bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Social Vulnerability in the Evacuation Process from Mount Merapi: Focusing on People’s Behavior and Mutual Assistance
Authors: Chasanah Faizul , Sakakibara Hiroyuki
Published: March 2021

In Merapi volcano mitigation, the cooperation within/between the local communities is a key strategy for effective evacuation. In the “sister village” scenario, the meeting area and shelter have been coordinated, but people’s behavior has not been fully considered yet in the vulnerability assessment and government’s contingency plan. The purpose of this study is to assess the people’s behavior, mutual assistance, and social vulnerability index of pedestrian evacuation in four affected regencies. First, we measured the walking speed directly, conducted interviews with stakeholders, and focus group discussions with local communities. We used the multicriteria method and focused on two factors, social and age structure (young, vulnerable, and mutual assistance between them), and risk perception (work, rain, night, alert, and destination). The index reflects the distribution of actual walking speed, mutual assistance, and the government’s plan. The result showed that mutual assistance groups have a higher walking speed than vulnerable people but lower than young people. Mutual assistance coordination is crucial to support vulnerable to effective travel time. The social and age structure of the social vulnerability index has a stronger risk influence than the perception factor in the evacuation process. However, these two factors have a minor impact on social vulnerability to the total population.
Exile and Homeland Trauma: Constructing Memories in Rithy Panh’s The Missing Picture
Authors: Scafirimuto Guglielmo
Published: March 2021

This article focuses on the question of an exiled artist’s representation of traumatic and missing memories. Through an analysis of Rithy Panh’s documentary The Missing Picture (2013), the paper discusses the relationship between memory and imagination, the risk of forgetting and the attempt to create a new picture of a repressed past.
Informatie etnofolclorica si interpretare poetica
Authors: Varga Olimpia
Published: March 2021

„Lucrarea prezentata de doamna Olimpia Varga se adauga, cu folos, consideram noi, demersurilor hermeneutice consacrate operelor lui Marin Sorescu si Stefan Augustin Doinas. Perspectiva analizei este una etnografic-folclorica, autoarea reusind sa puna in evidenta influenta pe care fondul de credinte si datini populare, de productii folclorice literare si insusi ritmurile de viata din arealul care a generat darul scriitoricesc al lui Marin Sorescu si Stefan Augustin Doinas a avut-o asupra productiei culte iesite de sub pana aceastora.“ Lucian CHISU
Ativismo digital evangélico e contrassecularização na eleição de Jair Bolsonaro
Authors: Aguiar Carlos Eduardo Souza
Published: March 2021

A emergência das redes digitais consolida um novo tipo de ativismo religioso no contexto brasileiro que potencializa a chamada onda conservadora. Trata-se de novas dinâmicas que colaboram para a saturação da fronteira entre as esferas do religioso e da política, característica-chave do ideal clássico de secularização. Este artigo aborda o papel do ativismo evangélico conservador digital na eleição presidencial de 2018, marcada pelo engajamento aberto de igrejas e líderes religiosos na disputa eleitoral, mobilizando suas redes de fiéis, sobretudo em torno de uma pauta moral e de costumes. A pesquisa se baseia na conjunção do uso de dados disponíveis extraídos de fontes secundárias e o estudo exploratório nas redes com base em uma amostra não-probabilística obtida por meio de procedimentos de amostragem intencional. Observou-se que o engajamento evangélico eleitoral nas redes é o resultado da consolidação de movimentos conservadores de contra-secularização. Em um contexto de pluralismo, as redes digitais permitem, paradoxalmente, além de uma tomada de palavra e visibilidade de uma série de minorais, uma reação a esses avanços progressistas, com impacto direto na vitória de Jair Bolsonaro.
Àdanidá: homem, ambiente e orixá
Authors: Campelo Marilu Márcia
Published: March 2021

Sem resumo.
Ensino Religioso: abordagem antropológica e abertura transdisciplinar
Authors: Rocha Luiz Cláudio
Published: March 2021

Resumo - Dissertação
Religion as we know it: an origin story
Authors: Vasconcellos Danilo Souza Mendes de
Published: March 2021

Resenha

MILES, Jack. Religion as we know it. An Origin Story. Nova Iorque: Norton, 2020. 152p. ISBN: 978-1-324-00278-9.
Uma teocracia pentecostal? Considerações a partir da conjuntura política atual
Authors: Passos João Décio
Published: March 2021

As igrejas e indivíduos de tendência pentecostal que hoje ocupam o poder no governo brasileiro pensam e agem a partir de uma teologia política teocrática. Essa perspectiva pré-moderna superada pelas filosofias políticas antropocêntricas persiste como visão que se traduz em discursos, em atitudes e em políticas públicas. Trata-se da busca de um fundamento religioso capaz de superar a crise pela qual estariam passando o Estado e a sociedade brasileira. A afirmação de que Deus está no comando da política por meio de representantes eleitos pelo povo faz confluir o exercício democrático do poder com fundamentos teocráticos. A ascensão dos pentecostais ao poder nacional vem de algumas décadas e revelou sua presença na formação das “bancadas evangélicas”. O Estado laico institucionalmente estabelecido tem suportado gestões religiosas que se apresentam como legítimas e como urgentes para a salvação da nação do grande inimigo: as esquerdas. Projeto ultraliberal e exercício autoritário do poder têm sido a tradução política concreta do poder de Deus em ação no governo atual.
Espiritualidade e Teologia da Criação: Conferência interasiática, 19 a 21 de fevereiro, Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bengaluru, Índia
Authors: Steffens Elisabeth
Published: March 2021

No abstract
A teologia imaginativa de C. S. Lewis: um estudo a partir de O sobrinho do mago e A última batalha.
Authors: Lima Evane Adegundes Soares
Published: March 2021

Resumo - Dissertação de Mestrado
Bleiben Sie demokratisch! Eine Besprechung der Beschlüsse des Verwaltungsgerichts Hamburg vom 16. April 2020 (Az. 17 E 1648/20) und des Hamburgischen Oberverwaltungsgerichts vom 16. April 2020 (Az. 5 Bs 58/20)
Authors: Heinecke Gabriele
Published: March 2021

Nach einer ersten Schockstarre über den „Lock-Down“ regte sich in der ersten Phase der Corona-Pandemie in Hamburg Widerstand gegen das durch Verordnung verfügte totale Versammlungsverbot. Der Kampf um die Durchsetzung der Versammlungsfreiheit erbrachte zwei an demselben Tage erlassene verwaltungsgerichtliche Entscheidungen: der sich auf die „überragende Bedeutung“ des Schutzes des Lebens und der körperlichen Unversehrtheit (Art. 2 Abs. 2 Satz 1 GG) sowie „des öffentlichen Interesses am Schutz des Gesundheitssystems vor einer Überlastung aufgrund steigender Infektionszahlen“ stützende Beschluss des 5. Senats des Hamburgischen Oberverwaltungsgerichts gegen den für die Geltung der Versammlungsfreiheit (Art. 8 Abs. 1 GG) streitende Beschluss der 17. Kammer des Verwaltungsgerichts.
Targeted Cancer Therapy Using Nanoparticles and Antibody Fragments
Authors: Bhattacharya Sankha , Gore Kapil
Published: March 2021

Cancer is caused by an uncontrolled cell division, forming a tumor capable of metastasis. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Conventional treatments kill healthy cells, causing side effects. Recently, nanomaterials are explored due to properties such as as- nano-size, high loading, and ligands’ attachment for a selective delivery. Apart from normal body cells, cancer cells express many receptors in excess, which serve as ‘targets’ for attacking the cells. Various ligands like proteins, peptides, polysaccharides can be attached to nanoparticles to allow proper and specific reach to the tumor. Such nanoparticles go to their desired site and stick onto the receptors, taken inside the cells by various methods. Antibodies are natural proteins that bind to foreign substances and remove them. IgG being the most explored antibody, suffers from many disadvantages such as non-specificity for required antigen, limited binding sites, low tumor penetration. Hence many researchers experimented by removing and adjusting the binding sites, using only the binding sites, enhancing the valency of naturally available IgG. It gave many benefits such as enhanced penetration, reduced immunogenicity, better delivery of drugs with fewer side effects. Continuing advancements in the field of protein engineering will help scientists to come up with better solutions. The properties allow easy surface interaction and entry, achieve better biodistribution, and reduce the amount of drug required. Targeting is based on Paul Ehrlich’s ‘magic bullet, ‘where the therapeutic moiety has two parts-one to identify the target and the second to eliminate it. This concept is revised to incorporate a third component, a carrier. Many nanocarriers can be used to target cancer cells containing ligands to identify malignant cells. Approaches to targeting are passive, active and physical targeting. Many such nanoparticles are in clinical trials and can be a better solution to cancer therapy.
The Blasé and the Flâneur. Simmel and Benjamin on Modern and Postmodern Forms of Individualization
Authors: Mele Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

Simmel’sblaséand Benjamin’sflâneuras symbols of their models of metropolitan subjectivity can be the necessary reference points for delineating two models, sometimes converging, other times diverging, regarding the representation of the individual and its possible autonomy in the context of the “aestheticization” of contemporary daily life. Simmel does not stop looking – albeit with an accent on the tragic that grew ever stronger in last stages of his reflections – at the individual and the process of individualization from the perspective of the ever more marked differentiation and growth of the vital possibilities of the individual. Simmel’s conception of life as Adventure expresses an irreversible trend of contemporary subjectivity, which is towards the realization of its peculiarity and uniqueness. Benjamin, on the contrary, criticizes the conception of the adventure as the very search for true “lived experience” (Erlebnis), because it would lead directly to the aestheticization of politics, the exaltation of the noble gesture, the search for the authentic − all the forms of cultural expression that led to fascism and war. He seems rather prefer going beyond − in the utopian and/or ideological sense − the individualistic structure of contemporary society. His hope was that the void created by the disappearance of the western individual could be filled by new forms and figures of subjectivity and intellectuality made possible through the means offered by the technical reproducibility of artwork. From an exquisitely theoretical point of view, nothing can guarantee a priori that the search for authenticity does not head in this regressive direction, instead of establishing a point of departure towards new ethical and political paths.
Georg Simmel und Gustav Schmoller. Soziologie in Berlin um 1890. Für Otthein Rammstedt (1938-2020) in Dankbarkeit
Authors: Dahme Heinz-Jürgen
Published: March 2021

The development of academic sociology in Germany can be dated to the late 1880s. During this time, some scientists offered sociological lectures at German universities for the first time. These, mostly younger scientists came from a wide variety of disciplines; e.g. economics, political sciences, ethnology, psychology of the people (Völkerspsychologie), or philosophy, but didn’t had much in common, except using the word sociology labeling their efforts. Publications for a wider public useing the term sociology had also been available in the past, but were rather attempts at understanding or affirmative legitimizations for the new social policy in the German Empire. Georg Simmel was the first scientist of this ‘sociological generation around 1890’ founding successfully sociology as a new academic subject. The study explores the influence of the then well-known and established economist and political scientist Gustav Schmoller, who also acted at the Berlin University, on the young Simmel.
The Unpublished Correspondence between Hans Simmel and Max Horkheimer (1936–1943). Some Remarks on Critical Theory, Georg Simmel’s Sociology, and the Tasks of the Institute for Social Research
Authors: Ruggeri Davide
Published: March 2021

The focus of analysis is the reconstruction of the relationship between the philosopher and sociologist Max Horkheimer (1895–1973) and Hans Simmel (1891–1943), Georg Simmel’s first son. Its basis is an unpublished folder at theUniversitätsarchiv, Frankfurt am Main. Under review is the attempt by Horkheimer to arrange a visa for Hans Simmel to travel to the US. On the one hand, a testimony is revealed of an intellectual debt (Horkheimer’s to Georg Simmel), which was transformed into a biographical debt toward Hans; on the other hand, we sketch a tragic link with the rise of the Nazi party and the consequences of the persecution and diaspora of Jews from Germany, as well as the Institute for Social Research (New York) commitments to help German intellectuals. Consequently, there are two principal aims: firstly, to reconstruct the biographical events which connect Hans Simmel and Max Horkheimer at a specific period (1936–1943), furnishing details about concrete aspects of their historical situation; secondly, in the background we examine the ambivalent relationship between Georg Simmel’s thought and the former Frankfurt School authors, who appreciated Simmel’s innovative style, yet distanced themselves from his irrational-bourgeois approach (due to the stigmatization of Korsch and Lukács).
La obligación de conservar documentación durante 10 años: la gestión documental clave
Authors: Garcia Alsina Montserrat
Published: March 2021

El cumplimiento de las obligaciones tributarias comporta la declaración de la actividad económica y el archivo del apoyo documental de ésta: contratos, facturas, albaranes y justificantes de gastos. Estos documentos son evidencias que las empresas deben gestionar y conservar durante el periodo que la Ley general tributaria señala. Con la última modificación de la ley, las empresas tienen que conservar la documentación durante diez años.
Relationship between simultaneously recorded spiking activity and fluorescence signal in GCaMP6 transgenic mice
Authors: Huang Lawrence , Ledochowitsch Peter , Knoblich Ulf , Lecoq Jérôme , Murphy Gabe J , Reid R Clay , de Vries Saskia EJ , Koch Christof , Zeng Hongkui , Buice Michael A , Waters Jack , Li Lu
Published: March 2021

Fluorescent calcium indicators are often used to investigate neural dynamics, but the relationship between fluorescence and action potentials (APs) remains unclear. Most APs can be detected when the soma almost fills the microscope’s field of view, but calcium indicators are used to image populations of neurons, necessitating a large field of view, generating fewer photons per neuron, and compromising AP detection. Here, we characterized the AP-fluorescence transfer function in vivo for 48 layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in primary visual cortex, with simultaneous calcium imaging and cell-attached recordings from transgenic mice expressing GCaMP6s or GCaMP6f. While most APs were detected under optimal conditions, under conditions typical of population imaging studies, only a minority of 1 AP and 2 AP events were detected (often <10% and ~20–30%, respectively), emphasizing the limits of AP detection under more realistic imaging conditions.
Structural basis for human TRPC5 channel inhibition by two distinct inhibitors
Authors: Song Kangcheng , Wei Miao , Guo Wenjun , Quan Li , Kang Yunlu , Wu Jing-Xiang , Chen Lei
Published: March 2021

TRPC5 channel is a nonselective cation channel that participates in diverse physiological processes. TRPC5 inhibitors show promise in the treatment of anxiety disorder, depression, and kidney disease. However, the binding sites and inhibitory mechanism of TRPC5 inhibitors remain elusive. Here, we present the cryo-EM structures of human TRPC5 in complex with two distinct inhibitors, namely clemizole and HC-070, to the resolution of 2.7 Å. The structures reveal that clemizole binds inside the voltage sensor-like domain of each subunit. In contrast, HC-070 is wedged between adjacent subunits and replaces the glycerol group of a putative diacylglycerol molecule near the extracellular side. Moreover, we found mutations in the inhibitor binding pockets altered the potency of inhibitors. These structures suggest that both clemizole and HC-070 exert the inhibitory functions by stabilizing the ion channel in a nonconductive closed state. These results pave the way for further design and optimization of inhibitors targeting human TRPC5.
The neural basis of intelligence in fine-grained cortical topographies
Authors: Feilong Ma , Guntupalli J Swaroop , Haxby James V
Published: March 2021

Intelligent thought is the product of efficient neural information processing, which is embedded in fine-grained, topographically organized population responses and supported by fine-grained patterns of connectivity among cortical fields. Previous work on the neural basis of intelligence, however, has focused on coarse-grained features of brain anatomy and function because cortical topographies are highly idiosyncratic at a finer scale, obscuring individual differences in fine-grained connectivity patterns. We used a computational algorithm, hyperalignment, to resolve these topographic idiosyncrasies and found that predictions of general intelligence based on fine-grained (vertex-by-vertex) connectivity patterns were markedly stronger than predictions based on coarse-grained (region-by-region) patterns. Intelligence was best predicted by fine-grained connectivity in the default and frontoparietal cortical systems, both of which are associated with self-generated thought. Previous work overlooked fine-grained architecture because existing methods could not resolve idiosyncratic topographies, preventing investigation where the keys to the neural basis of intelligence are more likely to be found.
Inverse kinematics for cooperative mobile manipulators based on self-adaptive differential evolution
Authors: Hernandez-Barragan Jesus , Lopez-Franco Carlos , Arana-Daniel Nancy , Alanis Alma Y.
Published: March 2021

This article presents an approach to solve the inverse kinematics of cooperative mobile manipulators for coordinate manipulation tasks. A self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm is used to solve the inverse kinematics as a global constrained optimization problem. A kinematics model of the cooperative mobile manipulators system is proposed, considering a system with two omnidirectional platform manipulators with n DOF. An objective function is formulated based on the forward kinematics equations. Consequently, the proposed approach does not suffer from singularities because it does not require the inversion of any Jacobian matrix. The design of the objective function also contains penalty functions to handle the joint limits constraints. Simulation experiments are performed to test the proposed approach for solving coordinate path tracking tasks. The solutions of the inverse kinematics show precise and accurate results. The experimental setup considers two mobile manipulators based on the KUKA Youbot system to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed approach.
Three-dimensional data-tracking simulations of sprinting using a direct collocation optimal control approach
Authors: Haralabidis Nicos , Serrancolí Gil , Colyer Steffi , Bezodis Ian , Salo Aki , Cazzola Dario
Published: March 2021

Biomechanical simulation and modelling approaches have the possibility to make a meaningful impact within applied sports settings, such as sprinting. However, for this to be realised, such approaches must first undergo a thorough quantitative evaluation against experimental data. We developed a musculoskeletal modelling and simulation framework for sprinting, with the objective to evaluate its ability to reproduce experimental kinematics and kinetics data for different sprinting phases. This was achieved by performing a series of data-tracking calibration (individual and simultaneous) and validation simulations, that also featured the generation of dynamically consistent simulated outputs and the determination of foot-ground contact model parameters. The simulated values from the calibration simulations were found to be in close agreement with the corresponding experimental data, particularly for the kinematics (average root mean squared differences (RMSDs) less than 1.0° and 0.2 cm for the rotational and translational kinematics, respectively) and ground reaction force (highest average percentage RMSD of 8.1%). Minimal differences in tracking performance were observed when concurrently determining the foot-ground contact model parameters from each of the individual or simultaneous calibration simulations. The validation simulation yielded results that were comparable (RMSDs less than 1.0° and 0.3 cm for the rotational and translational kinematics, respectively) to those obtained from the calibration simulations. This study demonstrated the suitability of the proposed framework for performing future predictive simulations of sprinting, and gives confidence in its use to assess the cause-effect relationships of technique modification in relation to performance. Furthermore, this is the first study to provide dynamically consistent three-dimensional muscle-driven simulations of sprinting across different phases.
Agenciamientos en las sociedades de control
Authors: Rossi Luis Sebastián Ramón
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar las principales tesis detrás de la teoría de Gilles Deleuze y Félix Guattari sobre la aparición de las formaciones sociales de control y sobre los agenciamientos que a ellas corresponden. Así, se recorrerán tres tesis fundamentales sobre la mutación del capitalismo contemporáneo. En el primer apartado se abordarán las transformaciones en las relaciones de poder y en las formaciones de saber. En el segundo, nos detendremos en los cambios en los modos de subjetivación (de la sujeción social a la esclavitud maquínica). Por último, exploraremos los nuevos regímenes de imágenes y de signos que nuestros autores hicieron corresponder con las sociedades contemporáneas. No obstante, ninguna de estas transformaciones es legible, para la teoría social crítica deleuzoguattariana, sin los agenciamientos concretos en los que tienen lugar. Por ello abordaremos algunos ejemplos de componendas de la computación ubicua que ilustrarán las dimensiones de las nuevas vías de modulación (codificación) del poder contemporáneo y de agenciamientos massmediáticos que aseguran formas novedosas de reterritorializaciones por medios artificiales (territorialización). Hacia el final nos detendremos en el dato primario de toda formación social, sus posibles líneas de fuga.
Evaluation of Cardiac Biomarkers in Dengue Myocarditis in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India
Authors: Bhattacharjee Debojyoti , Choudhury Jayati Roy , Mukherjee Kasturi , Mukherjee Kheya
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Dengue, a vector borne viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquito has recently become a major public health concern in the tropical regions of the world. In addition to the two major life threatening complications- Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), a variety of cardiac complications have been recognised, the most common being myocarditis. Aim: To study and compare the quantity of different cardiac biomarkers in patients of Dengue Fever with and without myocarditis. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based retrospective observational study done in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India from June 2019 to November 2019. Dengue patients with diagnosed myocarditis on day 7 of fever based on electro and echocardiogram changes of left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50% were considered as cases (n=41). Age and sex matched dengue patients with normal electro and echocardiogram changes were considered as control (n=43). After obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee Clearance, laboratory data were collected from samples coded and assayed for markers of acute cardiac myocyte damage such as total Creatine Kinase (CK), CK-Muscle Brain (CK-MB), Troponin T (Trop T) and cardiac failure biomarker N-Terminal pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP). Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20). Results: Cardiac biomarkers CK, CK-MB, Trop T and NT-proBNP levels in cases were higher compared to controls (p-value <0.05). Trop T and NT-proBNP were positively correlated to each other (r-value: 0.44). Trop T changes could also predict significantly the rise in NT-proBNP in circulation (p<0.05). Conclusion: It reconfirmed the need of routine monitoring of cardiac biomarkers in conjunction with other cardiac function tests in early diagnosis and or management of myocarditis, a severe complication of Dengue Viral Infection (DENV).
About the Benefits of Adopting E-Learning in the Current Romanian Educational System
Authors: Cioruța Bogdan-Vasile , Lauran Monica , Coman Mirela , Pop Alexandru Leonard , Lauran Alexandru
Published: March 2021

Starting from the current context, of the transition of educational activities in the online environment, we will try to outline some aspects that e-learning covers. Through this study, we aim to synthesize the general perception of those involved in the Romanian education system, where it was possible to obtain relevant information. Based on the online discussions with the students, as well as based on the meetings we had with colleagues, we decided to present the perception of the interviewees regarding online education. Equally, following the answers received, we aimed to expose the favorable (pros) and less favorable (cons) aspects of the transition to e-learning in the Romanian education system. Their exemplification was made taking into account the options of the main actors involved in education; for each of them (teachers or formators, students, parents) the possible benefits or disadvantages were highlighted in relation to the education carried out exclusively online.
Final Health and Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified Soybean A2704-12
Authors: Andreassen Åshild Kristin , Bakke Anne Marie , Dahl Knut Kelkås , Dalen Knut Thomas , Finne Merethe Aasmo , Mikalsen Arne , Sanden Monica , Sipinen Ville Erling , Vikse Rose , Brandtzæg Per , Junttila Olavi , Meadow Richard , Nielsen Kåre Magnus , Sorteberg Hilde-Gunn Opsahl
Published: March 2021

Soybean A2704-12 expresses the phosphinothricin-N-acetyltransferase (pat) gene, from the soil bacterium Streptomyces viridochromogenes. The encoded PAT protein confers tolerance to the active herbicidal substance glufosinate-ammonium. Bioinformatics analyses of the inserted DNA and flanking sequences in soybean A2704-12 have not indicated a potential production of putative harmful proteins or polypeptides caused by the genetic modification. Genomic stability of the functional insert and consistent expression of the pat gene have been shown over several generations of soybean A2704-12. With the exception of the intended changes caused by the transgenetically introduced trait, data from field trials performed in the USA and Canada show that soybean A2704-12 is compositionally, morphologically and agronomically equivalent to its conventional counterpart and to other commercial soybean varieties. A repeated dose toxicity study in with rats and a nutritional assessment trial with broilers indicate that soybean A2704-12 is nutritionally equivalent to and as safe as conventional soybean varieties. The PAT protein produced in soybean A270412 does not show sequence resemblance to known toxins or IgE-dependent allergens, nor has it been reported to cause IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Soybean is not cultivated in Norway, and there are no cross-compatible wild or weedy relatives of soybean in Europe. 

 

Based on current knowledge, the VKM GMO Panel concludes that with the intended usage, there are no discernible safety concerns associated with soybean A2704-12 regarding human or animal health or to the environment in Norway.
Assessment of Croplands’ Exposure to Climate Variability in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Ibilewa Dada , Ishaya Samaila K. , Magaji Joshua I.
Published: March 2021

The knowledge of exposure of croplands to climate variability is of paramount importance in adaptive capacity planning to boost food production for the world’s growing population. The study assessed the exposure of croplands to climate variability in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria using Geo-informatics. This was achieved by examining the distribution pattern of climate indices in FCT from 1981-2017, determining the exposure index of croplands in FCT Area Councils and production of exposure map of FCT Area Councils, The spatial scope of this study is the entire arable land in FCT which is made up of six Area Councils. The research is contextually restricted to exposure of croplands to climate variables while other variables remain constant. The selected climatic variables are rainfall, temperature, relative humidity and potential evapotranspiration (exposure indicators). The arable crops in focus are yam, beans and maize while the soil variables selected for the study are: soil erosion, organic carbon content of the soil, clay content of the soil and percentage of arable land available for crop production. The temporal scope of the examined exposure indicators (climate variables) was limited to a period of thirty (37) years from 1981- 2017. The result indicates that Bwari has the highest exposure (0.1671) to climate variables while Abaji has the least (0.0868) exposure. AMAC is high (0.1371), Kuje (0.1304) is moderate while Gwagwalada (0.1132) and Kwali (0.1154) have low exposures to climate variability. The implication of this on the referenced crops is that crop yield will be highly reduced in Bwari and optimum in Abaji Area Councils due to their climatic requirement. The power of Geo-Spatial Technology in combining different indices of exposure to produce exposure map was demonstrated in the study.
A Comprehensive Review on Natural Products and Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Alam Faruk , Amin Ruhul , Dey Biplab Kumar
Published: March 2021

Natural plants various metabolites are widely utilized in a different kind of infections and inflammation as traditional medication. The inﬂammatory response is a reaction always effects in daily life and physical issue and activity of herbal complex act through of blood vessels. Inflammation is a pathologic issue that incorporates a wide scope of sicknesses, for example rheumatic, diabetes, cardiovascular accident and chronic kidney disease. We present a few herbal spices which their metabolites that have been assessed in clinical and test. The review includes number of various herbal plants with their families, parts utilized, k concentrate utilized, bioassay models and their usages in medicinal activities.
Robust Superamphiphilic Membrane with a Closed‐Loop Life Cycle
Authors: Ye Chongnan , Voet Vincent S. D. , Folkersma Rudy , Loos Katja
Published: March 2021

Oil‐spill remediation is an international environmental challenge, and superamphiphilic membranes, as a promising solution, have recently drawn lots of attention. However, the robustness of the conventional membrane design is less satisfying under severe conditions during practical applications. Additionally, it is unavoidable for the membranes to face a series of foulants in their practical working environment, for example, algae and sand. These foulants will block the membrane, which leads to a new economic and environmental problem in terms of waste management at the end of their life. To address the aforementioned challenges, a new generation of superamphiphilic vitrimer epoxy resin membranes (SAVER) to separate oil and water efficiently is reported. Similar to classical epoxy resins, SAVER shows strong mechanical robustness and sustains exposure to aqua regia and sodium hydroxide solutions. Furthermore, the blocked membrane can be easily recovered when contaminated with mixed foulants by using dynamic transesterification reactions in the polymer network. The ease with which biobased SAVER can be manufactured, used, recycled, and re‐used without losing value points to new directions in designing a closed‐loop superamphiphilic membrane life cycle.
Development of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Blood–Brain Barrier Transfer—Strategies and Challenges
Authors: Zhang Weisen , Mehta Ami , Tong Ziqiu , Esser Lars , Voelcker Nicolas H.
Published: March 2021

Neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and brain cancers are difficult to treat with current drugs as their delivery efficacy to the brain is severely hampered by the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Drug delivery systems have been extensively explored in recent decades aiming to circumvent this barrier. In particular, polymeric nanoparticles have shown enormous potentials owing to their unique properties, such as high tunability, ease of synthesis, and control over drug release profile. However, careful analysis of their performance in effective drug transport across the BBB should be performed using clinically relevant testing models. In this review, polymeric nanoparticle systems for drug delivery to the central nervous system are discussed with an emphasis on the effects of particle size, shape, and surface modifications on BBB penetration. Moreover, the authors critically analyze the current in vitro and in vivo models used to evaluate BBB penetration efficacy, including the latest developments in the BBB‐on‐a‐chip models. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for the development of polymeric nanoparticles to combat neurological disorders are discussed.
Spin‐Torque Memristors Based on Perpendicular Magnetic Tunnel Junctions for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Cai Wenlong , Wang Mengxing , Pan Biao , Cao Kaihua , Guo Maosen , Zhang Tianrui , Cheng Houyi , Li Shaoxin , Zhu Daoqian , Wang Lin , Shi Fazhan , Du Jiangfeng , Zhao Weisheng
Published: March 2021

Spin‐torque memristors are proposed in 2009, and can provide fast, low‐power, and infinite memristive behavior for neuromorphic computing and large‐density non‐volatile memory. However, the strict requirements of combining high magnetoresistance, stable domain wall pinning and current‐induced switching in a single device pose difficulties in physical implementation. Here, a nanoscale spin‐torque memristor based on a perpendicular‐anisotropy magnetic tunnel junction with a CoFeB/W/CoFeB composite free layer structure is experimentally demonstrated. Its tunneling magnetoresistance is higher than 200%, and memristive behavior can be realized by spin‐transfer torque switching. Memristive states are retained by strong domain wall pinning effects in the free layer. Experiments and simulations suggest that nanoscale vertical chiral spin textures can form around clusters of W atoms under the combined effect of opposite Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interactions and the Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yosida interaction between the two CoFeB free layers. Energy fluctuation caused by these textures may be the main reason for the strong pinning effect. With the experimentally demonstrated memristive behavior and spike‐timing‐dependent plasticity, a spiking neural network to perform handwritten pattern recognition in an unsupervised manner is simulated. Due to advantages such as long endurance and high speed, the spin‐torque memristors are competitive in the future applications for neuromorphic computing.
Modulating Nanoinhomogeneity at Electrode–Solid Electrolyte Interfaces for Dendrite‐Proof Solid‐State Batteries and Long‐Life Memristors
Authors: Lu Ziheng , Yang Ziwei , Li Cheng , Wang Kai , Han Jinlong , Tong Peifei , Li Guoxiao , Vishnugopi Bairav Sabarish , Mukherjee Partha P. , Yang Chunlei , Li Wenjie
Published: March 2021

Dendrite penetration in ceramic lithium conductors severely constrains the development of solid‐state batteries (SSBs) while its nanoscale origin remains unelucidated. An in situ nanoscopic electrochemical characterization technique is developed based on conductive‐atomic force microscopy (c‐AFM) to reveal the local dendrite growth kinetics. Using Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) as a model system, significant local inhomogeneity is observed with a hundredfold decrease in the dendrite triggering bias at grain boundaries compared with that at grain interiors. The origin of the local weakening is assigned to the nanoscale variation of elastic modulus and lithium flux detouring. An ionic‐conductive polymeric homogenizing layer is designed which achieves a high critical current density of 1.8 mA cm–2 and a low interfacial resistance of 14 Ω cm2. Practical SSBs based on LiFePO4 cathodes can be stably cycled over 300 times. Beyond this, highly reversible electrochemical dendrite healing in LLZO is discovered using the c‐AFM electrode, based on which a model memristor with a high on/off ratio of ≈105 is demonstrated for >200 cycles. This work not only provides a novel tool to investigate and design interfaces in SSBs but also offers opportunities for solid electrolytes beyond energy applications.
Essential updates 2019/2020: Multimodal treatment of localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Current topics and updates in survival outcomes and prognostic factors
Authors: Kato Hiroyuki , Horiguchi Akihiko , Ito Masahiro , Asano Yukio , Arakawa Satoshi
Published: March 2021

Overall survival of patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is extremely poor. Therefore, the establishment of multimodal treatment strategies is indispensable for PDAC patients because surgical treatment alone could not contribute to the improvement of survival. In this review article, we focus on the current topics and advancement of the treatments for localized PDAC including resectable, borderline resectable, and locally advanced PDAC in accordance with the articles mainly published from 2019 to 2020. Reviewing the articles, the recent progress of multimodal treatments notably improves the prognosis of patients with localized PDAC. For resectable PDAC, neoadjuvant chemo or chemoradiation therapy, rather than upfront surgery, plays a key role, especially in patients with a large tumor, poor performance status, high tumor marker levels, peripancreatic lymph nodes metastasis, or neural invasion suspected on preoperative imaging. For borderline resectable PDAC, neoadjuvant treatments followed by surgery is a desirable approach, and maintenance of immunonutritional status during the treatments are also important. For locally advanced disease, conversion surgery has a central role in improving a survival outcome; however, its indication should be standardized.
Impact of a crime prevention ordinance for small retail establishments
Authors: Davis Jonathan , Casteel Carri , Menéndez Cammie C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Ordinances requiring the implementation of robbery prevention measures have been enacted at the city level in many jurisdictions. We evaluated the impact of an ordinance requiring crime prevention measures on subsequent crime rates.

Methods

Crime reports for robbery and aggravated assault from January 2006 through December 2015 were linked to randomly‐selected convenience stores and small retail grocers in Houston (n = 293). Store characteristics and compliance with a list of safety measures were collected by surveyors in 2011. Generalized linear mixed models were used to compare rates of crime before and after the implementation of the ordinance.

Results

Robberies decreased significantly after the ordinance went into effect (rate ratio = 0.38; 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.51). No individual safety measure was associated with decreased robbery rates. No similar decrease was observed for aggravated assault.

Conclusions

City ordinances mandating crime prevention measures can be effective. We could not parse out the effectiveness of individual elements, suggesting a comprehensive approach may be more effective.
Ultraviolet radiation and risk of cutaneous melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in males and females in the Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers cohort
Authors: Liu Fei‐Chih , Grimsrud Tom K. , Veierød Marit B. , Robsahm Trude E. , Ghiasvand Reza , Babigumira Ronnie , Shala Nita K. , Stenehjem Jo S.
Published: March 2021

Background

Increased risk of cutaneous melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been reported among petroleum workers, but few studies include females, exposure data on ultraviolet radiation (UVR), and potential confounding factors. We aimed to examine UVR exposure in relation to risk of melanoma and SCC among male and female offshore petroleum workers. We also examined the association between UVR exposure and melanoma (Breslow) thickness.

Methods

The Norwegian Offshore Petroleum Workers (NOPW) cohort (n = 27,917) holds information on sunbathing, indoor tanning, sunburns, sunscreen use, and other lifestyle factors recorded in 1998. Linkage to the Cancer Registry of Norway gave information on cancer diagnosis through 2017. We used Cox and logistic regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of skin cancer and odds ratios (OR) of thick (≥1 mm) melanomas, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Melanoma risk increased with increasing frequency of sunbathing after age 20 (ptrend = 0.031), sunburn average intensity (ptrend = 0.028), and sunscreen use (HR = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.42 ‐3.27 for almost always vs. never/rarely). The risk of thick melanoma was inversely associated with sunbathing frequency after age 20 (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.16 ‐ 0.90 for ≥4 weeks/year vs. 1 week/year). SCC risk increased with increasing frequency of indoor tanning after age 20 (HR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.22 ‐ 6.05 for ≥3 times/months vs. never), sunburn average intensity (ptrend < 0.001), and sunscreen use (ptrend < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results support associations between UVR exposure and skin cancer risk in male and female offshore petroleum workers. This occupational group may be especially relevant for targeted sun protection advice.
Severe epileptic encephalopathy associated with compound heterozygosity of THG1L variants in the Ashkenazi Jewish population
Authors: Rabin Rachel , Hirsch Yoel , Johansson Martin M. , Ekstein Joseph , Ekstein Ahron , Pappas John
Published: March 2021

THG1L‐associated autosomal recessive ataxia belongs to a group of disorders that occur due to abnormal mitochondrial tRNA modification. The product of THG1L is the tRNA‐histidine guanylyltransferase 1‐like enzyme that catalyzes the 3′‐5“addition of guanine to the 5”‐end of tRNA‐histidine in the mitochondrion. To date, five individuals with homozygosity for p.(Val55Ala) in THG1L have been reported and presented with mild delays or normal development and cerebellar dysfunction. We present seven individuals with biallelic variants in THG1L. Three individuals were compound heterozygous for the p.(Cys51Trp) and p.(Val55Ala) variants and presented with profound developmental delays, microcephaly, intractable epilepsy, and cerebellar hypoplasia. Four siblings were homozygous for the p.(Val55Ala) variant and presented with cerebellar ataxia with cerebellar vermis hypoplasia, dysarthria, mild developmental delays, and normal/near‐normal cognition. All seven patients were of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Carrier rates for the two variants were calculated in a cohort of 26,731 Ashkenazi Jewish individuals tested by the Dor Yeshorim screening program. The p.(Cys51Trp) variant is novel and was found in 40 of the Ashkenazi Jewish individuals tested, with a carrier rate of 1 in 668 (0.15%). The p.(Val55Ala) variant was found in 229 of the Ashkenazi Jewish individuals tested, with a carrier rate of 1 in 117 (0.85%). The individuals with compound heterozygosity of the p.(Val55Ala) and p.(Cys51Trp) variants expand the phenotypic spectrum of THG1L‐related disorders to include severe epileptic encephalopathy. The individuals with homozygosity of the p.(V55A) variant further establish the associated mild and slowly progressive or nonprogressive neurodevelopmental phenotype.
Trends in the prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 show younger maternal age and shift in the distribution of congenital heart disease over a 20‐year period
Authors: Tidrenczel Zsolt , Hajdu Julia , Simonyi Aténé , Szabó István , Ács Nándor , Demeter János , Beke Artúr
Published: March 2021

Prenatal testing has changed greatly over the past two decades, which may affect the diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) in Down syndrome. The present study aimed to analyze changes in the prevalence and distribution of CHD diagnosed via ultrasonography and fetopathology in 462 fetuses with trisomy 21 between two consecutive 10‐year periods (1999–2018), as well as the associations between CHDs, ultrasound markers, and extracardiac malformations. Overall, the frequency of cardiovascular malformations in trisomy 21 was 27.7 and 26.5%, and ultrasound identified 70 and 62% of CHDs during these periods. A profound increase in first‐trimester ultrasound findings and associated anomalies with CHDs (ventricular septal defect, Tetralogy of Fallot) since 2009 were observed. Second‐trimester nonstructural heart abnormalities were associated with ultrasound anomalies (74%) and major extracardiac malformations (42.9%). During both study periods, mothers carrying fetuses with CHD were significantly younger than those without CHD (p = 0.038, p = 0.009, respectively). Comparing the two 10‐year periods, there were no changes in the prevalence and detection of CHDs. Trend analysis revealed that, although the frequency of CHD remained stable, the diagnostic spectrum had shifted between the study periods. Detection of nonstructural heart abnormalities necessitates detailed follow‐up for cardiac/extracardiac malformations and chromosomal disorders.
Schizophrenia risk alleles often affect the expression of many genes and each gene may have a different effect on the risk: A mediation analysis
Authors: Peng Xi , Bader Joel S. , Avramopoulos Dimitrios
Published: March 2021

Variants identified by genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) are often expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), suggesting they are proxies or are themselves regulatory. Across many data sets, analyses show that variants often affect multiple genes. Lacking data on many tissue types, developmental time points, and homogeneous cell types, the extent of this one‐to‐many relationship is underestimated. This raises questions on whether a disease eQTL target gene explains the genetic association or is a bystander and puts into question the direction of expression effect of on the risk, since the many variants‐regulated genes may have opposing effects, imperfectly balancing each other. We used two brain gene expression data sets (CommonMind and BrainSeq) for mediation analysis of schizophrenia‐associated variants. We confirm that eQTL target genes often mediate risk but the direction in which expression affects risk is often different from that in which the risk allele changes expression. Of 38 mediator genes significant in both data sets 33 showed consistent mediation direction (Chi2 test p = 6 × 10−6). One might expect that the expression would correlate with the risk allele in the same direction it correlates with the disease. For 15 of these 33 (45%), however, the expression change associated with the risk allele was protective, suggesting the likely presence of other target genes with overriding effects. Our results identify specific risk mediating genes and suggest caution in interpreting the biological consequences of targeted modifications of gene expression, as not all eQTL targets may be relevant to disease while those that are, might have different from expected directions.