bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Differentiation of Cultivated Land Use Intensification in Village Settings: A Survey of Typical Chinese Villages
Authors: Li Quanfeng , Dong Zhe , Du Guoming , Yang Aizheng
Published: March 2021

The intensified use of cultivated land is essential for optimizing crop planting practices and protecting food security. This study employed a telecoupling framework to evaluate the cultivated land use intensification rates in typical Chinese villages (village cultivated land use intensifications—VCLUIs). The pressure–state–response (PSR) model organizes the VCLUI indexes including the intensity press, output state, and structural response of cultivated land use. Empirical analysis conducted in Baiquan County, China, indicating that the cultivated land use intensification levels of the whole county were low. However, the intensifications of villages influenced by physical and geographic locations and socioeconomic development levels varied significantly. This paper also found that variations in the VCLUIs were mainly dependent on new labor-driven social subsystem differences. Thus, the expanding per capita farmland scales and increasing numbers of new agricultural business entities were critical in improving the VCLUI. Overall, the theoretical framework proposed in this study was demonstrated to be effective in analyzing interactions among the natural, social, and economic subsystems of the VCLUI. The findings obtained in this study potentially have important implications for future regional food security, natural stability, and agricultural land use sustainability.
On Derived Change of State Verbs in Southern Aymara
Authors: Vera Gabriel
Published: March 2021

There are two main approaches to change of state verbs. One adopts an approach in terms of a total change (becomeP, for base predicate P), i.e., a change from not being in the extension of the base predicate to being in it. The other adopts an approach in terms of a relative change (becomemore P, for base predicate P), i.e., a change for a theme in which it increases in the extent to which it holds the property denoted by the base predicate. Different languages have been analyzed using one or the other approach. I argue that both proposals are actually appropriate for analyzing related but not (completely) overlapping phenomena in the domain of derived change of state verbs in the very same language. This proposal is based on the discussion of change of state verbs in Southern Aymara that are derived with the suffixes -pta and -ra. I show that verbs with -pta convey the meaning of total change and that verbs with -ra convey the meaning of relative change. I further discuss how expressions with -pta and -ra interact: expressions with -ra implicate that the theme does not change from not being in the extension of the base to being in it. I propose an account in terms of scalar implicatures in which -pta and -ra are lexical alternatives, thus extending the domain of linguistic phenomena for which the computation of scalar implicatures is relevant.
Primitive Compartmentalization for the Sustainable Replication of Genetic Molecules
Authors: Mizuuchi Ryo , Ichihashi Norikazu
Published: March 2021

Sustainable replication and evolution of genetic molecules such as RNA are likely requisites for the emergence of life; however, these processes are easily affected by the appearance of parasitic molecules that replicate by relying on the function of other molecules, while not contributing to their replication. A possible mechanism to repress parasite amplification is compartmentalization that segregates parasitic molecules and limits their access to functional genetic molecules. Although extent cells encapsulate genomes within lipid-based membranes, more primitive materials or simple geological processes could have provided compartmentalization on early Earth. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the types and roles of primitive compartmentalization regarding sustainable replication of genetic molecules, especially from the perspective of the prevention of parasite replication. In addition, we also describe the ability of several environments to selectively accumulate longer genetic molecules, which could also have helped select functional genetic molecules rather than fast-replicating short parasitic molecules.
Green Energy Efficient Routing with Deep Learning Based Anomaly Detection for Internet of Things (IoT) Communications
Authors: Lydia E. Laxmi , Jovith A. Arokiaraj , Devaraj A. Francis Saviour , Seo Changho , Joshi Gyanendra Prasad
Published: March 2021

Presently, a green Internet of Things (IoT) based energy aware network plays a significant part in the sensing technology. The development of IoT has a major impact on several application areas such as healthcare, smart city, transportation, etc. The exponential rise in the sensor nodes might result in enhanced energy dissipation. So, the minimization of environmental impact in green media networks is a challenging issue for both researchers and business people. Energy efficiency and security remain crucial in the design of IoT applications. This paper presents a new green energy-efficient routing with DL based anomaly detection (GEER-DLAD) technique for IoT applications. The presented model enables IoT devices to utilize energy effectively in such a way as to increase the network span. The GEER-DLAD technique performs error lossy compression (ELC) technique to lessen the quantity of data communication over the network. In addition, the moth flame swarm optimization (MSO) algorithm is applied for the optimal selection of routes in the network. Besides, DLAD process takes place via the recurrent neural network-long short term memory (RNN-LSTM) model to detect anomalies in the IoT communication networks. A detailed experimental validation process is carried out and the results ensured the betterment of the GEER-DLAD model in terms of energy efficiency and detection performance.
Asymptotically Exact Constants in Natural Convergence Rate Estimates in the Lindeberg Theorem
Authors: Gabdullin Ruslan , Makarenko Vladimir , Shevtsova Irina
Published: March 2021

Following (Shevtsova, 2013) we introduce detailed classification of the asymptotically exact constants in natural estimates of the rate of convergence in the Lindeberg central limit theorem, namely in Esseen’s, Rozovskii’s, and Wang–Ahmad’s inequalities and their structural improvements obtained in our previous works. The above inequalities involve algebraic truncated third-order moments and the classical Lindeberg fraction and assume finiteness only the second-order moments of random summands. We present lower bounds for the introduced asymptotically exact constants as well as for the universal and for the most optimistic constants which turn to be not far from the upper ones.
Imaging of Bladder Cancer: Standard Applications and Future Trends
Authors: Abouelkheir Rasha Taha , Abdelhamid Abdalla , Abou El-Ghar Mohamed , El-Diasty Tarek
Published: March 2021

The evolution in imaging has had an increasing role in the diagnosis, staging and follow up of bladder cancer. Conventional cystoscopy is crucial in the diagnosis of bladder cancer. However, a cystoscopic procedure cannot always depict carcinoma in situ (CIS) or differentiate benign from malignant tumors prior to biopsy. This review will discuss the standard application, novel imaging modalities and their additive role in patients with bladder cancer. Staging can be performed with CT, but distinguishing between T1 and T2 BCa (bladder cancer) cannot be assessed. MRI can distinguish muscle-invasive from non-muscle-invasive tumors with accurate local staging. Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) score is a new diagnostic modality used for the prediction of tumor aggressiveness and therapeutic response. Bone scintigraphy is recommended in patients with muscle-invasive BCa with suspected bony metastases. CT shows low sensitivity for nodal staging; however, PET (Positron Emission Tomography)/CT is superior and highly recommended for restaging and determining therapeutic effect. PET/MRI is a new imaging technique in bladder cancer imaging and its role is promising. Texture analysis has shown significant steps in discriminating low-grade from high-grade bladder cancer. Radiomics could be a reliable method for quantitative assessment of the muscle invasion of bladder cancer.
Bruxism in Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Luconi Elisa , Togni Lucrezia , Mascitti Marco , Tesei Andrea , Nori Alessandra , Barlattani Alberta , Procaccini Maurizio , Santarelli Andrea
Published: March 2021

The role of bruxism in children and adolescents with Down syndrome, the most often diagnosed congenital syndrome, is still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to conduct a narrative review of the literature about bruxism in children and adolescents with Down syndrome to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and possible treatments of this disorder. Although an accurate estimate of its prevalence could not be inferred, it appears that bruxism is more prevalent in Down syndrome individuals rather than in the general pediatric population. No gender difference was observed, but a reduction in its prevalence was described with increasing age (around 12 years). The variability in the diagnostic techniques contributed to the heterogeneity of the literature data. Clinicopathological features of Down syndrome, such as muscle spasticity, oral breathing, and a predisposition to obstructive sleep apnea, may suggest a higher prevalence of bruxism in this patient group. Finally, given the paucity of studies on the management of bruxism in this population, it was not possible to outline a standard protocol for the non-invasive treatment of cases in which an observational approach is not sufficient.
Extracorporeal Gas Exchange for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Open Questions, Controversies and Future Directions
Authors: Giani Marco , Redaelli Simone , Siragusa Antonio , Fumagalli Benedetta , Rona Roberto , Foti Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) improves gas exchange and allows lung rest, thus minimizing ventilation-induced lung injury. In the last forty years, a major technological and clinical improvement allowed to dramatically improve the outcome of patients treated with V-V ECMO. However, many aspects of the care of patients on V-V ECMO remain debated. In this review, we will focus on main issues and controversies on caring of ARDS patients on V-V ECMO support. Particularly, the indications to V-V ECMO and the feasibility of a less invasive extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal will be discussed. Moreover, the controversies on management of mechanical ventilation, prone position and sedation will be explored. In conclusion, we will discuss evidences on transfusions and management of anticoagulation, also focusing on patients who undergo simultaneous treatment with ECMO and renal replacement therapy. This review aims to discuss all these clinical aspects with an eye on future directions and perspectives.
A New Approach to Determine Tensile Stress-Strain Evolution in Semi-Solid State at Near-Solidus Temperature of Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Rakhmonov Jovid , Qassem Mohamed , Larouche Daniel , Liu Kun , Javidani Mousa , Colbert Josée , Chen X.-Grant
Published: March 2021

Accurate determination of the materials’ strength and ductility in the semi-solid state at near-solidus temperatures is essential, but it remains a challenging task. This study aimed to develop a new method to determine the stress-strain evolution in the semi-solid state of aluminum alloys within the Gleeble 3800 unit. Stress evolution was determined by the newly developed “L-gauge” method, which converted the displacement of the “restrained” jaw, measured using an L-gauge, into the force. This method gives the possibility to determine the flow stress more accurately, especially for the very low stress rang (1–10 MPa) in the semi-solid state at near-solidus temperatures. The digital image correlation technique implemented in the Gleeble unit allowed effective measurement of the heterogeneous strain fields evolving within the specimen under tensile loading. Therefore, the stress-strain curves measured in the semi-solid state help to better understand the alloy’s susceptibility to hot tearing. The results of an AA6111 alloy under different liquid fractions (2.8% at 535 °C and 5.8% at 571 °C) were demonstrated. The reliable stress-strain data and heterogenous strain distribution are beneficial to develop the thermomechanical models and hot-tearing criteria.
Study on the Extraction and Separation of Zinc, Cobalt, and Nickel Using Ionquest 801, Cyanex 272, and Their Mixtures
Authors: Liu Wensen , Zhang Jian , Xu Zhenya , Liang Jie , Zhu Zhaowu
Published: March 2021

Both Cyanex 272 (bis (2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid) and Ionquest 801 (2-ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester) are commonly used for metal extraction and separation, particularly for zinc, cobalt, and nickel, which are often found together in processing solutions. Detailed metal extractions of zinc, cobalt, and nickel were studied in this paper using Cya-nex 272, Ionquest 801, and their mixtures. It was found that they performed very similarly in zinc selectivity over cobalt. Cyanex 272 performed much better than Ionquest 801 in cobalt separation from nickel. However, very good separation of them was also obtained with Ionquest 801 at its low concentration with separation factors over 4000, indicating high metal loading of cobalt can significantly suppress nickel extraction. Slop analysis proved that two moles of dimeric extractants were needed for one mole extraction of zinc and cobalt, but three moles were needed for the extraction of one mole nickel. A synergistic effect was found between Cyanex 272 and Ionquest 801 for three metal extractions with the synergistic species of M(AB) determined by the Job’s method.
The Evaluation of Front Shapes of Through-the-Thickness Fatigue Cracks
Authors: Zakavi Behnam , Kotousov Andrei , Branco Ricardo
Published: March 2021

Fatigue failure of structural components due to cyclic loading is a major concern for engineers. Although metal fatigue is a relatively old subject, current methods for the evaluation of fatigue crack growth and fatigue lifetime have several limitations. In general, these methods largely disregard the actual shape of the crack front by introducing various simplifications, namely shape constraints. Therefore, more research is required to develop new approaches to correctly understand the underlying mechanisms associated with the fatigue crack growth. This paper presents new tools to evaluate the crack front shape of through-the-thickness cracks propagating in plates under quasi-steady-state conditions. A numerical approach incorporating simplified phenomenological models of plasticity-induced crack closure was developed and validated against experimental results. The predicted crack front shapes and crack closure values were, in general, in agreement with those found in the experimental observations.
Switching-On Fluorescence by Copper (II) and Basic Anions: A Case Study with a Pyrene-Functionalized Squaramide
Authors: Picci Giacomo , Milia Jessica , Aragoni Maria Carla , Arca Massimiliano , Coles Simon J. , Garau Alessandra , Lippolis Vito , Montis Riccardo , Orton James B. , Caltagirone Claudia
Published: March 2021

The new symmetric acyclic N,N’-bis(1-pyrenyl) squaramide (H2L) functionalized with the pyrene moiety as a fluorogenic fragment has been designed and its ability to selectively detect specific anions and metals investigated. H2L selectively binds Cl− both in solution (DMSO 0.5% H2O and MeCN) and in the solid state, and allows to selectively detect Cu2+ in MeCN with the formation of a 2:1 metal-receptor complex, with a green intense emission appreciable by naked eye under the UV lamp. The H2L copper complex preserves its emission properties in the presence of Cl−. The addition of basic anions (OH−, CN−, and F−) up to 10 equivalents caused the deprotonation of the squaramide NHs and a dramatic change of the emission properties of the H2L copper complex.
Potential Therapeutic Targets of Quercetin, a Plant Flavonol, and Its Role in the Therapy of Various Types of Cancer through the Modulation of Various Cell Signaling Pathways
Authors: Almatroodi Saleh A. , Alsahli Mohammed A. , Almatroudi Ahmad , Verma Amit Kumar , Aloliqi Abdulaziz , Allemailem Khaled S. , Khan Amjad Ali , Rahmani Arshad Husain
Published: March 2021

Polyphenolic flavonoids are considered natural, non-toxic chemopreventers, which are most commonly derived from plants, fruits, and vegetables. Most of these polyphenolics exhibit remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Quercetin (Qu) is a chief representative of these polyphenolic compounds, which exhibits excellent antioxidant and anticancer potential, and has attracted the attention of researchers working in the area of cancer biology. Qu can regulate numerous tumor-related activities, such as oxidative stress, angiogenesis, cell cycle, tumor necrosis factor, proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. The anticancer properties of Qu mainly occur through the modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), apoptosis, phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase (P13K)/Akt (proteinase-kinase B)/mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase)/ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2), and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. The anticancer potential of Qu is documented in numerous in vivo and in vitro studies, involving several animal models and cell lines. Remarkably, this phytochemical possesses toxic activities against cancerous cells only, with limited toxic effects on normal cells. In this review, we present extensive research investigations aimed to discuss the therapeutic potential of Qu in the management of different types of cancers. The anticancer potential of Qu is specifically discussed by focusing its ability to target specific molecular signaling, such as p53, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), VEGF, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), PI3K/Akt, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. The anticancer potential of Qu has gained remarkable interest, but the exact mechanism of its action remains unclear. However, this natural compound has great pharmacological potential; it is now believed to be a complementary—or alternative—medicine for the prevention and treatment of different cancers.
Magnetic Configurations in Modulated Cylindrical Nanowires
Authors: Bran Cristina , Fernandez-Roldan Jose Angel , del Real Rafael P. , Asenjo Agustina , Chubykalo-Fesenko Oksana , Vazquez Manuel
Published: March 2021

Cylindrical magnetic nanowires show great potential for 3D applications such as magnetic recording, shift registers, and logic gates, as well as in sensing architectures or biomedicine. Their cylindrical geometry leads to interesting properties of the local domain structure, leading to multifunctional responses to magnetic fields and electric currents, mechanical stresses, or thermal gradients. This review article is summarizing the work carried out in our group on the fabrication and magnetic characterization of cylindrical magnetic nanowires with modulated geometry and anisotropy. The nanowires are prepared by electrochemical methods allowing the fabrication of magnetic nanowires with precise control over geometry, morphology, and composition. Different routes to control the magnetization configuration and its dynamics through the geometry and magnetocrystalline anisotropy are presented. The diameter modulations change the typical single domain state present in cubic nanowires, providing the possibility to confine or pin circular domains or domain walls in each segment. The control and stabilization of domains and domain walls in cylindrical wires have been achieved in multisegmented structures by alternating magnetic segments of different magnetic properties (producing alternative anisotropy) or with non-magnetic layers. The results point out the relevance of the geometry and magnetocrystalline anisotropy to promote the occurrence of stable magnetochiral structures and provide further information for the design of cylindrical nanowires for multiple applications.
Ball Milled Graphene Nano Additives for Enhancing Sliding Contact in Vegetable Oil
Authors: Omrani Emad , Siddaiah Arpith , Moghadam Afsaneh Dorri , Garg Uma , Rohatgi Pradeep , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: March 2021

Graphite nanoplatelets (GNPs) as an oil nano additive has gained importance to enhance the lubrication properties of renewable lubricants, such as vegetable oils. Using appropriately processed GNPs is necessary to gain the required tribological advantage. The present study investigated ball-milled GNPs, to understand the effect of GNPs concentration, and applied load on tribological behavior. Pin-on-disk tests were employed, to investigate the tribological performance of the nano-additive oil-based lubricant in the boundary lubrication regime. In order gain an understanding of the lubrication mechanism, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Raman Spectroscopy were performed for characterization. The study found that there is a critical concentration of GNPs, below and above which a reduced wear rate is not sustained. It is found that the tribological enhancements at the optimum concentration of GNP in boundary lubrication condition are a result of reduced direct metal–metal contact area at the interface. This phenomenon, along with the reduced shear strength of the ball-milled GNPs, is indicated to reduce the formation of asperity junctions at the interface and enhance tribological properties of the nano-additive oil-based lubricant.
Technology-Enhanced Health Promotion for College Students: A Seed Development Project
Authors: Fackler Carol A. , Baugh Nancy , Lovegren Ann A. , Nemeroff Carol , Whatley Blum Janet
Published: March 2021

Obesity is an issue for young adults in the U.S. This population is particularly vulnerable to weight gain as they move from adolescence to young adulthood, especially as they transition from high school to college. Adopting a health promotion approach, a university-based cluster of researchers, community advocates, and a technology partner embarked on a two-year seed development project that focused on development, implementation, and evaluation of a web-based healthy lifestyle intervention for college students. Using a mixed-method design, two convenience samples of residential university students were recruited to participate in a 4-week intervention called Eat, Move, Live, in which they interacted with a newly-created comprehensive website about management of a healthy lifestyle. Participants’ post-intervention readiness for change increased by 15% (eating and life balance behaviors) to 23% (moving behaviors). Participants reported increased awareness of eating behaviors, and feelings of engagement in tracking their fruit and vegetable consumption. Findings suggest that technology may be utilized to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of achieving students’ individual goals related to healthy living. These preliminary findings have implications for increasing the development and implementation of technological approaches to health promotion for young adult students.
Differential Effects of Antiseptic Mouth Rinses on SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity In Vitro
Authors: Xu Chuan , Wang Annie , Hoskin Eileen R. , Cugini Carla , Markowitz Kenneth , Chang Theresa L. , Fine Daniel H.
Published: March 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is detectable in saliva from asymptomatic individuals, suggesting a potential benefit from the use of mouth rinses to suppress viral load and reduce virus spread. Published studies on the reduction of SARS-CoV-2-induced cytotoxic effects by mouth rinses do not exclude antiseptic mouth rinse-associated cytotoxicity. Here, we determined the effect of commercially available mouth rinses and antiseptic povidone-iodine on the infectivity of replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 viruses and of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 viruses. We first determined the effect of mouth rinses on cell viability to ensure that antiviral activity was not a consequence of mouth rinse-induced cytotoxicity. Colgate Peroxyl (hydrogen peroxide) exhibited the most cytotoxicity, followed by povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), and Listerine (essential oils and alcohol). The potent antiviral activities of Colgate Peroxyl mouth rinse and povidone-iodine were the consequence of rinse-mediated cellular damage when the products were present during infection. The potency of CHG was greater when the product was not washed off after virus attachment, suggesting that the prolonged effect of mouth rinses on cells impacts the antiviral outcome. To minimalize mouth rinse-associated cytotoxicity, mouth rinse was largely removed from treated viruses by centrifugation prior to infection of cells. A 5% (v/v) dilution of Colgate Peroxyl or povidone-iodine completely blocked viral infectivity. A similar 5% (v/v) dilution of Listerine or CHG had a moderate suppressive effect on the virus, but a 50% (v/v) dilution of Listerine or CHG blocked viral infectivity completely. Mouth rinses inactivated the virus without prolonged incubation. The new infectivity assay, with limited impacts of mouth rinse-associated cytotoxicity, showed the differential effects of mouth rinses on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results indicate that mouth rinses can significantly reduce virus infectivity, suggesting a potential benefit for reducing SARS-CoV-2 spread.
Pathogen Dose in Animal Models of Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Infections and the Potential Impact on Studies of the Immune Response
Authors: Warner Bryce M.
Published: March 2021

Viral hemorrhagic fever viruses come from a wide range of virus families and are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide each year. Animal models of infection with a number of these viruses have contributed to our knowledge of their pathogenesis and have been crucial for the development of therapeutics and vaccines that have been approved for human use. Most of these models use artificially high doses of virus, ensuring lethality in pre-clinical drug development studies. However, this can have a significant effect on the immune response generated. Here I discuss how the dose of antigen or pathogen is a critical determinant of immune responses and suggest that the current study of viruses in animal models should take this into account when developing and studying animal models of disease. This can have implications for determination of immune correlates of protection against disease as well as informing relevant vaccination and therapeutic strategies.
Congenital Hypofibrinogenemia in a Neonate with a Novel Mutation in the FGB Gene
Authors: Shinozuka Jun , Okumura Nobuo , Nagasawa Mayumi , Nishikado Motokazu , Kadowaki Sayaka , Katsuda Itsuro , Imashuku Shinsaku
Published: March 2021

Detection of severe hypofibrinogenemia (<50 mg/dL) in a neonate soon after birth is alarming because of the risk of hemorrhage. A female neonate was noted to be hypofibrinogenemic (<50 mg/dL) on day 0 of birth; she showed no thrombocytopenia/coagulopathy or hemorrhagic symptoms. Considering the possibility of afibrinogenemia, which may cause bleeding, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) was initiated twice a week to maintain her plasma fibrinogen level at 50–100 mg/dL. Thereafter, we found hypofibrinogenemia in her father and elder sister and plasma fibrinogen levels, determined by clot formation and immunological methods, showed similarly reduced values in both the neonate (proband) and her father. Based on a presumed diagnosis of congenital hypofibrinogenemia, sequencing of the fibrinogen genes was performed, revealing a novel heterozygous mutation of FGB (Genbank NG008833); a p.403Try>Stop. The neonate was treated with repeat FFP infusions until two months of age, when treatment was stopped because she remained asymptomatic.
Philosophy and Psychology Engaged: The Sincere, Practical, Timely and Felicitous Proposal of a Highly Suitable Marriage
Authors: Culliford Larry
Published: March 2021

Multiple impending threats signify a pressing need for improved social relations globally. School leavers, curious about people and life, are naturally attracted to philosophy and psychology. An open alliance of the two will enhance their contributions towards a healthier future for humanity. A six-stage scheme of developmental psychology towards ‘individuation’, ‘full personality integration’ and ‘universalism’—including a description of transition processes between stages—defines shared goals for both disciplines. A paradigm change introduces a hierarchically superior, seamlessly encompassing, ‘spiritual’ dimension to the established physical, biological, psychological and social dimensions of human experience and understanding, and shifts dominance from worldly, materialist priorities towards a set of universal values associated with wisdom. Influencing education, science, politics and economics, this development produces worldwide benefits. To further character development towards wisdom and maturity, thus promoting humanity’s psychological and philosophical evolution, undergraduate courses can be modified simply and gradually by introducing students to ‘wisdom practice’ routines aimed at broadening horizons of experience and promoting helpful skills, including those of contemplation, meditation, discernment, empathy, and self-control. Following the Conclusion, an Addendum ends the paper with a closing allegory to convey the wisdom of such a suggestion, pointing towards a timely, practical and potentially profitable new beginning.
Research on Local Heating Regeneration Method for Air-Conditioning Systems
Authors: Cheng Feng , Wu Yunlei , Li Xiuwei
Published: March 2021

Absorption air-conditioning systems have a great advantage in terms of energy conservation and environmental protection. However, the large amount of energy waste in the thermal regeneration process leads to lower efficiency and impedes its development. To reduce energy loss and improve performance, a local heating regeneration method is proposed in this paper. The main principle is reducing the volume of the liquid participating regeneration. Including the solar steam mode, two modes are introduced and configured. Theoretical and experimental research has been made on the new methods. Models have been developed for comparison analysis. Experiments have been conducted on water and absorbent solution with different modes. Performance has been evaluated based on the experimental data. The results expose the influence of different parameters, like liquid volume and solution concentration, on the regeneration process. The local heating method improved the regeneration efficiency by 40% in the no solar steam mode and the performance tripled in the solar steam mode. The COP (the ratio of cooling load to energy consumption) of the absorption system with the solar steam mode is more than two times of that with the traditional regeneration mode. It shows the local heating regeneration method has good potential in future application.
Chitosan-Coating Effect on the Characteristics of Liposomes: A Focus on Bioactive Compounds and Essential Oils: A Review
Authors: Sebaaly Carine , Trifan Adriana , Sieniawska Elwira , Greige-Gerges Hélène
Published: March 2021

In recent years, liposomes have gained increasing attention for their potential applications as drug delivery systems in the pharmaceutic, cosmetic and food industries. However, they have a tendency to aggregate and are sensitive to degradation caused by several factors, which may limit their effectiveness. A promising approach to improve liposomal stability is to modify liposomal surfaces by forming polymeric layers. Among natural polymers, chitosan has received great interest due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. This review discussed the characteristics of this combined system, called chitosomes, in comparison to those of conventional liposomes. The coating of liposomes with chitosan or its derivatives improved liposome stability, provided sustained drug release and increased drug penetration across mucus layers. The mechanisms behind these results are highlighted in this paper. Alternative assembly of polyelectrolytes using alginate, sodium hyaluronate, or pectin with chitosan could further improve the liposomal characteristics. Chitosomal encapsulation could also ensure targeted delivery and boost the antimicrobial efficacy of essential oils (EOs). Moreover, chitosomes could be an efficient tool to overcome the major drawbacks related to the chemical properties of EOs (low water solubility, sensitivity to oxygen, light, heat, and humidity) and their poor bioavailability. Overall, chitosomes could be considered as a promising strategy to enlarge the use of liposomes.
A Sensitive and Fast Fiber Bragg Grating-Based Investigation of the Biomechanical Dynamics of In Vitro Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Mishra Satyendra Kumar , Mac-Thiong Jean-Marc , Wagnac Éric , Petit Yvan , Ung Bora
Published: March 2021

To better understand the real-time biomechanics of soft tissues under sudden mechanical loads such as traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), it is important to improve in vitro models. During a traumatic SCI, the spinal cord suffers high-velocity compression. The evaluation of spinal canal occlusion with a sensor is required in order to investigate the degree of spinal compression and the fast biomechanical processes involved. Unfortunately, available techniques suffer with drawbacks such as the inability to measure transverse compression and impractically large response times. In this work, an optical pressure sensing scheme based on a fiber Bragg grating and a narrow-band filter was designed to detect and demonstrate the transverse compression inside a spinal cord surrogate in real-time. The response time of the proposed scheme was 20 microseconds; a five orders of magnitude enhancement over comparable schemes that depend on costly and slower optical spectral analyzers. We further showed that this improvement in speed comes with a negligible loss in sensitivity. This study is another step towards better understanding the complex biomechanics involved during a traumatic SCI, using a method capable of probing the related internal strains with high-spatiotemporal resolution.
A Comparative Study of Window Size and Channel Arrangement on EEG-Emotion Recognition Using Deep CNN
Authors: Keelawat Panayu , Thammasan Nattapong , Numao Masayuki , Kijsirikul Boonserm
Published: March 2021

Emotion recognition based on electroencephalograms has become an active research area. Yet, identifying emotions using only brainwaves is still very challenging, especially the subject-independent task. Numerous studies have tried to propose methods to recognize emotions, including machine learning techniques like convolutional neural network (CNN). Since CNN has shown its potential in generalization to unseen subjects, manipulating CNN hyperparameters like the window size and electrode order might be beneficial. To our knowledge, this is the first work that extensively observed the parameter selection effect on the CNN. The temporal information in distinct window sizes was found to significantly affect the recognition performance, and CNN was found to be more responsive to changing window sizes than the support vector machine. Classifying the arousal achieved the best performance with a window size of ten seconds, obtaining 56.85% accuracy and a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.1369. Valence recognition had the best performance with a window length of eight seconds at 73.34% accuracy and an MCC value of 0.4669. Spatial information from varying the electrode orders had a small effect on the classification. Overall, valence results had a much more superior performance than arousal results, which were, perhaps, influenced by features related to brain activity asymmetry between the left and right hemispheres.
Siamese Networks-Based People Tracking Using Template Update for 360-Degree Videos Using EAC Format
Authors: Tai Kuan-Chen , Tang Chih-Wei
Published: March 2021

Rich information is provided by 360-degree videos. However, non-uniform geometric deformation caused by sphere-to-plane projection significantly decreases tracking accuracy of existing trackers, and the huge amount of data makes it difficult to achieve real-time tracking. Thus, this paper proposes a Siamese networks-based people tracker using template update for 360-degree equi-angular cubemap (EAC) format videos. Face stitching overcomes the problem of content discontinuity of the EAC format and avoids raising new geometric deformation in stitched images. Fully convolutional Siamese networks enable tracking at high speed. Mostly important, to be robust against combination of non-uniform geometric deformation of the EAC format and partial occlusions caused by zero padding in stitched images, this paper proposes a novel Bayes classifier-based timing detector of template update by referring to the linear discriminant feature and statistics of a score map generated by Siamese networks. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme significantly improves tracking accuracy of the fully convolutional Siamese networks SiamFC on the EAC format with operation beyond the frame acquisition rate. Moreover, the proposed score map-based timing detector of template update outperforms state-of-the-art score map-based timing detectors.
RcdMathLib: An Open Source Software Library for Computing on Resource-Limited Devices
Authors: Kasmi Zakaria , Norrdine Abdelmoumen , Schiller Jochen , Güneş Mesut , Motzko Christoph
Published: March 2021

We developped an open source library called RcdMathLib for solving multivariate linear and nonlinear systems. RcdMathLib supports on-the-fly computing on low-cost and resource-constrained devices, e.g., microcontrollers. The decentralized processing is a step towards ubiquitous computing enabling the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) applications. RcdMathLib is modular- and layer-based, whereby different modules allow for algebraic operations such as vector and matrix operations or decompositions. RcdMathLib also comprises a utilities-module providing sorting and filtering algorithms as well as methods generating random variables. It enables solving linear and nonlinear equations based on efficient decomposition approaches such as the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) algorithm. The open source library also provides optimization methods such as Gauss–Newton and Levenberg–Marquardt algorithms for solving problems of regression smoothing and curve fitting. Furthermore, a positioning module permits computing positions of IoT devices using algorithms for instance trilateration. This module also enables the optimization of the position by performing a method to reduce multipath errors on the mobile device. The library is implemented and tested on resource-limited IoT as well as on full-fledged operating systems. The open source software library is hosted on a GitLab repository.
Effect of (100) and (001) Hexagonal WO3 Faceting on Isoprene and Acetone Gas Selectivity
Authors: O. Abe Owen , Qiu Zanlin , R. Jinschek Joerg , Gouma Pelagia-Irene
Published: March 2021

The hexagonal WO3 polymorph, h-WO3, has attracted attention due to its interatomic channels, allowing for a greater degree of intercalation compared to other WO3 polymorphs. Our research group has previously demonstrated h-WO3 to be a highly sensitive gas sensing material for a flu biomarker, isoprene. In this work, the gas sensing performance of this polymorph has been further investigated in two distinct configurations of the material produced by different processing routes. The first sample was synthesized using Na2WO4·2H2O and showed (100) faceting. The second sample was synthesized using WCl6 and showed (001) faceting. The gas sensing response of the nanostructured films deposited using the (100) textured h-WO3 sample 1 had a higher response to acetone at 350 °C. The (001) textured h-WO3 sample 2 favored isoprene at 350 °C. The selectivity of the latter to isoprene is explained in terms of the dangling bonds present on the (001) facets. The tungsten and oxygen dangling bonds present on the (001) plane favor the adsorption of the isoprene molecule over that of the acetone molecule due to the oxygen containing dipole present in the acetone molecule.
Social Capital and Post-Secondary Decision-Making Alignment for Low-Income Students
Authors: Missaghian Rod
Published: March 2021

How is post-secondary decision-making influenced by the types of social capital students access? This study draws from interviews with 30 students in a low-income neighbourhood to examine who they turn to for post-secondary advice during the application process. Interactions with different ties and their influence on decision-making alignment, misalignment or uncertainty are explored. I find that students who report relying more on bonding (family and friends) social capital over (bridging) ties with school personnel demonstrate more misalignment in decision-making. In contrast, those who rely more on ties with school personnel exhibit more decision-making alignment. Many students whose proposed choices demonstrated alignment also lacked overall ‘fit’ and had unrealistic aspirations, except for a select few who reported close and consistent relationships with institutional agents. These findings contribute to the social capital literature examining the potential of institutional agents to help low-income students circumvent social stratification processes.
Assessment of Climate Change in Italy by Variants of Ordered Correspondence Analysis
Authors: Cembalo Assuntina , Lombardo Rosaria , Beh Eric J. , Romano Gianpaolo , Ferrucci Michele , Pisano Francesca M.
Published: March 2021

This paper explores climate changes in Italy over the last 30 years. The data come from the European observation gridded dataset and are concerned with the temperature throughout the country. We focus our attention on two Italian regions (Lombardy in northern Italy and Campania in southern Italy) and on two particular years roughly thirty years apart (1986 and 2015). Our primary aim is to assess the most important changes in temperature in Italy using some variants of correspondence analysis for ordered categorical variables. Such variants are based on a decomposition method using orthogonal polynomials instead of singular vectors and allow one to easily classify the meteorological station observations. A simulation study, based on bootstrap sampling, is undertaken to demonstrate the reliability of the results.
Breeding biology of a Tawny Owl Strix aluco population in southwestern Sweden - a 15 year survey
Authors: Ericsson Peter , Nilsson Lars-Ove , Haglund Kent , Ericsson Daniel
Published: March 2021

The breeding biology of the Tawny Owl Strix aluco was studied during 15 years in a 1,000 km2 area in south-western Sweden. The owls were breeding in c. 170 nest boxes, one in each of a potential territory. Occupancy rose from less than 20% in the first years to better than 50% in most of the later years. During the first years most nest boxes were relocated to sites within the territories that we considered to be of better quality. Absence of any increase in 48 high quality control territories indicates that the relocations were important for increasing population size. Nesting success was positively correlated with population density. This unexpected result could regrettably not be analyzed in relation to food abundance as we estimated food abundance by the number of prey found in nests. Bank vole, field vole and wood mice were the most predominant prey. All these three taxa had a peak in 2010 when owl density also peaked. The mean brood size was 2.3 young, similar to that in other European populations.
A Second brood in Canada Geese Branta canadensis?
Authors: Berg Charlotte , Lerner Henrik
Published: March 2021

Canada Geese Branta canadensis do normally not produce more than one clutch per year. On the island of Nidingen off the west coast of Sweden a pair of Canada Geese successfully reared one early brood of young in the spring (2 and 8 young respectively in 2011 and 2012). Apparently the same pair in both years, approximately 35–40 days after hatching the first brood, laid a second batch of eggs in the same nest. In this paper, these events are described in detail and alternative explanations are discussed. No indications of adoption of young or change of partner in the couple could be identified; hence the hypothesis of a true second brood remains strong.
Numbers of Taiga Bean Geese Anseer f. fabalis utilizing the western and central flyways through Sweden during springtime 2007–2015
Authors: Skyllberg Ulf
Published: March 2021

Bean Geese Anser fabalis were counted at all known spring staging sites in south-central Sweden within the time window when geese migrating along the western and central flyways had left their wintering grounds in Denmark and southernmost Sweden, but before they had crossed the Bothnian Bay to Finland. Reliable counts were obtained for seven years 2007–2015: 57,000 in 2007, 55,500 in 2008, 49,300 in 2009, 46,900 in 2011, 47,400 in 2012, 53,900 in 2014, and 60,200 in 2015. The increase between 2011 and 2015 was significant and may be related to recently decreased hunting pressure in Finland. Subtraction of an estimated 4,000 Tundra Bean Geese Anser f. rossicus and addition of two small populations of Taiga Bean Geese Anser f. fabalis wintering in the UK and in NW Jutland that were likely missed in the counts, yielded a total estimate of 44,200–57,500 Taiga Bean Geese utilizing the western and central flyways. Based on these counts, combined with data on geese wintering east of the Baltic Sea, I estimate the world population to 68,000 Taiga Bean Geese in 2015.
Cyclic fatigue resistance of VDW.ROTATE and Reciproc Blue nickel-titanium files at root canal temperature
Authors: Uygun Ahmet Demirhan
Published: March 2021

Background. This study aimed to compare the VDW.ROTATE instruments with the Reciproc Blue instruments in different kinematics in terms of the cyclic fatigue resistance. Methods. Sixty instruments, 40 VDW.ROTATE and 20 Reciproc Blue instruments, were divided into three groups (n=20): VDW.ROTATE was used in both continuous rotation and reciprocation, and Reciproc Blue was used in reciprocation only. The cyclic fatigue resistance test was carried out in an artificial canal (60°, r=3 mm) at an intracanal temperature of 35±2°C until fracture, and the time to fracture was recorded in seconds. The data were analyzed statistically using Kruskal–Wallis and Tamhane’s T2 tests (P<0.05). Results. DAll the reciprocating motion groups resulted in a longer mean duration to failure than the continuous rotation motion group (P<0.05). Conclusion. It was observed that the Reciproc Blue instruments had higher cyclic fatigue resistance than VDW.ROTATE instruments (P<0.05). Recent studies have shown that reciprocal movement increases cyclic fatigue resistance compared to rotational movement. The VDW.ROTATE instrument, which has a similar size, design, and alloy as the Reciproc Blue instrument, can also be used by clinicians in reciprocating motion with endo motors capable of reciprocating in different directions. However, even if the cyclic fatigue resistance increases by using VDW.ROTATE instruments in reciprocation, the cyclic fatigue resistance is lower than Reciproc Blue instruments.