bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral-Element Simulation of the Turbulent Flow in an Urban Environment
Authors: Stuck Maxime , Vidal Alvaro , Torres Pablo , Nagib Hassan M. , Wark Candace , Vinuesa Ricardo
Published: June 2021

The mean flow and turbulence statistics of the flow through a simplified urban environment, which is an active research area in order to improve the knowledge of turbulent flow in cities, is investigated. This is useful for civil engineering, pedestrian comfort and for health concerns caused by pollutant spreading. In this work, we provide analysis of the turbulence statistics obtained from well-resolved large-eddy simulations (LES). A detailed analysis of this database reveals the impact of the geometry of the urban array on the flow characteristics and provides for a good description of the turbulent features of the flow within a simplified urban environment. The most prominent features of this complex flow include coherent vortical structures such as the so-called arch vortex, the horseshoe vortex and the roof vortex. These structures of the flow have been identified by an analysis of the turbulence statistics. The influence of the geometry of the urban environment (and particularly the street width and the building height) on the overall flow behavior have also been studied. Finally, the well-resolved LES results were compared with the experimental database from Monnier et al. to discuss differences and similarities between the respective urban configurations.
Effect of In-situ Tribo-oxide-layer on the Non-lubricated Tribological Behaviors of LM27/ SiCp Composites
Authors: Nagpal Pardeep Kumar , Kumar Suresh , Panwar Ranvir Singh , Sharma J. D. , Singla Neeru , Mahla Sunil Kumar
Published: June 2021

In this study, an investigation on the influence of In-situ tribo-oxide-layer on non-lubricated tribological behaviours of LM27/SiCp composites was carried out at different applied loads. The variations in wear performance and microstructure of brake lining friction material (LM27) with the addition of different amounts and sizes of SiCp are explored. For this purpose, LM27/SiCp composite materials were manufactured by stir casting route varying the amount of particle reinforced from 3wt.% to 12wt.% with a different size range (fine: 1-20µm and coarse: 106-125µm). Non-lubricated dry wear tests of LM27/SiCp composites samples were trialled at different loads from 9.8N to 49N by using a pin-on-disc machine system. At a contact pressure of 0.2-1 MPa, LM27/SiCp composites with 12wt.% reinforcement showed a lower coefficient of friction than other composites. In-situ formation of oxide layers on the contact region of the specimen supports the self-lubrication during the wear test, which is responsible for better wear performance of LM27/SiCp composites. However, these study portraits that composite with 12wt. % fine size SiCp exhibits better wear performance in comparison to the other developed composites.
Establishment of Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Equations and Curves Used to Design an Appropriate and Sustainable Hydraulic Structure for Controlling Flood in Nyabugogo Catchment-Rwanda
Authors: Jean Claude Nizeyimana , Lin Shanshan , Fabrice Ndayisenga , Twagirayezu Gratien , Khan Junaid , Marnn Phyoe , Yousef Ahmed Ali Ahmed Al-Masnay , Dawuda Usman Kaku , Bazel Musaed Abdullah Al-Shaibah , Hussein Ahmed Al-aizari , Irumva Olivier
Published: June 2021

Due to the increase in the emission of greenhouse gases, the hydrologic cycle is being altered on the daily basis. This has affected the variations in relations of intensity, duration, and frequency of rainfall events. Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) curves describe the relationship between rainfall intensity, rainfall duration and return period. IDF curves are one of the most often applied implements in water resource engineering, in areas such as for operating, planning and designing of water resource projects, or for numerous engineering projects aimed at controlling floods. In particular, IDF curves for precipitation answer problems of improper drainage systems or conditions and extreme characters of precipitation which are the main cause of floods in Nyabugogo catchment. This study aims to establish Rainfall IDF empirical equations, curves and hydrological discharge (predicted peak rate of runoff (Qlogy)) equations for eight Districts that will be used for designing an appropriate and sustainable hydraulic structures for controlling flood to reduce potential loss of human and aquatic life, degradation of water, air and soil quality and property damage and economic lessen caused by flood in Nyabugogo catchment. However Goodness of Fit tests revealed that Gumbel’s Extreme-Value Distribution method appears to have the most appropriate fit compared with Pearson type III distribution for validating the Intensity-Duration-Frequency curves and equations through the use of daily annual for each meteorological station. The findings of the study show that the intensity of rainfall increases with a decrease in rainfall duration. Additionally, a rainfall of every known duration will have a higher intensity if its return period is high, while the predicted peak rate of runoff (Qlogy) increases also with an increase in the intensity of rainfall.
Evaluation Mathematical Models in SSCM and Gap Analysis
Authors: Ravand Zahra Ghorbani , Xu Qi
Published: June 2021

The main purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive view of the application mathematical models in the designing and implementing SSCM beside to solving problems and making decision. The research questions are: what mathematical models are used for designing and implementing sustainable supply chain management, how to use them, which industries implemented in, what modules of SSCM depth in and finally finding the gaps of researches. The methodology of research is Systematic Literature review through peer review papers which are published in high ranking journals. In this paper, First, we search all papers through scientific data bases like Scopus, science direct, MDPI, Springer, Google Scholar, then, screening papers based on the criteria such as subject of paper, journals impact factor which is published in-should be peer review journal- and relative content of the papers. Finally, we selected 245 papers with three steps screening through 2806 papers that they have enough quality and relative to our research goals for context analysis. Through context analysis, first we categorized the information of the papers and drew the current situation of researches in the framework of our topic. Then, we evaluate and compare the goals of sustainability and current situation and found the gapes, then, offered new suggestions like implementing SSCMs models in pollutant industries like casting industry, Heavy industry, coal Industry and so on. On the other hand, there are gaps in researches in some modules of SSCM such as packaging, designing products, etc.
Linear Conﬁnement of a Relativistic Spin-0 scalar Particle under Lorentz Symmetry Violation Eﬀects
Authors: Ahmed Faizuddin
Published: June 2021

In this work, linear conﬁnement of a relativistic scalar particle under the eﬀects of Lorentz symmetry violation is investigated. We introduce a scalar potential by modifying the mass via transformation M → M + S(r) in the wave equation, and analyze the eﬀects on the eigenvalues and the wave function. We see that the solution of the bound state to the wave equation can be achieved, and the energy eigenvalues and the wave function modiﬁed by the Lorentz symmetry breaking parameters as well as potential
Relationship Between Microstructure Evolution and Tensile Properties of AlSi10mg Alloys With Varying Solidification Cooling Rates
Authors: Gandolfi Maressa , Xavier Marcella Gautê , Gomes Leonardo Fernandes , Reyes Rodrigo Valenzuela , Garcia Amauri , Spinelli José Eduardo
Published: June 2021

This work explored and contrasted the effect of microstructure on the tensile properties of AlSi10Mg alloys generated by transient directional solidification depending on variations in cooling rate and Magnesium (Mg) content (i.e., 0.45 and 1wt.% Mg), with a focus on understanding the dendritic growth and phases constitution. Optical and Scanning electron (SEM) microscopies, CALPHAD and thermal analysis were used to describe the microstructure, forming phases and resulting tensile properties. The findings showed that the experimental evolution of the primary dendritic spacing is very similar when both directionally solidified (DS) Al-10wt.% Si-0.45wt.% Mg and Al-10wt.% Si-1wt.% Mg alloys samples are compared. The secondary dendritic spacing was lower for the alloy with more Mg, especially considering the range of high growth velocities. Moreover, a greater fraction of (Al+Si+Mg2Si) ternary eutectic islands surrounding the -Al dendritic matrix was noted for the alloy with 1wt.% Mg. As a result of primary dendritic spacings greater than 180 m related to lower cooling rates, slightly higher tensile properties were attained for the Al-10wt.% Si-0.45wt.% Mg alloy. In contrast, combining dendritic refining (< 150 m) and larger Mg2Si fraction, fast solidified DS Al-10wt.% Si-1wt.% Mg samples exhibited higher tensile strength and elongation. The control of cooling rate and fineness of the dendritic array provided a new insight related to the addition of Mg in slightly higher levels than conventional ones, capable of achieving a better balance of tensile properties in AlSi10Mg alloys.
A Proposal of Linked Data for Smart Metering System
Authors: Olivares Rojas Juan Carlos , Reyes Archundia Enrique , Gutiérrez Gnecchi José Antonio
Published: June 2021

This paper shows the proposal of the use of linked data for smart metering systems. The aim of linked data in smart grid applications such as smart metering systems is to give semantic knowledge of the energy transactions between all participators in the power markets. In combination with other technologies like blockchain, the linked data could improve decentralization and security in the world's energetic future.
On the Use of Entropy as a Measure of Dependence of Two Events
Authors: Iliev Valentin
Published: June 2021

We define degree of dependence of two events A and B in a probability space by using Boltzmann-Shannon entropy function of an appropriate probability distribution produced by these events and depending on one parameter (the probability of intersection of A and B) varying within a closed interval I. The entropy function attains its global maximum when the events A and B are independent. The important particular case of discrete uniform probability space motivates this definition in the following way. The entropy function has a minimum at the left endpoint of I exactly when one of the events and the complement of the other are connected with the relation of inclusion (maximal negative dependence). It has a minimum at the right endpoint of I exactly when one of these events is included in the other (maximal positive dependence). Moreover, the deviation of the entropy from its maximum is equal to average information that carries one of the binary trials defined by A and B with respect to the other. As a consequence, the degree of dependence of A and B can be expressed in terms of information theory and is invariant with respect to the choice of unit of information. Using this formalism, we describe completely the screening tests and their reliability, measure efficacy of a vaccination, the impact of some events from the financial markets to other events, etc.
Hydro-Meteorological Trends in an Austrian Low-Mountain Catchment
Authors: Krebs Gerald , Camhy David , Muschalla Dirk
Published: June 2021

While the ongoing climate change is well documented, the impacts exhibit a substantial variability, both in direction and magnitude, visible even at regional and local scales. However, the knowledge of regional impacts is crucial for the design of mitigation and adaptation measures, particularly when changes in the hydrological cycle are concerned. In this paper we present hydro-meteorological trends based on observations from a hydrological research basin in Eastern Austria between 1979-2019. The analysed state variables include the air temperature, the precipitation, and the catchment runoff. Additionally, trends for the catchment evapotranspiration were derived. The analysis shows that while the mean annual temperature was decreasing and annual temperature minima remained constant, the annual maxima were rising. The long-term trends indicate a shift of precipitation to the summer with minor variations observed for the remaining seasons and at an annual scale. Observed precipitation intensities mainly increased in spring and summer between 1979-2019. The catchment evapotranspiration, computed based on catchment precipitation and outflow, showed an increasing trend for the observed time period.
Determining Model of Halal Lifestyle: A Study on the Role of Kopontren
Authors: Annisa Arna Asna
Published: June 2021

The gap between the growth of the global halal industry and the people's halal lifestyle must be fixed immediately. This study aims to analyze the halal lifestyle in pondok pesantrens known to have a character education pattern in their curriculum. This phenomenological research was carried out by in-depth interviews with caregivers and students at the Pondok Pesantren Edi Mancoro and observations. The results of data processing with Atlas t.i show that the leading sector in the development of halal values in Pondok pesantren is Kopontren. With a participatory education pattern, Kopontren involves students in procuring goods and evaluating daily halal needs. The exemplary caregivers also determine the pattern of halal consumption so that the halal lifestyle becomes the morals of the students and becomes an example for society. This novelty research is the first community-based halal value development model and can be used as a recommendation for the development of the Indonesian halal industry.
FRAGMENT OR BROKEN? IMPROVING THE PLANKTONIC FORAMINIFERA FRAGMENTATION ASSESSMENT
Authors: SUÁREZ-IBARRA JAIME YESID , FROZZA CRISTIANE FRAGA , PETRÓ SANDRO MONTICELLI , PIVEL MARIA ALEJANDRA GÓMEZ
Published: June 2021

Planktonic foraminifera tests can suffer dissolution, which usually involves partial damage, weight loss, and fragmentation. Since planktonic foraminifera assemblages, consisting of different resistant/susceptible species, can be strongly modified by dissolution, it is imperative to quantify its effect. The fragmentation index proposed 50 years ago has been used widely to measure preservation of planktonic foraminifera tests, but calibrations to this method are necessary. Some revisions are based on assumptions, like a certain number of fragments produced by a unique test, which is then used to compare whole tests with the dissolution remains. Likewise, researchers do not agree on what they count and how they identify what they count. Here we present a standardized and less subjective method, called fragmentation intensity (FI), to better assess the fragmentation of planktonic foraminifera through image software analysis, which includes both fragmentation remains (fragments and broken tests) and their measured area and perimeter. When compared to calcium carbonate content, grain sand content, and planktonic foraminifera tests per gram of dry sediment, the FI method derived better correlation values than the broken and fragments indexes. Future studies, in varying oceanographic contexts, can test this method to improve confidence, and eventually possibly adapt the index into a proxy for calcium carbonate undersaturation.
MUDDYING THE WATERS: MODELING THE EFFECTS OF EARLY LAND PLANTS IN PALEOZOIC ESTUARIES
Authors: BRÜCKNER MURIEL Z.M. , MCMAHON WILLIAM J. , KLEINHANS MAARTEN G.
Published: June 2021

The Paleozoic evolution of vegetation transformed terrestrial landscapes, facilitating novel sedimentary processes and creating new habitats. This transformation left a permanent mark on the sedimentary record, perhaps most strikingly via an upsurge in preserved terrestrial mudrock. Whereas feedbacks between evolving vegetation and river structure have been widely studied, Paleozoic estuaries have so far received scant attention. Located at the interface between the land and sea, the co-adjustment of estuarine morphology and plant traits are fundamentally tied to a varied range of geochemical cycles, and determine how global silicate weathering patterns may have varied over time. Here we employ an eco-morphodynamic model with an in-built vegetation code to simulate estuarine morphology through five key stages in plant evolution. An abiotic model (early Precambrian?) saw mud deposition restricted to fortuitous instances of limited erosion along bar-flanks. Estuaries colonized by microbial mats (Precambrian onwards) facilitated mud accretion that sufficiently stabilized bar surfaces to promote extensive mudflat development. Small-stature, rootless vegetation (Silurian–Early Devonian) introduced novel above-ground baffling effects which led to notable mud accumulation in lower-energy environments. The incorporation of roots (Early Devonian) strengthened these trends, with root structures decreasing the mortality of the occupying plants. Once the full complement of modern vascular plant architectures had evolved (Middle Devonian), dense colonization promoted the formation of in-channel islands accompanied with system-wide mud accumulation. These simulations suggest estuaries underwent profound change during the Paleozoic, with the greening of the continents triggering processes and feedbacks which render all previous source-to-sink sediment pathways non-uniformitarian.
Comprehensive Study of the Structural Components of the Skin: From Routine Methods to Modern Microscopy Methods
Authors: Mishina Ekaterina , Zatolokina Mariya , Gorbunova Marina , Alekseev Alexander , Chernomortseva Elena
Published: June 2021

Background: Modern methods of microscopy expand our capabilities to detail objects and move to the study of native tissue. The varieties of laser microscopy, which are becoming more and more popular, have broad prospects in the study of morphological properties, combining high resolution and minimal exposure to aggressive media during sample preparation. However, in the scientific literature, the aspects of the structure of individual structural components of the skin or morphofunctional changes in various pathological conditions are not well covered. In this regard, the purpose of our study was a multilevel analysis of structural components using both classical and modern morphological methods. Methods and Results: The material for this study was skin fragments obtained from laboratory male Wistar rats. The study of the structural components was carried out by the methods of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and laser scanning microscopy. The results of our study indicate that the most effective way to obtain complete information is an integrated approach to the study of tissue morphology, where the researcher requires deep knowledge and the use of not only modern methods, but also the possibility of combining them with existing classical methods.
Innovative Urban Transport System – Autonomous and Locally Low-Emission
Authors: Choromański W. , Grabarek I. , Kozłowski M. , Czerepicki A.
Published: June 2021

In recent years, intensive research on urban transport has been observed. The search is about finding such solutions that will enable, among others: increasing the importance of public transport, matching transport for the needs of people with reduced mobility, increasing capacity, reducing emissions, energy efficiency (technical and organizational dimension through the organization of transport on demand), increasing the vulnerability to recycling and remanufacturing. The paper presents the main concept and technical solutions of the innovative transport system – HMASSUT Prometheus (Hybrid Modular Autonomous System for Sustainable Urban Transport), which combines the concepts of  personal rapid transport and an electric vehicle at the L4 autonomy level (according to the Society of Automotive Engineers classification). An assessment of the effectiveness of an innovative transport system using indicators used in road engineering is given in the paper. The concept of simulation and optimization of the transport network is presented together with the theory of cellular automata.
Application of Global Dust Detection Index (GDDI) for Sand and Dust Storm Monitoring Over Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi Essam Mohammed , Assiri Mazen Ebraheem , Butt Mohsin Jamil
Published: June 2021

Sand and dust storm events are frequent natural hazards in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sand and dust storm monitoring is therefore essential to mitigate their environmental-related issues. Satellite remote sensing has been successfully used for sand and dust storm monitoring in various parts of the world. In the current endeavor, we are applying the Global Dust Detection Index (GDDI) on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data onboard Terra satellite to monitor sand and dust storm activities over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the current study, fourteen sand and dust storm events are analyzed between the years 2000 to 2017. The GDDI based results are validated by using MODIS combined Dark Target (DT) and Deep Blue (DB) Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) product, Meteosat satellite images, ground-based meteorological stations data, and AOD data from AERONET (Aerosol Robotic Network) stations in the study area. Also, GDDI based results are analyzed by determining algorithm accuracy, Probability Of Correct positive Detection (POCD), and Probability Of False positive Detection (POFD). Results of the study show that GDDI can successfully identify sand and dust storm events with various threshold values over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is envisaged that the outcome of this study would be very beneficial to understand sand and dust storm characteristics in the study region.
1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-methyl propyl) ester isolated from Onosma bracteata Wall. inhibits MG-63 cells proliferation via Akt-p53-cyclin pathway
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Kaur Sandeep , Dhiman Sukhvinder , Singh Prithvi Pal , Thakur Sharad , Sharma Upendra , Kumar Subodh , Kaur Satwinderjeet
Published: June 2021

Onosma bracteata Wall. (Boraginaceae family) is one of the important constituents of Ayurvedic drugs which enhance immunity. Among all the fractions isolated from O. bracteata, ethyl acetate fraction (Obea) showed good antioxidant activity in Superoxide radical scavenging assay and Lipid peroxidation assay with EC50 value of 95.12 and 80.67 µg/ml, respectively. Silica gel column chromatography of Obea yielded ObD1 fraction which was characterized as Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP) using NMR, FTIR and HRMS spectroscopic techniques. DIBP showed antiproliferative activity in human osteosarcoma MG-63, human neuroblastoma IMR-32 and A549 cell lines with GI50 value of 37.53, 56.05 and 47.12 µM, respectively, in MTT assay. In Flow cytometric studies, DIBP has shown disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and enhancement of ROS, indicating the apoptosis induction. The cells were found to be delayed at G0/G1 phase which might be due to the downregulation of Cyclin E and CDK2 as shown in RT-PCR studies. Western blotting analysis revealed an increased expression of p53, caspase 3 and caspase 9 and downregulation of p-NF-kB, p-Akt and Bcl-xl. Molecular docking studies also displayed the interaction of DIBP with p53 (− 151.13 kcal/mol) and CDK1 (− 133.96 kcal/mol). Thus, DIBP has exhibited great potential as chemopreventive/chemotherapeutic agent against osteosarcoma.
Action Recognition for the Robotics and Manufacturing Automation Using 3-D Binary Micro-block Difference
Authors: Voronin Viacheslav , Zhdanova Marina , Semenishchev Evgenii , Zelenskii Aleksander , Cen Yigang , Agaian Sos
Published: June 2021

Vision-based control systems play an important role in modern robotics systems. An important task in implementing such a system is the development of an effective algorithm for recognizing human actions and the working environment and the design of intuitive gesture commands. This paper proposes an action recognition algorithm for robotics and manufacturing automation. The key contributions are (1) fusion of multimodal information obtained by depth sensors and cameras of the visible range, (2) modified Gabor-based and 3-D binary-based descriptor using micro-block difference, (3) efficient skeleton-based descriptor, and (4) recognition algorithm using the combined descriptor. The proposed binary micro-block difference representation of 3-D patches from video with a complex background in several scales and orientations leads to an informative description of the scene action. The experimental results showed the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm on data sets.
Maturing autophagosomes are transported towards the cell periphery
Authors: Hilverling Anna , Szegö Eva M. , Dinter Elisabeth , Cozma Diana , Saridaki Theodora , Falkenburger Björn H.
Published: June 2021

Autophagosome maturation comprises fusion with lysosomes and acidification. It is a critical step in the degradation of cytosolic protein aggregates that characterize many neurodegenerative diseases. In order to better understand this process, we studied intracellular trafficking of autophagosomes and aggregates of α-synuclein, which characterize Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies.
The autophagosomal marker LC3 and the aggregation prone A53T mutant of α-synuclein were tagged by fluorescent proteins and expressed in HEK293T cells and primary astrocytes. The subcellular distribution and movement of these vesicle populations were analyzed by (time-lapse) microscopy. Fusion with lysosomes was assayed using the lysosomal marker LAMP1; vesicles with neutral and acidic luminal pH were discriminated using the RFP-GFP “tandem fluorescence” tag.
With respect to vesicle pH, we observed that neutral autophagosomes, marked by LC3 or synuclein, were located more frequently in the cell center, and acidic autophagosomes were observed more frequently in the cell periphery. Acidic autophagosomes were transported towards the cell periphery more often, indicating that acidification occurs in the cell center before transport to the periphery. With respect to autolysosomal fusion, we found that lysosomes preferentially moved towards the cell center whereas autolysosomes moved towards the cell periphery, suggesting a cycle where lysosomes are generated in the periphery and fuse to autophagosomes in the cell center. Unexpectedly, many acidic autophagosomes were negative for LAMP1, indicating that acidification does not require fusion to lysosomes. Moreover, we found both neutral and acidic vesicles positive for LAMP1, consistent with delayed acidification of the autolysosome lumen.
Individual steps of aggregate clearance thus occur in dedicated cellular regions. During aggregate clearance, autophagosomes and autolysosomes form in the center and are transported towards the periphery during maturation. In this process, luminal pH could regulate the direction of vesicle transport.
Virtual Cleaning of Works of Art Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Amiri Morteza Maali , Messinger David W
Published: June 2021

Virtual cleaning of art is a key process that conservators apply to see the likely appearance of the work of art they have aimed to clean, before the process of cleaning. It is also of public interest, allowing people to see their favorite work of art without the yellow tint of the varnish which has covered the work. There have been many different approaches to virtually clean artwork, all of which need to physically clean the work in at least a few spots, an impediment in some cases. Another issue regarding the methods devised until now is that some of them need samples of pure white or black paint on the painting which might be, again, an obstacle as there are certainly works without any pure black and white paint. To overcome these shortcomings, a Convolutional Neural Network is trained on representative RGB images; the images are first artificially yellowed using a physics based model and the network is trained to go from the yellowed images to the original colored images. The results show improvement over a proposed method using a physical model to remove the impacts of age. The CNN is then applied to images of the Mona Lisa and The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, both painted by Leonardo da Vinci, and works for which we have images from both before and after physical cleaning. Results show both a qualitative and quantitative improvement in the color quality of the resulting image. The novelty of the work proposed herein lies in two premises. First is the accuracy of the method, which is demonstrated through comparing the method with the only physical approach derived until now. Second is the generalizability of the method which is shown through blindly applying the method to two famous works of art for which no information but an RGB image of the uncleaned artwork is known.
Feasibility for SARS-CoV-2 Tests in the Hospital: An Exposure Analysis of Critical Control Points Approach
Authors: Feng Tingting , Leptihn Sebastian , Li Mingyue , Guo Mingquan , Gao Jing , Li Qingtian , Zeng lingbing , Zhou Yuhua , Wei Yanxia , Guo Xiaokui , Temperton Nigel , Cui Zelin
Published: June 2021

This work aims to assess the feasibility of performing COVID-19 RNA tests in hospitals and communities experiencing SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreaks, to ultimately provide recommendations for hospitals with so-called fever clinics. In China, these specialized clinics within a hospital specifically receive outpatients with fever symptoms. A team with expertise in the Exposure Analysis and Critical Control Points (EACCP) framework identified potential infection routes during the testing for SARS-CoV-2, then constructed and tested flow diagrams, which were confirmed under actual conditions, demonstrating the feasibility to carry out in hospitals with fever clinics. The team determined critical control points to mitigate the exposure risks at each control point. The sampling and inactivation steps of clinical samples in fever clinics appeared to be associated with particularly high-risk levels of exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Moderate exposure levels were associated with storage and transportation of samples for inactivation; Low-risk levels associated with the transportation, storage, and detection steps after inactivation. To minimize infection risks for personnel, we proposed optimized processes to carry out SARS-CoV-2 RNA tests in hospitals with fever clinics in China. The high risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure during procedures preceding testing is the sampling and biological inactivation; Simultaneously, full personal protective equipment and BSL2 laboratories in fever clinics or mobile BSL2 laboratories could reduce the risk. Implementing the EACCP framework could facilitate rapid responses to outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.
Transfer Modeling for 1T1R Crossbar Arrays with Line Resistances
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zeng Ying
Published: June 2021

Progress of neuromorphic computing and next-generation information storage technologies hinges on the development of emerging nonvolatile memory (eNVM) devices, which are typically organized employing the crossbar array architecture. To facilitate quantitative performance analysis of eNVM crossbar array architecture, this paper proposes a way to study the one-transistor-one-resistor (1T1R, R: eNVM devices) crossbar arrays based on matrix algebra method. The comparative analysis of 1T1R crossbar array modeling based on matrix algebra method and compact-model SPICE simulations verifies the accuracy of the proposed method, which can be directly used for static quantitative analysis and evaluation of 1T1R crossbar array performance. With the proposed method, the optimization of array operation schemes and current backflow issue are discussed. Our analysis indicates that the proposed method is capable of flexibly adjusting array parameters and consider the influence of line resistance on array operation, and can provide guidance for improving the sensing margin of the array through multi-parameter co-simulation. The proposed matrix algebra-based 1T1R crossbar array modeling method can bridge the gap between the accuracy and flexibility of the available methods.
Silage Quality, Aerobic Stability, Gas Production and in vitro Digestibility of Pumpkin Waste Silages
Authors: Konca Yusuf , Beyzi Selma Büyükkılıç , Kaplan Mahmut , Boga Mustafa , Kaliber Mahmut
Published: June 2021

This experiment was carried out to determine the silage quality of pumpkin waste with wheat straw (S) and alfalfa hay (A). The treatment groups as follows: 1) 100% pumpkin waste (PR), 2) 80%PR and 20% A (PW80+A20), 3) 80%PW and 20%S (PW80+S20), 4) 60%PW and 40%A (PW60+A40), 5) 60%PW and 40%S (PW60+S40), 6) 80%PW+10%A+10%S (PW80+A10+S10) and 7) 60%PW + 20%A + 20%S (PW40+A20+S20). The lowest dry matter content was observed in PW group (39.0 g/kg). The crude protein ratio in the alfalfa groups were higher than those of S and PW groups. The crude cellulose was lower and NDF higher in the PW group than those of other groups and ADF was highest in the 40%S group. Water soluble carbohydrate ratio in PW and PW60+A20+S20 groups were higher than those of other groups. In the PW group, the lactic acid ratio was higher than PW80+S10+A10 group. In the PW80+S20 group the highest gas production was observed at 48th, 72nd and 96th hours. The energy values of PW group were higher than those of other groups. The aerobic stability of pumpkin silage was improved with hay addition especially alfalfa addition in 400 g/kg concentration.
Preparing for a Community-Based Agriculture-to-Nutrition Trial in Rural Malawi: Formative Research to Assess Feasibility and Inform Design and Implementation Decisions
Authors: Chiutsi-Phiri Gabriella , Kalimbira Alexander , Banda Leonard , Nalivata Patson , Sanuka Marion , Kalumikiza Zione , Matandika Limbanazo , Mfutso-Bengo Joseph , Allen Elizabeth , Ferguson Elaine , Sturgess Joanna , Broadley Martin , Langley-Evans Simon , Millar Kate , Gashu Dawd , Joy Edward
Published: June 2021

Background This study reports findings from formative research conducted to assess the feasibility and inform the design and implementation of the Addressing Hidden Hunger with Agronomy (AHHA) trial. The AHHA trial was a randomised, controlled trial conducted in rural Malawi, in which participants were given maize flour biofortified with selenium or control flour not biofortified with selenium for a period of 12 weeks, after which blood samples were taken to measure selenium status. Methods Formative research was conducted in villages near to the AHHA trial study site one year before the planned intervention. A short questionnaire with adult women (n=50), Focus Group Discussions with male (n groups=3) and female (n groups=3) community members, and in-depth Key Informant Interviews (KIIs; n=7) were conducted to understand community practices and perceptions. Findings Meals were typically cooked and eaten at home in this community, while participants reported that maize flour would be less readily sold than maize grain – important considerations for the design of the trial. Regarding intervention delivery, we identified potential concerns around effects on fertility, links between blood sampling and witchcraft, and the potential for social stigma if community members considered participants lazy for receiving free flour. Participants reported that involvement of the Malawi government partners including health extension workers would increase trust. Interpretation Following the formative research, the AHHA trial appeared feasible. However, community sensitisation would be essential to address potential fears and concerns; effective sensitisation would support recruitment and treatment adherence, and would protect the safety and wellbeing of participants and researchers. People in positions of authority and trust including village headmen, religious leaders, health and agriculture extension workers, and community care groups should be involved in community sensitisation.
Automatic road sign detection and recognition based on neural network
Authors: Lahmyed Redouan , Ansari Mohamed El , Kerkaou Zakaria
Published: June 2021

Road sign detection and recognition is an integral part of intelligent transportation sys-tems (ITS). It increases protection by reminding the driver of the current condition of the route, such as notices, bans, limitations and other valuable driving information. This paper describes a novel system for automatic detection and recognition of road signs, which is achieved in two main steps. First, the initial image is pre-processed using DBSCAN clustering algorithm. The clustering is performed based on color information, and the generated clusters are segmented using Artiﬁcial neural networks (ANN) classiﬁer. The resulting ROIs are then carried out based on their aspect ratio and size to retain only signiﬁcant ones. Then, a shape-based classiﬁcation is performed using ANN as classiﬁer and HDSO as feature to detect the circular, rectangular and triangular shapes. Second, a hybrid feature is deﬁned to recognize the ROIs detected from the ﬁrst step. It involves a combination of the so-called GLBP-Color which is an extension of the classical gradient local binary patterns (GLPB) feature to the RGB color space and the local self-similarity (LSS) feature. ANN, Adaboost and support vector machine (SVM) have been tested with the introduced hybrid feature and the ﬁrst one is selected as it outperforms the other two. The proposed method has been tested in outdoor scenes, using a collection of common databasets, well known in the traﬃc sign community (GTSRB, GTSDB and STS). The results demonstrate the eﬀectiveness of our method when compared to recent state-of-the-art methods.
Multi-Objective Spider Monkey Optimization for Energy Efficient clustering and Routing in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Samiayya Duraimurugan , Ramalingam Avudaiammal
Published: June 2021

In wireless sensor network (WSN), the gateways far away from the base station (BS) uses the gateways nearer to the BS to forward the data. It causes heavy traffic to the gateways in proximity with the BS. They need to manage this heavy traffic load but it leads to additional energy consumption and reduction in network lifetime. In order to overcome these issues, loads around the gateways need to be balanced. In this paper, multi objective based spider monkey optimization (MOSMO) has been presented to balance the load and to improve the network lifetime through energy efficient routing and clustering. The objective functions such as routing fitness and clustering fitness have been considered for optimal routing and clustering. The routing fitness function is found by incorporating both the minimum distance traversed by the gateways and minimum number of the gateway hops. The clustering fitness function is the minimum fitness function of gateways. The fitness function of each gateway is computed based on both the mean load of gateways as well as the distance between gateways and BS. The performance of the proposed MOSMO based routing and clustering scheme is compared with the existing Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) based routing and clustering scheme. The QoS features such as delay, energy consumption, delivery ratio, throughput and network lifetime with various node density are analyzed. The proposed work is simulated using MATLAB. The results show that, the reduction in delay and energy consumption is about 18% and 17% respectively whereas improvement in delivery ratio, throughput and network life time is about 15%, 24% and 19% respectively when compared to the existing PSO and GWO methods.
Use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in the Differential Diagnosis of Jaw Bone Lesions
Authors: Carneiro Mailon Cury , Tolentino Elen de Souza , Aquaroni Lorena Borgononi , Huayhua Milenka Gabriela Quenta , Orcina Bernardo da Fonseca , Reia Verônica Caroline Brito , Rubira-Bullen Izabel Regina Fischer
Published: June 2021

Background/Objective: This study aims to describe in detail the characteristics of the different jaw bone lesions seen in cone beam computed tomography examinations, from a retrospective analysis. Methods: All the preoperative examinations of cone beam computed tomography of intraosseous lesions of the jaws were retrospectively reviewed from patients treated at the Department of Stomatology of a Brazilian University, from 2008 to 2017. The following data were collected: sex, age, location, density and size of the lesion, relation to an unerupted tooth, margins, cortical and/or perforation, tooth displacement, root resorption, presence of calcifications, and proximity to anatomical structures. Fisher's exact test was used to verify associations between the variables. Results: We identified 28 lesions, all of which were benign: 14 odontogenic keratocysts, 5 odontomas, 3 dentigerous cysts, 2 ameloblastomas, 1 ameloblastic fibro-odontoma, 1 cementoblastoma, 1 adenomatoid odontogenic tumour, and 1 calcifying epithelial odontogenic cyst. Of these lesions, 23 affected the mandible, and 5 the maxilla. The lesions were subdivided into aggressive and non-aggressive, and when compared, there was a difference only for the cortical cone perforation variable (p <0.05), which was more prevalent in aggressive lesions, suggesting that this characteristic is an important indicator of pathological behaviour. Conclusions: An accurate identification of the characteristics of bone lesions of the buccomaxillofacial complex, using cone beam computed tomography, can guide diagnostic hypotheses, in addition to guiding the management, thus, providing a more appropriate treatment for each individualized case.
Accumulation of Potentially Toxic Trace Elements (PTEs) by Native Plant Species Growing in a Typical Gold Mining Area Located in the Northeast of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wang Lei , Xie Xiaorong , Li Qifeng , Yu Zhifeng , Hu Guangde , Wang Xixi , Liu Jinrong
Published: June 2021

Though gold mines provide significant economic benefits to local governments, mining causes soil pollution by potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in mining areas, especially in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Screening of native plant species from mining areas is now an effective, inexpensive, and eco-friendly method for the remediation of PTEs in situ. In the present study, we conducted experiments to assess the accumulation of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in 12 native plant species growing on a typical gold mining area in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Our results showed that rhizosphere soils have high soil organic matter content, high levels of As, and moderate levels of Cd. G. pylzowianum accumulated relatively higher As in its shoots and exhibited TF higher than 1 for As (4.65), Cd (1.87), and Pb (1.36). P. saundersiana had BCF-S higher than 1 for Cd (4.52) and Pb (1.70), whereas its TF was higher than 1 for As, Cd, Pb, and Zn. These plant species also exhibit strong tolerance to these PTEs. Furthermore, E. nutans accumulated low levels of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in their shoots and exhibited TF values lower than 1 for the four PTEs. Therefore, G. pylzowianum could be used for the in situ phytoextraction of As, and P. saundersiana can be used as an effective plant for Cd and Pb phytoextraction. E. nutans is better suited for the phytostabilisation of multiple PTEs. Our study is of significant importance for introducing native plant species to remediate PTE-contaminated soils, particularly As and Cd, and has a good potential for developing PTE phytoremediation strategies at mining sites.
Digital footprints´ wrangling – Are analytics used for better or worse?: Evidence of Danish data governance practices on tech-based services
Authors: Abrantes Bruno F. , Ostergaard Klaus
Published: June 2021

Incumbents face nowadays one of their great data governance challenges, regarding the balancing of Big Data´s utilization and the imperative of uplifting the consumer´s sentiment. In the context of the European Union (EU), the prior is especially applicable as a growing opposition against the allegedly hazardous commercial exploitation of digital footprints is ascribed to distort information bundles to the consumer and gradually bias their individual capacity to take informed free choices, configuring a phenomenon of concealed “data autocracy”. Yet, this occurs despite the introduction on May-18 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).Hence, we have conducted a multi-methods enquire with foci on the Danish market covering the footprint´s awareness and undertaking´s rationale targeting equidistantly the data-owners and data-brokers. This was fashioned with a descriptive-exploratory research purpose to enlighten both the sentiment (perceptions) and the behaviour (actions) and determine the extent of (un)willingness surrounding the dataveillance over personal lives (and firm´s quotidian) and their coherence with regard to self-protection. A dyad of triangulation procedures were applied then for validation purposes and extending our findings.The results of the empirical testing confirmed the most marked disruption of Big Data at individual-level as to the range of benefits and drawbacks. A gap (perception versus action) acknowledged on the two parties uncovered a (paradoxical) laissez-faire of data-owners and institutional isomorphism of data-brokers, and the need for capability building and for the government authorities´ intervention, re-conceptualizing scope and boundaries of collection securitization for building a far more efficient model against citizen´s rights usurpation.JEL: M15; M31; M38.
Computer-aided prediction of inhibitors against STAT3 for managing COVID-19 associate cytokine storm
Authors: Dhall Anjali , Patiyal Sumeet , Sharma Neelam , Devi Naorem Leimarembi , Raghava Gajendra P. S.
Published: June 2021

It has been shown in the past that levels of cytokines, including interleukin 6 (IL6), is highly correlated with the disease severity of COVID-19 patients. IL6 mediated activation of STAT3 is responsible to proliferate proinflammatory responses that leads to promotion of cytokine storm. Thus, STAT3 inhibitors may play a crucial role in managing pathogenesis of COVID-19. This paper describes a method developed for predicting inhibitors against the IL6-mediated STAT3 signaling pathway. The dataset used for training, testing, and evaluation of models contains small-molecule based 1564 STAT3 inhibitors and 1671 non-inhibitors. Analysis of data indicates that rings and aromatic groups are significantly abundant in STAT3 inhibitors compared to non-inhibitors. In order to build models, we generate a wide range of descriptors for each chemical compound. Firstly, we developed models using 2-D and 3-D descriptors and achieved maximum AUC 0.84 and 0.73, respectively. Secondly, fingerprints (FP) are used to build prediction models and achieved 0.86 AUC and accuracy of 78.70% on validation dataset. Finally, models were developed using hybrid features or descriptors, achieve a maximum of 0.87 AUC on the validation dataset. We used our best model to identify STAT3 inhibitors in FDA-approved drugs and found few drugs (e.g., Tamoxifen, and Perindopril) that can be used to manage COVID-19 associated cytokine storm. A webserver “STAT3In” (https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/stat3in/ ) has been developed to predict and design STAT3 inhibitors.