bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Cross Entropy-Based Kalman Filter Hybrid Precoding For Frequency Selective mmWave MIMO Channel: Time Domain approach
Authors: Shoukath Ali K , Raju C , Keerthana K
Published: March 2021

In Millimetre Wave (mmWave) Multiple-Inputs Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems, hybrid precoders are introduced the reduced number of Radio Frequency (RF) chains. In the existing hybrid precoder using Phase Shifter (PS) network consume high energy, the cost of hardware and the performance loss in the system is high. In this paper, Adaptive Cross-Entropy (ACE) based Kalman Hybrid Precoder for the frequency selective mmWave MIMO channel in time domain approach is proposed. ACE based kalman hybrid precoder is designed and develops for Switch and Inverter (SI) based architecture. In addition, Kalman based digital precoder is develop and compare with MMSE digital precoder. Simulation results show the ACE based kalman hybrid precoding for SI architecture is provide the low energy consumption, and higher Spectral Efficiency (SE) compares to the existing Two-Stage (TS) hybrid precoder, Antenna Selection (AS) and Cross-Entropy (CE) based hybrid precoders.
Reduction of Peak Power in ofdm Signal Using Cyclic Shifting in Partial Transmit Method
Authors: Deepa D. , Poongodi C. , Sandhiyadevi P. , Mohanapriya G.K.
Published: March 2021

Nowadays,multiplexing the frequency in orthogonal manneris the major concern for high speed data requirements in communication system. It has many advantages like achieving high speed data rate, resilience to frequency fading nature and highly tolerance to interferences and more flexible for implementing with other systems. Also, this OFDM system utilizes maximum bandwidth and will reduce the co-channel interferences. But the main back lock in OFDM system is peak to average power ratio(PAPR) which makes the waveforms more distorted which leads to need of high-power amplifiers in system design. In order to control this back lock, many techniques are proposed, but it has complexity problem. In this work we proposed a partial transmit sequence method along with cyclic shift sequences without performing phase rotation during the process. The simulation results show the high efficiency in PAPR reduction problem when compared to the other systems and it shows the less computation complexity during implementation.
Routing in a Wireless Sensor Network using a Hybrid Algorithm to Improve the Lifetime of the Nodes
Authors: Senthilkumar M. , Kavitha V.R. , Suresh Kumar M. , Anantha Christu Raj P. , Ruth Anita Shirley D.
Published: March 2021

A reliable and secure routing protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks should be easy to maintain, reliable and cost-efficient. In this paper, we propose a hybrid routing algorithm using Ant Colony Optimization and Minimum Hop Count scheme. The proposed hybrid methodology provides an optimal routing path that ensures balanced and minimal energy consumption. The hybrid algorithm is unique in maintaining network topology, balancing network load and searching for the optimal route. The proposed algorithm with the WSN model is implemented in C++ and the simulation output proves our algorithm to outperform other similar routing algorithms.The proposed work indicates animprovement in network lifetime, success rate in finding the best solution and rate of convergence. The existing techniques are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses are diagnosed and compared with our proposed hybrid methodology that integrates the strengths of both the algorithms.
Analysis of Linear Precoding Techniques for Massive MIMO-OFDM Systems under various scenarios
Authors: Subitha D. , Vani R.
Published: March 2021

Emerging 5G technology is largely supported by the base station signal processing techniques such as precoding. Precoding combines the input signals in a predefined way and deliver them in a right proportion to the multiple antenna elements. Such precoding algorithms are crucial for the design of the emerging 5G technology; massive MIMO system. In this paper, the performance of various linear precoding algorithms such as Zero Forcing (ZF), Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) and Conjugate Gradient (CG) based precoding are analyzed in terms of Bit Error Rate (BER) and achievable sum-rate. The results are analyzed under various channel conditions such as rural, sub urban and urban. The above algorithms are tested for MIMO-OFDM system. OFDM system simulated here uses 52 subcarriers and a Base Station equipped with more than 100 antennas serving multiple users simultaneously. The channel models are stochastic channels simulated using WINNER II modeling.
A Novel Low Noise Instrumentation Amplifier for Bio-Medical applications
Authors: Mr.Girinath N , Dr.Ganesh Babu. C , Mr. Dinesh Kumar JR , Karthi Mr. SP
Published: March 2021

In this work we propose an efficient and a novel Instrumentation amplifier design fabricated using CMOS technology that can be used for the amplification of bio-medical signals. Instrumentation Biological amplifiers play a crucial role in biomedical devices like hearing aids, pacemaker etc. An instrumentation amplifier with current feedback and Current re-use topology along with the Chopper Offset-stabilization technique which was used in op-amps will also be extended to current-feedback instrumentation amplifiers, will help us to minimize and eliminate the flicker (1/f) noise and the offset voltages that will occur during the design of the feedback amplifiers. The gain mismatch problems that usually occurs due to the use of Current re -use topology was also minimized by the use of dynamic element matching technique that will be described in the paper. The design is simulated using Cadence Spectre tool. The Instrumentation amplifier final layout is designed in Cadence Layout editor with 0.18um CMOS technology.
Raspberry Pi based Multi-optional Wireless Wheelchair Control and Gesture Recognized Home Assist System
Authors: Renuka K , Harini R , Balaji V , Ashok N
Published: March 2021

Smart Wheelchair is a controlled device designed with the help of the user command to have self-mobility. It reduces the human effort of the user and encourages wheelchair riding. In fact, it also provides an opportunity for physically impaired people to move from one location to another. The main work of this paper is to gain more information, to construct a wheelchair using Raspberry Pi and RF controller to solve the difficulties faced by the physically challenged person. The device is fitted with the RF module, GSM and GPS module, servo motor, wheelchair and the whole module is controlled by wheelchair. To achieve a desire movement, the user will provide input commands to control the wheelchair and it is interfaced by RF communication and voice command. Depending upon the user convenience either RF communication or voice command can be used. Solution has also been proposed during an emergency by using an alert system. The movements received and the hand gesture shown by the visually impaired are recognizedandcontrastedwiththemodelsstoredonthereceiver.Ifthetemplates suit the templates stored then the home appliances are managedaccordingly.
Mercury Detection in Marine Environment using Electrospun Nanofibers as Colorimetric Sensor
Authors: Blesslin Sheeba T , Nandagopal V. , Rajalakshmy P. , Kesavan T. , Aneesh Kumar A.G.
Published: March 2021

Potable water from sea/ocean is becoming contaminated at a fast rate and there is need for monitoring this rate of contamination. There are a number of pollutants that cause contamination, harming aquatic and marine environment. Detecting this water pollutant has become a major concern in recent year and this paper proposes a novel solution to identify specific pollutants (Arsenic and Chromium) in water Nanomaterials have been identified to have higher sensitivity, quick recovery, faster response and ease of design when compared to other materials used. The proposed work uses electrospun nanofibers to detect the presence of mercury which is a heavy metal ion, in marine water. Electrospun nanofibers exhibit many features like easy functionalization, porous nature, large surface area, quick response and enhanced selectivity and sensitivity. To detect mercury ion, an electrospun nanofiber-based sensing platforms is devised and the observations are recorded.
Unwavering Quality Appraisal and Distributed Generation in Bus Dissemination Framework by LOLP Procedure
Authors: Moses Leeban , Perarasi  , Raju  , Gayathri  , Lino L
Published: March 2021

Distributed generation is a small scale generation unit connected nearer to the consumer. The ideal procedure utilized for the assignment of the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Distributed Generation in the appropriation framework is Voltage Stability Index. The dependability of the dissemination framework is assessed with the effect of Distributed Generation and Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicle. This paper presents the unwavering quality appraisal of the dissemination framework incorporated with Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle and Distributed Generation in 12 bus dissemination framework by Loss of Load Probability (LOLP) procedure. The viability of the proposed strategy is dissected by MATLAB.
Optimal Congestion Management by Load Curtailment in Electricity Market
Authors: Senthil Kumar J. , Kumar C. , Balavignesh S. , Dheepanchakkravarthy A.
Published: March 2021

A novel bi-level framework is developed for congestion management in electric power market by load curtailment and generator rescheduling. Interruptible load auction schemes are performed to detect the load buses which require corrective measures to relieve congestion. The proposed congestion management problem is solved in two different levels. The objective functions formulated as non-linear equation is solved using swarm intelligence techniques. In first level, the load curtailment problem is solved, while in second level the generator rescheduling problem is solved. Generator rescheduling through swarm based optimization techniques minimizes the curtailment of contracted power in a deregulated market. A comparative study has been carried out on the swarm intelligence techniques such as Cauchy Gaussian infused PSO (CGI-PSO) and Particle Swarm Optimization with Time Varying Acceleration Coefficient (PSO-TVAC) to solve the proposed problem. The formulated methodology is simulated on standard IEEE 30 bus system and verified through Indian utility-69 bus system.
Simulation Of Dc-Dc Converter Topology For Solar Pv System Under Varying Climatic Conditions With Mppt Controller
Authors: Selvabharathi P. , Veerakumar S. , Kamatchi Kannan V.
Published: March 2021

Nowadays Renewable energy is more important because of growing power demands, lowering of carbon emission and depletion of fossil fuels. From all renewable categories, Solar energy is multiplied because of sun power to be had for lots hours. The performance of sun energy may be very low; the usage of energy electronics converter may be very critical for maximizes the moving of energy from renewable power resources. Since many converter topologies are layout and implemented, out of which appropriate converter need to be taken out for the unique layout of applications. This challenge goals to layout and simulated of diverse converters topology like Boost, CUK and SEPIC converters with MPPT algorithm. The converter layout is completed and theoretical layout is proven with simulations for comparing the nice topologies for PV primarily based totally software the use of PSIM tool.
Diversified Applications Of Hydrogen Bond Liquid Crystals
Authors: Madhu Mohan M L N
Published: March 2021

Liquid crystals are extensively utilized in display device technology. Apart from display applications, they can also be used in various optical, electrical applications. Liquid Crystal capacitors can easily replace conventional electrolyte capacitors. Optical data storage is evinced through textural evidence while electrical storage is established by dielectric studies. Optical light filters plays a pivotal role in many electronic applications. Optical fitters in visible and infrared region using liquid crystal are discussed. High pass, low pass, notch and band pass filters are explored. Light modulator application of liquid crystal is detailed.
Performance Evaluation with Multivariable and Multiloop control for a class of square MIMO systems
Authors: Sudhahar S , Ganesh Babu C , Sharmila D
Published: March 2021

Two approaches (centralized and decentralized) for designing a multi-input, multi-output (MIMO) tracing/regulating process are described within article. The vast popular of industrial process control applications are whist focused on multi loop controllers, ignoring the feedback control attainment with advantages of centralized multivariable controllers. Due to their single loop nature, the plant interactions that are merely in use keen on relation in the controller tuning process cannot be suppressed by decentralized controllers. In many situations, therefore it would be beneficial to delimit the detrimental consequences in pairing among inputs and outputs of the closed loop system under certain context. The centralized model predictive controllers (MPC) and decentralized/multi-loop PI controllers are designed. In terms of integral Absolute Error (IAE), Integral Square Error (ISE), and Integral Time-weighted Absolute Error (ITAE), the output of both controllers is then compared. The results of the simulation showed that the MIMO MPC is better than the other suggested control schemes. The projected central controllers minimize interactions superior than the multi loop controllers that have recently been published.
Design and Simulation of Modular Multilevel Inverter Using PWM
Authors: Arumugam Nandhakumar , Suresh Mugilraj , Dharmalingam Mohanrajan N
Published: March 2021

Modular Inverter is a kind of new multilevel inverter topology used in HVDC system and medium voltage applications like induction motor drive. Modular Multilevel inverter can operate at high voltages and current with fewer harmonic and simple filters, and without increasing the number of switches. This paper mainly focuses on simple topology for modular multilevel inverter in order to reduce the drawbacks of conventional M- level inverters such as capacitor voltage balancing during medium voltage applications. This paper addresses the basic modes of working, carrier-based sine PWM technique and voltage balancing at each capacitor for a three-level inverter are discussed. The simulation and design was carried out using MATLAB/SIMULINK software.
Implementation of Low intensity Dye Sensitized Solar Cell for Electricity Generation
Authors: Kavin R. , Sathesh Kumar T. , Leninpugalhanthi P. , Gobu R. , Gaayathry K. , Sivaranjani S. , Kesavan T.
Published: March 2021

In advancement of technology, solar energy has become major source in producing electricity but in limited conditions. silicon based solar cells are good at generating electricity during day hours but it gives a drawback of producing electricity during low intensity light state. Implementing solar cells in wide range also comes out as a major challenge which has to be removed to meet energy crisis. This paper mainly focus on generating electricity using dye sensitized solar cell which gives a promising note of producing electricity in low intensity and implementing it in wide scale.
Internet of Things in the implementation of a Smart City
Authors: Jeevanandham A , Srinivasan C , Balavignesh S
Published: March 2021

A smart city is an infrastructure to develop, deploy, and promote sustainable development to address the challenges of rapid urbanization. The implementation of a Smart City across the world is due to various applications of Internet of Things. To monitor and manage the devices, IoT have the ability with actionable information from streams of real-time data. A smart city should include innovative features to improve the quality of life of a citizen with high degree of accuracy and integration of various technologies. The things which sense, measure, interpret, connect and analyze are the instruments that reside on the IoT System which enhances the infrastructure of a Smart City. In this review paper, we discuss the need of IoT towards the improved infrastructure in the implementation of a Smart City.
Hydrodynamic forces on tubular cylinders fitted with sacrificial anodes – numerical analysis
Authors: Al-Yacouby A M , Talhah M H , Liew M S , Danyaro K U
Published: March 2021

In offshore engineering, the design of effective marine platforms compatible with the offshore environmental condition is a challenging task, especially accurate estimation of hydrodynamic coefficients that affect the viscous forces. Practically, the well-known Morison’s equation is often adopted by designers to calculate wave loads on slender structures, where the values of drag and inertia coefficients are selected as constant values based on the design code of practice’s recommendations. However, the mass and drag coefficients must be determined empirically based on specific met-ocean data for the operation location. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the Hydrodynamic Forces on Circular Cylinders fitted with sacrificial anodes using empirical methods, and validate the results using Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD). It is found that the major parameters that affect the drag and inertia coefficients are the water depth, wave heights, wave frequencies, the pipe diameters, and the presence of anode fittings.
An Experimental Study on The Correlation of Natural Rainfall Intensities and Raindrop Size Distribution Characteristics
Authors: Law S L G , Kuok K K , Trinidad S G
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to study the natural raindrop size distribution characteristics based on the experimental works for three (3) different rainfall intensities, which are 32.41 mm/h, 56.84 mm/h and 85.73 mm/h. A tipping bucket rain gauge was used to record rainfall data during the field study and a professional DSLR camera (Sony α6000) was used to the capture raindrop distribution during rainfall events. A sufficient number of photographs were taken with necessary adjustments on camera setting to produce the required sharpness of the images and to significantly reduce noise disturbances. Sharp images were selected for image segmentation using a customized coding script to further process the images on MATLAB. The segmented or processed images presented in the form of numerical data would provide the details on the number of drop counts in addition to the diameters of the individual drops captured. The raindrop sizes or diameters ranging from 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm were divided into group of 0.5 mm intervals. It is found that lower rainfall intensity at 32.41 mm/h has the highest volumetric drop distribution of 1.0–1.5 mm interval drop group 78.64%. The relatively higher rainfall intensity at 85.73 mm/h tends to produce higher counts in larger droplet sizes with increments of 6.90% for 2.5–3.0 mm and increment of for 3.45% 4.0–4.5 mm. The study also recorded a significant increment of median droplet sizes (D50) ranging from 1.18 mm to 1.33 mm as the rainfall intensity increased from 32.41 mm/h to 85.73 mm/h, respectively.
Mix proportion for medium grade concrete with silica fume as cement replacement for general purpose construction
Authors: Rashidi A , Mohammad Zain M I S , Ahmadi R
Published: March 2021

There are many demands of concrete in construction leading to the use of industrial waste as mineral additive or supplementary filler to improve the concrete performance and lower production cost. Silica fume is a distinct industrial waste. The making of silica fume concrete is made by case basis based on specific needs especially for the production of prescribed High Performance Concretes. In this study, the use of silica fume for low/medium grade concrete for general production is investigated [1]. It is an attempt to find a mix proportion with recommended silica fume replacement to produce a medium grade concrete for general purpose construction. Silica fume as cement replacement greatly increase the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. The concrete mix with 10% silica fume replacement gives the most practical replacement percentage resulting to a 32% strength increase compared to concrete with no silica fume. It is also possible to produce a normal grade concrete using a standard M40 mix proportion. Concrete samples with less than 10% cement replacement did not show significant differences in mechanical and durability properties compared to the reference sample.
Numerical investigation on the performance of stone columns under raft foundation in soft clayey soils
Authors: Danish Ahmed , Linda bt Taib Siti Noor , Ayadat Tahar , Hasan Alsidqi
Published: March 2021

Stone columns are the most common and effective technique used for enhancing the overall strength and performance of soft soils. They are more effective for moderately lightweight structures. This investigation presents a parametric study of stone columns embedded in ground to strengthen the soft clayey soil under stiff raft foundation. This research is based on a computational analysis by creating a foundation finite element model consisting of a group of stone columns that are mounted under rafting using PLAXIS 3D. A certain range of parameters (for example spacing, diameter and angle of friction of stone columns) is considered and it is concluded that the increase in diameter and angle of friction of stone columns can improve the ultimate load bearing capacity of the foundation system. Furthermore, the failure mechanism of this foundation scheme is analysed and a semi-empirical model for the determination of the bearing capacity ratio (BCR) is developed from the results of the parametric analysis.
Assessment of Subsurface Condition of Peat Soil due to Brackish Groundwater Seepage
Authors: Daud H D , May R , Rajali R , Bujang J , Muol E
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this assessment is to assess the subsurface condition of peat soil due to brackish groundwater seepage along drainages using a numerical method. Visual MODFLOW is applied to conceptualize a condition in the study area and to produce outcomes related to the objectives of the study. The results of the simulation show there is only a small portion of high salt concentration along the drainage. The migration of salt concentration is mostly affected by the groundwater head and velocity vectors of the aquifer materials. Meanwhile, most of the other places in the study area receive a low salt concentration. Therefore, the impact of brackish groundwater on the environment is not significant since the salt concentration is low in most of the study area.
Place Attachment in the Riverfront Public Space Case of Malaysia
Authors: Karsono B , Saleh B M , Chung C O , Wahid J
Published: March 2021

Many cities in Malaysia established their first development on the banks of the river. Urbanization phenomenon and technological advances then cause these riverfront areas developed and changed gradually. Progressively, inappropriate physical changes at the riverfront environment can reduce the usage and meaning of place together with the level of place attachment. The role of physical appearances related to the activities become famous issues in urban design discourses as an effort to establish the identity to the place; nevertheless, the research to measure the attachment level in public space is rarely done. This research is to identify the place attachment and its contributed components focus on pedestrian space in the riverfront area, public spaces which are favoured in Malaysia. Mixed-method approaches are implemented in this study by developing a framework to indicate the elements that affect the place attachment by the user. Surveys and interviews carried out in two riverfront promenade in Kuching and Malacca, there are Sarawak and Malacca riverfront promenade. 330 respondents involved in the questionnaire while 26 people were interviewed. Triangulation method is used to analyse the data and the results are achieved based on the objective of the research. The results found that some factors affected the level user’s attachment, namely: their familiarity to place, length of engagement, personal background and user’s role.
Barriers for green building implementation in Malaysian construction industry
Authors: Wong S Y , Low W W , Wong K S , Tai Y H
Published: March 2021

The high amount of greenhouse gases emissions in construction industry has alerted the experts in construction industry to look into the opportunity of green building. Green building claimed to have positive impact on the environment by reducing the carbon emissions, enhance workers productivity and provide long-term economic benefits. However, the adoption rate of green building in Malaysian construction industry is not that high compared to other developed countries. This paper aims to identify the key challenges that faced by the construction industry supply chain professions, such as engineers, developers, architects and contractors. Questionnaire survey was used to collect data in this paper. Thirty-six valid responses were received and used for analysis. The results shown that the most important barrier was the lack of market demand on green building. This seems to imply that the supply chain agents are rely on the demand of clients to decide on their level of involvement in green building. The results of this paper could contribute in raising the awareness among the supply chain agents in taking proactive steps in investing in green building by stressing its benefits to their clients.
Thermal behavior and combustion performance of Al/Bi2O3 nano thermites with the effect of potassium perchlorate
Authors: Li Shi , Guo Tao , Yao Miao , Ding Wen , Chen Jialin , Song Jiaxing , Zhang Sheng , Zhu Rui
Published: March 2021

To study the effect of the addition of potassium perchlorate (KClO4) on the performance of nano thermites, Al/Bi2O3 nano thermites with different mass fraction (wt%) of KClO4 was made by ultrasonic dispersion method. Then, all samples were tested by SEM, DSC and rapid excitation ignition. DSC results showed Al/Bi2O3/10 wt%KClO4 had the highest heat release. Compared with Al/Bi2O3, the heat release increased by 28.32%. The results of activation energy calculations showed Al/Bi2O3/30 wt%KClO4 had the lowest activation energy (Ea). Its activation energy was reduced by 30%, mere about 149.17 KJ mol−1. Finally, it can be seen from the combustion situation that the addition of KClO4 reduced the intensity of burning. This work found a way to increase the heat release or reduce the activation energy of nano thermites by controlling the amount of KClO4 added.
Evolutionary dynamics of Bertrand duopoly
Authors: Killingback Julian , Killingback Timothy
Published: March 2021

Duopolies are one of the simplest economic situations where interactions between firms determine market behavior. The standard model of a price-setting duopoly is the Bertrand model, which has the unique solution that both firms set their prices equal to their costs—a paradoxical result where both firms obtain zero profit, which is generally not observed in real market duopolies. Here we propose a new game theory model for a price-setting duopoly, which we show resolves the paradoxical behavior of the Bertrand model and provides a consistent general model for duopolies.
Machine-learning enhanced dark soliton detection in Bose–Einstein condensates
Authors: Guo Shangjie , Fritsch Amilson R , Greenberg Craig , Spielman I B , Zwolak Justyna P
Published: March 2021

Most data in cold-atom experiments comes from images, the analysis of which is limited by our preconceptions of the patterns that could be present in the data. We focus on the well-defined case of detecting dark solitons—appearing as local density depletions in a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC)—using a methodology that is extensible to the general task of pattern recognition in images of cold atoms. Studying soliton dynamics over a wide range of parameters requires the analysis of large datasets, making the existing human-inspection-based methodology a significant bottleneck. Here we describe an automated classification and positioning system for identifying localized excitations in atomic BECs utilizing deep convolutional neural networks to eliminate the need for human image examination. Furthermore, we openly publish our labeled dataset of dark solitons, the first of its kind, for further machine learning research.
A Geography of Risk: Structural Racism and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Mortality in the United States
Authors: Zalla Lauren C , Martin Chantel L , Edwards Jessie K , Gartner Danielle R , Noppert Grace A
Published: March 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is disproportionately burdening racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States. Higher risks of infection and mortality among racialized minorities are a consequence of structural racism, reflected in specific policies that date back centuries and persist today. Yet our surveillance activities do not reflect what we know about how racism structures risk. When measuring racial and ethnic disparities in deaths due to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistically accounts for the geographic distribution of deaths throughout the United States to reflect the fact that deaths are concentrated in areas with different racial and ethnic distributions from those of the larger United States. In this commentary, we argue that such an approach misses an important driver of disparities in COVID-19 mortality, namely the historical forces that determine where individuals live, work, and play, and that consequently determine their risk of dying from COVID-19. We explain why controlling for geography downplays the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 on racialized minority groups in the United States. Finally, we offer recommendations for the analysis of surveillance data to estimate racial disparities, including shifting from distribution-based to risk-based measures, to help inform a more effective and equitable public health response to the pandemic.
Sport-Related and Psychosocial Factors Associated With Motives and Consequences Of Alcohol and Cannabis Use Among NCAA Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Williams Callon M , Shaw Michael T , Mastroleo Nadine R , Zale Emily L
Published: March 2021

Aims

To review differences in alcohol- and cannabis-related motives and consequences among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes as a function of athlete characteristics (e.g. gender and competition season status).

Methods

Procedures followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, PsycINFO and manual reference list review were used to identify studies that reported alcohol- or cannabis-related motives and consequences among NCAA athletes as a function of gender, race, season status, division level or sport-type through December 2019. Relevant findings and any reported psychosocial correlates were extracted by two independent reviewers.

Results

The majority of studies (K = 15) focused on alcohol-related motives or consequences, with one examining cannabis-related motives, and no studies examined cannabis-related consequences. Social drinking motives were strongest among men and White NCAA athletes, and athlete-specific motives were most salient for men and in-season athletes. Cannabis use motives for positive reinforcement (e.g. enhancement) and coping were also strongest during the in-season. Negative alcohol-related consequences were greatest among men, athletes of color and out-of-season athletes, although women and in-season athletes experienced more consequences in athletic performance. Our exploratory aim revealed two studies that examined psychosocial correlates, and the results indicate that sensation-seeking, stress and negative affect were associated with more alcohol-related consequences.

Conclusion

NCAA athletes are a heterogenous population, and their motives and consequences of use appear to vary across multiple athlete factors (e.g., gender). This review highlights the gaps in the literature and suggests future research directions to identify the risk and protective factors for substance use among NCAA athletes.
Evaluation of solid state of rice flours produced by different milling processes using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Ishikawa Daitaro , Yang Jiamin , Ichikawa Chiaki , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the influence of the milling process on solid state of rice flours according to water activity using ATR-FTIR. A band at 1740 cm−1 attributed to the C=O stretching of lipids was detected for crystalline samples, and it disappeared at a high aw range. The CH band at 2930 cm−1 of crystalline samples gradually shifted to a higher wavenumber with aw. This band of the α-formed and wet-milled samples shifted to higher wavenumbers above 0.8aw. A band due to OH stretching mode in the 3500-3000 cm−1 region did not shift with aw. The result obtained from IR spectra suggests that the parameter K calculated by Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boar model reflected not only the interaction between water molecules but also the changes of state in solids. Consequently, the results from this study provide insights about the adsorption properties of nonideal solids such as rice flour.
Mutation in gene coding for glucose-induced degradation-deficient protein contributes to high malate production in yeast strain No. 28 and No. 77 used for industrial brewing of sake
Authors: Negoro Hiroaki , Kotaka Atsushi , Ishida Hiroki
Published: March 2021

Saccharomyces cerevisiae produces organic acids including malate during alcohol fermentation. Since malate contributes to the pleasant flavor of sake, high-malate-producing yeast strain No. 28 and No. 77 have been developed by the Brewing Society of Japan. In this study, the genes responsible for the high malate phenotype in these strains were investigated. We had previously found that the deletion of components of the glucose-induced degradation-deficient (GID) complex led to high malate production in yeast. Upon examining GID protein–coding genes in yeast strain No. 28 and No. 77, a nonsense homozygous mutation of GID4 in strain No. 28 and of GID2 in strain No. 77 were identified as the cause of high malate production. Furthermore, complementary tests of these mutations indicated that the heterozygous nonsense mutation in GID2 was recessive. In contrast, the heterozygous nonsense mutation in GID4 was considered semidominant.
Genome-wide screens in yeast models towards understanding chronological lifespan regulation
Authors: Legon Luc , Rallis Charalampos
Published: March 2021

Cellular models such as yeasts are a driving force in biogerontology studies. Their simpler genome, short lifespans and vast genetic and genomics resources make them ideal to characterise pro-ageing and anti-ageing genes and signalling pathways. Over the last three decades, yeasts have contributed to the understanding of fundamental aspects of lifespan regulation including the roles of nutrient response, global protein translation rates and quality, DNA damage, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and dysfunction as well as autophagy. In this short review, we focus on approaches used for competitive and non-competitive cell-based screens using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, for deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying chronological ageing. Automation accompanied with appropriate computational tools allowed manipulation of hundreds of thousands of colonies, generation, processing and analysis of genome-wide lifespan data. Together with barcoding and modern mutagenesis technologies, these approaches have allowed to take decisive steps towards a global, comprehensive view of cellular ageing.
Pregnancy-induced changes in the transcriptome of the bovine corpus luteum during and after embryonic interferon-tau secretion
Authors: Mezera Megan A , Li Wenli , Wiltbank Milo C
Published: March 2021

Understanding luteal maintenance during early pregnancy is of substantial biological and practical importance. Characterizing effects of early pregnancy, however, has historically been confounded by use of controls with potential exposure to early Prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF) pulses or differences in Corpus Luteum (CL) age. To avoid this, the present study utilized bihourly blood sampling to ensure control CL (n = 6) were of a similar age to CL from pregnant animals (n = 5), yet without exposure to PGF pulses. Additionally, CL from second month of pregnancy (n = 4) were analyzed to track fate of altered genes after cessation of embryonic interferon tau (IFNT) secretion. The major alteration in gene expression in first month of pregnancy occurred in interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), with immune/interferon signaling pathways enriched in three independent over-representation analyses. Most ISGs decreased during second month of pregnancy, though, surprisingly, some ISGs remained elevated in the second month even after cessation of IFNT secretion. Investigation of luteolytic genes found few altered transcripts, in contrast to previous reports, likely due to removal of controls exposed to PGF pulses. An exception to this trend was decreased expression of transcription factor NR4A1. Beyond luteolytic genes and ISGs, over representation analyses highlighted the prevalence of altered genes within the extracellular matrix and regulation of Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) availability, confirming results of other studies independent of luteolytic genes. These results support the idea that CL maintenance in early pregnancy is related to lack of PGF exposure, although potential roles for CL expression of diverse ISGs and other pathways activated during early pregnancy remain undefined.
In Their Own Words: John E. Burris
Authors: Verdier James M
Published: March 2021

In Their Own Words chronicles the stories of scientists who have made great contributions to their fields. These short histories provide our readers a way to learn from and share their experiences. We will publish the results of these conversations in the pages of BioScience and on our podcast, BioScience Talks (http://bioscienceaibs.libsyn.com). This history is with John E. Burris, emeritus president of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. He is also a past president of AIBS.

Note: Both the text and audio versions have been edited for clarity and length.
Sudden violent death: social workers’ strategies for coping with a traumatic event in a Bedouin community
Authors: Allassad Alhuzail Nuzha , Moshe Grodofsky Merav
Published: March 2021

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to explore challenges and coping strategies of social workers following the traumatic death of eight women from a Bedouin village in southern Israel. The data highlight how religion and indigenous Bedouin knowledge and customs both assisted and impeded the study participants’ strategies. The findings suggest that familiarity with religion and indigenous knowledge and customs may be useful to social workers in helping to manage traumatic events. However, the findings also suggest that religious and cultural values that encourage suppression of emotion may have long-term negative effects on social workers.
The structural connectome and motor recovery after stroke: predicting natural recovery
Authors: Koch Philipp J , Park Chang-Hyun , Girard Gabriel , Beanato Elena , Egger Philip , Evangelista Giorgia Giulia , Lee Jungsoo , Wessel Maximilian J , Morishita Takuya , Koch Giacomo , Thiran Jean-Philippe , Guggisberg Adrian G , Rosso Charlotte , Kim Yun-Hee , Hummel Friedhelm C
Published: March 2021

Stroke patients vary considerably in terms of outcomes: some patients present ‘natural’ recovery proportional to their initial impairment (fitters), while others do not (non-fitters). Thus, a key challenge in stroke rehabilitation is to identify individual recovery potential to make personalized decisions for neuro-rehabilitation, obviating the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. This goal requires (i) the prediction of individual courses of recovery in the acute stage; and (ii) an understanding of underlying neuronal network mechanisms. ‘Natural’ recovery is especially variable in severely impaired patients, underscoring the special clinical importance of prediction for this subgroup. Fractional anisotropy connectomes based on individual tractography of 92 patients were analysed 2 weeks after stroke (TA) and their changes to 3 months after stroke (TC − TA). Motor impairment was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FMUE) scale. Support vector machine classifiers were trained to separate patients with natural recovery from patients without natural recovery based on their whole-brain structural connectomes and to define their respective underlying network patterns, focusing on severely impaired patients (FMUE < 20). Prediction accuracies were cross-validated internally, in one independent dataset and generalized in two independent datasets. The initial connectome 2 weeks after stroke was capable of segregating fitters from non-fitters, most importantly among severely impaired patients (TA: accuracy = 0.92, precision = 0.93). Secondary analyses studying recovery-relevant network characteristics based on the selected features revealed (i) relevant differences between networks contributing to recovery at 2 weeks and network changes over time (TC − TA); and (ii) network properties specific to severely impaired patients. Important features included the parietofrontal motor network including the intraparietal sulcus, premotor and primary motor cortices and beyond them also attentional, somatosensory or multimodal areas (e.g. the insula), strongly underscoring the importance of whole-brain connectome analyses for better predicting and understanding recovery from stroke. Computational approaches based on structural connectomes allowed the individual prediction of natural recovery 2 weeks after stroke onset, especially in the difficult to predict group of severely impaired patients, and identified the relevant underlying neuronal networks. This information will permit patients to be stratified into different recovery groups in clinical settings and will pave the way towards personalized precision neurorehabilitative treatment.
Common and Rare Genetic Variants That Could Contribute to Severe Otitis Media in an Australian Aboriginal Population
Authors: Jamieson Sarra E , Fakiola Michaela , Tang Dave , Scaman Elizabeth , Syn Genevieve , Francis Richard W , Coates Harvey L , Anderson Denise , Lassmann Timo , Cordell Heather J , Blackwell Jenefer M
Published: March 2021

Background

Our goal was to identify genetic risk factors for severe otitis media (OM) in Aboriginal Australians.

Methods

Illumina® Omni2.5 BeadChip and imputed data were compared between 21 children with severe OM (multiple episodes chronic suppurative OM and/or perforations or tympanic sclerosis) and 370 individuals without this phenotype, followed by FUnctional Mapping and Annotation (FUMA). Exome data filtered for common (EXaC_all ≥ 0.1) putative deleterious variants influencing protein coding (CADD-scaled scores ≥15] were used to compare 15 severe OM cases with 9 mild cases (single episode of acute OM recorded over ≥3 consecutive years). Rare (ExAC_all ≤ 0.01) such variants were filtered for those present only in severe OM. Enrichr was used to determine enrichment of genes contributing to pathways/processes relevant to OM.

Results

FUMA analysis identified 2 plausible genetic risk loci for severe OM: NR3C1 (Pimputed_1000G = 3.62 × 10−6) encoding the glucocorticoid receptor, and NREP (Pimputed_1000G = 3.67 × 10−6) encoding neuronal regeneration-related protein. Exome analysis showed: (i) association of severe OM with variants influencing protein coding (CADD-scaled ≥ 15) in a gene-set (GRXCR1, CDH23, LRP2, FAT4, ARSA, EYA4) enriched for Mammalian Phenotype Level 4 abnormal hair cell stereociliary bundle morphology and related phenotypes; (ii) rare variants influencing protein coding only seen in severe OM provided gene-sets enriched for “abnormal ear” (LMNA, CDH23, LRP2, MYO7A, FGFR1), integrin interactions, transforming growth factor signaling, and cell projection phenotypes including hair cell stereociliary bundles and cilium assembly.

Conclusions

This study highlights interacting genes and pathways related to cilium structure and function that may contribute to extreme susceptibility to OM in Aboriginal Australian children.
The heart of the ageing endurance athlete: the role of chronic coronary stress
Authors: Parry-Williams Gemma , Gati Sabiha , Sharma Sanjay
Published: March 2021

Moderate physical exercise is associated with an irrefutable reduction in cardiac morbidity and mortality. The current guidelines recommend at least 150 min of moderate exercise or 75 min of vigorous exercise per week. Endurance athletes perform exercise at a level that is 10- to 20-fold greater than these recommendations. These athletes reveal several structural and functional cardiac adaptations including increased cardiac size, enhanced ventricular filling, and augmentation of stroke volume even at the highest heart rates. The long-term effects of endurance exercise on the heart are unknown. Endurance exercise is associated with a transient increase in serum concentrations of biomarkers of cardiac damage and ventricular dysfunction which improves within 72 h. Over the past decade, there have been emerging studies reporting attenuated mortality benefit amongst individuals who perform the highest volume of exercise. Studies in lifelong male athletes aged above 40 years old show a higher prevalence of high coronary artery calcium scores (>300 Agatston units), a higher coronary plaque burden, and myocardial fibrosis compatible with subclinical myocardial infarction compared with relatively sedentary healthy controls, raising speculation that lifelong intense exercise imposes chronic coronary stress on the heart. This review article will provide a critical analysis of the existing data.