then divided into six groups: groups I and II, control and (10−7 Mol) vitamin D, respectively; group III, irradiation at 1 J/cm2 of 808-nm diode laser; group IV, irradiation at 1 J/cm2 and culture with vitamin D; group V, irradiation at 2 J/cm2, and group VI, irradiation at 2 J/cm2 and culture with vitamin D. Cell viability assay was measured through MTT assay and cell growth curve. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity and mRNA levels of RUNX2, collagen 1 (Col-1), ALP, and osteonectin were also assessed.

(3)

Results

Photobiomodulation at 1 and 2 J/cm2 combined with vitamin D significantly promoted HPDLSC proliferation (in MTT assay and cell growth curve results) and osteogenic differentiation (through the gene expression of RUNX2, Col-1, ALP, and osteonectin levels (p < 0.05).

(4)

Conclusion

Laser irradiation at 2 J/cm2 combined with vitamin D3 enhanced osteoblast differentiation and proliferation of cultured HPDLSCs and thus could further substitute bone grafting.
Role of phase partitioning in coordinating DNA damage response: focus on the Apurinic Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 interactome
Authors: Tosolini Damiano , Antoniali Giulia , Dalla Emiliano , Tell Gianluca
Published: January 2021

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a way to concentrate biochemical reactions while excluding noninteracting components. Disordered domains of proteins, as well as interaction with RNA, favor condensation but are not mandatory for modulating this process. Recent insights about phase-separation mechanisms pointed to new fascinating models that could explain how cells could cope with DNA damage responses, conferring both spatial and temporal fine regulation. APE1 is a multifunctional protein belonging to the Base Excision Repair (BER) pathway, bearing additional ‘non-canonical’ DNA-repair functions associated with processes like RNA metabolism. Recently, it has been highlighted that several DNA repair enzymes, such as 53BP1 and APE1, are endowed with RNA binding abilities. In this work, after reviewing the recent literature supporting a role of LLPS in DDR, we analyze, as a proof of principle, the interactome of APE1 using a bioinformatics approach to look for clues of LLPS in BER. Some of the APE1 interactors are associated with cellular processes in which LLPS has been either proved or proposed and are involved in different pathogenic events. This work might represent a paradigmatical pipeline for evaluating the relevance of LLPS in DDR.
Sequence comparison and expression analysis of an inferred Na+/Pi cotransporter gene in the marine diatom Skeletonema tropicum
Authors: Hung Shr-Hau , Lu Yung-Hsiu , Chung Chih-Ching , Shih Chi-Yu , Gong Gwo-Ching , Chang Jeng
Published: January 2021

Unicellular algae have evolved to express many forms of high-affinity phosphate transporters, and homologs of these proteins are broadly distributed in yeast, fungi, higher plants, and vertebrates. In this report, an effort has been made to characterize such a transporter gene, StPHO, in the marine diatom Skeletonema tropicum. The primers used for polymerase chain reaction were designed by referring to a homologous gene in a prasinophyte, and the full-length (1692 bp) cDNA of StPHO was then cloned and sequenced. Sequence alignments and secondary structure prediction indicated that StPHO is a gene that encodes a type III Na+/Pi cotransporter (SLC20 family). To study the function of StPHO, specific concentrations of inorganic phosphate (Pi) were used to alter the physiological status of S. tropicum. In each treatment, samples were collected for the measurements of StPHO mRNA, [PO4
3−], cell abundance, the maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (F

v
/F

m
), and alkaline phosphatase activity (APA). The results indicated that the ambient [PO4
3−] strongly affected the population growth and related physiological parameters of S. tropicum. The transcription of StPHO was fully repressed when the [PO4
3−] was greater than 1 μM but increased approximately 100-fold when the ambient [PO4
3−] decreased to 0.02 μM. Within this [PO4
3−] range, the regression equations are Y = −0.6644X + 0.9034 and Y = −0.5908X + 0.8054 for Pi-starved and Pi-limited treatments, respectively. This trend of gene expression suggested that StPHO plays an important role in the uptake of [PO4
3−], and StPHO may serve as a useful molecular biomarker for Pi-stressed diatom populations in marine ecosystems.
DNA barcoding-based assessment of the invasive and native non-crustose Codium species in the central Cantabrian Sea, southern Bay of Biscay
Authors: Skukan Roberta , Rico José M. , Borrell Yaisel J.
Published: January 2021

In this work, we identified non-crustose invasive (Codium fragile subsp. fragile) and native Codium spp. (Codium tomentosum and Codium vermilara) in the central Cantabrian Sea using DNA barcoding (tufA and rbcL genes). We designed a new FCOtufA genetic marker for identifying Codium spp. in fresh and herbarium material. The tufA and rbcL sequences revealed three different single haplotypes for each of the species and a lack of intraspecific genetic diversity. The FCOtufA genetic marker revealed one new haplotype of C. fragile within the native region (South Korea), suggesting the possibility of higher genetic diversity in the donor region of this invasive species.
DNA sequencing reveals three new species of Chamberlainium (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from South Africa, all formerly passing under Spongites yendoi
Authors: Puckree-Padua Courtney A. , Gabrielson Paul W. , Maneveldt Gavin W.
Published: January 2021

Three new non-geniculate coralline algal species from South Africa are described that were passing under the misapplied name, Spongites yendoi. Based on plastid encoded DNA sequences from psbA and rbcL markers, these species belong in the subfamily Chamberlainoideae. The DNA sequences, supported by the morpho-anatomical character of tetrasporangial conceptacle roof development, placed all three species in the genus Chamberlainium and not Pneophyllum, the only other genus in Chamberlainoideae. In addition to the diagnostic DNA sequences, Chamberlainium capense sp. nov., C. glebosum sp. nov. and Chamberlainium occidentale sp. nov. may be distinguished by a combination of habit, habitat, geographic distribution, and several morpho-anatomical features. Biogeographically all three species are found in the Benguela Marine Province of South Africa, with C. occidentale being the most widespread. Chamberlainium glebosum also has a wide, but disjunct distribution and C. capense is another South African endemic non-geniculate coralline, whose range is restricted to a 43 km stretch of coastline. Thus far, DNA sequences from type specimens of non-geniculate corallines show that only those species whose type localities are from South Africa are correctly applied; all other non-geniculate coralline names are likely misapplied in South Africa.
Non-HDL-C/TG ratio indicates significant underestimation of calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) better than TG level: a study on the reliability of mathematical formulas used for LDL-C estimation
Authors: Ćwiklińska Agnieszka , Wieczorek Ewa , Gliwińska Anna , Marcinkowska Marta , Czaplińska Monika , Mickiewicz Agnieszka , Kuchta Agnieszka , Kortas-Stempak Barbara , Gruchała Marcin , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja , Król Ewa , Jankowski Maciej
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the main laboratory parameter used for the management of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to compare measured LDL-C with LDL-C as calculated by the Friedewald, Martin/Hopkins, Vujovic, and Sampson formulas with regard to triglyceride (TG), LDL-C and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C)/TG ratio.

Methods

The 1,209 calculated LDL-C results were compared with LDL-C measured using ultracentrifugation-precipitation (first study) and direct (second study) methods. The Passing-Bablok regression was applied to compare the methods. The percentage difference between calculated and measured LDL-C (total error) and the number of results exceeding the total error goal of 12% were established.

Results

There was good correlation between the measurement and calculation methods (r 0.962–0.985). The median total error ranged from −2.7%/+1.4% (first/second study) for Vujovic formula to −6.7%/−4.3% for Friedewald formula. The numbers of underestimated results exceeding the total error goal of 12% were 67 (Vujovic), 134 (Martin/Hopkins), 157 (Samspon), and 239 (Friedewald). Less than 7% of those results were obtained for samples with TG >4.5 mmol/L. From 57% (Martin/Hopkins) to 81% (Vujovic) of underestimated results were obtained for samples with a non-HDL-C/TG ratio of <2.4.

Conclusions

The Martin/Hopkins, Vujovic and Sampson formulas appear to be more accurate than the Friedewald formula. To minimize the number of significantly underestimated LDL-C results, we propose the implementation of risk categories according to non-HDL-C/TG ratio and suggest that for samples with a non-HDL-C/TG ratio of <1.2, the LDL-C level should not be calculated but measured independently from TG level.
Phytochemicals as steel corrosion inhibitor: an insight into mechanism
Authors: Bhardwaj Nishant , Sharma Pooja , Kumar Vineet
Published: January 2021

Corrosion is a spontaneous process that adversely affects strength and quality of economically vital materials including steel. Plant extracts are emerging as renewable, low cost and eco-friendly alternate to existing toxic chemical corrosion inhibitors. Physisorption, Chemisorption and retrodonation are the main mechanism of corrosion inhibition by plant extracts. Different functional groups of phytochemicals namely carbohydrate, lipids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids and other nitrogen containing metabolites participate in physisorption, chemisorption and retrodonation with steel surface in presence of HCl and H2SO4 to act as corrosion inhibitors. Exact mechanism of inhibition depends upon presence of such phytochemical in the plant extracts.
Stir zone stress corrosion cracking behavior of friction stir welded AA7075-T651 aluminum alloy joints
Authors: Parasuraman Prabhuraj , Selvarajan Rajakumar , Visvalingam Balasubramanian , Ilamurugan Rajkumar , Subramanian Kavitha
Published: January 2021

AA7075 high-strength aluminum alloy, which has many applications in the aircraft, marine and automobile industries, happens to be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) when exposed to corrosive environments, resulting in reduced service life of the components. Inappropriate fabrication processes may augment this behavior. The fabrication of AA7075 components using conventional fusion welding processes may produce defects that include hot cracking and porosity. Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state joining process that can avoid these problems and being widely used for components made of aluminum alloys. Because the joining occurs at a temperature that is lower than the melting point of the material, solidification cracking defects can be eliminated. This study investigates the SCC behavior of FSW AA7075-T651 joints. Horizontal-type SCC test was conducted on circumferential-notched tensile (CNT) specimens exposed to 3.5 wt. % NaCl solutions under various axial stress conditions. The different regions of the fractured specimens, such as the machined notch, SCC region and region of ultimate mechanical failure were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to establish the mechanism of SCC. The threshold stress of parent metal (PM) and stir zone (SZ) of the FSW joint were found to be 242 and 175 MPa, respectively.
Energy saving in batch distillation for separation of ternary zeotropic mixture integrated with vapor recompression scheme: dynamics and control
Authors: Radhika Gandu , Burolia Akash Kumar , Raghu Raja Pandiyan Kuppusamy , Ambati Seshagiri Rao , Patle Dipesh S. , Gara Uday Bhaskar Babu
Published: January 2021

In this work, tight composition control and in parallel the operation is integrated with vapor recompression scheme (VRC) is proposed to achieve energy savings and maximum product at a specified high purity for the separation of ternary zeotropic mixture in batch distillation. Firstly, the model representing a ternary system of hexanol/octanol/decanol has been simulated to analyze the open-loop and close-loop dynamics of the process. Secondly, the open-loop and closed-loop operations are integrated with single stage VRC scheme to achieve energy savings. Single stage VRC is operated at very high compression ratio (CR) due to the large temperature difference of the top and bottom streams in batch distillation column. To further improve the thermodynamic efficiency of single stage VRC, double stage compression without intercoolers between the stages of VRC is proposed. Two control schemes have been implemented for constant composition, namely proportional integral (PI) controller and nonlinear gain scheduling proportional integral (GSPI) with and without VRC in closed-loop. The results shows that double stage VRC with GSPI algorithm provides better performance than conventional in terms of energy, product amount and Integral Square Error (ISE).
Heterogeneous indirect effects for multiple mediators using interventional effect models
Authors: Loh Wen Wei , Moerkerke Beatrijs , Loeys Tom , Vansteelandt Stijn
Published: January 2021

Decomposing an exposure effect on an outcome into separate natural indirect effects through multiple mediators requires strict assumptions, such as correctly postulating the causal structure of the mediators, and no unmeasured confounding among the mediators. In contrast, interventional indirect effects for multiple mediators can be identified even when – as often – the mediators either have an unknown causal structure, or share unmeasured common causes, or both. Existing estimation methods for interventional indirect effects require calculating each distinct indirect effect in turn. This can quickly become unwieldy or unfeasible, especially when investigating indirect effect measures that may be modified by observed baseline characteristics. In this article, we introduce simplified estimation procedures for such heterogeneous interventional indirect effects using interventional effect models. Interventional effect models are a class of marginal structural models that encode the interventional indirect effects as causal model parameters, thus readily permitting effect modification by baseline covariates using (statistical) interaction terms. The mediators and outcome can be continuous or noncontinuous. We propose two estimation procedures: one using inverse weighting by the counterfactual mediator density or mass functions, and another using Monte Carlo integration. The former has the advantage of not requiring an outcome model, but is susceptible to finite sample biases due to highly variable weights. The latter has the advantage of consistent estimation under a correctly specified (parametric) outcome model, but is susceptible to biases due to extrapolation. The estimators are illustrated using publicly available data assessing whether the indirect effects of self-efficacy on fatigue via self-reported post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms vary across different levels of negative coping among health care workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Synthesis of highly branched water-soluble polyester and its surface sizing agent strengthening mechanism
Authors: Duan Wangwang , Li Xiaorui , Shen Yiding , Yang Kai , Zhang Hua
Published: January 2021

Solvent-free and highly branched water-soluble polyester (WPET) is prepared through self-emulsification methodology, using dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), sodium dimethyl isophthalate-5-sulfonate (SIPM), trimethylolpropane (TMP), and ethylene glycol (EG) by the transesterification and polycondensation. The WPET were first utilized as surface-sizing agents for cellulose fiber paper. The structure, average molecular weights, and physical properties of the water-soluble polyester were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic rheometer. The effects of polymer structure and properties, as well as the surface sizing of the paper, were investigated. WPET displayed better surface sizing properties when it was prepared under the following conditions: –COO/–OH molar ratio of 1:2, the SIPM content of 17.98%, and TMP content of 11.10%. The relationships between the WPET structure and sized paper were clearly illustrated. The mechanical properties and water resistance of sized paper did not only depend on multi-branched hydroxyl groups of the WPET chains but also relied on the interactions among polymers and fibers, as well as the high toughness of surface sizing agent. The sizing paper possesses excellent mechanical properties as well as water resistance.
Learning, Dynamic Capabilities, and Firm Performance: The Case of Entrepreneurial Firms in the South Korean Fashion Industry
Authors: Shin Kilho , Singh Nitin Kumar , Pérez-Nordtvedt Liliana
Published: January 2021

Given their small size and young age, entrepreneurial firms are resource deprived. However, to successfully compete in dynamic environments, these firms are still required to build their dynamic capabilities. Using the ever-changing Korean retail fashion industry, we suggest that entrepreneurial firms deprived of formal marketing departments can learn from their main external repositories of market and product knowledge and develop their strategic marketing (dynamic) capabilities as routines, which, in turn, improve the entrepreneurial firms’ performance. Moreover, following the microfoundations argument of dynamic capabilities, we argue that these strategic marketing capabilities in the form of routines can be further enhanced by the entrepreneurial firm’s human resource flexibility. Our data reveals support for our arguments.
Mtr4 RNA helicase structures and interactions
Authors: Olsen Keith J. , Johnson Sean J.
Published: January 2021

Mtr4 is a Ski2-like RNA helicase that plays a central role in RNA surveillance and degradation pathways as an activator of the RNA exosome. Multiple crystallographic and cryo-EM studies over the past 10 years have revealed important insight into the Mtr4 structure and interactions with protein and nucleic acid binding partners. These structures place Mtr4 at the center of a dynamic process that recruits RNA substrates and presents them to the exosome. In this review, we summarize the available Mtr4 structures and highlight gaps in our current understanding.
Estimation of semi-Markov multi-state models: a comparison of the sojourn times and transition intensities approaches
Authors: Asanjarani Azam , Liquet Benoit , Nazarathy Yoni
Published: January 2021

Semi-Markov models are widely used for survival analysis and reliability analysis. In general, there are two competing parameterizations and each entails its own interpretation and inference properties. On the one hand, a semi-Markov process can be defined based on the distribution of sojourn times, often via hazard rates, together with transition probabilities of an embedded Markov chain. On the other hand, intensity transition functions may be used, often referred to as the hazard rates of the semi-Markov process. We summarize and contrast these two parameterizations both from a probabilistic and an inference perspective, and we highlight relationships between the two approaches. In general, the intensity transition based approach allows the likelihood to be split into likelihoods of two-state models having fewer parameters, allowing efficient computation and usage of many survival analysis tools. Nevertheless, in certain cases the sojourn time based approach is natural and has been exploited extensively in applications. In contrasting the two approaches and contemporary relevant R packages used for inference, we use two real datasets highlighting the probabilistic and inference properties of each approach. This analysis is accompanied by an R vignette.
Adaptive relay settings for distribution network with distributed generation (DG) using Sugeno fuzzy inference
Authors: Samuel Anudevi , Shet Vinayak N.
Published: January 2021

The rapid increase in the power demand and the capacity shortage of transmission and distribution system drives the integration of Distributed Generation (DG) units in electrical power distribution networks. The integration of DG resources with distribution network can cause significant impacts in protection due to the bidirectional flow of current, particularly the changes in magnitude and direction of short circuit currents. It may also lead to false tripping or fail to trip the over current protection relays in the power system. The relay parameters have to adapt to the changes in the system to avoid unnecessary trippings. The proposed adaptive over current protection scheme, sets the parameters of the relays according to the changes in the network. This method determines the plug multiplier settings (PMS) and the time multiplier settings (TMS) using Sugeno Fuzzy Inference System (SFIS). The proposed methodology is tested for IEEE 13 bus system and 33 bus system and with the obtained adaptive relay settings, the validation for relay coordination is done using ETAP.
Effects of particle formation behavior on the properties of fish oil microcapsules fabricated using a micro-fluidic jet spray dryer
Authors: Xiong Xingxing , Zhang Shengyu , Fu Nan , Lei Hong , Wu Winston Duo , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: January 2021

Fish oil was encapsulated with whey protein isolate (WPI) as wall material using a Micro-Fluidic Jet Spray Dryer. The effects of core/wall material ratio, drying temperature and total solids content on the properties of microcapsules were studied. Low core/wall material ratios at 1:5 and 1:3 resulted in high encapsulation efficiency (EE) and excellent oxidative stability of microparticles during storage. Reducing the inlet temperature from 160 to 110 °C remarkably decreased EE from around 99 to 64.8%, associated with substantial increases in peroxide value during storage. The total solids content mainly altered the morphology of microcapsules, showing little influence on EE and oxidative stability. We proposed that the different drying conditions impacted on particle formation behavior during spray drying, which could be a crucial factor responsible for the differences in the quality attributes of microparticles. A low core/wall material ratio and high drying temperature facilitated the formation of a rigid protein skin at droplet surface during drying, whereas a high solids fraction in the droplets could limit possible droplet shrinkage. These factors contributed positively to the encapsulation of the lipophilic core material.
Tri-frequency ultrasound as pretreatment to infrared drying of carrots: impact on enzyme inactivation, color changes, nutrition quality parameters and microstructures
Authors: Guo Yiting , Wu Bengang , Lu Daipeng , Pan Zhongli , Ma Haile
Published: January 2021

The effects of tri-frequency ultrasound as pretreatment on the peroxidase (POD) inactivation and infrared drying attributes of carrots were studied in the temperature range of 60–80 °C. Thermosonication (TS) treatment reduced 65.21, 73.33 and 81.43% POD activity after 5 min for the temperatures at 60, 70 and 80 °C, respectively, which were all higher than hot water (HW) blanching treated samples. The first-order kinetics fitted well for the POD inactivation curves. Similar retention ranges of vitamin C (VC) were observed after TS (88.41–82.51%) and HW (91.91–88.75%) treatments at the studied range of temperatures. Compared to HW treated samples, drying times of thermosonicated carrot slices were shortened by 13.6, 15 and 15.8% for blanching temperatures at 60, 70 and 80 °C, respectively. The aid of ultrasound showed a positive effect on the rehydration ration (RR) of samples. Sonicated dried samples exhibited higher hardness compared with thermal dried samples. No significant variation (p > 0.05) in the total color difference (ΔE) was attained for dried carrot slices pretreated by TS and HW processes.
A note on a sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding, and the related E-value
Authors: Sjölander Arvid
Published: January 2021

Unmeasured confounding is one of the most important threats to the validity of observational studies. In this paper we scrutinize a recently proposed sensitivity analysis for unmeasured confounding. The analysis requires specification of two parameters, loosely defined as the maximal strength of association that an unmeasured confounder may have with the exposure and with the outcome, respectively. The E-value is defined as the strength of association that the confounder must have with the exposure and the outcome, to fully explain away an observed exposure-outcome association. We derive the feasible region of the sensitivity analysis parameters, and we show that the bounds produced by the sensitivity analysis are not always sharp. We finally establish a region in which the bounds are guaranteed to be sharp, and we discuss the implications of this sharp region for the interpretation of the E-value. We illustrate the theory with a real data example and a simulation.