bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of TRPV1 Polypeptide Modulator APHC3 in Models of Osteo- and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Logashina Yulia A. , Palikova Yulia A. , Palikov Viktor A. , Kazakov Vitaly A. , Smolskaya Sviatlana V. , Dyachenko Igor A. , Tarasova Nadezhda V. , Andreev Yaroslav A.
Published: January 2021

Arthritis is a widespread inflammatory disease associated with progressive articular surface degradation, ongoing pain, and hyperalgesia causing the development of functional limitations and disability. TRPV1 channel is one of the high-potential targets for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Polypeptide APHC3 from sea anemone Heteractis crispa is a mode-selective TRPV1 antagonist that causes mild hypothermia and shows significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in different models of pain. We evaluated the anti-inflammatory properties of APHC3 in models of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced rheumatoid monoarthritis in comparison with commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, and meloxicam. Subcutaneous administration of APHC3 (0.1 mg/kg) significantly reversed joint swelling, disability, grip strength impairment, and thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity. The effect of APHC3 was equal to or better than that of reference NSAIDs. Protracted treatment with APHC3 decreased IL-1b concentration in synovial fluid, reduced inflammatory changes in joints, and prevented the progression of cartilage degradation. Therefore, polypeptide APHC3 has the potential to be an analgesic and anti-inflammatory substance for the alleviation of arthritis symptoms.
Interdependence of Contributing Factors Governing Dead-End Fouling of Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Mahlangu Oranso Themba , Mamba Bhekie Brilliance
Published: January 2021

Cake-enhanced concentration polarization (CECP) has been ascribed as the main cause of flux decline in dead-end filtration. An unfamiliar approach was used to investigate the role of CECP effects in the fouling of a nanofiltration membrane (NF-270) that poorly reject salts. Membrane–foulant affinity interaction energies were calculated from measured contact angles of foulants and membrane coupons based on the van der Waals/acid–base approach, and linked to resistance due to adsorption (Ra). In addition, other fouling mechanisms and resistance parameters were investigated using model organic and colloidal foulants. After selection, the foulants and membranes were characterized for various properties, and fouling experiments were conducted under controlled conditions. The fouled membranes were further characterized to gain more understanding of the fouling layer properties and flux decline mechanisms. Sodium alginate and latex greatly reduced membrane permeate flux as the flux declined by 86% and 59%, respectively, while there was minor flux decline when aluminum oxide was used as model foulant (<15% flux decline). More flux decline was noted when fouling was conducted with a combination of organic and colloidal foulants. Contrary to other studies, the addition of calcium did not seem to influence individual and combined fouling trends. Foulants adsorbed more on the membrane surface as the membrane–foulant affinity interactions became more attractive and pore blocking by the foulants was not important for these experiments. Hydraulic resistance due to cake formation (Rc) had a higher contributing effect on flux decline, while CECP effects were not substantial.
How Insertion of a Single Tryptophan in the N-Terminus of a Cecropin A-Melittin Hybrid Peptide Changes Its Antimicrobial and Biophysical Profile
Authors: Ferreira Ana Rita , Teixeira Cátia , Sousa Carla F. , Bessa Lucinda J. , Gomes Paula , Gameiro Paula
Published: January 2021

In the era of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent need for efficient antibiotic therapies to fight bacterial infections. Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMP) are promising lead compounds given their membrane-targeted mechanism of action, and high affinity towards the anionic composition of bacterial membranes. We present a new CAMP, W-BP100, derived from the highly active BP100, holding an additional tryptophan at the N-terminus. W-BP100 showed a broader antibacterial activity, demonstrating a potent activity against Gram-positive strains. Revealing a high partition constant towards anionic over zwitterionic large unilamellar vesicles and inducing membrane saturation at a high peptide/lipid ratio, W-BP100 has a preferential location for hydrophobic environments. Contrary to BP100, almost no aggregation of anionic vesicles is observed around saturation conditions and at higher concentrations no aggregation is observed. With these results, it is possible to state that with the incorporation of a single tryptophan to the N-terminus, a highly active peptide was obtained due to the π–electron system of tryptophan, resulting in negatively charged clouds, that participate in cation–π interactions with lysine residues. Furthermore, we propose that W-BP100 action can be achieved by electrostatic interactions followed by peptide translocation.
Groundwater Remediation of Volatile Organic Compounds Using Nanofiltration and Reverse Osmosis Membranes—A Field Study
Authors: Ainscough Thomas J. , Oatley-Radcliffe Darren L. , Barron Andrew R.
Published: January 2021

Groundwater contamination by chlorinated hydrocarbons represents a particularly difficult separation to achieve and very little is published on the subject. In this paper, we explore the potential for the removal of chlorinated volatile and non-volatile organics from a site in Bedfordshire UK. The compounds of interest include trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE), 2,2-dichloropropane (DCP) and vinyl chloride (VC). The separations were first tested in the laboratory. Microfiltration membranes were of no use in this separation. Nanofiltration membranes performed well and rejections of 70–93% were observed for synthetic solutions and up to 100% for real groundwater samples. Site trials were limited by space and power availability, which resulted in a maximum operating pressure of only 3 bar. Under these conditions, the nanofiltration membrane removed organic materials, but failed to remove VOCs to any significant extent. Initial results with a reverse osmosis membrane were positive, with 93% removal of the VOCs. However, subsequent samples taken demonstrated little removal. Several hypotheses were presented to explain this behavior and the most likely cause of the issue was fouling leading to adsorption of the VOCs onto the membrane and allowing passage through the membrane matrix.
Effect of Water Environment on Fatigue Behavior in X80 High Strength Steel CO2 Arc Welding Welded Joint
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Liu Gen , Xu Desheng , Hu Chunhua , Liu Yu
Published: January 2021

Fatigue life tests and fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) tests in the air and water environment were conducted on X80 pipeline steel welded joints (welded by CO2 arc welding). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) were utilized to investigate the internal influential mechanisms of the water environment during fatigue crack initiation and propagation stages, respectively. Results show that a great many oxide particles induced by the water environment gradually formed the fatigue crack initiation site and decreased fatigue life of welded joints. Meanwhile, the preferred grain orientation of <001>//ND and CSL boundaries of Σ3, Σ11, Σ13c, Σ17b, Σ25a, and Σ25b are both prone to fatigue propagation when loading in the water environment. In addition, a coalescence of the stress intensity factor (SIF) range and water environment accelerated FCGR by motivating secondary slip systems of {112}<111> and {123}<111> in bcc crystalline structures.
Flow Stress Behaviour and Static Recrystallization Characteristics of Hot Deformed Austenite in Microalloyed Medium-Carbon Bainitic Steels
Authors: Kaikkonen Pentti M. , Somani Mahesh C. , Karjalainen Leo Pentti , Kömi Jukka I.
Published: January 2021

In the past decade, efforts have been focused on developing very fine, medium-carbon bainitic steels via the low-temperature (typically 300–400 °C) ausforming process, which not only enables shorter isothermal holding times for bainitic transformation at low temperatures, but also offers significantly improved strength. This paper describes static recrystallization (SRX) characteristics of austenite in four medium-carbon 2%Mn-1.3%Si-0.7%Cr steels with and without microalloying intended for the development of these steels. The stress-relaxation method on a Gleeble simulator resulted in recrystallization times over a wide range of temperatures, strains and strain rates. Also, the occurrence of precipitation was revealed. Powers of strain (−1.7 to −2.7) and strain rate (−0.21 to −0.28) as well as the apparent activation energies (225–269 kJ/mol) were in the ranges reported in the literature for C-Mn and microalloyed steels with lower Mn and Si contents. The new regression equations established for estimating times for 50% SRX revealed the retardation effects of microalloying and Mo addition showing reasonable fits with the experimental data, whereas the previous model suggested for ordinary microalloyed steels tended to predict clearly shorter times on average than the experimental values for the present coarse-grained steels. The Boratto equation to estimate the non-recrystallization temperature was successfully modified to include the effect of Mo alloying and high silicon concentrations.
The Study of Carbon Recovery from Electrolysis Aluminum Carbon Dust by Froth Flotation
Authors: Li Hesong , Wang Jiaoru , Hou Wenyuan , Li Mao , Cheng Benjun , Feng Yuan , Xu Tibo
Published: January 2021

A large amount of carbon dust is generated in the process of aluminum smelting by molten salt electrolysis. The carbon dust is solid hazardous waste but contains a large quantity of recyclable components such as carbon and fluoride. How to recycle carbon dust more effectively is a challenge in the aluminum electrolysis field. In this study, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and other methods were used to analyze the phase composition of electrolytic aluminum carbon dust. The effects of particle size distribution of carbon dust, impeller speed, reagent addition, mixing time, and flotation time on the flotation recovery of carbon dust were studied. The optimal flotation conditions were obtained and the flotation products were analyzed. The results show that the optimal particle size distribution is 70% of particles below 200 mesh, corresponding to a grinding time of 11 min. The optimum speed of the flotation machine was to be between 1600 and 1800 r/min with the best slurry concentration of 20–30% and 5 min mixing time, and the collector kerosene was suitable for adding in batches. Under the above conditions, the recovered carbon powder with a carbon content of 75.6% was obtained, and the carbon recovery rate was 86.9%.
Angular Rolling of the Hollow Flanges of Pipe Joints
Authors: Kononov Pavel , Ignatiev Sergey , Levashov Dmitry , Kononova Irina
Published: January 2021

The paper considers a three-stage technology for angular rolling of the pipe workpiece. This technology facilitates the expansion of the range of flange parts available by eliminating a number of drawbacks of the known methods of metal forming. In the presented paper, we analyze the results of numerical calculations and experiments, as well as the effective deformation values in blank material, using computer simulation in the DEFORM-3D software package. The results of the computer simulation were reached taking into account experimental studies of the rheological properties of copper alloy L68 in the form of a strain hardening curve using the Instron-8850 complex. The results of the ratio of basic geometric dimensions expanded the range of flange parts under investigation and allowed us to consider angular rolling technology with a variable angle of inclination of the rolling roll from a three-stage perspective, especially in small-scale production.
DNA-Metabarcoding of Belowground Fungal Communities in Bare-Root Forest Nurseries: Focus on Different Tree Species
Authors: Marčiulynienė Diana , Marčiulynas Adas , Lynikienė Jūratė , Vaičiukynė Miglė , Gedminas Artūras , Menkis Audrius
Published: January 2021

The production of tree seedlings in forest nurseries and their use in the replanting of clear-cut forest sites is a common practice in the temperate and boreal forests of Europe. Although conifers dominate on replanted sites, in recent years, deciduous tree species have received more attention due to their often-higher resilience to abiotic and biotic stress factors. The aim of the present study was to assess the belowground fungal communities of bare-root cultivated seedlings of Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies and Quercus robur in order to gain a better understanding of the associated fungi and oomycetes, and their potential effects on the seedling performance in forest nurseries and after outplanting. The study sites were at the seven largest bare-root forest nurseries in Lithuania. The sampling included the roots and adjacent soil of 2–3 year old healthy-looking seedlings. Following the isolation of the DNA from the individual root and soil samples, these were amplified using ITS rRNA as a marker, and subjected to high-throughput PacBio sequencing. The results showed the presence of 161,302 high-quality sequences, representing 2003 fungal and oomycete taxa. The most common fungi were Malassezia restricta (6.7% of all of the high-quality sequences), Wilcoxina mikolae (5.0%), Pustularia sp. 3993_4 (4.6%), and Fusarium oxysporum (3.5%). The most common oomycetes were Pythium ultimum var. ultimum (0.6%), Pythium heterothallicum (0.3%), Pythium spiculum (0.3%), and Pythium sylvaticum (0.2%). The coniferous tree species (P. abies and P. sylvestris) generally showed a higher richness of fungal taxa and a rather distinct fungal community composition compared to the deciduous tree species (A. glutinosa, B. pendula, and Q. robur). The results demonstrated that the seedling roots and the rhizosphere soil in forest nurseries support a high richness of fungal taxa. The seedling roots were primarily inhabited by saprotrophic and mycorrhizal fungi, while fungal pathogens and oomycetes were less abundant, showing that the cultivation practices used in forest nurseries secured both the production of high-quality planting stock and disease control.
Simultaneous Oxidation of Atmospheric Methane, Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen for Bacterial Growth
Authors: Tveit Alexander Tøsdal , Schmider Tilman , Hestnes Anne Grethe , Lindgren Matteus , Didriksen Alena , Svenning Mette Marianne
Published: January 2021

The second largest sink for atmospheric methane (CH4) is atmospheric methane oxidizing-bacteria (atmMOB). How atmMOB are able to sustain life on the low CH4 concentrations in air is unknown. Here, we show that during growth, with air as its only source for energy and carbon, the recently isolated atmospheric methane-oxidizer Methylocapsa gorgona MG08 (USCα) oxidizes three atmospheric energy sources: CH4, carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen (H2) to support growth. The cell-specific CH4 oxidation rate of M. gorgona MG08 was estimated at ~0.7 × 10−18 mol cell−1 h−1, which, together with the oxidation of CO and H2, supplies 0.38 kJ Cmol−1 h−1 during growth in air. This is seven times lower than previously assumed necessary to support bacterial maintenance. We conclude that atmospheric methane-oxidation is supported by a metabolic flexibility that enables the simultaneous harvest of CH4, H2 and CO from air, but the key characteristic of atmospheric CH4 oxidizing bacteria might be very low energy requirements.
Automation of Infectious Focus Assay for Determination of Filovirus Titers and Direct Comparison to Plaque and TCID50 Assays
Authors: Keiser Patrick T. , Anantpadma Manu , Staples Hilary , Carrion Ricardo , Davey Robert A.
Published: January 2021

Ongoing efforts to develop effective therapies against filoviruses rely, to different extents, on quantifying the amount of viable virus in samples by plaque, TCID50, and focus assays. Unfortunately, these techniques have inherent variance, and laboratory-specific preferences make direct comparison of data difficult. Additionally, human errors such as operator errors and subjective bias can further compound the differences in outcomes. To overcome these biases, we developed a computer-based automated image-processing method for a focus assay based on the open-source CellProfiler software platform, which enables high-throughput screening of many treatment samples at one time. We compared virus titers calculated using this platform to plaque and TCID50 assays using common stocks of virus for 3 major Filovirus species, Zaire ebolavirus, Sudan ebolavirus, and Marburg marburgvirus with each assay performed by multiple operators on multiple days. We show that plaque assays give comparable findings that differ by less than 3-fold. Focus-forming unit (FFU) and TCID50 assays differ by 10-fold or less from the plaque assays due a higher (FFU) and lower (TCID50) sensitivity. However, reproducibility and accuracy of each assay differs significantly with Neutral Red Agarose Overlay plaque assays and TCID50 with the lowest reproducibility due to subjective analysis and operator error. Both crystal violet methylcellulose overlay plaque assay and focus assays perform best for accuracy and the focus assay performs best for speed and throughput.
Water-Transmitted Fungi Are Involved in Degradation of Concrete Drinking Water Storage Tanks
Authors: Novak Babič Monika , Gunde-Cimerman Nina
Published: January 2021

Global warming, globalization, industrialization, and the rapidly growing population at present increasingly affect the production of safe drinking water. In combination with sustainable bio-based or recycled materials, used for water distribution systems, these factors promote emerging pathogens, including fungi. They can proliferate in oligotrophic water systems, affect the disinfection process, degrade building materials, and cause diseases in humans. In this study, we explored fungal-based degradation of modern concrete water storage tanks and the presence of fungi in chlorinated drinking water at the entrance and exit of the tanks. The degradation potential of isolated 52 fungal strains and their growth at different oligotrophic conditions was tested in vitro. Forty percent of strains grew at extremely oligotrophic conditions, and 50% classified as aerophilic. Two-thirds of tested strains produced acids, with Penicillium strains as the best producers. Only 29.7% of the strains were able to grow at 37 °C, and none of them was isolated from drinking water at consumers’ taps. Although not yet part of the guidelines for building materials in contact with drinking water, fungi should be taken into consideration in case of visible degradation. Their number of consumers’ endpoints should be checked to exclude possible health risks for consumers.
Design Space for Voice-Based Professional Reporting
Authors: Hakulinen Jaakko , Keskinen Tuuli , Turunen Markku , Siltanen Sanni
Published: January 2021

Speech technology has matured so that voice-based reporting utilizing speech-to-text can be applied in various domains. Speech has two major benefits: it enables efficient reporting and speech input improves the quality of the reports since reporting can be done as a part of the workflow without delays between work and reporting. However, designing reporting voice user interfaces (VUIs) for professional use is challenging, as there are numerous aspects from technology to organization and language that need to be considered. Based on our experience in developing professional reporting VUIs with different stakeholders representing both commercial and public sector, we define a design space for voice-based reporting systems. The design space consists of 28 dimensions grouped into five categories: Language Processing, Structure of Reporting, Technical Limitations in the Work Domain, Interaction Related Aspects in the Work Domain, and Organization. We illustrate the design space by discussing four voice-based reporting systems, designed and implemented by us, and describing a design process that utilizes it. The design space enables designers to identify critical aspects of professional reporting VUIs and optimize those for their target domain. The design space can be used as a practical tool especially by designers with limited experience on speech technologies.
Qualitative Exploration of Barriers to Medication Adherence Among Patients with Uncontrolled Diabetes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alodhaib Ghaida , Alhusaynan Imtinan , Mirza Ahmer , Almogbel Yasser
Published: January 2021

Uncontrolled diabetes is associated with macrovascular and microvascular complications that compromise the quality of life; however, the patients’ perspectives about medication non-adherence are unclear. We aimed to understand patient behavior and explore the barriers to medication adherence in uncontrolled diabetes patients. We employed a qualitative method of face-to-face interviews conducted with adult patients in Saudi Arabia who had uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (glycosylated hemoglobin >7% or fasting blood glucose >7.2 mmol/L). All interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed using thematic analysis. The interviews were conducted for 68 patients. Sixty-seven patients were suffering from Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, and one patient was suffering from Diabetes Mellitus Type 1. We identified the barriers to medication adherence and classified them under six main factors: patients-, medications-, healthcare-, provider-, social-, and disease-related factors. The main barriers identified were the use of alternatives, hard-pressed for time, polypharmacy, bad relationship with the physician, cultured beliefs, self-alteration of the dose, exposed side effects, ineffective medications, refusal of insulin, multiple doctor visits, uncontrolled diet, and forgetfulness. Multiple barriers that prevented the patients from medication adherence were related to poor knowledge, counseling, psychological management, and social support. Appropriate educational programs, suitable patient-specific counseling, and close follow-ups would be required to improve the knowledge, outcomes, and quality of life in uncontrolled diabetes patients.
Active Fault Localization of Actuators on Torpedo-Shaped Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Liu Fuqiang , Long Yan , Luo Jun , Pu Huayan , Duan Chaoqun , Zhong Songyi
Published: January 2021

To ensure the mission implementation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), faults occurring on actuators should be detected and located promptly; therefore, reliable control strategies and inputs can be effectively provided. In this paper, faults occurring on the propulsion and attitude control systems of a torpedo-shaped AUV are analyzed and located while fault features may induce confusions for conventional fault localization (FL). Selective features of defined fault parameters are assorted as necessary conditions against different faulty actuators and synthesized in a fault tree subsequently to state the sufficiency towards possible abnormal parts. By matching fault features with those of estimated fault parameters, suspected faulty sections are located. Thereafter, active FL strategies that analyze the related fault parameters after executing purposive actuator control are proposed to provide precise fault location. Moreover, the generality of the proposed methods is analyzed to support extensive implementations. Simulations based on finite element analysis against a torpedo-shaped AUV with actuator faults are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Analysis of the Impact of Omitted Accidental Actions and the Method of Land Use on the Number of Construction Disasters (a Case Study of Poland)
Authors: Szymczak-Graczyk Anna , Laks Ireneusz , Ksit Barbara , Ratajczak Maria
Published: January 2021

As climate changes progress we are dealing with violent and excessive environmental actions. However, the impacts of loads acting on a building object caused by unlikely phenomena such as: fire, explosion, flood, vehicle impact, plane impact, excessive snowfall, and excess wind gusts are still being ignored when analyzing the structure of building objects in the combinatorics of loads. The paper presents a multi-criteria approach to accidental actions and analyzes design situations and load combinations in relation to accidental actions. The existing legal acts were used to define the concept of a construction disaster. The authors verified, on the basis of applicable legal acts and design guidelines, individual analysis strategies for ensuring the safety of building objects and divided them into consequence classes of structural damage. They collected and analyzed the number of construction disasters which occurred in Poland between 1995–2019 (25 years) based on the data from the General Office of Building Control. The number of disasters was divided by voivodeships and causes and supplemented with the data on the number of people injured. The article presents the direction of research development that could be undertaken in order to eliminate future catastrophes caused by the omission of the analysis of the impact of accidental actions at the design stage. Statistical analyses were carried out to show whether land use, population density, and weather factors (wind) affect the number of recorded disasters. It has been shown that regions that have preserved the sustainable development of their territories are less vulnerable to disasters resulting from extreme weather events.
Multi-Objective Stochastic Optimization for Determining Set-Point of Wind Farm System
Authors: Bui Van-Hai , Hussain Akhtar , Nguyen Thai-Thanh , Kim Hak-Man
Published: January 2021

Due to the uncertainty in output power of wind farm (WF) systems, a certain reserve capacity is often required in the power system to ensure service reliability and thereby increasing the operation and investment costs for the entire system. In order to reduce this uncertainty and reserve capacity, this study proposes a multi-objective stochastic optimization model to determine the set-points of the WF system. The first objective is to maximize the set-point of the WF system, while the second objective is to maximize the probability of fulfilling that set-point in the real-time operation. An increase in the probability of satisfying the set-point can reduce the uncertainty in the output power of the WF system. However, if the required probability increases, the set-point of the WF system decreases, which reduces the profitability of the WF system. Using the proposed method helps the WF operator in determining the optimal set-point for the WF system by making a trade-off between maximizing the set-point of WF and increasing the probability of fulfilling this set-point in real-time operation. This ensures that the WF system can offer an optimal set-point with a high probability of satisfying this set-point to the power system and thereby avoids a high penalty for mismatch power. In order to show the effectiveness of the proposed method, several case studies are carried out, and the effects of various parameters on the optimal set-point for the WF system are also analyzed. According to the parameters from the transmission system operator (TSO) and wind speed profile, the WF operator can easily determine the optimal set-point using the proposed strategy. A comparison of the profits that the WF system achieved with and without the proposed method is analyzed in detail, and the set-point of the WF system in different seasons is also presented.
How to Shape the Employees’ Organization Sustainable Green Knowledge Sharing: Cross-Level Effect of Green Organizational Identity Effect on Green Management Behavior and Performance of Members
Authors: Chang Tai-Wei , Hung Cheng-Ze
Published: January 2021

In a period of rapid information development and response to the impact of environmentalism on the company, how to effectively promote organizational members embracing knowledge sharing behavior through knowledge management will be an important issue in corporate green management. This article proposes a new integrated multi-level research framework based on organizational identity theory and psychological ownership theory to further analyze enterprise green management. Utilizing the data of 73 supervisors and 583 subordinates in Taiwan’s small- or medium-sized enterprises, results of the hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analysis revealed that green group identification at the team level affects organizational members in terms of green product psychological ownership and green knowledge sharing as well as how green knowledge sharing, green creativity, and green product development performance are influenced when members get their green product psychological ownership. The results of the study validate the antecedents and consequences of green knowledge sharing and broaden the field of knowledge management for green management related to environmental behavior and performance, aside from providing valuable insights for relevant practitioners.
Air Transportation, Economy and Causality: Remote Towns in Brazil’s Amazon Region
Authors: Aprigliano Fernandes Vicente , Pacheco Ricardo R. , Fernandes Elton , Cabo Manoela , Ventura Rodrigo V. , Caixeta Rafael
Published: January 2021

There is a vast amount of literature on relations between air transport activities and economic growth. The recognition that these are important relationships has aroused the interest of researchers, who have studied them with regard to remote towns. The empirical studies have concentrated more on developed areas, such as Europe, North America, and Australia. No empirical studies were found for Brazil, which holds most of the Amazon region. In this study, the Granger causality method was used to investigate for causal relationships between regular domestic air passenger transport links and the gross domestic product of small municipalities in this region. The results indicate short- and long-term, two-way causality in which gross domestic product has a stronger impact on air transport than vice versa.
Social Media Influencer’s Reputation: Developing and Validating a Multidimensional Scale
Authors: Ryu Eun Ah , Han EunKyoung
Published: January 2021

Since the introduction of smartphones in 2009, social networking services (SNS), which have seen a surge in users, facilitated changes in the media environment along with social influence that has increased the economic value and political influence of SNS. In particular, as consumers’ media use and consumption behavior change around digital media, social media plays a very important role in consumers’ lives. From this perspective, influencers who influence not only consumers’ consumption behavior, but also decision-making and opinion formation based on social media are attracting attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop items to measure an influencer’s reputation as a new source of information in the SNS environment; no previous researchers have presented generalized measurement items for an influencer’s reputation. We intended to identify what dimensions and items in the existing literature could effectively measure a social media influencer’s reputation and to verify each item’s relevance as a measure of a social media influencer’s reputation. Based on in-depth interviews with 30 experts and empirical findings from 557 adults, this study identified dimensions that impact on a consumer’s perception of a social media influencer and developed a scale. The results showed that the social media Influencer’s Reputation scale comprises four distinctive dimensions: Communication skills, influence, authenticity, and expertise. Additionally, the reliability and validity of the scale were assessed, using exploratory and confirmatory analyses and construct validity. The findings confirmed that the social media influencer’s reputation scale measurement items, in this study, can be used as a consistent measurement tool for each dimension. It is also important to develop value in favor of the marketing strategy by increasing value through the influencer’s reputation.
Settlement and Recruitment Potential of Four Invasive and One Indigenous Barnacles in South Korea and Their Future
Authors: Ubagan Michael Dadole , Lee Yun-Sik , Lee Taekjun , Hong Jinsol , Kim Il Hoi , Shin Sook
Published: January 2021

Invasion by nonindigenous species is a major threat to marine ecosystems. In this study, the distribution and occupied area (as a percentage) of four invasive barnacles (Amphibalanus amphitrite, Amphibalanus eburneus, Amphibalanus improvisus, Perforatus perforatus), and one indigenous (Balanus trigonus) barnacle in 13 ports in three Korean seas (East sea, Korea Strait, and Yellow Sea) were investigated. The average ratio for all five species was 11.17% in summer and 7.59% in winter, indicating a higher occupancy in summer. B. trigonus, which is an indigenous species, was found on all ports, except for one (IC). Of the invasive species, A. amphitrite was found mainly in the Yellow Sea, A. improvisus in the Korea Strait, and A. eburneus along with P. perforatus were found in the East Sea. From nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis, six parameters related to water temperature and salinity were found to be significantly correlated with the distribution and occupancy status of these five barnacles. Using the six parameters as independent variables, random forest (RF) models were developed. Based on these models, the predicted future dominant invasive species were A. improvisus and A. amphitrite in the Yellow Sea and P. perforatus in the East Sea and Korea Strait. This study suggests that long-term monitoring of invasive species is crucial, and that determining the relationship between the results of monitoring and environmental variables can be helpful in predicting the damage caused by invasive species resulting from environmental changes.
Acoustic Panels Made of Paper Sludge and Clay Composites
Authors: Astrauskas Tomas , Januševičius Tomas , Grubliauskas Raimondas
Published: January 2021

Studies on recycled materials emerged during recent years. This paper investigates samples’ sound absorption properties for panels fabricated of a mixture of paper sludge (PS) and clay mixture. PS was the core material. The sound absorption was measured. We also consider the influence of an air gap between panels and rigid backing. Different air gaps (50, 100, 150, 200 mm) simulate existing acoustic panel systems. Finally, the PS and clay composite panel sound absorption coefficients are compared to those for a typical commercial absorptive ceiling panel. The average sound absorption coefficient of PS-clay composite panels (αavg. in the frequency range from 250 to 1600 Hz) was up to 0.55. The resulting average sound absorption coefficient of panels made of recycled (but unfinished) materials is even somewhat higher than for the finished commercial (finished) acoustic panel (αavg. = 0.51).
Relation Representation Learning via Signed Graph Mutual Information Maximization for Trust Prediction
Authors: Jing Yongjun , Wang Hao , Shao Kun , Huo Xing
Published: January 2021

Trust prediction is essential to enhancing reliability and reducing risk from the unreliable node, especially for online applications in open network environments. An essential fact in trust prediction is to measure the relation of both the interacting entities accurately. However, most of the existing methods infer the trust relation between interacting entities usually rely on modeling the similarity between nodes on a graph and ignore semantic relation and the influence of negative links (e.g., distrust relation). In this paper, we proposed a relation representation learning via signed graph mutual information maximization (called SGMIM). In SGMIM, we incorporate a translation model and positive point-wise mutual information to enhance the relation representations and adopt Mutual Information Maximization to align the entity and relation semantic spaces. Moreover, we further develop a sign prediction model for making accurate trust predictions. We conduct link sign prediction in trust networks based on learned the relation representation. Extensive experimental results in four real-world datasets on trust prediction task show that SGMIM significantly outperforms state-of-the-art baseline methods.
Nicotinamide Attenuates the Progression of Renal Failure in a Mouse Model of Adenine-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kumakura Satoshi , Sato Emiko , Sekimoto Akiyo , Hashizume Yamato , Yamakage Shu , Miyazaki Mariko , Ito Sadayoshi , Harigae Hideo , Takahashi Nobuyuki
Published: January 2021

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) supplies energy for deoxidation and anti-inflammatory reactions fostering the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The kidney is an essential regulator of body fluids through the excretion of numerous metabolites. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which induces chronic inflammation. In this study, the role of NAD+ in kidney disease was investigated through the supplementation of nicotinamide (Nam), a precursor of NAD+, to an adenine-induced CKD mouse model. Nam supplementation reduced kidney inflammation and fibrosis and, therefore, prevented the progression of kidney disease. Notably, Nam supplementation also attenuated the accumulation of glycolysis and Krebs cycle metabolites that occurs in renal failure. These effects were due to increased NAD+ supply, which accelerated NAD+-consuming metabolic pathways. Our study suggests that Nam administration may be a novel therapeutic approach for CKD prevention.
Who Is Really at Risk for Anaphylaxis Due to COVID-19 Vaccine?
Authors: Caminati Marco , Guarnieri Gabriella , Senna Gianenrico
Published: January 2021

The vaccination campaign against the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (Sars-Cov-2) started on 8 December 2020 in UK, after the approval of BNT162b2 by the Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) [...]
Factors Predicting the Presence of Concomitant Enterocele and Rectocele in Female Patients With External Rectal Prolapse
Authors: Tsunoda Akira , Takahashi Tomoko , Sato Kenji , Kusanagi Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Purpose: External rectal prolapse (ERP) is frequently associated with other pelvic disorders, such as enterocele, rectocele, and perineal descent. Evacuation proctography makes it possible to visualize the development of such anatomical abnormalities. The aim of this study was to identify the variables that would predict associated abnormalities in patients with ERP.Methods: Between February 2010 and August 2019, 124 female patients with ERP, who were evaluated using proctography were included in this study. Enterocele was diagnosed when the extension of the loop of the small bowel was located between the vagina and rectum. A significant rectocele was defined as >20 mm in diameter. Multivariate analysis was used to establish which morphological parameters best predicted the presence of enterocele or rectocele.Results: Sixty-five patients had ERP alone, while 59 patients (47.6%) had additional findings on proctography. The most frequently associated abnormality was enterocele with 48 of the patients (38.7%) having this condition. Rectocele was detected in 17 of the 124 patients (13.7%). The median length of the ERP was 30 mm (range, 7 to 147 mm). The results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that a history of hysterectomy and the length of the ERP were significantly associated with the presence of enterocele. The analysis showed that the longer the prolapse, the higher the incidence of enterocele. A history of hysterectomy was also significantly associated with the presence of rectocele.Conclusion: Patients with ERP often have associated anatomical abnormalities and should be investigated thoroughly before planning surgical treatment.
Relevance of the Use of Mucoactive Drugs for Coughing with Different Etiopathogenesis During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   Academician I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ryabova M.A.
Published: January 2021

The adequate choice of drugs for the treatment of cough, taking into account the concomitant pathology, pathogenetic mechanisms of cough development, and its causes, is a difficult task. To reduce polypragmasia for the pathogenetic and symptomatic treatment of acute respiratory diseases, drugs with a combined effect should be preferred. In this aspect, carbocysteine seems to be the optimal drug, as it is characterized by mucoregulatory, mucolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, improves mucociliary transport, and promotes regeneration of the respiratory mucosa
La Labor Educativa del Docente Militar: Sus Contradicciones Sociales
Authors: Chaveco Castillo Ailién , Suárez Rodríguez Clara Ofelia
Published: January 2021

El presente trabajo aborda las contradicciones sociales que emergen en la labor educativa del docente militar, partiendo de la práctica educativa en las instituciones docentes militares de Nivel Superior, pues en ellas se concibe a dicha labor como la actividad principal a desarrollar; sin embargo, se evidencian insuficiencias que radican en lo esencial en el predominio de los aspectos cognitivos en detrimento de los afectivos. Optimizar la actuación del docente militar constituye un reto en la actualidad, principalmente en lo referente a su trabajo educativo, en tanto contribuiría al desarrollo integral y multifacético de la personalidad de sus educandos y con ello al de la sociedad; es por ello que valorar las disímiles contradicciones sociales existentes en el proceso educativo militar, tomando en consideración sus diversos caracteres y la influencia que ejercen en el desarrollo de la labor educativa de sus docentes, constituye el objetivo del presente trabajo.
Estrategia Didáctica para la Producción de Textos Escritos en Español como Lengua Extranjera
Authors: Ferrer Miyares Virgen Arelys
Published: January 2021

La habilidad de escribir, en la enseñanza de español como segunda lengua es la que presenta progresos más lentos en el aprendizaje de los estudiantes extranjeros y, las limitaciones radican, en insuficiencias que presenta su enseñanza. Esta habilidad resulta muy compleja para su tratamiento en el aula al exigir de una preparación por parte del docente que posibilite su desarrollo, consciente de los obstáculos que debe vencer el estudiante para lograr el éxito que presupone su dominio que se evidencia cuando puede comunicar de forma escrita diferentes tipos de textos a partir de situaciones diversas. En este trabajo se presenta una estrategia didáctica dirigida al perfeccionamiento del proceso enseñanza aprendizaje del español como lengua extranjera, con énfasis en la producción de textos escritos. Por lo que se tuvo presente la activación de este proceso, a través de la producción cooperativa de textos escritos en español como lengua extranjera encaminada a desarrollar en los estudiantes la producción y la eficacia donde la metacognición de sus procederes y conocimientos es fundamental.
Estudio Contextualizado de Competencias Lingüísticas en Niños con Hipoacusia en una Unidad Educativa de Guayaquil
Authors: Villacís Barzola Jéssica Rosalía , Bell Rodríguez Rafael Félix
Published: January 2021

La mayoría de las personas con discapacidad auditiva enfrentan una serie de dificultades en determinadas actividades cotidianas y en el desarrollo de las principales facetas de la vida en general. Constituye una realidad que se expresa a nivel mundial, teniendo América Latina la mayor tasa de incidencia. En Ecuador, hasta septiembre del 2019, según el Consejo Nacional para la Igualdad de Discapacidades, hay 479.911 personas con algún tipo de discapacidad, 67.335 de estas tienen discapacidad auditiva de los cuales en el cantón Guayaquil, se encuentran 9.999. Del total de personas con discapacidad, solo 46.100 tienen acceso al sistema de educación y específicamente de las personas con discapacidad auditiva en la ciudad de Guayaquil, sólo 730, se encuentran registrados en el mismo. El presente artículo pretende explorar este fenómeno en la Escuela Municipal de Audición y Lenguaje del Cantón Guayaquil, una institución que imparte educación básica-regular, y que persigue desarrollar habilidades lingüísticas en estudiantes hipoacúsicos; plantea la enseñanza de la lengua oral y escrita desde una concepción estructuralista que consiste no en un sistema de normas que gobiernan los elementos aislados para el uso de la lengua, sino que es una colección de estructuras gramaticales como principio que ha de regir la enseñanza.
Factors Influencing Online Game‑Based Learning Effectiveness
Authors: Mosiane Segomotso , Brown Irwin
Published: January 2021

There is a general consensus that games are effective as learning tools. There is however, a lack of knowledgeregarding what makes online games effective as learning tools. The purpose of this study is therefore to answer the question:What are the factors influencing online game‑based learning effectiveness? The aim of this paper is to develop a conceptualframework that reflects the factors influencing online game‑based learning effectiveness. The conceptual frameworkcombines concepts from the Information Systems Success Model, Task‑Technology Fit Model and Flow theory. The studyused a quantitative method. Data was collected using an online instrument. The study used 134 respondents from mainlythe United Kingdom, United States and South Africa. The model was validated using confirmatory factor analysis and testedusing Smart‑PLS to assess path coefficients. The identified factors influencing Knowledge Improvement, the key measurechosen for learning effectiveness with online game‑based learning, are Game‑Task Fit, Flow (where Flow consists ofdimensions of Goal Orientation/Feedback and Concentration) and Perceived Usefulness. The utilitarian factors of Game‑TaskFit and Perceived Usefulness have a stronger effect on Knowledge Improvement than Flow. On the other hand Flow was theonly one of these three variables to have an influence on intensity and frequency of game use, suggesting a hedonicmotivation for intense and frequent game usage. These increases in game usage do not necessarily translate into KnowledgeImprovement suggesting that the link between game use and Knowledge Improvement may not be a simple linearrelationship. Game Quality influences Game‑Task Fit, while Information Quality influences both Flow and Game‑Task Fit.
Dheergayu: Clinical Depression Monitoring Assistant
Authors: A.A.M.R Dias , K.G.T.D Kolamunna , N.I.R Fernando , U.K Pannala
Published: January 2021

Depression is identified as one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. Depression not only impacts the patient but also their families and relatives. If not properly treated, due to these reasons it leads people to hazardous situations. Nonetheless existing clinical diagnosis tools for monitoring illness trajectory are inadequate. Traditionally, psychiatrists use one to one interaction assessments to diagnose depression levels. However, these clinic- centered services can pose several operational challenges. In order to monitor clinical depressive disorders, patients are required to travel regularly to a clinical center within its limited operating hours. These procedures are highly resource intensive because they require skilled clinician and laboratories. To address these issues, we propose a personal and ubiquitous sensing technologies, such as fitness trackers and smartphones, which can monitor human vitals in an unobtrusive manner.