bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
YouTube, Content ID a tvorba uživatelů ve světle článku 17 DSM směrnice
Authors: Laškevičová Jelizaveta
Published: January 2021

Příspěvek na příkladu YouTube jako typické upload-platformy zkoumá dvě cesty nabízené článkem 17 DSM směrnice, jak zachovat soulad sdílení uživatelského obsahu s právem duševního vlastnictví za podmínek nového režimu odpovědnosti upload-platforem. Jedno z nabízených východisek v důsledku vede k zavedení systémů automatizovaného rozpoznávání obsahu. Nástroj Content ID vyvinutý YouTube má předpoklady stát se určujícím pro stanovení standardu, který musí takové systémy splňovat. Proto lze na jeho příkladu hodnotit, zda je cesta filtrování obsahu vhodná pro spravedlivé vyvážení rozličných zájmů zúčastněných subjektů. V příspěvku bude seznáno, že nástroje automatického rozpoznávání obsahu jsou problematické, a bude diskutována německá cesta imple- mentace, která kreativně využívá druhou možnost, tedy získání svolení nositelů práv, pro zavedení nové výjimky. Závěrem bude nastíněn význam německé výjimky pro budoucí efektivní licencování děl za podmínek odstavců 1 a 2 článku 17 DSM směrnice formou zákonné licence.
Weed control in angelica (Angelica archangelica L.)
Authors: Lazarević Jovan , Dragumilo Ana , Marković Tatjana , Savić Aleksandra , Božić Dragana
Published: January 2021

Plantation cultivation of medicinal plants is expanding, and since weed control is the biggest challenge in this production, the aim of the study was to examine the possibility of their control by mulching. In addition, herbicide metamitron was included in the study, the use of which in such crops is acceptable in some countries. Angelica archangelica L. was chosen as the experimental crop as its essential oil from the root is one of the most appreciated on the market, due to which an increase in its production areas can be expected. The experiment was set up in five treatments (completely random block system with four replications), as follows: agrotextile waterproof foil, sawdust, herbicide metamitron, control without weeds (positive) and control with weeds (negative). The highest weediness was recorded in the negative control, and in the treatment with herbicide metamitron. Sawdust mulch resulted in a reduction in weediness, compared to the previous two treatments. Agrotextile foil and positive control were free of weeds. Thus, the best efficiency in weed control was achieved by applying agrotextile mulch foil, which completely prevented weed germination (efficiency 100%), a much weaker effect was achieved by using sawdust (efficiency 51.28%), while metamitron reduced fresh weed biomass by only 26.71%. The obtained results show that mulching as a physical method of weed control in angelica crop is more suitable, in comparison with the application of the herbicide metamitron, if the crop is dominated by grass species, which are not in the spectrum of action of this herbicide. The significance of these results is even greater knowing that in our country metamitron, as well as other herbicides, is not registered for use in medicinal crops.
Uticaj različitih faktora na ispoljavanje brzine i preciznosti šuta u fudbalu
Authors: Rakojević Bojan , Mrdaković Vladimir
Published: January 2021

The main purpose of this paper is to explain the main factors for performance quality of soccer instep kick. Kicking performance of the soccer players could be assessed through the measures of kicking accuracy and ball velocity. The most important factors are approach angle, approach speed and instruction. Also, ball-foot interaction in impact phase during instep soccer kick is very important for performance quailty of instep kick. Speed and foot stiffness have a positive correlation with the speed of the ball, so for the achievement of higher ball speed it is necessary to achieve the maximum speed of the foot before and at the time of contact with the ball. At the same time the strain level of the foot at the moment of contact with the ball should be minimized. In addition, researches were showed that power and strength level of the lower extremity muscles has a positive effects on instep kick performance.
NTC sistem učenja i njegova primena u fizičkom vaspitanju predškolskog deteta
Authors: Radmanić Luča , Vujkov Sandra
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to highlight the importance of early physical activity, because, apart from the health aspect, has consequences on the intellectual level. It was emphasized that the potential legacy formed in this way can not be overcome, and in the lack of early stimulation may not be reached. With movements and dance creativity and learning should be improved. Movement helps children develop not only the body but also their brains, learning ability and social skills. Exercise not only affects the physical development, but also cognitive, emotional and social development of the child. In the years of early childhood, it is important to create, with movement and play, solid connection between the brain, body and senses which significantly stimulate cognitive skills of the child.
Obuka neplivača
Authors: Udicki Miroslav , Vujkov Sandra
Published: January 2021

The aim of this paper is to provide an introduction to the theory of courses for nonswimmers, as well as to provide practical guidances for performing it. For the purpose of this paper, we have explored different methods of training with non-swimmers and pointed out the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. We have also taken into consideration and explained in details the means for mastering the basic elements as part of the initial training of non-swimmers. The choice of working methods in the training with non-swimmers is very demanding task. The conclusion is that multiple problem of training with non-swimmers requires the use of different methods and methodological procedures. The person responsible for method selection is definitely swimming instructor. Proper methods selection in a specific situation will depend on many factors such as the place of training, characteristics of non-swimmers, characteristics of teaching groups, previous studies and so on.
Opšta fizička priprema seniorki u košarci
Authors: Škrbić Jelena , Vujkov Sandra
Published: January 2021

In this paper general physical preparation women seniors in basketball is described through four phases with examples and exercises for development of certain physical abilities that are prevalent in today's basketball.
Criminal protection of young people from alcoholism in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Orlić Suad , Karović Sadmir
Published: January 2021

Alcoholism or alcohol abuse and indulgence in alcohol is one of the most prevalent antisocial phenomena in young people and one of the main causes of their criminal behavior. Namely, there is an increasing tendency for young people to abuse and consume alcohol and to indulge in alcohol frequently as well as the incidence of committing criminal offenses by young people under the decisive influence of alcohol. The paper elaborates the criminal law aspects of protecting young people from alcoholism or alcohol abuse and points out problem of uneven and inadequate legislation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and gives appropriate proposals for changes to existing solution in order to achieve better and more effective criminal law protection of young people from alcohol abuse.
Approved mRNA Vaccines for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Faiman, PhD, MSN, APRN-BC, AOCN®, FAAN Beth
Published: January 2021

Every new year brings a time for reflection and optimism for what lies ahead. In December 2020, two newly approved mRNA vaccines were approved—BNT162b2 mRNA Covid-19 vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna/NIAID)—to protect individuals against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). As I encounter numerous questions from patients, caregivers, and colleagues regarding these vaccines, I thought I would research this important topic and share some insights with you.
Impact of Adherence to Ibrutinib on Clinical Outcomes in Real-World Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: M. Garner, PharmD, BCPPS Lauren , Kline, PharmD, BCPS, BCCP Theresa , Miller, PharmD, BCOP, CPP Jordan , Deal, MS Allison , Zhu, MS, PhD(c) Anqi , R. Sketch, PharmD, MPH Margaret , C. Coombs, MD Catherine , Muluneh, PharmD, BCOP, CPP Benyam
Published: January 2021

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell neoplasm with clonal expansion of small lymphocytes. Ibrutinib, an irreversible inhibitor of Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), is a first-line treatment option, and recent data suggest that strict adherence is directly related to clinical outcomes. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to quantify ibrutinib adherence rates in real-world patients with CLL on ibrutinib; secondary outcomes included progression-free survival and overall survival. Methods: This retrospective study included subjects who were treated at a large academic medical center over approximately 5 years. Subjects were at least 18 years, diagnosed with CLL or small lymphocytic lymphoma, and treated with ibrutinib monotherapy for at least 6 months. Adherence was quantified using the medication possession ratio (MPR), which is the ratio of the sum of days’ supply of medication in a period over the number of days in that period, and was based on fill history from the medical center’s specialty pharmacy. Results: For the 32 subjects in this study, the mean ibrutinib adherence rate was 91.7% (range, 84.4%–100%). Only 3 subjects had disease progression, and 1 death was recorded while on therapy (all with MPR < 95%); therefore, analyses of clinical outcomes were unable to be assessed due to a low number of events. There were no statistically significant differences in rates of adherence based on baseline characteristics and adverse drug events. Conclusion: In patients with CLL treated with ibrutinib, mean adherence was 91.7%, which is lower than rates seen in clinical trials.
Reciprocal interaction between mesenchymal stem cells and transit amplifying cells regulates tissue homeostasis
Authors: Jing Junjun , Feng Jifan , Li Jingyuan , Zhao Hu , Ho Thach-Vu , He Jinzhi , Yuan Yuan , Guo Tingwei , Du Jiahui , Urata Mark , Sharpe Paul , Chai Yang
Published: January 2021

Interaction between adult stem cells and their progeny is critical for tissue homeostasis and regeneration. In multiple organs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) give rise to transit amplifying cells (TACs), which then differentiate into different cell types. However, whether and how MSCs interact with TACs remains unknown. Using the adult mouse incisor as a model, we present in vivo evidence that TACs and MSCs have distinct genetic programs and engage in reciprocal signaling cross talk to maintain tissue homeostasis. Specifically, an IGF-WNT signaling cascade is involved in the feedforward from MSCs to TACs. TACs are regulated by tissue-autonomous canonical WNT signaling and can feedback to MSCs and regulate MSC maintenance via Wnt5a/Ror2-mediated non-canonical WNT signaling. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of coordinated bidirectional signaling interaction between MSCs and TACs in instructing mesenchymal tissue homeostasis, and the mechanisms identified here have important implications for MSC–TAC interaction in other organs.
Chemical composition of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill., Agave durangensis Gentry and Pennisetum sp.
Authors: Moreno-Anguiano Oswaldo , Carrillo-Parra Artemio , Rutiaga-Quiñones José G. , Wehenkel Christian , Pompa-García Marín , Márquez-Montesino Francisco , Pintor-Ibarra Luis F.
Published: January 2021

The particleboard industry faces problems of wood shortage, which has led to the use of non-wood lignocellulosic materials. Furthermore, there is also interest in looking for materials that improve their physical and mechanical properties. The species Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. (fruit), Agave durangensis Gentry (bagasse) and Pennisetum sp. (plant, leaves and stem) could be used in the elaboration of wood-based particleboards. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of using these materials to produce particleboards in accordance with their chemical composition. Five materials were studied, A. durangensis (bagasse), L. aegyptiaca (fruit) and Pennisetum sp. (whole plant, leaves and stem). Extractives, holocellulose, Runkel lignin and ash content was determined. The pH of the fibers was also measured and a microanalysis of the ash was performed. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were carried out, in addition Tukey and Dunn tests for group comparison were performed. Pennisetum sp. leaves presented the highest total extractives and ash content, while L. aegyptiaca fruit and A. durangensis bagasse had the highest both content of holocellulose and Runkel lignin respectively. The lowest pH was presented by the L. aegyptiaca fruit, while the highest was from the Pennisetum sp. stem. The element with the greatest presence in the five materials was potassium, except in A. durangensis bagasse showing calcium. L. aegyptiaca fruit has better characteristics to be used in particleboards with greater mechanical resistance because of its higher holocellulose content. However, Pennisetum sp. (plant, leaves and stem) could be used to make particleboards with high resistance to water absorption.
Prebiotic supplementation effect on Escherichia coli and Salmonella species associated with experimentally induced intestinal coccidiosis in rabbits
Authors: Aboelhadid Shawky M. , Hashem Shaymaa , Abdel-Kafy El-Sayed , Mahrous Lilian N. , Farghly Eman M. , Abdel-Baki Abdel-Azeem S. , Al-Quraishy Saleh , Kamel Asmaa A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Coccidian infection may enhance the proliferation of gut Enterobacteriaceae. Bacterial infections in rabbits can negatively affect the body condition and cause high mortality, especially at young ages. Therefore, the effect of prebiotic supplementation on the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella species in rabbits experimentally infected with intestinal coccidiosis was investigated.

Methods

Thirty male rabbits aged 35–40 days were divided into three equal groups. These groups were; prebiotic supplemented (PS), positive control (PC), and negative control (NC) groups. The prebiotic group was supplemented with 2 g/L of Bio-Mos® until the end of the experiment. At day ten post prebiotic supplementation; the PS and PC groups were inoculated orally with 5.0 × 104 sporulated oocysts of mixed species of rabbit Eimeria. The daily fecal examination was carried out from the day 4 post-infection (PI) until the day 8 PI. At day 5 and day 8 PI, 5 rabbits from each group (PS, PC, and NC) were humanely slaughtered and parts of intestinal tissue were collected for microbiological analysis.

Results

There was a significant decrease (P≤ 0.05) in the oocyst count in the PS group (25.12 × 104 ± 10.36) when compared with the PC group (43.43 × 104 ± 11.52) and this decrease was continued till the end of the experiment. Eleven E. coli isolates were detected in the collected samples with an overall prevalence of 24.4%. The highest prevalence of E. coli was in the PC group (13.33%) while the lowest one was in the PS group (4.44%). Meanwhile, four Salmonella serovars were isolated with an overall prevalence of 8.89%. The NC group showed one serovar (2.22%) and PC revealed three serovars (6.67%) while the prebiotic supplemented group didn’t show any salmonella isolate. Of E. coli isolates, five isolates (O78, O125, O152, O115 and O168) showed high resistance to florfenicol and neomycin (100%). Also, of salmonella serovars, thee serovars (Salmonella entrica subsp. enterica serovar Macclesfield, Salmonella entrica Subsp. enterica serovar Canada and Salmonella entrica Subsp. enterica serovar Kisangani) showed high resistance to sulphamazole, amoxicillin and flumequin (75%) while it was sensitive to levofloxacin and ciprofloxacine (75%). The bacterial colony in this study was the same results at days 5 and 8 PI.

Conclusion

The use of prebiotic as prophylaxis in this experiment significantly reduced the prevalence of E. coli and salmonella associated with the intestinal coccidiosis in rabbits.
Estimating the average daily rainfall in Thailand using confidence intervals for the common mean of several delta-lognormal distributions
Authors: Maneerat Patcharee , Niwitpong Sa-Aat
Published: January 2021

The daily average natural rainfall amounts in the five regions of Thailand can be estimated using the confidence intervals for the common mean of several delta-lognormal distributions based on the fiducial generalized confidence interval (FGCI), large sample (LS), method of variance estimates recovery (MOVER), parametric bootstrap (PB), and highest posterior density intervals based on Jeffreys’ rule (HPD-JR) and normal-gamma-beta (HPD-NGB) priors. Monte Carlo simulation was conducted to assess the performance in terms of the coverage probability and average length of the proposed methods. The numerical results indicate that MOVER and PB provided better performances than the other methods in a variety of situations, even when the sample case was large. The efficacies of the proposed methods were illustrated by applying them to real rainfall datasets from the five regions of Thailand.
Genome-wide identification, evolution, and expression of the SNARE gene family in wheat resistance to powdery mildew
Authors: Wang Guanghao , Long Deyu , Yu Fagang , Zhang Hong , Chen Chunhuan , Wang Yajuan , Ji Wanquan
Published: January 2021

SNARE proteins mediate eukaryotic cell membrane/transport vesicle fusion and act in plant resistance to fungi. Herein, 173 SNARE proteins were identified in wheat and divided into 5 subfamilies and 21 classes. The number of the SYP1 class type was largest in TaSNAREs. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that most of the SNAREs were distributed in 21 classes. Analysis of the genetic structure revealed large differences among the 21 classes, and the structures in the same group were similar, except across individual genes. Excluding the first homoeologous group, the number in the other homoeologous groups was similar. The 2,000 bp promoter region of the TaSNARE genes were analyzed, and many W-box, MYB and disease-related cis-acting elements were identified. The qRT-PCR-based analysis of the SNARE genes revealed similar expression patterns of the same subfamily in one wheat variety. The expression patterns of the same gene in resistant/sensitive varieties largely differed at 6 h after infection, suggesting that SNARE proteins play an important role in early pathogen infection. Here, the identification and expression analysis of SNARE proteins provide a theoretical basis for studies of SNARE protein function and wheat resistance to powdery mildew.
E-HRM Practices for Organizational Sustainability: Evidence from Selected Textile Firms in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Sadiqur , Hosain Md. Sajjad
Published: January 2021

The study aims to ascertain the relationships between five E-HRM practices (independent variables): e-recruitment & selection, electronic & virtual training, e-performance management, e-compensation & benefit, HRIS & e-communication and the single dependent variable: organizational sustainability (OS) measured through profit and market growth. The authors utilized both primary data and secondary information for this empirical study. Primary data were collected through a detailed structured survey questionnaire from a valid sample size of 387 respondents while secondary information were collected from the company annual reports of 2015 to 2019 (last 5 years). Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis were utilized (using SPSS 24) to test the hypothesized relationships. After analyzing the data, it was revealed that all the E-HRM practices had significant positive associations (with p-values more than 0.5) with the dependent variable, OS. The authors expect this study to be proven useful for the academicians in further investigating the associations between the elements of E-HRM and sustainability. It is also anticipated that the outcomes will aid the decision-makers in reducing operational costs and increase profit by adopting environment-friendly policies to gain sustainable development. Furthermore, it might be also helpful for the HR practitioners having the intention of exploring new windows of this recent issue from a developing country perspective.
Analysis of Hydro-Meteorological Variables and Runoff Characteristics in the Sudano-Sahelian Ecological Zone of Nigeria
Authors: Ojoye Samsideen , Ifabiyi I. P. , Ibrahim Ishiaku
Published: January 2021

This study examines the impact of climate change on hydrologic resources of selected rivers and lakes in the Sudano- Sahelian Ecological Zone of Nigeria. Climatologically data acquired were rainfall, temperature and evaporation from Nigeria Meteorological Agency, Oshodi, Lagos. Similarly, the hydrological data of river discharge and lake levels were obtained from Nigeria Hydrological Services, Kaduna. We used the Standardised Anomaly Index to test for fluctuations in rainfall, temperature, runoff and water level in lakes. Mann Kendall statistics were used to examine the trends in the climate variables. Pearman correlation was adopted to test the relationship between runoff and the rainfall variables. The findings revealed a general downward trend in rainfall amounts in the 1970s and 1980s. The findings also detected an upward trend in the amount of rainfall from 1990 to 2019. The correlation results of rainfall attributes and runoff showed significant relationships in annual rainfall (r= 0.61), annual rain-days (r=0.61), rain days of heavy rainfall (r= 0.57) and wet season rainfall (r=0.54). These attributed when combined, revealed a 51% contribution to the overall regression with (r=0.51) at 95% probability level. The study concluded that the Sudano-Sahelian Ecological Zone of Nigeria experiencing an increase in the annual rainfall. The increase in rainfall point to the recovery of the rainfall from the great Sahelian drought of the 1970s and 1980s. The rise in the annual rainfall is a possible influencing factor to the frequent occurrences of flooding in recent time across the ecological zone.
An Experience on Pomalidomide in Patients within Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma - A Multicenter Study in Turkey
Authors: Erkurt Mehmet Ali , Hindilerden Fehmi , Ekinci Omer , Yildiz Jale , Dal Mehmet Sinan , Bagci Metin , Hacibekiroglu Tuba , Dogu Mehmet Hilmi , Namdaroglu Sinem , Basturk Abdulkadir , Gulturk Emine , Merter Mustafa , Saglam Bugra , Demircioglu Sinan , Ozatli Duzgun , Sarici Ahmet , Ulas Turgay , Korkmaz Serdal , Eser Bulent , Altuntas Fevzi
Published: January 2021

Objective: Pomalidomide is a new generation thalidomide analogue. Effectiveness as a single agent or combination with low dose dexamethasone has been in the treatment of relapse/refractory Multiple Myeloma (MM). The aim of the present study was to share the experience of different oncology centres with pomalidomide treatment in patients with relapsed/refractory MM.

Materials and Methods: Seventy-three patients from 16 centres were enrolled into the study. The patients were followed for a median of 6 months. Relapsed/refractory MM patients who received at least one line of treatment before pomalidomide were included into the study.  ISS, R-ISS and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores of the patients and treatment-related side effects were evaluated.

Results: As a result of the median follow-up for 6 months, 36% (26/72) of the patients presented progression. The estimated median PFS was found 29 months. The Cox regression analysis revealed that ECOG affected PFS only, myeloma subtype; ISS and R-ISS scores did not affect PFS. The most common side effects with pomalidomide treatment in our population include neutropenia, infections, anaemia and thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion: In our study, it was statistically shown that the ECOG score was effective in survival in relapsed / refractory MM patients treated by pomalidomide. Therefore, we recommend evaluation of the ECOG score for each patient before treatment in eligible cases.
Integrating Farmer Producer Organisations in Sikkim Organic Mission: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Measures
Authors: Gurung Rajiv , Choubey Manesh
Published: January 2021

Sikkim, a small mountainous state in the northeast region of India launched an organic mission in 2003 and aimed to become fully organic by 2015. Since organic farming was being traditionally practised by most of the Sikkimese farmers since ages, adoption of organic farming in the state was not a difficult task. In 2016, Sikkim was declared “India’s first fully organic state”. However, even after achieving the organic tag, Sikkimese crops have not been able to reach high-value organic markets at a larger scale. Most crops are sold within the state at local markets or roadside-stalls. Production, processing and marketing of organic crops under existing farmer collectives like Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will further boost the organic mission and benefit the farmers. With the help of a primary survey among 60 organic farmers in Sikkim, this paper first identifies the constraints faced by organic farmers existing still after the launch of organic mission and then advocates role and necessity of existing Farmer Producer Organisations to enhance the mission. On the basis of mean score, constraints in order of severity were lack of reliable marketing channels (2.87), low yield(2.67), incidence of pests and diseases (2.40), competition from non-organic food (2.33), lower profitability compared to conventional farming (2.20), exploitation by middlemen (2.12), high transportation costs (1.98), lack of knowledge about bio-inputs and technology (1.90), lack of storage and processing facilities (1.87) and timely access to seeds (1.68).
Nonclassical antagonism between human lysozyme and AMPs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Blumenthal Ian , Davis Lydia R. , Berman Chet M. , Griswold Karl E.
Published: January 2021

Combinations of human lysozyme (hLYS) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are known to exhibit either additive or synergistic activity, and as a result, they have therapeutic potential for persistent and antibiotic‐resistant infections. We examined hLYS activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa when combined with six different AMPs. In contrast to prior reports, we discovered that some therapeutically relevant AMPs manifest striking antagonistic interactions with hLYS across particular concentration ranges. We further found that the synthetic AMP Tet009 can inhibit hLYS‐mediated bacterial lysis. To the best of our knowledge, these results represent the first observations of antagonism between hLYS and AMPs, and they advise that future development of lytic enzyme and AMP combination therapies considers the potential for antagonistic interactions.
Toward improved homecare of frail older adults: A focus group study synthesizing patient and caregiver perspectives
Authors: McDonald Andrew P. , Rizzotti Rowena , Rivera Joanna M. , D'Arcy Ryan C. N. , Park Grace , Song Xiaowei
Published: January 2021

Background

Adopting a better understanding of how both older adults and health care providers view the community management of frailty is necessary for improving home health, especially facing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. We conducted a qualitative focus group study to assess how both older adults and health care providers view frailty and virtual health care in home health.

Methods

Two focus groups enrolled home‐living older adults and health care professionals, respectively (n = 15). Questions targeting the use of virtual / telehealth technologies in‐home care for frail older adults were administered at audio‐recorded group interviews. Transcribed discussions were coded and analyzed using NVivo software.

Results

The older adult group emphasized the autonomy related to increasing frailty and social isolation and the need for transparent dissemination of health care planning. They were optimistic about remote technology‐based supports and suggested that telehealth / health‐monitoring/tracking were in high demand. Health care professionals emphasized the importance of a holistic biopsychosocial approach to frailty management. They highlighted the need for standardized early assessment and management of frailty.

Conclusions

The integrated perspectives provided an updated understanding of what older adults and practitioners value in home‐living supports. This knowledge is helpful to advancing virtual home care, providing better care for frail individuals with complex health care needs.
Gathering brings strength: How organic aggregates boost disease phototheranostics
Authors: Qi Ji , Ou Hanlin , Liu Qian , Ding Dan
Published: January 2021

Phototheranostics that concurrently and complementarily integrate real‐time diagnosis and in situ therapeutic capabilities in one platform has become the advancing edge of precision medicine. Organic agents possess the merits of facile preparation, high purity, tunable photophysical property, good biocompatibility, and potential biodegradability, which have shown great promise for disease theranostics. This review summarizes the recent achievements of organic phototheranostic agents and applications, especially which rationally utilize energy dissipation pathways of Jablonski diagram to modulate the fluorescence emission, photoacoustic/photothermal production, and photodynamic processes. Of particular interest are the systems exhibiting huge differences in aggregate state as compared with the solution or single molecule form, during which the intramolecular motions play an important role in regulating the photophysical properties. The recent advances from such an aspect for biomedical applications including high‐resolution imaging, activatable imaging and therapy, adaptive theranostics, image‐guided surgery, immunotherapy, and afterglow imaging are discussed. A brief summary and perspective in this field are also presented. We hope this review will be helpful to the researchers interested in bioprobe design and theranostic applications, and inspire new insights into the linkage between aggregate science and biomedical field.
Description of the thermodynamic properties and fluid‐phase behavior of aqueous solutions of linear, branched, and cyclic amines
Authors: Perdomo Felipe A. , Khalit Siti H. , Adjiman Claire S. , Galindo Amparo , Jackson George
Published: January 2021

The SAFT‐γ Mie group‐contribution equation of state is used to represent the fluid‐phase behavior of aqueous solutions of a variety of linear, branched, and cyclic amines. New group interactions are developed in order to model the mixtures of interest, including the like and unlike interactions between alkyl primary, secondary, and tertiary amine groups (NH2, NH, N), cyclic secondary and tertiary amine groups (cNH, cN), and cyclic methine‐amine groups (cCHNH, cCHN) with water (H2O). The group‐interaction parameters are estimated from appropriate experimental thermodynamic data for pure amines and selected mixtures. By taking advantage of the group‐contribution nature of the method, one can describe the fluid‐phase behavior of mixtures of molecules comprising those groups over broad ranges of temperature, pressure, and composition. A number of aqueous solutions of amines are studied including linear, branched aliphatic, and cyclic amines. Liquid–liquid equilibria (LLE) bounded by lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) have been reported experimentally and are reproduced here with the SAFT‐γ Mie approach. The main feature of the approach is the ability not only to represent accurately the experimental data employed in the parameter estimation, but also to predict the vapor–liquid, liquid–liquid, and vapor–liquid–liquid equilibria, and LCSTs with the same set of parameters. Pure compound and binary phase diagrams of diverse types of amines and their aqueous solutions are assessed in order to demonstrate the main features of the thermodynamic and fluid‐phase behavior.
Likelihood ratio statistics for gene set enrichment in Alzheimer's disease pathways
Authors: Bryan Jordan , Mandan Arpita , Kamat Gauri , Gottschalk W. Kirby , Badea Alexandra , Adams Kendra J. , Thompson J. Will , Colton Carol A. , Mukherjee Sayan , Lutz Michael W. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The study of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has revealed biological pathways with implications for disease neuropathology and pathophysiology. These pathway‐level effects may also be mediated by individual characteristics or covariates such as age or sex. Evaluation of AD biological pathways in the context of interactions with these covariates is critical to the understanding of AD as well as the development of model systems used to study the disease.

Methods: Gene set enrichment methods are powerful tools used to interpret gene‐level statistics at the level of biological pathways. We introduce a method for quantifying gene set enrichment using likelihood ratio‐derived test statistics (gsLRT), which accounts for sample covariates like age and sex. We then use our method to test for age and sex interactions with protein expression levels in AD and to compare the pathway results between human and mouse species.

Results: Our method, based on nested logistic regressions is competitive with the existing standard for gene set testing in the context of linear models and complex experimental design. The gene sets we identify as having a significant association with AD—both with and without additional covariate interactions—are validated by previous studies. Differences between gsLRT results on mouse and human datasets are observed.

Discussion: Characterizing biological pathways involved in AD builds on the important work involving single gene drivers. Our gene set enrichment method finds pathways that are significantly related to AD while accounting for covariates that may be relevant to disease development. The method highlights commonalities and differences between human AD and mouse models, which may inform the development of higher fidelity models for the study of AD.
The economic cost of delirium: A systematic review and quality assessment
Authors: Kinchin Irina , Mitchell Eileen , Agar Meera , Trépel Dominic
Published: January 2021

Introduction

This review aims to systematically identify and appraise the methodological quality of claims on the cost of delirium; and discuss challenges and opportunities for improvements in the precision of the estimates.

Methods

Searches of scientific papers and gray literature were performed up until June 2020. The Larg and Moss checklist was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies.

Results

After deduplication, the search identified 317 potentially relevant articles, of which 17 articles were eligible for inclusion. After adjusting for inflation and common currency, the cost of delirium ranged between $806 and $24,509 (in 2019 US$).

Discussion

This review found significant variation among the cost estimates and methodological quality. There has been limited focus on dementia as a sequela of delirium in terms of economic implications, but recent evidence suggests cost implications of delirium may be 52% higher when dementia is considered.
Preparation of biaxially oriented polyamide 6/polyketone/graphene oxide films with enhanced barrier and mechanical behaviors
Authors: Lin Fenglong , Liu Yuejun , Song Lijun , Hao Xihai , Liu Xiaochao , Fan Shuhong , Wu Yincai , Mao Long
Published: January 2021

In this study, biaxially oriented polyamide 6/polyketone/graphene oxide (PA6/PK/GO) films were prepared by melt blending then simultaneously biaxially stretched process, with the aim of obtaining high barrier properties films and improvements in their mechanical properties. The oxygen transmission rate of biaxially oriented PA6/PK/GO film significantly decreased with addition of polyketone and GO. It is surprising that the biaxially oriented process can excellently improve the barrier properties of biaxially oriented PA6/PK/GO film. For example, there was 94.7% OTR reduction of the film containing 20 wt% PK and 0.08 wt% GO compared with PA6 film at a stretching ratio of 3.3 × 3.3. It is due to more tortuous permeation path of oxygen molecule owing to molecular orientation during biaxially stretching, and higher relative crystallinity with addition of GO. The tensile strength of film was remarkablly improved by stretching orientation and increase GO concentration. However, the elongation at break of film was considerably reduced by increase of stretching ratio. Although addition of GO may slightly improve the elongation at break of film at low stretching ratio, there was dramatic decline of elongation at break with increasing the content of GO at a stretching ratio of 3.3 × 3.3.
Active layer modification of commercial nanofiltration membrane using CuBTC/PVA matrix for improved surface and separation characteristics
Authors: Sharma Uttkarshni , Shalini Shweta , Basu Subhankar , Saravanan Pichiah , Jang Min
Published: January 2021

The present study proposes a facile route for the modification of commercial nanofiltration (NF) polymeric membrane by embedding metal organic framework (MOF) via dip coating. A mixed membrane matrix comprising of copper benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate (CuBTC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) served as the new active layer. The obtained topography, functional group, and surface elemental analysis elucidated the presence of heterogeneous phase and the distribution of the MOF on the membrane. The dip coating well supported the modification through excellent adhesion. The water wettability of the modified membrane displayed a positive correlation with CuBTC loading in the PVA polymer matrix. Permeation and separation characteristics of the resultant membranes were investigated by retaining protein and carbohydrates from synthetic dairy wastewater (SDWW). The permeability rate of modified samples increased to 43% as compared to the commercial NF membrane. A significant improvement in the rejection rate of carbohydrate from 61% to 87% and protein from 88% to 94% was achieved. Membrane Fouling was found to be much lesser for the modified samples. The study highlights the potential of CuBTC as filler material for enhancing the separation characteristic of established NF membrane.
The challenge of calibrating a laser‐interferometric gravitational wave detector
Authors: Frajuca Carlos , Prado Andre R. C. , Souza Marco A. , Magalhaes Nadja S.
Published: January 2021

In 2015, the first direct detection of gravitational waves was reported. Data analysis indicated that the waves had originated from the violent collision of two black holes, which scattered them through space–time as Einstein predicted. That detection was made possible by many advances in measurement technology, mainly vibration isolation of the detector optics, since, at 10 Hz, the motion of the laser‐interferometric detector mirrors is at least one billion times smaller than the seismic motion of the ground. As well, it is difficult to lock the laser in the detection configuration in a large band of the spectrum; this was made possible by using many feedback and feed‐forward control loops. However, in order to meet the many demanding requirements, more than a hundred of such active systems are included in a detector to allow locked acquisition and locked stability to, eventually, reach the desired sensitivity. In this work, challenges faced to reach some of these requirements will be described and we analyze how this scenario impacts the calibration of such detectors. In order to help reduce false alarm rates and provide data for veto systems, in this work we propose a specific kind of resonant‐mass detector to operate in coincidence with laser‐interferometric ones.
Safety of “hot” and “cold” site admissions within a high‐volume urology department in the United Kingdom at the peak of the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Stroman Luke , Russell Beth , Kotecha Pinky , Kantartzi Anastasia , Ribeiro Luis , Jackson Bethany , Ismaylov Vugar , Debo‐Aina Adeoye Oluwakanyinsola , MacAskill Findlay , Kum Francesca , Kulkarni Meghana , Sandher Raveen , Walsh Anna , Doerge Ella , Guest Katherine , Kailash Yamini , Simson Nick , McDonald Cassandra , Mensah Elsie , June Tay Li , Chalokia Ramandeep , Clovis Sharon , Eversden Elizabeth , Cossins Jane , Rusere Jonah , Zisengwe Grace , Fleure Louisa , Cooper Leslie , Chatterton Kathryn , Barber Amelia , Roberts Catherine , Azavedo Thomasia , Ritualo Jeffrey , Omana Harold , Mills Liza , Studd Lily , El Hage Oussama , Nair Rajesh , Malde Sachin , Sahai Arun , Fernando Archana , Taylor Claire , Challacombe Benjamin , Thurairaja Ramesh , Popert Rick , Olsburgh Jonathon , Cathcart Paul , Brown Christian , Hadjipavlou Marios , Di Benedetto Ella , Bultitude Matthew , Glass Jonathon , Yap Tet , Zakri Rhana , Shabbir Majed , Willis Susan , Thomas Kay , O’Brien Tim , Khan Muhammad Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To determine the safety of urological admissions and procedures during the height of the COVID‐19 pandemic using “hot” and “cold” sites. The secondary objective is to determine risk factors of contracting COVID‐19 within our cohort.

Patients and methods

A retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients admitted from March 1 to May 31, 2020 at a high‐volume tertiary urology department in London, United Kingdom. Elective surgery was carried out at a “cold” site requiring a negative COVID‐19 swab 72‐hours prior to admission and patients were required to self‐isolate for 14‐days preoperatively, while all acute admissions were admitted to the “hot” site.

Complications related to COVID‐19 were presented as percentages. Risk factors for developing COVID‐19 infection were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 611 patients, 451 (73.8%) male and 160 (26.2%) female, with a median age of 57 (interquartile range 44‐70) were admitted under the urology team; 101 (16.5%) on the “cold” site and 510 (83.5%) on the “hot” site. Procedures were performed in 495 patients of which eight (1.6%) contracted COVID‐19 postoperatively with one (0.2%) postoperative mortality due to COVID‐19. Overall, COVID‐19 was detected in 20 (3.3%) patients with two (0.3%) deaths. Length of stay was associated with contracting COVID‐19 in our cohort (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13‐1.39).

Conclusions

Continuation of urological procedures using “hot” and “cold” sites throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic was safe practice, although the risk of COVID‐19 remained and is underlined by a postoperative mortality.
Effects ofCO2/NO/SO2in flue gas on selenium adsorption on carbonaceous surface
Authors: Wang Ruobing , Zou Chan
Published: January 2021

The effects of different flue gas compositions (CO2, NO, and SO2) on selenium (Se) adsorption mechanism over carbonaceous surface (CS) were explored using density functional theory (DFT). Considering weak interaction in the adsorption process, B3LYP‐D3/6‐31G(d) was employed to conduct geometry optimization and frequency calculations, and B3LYP‐D3/6‐311+G(d, p) was used to obtain more accurate single point energy. Results show that when the Se atom was absorbed on CS, the adsorption energies were −588.86 kJ/mol and −646.56 kJ/mol, respectively. It suggests that the adsorption process between Se atom and CS belongs to chemical adsorption. CO2and NO have negative effect on Se adsorption on CS, while SO2can promote the adsorption capacity of CS for Se atom. In order to further explain how SO2enhances the adsorption capacity of CS for Se, the atomic dipole moment corrected Hirshfeld (ADCH) charges were calculated. Calculation results show that SO2enhanced the electronegativity of the active site, contributing to the Se adsorption. Mayer bond order and ADCH charge are reliable tools to analyze adsorption process. Calculation results reveal the influencing mechanism of different flue gas compositions on Se adsorption, which can lay the theoretical basis for the control of Se during coal combustion.
Implementation and design of an interleaved Cuk converter with selective input current ripple elimination capability
Authors: Taghizadegan Kalantari Navid , Ghabeli Sani Sajad , Sarsabahi Yaser
Published: January 2021

Nowadays, buck–boost DC–DC converters are widely used in numerous power devices. However, to have a suitable buck–boost DC–DC converter, reducing the input current ripple seems to be necessary. Also, having a lower current ripple at the converter output allows using low‐cost, long‐life ceramic capacitors instead of electrolytic capacitors. The presented buck–boost converter is made by interleaving two Cuk converters with positive and negative output voltage polarity, which provides the chance to eliminate the input current ripple at the selective duty cycle. The selective duty ratio can be determined by designing the inductors amounts at the input side of both converters. Though a new combination for the buck–boost converter is presented, which has zero input current ripple and low output current ripple which is obtained by output inductors. The converter maximum voltage gain is 2D/1‐D and has easy control. In conclusion, a prototype model with 100‐W output power is implemented, and the theoretical analysis and laboratory results are compared and validated.
Plasticity of the paternal brain: Effects of fatherhood on neural structure and function
Authors: Horrell Nathan D. , Acosta Melina C. , Saltzman Wendy
Published: January 2021

Care of infants is a hallmark of mammals. Whereas parental care by mothers is obligatory for offspring survival in virtually all mammals, fathers provide care for their offspring in only an estimated 5%–10% of genera. In these species, the transition into fatherhood is often accompanied by pronounced changes in males’ behavioral responses to young, including a reduction in aggression toward infants and an increase in nurturant behavior. The onset of fatherhood can also be associated with sensory, affective, and cognitive changes. The neuroplasticity that mediates these changes is not well understood; however, fatherhood can alter the production and survival of new neurons; function and structure of existing neurons; morphology of brain structures; and neuroendocrine signaling systems. Although these changes are thought to promote infant care by fathers, very little evidence exists to support this hypothesis; in most cases, neither the mechanisms underlying neuroplasticity in fathers nor its functional significance is known. In this paper, we review the available data on the neuroplasticity that occurs during the transition into fatherhood. We highlight gaps in our knowledge and future directions that will provide key insights into how and why fatherhood alters the structure and functioning of the male brain.
Charging potential measurement of floating electrode modeled on the arc shield of vacuum interrupter under AC voltage application
Authors: Fukuda Hideaki , Yamamura Kenta , Fujita Issei , Kusa Ryutaro , Yamano Yasushi
Published: January 2021

A charging potential of a floating electrode modeled on vacuum interrupter was measured under unipolar AC voltage application using a surface potential meter. As a result, when a lower voltage was applied to the samples, only an induced potential depending on the electrostatic capacities of the sample and surrounding objects around the sample was measured from the floating electrode. However, in the case of high voltage application, not only induced voltage but also a positive charging potential was observed from the floating electrode which was enough to change the potential of the floating electrode. This is due to the field electron emission from the floating electrode itself.