bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design on IoT Based Real Time Transformer Performance Monitoring System for Enhancing the Safety Measures
Authors: Dhanraj Joshuva Arockia , Krishnamurthy Balachandar , Ramanathan Kuppan Chetty , Saravanan A K , Ganapathy Raman Jeya Krishna
Published: December 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a continuing massive excitement for machine-to-machine communications to encourage individual devices to use the internet for data sharing. This work introduces the design and performance of continuous transformer monitoring and failure diagnostic and documents main distribution transformers indicators such as load current, transformer oil level, gas formation, and temperature. By using this project one must continuously take a look at it and it will reduce progress and maximize the stability, accuracy, and performance of this project. The sensors are used to track recurrent errors or voltage intake variations. The observed information is transmitted to the microcontroller and it tests parameter limitations that send it to the IoT web server using the IoT module. This data sharing means that the appropriate data are presented to the customer and before any significant errors occur according to the collected data the user will make useful choices.
Statistical Data Mining through Credal Decision Tree Classifiers for Fault Prediction on Wind Turbine Blades Using Vibration Signals
Authors: Dhanraj Joshuva Arockia , Jayaraman P , Ramanathan Kuppan Chetty , Pravin Kumar J , Jayachandran T
Published: December 2020

In a wind turbine, blades are the most important component of wind capture in wind turbines as they easily become unreliable due to environmental conditions. This paper demonstrates the malfunction characterization of wind turbine blades by the use of vibration data via the credal decision tree (CDT). The defects on the blades are replicated to model the defects through machine learning. The extraction of functions (statistical functions) and the selection of the component (algorithm of decision tree J48) were employed to identify the best framework for defect classification. Using the credal decision tree, 82.67% of classification accuracy have been obtained with the Kappa statistic of 0.792 and mean absolute error of 0.0768.
Boiler Temperature and Pressure Monitoring System for Thermal Power Plant through LabVIEW
Authors: Dhanraj Joshuva Arockia , Ramanathan Kuppan Chetty , Priyadharsini S , Jayaraman P , Jothi Sankar M
Published: December 2020

In the ongoing processes of the thermal power plant, temperature and pressure regulation and control is important. The complete process involves two main sections, such as a temperature- and pressure sensor, which is regulated with a real-time control program and therefore employing a temperature- and pressure sensors. Within this research, a temperature sensor and pressure sensor centered on the MEMS is developed for the sensing and monitoring of temperature and pressure, along with the use of LabVIEW. This study is mainly used in the thermal plants where the high-frequency wave is being emitted. Since the wireless data transfer is being distracted by these frequencies noise this study with the help of CAN is been implemented for the information sharing and with the help of LabVIEW the process takes place in the industry can be controlled from a single monitoring room which reduces the manpower.
Optimization of Shrinkage Porosity in AlSi5Cu1Mg Alloy using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Jaganathan S , Santhosh S , Sakthivel P
Published: December 2020

Zero defects are the ultimate aim of any manufacturer casting aluminium alloys. shrinkage porosity is the major defect in casting AlSi5Cu1Mg alloy using Gravity Die Casting (GDC) process. This paper deals with development of effective approach to describe the optimal condition to reduce the shrinkage porosity formation. Solidification time, metal temperature, and preheat molten temperature are varied using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based Box-Behnken Design (BBD)and conducted experiments. Solidification time and pouring metal temperature are directly proportional and solidification time and preheat temperature of the mould are indirectly proportional. Theoretical approach is validated with the experimental approach and the predicted values from RSM based BBD is useful and effective in determining the optimized process conditions in GDC process.
Design of an automatic sliding rack for injection moulding machine
Authors: Vijayaragavan E , Amardeep  , Vijay Kartik , Singh Amoolya Pratap
Published: December 2020

Rubber processing manufacturing facility uses an injection moulding machine for its primary operation. This machine is fully automatic with one manual operation requiring two operators to push and pull the sliding tray during loading and unloading process. This work aims in eliminating the only manual operation by designing an automatic sliding rack system. As the weight of the sliding tray is 600 kg, it requires more effort from the operators resulting in fatigue. In few instances, minor injuries have been reported when the operators accidently get in direct contact with the finished components during loading and unloading. During the design process, rack and pinion mechanism is considered for the automatic sliding of the rack. The pinion is attached to the motor and the rack will push/pull the sliding rack as per the requirement. The design of all the components of the sliding rack system is performed in Unigraphics 2007. Also, the simulation studies shows that the cycle time is reduced from 9.67 seconds to 5.52 seconds. This shows the significant reduction in the cycle time.
Over Speed Protection of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Using Slot in the Turbine Blade
Authors: Navin Kumar B , Vijayarangam J , Pandiyarajan R , Vasudevan A
Published: December 2020

The wind energy is more reliable, clear, and easilyexploitable form of renewable energy source. Wind turbines are being stationed to capture the wind’s power and convert it to electricity. The wind turbines are operated at rated speed to ensure smooth operation. When the wind turbine faces the higher wind speed, wind forceimpacts the tower head causing immediate damage the turbine blade. Wind turbines are equipped with various Aerodynamic braking systems and mechanical braking system to control the over speeding of the wind turbine rotor at extreme wind velocity. In this novelmethodology, it is attended to reduce the rotational speed of the wind turbine aerodynamically by providing the chord wise slot (opening). The slot modifies the pressure distribution over the upper side and lower side of the turbine blade that slows down the rotational speed of the wind turbine within the safe limit. In this present attempt, the over speeding of the wind turbine rotor is effectively controlled without disturbing the power generation. The different parameters of the slot such as the position of the slot, inclination of the slot, and width of the slot are studied and the slot parameters are computationally optimized.
Simplified Analysis of a Multiproduct Newsboy Problem Using Simulation
Authors: Vijayarangam J. , Navin Kumar B. , Vasudevan A. , Pandiyarajan
Published: December 2020

A newsboy problem is a specialized form of a general inventory problem which discusses the decision making skill of a trader, a retailer to be specific, who is facing uncertainty in the form of the demand of one or more perishable products. The lifetime of a perishable product depends on the domain. Products like newspapers, flowers are single day products as they are invalid or less useful after one day. Products like vegetables, fruits may be considered for two or three days depending on the storage procedure employed. So, the retailer has to dispense off the products within their lifetime, either by selling it or by salvaging it. This has been one of the most interesting and sought after problem for discussion as it provides with a simplistic platform to start the discussionsand hence the literature is huge for such problems. It has been analyzed using very many avenues in the literature. This paper discusses the problem of the retailer, dealing in two perishable products using Monte Carlo Simulation and compare its efficiency with standard theoretical Fractile method.
Processing of MMC through conventional sintering and spark plasma sintering process: A review
Authors: Stalin B , Ravichandran M , Balasubramanian M , Anand Chairman C , Pritima D , Dhinakaran V
Published: December 2020

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is one of the advanced methods to produce MMC with the desired quality. The high amount of heat was achieved through direct pulse heating to enhance the diffusion mechanism and it’s involved in the grain growth. Many of the researchers are doing the development of the sintering process for attaining better substance properties with lesser time. SPS was used to fabricate all kinds of materials including ceramics, glass, etc., Direct heat was applied to the graphite die and compact unit. The rate of heat was an essential role in this process to control the densification of powder particles. In the present situation, aluminium MMC plays an essential role in every field such as automobile, aerospace, manufacturing, and electrical sectors. It has superior substance properties such as specific strength, creep, toughness, and corrosion resistance. These properties are enhanced through the addition of reinforcements to the base metal.
Mechanical properties of Fly ash reinforced Aluminium matrix composites
Authors: Ravichandran M , Balasubramanian M , Anand Chairman C , Marichamy S , Dhinakaran V , Stalin B
Published: December 2020

The present work aims to develop Fly ash (FA) reinforced Aluminium Alloy (AA6063) matrix composites using stir casting route and reporting their mechanical properties. The FA content is applied in the ranges of 0-9 weight percentage with the step of 3 % each. The mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength (UTS) and compressive strength (CS) of the composite and alloy samples have been studied. Results showed that addition of FA content up to 6 wt.% improved the mechanical properties and then decreased.
Re-entrant Formation on Superplastic Forming Process by Mechatronics Approach in 5083 Al Alloy
Authors: Balasubramanian M , Anand Chairman C , Pritima D , Dhinakaran V , Stalin B , Ravichandran M
Published: December 2020

Superplastic materials are attributed viscous in behavior which exhibit very narrow and steady grain formation at half of the melting point temperature of given components. Superplastic deformation characteristics are carried out in different pressure control with constant strain rate conditions. In different alloy, the maximum (optimum) strain rate changes from 0.001 to 0.00001s-1. The objective of this research work is to predict the pressure requirements (optimize) to obtain smooth (uniform) profile in a re-entrant shape formation of 5083 Aluminium alloy by using mechatronics approach of Programming Logic Control method. The effect of various forming parameter such as, forming pressure, bulge forming time and thickness distribution of the sheet in a re- entrant shape product. Finite Element analysis is a powerful tool to evaluate the superplastic forming processes (SPF) with accurate prediction of the deformation characteristics.
Surface roughness prediction and parametric optimization of shot blasting of Al7068 using RSM
Authors: Pritima D , Dhinakaran V , Stalin B , Ravichandran M , Balasubramanian M , Anand Chairman C
Published: December 2020

The mechanical based shot blasting was used to remove the oxides and scales from the surface of the materials. It was used to enhance the surface properties. In this work, aluminium 7068 alloy was involved in the shot blasting process. The particle velocity, standoff distance (SOD) and impact angles were included as input factors. These factors were mainly affects the Surface Roughness (SR). The round steel balls with diameter with 2 mm diameter were used for the shot blasting process. In addition to that, the elliptic and square shape of glass beads particles were used to enhance the surface finish. The parametric effect and surface roughness optimization was achieved through Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The role of factors has been analyzed through the variance test.
Recent Progress of Hybrid Architectures Based on Nanomaterials
Authors: Dhinakaran V , Stalin B , Ravichandran M , Balasubramanian M , Anand Chairma C , Marichamy S
Published: December 2020

The recent development in environment and energy of hybrid structures with excellent and multifunctional properties aims to promote single-component nanomaterials. In this phase, Noble Metals are rationally integrated in carbon dots (CD), which is one of the most common nano-hybrids that combine their material strength with mechanical properties including electrical characteristics, enhancing and putting surface resonance plasma (LSPR). In this research work, synthetic approaches, physicochemical properties and recent developments are investigated in the applications of noble nanohybrid metal/carbon dots (NMs/CDs. The CD/NMs will help coordinate the synthesis of nanohybrids to accomplish the goals in the manufacturing and architectural industries accordingly. In these implementations, special focus is put on processes and synergistic activity between the two components. Lastly, for further improving these nanohybrids, limitation and opportunities are suggested for NMs/CDs.
Wear Analysis, mechanical properties and Analysis of Variance of Jute/Glass/flax fibers and their barium sulphate as filler composites
Authors: Kumar JGK , Venkatesh Babu R
Published: December 2020

Natural fibers give strength to polymer composite for making very low cost materials and are very good market now a days. Therefore the researcher’s main attention is to apply appropriate technology by utilizing these natural fibers as efficient and economically in order to produce very good quality fiber reinforced polymer composites for different engineering applications. In our research work, the experiments like tensile, flexural and impact tests were carried out for different natural fibers like, woven Jute, glass and flax hybrid-reinforced epoxy composites with filler of barium sulphate and without filler composite. Therefore the best, cheap and efficient process called hand layup technique was applied to prepare composite material. The surface morphology of the composites was examined through scanning electron microscope, due to the low density and high specific properties of glass, flax fiber composites, it offer cost savings when compared with synthetic fibers. Therefore this king of composite materials can be used in automobile industry. Fro the study, the hybrid composites with barium sulphate filler as composite was used by us to provide good and improved mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strength. And also the good reduced wear property analyzed on filler composite.
Reverse Engineering & Stable Analysis of Corrosion Protective Fibre Reinforced Plastic Fan Blade
Authors: Vijayaganapathy D , Dhinakaran V , Dhivakar Raviram R P
Published: December 2020

The radiator fan blades is manufactured using various materials and we have chosen FRP has the material because it provides excellent corrosion resistance. The heat from the radiator is reduced by circulating cooling water and the fan supplies the air required for cooling. The design of entire blade is taken into consideration for analysing the failure of the blade as the radiator fan is analysed under static condition as the fan blade is in corrosive environment. The Fibre reinforced plastic radiator fan blade analysis is conducted to test the Fibre reinforced plastic object that is able to withstand dynamic as well as structural loads. For this paper the blade design is achieved by reverse engineering, static analysis is achieved using ANSYS where the FRP radiator fan’s 3D rigid model is used for structure stability (analysis). The weight acting and external properties were implied to the radiator fan throughout its entire length. The FRP radiator fan is brushed with a coat of enamel based epoxy of grey in colour and validates the Fibre reinforced plastic radiator fan which can withstand the property of corroding by environment.
Dielectric Fluid Parameter Optimization in Machining of Composite Material using WEDM Process
Authors: Senthil Kumar K L , Dhinesh S K
Published: December 2020

Wire Electric Discharge Machining (WEDM) has become most popular among the non-conventional machining processes because of precise machining and accuracy of parts. The process is preferable for accurate machining of complex geometries in hard materials such as Aluminium Silicon Carbide metal matrix composite. In this work, an attempt is made to analyze and optimize the dielectric fluid parameters in machining of Al/SiCp 10% work material. The input variables such as volume flow rate, flow velocity and chemical composition of dielectric medium used in the WEDM are chosen for this. Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array is used to conduct experiments in WEDM machine and ANOVA results have confirmed the influence of chosen parameters on the output responses. Computer simulation model of the WEDM tank with dielectric fluid, work piece and nozzle is presented using Fluent software. The Fluent model is analyzed based on the maximum removal of debris in the work material. Optimization is carried out to maximize the Material Removal Rate (MRR) and minimize surface roughness. The results obtained from Taguchi’s optimization and Fluent analysis have been validated by carrying out tests on WEDM. The study shows that volume flow rate and flow pressure can adequately influence MRR and surface roughness.
Experimental Investigation of Automobile radiator using Tungsten trioxide Nano-fluid
Authors: Hanumanth Ramji K S , Vinoth kumar J , Amar Karthik A
Published: December 2020

Conventional fluids (ethylene glycol and H2O) heat transfer performance results to be poor when incorporated with an automobile radiator. An experimental study was performed to explore the enactment of automobile radiator using H2O and WO3 nanofluid as operational fluids. Analysis and comparison were carried out for the heat transfer rate and outlet temperature of fluid for various flow rate ranging from 0.2m3/hr to 0.5 m3/hr. Preperation of nanofluid was done for water with 0.0167%, 0.034% and 0.0667% volume concentration of WO3 nanoparticle. The inlet condition of fluid was set at 50°C as the impact for the variation of temperature conditions on system performance were minimal. On experimentation, the maximum increase in the heat transfer rate was by 4.18% on comparison with base fluid.
Design and Fabrication of Step Feeder automation Machine for the Automobile Steering Ball joints
Authors: Oorappan G M , Jeevanandham A , Sivabalakrishnan R , Sudhahar S.
Published: December 2020

Automation feeding machine helps to replace the manual feeding of the components to achieve the production rate. Even so, all industrialists have been trying to get 100% efficiency from every machine and to give more production. The production rate of the machine is depended on certain factors like feeding, accuracy, Manpower, etc. However, feeding is the most important factor, because the production will be fast only while the component is federal quick. This paper is providing an automation solution of feed ball joints for an automotive industry when the vehicle gathers the steering assembly. There were many feeding mechanisms available. Still, the ball joint is such a large component and should need a certain interval to feed it correctly as required. In this machine, the hoppers to be a trapezoidal tanks stores the sorted of long components. The two-step feeders consist of cylinders, which make the movement of steps. The steps that are used the EN-8 materials are used to make the feeder assembly, and those are connected with the cylinders that are used to construct the up and down movements, when the cylinder makes the forward and retracts motion. The steps scoop up the components and feed them to the additive chute. The linear chute transfers the properly oriented components to the singling unit feeds the components to the machine for making further operations.
Classification of Benign or Malignant Tumor Using Machine Learning
Authors: Kalaiyarasi M , Dhanasekar R , Sakthiya Ram S , Vaishnavi P.
Published: December 2020

The abnormal growth of the cell in the human body may leads to tumor. There are almost 100 types of cancer will affect the different parts of the human. The affected human may have symptoms like lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, weight loss etc. And depends on the part where the tumor formed. Breast cancer is one of the types among the 100 types of cancer and it is most commonly found on the female than the male. Breast cancer is a disease that caused due to the over growth of the cell in the breast area and they started to form lump over the breast. The people who are suffering from the breast cancer will have many emotional side effects and they are supped to undergo lot of pain in their day to day life. The most important problem for the health care people is earlier prediction. So, it can be rectified by employing machine learning algorithms in the prediction stage. In this paper the classification algorithms are used to classify whether the tumor is benign or malignant. The supervised learning algorithms of machine learning such as logistic regression, Support vector machine and K Nearest neighbour algorithm are usually used to analyse the tumour detection. Stacking ensemble method used in order to combine the entire three algorithms is proposed and the performance of algorithm is compared with the logistic regression, Support vector machine and K Nearest neighbour algorithm in order to get an efficient model for the classification.
Design and implementation of low-cost electric bicycle with battery level indicator
Authors: Rajalashmi K , Vignesh S , Chandru M , Arulshri K P
Published: December 2020

In the recent days, carbon emission from the vehicles are found to increase the level of air pollution in a huge manner. In order to reduce the pollution due to transportation, electric vehicles are seen as an alternative. This approach paved way for developing an electric bicycle by incorporating 250 W BLDC hub motor, 295.6 WH lithium-ion battery and pedal assist system (PAS). The maximum speed of the bicycle is 25 km/h. The distance covered using PAS is 75 km. The maximum carrying capacity is 120 kg with a charging time of 2.5 to 3 hours. The pedal assisting system helps to share the torque between manual pedalling & electric motoring. This ensures that the battery is used in an efficient manner. The cost of this bicycle includes cycle assembly, battery, hub motor, controller circuit and wireless odometer. The total expenses involved in developing this prototype is nearly 38.57% lesser without profit when compared to other products available in the market. The pulling capacity of the cycle can be enhanced by increasing the battery capacity which would add additional cost based on capacity.
Autonomous Vehicle for Drug Delivery
Authors: Nandakumar K , Surya S R , Karthick K , Raviraj N , Cheran B , Poovizhi V , Gokul S , Nimisha C
Published: December 2020

Autonomous vehicles are intended to move in an environment without any human intervention. In order to determine the structure of the environment, we have to rely on sensors data to build the map and to localize the vehicle within its environment. This paper presents the autonomous vehicle built using 2D LIDAR and Robot Operating System(ROS). If the environment is to be explored is outdoor we can rely on GPS to track the location the autonomous vehicle, whereas in an indoor environment we cant do so. For building the map of the environment and for the vehicle’s localisation simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) is used. The LIDAR data is used to find out the corresponding distance of the obstacle from the robot. Based on this point cloud data map is generated denoting the obstacle, explored area, unexplored area and the location of the robot with respect to the map. Data from the encoder is used to navigate the robot. Path planning is done using A* algorithm to find out the shortest distance between the starting and the destination point. The experimental result helped us in comparing the performance of the autonomous mobile robot built using ultrasonic sensor with the autonomous mobile robot built using LIDAR.
Thermomechanical and morphological properties of sustainable mortars employing blast furnace slag and fly ash reinforced cement
Authors: Farina I , Singh R , Singh M , Preet P , Kumar R , Fraternali F , Colangelo F
Published: December 2020

The blast furnace slag (BFS) is non-metallic co-product (such as silicates and alumina silicates etc.) which absorbs sulphur from the charge and comprises of around 20% (by weight) of Fe production and its use as reinforcement in cement mortar has been widely explored to improve thermal and compressive properties along with addressing the sustainability issues related to Fe production. But hitherto little has been reported on effect of BFS and fly ash (FA) reinforced cement mortar from surface topography, thermal stability and morphological properties view point. This paper reports the comparison of compressive, thermal and morphological properties of cement mortar with air cooled BFS and FA reinforced cement mortar as a case study. The results of study suggests that 80% of BFS and 20% FA reinforced cement mortar (cement: (BFS+FA): 1: (0.8+0.2) by weight%) possess lowest thermal conductivity (0.65W/mK), greatest porosity (29.65%) and acceptable compressive strength (6.6MPa) in comparison to cement mortar comprising of cement: sand as 1:1. The results are supported with compressive strength data, optical photo micrographs, thermal analysis based upon differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), surface topography (based upon 3D rendered images).
Mechanical characterization of FDM filaments with PVDF matrix reinforced with Graphene and Barium Titanate
Authors: Farina I , Sharma R , Singh R , Batish A , Singh N , Fraternali F , Colangelo F
Published: December 2020

In past one decade number of studies has been reported on optimization of process parameters of fused deposition modelling (FDM) for in-house developed thermoplastic composite based feed stock filaments. This paper investigates smart polymer-based composites prepared with hybrid feed stock filament (comprising of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) reinforced with graphene (Gr) and barium titanate (BTO) powder). This work started with the Functional prototypes were 3D printed for tensile and flexural characterization using inhouse developed filament (PVDF (78%)+Gr (2%) with BTO (20%)) at optimized settings of FDM. The printed specimens were subjected to destructive testing for mechanical properties (to analyze the process capability indices, Cp and Cpk). For morphological properties, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and 3D rendered images of the fractured surfaces of tensile and flexural specimen were used. It has been revealed from the SEM and 3D rendered images that the optimized settings of 3D printing process parameters resulted into uniform morphological features (based upon surface roughness (Ra) and amplitude distribution function (ADF), peak count (PC) and bearing ratio (BR) curve).
Waste Reduction with Lean Manufacturing Model in an Alpaca Wool Workshop
Authors: Cristobal J , Quispe G , Dominguez F , Zapata G , Raymundo C
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes the design of a quasi-experimental time-series model comprising lean manufacturing tools—such as the value stream mapping and 5S’s—with the aim of reducing the level of waste and losses in a micro-company dedicated to the production of Alpaca wool clothing in Junín, Perú. The model implementation managed to reduce the level of waste by 7%, increase the efficiency in material consumption, and reduce the cycle time and total supply time. The implementation of the model allowed reducing the level of waste in the production process and creating an organizational culture based on order, cleanliness, discipline, and teamwork.
NinimHMDA: neural integration of neighborhood information on a multiplex heterogeneous network for multiple types of human Microbe–Disease association
Authors: Ma Yuanjing , Jiang Hongmei
Published: December 2020

Motivation

Many computational methods have been recently proposed to identify differentially abundant microbes related to a single disease; however, few studies have focused on large-scale microbe-disease association prediction using existing experimentally verified associations. This area has critical meanings. For example, it can help to rank and select potential candidate microbes for different diseases at-scale for downstream lab validation experiments and it utilizes existing evidence instead of the microbiome abundance data which usually costs money and time to generate.

Results

We construct a multiplex heterogeneous network (MHEN) using human microbe-disease association database, Disbiome and other prior biological databases, and define the large-scale human microbe-disease association prediction as link prediction problems on MHEN. We develop an end-to-end graph convolutional neural network-based mining model NinimHMDA which can not only integrate different prior biological knowledge but also predict different types of microbe-disease associations (e.g. a microbe may be reduced or elevated under the impact of a disease) using one-time model training. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method that targets on predicting different association types between microbes and diseases. Results from large-scale cross validation and case studies show that our model is highly competitive compared to other commonly used approaches.

Availabilityand implementation

The codes are available at Github https://github.com/yuanjing-ma/NinimHMDA.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
At the Root of T2R Gene Evolution: Recognition Profiles of Coelacanth and Zebrafish Bitter Receptors
Authors: Behrens Maik , Di Pizio Antonella , Redel Ulrike , Meyerhof Wolfgang , Korsching Sigrun I
Published: December 2020

The careful evaluation of food is important for survival throughout the animal kingdom, and specialized chemoreceptors have evolved to recognize nutrients, minerals, acids, and many toxins. Vertebrate bitter taste, mediated by the taste receptor type 2 (T2R) family, warns against potentially toxic compounds. During evolution T2R receptors appear first in bony fish, but the functional properties of bony fish T2R receptors are mostly unknown. We performed a phylogenetic analysis showing the “living fossil” coelacanth (Latimeria chalumnae) and zebrafish (Danio rerio) to possess T2R repertoires typical for early-diverged species in the lobe-finned and the ray-finned clade, respectively. Receptors from these two species were selected for heterologous expression assays using a diverse panel of bitter substances. Remarkably, the ligand profile of the most basal coelacanth receptor, T2R01, is identical to that of its ortholog in zebrafish, consistent with functional conservation across >400 Myr of separate evolution. The second coelacanth receptor deorphaned, T2R02, is activated by steroid hormones and bile acids, evolutionary old molecules that are potentially endogenously synthesized agonists for extraoral T2Rs. For zebrafish, we report the presence of both specialized and promiscuous T2R receptors. Moreover, we identified an antagonist for one of the zebrafish receptors suggesting that bitter antagonism contributed to shape this receptor family throughout evolution.
CO Multi-line Imaging of Nearby Galaxies (COMING). IX.12CO(J = 2–1)/12CO(J = 1–0) line ratio on kiloparsec scales
Authors: Yajima Yoshiyuki , Sorai Kazuo , Miyamoto Yusuke , Muraoka Kazuyuki , Kuno Nario , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Takeuchi Tsutomu T , Yasuda Atsushi , Tanaka Takahiro , Morokuma-Matsui Kana , Kobayashi Masato I N
Published: December 2020

While molecular gas mass is usually derived from 12CO(J = 1–0)—the most fundamental line for exploring molecular gas—it is often derived from 12CO(J = 2–1) assuming a constant 12CO(J = 2–1)$/$12CO(J = 1–0) line ratio (R2/1). We present variations of R2/1 and effects of the assumption that R2/1 is a constant in 24 nearby galaxies using 12CO data obtained with the Nobeyama 45 m radio telescope and IRAM 30 m telescope. The median of R2/1 for all galaxies is 0.61, and the weighted mean of R2/1 by 12CO(J = 1–0) integrated intensity is 0.66 with a standard deviation of 0.19. The radial variation of R2/1 shows that it is high (∼0.8) in the inner ∼1 kpc while its median in disks is nearly constant at 0.60 when all galaxies are compiled. In the case that the constant R2/1 of 0.7 is adopted, we found that the total molecular gas mass derived from 12CO(J = 2–1) is underestimated/overestimated by ∼20%, and at most by 35%. The scatter of molecular gas surface density within each galaxy becomes larger by ∼30%, and at most by 120%. Indices of the spatially resolved Kennicutt–Schmidt relation by 12CO(J = 2–1) are underestimated by 10%–20%, at most 39%, in 17 out of 24 galaxies. R2/1 has good positive correlations with star-formation rate and infrared color, and a negative correlation with molecular gas depletion time. There is a clear tendency of increasing R2/1 with increasing kinetic temperature (Tkin). Further, we found that not only Tkin but also pressure of molecular gas is important in understanding variations of R2/1. Special considerations should be made when discussing molecular gas mass and molecular gas properties inferred from 12CO(J = 2–1) instead of 12CO(J = 1–0).
The impact of disability on employment and financial security following the outbreak of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic in the UK
Authors: Emerson Eric , Stancliffe Roger , Hatton Chris , Llewellyn Gwynnyth , King Tania , Totsika Vaso , Aitken Zoe , Kavanagh Anne
Published: December 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have a greater impact on people with disabilities than non-disabled people. Our aim was to compare the short-term impact of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and first lockdown on the employment and financial security of working age adults with and without disabilities in the UK.

Methods

Secondary analysis of data collected in Wave 9 and the special April, May and June COVID-19 monthly surveys of ‘Understanding Society’, the UK’s main annual household panel study.

Results

During the first 3 months of the introduction of the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK, respondents with disability were more likely than their peers to be working reduced hours and experience higher levels of financial stress. These differences were attenuated, but not eliminated, when estimates were adjusted to take account of pre-lockdown financial status.

Conclusions

Working age adults with disability were particularly disadvantaged by the financial impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated the need for a disability-inclusive COVID-19 government response. The results of our analysis suggest that these pleas have either not been heeded, or if measures have been implemented, they have so far been ineffectual in the UK.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Very-Early-Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Brazilian Children
Authors: Penatti Debora Avellaneda , Machado Nilton Carlos , Carvalho Mary Assis , Rodrigues Maria Aparecida Marchesan
Published: December 2020

We report on 20 Brazilian children under 6 years of age with very-early-onset inflammatory bowel disease naive to treatment. The clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic findings at diagnosis and outcomes were reviewed: 13 had ulcerative colitis (UC) and 7 had Crohn disease (CD). The final diagnostic pattern was as follows: 4 children had neonatal-onset (1 UC and 3 CD), 8 had infantile subtype (4 UC and 4 CD), and 8 had UC beyond the neonatal and infantile period. Both forms of inflammatory bowel disease were severe and extensive at diagnosis, with a high prevalence of bloody diarrhea, reflecting the colonic location of the disease. UC was predominantly pancolonic, CD was isolated in the colon and associated with perianal disease. Children with CD were younger than those with UC, were significantly more nutritionally impaired, and had more complications. This study shows that very-early-onset inflammatory bowel disease has an aggressive clinical course with 2 distinct phenotypes, UC and CD, with differences in severity, clinical behavior, and inflammatory pattern but with a preponderance of colonic involvement in both types.
AIDS in the Heartland–Hemophilia Was the Harbinger of Things to Come
Authors: Lederman Michael M.
Published: December 2020

The history of the AIDS epidemic in the United States has focused largely on the experience in coastal cities where the syndrome was first recognized among gay men. In Cleveland and in many other heartland cities, early recognition of this syndrome was primarily among men with hemophilia who were at risk because of exposure to HIV during treatment with lyophilized antihemophilic factor concentrates that were pooled from plasmas of thousands of donors. Disease and subclinical immune deficiency in these men and in other populations drove recognition that AIDS was due to a blood-borne and sexually transmissible agent. As the AIDS epidemic expanded, heartland cities mobilized their staff and resources to meet the needs of a growing epidemic that ultimately affected the entire nation.
A DNA intercalating dye-based RT-qPCR alternative to diagnose SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wightman Federico Fuchs , Herz Micaela A. Godoy , Muñoz Juan C. , Stigliano José N. , Bragado Laureano , Moreno Nicolas Nieto , Palavecino Marcos , Servi Lucas , Cabrerizo Gonzalo , Clemente José , Avaro Martín , Pontoriero Andrea , Benedetti Estefanía , Baumeister Elsa , Rudolf Fabian , Lenicov Federico Remes , Garcia Cybele C. , Buggiano Valeria , Kornblihtt Alberto R. , Srebrow Anabella , de la Mata Manuel , Muñoz Manuel J. , Schor Ignacio E. , Petrillo Ezequiel
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Early detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been proven crucial during the efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several diagnostic methods have emerged in the past few months, each with different shortcomings and limitations. The current gold standard, RT-qPCR using fluorescent probes, relies on demanding equipment requirements plus the high costs of the probes and specific reaction mixes. To broaden the possibilities of reagents and thermocyclers that could be allocated towards this task, we have optimized an alternative strategy for RT-qPCR diagnosis. This is based on a widely used DNA-intercalating dye and can be implemented with several different qPCR reagents and instruments. Remarkably, the proposed qPCR method performs similarly to the broadly used TaqMan-based detection, in terms of specificity and sensitivity, thus representing a reliable tool. We think that, through enabling the use of vast range of thermocycler models and laboratory facilities for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, the alternative proposed here can increase dramatically the testing capability, especially in countries with limited access to costly technology and reagents.
Blood group A Secretors are associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 cardiovascular disease complications
Authors: Mankelow TJ , Singleton BK , Moura PL , Stevens-Hernandez CJ , Cogan NM , Gyorffy G , Kupzig S , Nichols L , Asby C , Pooley J , Ruffino G , Hosseini F , Moghaddas F , Attwood M , Noel A , Cooper A , Arnold D , Hamilton F , Hyams C , Finn A , Toye AM , Anstee DJ
Published: December 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes COVID-19, an infection capable of causing severe disease and death but which may also be asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic in many individuals. While several risk factors, including age, have been described, the mechanisms of this variation are poorly understood. Several studies have described associations between blood group and COVID-19 severity, while others do not. Expression of ABO glycans on secreted proteins and non-erythroid cells is controlled by a fucosyltransferase (FUT2). Inactivating mutations result in a non-secretor phenotype which is known to protect against some viral infections. We investigated whether ABO or secretor status was associated with COVID-19 severity. Data combined from healthcare records and laboratory tests (n=275) of SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive patients hospitalised with COVID-19, confirmed higher than expected numbers of blood group A individuals compared to O (RR=1.24, CI 95% [1.05,1.47], P=0.0111). There was also a significant association between group A and COVID-19-related cardiovascular complications (RR=2.56, CI 95% [1.43,4.55], P=0.0011) which is independent of gender. Molecular analysis of phenotype revealed that group A patients who are non-secretors are significantly less likely to be hospitalised than secretors. In a larger cohort of 1000 convalescent plasma donors, among whom the majority displayed COVID-19 symptoms and only a small minority required hospitalisation, group A non-secretors were slightly over-represented. Our findings indicate that group A non-secretors are not resistant to infection by SARS-CoV-2, but they are likely to experience a less severe form of its associated disease.

Key Points

Blood group type A is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications in COVID-19 patients.

FUT2 “non-secretor” status reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes in patients with blood group A.
COVID-19 pandemic dynamics in Ukraine after September 1, 2020
Authors: Nesteruk Igor
Published: December 2020

Background

The threats of the COVID-19 pandemic require the mobilization of scientists, including mathematicians. To understand how the number of cases increases versus time, various models based on direct observations of a random number of new cases and differential equations can be used. Complex mathematical models contain many unknown parameters, the values of which must be determined using a limited number of observations of the disease over time. Even long-term monitoring of the epidemic may not provide reliable estimates of its parameters due to the constant change of testing conditions, isolation of infected and quarantine. Therefore, simpler approaches should also be used, for example, some smoothing of the dependence of the number of cases on time and the known SIR (susceptible-infected-removed) model. These approaches allowed to detect the waves of pandemic in different countries and regions and to make adequate predictions of the duration, hidden periods, reproduction numbers, and final sizes of its waves. In particular, seven waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ukraine were investigated.

Objective

We will detect new epidemic waves in Ukraine that occurred after September 1, 2020 and estimate the epidemic characteristics with the use of generalized SIR model. Some predictions of the epidemic dynamics will be presented.

Methods

In this study we use the smoothing method for the dependence of the number of cases on time; the generalized SIR model for the dynamics of any epidemic wave, the exact solution of the linear differential equations and statistical approach developed before.

Results

Seventh and eights epidemic waves in Ukraine were detected and the reasons of their appearance were discussed. The optimal values of the SIR model parameters were calculated. The prediction for the COVID-19 epidemic dynamics in Ukraine is not very optimistic: new cases will not stop appearing until June 2021. Only mass vaccination and social distancing can change this trend.

Conclusions

New waves of COVID-19 pandemic can be detected, calculated and predicted with the use of rather simple mathematical simulations. The expected long duration of the pandemic forces us to be careful and in solidarity.The government and all Ukrainians must strictly adhere to quarantine measures in order to avoid fatal consequences.
IFRS adoption and accounting conservatism in Latin America
Authors: Lopez Harold , Jara Mauricio , Cabello Adriana
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of IFRS mandatory adoption on accounting conservatism and to shed light on the drivers of such impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of listed firms for five Latin American countries, the authors analyze the relation between mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards and the conditional accounting conservatism of earnings.

Findings

The authors find evidence that IFRS adoption boosts earnings conservatism. This result is robust and heterogeneous. The results also show that the effect of IFRS differs across firms and countries. Specifically, the impact of IFRS adoption is higher for low-earnings-quality firms and for firms with high levels of investment opportunities.

Practical implications

The results suggest that IFRS adoption in Latin America has enhanced comparability of financial information both across and within countries.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by providing new evidence on the drivers of the impacts of IFRS adoption in emerging markets.
Navigating the narrative space: insights, experiences, and emotions of the novice researcher
Authors: Shotton Lynette Harland
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to explore the theory and approaches employed by a novice narrative researcher to open, work in, and close the narrative space. The paper reflects on this personal journey and aims to provide insight for other novices to successfully navigate the narrative space.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the experiences and emotions involved in undertaking narrative inquiry as a novice researcher. The paper focuses specifically on the challenges of opening, working in and closing the narrative space.

Findings

Through a critical and reflective discussion of approaches to narrative inquiry, the papers points to key theories, and approaches, which guide narrative research. In doing this, the diversity in interpretation and application of narrative research are noted as essential components of both its challenge and beauty.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this paper are linked to its utility in helping others reflect on their own practice and also providing insight and support to other novice researchers seeking to navigate the narrative space.

Originality/value

The paper provides a subjective interpretation and application of the theory underpinning narrative research and how it was used to guide the authors research into care leavers journeys into and through university.