bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogeochemistry and Groundwater Quality Assessment in the High Agri Valley (Southern Italy)
Authors: Paternoster M. , Buccione R. , Canora F. , Buttitta D. , Panebianco S. , Rizzo G. , Sinisi R. , Summa V. , Mongelli G.
Published: June 2021

The High Agri Valley (southern Italy) is one of the largest intermontane basin of the southern Apennines affected by intensive agricultural and industrial activities. The study of groundwater chemical features provides much important information useful in water resource management. In this study, hydrogeochemical investigations coupled with multivariate statistics, saturation indices, and stable isotope composition (δD and δ18O) were conducted in the High Agri Valley to determine the chemical composition of groundwater and to define the geogenic and anthropogenic influences on groundwater quality. Twenty-four sampling point ( including well and spring waters) have been examined. The isotopic data revealed that groundwater has a meteoric origin. Well waters, located on recent alluvial-lacustrine deposits in shallow porous aquifers at the valley floor, are influenced by seasonal rainfall events and show shallow circuits; conversely, spring waters from fissured and/or karstified aquifers are probably associated to deeper and longer hydrogeological circuits. The

R

-mode factor analysis shows that three factors explain 94% of the total variance, and F1 represents the combined effect of dolomite and silicate dissolution to explain most water chemistry. In addition, very low contents of trace elements were detected, and their distribution was principally related to natural input. Only two well waters, used for irrigation use, show critical issue for NO3- concentrations, whose values are linked to agricultural activities. Groundwater quality strongly affects the management of water resources, as well as their suitability for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. Overall, our results were considered fulfilling the requirements for the inorganic component of the Water Framework Directive and Italian legislation for drinking purposes. The water quality for irrigation is from “good to permissible” to “excellent to good” although salinity and relatively high content of Mg2+ can occasionally be critical.
Enhanced Proton Acceleration by Laser-Driven Collisionless Shock in the Near-Critical Density Target Embedding with Solid Nanolayers
Authors: Chao Yue , Yan Xinxin , Xie Rui , Cao Lihua , Zheng Chunyang , Liu Zhanjun , He Xiantu
Published: June 2021

Effects of solid nanolayers embedded in a near-critical density plasma on the laser-driven collisionless shock acceleration are investigated by using two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Due to the interaction of nanolayers and the incident laser, an additional number of hot electrons are generated and an inhomogeneous magnetic field is induced. As a result, the collisionless shock is reinforced within the nanolayer gaps compared to the target without the structured nanolayers. When the laser intensity is 9.8 × 1019 W/cm2, the amplitude of the electrostatic field is increased by 30% and the shock velocity is increased from 0.079c to 0.091c, leading to an enhancement of the peak energy and the cutoff energy of accelerated protons, from 6.9 MeV to 9.1 MeV and 12.2 MeV to 20.0 MeV, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of the width of the nanolayer gaps are studied, by adjusting the gap width of nanolayers, and optimal nanolayer setups for collisionless shock acceleration can be acquired.
A Cost-Efficient Autonomous Air Defense System for National Security
Authors: Khan Fazle Rabby , Muhabullah Md. , Islam Roksana , Monirujjaman Khan Mohammad , Masud Mehedi , Aljahdali Sultan , Kaur Avinash , Singh Parminder
Published: June 2021

In a country, air defense systems are designed to reduce threats efficiently. An air defense system is a fundamental part of any country because it provides national security. This study presents an autonomous air defense system (AADS) development that will automatically detect aerial threats (e.g., drones) and target them without any human intervention. The AADS is implemented using radar, camera, and laser gun. The radar system dynamically emits microwaves and detects moving objects around it. It triggers the camera system if it senses the frequency of any aerial threat. The camera receives the radar’s signal and detects using a neural network algorithm whether it is a threat or not. Neural network algorithms are used for the detection and classification of objects. The laser gun locks its target if the live video feed classifies an object as a more than 75% threat. In the detection stage, an average loss of 0.184961 was achieved using YOLOv3 and 0.155 using the Faster-RCNN. This system will ensure that no human errors are made while detecting threats in a region and improve national safety.
Preparation and Characterization of Chabazite from Construction Waste and Application as an Adsorbent for Methylene Blue
Authors: Song Xue , Zhang Yingming , Cui Xiangke , Liu Fangfang , Zhao Hailiang
Published: June 2021

Construction waste, produced from building projects, was utilized to prepare chabazite by alkali fusion hydrothermal synthesis method. The synthesized chabazite was used as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB). XRD, FTIR, and N2 adsorption/desorption curves were adopted to describe the physical and chemical properties of the samples. The results show that the synthesized chabazite possesses crystalline structure, typical functional groups, and large specific surface area of 421.34 m2 g-1. Adsorption isotherms and kinetic curves show that the adsorption process follows the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics model. The maximum adsorption capacity of MB on the synthesized chabazite reaches up to 129.18 mg g-1 at 298 K, which is about 16 times that of construction waste. The removal rate of MB reaches more than 90%, and the adsorbed amount is about 35 mg g-1 after 1 h at 298 K. Thermodynamic parameters, namely [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] of -12.83 kJ mol-1, -27.37 J mol-1 K-1, and -4.68 kJ mol-1 at 298 K, respectively, indicate that the adsorption of MB on the chabazite is physical, orderliness-tended, and spontaneous process. Moreover, the synthesized chabazite has a good property of regeneration and reuse. The results indicate that using construction waste to prepare chabazite in application as an adsorbent is feasible, which provides a novel and environment-friendly way for recycling construction waste.
Actein Antagonizes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Proliferation through Activating FoxO1
Authors: Zhao Chenguang , Zhang Zhiling , Dai Xiaohua , Wang Jinhui , Liu Hao , Ma Hongwei
Published: June 2021

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is among the most prevalent head and neck malignancies globally, and it is associated with high mortality rates. Actein is one of the primary active components extractable from the rhizomes of Cimicifuga foetida. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-OSCC effects of actein and evaluate the potential underlying mechanisms. Methods and Results: CCK-8 cell proliferation experiments demonstrated significant dose- and time-dependent anti-OSCC effects of actein, while actein had weak cytotoxic effects on normal oral cell lines. Flow cytometry for cell cycle evaluation revealed that actein could induce cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase among OSCC cell lines. In our Annexin V/PI double staining apoptosis analysis, actein induced significant apoptosis among OSCC cells, with upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. Our mechanistic study implicated the involvement of the Akt/FoxO1 pathway in the anti-OSCC effects of actein. Akt1 and Akt2 expression significantly decreased in association with the FoxO1 upregulation. Furthermore, Bim and p21 were significantly upregulated, while survivin expression was downregulated. Finally, actein treatment was associated with significant p-Akt downregulation and p-FoxO1 upregulation in OSCC cells, demonstrating the validated roles of Akt/FoxO1 in actein-mediated OSCC cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. FoxO1 knockdown significantly reversed the anti-OSCC effects of actein. Additionally, a xenograft model indicated that actein could inhibit OSCC cell growth in vivo. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that actein could be a strong anti-OSCC candidate. Further evaluations of its safety and effectiveness are necessary before it can be considered for clinical use.
Dermal Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Psoriatic Lesions Stimulate HaCaT Cell Proliferation, Differentiation, and Migration via Activating the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liang Nannan , Chang Wenjuan , Peng Aihong , Cao Yue , Li Junqin , Wang Ying , Jiao Juanjuan , Zhang Kaiming
Published: June 2021

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by excessive proliferation and abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes. Dermal mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are not only involved in the regeneration of skin tissue, but also can regulate skin microenvironment by secreting cytokines. However, whether and how psoriatic DMSCs regulate proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes remains unknown. Objective: To study the effects of psoriatic DMSCs on the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of keratinocytes and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Following co-cultures of HaCaT cells with either psoriatic DMSCs (p-DMSCs) or DMSCs from normal volunteers (n-DMSCs), HaCaT cell proliferation was assessed using CCK-8 and EDU incorporation assay, while scratch assay and transwell assay were used to assess cell migration. qRT-PCR was used to determine expression levels of mRNA for cell proliferation (Ki-67) and differentiation (keratin 5, involucrin, and filaggrin). Western blot was used to measure expression levels of proteins associated with keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in cultured HaCaT cells treated with or without PI3K inhibitor. ELISA assay was used to measure expression profile of stem cell factor (SCF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and interleukin-11 (IL-11) within the co-culture supernatants. Results: The results showed that p-DMSCs displayed a higher potency than n-DMSCs in stimulating proliferation, differentiation, and migration of HaCaT cells. Expression levels of PI3K and AKT proteins were markedly increased in HaCaT cells co-cultured with DMSCs versus HaCaT cell culture alone. Moreover, inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway reversed the effect of p-DMSCs on proliferation, differentiation, and migration of HaCaT cells. Compared with n-DMSCs, the p-DMSCs showed increased secretion of IL-11, EGF, and SCF. Conclusion: p-DMSCs stimulate HaCaT cell proliferation, differentiation and migration via activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, providing a new insight into the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Possible Mechanism of Human Recombinant Leptin-Induced VEGF A Synthesis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR/S6 Kinase Signaling Pathway while Inducing Angiogenesis: An Analysis Using Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane Model
Authors: Manjunathan Reji , Devarajan Nalini , Ragunathan Malathi
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The present study aimed to realize human recombinant leptin ’s ability to synthesize VEGF A while inducing neovascularization through PI3K/Akt/mTOR/S6 kinase involved signaling pathway. Methods: To examine the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/S6 kinase pathway involvement in leptin-induced VEGF A synthesis, the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was incubated with human recombinant leptin and specific inhibitors of the proposed signaling molecules (rapamycin and wortmannin). We analyzed the role of specified signaling molecules in human recombinant leptin-induced physiological angiogenesis via VEGF A synthesis in detail with the support of various methodologies. Results: Human recombinant leptin’s ability to synthesize VEGF A is diminished significantly in the presence of inhibitors. This observation supported the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR/S6 kinase signaling molecules in human recombinant leptin-mediated VEGF A synthesis while inducing angiogenesis in CAM. Conclusion: Synthesis of VEGF A, followed by the growth of new blood vessels, by human recombinant leptin via the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/S6 kinase signaling pathway reflects mechanistic therapeutic application of human recombinant leptin. The data also signify the role of mTOR and S6 kinase molecules in angiogenesis under a physiological environment.
Increased Body Mass Index Is a Risk Factor for Poor Clinical Outcomes after Radical Prostatectomy in Men with International Society of Urological Pathology Grade Group 1 Prostate Cancer Diagnosed with Systematic Biopsies
Authors: Ferro Matteo , Terracciano Daniela , Musi Gennaro , de Cobelli Ottavio , Vartolomei Mihai Dorin , Damiano Rocco , Cantiello Francesco , Buonerba Carlo , Morelli Michele , Mistretta Francesco Alessandro , Luzzago Stefano , Perdonà Sisto , Del Prete Paola , Del Giudice Francesco , Busetto Gian Maria , Porreca Angelo , Autorino Riccardo , Manfredi Matteo , Porpiglia Francesco , Muto Matteo , Loizzo Davide , Ditonno Pasquale , Battaglia Michele , Lucarelli Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

Introduction: The association between obesity and clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa) is still a matter of debate. In this study, we evaluated the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the prediction of pathological unfavorable disease (UD), positive surgical margins (PSMs), and biochemical recurrence (BCR) in patients with clinically localized (≤cT2c) International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade group 1 PCa at biopsy. Methods: 427 patients with ISUP grade group 1 PCa who have undergone radical prostatectomy and BMI evaluation were included. The outcome of interest was the presence of UD (defined as ISUP grade group ≥3 and pT ≥3a), PSM, and BCR. Results: Statistically significant differences resulted in comparing BMI with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and serum testosterone levels (both p < 0.0001). Patients with UD and PSM had higher BMI values (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.006, respectively). BCR-free survival was significantly decreased in patients with higher BMI values (p < 0.0001). BMI was an independent risk factor for BCR and PSM. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis testing PSA accuracy in different BMI groups, showed that PSA had a reduced predictive value (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.535; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.422–0.646), in obese men compared to overweight (AUC = 0.664; 95% CI = 0.598–0.725) and normal weight patients (AUC = 0.721; 95% CI = 0.660–0.777). Conclusion: Our findings show that increased BMI is a significant predictor of UD and PSM at RP in patients with preoperative low-to intermediate-risk diseases, suggesting that BMI evaluation may be useful in a clinical setting to identify patients with favorable preoperative disease characteristics harboring high-risk PCa.
How Can Patient’s Risk Dictate the Timing of Endoscopy in Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding?
Authors: Freitas Marta , Macedo Silva Vítor , Cúrdia Gonçalves Tiago , Marinho Carla , Cotter José
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Although upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) management has improved substantially in the last decades, there is still much controversy regarding the optimal timing for performance of endoscopy. Recent guidelines suggest performing an early endoscopy within 24 h of nonvariceal UGIB (NVUGIB) presentation, although its impact on patients with different bleeding risks remains unclear. Aim: To evaluate the impact of performing endoscopy within 24 h on NVUGIB outcomes and to compare it in patients with lower-risk vs. higher-risk bleeding. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients undergoing upper endoscopy for suspected NVUGIB over 4 years. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, endoscopic, and outcome data were collected. Lower-risk bleeding was defined as a Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) <12 and higher-risk bleeding was defined as a GBS ≥12. Results: A total of 298 patients with suspected NVUGIB were included, 55% of whom had higher-risk bleeding. Endoscopy was performed within 24 h in 62.1% of the patients. In lower-risk bleeding patients, performance of endoscopy within 24 h was associated with a higher need for endoscopic treatment (OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.2–5.7; p = 0.004), a lower 30-day mortality (OR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.27–0.63; p = 0.03), and a lower need for transfusion (OR = 0.58; 95% CI 0.36–0.92; p = 0.02). In higher-risk bleeding patients, there were no statistically significant differences in NVUGIB outcomes in performing endoscopy within 24 h. Conclusion: Endoscopy within 24 h of presentation was associated with a lower need for transfusion, a higher need for endoscopic treatment, and a lower 30-day mortality in lower-risk NVUGIB patients. Thus, performing endoscopy within the first 24 h of presentation can have a positive impact on NVUGIB outcomes even in lower-risk bleeding.
Directive Guidance as a Cultural Practice for Learning by Chinese-Heritage Babies
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Su-hua , Duh Shinchieh
Published: June 2021

We provide a framework of analysis for Chinese ways of learning that extends beyond the individual level. The theoretical framework focuses on Confucian principles of xiào (孝, filial piety), guăn (管, to govern), and dào dé guān (道德觀, virtues), which leads us to argue that directive guidance as a cultural practice nourishes Chinese-heritage children’s learning as early as in infancy. To illustrate how directive guidance occurs in action for infants, we present an empirical study that examined the interaction of mother-infant dyads in Taipei, Taiwan, when they played with a challenging toy. The dyads co-enacted directive guidance more frequently than their European-American counterparts in the USA – through hand holding, intervening, and collaboration – while infants actively participate in the practice. We discuss the early development of strengths for learning that is fostered through culturally meaningful practices recurrent in parent-infant interaction.
Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Pathophysiologies, Risk Factors, and Preventive Measures
Authors: Zhang Ya-feng , Liu Da-dong , Zhou Yue , Lou Ji-zhuang
Published: June 2021

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been an effective treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the common complications after PCI, which seriously affects the living quality and survival time of patients. The approach followed for the patient with AKI after PCI depends on the clinical context and may vary by resource availability. Summary: This review focuses on the pathophysiologies, influencing factors, and preventive measures of AKI in patients with ACS after PCI. The knowledge may better serve the patients and improve their outcomes. Key Messages: Many studies have been carried out for the definition and standard of AKI in the past few years. Etiologies of AKI after PCI included renal damage of contrast medium and atherosclerotic embolism, cardiac insufficiency and surgical factors on renal function. Basic conditions, treatment modalities, and perioperative changes are major risk factors of AKI. Studies have reported that the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy, modulating the volume overload, some pharmaceuticals and blood purification treatment are helpful to prevent the occurrence of AKI.
How the Administrative State Got to This Challenging
Place
Authors: Strauss Peter L.
Published: June 2021

Written for a dispersed agrarian population using hand tools in a local economy, our Constitution now controls an American government orders of magnitude larger that has had to respond to profound changes in transportation, communication, technology, economy, and scientific understanding. How did our government get to this place? The agencies Congress has created to meet these changes now face profound new challenges: transition from the paper to the digital age; the increasing centralization in an opaque, political presidency of decisions that Congress has assigned to diverse, relatively expert and transparent bodies; the thickening, as well, of the political layer within agencies themselves; and the increasing judicial use of analytic techniques invoking the expectations of those who wrote the Constitution so long ago and in such different circumstances. Never easy, finding the appropriate balance between law and politics presents major challenges today.
Capturing the Public: Beyond Technocracy & Populism in the
U.S. Administrative State
Authors: White Avery , Neblo Michael
Published: June 2021

The core problem of the administrative state is not its own legitimacy, but its role in creating a more wide-ranging legitimacy crisis in American society. The particular problem is that while government administration is necessary in a complex modern society, the mere existence of something as powerful as the bureaucracy is an invitation toward a kind of power politics that undermines the legitimacy of American government as a whole. We can best address this problem by ameliorating the administrative state's deliberative democratic deficit, whereby deliberation in the public sphere fails to play a steering role over politics at large. Doing so requires incorporating deliberative democratic practices into the American administrative state.
The Hedgehog & the Fox in Administrative Law
Authors: Rao Neomi
Published: June 2021

This essay examines the constitutional muddle of the administrative state with reference to how agencies operate–it looks at a hedgehog's problem from the fox's perspective. Not only does the structure and delegated authority of administrative agencies often exist in substantial tension with the Constitution, but agencies regularly fail to act in a manner that promotes “constitutional values.” Drawing from my experience as regulatory czar, I explain that regulatory policy is frequently developed with little regard for separation of powers, political accountability, due process, or other values drawn from the Constitution. Proponents of the status quo thus cannot rely on such values to legitimize the ever-expanding activity of administrative agencies.
15th-Century Practical Medicine in Print
Authors: Minuzzi Sabrina
Published: June 2021

By drawing on a comprehensive bibliographic census (ISTC) this article offers a mapping of printed medical-scientific production in 15th-century Europe, with an eye to the manuscript tradition, the authorship status, and the use of Latin and vernaculars in a century of transition that was not merely linguistic. It identifies in some titles from the practical medicine category—namely books on materia medica, regimina sanitatis booklets and short medical poems—the crucial contribution of proto-typography to the wider dissemination of medical knowledge. In regard to some long-lived titles (Regimina Sanitatis Salernitana; Il perché by Girolamo Manfredi; Cibaldone), this paper explores the evolution of their material forms in the early modern centuries in the direction of a more enjoyable style that was far from being only professional, while new methodological research paths are suggested. The sheer variety of actual readers is focused in the case of printed herbals and of the Cibaldone. The popularity of such genres is ultimately couched within the lively context of household medicine in the early modern era.
Institutionalizing Prevention at the UN
Authors: Jacob Cecilia
Published: June 2021

This article assesses recent UN reforms to enhance the organization’s capacity to prevent violent conflict. These reforms target crucial inefficiencies within the UN that have hampered effective preventive and protection practices in violent conflict and atrocities. The article argues that state actors have viewed the reform process as a site of norm contestation, and negotiations have created an avenue for compromises on the centrality of human rights and political backstopping of UN missions in volatile field contexts that are vital to better prevention and protection outcomes. Contestation by state actors is significant in steering the outcomes of institutional reform as states advance their normative agendas, and seek to integrate these preferences into new institutional structures that are open to negotiation through the reform process. A broad assessment of these reforms confirms the move toward a more pragmatic vision of peace and security in the UN to accommodate global power shifts.
Hidden Aspects of Social and Historical Development of Islamic Community in Sisak, Croatia
Authors: Peternel Lana , Škiljan Filip , Marinović Ankica
Published: June 2021

This article presents the efforts of the Islamic community in Sisak, Croatia, to achieve better social status and recognition in the local environment from the 1960s until today. By applying anthropological perspectives, we present the Islamic community’s long-lasting efforts of building a mosque, presenting their personal experience related to cultural identity and belonging. The aim is to present aspirations of the Islamic community during and after socialism focusing on inter-institutional communication and diverse integration strategies. We approach the Islamic community from an ethnographic perspective, conducting interviews with community members and searching documents in archives.
“A Bargain with His Brother”
Authors: Thomas Adam
Published: June 2021

In August 1831, around sixty enslaved people fought a war against enslavers in Southampton County, Virginia. It became known as the “Nat Turner Revolt.” Four months later, perhaps sixty thousand enslaved people fought their own emancipation war, commonly known as the “Baptist War,” throughout much of Jamaica. These uprisings differed in size, strategy, and outcome. The Virginian episode allowed slaveholders to strengthen their grip on slavery, while the Jamaican one catalyzed Britain’s capitulation to abolition. Historians have detailed the significant role kinship played in the more localized Virginian example. Comparing both emancipation wars, this paper extends analysis to the Jamaican case. It argues that kinship shaped both uprisings in remarkably similar ways, influencing radicalization and recruitment beforehand, support or opposition during war, and vulnerability to or evasion of white retaliation afterward. The similar function of kinship in such different events suggests a possible larger pattern that shaped other uprisings.
Contesting the “Bad Hombres” Narrative: U.S. and Mexican Media Diplomacy and Presidential Strategic Narratives about Immigrants
Authors: Bravo Vanessa , De Moya María
Published: June 2021

During the candidacy and following the election of U.S. president Donald Trump, there was an emphasis on framing the Mexican immigrant as a criminal and on building a wall between the United States and Mexico. This narrative revived the debate on the treatment of immigrants and immigration in cross-national media. Within this context, this study analyzes the construction of the image of the Mexican migrant to the United States by both (former) President Enrique Peña Nieto and President Donald Trump during the first 100 days of the latter’s presidency, through news stories published in two U.S newspapers and two Mexican newspapers. Findings show that news stories describe Mexican migrants in contrasting ways, ranging from criminals (in the U.S. framing) to good migrants (in the Mexican efforts), and both frames are picked up by the transnational media, hindering long-standing public diplomacy efforts in both countries.
New species of benthic marine diatoms (Bacillariophyta) from the Western Pacific islands of Guam and Yap
Authors: LOBBAN CHRISTOPHER S.
Published: June 2021

In the course of preparation of a major checklist for Yap and ongoing investigations into the benthic marine diatom flora of Micronesia, thirteen new araphid and raphid pennate diatom species have been recognized and are described here. Plagiogramma subatomus is even smaller than P. atomus and the pseudoseptum forms a box with only a small opening toward the cell interior. Licmophora romuli is similar in size and spathulate shape to L. remulus, but the majority of the striae in the lamina lack vimines. L. graphis is exceedingly delicate, pencil-shaped, with apical striae 60–70 in 10 µm. Divergita biformis and D. decipiens are straight species with striae biseriate on the margin, uniseriate on the valve face, differing in the shape and prominence of the sternum and the shape of the valve-face areolae. D. macinnisii (from Marshall Islands, but included here for comparison) is curved, again with the decussate areolar pattern on the mantle, but with single extended areolae along each side of the linear sternum. These characters slightly amend the diagnosis of the genus.  Thalassionema baculum is a very short member of the genus, linear and isopolar. Climaconeis tarangensis is curved and differs from C. riddleae in stria density and areola shape; C. minaegensis is straight, without a stauros or craticular bars, of intermediate length, 228–247 µm. First SEM observations of Climaconeis lorenzii are presented and an updated key to Climaconeis is appended. Parlibellus paschalis is a tube-dwelling species differing from P. delognei is lacking cuniculi and pores in the central area. P. waabensis is a relatively large species, possibly tube-dwelling, that differs from P. delognei in shape and spacing of central striae and from P. berkeleyi in width and stria density. Pleurosigma simulacrum differs in ultrastructural details from P. intermedium. Lastly, Nitzschia tarangensis is a conopeate species, spathulate in profile with ribs along the edge of the valve depression and bordering the raphe, and with pores in the peri-raphe zone.
Sida keralensis (Malvaceae): a new species from Kerala, India
Authors: KUMAR ETTICKAL SUKUMARAN SANTHOSH , SHAILAJAKUMARI SREEDHARAN , SREEKALA APPUKUTTAN KAMALABHAI , BAGAVATHI PARTHIPAN , PRAKASHKUMAR RAVEENDRANPILLAI
Published: June 2021

A new species of Sida, S. keralensis is described with photographs from the southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. It is morphologically similar to Sida scabrida but clearly distinct by being an undershrub with adpressed stellate hairy stem, discolorous ovate or narrowly ovate to elliptic-ovate leaves with rounded-subcordate base, acute apex and crenate-serrate margins from the base; the linear-lanceolate to slightly falcate stipules, the fairly shorter floral and fruiting pedicels more or less equal to the stipules, fairly long staminal columns and the glabrescent mericarps with stellately pubescent awns.
Nuankaew, S., Chuaseeharonnachai, C., Somrithipol, S., Kwantong, P., Srihom, C., Ros, C. & Boonyuen, N. (2021) Contribution to Chaetosphaeriaceae—Kionochaeta setosimplicia sp. nov. from Thailand. Phytotaxa 508 (2): 175–186.
Authors: NUANKAEW SALILAPORN
Published: June 2021

N/A
Tuber mixtecorum (Tuberaceae, Pezizales) a new truffle in the Maculatum clade from Mexico
Authors: GARCÍA-JIMÉNEZ JESÚS , AYALA-VÁSQUEZ OLIVIA , GUEVARA-GUERRERO GONZALO , GARZA-OCAÑAS FORTUNATO , DE LA FUENTE JAVIER ISAAC
Published: June 2021

Tuber mixtecorum is described as a new species from Mexico based on morphological and molecular evidence. This species belongs to the Maculatum clade and is characterized by its subtomentose to glabrous, whitish to pale brown peridium, dark brown gleba, ellipsoid reticulate-alveolate ascospores (15–33.9 × 11.3–23.3 µm), and the putative mycorrhizal association with Quercus castanea in Quercus-Pinus dry mixed forests.
Dual Enzyme-Like Performances of PLGA Grafted Maghemite Nanocrystals and Their Synergistic Chemo/Chemodynamic Treatment for Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells
Authors: Cui Miao , Zhang Hui-Ru , Ouyang Fan , Guo Yu-Qi , Li Rui-Fang , Duan Shao-Feng , Xiong Tian-Di , Wang Yun-Long , Wang Xue-Qin
Published: June 2021

In recent years, the emergence of non-toxic but catalytically active inorganic nanoparticles has attracted great attention for cancer treatment, but the therapeutic effect has been affected by the limited reactive oxygen species in tumors. Therefore, the combination of chemotherapy
and chemodynamic therapy is regarded as a promising therapeutic strategy. In this paper, we reported the preparation and bioactivity evaluation of poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) grafted-γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles with dual response of endogenous
peroxidase and catalase like activities. Our hypothesis is that PLGAgrafted γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles could be used as a drug delivery system for the anti-tumor drug doxorubicin to inhibit the growth of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells; meanwhile, based on its
mimic enzyme properties, this kind of nanoparticles could be combined with doxorubicin in the treatment of A549 cells. Our experimental results showed that the PLGAgrafted γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles could simulate the activity of catalase and decompose hydrogen
peroxide into H2O and oxygen in neutral tumor microenvironment, thus reducing the oxidative damage caused by hydrogenperoxide to lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. In acidic microenvironment, PLGA grafted γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles could simulate the activity
of peroxidase and effectively catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to generate highly toxic hydroxyl radicals, which could cause the death of A549 cells. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of peroxidase-like activity of PLGA-grafted γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles
and doxorubicin could accelerate the apoptosisand destruction of A549 cells, thus enhancing the antitumor effect of doxorubicin-loaded PLGA-grafted γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Therefore, this study provides an effective nanoplatform based on dual inorganic biomimetic
nanozymes for the treatment of lung cancer.
Nanotopography-Modulated Epithelial Cell Collective Migration
Authors: Chen Zaozao , Li Qiwei , Xu Shihui , Ouyang Jun , Wei Hongmei
Published: June 2021

Matrix nanotopography plays an essential role in regulating cell behaviors including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. While studies on isolated single cell migration along the nanostructural orientation have been reported for various cell types, there remains a lack
of understanding of how nanotopography regulates the behavior of collectively migrating cells during processes such as epithelial wound healing. We demonstrated that collective migration of epithelial cells was promoted on nanogratings perpendicular to, but not on those parallel to, the wound-healing
axis. We further discovered that nanograting-modulated epithelial migration was dominated by the adhesion turnover process, which was Rho-associated protein kinase activity-dependent, and the lamellipodia protrusion at the cell leading edge, which was Rac1-GTPase activity-dependent. This work
provides explanations to the distinct migration behavior of epithelial cells on nanogratings, and indicates that the effect of nanotopographic modulations on cell migration is cell-type dependent and involves complex mechanisms
Impact of Convective Boundary Condition on Heat and Mass Transfer of Nanofluid Flow Over a Thin Needle Filled with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Sreedevi P. , Sudarsana Reddy P.
Published: June 2021

In the current study, we have scrutinized the sway of non-linear thermal radiation and Biot number on boundary layer flow along a continuously moving thin needle filled with carbon based nanotubes by considering water as regular fluid. The main system of partial differential equations
is first reduced to the system of ordinary non-linear differential equations with the help of similarity conversion technique. The transmuted boundary layer ordinary differential equations are answered numerically by implementing Finite element scheme. The influence of pertinent constraints
involved on heat, hydro-dynamic and solutal boundary layers are analysed in depth and the outcomes are revealed through plots. Moreover, the effect of these parameters on the values of Sherwood number, Nusselt number and skin-friction coefficient is also inspected and the results are exposed
through tables. It is seen that velocity sketches depreciates with improving values of size of the needle parameter.
Numerical Simulation for Flow Through Conducting Metal and Metallic Oxide Nanofluids
Authors: Pattnaik P. K. , Mishra S. R. , Sharma Ram Prakash
Published: June 2021

Present paper aims to analyze three-dimensional (3D) motion of an electrically conducting nanofluid past an exponentially stretching sheet. Both metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (such as Cu, Al2O3, TiO2) in the base fluid (water) are examined. Nonlinear ordinary differential systems are obtained by suitable transformations. The crux of the analysis is the development of an estimated analytical result obtained by employing the “Adomian Decomposition Method” (ADM), an approximate analytical method. Momentum and energy descriptions with prescribed boundary conditions are employed. The velocity components and temperature are analyzed. Tabulated values are organized aimed at the outcomes of skin-friction coefficients and Nusselt number. Comparison with past limiting results is shown. Finally, the outstanding outcomes of the present result are; the velocity profile with the inclusion of particle concentration and magnetic parameter decelerate significantly and Al2O3nanoparticles are favorable for the enhancement in the rate of heat transfer.
Bioconvection in Buoyancy Induced Flow of Williamson Nanofluid Over a Riga Plate-DTM-Padé Approach
Authors: Puneeth V. , Manjunatha S. , Gireesha B. J.
Published: June 2021

The buoyancy induced flow of Williamson nanofluid containing Gyrotactic microorganisms along a vertical Riga plate has been investigated. This research aims at analysing the heat and mass transfer characteristics of Williamson Nanofluid in the presence of Gyrotactic microorganisms that
helps in avoiding the agglomeration of nanoparticles during the nanofluid flow. The Gyrotactic microorganisms act as active mixers that help in stabilising the nanoparticles in the suspension. Also, the movement of these cells gives rise to a macro phenomenon called bioconvection that helps
in preventing the agglomeration of nanoparticles. Furthermore, the magnetic field generated due to the flow of nanofluid is considered in addition to Thermophoresis and Brownian Motion to make the results more appropriate. Buongiorno’s Model has been incorporated to frame the system
of equations that govern the fluid flow. Later, lie group analysis is performed to transform these equations into ordinary differential equations that are further solved using the differential transform method with Padé approximant. It is observed that the Lorentz force generated by
the Riga plate in parallel to the flow helps in increasing the velocity of the nanofluid. It is also noticed that bioconvection reduces the flow speed and enhances the heat transfer rate.
Dual Solutions Analysis of Melting Phenomenon with Mixed Convection in a Nanofluid Flow and Heat Transfer Past a Permeable Stretching/Shrinking Sheet
Authors: Jumana Sadia Anjum , Murtaza M. G. , Ferdows M. , Makinde O. D. , Zaimi Khairy
Published: June 2021

The 2-D MHD nanofluid with mixed convection above a stretching/shrinking plate has been investigated. Melting heat transfer near surface is contemplated. Consider the saline water as base fluid with containing single SWCNTs as well as MWCNTs. Suitable similarity variables are employed
to transform the governing PDEs into ODEs. These transformed equations which are coupled, and of high nonlinearity, have been solved through applying the bvp4c solver. The consequences of the relevant parameters like, the MHD parameter, mixed convection parameter, melting parameter, volume
fraction on the flow field along with the skin friction and heat transfer rate are displayed in graphical form. Results show that the thin layer thickness diminishes as magnetic parameter enhances and at the same time temperature increases with magnetic parameter. It is also demonstrated that
the melting parameter leads to a reduction in the thin layer thickness as well as dimensionless temperature. Obtain dual solutions for flow fields which delineates to identify the stable solution.
A season for complaints: how does weather affect noise complaints between neighbours?
Authors: Wang Siqin , Liu Yan , Corcoran Jonathan
Published: June 2021

Both built environment and natural environment have physiological and psychological effect on human behaviour, which potentially affect their sensitivity and tolerance to surrounding noise, and leads to annoyance, nuisance, distress or overt actions and aggressive behaviours such as noise complaints to people living neighborly. This study aims to explore the extent weather conditions affect the prevalence of noise complaints between neighbours mediated through neighbourhood built environment. Using Brisbane, Australia as a study case, we draw on the large-scale administrative dataset in 2016 to explore the monthly and seasonal variations of noise complaints between neighbours, and employ a step-wise multiple regression to analyse the extent weather factors affect noise complaints. Our findings show that neighbours largely complain about noise made by animals and such complaints most frequently appear in March to May, the autumn season in the South Hemisphere. Built environment plays a primary role on noise complaints and culturally diverse suburbs with less green space tend to have a higher likelihood of neighbour complaints in spring and summer; such a likelihood is further increased by a higher level of wind, humidity, and temperature in a yearly frame. However, the effect of weather on animal and non-animal related noise complaints in different seasons is less consistent. Our findings, to a certain degree, reveal that weather conditions may serve as a psychological moderator to change people’s tolerance and sensitivity on noise, alter their routine activities and exposure to noise sources, and further affect the likelihood of imposing noise complaints between neighbours.
State-of-the-art numerical fluid–structure interaction methods for aortic and mitral heart valves simulations: A review
Authors: Abbas Syed Samar , Nasif Mohammad Shakir , Al-Waked Rafat
Published: June 2021

Numerical fluid–structure interaction (FSI) methods have been widely used to predict the cardiac mechanics and associated hemodynamics of native and artificial heart valves (AHVs). Offering a high degree of spatial and temporal resolution, these methods circumvent the need for cardiac surgery to assess the performance of heart valves. Assessment of these FSI methods in terms of accuracy, realistic modeling, and numerical stability is required, which is the objective of this paper. FSI methods could be classified based on how the computational domain is discretized, and on the coupling techniques employed between fluid and structure domains. The grid-based FSI methods could be further classified based on the kinematical description of the computational fluid (blood) grid, being either fixed grid, moving grid, or combined fixed–moving grid methods. The review reveals that fixed grid methods mostly cause imprecise calculations of flow parameters near the blood–leaflet interface. Moving grid methods are more accurate, however they require cumbersome remeshing and smoothing. The combined fixed–moving grid methods overcome the shortcomings of fixed and moving grid methods, but they are computationally expensive. The mesh-free methods have been able to encounter the problems faced by grid-based methods; however, they have been only limitedly applied to heart valve simulations. Among the coupling techniques, explicit partitioned coupling is mostly unstable, however the implicit partitioned coupling not only has the potential to be stable but is also comparatively cheaper. This in-depth review is expected to be helpful for the readers to evaluate the pros and cons of FSI methods for heart valve simulations.
Boosting Sustainability in Healthcare Sector through Fintech: Analyzing the Moderating Role of Financial and ICT Development
Authors: Meiling Li , Yahya Farzan , Waqas Muhammad , Shaohua Zhang , Ali Syed Atif , Hania Alishba
Published: June 2021

Healthcare organizations are setting new targets of sustainable practices to improve their financial performance without depleting social and natural capital. Maintaining a sustainable, resilient, and durable healthcare system facilitate economies to achieve sustainable competitiveness. Thus, it is important to address and fill the knowledge gap by identifying factors that improve a firm’s sustainability. Drawing on technological knowledge spillover theory, this study investigates the effect of FinTech development on the sustainable performance of healthcare firms using panel data comprised of 11 Asia-Pacific countries. By applying the 2-step GMM technique, we find a robust estimate that digital financial technologies improve the sustainable performance of the firms. Contrary to the substitution effect, our results further indicate that financial institutions are collaborating with FinTechs to facilitate financing at the individual and firm-level. We also find that financial and ICT development positively moderates the relationship between FinTech development and sustainable performance.
Effects of Work–Family Conflict on Southern Correctional Staff Burnout
Authors: Lambert Eric G. , Keena Linda D. , Morrow Weston J. , Vickovic Samuel G. , Haynes Stacy H. , May David , Leone Matthew C.
Published: June 2021

Research examining correctional staff indicates that there are far-reaching negative consequences related to job burnout, including, but not limited to, diminished physical and mental health, increased risk of substance use, and decreased job performance. One area that may contribute to correctional staff job burnout is work–family conflict, which occurs when work and home domains spill into one another, causing conflict and problems. Using a sample of Southern correctional staff, this study investigates whether the four major types of work–family conflict—time-based, strain-based, behavior-based, and family-based—influence the three recognized job burnout dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and feeling ineffective at work. The findings provide partial support for the notion that work–family conflict influences job burnout. These findings are contextualized in previous research with a full discussion of their implications.
Trial by Tabloid: Can Implicit Bias Education Reduce Pretrial Publicity Bias?
Authors: Jones Angela M. , Wong Kimberly A. , Meyers Courtney N. , Ruva Christine
Published: June 2021

The Western District of Washington recently developed an educational video to reduce jurors’ implicit biases. Little is known regarding the effectiveness of this proposed remedy to address a range of implicit biases. This study tested whether this educational video reduces pretrial publicity (PTP) bias. A total of 330 undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to read PTP or unrelated articles. An average of 9 days later, they were randomly assigned to watch the educational video prior to viewing a murder trial. Those exposed to PTP were more likely to convict and found the defendant more culpable and less credible. The educational video did not reduce PTP bias. A more tailored debiasing strategy may be needed to overcome the biasing effects of PTP. Differences in legal decisions also emerged depending on whether participants completed the second phase in-person or online, which has implications for future data collection modes.
An Unusual Case of Stubborn Petrified Pinna
Authors: Reddy Y Mounika , Shankar T , Reddy Y Gautham , Goddanti Nitya
Published: June 2021

Petrified pinna is clinically characterized by an unbending rigid stone hard ear. Usually, the majority of the patients are asymptomatic but occasionally may experience pain from local pressure while sleeping. This uncommon condition is reported to be in association with local trauma, hypothermia, inflammation, and several life-threatening endocrine and systemic diseases. Awareness and knowledge to identify this entity is essential as it might be helpful in treating several systemic conditions and thus any untoward events.