bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La inteligencia espiritual como estrategia para afrontar de manera constructiva el estrés laboral docente
Authors: Iriarte-Pupo Alberto J. , Barreto Martinez Carmen Alicia , Campo-Landines Kiara , Domínguez De La Ossa Elsy
Published: April 2021

La actividad docente se ve amenazada frecuentemente por las condiciones precarias en las que se lleva a cabo. Los docentes están expuestos a diferentes riesgos de carácter psicosocial que afectan su desempeño y bienestar. El presente estudio pre-test post-test con grupo control tiene como objetivo examinar la incidencia de un programa de intervención basado en el desarrollo de la inteligencia espiritual (IE) sobre los niveles de estrés reportados por un grupo de 115 docentes de instituciones educativas oficiales de Sincelejo (Sucre, Colombia). Dentro de este programa de intervención, la IE se entiende como la capacidad de construir un sistema saludable (o adaptativo) de valores o creencias espirituales y de adoptarlo como estilo de vida. La IE abarca tres dimensiones fundamentalmente: cognitiva (conocimiento espiritual), afectiva (vivencia espiritual) y conductual (contingencia). Se hicieron análisis de tipo descriptivo e inferencial (intra-grupo e inter-grupo) y se compararon las variaciones de cada institución en relación con la percepción de los niveles de estrés de los docentes antes y después de la intervención (mediciones realizadas 2018 – 2019). Los resultados muestran que la percepción de los niveles de estrés de los docentes se transformaron significativamente, pasando de ser un factor de riesgo alto a uno bajo.

Teachers´ activity is frequently threatened by the precarious conditions in which this practice is carried out. Teachers are exposed to different psychosocial risks that affect their performance and well-being. The present pre-test post-test study with a control group aims to examine the incidence of a intervention program based on the development of spiritual intelligence (SI) about the levels of stress reported by a group of 115 teachers from official educational institutions in Sincelejo (Sucre, Colombia). Within this intervention program, SI is understood as the ability to build a healthy (or adaptive) system of spiritual values or beliefs and adopt it as a lifestyle. SI encompasses three fundamental dimensions: cognitive (spiritual knowledge), affective (spiritual experience) and behavioral (contingency). Descriptive and inferential analysis were performed (intragroup and intergroup) and the variations of each institution were compared with their relationship to the teachers´ perception of the levels of stress before and after the intervention (measurements carried out on 2018 - 2019). The results show that teachers' perception of the levels of stress changed significantly from a high to a low risk factor.
La formación inicial y continua del cuerpo docente de FP: satisfacción y competencia percibida en tiempos de crisis
Authors: Marió Fernández Raquel , Barreira Cerqueiras Eva M. , Rego-Agraso Laura , Irmscher Malike
Published: April 2021

Este trabajo pretende analizar el nivel de satisfacción del profesorado de Formación Profesional con la formación pedagógica inicial recibida, así como el nivel de adquisición de las competencias docentes y la valoración de la formación continua realizada una vez que ejercen activamente su profesión. También pretende conocer los ámbitos sobre los que demandan acciones formativas vs aquellos que les oferta la Administración, y los elementos que se consideran facilitadores o limitadores para involucrarse en dichas acciones. El enfoque empírico se basa en una encuesta telemática desarrollada con un cuestionario elaborado ad hoc (α =.899) y cumplimentado por una muestra de 245 profesores/as de FP de la comunidad autónoma de Galicia (España). Como principales resultados observamos que la formación continua es ligeramente mejor valorada que la formación pedagógica inicial, así como que los ámbitos sobre los que se demanda formación continua coinciden parcialmente con los que oferta, a juicio de los/as docentes, la Administración educativa. Asimismo, destacan la excesiva burocracia asociada a las tareas cotidianas y los horarios docentes sobrecargados, como dos de los principales limitadores de la participación del profesorado en acciones de formación continua.

This work studies the elements present in the current model of initial and continuous training of Vocational Training teachers. It aims to analyze the level of satisfaction of vocational teachers with the initial pedagogical training received, the level of acquisition of teaching skills, as well as the continuous training received once they achieve a position as vocational teacher. It also aims to know the areas on which continuous training actions are required vs those offered by the Educational Administration, and the elements that are considered facilitators or limiters to get involved in these continuous training actions. The empirical approach is based on a telematic survey developed with an ad hoc questionnaire (α = .899) and completed by a sample of 245 VET teachers from the autonomous community of Galicia (Spain). As main results, we observe that continuous training is slightly better valued than initial pedagogical training, as well as the areas in which continuous training is demanded partially coincide with those offered, in the opinion of teachers, by the Educational Administration. Likewise, they highlight the excessive bureaucracy associated with daily tasks and overloaded teaching schedules, as two of the main limiters of the participation of teachers in continuous training actions.
Osteoarthritis in Italy: Impact on Health-Related Quality of Life and Health Care Resources
Authors: Berto Patrizia , Sanna Maria Domenica , Jackson James , Berry Mia , Jackson Jessica
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVE: To determine how osteoarthritis (OA) severity correlates with self-reported outcomes relevant from the patient’s perspective in the Italian clinical setting.METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2017-18 Adelphi OA Disease Specific ProgrammeTM (DSP). Data were collected in the Italian clinical practice settings by primary care physicians, rheumatologists, orthopedists, and their patients with OA, during their regular office visits. Physicians completed information about OA-related visits to healthcare professionals (HCPs), tests/scans conducted, emergency room (ER) visits, surgeries, and OA-related treatment. Physicians also rated patients’ functioning on a 0 to 10 scale (0 = fully functional; 10 = completely impaired). Outcomes included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, functional limitations, treatment needs, EuroQoL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) visual analogue scale (VAS), the work productivity and activity impairment. Descriptive statistics (numbers and percent for categorical variables; means with standard deviations [SD] for continuous variables) were used to evaluate the different variables as appropriate.RESULTS: The study population comprised 900 patients from Italy with knee (40.9%), back (38.7%), hip (27.9%), and/or shoulder (20.3%) OA. Mean age was 66.6 years with a prevalence of female (63%) patients. Patients had mild (26%), moderate (54%), severe (20%) disease severity. Patients with severe disease reported higher functional limitations, greater use of treatments, reduced quality of life, and impaired work productivity and activity. The burdens were higher among elderly and obese patients and in patients with highest pain severity score.CONCLUSIONS: The results from this cross-sectional study show the impact of OA disease severity on all dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), as well as in OA-related health care resource use.
ARMA Model-Based Prediction of the Number of Vessels Navigating the Istanbul Strait Unassisted by Maritime Pilots
Authors: Bolat Pelin , Kayisoglu Gizem
Published: April 2021

The Istanbul Strait is one of the busiest and riskiest trade routes, with the annual traffic of 50,000 ships. Such high traffic density is managed by the enforcement of a passage regimen by the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) and maritime pilots of the Directorate General of Coastal Safety of the Republic of Turkey. VTS operations and maritime pilot actions are assumed to complement each other. Accordingly, a vessel unaccompanied by a maritime pilot is expected to interact with the VTS to a greater extent than a vessel assisted by a maritime pilot. Thus, estimating the number of ships that pass through the Istanbul Strait, especially those that do not use maritime pilot assistance, will be an effective tool for the Istanbul Strait traffic scheme management, as it will allow the authorities to balance and integrate VTS and maritime pilot operations. The predictive model based on Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) described in this paper has been developed to estimate the number of ships that navigate through the Istanbul Strait without pilot assistance. The best ARMA model was identified through the use of historical data on 100-150 meter and 150-200-meter-long ships that passed through the Istanbul Strait unaccompanied by pilots in 2012-2019. The ARMA model obtained has also been validated through the comparison of real and estimated data.
Risk Analysis of DP Incidents During Drilling Operations
Authors: Sanchez-Varela Zaloa , Boullosa-Falces David , Larrabe-Barrena Juan Luis , Gomez-Solaeche Miguel Angel
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to present a method to determine the type of dynamic positioning (DP) incidents that have a more significant risk during drilling operations in the period 2007-2015, according to the element or the type of failure that causes the DP system to fail. Two different classifications are made: 1) according to the element that produces the incident (which has been the traditional classification in the industry) and 2) according to the type of error that arises, the latter being an alternative classification proposed in this paper. The predictable financial losses for each level of severity are used to define the resulting consequences for each case. A risk analysis is performed with the data obtained, showing the potentially more dangerous incidents, either because of their higher number of occurrences or because their consequences are remarkable. According to the classification proposed, the main causes with the higher risk results were power and environmental, according to the traditional classification, and fault/failure. Thus, the power segment’s combination of failures is the riskiest cause during the DP drilling operations.
Rights of Passengers in the Event of Death and Personal Injury on Board a Cruise Ship Under the 1974 Athens Convention and its 2002 Protocol - the Implementation of the Convention and The 2002 Protocol
Authors: Vujičić Srđan , Milošević-Pujo Branka , Gašpar Veronika
Published: April 2021

The rights of cruise ship passengers in the event of death and personal injury are dependent upon conditions under which carriers are liable and the extent of their liability. The development of the cruise industry necessitated the establishment of a regime of liability for loss suffered by passengers during voyage, that has been regulated by the Athens Convention and its 2002 Protocol. In the very beginnings of the cruise industry, transportation standards were much lower than today, with less attention paid to the needs of the passengers in terms of safety and legal standing. When the SOLAS Convention entered into force, a number of safety standards were designed to ensure passenger protection and safety, while the Athens Convention regulated and harmonized the legal status of passengers. Various other organizations also made a great contribution in this respect. In addition to the above, Regulation (EC) No 392/2009, the 2006 IMO Reservation and Guidelines, Directive 90/314/EEC and Directive (EU) 2015/2302, which contributed to the legal protection of passengers, need be mentioned.
The rights granted under the Athens Convention will be compared with EU regulations and directives. The ratification process, the most important provisions, the progress achieved through the application of the Convention and the implementation process will be analysed. The development strategy and SWOT analysis can assist states with their decision on the ratification of the Convention and its Protocol. The aim is to draw conclusions about the legal effects of the implementation of the Convention in member states, based on a comprehensive analysis, and to provide passengers with information on their rights in international carriage
Interaction of GDP Growth Rate and FDI in Service Sector - Case of Croatia
Authors: Pečarić Mario , Kusanović Tino , Šitum Antoni
Published: April 2021

Croatia is characterised by a foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow, mainly in the service sector, which is partly understandable owing to the country's orientation towards tourism. On the other hand, theoretical and empirical research indicates a weak impact of FDI in the service sector on the economic growth of the recipient country. Following the theoretical framework and critical analysis of previous research, the paper, on the example of Croatia in the period q1/2000 - q3/2020, uses the VAR model to analyse the mutual influence of GDP growth rate and FDI in the service sector. The results show that the impact of the GDP growth rate on the FDI inflow into the service sector is more significant and longer lasting than vice versa. The paper emphasises the importance of the adopted growth model for the type of FDI inflows into the recipient country, which in this case is characterised by the appreciation of the real exchange rate as an indicator of the country's competitiveness, whose impact on FDI inflow into the service sector is positive and long lasting.
New Aspects of Progress in the Modernization of the Maritime Radio Direction Finders (RDF)
Authors: Ilčev Dimov Stojče
Published: April 2021

This paper as an author contribution introduces the implementation of the new aspects in the modernization of the ships Radio Direction Finders (RDF) and their modern principles and applications for shipborne and coastal navigation surveillance systems. The origin RDF receivers with the antenna installed onboard ships or aircraft were designed to identify radio sources that provide bearing the Direction Finding (DF) signals. The radio DF system or sometimes simply known as the DF technique is de facto a basic principle of measuring the direction of signals for determination of the ship's position. The position of a particular ship in coastal navigation can be obtained by two or more measurements of certain radio sources received from different unspecified locations of transmitters on the coast. In the past, the RDF devices were widely used as a radio navigation system for aircraft, vehicles, and ships in particular. However, the newly developed RDF devices can be used today as an alternative to the Radio – Automatic Identification System (R-AIS), Satellite – Automatic Identification System (S-AIS), Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT), radars, GNSS receivers, and another current tracking and positioning systems of ships. The development of a modern shipborne RDF for new positioning and surveillance applications, such as Search and Rescue (SAR), Man over board (MOB), ships navigation and collision avoidance, offshore applications, detection of research buoys and for costal vessels traffic control and management is described in this paper.
О СТАТЬЕ О.А. ДОБИАШ-РОЖДЕСТВЕНСКОЙ «МЫСЛИ ЗАПАДНОГО ПАЛЕОГРАФА О ПАЛЕОГРАФИИ ЗАПАДНОЙ И СЛАВЯНО-РУССКОЙ», "Средние века"
Authors: Каганович Б.С.
Published: April 2021

Вступительная заметка предваряет публикацию статьи выдающегося историка западного Средневековья и палеографа О.А. Добиаш-Рождественской (1874–1939). Она явилась следствием интереса к работе коллег, с которой Добиаш-Рождественская постоянно соприкасалась в Отделе рукописей Государственной публичной библиотеки. Написанная в 1936 г. эта статья не утратила своего интереса для специалистов.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Friedel‐Crafts Alkylation Reactions of Pyrroles
Authors: Gaviña Daniel , Escolano Marcos , Torres Javier , Alzuet‐Piña Gloria , Sánchez‐Roselló María , del Pozo Carlos
Published: April 2021

Substituted and annulated pyrroles containing chiral centers are potentially accessible by means of an organocatalytic enantioselective Friedel‐Crafts alkylation (FCA) reaction. They are interesting compounds because of their abundant natural occurrence and their different biological activities. In comparison to indoles, for which a myriad of asymmetric procedures involving the FCA have been developed, pyrroles have been relatively less used as nucleophilic counterparts in this reaction. However, in the last two decades, huge synthetic efforts have been performed around this interesting asymmetric transformation and several methodologies have been devised. In this context, this review article provides a general overview of the organocatalytic enantioselective FCA chemistry of pyrroles, which has not been revised to date.

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Solid Electrolyte Interphase Engineering for Aqueous Aluminum Metal Batteries: A Critical Evaluation
Authors: Dong Tony , Ng Kok Long , Wang Yijia , Voznyy Oleksandr , Azimi Gisele
Published: April 2021

Rechargeable aqueous aluminum metal batteries (AAMBs) have long been considered unachievable because of the spontaneously formed ionically passivating oxide film and hydrogen evolution reaction on Al. In response, two solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) construction methods, namely, 5 m (mol kg−1) Al(OTF)3‐based water‐in‐salt electrolyte (Al‐WiSE) and chloroaluminate ionic liquid (IL) pretreatment have been recently reported and seemingly reversible AAMBs were achieved. However, the SEI forming ability of a relatively low concentration Al‐WiSE and the fundamental nature of the IL‐derived SEI remain unclear. Here, with thorough computational, electrochemical, and spectroscopic characterizations, it is revealed that contrary to previous reports, neither of the methods build a stable and effective SEI, and hydrogen evolution reaction remains as the cathodic reaction, without Al deposition. This is the underlying reason for the poor voltage and cyclabilities of current AAMBs. Using insights gained in this work, suggestions for future research is offered on reliable electrolytes and interphases to enable truly reversible AAMBs.
Secondary CoQ10 deficiency, bioenergetics unbalance in disease and aging
Authors: Navas Plácido , Cascajo María V. , Alcázar‐Fabra María , Hernández‐Camacho Juan D. , Sánchez‐Cuesta Ana , Rodríguez Ana Belén Cortés , Ballesteros‐Simarro Manuel , Arroyo‐Luque Antonio , Rodríguez‐Aguilera Juan Carlos , Fernández‐Ayala Daniel J. M. , Brea‐Calvo Gloria , López‐Lluch Guillermo , Santos‐Ocaña Carlos
Published: April 2021

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency is a rare disease characterized by a decreased accumulation of CoQ10 in cell membranes. Considering that CoQ10 synthesis and most of its functions are carried out in mitochondria, CoQ10 deficiency cases are usually considered a mitochondrial disease. A relevant feature of CoQ10 deficiency is that it is the only mitochondrial disease with a successful therapy available, the CoQ10 supplementation. Defects in components of the synthesis machinery caused by mutations in COQ genes generate the primary deficiency of CoQ10. Mutations in genes that are not directly related to the synthesis machinery cause secondary deficiency. Cases of CoQ10 deficiency without genetic origin are also considered a secondary deficiency. Both types of deficiency can lead to similar clinical manifestations, but the knowledge about primary deficiency is deeper than secondary. However, secondary deficiency cases may be underestimated since many of their clinical manifestations are shared with other pathologies. This review shows the current state of secondary CoQ10 deficiency, which could be even more relevant than primary deficiency for clinical activity. The analysis covers the fundamental features of CoQ10 deficiency, which are necessary to understand the biological and clinical differences between primary and secondary CoQ10 deficiencies. Further, a more in‐depth analysis of CoQ10 secondary deficiency was undertaken to consider its origins, introduce a new way of classification, and include aging as a form of secondary deficiency.
Physiochemical properties of enveloped viruses and arginine dictate inactivation
Authors: Meingast Christa L. , Joshi Pratik U. , Turpeinen Dylan G. , Xu Xuankuo , Holstein Melissa , Feroz Hasin , Ranjan Swarnim , Ghose Sanchayita , Li Zheng Jian , Heldt Caryn L.
Published: April 2021

Background

Therapeutic protein manufacturing would benefit by having an arsenal of ways to inactivate viruses. There have been many publications on the virus inactivation ability of arginine at pH 4.0, but the mechanism of this inactivation is unknown. This study explored how virus structure and solution conditions enhance virus inactivation by arginine and leads to a better understanding of the mechanism of virus inactivation by arginine.

Results

Large diameter viruses from the Herpesviridae family (SuHV‐1, HSV‐1) with loosely packed lipids were highly inactivated by arginine, whereas small diameter, enveloped viruses (equine arteritis virus (EAV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV)) with tightly packed lipids were negligibly inactivated by arginine. To increase the inactivation of viruses resistant to arginine, arginine‐derivatives and arginine peptides were tested. Derivates and peptides demonstrated that a greater capacity for clustering and added hydrophobicity enhanced virus inactivation. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) detected increases in virus size after arginine exposure, supporting the mechanism of lipid expansion.

Conclusions

Arginine most likely interacts with the lipid membrane to cause inactivation. This is shown by larger viruses being more sensitive to inactivation and expansion of the viral size. The enhancement of arginine inactivation when increased hydrophobic molecules are present or arginine is clustered demonstrates a potential mechanism of how arginine interacts with the lipid membrane.
Rhodium Single‐Atom Catalysts on Titania for Reverse Water Gas Shift Reaction Explored by First Principles Mechanistic Analysis and Compared to Nanoclusters
Authors: Doherty Francis , Goldsmith Bryan R.
Published: April 2021

The thermocatalytic reduction of CO2 by H2 often proceeds via two competing reaction mechanisms – the reverse water gas shift reaction (rWGSR, CO2+H2⇌CO+H2O) and methanation (CO2+4H2⇌CH4+2H2O). Atomically dispersed Rh1 catalysts on TiO2 show high selectivity toward the rWGSR compared with larger Rh nanoclusters, but the origin of this size‐dependent selectivity has not been fully explained. Here we report density functional theory (DFT) calculations and microkinetic simulations that clarify the Rh1 active sites and rWGSR pathway on anatase TiO2(101), as well as the high rWGSR selectivity of Rh1 compared with supported Rhx (x=2–8 atoms) nanoclusters. DFT‐computed formation energies, vibrational frequency analysis, and microkinetic modeling suggest three plausible active sites: Rh1 on titania (Rh1/TiO2(101)), Rh1 with a nearby hydroxyl group (Rh1OH/TiO2(101)), and Rh1 near an oxygen vacancy at a three‐fold coordinated site (Rh1 near O3cvac). Predicted turnover frequencies and apparent activation barriers for Rh1 indicate a faster reaction involving CO2 dissociation assisted by a support oxygen vacancy via Rh1 near O3cvac, as well as slower reactions involving Rh1OH/TiO2(101) or Rh1/TiO2(101) through a COOH intermediate. These Rh1 sites are selective toward CO rather than CH4 because of the weak adsorption of CO, large barrier for C−O bond dissociation, and the lack of nearby metal sites for H2 dissociation, in contrast to Rhx nanoclusters, including Rh2 dimers.
Reductive Formylation of Nitroarenes using HCOOH over Bimetallic C−N Framework Derived from the Integration of MOF and COF
Authors: Kumar Kar Ashish , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: April 2021

CoZn embedded C−N framework is prepared by the carbonization of CoZn containing MOF integrated with COF porous architecture in Ar atmosphere. The graphitic nature of porous carbon is confirmed from Raman analysis. The porosity and nanostructure information are retrieved from N2‐sorption and transmission electron microscopic analysis, respectively. The incorporation of different metals and their oxidation states and types of nitrogen present in the C−N framework are confirmed from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The basicity of the materials is determined from a CO2‐temperature programmed desorption. ZnCo embedded C−N framework exhibits excellent activity in the selective reductive formylation using HCOOH. For comparison, more than 15 materials are prepared, and their activities are compared. Several control experiments are performed to establish a structure‐activity relation. The recycling experiment, hot‐filtration test, and poisoning experiment demonstrate the metal embedded porous C−N framework‘s recyclability and stability. A reaction mechanism for the reductive N‐formylation of nitroaromatics is presented based on structure‐activity relationship, control reactions, and physicochemical characterizations. The development of interesting MOF‐COF‐derived metal nanoclusters embedded C−N framework for selective reductive formylation of nitroaromatics using formic acid will be highly attractive to catalysis researchers and industrialists.
Modular Toolkit of Multifunctional Block Copoly(2‐oxazoline)s for the Synthesis of Nanoparticles
Authors: Keckeis Philipp , Zeller Enriko , Jung Carina , Besirske Patricia , Kirner Felizitas , Ruiz‐Agudo Cristina , Schlaad Helmut , Cölfen Helmut
Published: April 2021

Post‐polymerization modification provides an elegant way to introduce chemical functionalities onto macromolecules to produce tailor‐made materials with superior properties. This concept was adapted to well‐defined block copolymers of the poly(2‐oxazoline) family and demonstrated the large potential of these macromolecules as universal toolkit for numerous applications. Triblock copolymers with separated water‐soluble, alkyne‐ and alkene‐containing segments were synthesized and orthogonally modified with various low‐molecular weight functional molecules by copper(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and thiol‐ene (TE) click reactions, respectively. Representative toolkit polymers were used for the synthesis of gold, iron oxide and silica nanoparticles.
An Octa‐Urea [Pd2L4]4+ Cage that Selectively Binds to n‐octyl‐α‐D‐Mannoside
Authors: Schaapkens Xander , Holdener Joël H. , Tolboom Jens , Bobylev Eduard O. , Reek Joost N. H. , Mooibroek Tiddo J.
Published: April 2021

Designing compounds for the selective molecular recognition of carbohydrates is a challenging task for supramolecular chemists. Macrocyclic compounds that incorporate isophtalamide or bisurea spacers linking two aromatic moieties have proven effective for the selective recognition of all‐equatorial carbohydrates. Here, we explore the molecular recognition properties of an octa‐urea [Pd2L4]4+ cage complex (4). It was found that small anions like NO3− and BF4− bind inside 4 and inhibit binding of n‐octyl glycosides. When the large non‐coordinating anion ‘BArF’ was used, 4 showed excellent selectivity towards n‐octyl‐α‐D‐Mannoside with binding in the order of Ka≈16 M−1 versus non‐measurable affinities for other glycosides including n‐octyl‐β‐D‐Glucoside (in CH3CN/H2O 91 : 9).
Planning and Conducting a Pharmacogenetics Association Study
Authors: Hertz Daniel L. , Arwood Meghan J. , Stocco Gabriele , Singh Sonal , Karnes Jason H. , Ramsey Laura B.
Published: April 2021

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) association studies are used to discover, replicate, and validate the association between an inherited genotype and a treatment outcome. The objective of this tutorial is to provide trainees and novice PGx researchers with an overview of the major decisions that need to be made when designing and conducting a PGx association study. The first critical decision is to determine whether the objective of the study is discovery, replication, or validation. Next, the researcher must identify a patient cohort that has all of the data necessary to conduct the intended analysis. Then, the investigator must select and define the treatment outcome, or phenotype, that will be analyzed. Next, the investigator must determine what genotyping approach and genetic data will be included in the analysis. Finally, the association between the genotype and phenotype is tested using some statistical analysis methodology. This tutorial is divided into five sections; each section describes commonly used approaches and provides suggestions and resources for designing and conducting a PGx association study. Successful PGx association studies are necessary to discover and validate associations between inherited genetic variation and treatment outcomes, which enable clinical translation to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity of treatment.
A systematic literature review on mobility in terrestrial and underwater wireless sensor networks
Authors: Ghanem Mahran , Mansoor Ali Mohammed , Ahmad Rodina
Published: April 2021

Wireless sensor network (WSN) is one of the most significant technologies that gets much attention from researchers due to its promising applications in various environments. Mobility in wireless sensor networks contributes significantly to improving the performance of terrestrial wireless sensor networks (TWSNs) and underwater wireless sensor networks (UWSNs). This research's primary goal is to highlight the roles of mobility and mobile element tasks in enhancing terrestrial and underwater wireless sensor networks. Our systematic literature review (SLR) analyzed studies published between the periods of 2003 and January 2020. Out of 1762 studies retrieved by searching six online digital libraries and other resources, only 107 of them were selected for primary studies based on selection criteria and relevant to three identified research questions. This was followed by data extraction from the primary studies for answering the three SLR questions. The study reveals that mobility plays an essential role in improving network performance in TWSNs and UWSNs, especially in the aspects of coverage, energy efficiency, throughput, and connectivity. The study also identifies the tasks of the mobile elements in TWSNs and UWSNs, including data collection, localization, and charging. Moreover, it demonstrates the parameters of the mobile elements that should be considered when building networks. Finally, this study concludes by highlighting some open research issues that can be considered for future research.
Trusted cognitive sensor based dual routing network on Internet of things
Authors: Arulanantham Dhandapani , Palanisamy Chenniappan
Published: April 2021

To protect wireless sensor based Internet of things (IoT) networks from internal non‐cooperative nodes, developing a reliable method between sensors has proven to be an excellent way in the present investigation. Losses and vulnerabilities in the network can be resolved by examining the activities of the network and then selecting the sensor to which the information is sent, rather than just the communication of the sensor. Most of the existing reliable models consider only the contact nature is this when calculating one‐hop reliability. However, this is not enough with different types of attacks. So, the proposed design focuses on developing a communication with a reliable model between sources to destination based on the TCSRN—trusted cognitive sensor based dual routing network on the IoT. Based on this the highest packet delivery ratio and minimum delay are achieved at the end of the communication because of the reliable path selection with dual‐path selection method according to one‐hop report, endorsement report based reliability and global cumulative reliability based on relations between sensors.
Comparative assessment of different diesel engines fueled with 1‐pentanol and diesel blends
Authors: Atmanli Alpaslan , Yilmaz Nadir
Published: April 2021

1‐pentanol has been gathering attention because of its advantages over the lower alcohols, and the researchers consider that it is a promising alternative fuel for diesel engines. In this study, two types of diesel engines were fueled with various blends of 1‐pentanol (5%–35%) and diesel blends. Engine tests were performed using Onan DJC and Subaru RGD (3300H) unmodified diesel engines under different engine loads and speeds and results were reported and compared for both diesel engines. Test results of Onan and Subaru engines showed that average brake thermal efficiency (BTE) decreased, while brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) increased with increasing presence of 1‐pentanol in the binary blends. Addition of 1‐pentanol to diesel fuel significantly decreased oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions, while hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions increased drastically with the use of 1‐pentanol as compared to diesel fuel. It is noted that the engine specifications, operating conditions and 1‐pentanol blend ratio significantly affect HC emissions. As a result, the lowest ratio of 1‐pentanol is the most promising candidate for decreasing NOx emissions, but at the expense of increasing BSFC for any type of diesel engine without any engine modification.
Optimization of cerium oxide added algae biodiesel blends by Taguchi and ANOVA methods in terms of emission and combustion characteristics
Authors: Ravi Sam Sukumar , Rao Maddula Muralidhara , Krishna Alluru Gopala
Published: April 2021

Presently, the reduction of emission rates from the diesel engine is a significant aim of several researchers. Biodiesel has considered an alternative for diesel, but based on mechanical efficiency, its performance is very poor. Therefore, the nanoparticles are blended with the diesel and biodiesel for reducing emission and enhancing the engine performance characteristics. The major intention of the present work is to provide the finest fuel blend for the 4‐stroke diesel engine according to both emission and combustion characteristics. Here, the Hazantus (algae bio diesel) prepared via soxhlet extraction, and then it is blended with the diesel under three various ratios such as 1:9, 2:8, 3:7. Based on these three ratios, the performance of the variable compression ratio engine has been investigated and is optimized by using the Taguchi method, which exhibited that the 2:8 biodiesel blend is optimum based on mechanical performance and combustion. Further, to enhance biodiesel performance concerning emission characteristics, the cerium oxide nanoparticles mixed with the optimum fuel blend at the proportion rate of 25 and 50 mg. The emission rates obtained from this research work are 1000PPM of NOx, 0.052% of CO, and 38% of HC.
Using Jand and Mesquite for environmental progress and management: Improvement soil proprieties and carbon sequestration ability in different organs
Authors: Ansari Sara , Sadeghi Hossein
Published: April 2021

The present study was conducted to estimate the amount of carbon sequestration in soil containing Jand (Prosopis cineraria) and Mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) and control area at different soil depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm), as well as its organs (root, shoot and leaves) and some soil characteristics in the Anbarabad region, southeastern part of Kerman province, Iran. This study was carried out by two separate factorial experiments. The first factor was the type of plant species in both experiments. The second factor was the plant organs in experiment I and different soil depths in experiment II. The results showed that the carbon stored at two depths of 0–15 and 15–30 cm in P. cineraria (21.39 and 24.36 t/ha) and also in P. juliflora was 23.70 and 24.857 t/ha, respectively. Effects of Soil type under the canopy and soil depths on carbon sequestration were significant. Both plants had the highest amount of organic carbon in the roots and shoots. However, the lowest amount of organic carbon obtained in leaves. Effect of soil depth on carbon sequestration was significant and also the interaction of species and organs on the amount of stored organic carbon were significant. Soil texture, especially clay content, has a great effect on soil carbon sequestration. The highest carbon sequestration was obtained in Mesquite (24.03a ± 1.113 t/ha) and the lowest carbon sequestration was obtained in Jand (20.87b ± 0.203 t/ha).
Quantification of biogeomorphic interactions between small‐scale sediment transport and primary vegetation succession on proglacial slopes of the Gepatschferner, Austria
Authors: Haselberger Stefan , Ohler Lisa‐Maria , Junker Robert R. , Otto Jan‐Christoph , Glade Thomas , Kraushaar Sabine
Published: April 2021

Proglacial slopes provide suitable conditions for observing the co‐development of abiotic and biotic systems. The frequency and magnitude of geomorphic processes and plant composition govern this interplay, which is described in the model of biogeomorphic succession. In high mountain environments, this model has only been tested in a limited number of studies. The study aimed to quantify small‐scale sediment transport via erosion plots along a plant cover gradient and to investigate the influence of sediment transport on plant communities. We aimed to generate quantitative data to test existing biogeomorphic models. Small‐scale biogeomorphic interactions were investigated on 30 test plots of 2 × 3 m size on proglacial slopes of the Gepatschferner (Kaunertal) in the Austrian Alps during the snow‐free summer months over three consecutive years. The experimental plots were established on slopes along a plant cover gradient. A detailed vegetation survey was carried out to capture biotic conditions, and specific sediment yield was measured at each plot. Species abundance and composition at each site reflected successional stages. Additional environmental parameters, such as terrain age, geomorphometry, grain size distribution, soil nutrients, and precipitation, were also included in the analyses. We observed two pronounced declines in geomorphic activity on plots with both above 30% and above 75% plant cover. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling showed distinct clusters of vegetation composition that mainly followed a successional gradient. Sites that were affected by high‐magnitude geomorphic events showed different environmental conditions and species communities. Quantified process rates and observed species composition support the concept of biogeomorphic succession. The findings help to narrow down a biogeomorphic feedback window.
The density polarization reveals directions of electron displacements due to the substituent effect: Analysis performed on a metal‐organic Mo‐Oxo catalyst
Authors: Martínez‐Araya Jorge I. , Morell Christophe
Published: April 2021

Some Mo‐oxo complexes bearing pyridine rings have the capability for dihydrogen production from water. However, energy barrier and overall energy vary depending on the effect exerted by several substituent groups located at different positions around one or more pyridine rings which are ligands of these compounds. Based on the Karunadasa and coworkers investigation where the para‐position was experimentally tested in compounds derivatised from the 2,6‐bis[1,1‐bis(2‐pyridil)ethyl]‐pyridine oxo‐molybdenum complex synthesized (Karunadasa et al., Nature, 2010, 464, 1329), we tested the combined effect of electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups simulated as perturbations represented by point‐charges. Then, we used the density polarization concept, δρ(r), a local reactivity descriptor corresponding to the partially integrated linear response function, χ(r, r′) (a non‐local reactivity descriptor), which is able to reveal different displacements of π‐electrons on molecular structures. We perturbed the para‐positions in the pentadentate ligand 2,6‐bis[1,1‐bis(2‐pyridil)ethyl]‐pyridine in the Mo‐based complex by means of point‐charges. They were located in three different configurations of the organic ligand (trans, geminal, and cis) which could help to explain energy barriers and overall energy of reactions catalyzed by this type of Mo‐complexes. Our results indicate that the trans configuration of point‐charges induces the most amount of fraction of electron shifted on the complex. A Mo‐based complex bearing the same trans configuration for electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating substituent groups (cyano and amino, respectively), leads to a kinetically more favorable H2 release than the cis or geminal configuration of the substituent groups aforementioned.
Impact of local and regional climate variability on fungi production from Pinus sylvestris forests in Soria, Spain
Authors: García‐Bustamante Elena , Fidel González‐Rouco J. Fidel , García‐Lozano Elena , Martinez‐Peña Fernando , Navarro Jorge
Published: April 2021

The cultivation of edible fungal species represents a profitable agricultural sector and an interesting climatic‐impact oriented topic. This article focuses on Boletus edulis that develops in Pinus sylvestris forests in Soria (Castile and León in the Iberian Peninsula). This work aims at evaluating the extent to which the climate variability modulates the fungi production, both at local and regional/synoptic scales. With this purpose, the relationship between B. edulis production and various climatic variables such as precipitation, temperature, soil moisture and soil temperature has been explored based on observations during 1995–2014 over the study area as well as reanalysis data. The study evidences the relative importance of humidity in the B. edulis production both at the surface and the subsurface. In general, it can be said that wet conditions early in the production season together with cooler summers and mild autumns enhance the B. edulis growth. Evidences of the particular relevance of soil conditions at the beginning of the production season on the total annual production have been provided. In addition, the age of the trees that host the fungi species seems to play as well a pivotal role in the amounts of production obtained. Such a detailed analysis, including local relevant climatic information along with the investigation of the large‐scale features that impact the production of edible fungi species has not yet been developed over this region.
Bayesian bootstrap aggregation for tourism demand forecasting
Authors: Song Haiyan , Liu Anyu , Li Gang , Liu Xinyang
Published: April 2021

Limited historical data are the primary cause of the failure of tourism forecasts. Bayesian bootstrap aggregation (BBagging) may offer a solution to this problem. This study is the first to apply BBagging to tourism demand forecasting. An analysis of annual and quarterly tourism demand for Hong Kong shows that BBagging can, in general, improve the forecasting accuracy of the econometric models obtained using the general‐to‐specific (GETS) approach by reducing, relative to the ordinary bagging method, the variability in the posterior distributions of the forecasts it generates.
A dynamic simulation framework for CT perfusion in stroke assessment built from first principles
Authors: Divel Sarah E. , Christensen Soren , Segars William P. , Lansberg Maarten G. , Pelc Norbert J.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Physicians utilize cerebral perfusion maps (e.g., cerebral blood flow, cerebral blood volume, transit time) to prescribe the plan of care for stroke patients. Variability in scanning techniques and post‐processing software can result in differences between these perfusion maps. To determine which techniques are acceptable for clinical care, it is important to validate the accuracy and reproducibility of the perfusion maps. Validation using clinical data is challenging due to the lack of a gold standard to assess cerebral perfusion and the impracticality of scanning patients multiple times with different scanning techniques. In contrast, simulated data from a realistic digital phantom of the cerebral perfusion in acute stroke patients would enable studies to optimize and validate the scanning and post‐processing techniques.

Methods

We describe a complete framework to simulate CT perfusion studies for stroke assessment. We begin by expanding the XCAT brain phantom to enable spatially varying contrast agent dynamics and incorporate a realistic model of the dynamics in the cerebral vasculature derived from first principles. A dynamic CT simulator utilizes the time–concentration curves to define the contrast agent concentration in the object at each time point and generates CT perfusion images compatible with commercially available post‐processing software. We also generate ground truth perfusion maps to which the maps generated by post‐processing software can be compared.

Results

We demonstrate a dynamic CT perfusion study of a simulated patient with an ischemic stroke and the resulting perfusion maps generated by post‐processing software. We include a visual comparison between the computer‐generated perfusion maps and the ground truth perfusion maps. The framework is highly tunable; users can modify the perfusion properties (e.g., occlusion location, CBF, CBV, and MTT), scanner specifications (e.g., focal spot size and detector configuration), scanning protocol (e.g., kVp and mAs), and reconstruction parameters (e.g., slice thickness and reconstruction filter).

Conclusions

This framework provides realistic test data with the underlying ground truth that enables a robust assessment of CT perfusion techniques and post‐processing methods for stroke assessment.
A study on understanding the physical mechanism of change in ultrasonic envelope statistical property during temperature elevation
Authors: Omura Masaaki , Takeuchi Michio , Nagaoka Ryo , Hasegawa Hideyuki
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Our previous studies demonstrate that the variation in ultrasonic envelope statistics is correlated with the temperature change inside scattering media. This variation is identified as the change in the scatterer structure during thermal expansion or contraction. However, no specific evidence has been verified to date. This study numerically reproduces the change in the scatterer distribution during thermal expansion or contraction using finite element simulations and also investigates how the situation is altered by different material properties.

Methods

The material properties of a linear elastic solid depend on the thermal expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and initial scatterer number density. Three‐dimensional displacements, calculated in the simulation, were sequentially used to update the positions of the randomly distributed scatterers. Ultrasound signals from the scatterer distribution were generated by simulating a 7.5‐MHz linear array transducer whose specifications were the same as those in the experimental measurements of several phantoms and excised porcine livers. To represent the change in the envelope statistical feature, the absolute value of the ratio change in the logarithmic Nakagami (NA) parameter, , at each time was calculated as a value normalized with the initial NA parameter.

Results

The change in the scatterer number density relates to the volume change during temperature elevation. The magnitude of the shift against the temperature change increases depending on the higher thermal expansion coefficient. In contrast, the relationship between and the scatterer number density is similar with any material property. Additionally, the changes in obtained by several experimental phantoms with low to high scatterer number densities are comparable with the numerical simulation results.

Conclusions

The change in is indirectly related to the change in the scatterer number density owing to the volume change during thermal expansion or contraction.