bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised Detection of Sybil Attack in Wireless Networks
Authors: Tian Yinghua , Chen Song , Zhang Long
Published: March 2021

To address the problem of Sybil attacks in the wireless network, an unsupervised attack detection method using signal frequency bias distribution features is proposed. The method first estimates the signal frequency bias of the emitted signal of each wireless device and then calculates the signal frequency offset distribution characteristics, next it uses the DBSCAN clustering method to perform cluster analysis based on the distribution features. This method does not require prior learning of each device’s signal features and is not affected by the changing of channel status. Experiments based on the real-world environment and commercial hardware show that the proposed method can effectively detect the Sybil attack and achieve high accuracy in identifying malicious devices.
Study on Performance of Grouting Fluid Mixed with Clay-Steel Slag Powder
Authors: Qi Yinping , Wang Qingjiang , Sun Zhenzhen , Wang Xugong
Published: March 2021

By designing orthogonal experiments, mixing different amounts of clay, steel slag powder and polycarboxylic acid water-reducing agent into ordinary Portland cement, prepare grouting liquid according to different water-cement ratios, and analyze the grouting liquid under standard curing conditions. Fluidity and water separation. The test results show that: with the increase of the clay content, the fluidity and water separation rate of the slurry gradually increase. As the content of steel slag powder increases, the fluidity first increases and then decreases, but the overall trend is increasing, and the water separation rate increases.
Battlefield Situation Recognition Technology and Application Trend Based on Data Lake
Authors: Guo Lejiang , Tu Wenjie , Chen Fangxin , Xiao Lei
Published: March 2021

Battlefield situation is the basis of cognitive consistency of battlefield situation understanding. In the service of situation information organization, displaying and distribution is necessary to solve the problem of situation information difference between users at different levels and different combat tasks. Through the research of data Lake technology combined with advanced data science and machine learning technology, the situation recognition and processing architecture based on data lake is proposed to solve these problems .It includes the network architecture, the situation cognition and processing methods which can improve various types of data storage and big data processing problems.
Research on the Path of Inheriting Intangible Cultural Heritage in Northeast China through College Art Education
Authors: Jiang Xiaowei
Published: March 2021

The research aims to discuss the path of inheriting intangible cultural heritage in Northeast China through college art education. From the perspective of cultural protection and inheritance, the feasibility of inheriting intangible cultural heritage in Northeast China through college art education is analyzed. The specific path to inherit intangible cultural heritage in Northeast China through college art education is discussed combined with the individual practice of Changchun University, so as to build a bridge of protection and inheritance between the intangible cultural heritage in Northeast China and college art education. Inheriting intangible cultural heritage through education conforms to the needs of social development and is also an effective way to protect and inherit intangible cultural heritage. It could carry out educational inheritance by four kinds of ways of changing ideas, bringing into curriculum system, reforming teaching methods and deepening scientific research, which is of important theoretical significance and practical significance for colleges and universities to create discipline characteristics and protect and inherit intangible cultural heritage.
Effect of Power Line Type on The Safety of Transmission Tower
Authors: Xu Xiaokun , Hu Chuqi
Published: March 2021

The supply of electricity is directly affected by the structural safety of transmission tower. The unsuitable power line type can impose extra forces on transmission tower. The failure within transmission tower results in power outage because the designed power transmission tower cannot bear the extra force loading. In this paper, the mechanical responses in transmission tower with different power line types were calculated by means of finite element software. Commercial software Abaqus was employed for analyzing the structural safety of transmission tower. Ten kinds of power line were chosen to impose static forces on transmission tower. Based on the finite element results, the maximum stress and displacement were obtained. When the dimension of power line is less than a certain value, the transmission tower is safe; otherwise, the transmission tower may collapse.
Research on Vehicle Lubricating Oil Detection Device
Authors: Huang He
Published: March 2021

The existing maintenance service mode is basically “fire-fighting” after-the-event maintenance and repair. After the failure of mechanical equipment, it takes a time to report the requirement to the service personnel to achieve the success of maintenance. The consequences of sudden failure in the operation of mechanical equipment are very serious. In order to predict the operation status of mechanical equipment in advance and avoid causing heavy losses, the operation status of mechanical equipment can be predicted by testing the lubricant composition of mechanical equipment, which can effectively reduce or even avoid the occurrence of faults and accidents.
Radionuclide analysis of the National Data Centre preparedness exercise 2019 (NPE2019): Malaysian National Data Centre (MY-NDC) findings
Authors: Rashid F I A , Zolkaffly M Z
Published: March 2021

The National Data Centre preparedness exercise (NPE) simulates fictitious violation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and is regularly conducted by the National Data Centres (NDCs) for NDCs. The purpose of the exercise is to increase the NDCs’ preparedness and capabilities to perform objective analysis of possible treaty violation events. In November 2019, the NPE2019 has officially launched as a combined radionuclide and waveform scenario. The scenario started as a fictitious state named RAETIA announced a reactor incident with a release of unspecified radionuclides into the atmosphere. The simulated concentration of particulate and noble gas isotopes at several radionuclide stations had been provided as a case study. Hence, the NDCsis tasked to check the consistency with the announcements as well as to identify potential source region of such release. This paper aims at presenting MY-NDC’s radionuclide analysis findings of NPE2019. The analysis involved among others, multiple nuclide isotopic analysis, and atmospheric transport modelling (ATM). Consequently, the analysis had enabled MY-NDC to identify the potential source region of the radionuclide release as well as to discriminate the source of such release, whether coming from civil nuclear facilities or nuclear tests.
A study on UVC irradiance emitted by various types of UVGI products
Authors: Wan Yunoh Wan Syazlin , Tukimin Roha , Isa Naurah Mat , Hamzah Mohd Yusof , Halim Khairul Azhar Abdul
Published: March 2021

There are many types of Ultra Violet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) products available in the market used in many applications such as sterilization and disinfection. These products are popular during the spread of pandemic COVID-19 and become an option of disinfection method for surface and air such as in office, hospital, hotel room and car. The objective of the study is to investigate the UVC lamps of the UVGI products based on their wavelength. This is to validate whether the product samples are using UVC lamp as stated in the specification which normally has 253.7 to 254 nm wavelength. Besides that, the UVC intensity level has been measured to determine the irradiance emitted by the lamps. The measurement was carried out at various distance to see the effectiveness of the UVGI in disinfection process at different size of spaces. UVC is categorised as non-ionising radiation and has potential health effects due to excessive exposure specially to eye and skin. The equipment used for the irradiance measurement is IL 1700 radiometer with UVC sensor and the measurement data recorded in microwatt/cm2. The irradiance level of the samples was compared with the permissible exposure limit to the members of public by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
Effect of lead oxide on concrete density for radiation shielding purposes
Authors: Othman Siti Amira
Published: March 2021

Selection of suitable shielding materials depends on the type, intensity and energy of radiation source, as well as the shielding properties such as mechanical strength, economic preparation and resistance to radiation damage. When compared to ordinary concrete, the addition of some materials with various fractions in the composition of concrete has provided concrete forms more efficient for gamma ray shielding. Concrete has proven to be an tremendous and adaptable shielding material with a well-established linear attenuation coefficient for gamma rays and neutrons. The objectives of this study is to determine the exact composition of concrete constituents and its density. Concrete samples were prepared by mixing cement, water, aggregate and additive with different composition and densities. Density was increases by decreasing the aggregates percent and increasing the additives such as lead oxide. Sample will be compacting to forming a solid material through pelleting and sintering process. Finally, it will undergo for radiation attenuation test. It was found that, substitution of lead oxide by aggregate causes increasing in the specific density and compressive strength of the concrete.
Potential use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL) gel materials as mammography phantoms for the detection of calcifications
Authors: Okoh Franca Oyiwoja , Yusof Mohd Fahmi Mohd , Abdullah Siti Nor Azizah
Published: March 2021

The study focused on the construction of phantoms made of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL) gel materials for mammography based on the dimensions of available RMI phantom for quality control in mammography. The PVAL gel phantoms were fabricated at 20% percentages of PVAL to water to provide target density of 1.0 g/cm3 and physical strength similar to that of human soft tissues. The calcifications were simulated by using calcium based powders at three different depths. Mammography images were obtained based on the automatic exposure control (AEC) at different compression forces. The results showed That all samples showed good visualisation of calcifications in the mammography images of all fabricated phantoms. The calcifications were well defined with no significant differences of the visualisation of calcifications in all mammography images of all fabricated PVAL gel phantoms. The results indicated the potential of PVAL gel materials to be developed and used as phantoms for the quality control works in mammography.
Effect of electrolyte concentration on the synthesis of graphene by electrochemical exfoliation process
Authors: Ilias Suhaila Hani , Murshidi Julie Andrianny , Ying Kok Kuan
Published: March 2021

Graphene can be produced from graphite rod of a battery by electrochemical exfoliation process in acidic electrolytes. This process is simple, safe, fast, cheap and produces graphene in large scale. Parameters to be controlled during the process are the concentration of the electrolytes and potential for exfoliation. The synthesized graphene was characterized by Raman Spectroscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). From the results, it was found that graphene synthesized with 90:10 volume ratio had better yield, lowest interlayer distance, less oxidation and minimum defect of graphene.
Effect of electron irradiation to the photocatalytic activity of the titanium dioxide fibers
Authors: Che Hak C R , Ridzuwan S , Zainal Abidin S S , Saidin N U , Ahmad Fuzi S A
Published: March 2021

The main crystal phase of titanium dioxide (TiO2) anatase, play the important role in the efficiency of photocatalysis. In this study, electron irradiation from 200-1,000 kGy has been used to alter the anatase-to-rutile phase ratio in TiO2particles. For photocatalytic reaction, the TiO2particles are loaded into the polymer fibers through electrospinning technique and then the ability of the fibers to photo degrade the methylene blue dye is measured. XRD analysis shows the changes in the crystal structure of the TiO2particles and the phase transformation from anatase to rutile after radiation. Morphology studies confirmed that the TiO2particles are incorporated well into the fibers and distributed homogeneously without beadings and agglomerations. The photocatalytic activity shows radiation at 1,000 kGy possess the highest degradation of methylene blue dye, resulting from the highest anatase phase content.
Analysis of radioactivity concentration in natural rubber latex and radiation prevulcanized natural rubber latex (RVNRL)
Authors: Ibrahim Sofian , Jaffary Nurrul Assyikeen Md. , Mohamed Norfaizal , Ali Hasni M.
Published: March 2021

Radiation vulcanization of natural rubber latex (RVNRL) is an alternative technology to conventional sulphur vulcanization. To eliminate some public members sceptical view toward the radioactivity of the prevulcanized latex produced using gamma radiation, RVNRL was prepared at several radiation doses and then their radioactivity concentration were measured using gamma counting technique. The activity concentration level of Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40 in RVNRL found to be not significantly different from non-vulcanized natural rubber latex (NRL). The reported radioactivity proved that using gamma radiation in the RVNRL preparation could not ionized and produce radioactive materials from NRL minerals. Hence, it is concluded that RVNRL is safe to be used as the main raw material in latex dipped products industry.
Evaluation of radium and caesium containment performance of palm oil fuel ash-supplemented cementitious backfill for borehole disposal: Kinetic investigations
Authors: Phillip E , Khoo K S , Yusof M A W , Abdel Rahman R O
Published: March 2021

Radium and caesium have been identified among the major radionuclides found in disused sealed radioactive sources (DSRSs) and these DSRSs are potentially planned to be disposed in borehole disposal. In borehole disposal, cementitious backfill is commonly used as engineered barrier for containment of radionuclides. Present study evaluates the potential use of palm oil fuel ash (POFA)-supplemented cementitious backfill to contain radium and caesium radionuclides. In this respect, kinetic investigations were carried out to understand the nature of the sorption process onto both Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and POFA- supplemented cementitious material. The results showed that the sorption process for both cementitious backfill materials reached equilibrium within 48 hours and 24 hours for radium and caesium, respectively. For both backfill materials, results from kinetic analysis of radium and caesium indicated that the sorption process followed pseudo-second order model thus suggesting chemisorption reaction. Meanwhile, pore diffusion and film diffusion were identified as the main mechanisms controlling the sorption process. It was also found that the sorption capacity was higher for POFA-supplemented cementitious material (6 – 60 Bq g-1) compared to OPC (1 – 44 Bq g−1) indicating valuable containment of radium and caesium by POFA-supplemented cementitious backfill.
The effect of various electrospinning parameter on preparation of alumina nanofibers
Authors: Abdillah Umar , Yazid Hafizal , Ahmad Sahrim , Makhtar Nurulizzati , Zaubidah Siti , Chen Ruey Shan , Syafiqaz Nur
Published: March 2021

Alumina nanobers were successfully prepared via an electrospinning technique with combination of aluminum oxyhydroxide (AlOOH) as alumina precursor and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as the polymer precursor. To produced alumina precursor, Aluminum Isopropoxide (AIP) was dissolved in distilled water under the constant stirring process at 80°C. Electrospinning solution was prepared by mixing Aluminum Oxyhydroxide (AlOOH) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) aqueous solution for 2 hours under room temperature. Different concentrations of polymer precursor and various electrospinning parameters such as applied voltage, distance tip to collector, and flowrate of sol-gel were studied. The as-spun fibers were calcined at 1200°C and characterized by SEM. Results showed that the average fiber diameter decreases with decreasing of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solution concentration, increasing of applied voltages and decreasing of electrospinning flow rate. At 10%wt Polyvinlpyrrolidone (PVP) concentration with 17.5v of applied voltages and 0.03 ml/min of flow rates, calcined fibers showed an average diameter of 100-200nm.
Study the dose profile of low energy electron accelerator
Authors: Wah Leo Kwee , Azhar M. , Chulan R. M. , Hashim S. A. , Mokhtar M. , Khaidawaton  , Baijan H. , Sabri R. M.
Published: March 2021

This paper describes dose mapping method for Low Energy Electron Accelerator (LEEA). This locally designed LEEA with the former energy of 140 keV will be upgraded to 300 keV. In the setup, the electron beam is energized by the electric field with high voltage power supply, scanning and passing through the titanium foil, to irradiate the sample. The dose profile by the energetic beam mapping results have been obtained by using Cellulose Triacetate (CTA) dosimeter.
Big data analytics nuclear security framework
Authors: Ibrahim Maizura , Hamdan Siti Nurbahyah , Ismail Saa’idi , Haris Mohd Fauzi , Sulaiman Mohamad Safuan , Aris Sufian Norazam Mohamed , Hasan Mohd Hasnor Bin , Aslan Mohd Dzul Aiman , Ghani Nur Fatini Abdul , Hamid Amy Hamijah Ab
Published: March 2021

Nuclear security is defined as the prevention and detection of, and response to, theft, sabotage, unauthorized access, illegal transfer, or other malicious acts involving nuclear material, other radioactive substances, or their associated facilities. Whereas, big data analytics is denoted as a new way of collecting, analyzing large amounts of data, finding the appropriate patterns to support decision making, hence improve the action taken in solving the problems. The problem with the nuclear security system in most of the nuclear organizations and nuclear facilities in the world today is that the unintegrated data management in nuclear security systems is causing sub-optimal efficiency in the detection of malicious acts involving nuclear/radioactive materials. We argue that a big data analytics framework for nuclear security should be created and utilized to integrate all data in nuclear security systems as well as serving for needs of intelligence especially involving predictive analytics, both within organizations and inter-organization. Therefore, in this paper, we present a conceptual framework of big data analytics for nuclear security. The framework is formulated based on a holistic methodology with the aims to integrate all the data of the nuclear security systems at the organization/facilities level and national level so that the data could be analyzed to derive the appropriate patterns, hence increase the accuracy of decision making that could lead to increased efficiency of detection process and response to the nuclear security event.
Laboratory facilities for nuclear forensic investigation in Malaysian Nuclear Agency
Authors: Muhd Sarowi S. , Laili Z. , Ahmad A. , Samuding K.
Published: March 2021

Nuclear forensic is a new field and a key element in nuclear security in any country. The purpose of nuclear forensic investigation is to establish the history of nuclear material of unknown origin by analysing the nuclear material in the laboratories. Hence, the results of the nuclear forensic examination will provide the evidence to support law enforcement or nuclear security investigation in the country. The typical analysis used in nuclear forensic investigation is radiological assessment, physical characterization, isotope analysis, elemental/chemical analysis and traditional forensic analysis. This paper will discuss the capability of laboratories in the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and internal arrangement in handling nuclear forensic analysis.
A multi-year study of natural radionuclides Beryllium-7 (Be-7) activity concentrations in surface air in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Authors: Rashid F I A , Zolkaffly M Z
Published: March 2021

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) is a multilateral treaty that bans any nuclear explosions, either for military or civil purposes. The treaty is supported by an international network of monitoring stations, which inter-alia include radionuclide monitoring stations. Malaysia is a Member State to the CTBT and hosts a radionuclide monitoring station (Site code: RN42) in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang. The continuous daily measurement at RN42 has created an invaluable resource for understanding variations in natural background radioactivity, including natural radionuclide, Beryllium-7 (Be-7). This study aims at assessing seasonal variations of Be-7 in surface air in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands, Pahang and determining its correlation with local meteorological parameters using statistical analysis. The results have been found that Be-7 activity concentration at the RN42 showed a seasonal variation and strong inverse correlation with precipitation data. The findings from this study could serve as basis for further studies on local and regional radiological impact assessment as well as for exploring the potential application of Be-7 as atmospheric tracer for civil and scientific purposes.
Density distribution investigation through the geometrical structure for the 27S halo nucleus
Authors: Islam J , Radiman S , Khoo K S.
Published: March 2021

27S was predicted as a proton halo nucleus in the 2s1/2 state due to the abnormally large protons root mean square radius. The presence of weakly bound (S2n = 0.90(20) MeV) two valence protons in the 27S nucleus strongly supported this prediction. The core density, matter density, and halo density for this nucleus (27S) have been investigated in this study. The geometrical halo structure has been used for different parameter calculations to investigate these density distributions since sufficient experimental data are not available for this 27S nucleus. The parameters’ values were calculated easily following this geometrical structure. Gaussian-Gaussian (GG) distribution has been applied to investigate these densities. In our present study, the 27S nucleus was investigated as a 2-p halo nucleus due to its low valence two-protons separation energy (0.90 MeV). The 2-p halo 27S nucleus was described having (25Si) + p + p configuration. These measured parameters’ values were then used to investigate the Gaussian-Gaussian (GG) density distributions. MATLAB computational software was also used for these distribution investigations. From these density distributions, a maximum density of 1.042%, 1.001%, and 0.4789% at the centre of the nucleus was obtained for the core density (ρc
), matter density (ρm
), and halo density (ρh
), respectively. The presence of longer tails on the halo and matter distributions also support the prediction as a two-proton halo nucleus.
Development of gantry radial arm robotic system for corrosion inspection on wall of reactor tank TRIGA
Authors: Ramli R , Sani S , Asri A S
Published: March 2021

This paper focuses on the design upgrade of existing scanner of gantry radial arm robotic system for corrosion inspection on wall reactor of a TRIGA tank. The scanner design will be used for under water inspection environment verification. This inspection can be performed by using ultrasonic C-scan that will be designed in this project. This gantry radial arm system is a modular design that allows upgrading, easy dimensional matching and, specifications related to kinematic and technique. The gantry radial arm system is expected to be user-friendly. SolidWorks software was used to design the prototype of the gantry radial arm. Most of the components are made from Aluminium which is much sturdy and low cost. Meanwhile for the rod holder system, spring mechanism was used to prevent rod from bending when it moves down into the water. The test results show that the system designed is safe to be used, as it has been proved by simulation and calculation.
COVID-19 detection from lung CT-scan images using transfer learning approach
Authors: Halder Arpita , Datta Bimal
Published: March 2021

Since the onset of 2020, the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has rapidly accelerated worldwide into a state of severe pandemic. COVID-19 has infected more than 29 million people and caused more than 900 thousand deaths at the time of writing. Since it is highly contagious, it causes explosive community transmission. Thus, health care delivery has been disrupted and compromised by the lack of testing kits. COVID-19-infected patients show severe acute respiratory syndrome. Meanwhile, the scientific community has been involved in the implementation of deep learning (DL) techniques to diagnose COVID-19 using computed tomography (CT) lung scans, since CT is a pertinent screening tool due to its higher sensitivity in recognizing early pneumonic changes. However, large datasets of CT-scan images are not publicly available due to privacy concerns and obtaining very accurate models has become difficult. Thus, to overcome this drawback, transfer-learning pre-trained models are used in the proposed methodology to classify COVID-19 (positive) and COVID-19 (negative) patients. We describe the development of a DL framework that includes pre-trained models (DenseNet201, VGG16, ResNet50V2, and MobileNet) as its backbone, known as KarNet. To extensively test and analyze the framework, each model was trained on original (i.e. unaugmented) and manipulated (i.e. augmented) datasets. Among the four pre-trained models of KarNet, the one that used DenseNet201 demonstrated excellent diagnostic ability, with AUC scores of 1.00 and 0.99 for models trained on unaugmented and augmented data sets, respectively. Even after considerable distortion of the images (i.e. the augmented dataset) DenseNet201 achieved an accuracy of 97% for the test dataset, followed by ResNet50V2, MobileNet, and VGG16 (which achieved accuracies of 96%, 95%, and 94%, respectively).
The Virtues: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Boyd Craig A. , Timpe Kevin
Published: March 2021

The Virtues: A Very Short Introduction explores both the nature of virtue in general and specific kinds of virtues. These include the moral virtues, the intellectual virtues, and the theological virtues, as well as the capital vices. From the philosophy of Aristotle and Confucius, to the paintings of Raphael, Botticelli, and many more, fascination with the virtues has endured and evolved to fit a wide range of cultural, religious, and philosophical contexts through the centuries. This VSI examines the role of the virtues in the moral life, their cultivation, and how they offer ways of thinking and acting that are alternatives to mere rule-following. It also considers the relationship of the virtues to one’s own emotions, desires, and rational capacities.
Sir Arnold W Wolfendale FRS (1927–2020)
Authors: Ellis Richard
Published: March 2021

Richard Ellis recalls the life of the eminent cosmic-ray physicist
Sharing the great conjunction
Authors: Davies Claire
Published: March 2021

Claire Davies recounts a successful outreach project based on Saturn and Jupiter's 2020 conjunction, a celebration of closeness in a year dominated by distancing
Function of the TRY C-terminal region artificially fused with its homologous transcription factors inducing root hair differentiation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wakamatsu Juri , Nagao Kosuke , Sumida Yukino , Tanaka Wakana , Sambongi Yoshihiro , Tominaga Rumi
Published: March 2021

TRIPTYCHON (TRY) is one of the R3-MYB transcription factors. Its extended C-terminal 19 amino-acid region (CTRY) is considered to affect the ability of root hair differentiation in Arabidopsis. Here, to further understand the function of CTRY, it, together with GFP, was artificially fused with TRY homologs, CPC and ETC1, which do not contain such extended regions and induce root hair differentiation. Arabidopsis transgenic plants carrying the fusion proteins, CPC-CTRY-GFP and ETC1-CTRY-GFP, induced root hair differentiation as observed in those carrying the original proteins without CTRY. The expression levels of the fusion proteins in the transgenic plants were essentially the same as those of the original proteins, although their subcellular localization to nuclei of root epidermal cells was slightly changed by CTRY. Therefore, CTRY does not affect the ability of CPC and ETC1 to induce root hair differentiation when artificially fused, and its function may be restricted in TRY.
Dysfunctional Brain Reward System in Child Obesity
Authors: Pujol Jesus , Blanco-Hinojo Laura , Martínez-Vilavella Gerard , Deus Joan , Pérez-Sola Víctor , Sunyer Jordi
Published: March 2021

Eating habits leading to obesity may reflect nonhomeostatic behavior based on excessive immediate-reward seeking. However, it is currently unknown to what extent excess weight is associated with functional alterations in the brain’s reward system in children. We tested the integrity of reward circuits using resting-state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging in a population of 230 children aged 8–12 years. The major components of the reward system were identified within the ventral striatum network defined on the basis of the nucleus accumbens connectivity pattern. The functional structure of the cerebral cortex was characterized using a combination of local functional connectivity measures. Higher body mass index was associated with weaker connectivity between the cortical and subcortical elements of the reward system, and enhanced the integration of the sensorimotor cortex to superior parietal areas relevant to body image formation. Obese children, unlike WHO-defined overweight condition, showed functional structure alterations in the orbitofrontal cortex and amygdala region similar to those previously observed in primary obsessive–compulsive disorder and Prader–Willi syndrome associated with obsessive eating behavior. Results further support the view that childhood obesity is not simply a deviant habit with restricted physical health consequences but is associated with reward system dysfunction characterizing behavioral control disorders.
Medea and other women in Jules Dassin’s Never on Sunday
Authors: Sermamoglou-Soulmaidi Georgia
Published: March 2021

In Jules Dassin’s 1960’s film Never on Sunday, Ilia is a Greek prostitute at the port of Piraeus, who is very fond of Greek tragedy. Yet, while she has seen Euripides’ Medea fifteen times, she keeps denying that, at the end of the play, Medea kills her children. This article explores the reasons why Ilia insists on seeing the play again and again, while also insisting on recasting a revenge plot into a love story with a happy ending. Furthermore, it discusses gender dynamics in the film, focusing on Ilia’s firm opposition to all female oppression. Finally, it argues that, through Ilia’s misinterpretation of Medea, Never on Sunday invites discussion of the various disguises of human vulnerability and of an all too common fear—the fear of love.
Pre-operative glycaemic control and long-term survival in diabetic patients after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Deo Salil , Sundaram Varun , Sheikh Muhammad Adil , Sahadevan Jayakumar , Selvaganesan Padmini , Madan Mohan Sri Krishna , Rubelowsky Joseph , Elgudin Yakov , Josephson Richard , Davierwala Piroze M , Cmolik Brian
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVES

We analysed the Veteran Affairs data to evaluate the association of pre-operative glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and long-term outcome after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS

Veterans with diabetes mellitus and isolated CABG (2006–2018) were divided into 4 groups (I: HbA1c <6.5%, II: HbA1c 6.5–8, III 8–10% and IV: HbA1c >10%). The relationship of pre-operative HbA1c and long-term survival was evaluated with a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model and reported as hazard ratios (HR). The cumulative incidence of secondary end-points [myocardial infarction (MI) and repeat revascularization (percutaneous intervention)] for each group was modelled as competing events with cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Overall, 16 190 patients (mean age 64.9 years, male 98%; insulin dependent 53%) with diabetes mellitus underwent isolated CABG. We observed 19.4%, 45.4%, 27% and 8.2% patients in groups I, II, III and IV, respectively. Patients with HbA1c >10% were the youngest (mean age 60.9 years) and had high rates of Insulin dependence (78%). In patients with HbA1c >10%, improvement in levels was observed in 76%. The median follow-up observed was 5.8 (3.2–8.8) years. Compared to the study mean HbA1c (7.3%), mortality rate increased with HbA1c levels >8%, and especially with pre-operative HbA1c levels >9%. Compared to patients with HbA1c <8%, HbA1c 8–10% and >10% were associated with increased MI (HR 1.24 and HR 1.39, respectively) and need for reintervention (HR 1.20 and HR 1.24, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing CABG, pre-operative HbA1c >8% is associated with the increased risk of mortality and adverse cardiac events.
The new COST Action European Venom Network (EUVEN)—synergy and future perspectives of modern venomics
Authors: Modica Maria Vittoria , Ahmad Rafi , Ainsworth Stuart , Anderluh Gregor , Antunes Agostinho , Beis Dimitris , Caliskan Figen , Serra Mauro Dalla , Dutertre Sebastien , Moran Yehu , Nalbantsoy Ayse , Oukkache Naoual , Pekar Stano , Remm Maido , von Reumont Bjoern Marcus , Sarigiannis Yiannis , Tarallo Andrea , Tytgat Jan , Undheim Eivind Andreas Baste , Utkin Yuri , Verdes Aida , Violette Aude , Zancolli Giulia
Published: March 2021

Venom research is a highly multidisciplinary field that involves multiple subfields of biology, informatics, pharmacology, medicine, and other areas. These different research facets are often technologically challenging and pursued by different teams lacking connection with each other. This lack of coordination hampers the full development of venom investigation and applications. The COST Action CA19144–European Venom Network was recently launched to promote synergistic interactions among different stakeholders and foster venom research at the European level.
Torix Rickettsia are widespread in arthropods and reflect a neglected symbiosis
Authors: Pilgrim Jack , Thongprem Panupong , Davison Helen R , Siozios Stefanos , Baylis Matthew , Zakharov Evgeny V , Ratnasingham Sujeevan , deWaard Jeremy R , Macadam Craig R , Smith M Alex , Hurst Gregory D D
Published: March 2021

Background

Rickettsia are intracellular bacteria best known as the causative agents of human and animal diseases. Although these medically important Rickettsia are often transmitted via haematophagous arthropods, other Rickettsia, such as those in the Torix group, appear to reside exclusively in invertebrates and protists with no secondary vertebrate host. Importantly, little is known about the diversity or host range of Torix group Rickettsia.

Results

This study describes the serendipitous discovery of Rickettsia amplicons in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), a sequence database specifically designed for the curation of mitochondrial DNA barcodes. Of 184,585 barcode sequences analysed, Rickettsia is observed in ∼0.41% of barcode submissions and is more likely to be found than Wolbachia (0.17%). The Torix group of Rickettsia are shown to account for 95% of all unintended amplifications from the genus. A further targeted PCR screen of 1,612 individuals from 169 terrestrial and aquatic invertebrate species identified mostly Torix strains and supports the “aquatic hot spot” hypothesis for Torix infection. Furthermore, the analysis of 1,341 SRA deposits indicates that Torix infections represent a significant proportion of all Rickettsia symbioses found in arthropod genome projects.

Conclusions

This study supports a previous hypothesis that suggests that Torix Rickettsia are overrepresented in aquatic insects. In addition, multiple methods reveal further putative hot spots of Torix Rickettsia infection, including in phloem-feeding bugs, parasitoid wasps, spiders, and vectors of disease. The unknown host effects and transmission strategies of these endosymbionts make these newly discovered associations important to inform future directions of investigation involving the understudied Torix Rickettsia.
Imaging global mantle discontinuities: a test using full-waveforms and adjoint kernels
Authors: Koroni Maria , Trampert Jeannot
Published: March 2021

We present a novel approach for imaging global mantle discontinuities based on full-waveform inversion (FWI). Over the past decades, extensive research has been done on imaging mantle discontinuities at approximately 400 and 670 km depth. Accurate knowledge of their topography can put strong constraints on thermal and compositional variations and hence geodynamic modelling. So far, however, there is little consensus on their topography. We present an approach based on adjoint tomography, which has the advantage that Fréchet derivatives for discontinuities and measurements, to be inverted for, are fully consistent. Rather than working with real data, we focus on synthetic tests, where the answer is known in order to be able to evaluate the performance of the developed method. All calculations are based on the community code SPECFEM3D_GLOBE. We generate data in fixed 1-D or 3-D elastic background models of mantle velocity. Our ‘data’ to be inverted contain topography along the 400 and 670 km mantle discontinuities. To investigate the approach, we perform several tests: (i) In a situation where we know the elastic background model 1-D or 3-D, we recover the target topography fast and accurately; (ii) The exact misfit is not of great importance here, except in terms of convergence speed, similar to a different inverse algorithm and (iii) In a situation where the background model is not known, the convergence is markedly slower, but there is reasonable convergence towards the correct target model of discontinuity topography. It has to be noted that our synthetic test is idealized and in a real data situation, the convergence to and uncertainty of the inferred model is bound to be larger. However, the use of data consistent with Fréchet kernels seems to pay off and might improve our consensus on the nature of mantle discontinuities. Our workflow could be incorporated in future FWI mantle models to adequately infer boundary interface topography.
C9orf72-associated arginine-rich dipeptide repeats induce RNA-dependent nuclear accumulation of Staufen in neurons
Authors: Kim Eun Seon , Chung Chang Geon , Park Jeong Hyang , Ko Byung Su , Park Sung Soon , Kim Yoon Ha , Cha In Jun , Kim Jaekwang , Ha Chang Man , Kim Hyung-Jun , Lee Sung Bae
Published: March 2021

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play essential roles in diverse cellular processes through post-transcriptional regulation of RNAs. The subcellular localization of RBPs is thus under tight control, the breakdown of which is associated with aberrant cytoplasmic accumulation of nuclear RBPs such as TDP-43 and FUS, well-known pathological markers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). Here, we report in Drosophila model for ALS/FTD that nuclear accumulation of a cytoplasmic RBP Staufen may be a new pathological feature. We found that in Drosophila C4da neurons expressing PR36, one of the arginine-rich dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs), Staufen accumulated in the nucleus in Importin- and RNA-dependent manner. Notably, expressing Staufen with exogenous NLS—but not with mutated endogenous NLS—potentiated PR-induced dendritic defect, suggesting that nuclear-accumulated Staufen can enhance PR toxicity. PR36 expression increased Fibrillarin staining in the nucleolus, which was enhanced by heterozygous mutation of stau (stau+/−), a gene that codes Staufen. Furthermore, knockdown of fib, which codes Fibrillarin, exacerbated retinal degeneration mediated by PR toxicity, suggesting that increased amount of Fibrillarin by stau+/− is protective. stau+/− also reduced the amount of PR-induced nuclear-accumulated Staufen and mitigated retinal degeneration and rescued viability of flies expressing PR36. Taken together, our data show that nuclear accumulation of Staufen in neurons may be an important pathological feature contributing to the pathogenesis of ALS/FTD.
Work in progress report of a multicentre retrospective observational study to evaluate the association between the airflows and the intrapleural pressures digitally recorded after video-assisted lobectomy
Authors: Bertolaccini Luca , Viti Andrea , Bertoglio Pietro , Imperatori Andrea , Morelli Angelo , Zaraca Francesco , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Crisci Roberto ,   the In-Pression Trial Study Group, Bertolaccini Luca , Viti Andrea , Bertoglio Pietro , Imperatori Andrea , Morelli Angelo , Zaraca Francesco , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Crisci Roberto
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVES

Digital chest drainage systems allow real-time and continuous monitoring and recording of air leak flow rate and intrapleural pressure (IPP) from the immediate postoperative period to the chest drainage removal. A multicentre retrospective observational analysis of consecutive patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy for lung cancer was performed to evaluate the association between the airflow and IPP digitally recorded during the immediate postoperative period after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for lung cancer. Here, we present a work in progress report.

METHODS

All patients treated with VATS lobectomies for lung cancer were included. Multiple airflow measurements and minimum and maximum IPP through the chest tubes were digitally monitored and recorded using microelectronic mechanical sensor technology. The PALs were defined as an air leak lasting >5 days from the conclusion of the surgical procedure. The cessation of air leaks was defined as an airflow <10 ml/min during 6 consecutive hours.

RESULTS

This analysis comprised 76 patients who underwent VATS lobectomy for lung cancer. Nineteen patients (25%) showed prolonged air leaks (PAL) (≥5 days). The operative time was higher in the PAL group (mean difference = 44 min) without a statistically significant difference. Before the 7th postoperative hours, there were no statistically significant differences in IPPs.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PAL showed less negative IPP in the first 24 postoperative hours. Therefore, the 7th—24th postoperative hours were critical in PAL prediction since the mechanism for PAL seems to develop after the 7th postoperative hour.
Design, modeling and parametric optimization of thermoelectric cooling systems for high power density electronic devices
Authors: Barrubeeah Mohammed , Rady Mohamed , Attar Alaa , Albatati Faisal , Abuhabaya Abdullah
Published: March 2021

The present article reports on the design, modeling and parametric optimization of a thermoelectric cooling system for electronics applications. An analytical model based on energy equilibrium is developed for cooling a microprocessor using a thermoelectric module with an air-cooled finned heat sink. The proposed analytical model is validated by experimental measurements and by comparison with detailed 3D numerical simulations. Estimation of effective material properties of the thermoelectric module using manufacturer-reported performance characteristics is found to reduce the uncertainty in the calculation of module input power as compared to experimental measurements. A parametric optimization of the thermoelectric module and heat sink is carried out to maximize the coefficient of performance (COP) and achieve the required cooling capacity of the microprocessor. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is demonstrated for cooling current high power microprocessors. At a constant input current, the cooling capacity and COP of the thermoelectric cooling system increase with increasing thermoelectric module geometric ratio. Furthermore, at a constant geometric ratio, the cooling power increases with increasing input current to reach a maximum value and then decreases. The present study highlights the importance of designing and fabricating high-performance thermoelectric cooler modules with optimum parameters for cooling specific electronic components. The results indicate that the cooling capacity can be increased by ~70% using thermoelectric modules with optimized parameters as compared to using non-optimized commercially available thermoelectric modules.
Conforming and nonconforming VEMs for the fourth-order reaction–subdiffusion equation: a unified framework
Authors: Li Meng , Zhao Jikun , Huang Chengming , Chen Shaochun
Published: March 2021

We establish a unified framework to study the conforming and nonconforming virtual element methods (VEMs) for a class of time dependent fourth-order reaction–subdiffusion equations with the Caputo derivative. To resolve the intrinsic initial singularity we adopt the nonuniform Alikhanov formula in the temporal direction. In the spatial direction three types of VEMs, including conforming virtual element, $C^0$ nonconforming virtual element and fully nonconforming Morley-type virtual element, are constructed and analysed. In order to obtain the desired convergence results, the classical Ritz projection operator for the conforming virtual element space and two types of new Ritz projection operators for the nonconforming virtual element spaces are defined, respectively, and the projection errors are proved to be optimal. In the unified framework we derive a prior error estimate with optimal convergence order for the constructed fully discrete schemes. To reduce the computational cost and storage requirements, the sum-of-exponentials (SOE) technique combined with conforming and nonconforming VEMs (SOE-VEMs) are built. Finally, we present some numerical experiments to confirm the theoretical correctness and the effectiveness of the discrete schemes. The results in this work are fundamental and can be extended into more relevant models.
Tangential Weak Defectiveness and Generic Identifiability
Authors: Casarotti Alex , Mella Massimiliano
Published: March 2021

We investigate the uniqueness of decomposition of general tensors $T\in{\mathbb C}^{n_1+1}\otimes \cdots \otimes{\mathbb C}^{n_r+1}$ as a sum of tensors of rank $1$. This is done extending the theory developed in [ 28] to the framework of non-twd varieties. In this way, we are able to prove the non-generic identifiability of infinitely many partially symmetric tensors.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-Induced Interleukin-1 Alpha Synthesis and Cell Death Is Increased in Mouse Epithelial Cells Infected With Chlamydia muridarum
Authors: Nagarajan Uma M , Cho Crescentia , Gyorke Clare E , Nagarajan Shanmugam , Ezzell J Ashley , Brochu Hayden , Huntress Ian , Harrell Erin , Peng Xinxia
Published: March 2021

Chlamydia trachomatis-genital infection in women can be modeled in mice using Chlamydia muridarum. Using this model, it has been shown that the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α and interleukin (IL)-1α lead to irreversible tissue damage in the oviducts. In this study, we investigated the contribution of TNFα on IL-1α synthesis in infected epithelial cells. We show that C muridarum infection enhanced TNFα-induced IL-1α expression and release in a mouse epithelial cell line. In addition to IL-1α, several TNFα-induced inflammatory genes were also highly induced, and infection enhanced TNF-induced cell death. In the mouse model of genital infection, oviducts from mice lacking the TNFα receptor displayed minimal staining for IL-1α compared with wild-type oviducts. Our results suggest TNFα and IL-1α enhance each other’s downstream effects resulting in a hyperinflammatory response to chlamydial infection. We propose that biologics targeting TNF-induced IL-1α synthesis could be used to mitigate tissue damage during chlamydial infection.