bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Genetic Factors on the Age of Onset for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Addition to the Conventional Risk Factors
Authors: Piko Peter , Werissa Nardos Abebe , Fiatal Szilvia , Sandor Janos , Adany Roza
Published: December 2020

It is generally accepted that the early detection of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is important to prevent the development of complications and comorbidities, as well as premature death. The onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus results from a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors. Our study aims to evaluate the joint effect of T2DM associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the age of onset for T2DM in combination with conventional risk factors (such as sex, body mass index (BMI), and TG/HDL-C ratio) in the Hungarian population. This study includes 881 T2DM patients (Case population) and 1415 samples from the Hungarian general population (HG). Twenty-three SNPs were tested on how they are associated with the age of onset for T2DM in the Case population and 12 of them with a certified effect on the age of T2DM onset were chosen for an optimized genetic risk score (GRS) analysis. Testing the validity of the GRS model developed was carried out on the HG population. The GRS showed a significant association with the age of onset for T2DM (β = −0.454, p = 0.001) in the Case population, as well as among T2DM patients in the HG one (β = −0.999, p = 0.003) in the replication study. The higher the GRS, the earlier was the T2DM onset. Individuals with more than eight risk alleles will presumably be diabetic six and a half years earlier than those with less than four risk alleles. Our results suggest that there is a considerable genetic predisposition for the early onset of T2DM; therefore, in addition to conventional risk factors, GRS can be used as a tool for estimating the risk of the earlier onset of T2DM and stratifying populations at risk in order to define preventive interventions.
Preoperative Predicting the WHO/ISUP Nuclear Grade of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma by Computed Tomography-Based Radiomics Features
Authors: Moldovanu Claudia-Gabriela , Boca Bianca , Lebovici Andrei , Tamas-Szora Attila , Feier Diana Sorina , Crisan Nicolae , Andras Iulia , Buruian Mircea Marian
Published: December 2020

Nuclear grade is important for treatment selection and prognosis in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This study aimed to determine the ability of preoperative four-phase multiphasic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT)-based radiomics features to predict the WHO/ISUP nuclear grade. In all 102 patients with histologically confirmed ccRCC, the training set (n = 62) and validation set (n = 40) were randomly assigned. In both datasets, patients were categorized according to the WHO/ISUP grading system into low-grade ccRCC (grades 1 and 2) and high-grade ccRCC (grades 3 and 4). The feature selection process consisted of three steps, including least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, and the radiomics scores were developed using 48 radiomics features (10 in the unenhanced phase, 17 in the corticomedullary (CM) phase, 14 in the nephrographic (NP) phase, and 7 in the excretory phase). The radiomics score (Rad-Score) derived from the CM phase achieved the best predictive ability, with a sensitivity, specificity, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 90.91%, 95.00%, and 0.97 in the training set. In the validation set, the Rad-Score derived from the NP phase achieved the best predictive ability, with a sensitivity, specificity, and an AUC of 72.73%, 85.30%, and 0.84. We constructed a complex model, adding the radiomics score for each of the phases to the clinicoradiological characteristics, and found significantly better performance in the discrimination of the nuclear grades of ccRCCs in all MDCT phases. The highest AUC of 0.99 (95% CI, 0.92–1.00, p < 0.0001) was demonstrated for the CM phase. Our results showed that the MDCT radiomics features may play a role as potential imaging biomarkers to preoperatively predict the WHO/ISUP grade of ccRCCs.
Climate Change and Its Influence on the Active Layer Depth in Central Yakutia
Authors: Desyatkin Alexey , Fedorov Pavel , Filippov Nikolay , Desyatkin Roman
Published: December 2020

Analysis of climatic conditions for the period of instrumental measurement in Central Yakutia showed three periods with two different mean annual air temperature (MAAT) shifts. These periods were divided into 1930–1987 (base period A), 1988–2006 (period B) and 2007–2018 (period C) timelines. The MAAT during these three periods amounted −10.3, −8.6 and −7.4 °C, respectively. Measurement of active layer depth (ALD) of permafrost pale soil under the forest (natural) and arable land (anthropogenic) were carried out during 1990–2018 period. MAAT change for this period affected an early transition of negative temperatures to positive and a later establishment of negative temperatures. Additionally, a shortening of the winter season and an extension of the duration of days with positive temperatures was found. Since the permafrost has a significant impact on soil moisture and thermal regimes, the deepening of ALD plays a negative role for studied soils. An increase in the ALD can cause thawing of underground ice and lead to degradation of the ice-rich permafrost. This thaw process causes a change of the ecological balance and leads to the destruction of natural landscapes, sometimes with a complete or prolonged loss of their biological productivity. During this observation (1990–2018 period) the active layer of permafrost is characterized by high dynamics, depending on climatic parameters such as air temperature, as well as thickness and duration of snow cover. A significant increase in ALD of forest permafrost soils—by 80 cm and 65 cm—on arable land was measured during the observation period (28 years).
Cultural Ecosystem Services in the Natura 2000 Network: Introducing Proxy Indicators and Conflict Risk in Greece
Authors: Vlami Vassiliki , Kokkoris Ioannis , Zogaris Stamatis , Kehayias George , Dimopoulos Panayotis
Published: December 2020

Within the ecosystem services framework, cultural ecosystem services (CES) have rarely been applied in state-wide surveys of protected area networks. Through a review of available data and online research, we present 22 potential proxy indicators of non-material benefits people may obtain from nature in Natura sites in Greece. Despite the limitations due to data scarcity, this first distance-based study screens a recently expanded protected area system (446 Natura sites) providing steps towards an initial CES capacity review, site prioritization and data gap screening. Results identify hot spot Natura sites for CES values and wider areas of importance for the supply of CES. Additionally, a risk analysis mapping exercise explores the potential risk of conflict in the Natura sites, due to proposed wind farm developments. Α number of sites that may suffer serious degradation of CES values due to the large number of proposed wind turbines within these protected areas is identified, with 26% of Greece’s Natura sites showing serious and high risk of degradation of their aesthetic values. Screening-level survey exercises such as these may play an important role in advancing conservation effectiveness by increasing the appreciation of the multiple benefits provided by Natura protected areas. Based on this review, we propose recommendations through an adaptive approach to CES inventory and research initiatives in the protected area network.
MiRNA Expression in Patients with Gaucher Disease Treated with Enzyme Replacement Therapy
Authors: Pawliński Łukasz , Polus Anna , Tobór Ewa , Sordyl Maria , Kopka Marianna , Solnica Bogdan , Kieć-Wilk Beata
Published: December 2020

Aims: The aim of the work was to establish potential biomarkers or drug targets by analysing changes in miRNA concentration among patients with Gaucher disease (GD) compared to in healthy subjects. Methods: This study was an observational, cross-sectional analysis of 30 adult participants: 10 controls and 20 adults with GD type 1. Patients with GD type 1 were treated with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for at least two years. The control group was composed of healthy volunteers, unrelated to the patients, adjusted with age, sex and body mass index (BMI). The miRNA alteration between these groups was examined. After obtaining preliminary results on a group of six GD patients by the high-output method (TaqMan low-density array (TLDA)), potential miRNAs were selected for confirming the results by using the qRT-PCR method. With Diane Tools, we analysed miRNAs of which differential expression is most significant and their potential role in GD pathophysiology. We also determined the essential pathways these miRNAs are involved in. Results: 266 dysregulated miRNAs were found among 753 tested. Seventy-eight miRNAs were downregulated, and 188 were upregulated. Thirty miRNAs were significantly altered; all of them were upregulated. The analysis of pathways regulated by the selected miRNAs showed an effect on bone development, inflammation or regulation of axonal transmission in association with Parkinson’s disease. Conclusions: We revealed few miRNAs, like miR-26-5p, which are highly altered and fit the GD pathophysiological model, might be considered as novel biomarkers of disease progression but need further evaluation.
The Role of Fibrosis in Osteoarthritis Progression
Authors: Rim Yeri Alice , Ju Ji Hyeon
Published: December 2020

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease where the main characteristics include cartilage degeneration and synovial membrane inflammation. These changes in the knee joint eventually dampen the function of the joint and restrict joint movement, which eventually leads to a stage where total joint replacement is the only treatment option. While much is still unknown about the pathogenesis and progression mechanism of OA, joint fibrosis can be a critical issue for better understanding this disease. Synovial fibrosis and the generation of fibrocartilage are the two main fibrosis-related characteristics that can be found in OA. However, these two processes remain mostly misunderstood. In this review, we focus on the fibrosis process in OA, especially in the cartilage and the synovium tissue, which are the main tissues involved in OA.
Oscillations of EPR Signals Accompanying Belousov–Zhabotinsky Reaction
Authors: Morgunov Roman , Tanimoto Yoshifumi
Published: December 2020

Periodical transformation of ferroin to ferriin is accompanied by changes in magnetic properties of liquids during Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction malonic acid, sodium bromide, sodium bromate, ferroin, and sulfuric acid. Instead of the earlier studied oscillation of microwave conductivity accompanying an oscillating reaction, we propose a flash technique to interrupt the BZ reaction by rapid freezing. Rapid cooling of a solution during chemical oscillations results in a frozen system with a fixed concentration of paramagnetic centers Fe3+. EPR spectrum recorded at different stages of the interrupted reaction corresponds to the exact concentration of the ferroin and ferriin components. Following unfreezing unblocks the BZ reaction, and oscillations are still observed. A simulated spectrum allows one to distinguish two groups of Fe3+ ions of different symmetries. The obtained results are important to explain the earlier observed effect of inhomogeneous magnetic field on BZ reaction front velocity.
Classifying a Lending Portfolio of Loans with Dynamic Updates via a Machine Learning Technique
Authors: Soleymani Fazlollah , Masnavi Houman , Shateyi Stanford
Published: December 2020

Bankruptcy prediction has been broadly investigated using financial ratios methodologies. One involved factor is the quality of the portfolio of loans which is given. Hence, having a model to classify/predict position of each loan candidate based on several features is important. In this work, an application of machine learning approach in mathematical finance and banking is discussed. It is shown how we can classify some lending portfolios of banks under several features such as rating categories and various maturities. Dynamic updates of the portfolio are also given along with the top probabilities showing how the financial data of this type can be classified. The discussions and results reveal that a good algorithm for doing such a classification on large economic data of such type is the k-nearest neighbors (KNN) with k=1 along with parallelization even over the support vector machine, random forest, and artificial neural network techniques to save as much as possible on computational time.
The Effect of Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibitor on Pain in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Miles Victoria N. , Patel Roma K. , Smith Amanda G. , McCall Ryan P. , Wu Jun , Lei Wei
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives: Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a molecular chaperone that plays an essential role in tumor growth. Numerous Hsp90 inhibitors have been discovered and tested in preclinical and clinical trials. Recently, several preclinical studies have demonstrated that Hsp90 inhibitors could modulate pain sensitization. However, no studies have evaluated the impact of Hsp90 inhibitors on pain in the patients. This study aims to summarize the pain events reported in clinical trials assessing Hsp90 inhibitors and to determine the effect of Hsp90 inhibitors on pain in patients. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed, EBSCOhost, and clinicaltrials.gov for Hsp90 inhibitor clinical trials. The pain-related adverse events were summarized. Meta-analysis was performed using the data reported in randomized controlled trials. Results: We identified 90 clinical trials that reported pain as an adverse effect, including 5 randomized controlled trials. The most common types of pain reported in all trials included headache, abdominal pain, and back pain. The meta-analysis showed that Hsp90 inhibitors increased the risk of abdominal pain significantly and appeared to increase the risk for back pain. Conclusions: In conclusion, Hsp90 inhibitor treatment could potentially increase the risk of pain. However, the meta-analysis demonstrated only moderate evidence for the connection between Hsp90 inhibitor and pain.
Thermochemical Performance Analysis of the Steam Reforming of Methane in a Fixed Bed Membrane Reformer: A Modelling and Simulation Study
Authors: de Medeiros João Paulo Fernando , da Fonseca Dias Vitória , da Silva José Marcelo , da Silva Jornandes Dias
Published: December 2020

Pd-based membrane reformers have been substantially studied in the past as a promising reformer to produce high-purity H2 from thermochemical conversion of methane (CH4). A variety of research approaches have been taken in the experimental and theoretical fields. The main objective of this work is a theoretical modelling to describe the process variables of the Steam Reforming of Methane (SRM) method on the Pd-based membrane reformer. These process variables describe the specific aims of each equation of the mathematical model characterizing the performance from reformer. The simulated results of the mole fractions of components (MFCs) at the outlet of the Fixed Bed Reformer (FBR) and Packed-Bed Membrane Reformer (PBMR) have been validated. When the H2O/CH4 ratio decreases in PBMR, the Endothermic Reaction Temperature (ERT) is notably increased (998.32 K) at the outlet of the PBMR’s reaction zone. On the other hand, when the H2O/CH4 ratio increases in PBMR, the ERT is remarkably decreased (827.83 K) at the outlet of the PBMR’s reaction zone. An increase of the spatial velocity (Ssp) indicates a reduction in the residence time of reactant molecules inside PBMR and, thus, a decrease of the ERT and conversion of CH4. In contrast, a reduction of the Ssp shows an increase of the residence time of reactant molecules within PBMR and, therefore, a rise of the ERT and conversion of CH4. An increase of the H2O/CH4 ratio raises the conversion rate (CR) of CH4 due to the reduction of the coke content on the catalyst particles. Conversely, a reduction of the H2O/CH4 ratio decreases the CR of CH4 owing to the increase of the coke content on the catalyst particles. Contrary to the CR of CH4, the consumption-based yield (CBY) of H2 sharply decreases with the increase of the H2O/CH4 ratio. An increase of the ERT raises the thermochemical energy storage efficiency (ηtese) from 68.96% (ERT = 1023 K), 63.21% (ERT = 973 K), and 48.12% (ERT = 723 K). The chemical energy, sensible heat, and heat loss reached values of 384.96 W, 151.68 W, and 249.73 W at 973 K. The selectivity of H2 presents higher amounts in the gaseous mixture that varies from 60.98 to 73.18 while CH4 showed lower values ranging from 1.41 to 2.06. Our work is limited to the SRM method. In terms of future uses of this method, new works can be undertaken using novel materials (open-cell foams) and the physical-mathematical model (two-dimensional and three-dimensional) to evaluate the concentration polarization inside membrane reactors.
Characterisation of a Real-World Søderberg Electrode
Authors: Glastonbury Ralph Ivor , Beukes Johan Paul , van Zyl Pieter Gideon , Tangstad Merete , Ringdalen Eli , Dall Douglas , Steenkamp Joalet Dalene , Mushwana Masana
Published: December 2020

Very little research on Søderberg electrodes has been published in the journal peer reviewed public domain. The main aim of this work is to characterise a Søderberg electrode that was cut off approximately 0.5 m below the contacts shoes of a submerged arc furnace. Additionally, the characterisation data can be used to verify if Søderberg electrode models accurately predict important electrode characteristics. The operational history (slipping, current, and paste levels) proved that the case study electrode was a representative specimen. The characterisation results indicated no significant electrical resistivity, degree of graphitisation (DOG), and bulk density changes from 0.7 to 2.7 m on the non-delta side (outward facing), while these characteristics changed relatively significantly on the delta side (inward facing) of the electrode. The area where the submerged arc would mostly like jump off the electrode had the lowest resistivity, as well as highest DOG and bulk density. No significant difference in porosity as a function of length below the contact shoes were observed; however, slight increases occurred near the perimeters. It was postulated that oxidation of carbon resulted in increased pore volumes near the electrode perimeter. No significant difference in compressive breaking strength was observed over the electrode area investigated.
Channel Shape Effects on Device Instability of Amorphous Indium–Gallium–Zinc Oxide Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Seo Seung Gi , Yu Seung Jae , Kim Seung Yeob , Jeong Jinheon , Jin Sung Hun
Published: December 2020

Channel shape dependency on device instability for amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) is investigated by using various channel shape devices along with systematic electrical characterization including DC I-V characeristics and bias temperature stress tests. a-IGZO TFTs with various channel shapes such as zigzag, circular, and U-type channels are implemented and their vertical and lateral electric field stress (E-field) effects are systematically tested and analyzed by using an experimental and modeling study. Source and drain (S/D) electrode asymmetry and vertical E-field effects on device instability are neglibible, whereas the lateral E-field effects significantly affect device instability, particularly for zigzag channel shape, compared to circular and U-type TFTs. Moreover, charge trapping time (τ) for zigzag-type a-IGZO TFTs is extracted as 3.8 × 104, which is at least three-times smaller than those of other channel-type a-IGZO TFTs, hinting that local E-field enhancement can critically affect the device reliability. The Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) simulation results reveal the locally enhanced E-field at both corner region in the channel in a quantitative mode and its correlation with hemisphere radius (ρ) values.
The Effect of Migratory Beekeeping on the Infestation Rate of Parasites in Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) Colonies and on Their Genetic Variability
Authors: Jara Laura , Ruiz Carlos , Martín-Hernández Raquel , Muñoz Irene , Higes Mariano , Serrano José , De la Rúa Pilar
Published: December 2020

Migratory beekeeping is a widely extended practice aimed at increasing the yield of products and pollination services of honey bee colonies. However, it represents a stress factor, as it facilitates the dissemination of diseases and may compromise the genetic identity of the colonies involved. To analyze the extent of these effects, pathogens infestation rate and genetic composition were monitored in a field experiment comparing stationary and migratory colonies sharing the same environmental conditions but differing in management (stationary vs. migratory) and genetic background. We studied the pathogens infestation rate (Varroa destructor, Nosema spp., and Deformed Wing Virus (DWV)) at four different times: before migratory operation, two weeks later, at the end of the migratory period, and two weeks after the return of the migratory hives. An increased incidence of V. destructor and Nosema ceranae and a lower DWV viral load were found in migratory colonies. Temporary changes in genetic diversity were detected regardless of colony type, suggesting that stressors other than management affect the genetic diversity of the colonies. Our study demonstrates that migratory practices have variable effects on the health and genetic diversity of honey bee colonies, which should be taken into account for the development of sustainable beekeeping.
Designing Slow Cities for More Than Human Enrichment: Dog Tales—Using Narrative Methods to Understand Co-Performative Place-Making
Authors: Turner Jane , Morrison Ann
Published: December 2020

Designing for slow cities and the need to design for future urban environments that include the more than human is a major priority for our times. This position paper problematizes the nature–culture divide in research about place and place-making, where place is understood to be about the sense of meaning we layer on locations in the physical world. It emphasizes the importance of narrative identity and place-making in the context of designing for urban environmental futures and creation of slow cities. We present an overview of a methodology to re-emplace place-making with animals in the context of slow cities and designing for the more than human. The work discussed here explores the use of narrative inquiry with some early narrative data (in the form of stories) about dog walks and those moments where our companion animals demonstrate agentic place-based meaning-making. The problem of understanding “what animals want” and how they make might ”make sense” of an experience is approached via a focus on a rich exemplar case in order to distinguish between emplotment (narrative meaning-making as self) and emplacement (narrative meaning-making as an aspect of place). This is used to create a framework for future evaluation with a view to revealing how “more than human stories”—just like our own familiar human stories—are also about agency and meaning in place. This recognition has import for ways in which we might approach decentring the human when we frame urban design activities.
Polycarbonate/Titania Hybrid Films with Localized Photo-Induced Magnetic-Phase Transition
Authors: Hara Shuta , Kurebayashi Sei , Sanae Genza , Watanabe Shota , Kaneko Takehiro , Toyama Takeshi , Shimizu Shigeru , Ikake Hiroki
Published: December 2020

Materials that exhibit the photo-induced magnetic-phase transition of titania are receiving significant attention because they can be easily switched between diamagnetism and paramagnetism by UV irradiation. However, it is difficult to store photo-induced titanium (Ti3+) in air because of its easy oxidation upon oxygen exposure. In this study, titania/polycarbonate hybrid films were prepared using linear 1,6-hexanediol (PHMCD), cyclic 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (PCHCD), or their copolymerized carbonate oligomers using the sol–gel method. The oxygen permeability of the hybrid film decreased as the ratio of the ring structure increased by a factor of approximately 32 from PHMCD with only the chain structure to PCHCD with only the ring structure. These hybrid films can generate Ti3+ under a UV irradiation of 250 W for 2 h, and the difference in oxygen permeability significantly affected the lifetime of the Ti3+ by a factor of up to 120. In addition, the tensile tests and IR measurements demonstrated that UV irradiation had little effect on the mechanical intensity and matrix chemical structure. Moreover, the magnetic susceptibility of Ti3+ present in PCHCD was confirmed to be 6.2 (10−3 emu/g(titania)) under an external magnetic field of 5 T induced using a superconducting quantum interference device.
Development of High Dielectric Electrostrictive PVDF Terpolymer Blends for Enhanced Electromechanical Properties
Authors: Kim Il Jin , Cho Kie Yong , Kim Eunji , Kwon Young Je , Shon Min Young , Park Bo-In , Yu Seunggun , Lee Jin Hong
Published: December 2020

Electroactive polymers with high dielectric constants and low moduli can offer fast responses and large electromechanical strain under a relatively low electric field with regard to theoretical driving forces of electrostriction and electrostatic force. However, the conventional electroactive polymers, including silicone rubbers and acrylic polymers, have shown low dielectric constants (ca. < 4) because of their intrinsic limitation, although they have lower moduli (ca. < 1 MPa) than inorganics. To this end, we proposed the high dielectric PVDF terpolymer blends (PVTC-PTM) including poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoro-ethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE-CFE), PVTC) as a matrix and micelle structured poly(3-hexylthiophene)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) (P3HT-b-PMMA, PTM) as a conducting filler. The dielectric constant of PVTC-PTM dramatically increased up to 116.8 at 100 Hz despite adding only 2 wt% of the polymer-type filler (PTM). The compatibility and crystalline properties of the PVTC-PTM blends were examined by microscopic, thermal, and X-ray studies. The PVTC-PTM showed more compatible blends than those of the P3HT homopolymer filler (PT) and led to higher crystallinity and smaller crystal grain size relative to those of neat PVTC and PVTC with the PT filler (PVTC-PT). Those by the PVTC-PTM blends can beneficially affect the high-performance electromechanical properties compared to those by the neat PVTC and the PVTC-PT blend. The electromechanical strain of the PVTC-PTM with 2 wt% PTM (PVTC-PTM2) showed ca. 2-fold enhancement (0.44% transverse strain at 30 Vpp μm−1) relative to that of PVTC. We found that the more significant electromechanical performance of the PVTC-PTM blend than the PVTC was predominantly due to the electrostrictive force rather than electrostatic force. We believe that the acquired PVTC-PTM blends are great candidates to achieve the high-performance electromechanical strain and take all benefits derived from the all-organic system, including high electrical breakdown strength, processibility, dielectrics, and large strain, which are largely different from the organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite systems.
The Features of Phase Stability of GaN and AlN Films at Nanolevel
Authors: Chepkasov Ilya V. , Erohin Sergey V. , Sorokin Pavel B.
Published: December 2020

Recently, two-dimensional gallium and aluminum nitrides have triggered a vast interest in their tunable optical and electronic properties. Continuation of this research requires a detailed understanding of their atomic structure. Here, by using first-principles calculations we reported a systematic study of phase stability of 2D-GaN and 2D-AlN. We showed that the films undergo a phase transition from a graphene-like to a wurtzite structure with a thickness increase, whereas the early reported body-centered-tetragonal phase requires specific conditions for stabilization. Additionally, we studied how the functionalization of the surface can modify the film structure as exemplified by hydrogenation.
Nonlinear Distortion Mitigation in Multi-IF over Fiber Transmission Using Modulation-Based Adaptive Power Allocation
Authors: Ha Inho , Park Hyoung-Joon , Kang Soo-Min , Han Sang-Kook
Published: December 2020

We propose a modulation-based adaptive power allocation (MBAPA) technique for nonlinear distortion mitigation in intermediate frequency over fiber (IFoF) systems. The technique allocates the spectral power of each IF band according to the required signal-to-noise power ratio (SNR) of the modulation format. To demonstrate the performance of the technique, transmission experiments were performed in 10 km and 20 km with 24-IF bands using OFDM signals. The feasibility of the proposed MBAPA technique was experimentally verified by reducing inter-modulation distortion (IMD) power and enhancing channel linearity.
Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Paddy Plants at the Northern Region of Malaysia Using ICPMS and Its Risk Assessment
Authors: Zulkafflee Nur Syahirah , Redzuan Nurul Adillah Mohd , Selamat Jinap , Ismail Mohd Razi , Praveena Sarva Mangala , Razis Ahmad Faizal Abdull
Published: December 2020

Heavy metals from natural and anthropogenic sources accumulate in soil and plants and as a consequence represent important environmental contamination problems. Nevertheless, food safety issues and adverse health risks make this one of the most serious environmental issues. The aim of the present study was to assess heavy metal contamination in the paddy plants from the northern area of Malaysia using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) and its risk assessment. In total, the heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Cr, and Pb) of the samples of paddy plants harvested from Kedah areas were extracted using an acid digestion method, while the heavy metals for soil samples using ammonium acetate. The heavy metal concentrations were then analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The enrichment (EF) and translocation factors (TF) of heavy metals were calculated, and health risk assessment (HRA) was performed. The EF values for heavy metals from the soil to roots, roots to stems, stems to leaves, and stems to grains followed the order Cu > As > Cr > Cd > Pb, whereas Cr and Pb were characterized by greater TF values from stem to grain than the other elements. The average daily dose (ADD) for both children and adults is below the safe value intake for each of the studied elements. The combined hazard index (HI) of five elements was beyond the acceptable value (HI >1). The carcinogenic risk, as exemplified by lifetime cancer risk (LCR), indicated that single exposure to As or Cr, in both adults and children, was greater than 10−4. The total cancer risk (CRt) resulting from multiple exposure to carcinogenic elements exceeded the acceptable value (CRt >1 ×10−4) in both adults and children. Overall, exposure to heavy metals through rice consumption poses potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to the local residents in the northern area; thus, regular monitoring of pollution in the area is crucial.
Genomic Dissection of Peduncle Morphology in Barley through Nested Association Mapping
Authors: Zahn Sebastian , Schmutzer Thomas , Pillen Klaus , Maurer Andreas
Published: December 2020

Straw biomass and stability are crucial for stable yields. Moreover, straw harbors the potential to serve as a valuable raw material for bio-economic processes. The peduncle is the top part of the last shoot internode and carries the spike. This study investigates the genetic control of barley peduncle morphology. Therefore, 1411 BC1S3 lines of the nested association mapping (NAM) population “Halle Exotic Barley 25” (HEB-25), generated by crossing the spring barley elite cultivar Barke with an assortment of 25 exotic barley accessions, were used. Applying 50k Illumina Infinium iSelect SNP genotyping yielded new insights and a better understanding of the quantitative trait loci (QTL) involved in controlling the peduncle diameter traits, we found the total thickness of peduncle tissues and the area of the peduncle cross-section. We identified three major QTL regions on chromosomes 2H and 3H mainly impacting the traits. Remarkably, the exotic allele at the QTL on chromosome 3H improved all three traits investigated in this work. Introgressing this QTL in elite cultivars might facilitate to adjust peduncle morphology for improved plant stability or enlarged straw biomass production independent of flowering time and without detrimental effects on grain yield.
Time of Flight Size Control of Carbon Nanoparticles Using Ar+CH4 Multi-Hollow Discharge Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition Method
Authors: Hwang Sung Hwa , Koga Kazunori , Hao Yuan , Attri Pankaj , Okumura Takamasa , Kamataki Kunihiro , Itagaki Naho , Shiratani Masaharu , Oh Jun-Seok , Takabayashi Susumu , Nakatani Tatsuyuki
Published: December 2020

As the application of nanotechnology increases continuously, the need for controlled size nanoparticles also increases. Therefore, in this work, we discussed the growth mechanism of carbon nanoparticles generated in Ar+CH4 multi-hollow discharge plasmas. Using the plasmas, we succeeded in continuous generation of hydrogenated amorphous carbon nanoparticles with controlled size (25–220 nm) by the gas flow. Among the nanoparticle growth processes in plasmas, we confirmed the deposition of carbon-related radicals was the dominant process for the method. The size of nanoparticles was proportional to the gas residence time in holes of the discharge electrode. The radical deposition developed the nucleated nanoparticles during their transport in discharges, and the time of flight in discharges controlled the size of nanoparticles.
Modifying Effects of Physical Processes on Starch and Dietary Fiber Content of Foodstuffs
Authors: Nagy Róbert , Máthé Endre , Csapó János , Sipos Péter
Published: December 2020

Carbohydrates are one of the most important nutrients in human consumption. The digestible part of carbohydrates has a significant role in maintaining the energy status of the body and the non-digestible parts like dietary fibers have specific nutritional functions. One of the key issues of food processing is how to influence the technological and nutritional properties of carbohydrates to meet modern dietary requirements more effectively, considering particularly the trends in the behavior of people and food-related health issues. Physical processing methods have several advantages compared to the chemical methods, where chemical reagents, such as acids or enzymes, are used for the modification of components. Furthermore, in most cases, these is no need to apply them supplementarily in the technology, only a moderate modification of current technology can result in significant changes in dietary properties. This review summarizes the novel results about the nutritional and technological effects of physical food processing influencing the starch and dietary fiber content of plant-derived foodstuffs.
Islamic Law and the Neoijtihadist Phenomenon
Authors: Takim Liyakat
Published: December 2020

Many contemporary scholars claim that erstwhile juristic determinations were intertwined with the socio-political realities in the eighth and ninth centuries, the classical period of Islamic law. They also maintain that although the Qur’an is a divinely revealed and immutable text, the applicability of its verses is contingent on the needs and conditions of the times. This paper argues that there is a need to move beyond the current form of ijtihad to an era of neoijtihadism in Twelver Shi‘ism. The present ijtihad, which was developed in the medieval ages, has failed to produce a coherent legal system that can effectively respond to the needs of contemporary Muslims. The paper will focus on the neoijtihadist phenomenon and will argue that the traditional text-centered ijtihad has to be replaced with a new form of ijtihad which utilizes different forms of exegetical and epistemological principles to formulate rulings that will serve the Muslim community better. Neoijtihadism, as I call it, will entail a re-evaluation of classical juristic formulations and, based on the application of new exegetical and interpretive principles, can engender a divergent form of jurisprudence that is based on different epistemological parameters and universal moral values. Neoijtihadism will also entail revamping traditional Islamic legal theory (usul al-fiqh), which has hampered rather than enhanced the formulations of newer laws.
Vegan YouTubers Performing Ethical Beliefs
Authors: Harding Kim , Day Abby
Published: December 2020

In Great Britain, “religion or belief” is one of nine “protected characteristics” under the Equality Act 2010, which protects citizens from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. This paper begins with a discussion about a 2020 ruling, “Jordi Casamitjana vs. LACS”, which concluded that ethical vegans are entitled to similar legal protections in British workplaces as those who hold philosophical religious beliefs. While not all vegans hold a philosophical belief to the same extent as Casamitjana, the ruling is significant and will be of interest to scholars investigating non-religious ethical beliefs. To explore this, we have analysed a sample of YouTube videos on the theme of “my vegan story”, showing how vloggers circulate narratives about ethical veganism and the process of their conversion to vegan beliefs and practices. The story format can be understood as what Abby Day has described as a performative “belief narrative”, offering a greater opportunity to understand research participants’ beliefs and related identities than, for example, findings from a closed-question survey. We suggest that through performative acts, YouTubers create “ethical beliefs” through the social, mediatised, transformative, performative and relational practice of their digital content. In doing so, we incorporate a digital perspective to enrich academic discussions of non-religious beliefs.
Development of Multiple Behaviors in Evolving Robots
Authors: Massagué Respall Victor , Nolfi Stefano
Published: December 2020

We investigate whether standard evolutionary robotics methods can be extended to support the evolution of multiple behaviors by forcing the retention of variations that are adaptive with respect to all required behaviors. This is realized by selecting the individuals located in the first Pareto fronts of the multidimensional fitness space in the case of a standard evolutionary algorithms and by computing and using multiple gradients of the expected fitness in the case of a modern evolutionary strategies that move the population in the direction of the gradient of the fitness. The results collected on two extended versions of state-of-the-art benchmarking problems indicate that the latter method permits to evolve robots capable of producing the required multiple behaviors in the majority of the replications and produces significantly better results than all the other methods considered.
Use, Practices and Attitudes of Sports Nutrition and Strength and Conditioning Practitioners towards Tart Cherry Supplementation
Authors: Sabou Vlad , Wangdi Jimmy , O’Leary Mary F. , Kelly Vincent G. , Bowtell Joanna L.
Published: December 2020

Tart cherry (TC) supplementation has been shown to accelerate post-exercise recovery, enhance endurance performance and improve sleep duration and quality. This study aimed to identify the use, practices and attitudes of sports nutrition and strength and conditioning practitioners towards tart cherry supplementation. Thirty-five practitioners anonymously completed an online survey investigating their use, practices and attitudes towards tart cherry supplements. Forty-six percent of the responders were currently recommending TC supplements, 11% had previously recommended TC supplements and 26% have not previously recommended TC supplements but were planning on doing so in the future. Of those recommending TC, 50% recommended or were planning on recommending TC supplements to enhance exercise recovery and 26% to improve sleep duration and quality. Acute supplementation and daily use during multi-day competition or demanding training blocks with a 2–3-day pre-load were the most reported supplementation recommendations (28% and 18%, respectively). Fifty-two percent of responders indicated uncertainty about the daily polyphenol dose to recommend as part of a TC supplementation protocol. Despite the high use and interest from sports nutrition and strength and conditioning practitioners in TC supplements, their practices did not align with the protocols found to be effective within the literature.
Systemic States of Spreading Activation in Describing Associative Knowledge Networks: From Key Items to Relative Entropy Based Comparisons
Authors: Koponen Ismo T.
Published: December 2020

Associative knowledge networks are central in many areas of learning and teaching. One key problem in evaluating and exploring such networks is to find out its key items (nodes), sub-structures (connected set of nodes), and how the roles of sub-structures can be compared. In this study, we suggest an approach for analyzing associative networks, so that analysis is based on spreading activation and systemic states that correpond to the state of spreading. The method is based on the construction of diffusion-propagators as generalized systemic states of the network, for an exploration of the connectivity of a network and, subsequently, on generalized Jensen–Shannon–Tsallis relative entropy (based on Tsallis-entropy) in order to compare the states. It is shown that the constructed systemic states provide a robust way to compare roles of sub-networks in spreading activation. The viability of the method is demonstrated by applying it to recently published network representations of students’ associative knowledge regarding the history of science.
Assessment of Food By-Products’ Potential for Simultaneous Binding of Aflatoxin B1 and Zearalenone
Authors: Palade Laurentiu Mihai , Dore Madalina Ioana , Marin Daniela Eliza , Rotar Mircea Catalin , Taranu Ionelia
Published: December 2020

In this study, eight food by-products were investigated as biosorbent approaches in removing mycotoxin load towards potential dietary inclusion in animal feed. Among these food-derived by-products, grape seed (GSM) and seabuckthorn (SBM) meals showed the most promising binding capacity for Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Zearalenone (ZEA), measured as percent of adsorbed mycotoxin. Furthermore, we explored the mycotoxin sequestering potential by screening the effect of time, concentration, temperature and pH. Comparative binding efficacy was addressed by carrying out adsorption experiments in vitro. The highest mycotoxin adsorption was attained using 30 mg of by-product for both GSM (85.9% AFB1 and 83.7% ZEA) and SBM (68% AFB1 and 84.5% ZEA). Optimal settings for the experimental factors were predicted employing the response surface design. GSM was estimated to adsorb AFB1 optimally at a concentration of 29 mg/mL, pH 5.95 and 33.6 °C, and ZEA using 28 mg/mL at pH 5.76 and 31.7 °C. Favorable adsorption of AFB1 was estimated at 37.5 mg of SBM (pH 8.1; 35.6 °C), and of ZEA at 30.2 mg of SBM (pH 5.6; 29.3 °C). Overall, GSM revealed a higher binding capacity compared with SBM. In addition, the two by-products showed different specificity for the binary–mycotoxin system, with SBM having higher affinity towards ZEA than AFB1 (Kf = 0.418 and 1/n = 0.213 vs. Kf = 0.217 and 1/n = 0.341) and GSM for AFB1 in comparison with ZEA (Kf = 0.367 and 1/n = 0.248 vs. Kf = 0.343 and 1/n = 0.264). In conclusion, this study suggests that GSM and SBM represent viable alternatives to commercial biosorbent products.
Resources, Production Scales and Time Required for Producing RNA Vaccines for the Global Pandemic Demand
Authors: Kis Zoltán , Kontoravdi Cleo , Shattock Robin , Shah Nilay
Published: December 2020

To overcome pandemics, such as COVID-19, vaccines are urgently needed at very high volumes. Here we assess the techno-economic feasibility of producing RNA vaccines for the demand associated with a global vaccination campaign. Production process performance is assessed for three messenger RNA (mRNA) and one self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines, all currently under clinical development, as well as for a hypothetical next-generation saRNA vaccine. The impact of key process design and operation uncertainties on the performance of the production process was assessed. The RNA vaccine drug substance (DS) production rates, volumes and costs are mostly impacted by the RNA amount per vaccine dose and to a lesser extent by the scale and titre in the production process. The resources, production scale and speed required to meet global demand vary substantially in function of the RNA amount per dose. For lower dose saRNA vaccines, global demand can be met using a production process at a scale of below 10 L bioreactor working volume. Consequently, these small-scale processes require a low amount of resources to set up and operate. RNA DS production can be faster than fill-to-finish into multidose vials; hence the latter may constitute a bottleneck.
Root cementum ultrastructure in healthy and periodontally diseased teeth
Authors: Slazhneva E. S. , Tikhomirova E. A. , Elizova L. A. , Loboda E. S. , Orekhova L. Yu. , Atrushkevich V. G.
Published: December 2020

Relevance. Investigation of the root cementum ultrastructure in chronic generalized periodontitis is still relevant as changes in structure and composition of root cementum play a significant role in successful periodontal regeneration. Am is to study changes in the root cementum ultrastructure in patients with chronic generalized periodontitis.

Materials and methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the cementum surface of 9 teeth extracted due to severe chronic generalized periodontitis and 3 teeth with a clinically healthy periodontium extracted for orthodontic reasons. 3D visualization of the received SEM images was performed.

Results. The cementum of periodontally healthy teeth appeared homogeneous and regular,was covered in periodontal fibers and had a pebble-like or dome-shaped surface. In chronic periodontitis patients, the cementum surface was mostly irregular with multiple defects of various depth, areas of completely destroyed cementum, exposed dentinal tubules and a complete absence of periodontal fibers.

Conclusion. Loss of periodontal attachment and root cementum exposure to microbial biofilm may result in irreversible structural changes of the surface which may affect the regeneration of clinical attachment.