bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Neurological and Neurosurgical Presentations of SARSCoV2 Affected Patients: A Systematic Review.
Authors: Selina Farhana , Talha Khandaker Abu , Ahmed Mostafa Taufiq , Karim Ishrat Jahan , Nasir Morshed , Latif Sonia , Perveen Rawshan Ara , Bhattacharya Ramanuj
Published: July 2021

Presentation with neurological complaint is not very uncommon. Few patients report with intracerebral hemorrhage which are considered as cases of neurosurgical intervention, on the other hand respiratory depression and encephalitis patients need care in Neurosurgical intensive care unit (Neurosurgical ICU) for treating or measuring intracranial pressure (ICP). This systematic review includes 2683 COVID- 19 patients of 17 articles who had neurological manifestations. Out of these 17 studies 8 articles were retrospective case series, 3 were prospective case series, 3 were case reports, 2 were cross-sectional and 1 cohort study. Headache was commonest neurological feature presented in 7 studies. Cerebro-vascular problem, loss of smell and impaired conscious level was present in four studies each. Seizure was presenting feature in 3 studies. There were series where patients reported with loss of taste. Other presenting features were dizziness and ataxia. Previous studies supported that Corona virus can cause encephalitis, multiple sclerosis or cerebral hemorrhage. Respiratory failure due to damage of cardiorespiratory center of brainstem by COVID- 19 virus has not been ruled out.
Bang. J Neurosurgery 2021; 10(2): 169-174
Performance Analysis of different Anode Materials of a Double Chambered Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Moinee Abdullah Al , Sanzida Nahid
Published: July 2021

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical systems (BES) that can oxidize and convert biodegradable wastes directly into electricity via microbial metabolism. Since the oxidation half-cell of an MFC consists of the biodegradable electrolyte and anode, the selection of the right anode materials is essential to optimize the performance of MFCs. Anode acts as the governing support for the growth of biofilm to transfer the electrons. In general, anode materials must have a reasonable surface area for bacterial growth, good conduction, excellent biocompatibility, chemical stability, high mechanical strength, and low cost. In this work, graphite bar, aluminum foil, and carbon cloth were tested as an anode. The comparative performances of them were analyzed in a double chambered MFC containing industrial wastewater with respect to the power density and waste removal efficiency of MFCs. The carbon cloth anode provided better output than graphite bar and aluminum foil. The 10 days of batch operation for carbon cloth anode resulted in a maximum of 672.34 mWm-3 power density and 52.20% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD).

Chemical Engineering Research Bulletin 21(2020) 26-31
Preparationand Physico-Chemical Properties Evaluation of Biodiesel from Pithraj (Aphanamixis Polystachya)Seeds available in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmmed Md Razu , Hasan Md Ikramul , Mortuza Md Golam , Mohammad Ismail -
Published: July 2021

In this study, Pithraj (Aphanamixis polystachya) seed (PS) oil was used to produce biodiesel via trans-esterification process. The PS oil was extracted from seed using a soxhlet solvent extraction technique and the effect of temperature and heating rate on product distribution was investigated. The PS oil was pretreated (esterified) to combat the saponification reaction and other associated problems e.g., phase separation. The transesterification reactions were carried out and the optimum biodiesel yield was found 93.87%, when the reaction condition was as follows: addition of 50 wt.% methanol, 0.8 wt.% NaOH (both are on the basis of wt.% of PS oil addition), 60 °C reaction temperature and 90 min reaction time. Biodiesel produced from PS oil was characterized by various physico-chemical means and compared with international standards. The use of the produced biodiesel in blend with commercial diesel will bring a remarkable change in fuel economy of the country, will ensure a clean and safe environment and will demonstrate a way for ‘Waste to Energy’.

Chemical Engineering Research Bulletin 21(2020) 43-48
Safety Performance Assessment of Hazardous Chemical Facilities in Bangladesh Using Indexing Approach
Authors: Mondal Uddipta , Salsabil Nishat , Khan Easir A
Published: July 2021

This paper presents evaluation of safety performance of three hazardous facilities based on current safety practice by measuring their safety weighted hazard indices (SWeHI) of multifarious units of chemical process and what can be done to avoid any potential accidents in context of Bangladesh. Assessing hazard potential over safety procuration is a key indicator of how well a facility is prepared to reduce its vulnerability. The risks associated with hazardous facilities are always greater in a country like Bangladesh as the safety issues are not often been prioritized by its key stakeholders. In recent years, there were number of deadly accidents occurred in the chemical industries and storage warehouses which resulted multiple fatalities and significant property damage. The accident could be avoided using proper safety protocols in those facilities. Here safety performance of three facilities was assessed based on survey data. These facilities deal with flammable, explosive and toxic chemicals. This index is on the basis of fire & explosions properties and toxic release properties as well as the safety precautions against it. It helps professionals to identify the overall hazard potential and distinguish less protected units from other well operated units. The paper features on an approximate yet workable assessment of risks at a low cost and based on the current safety practices.

Chemical Engineering Research Bulletin 21(2020) 60-68
Impact of Trans-Boundary Pollution (PM-2.5) on the Air Quality of Dhaka City in Bangladesh
Authors: Dihan Musfekur R , Nayeem SM Abu , Choudhury MAA Shoukat
Published: July 2021

Clean air is a basic need of human beings for its existence. In recent years, air pollution in city areas, especially in Dhaka and Chittagong, has become a significant threat to health and well-being. Dhaka is found to suffer a high level of pollution during the dry season, which is from November to April, especially for Particulate Matter, PM2.5, concentration. From December to February this situation is found to be the worst crossing the WHO guidelines and National Ambient Air Quality Standard. Bangladesh is surrounded by countries with the fastest-growing economy like India and China who use coal-burning technologies for different purposes such as producing power and running mills. They release the lion’s share of the air pollutants in South Asia and these pollutants easily get transported to neighboring countries. This is known as transboundary pollution. This study investigates the contribution of transboundary transportation of PM-2.5 in the air quality of Dhaka city. Ninety-Six hours of air mass back trajectories were computed using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT-4) model and those trajectories were grouped into 6 clusters. Probability calculation showed that Dhaka city air has a higher probability of getting pollutants from long-range sources when air masses traveled through North, West, and North-West direction covering the North Eastern and North-Western territories of India, Nepal, and its neighboring areas. Concentration Weighted Trajectory (CWT) analysis also supported that those areas could be potential sources of getting unwanted PM-2.5 on our atmosphere.

Chemical Engineering Research Bulletin 21(2020) 114-120
Collagenous Fibroma at the Surgical Site after Thyroidectomy for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Yun Ji Min , Chang Sunhee , So Yoon Kyoung
Published: July 2021

Collagenous fibroma (CF) is a rare benign tumor that occurs at various anatomical sites including the head and neck. CFs are often omitted from differential diagnosis before surgery. We describe a case of CF in a 54-year-old male who presented with a growing neck mass of 1-year duration at the site of previous right hemithyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Although radiologic findings demonstrated a benign tumor, surgical excision was carried out per patient’s preference and to rule out recurrent thyroid cancer. The mass was severely adherent to the surrounding muscles, but was resected completely without any injury to the adjacent structures. Histological studies revealed CF. The postoperative course was uneventful without vocal fold paralysis. CFs can be a diagnostic challenge in preoperative evaluation. Conservative excision was sufficient in most cases without recurrence. Clinicians should be aware of CFs in diagnosis, especially in postoperative site.
Ultra-high performance concrete made from the insertion of glass residues as supplementary cement material
Authors: Oliveira João Victor da Cunha , Morais Crislene Rodrigues da Silva , Meira Frankslale Fabian Diniz de Andrade
Published: July 2021

Portland cement concrete manufacturing techniques in the world have an immense variability, since each location concentrates natural resources with unique characteristics, sometimes similar, but with always different process conditions, such as: labor, equipment, environmental conditions, processing, storage, among others. The aim of this work is to develop cementitious composites partially replacing mineral admixtures by powdered glass residues, evaluating the physical-mechanical behavior through axial compression strength, as well as the production of hydrated phases through x-ray diffraction, both at 28 days. Cement, silica fume, metakaolin, powder glass residue, polycarboxylic ether-based superplasticizer, and low temperature water were used to prepare different compositions of ultra-high performance concrete. The preparation took place with the aid of a mechanical bench mixer, and the densification was carried out with the aid of an immersion vibrator in cylindrical molds 50 x 100 mm. After unshaped, the specimens received heat treatment, with isotherm at 60°C for 36 hours, followed by wet curing in a tank saturated with calcium hydroxide, until the tests of compression strength and x-ray diffraction were carried out. The results show that the composition added with the residue, replacing metakaolin, behaved in an adequate manner, with compressive strength equivalent to the reference composition (silica fume + metakaolin), as well as the production of the same hydrated compounds. However, the application of only the glass residue or metakaolin reduced the intensity of the pozzolanic reactions, justified by the presence of a high content of calcium hydroxide in the compositions, which allows us to conclude that the powder glass residue presents viability as a filler, when replacing metakaolin in the presence of silica fume, as it does not compromise the performance of the mixtures made.
The impact of political decisions on the tourist accommodation occupancy – Central Europe in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: KORINTH Bartosz
Published: July 2021

Tourism is one of the most dynamically developing branches of many national economies, remaining to this day one of the most important industries in the world. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, or to be more precise, radical measures introduced by most governments to prevent its spread, have led to its collapse. The aim of the article is to look at the changes in the occupancy of tourist accommodation facilities (which resulted from political decisions) and to indicate which of these decisions seem most justifiable and relevant. When it comes to the research area, Central Europe was chosen as it is a region which, in the last few years, has recorded annual increases in international tourist traffic. Based on the results of the study conducted, we may state that all Central European countries have recorded a decrease in the occupancy of tourist accommodation facilities in the period from March to June 2020 (a decrease of app. 85% in comparison to the same period last year). Among the least affected by the crisis are Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia. The situation in the so-called Alpine countries is due to the fact that their governments decided to unfreeze the economy quite early.
Transformácia plodnosti na Slovensku v čase a priestore
Authors: ŠPROCHA Branislav , BAČÍK Vladimír
Published: July 2021

Fertility in Slovakia has been undergoing significant, and in many aspects historically unique transformational changes for almost three decades. The main features include a decrease in the intensity of childbearing, changes in the fertility tempo in the context of postponement transition, as well as in the age concentration of reproduction and the legitimacy of children. These changes appear to be characterized by significant temporal and spatial differences. The main aim of the paper is to analyze these transformational changes in the fertility process at the district level in two time sections. Based on the acquired knowledge, we then try to create a typology of districts of Slovakia in terms of intensity, timing (age distribution) and the legitimacy of fertility. In this way, we try to contribute to the current evaluation of the current state, the identification of spatial differences and possible changes in time, which in such a comprehensive form have not yet been implemented at the regional level in Slovakia. Using an anonymised primary database from childbirth surveys, indicators were constructed for two 5-year periods presenting fertility quantum and tempo, contributions of selected age groups to total fertility rates, as well as the legitimacy of children born. Subsequently, using the factor and cluster method, a typology of districts of Slovakia was created in terms of the state of the fertility process in the first half of the 90s and at present.
Philosophy of education: “Tut Wuri Handayani” as the spirit of governance process in Indonesia's educational organization
Authors: Hermawan Agus , Tan Emily B.
Published: July 2021

‘Tut Wuri Handayani’ is the slogan of the National Education of Indonesia, written in Sanskrit. It is a philosophy of education that Ki Hajar Dewantara originally promoted. Practically, it is an accumulation of educational processes that prioritize the transformation of good character and knowledge through a governance organization that is instigated by educational leadership. In this regard, the paper utilizes the literature review method to get information from researchers published in refereed journals regarding process governance, model of governance organization in school and synthesizes the information to show how the school leaders can promote “Tut Wuri Handayani” in order that it can be integrated into the school governance. This paper invites researchers to apply qualitative research designs to explore the possibility of implementing the Philosophy Education: “Tut Wuri Handayani” in the governance organization of Schools in Indonesia. Indonesia's educational system has experimented with several forms of leadership. The paper discusses the necessity of promoting the Indonesian philosophy of education, ‘Tut Wuri Handayani,' to preserve its worth as a guide for all school leaders and instructors to maintain a positive attitude and behavior to achieve educational goals. School leaders and instructors are encouraged to use this Indonesian Philosophy of Education to ensure that children always receive a decent education and in all places. The authors also recommend that module and curriculum creators collaborate with learning facilitators to integrate the Philosophy of Education: ‘Tut Wuri Handayani' as one of the school governance principles and values. In addition, this research suggests that future researchers use qualitative research designs to investigate the influence of the implementation of ‘Tut Wuir Handayani' on students, school leaders, teachers, and other stakeholders in a sample of Indonesian schools.
Roman mining in Hispania : Segobriga and the exploitation of lapis specularis
Authors: Martin-Merino Mario
Published: July 2021

In the vicinity of the ancient Roman city of Segobriga, evidence of significant mining activity during Roman times has been found, especially linked to the exploitation of lapis specularis, a material in high demand for construction purposes. It is a type of crystallized plaster that is naturally found in high concentrations. Due to its composition, it is easily exfoliable and large flakes can be obtained that can reach two meters in length. This mining industry reached its peak between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. In Hispania it stood out for its quality and exceptional qualities. Its commercialization produced great benefits and great prosperity in those areas where it was exploited and, in many cases, served as an element to strengthen their Romanization. In cities like Segobriga, the urban and economic development derived from the exploitation of this material mainly favored their local elites.
Multifunctional Lignin-Based Composite Materials for Emerging Applications
Authors: Ma Chang , Kim Tae-Hee , Liu Kun , Ma Ming-Guo , Choi Sun-Eun , Si Chuanling
Published: July 2021

Lignin exhibited numerous advantages such as plentiful functional groups, good biocompatibility, low toxicity, and high carbon content, which can be transformed into composites and carbon materials. Lignin-based materials are usually environmentally friendly and low cost, and are widely used in energy storage, environment, electronic devices, and other fields. In this review article, the pretreatment separation methods like hydrothermal process are illustrated briefly, and the properties and categories of technical lignin are introduced. Then, the latest progress of lignin-based composites and lignin-derived carbon materials is summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future developments were suggested based on our knowledge. It is expected that this review paper favored the applications of composites and lignin-derived carbon materials in the future.
A Highly Sensitive and Selective Probe for the Colorimetric Detection of Mn(II) Based on the Antioxidative Selenium and Nitrogen Co-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots and ABTS•+
Authors: Xu Qinhai , Liu Xiaolin , Jiang Yanglin , Wang Peng
Published: July 2021

Herein, selenium and nitrogen co-doped carbon quantum dots (Se/N-CQDs) were hydrothermally synthesized by using citric acid, histidine, and sodium selenite, which had sp3 and sp2 hybridized carbon atoms and showed excitation-dependent fluorescence behavior. Furthermore, due to the redox reaction of ABTS•+ and Se/N-CQDs, Se/N-CQDs had the excellent antioxidant capacity that it was demonstrated by scavenging ABTS•+ with the fading of blue. Based on the synergistic effect of Se/N-CQDs and Mn(II) on ABTS•+, Se/N-CQDs and ABTS•+, as a stable, sensitive, selective, and reproducible colorimetric sensor, was applied to the detection of Mn(II) with a detection limit of 1.69 μM and a linear range of 0 to 142.90 μM. More importantly, the probe was successfully applied to detecting Mn(II) in tap water, illustrating that it could be a promising tool for Mn(II) detection in water environments.
Rapid and Accurate Data Processing for Silver Nanoparticle Oxidation in Nano-Impact Electrochemistry
Authors: Zhao Xi-Han , Zhou Yi-Ge
Published: July 2021

In recent years, nano-impact electrochemistry (NIE) has attracted widespread attention as a new electroanalytical approach for the analysis and characterization of single nanoparticles in solution. The accurate analysis of the large volume of the experimental data is of great significance in improving the reliability of this method. Unfortunately, the commonly used data analysis approaches, mainly based on manual processing, are often time-consuming and subjective. Herein, we propose a spike detection algorithm for automatically processing the data from the direct oxidation of sliver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in NIE experiments, including baseline extraction, spike identification and spike area integration. The resulting size distribution of AgNPs is found to agree very well with that from transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing that the current algorithm is promising for automated analysis of NIE data with high efficiency and accuracy.
Recent Advances in Research on Antibacterial Metals and Alloys as Implant Materials
Authors: Jiao Juyang , Zhang Shutao , Qu Xinhua , Yue Bing
Published: July 2021

Implants are widely used in orthopedic surgery and are gaining attention of late. However, their use is restricted by implant-associated infections (IAI), which represent one of the most serious and dangerous complications of implant surgeries. Various strategies have been developed to prevent and treat IAI, among which the closest to clinical translation is designing metal materials with antibacterial functions by alloying methods based on existing materials, including titanium, cobalt, tantalum, and biodegradable metals. This review first discusses the complex interaction between bacteria, host cells, and materials in IAI and the mechanisms underlying the antibacterial effects of biomedical metals and alloys. Then, their applications for the prevention and treatment of IAI are highlighted. Finally, new insights into their clinical translation are provided. This review also provides suggestions for further development of antibacterial metals and alloys.
Automated Left Ventricle Ischemic Scar Detection in CT Using Deep Neural Networks
Authors: O'Brien Hugh , Whitaker John , Singh Sidhu Baldeep , Gould Justin , Kurzendorfer Tanja , O'Neill Mark D. , Rajani Ronak , Grigoryan Karine , Rinaldi Christopher Aldo , Taylor Jonathan , Rhode Kawal , Mountney Peter , Niederer Steven
Published: July 2021

Objectives: The aim of this study is to develop a scar detection method for routine computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging using deep convolutional neural networks (CNN), which relies solely on anatomical information as input and is compatible with existing clinical workflows.

Background: Identifying cardiac patients with scar tissue is important for assisting diagnosis and guiding interventions. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the gold standard for scar imaging; however, there are common instances where it is contraindicated. CTA is an alternative imaging modality that has fewer contraindications and is faster than Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging but is unable to reliably image scar.

Methods: A dataset of LGE MRI (200 patients, 83 with scar) was used to train and validate a CNN to detect ischemic scar slices using segmentation masks as input to the network. MRIs were segmented to produce 3D left ventricle meshes, which were sampled at points along the short axis to extract anatomical masks, with scar labels from LGE as ground truth. The trained CNN was tested with an independent CTA dataset (25 patients, with ground truth established with paired LGE MRI). Automated segmentation was performed to provide the same input format of anatomical masks for the network. The CNN was compared against manual reading of the CTA dataset by 3 experts.

Results: Note that 84.7% cross-validated accuracy (AUC: 0.896) for detecting scar slices in the left ventricle on the MRI data was achieved. The trained network was tested against the CTA-derived data, with no further training, where it achieved an 88.3% accuracy (AUC: 0.901). The automated pipeline outperformed the manual reading by clinicians.

Conclusion: Automatic ischemic scar detection can be performed from a routine cardiac CTA, without any scar-specific imaging or contrast agents. This requires only a single acquisition in the cardiac cycle. In a clinical setting, with near zero additional cost, scar presence could be detected to triage images, reduce reading times, and guide clinical decision-making.
Right Ventricular Function and Its Coupling With Pulmonary Circulation in Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension: A Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Study
Authors: Li Yidan , Guo Dichen , Gong Juanni , Wang Jianfeng , Huang Qiang , Yang Shu , Zhang Xinyuan , Hu Huimin , Jiang Zhe , Yang Yuanhua , Lu Xiuzhang
Published: July 2021

Objective: To assess right ventricular (RV) function and RV-pulmonary arterial (PA) coupling by three-dimensions echocardiography and investigate the ability of RV-PA coupling to predict adverse clinical outcomes in patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Methods: We retrospectively collected a longitudinal cohort of 203 consecutive precapillary PH patients. RV volume, RV ejection fraction (RVEF), and RV longitudinal strain (RVLS) were quantitatively determined offline by 3D echocardiography. RV-PA coupling parameters including the RVEF/PA systolic pressure (PASP) ratio, pulmonary arterial compliance (PAC), and total pulmonary resistance (TPR) were recorded.

Results: Over a median follow-up period of 20.9 months (interquartile range, 0.1–67.4 months), 87 (42.9%) of 203 patients experienced adverse clinical outcomes. With increasing World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC), significant trends were observed in increasing RV volume, decreasing RVEF, and worsening RVLS. RV arterial coupling (RVAC) and PAC were lower and TPR was higher for WHO-FC III+IV than WHO-FC I or II. The RVEF/PASP ratio showed a significant correlation with RVLS. RVAC had a stronger correlation with the RVEF/PASP ratio than other indices. Multivariate Cox proportional-hazard analysis identified a lower 3D RVEF and worse RVLS as strong predictors of adverse clinical events. RVAC, TPR, and PAC had varying degrees of predictive value, with optimal cutoff values of 0.74, 11.64, and 1.18, respectively.

Conclusions: Precapillary-PH with RV-PA uncoupling as expressed by a RVEF/PASP ratio <0.44 was associated with adverse clinical outcomes. PAC decreased and TPR increased with increasing WHO-FC, with TPR showing better independent predictive value.
Correlation of Myocardial Strain and Late Gadolinium Enhancement by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance After a First Anterior ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yu Shiqin , Zhou Jinying , Yang Kai , Chen Xiuyu , Zheng Yucong , Zhao Kankan , Song Jialin , Ji Keshan , Zhou Peng , Yan Hongbing , Zhao Shihua
Published: July 2021

Objectives: To investigate the correlation of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature-tracking with conventional CMR parameters in patients with a first anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods: This sub-analysis of OCTAMI (Optical Coherence Tomography Examination in Acute Myocardial Infarction) registry included 129 patients who finished a CMR examination 1 month after a first anterior STEMI. Cine images were applied to calculate both global and segmental left ventricular peak strain parameters. The patients were divided into two groups by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and compared with 42 healthy controls. Segmental late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was graded according to LGE transmurality as follows: (1) >0 to ≤ 25%; (2) >25 to ≤ 50%; (3) >50 to ≤ 75%; (4) >75%. Left ventricle was divided into infarcted, adjacent, and remote regions to assess regional function.

Results: Compared with controls, global radial (28.39 ± 5.08% vs. 38.54 ± 9.27%, p < 0.05), circumferential (−16.91 ± 2.11% vs. −20.77 ± 2.78%, p < 0.05), and longitudinal (−13.06 ± 2.15 vs. −15.52 ± 2.69, p < 0.05) strains were impaired in STEMI patients with normal LVEF (≥55%). Strain parameters were strongly associated with LGE (radial: r = 0.65; circumferential: r = 0.69; longitudinal: r = 0.61; all p < 0.05). A significant and stepwise impairment of global strains was observed in groups divided by LGE tertiles. Furthermore, segmental strain was different in various degrees of LGE transmurality especially for radial and circumferential strain. Strains of adjacent region were better than infarcted region in radial and circumferential directions and worse than remote region in all three directions.

Conclusion: Global and regional strain could stratify different extent and transmurality of LGE, respectively. Although without LGE, adjacent region had impaired strains comparing with remote region.
Increasing Electric Vehicle Penetration Using Smart Switching and Emergency Uprating
Authors: Liu Shuran , Cheng Meng , Xing Qinhao , Jiang Yizhe , Xiang Qianliang , Xie Hailian
Published: July 2021

One of the key challenges facing distribution network operators today is the expected increase in electric vehicles. The increased load from EV charging will result in distribution assets becoming “thermally overloaded” due to higher operating temperatures. In addition to the issue of increased load, we have a limited understanding of the behavior and performance of the distribution assets and their potential to accept the increased load. It has been well acknowledged that EVs increase the network loading level, leading to a reduced system reliability performance. These results have not been quantified in a realistic case study, including actual cable rating and design properties. To address this gap, this paper proposes a novel methodology in the existing power network reliability evaluation framework, which quantifies the impact of different EV penetration levels on distribution network reliability, and the thermal performance of distribution cables. Novel approaches using smart switching technology and emergency uprating are proposed to reduce the peak power demand caused by EVs, in order to reinforce the reliability of the grid and to boost the maximum allowable EV penetration in the distribution networks. The methodology was applied using a case study on the modified EV-integrated RBTS (Roy Billinton Test System) bus four distribution network. The results showed that the negative impact of EVs on network performance can be mitigated by the implementation of smart switching technology. The peak demand under contingencies can also be accepted by the cables though emergency uprating. The frequency and duration of EV demand interruption was also significantly reduced. Thus, a higher EV penetration can be accommodated.
An Overview on the Conversion of Forest Biomass into Bioenergy
Authors: Yu Qing , Wang Yacheng , Van Le Quyet , Yang Han , Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha Homa , Yang Yafeng , Sonne Christian , Tabatabaei Meisam , Lam Su Shiung , Peng Wanxi
Published: July 2021

Biomass plays a crucial role in mitigating the concerns associated with increasing fossil fuel combustion. Among various types of biomass, forest biomass has attracted considerable attention given its abundance and variations. In this work, an overview is presented on different pathways available to convert forest biomass into bioenergy. Direct use of forest biomass could reduce carbon dioxide emissions associated with conventional energy production systems. However, there are certain drawbacks to the direct use of forest biomass, such as low energy conversion rate and soot emissions and residues. Also, lack of continuous access to biomass is a severe concern in the long-term sustainability of direct electricity generation by forest biomass. To solve this problem, co-combustion with coal, as well as pelletizing of biomass, are recommended. The co-combustion of forest biomass and coal could reduce carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfide emissions of the process. Forest biomass can also be converted into various liquid and gaseous biofuels through biochemical and thermochemical processes, which are reviewed and discussed herein. Despite the favorable features of forest biomass conversion processes to bioenergy, their long-term sustainability should be more extensively scrutinized by future studies using advanced sustainability assessment tools such as life cycle assessment, exergy, etc.
Four Prognosis-Associated lncRNAs Serve as Biomarkers in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zheng Jianfeng , Guo Jialu , Zhang Huizhi , Cao Benben , Xu Guomin , Zhang Zhifen , Tong Jinyi
Published: July 2021

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in ovarian cancer (OC) development. However, prognosis-associated lncRNAs (PALs) for OC have not been completely elucidated. Our study aimed to identify the PAL signature of OC. A total of 663 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified in the databases. According to the weighted gene coexpression analysis, the highly correlated genes were clustered into seven modules related to the clinical phenotype of OC. A total of 25 lncRNAs that were significantly related to overall survival were screened based on univariate Cox regression analysis. The prognostic risk model constructed contained seven PALs based on the parameter λmin, which could stratify OC patients into two risk groups. The results showed that the risk groups had different overall survival rates in both The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and two verified Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed that the risk model was an independent risk factor for OC. Gene enrichment analysis revealed that the identified genes were involved in some pathways of malignancy. The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network included five PALs, of which four were selected for cell function assays. The four PALs were downregulated in 33 collected OC tissues and 3 OC cell lines relative to the control. They were shown to regulate the proliferative, migratory, and invasive potential of OC cells via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assays. Our study fills the gaps of the four PALs in OC, which are worthy of further study.
An International Prospective Cohort Study of HIV and Zika in Infants and Pregnancy (HIV ZIP): Study Protocol
Authors: Aschengrau Ann , Mussi-Pinhata Marisa M. , Moye John , Chakhtoura Nahida , Patel Kunjal , Williams Paige L. , Karalius Brad , Garvie Patricia A. , Monte Dina , Whalen Frances , Lebov Jill , Seage George R.
Published: July 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection may adversely affect pregnancies of women living with HIV (WLHIV). Because no study to date has focused on maternal and child effects of HIV and ZIKV co-infection in pregnant women, we undertook the International Prospective Cohort Study of HIV and Zika in Infants and Pregnancy (HIV ZIP). The aims of this two-phase study of pregnant women and their infants are to compare the incidence of ZIKV infection among pregnant women with and without HIV infection and to determine the risk of adverse maternal and child outcomes associated with ZIKV/HIV co-infection at clinical sites in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the continental United States. Phase I was designed to enroll pregnant women/infant pairs who were: (1) infected with HIV only, (2) infected with ZIKV only, (3) infected with HIV and ZIKV, and (4) not infected with either HIV or ZIKV. A key goal of this phase was to assess the feasibility of enrolling 200 women/infant pairs within a year, with a target of 150 WLHIV, 50 HIV-uninfected women, and a minimum of 20 who were co-infected with HIV and ZIKV. If the feasibility of Phase I proved successful, Phase II would enroll up to 1,800 additional pregnant women/infant pairs to the same four groups. Enrolled women in both phases were to be followed throughout their pregnancy and up to 6 weeks post-partum. Infants were also to be followed for 1 year after birth. To date, Phase 1 data collection and follow-up have been completed. Delineation of possible harmful effects of HIV/ZIKV co-infection will allow the formulation of standard-of-care recommendations to minimize adverse effects but enable the continuation of preventive HIV therapy. Furthermore, while the prospective HIV ZIP study was developed before the COVID pandemic, it is especially relevant today since it can be easily adapted to provide critically important information on the impact of COVID-19 infection or other still unrecognized new agents among pregnant women and their offspring worldwide.
Pulling Back the Blue Curtain: A Pelagic Monitoring Program for the Blue Belt
Authors: Meeuwig Jessica Jane , Thompson Christopher David Harburn , Forrest John Andrew , Christ Hanna Jabour , Letessier Tom Bech , Meeuwig Dirk Jason
Published: July 2021

Ocean health is fundamental to human prosperity. However, fisheries exploitation, industrialization and climate change imperil our oceans. Marine protected areas (MPAs) have been established in coastal habitats since the 1970s and the ongoing monitoring of these MPAs has shown their general ecological and economic value. Demonstrable benefits can include biodiversity conservation, fisheries enhancement and climate resilience. Since the 2000s, large scale MPAs (LSMPAs) are increasingly established, with new parks including extensive areas of pelagic habitat. Seminal was the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) MPA created in 2010. In 2016, the United Kingdom Government established the Blue Belt Programme to provide long-term protection of the marine environment across the United Kingdom Overseas Territories and LSMPAs have now been established or designated in a number of these territories. However, empirical data for the Blue Belt LSMPAs are needed to test their effectiveness in conserving pelagic species and to allow managers to monitor and assess the LSMPAs based on the best available evidence. This Perspective presents current advances in video-based monitoring of pelagic wildlife and provides examples of key ecological insights gained from their use that are relevant to LSMPA planning and management. We present a case study from the BIOT MPA and finally generalize with respect to key learning’s that will support planning and monitoring of LSMPAs within the Blue Belt Programme.
The Predictability Limit of Ocean Mesoscale Eddy Tracks in the Kuroshio Extension Region
Authors: Meng Yao , Liu Hailong , Ding Ruiqiang , Lin Pengfei , Ding Mengrong , Wang Pengfei
Published: July 2021

In this study, the nonlinear local Lyapunov exponent and nonlinear error growth dynamics are employed to estimate the predictability limit of oceanic mesoscale eddy (OME) tracks quantitatively using three datasets. The results show that the mean predictability limit of OME tracks is about 53 days for cyclonic eddy (CE) and 52 days for anticyclonic eddy (AE) in the Kuroshio Extension (KE). The predictability limit varies spatially. The predictability limit of OME tracks is higher for the eastern region (about 62.5 days) than that for the western part (about 46 days). The CEs (AEs) predictability limit is relatively high in the southern (northern) region. Additionally, the lifetime, amplitude, and radius of OME are closely related to the predictability limit. The long-lived, large-amplitude, and large-sized OMEs tend to be more predictable. The eastern region often generates long-lived and large-size OMEs, thereby obtaining a higher predictability limit of OME tracks. Furthermore, the relationship between the predictability limit and the smoothness of the OME tracks was investigated using a metric to describe the track’s complexation. Usually, OMEs with high predictability limit values often show extender and smoother trajectories. The effects of the surface ocean circulations and the surface winds are also investigated. The strong and energetic currents lead to a short limitation in the west region.
The Single-Molecule Long-Read Sequencing of Intestine After Soy Meal-Induced Enteritis in Juvenile Pearl Gentian Grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♂
Authors: Zhang Wei , Tan Beiping , Deng Junming , Dong Xiaohui , Yang Qihui , Chi Shuyan , Liu Hongyu , Zhang Shuang , Xie Shiwei , Zhang Haitao
Published: July 2021

Intestinal inflammatory disease induced by excessive soy protein substitutions for fish meal (FM) protein is a common phenomenon. The pearl gentian grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♂, a marine fish with important economical and nutritional values, exhibited a similar problem. As far as we know, there are no reports on the full-length transcriptome of the pearl gentian grouper. In the present study, seven isonitrogenous and isolipidic (10% lipid) diets were prepared and fed to fish for 10 weeks. The water volume in each barrel was about 1 m3, using natural light and temperature. The results showed that 40% dietary soy proteins significantly negatively affected the growth performance of the pearl gentian grouper. Compared to the FM control, the content of immunoglobulin M and the enzyme activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and total superoxide dismutase in the intestine significantly increased; the content of malondialdehyde in the intestine significantly decreased; and the enzyme activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in the liver significantly increased. A library composed of seven different treated distal intestine tissues, including the FM control group, 20% soybean meal substitute for FM (SBM20), SBM40, 20% soybean protein concentrate (SPC20), SPC40, 20% fermented soybean meal substitute for FM (FSBM20), and FSBM40, was constructed and sequenced using PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) and the RNA-Seq technology. As a whole, this study obtained 420,006 full-length non-chimeric (FLNC) reads. After error correction, sequence clustering, and redundancy, 82,351 transcripts with high quality were obtained. In addition, a total of 77,815 transcripts were annotated in seven databases (non-redundant protein sequences, non-redundant nucleotide sequences, Protein family, Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins, Gene Ontology, Swiss-Prot, and KEGG Orthology). Also, 49,093 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 141,702 simple sequence repeats were identified. Based on full-length transcriptome sequencing, the present study found that the Toll-like receptor/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway plays an important role in the development of SBM- and FSBM-induced enteritis. SPC-induced enteritis is mainly accompanied by a general imbalance of the nutrition absorption-related signaling pathways, which only affects a small part of the immune-related signaling pathways. This study supplies new and valuable reference transcripts, which would better facilitate further research on the pearl gentian grouper.
Antiviral Therapy for Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)-Induced Anterior Uveitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Testi Ilaria , Aggarwal Kanika , Jaiswal Nishant , Dahiya Neha , Thng Zheng Xian , Agarwal Aniruddha , Ahuja Alka , Duggal Mona , Kankaria Ankita , Ling Ho Su , Chee Soon-Paik , Westcott Mark , Pavesio Carlos , Agrawal Rupesh , Gupta Vishali
Published: July 2021

Topic: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are the most common ocular pathogens associated with infectious anterior uveitis. Currently, there are a number of antiviral agents administered to treat viral anterior uveitis (VAU). However, there is no consensus or guidelines about the most appropriate approach leading for the best treatment outcomes with fewer ocular complications.

Clinical Relevance: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of different antiviral therapies in the management of anterior uveitis secondary to HSV and VZV.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, OVID, and Embase up to January 2020. Randomized trials, non-randomized intervention studies, controlled before and after studies and observational studies assessing the effect of oral and or topical treatments for VAU were considered. Data extraction and analysis with evaluation of the risk of bias in the included trials were performed.

Results: Oral acyclovir demonstrated a statistically significant good treatment outcome in the management of VZV anterior uveitis (vs. placebo) (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11–0.59), but did not have similar effect in HSV anterior uveitis (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.15–1.50). In the treatment of VZV anterior uveitis, there was significant superiority of oral acyclovir−7 day course—over topical acyclovir (OR 4.17, 95% CI 1.28–13.52). Whereas, there was no significant superiority of one of the following treatment regimens over the others: topical acyclovir over topical corticosteroids (OR 1.86, 95% CI 0.67–5.17), and oral acyclovir−7 day course—over oral acyclovir−14 day course—(OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.01–4.50) or oral valaciclovir (OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.48–4.07).

Conclusion: Treatment of HSV and VZV anterior uveitis is currently based on individual experiences and limited literature, largely due to weak clinical trial evidence in this regard. Our results highlight the existence of a substantial gap in our evidence base. This finding might contribute to future research studies to ascertain the role of different antiviral therapies in the treatment of VAU.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD420202 00404.
Geomicrobiological Heterogeneity of Lithic Habitats in the Extreme Environment of Antarctic Nunataks: A Potential Early Mars Analog
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Miguel Ángel , García-Villadangos Miriam , Moreno-Paz Mercedes , Gangloff Valentin , Carrizo Daniel , Blanco Yolanda , González Sergi , Sánchez-García Laura , Prieto-Ballesteros Olga , Altshuler Ianina , Whyte Lyle G. , Parro Victor , Fairén Alberto G.
Published: July 2021

Nunataks are permanent ice-free rocky peaks that project above ice caps in polar regions, thus being exposed to extreme climatic conditions throughout the year. They undergo extremely low temperatures and scarcity of liquid water in winter, while receiving high incident and reflected (albedo) UVA-B radiation in summer. Here, we investigate the geomicrobiology of the permanently exposed lithic substrates of nunataks from Livingston Island (South Shetlands, Antarctic Peninsula), with focus on prokaryotic community structure and their main metabolic traits. Contrarily to first hypothesis, an extensive sampling based on different gradients and multianalytical approaches demonstrated significant differences for most geomicrobiological parameters between the bedrock, soil, and loose rock substrates, which overlapped any other regional variation. Brevibacillus genus dominated on bedrock and soil substrates, while loose rocks contained a diverse microbial community, including Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria and abundant Cyanobacteria inhabiting the milder and diverse microhabitats within. Archaea, a domain never described before in similar Antarctic environments, were also consistently found in the three substrates, but being more abundant and potentially more active in soils. Stable isotopic ratios of total carbon (δ 13C) and nitrogen (δ 15N), soluble anions concentrations, and the detection of proteins involved in key metabolisms via the Life Detector Chip (LDChip), suggest that microbial primary production has a pivotal role in nutrient cycling at these exposed areas with limited deposition of nutrients. Detection of stress-resistance proteins, such as molecular chaperons, suggests microbial molecular adaptation mechanisms to cope with these harsh conditions. Since early Mars may have encompassed analogous environmental conditions as the ones found in these Antarctic nunataks, our study also contributes to the understanding of the metabolic features and biomarker profiles of a potential Martian microbiota, as well as the use of LDChip in future life detection missions.