bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bond strength of self-adhesive flowable resin composites to tooth structure
Authors: Madrid Troconis Cristhian Camilo , Molina Pérez Samantha
Published: April 2021

Aim: To review the current literature regarding the bond strength of self-adhesive flowable resin composites (SAFRCs) to tooth structure, comparing the outcomes with conventional flowable resin composites (CFRCs). Methods: PubMed/Medline, EbscoHost and Scopus databases were screened (last update on November 2020) using related Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and free terms. We included in vitro studies published in English language comparing the bond strength of SAFRCs and CFRCs to enamel and/or dentin from primary and/or permanent teeth. Results: In total, 23 articles were included. Unlike CFRCs, SAFRCs such as Vertise® Flow and Fusio™ Liquid Dentin exhibited statistically lower bond strength to enamel and dentin from permanent teeth. There were limited studies comparing the enamel bond strength of CFRCs and SAFRCs (prior phosphoric acid etching and/or adhesive system use). Also, we found few studies that evaluated the bonding effectiveness of Constic® and other SAFRCs to primary teeth. Conclusions: Current SAFRCs showed low bond strength to permanent teeth, which impedes to recommend them as a reliable alternative to CFRCs. The bonding performance of Constic® on both hard dental tissues should be evaluated on future studies. Also, more evidence assessing the bond strength of SAFRCs to primary teeth and etched enamel is needed.
Estudantes universitários e as percepções de seus estilos de aprendizagem
Authors: Koglin Gabriela , Araldi Marina Ortolan , Felicetti Vera Lúcia
Published: April 2021

Em um universo de avanço da tecnologia a aula universitária precisa se reinventar. Sendo assim, para compreender se estudantes se beneficiam ao reconhecer seu estilo de aprendizagem (EA) e a partir disso, aprendem com técnicas específicas correspondentes a cada estilo, foram realizadas intervenções em disciplinas dos cursos de Psicologia e Nutrição em uma universidade comunitária na região metropolitana de Porto Alegre - RS. No total, participaram 22 estudantes que foram avaliados através do Levantamento das Preferências Perceptuais em Estilos de Aprendizagem de Joy Reid. Achados revelam que 57% dos estudantes participantes têm estilo de aprendizagem do tipo auditivo. A partir de abordagens interventivas distintas em sintonia com os estilos de aprendizagens dos estudantes, a grande maioria deles se beneficiou e respondeu positivamente aos métodos propostos.
Propiedades psicométricas de la escala de factores psicosociales en el trabajo en trabajadores peruanos del sector minero
Authors:   , Paucar Santivañez Ana Paola
Published: April 2021

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar el análisis de las propiedades psicométricas de la escala Factores Psicosociales en el Trabajo del instrumento mexicano PROPSIT en el contexto peruano. El muestreo fue de tipo no probabilístico por conveniencia, la muestra estuvo constituida por 211 trabajadores entre 21 y 63 años (M=40; DE=8.88) siendo el 84.2% varones. Se aplicó la escala conjuntamente con los instrumentos PHQ2 y GAD2. Se llevó a cabo el análisis factorial exploratorio y se encontraron resultados satisfactorios para el tercer modelo de cinco factores, el cual es similar al propuesto por el autor, además estos factores obtuvieron valores de confiabilidad aceptables y correlaciones teóricamente esperadas con PHQ-2 y GAD-2. En conclusión, el PROPSIT es un instrumento que se puede utilizar para la población evaluada porque cuenta con evidencias de validez de la estructura interna y adecuada confiabilidad de las puntuaciones lo que permite una representación de los factores psicosociales.
Influencia de los rasgos de personalidad sobre el consumo de alcohol en estudiantes universitarios de Lima en época de pandemia por la Covid - 19
Authors:   , Arrasco Fernández Natali Paola
Published: April 2021

Los estudiantes universitarios son una población vulnerable y propensa al consumo de alcohol debido a distintos factores que permiten esta actividad e influyen dentro su entorno. Por esta razón, la presente investigación tuvo como finalidad determinar la influencia de los rasgos de personalidad sobre el consumo de alcohol en estudiantes universitarios de Lima. La muestra estuvo conformada por 207 estudiantes universitarios (64% mujeres) con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 29 años (M=21.9, DE=2.26). Se empleó el Cuestionario de Identificación de los Trastornos debidos al Consumo de Alcohol (AUDIT) el cual evalúa los patrones de consumo de riesgo, perjudicial y dependiente de alcohol y el Cuestionario de Personalidad de Zuckerman–Kuhlman–Aluja Personality Questionnaire Shortened Form (ZKA-PQ/SF) el cual mide los rasgos búsqueda de sensaciones, extraversión, neuroticismo, actividad y agresividad. Los resultados evidenciaron la influencia significativa y positiva de extraversión (β = .305), neuroticismo (β = 0.156) y actividad (β = .182) sobre el consumo de alcohol. Se concluyó que algunos rasgos de personalidad influyen significativamente sobre el consumo de alcohol.
Proyecto de prefactibilidad de una planta procesadora de pitahaya
Authors:   , Bellido Cabrera Aarón Habec , Calderón Navarrete Paola Melisa
Published: April 2021

El presente trabajo muestra un estudio de prefactibilidad para una planta procesadora de fruta de pitahaya, que tiene como principal objetivo evaluar el desempeño óptimo para una planta de procesamiento de pitahaya, la cual será parte de nuestro alcance de estudio. La finalidad de este estudio de prefactibilidad es realizar una breve investigación sobre el marco de factores que afectan al proyecto, así como también la disponibilidad del principal bien biológico que requiere el proyecto. Iniciando bajo un régimen PYME dentro de las normativas legales del Perú, promoviendo el cultivo y comercialización de la pitahaya, generando puestos de trabajo y difusión de los beneficios de la fruta de pitahaya. En la tesis, se analizaron los principales procesos operativos como también algunos procesos de soporte, entre los cuales tenemos las generalidades de la fruta de pitahaya, ubicación y dimensionamiento de la planta, planeamiento y diseño de los productos, planeamiento y diseño de los proceso, planeamiento y diseño de planta, planeamiento y diseño de trabajo, programa de operaciones productivas, gestión de mantenimiento y gestión de calidad.
How the Law on Health Care Reform Was Being Adopted in USA
Authors: Burdzhalov F.
Published: April 2021

The article develops the theme of American health care reform (the beginning see in: F. Burzhalov, Health Care Reform in the United States (Socio-Economic Aspects). “MEMO Journal”, 2010, no. 10). The author examines institutional and procedural aspects of the adoption of the law on health care, in particular how its ideas and main points were formed and promoted, what difficulties the government encountered in doing so, what effort were undertaken to convince public opinion in the need to support the reform, etc.
Immigrants’ Integration under Conditions of Economic Crisis
Authors: Strel'tsova Y.
Published: April 2021

This article has considered the main trends of integration: economic one – “trough the work” and by means of social, educational, municipal and citizenship policy in European countries, first of all in France, and in Russia. The attention has been paid on contradictions, which are typical for searching an integration model in modern Russia. This article illustrates the main difficulties of immigrants’ adaptation in European countries, as a result of liberal migratory policy and multicultural model of newcomers’ integration.
Dialog as Way to Strategic Partnership
Authors: Zubkov V.
Published: April 2021

The article considers the problems and prospects of the partnership of Russia and Germany in the field of modernization. It is not so much assistance from FRG to Russia. We should seek for the joint solution of common tasks, such as, for instance, combating new infectious diseases. Therefore, the implementation of this partnership is extremely important to both countries. One of the instruments of partnership is the “Petersburg Dialogue” that plays an important role in Russian-German relations. We see an involvement in the work in the Forum of an increasing number of participants, especially through using the up-to-date information technologies. Of course, we have to work hard to see a success.
International Cargo Traffic under Conditions of Crisis
Authors: Stupin V. , Khochlov A.
Published: April 2021

In 2008, the world economy entered into one of the most severe crises. It exerted strong influence on international trade with the largest decline in 2009 since World War II. A detailed research of international trade made it possible to reveal goods traffic changes. Goods traffic fell slower than value and volume of world trade. Commodity’s drop varies considerably, some showed strong growth.
Features of Reserve Assets’ Management in Asian Countries
Authors: Malyshev P.
Published: April 2021

The article focuses on reasons and consequences of rapid growth of reserve assets in Asian countries over the last decade. The main trends related to changes of structure, currency composition and management of reserve assets in the region are considered by the example of China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and India. Special emphasis is placed on the problem of excess reserves and their diversification during the global financial crisis.
Providing Conventional Security in Europe: Past, Present, Future
Authors: Tuzin A.
Published: April 2021

The article discusses the issues of control over the size and the use for military purposes of five categories of conventional offensive weapons: battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, 100 mm+ artillery, combat aircrafts and attack helicopters. These are subjects to the restrictions in Atlantic-Ural area in accordance with the Treaty on conventional armed forces in Europe (CFE) which is the key, though not the only one to date, international regulatory and legal instrument in this field.
Latin America: Results of Electoral Cycle
Authors: Dabagyan E.
Published: April 2021

The article examines a range of forces represented in the political arena of the Latin American countries that recently held general election (Panama, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Brazil, El Salvador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador). A primary interest is paid to the left radicals, the left centrists, the centrists and the right centrists. While assessing the outcome of the elections the author underlines the trend towards convergence of left and right centrists. This is creating opportunities for their cooperation. Simultaneously, there is a compression of space for the interaction of these political forces with the left radicals.
Role of Financial Innovations in Proliferation of Economic Instability
Authors: Strelets I. , Stolbov M.
Published: April 2021

The authors consider the impact of financial innovations on the macroeconomic situation. The increasing complexity of financial market instruments is the way to decrease its transparency and, consequently, the overall economic stability. The global crisis of 2008-2009 demonstrated the relevance of this problem. However, the authors believe that the nations can take advantage of new financial products, technologies and business processes if the regulators manage to fully track and timely offset the accompanying risks. It is important that execution of the financial innovations correspond with the structure of the funding companies and banks. It is concluded that adequate regulation of financial innovation will allow better use of their potential in order to address a number of important economic issues. In particular, it may help to accelerate the development and introduction of new drugs, to the implementation of environmental projects, the financing of social progress in the developing countries for achieving the Millennium Goals proclaimed by the UN in 2000.
Destinies of Religions and Revolutions: from Reformation to Post-Modernity
Authors: Rashkovskii E.
Published: April 2021

This was the theme of the Conference held in November 2010 in all-Russia State Library for Foreign Literature named after M.I. Rudomino. Its organizers were the Research center of religious literature and editions of the Russian diaspora (VGBIL), Center for the study of world religions (Russian University of Humanities) and the Center for problems of modernization and development (IMEMO). The past century showed the fallacy of the perception that the world of religious concepts and relations gradually comes to naught, that the revolutionary dynamics means an erosion of religious sphere and, at last, that the notions of revolution and religion are certainly antagonistic. It was noted during the discussion that religion and the revolution, “the old order” and the riot are interlinked in multiple forms. A rebirth of religious interests in the Russian society is connected with a desire to escape from state administrative-command “neo-archaism”.
Characterization of particulate matter in the iron ore mining region of Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors:   Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI)Rua Irmã Ivone Drumond, 200, Bairro Distrito Industrial II, Itabira/MG - Brazil, CEP: 35903-087, Vasques Freitas Ana Carolina , Belardi Rose-Marie ,   ederal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI)Rua Irmã Ivone Drumond, 200, Bairro Distrito Industrial II, Itabira/MG - Brazil, CEP: 35903-087, Barbosa Henrique de Melo Jorge ,   University of São Paulo (USP), Physics InstituteRua do Matão, 1371, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo/SP - Brazil, CEP: 05508-090
Published: April 2021

tabira has in its territory the largest complex of opencast mining in the world, located close to residential areas of the city. The air quality monitoring network installed in the city is the main source of particulate matter (PM) emission data. However, these air quality stations only cover the areas near the mines and do not measure fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Thus, a first field campaign was carried out to characterize PM in the city and to compare high volume data from air quality stations with the dichotomous air sampler data. Results of trajectories’ cluster analysis showed a long-range transport of aerosols during the sampling days from northeast (84% of the trajectories), east-southeast (12%), and south-southwest (3%) directions. Regarding the meteorological conditions during the sampling days, negative correlations were seen between coarse particulate matter (PM10) from mostly air quality stations and all meteorological parameters (but temperature). Results of the X-ray fluorescence and principal component analyses showed that the main trace elements in the coarse (PM2.5-10) and fine modes (PM2.5) are iron and sulfur, associated with emissions from mining activities, air mass transport from regional iron and steelmaking industry activities, vehicle emissions, local and regional biomass burning, and natural biogenic emissions. This work is the first assessment of source apportionment done in the city. Comparisons with other studies, for some large metropolitan areas, showed that Itabira has comparable contributions of sulfur, iron and elements such as copper, selenium, chromium, nickel, vanadium and lead.
Effect of Incorporation of Bead-Beating during DNA Extraction for Detection of Trichuris trichiura in Stool Samples in Community Settings: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rana Divya , Pokhrel Nischal
Published: April 2021

Objectives: This meta-analysis was designed to assess the effect of addition of a bead-beating step during DNA extraction to effectively isolate Trichuris trichura DNA for quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)-based diagnosis. Abstract was reported according to PRISMA-DTA abstract checklist. Methods: Eligibility criteria: qPCR-based molecular studies comparing the inclusion of bead-beating step during the DNA extraction from stool samples with extraction without the step were included in the analysis. Information sources: Studies using real patient samples in community settings were included. PubMed and Google search engine were searched in December 2019. Risk of bias and applicability: Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using QUADAS-2 checklist. Synthesis of results: Odds ratio for individual studies were combined to estimate Random Effects Model odds ratio. Additional literature were searched to discuss biochemical nature of helminth eggs. Results:Included studies: A total of six independent sub-studies were gathered from two published original articles. Division of the two major studies into six sub-studies was indispensable due to natures of the study carried. 128 of total 192 samples (in all studies) were positive for Trichiuris trichiura when bead-beating was used during DNA extraction compared to 108/192 when bead-beating was excluded. Combined odds ratio was 1.66 (95% CI: 1.059 to 2.602). Biochemical nature of helminth eggs was discussed. Discussions: Strengths and limitations: Though only two article were included in the study, six exclusive individual sub-studies were analyzed. Inherent differences in the background prevalence of helminth in study population could impact sensitivity of qPCR. Interpretation: It was found that the inclusion of the bead-beating step during DNA extraction significantly increased the sensitivity of the test.
The Effect of Chromium on Photosynthesis and Lipid Accumulation in Two Chlorophyte Microalgae
Authors: Bashir Khawaja Muhammad Imran , Lee Hyeon-Jun , Mansoor Sana , Jahn Alexander , Cho Man-Gi
Published: April 2021

Heavy metals have adverse effects on microalgae growth and metabolism. Photosynthesis and lipid profile are quite sensitive to heavy metal toxicity. The impact of chromium (Cr) on growth and photosynthetic activity of Dictyosphaerium pulchellum and Micractinium pusillum exposed to different concentrations (0 – 500 μg L-1) was investigated for 11 days. The influence of Cr on cell density and cell number followed similar trends, indicating a possible correlation among these growth responses. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in lipid content was observed with the increasing concentration of Cr however, growth was suppressed at higher concentrations exceeding 100 μg L-1. Addition of Cr in the cell culture medium showed a negative effect on quantum yield (Fv/Fm) and a photosynthetic inhibition of > 65% was noted in both species at 500 μg L-1. However, the lipid gravimetric analysis presented inner cell lipid content up to 36% and 30% of dry weight biomass for D. pulchellum and M. pusillum, respectively. The effects of chromium on growth and lipid accumulation in both microalgae species was concentration and exposure time dependent. This shows that an appropriate concentration of chromium in culture medium could be beneficial for higher lipid accumulation in freshwater eukaryotic microalgae species.
Express Method for Evaluating the Suitability of a Polymer or Composite of Thereof for Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing
Authors: Kirshanov Kirill , Gerval'd Alexander , Toms Roman
Published: April 2021

The paper formulates requirements for a polymer material for molding products from it by fused deposition modeling. A methodology for evaluating the suitability of a polymer or composite of thereof in 3D printing technology has been developed. A graphic representation of the developed methodology in the form of a temperature-shear rate logarithm diagram is proposed. Application of the proposed methodology makes it possible to simplify the development of new materials for 3D printing by fused deposition modeling both at the stage of selecting the components of the polymer composition and at the stage of its subsequent approbation.
TRAP5b and RANKL/OPG Predict Bone Pathology in Patients with Gaucher disease
Authors: Ivanova Margarita , Dao Julia , Noll Lauren , Fikry Jacqueline , Goker-Alpan Ozlem
Published: April 2021

Bone involvement occurs in 75% of patients with Gaucher disease (GD), and comprises structural changes, debilitating pain, and bone density abnormalities. Osteoporosis is a silent manifestation of GD until a pathologic fracture occurs. Thus early diagnosis is crucial for identifying high-risk patients to prevent irreversible complications. Thirty-one patients with GD were assessed prospectively to identify predictive markers associated with bone density abnormalities, osteopenia (OSN), and osteoporosis (OSR). Subjects were categorized into three cohorts based on T- or Z- scores of bone mineral density (BMD): In GD cohort with no bone complication (Z-score≥-0.9; T-scores≥-1), the OSN group (-1.8 ≥ Z-score ≥ -1; -2.5 ≥ T-score ≥ -1) and OSR group (Z-score ≤ -1.9; T-scores ≤ -2.5). Serum levels of TRAP5b, RANKL, OPG, and RANK were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. TRAP5b was increased in GD and showed a positive correlation with GD biomarkers, including plasma glucosylsphingosine (Lyso-Gb1), macrophage activation markers CCL18 and chitotriosidase. The highest levels of TRAP5b was measured in patients with osteoporosis. The elevation of RANKL and RANKL/OPG ratio correlated with osteopenia in GD. Elevation of TRAP5b, RANKL, and RANKL/OPG indicate osteoclast activation in GD. TRAP5b is a potential bone biomarker for GD with the ability to predict the progression of bone density abnormalities.
How Do Enveloped Viruses Exploit the Secretory Proprotein Convertases to Regulate Infectivity and Spread?
Authors: Seidah Nabil G , Pasquato Antonella , Andreo Ursula
Published: April 2021

Inhibition of the binding of enveloped viruses surface glycoproteins to host cell receptor(s) is a major target of vaccines and constitutes an efficient strategy to block viral entry and infection of various host cells and tissues. Cellular entry usually requires fusion of the viral envelope with host plasma membranes. Such entry mechanism is often preceded by “priming” and/or “activation” steps requiring limited proteolysis of the viral surface glycoprotein to expose a fusiogenic domain for efficient membrane juxtapositions. The 9-membered family of Proprotein Convertases related to Subtilisin/Kexin (PCSK) serine proteases (PC1, PC2, Furin, PC4, PC5, PACE4, PC7, SKI-1/S1P and PCSK9) participate in post-translational cleavages and/or regulation of multiple secretory proteins. The type-I membrane-bound Furin and SKI-1/S1P are the major convertases responsible for the processing of surface glycoproteins of enveloped viruses. Stefan Kunz has considerably contributed to define the role of SKI-1/S1P in the activation of arenaviruses causing hemorrhagic fever. Furin was recently implicated in the activation of the spike S-protein of SARS-CoV-2 and Furin-inhibitors are being tested as antivirals in COVID-19. Other members of the PCSK-family are also implicated in some viral infections such as PCSK9 in Dengue. Herein, we summarize the various functions of the PCSKs and present arguments whereby their inhibition could represent a powerful arsenal to limit viral infections causing the present and future pandemics.
Widening Inborn Constraints for Language Ability: The Case for Autism
Authors: Mottron Laurent , Ostrolenk Alexia , Gagnon David
Published: April 2021

What does the way autistics bypass, learn, and eventually master language tell us about human linguistic ability? Here, we argue that non-social acquisition of language, in addition to representing a strong argument for nativist models of human language, may be encompassed within the human-specific orientation and mastery of complex embedded structures, of which language represents one realization. Non-social language learning could thus represent the extension of available linguistic, and non-linguistic material processed by human genetic constraints, allowing language acquisition. This deviation from typical developmental language acquisition may ultimately allow access to language, sometimes in its most elaborate forms, and also explains the possibility of the absence of its development when applied to primarily non-linguistic structured material. However, such enlargement of material-specificity does not cast doubts about its human nature. Regardless of the adaptive success or failure of non-social language learning, it is up to science, legal policies, and ethical principles to strive to maintain autism as a human potentiality to further foster our vision of a plural society.
Genome-Wide Role of HSF1 in Transcriptional Regulation of Desiccation Tolerance in the Anhydrobiotic Cell Line, Pv11
Authors: Tokumoto Shoko , Miyata Yugo , Deviatiiarov Ruslan , Yamada Takahiro G. , Hiki Yusuke , Kozlova Olga , Yoshida Yuki , Cornette Richard , Funahashi Akira , Shagimardanova Elena , Gusev Oleg , Kikawada Takahiro
Published: April 2021

Pv11, an insect cell line established from the midge Polypedilum vanderplanki, is capable of ametabolic desiccation tolerance, so-called anhydrobiosis. We previously discovered that heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) contributes to the acquisition of desiccation tolerance by Pv11 cells, but the mechanistic details have yet to be elucidated. Here, by analyzing the gene expression profiles of newly established HSF1-knockout and -rescue cell lines, we show that HSF1 has a genome-wide effect on gene regulation in Pv11. HSF1-knockout cells exhibit a reduced desiccation survival rate, but this is completely restored in HSF1-rescue cells. By comparing mRNA profiles of the two cell lines, we reveal that HSF1 induces anhydrobiosis-related genes, especially genes encoding late embryogenesis abundant proteins and thioredoxins, but represses a group of genes involved in basal cellular processes, thus promoting an ametabolic state in the cell. In addition, HSF1 binding motifs are enriched in the promoters of anhydrobiosis-related genes and we demonstrate binding of HSF1 to these promoters by ChIP-qPCR. Thus, HSF1 directly regulates the transcription of anhydrobiosis-related genes and consequently plays a pivotal role in the induction of anhydrobiotic ability in Pv11 cells.
From RNA World to SARS-CoV-2: The Edited Story of RNA Viral Evolution
Authors: Kockler Zachary W. , Gordenin Dmitry A.
Published: April 2021

The current SARS- CoV-2 pandemic underscores the importance of understanding the evolution of RNA genomes. While RNA is subject to the formation of similar lesions as DNA, the evolutionary and physiological impacts RNA lesions have on viral genomes are yet to be characterized. Lesions that may drive the evolution of RNA genomes can induce breaks that are repaired by recombination or can cause base substitution mutagenesis, also known as base editing. Over the past decade or so, base editing mutagenesis of DNA genomes has been subject to many studies, revealing that exposure of ssDNA is subject to hypermutation that is involved in the etiology of cancer. However, base editing of RNA genomes has not been studied to the same extent. Recently hypermutation of single-stranded RNA viral genomes have also been documented though its role in evolution and population dynamics. Here, we will summarize the current knowledge of key mechanisms and causes of RNA genome instability covering areas from the RNA world theory to the SARS- CoV-2 pandemic of today. We will also highlight the key questions that remain as it pertains to RNA genome instability, mutations accumulation, and experimental strategies for addressing these questions.
ECLand: The ECMWF Land Surface Modelling System
Authors: Boussetta Souhail , Balsamo Gianpaolo , Arduini Gabriele , Dutra Emanuel , McNorton Joe , Choulga Margarita , Agustí-Panareda Anna , Beljaars Anton , Wedi Nils , Munõz-Sabater Joaquin , de Rosnay Patricia , Sandu Irina , Hadade Ioan , Carver Glenn , Mazzetti Cinzia , Prudhomme Christel , Yamazaki Dai , Zsoter Ervin
Published: April 2021

The land-surface developments of the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) are based on the Carbon-Hydrology Tiled Scheme for Surface Exchanges over Land (CHTESSEL) and form an integral part of the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS), supporting a wide range of global weather, climate and environmental applications. In order to structure, coordinate and focus future developments and benefit from international collaboration in new areas, a flexible system named ECLand which would facilitates modular extensions to support numerical weather prediction (NWP) and society-relevant operational services, e.g. Copernicus, is presented . This paper introduces recent examples of novel ECLand developments on (i) vegetation, (ii) snow, (iii) soil, (iv) open water/lake (v) river/inundation, and (vi) urban areas. The developments are evaluated separately with long-range, atmosphere-forced surface offline simulations, and coupled land-atmosphere-ocean experiments. This illustrates the benchmark criteria for assessing both, process fidelity with regards to land surface fluxes and reservoirs of the water-energy-carbon exchange on the one hand, and on the other hand the requirements of ECMWF’s NWP, climate and atmospheric composition monitoring services using an Earth system assimilation prediction framework.
Mechanisms of Root Response to Manganese Stress in Wheat Seedlings and Significance of Selenium Supplementation – Biochemical and Cytological Studies
Authors: Sieprawska Apolonia , Skórka Magdalena , Bednarska-Kozakiewicz Elżbieta , Niedojadło Katarzyna , Janiak Agnieszka , Telk Anna , Filek Maria
Published: April 2021

In recent years cultivated soils have been increasingly supplemented with nutrients that at low doses are necessary for proper plant functioning but become toxic at high doses. New methods are needed to prevent these destructive actions, and for this reason we studied the effects of two elements – Mn treated as a stressor and Se treated as a potential defense in two wheat cultivars. The intensity of stress was manifested in tissue browning and weight reduction and was determined by an increase in lipid peroxidation and quantitative analysis of hydrogen peroxide levels. It was found that the excess of Mn in the substrate caused more intense changes in these indicators in the root system than in the leaves, and that Se presence partly eliminated the stress evoked effects. Moreover, Mn-treatment was accompanied by a greater absorption of this element by the roots, and a reduced uptake of other elements (K, Fe, S, P), with the exception of Ca, an increase in which was observed especially in the additional presence of Se. It was suggested that the rise in Ca level can lead to modification of cell differentiations and may be one of the steps in defense mechanisms. The change in the direction of cell differentiation in the apical part of the root was observed microscopically under Mn stress and was accompanied by a quantitative increase in 5-met C. Based on DNA methylation profiles detected by MSAP we concluded that various types of methylation sites may be activated under Mn treatment in roots.
Development of Landing Rebound Reduction Mechanism Utilizing Magnetic Damper for Multicopters
Authors: Niwa Kazuki , Hara Susumu , Miyata Kikuko ,   Department of Aerospace Engineering, Nagoya University Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8603, Japan,   Department of Vehicle and Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Meijo University 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tempaku-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 468-8502, Japan
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes a rebound reduction mechanism for landing multicopter. Multicopter applications in the logistics industry are expected to increase owing to the aging of logistics drivers and the decline in their numbers. Currently, most multicopters land on their designated landing pads. However, these pads are not always available at the destination, and landing on rough terrain is needed in such cases. This paper describes the development of a mechanism to reduce rebound during landing, which can easily cause tipping over. The mechanism should be lightweight to ensure that battery power is conserved and that payload transport capability is increased. Simultaneously, the mechanism should be robust against environmental variations because multicopters are used outdoors and under various temperature conditions. A mechanism consisting of a spring and a magnetic damper is proposed and is modeled using multibody dynamics. It is known that the magnetic damper possesses robustness against temperature variations. Moreover, this paper presents the design parameter optimization for the proposed mechanism considering both the rebound reduction effect and weight reduction. The spring constant and viscous damping coefficient of the proposed mechanism are determined via numerical simulations with the electromagnetic simulator JMAG. The effectiveness of the proposed mechanism is verified via vertical freefall simulations. A simple experimental system is used to evaluate the mechanism, and the experimental results indicate that the mechanism is effective.
Position Identification Using Image Processing for UAV Flights in Martian Atmosphere
Authors: Higashino Shin-Ichiro , Teruya Toru , Yamada Kazuhiko ,   Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Kyushu University 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan,   Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency 3-1-1 Yoshinodai, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 050-3540, Japan
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a method for the position identification of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Martian atmosphere in the future. It uses the image processing of craters captured via an onboard camera of the UAV and database images. The method is composed of two processes: individual crater detection using a cascade object detector and position identification using the recognition Taguchi (RT)-method. In crater detection, objects with shapes that resemble craters are detected regardless of their positions, and the positions of multiple detected craters are identified using the criterion variableD*, which is a normalized Mahalanobis distance.D*is calculated from several feature variables expressing the area ratios and relative positions of the detected craters in the RT-method.
Optimal Swing Support During Walking Using Wireless Pneumatic Artificial Muscle Driver
Authors: Toda Haruki , Tada Mitsunori , Maruyama Tsubasa , Kurita Yuichi ,   Artificial Intelligence Research Center, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) 2-3-26 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan,   Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University 1-3-2 Kagamiyama, Higashi-hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8511, Japan
Published: April 2021

This study evaluates the effect of swing support during walking using a wireless pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) driver on hip and knee flexion angles. This driver can control two contraction parameters of the PAM: delay of contraction from the trigger and duration of contraction through a smartphone. Eleven healthy young individuals participated in this study. We asked the participants to walk with two PAMs attached to the left hip joint and a pressure sensor placed under the right heel to trigger the contraction. During the experiment, the contraction parameters were randomly changed: 0, 100, or 200 ms for the delay and 0, 100, 200, or 300 ms for the duration. The experimental results revealed significant differences in the hip and knee flexion angles, hip joint angular excursion, and stride length among the conditions. In addition, the optimal parameter differed among the subjects. It was confirmed that this individual variation was related to the walking speed of the subject, without PAM assistance.
Development of Condition Monitoring System for Electric Resistance Spot Welding Used to Manufacture Railway Car Bodies
Authors: Oikawa Masashi , Atsumi Kentaro , Otsuka Yosuke , Kawada Naoki ,   Japan Transport Engineering Company 3-1 Okawa, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0043, Japan,   Saitama Institute of Technology 1690 Fusaiji, Fukaya, Saitama 369-0293, Japan
Published: April 2021

Stainless steel railway car bodies are assembled by joining the outer plates and the pillar materials using resistance spot welding. In recent years, more and more car bodies are being assembled using laser welding in addition to the resistance spot welding. For this laser welding system, we developed a condition monitoring system considering the processes before and after laser welding as a single system, and obtained and put into practical use an appropriate condition that suppresses spatter generation during laser welding. On the other hand, in resistance spot welding, the current, weld time, electrode load, and electrode tip shape are the main factors that determine the welding quality. Therefore, the configuration of the equipment is less complicated than that of laser welding system, and the condition monitoring is easier than that of the laser welding. In this study, by transferring the concept of the condition monitoring system developed for laser welding to resistance spot welding, we achieved a reduction of more than 60% in terms of electricity consumption and improved the appearance of the car body by optimizing the indentation shape. In addition to this technical achievement, we also present in this paper a case study showing the opportunity for innovation by restructuring the technological paradigm of the resistance spot welding in the production of stainless steel car body shells.
Maré from the Inside: Art, Culture and Politics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Poets Desirée , Stephenson Jr. Max O.
Published: April 2021

Complexo da Maré is a group of 16 contiguous favelas and housing projects in the northern zone of Rio de Janeiro. Home to an estimated 140,000 individuals, Maré is Brazil's largest agglomeration of favelas. Often depicted in a negative light, these favelas are in fact vibrant and diverse communities, as revealed in this remarkable book. Maré from the Inside: Art, Culture and Politics in Rio de Janeiro, BrazilMaré Brazil is a companion to the exhibition of the same name (Portuguese: Maré de DentroDentro), which was developed by an international team of Brazilian and US academics, activists and artists. The exhibition documents the lives of residents of Complexo da Maré through family portraits, street photographs, documentary films and written works. Featured in this book is a selection of the exhibition's photographs by Italian photojournalist Antonello Veneri, who worked closely with Maré resident and activist Henrique Gomes over the period from 2013 to 2019, during which Rio was home to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. These photographs, simultaneously personal and deeply humane, counter long-standing and powerful stigmatizing narratives, demonstrating instead the diversity and resilience of these communities and exposing the barriers residents confront in their everyday lives. Providing context to the photographs are essays by the exhibition's creators, curators and collaborators, including Maré resident and scholar Andreza Jorge, who asks what it is about the Maré de DentroMaré Dentro exhibition that has made it so compelling for so many people from very different parts of the world. The answer lies in the power of art to make us rethink prevailing social frames and, in turn, embrace fresh political and cultural strategies for integrating previously marginalized communities more fully into political and social life.
Modelling in Teacher Education: Beliefs of Teacher Educators in Rwanda
Authors: Niyibizi Emmanuel
Published: April 2021

The study aims to explore teacher educators’ beliefs about role modelling in teacher education in Rwanda. This study hopes to contribute to filling the gap created by limited empirical study available on teacher educators and the relevance of role modelling for high quality teacher training. The study was designed as an exploratory qualitative research using semi-structured interviews of 20 purposively and conveniently selected teacher educators. Content analysis was used to analyze collected data. The findings reveal that participating teacher educators believe that role modelling is an important component in the process of teaching teachers. Moreover, participants hold beliefs about role modelling as implicit exemplar practices and behavior. They think that teaching teachers involves not only providing knowledge but also serving as a good example in both teaching practices and behavior at training institutions as well as in the society. The study concludes that both implicit and explicit modelling should be included in the overall reflections of policy, research and practice of pedagogy of teacher education and especially in the professional development of teacher educators. Further empirical studies are recommended about the implications of implicit modelling on student teachers’ learning outcomes.
Inclusive Physical Education During the University Preparation Programme in Ghana: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice.
Authors: DARKO REGINA AKUFFO , Mwangi Jane , Wachira Lucy Joy
Published: April 2021

Hands-on experience plays a key role in every teacher education programme as it helps the prospective teacher to experience a real world of teaching rather than in abstract. One of the most difficult aspects of inclusive teacher education programmes is capacitating pre-service teachers to practice inclusion in the classroom in real live conditions. This study aimed at evaluating student-teachers’ hands-on experiences in inclusive practical PE lessons during their university preparation programme using sequential mixed-method design. 152 PE student-teachers’ in level 300 from the two universities who train PE teachers in Ghana were purposively sampled for this study. Quantitative data was collected using questionnaires while qualitative data was collected through focus group discussion with 20 of the same participants. Quantitative data were analysed using means and standard deviation and presented in tables. Inferential statistics of independent t-test was used to ascertain the mean difference between student-teachers’ hands-on experiences. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim with trustworthiness assured through peer debriefing and member checking. Both quantitative and qualitative results showed that the university preparation programme has no practical component for inclusion in PE. Student-teachers’ hands-on teaching experience in inclusive practical PE was found to be inadequate. However, a significant difference (t (-4.020) at df (32.9), p< .005) was found between the two institutions.  The study concludes that the preparation programme in the universities does not give student-teachers’ adequate inclusive practical exposure. To make inclusion experience more viable to student-teachers’, it is recommended that inclusive experiences should be incorporated into student-teachers’ on-campus teaching practice and all practical courses to help bridge the gap between theory and practice.
The effects of body direction and posture on taking the perspective of a humanoid avatar in a virtual environment
Authors: Ueda Sachiyo , Nagamachi Kazuya , Sugimoto Maki , Inami Masahiko , Kitazaki Michiteru
Published: April 2021

Visual perspective taking is inferring how the world looks to another person. To clarify this process, we investigated whether employing a humanoid avatar as the viewpoint would facilitate an imagined perspective shift in a virtual environment. We used a task that involved reporting how an object looks by a simple direction judgment either from the avatar’s position or an empty chair’s position. We found that the humanoid avatar’s presence improved task performance. Furthermore, the avatar’s facilitation effect was observed only when the avatar was facing the visual stimulus to be judged; performance was worse when it faced backwards than when there was only an empty chair faced forwards. When the directions of the head and the torso were opposite (i.e., an impossible posture), the avatar’s facilitation effect disappeared. The performance was better in the order of the condition that both the head and the torso were facing forward, the condition that both the head and the torso were facing backward, the condition that the torso was facing toward the stimulus while the head was facing away, and the condition that the head was facing toward the stimulus while the torso was facing away. Thus, visual perspective taking might not be facilitated by the avatar when its posture is biomechanically impossible. These results suggest that the facilitation effect is based not only on attention capture but also on visual perspective taking of humanoid avatar.
A Report of Two Cases of Bacteremia by Leuconostoc lactis in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Ge Yanmei , Ji Wenli , Hu Song , Tong Huacheng
Published: April 2021

Background Leuconostoc lactis (L lactis) are gram positive cocci and generally considered to be environmental organisms. They were widely regarded as non-pathogenic and therefore of limited clinical significance. Molecular identification is one technique to identify bacteria.Case reports We presented two cases of bacteremia caused by L lactis. They were both advanced age, history of various diseases, intravenous catheter implantation, parenteral nutrition, longer hospital stay and using of multiple antibiotics. The 16S rRNA genes of the isolates of these two patients´ blood were sequenced. Conclusions When immunocompromised patients with risk factors develop bacteremia caused by L lactis, adequate attention and effective treatment measures should be given.
The role of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in adult optic nerve gliomas: a SEER-based analysis
Authors: Lin Xiaoning , Huang Rong , Su Jinyun , Li Heng , Liu Zhong , Zhang Pengfei , Tian Xinhua
Published: April 2021

Background: Optic nerve gliomas (ONGs) are uncommon tumors of the central nervous system in adults. The aim of this study was to define their characteristics, prognostic factors, and the impacts of adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy on outcomes.Methods: Adult patients (age ≥18 years) with ONGs from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were included. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were utilized to analyze the factors associated with survival. Kaplan-Meier method was used to evaluate the impacts of adjuvant therapies on overall survival (OS).Results: A total of 179 adult patients diagnosed with ONGs were identified between 1991 and 2016, with a median follow-up period of 64.0 months. The median age at diagnosis was 41.0 years. After excluding 18 patients with unknown information, the remaining patients included 142 (88.2%) low-grade tumors and 19 (11.8%) high-grade tumors. Multivariate analysis showed age at diagnosis, tumor grade, adjuvant chemotherapy were significant factors for OS. The 5-year OS rates for patients with low- and high-grade ONGs were 85.5% and 10.5%, respectively. The employment of adjuvant RT or chemotherapy would significantly shorten OS time in the low-grade group and could not prolong OS time in the high-grade group.Conclusions: This is the largest retrospective study of adult ONGs up to date. The overall prognosis of high-grade ONGs in adult patients is still poor despite multi-modality treatments. Adjuvant RT or chemotherapy might not be considered in adult patients with low-grade ONGs unless the malignant transformation or aggressive progression has been confirmed.
Bayesian MEG time courses with fMRI priors
Authors: Wang Yingying , Holland Scott K.
Published: April 2021

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) records brain activity with excellent temporal and good spatial resolution, while functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) offers good temporal and excellent spatial resolution. The aim of this study is to implement a Bayesian framework to use fMRI data as spatial priors for MEG inverse solutions. We used simulated MEG data with both evoked and induced activity and experimental MEG data from sixteen participants to examine the effectiveness of using fMRI spatial priors in MEG source reconstruction. Our results provide empirical evidence that the use of fMRI spatial priors improves the accuracy of MEG source reconstruction.