bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neovascularization in Human Intracranial Atherosclerotic In-Stent Restenosis
Authors: Feng Yiding , Dmytriw Adam A. , Yang Bin , Jiao Liqun
Published: February 2021

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has seen widespread use in cardiovascular and interventional endovascular imaging. While scattered reports of intracranial usage have been reported for the assessment of atherosclerotic stenosis, nutrifying neovasculature supplying plaque and neointima have not been demonstrated until now. We report the first in-vivo illustration of this phenomenon, which is a high-resolution depiction of a critical pathway for in-stent restenosis.
Protective Elements of Mental Health Status during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Portuguese Population
Authors: Silva Moreira Pedro , Ferreira Sónia , Couto Beatriz , Machado-Sousa Mafalda , Fernández Marcos , Raposo-Lima Catarina , Sousa Nuno , Picó-Pérez Maria , Morgado Pedro
Published: February 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19 might produce dramatic psychological effects on individuals’ lives. In this study, we aimed to explore the elements that may reduce the negative effects on mental health of the quarantine period imposed by most governments during this worldwide crisis. We conducted an online survey to evaluate demographic, lifestyle and mental health variables in a sample of 1280 Portuguese individuals (79.8% females) with an average age of 37 years. We observed that factors related to living conditions, maintaining work either online or in the workplace, frequency of exercise and absence of previous psychological or physic disorders are protective features of psychological well-being (anxiety, depression, stress and obsessive-compulsive symptoms). Finally, the individuals previously receiving psychotherapeutic support exhibited better psychological indicators if they did not interrupt the process as a consequence of the outbreak. Our results indicate that the practice of physical exercise, reduced consumption of COVID-19 information and the implementation of remote mental healthcare measures might prevent larger impacts on mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Increased Risk of Migraine in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Yung-Kai , Yang Li-Chiu , Wang Yu-Hsun , Chang Yu-Chao
Published: February 2021

Migraine is considered to be a neurovascular disease that manifests as a throbbing headache, possibly caused by the activation of the trigeminovascular system. Several studies have supported the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of migraine. Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an infectious inflammatory disease triggered by bacterial products evoking an immune response which could result in the destruction of the periodontium. However, little is known about the longitudinal association between CP and migraine. In this study, we designed a nationwide population-based cohort study to investigate the risk of migraine and CP exposure in Taiwan. In total, 68,282 patients with CP were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD), and 68,282 comparisons were randomly captured and matched by age, sex, monthly income, urbanization and comorbidities. The association between CP exposure and migraine risk was evaluated by Cox proportional hazards regression models. In this study, 785 migraine patients were identified in the CP cohort, and 641 migraine cases were found in the non-CP cohort. The incidence rate of migraine was significantly higher in the CP cohort than the non-CP cohort (adjusted HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09–1.34, p < 0.001) during the 13-year follow-up period. Females had a 2.69-fold higher risk for migraine than males (95% CI: 2.38–3.04, p < 0.001). In summary, CP is associated with an increased risk of subsequent migraine in Taiwan.
The Effect of Students’ Perception of Teachers’ Emotional Support on School Burnout Dimensions: Longitudinal Findings
Authors: Romano Luciano , Angelini Giacomo , Consiglio Piermarco , Fiorilli Caterina
Published: February 2021

School burnout is linked to relevant adverse consequences for students’ academic careers. Thus, several authors have focused on the internal and external factors that reduce burnout, highlighting the role of teachers’ support. Nonetheless, few studies addressed how students’ perception of teachers’ emotional support protects them from school maladaptive behaviors. The present study aimed to longitudinally investigate in a final sample of 295 Italian high school students (F = 78.6%; M = 15.78, SD = 1.48) the protective role of students’ perception of teachers’ emotional support dimensions on school burnout across a school year. We expected that teachers’ emotional support dimensions had a significant inverse effect on students’ burnout. We preliminarily investigated the study variables’ associations and whether the mean levels of burnout dimensions increased throughout the school year. Correlation analysis supported the associations among the study variables, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) analyses highlighted that the mean levels of school burnout dimensions increased over time. Moreover, hierarchical multiple regression analyses have shown that at the beginning of the school year (T1), the teacher sensitivity dimension significantly and inversely affected emotional exhaustion by the end of the school year (T2). Our findings shed light on the role played by teacher emotional support and give suggestions on which specific facet should have to be improved to shield students from later burnout-related exhaustion.
Internal and External Load Variations in Young Students: Comparisons between Small-Sided Games and Small-Sided Games Combined with Strength Training during Physical Education Classes
Authors: Sierra-Ríos Juan Vicente , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Teoldo Israel , González-Víllora Sixto
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of internal and external load in soccer small-sided games (SSGs) and a strength program based on CrossFit combined with SSGs for 7 weeks. Fifty-five students participated in this research (age: 9.04 ± 0.19 years) and were randomly assigned to SSGs (n = 27) or strength combined with SSGs (n = 29) group. Two sessions/week were implemented. The results revealed that internal load on SSGs promoted higher levels (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.35) of light physical activity (PA) (12.24 cpm) compared with strength combined with SSGs (11.46) and % heart rate (%HR) max (p = 0.002; d = 0.48) between SSGs (96.21) regarding strength combined with SSGs (92.09). On external load, significant differences appear in total distance (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.80) on SSGs (1326 m) compared with strength combined with SSGs (1004 m) and mean velocity (p ≤ 0.001; d = 0.63) in both groups; 2.71 km/h on SSGs and 2.26 km/h on strength combined with SSGs. The SSGs seem to be more appropriate at the beginning of sessions, but as the weeks advance, strength combined with SSGs results in improved internal load compared with SSGs.
Restoring the Unrestored: Strategies for Restoring Global Land during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (UN-DER)
Authors: Abhilash Purushothaman Chirakkuzhyil
Published: February 2021

Restoring the health of degraded land is critical for overall human development as land is a vital life-supporting system, directly or indirectly influencing the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). However, more than 33% of the global land is degraded and thereby affecting the livelihood of billions of people worldwide. Realizing this fact, the 73rd session of the UN Assembly has formally adopted a resolution to celebrate 2021–2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (UN-DER), for preventing, halting, and reversing degradation of ecosystems worldwide. While this move is historic and beneficial for both people and the planet, restoration of degraded land at different scales and levels requires a paradigm shift in existing restoration approaches, fueled by the application of applied science to citizen/community-based science, and tapping of indigenous and local knowledge to advanced technological breakthroughs. In addition, there is a need of strong political will and positive behavioral changes to strengthen restoration initiatives at the grassroot level and involvement of people from all walks of life (i.e., from politicians to peasants and social workers to scientists) are essential for achieving the targets of the UN-DER. Similarly, financing restoration on the ground by the collective contribution of individuals (crowd funding) and institutions (institutional funding) are critical for maintaining the momentum. Private companies can earmark lion-share of their corporate social responsibility fund (CSR fund) exclusively for restoration. The adoption of suitable bioeconomy models is crucial for maintaining the perpetuity of the restoration by exploring co-benefits, and also for ensuring stakeholder involvements during and after the restoration. This review underpins various challenges and plausible solutions to avoid, reduce, and reverse global land degradation as envisioned during the UN-DER, while fulfilling the objectives of other ongoing initiatives like the Bonn Challenge and the UN-SDGs.
Upconversion Luminescence of Silica–Calcia Nanoparticles Co-doped with Tm3+ and Yb3+ Ions
Authors: Halubek-Gluchowska Katarzyna , Szymański Damian , Tran Thi Ngoc Lam , Ferrari Maurizio , Lukowiak Anna
Published: February 2021

Looking for upconverting biocompatible nanoparticles, we have prepared by the sol–gel method, silica–calcia glass nanopowders doped with different concentration of Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions (Tm3+ from 0.15 mol% up to 0.5 mol% and Yb3+ from 1 mol% up to 4 mol%) and characterized their structure, morphology, and optical properties. X-ray diffraction patterns indicated an amorphous phase of the silica-based glass with partial crystallization of samples with a higher content of lanthanides ions. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the average size of particles decreased with increasing lanthanides content. The upconversion (UC) emission spectra and fluorescence lifetimes were registered under near infrared excitation (980 nm) at room temperature to study the energy transfer between Yb3+ and Tm3+ at various active ions concentrations. Characteristic emission bands of Tm3+ ions in the range of 350 nm to 850 nm were observed. To understand the mechanism of Yb3+–Tm3+ UC energy transfer in the SiO2–CaO powders, the kinetics of luminescence decays were studied.
Magneto-Optical Characterization of Trions in Symmetric InP-Based Quantum Dots for Quantum Communication Applications
Authors: Rudno-Rudziński Wojciech , Burakowski Marek , Reithmaier Johann P. , Musiał Anna , Benyoucef Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Magneto-optical parameters of trions in novel large and symmetric InP-based quantum dots, uncommon for molecular beam epitaxy-grown nanostructures, with emission in the third telecom window, are measured in Voigt and Faraday configurations of an external magnetic field. The diamagnetic coefficients are found to be in the range of 1.5–4 μeV/T2, and 8–15 μeV/T2, respectively out-of-plane and in-plane of the dots. The determined values of diamagnetic shifts are related to the anisotropy of dot sizes. Trion g-factors are measured to be relatively small, in the range of 0.3–0.7 and 0.5–1.3, in both configurations, respectively. Analysis of single carrier g-factors, based on the formalism of spin-correlated orbital currents, leads to similar values for hole and electron of ~0.25 for Voigt and ge ≈ −5; gh ≈ +6 for Faraday configuration of the magnetic field. Values of g-factors close to zero measured in Voigt configuration make the investigated dots promising for electrical tuning of the g-factor sign, required for schemes of single spin control in qubit applications.
The Influence of Friction on Design of the Type of Bracket and Its Relation to OHRQoL in Patients Who Use Multi-Bracket Appliances: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: González-Sáez Adriana , Antonio-Zancajo Laura , Montero Javier , Albaladejo Alberto , Melo María , Garcovich Daniele , Alvarado-Lorenzo Alfonso
Published: February 2021

Background and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of friction on design of the type of bracket, patients’ perception of pain and the impact on their oral health-related quality of life. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out with 90 patients (62.2% women and 37.8% men) with three kinds of fixed multi-bracket appliances: Conventional (GC), fixed multi-bracket low friction (GS) and self-ligating (GA). The VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) was used to determine pain during the first seven days of treatment at different points in time. The patients were also given the OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile) questionnaire to analyse their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) after the first 30 days of treatment. The ANOVA test was used for the analysis of the variables and the post hoc Bonferroni test for the comparison between groups. Results: Maximum pain was observed between one and two days after the start of treatment. The GC group showed the greatest degree of pain, with maximum values (4.5 ± 2.0) at 24 h. The self-ligation brackets show lower impact on patients’ oral health-related quality of life (0.8 ± 2.2, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Friction in the type of bracket influences pain and the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of patients who use multi-bracket fixed orthodontics.
Green Picosecond Laser Machining of Thermoset and Thermoplastic Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Choi Insung , Lee Su-Jin , Shin Dongsig , Suh Jeong
Published: February 2021

There has been an increase in demand for the development of lightweight and high-strength materials for applications in the transportation industry. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) is known as one of the most promising materials owing to its high strength-to-weight ratio. To apply CFRP in the automotive industry, various machining technologies have been reported because it is difficult to machine. Among these technologies, picosecond laser beam-induced machining has attracted great interest because it provides negligible heat transfer and can avoid tool wear. In this work, we conducted and compared machining of 2.15 mm-thick thermoset and 1.85 mm-thick thermoplastic CFRPs by using a green picosecond laser. The optimized experimental conditions for drilling with a diameter of 7 mm led to a small taper angle (average ~ 3.5°). The tensile strength of the laser-drilled specimens was evaluated, and the average value was 570 MPa. Our study indicates that green picosecond laser processing should be considered as a promising option for the machining of CFRP with a small taper angle.
Effect of Acute and Chronic Dietary Supplementation with Green Tea Catechins on Resting Metabolic Rate, Energy Expenditure and Respiratory Quotient: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Riva Antonella , Petrangolini Giovanna , Allegrini Pietro , Perna Simone , Faliva Milena Anna , Peroni Gabriella , Naso Maurizio , Nichetti Mara , Perdoni Federica , Gasparri Clara
Published: February 2021

The consumption of green tea catechins (GTC) is associated with modulations of fat metabolism and consequent weight loss. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of GTC on resting metabolic rate (RMR), energy expenditure (EE), and respiratory quotient (RQ). Eligible studies considered both the chronic and acute intake of GTC-based supplements, with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) doses ranging between 100–800 mg. Findings from 15 studies (n = 499 participants) lasting 8–12 weeks (for chronic consumption) or 1–3 days (for acute intake) are summarized. This review reveals the positive effects of GTC supplementation on RQ values (272 subjects). Regarding the effects of acute and chronic GTC supplementation on RMR (244 subjects) and EE (255 subjects), the results did not allow for a definitive conclusion, even though they were promising, because some reported a positive improvement (two studies revealed an increase in RMR: one demonstrated an RMR increase of 43.82 kcal/day and another demonstrated an increase of 260.8 kcal/day, mainly when subjects were also engaged in resistance training exercise). Considering GTC daily dose supplementation, studies in which modifications of energetic parameters occurred, in particular RQ reduction, considered GTC low doses (100–300 mg). GTC may be useful for improving metabolic profiles. Further investigations are needed to better define adequate doses of supplementation.
A Pro-Choice Response to New York’s Reproductive Health Act
Authors: Manninen Bertha Alvarez
Published: February 2021

On 22 January 2019, New York state passed the Reproductive Health Act (RHA), which specifies three circumstances under which a healthcare provider may perform an abortion in New York: (1) the patient is within twenty-four weeks of pregnancy, (2) the fetus is non-viable, or (3) the abortion is necessary to protect the patient’s life or health. The first one, that of abortion being accessible within the first twenty-four weeks of pregnancy, is not unique to New York, as many other states allow medical professionals to provide abortions during this time. The latter two have caused significant controversy because they detail certain circumstances in which abortions would be accessible after twenty-four weeks. This paper will focus on these latter two circumstances. I will first argue that any debate or discussion about (2) must go beyond the conventional debate about the ethics of abortion and incorporate, more appropriately, a discussion on euthanasia and the ethics of end-of-life care for nascent human life. In particular, it requires us to consider the morality of non-voluntary active euthanasia for non-viable fetuses, rather than just a discussion of the ethics of late term abortions. When it comes to (3), I will argue that assessing its moral permissibility actually raises some legitimate moral concerns, even from a reproductive rights perspective. On certain readings, it seems as if condition (3) would allow for the termination of a healthy fetus for reasons not related to the mother’s physical health or life. If this is the case, I argue, the right to an abortion would be construed as a right to fetal termination, rather than just fetal evacuation. However, I will argue that there are good reasons that pro-choice advocates should interpret the right to an abortion as a right to fetal evacuation instead of termination, and if this is the case, a woman should not be able to demand the death of a healthy fetus if ending the pregnancy safely via fetal evacuation would suffice.
Natural Tannins as New Cross-Linking Materials for Soy-Based Adhesives
Authors: Ghahri Saman , Chen Xinyi , Pizzi Antonio , Hajihassani Reza , Papadopoulos Antonios N.
Published: February 2021

Human health problems and formaldehyde emission from wood-based composites are some of the major drawbacks of the traditional synthetic adhesives such as urea formaldehyde resins. There have been many attempts to decrease formaldehyde emission and replace urea formaldehyde resins with bio-based adhesives for wood-based composites. Because of some weakness in soy-based adhesive, chemicals have been used as modifiers. Modified soy-based adhesives without any formaldehyde have been successfully used to prepare wood panels. To achieve this, different synthetic cross-linking chemicals such as phenol formaldehyde resins and polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin were used. However, in reality, what we need are totally green adhesives that use natural materials. In our previous research work, the use of tannins in combination with soy-based adhesives to make wood composites was investigated. Thus, in this research work, the feasibility of using three types of natural tannins (quebracho, mimosa and chestnut tannins) as cross-linking materials for soy adhesive was studied. The chemical bond formation and adhesion behaviors of tannin-modified soy adhesives were also investigated by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS) and thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA). The results showed that at ambient temperature, both ionic and covalent bonds formed between tannin constituents and amino acids; however, at higher temperature, covalent bonds are largely predominate. Based on the results obtained from the thermo-mechanical analysis, the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of soy adhesive is increased by adding tannins to its formulation. In addition, the chemical bond formation was proved by MALDI-ToF-MS.
Dispensation and Liturgy Mediated as an Answer to COVID-19 Restrictions: Empirical Study Based on Polish Online Press Narration
Authors: Jupowicz-Ginalska Anna , Szewczyk Marcin , Kiciński Andrzej , Przywara Barbara , Adamski Andrzej
Published: February 2021

The main objective of this study is to determine the media image of dispensation and liturgy mediated during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The paper is based on interdisciplinary methodology, which combines elements of practical theology (the see–judge–act paradigm) and a communication and media studies approach (media content analysis, critical discourse analysis). The time range of the analysed media discourse is between 12 and 18 March 2020, which was the first week after issuing government restrictions towards liturgy and the Church’s response to that: granting the dispensation and supporting the mediatisation of liturgy. The material for the discourse analysis includes online editions of 20 Polish press titles. It occurs that the general attitude of the media towards dispensation and liturgy mediated was positive, but some media tended to present the topics according to their editorial policies. The paper also formulates a theological reflection: although liturgy mediated as a permanent solution could be challenging to accept, it allowed worshippers to experience the liturgy in times of isolation. It is, therefore, an expression of the Church’s concern for the health and lives of the faithful, although not entirely in line with the official and long-standing position of the Church towards the mediatisation of the liturgy.
Multiple Kernel Graph Cut for SAR Image Change Detection
Authors: Jia Lu , Zhang Tiantian , Fang Jing , Dong Feibiao
Published: February 2021

Complementary information between two difference images (DI’s) has great contribution to improve change detection performances. Based on the effectiveness and flexibility of the multiple kernel learning (MKL) in information fusion, we develop a multiple kernel graph cut (MKGC) algorithm for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image change detection. An energy function containing a weighted summation kernel is proposed for fusing the complementary information between the subtraction image and the ratio image. By iteratively minimizing the energy function, the kernel weights, region parameters and region labels are estimated automatically and optimally. Besides of it avoids modeling, MKGC also has a complete description of the changed areas and the strong noise immunity. Experiments on real GaoFen-3 SAR data set demonstrate the effectiveness of the MKGC algorithm, and illustrate that it is a good candidate for SAR image change detection.
3DeepM: An Ad Hoc Architecture Based on Deep Learning Methods for Multispectral Image Classification
Authors: Navarro Pedro J. , Miller Leanne , Gila-Navarro Alberto , Díaz-Galián María Victoria , Aguila Diego J. , Egea-Cortines Marcos
Published: February 2021

Current predefined architectures for deep learning are computationally very heavy and use tens of millions of parameters. Thus, computational costs may be prohibitive for many experimental or technological setups. We developed an ad hoc architecture for the classification of multispectral images using deep learning techniques. The architecture, called 3DeepM, is composed of 3D filter banks especially designed for the extraction of spatial-spectral features in multichannel images. The new architecture has been tested on a sample of 12210 multispectral images of seedless table grape varieties: Autumn Royal, Crimson Seedless, Itum4, Itum5 and Itum9. 3DeepM was able to classify 100% of the images and obtained the best overall results in terms of accuracy, number of classes, number of parameters and training time compared to similar work. In addition, this paper presents a flexible and reconfigurable computer vision system designed for the acquisition of multispectral images in the range of 400 nm to 1000 nm. The vision system enabled the creation of the first dataset consisting of 12210 37-channel multispectral images (12 VIS + 25 IR) of five seedless table grape varieties that have been used to validate the 3DeepM architecture. Compared to predefined classification architectures such as AlexNet, ResNet or ad hoc architectures with a very high number of parameters, 3DeepM shows the best classification performance despite using 130-fold fewer parameters than the architecture to which it was compared. 3DeepM can be used in a multitude of applications that use multispectral images, such as remote sensing or medical diagnosis. In addition, the small number of parameters of 3DeepM make it ideal for application in online classification systems aboard autonomous robots or unmanned vehicles.
Annual Sea Level Amplitude Analysis over the North Pacific Ocean Coast by Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition Method
Authors: Lan Wen-Hau , Kuo Chung-Yen , Lin Li-Ching , Kao Huan-Chin
Published: February 2021

Understanding spatial and temporal changes of seasonal sea level cycles is important because of direct influence on coastal systems. The annual sea level cycle is substantially larger than semi-annual cycle in most parts of the ocean. Ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method has been widely used to study tidal component, long-term sea level rise, and decadal sea level variation. In this work, EEMD is used to analyze the observed monthly sea level anomalies and detect annual cycle characteristics. Considering that the variations of the annual sea level variation in the Northeast Pacific Ocean are poorly studied, the trend and characteristics of annual sea level amplitudes and related mechanisms in the North Pacific Ocean are investigated using long-term tide gauge records covering 1950–2016. The average annual amplitude of coastal sea level exhibits interannual-to-decadal variability within the range of 14–220 mm. The largest value of ~174 mm is observed in the west coast of South China Sea. In the other coastal regions of North Pacific Ocean, the mean annual amplitude is relatively low between 77 and 124 mm for the western coast and 84 and 87 mm for the eastern coast. The estimated trend values for annual sea level amplitudes in the western coastal areas of South China Sea and Northeast Pacific Ocean have statistically decreased over 1952–2014 with a range of −0.77 mm·yr−1 to −0.11 mm·yr−1. Our results suggested that the decreasing annual amplitude in the west coast of South China Sea is in good agreement with the annual mean wind stress associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). This wind phenomenon also explains the temporal variations of annual sea level amplitude in Northeast Pacific Ocean, especially the high correlations since 1980 (R = 0.61−0.72).
A New Perspective on Low-Cost MEMS-Based AHRS Determination
Authors: Navidi Neda , Landry Rene
Published: February 2021

Attitude and heading reference system (AHRS) is the term used to describe a rigid body’s angular orientation in three-dimensional space. This paper describes an AHRS determination and control system developed for navigation systems by integrating gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers signals from low-cost MEMS-based sensors in a complementary adaptive Kalman filter. AHRS estimation based on the iterative Kalman filtering process is required to be initialized first. A new method for AHRS initialization is proposed to improve the accuracy of the initial attitude estimates. Attitude estimates derived from the initialization and iterative adaptive filtering processes are compared with the orientation obtained from a high-end reference system. The improvement in the accuracy of the initial orientation as significant as 45% is obtained from the proposed method as compared with other selected techniques. Additionally, the computational process is reduced by 96%.
Low-Dose Ammonium Preconditioning Enhances Endurance in Submaximal Physical Exercises
Authors: Mindukshev Igor , Sudnitsyna Julia , Goncharov Nikolay V. , Skverchinskaya Elisaveta , Dobrylko Irina , Nikitina Elena , Krivchenko Alexandr I. , Gambaryan Stepan
Published: February 2021

Preconditioning is often used in medicine to protect organs from ischemic damage and in athletes to enhance the performances. We tested whether low-dose ammonium preconditioning (AMP) could have a beneficial effect on physical exercises (PE). We used Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) on a treadmill to investigate the effects of low-dose AMP on the physical exercise capacity of professional track and field athletes and tested twenty-five athletes. Because of the individual differences between athletes, we performed a preliminary treadmill test (Pre-test) and, according to the results, the athletes were randomly allocated into the AMP and control (placebo, PL) group based on the similarity of the total distance covered on a treadmill. In the AMP group, the covered distance increased (11.3 ± 3.6%, p < 0.02) compared to Pre-test. Similarly, AMP significantly increased O2 uptake volume—VO2 (4.6 ± 2.3%, p < 0.03) and pulmonary CO2 output—VCO2 (8.7 ± 2.8%, p < 0.01). Further, the basic blood parameters (pH, pO2, and lactate) shift was lower despite the greater physical exercise progress in the AMP group compared to Pre-test, whereas in the placebo group there were no differences between Pre-test and Load-test. Importantly, the AMP significantly increased red blood cell count (6.8 ± 2.0%, p < 0.01) and hemoglobin concentration (5.3 ± 1.9%, p < 0.01), which might explain the beneficial effects in physical exercise progress. For the first time, we showed that low-dose AMP had clear beneficial effects on submaximal PE.
When Green Procurement Meets Complexity: The Case of Sustainable Neighborhood Projects
Authors: Hamdan Hasan A. M. , de Boer Luitzen , Baer Daniela
Published: February 2021

In a rapidly urbanizing world, cities form the key context for a sustainable transition. The neighborhood scale is suggested as a successful scale to realize cross-sector, inter-organizational collaborations. The multifaceted goals and resulting interdependencies in sustainable neighborhood (SN) developments seem to render them complex. Neighborhood scale can be understood as a program of related projects encompassing a wide range of actors interacting in a non-simple way. The added complexity comprised at the neighborhood scale challenges the promise of sustainable transition, creating a gap between what is promised as SN and what is delivered. While filling this gap is deemed pivotal to boost the performance and success of SNs, this study focuses on the practice of procurement. Green procurement has a prominent role in fostering the sustainable transition and alleviate the projects’ poor performance in energy consumption and carbon emissions. However, green procurement is complicated and often hampered by the complex nature of the programs and projects required to realize SNs. Using an in-depth case study of an ongoing SN development in Norway, we seek to explore green procurement in SN programs. The present study has several contributions. First, we provide a fresh look at SNs using the notion of program management and the principles of nearly decomposable systems. Second, the study demonstrates that green procurement can support coordination in programs, and propose several implications for purchasers to consider when devising a green procurement strategy for SN programs, laying the groundwork for new procurement research focusing on structural complexity. Furthermore, our study encourages purchasers to think like architects to grasp the various levels and make better decisions in complex projects and programs.
Proteomic and Transcriptomic Techniques to Decipher the Molecular Evolution of Venoms
Authors: Mouchbahani-Constance Stephanie , Sharif-Naeini Reza
Published: February 2021

Nature’s library of venoms is a vast and untapped resource that has the potential of becoming the source of a wide variety of new drugs and therapeutics. The discovery of these valuable molecules, hidden in diverse collections of different venoms, requires highly specific genetic and proteomic sequencing techniques. These have been used to sequence a variety of venom glands from species ranging from snakes to scorpions, and some marine species. In addition to identifying toxin sequences, these techniques have paved the way for identifying various novel evolutionary links between species that were previously thought to be unrelated. Furthermore, proteomics-based techniques have allowed researchers to discover how specific toxins have evolved within related species, and in the context of environmental pressures. These techniques allow groups to discover novel proteins, identify mutations of interest, and discover new ways to modify toxins for biomimetic purposes and for the development of new therapeutics.
Diphasiastrum ×issleri (Lycopodiaceae) in England and Wales
Authors: Rumsey Fred , Metherell Chris , Metherell Hazel
Published: February 2021

Diphasiastrum ×issleri (Rouy) Holub has been much misunderstood and greatly confused in the British Isles, the consequence of both nomenclatural and practical identification issues. Following the clarification of its hybridogenous origin(s) and the parent taxa involved (which had been the source of dispute between European and American authors) the taxonomic treatment of this plant has seen various approaches adopted, some of which have regrettably led to mis-recording and a lack of clarity. In parallel to the taxonomic and nomenclatural issues are the very real difficulties posed by the differentiation of this taxon from its progenitors, a task made difficult by their morphological plasticity, the possibilities of introgression and the formation of triploid as well as diploid primary hybrids. Here we consider the appropriate treatment of this taxon: nomenclaturally as species vs. hybrid and from a conservation viewpoint. We elaborate and re-assess all of its English and Welsh records. As a consequence of this review a revised conservation status is required. We conclude that all Welsh and most English records of this taxon are erroneous, including those for the Northumbrian sites and that therefore it is currently Regionally Extinct (RE) in England and not CR (D) as given in the Red-List for England (as D. complanatum). It, however, remains NT (D) at a GB level because of the presence of the taxon in Scotland. Guidance for the discrimination of D. ×issleri from atypical forms of D. alpinum is given.
SMALL SPACECRAFT-BASED SPACE SYSTEM FOR REAL-TIME EARTH SURFACE MONITORING
Authors: DANYLKIN Aleksandr P. , VORONKOV Vladimir N. , KAZANTSEV Oleg Yu. , KETOV Vyacheslav A. , KOPTEV Yury N. , PLASTININ Yury A. , TATARNIKOV Aleksandr V.
Published: February 2021

The paper presents basic results of exploratory design studies into a space system for real-time monitoring of the Earth surface based on small spacecraft* for Earth remote sensing, which provides acquisition in real time of highly detailed Earth surface images with resolution of 0.7–1.0 m, a swath of 20 km and 15m in-plane georeferencing accuracy from a ~300 km orbit with a mass of spacecraft ~200 kgf repeating with high frequency (at least every 1.0–1.5h). The said parameters are in line with the current state of the art and are quite feasible for our country’s industry.
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* — for the purposes of this paper ‘small spacecraft’ is a 150-220 kg spacecraft.

Key words: small spacecraft, space system, Earth remote sensing, satellite bus, payload module, electro-optical equipment, multipurpose ground facility, combined ground station, services of space monitoring of the Earth surface.
KEY ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED IN ROCKET AND SPACE SYSTEM VOSTOK TO ASSURE CREW SAFETY DURING ASCENT (towards 60th anniversary of the first man in space)
Authors: LEBEDEV Gennady V. , EVSEENKO Olga V.
Published: February 2021

The paper analyzes engineering and operational solutions implemented in rocket and space system Vostok to assure crew safety during ascent in view of the need to complete the work on an extremely short notice. It reviews the results of flight tests of launch vehicles belonging to the R7 family and the status of work to develop a crew escape system by the time when the first manned mission of Vostok spacecraft took place. It provides an analysis of emergencies and measures to assure safety during prelaunch processing and ascent phase. The paper draws comparisons between our country’s project Vostok and US project Mercury.
Key words: rocket and space system, spacecraft, descent vehicle, crew safety.
RESULTS OF STUDIES OF THE PROCESSES OF CLEARING OF GASEOUS CONTAMINANTS AND VENTILATING THE ATMOSPHERE OF HABITABLE PRESSURIZED MODULES IN A SPACE STATION
Authors: ELCHIN Anatoly P. , GUZENBERG Arkady S. , ROMANOV Sergey Yu. , ZHELEZNYAKOV Aleksandr G. , RYABKIN Aleksandr M.
Published: February 2021

The paper presents partial analytical solutions for equations describing variation in trace amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of habitable spaces within pressurized modules (PM) of a space station. The solutions may find practical application in calculations of concentrations for any contaminants, or for air flow through the purification system. It is shown that in a case where low-toxic contaminants are released into the PM atmosphere, it would be enough to cycle 3 volumes of the PM air through the purification system when the system operates without the breakthrough concentration (without the residual concentration of the contaminant at the outlet from the purification system), in order to achieve the 95% purification of the atmosphere. For highly toxic contaminants this value should be significantly increased depending on the maximum allowable concentration of the substance (47 volumes and more — up to 99.9% purification).
The paper also considers variation in the concentration of the contaminant in the atmosphere during intermixing of atmospheres between PMs using intermodular ventilation. As a result, new analytical solutions were obtained for practical calculations which make it possible to determine gaseous contaminant concentration at any point in time and the time of the final equalization of the contaminant concentration in the space station atmosphere. It was determined that the time needed for complete mixing of gaseous contaminants through intermodular ventilation between two PMs does not depend on the initial concentrations of the contaminants (and only depends on the PM volumes and the intermodular ventilation flow rate).
Key words: space station, pressurized module atmosphere, carbon dioxide, atmosphere purification, variation in concentration, air flow, atmosphere mixing.
Matlab graphical user interface (GUI) code for solar tower power plant performance calculations
Authors: N. Jawad Ihsan , A. Rishack Qais , S. Sultan Hussien
Published: February 2021

In the present research, a Matlab program with a graphical user interface (GUI) has been established for studying the performance of a solar tower power plant (STPP). The program gives the ability for predicting the performance of STPP for different tower dimensions, ambient operating conditions and locations. The program is based on the solution of a mathematical model derived from the heat and mass balance for the tower components. The GUI program inputs are; tower dimensions, solar radiation, ambient temperature, pressure, wind velocity, turbine efficiency, emissivity and absorptivity for collector and ground and thermal conductivity and thickness for ground. However, the GUI program outputs are; temperature and pressure differences across the collector and tower, velocity in the tower, density of air in collector outlet, mass flowrate of air, efficiency for collector and tower, the overall efficiency and output power of STPP. The effect of the geometrical dimensions of STPP and some climatic variables on the plant performance was also studied. The results show that the output power increases with increasing the collector diameter, chimney diameter and solar radiation by an increasing of 0.282 kW/m, 0.204 kW/m and 0.046 kW/(W/m2) respectively.
Effect of austenitizing and tempering on impact resistance of a hot rolled high strength steel
Authors: Mahdi Lieth Haider , Sabea Hammood Ali
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of heat treatments on the impact properties of hot rolled high strength steel and describes the effect of tempering temperature and quenching media on the microstructure, hardness, and impact resistance of plates. In the present study a high strength steel was austenitized at 900 °C with different quenching medium and followed by tempering at 300 °C, 500 °C. After thermal treatments, the values of Charpy impact resistance, hardness, and microscopic structure were evaluated from mechanical and metallographic analysis of metals respectively. The change of mechanical properties and microstructure of the metal with the existence of heat treatment with the ballistic performance of high-strength steel. Experimental results showed that tempering at 500 °C for 2 hours after water quenching medium it provides the best mechanical properties in conjunct on with an improved in microstructure.
Flexible rotor balancing without trial runs using experimentally tuned FE based rotor model
Authors: Muhammed Ameen Yahya , Khalaf Ali Jaafar
Published: February 2021

A method based on experimentally calibrated rotor model is proposed in this work for unbalance identification of flexible rotors without trial runs. Influence coefficient balancing method especially when applied to flexible rotors is disadvantaged by its low efficiency and lengthy procedure, whilst the proposed method has the advantage of being efficient, applicable to multi-operating spin speeds and do not need trial runs. An accurate model for the rotor and its supports based on rotordynamics and finite elements analysis combined with experimental modal analysis, is produced to identify the unbalance distribution on the rotor. To create digital model of the rotor, frequency response functions (FRFs) are determined from excitation and response data, and then modal parameters (natural frequencies and mode shapes) are extracted and compared with experimental analogies. Unbalance response is measured traditionally on rotor supports, in this work the response measured from rotating disks instead. The obtained results show that the proposed approach provides an effective alternative in rotor balancing. Increasing the number of balancing disks on balancing quality is investigated as well.
Improvement of Heat Sink Performance Using Graphite and Graphene Coating
Authors: M. Hadi Ammar , A. Ismael Muneer , A. Alhattab Haider
Published: February 2021

This experimental research depicts the role of coating hot surfaces by graphite and graphene on the process of heat dissipation from these hot surfaces. Three aluminum specimens have been prepared for test, one of theme is coated by graphite, another one by graphene a while the third is left free of coating for comparison purpose. Each specimen is tested separately in a home-made wind tunnel. A plate electrical heater is adhered on the bottom of the specimen to simulate the generated energy by a heat sink. A heat sink composed of high thermal conductivity was applied between the heater plate and the base plate of heat sink to reduce the contact resistance to heat flow. The experiments are conducted with four turbulent Reynolds number. The results reveal that the sample coated by graphene exhibits the best thermal dissipation while the uncoated specimen shows the worst thermal performance.
TELAAH YURIDIS KEDUDUKAN NEGARA DALAM HUBUNGAN DAGANG INTERNASIONAL (Acta Iuri Imperii vs. Acta Iuri Gestionis)
Authors: Lubis Efridani
Published: February 2021

Negara yang berdaulat dalam pergaulan internasional diakui memiliki jurisdiksi penuh yang tidak bisa diintervensi oleh negara atau kekuatan asing manapun. Kedaulatan (sovereignity) merupakan modal dasar, prinsip utama, dan kode etik yang menjadi dasar hubungan antar negara dalam pergaulan internasional. Pada awalnya, kedaulatan negara dimaknai sebagai kedaulatan absolut yang kebal terhadap kekuasaan asing manapun berdasarkan prinsip kedaulatan wilayah, resiprositas, dan kesetaraan antar negara berdaulat. Oleh karena itu, tidak ada satu negara pun dapat menghakimi tindakan suatu negara sekalipun tindakan itu dilakukan di wilayah teritorial negara lain (par in parem non habet jurisdictionem). Karena itu, setiap permasalahan yang timbul antar negara tersebut tidak dilakukan melalui penerapan hukum yang memaksa, melainkan diselesaikan melalui jalur diplomatik. Sikap ini merupakan wujud kesetaraan antar negara berdaulat yang termasuk kategori ‘undisputed principle of customary international law’.
PENGUATAN KEDUDUKAN DAN KEWENANGAN KONSTITUSIONAL DPD RI DALAM PERSPEKTIF UUD NEGARA RI TAHUN 1945
Authors: Mamang Damrah
Published: February 2021

The dynamics in the system and structure of the Indonesian constitution began in the reform era so quickly developed. All can run properly and correctly because it was initiated by reforming the constitution through an amendment or constitutional amendment mechanism (the 1945 Constitution) in four stages of change (1999 - 2002). One of the essence of the amendment, gave birth to the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) as a state institution with its constitutionality can be found explicitly in Chapter VIIA Article 22 C Paragraph 1 - Paragraph 4 and Article 22 D Paragraph 1 - Paragraph 4. And UUNO. 17 of 2014 Jo UUNo.2 of 2018 concerning the MPR, DPR, DPD, DPRD. As a new post-amendment state institution, the DPD is designed as a strong bicameral second chamber of our parliament which was originally only unicameral, namely the DPR RI as a state institution and a representative institution of the people. But one of the characteristics of bicameral is if both parliamentary chambers carry out the legislative function as they should. However, if examined carefully until now based on the substitution of article 22 C and Article 22D of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia in 1945 the authority and authority of the DPD is still very limited. So that as an organic law does not give much space for the implementation of authority to the DPD in carrying out its main duties and functions, especially the legislative function like the DPR. For this reason, in order to strengthen and empower the future, the DPD's consistency and authority need to get priority place in the context of the subsequent amendments to the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia as the Holder of strategic and fundamental national political decision authority. Everything is inseparable from the problems in the DPD now is a matter of the authority granted by the constitution to him, especially in the context of the legislative function to make laws. Its existence is expected to bridge the relationship between the center and the regions, in a two-chamber parliamentary frame which has strong bicameralism authority.