bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF NURSES TOWARDS POST-OPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT IN MUHAMMADU ABDULLAHI WASE TEACHING HOSPITAL KANO – NIGERIA
Authors:   College of Nursing and Midwifery Kano Umaru Ringim School of Post-Basic Nurse Anaesthetist Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano – Nigeria, Musa Rabiu , Muhammad Halima ,   Department of Anaesthesia Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital, Kano
Published: December 2020

Knowledge and attitude of Nurses towards post-operative pain management in Muhammadu Abdullahi Wase Teaching hospital Kano. Knowledge and skills of Nurses towards post-operative pain managements haven being an issue in Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching hospital due to workload, inadequate staffs, lack of adequate equipment’s to access patient level of pain .Aim to assessed the knowledge level of Nurses towards post-operative pain management, to determine the level of Nurses attitude towards post-operative pain management and identified the complication of inadequate post-operative pain management in Muhammad Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital Kano. Post-operative pain management has being an integral issue in patient who has undergone surgery leading to poor wound healing and prolong hospital stay. The descriptive research design was used to uncover knowledge and attitude of nurses towards postoperative pain management , a self-structured questionnaire was administered to population of fifty eight (58) respondents and sample size of fifty(50) was determined using Taro Yamane formula for determining sample size n= N/ (1+N(e)2). Method of data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. The result of the study shows that Nurses have a good knowledge and attitude towards post-operative pain managements. It was concluded that Nurses in surgical wards should indulge into continuing education programmed, in-house training and seminars in pain managements to boost their knowledge and skills.
Hybrid Iris Segmentation Method Based on CNN and Principal Curvatures
Authors: Tikhonova Varvara , Pavelyeva Elena
Published: December 2020

In this article the new hybrid iris image segmentation method based on convolutional neural networks and mathematical methods is proposed. Iris boundaries are found using modified Daugman’s method. Two UNet-based convolutional neural networks are used for iris mask detection. The first one is used to predict the preliminary iris mask including the areas of the pupil, eyelids and some eyelashes. The second neural network is applied to the enlarged image to specify thin ends of eyelashes. Then the principal curvatures method is used to combine the predicted by neural networks masks and to detect eyelashes correctly. The pro- posed segmentation algorithm is tested using images from CASIA IrisV4 Interval database. The results of the proposed method are evaluated by the Intersection over Union, Recall and Precision metrics. The average metrics values are 0.922, 0.957 and 0.962, respectively. The proposed hy- brid iris image segmentation approach demonstrates an improvement in comparison with the methods that use only neural networks.
Association of β-casein gene polymorphism with milk composition traits of Egyptian Maghrebi camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Nowier Amira M. , Ramadan Sherif I.
Published: December 2020

Abstract. The objectives of this study were to detect the polymorphism of 2126A∕G SNP in the β-casein (CSN2) gene among Egyptian Maghrebi camels and to investigate the association of 2126A∕G SNP genotypes, parity, lactation stage, and temperature–humidity index (THI) with the milk composition traits of Maghrebi camels. Sixty-eight hair samples were collected from three different populations of Maghrebi camels for DNA extraction. Fat, protein, total solids, solids-not-fat, and lactose percentages were determined in Maghrebi camel milk using an automatic milk analyzer device. Three different genotypes – A/A, A/G, and G/G – were identified in the 5′ flanking region of β-casein gene by using PCR-RFLP method with the A/G genotype showing the highest frequency. Association among these three genotypes with milk composition traits suggests a positive effect of A/A genotype on acidity and protein percentage. Higher protein and acidity values were observed in the milk of individuals carrying the A/A genotype. The protein percentage of this study significantly increased from the first till the fourth parity and then decreased. Fat and total solid percentages were significantly higher in the late stage of lactation, while lactose showed a decreasing trend from the early till the late stages of lactation. Fat and protein percentages were highest in the low THI class. Our results encourage the utilization of Maghrebi camel milk for cheese and butter processing at the late lactation stages of the middle parities of their productive life. Moreover, the A/G SNP of the CSN2 gene may be used as a DNA marker in selection programs for the improvement of camel milk composition. Further studies are needed in order to fully explore the variation in the chemical composition of camel milk due to the effect of CSN2 gene, parity, lactation stage, and THI factors.
Measurement report: Long-term variations in carbon monoxide at a background station in China's Yangtze River Delta region
Authors: Chen Yijing , Ma Qianli , Lin Weili , Xu Xiaobin , Yao Jie , Gao Wei
Published: December 2020

Abstract. This study analyzed the long-term variations in carbon monoxide (CO) mixing
ratios from January 2006 to December 2017 at the Lin'an regional atmospheric
background station (LAN; 30.3∘ N, 119.73∘ E, 138 m a.s.l.) in China's Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region. The CO mixing ratios
were at their highest (0.69 ± 0.08 ppm) and lowest (0.54 ± 0.06 ppm) in winter and summer, respectively. The average daily variation in CO
exhibited a double-peaked pattern, with peaks in the morning and evening and
a valley in the afternoon. A significant downward trend of −11.3 ppb yr−1 of
CO was observed from 2006 to 2017 at the LAN station, which was in
accordance with the negative trends of the average CO mixing ratios and
total column retrieved from the satellite data (Measurements of
Pollution in the Troposphere, MOPITT) over the YRD region during the same
period. The average annual CO mixing ratio at the LAN station in 2017 was
0.51 ± 0.04 ppm, which was significantly lower than that (0.71 ± 0.12 ppm) in 2006. The decrease in CO levels was largest in autumn (−15.7 ppb yr−1), followed by summer (−11.1 ppb yr−1), spring (−10.8 ppb yr−1), and
winter (−9.7 ppb yr−1). Moreover, the CO levels under relatively polluted
conditions (the annual 95th percentiles) declined even more rapidly (−22.4 ppb yr−1, r=-0.68, p<0.05) from 2006 (0.91 ppm) to 2017 (0.58 ppm), and the CO levels under clean conditions (the annual 5th percentiles)
showed decreasing evidence but not statistically significant (r=-0.41, p=0.19) throughout the years. The long-term decline and
short-term variations in the CO mixing ratios at the LAN station were mainly
attributed to the implementation of the anthropogenic pollution control
measures in the YRD region and to events like the Shanghai Expo in 2010 and
Hangzhou G20 in 2016. The decreased CO level may influence atmospheric
chemistry over the region. The average OH reactivity of CO at the LAN
station is estimated to significantly drop from 4.1 ± 0.7 s−1 in
2006 to 3.0 ± 0.3 s−1 in 2017.
Silicon uptake and isotope fractionation dynamics by crop species
Authors: Frick Daniel A. , Remus Rainer , Sommer Michael , Augustin Jürgen , Kaczorek Danuta , von Blanckenburg Friedhelm
Published: December 2020

Abstract. That silicon is an important element in global
biogeochemical cycles is widely recognised. Recently, its relevance for
global crop production has gained increasing attention in light of possible
deficits in plant-available Si in soil. Silicon is beneficial for plant
growth and is taken up in considerable amounts by crops like rice or wheat.
However, plants differ in the way they take up silicic acid from soil
solution, with some species rejecting silicic acid while others actively
incorporate it. Yet because the processes governing Si uptake and regulation
are not fully understood, these classifications are subject to intense
debate. To gain a new perspective on the processes involved, we investigated
the dependence of silicon stable isotope fractionation on silicon uptake
strategy, transpiration, water use, and Si transfer efficiency. Crop plants
with rejective (tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, and mustard, Sinapis alba) and active (spring wheat, Triticum aestivum) Si
uptake were hydroponically grown for 6 weeks. Using inductively coupled
plasma mass spectrometry, the silicon concentration and isotopic composition
of the nutrient solution, the roots, and the shoots were determined. We
found that measured Si uptake does not correlate with the amount of
transpired water and is thus distinct from Si incorporation expected for
unspecific passive uptake. We interpret this lack of correlation to indicate
a highly selective Si uptake mechanism. All three species preferentially
incorporated light 28Si, with a fractionation factor 1000×ln (α) of −0.33 ‰ (tomato), −0.55 ‰ (mustard), and −0.43 ‰ (wheat)
between growth medium and bulk plant. Thus, even though the rates of active
and passive Si root uptake differ, the physico-chemical processes governing
Si uptake and stable isotope fractionation do not. We suggest that isotope
fractionation during root uptake is governed by a diffusion process. In
contrast, the transport of silicic acid from the roots to the shoots depends
on the amount of silicon previously precipitated in the roots and the
presence of active transporters in the root endodermis, facilitating Si
transport into the shoots. Plants with significant biogenic silica
precipitation in roots (mustard and wheat) preferentially transport
silicon depleted in 28Si into their shoots. If biogenic silica is not
precipitated in the roots, Si transport is dominated by a diffusion process,
and hence light silicon 28Si is preferentially transported into the
tomato shoots. This stable Si isotope fingerprinting of the processes that
transfer biogenic silica between the roots and shoots has the potential to
track Si availability and recycling in soils and to provide a monitor for
efficient use of plant-available Si in agricultural production.
El Desarrollo Sostenible en Colombia y su aplicación en el sector agropecuario. El caso de la región de la Orinoquía Colombiana
Authors: Lozano Rodríguez Maria Alejandra
Published: December 2020

El presente trabajo de investigación tiene como objetivo estudiar cómo se promueve el desarrollo sostenible en Colombia, a partir de los compromisos adquiridos por el país ante la comunidad internacional y las iniciativas que se han llevado a cabo en materia de sostenibilidad y cambio climático en los últimos años. Asimismo, se hace referencia al sector de la agricultura ya que es la actividad económica que más emisiones de dióxido de carbono genera a la atmósfera y se analiza el caso de la región de la Orinoquía, la cual debido a su gran nivel de biodiversidad y ubicación geográfica se posiciona como una región estratégica en el país para el desarrollo de esta actividad.
Exploring the linkages of Foreign Direct Investment in Spain since 1970’s: an ARDL approach
Authors: Cañal Fernández Verónica , Tascón Fernández Julio , Gómez Martín María
Published: December 2020

This paper analyzes the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), exports and economic growth in Spain using annual time series data for the period 1970 to 2016. To examine these linkages the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration for the long-run is applied. The results confirm a long-run relationship among the examined variables. The Granger causality test indicates a strong unidirectional causality between FDI and exports with direction from FDI to exports. Besides, the results for the relationship between FDI and economic growth are interesting and indicate that there is no significant Granger causality from FDI to economic growth and vice-versa.
Human Health Consequences of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
Authors: M. Heshmati Hassan
Published: December 2020

Daily use of chemicals is an essential part of modern life. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a heterogeneous group of exogenous chemicals or chemical mixtures that interfere with the action of hormones and consequently cause adverse effects to humans and wildlife. The number of EDCs has markedly increased over the past 60 years. Humans are constantly exposed to hundreds of EDCs mainly through air, water, and food. Exposure to EDCs (in utero or lifetime) may be a significant component of the environmental origin of several medical conditions. The developing fetus and neonate are more sensitive than adults to perturbation by EDCs. The prenatal damage can cause adverse consequences later in life (developmental origins of adult disease). In many cases, the damage is irreversible. There is also a possibility of transgenerational effects. By interfering with hormonal functions, EDCs can contribute to a variety of dysfunctions and diseases including obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and cancers. Information on long-term effects of chronic, low-dose exposure to EDCs is relatively limited. EDCs represent a global threat for human health and cause a high cost for the society. Promoting public knowledge and initiating preventive measures will help minimizing the health and economic consequences of EDCs for future generations.
Public Libraries Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Creating a New Service Model
Authors: Goddard Jon
Published: December 2020

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public libraries have demonstrated, in many ways, their value to their communities. They have enabled their patrons to not only resume their lives, but to help them learn and grow. Additionally, electronic resources offered to patrons through their library card have allowed people to be educated and entertained.

The credit must go to the librarians, who initially fueled, and have maintained this level of service by re-writing the rules—creating a new service model.
Letter from the Editor
Authors: Varnum Ken
Published: December 2020

A not-so-fond look back, an optimistic look ahead.
BingleSeq: a user-friendly R package for bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq data analysis
Authors: Dimitrov Daniel , Gu Quan
Published: December 2020

Background

RNA sequencing is an indispensable research tool used in a broad range of transcriptome analysis studies. The most common application of RNA Sequencing is differential expression analysis and it is used to determine genetic loci with distinct expression across different conditions. An emerging field called single-cell RNA sequencing is used for transcriptome profiling at the individual cell level. The standard protocols for both of these approaches include the processing of sequencing libraries and result in the generation of count matrices. An obstacle to these analyses and the acquisition of meaningful results is that they require programing expertise. Although some effort has been directed toward the development of user-friendly RNA-Seq analysis analysis tools, few have the flexibility to explore both Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing.

Implementation

BingleSeq was developed as an intuitive application that provides a user-friendly solution for the analysis of count matrices produced by both Bulk and Single-cell RNA-Seq experiments. This was achieved by building an interactive dashboard-like user interface which incorporates three state-of-the-art software packages for each type of the aforementioned analyses. Furthermore, BingleSeq includes additional features such as visualization techniques, extensive functional annotation analysis and rank-based consensus for differential gene analysis results. As a result, BingleSeq puts some of the best reviewed and most widely used packages and tools for RNA-Seq analyses at the fingertips of biologists with no programing experience.

Availability

BingleSeq is as an easy-to-install R package available on GitHub at https://github.com/dbdimitrov/BingleSeq/.
The effect of brewery spent grain application on biogas yields and kinetics in co-digestion with sewage sludge
Authors: Szaja Aleksandra , Montusiewicz Agnieszka , Lebiocka Magdalena , Bis Marta
Published: December 2020

The present study examines the effect of introducing dried brewery spent grain (BSG), known as the main solid by-product of the brewery industry on biogas yields and kinetics in co-digestion with sewage sludge (SS). The experiment was conducted in semi-continuous anaerobic reactors (supplied once a day) operating under mesophilic conditions (35°C) at different hydraulic retention times (HRT) of 18 and 20 d. In co-digestion runs, the BSG mass to the feed volume ratio was constant and maintained 1:10.The results indicated that the addition of BSG did not influence the biogas production, by comparison with SS mono-digestion (control run). At HRT of 18 d, in the co-digestion run, the average methane yield was 0.27 m3 kg/VSadded, while in the control run the higher value of 0.29 m3 kg/VSaddedwas observed. However, there was no difference in terms of statistical significance. At HRT of 20 d, the methane yield was 0.21 m3 kg/VSadded for both mono- and co-digestion runs. In the BSG presence, the decrease in kinetic constant values was observed. As compared to SS mono-digestion, reductions by 21 and 35% were found at HRT of 20 and 18 d, respectively. However, due to the supplementation of the feedstock with BSG rich in organic compounds, the significantly enhanced energy profits were achieved with the highest value of approx. 40% and related to the longer HRT of 20 d. Importantly, the mono- and co-digestion process proceeded in stable manner. Therefore, the anaerobic co-digestion of SS and BSG might be considered as a cost-effective solution that could contribute to the energy self-efficiency of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and sustainable waste management for breweries.
The effect of wearing insoles with a toe-grip bar on occupational leg swelling and lower limb muscle activity: A randomized cross-over study
Authors: Nakano Hideki , Murata Shin , Kai Yoshihiro , Abiko Teppei , Matsuo Dai , Kawaguchi Michio
Published: December 2020

Objective

Sitting or standing for hours decreases the blood flow in the legs and results in increased pressure on the veins, leading to the development of chronic venous disease. This study aimed to investigate the effects of insoles with a toe-grip bar on occupational leg swelling and lower limb muscle activity.

Methods

This randomized cross-over study enrolled 12 healthy men who work in a sitting or standing position. They were randomly divided into groups A (wore shoes with insoles with a toe-grip bar for 8 hours each) and B (wore shoes with regular insoles for 8 hours each). After 1 week, groups A and B wore shoes with regular insoles and shoes with insoles with a toe-grip bar, respectively, for 8 hours each. Lower leg volume was measured before and after each intervention, and lower limb muscle activity was measured at the start of each intervention.

Results

Occupational leg swelling was significantly smaller in men wearing insoles with a toe-grip bar (P < .05). Moreover, the integrated electromyogram value of the tibialis anterior muscle and medial and lateral gastrocnemius muscles during the stance phase of walking, and tibialis anterior muscle during the swing phase of walking was significantly greater in men wearing insoles with a toe-grip bar (all P < .05).

Conclusion

Insoles with a toe-grip bar contribute to increased lower limb muscle activity, attenuating occupational leg swelling.
Peptides as Active Ingredients: A Challenge for Cosmeceutical Industry
Authors: Ledwoń Patrycja , Errante Fosca , Papini Anna Maria , Rovero Paolo , Latajka Rafal
Published: December 2020

Cosmeceutical field, which merges cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, is nowadays a highly investigated research area, because a scientific demonstration of the claimed bioactivity of new cosmeceutical ingredients is increasingly requested. In fact, an aspect differentiating traditional cosmetics from cosmeceuticals is the identification and characterization of the active ingredients and demonstrating its efficacy in the claimed activity. An interesting group of bioactive cosmeceutical ingredients are peptides, which due to their particular properties, meets most of the requirements presented by the cosmeceutical industry when composing new formulas. In this context, beside bioactivity, two additional aspects have been recently considered, when dealing with peptides as cosmeceutical ingredients: bioavailability and stability. We describe herein novel methods applied in order to enhance peptides skin‐penetration and stability, reviewing both scientific articles and patents, issued in the cosmeceutical arena.
Role of marijuana components on the regenerative ability of stem cells
Authors: Miller Henry , De Leo Nicholas , Badach Jeremy , Lin Andrew , Williamson John , Bonawitz Steven , Ostrovsky Olga
Published: December 2020

Stem cell therapy promotes tissue regeneration and wound healing. Efforts have been made to prime stem cells to enhance their regenerative abilities. Certain marijuana components, namely the non‐psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) and psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are defined as immunomodulators.9 We test whether two sources of stem cells, primed with CBD or THC, would demonstrate improved regenerative abilities. Human adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) and bone marrow‐derived stem cells (BMDSCs), not obtained from the same individual, were treated with low (300 nM) or high (3 μM) concentration CBD. Porcine ASCs and BMDSCs were isolated from a single pig, and treated with either low or high concentrations of CBD or THC. Transwell migration and MTT proliferation assays were performed on the human ASCs and BMDSCs. Also, transwell migration assay was performed on the porcine ASCs and BMDSCs. Finally, a wound healing scratch assay in porcine primary fibroblasts (PFs) was performed, co‐cultured with the cannabinoid‐treated ASCs. CBD priming at low concentration induces migration by 180% (P < .01) in porcine ASCs, and by only 93% (P < .02) in porcine BMDSCs. In porcine stem cells, THC priming at low concentration induces migration by 91.6% (P < .01) in ASCs but by only 44.3% (P < .03) in BMDSCs. Compared to PFs co‐cultured with untreated ASCs, PFs co‐cultured with low CBD‐primed ASCs had 75% faster wound closure at 18 hours (P < .01). CBD and THC priming of ASCs and BMDSCs, particularly at lower doses, enhances a number of regenerative parameters, suggesting that these major marijuana components may improve stem cell‐based therapies.

Significance of the study

Our study demonstrates that cannabinoids can enhance the regenerative capacity of two major sources of stem cells, adipose‐ and bone marrow‐derived, from human and porcine donors. Stem cell isolation and expansion is invasive, costly and time consuming. Stem cells with improved regenerative properties may be effective in the treatment of acute or chronic wounds. This is the first study to compare the priming potential of two sources of stem cells from the same animal, with the same genetic and epigenetic profile, as well as the first to prime with THC.
The performance of laminated glass subjected to constant heat fluxes related to building fires
Authors: Rickard Ieuan , Spearpoint Michael , Lay Simon
Published: December 2020

A series of six exploratory experiments are presented investigating the behaviour of laminated glass when exposed to radiative heating of 25, 50 and 75 kW/m2. The laminated glass type used is typical of that which might be used in balustrades. Three experiments examined the potential for achieving flaming ignition of the inter‐layer should the glass break. At a radiant heat flux of 25 kW/m2, although the glass did not shatter, piloted ignition of the volatile gases released from the specimen edge was possible. At radiant heat fluxes of 50 and 75 kW/m2, the exposed glass layer shattered after 5 minutes 7 seconds and 2 minutes 24 seconds, respectively, and subsequently there was auto‐ignition of the volatile gases from the inter‐layer. Eventually flames were observed over the whole face of the specimen. Using an average measured mass loss and representative heat of combustion for the inter‐layer result in calculated heat release rates per unit area of 65 to 69 kW/m2. A further three experiments were carried out to examine the potential for the glass layers to separate when heated. Only one layer of glass was supported, and unsupported layer nearest the radiant heat source was observed to slip away from the other layer, exposing the inter‐layer, resulting in ignition and flaming.
Regioselective C(sp2)−C(sp3) Oxidative Bond Cleavage of 1‐(1‐Hydroxyalkyl) naphthalen‐2‐ols: First Synthesis of 1‐Azido‐halo‐naphthalene‐2(1H)‐ones
Authors: Kumar Ghosh Manoj , Roy Barnali , Sarkar Debayan
Published: December 2020

A new one‐pot oxidative cleavage of C(sp2)−C(sp3) bond has been explored using two complementary protocols employing Phenylselenyl bromide (PhSeBr) as well as Phenyltrimethylammonium Tribromide (PTAB), with much greater efficiency and scope. The oxidative cleavage proceeds via a dearomatization step to afford potentially useful bromonaphthols along with corresponding aldehydes. In this course, we also described the first synthesis of synthetically important azido‐halo naphthaleneones.
Genetic risk score constructed from common genetic variants is associated with cardiovascular disease risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cheng Chi‐Fung , Lin Ying‐Ju , Lin Mei‐Chen , Liang Wen‐Miin , Chen Ching‐Chu , Chen Chien‐Hsiun , Wu Jer‐Yuarn , Lin Ting‐Hsu , Liao Chiu‐Chu , Huang Shao‐Mei , Hsieh Ai‐Ru , Tsai Fuu‐Jen
Published: December 2020

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) experience a two‐fold increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified T2DM susceptibility genetic variants. Interestingly, the genetic variants associated with cardiovascular disease risk in T2DM Han Chinese remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the genetic variants associated with cardiovascular disease risk in T2DM.

Methods

We performed bootstrapping, GWAS and an investigation of genetic variants associated with cardiovascular disease risk in a discovery T2DM cohort and in a replication cohort. The discovery cohort included 326 cardiovascular disease patients and 1209 noncardiovascular disease patients. The replication cohort included 68 cardiovascular disease patients and 317 noncardiovascular disease patients. The main outcome measures were genetic variants for genetic risk score (GRS) in cardiovascular disease risk in T2DM.

Results

In total, 35 genetic variants were associated with cardiovascular disease risk. A GRS was generated by combining risk alleles from these variants weighted by their estimated effect sizes (log odds ratio [OR]). T2DM patients with weighted GRS ≥ 12.63 had an approximately 15‐fold increase in cardiovascular disease risk (odds ratio = 15.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.33–24.00) compared to patients with weighted GRS < 10.39. With the addition of weighted GRS, receiver‐operating characteristic curves showed that area under the curve with conventional risk factors was improved from 0.719 (95% CI = 0.689–0.750) to 0.888 (95% CI = 0.866–0.910).

Conclusions

These 35 genetic variants are associated with cardiovascular disease risk in T2DM, alone and cumulatively. T2DM patients with higher levels of weighted genetic risk score have higher cardiovascular disease risks.
Poly(lactide)/cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposites by high‐shear mixing
Authors: Oguz Oguzhan , Candau Nicolas , Demongeot Adrien , Citak Mehmet Kerem , Cetin Fatma Nalan , Stoclet Grégory , Michaud Véronique , Menceloglu Yusuf Z.
Published: December 2020

There is currently considerable interest in developing stiff, strong, tough, and heat resistant poly(lactide) (PLA) based materials with improved melt elasticity in response to the increasing demand for sustainable plastics. However, simultaneous optimization of stiffness, strength, and toughness is a challenge for any material, and commercial PLA is well‐known to be inherently brittle and temperature‐sensitive and to show poor melt elasticity. In this study, we report that high‐shear mixing with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) leads to significant improvements in the toughness, heat resistance, and melt elasticity of PLA while further enhancing its already outstanding room temperature stiffness and strength. This is evidenced by (i) one‐fold increase in the elastic modulus (6.48 GPa), (ii) 43% increase in the tensile strength (87.1 MPa), (iii) one‐fold increase in the strain at break (∼6%), (iv) two‐fold increase in the impact strength (44.2 kJ/m2), (v) 113‐fold increase in the storage modulus at 90°C (787.8 MPa), and (vi) 103‐fold increase in the melt elasticity at 190°C and 1 rad/s (∼105 Pa) via the addition of 30 wt% CNC. It is hence possible to produce industrially viable, stiff, strong, tough, and heat resistant green materials with improved melt elasticity through high‐shear mixing.
The evaluation of parental material of winter rapeseed (Brassica napusL.) and winter brown mustard (Brassica junceaL.) on resistance to Phoma rot in the central zone of the Krasnodar region of the Russian Federation
Authors: Serdyuk Oksana , Trubina Victoria , Gorlova Lyudmila
Published: December 2020

In 2018-2020, Phoma rot (Leptosphaeria maculansCes. & De Not) in the form of stem canker was the most common disease on winter rapeseed and winter brown mustard in the central zone of the Krasnodar region of the Russian Federation. Given the high prevalence and development of the disease in all years of research, we identified the rapeseed samples resistant to it; they had the affection degree of 1-2 points (9.0-12.0% of the total number of studied samples). The rest of the samples were weakly resistant with the affection degree of 3-4 points (33.0-39.0 % of samples), weakly susceptible with the affection degree of 5-6 points (28.0-40.0 % of samples) and susceptible with the affection degree of 7-9 points (15 0-23.0 % of samples). We also identified the samples resistant to Phoma rot during the examination of mustard. Their number was lower than that of the rapeseed – 3.0-6.0 % of the total number of samples. The main part of the samples was weakly resistant with the affection degree of 3-4 points (47.0-63.0 % of the total number of samples). The rest of the samples during the years of research were weakly susceptible with the affection degree of 5-6 points (11.0-30.0 %) and susceptible (9.0-18.0 %). The parental material of winter rapeseed and winter brown mustard, resistant to disease, can be used as the donors of resistance to Phoma rot in breeding work during the development of the new promising varieties.
Homeopathy in Experimental Cancer Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: dos Santos Andreza Pereira , Cardoso Thayná Neves , Waisse Silvia , Bonamin Leoni Villano
Published: December 2020

Background Complementary and alternative medicine, including homeopathy, is widely used to improve well-being among cancer patients and reduce adverse effects of conventional treatment. In contrast, there are few studies on the use of homeopathic medicines to treat the disease itself. Yet, evidence of possible effectiveness of homeopathic high dilutions in experimental cancer models has been published during the past 20 years.

Aim The aim of the study was to perform a systematic review of fundamental research studies on homeopathic high dilutions in cancer.

Methods Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, we conducted a literature search in the database PubMed for original publications, from 2000 to 2018 and in English, on in vitro and in vivo experimental cancer models testing homeopathic high dilutions.

Results Twenty-three articles met the inclusion criteria—14 in vitro, eight in vivo, and one in vitro plus in vivo experimental models. Most studies were from India. Research prominently focused on cytotoxic effects involving apoptotic mechanisms. Intrinsic aspects of homeopathy should be considered in experimental designs to emphasize the specificity of such effects.

Conclusion Fundamental research of homeopathy in cancer is still at an early stage and has mainly been performed by a few groups of investigators. The results point to an interference of well-selected homeopathic medicines with cell cycle and apoptotic mechanisms in cancer cells. However, these findings still need independent reproduction.
A quantitative comparison of time-of-flight momentum microscopes and hemispherical analyzers for time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments
Authors: Maklar J. , Dong S. , Beaulieu S. , Pincelli T. , Dendzik M. , Windsor Y. W. , Xian R. P. , Wolf M. , Ernstorfer R. , Rettig L.
Published: December 2020

Time-of-flight-based momentum microscopy has a growing presence in photoemission studies, as it enables parallel energy- and momentum-resolved acquisition of the full photoelectron distribution. Here, we report table-top extreme ultraviolet time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (trARPES) featuring both a hemispherical analyzer and a momentum microscope within the same setup. We present a systematic comparison of the two detection schemes and quantify experimentally relevant parameters, including pump- and probe-induced space-charge effects, detection efficiency, photoelectron count rates, and depth of focus. We highlight the advantages and limitations of both instruments based on exemplary trARPES measurements of bulk WSe2. Our analysis demonstrates the complementary nature of the two spectrometers for time-resolved ARPES experiments. Their combination in a single experimental apparatus allows us to address a broad range of scientific questions with trARPES.
A new interpretation of the absorption and the dual fluorescence of Prodan in solution
Authors: Vequi-Suplicy Cíntia C. , Orozco-Gonzalez Yoelvis , Lamy M. Teresa , Canuto Sylvio , Coutinho Kaline
Published: December 2020

Remarkable interest is associated with the interpretation of the Prodan fluorescent spectrum. A sequential hybrid Quantum Mechanics/Molecular Mechanics method was used to establish that the fluorescent emission occurs from two different excited states, resulting in a broad asymmetric emission spectrum. The absorption spectra in several solvents were measured and calculated using different theoretical models presenting excellent agreement. All theoretical models [semiempirical, time dependent density functional theory and and second-order multiconfigurational perturbation theory] agree that the first observed band at the absorption spectrum in solution is composed of three electronic excitations very close in energy. Then, the electronic excitation around 340 nm–360 nm may populate the first three excited states (π–π*Lb, n–π*, and π–π*La). The ground state S0 and the first three excited states were analyzed using multi-configurational calculations. The corresponding equilibrium geometries are all planar in vacuum. Considering the solvent effects in the electronic structure of the solute and in the solvent relaxation around the solute, it was identified that these three excited states can change the relative order depending on the solvent polarity, and following the minimum path energy, internal conversions may occur. A consistent explanation of the experimental data is obtained with the conclusive interpretation that the two bands observed in the fluorescent spectrum of Prodan, in several solvents, are due to the emission from two independent states. Our results indicate that these are the n–π* S2 state with a small dipole moment at a lower emission energy and the π–π*Lb S1 state with large dipole moment at a higher emission energy.
A hybrid Genetic Algorithm and Levenberg–Marquardt (GA–LM) method for cell suspension measurement with electrical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Li , Hu Songpei , Liu Kai , Chen Bai , Wu Hongtao , Jia Jiabin , Yao Jiafeng
Published: December 2020

A hybrid Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Levenberg–Marquardt (GA–LM) method is proposed for cell suspension measurement with electrical impedance spectroscopy. This algorithm combines the GA with global search ability and Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm with local search ability, which has the advantages of high accuracy and high robustness. First, GA–LM is compared with GA and LM algorithm separately by ideal simulation. Second, Gaussian noise is added to the ideal simulation data. The anti-noise ability of the GA–LM is discussed. Finally, experiments are conducted to verify the practicability of the proposed GA–LM method. In the experiment, GA–LM is used to fit the impedance spectrum of yeast suspensions with different volume fractions and active states. The results show that the GA–LM algorithm can converge to the real value that is set in the simulation under ideal numerical simulation conditions. In the simulation within 2% noise level, the mean relative error of the parameter solution is less than 4%, and the root mean square error of the fitting is less than 0.4. This method also performs well in fitting of the experimental data. In addition, the electric double layer resistance and cell membrane capacitance are selected as the main indicators for the identification of yeast suspension concentration and activity, respectively.
Low-power synchronous helical pulse sequences for large anisotropic interactions in MAS NMR: Double-quantum excitation of 14N
Authors: Aleksis Rihards , Pell Andrew J.
Published: December 2020

We develop a theoretical framework for a class of pulse sequences in the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of rotating solids, which are applicable to nuclear spins with anisotropic interactions substantially larger than the spinning frequency, under conditions where the radiofrequency amplitude is smaller than or comparable to the spinning frequency. The treatment is based on average Hamiltonian theory and allows us to derive pulse sequences with well-defined relationships between the pulse parameters and spinning frequency for exciting specific coherences without the need for any detailed calculations. This framework is applied to the excitation of double-quantum spectra of 14N and is used both to evaluate the existing low-power pulse schemes and to predict the new ones, which we present here. It is shown that these sequences can be designed to be γ-encoded and therefore allow the acquisition of sideband-free spectra. It is also shown how these new double-quantum excitation sequences are incorporated into heteronuclear correlation NMR, such as 1H–14N dipolar double-quantum heteronuclear multiple-quantum correlation spectroscopy. The new experiments are evaluated both with numerical simulations and experiments on glycine and N-acetylvaline, which represent cases with “moderate” and “large” quadrupolar interactions, respectively. The analyzed pulse sequences perform well for the case of a “moderate” quadrupolar interaction, however poorly with a “large” quadrupolar interaction, for which future work on pulse sequence development is necessary.
Determining the topological charge of an obstructed vortex beam via reconstructed phase distribution
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Ma Liqi , Zeng Jun , Dong Zhen , Liu Lin , Wang Fei , Hoenders Bernhard J. , Cai Yangjian , Liu Xianlong
Published: December 2020

Determination of the topological charge (TC) of a vortex beam is of significant importance in various applications such as high-capacity optical communications and micromanipulations. Though many kinds of methods, until now, have been proposed to measure the TC, most of them will fail if the measured vortex beam is partially blocked by an opaque obstacle. In this Letter, we have introduced an efficient method to determine the TC of an incomplete vortex beam (partially blocked by an obstacle) using its reconstructed phase distribution under propagation. The numerical and experimental results showed that the sign and magnitude of the TC can be simultaneously determined by counting the number of phase singularities and the directions of the phase variations around the singularities occurring in the reconstructed phase pattern, respectively. Our method works even when half of the vortex beam is blocked.
Combined kinetic and Bean–Rodbell approach for describing field-induced transitions in LaFe11.6Si1.4 alloys
Authors: Moreno-Ramírez L M , Blázquez J S , Radulov I A , Skokov K P , Gutfleisch O , Franco V , Conde A
Published: December 2020

We propose a combination of the Kolmogorov–Johnson–Mehl–Avrami nucleation and growth theory and the Bean–Rodbell model to describe the field-induced transition in LaFe11.6Si1.4 alloys. The approach is applied to a set of bulk samples undergoing first-order transitions produced by different routes and including doping effects. The kinetic analysis of both magnetization and demagnetization processes reveals a nucleation and three-dimensional interface-controlled growth for these alloys. Introducing the kinetic process between the metastable and stable solutions of the Bean–Rodbell model, the field dependence of the magnetization/demagnetization processes, including magnetic hysteresis for different magnetic field sweeping rates, is better reproduced than with the pure model.
Influence of ionization and ion loss on radiative and gravitational instabilities of inhomogeneous plasma with dust polarization force
Authors: Jain Shweta , Sharma Prerana
Published: December 2020

In the present work, the radiative condensation and gravitational instabilities of inhomogeneous self-gravitating partially ionized dusty plasma have been studied with dust polarization force, ionization and recombination. The basic equations are constructed using four fluid model. The full dynamics of charged dust grains, ions and neutral species are employed considering the electrons as inertialess which have finite thermal conductivity and radiative cooling. The general dispersion relation is derived and discussed for different dusty plasma situations. It is found that the instability conditions are greatly affected due to the polarization force and recombination. Specifically, it is pointed out that the polarization force enhances the growth rate of both the radiative and gravitational instability while the recombination frequency decreases it. Both the parameters have influencing role in short wavelength regime. The e-folding times are calculated for maximum growth rates of gravitational and radiative condensation instabilities. The present work is applicable for study of interstellar molecular clouds and therefore the corresponding free fall time of molecular clouds is also presented.
Influence of anharmonic convex interparticle potential and Shapiro steps in the opposite direction of driving force
Authors: Gombar Sonja , Mali Petar , Radošević Slobodan , Tekić Jasmina , Pantić Milan , Pavkov-Hrvojević Milica
Published: December 2020

The response function and largest Lyapunov exponent analysis were applied to the driven overdamped Frenkel-Kontorova model with two types of anharmonic convex interparticle potentials. In both cases model reduces to a single particle model for integer values of winding number. It is shown that the mirror image of the amplitude dependence of critical depinning force and largest Lyapunov exponent observed recently in the standard Frenkel-Kontorova model (Odavić et al 2017 Commun. Nonlinear Sci. Numer. Simul.
47, 100) is not retained generally. Behaviour of systems with relatively strong interparticle force was examined and evidence for the appearance of mode-locking phenomenon in both directions of particles’ motion is presented.
COVID-19 lethality in Brazilian States using information theory quantifiers
Authors: Fernandes Leonardo H S , de Araújo Fernando H A , Silva Maria A R , Acioli-Santos Bartolomeu
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we presented an overview diagnosis consider the time series of daily deaths by COVID-19 in the Brazilian States using Bandt & Pompe method (BPM) to estimate the Information Theory quantifiers, more specifically the Permutation entropy (H

s
) and the Fisher information measure (F

s
). Based on the Information Theory quantifiers, we build up the Shannon-Fisher causality plane (SFCP) to promote insights into the COVID-19 temporal evolution inherent in the phenomenology associated with the number of daily deaths well as their respective locations along the SFCP. Moreover, we apply H

s
and F

s
to elaborate on the rank of the Brazilian States’ real situation, considering the number of daily death due to COVID-19 based on the complexity hierarchy. The Brazilian States that are located in the middle region of the two-dimensional plane (H

s
x F

s
), such as Amapá (AP), Roraima (RO), Acre (AC), and Tocantins (TO) are characterized by a less entropic and low disorder, which implies in high predictability of the COVID-19 lethality. While, the Brazilian States that are located in the lower-right region, such as Ceará (CE), Bahia (BA), Pernambuco (PE), and Rio de Janeiro (RJ), are characterized by high entropy and high disorder, which leads to low predictability of the COVID-19 lethality. Given this, our results provide empirical evidence that the permutation entropy is a powerful approach to predicting infectious diseases. Dynamic monitoring of permutation entropy can help policymakers to take more or less restrictive measures to combat COVID-19.
Office and industrial information systems and networks in the training of modern specialists
Authors: Eminov F I , Golitsyna I N , Eminov B F
Published: December 2020

Article discusses an interdisciplinary optional course “Office and industrial information systems and networks”. Course provides skills in preparing of hardware-software platform formation of a workplace. This course is developed for students whose field of study is not related to information technologies, but whose professional activities will be carried out in the modern enterprises in the context of Industry 4.0 development.
Information Technology in Development of Solid Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Fomina L V , Malakhova E A , Beznosyuk S A , Fomin A S , Raskulova T V , Lebedeva O V , Pozhidaev Yu N
Published: December 2020

The proton-conducting hybrid organic-inorganic composites based on tetraethoxysilane and sulfonated styrene (St) and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) copolymers, which are characterized by high exchange capacity and specific conductivity, are formed by sol-gel synthesis. The results of a quantum-chemical calculations of the geometry of the structure of an organic-inorganic composite (for a model consisting of 78 atoms) allow us to associate an increase in the proton conductivity of hybrid membranes, compared with the initial copolymer, with the generation of crystallization water and free sulfuric acid during the formation of the composite.
Cloud technologies in energy
Authors: Konovalov Yu V , Zasukhina O A
Published: December 2020

A number of cloud technology features are specified in power engineering. Introduction of additional categories of cloud technologies and infrastructures taking into account the specifics of power engineering facilities was justified. The use of energy systems simulators as electrical energy systems digital twins when using cloud technologies of power systems advanced simulators, as MaaS cloud service for cloud computing deployment in IT-infrastructure of the energy community cloud is proposed.