bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Western-style diet impedes colonization and clearance of Citrobacter rodentium
Authors: An Junqing , Zhao Xu , Wang Yanling , Noriega Juan , Gewirtz Andrew T. , Zou Jun
Published: April 2021

Western-style diet (WSD), which is high in fat and low in fiber, lacks nutrients to support gut microbiota. Consequently, WSD reduces microbiota density and promotes microbiota encroachment, potentially influencing colonization resistance, immune system readiness, and thus host defense against pathogenic bacteria. Here we examined the impact of WSD on infection and colitis in response to Citrobacter rodentium. We observed that, relative to mice consuming standard rodent grain-based chow (GBC), feeding WSD starkly altered the dynamics of Citrobacter infection, reducing initial colonization and inflammation but frequently resulting in persistent infection that associated with low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. WSD’s reduction in initial Citrobacter virulence appeared to reflect that colons of GBC-fed mice contain microbiota metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, especially acetate, that drive Citrobacter growth and virulence. Citrobacter persistence in WSD-fed mice reflected inability of resident microbiota to out-compete it from the gut lumen, likely reflecting the profound impacts of WSD on microbiota composition. These studies demonstrate potential of altering microbiota and their metabolites by diet to impact the course and consequence of infection following exposure to a gut pathogen.
Problematics of the Content of "Labor" Сonstitution Сategory
Authors: Kanakova Anna
Published: April 2021

The article discusses the constitutional category of «labour», the definition of which is not enshrined in legislative acts because it is considered to be a well-known category, which is not a special legal one and does not require any clarification. However, this approach creates difficulties for legal regulation, as it blurs the boundaries for the legislator and the executor. Lack of awareness of the concept of a regulated category can lead to a situation when the legislator, creating a new law or making amendments to an existing one, will subject to regulation the area that does not pertain to the relevant legal phenomenon, or vice versa - will ignore part of the content of the regulated category, which is certain to negatively affect the quality of legal regulation. Law enforcement practices similarly face difficulties in having only doctrinal understandings of statutory concepts, which creates inconsistency in decisions made by lawyers in course of their professional work. The 1993 Constitution of the Russian Federation enshrined the category of «labour» in a number of articles, but did not clarify the interpretation of its concept. The analysis of economic and legal views on labor allows us to conclude that, despite the status of a well-known category, which, it would seem, does not need an explanation, only the presence of clear criteria for recognizing an activity as labor, provides high-quality legal regulation, in particular, it allows not only to separate the types of activities that are not subject to legal regulation, but also to choose the right branch of law that regulates social relations in each particular case.
Acolhimento na estratégia saúde da família durante a pandemia da Covid-19
Authors: Belfort Ilka Kassandra Pereira , Costa Victor Catarino , Monteiro Sally Cristina Moutinho
Published: April 2021

Relato de experiência cujo objetivo foi descrever a vivência da prática do acolhimento na Atenção primária de Saúde durante a pandemia COVID-19. O cenário do estudo foi o Centro de Saúde Dr. Antônio Guanaré em São Luís/MA. Foram capacitados 21 profissionais para o acolhimento da UBS. Durante o acolhimento foram disponibilizados folders, orientações familiares e conversas individuais com os usuários acerca das demandas solicitadas e informes necessários. Além disso, foram colocados à disposição em via WhatsApp acesso para materiais sobre o vírus. Sendo assim, a criação de dispositivos e estratégias de tecnologias leves de saúde permitiram o desenvolvimento de intervenções de emergência neste momento de crise. Através dessa experiência entendemos como é possível desenvolver abordagens de melhor qualidade e mais eficazes, avaliando sua possível adoção no futuro. No mais, acredita-se que o acolhimento desenvolvido de forma assertiva oferece uma escuta qualificada e transcorre pela eficácia no atendimento da população.
Lecciones de Cuba el control y prevención de la pandemia por Covid-19 desde el papel de la Atención Primaria en Salud
Authors: Vega Romero Roman Rafael , Ruiz Mendoza Diana Carolina , Martufi Valentina
Published: April 2021

Este relato de experiencia presenta como se organizó la respuesta a la pandemia causada por Covid-19 en Cuba. Se exponen algunas características generales del país y de su sistema de salud, el cual se caracteriza por ser un sistema público, universal, de acceso gratuito, basado en la APS. Además, se describen las estrategias implementadas para enfrentar la pandemia, entre las que se encuentran medidas de apoyo social a los más vulnerables, actividades comunitarias, acciones de vigilancia en salud pública, búsqueda activa de casos y contactos, atención a sintomáticos respiratorios, reorganización de la atención en los policlínicos, acompañamiento domiciliario. Se concluye que los resultados de la lucha contra la pandemia por Covid-19 en Cuba son prometedores, se ha conseguido reducir la contagiosidad y la letalidad, sin descuidar la atención de las necesidades ordinarias de salud de la población.
“Vote num homem sério e ganhe um cemitério”:
Authors: Nunes Geice Peres , Dillmann Mauro
Published: April 2021

O ensaio analisa os discursos de crítica política na obra O Bem-Amado de Dias Gomes. Escrita nos anos 1960, a peça apresenta o contexto fictício de uma cidade baiana – Sucupira – do início do século XX, revelando de forma humorada e irônica, o quanto a edificação de um cemitério podia ser projeto eficaz para a promoção política individual. Abordamos o contexto do texto, as representações literárias que satirizam a construção do cemitério como projeto ineficiente, de pouca prioridade social, demonstrando crítica à estrutura sócio-política então vigente e analogia às contestações à construção de Brasília.
O papel das redes na formação do movimento indígena em Mato Grosso do Sul
Authors: Souza Silva David Junior de
Published: April 2021

A articulação em redes tornou-se com o advento da sociedade informacional uma das principais características dos movimentos sociais contemporâneos. Os movimentos sociais indígenas também articulam-se em redes com outros movimentos sociais e outras entidades da sociedade civil. No caso dos povos indígenas de Mato Grosso do Sul, porém, por conta de suas condições sociais específicas, como a situação de excepcional vulnerabilidade, a incidência do poder tutelar como forma intensiva de controle dos povos e desestruturação de sua organização social e cultural, além das condições específicas da transformação da resistência étnica em ação política nos termos em que esta existe no Ocidente, fazem do recurso à articulação em redes uma estratégia portadora de muitas especificidades. No Mato Grosso do Sul, a articulação dos povos indígenas em redes foi decisiva para a transformação dos processos de resistência étnica para uma forma de resistência e luta na forma sociológica de movimento social. A associação em redes apresenta-se de três formas: a articulação entre diferentes parentelas do mesmo grupo étnico, entre diferentes povos e entre estes e entidades civis e setores do Estado.
A Declaração dos Direitos da Criança de 1924, a Liga das Nações, o modelo tutelar e o movimento Save the children:
Authors: Fernandes Maria Nilvane , Costa Ricardo Peres da
Published: April 2021

O nascimento do menorismo é problematizado neste artigo que se orienta por uma pesquisa histórica e documental. O objetivo da análise é conceituar o tema e apresentar uma linha histórica do desenvolvimento do modelo tutelar que teve início nos Estado Unidos e de lá se disseminou para a Europa e América Latina. Como movimento histórico possui como marcos: a) os Congressos Internacionais das Prisões; b) a Lei das Cortes Juvenis que culminou com a efetivação do primeiro tribunal de menores, em 1899; c) o movimento reformista Child Savers/Salvadores da Infância; e, d) a Declaração dos Direitos da Criança (1924) escrita pela fundadora da Save the Children. O artigo conclui que o menorismo foi uma política de contenção dos filhos da classe trabalhadora, que articulou a separação de adultos e menores na execução da pena, eliminando formalidades judiciais com vistas a tutelar os menores, diferenciando, para tanto, instituições de correção e de reforma e eliminando a distinção entre infração e abandono, no âmbito da justiça. Como base teórica possui alicerce na Psicologia do Desenvolvimento de Stanley Hall. Juridicamente, a proposta se consolidou, no final do século XIX, quando retirou o pátrio poder das famílias consideradas inadequadas para educar seus filhos.
Narrativas de adolescentes explorados como “mulas” do narcotráfico proveniente da fronteira Brasil-Paraguai
Authors: Rocha Andrea Pires
Published: April 2021

Sintetiza-se discussões referentes a questão dos mecanismos de controle impetrados pelo racismo, seletividade penal e guerra as drogas, no bojo do Estado penal. Apresenta-se a realidade de adolescentes explorados como mulas na rota de tráfico internacional proveniente da fronteira Brasil – Paraguai. O debate decorre da tese de doutorado “Trajetórias de adolescentes apreendidos como “mulas” do transporte de drogas na região da fronteira (Paraná) Brasil – Paraguai: exploração de força de trabalho e criminalização da pobreza. Neste artigo enfoca-se como se davam as viagens, trazendo um pouco das sensações, expectativas, satisfações, medos e riscos que as compunham.  Acredita-se que o artigo possibilita algumas aproximações acerca da complexa realidade dos meninos e meninas explorados como “mulas” do tráfico de drogas, demonstrando o quanto estão submetidos a dupla violência, pois, por um lado são explorados pelo narcotráfico, por outro, são criminalizados no bojo da guerra às drogas e, ambos os lados, os colocam em riscos constantes, contribuindo para a composição do juvenicídio.
Infância Xetá e suas identidades:
Authors: Da Silva Maria Angelita
Published: April 2021

O Povo Xetá, povo tradicional do Estado do Paraná, teve suas terras ancestrais invadidas e esbulhadas durante o processo de colonização do Norte Pioneiro. Os sobreviventes conhecidos, todos crianças, mesmo separados uns dos outros, mantiveram as bases de sua cultura, preservando sua língua, mitos e mesmo parte dos saberes sobre a floresta e sua cultura material. Tendo a memória como alicerce na formação de sua(s) identidade(s), os sobreviventes Xetá se multiplicaram, passando às novas gerações sua episteme – sua forma de ver o mundo e ressignificá-lo dentro dos limites da própria cultura. Esse artigo, com base em conceitos da Sociologia da Infância, História da Infância, Psicologia Social e Antropologia da Infância, utiliza dados de pesquisa recente para relacionar a memória da infância ancestral à memória da infância atual do Povo Xetá, enquanto processo dialógico de produção de conhecimento e alternativa ao processo de homogeneização imposto pela sociedade atual.
The Online Shopping Behavior of Indonesian Generation X
Authors: Yoga I Made Sindhu , Triami Ni Putu Silka
Published: April 2021

E-commerce is one of the information technologies that influence consumer behavior. Generation X is characterizedÂ by a higher internet adoption rate than the previous generation. As digital immigrants, this generation behavior toward using e-commerce is an interesting phenomenon to be studied. Thus, this study aims to examine the acceptanceÂ and use of e-commerce among Generation X using Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2)Â theory. The research sample was 369 Generation X respondents in Indonesia who used e-commerce and were selectedÂ using purposive sampling. The questionnaires were distributed online and then analyzed using structural equationÂ modeling. The findings showed that Generation X acceptance towards e-commerce were influenced by performanceÂ expectancy, hedonic motivation, habit, price value, and behavior intention. In contrast, effort expectancy, facilitatingÂ condition, and social influences) were not found to be the predictor that influenced Generation X to use e-commerce.Â This paper offers valuable insights for e-commerce founders in the development and refinement of e-commerce platforms.
Community-Based Urban Farming in Yogyakarta: Building Social Capital and Resilience for Sustainable Empowerment Family
Authors: Rafika Perdana Fahmi
Published: April 2021

This study attracted researchers to examine empowerment efforts based on Adult Farmer Groups by involving family members and using social capital owned by members of the Gemah Ripah Adult Farmer Group (AFG) in Bausasran Village Yogyakarta City. The study used a qualitative research method with purposive sampling as a sampling technique for determining informants. Data collection was carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation to be analyzed. Resulting that empowerment in AFG is sought and has brought various benefits for empowerment and family socio-economic resilience. Social capital is used in this empowerment effort, emphasizing family functions, namely the socialization function and the economic function. In the existing efforts and empowerment, there is potential for its sustainability, namely various forms of social capital that are still maintained and refreshed in the dynamics of AFG. There is support from residents, government, universities, the private sector, and the media. Meanwhile, the obstacles faced are that there are still some residents or family members who do not yet have awareness or concern about the essence of urban agriculture, including the young people who are more challenging to empower than the elderly, then the busyness constraint which is a classic obstacle for urban society.
From Proto-Sceptic to Sceptic in Sextus’ Outlines of Pyrrhonism
Authors: Dunphy Robb
Published: April 2021

This is an account of Sceptical investigation as it is presented by Sextus Empiricus. I focus attention on the motivation behind the Sceptic’s investigation, the goal of that investigation, and on the development Sextus describes from proto-Sceptical to Sceptical investigator. I suggest that recent accounts of the Sceptic’s investigative practice do not make sufficient sense of the fact that the Sceptic finds a relief from disturbance by way of suspending judgement, nor of the apparent continuity between proto-Sceptical and Sceptical investigation. I offer an alternative account which turns on the suggestion that the Sceptic accepts that justification is the norm of belief.
Cross-linguistic influence on the use of L2 collocations: the case of Vietnamese learners
Authors: Cao Dung , Badger Richard
Published: April 2021

Using collocation is a key part of second language ability (Granger, Sylviane. 2018. Formulaic sequences in learner corpora: Collocations and lexical bundles. In Anna Siyanova-Chanturia & Ana Pellicer-Sanchez (eds.),Understanding formulaic language: A second language acquisition perspective, 228–247. New York: Routledge; Nattinger, James R. & Jeamette S. DeCarrico. 1992.Lexical phrases and language teaching. Oxford: Oxford University Press; Nesselhauf, Nadja. 2004.Collocations in a learner corpus. Amsterdam; Philadelphia: J. Benjamins Pub. Co.; Pawley, Andrew & Frances H. Syder. 1983. Two puzzles for linguistics: Nativelike selection and nativelike fluency. In Jack Richards & Richard W. Schmidt (eds.),Language and communication, 191–228. London: Longman). Researchers often hypothesize that the influence of the first language is an important factor in the production and understanding of unconventional collocations (Huang, Li-Shi. 2001. Knowledge of English collocations: An analysis of Taiwanese EFL learners.Paper presented at the Texas Foreign Languguage Education Conference, Texas; Laufer, Bhatia & Tina Waldman. 2011. Verb-noun collocations in second language writing: A corpus analysis of learners’ English.Language Learning61(2). 647–672.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9922.2010.00621.x; Phoocharoensil, Supakorn. 2013. Cross-linguistic influence: Its impact on L2 English collocation production.English Language Teaching6(1). 1–10) but we are only now starting to understand this. The present study provides a robust investigation of cross-linguistic influences by exploring how Vietnamese influenced Vietnamese learners’ use of English language verb-noun and adjective noun collocations in 104 350-word argumentative essays, using a framework derived from Jarvis, Scott. 2012. The detection-based approach: An overview. In S. Jarvis & S. A. Crossley (eds.),Approaching language transfer through text classification: Explorations in the detection-based approach, 1st ed., Vol. 64, 1–33. Bristol: Multilingual Matters, drawing on homogeneity among speakers of Vietnamese; heterogeneity between users of Vietnamese and other language; and formal and conceptual congruity between collocations learners produce in English and equivalent terms in Vietnamese. The study found that less than 10% of the collocations learners produced were unconventional and of these, 40% of collocations were influenced by the first language (L1); errors associated with incorrect use of prepositions in verb-noun collocations (e.g. the addition, omission or misuse of prepositions) are strongly L1-motivated. Learners make errors with not only incongruent collocations (collocations with no direct L1 equivalents) but also with congruent collocations (collocations with direct L1 translation).
Optimal multispectral sensor configurations through machine learning for cognitive agriculture
Authors: Becker Florian , Backhaus Andreas , Johrden Felix , Flitter Merle
Published: April 2021

Hyperspectral sensor systems play a key role in the automation of work processes in the farming industry. Non-invasive measurements of plants allow for an assessment of the vitality and health state and can also be used to classify weeds or infected parts of a plant. However, one major downside of hyperspectral cameras is that they are not very cost-effective. In this paper, we show, that for specific tasks, multispectral systems with only a fraction of the wavelength bands and costs of a hyperspectral system can lead to promising results for regression and classification tasks. We conclude that for the ongoing automation efforts in the context of cognitive agriculture reduced multispectral systems are a viable alternative.
Fieldswarm technology for tillage and crop care
Authors: Herlitzius Thomas , Hengst Martin , Grosa Andre , Fichtl Holger
Published: April 2021

Today agriculture equipment is characterized by a high level of productivity and automation. Tractor-implement systems establish productivity by increasing working width and higher operational speed supported by larger storage volumes and increased tractor power availability. Dimensions and weight of tractor – implement systems have become the most important limitations for further growing productivity. A trend from Bigger, Faster, Wider towards Smart, Connected and Modular is under discussion. Modular and scalable systems with a high and variable degree of autonomy have potential to deliver configuration capability regarding actual task and field conditions while providing scalability of peak performance, productivity and economy. Possible machine concepts can consist of a tractor with automated and modular process units and / or autonomous self-propelled systems working as single unit or in a fleet (swarm). Swarm operation requires an adaptive and multimodal frontend to manage and lead a heterogeneous swarm of smart process applications. The example Feldschwarm, shown in the paper, is designed to the requirements of tillage and seeding in a first step.
Supplementation of probiotics in water beneficial growth performance, carcass traits, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in broiler chickens
Authors: Zhang Lihuan , Zhang Ruonan , Jia Hao , Zhu Zhiwei , Li Huifeng , Ma Yueyue
Published: April 2021

This study aims to investigate the effects of commercial probiotic supplementation in water on the performance parameters, carcass traits, immune function, and antioxidant capacity of broiler chicks. In the experiment, 120 Arbor Acres (AA) broilers (60 male and 60 female) were randomly allocated into four groups (G) – G1: basal diet and G2, G3, and G4: basal diet with 1% Lactobacillus casei, 1% L. acidophilus, and 1% Bifidobacterium in the water, lasting 42 days. The experimental results revealed that probiotic additives produced positive impacts on body weight, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and average daily weight gain for female chicks, whereas these probiotics significantly reduced ADFI and the feed conversion ratio of male chicks (P < 0.05). Probiotics efficiently improved eviscerated yield and breast yield while reducing the abdominal fat (P < 0.05) for the male broiler chicks. A marked increase was observed in the weight of the spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and thymus in the treatment group (P < 0.05). Besides, probiotics produced a significant effect on the concentrations of immune-related proteins (P < 0.05) and markedly increased the concentrations of antioxidase and digestive enzymes when compared with the control (P < 0.05). The addition of probiotics dramatically reduced the total counts of Escherichia coli and Salmonella and increased the quantity of Lactobacilli (P < 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrated an increase in growth performance, carcass traits, immune function, gut microbial population, and antioxidant capacity by supplementing 1% probiotics (L. casei, L. acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium) in the water for broilers.
AE propagation velocity calculation for stiffness estimation in Pier Luigi Nervi’s concrete structures
Authors: Lenticchia Erica , Bertetto Amedeo Manuello , Ceravolo Rosario
Published: April 2021

In the present paper, the acoustic emission (AE) device is used with an innovative approach, based on the calculation of P-wave propagation velocity (vp
), to detect the stiffness characteristics and the diffused damage of in-service old concrete structures. The paper presents the result of a recent testing campaign carried out on the slant pillars composing the vertical bearing structures designed by Pier Luigi Nervi in one of his most iconic buildings: the Hall B of Torino Esposizioni. In order to investigate the properties of these inclined pillars, localizations of artificial sources (hammer impacts), by the triangulation procedure, were performed on three different inclined elements characterized by stiffness discrepancies due to different causes: the casting procedures, executed in different stages, and the enlargement of the hall happened a few years later the beginning of the construction. In the present work, the relationship between the velocity of AE signals and the elastic characteristics (principally elastic modulus, E) is evaluated in order to discriminate the stiffness level of the slanted pillars. The procedure presented made it possible to develop an innovative investigation method able to estimate, by means of AE, the state of conservation and the elastic properties and the damage level of the monitored concrete and reinforced concrete structures.
Analysis of internal corrosion of supercritical CO2 pipeline
Authors: Tang Sen , Zhu Chengyuan , Cui Gan , Xing Xiao , Mu Jie , Li Zili
Published: April 2021

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is considered to be one of the key technologies to reduce CO2 emissions. This paper reviews the industry corrosion accidents of CCS transportation system, in which the pipeline corrosion risk is analyzed, and the pipeline corrosion theory is summarized. Also, the effect of impurities on gas phase properties is discussed. We analyze the corrosion mechanism of multicomponent impurities on metals in a supercritical CO2 environment from the aspects of corrosion rate and corrosion products. We also describe the mechanism of pitting and stress corrosion of metals in a supercritical CO2 environment. Besides, the formation mechanism of FeCO3 protective layer and the research status of corrosion resistant alloys in supercritical CO2 are reviewed and analyzed. Finally, a series of shortcomings and prospects of the current research are put forward.
On the geometric André–Oort conjecture for variations of Hodge structures
Authors: Chen Jiaming
Published: April 2021

Let

𝕍

{{\mathbb{V}}}

be a polarized variation of integral Hodge structure on a smooth complex quasi-projective variety S.
In this paper, we show that the union of the non-factor special subvarieties for

(
S
,
𝕍
)

{(S,{\mathbb{V}})}

, which are of Shimura type with dominant period maps, is a finite union of special subvarieties of S. This generalizes previous results of Clozel and Ullmo (2005) and Ullmo (2007) on the distribution of the non-factor (in particular, strongly) special subvarieties in a Shimura variety to the non-classical setting and also answers positively the geometric part of a conjecture of Klingler on the André–Oort conjecture for variations of Hodge structures.
Central values of additive twists of cuspidalL-functions
Authors: Nordentoft Asbjørn Christian
Published: April 2021

Additive twists are important invariants associated to holomorphic cusp forms; they encode the Eichler–Shimura isomorphism and contain information about automorphicL-functions. In this paper we prove that central values of additive twists of theL-function associated to a holomorphic cusp formfof even weightkare asymptotically normally distributed. This generalizes (tok≥4{k\geq 4}) a recent breakthrough of Petridis and Risager concerning the arithmetic distribution of modular symbols. Furthermore, we give as an application an asymptotic formula for the averages of certain “wide” families of automorphicL-functions consisting of central values of the formL⁢(f⊗χ,1/2){L(f\otimes\chi,1/2)}with χ a Dirichlet character.
Solving two-dimensional nonlinear fuzzy Volterra integral equations by homotopy analysis method
Authors: Georgieva Atanaska
Published: April 2021

The purpose of the paper is to find an approximate solution of the two-dimensional nonlinear fuzzy Volterra integral equation, as homotopy analysis method (HAM) is applied. Studied equation is converted to a nonlinear system of Volterra integral equations in a crisp case. Using HAM we find approximate solution of this system and hence obtain an approximation for the fuzzy solution of the nonlinear fuzzy Volterra integral equation. The convergence of the proposed method is proved. An error estimate between the exact and the approximate solution is found. The validity and applicability of the HAM are illustrated by a numerical example.
Bayesian optimization design for finding a maximum tolerated dose combination in phase I clinical trials
Authors: Takahashi Ami , Suzuki Taiji
Published: April 2021

The development of combination therapies has become commonplace because potential synergistic benefits are expected for resistant patients of single-agent treatment. In phase I clinical trials, the underlying premise is toxicity increases monotonically with increasing dose levels. This assumption cannot be applied in drug combination trials, however, as there are complex drug–drug interactions. Although many parametric model-based designs have been developed, strong assumptions may be inappropriate owing to little information available about dose–toxicity relationships. No standard solution for finding a maximum tolerated dose combination has been established. With these considerations, we propose a Bayesian optimization design for identifying a single maximum tolerated dose combination. Our proposed design utilizing Bayesian optimization guides the next dose by a balance of information between exploration and exploitation on the nonparametrically estimated dose–toxicity function, thereby allowing us to reach a global optimum with fewer evaluations. We evaluate the proposed design by comparing it with a Bayesian optimal interval design and with the partial-ordering continual reassessment method. The simulation results suggest that the proposed design works well in terms of correct selection probabilities and dose allocations. The proposed design has high potential as a powerful tool for use in finding a maximum tolerated dose combination.
Fast recovery strategy for MMC-HVDC based on coordination of fault current suppression and adaptive restart
Authors: Zhang Jingru , He Baina , Zhang Qiurui , He Xingmin , Dong Yanchen , Jiang Renzhuo , Liu Yujia
Published: April 2021

The rapid suppression of fault current flowing through overhead transmission lines and safe restart of the system are critical problems to be solved urgently to improve the stability of the DC grid. A novel adaptive restart strategy combined with fault current suppression is proposed, which suitable for full-bridge modular multilevel converter high voltage direct current system. The resistance-capacitance energy transfer branch is used to achieve a large reduction and rapid attenuation of the fault current amplitude at restart time. The transient fault and permanent fault can be discriminated in a short interval after restarting based on the frequency domain amplitude characteristics. The proposed scheme has both restart-current protection and fault property identification functions, overcoming the high cost and low component reusability of traditional single-function fault current limiting schemes. The simulation results show that the scheme has a significant fault current suppression effect and accurately discriminates the fault property to realize rapid recovery.
Racial slurs and perception of racism inHeart of Darkness
Authors: Mastropierro Lorenzo , Conklin Kathy
Published: April 2021

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of the racial slursniggerandnegroinHeart of Darknesson readers’ perception of dehumanisation, discrimination, and racism. It compares data collected through online questionnaires to test whether the absence or different frequencies of the slurs influence how participants perceive the fictional representation of the African people in the text. Three versions of the same questionnaire are used: one with unmodified passages fromHeart of Darkness, one with the same passages but without the racial slurs, and one with the same passages but with more slurs than in the original. Findings show that the absence or overabundance of slurs compared to the original does not alter reader perception of dehumanisation, discrimination, and racism. By comparing the results, this paper makes two interconnected contributions. First, it contributes to the critical discussion about racism in Conrad’s novel, by providing evidence on whether the representation of the Africans is perceived as dehumanising, discriminatory, and racist by readers. Second, it offers an empirical perspective on the usefulness of the “sanitising” (removing or substituting of all racial slurs) of literary texts with potential racist implications, adopted by some publishing houses and applied to novels like Conrad’sThe Nigger of the “Narcissus”and Mark Twain’sThe Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
The event semantics of conjuncts in ‘The Sun Also Rises’
Authors: Trklja Aleksandar
Published: April 2021

The present paper explores the semantics of Hemingway’s ‘plain style’ inThe Sun Also Risesby combining corpus linguistic methodology with event semantics theory. The focus of the study is on how the narrator of the novel segments experienced situations in terms of semantic events. Corpus linguistic analysis shows that the ‘plain style’ of the narrative section of the novel is realized by means of coordinated clauses and that the narrator’s event segmentation is associated with a small set of preferred lexical items. These results are interpreted in terms of event semantics to show that preferred lexical items are indicative of event types typical of the narrative section.The semantic analysis of relations between coordinated clauses indicates that these relations are not simply about the juxtaposition of disjoined events. Finally, the study demonstrates that an approach combining corpus linguistic methodology with insights from event semantics can offer new understanding of the propositional meaning of literary texts, and the way narrators encode experienced situations.
Prevalence and MRI findings of incidentally detected pituitary non-enhancing lesion on brain MRI in children
Authors: Yoo Hae Won , Kim Jeong Rye , Yu Jee Suk
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and MRI findings of incidentally detected pituitary nonenhancing lesion on brain MRI in children, and to compare the detection rates of pituitary nonenhancing lesion according to magnetic field strength and acquisition technique.

Methods

Pediatric patients (≤18 years old) who underwent brain MRI with contrast-enhancement between January 2018 and September 2019 were retrospectively included (n=365). The presence, size, and signal intensity of pituitary nonenhancing lesions were assessed by two radiologists. The prevalence of pituitary nonenhancing lesions was compared between different magnetic field strengths and MRI acquisition techniques.

Results

Pituitary nonenhancing lesions were identified in 76 patients (20.8%). The anteroposterior diameter of pituitary nonenhancing lesion was the smallest diameter in most patients (93.4%; mean diameter ± SD of 2.4 ± 1.5 mm; range: 0.9–9.0 mm). Sixty-seven percent of the pituitary nonenhancing lesions were hypointense on T1-weighted imaging, 44.1% were hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging, and 12.9% showed low signal intensity on susceptibility-weighted imaging. There was no diffusion restriction in any of the nonenhancing lesions. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of pituitary nonenhancing lesions according to magnetic field strength, age, gender, slice thickness, or 2D vs. 3D contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging sequence.

Conclusions

Pituitary nonenhancing lesions were identified on contrast-enhanced brain MRI in 20.8% of pediatric patients, with no significant difference in the prevalence according to magnetic field strength, slice thickness, and 2D or 3D contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging.
Clinical characteristics and molecular genetic analysis of a cohort with idiopathic congenital hypogonadism
Authors: Turkyilmaz Ayberk , Cayir Atilla , Yarali Oguzhan , Kurnaz Erdal , Kartal Baykan Emine , Arslan Ates Esra , Demirbilek Huseyin
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Hypogonadism is defined as inadequate sex hormone production due to defects in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In recent years, rare single gene defects have been identified in both hypergonadotropic hypogonadism (Hh), and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) cases with no chromosomal anomalies. The aim of the present study is to investigate the underlying molecular genetic etiology and the genotype-phenotype relationship of a series of patients with Hh and HH.

Methods

In total, 27 HH and six Hh cases were evaluated. Clinical and laboratory features are extracted from patients’ hospital files. Whole exome sequencing (WES) analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 27 HH cases (15 female) (mean age: 15.8 ± 2.7 years) and six Hh patients (six females) (mean age: 14.9 ± 1.2 years) were included. In molecular genetic analysis, a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant was identified in five (two patients from the same family) of 27 HH cases (two novel) and three of the six Hh. In HH group variants (pathogenic, likely pathogenic and variant of uncertain significance) were identified in KISS1R (n=2), PROK2 (n=1), FGFR1 (n=1), HS6ST1 (n=1), GNRH1 (n=1) genes. In the Hh group, splice-site mutations were detected in DCAF17 (n=1) and MCM9 (n=2) genes.

Conclusions

HH and Hh cases are genetically heterogeneous diseases due to oligogenic inheritance, incomplete penetrance, and variable expressivity. We found rare variants in CHH related genes in half of our HH cases, whereas they classified as pathogenic/likely pathogenic according to ACMG criteria in only about 15% of HH cases. Using advanced genetic analysis methods such as whole-genome sequencing and long-read sequencing may increase the mutation detection rate, which should always be associated with and expert genetic counseling to interpret the data.
Levels of physical activity and barriers to sport participation in young people with gender dysphoria
Authors: Gilani Misha , Wallach Peri , Kyriakou Andreas
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To determine the levels of physical activity (PA) in young people with gender dysphoria (GD) and help identify factors which deter participation.

Methods

Fifty-six young people who attended paediatric endocrinology because of GD, June to October 2019, and were on treatment with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue were approached to participate in a survey.

Results

A total of 55 young people (98%) responded to the survey. Thirty-eight (69%) participated in PA for >1 h/week. Thirty-two (58%) reported high motivation level for exercise. Those had median age of 15.9 years (10.7, 18.7) at the time of survey, and 13.6 years (9.7, 17.6) at start of GnRH analogue compared to 16.7 years (13.9, 18.5) (p, 0.047) and 15.4 years (11.2, 18.0) (p, 0.009) of the 23 (42%) who reported low motivation. Forty-one (74.5%) reported barriers when accessing PA, such as not being as good as others (75%), revealing sports clothing (73%) and not satisfied with body image (47%). Those were older (16.4 years [10.9, 18.7] vs. 14.7 years [10.7, 18.4] [p, 0.011]) at the time of survey and at start of GnRH analogue (14.9 years [9.7, 18.0] vs. 12.5 years [10.6, 15.2] [p, 0.0001]) than those 14 (25.5%) who reported facing no barriers. Twelve (85.7%) of those reporting no barriers stated high motivation levels compared to 20 (48.8%) of those reporting barriers (p, 0.026).

Conclusions

Strategies aimed at improving participation are twofold: first to improve motivation, especially in post-pubertal young people, and secondly to achieve societal change to help eliminate barriers.
Linguistic diversity and inclusion in Abu Dhabi’s linguistic landscape during the COVID-19 period
Authors: Hopkyns Sarah , van den Hoven Melanie
Published: April 2021

In Abu Dhabi, multilingualism amongst its highly diverse population is typical. However, with Arabic as the official language and English as the lingua franca, the population’s other languages are subordinate on public signage. Those proficient in English or Arabic have more access to information than those who are not. While effective communication is important in ordinary times, it is especially vital during a crisis. This study looks at COVID-19 signage in two Abu Dhabi live-work contexts: A beachside community and an industrial site. The study takes an ethnographic approach to linguistic landscaping in which a corpus of 326 top-down and bottom-up signs are investigated in terms of languages used, spacing, prominence and location, as well as intended audience and sociolinguistic implications. Key findings revealed that bottom-up handmade COVID-19 signage was mainly monolingual (English only) and municipality-produced warnings were predominately bilingual (Arabic and English). Despite the multilingual composition of both contexts, only one third language (Korean) appeared on COVID-19 signage. The findings shed light on existing inequalities in linguistically diverse contexts, and the need to ensure access to information for all at a street level. The article concludes with practical suggestions for greater linguistic inclusion in the COVID-19 period and beyond.
Globality and Entangled Security: Rethinking the Post-1945 Order
Authors: Adamson Fiona B. , Greenhill Kelly M.
Published: April 2021

In this essay we argue for the utility of moving from a “national” to an “entangled global” perspective on security. Focusing on the post-1945 international context, we discuss how the concept of “globality” can inform and reframe our understanding of transnational security dynamics and help move us beyond traditional state-centric frameworks. Such a move enables a better understanding of historical events and contemporary security dynamics than classical “national security” frameworks alone. After outlining the rationale behind our call for expanding the aperture in the study of security, we theorize security entanglement as a particularly important form of globality with its own internal dynamics and show how the entanglement framework allows us to rethink the post-1945 security environment and events within it. We then focus on three illustrative forms of security entanglement that have been underexplored in security studies: the global nature of the Cold War; dynamics of decolonization and its legacies; and the relationship between migration and security. We conclude by discussing the implications of security entanglement for future visions of world security.
Increase in the antioxidant content in biscuits by infusions or Prosopis chilensis pod flour
Authors: Conforti Paula Andrea , Patrignani Mariela
Published: April 2021

Nowadays there is an increasing demand for healthy biscuits. The reduction in sugar and fat level, as well as the addition of bioactive compounds, is positively associated with a healthy diet. In the present work, low-fat and low-sugar biscuits were prepared with infusions (mate, coffee, and tea) or with Prosopis chilensis pod flour (PPF). Biscuits were made with maize starch and wheat flour (gluten formulations) or with gluten-free ingredients (gluten-free). The colour, texture, and the antioxidant capacity were evaluated in dough and biscuits. Among the formulations prepared with infusions, the mate dough showed the lowest firmness (1.1 N (gluten)-24.3 N (gluten-free)). However, no significant differences were found in the fracture stress of the final products (P > 0.05). Mate gluten biscuits and PPF gluten-free biscuits showed the highest fracture strain (16.2 and 9.4%, respectively) and the lowest Young’s modulus (7.3 and 13.3 MPa, respectively) in their groups. The highest antioxidant activity was found in biscuits with mate (8.7 µmol FeSO4/g (gluten)-4.3 µmol FeSO4/g (gluten-free)). These values were three times higher than the ones found in the control biscuits (2.9 µmol FeSO4/g (gluten)-3.9 µmol FeSO4/g (gluten-free)). The present results showed that the antioxidant content in biscuits could be successfully increased with infusion addition.
Effect of light spectrum on growth, development, and mineral contents of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)
Authors: Degni Banah Florent , Haba Cissé Théodore , Dibi Wilfried Gauthier , Soro Doudjo , Zoueu Jérémie Thouakesseh
Published: April 2021

Influence of the light spectrum on growth, development, and nutrients contents of okra was studied by growing okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) under three different LED-based irradiations defined by their peak wavelength at 455.45 ± 1.80 nm (B455), 522.27 ± 1.46 nm (G522), and 635.03 ± 1.33 nm (R635), respectively in the blue, green, and red regions of the visible spectrum. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 200 μmol m−2 s−1 was provided by the LEDs for 18 h daily. Leaves macronutrients and micronutrients concentration and plant biometric parameters were measured 60 days after sowing; the evolution of biometric parameters was also monitored during the growing period. Results related to biometric parameters have shown that highest leaf area, plant height, and fresh and dry weight were achieved under B455 light; both R635 and G522 lights produce the highest quantity of leaves; and largest stem diameters were observed under B455 and G522 lights. Regarding mineral contents, highest calcium, phosphorus, and manganese concentrations were obtained under R635 light; highest sodium content was observed under G522 light; and the highest nitrogen content was obtained under both B455 and G522 lights. However, there were no significant differences observed for potassium, magnesium, and zinc concentrations among the three light treatments. These results revealed that selective spectrum in artificial lighting design can be strategically used to optimize the plant growth, development, and mineral contents uptake under controlled environments.
Andronovo Problem: Studies of Cultural Genesis in the Eurasian Bronze Age
Authors: Grigoriev Stanislav
Published: April 2021

Andronovo culture is the largest Eurasian formation in the Bronze Age, and it had a significant impact on neighboring regions. It is the important culture for understanding many historical processes, in particular, the origins and migration of Indo-Europeans. However, in most works there is a very simplified understanding of the scientific problems associated with this culture. The history of its study is full of opposing opinions, and all these opinions were based on reliable grounds. For a long time, the existence of the Andronovo problem was caused by the fact that researchers supposed they might explain general processes by local situations. In fact, the term “Andronovo culture” is incorrect. Another term “Andronovo cultural-historical commonality” also has no signs of scientific terminology. Under these terms a large number of cultures are combined, many of which were not related to each other. In the most simplified form, they can be combined into two blocks that existed during the Bronze Age: the steppe (Sintashta, Petrovka, Alakul, Sargari) and the forest-steppe (Fyodorovka, Cherkaskul, Mezhovka). Often these cultures are placed in vertical lines with genetic continuity. However, the problems of their chronology and interaction are very complicated. By Andronovo cultures we may understand only Fyodorovka and Alakul cultures (except for its early stage); however, it is better to avoid the use of this term.
Polyurethane modified epoxy vitrimer and its stress relaxation behavior
Authors: Lian Weiqiang , Han Huipeng , Zhang Xiaoxin , Peng Guirong , Jia Zhaojing , Zhang Zhenlin
Published: April 2021

Anhydride cured epoxy vitrimers usually exhibit desired mechanical strength but poor toughness and slow transesterification rate. Therefore, the repairing property of the material was restricted. In this paper, polyurethane modified epoxy vitrimer (PU-Epv) was prepared. PU was introduced into the vitrimer system of tetrahydrophthalic anhydride cured epoxy to improve the toughness of the material. Meanwhile, because of the presence of amino ester, the transesterification reaction was promoted and the activation energy of the transesterification was only 33.59 kJ/mol. In the thermal welding experiment, the material could be welded at least five times, and scratches on the surface of the samples could be efficiently repaired within 30 min. The toughness of the material was improved without damaging the strength. Meanwhile, the hard thermosetting epoxy was endowed with excellent repairing properties to increase the service life of the material.
Enhancing performances of hemp fiber/natural rubber composites via polyhydric hyperbranched polyester
Authors: Shen Zong , Song Weihua , Li Xiaolong , Yang Le , Wang Chaoyu , Hao Zhi , Luo Zhu
Published: April 2021

High-performance rubber composites can be obtained by combining the strength of fiber with the high elasticity of rubber. In this article, environmentally friendly natural rubber (NR)/carbon (CB) composites reinforced by maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted hemp fiber (HF) in the presence of polyhydric hyper-branched polyester (PHP) were studied. The grafting of MAH on the surface of HF (HF-MAH) improves the roughness of fibers, the introduced C=C participates in rubber covulcanization with NR matrix at high temperature, thus enhancing the physical locking and chemical crosslinking between HF and NR matrix. The bridge effect was produced between HF-MAH and rubber matrix by PHP, and the interfacial adhesion was further enhanced. As a result, the tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation at break were improved by approximately 14.5, 26.2, and 10.8%, respectively. The 100 and 300% constant elongation stress was increased by 134 and 113%, and the cutting resistance was also improved obviously.