bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Efficiency of Waste Stabilization Ponds using Para Grass (Brachiaria Mutica) Vegetation for Treatment of Industrial Wastei Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Van T L , Pham M D , Anh T T P , Thi P L , Dong N H , Ho V T T
Published: December 2020

In recent years, wastewater treatment by using biological method has been concerned because it low cost, easy to operate and enviromentally friendly. In this study, stabilization pond – one of the biological wastewater treatment methods has been researched for treating industrial wastewater in Industrial park, District 2, Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam. In stabilization pond, Para grass planted on the surface of the pond with roots in the water. Important elements of the treatment process were surveyed to provide optimal operation conditions, include: flow rate of influent, grass cutting cycle, initial COD concentration, fraction of N and P, the height of Para grass after cutting, pH in influent. The results show that Para grass grows well in wastewater and treatment efficiency of stabilization is high when flow rate of influent at 0.12 m3/h and 0.18 m3/h (corresponding to retention time is 7.8 days and 5.3 days, respectively). Besides, Para grass need to be cut periodically for about 20-22 days and the height of grass after cutting from 0.2 - 0.4 m to ensure the best treatment efficiency. Effect of pollution parameters of influent has been also surveyed. The results showed that stabilization pond treats wastewater efficiently when the initial COD concentration is from 200 to 350 mg/l, the fraction of N/P is from 4 to 6 and pH= 7. Wastewater after treatment with stabilization pond meets standards QCVN 40:2011/BTNMT (National Technical Regulation on Industrial Wastewater) with parameters in effluent such as COD, TN, TP, BOD5, Coliform. Moreover, biomass of Para grass after treatment can be used as feed source for livestock and ensure safety according to QCVN 01-183:2016/BNNPTNT. These results show the applicability of stabilization pond using Para grass vegetation in concentrated industrial wastewater treatment with low cost, simple but efficiency, environmentally friendly and towards sustainable development.
Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light using carbon dot/titanium dioxide nanohybrid
Authors: Heng Z W , Chong W C , Pang Y L , Sim L C
Published: December 2020

Due to the large band gap and the rapid recombination of electron-hole pairs of TiO2, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) modified TiO2 photocatalyst had been given intensive attention in visible light photodegradation. In this study, the oil palm frond-derived NCQDs/TiO2 was adopted for the first time in the photodegradation of Methylene Blue (MB) under visible light irradiation. TiO2 photocatalyst and NCQDs/TiO2 nanocomposites with different NCQDs contents were successfully synthesised through a facile in-situ hydrothermal method. The surface morphology and crystalline structure of NCQDs-decorated semiconductor photocatalyst were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) were utilized to prove the successful attachment and the uniform dispersion of NCQDs on TiO2 surface, respectively. The best-performed photocatalyst with the optimum amount of NCQDs (NCQDs/TiO2-1) displayed a degradation efficiency of 40.9% within 60 minutes, which is 2.6 times faster than that of pure TiO2 (15.6%). The improved photocatalytic performance could be attributed to the better charge separation since NCQDs act as an electron reservoir which impeded the recombination of electron-hole pairs. The present work proposed a simple synthetic route for the preparation of NCQDs/TiO2 nanocomposites and the use of biomass as a natural precursor which contributed to green and sustainable fabrication of photocatalyst in environmental application.
Removal of ferum ions from acid mine drainage wastewater using jar test technique: Factorial design analysis
Authors: Mohamad Basir N A , Mohd Azoddein A A , Abdul Razik A H , Azman N A A
Published: December 2020

A factorial experimental design technique was used to investigate the removal of “Fe2+” from wastewater Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) through jar adsorption test technique. Jar testing is expected to contribute to cost savings in chemicals from which ferum ion can also be extracted. The best condition for slag adsorption from AMD wastewater was obtained via a complete 16 factorial design experiment. Factorial design for screening is chosen to test four effects factors Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) slag dosage (0.2 and 2.0g), stirration speed (150 and 250 rpm), interval time (5 and 100 minute) and concentration (200 and 1000 ppm) at two levels. Metal removal capability was evaluated using adsorption result. Using statistical methods, the main effects and interaction effects of the four variables were analysed. A regression model was suggested, and the experimental data was found to match very well. The findings were statistically analyzed using the Student’s t-test, variance analysis, F-test and lack of fit to identify three most significant process variables that influence “Fe2+” removal percentage. Therefore concentration was found to be the most important variable in this analysis.
The feasibility of macro alga E.spinosum for colour removal from real textile wastewater
Authors: Mokhtar N , Aziz F A , Aziz E A , Halim H A , Aris A
Published: December 2020

Industrial textile wastewater usually contains high chemical substances, suspended solids and a very conspicuous intense colour. The complexity of textile wastewater had urged for an effective treatment method. This paper studies the feasibility of red macro alga, Euchema Spinosum as a natural and low-cost biosorbent for the removal of colour in real textile wastewater. The characterization of aforesaid biosorbent was analysed for its physical and chemical properties using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF). The effect of dosage and contact time on colour removal was analysed using batch biosorption experiments. The BET result confirmed that surface area of biosorbent is relatively small suitable for biosorbent characteristic. The result shows that at optimum dosage of 15g/L within 48 hours, E. spinosum was able to remove 93.71% of colour from textile wastewater. Therefore, E. spinosum was found to be highly effective in treating real textile.
Estimating glucose diffusion coefficient of membranes for tissue engineering applications using Fick’s First Law
Authors: Pg Sulaiman D N H , Suhaimi H , Shamsuddin N
Published: December 2020

The idea of growing artificial tissues in bioreactors such as hollow fibre membrane bioreactors (HFMBs) has started years ago and preparation of biocompatible porous membranes and scaffolds has been attempted extensively. There also have been several studies on modelling glucose transport processes in HFMBs. However, there is little information available that discusses specifically the glucose diffusivity across tissue engineering membranes or scaffolds and, importantly, its dependence on the properties of the materials (i.e., membrane and scaffold). Therefore, the objective of this study is to deduce the glucose diffusivity across different membranes. Using Fick’s law and a diffusion cell in this study, we have determined glucose diffusion coefficients for two different membranes namely cellulose nitrate (CN) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). These membranes possessed similar pore size with varying thickness and were saturated with water and cell culture medium (CCM). The diffusion experiments were conducted in a thermostated water bath at either 27 or 37 ± 1°C. It was observed that PVDF membrane with greater thickness has a lower diffusivity than CN membrane when both were saturated in CCM and water at 37°C. From the results, we derive the significance of the decrease of diffusion coefficient with increasing thickness of the membranes.
An overview of recent technique and the affecting parameters in the demulsification of crude oil emulsions
Authors: Saad M A , Abdurahman N H , Yunus Rosli Mohd , Ali H S
Published: December 2020

The crude oil mix with water through processing and under significant shear at the wellhead and with the assistance of surface-active substance which is present naturally in the crude oil leading to the formation of water-oil emulsions. These emulsions are undesirable and cause problem like pipeline corrosion, pump malfunctions, poisoning of downstream refinery catalysts, and other problems. Emulsions are needed to demulsify and separate the water. There are various parameters related in crude oil demulsification that can both reduce or rise the stability of the emulsion by altering each. Therefore, this study presents an overview of research efforts on the state-of-the-art demulsification techniques through the last years and the parameters affecting the demulsification process. Firstly, an overview of the crude oil emulsion, kinds, formation, and stability. After that, a short discussion of the different demulsification techniques process. Finally, the study of the parameters affecting the demulsification process, including salinity, temperature, pH, water content, and emulsifier/demulsifier dose. The review of literature culminated in the proposition for future research.
Microwave-assisted extraction of β-sitosterol from cocoa shell waste
Authors: Ibrahim N H , Mahmud M S , Nurdin Said
Published: December 2020

Phytosterol from cocoa shell can be reused in food industries in order to add value of the agricultural waste. Its extraction from the cocoa shell using ethanol can be assisted by using microwave for effective heating. This study was carried out to delineate the effect of temperature, power and radiation time of the microwave onto the extraction of β-sitosterol, as the key phytosterol, from the cocoa shell of Theobroma cacao L. species using absolute ethanol. Salkowski test, IR spectra and GC-MS analyses confirmed the presence of β-sitosterol and a flame-ionization-detector gas chromatography was employed to measure its concentration. Based on the one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) approach, the maximum yield was obtained 13% higher than the yield of conventional maceration, i.e. 3546.1 mg/100g, at the optimum values of 70°C, 500 W and 10 min. Solubility and boiling point of ethanol onto extraction at various extraction temperatures probably caused the differences.
Modeling the kinetics of essential oil hydrodistillation from Vietnamese ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Phat D T , Quyen N T C , Minh P T H , Huyen L V
Published: December 2020

Zingiber officinale is a frequently used herb and food flavouring agent, commonly known as ginger. Z. officinale belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, comprising of more than 1200 species [1]. In traditional therapeutic systems, Z. officinale is known for its various medicinal properties that give rise to the ability to cure a variety of diseases. Ginger oil is a potential commodity, but the extraction of these oils takes a long time to produce good quality essential oils. Thus, optimization work is required in the extraction process. In this study, the extraction was performed with the hydro-distillation method, which has been widely used to extract essential oils from natural plant and herbs due to its feasibility and green technology The extraction was carried out over several extraction cycles from 15 minutes until the amount of essential oil recovered is almost unchanged. The maximum yield in ginger essential oil extract achieved 0.5% from 100 g starting material. This yield was obtained on optimum temperature conditions, extraction time and water to material ratio such as 204 W, 120 min, and 1:4 mL/g. The mathematical model of essential oil extraction was constructed, which is a crucial step in the industrial plant project because it helps to understand the extraction process and to achieve optimal operating conditions. The process kinetics in this study was modeled by the first and second-order kinetic models. The kinetics of the extraction of ginger essential oil by the hydrodistillation method has demonstrated that the extraction process is based on a second model as it has been done experimentally. The second order model was satisfactorily modified, with extremely high correlation coefficients (R2= 0.99355), demonstrating that the process was successfully described.
Surfactant for petroleum demulsification, structure, classification, and properties. A review
Authors: Saad M A , Abdurahman N H , Yunus Rosli Mohd , Ali H S
Published: December 2020

Crude oil as a complex fluid often consists of colloidal particles. These colloidal particles are made up of asphaltenes and resins diffused in a blend of aliphatic and aromatic solvents. At various stages of crude oil production, there is usually an occurrence a water-in-oil emulsion. The stability of the emulsion formed is dependent on the occurrence of the interfacial barrier which prevents the coalescence of the dispersed water droplets. Several operational difficulties are often encountered during crude oil processing as a result of the presence of water. These difficulties range from corrosion in equipment and pipelines as well as an increase in the production cost. Hence, to mitigate these economic and operational challenges, it is crucial to ensure that the water is separated from the crude oil prior to transporting or refining the oil. Demulsification using surfactant is one of the effective techniques used for the separation of crude oil from water. This paper presents a short review of the various application of surfactants for demulsification, their structure, classification as well as their properties. In addition, the mechanism and techniques for demulsification of crude oil were also presented.
The Influence of Ethylene Gas Concentration on LDPE/C2H4 Hybrid Explosion Process and its Severity
Authors: Badli H , Sulaiman S Z , Arifin M N , Semawi N , Izhab I , Shaarni S , Man R Che , Abdul Mudalip S K , Arshad Z I
Published: December 2020

The influence of ethylene (C2H4) gas concentration on the LDPE dust hybrid explosion in a 20-L spherical vessel, equipped with a chemical ignitor was analysed for the determination of maximum explosion overpressure, Pmax and deflagration index, KG. The LDPEC2H4 dust hybrid explosibility was evaluated based on the Pmax development, measured by the Kistler piezoelectric pressure transducer. The adiabatic flame temperature was calculated based on ideal gas law. It is speculated that the LDPE/C2H4 explosion undergoes three-phase process, starting with the ignition, followed by flame growth and flame regression. The highest Pmax (17.9 bar) and flame temperature (5200 K) was obtained at flame growth phase, recorded at C2H4 concentration of 3 vol/vol%. It was found that the Pmax and flame temperature is dependent on C2H4 concentration. The calculated KG values in a range of 14 – 60 bar.m/ms obtained in this study, suggesting that the LDPE/C2H4 dust hybrid explosion might subject to an extreme explosion characteristic.
Yields and Composition of Persian Lime Essential Oils (Citrus latifolia) from Hau Giang province, Vietnam extracted by Three Different Extraction Methods
Authors: Tran T K N , Ngo T C Q , Tran T H , Tran T T , Huynh X P , Do V D , Nguyen K T , Nguyen M V , Bach L G
Published: December 2020

The essential oils (EOs) was extracted from Persian lime (Citrus latifolia) peels collected in Hau Giang province, Vietnam. Volatile compositions of EOs obtained by three extraction methods of hydrodistillation (HD), steam distillation (SD) and microwave extraction (ME) were analyzed and compared. The volatile compounds in EOs were analyzed based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). An amount of 3 ml/g, 2.3 ml/g and 4 ml/g of EOs was obtained from HD, SD and ME with twenty-one compounds were identified, accounting for 99% -100% of the total oil content. Limonene, β-pinene, α-pinene, γ-Terpinene, α-citral, β-citral and Sabinene are the major compound in essential oil. However, there were qualitative and quantitative differences between oil samples obtained by the three extraction methods. The difference is probably due to the influence of different environmental factors and specific characteristics of each extraction method. The results of this study will provide information on the content and chemical composition of Lemon peels. C. latifolia and serve as a stepping stone for further research into the applications of the compound to cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products.
Mesh refinement for cortical and trabecular bone finite element modeling: A review
Authors: Zain N A M , Daud R , Kamarrudin N S , Ahmad K R , Aziz N H A
Published: December 2020

For centuries, the finite element (FE) method has been extensively used to predict the fracture performance and various method has been implemented to yield accurate results especially in healthcare industries. Bone fracture has been a critical problem since it interrupts the strength and structure of human bone. Thus, this problem will lead to bone malfunction and cause excess bleeding of surround tissues. Human bone consists of cortical and trabecular bone which serve a different amount of load sustainability before the fracture occurred. One of the most vital problems arise is the inaccuracy of the stress intensity factor related to the bone fracture. Recent studies have proven that with the implementation of appropriate meshing element produce higher accuracy results especially with the implementation of mesh refinement in the finite element model. The singularity elements suggested by Barsoum (1976) has proven that the quarter-point triangular elements give highly accurate results. Several methods for stress intensity factor calculation has been implemented by various past researchers. Among all the methods used, J-integral has proven to be the most accurate method compared to the others. The first section in your paper.
Development of risk assessment model for biomass plant boiler using bayesian network
Authors: Alaw F A , Sulaiman N S
Published: December 2020

Malaysia as the second-largest producer of crude palm oil has abundance of biomass residues from palm oil industries which can be converted to bio-chemicals to generate electricity. However, despite institutional arrangements of the biomass industry, there are several risks which may prone to reduce efficiency of biopower boiler especially empty fruit bunch as the fuel. Boiler is one of the primary equipment of power generation plants, in a significant role in converting biofuel to electricity. The main risk areas in biopower boiler are dearator, economizer, fuel preparation, and water cooling system. Available risk methodologies are not able to provide accurate results for a combination of risks. In this work, Bayesian network approach is introduced to determine and predict risk associated with biopower boiler. The predictive and diagnosis analyses of the Bayesian Network were performed to find the casual links which cause the failure and make a prediction of the control measures to reduce the rate of mistakes. Results revealed that dearator showed a significant effect when the system operates beyond the limits of its design. In conclusion, Bayesian Networks appear to be an assist for decision makers to decide when and where to take preventive or mitigate measures.
Prediction of treated water turbidity and its parametric behavior for the coagulation process of a water treatment plant using a joint extreme learning machine-genetic algorithm
Authors: Jayaweera C D , Aziz N
Published: December 2020

A new genetic algorithm was developed to improve the performance of the extreme learning machine radial basis function (ELM-RBF) neural network model to predict treated water (TW) turbidity for the coagulation process of water treatment. The genetic algorithm was constructed such that a notable improvement in the model could be achieved, within a short period of time. Two sets of models were developed based on high and low turbidity values. The genetic algorithm improved the correlation coefficient (R) and the mean squared error (MSE) of the low turbidity model from 0.76 and 2.16 × 10-4 to 0.81 and 4.85 × 10-5 respectively, in 15 minutes; whilst improving R and MSE of the high turbidity model from 0.62 and 0.0011 to 0.93 to 2.89 × 10-4 respectively, in 2 minutes. The ability of the model to capture the reported variation of TW turbidity with gradually increasing coagulant dosage was also tested. It was noted that ELM-RBF was more capable of capturing such physical and chemical phenomena better than multilayer perceptron and ELM-single layer feed-forward models. The genetic algorithm improved the ability of the model to capture the parametric behavior of TW turbidity too.
Design and Fabrication the Smart Irrigation Technology Using Soil Moisture Sensor System for Vine in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam
Authors: Ho V T T , Hoang A N T , Thu T D , Thi N D
Published: December 2020

Vietnam’s agricultural production depends heavily on natural conditions such as land, weather and irrigation water. Due to the impacts of climate change, the Central Highlands and the South-Central Coast region, Vietnam often suffer from prolonged drought conditions, wilting many crops such as coffee, apple grapes, pepper causing damage big socio-economy, affecting people’s lives. According to the survey results of the Central Highlands Agriculture and Forestry Science Institute (WASI), over 73% of farmers irrigate water for crops, wasting water resources and increasing production costs. Therefore, the research for advanced irrigation technology, can determine the appropriate amount of irrigation water, at the right time for each type of crop, thereby saving the maximum amount of irrigation water but still ensuring productivity and capacity increase. In this study, we will develop methods, models and designs smart, economical irrigation systems using humidity sensors to regulate the amount of irrigation water sufficiently and at the right time by solar energy. We have designed a soil moisture sensor system using wireless sensor networks technology for remote control for watering enough and at the right time to supply crops. The Soil Moisture Sensor (Soil Moisture Sensor with accuracy: 0 ∼ 50% (m3/m3) within ± 4% of working voltage: DC 3 - 5V. Average current <10 mA) with forecast time is about 1 ∼ 60 minutes/time and operation time without solar power > 16 hours. Moreover, we have built a process of smart watering technology based on the Soil Moisture Sensor system and remote control for vine in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam for the Vine farm 1000 m2. The system has been tested in reality in vine research area in Ninh Thuan province, Vietnam for the Vine farm with 1000 m2. The system includes automatic sensors connected to the central controller and the pump is simplified by buttons on the electrical cabinet or on the phone application, making it convenient for the farmer to operate and apply.
A comprehensive review for gut microbes: technologies, interventions, metabolites and diseases
Authors: Qi Changlu , Wang Ping , Fu Tongze , Lu Minke , Cai Yiting , Chen Xu , Cheng Liang
Published: December 2020

Gut microbes have attracted much more attentions in the recent decade since their essential roles in the development of metabolic diseases, cancer and neurological diseases. Considerable evidence indicates that the metabolism of gut microbes exert influences on intestinal homeostasis and human diseases. Here, we first reviewed two mainstream sequencing technologies involving 16s rRNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing for gut microbes, and data analysis methods assessing alpha and beta diversity. Next, we introduced some observational studies reflecting that many factors, such as lifestyle and intake of diets, drugs, contribute to gut microbes’ quantity and diversity. Then, metabolites produced by gut microbes were presented to understand that gut microbes exert on host homeostasis in the intestinal epithelium and immune system. Finally, we focused on the molecular mechanism of gut microbes on the occurrence and development of several common diseases. In-depth knowledge of the relationship among interventions, gut microbes and diseases might provide new insights in to disease prevention and treatment.
Integration of solid-oxide fuel cells and absorption refrigeration for efficient combined cooling, heat and power production
Authors: Matuszny Krzysztof , Borhani Tohid N , Nabavi Seyed A , Hanak Dawid P
Published: December 2020

Combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) systems are characterized by a substantially higher energy-utilization efficiency compared to standalone systems. In this study, an integrated system comprising a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC), hot-water storage tank (HWST) and absorption refrigeration (AR) cycle is considered. The SOFC model was developed in Aspen Plus®. It was used to determine the thermodynamic properties of the exhaust gas that was then used to provide heat for the HWST and to drive the AR cycle. Thermodynamic models for the AR cycles were developed in Engineering Equation Solver, considering LiBr–H2O and NH3–H2O as working fluids. The sensitivity analysis of a number of SOFC output parameters has been carried out. The most optimal case was characterized with the coefficient of performance (COP) and CCHP efficiency of 0.806 and 85.2% for the LiBr–H2O system, and 0.649 and 83.6% for the NH3–H2O system, respectively. Under such optimal operating conditions, the SOFC was characterized by the net electrical efficiency of 57.5% and the net power output of 123.66 kW. Data from the optimal solution were used to perform the thermodynamic study and sensitivity analysis to assess the influence of different absorption cycle operating conditions and to identify possible applications for the considered integrated systems.
The histopathological spectrum of kidney biopsies in patients with thymoma and myasthenia gravis: a report of 24 biopsies from a single institution
Authors: Takahashi Akira , Miyauchi Takamasa , Tatsumoto Narihito , Lin Mercury Y , Hou Jean , Doi Toshiki , Masaki Takao , Yamashita Michifumi
Published: December 2020

Background

Nephropathy in patients with thymic diseases such as thymoma and myasthenia gravis (MG) is rare and has been described mostly as isolated case reports. Here we evaluate a series of kidney biopsies from patients with thymoma and/or MG from a single institution in order to better define the spectrum and relative frequencies of thymic disease–associated nephropathies.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective case series study of 32 462 native kidney biopsies from January 2005 through December 2019 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Results

Twenty-four biopsy specimens (0.07%) from patients with a history of thymoma and/or MG were identified. Two patients had repeat biopsies. The most common pathologic diagnosis that could be immunologically attributed to thymic disease was minimal change disease (MCD; 45%), followed by tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN; 14%), immune complex (IC)-mediated glomerulonephritis (9%), membranous nephropathy (5%) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (5%). Interestingly, 50% of the MCD and 67% of TIN cases concomitantly showed mild IgG-dominant IC deposition in mesangial areas and/or in tubular basement membranes. In the two patients with repeat biopsies, mild mesangial IC deposition developed in the MCD patient but disappeared in the TIN patient with the second biopsy. Pathologic diagnoses unlikely related to the underlying thymic disease were diabetic glomerulosclerosis (9%), acute tubular necrosis (9%) and monoclonal Ig deposition disease (5%).

Conclusions

Thymic disease is associated with a wide spectrum of kidney diseases affecting the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments, often with low-grade IC deposition. These findings suggest a role of immunologic dysregulation in the pathogenesis of thymic disease–associated nephropathy.
Rationalising inefficiency in dairy production: evidence from an over-time approach
Authors: Adamie Birhanu Addisu , Hansson Helena
Published: December 2020

We argue that inefficiency can be part of a strategic self-repositioning adjustment process beyond the general interpretation of poor performance. Based on the rational inefficiency hypothesis, we examine the simultaneous dynamics of efficiency and animal welfare improving investments over time in dairy farms. Using rotating panel data from Swedish dairy farms and implementing multidirectional efficiency analysis and Markov transitional dynamic analysis, the paper provides evidence that for some farms inefficiency is temporary and part of rational decision along their trajectory towards multi-efficiency (high efficiency-high animal welfare). The findings show the importance of time dynamics in efficiency achievements with implications to cross-sectional view.
Depression and Elevated Inflammation Among Chinese Older Adults: Eight Years After the 2003 SARS Epidemic
Authors: Wang Haowei , Stokes Jeffrey E , Burr Jeffrey A
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

This study examined associations between exposure to the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) epidemic and Chinese older adults’ depression and inflammation 8 years after the crisis. Further, this study investigated the buffering effects of perceived social support and social participation.

Research Design and Methods

Data were drawn from the 2011 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, including N = 4,341 Chinese adults aged 60 years and older. For the survey, local officials identified whether the 2003 SARS outbreak was one of the major disasters in the history of their communities. Depression was assessed by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale and inflammation was measured by C-reactive protein (CRP) collected from participants via venous blood draws.

Results

Results from multilevel logistic regression models revealed that Chinese older adults living in communities exposed to SARS were more likely to have elevated CRP compared to those not living in such communities. Moreover, community SARS exposure was associated with greater risks of depression for Chinese older adults who had no perceived social support. Among Chinese older adults who had low levels of social participation, community SARS exposure was more strongly related to elevated CRP.

Discussion and Implications

Findings suggest community-level exposure to the SARS epidemic had enduring consequences for Chinese older adults’ health. However, active social participation and supportive social ties provided important resources that may buffer against negative effects of exposure to the SARS epidemic.
Consistent curvature approximation on Riemannian shape spaces
Authors: Effland Alexander , Heeren Behrend , Rumpf Martin , Wirth Benedikt
Published: December 2020

We describe how to approximate the Riemann curvature tensor as well as sectional curvatures on possibly infinite-dimensional shape spaces that can be thought of as Riemannian manifolds. To this end we extend the variational time discretization of geodesic calculus presented in Rumpf & Wirth (2015, Variational time discretization of geodesic calculus. IMA J. Numer. Anal., 35, 1011–1046), which just requires an approximation of the squared Riemannian distance that is typically easy to compute. First we obtain first-order discrete covariant derivatives via Schild’s ladder-type discretization of parallel transport. Second-order discrete covariant derivatives are then computed as nested first-order discrete covariant derivatives. These finally give rise to an approximation of the curvature tensor. First- and second-order consistency are proven for the approximations of the covariant derivative and the curvature tensor. The findings are experimentally validated on two-dimensional surfaces embedded in ${\mathbb{R}}^3$. Furthermore, as a proof of concept, the method is applied to a space of parametrized curves as well as to a space of shell surfaces, and discrete sectional curvature confusion matrices are computed on low-dimensional vector bundles.
Understanding Successful Refugee Resettlement in the US
Authors: Shaw Stacey A , Funk Mallory , Garlock Elisabeth Schaerr , Arok Adhieu
Published: December 2020

Refugee resettlement in the US is built on the aim of assisting newcomers to quickly establish self-sufficiency. As resettlement opportunities shrink, securing national borders has become a U.S. priority. These aims neglect the reasons why people seek resettlement. Conducted at a time of change in U.S. resettlement, interviews with eighty-eight refugees resettled at least 5 years prior examined resettlement priorities and perceptions of successful resettlement. Participants prioritized safety, educational opportunity, financial stability, and social connections. U.S. resettlement policies and programmes can be strengthened through an increased focus on safety, education, and community building, in addition to the existing emphasis on economic outcomes. Additionally, resettlement services can expand to assist newcomers in navigating these priorities.
Melt Migration and Interaction in a Dunite Channel System within Oceanic Forearc Mantle: the Yushigou Harzburgite–Dunite Associations, North Qilian Ophiolite (NW China)
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Zheng Jianping , Li Yibing , Zhu Hui , Griffin William L , O’Reilly Suzanne Y
Published: December 2020

Harzburgite–dunite associations in the Yushigou ophiolitic complex (North Qilian suture, NW China) offer insights into melt migration and melt–rock interaction above a subduction zone. Based on detailed petrographic and in situ analyses, we propose a three-stage model to describe the history of melt channel formation in oceanic arc mantle. In the first stage, high-degree melt extraction was followed by widespread infiltration of small-volume melts, which formed the harzburgite that makes up most of the Yushigou complex. The Yushigou harzburgites thus have highly refractory major-element compositions (olivine Fo = 91·1–93·2, spinel Cr# [atomic 100 × Cr/(Cr + Al)] = 55·2–62·9, whole-rock Mg# = 90·5–92·0, Al2O3 = 0·29–0·74 wt%, CaO = 0·35–0·54 wt%, and low Na2O = 0·02–0·05 wt%) but slight enrichment in the light rare earth elements (LREE). In the second stage, high-volume focused melts infiltrated into the mantle wedge and produced two types of dunite, with high-Cr# (mainly 63·1–73·6) versus low-Cr# (23·6–33·7) spinel. In the low-Cr# dunites, spinels have significantly fewer inclusions and lower Fo values (88·7–90·1) in olivine than in the high-Cr# dunite (Fo = 89·9–90·5), together with higher modal abundances of interstitial sulfides. The two groups of dunite show similar extremely low TiO2 (<0·01 wt%) but different igneous clinopyroxene trace-element patterns (ΣLREE/ΣHREE ≈ 1 in low-Cr# dunite versus ΣLREE/ΣHREE >10 in high-Cr# dunite), indicating distinct differences in the infiltrating melts. The low-Cr# dunite is a cumulate from an anhydrous Al- and S-enriched basaltic melt, whereas the high-Cr# dunite was produced by reaction of harzburgite with a carbon-bearing, alkaline hydrous silicate magma. The confluence of these melt migrations finally formed a channelized dunite network, and later magmatic activity was restricted to these channels. Pulsated melt supply after chromite crystallization formed pervasive sieve-textured rims around spinel in both kinds of dunite, but these are rare in the harzburgite. The third stage was marked by fluid-dominated metasomatism recorded by millimeter-scale veined conduits, which contain carbonate (dolomite and magnesite), amphibole, phlogopite and compound crystal assemblages in both kinds of dunite. CH4–N2–graphite-dominated fluid inclusions are widespread in all lithologies, recording the volatiles transported during the last metasomatic event. The Yushigou complex thus provides a detailed example of interaction between multiple batches of melt or fluid and a lithospheric mantle wedge dunitic channel system. The results of this study further suggest that the formation of podiform chromite requires melt participation, and the nature and origins of the melts can be diverse.
Cytotoxicity and DNA damage evaluation of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles. Uptake in lung cells in culture
Authors: Freire K , Ordóñez Ramos F , Soria D B , Pabón Gelves E , Di Virgilio A L
Published: December 2020

The cytotoxicity and DNA damage of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (TiO2 and ZnO NPs) have been studied in a human lung carcinoma cell line (A549) after 24 h exposure. TiO2 and ZnO NPs had mean diameters of 12.9 ± 2.8 and 24.1 ± 8.0 nm, respectively. ZnO NPs reduced cell viability from 250 μg/mL, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased GSH/GSSG ratio. The comet assay detected DNA damage from 50 μg/mL. TiO2 NPs induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage from 50 to 100 μg/mL, respectively, along with a decrease of the GSH/GSSG ratio. Both particles were found inside the cells, within membrane-bound vesicles. The internalization mechanism is promoted partially by caveolae-mediated endocytosis and, in the case of TiO2 NPs, also by macropinocytosis.
Drought elicits contrasting responses on the autumn dynamics of wood formation in late successional deciduous tree species
Authors: Dox Inge , Prislan Peter , Gričar Jožica , Mariën Bertold , Delpierre Nicolas , Flores Omar , Leys Sebastien , Rathgeber Cyrille B K , Fonti Patrick , Campioli Matteo
Published: December 2020

Research on wood phenology has mainly focused on reactivation of the cambium in spring. In this study we investigated if summer drought advances cessation of wood formation and if it has any influence on wood structure in late successional forest trees of the temperate zone. The end of xylogenesis was monitored between August and November in stands of European beech and pedunculate oak in Belgium for two consecutive years, 2017 and 2018, with the latter year having experienced an exceptional summer drought. Wood formation in oak was affected by the drought, with oak trees ceasing cambial activity and wood maturation about 3 weeks earlier in 2018 compared with 2017. Beech ceased wood formation before oak, but its wood phenology did not differ between years. Furthermore, between the 2 years, no significant difference was found in ring width, percentage of mature fibers in the late season, vessel size and density. In 2018, beech did show thinner fiber walls, whereas oak showed thicker walls. In this paper, we showed that summer drought can have an important impact on late season wood phenology xylem development. This will help to better understand forest ecosystems and improve forest models.
A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis on psychosocial factors related to rehabilitation motivation of stroke patients
Authors: Cheong Moon Joo , Jeon Byeonghyeon , Noh Se-Eung
Published: December 2020

Background:

Rehabilitation motivation is more important than any other factor in terms of treatment effects among stroke patients. The goal of this study is to explore the variables related to rehabilitation motivation that affect treatment effects and analyze their effect sizes, in order to manage the psychosocial interventions required by stroke patients.

Methods:

Thirteen electronic databases will be searched from November to December 2020. The search terms will be composed of the disease term part (eg, “stroke”) and the intervention term part (eg, “rehabilitation motivation or rehabilitation factors related to motivation or self-efficacy or family support or rehabilitation adherence or achievement or psychosocial factors, including self-motivation, social support, psychological distress, rehabilitation adherence”). Selected studies the for systematic review and meta-analysis will include randomized, quasi-randomized, and nonrandomized controlled trials, and research programs on rehabilitation motivation; qualitative research and case studies will be excluded. The participants will be stroke patients. Two authors will independently assess each study for eligibility and risk of bias, and to extract data.

Results:

This study will comprehensively explore the psychosocial and physical behavioral variables related to the rehabilitation motivation of stroke patients and provide their priorities and effect sizes. In addition, we will report the magnitude of the correlation effect on the rehabilitation motivation of stroke patients according to each demographic variable.

Conclusions:

The conclusions of our study will provide effective evidence of psychosocial variables that influence the treatment outcomes of stroke patients.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42020207467
Efficacy of Raman spectroscopy in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jin Hongyu , Zhang Man , Jia Kaiyu , Huang Libin
Published: December 2020

Background:

To comprehensively analyze the relative effectiveness of Raman spectroscopy (RS) in the diagnosis of suspected hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:

We will perform a complete systematic review based on studies from PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library and CNKI. We plan to identify over 2000 spectra with strict criteria in several individual studies published between January 2008 and November 2020 in accordance to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We are going to summarize the test performance using random effects models.

Results:

This study will provide solid evidence and data on the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of RS in the diagnosis of HCC.

Conclusion:

Through this meta-analysis, we intend to provide the pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of RS in the diagnosis of suspected HCC. Other parameters like positive LR, negative LR, DOR and AUC of the SROC curve will also be calculated and drawn to help illustrate the efficacy of RS in the diagnosis of HCC.
Prospective Correlation of Prognostic Immunohistochemical Markers With SUV and ADC Derived From Dedicated Hybrid Breast 18F-FDG PET/MRI in Women With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer
Authors: Morawitz Janna , Kirchner Julian , Martin Ole , Bruckmann Nils-Martin , Dietzel Frederic , Li Yan , Rischpler Christoph , Herrmann Ken , Umutlu Lale , Bittner Ann-Kathrin , Mohrmann Svjetlana , Ingenwerth Marc , Häberle Lena , Esposito Irene , Antoch Gerald , Buchbender Christian , Sawicki Lino M.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to correlate prognostically relevant immunohistochemical parameters of breast cancer with simultaneously acquired SUVs and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values derived from hybrid breast PET/MRI.

Patients and Methods

Fifty-six women with newly diagnosed, therapy-naive, histologically proven breast cancer (mean age, 54.1 ± 12.0 years) underwent dedicated prone 18F-FDG breast PET/MRI. Diffusion-weighted imaging (b-values: 0, 500, 1000 s/mm2) was performed simultaneously with the PET acquisition. A region of interest encompassing the entire primary tumor on each patient’s PET/MRI scan was used to determine the glucose metabolism represented by maximum and mean SUV as well as into corresponding ADC maps to assess tumor cellularity represented by mean and minimum ADC values. Histopathological tumor grading and prognostically relevant immunohistochemical markers, that is, Ki67, progesterone receptor, estrogen receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), were assessed. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to compare SUV and ADC values as well as the immunohistochemically markers and molecular subtype. For the comparison with the tumor grading, a Wilcoxon test was used.

Results

A significant inverse correlation between SUV and ADC values derived from breast PET/MRI (r = −0.49 for SUVmean vs ADCmean; r = −0.43 for SUVmax vs ADCmin; both P’s < 0.001) was found. Tumor grading and Ki67 both showed a positive correlation with SUVmean from breast PET/MRI (r = 0.37 and r = 0.32, P < 0.01). For immunohistochemical markers, HER2 showed an inverse correlation with ADC values from breast PET/MRI (r = −0.35, P < 0.01). Molecular subtypes significantly correlate with SUVmax and SUVmean (r = 0.52 and r = 0.42, both P’s < 0.05). In addition, estrogen receptor expression showed an inverse correlation with SUVmax and SUVmean from breast PET/MRI (r = −0.45 and r = −0.42, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present data show a correlation between increased glucose metabolism, cellularity, tumor grading, estrogen and HER2 expression, as well as molecular subtype of breast cancer primaries. Hence, simultaneous 18F-FDG PET and diffusion-weighted imaging from hybrid breast PET/MRI may serve as a predictive tool for identifying high-risk breast cancer patients in initial staging and guide-targeted therapy.
Indisulam targets RNA splicing and metabolism to serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for high-risk neuroblastoma
Authors: Nijhuis Anke , Sikka Arti , Yogev Orli , Herendi Lili , Eckold Clare , Valbuena Gabriel , Liu Yusong , Kouloura Eirini , Poon Evon , Martins da Costa Barbara , Benito Adrian , Kramer Holger , Montoya Alex , Carling David , Want Elizabeth J. , Jamin Yann , Chesler Louis , Keun Hector C.
Published: December 2020

Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumour in childhood and prognosis remains poor for high-risk cases despite the use of multimodal treatment. Analysis of public drug sensitivity data showed neuroblastoma lines to be particularly sensitive to indisulam, a molecular glue that selectively targets RNA splicing factor RBM39 for proteosomal degradation via DCAF15-E3-ubiquitin ligase. In neuroblastoma models, indisulam induced rapid loss of RBM39, accumulation of splicing errors and growth inhibition in a DCAF15- dependent manner. Integrative analysis of RNAseq and proteomics data highlighted a distinct disruption to cell cycle and metabolism. Metabolic profiling demonstrated metabolome perturbations and mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from indisulam. Complete tumour without relapse was observed in both xenografts and the Th-MYCN transgenic model of neuroblastoma after indisulam treatment, with RBM39 loss confirmed in vivo. Our data imply that dual targeting of metabolism and RNA splicing with anti-cancer sulphonamides such as indisulam is a promising therapeutic approach for high-risk neuroblastoma.