bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near-Infrared Luciferin Analogs for In Vivo Optical Imaging
Authors: Saito-Moriya Ryohei , Obata Rika , A. Maki Shojiro
Published: April 2021

The firefly bioluminescence reaction has been exploited for in vivo optical imaging in life sciences. To develop highly sensitive bioluminescence imaging technology, many researchers have synthesized luciferin analogs and luciferase mutants. This chapter first discusses synthetic luciferin analogs and their structure–activity relationships at the luminescence wavelength of the firefly bioluminescence reaction. We then discuss the development of luciferin analogs that produce near-infrared (NIR) light. Since NIR light is highly permeable for biological tissues, NIR luciferin analogs might sensitively detect signals from deep biological tissues such as the brain and lungs. Finally, we introduce two NIR luciferin analogs (TokeOni and seMpai) and a newly developed bioluminescence imaging system (AkaBLI). TokeOni can detect single-cell signals in mouse tissue and luminescence signals from marmoset brain, whereas seMpai can detect breast cancer micro-metastasis. Both reagents are valid for in vivo bioluminescence imaging with high sensitivity.
Antioxidant Properties of Metabolites from New Extremophiles Microalgal Strain (Southern, Tunisia)
Authors: Gammoudi Sana , Dahmen-Ben Moussa Ines , Annabi-Trabelsi Neila , Ayadi Habib , Guermazi Wassim
Published: April 2021

With the demand for bioproducts that can provide benefits for biotechnology sectors like pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals, the exploration of microalgal products has turned toward extremophiles. This chapter is intended to provide an insight to most important molecules from halotolerant species, the cyanobacteria Phormidium versicolor NCC-466 and Dunaliella sp. CTM20028 isolated from Sfax Solar Saltern (Sfax) and Chott El-Djerid (Tozeur), Tunisia. These microalgae have been cultured in standard medium with a salinity of 80 PSU. The in vitro antioxidant activities demonstrated that extremolyte from Dunaliella and Phormidium as, phycocaynin, lipids, and polyphenol compound presents an important antioxidant potential.
Role of RUNX2 in Melanoma: A New Player in Tumor Progression and Resistance to Therapy
Authors: Pulica Rachael , Cohen Solal Karine , Lasfar Ahmed
Published: April 2021

RUNX2, a transcription factor, initially known for its indispensable role in skeletal development. RUNX2 is essential for osteoblast differentiation and the maintain of the osteocyte balance. RUNX2 acts directly on osteoblasts via Fgf pathway or on mesenchymal progenitors through Hedgehog, Wnt, Pthlh and DLX5. Currently, many reports point its critical role in the progression and metastasis of several cancer types. RUNX2 is involved in EMT process, invasion and metastasis through the modulation of important oncogenic pathways, including Wnt, FAK/PTK and AKT. In melanoma, RUNX2 is a key player in mediating intrinsic RTK-associated pro-oncogenic properties. We have showed a dramatic up regulation of RUNX2 expression with concomitant up-regulation of EGFR, IGF-1R and AXL, in melanoma cells rendered resistant to BRAF mutant inhibitors. Approximately half of melanomas carry BRAF mutations which enhance tumor invasion and metastasis. In this chapter, we describe the potential mechanisms, leading to the upregulation of RUNX2 in melanoma with BRAF mutations. We also highlight the critical role of PI3K/AKT in the expression and activation of RUNX2, and its consequences on the regulation of many critical factors, controlling cancer invasion and metastasis.
Existence, uniqueness, approximation of solutions and Ealpha-Ulam stability results for a class of nonlinear fractional differential equations involving psi-Caputo derivative with initial conditions
Authors: Derbazi Choukri , Baitiche Zidane , Benchohra Mouffak , N'guérékata Gaston
Published: April 2021

The main purpose of this paper is to study the existence, uniqueness, Ea-Ulam stability results, and other properties of solutions for certain classes of nonlinear fractional differential equations involving the ps-Caputo derivative with initial conditions. Modern tools of functional analysis are applied to obtain the main results. More precisely using Weissinger's fixed point theorem and Schaefer's fixed point theorem the existence and uniqueness results of solutions are proven in the bounded domain. While the well known Banach fixed point theorem coupled with Bielecki type norm are used with the end goal to establish sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness results on unbounded domains. Meanwhile, the monotone iterative technique combined with the method of upper and lower solutions is used to prove the existence and uniqueness of extremal solutions. Furthermore, by means of new generalizations of Gronwall's inequality, different kinds of Ea-Ulam stability of the proposed problem are studied. Finally, as applications of the theoretical results, some examples are given to illustrate the feasibility and correctness of the main results.
Fixed point theorems on a closed ball
Authors: Chandra Singh , Chandra Joshi , Chandra Naveen
Published: April 2021

The aim of the paper is to obtain some fixed point theorems for extended (ϕ, F)-weak type contraction on a closed ball in metric spaces. Our results generalize some recently established results.
New properties of the time-scale fractional operators with application to dynamic equations
Authors: Benaissa Cherif , Zohra Ladrani
Published: April 2021

We introduce new properties of Riemann-Liouville fractional integral and derivative on time scales. As well as sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of solution to an initial value problem for a class differential equations on time scales.
Changes in the role of the political parties and institutions in the post-democracy
Authors: Dimitrov Dimitar
Published: April 2021

The article discusses the changes in the role of the political parties and institutions in the modern post-democratic societies. The goal of this paper is to present and analyze the models of establishing and functioning of the political parties and institutions in the post-democratic era, their relation with the contemporary political realities in Bulgaria and in the countries of the European Community. The main approach in the study and the analysis of the problems posed to the political parties is sociological, combined with the interdisciplinary one. The models of the political parties and institutions are traced and analyzed through the eyes of the modern political science. Outlined is the fact that there is a real danger political parties to become dependent on corporate elites and the widespread political populism. Real conditions and approaches for overcoming these shortcomings are indicated.
Poverty in Bulgaria: Dimensions, policies and analyses
Authors: Jeliazkova Maria
Published: April 2021

The article discusses poverty in Bulgaria through the prism of the correspondence between the unfavorable wellbeing rates, the implemented policy's measures and the state of analyses in the field. By presenting existing national and EU comparative statistics, analyzing policy documents and outlining limits and prevailing bias in the scientific research on the subject, it argues that the three aspects are functionally consistent and that overcoming the high levels of poverty in the country needs reconsidered and mobilizing actions aimed at: a) better consistency among policies in different fields (economic, social, tax, insurance, labor market, environmental, etc.); and b) knowledge-based development focused on adequate addressing of structural generators of poverty.
The process of weakening of nation-state in the era of NEO-liberalism and the crisis of democracy
Authors: Stamenova Svetlana
Published: April 2021

The article aims to show that as a result of globalization and NEO-liberal form of governance and ideology, the state was weakened through a complex system of economic, financial, technological and social relations on a global scale. The withdrawal of the state from regulative functions on its territory is a refusal of the state for ideological mobilization of its populace based on nationalism and national identity. During the decline of national identity, the national state moves its role from imposing of cultural and national homogeneity, a characteristic of the earlier stage of nation-state building, to supporting cultural diversity. Crisis of democracy and emergence of post-democracy are considered and the question about possibility of having democracy beyond the nation-state borders.
Issues of risk margin computation under Solvency II regulatory regime
Authors: Kočović Jelena , Koprivica Marija
Published: April 2021

The paper deals with the issues of risk margin computation as an element of technical provisions of Insurers under the Solvency II regulatory regime. Due to a lack of regulatory method for the capital cost, in combination with the low interest rates, the risk margin is set too high and variable, which primarily affects life insurance companies. The paper includes particular proposals for overcoming or mitigating the problem of too high and rate-sensitive risk margin. The proposed solutions include both modifications to the existing capital cost method and abandonment and the replacement of this method by other risk margin computation methods.
The nesting of Eurasian stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) on the site 'Jaroš' in SNR 'Pašnjaci velike droplje' (Great Bustard Pastures)
Authors: Tepavac Kristina
Published: April 2021

In the reproductive season of 2018 a successful breeding of Stone curlew was recorded in the Special Nature Reserve "Pastures of Great Bustard" (Northern Serbia). Two breeding pairs with four chicks were monitored on the daily basis from April to late August 2018. Reproductive activities regarding nest site occupancy, egg laying, incubation, hatching, chick rearing as well as predator defensive behaviour was documented.
Contribution to the knowledge of diet of the Long-eared Owl (Asio otus, L. 1758) during nonbreeding period in the area of Kikinda town
Authors: Rajković Draženko
Published: April 2021

The paper presents an analysis of the diet of Long-eared Owl at the winter roosting place in Kikinda town during the autumn and winter months of 2014/2015. The osteological and odontological parts of prey items extracted from the pellets were used to investigate the diet composition of Long-eared Owl. In the result section, the composition of prey, dietary preferences, the width of the trophic niche and diet diversity were described and analyzed. Besides, a brief biogeographic overview of the small mammals' composition is given for the northern Banat district (Vojvodina Province, northern Serbia). The obtained results were compared with other similar studies from northern Serbia and the rest of the Pannonian Basin.
Maneuvering Predictions for Fast Monohulls in Early Design Stage
Authors: Quadvlieg F.H.H.A. , van Walree F. , Barthelemy V.
Published: April 2021

The present paper discusses directional stability and course keeping of fast monohulls. Model tests and CFD were used for analysis. In itself these are great tools, but in early design stage they are often perceived as too elaborate. In comparison, design verification is often carried out during model testing., However, it is not common to use these model tests for systematic variation or multiple design variations. In addition to model tests, tools for early design assessment are also pursued. By using a 3D panel method, maneuvering coefficients and subsequently directional stability are found in an earlier stage of the design. The present paper describes which methods can be used in the design stage, and some pros and cons of these methods. A method of choice is selected and an example is elaborated. The example ship is a high speed monohull (Fn=0.8) propelled by waterjets. This paper illustrates that the forces acting on the ship while performing forced motions are predicted. A next step (not in the present paper) is to solve the equations of motions in the time domain as a system of ordinary differential equations. However, in order to correctly predict the motions and trajectories, the correct prediction of forces and moments is essential
Numerical Modeling of a Planing Hull Maneuvering in Full Scale Trail
Authors: Lin Ray-Qing , Brewton Susan , Hazen George S. , Bretall Damien
Published: April 2021

The high-speed Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) is one of the key forms of transportation for the U.S. Navy in littoral regions. This planing craft, shown in Figure 1, is a lightweight, high-performance, high-capacity boat. It is constructed with a solid, shaped hull and flexible tubes at the gunwale. The flexible tubes maintain a high buoyancy to avoid capsize in bad seas and to better absorb heavy loads. When the RHIB maneuvers in a seas state greater than 2, however, it often gets off plane or jumps to an entirely different heading regardless of the craft speed and heading relative to the direction of wave propagation. This behavior may cause the planing boat to miss its target track and veer off course. Furthermore, if a RHIB is supporting shore facilities or large ships transporting troops, the deviations and jumps may also impact the safety of the troops. In order to shine a light on improving the RHIB planing craft design for better performance at higher sea states, this study used a fully-nonlinear ship motion model named the Digital Self consistent Ship Experimental Laboratory (DiSSEL) by Lin and Kuang (2011a and 2011b) as a numerical tool to examine the dynamic balance of a six-degree-freedom (6DOF) RHIB. First the RHIB is maneuvered in Seas State 2, then in Seas State 3. The results of the simulation serve to better understand the underlying physics that cause dynamics instability at higher sea states. This study also serves to validate the accuracy of the DiSSEL ship motion model with observational data of a 10-meter long RHIB at Seas State 2. The model shows good agreement with experimental data in all headings and with a wide range of boat speeds (up to Froude number of 1.265).
Reduced-Order Time-Domain Simulation of Floating Bodies for Efficient Design Analysis
Authors: Kim Hyun Y. , Fitzpatrick Stephanie L. , Kring David C.
Published: April 2021

This paper describes the development and implementation of a reduced-order model to represent the hydrodynamic forces acting on a ship using Impulse-Response Functions (IRF). The approach will be conducted using Aegir, a timedomain seakeeping program that uses an advanced, Non-Rational Uniform B-Spline (NURBS) based, high-order boundary element method. The Cummins equation is slightly modified such that the memory function is decomposed into two terms: one for the impulsive velocity and the other term for the impulsive displacement. The present approach also further develops a method to simulate interactions between multiple floating bodies. The IRF convolutions for the free surface memory effect significantly reduce the computational effort compared to direct simulation. This will be demonstrated for both single and multi-body forward-speed, seakeeping simulations.
Prediction of Slamming Loads on Catamaran Wetdeck Using CFD
Authors: Swidan Ahmed , Thomas Giles , Ranmuthugala Dev , Penesis Irene , Amin Walid , Allen Tom , Battley Mark
Published: April 2021

Wetdeck slamming is one of the principal hydrodynamic loads acting on catamarans. CFD techniques are shown to successfully characterise wetdeck slamming loads, as validated through a series of controlled-speed drop tests on a three-dimensional catamaran hullform model. Simulation of water entry at constant speed by applying a fixed grid method was found to be more computationally efficient than applying an overset grid. However, the overset grid method for implementing the exact transient velocity profile resulted in better prediction of slam force magnitude. In addition the splitting force concurrent with wetdeck slam event was quantified to be 21% of the vertical slamming force.
Full Scale Measurements and Flow Analysis on a High Speed Rescue/Patrol Boat
Authors: Mørch Hans Jørgen , Larsen Thomas , Mostert Erik , Norschau Karl Marius , Semb Gunnar
Published: April 2021

Through use of state of the art tools for flow analysis the aims to establish a methodology to determine the performance of a high speed planing craft both in calm water and in waves. Verification against full scale measurements is conducted. The ability to maintain speed in waves is of great interest -both with respect to added resistance and with respect to safe operation and loads on the crew from accelerations. Full scale measurements and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) were conducted on a Norsafe Magnum 850fast patrol boat. The measurements have been conducted during a boat challenge along the Iberian coast. The challenge was run in advance of the HSBO (High Speed Boat Forum) which was held in Lisbon, Portugal, May2015.CFD simulations at similar conditions to the measurements are used for validation. It is further shown how CFD can be used to expand operational envelopes beyond the point where full scale measurements are applicable. This is especially relevant for the acceleration loads on the crew which is often the limiting factor of small HSC (High Speed Crafts). Pressure loads are extracted from the CFD and are evaluated against the current standards for life boats. Various criteria are discussed and the most relevant are analyzed for the measurement results and the CFD simulation. An operational envelope where the different criteria are combined is suggested.
Numerical Modeling of Air Cushion Vehicle Flexible Fingers
Authors: Cole Robert E. , Neu Wayne L.
Published: April 2021

The goal of this research is to numerically model flexible finger seals of an air cushion vehicle (ACV) to more accurately predict resistance for these craft. Advancements in computational tools for fluid-structure interactions have set the stage for this effort. Prior work for this application has focused on planer type seals and not the finger type seals typical of modern ACVs. While this research effort remains underway and limited results are available, it is the authors’ desire to propose a pathway forward. Following the motivation and a brief review of prior work, verification of Abaqus/Explicit’s fluid solver is conducted using the analytical solution to Couette flow. Next, Abaqus/Standard (implicit scheme) is used to verify the finite element options for the structural portion. Various hyper elastic material models are also compared. Lastly, a FSI validation problem is conducted using Abaqus/Explicit for both linear elastic and hyper elastic materials.
Experimental Research on the Surf-Riding Region for High Speed Vessels
Authors: Maki Atsuo , Miyauchi Yoshiki
Published: April 2021

It is well known that surf-riding phenomenon is the prerequisite of the broaching-to in following and quartering conditions. For the safety assessment of the fast vessel such as surface combatant sand patrol crafts, the estimation of the surf-riding condition is important. Therefore, so far several experimental efforts have been made. However, in these previous researches, the free running model experiments in high speed region, i.e.up to Froude number of 0.6 or 0.7, have not been conducted because of tank size limitation. As shown in this paper, there are occurrence and disappearance boundaries of surf-riding in lower and faster region, respectively. In our study, free running model experiments are carried out in high speed region, and then both boundaries are experimentally obtained. By using obtained results, the analytical estimation methods proposed by the authors can be well validated. Furthermore, the free running model experiments in irregular seas are also conducted. Then, surf-riding phenomenon in irregular seas is also discussed.
A Reduced-Order Model for an Oscillating Hydrofoil Near the Free Surface
Authors: Kennedy Rory C. , Helfers Dillon , Young Yin Lu
Published: April 2021

The first objective of this work is to numerically investigate how the proximity to the free surface influences the hydrodynamic response and susceptibility to cavitation of a hydrofoil undergoing controlled pitching oscillations, for high-speed full-scale operating conditions. A second objective is to develop a time-domain Reduced Order Model (ROM) to predict the unsteady hydrodynamic loads (for rapid exploration of the design space and for real-time active/passive actuation/control). The ROM delineates the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) forces into fluid inertial, damping, and disturbing force components, and only predicts the primary oscillation frequency. In addition to predicting the unsteady loads, when coupled with the solid equations of motion, the ROM can also be used to calculate the natural resonance frequencies and damping characteristics with consideration for viscous and free surface effects. This will allow designers to better predict and control the dynamic response of lifting surfaces operating near the free surface.
Applications of High Pressure Technology in Food Processing
Authors: Pou K. R. Jolvis
Published: April 2021

Consumer trends towards shelf-stable, safe, more natural and free from additives foods drove the need to investigate the commercial application of non-thermal food processing technologies. High pressure processing (HPP) is one such emerging technology where foods are generally subjected to high pressure (100-1000 MPa), with or without heat. Similar to heat pasteurization, HPP deactivates pathogenic microorganisms and enzymes, extends shelf life, denatures proteins, and modifies structure and texture of foods. However, unlike thermal processing, HPP can retain the quality of fresh food products, with little or no impact on nutritional value and organoleptic properties. Moreover, HPP is independent of the geometry (shape and size) of food products. The retention of food quality attributes, whilst prolonging shelf life, are enormous benefits to both food manufacturers and consumers. Researches have indicated that the combination of HPP and other treatments, based on the hurdle technology concept, has potential synergistic effects. With further advancement of the technology and its large-scale commercialization, the cost and limitations of this technology will probably reduce in the near future. The current review focuses on the mechanism and system of HPP and its applications in the processing of fruit, vegetables, meat, milk, fish and seafood, and eggs and their derived products.
A convolutional neural network for the prediction and forward design of ribozyme-based gene-control elements
Authors: Schmidt Calvin M , Smolke Christina D
Published: April 2021

Ribozyme switches are a class of RNA-encoded genetic switch that support conditional regulation of gene expression across diverse organisms. An improved elucidation of the relationships between sequence, structure, and activity can improve our capacity for de novo rational design of ribozyme switches. Here, we generated data on the activity of hundreds of thousands of ribozyme sequences. Using automated structural analysis and machine learning, we leveraged these large data sets to develop predictive models that estimate the in vivo gene-regulatory activity of a ribozyme sequence. These models supported the de novo design of ribozyme libraries with low mean basal gene-regulatory activities and new ribozyme switches that exhibit changes in gene-regulatory activity in the presence of a target ligand, producing functional switches for four out of five aptamers. Our work examines how biases in the model and the data set that affect prediction accuracy can arise and demonstrates that machine learning can be applied to RNA sequences to predict gene-regulatory activity, providing the basis for design tools for functional RNAs.
The Nesprin-1/-2 ortholog ANC-1 regulates organelle positioning in C. elegans independently from its KASH or actin-binding domains
Authors: Hao Hongyan , Kalra Shilpi , Jameson Laura E , Guerrero Leslie A , Cain Natalie E , Bolivar Jessica , Starr Daniel A
Published: April 2021

KASH proteins in the outer nuclear membrane comprise the cytoplasmic half of linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes that connect nuclei to the cytoskeleton. Caenorhabditis elegans ANC-1, an ortholog of Nesprin-1/2, contains actin-binding and KASH domains at opposite ends of a long spectrin-like region. Deletion of either the KASH or calponin homology (CH) domains does not completely disrupt nuclear positioning, suggesting neither KASH nor CH domains are essential. Deletions in the spectrin-like region of ANC-1 led to significant defects, but only recapitulated the null phenotype in combination with mutations in the transmembrane (TM) span. In anc-1 mutants, the endoplasmic reticulum ER, mitochondria, and lipid droplets were unanchored, moving throughout the cytoplasm. The data presented here support a cytoplasmic integrity model where ANC-1 localizes to the ER membrane and extends into the cytoplasm to position nuclei, ER, mitochondria, and other organelles in place.
Rapid recycling of glutamate transporters on the astroglial surface
Authors: Michaluk Piotr , Heller Janosch Peter , Rusakov Dmitri A
Published: April 2021

Glutamate uptake by astroglial transporters confines excitatory transmission to the synaptic cleft. The efficiency of this mechanism depends on the transporter dynamics in the astrocyte membrane, which remains poorly understood. Here, we visualise the main glial glutamate transporter GLT1 by generating its pH-sensitive fluorescent analogue, GLT1-SEP. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching-based imaging shows that 70–75% of GLT1-SEP dwell on the surface of rat brain astroglia, recycling with a lifetime of ~22 s. Genetic deletion of the C-terminus accelerates GLT1-SEP membrane turnover while disrupting its surface pattern, as revealed by single-molecule localisation microscopy. Excitatory activity boosts surface mobility of GLT1-SEP, involving its C-terminus, metabotropic glutamate receptors, intracellular Ca2+, and calcineurin-phosphatase activity, but not the broad-range kinase activity. The results suggest that membrane turnover, rather than lateral diffusion, is the main 'redeployment' route for the immobile fraction (20–30%) of surface-expressed GLT1. This finding reveals an important mechanism helping to control extrasynaptic escape of glutamate.
Live-cell single-molecule tracking highlights requirements for stable Smc5/6 chromatin association in vivo
Authors: Etheridge Thomas J , Villahermosa Desiree , Campillo-Funollet Eduard , Herbert Alex David , Irmisch Anja , Watson Adam T , Dang Hung Q , Osborne Mark A , Oliver Antony W , Carr Antony M , Murray Johanne M
Published: April 2021

The essential Smc5/6 complex is required in response to replication stress and is best known for ensuring the fidelity of homologous recombination. Using single-molecule tracking in live fission yeast to investigate Smc5/6 chromatin association, we show that Smc5/6 is chromatin associated in unchallenged cells and this depends on the non-SMC protein Nse6. We define a minimum of two Nse6-dependent sub-pathways, one of which requires the BRCT-domain protein Brc1. Using defined mutants in genes encoding the core Smc5/6 complex subunits, we show that the Nse3 double-stranded DNA binding activity and the arginine fingers of the two Smc5/6 ATPase binding sites are critical for chromatin association. Interestingly, disrupting the single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding activity at the hinge region does not prevent chromatin association but leads to elevated levels of gross chromosomal rearrangements during replication restart. This is consistent with a downstream function for ssDNA binding in regulating homologous recombination.
FoBSim: an extensible open-source simulation tool for integrated fog-blockchain systems
Authors: Baniata Hamza , Kertesz Attila
Published: April 2021

A lot of hard work and years of research are still needed for developing successful Blockchain (BC) applications. Although it is not yet standardized, BC technology was proven as to be an enhancement factor for security, decentralization, and reliability, leading to be successfully implemented in cryptocurrency industries. Fog computing (FC) is one of the recently emerged paradigms that needs to be improved to serve Internet of Things (IoT) environments of the future. As hundreds of projects, ideas, and systems were proposed, one can find a great R&D potential for integrating BC and FC technologies. Examples of organizations contributing to the R&D of these two technologies, and their integration, include Linux, IBM, Google, Microsoft, and others. To validate an integrated Fog-Blockchain protocol or method implementation, before the deployment phase, a suitable and accurate simulation environment is needed. Such validation should save a great deal of costs and efforts on researchers and companies adopting this integration. Current available simulation environments facilitate Fog simulation, or BC simulation, but not both. In this paper, we introduce a Fog-Blockchain simulator, namely FoBSim, with the main goal to ease the experimentation and validation of integrated Fog-Blockchain approaches. According to our proposed workflow of simulation, we implement different Consensus Algorithms (CA), different deployment options of the BC in the FC architecture, and different functionalities of the BC in the simulation. Furthermore, technical details and algorithms on the simulated integration are provided. We validate FoBSim by describing the technologies used within FoBSim, highlighting FoBSim’s novelty compared to the state-of-the-art, discussing the event validity in FoBSim, and providing a clear walk-through validation. Finally, we simulate case studies, then present and analyze the obtained results, where deploying the BC network in the fog layer shows enhanced efficiency in terms of total run time and total storage cost.
Methods to achieve effective web-based learning management modules: MyGJU versus Moodle
Authors: Al-Hawari Feras , Barham Hala , Al-Sawaeer Omar , Alshawabkeh Mai , Alouneh Sahel , Daoud Mohammad I. , Alazrai Rami
Published: April 2021

Several higher education institutions have harnessed e-learning tools to empower the application of different learning models that enrich the educational process. Nevertheless, the reliance on commercial or open-source platforms, in some cases, to deliver e-learning could impact system acceptability, usability, and capability. Therefore, this study suggests design methods to develop effective learning management capabilities such as attendance, coordination, course folder, course section homepage, learning materials, syllabus, emails, and student tracking within a university portal named MyGJU. In particular, mechanisms to facilitate system setup, data integrity, information security, e-learning data reuse, version control automation, and multi-user collaboration have been applied to enable the e-learning modules in MyGJU to overcome some of the drawbacks of their counterparts in Moodle. Such system improvements are required to motivate both educators and students to engage in online learning. Besides, features comparisons between MyGJU with Moodle and in-house systems have been conducted for reference. Also, the system deployment outcomes and user survey results confirm the wide acceptance among instructors and students to use MyGJU as a first point of contact, as opposed to Moodle, for basic e-learning tasks. Further, the results illustrate that the in-house e-learning modules in MyGJU are engaging, easy to use, useful, and interactive.
Predicting migration routes for three species of migratory bats using species distribution models
Authors: Wieringa Jamin G. , Carstens Bryan C. , Gibbs H Lisle
Published: April 2021

Understanding seasonal variation in the distribution and movement patterns of migratory species is essential to monitoring and conservation efforts. While there are many species of migratory bats in North America, little is known about their seasonal movements. In terms of conservation, this is important because the bat fatalities from wind energy turbines are significant and may fluctuate seasonally. Here we describe seasonally resolved distributions for the three species that are most impacted by wind farms (Lasiurus borealis(eastern red bat),L. cinereus(hoary bat) andLasionycteris noctivagans(silver-haired bat)) and use these distributions to infer their most likely migratory pathways. To accomplish this, we collected 2,880 occurrence points from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility over five decades in North America to model species distributions on a seasonal basis and used an ensemble approach for modeling distributions. This dataset included 1,129 data points forL. borealis, 917 forL. cinereusand 834 forL. noctivagans. The results suggest that all three species exhibit variation in distributions from north to south depending on season, with each species showing potential migratory pathways during the fall migration that follow linear features. Finally, we describe proposed migratory pathways for these three species that can be used to identify stop-over sites, assess small-scale migration and highlight areas that should be prioritized for actions to reduce the effects of wind farm mortality.
Antifungal properties of volatile organic compounds produced byDaldinia eschscholtziiMFLUCC 19-0493 isolated fromBarleria prionitisleaves againstColletotrichum acutatumand its post-harvest infections on strawberry fruits
Authors: Khruengsai Sarunpron , Pripdeevech Patcharee , Tanapichatsakul Chutima , Srisuwannapa Chanin , D’Souza Priya Esilda , Panuwet Parinya
Published: April 2021

Fungal endophytes are microorganisms living symbiotically with a host plant. They can produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have antimicrobial activity. This study aimed to isolate endophytic fungi fromBarleria prionitisplants grown in Thailand and to investigate the antifungal properties of their VOCs againstColletotrichum acutatum, a causal agent of anthracnose disease on post-harvest strawberry fruits. A total of 34 endophytic fungi were isolated from leaves ofB. prionitis. The VOCs produced from each individual isolate were screened for their antifungal activity againstC. acutatumusing a dual-culture plate method. From this in vitro screening experiment, the VOCs produced by the endophytic isolate BP11 were found to have the highest inhibition percentage (80.3%) against the mycelial growth ofC. acutatum. The endophytic isolate BP11 was molecularly identified asDaldinia eschscholtziiMFLUCC 19-0493. This strain was then selected for an in vivo experiment. Results from the in vivo experiment indicated that the VOCs produced byD. eschscholtziiMFLUCC 19-0493 were able to inhibit infections byC. acutatumon organic fresh strawberry fruits with an average inhibition percentage of 72.4%. The quality of the pathogen-inoculated strawberry fruits treated with VOCs produced byD. eschscholtziiMFLUCC 19-0493 was evaluated. Their fruit firmness, total soluble solids, and pH were found to be similar to the untreated strawberry fruits. Solid phase microextraction-gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of the VOCs produced byD. eschscholtziiMFLUCC 19-0493 led to the detection and identification of 60 compounds. The major compounds were elemicin (23.8%), benzaldehyde dimethyl acetal (8.5%), ethyl sorbate (6.8%), methyl geranate (6.5%), trans-sabinene hydrate (5.4%), and 3,5-dimethyl-4-heptanone (5.1%). Each major compound was tested for its antifungal activity againstC. acutatumusing the in vitro assay. While all these selected VOCs showed varying degrees of antifungal activity, elemicin was found to possess the strongest antifungal activity. This work suggests thatD. eschscholtziiMFLUCC 19-0493 could be a promising natural preservative for controllingC. acutatumassociated anthracnose disease in strawberry fruits during the post-harvest period.
Relationship between emotional intelligence and empathy towards humans and animals
Authors: Gómez-Leal Raquel , Costa Ana , Megías-Robles Alberto , Fernández-Berrocal Pablo , Faria Luísa
Published: April 2021

Previous research has highlighted that Emotional Intelligence (EI) is related to an array of positive interpersonal behaviours, including greater human empathy. Nonetheless, although animals are an integral part of our lives, there is still a lack of clarity regarding the way in which EI relates to empathy towards animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between EI and empathy towards humans and animals. We used the Trait-Meta Mood Scale to assess EI, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index to assess empathy for humans, and the Animal Empathy Scale to assess empathy for animals. Our findings revealed a positive relationship between empathy for humans and animals. The results also supported the idea that EI is positively related to empathy for humans, while the relationship between EI and empathy for animals was dependent on whether or not the participants had experience with pets. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that the variables that best predicted empathy for animals were having a pet (or not), age, gender and human empathic concern. Finally, the relationship between human empathic concern and empathy for animals was stronger in participants who had pets. These findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying empathic behaviour and suggest that empathy for humans and animals can be influenced by different factors. Limitations and future lines of research are discussed.
Challenges and Issues of E-Learning Using Education Cloud – A Review in Context of Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Al Kati Saifallah , Asif Khan Muhammad
Published: April 2021

During the recent Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic the traditional education system almost halted throughout the world. However, in order to continue with the education without wasting students time most of the countries transferred their teaching online. Although the online teaching is widely used but there are many challenges and security issues specially when the education is disseminated using education cloud. In this article we examine and review such challenges and security issues that may impact students and teachers in various educational institutions in Saudi Arabia. A review of hybrid cloud model is presented in order to benefit across institutions. The research also articulates different ways which can be adopted by educational institutions to provide smooth online teaching due to pandemic of covid-19. We also present some solutions that may help overcome challenges and secure a robust cloud infrastructure.
Depictive secondary predicates in Turkish
Authors:   Hacettepe University Turkey, Özge Gürkan Duygu
Published: April 2021

This paper provides an overview of depictive secondary predicates within the Turkish language, particularly surrounding the small clause phenomenon. These constructions function as adjuncts in the matrix clause. However, it may be difficult to distinguish between depictives and adverbial adjuncts in Turkish because of their morphosyntactic shape. Primarily, I will address the distinction between depictives and adverbial adjuncts based on studies founded by Schultze-Berndt & Himmelmann (2004) and Himmelmann & Schultze-Berndt (2006) based on a description of the depictive secondary predicates in Turkish. Furthermore, I will specifically focus on the adjectivals as a depictive secondary predicate. These establish a predicative relationship with their controllers, which are the subject or object of the main clause. In this context, I will also analyze this predicative relationship at a semantical, syntactical and morphosyntactical level. I will then analyze the difficulties faced when referring to these structures as constituents in an analysis of the complex sentence as a whole.
Auto-observación e inteligencia emocional: estudio pragmático-discursivo del manejo de la impresión en narrativas personales
Authors: García Gómez Antonio
Published: April 2021

Tanto las dimensiones de la inteligencia emocional como su efecto en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes han sido extensamente estudiados en las últimas décadas (Abisamra, 2000; Hollander, 2012; Lawrence y Deepa, 2013; y Patel, 2017; entre mucho otros). Aunque contamos con numerosos estudios que han intentado definir las dimensiones de las que consta el concepto de inteligencia emocional (Goleman, 1995; Javed y Nasreen, 2014), no contamos con estudios que exploren el concepto desde un enfoque discursivo con el objeto de esclarecer cómo se gestiona la inteligencia emocional de una persona discursivamente. Mediante el análisis de 71 narrativas de estudiantes universitarios, el presente trabajo pretende analizar no solo la forma en la que los estudiantes se auto-presentan en el discurso, construyen y negocian su identidad social, sino que, además, intenta identificar y evaluar la efectividad de las estrategias del manejo de la impresión que estos estudiantes utilizan mientras describen un proyecto realizado sobre la lucha por la igualdad de género. Los resultados demuestran que parece existir una correspondencia clara entre el uso efectivo o no de las estrategias del manejo de la impresión y las destrezas que evidencian la inteligencia emocional de los estudiantes.
Políticas de escala e planejamento regional: o Plano de Ação da Macrometrópole Paulista e a Região Metropolitana do Vale do Paraíba e Litoral Norte
Authors: Scaquetti Rosa , Ribeiro-Moreira Pedro
Published: April 2021

As transformações recentes do capitalismo no contexto do processo de neoliberalização do espaço têm implicações sobre a governança regional e metropolitana. Nesse contexto, há um reescalonamento do território e novas regiões de planejamento são criadas, como a Macrometrópole Paulista e a Região Metropolitana do Vale do Paraíba e Litoral Norte, no estado de São Paulo. Este artigo tem o objetivo de discutir limites, potencialidades e implicações da agenda de planejamento nessas imbricadas escalas, com evidência sobre o Plano de Ação da Macrometrópole Paulista, confrontado com diretrizes do planejamento regional em experiências anteriores, notícias da mídia e dados de entrevistas amparados em pesquisa bibliográfica e considerados os critérios de escolha de projetos e interesses que influenciam sua governança. Espera-se que este estudo contribua para o desafio de avançar uma agenda de planejamento mais coerente com as questões macrometropolitanas no quadro do planejamento regional brasileiro.
Frequency of Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Receiving Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Kumar Prem , Das Chaman , Raja Kapeel , Nadeem Muhammad Arif , Akhtar Muhammad Nasim , Rani Shabnam
Published: April 2021

Objective: The purpose behind this study was to determine the frequency of erectile dysfunction in patients receiving pegylated interferon and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Study Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical Unit III, Services Hospital, Lahore.

Period: Six months from 10st July 2017 to 9th January 2018.

Materials and Methods: We have evaluated a total of 130 patients through a consecutive sampling technique who were admitted or visited Out-Patient-Department (OPD) with an underlying diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection and advise to take anti viral regime (Pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy) for HCV treatment and followed after 12 weeks and 24 weeks for erectile dysfunction.

Results: A total of 130 patients with HCV infection were included. The overall mean age of the patients was 37.4±9.6 years. The overall frequency of erectile dysfunction was 83.07%. Among them, equal percentage of patients at 12 and at week 24 did not have erectile dysfunction (N = 76, 58.5%). While severe erectile dysfunction was surprisingly more common at week 12 (14.61%, N = 19) than at week 24 (13.07%, N = 17) of treatment. Significant association of severe erectile dysfunction was only observed at week 12 in age group 40 – 60 years (p <0.05).

Conclusion: Erectile dysfunction is more common and potential side effect of patients being treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin but duration of therapy did not affect the prevalence of sexual impairment although with increasing age, the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is significantly increased.
The Detailed Study of CD10: A Stromal Marker in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Devi Huidrom Jyotsna , Karkuzhali P. , Baskaran P. K. , Lilly S. Mary
Published: April 2021

Breast carcinoma is one of the most frequently occurring cancers among women with one million cases. Breast cancer is the primary cause of death in women around the world. It is one of the major concerns in public health due to its high occurrence and growing tendency.   This complex functional structure develops from a highly modified apocrine sweat gland in the female, but remains rudimentary in male. Breast develops embryological into two lines along milk lines extending from axilla to groin. CD-10 is a 90- to 110-kDa cell surface zinc dependent metalloproteinase which is known as “Common Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Antigen” (CALLA). CD-10 acts  as a stem cell regulator in the breast and  prevents uncontrolled proliferation on stem cells The present study is designed to study the expression of CD-10, a breast carcinoma stromal marker and its correlation with ER, PR and HER2/neu status in breast carcinoma.
Manipulation of the Electronic State of Mott Iridate Superlattice through Protonation Induced Electron‐Filling
Authors: Wang Meng , Hao Lin , Yin Fang , Yang Xin , Shen Shengchun , Zou Nianlong , Cao Hui , Yang Junyi , Lu Nianpeng , Wu Yongshun , Zhang Jianbing , Zhou Hua , Li Jia , Liu Jian , Yu Pu
Published: April 2021

Spin‐orbit‐coupled Mott iridates show great similarity with parent compounds of superconducting cuprates, attracting extensive research interest especially for their electron‐doped states. However, previous experiments have been largely limited within a small doping range due to the absence of effective dopants, and therefore the electron‐doped phase diagram remains elusive. Here, an ionic‐liquid‐gating‐induced protonation method is utilized to achieve electron‐doping into a 5d Mott‐insulator built with a SrIrO3/SrTiO3 superlattice (SL), and a systematic mapping of its electron‐doped phase diagram is achieved with the evolution of the iridium valence state from 4+ to 3+, equivalent to doping of one electron per iridium ion. Along increasing doping level, the parent Mott‐insulator is first turned into a localized metallic state with gradually suppressed magnetic ordering, and then further evolves into a nonmagnetic band insulating state. This work forms an important step forward for the study of electron‐doped Mott iridate systems, and the strategy of manipulating the band filling in an artificially designed SL structure can be readily extended into other systems with more exotic states to explore.