bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lar nada doce lar: violência doméstica em tempos de Covid-19 e a lacuna da interseccionalidade nas políticas públicas
Authors: Santos Francisca Kananda Lustosa dos , Nascimento Elaine Ferreira do
Published: December 2020

Este trabalho problematiza a intensificação da violência doméstica contra a mulher em tempos da pandemia da Covid-19 durante o isolamento domiciliar, com recorte da interseccionalidade como um elemento fundamental na formulação e implementação das políticas púbicas de atendimento, enfrentamento e combate à violência contra a mulher. O artigo tem como objetivo analisar a violência doméstica sofrida pelas mulheres em tempos de Covid-19, com isso, abordou sobre família patriarcal e escravista e os seus desdobramentos, tais como o lar reservado como espaço da mulher e a necessária inclusão da interseccionalidade na formulação das políticas públicas para mulheres. A abordagem metodológica foi qualitativa e o tipode estudo descritivo e exploratório, baseados em pesquisas bibliográficas, além da utilização de dados empíricos de alguns sites oficiais, como a Organização Mundial da Saúde e midiáticos como El país e o Globo. O estudo concluiu que ficar em casa em tempos do isolamento social pode ser o oposto do estar em segurança e que as políticas públicas não são formuladas a partir de uma perspectiva interseccional, desta forma é necessário que as instituições que atendam as mulheres em situação de violência precisam estar atentas e atuar buscando proteger a vida das mulheres.
Numerical Investigation of a High Momentum Jet Flame at Elevated Pressure: A Quantitative Validation with Detailed Experimental Data
Authors: Pries Michael , Fiolitakis Andreas , Gerlinger Peter
Published: December 2020

The development of efficient low emission combustion systems requires methods for an accurate and reliable prediction of combustion processes. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in combination with combustion modelling is an important tool to achieve this goal. For an accurate computation adequate boundary conditions are crucial. Especially data for the temperature distribution on the walls of the combustion chamber are usually not available.
The present work focuses on numerical simulations of a high momentum jet flame in a single nozzle FLOX® type model combustion chamber at elevated pressure. Alongside the balance equations for the fluid the energy equation for the solid combustor walls is solved. To assess the accuracy of this approach, the temperature distribution on the inner combustion chamber wall resulting from this Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) simulation is compared to measured wall temperatures. The simulation results within the combustion chamber are compared to detailed experimental data. This includes a comparison of the flow velocities, temperatures as well as species concentrations. To further assess the benefit of including the solid domain in a CFD simulation the results of the CHT simulation are compared to results of a CFD computation where constant temperatures are assumed for all walls of the combustion chamber.
Characteristics of textile waste water of Bhilwara (Rajasthan) and its photocatalytic bleaching with SnO2 catalyst
Authors: Meena Kamod Singh , Meena Kanta
Published: December 2020

During the last decade, Bhilwara has developed into a leading place in the textile industry in India. The water used in textile industry is almost entirely discharged as waste. The effluents are very complex, containing salt, surfactants, ionic metals and their metal complexes, toxic organic chemicals, biocides, and toxic anions, which are harmful to both flora and fauna existing on our planet. Degradation of these non-biodegradable organic compounds is not possible by conventional treatment processes. The analysis of waste water with different quality parameters and photocatalytic bleaching was examined by using UV light in photochemical reactor with SnO2 catalyst.
Концепции развития Этнографического музея Казанского университета в XIX в.
Authors: Гущина Елена Геннадьевна , Титова Татьяна Алексеевна , Фролова Елена Валерьевна
Published: December 2020

На основе архивных материалов в статье рассмотрены концепции развития этнографического музея Казанского университета. Особое внимание уделено этапам создания этнографического собрания, специфике формирования коллекций и особенностям реорганизации музейных структур. Авторами отмечены проблемы, с которыми столкнулся музей на этом пути, одной из них стало отсутствие заинтересованных специалистов-этнографов. Вместе с тем отмечается, что само функционирование этнографического музея в XIX в. способствовало накоплению большого разнопланового собрания, которое могло быть использовано для сопровождения учебного процесса и проведения научных исследований в Казанском университете в последующие периоды.
По мнению авторов, практически за столетнюю историю своего существования этнографическое собрание Казанского университета несколько раз меняло свою «прописку», оказываясь в фондах различных структурных подразделений, и, по сути, так и не оформилось в музей. Профиль же этнографического подразделения зачастую определялся научными интересами его руководителя. Т.о. это собрание сформировалось не в результате запланированного, целенаправленного пополнения, а спонтанно, в значительной степени за счет различных подарков университету, поэтому большую часть этнографических предметов музея составляли экспонаты из регионов, далеких от «малого отчества».
The article discusses the developmental concept of the Ethnographic museum of Kazan University in the context of development of ethnographic knowledge. Particular attention is paid to the stages of formation of the ethnographic collection, the specifics of formation of collections and aspects of reorganization of museum structures. The authors highlighted the problems that the museum collection faced in the period under review: the lack of interested ethnographers and planned museum work. However, it was concluded that functioning of the Ethnographic museum in the XIX century contributed to accumulation of a large diverse collection, which provided support for the educational process and scientific research at Kazan University later.
Over almost a hundred-year history the ethnographic collection of Kazan University changed its affiliation several times, ending up in funds of various structural divisions, and, in fact, never became a museum. The profile of an ethnographic unit was often defined by the scientific interests of its head. Thus, this collection was formed not as a result of a planned, purposeful replenishment, but rather spontaneously, largely due to various gifts to the university, and therefore, most of the museum's ethnographic exhibits came from regions that were far from the “small motherland”.
СОЦИАЛЬНО-КУЛЬТУРНАЯ АДАПТАЦИЯ И ИНТЕГРАЦИЯ МИГРАНТОВ В РОССИИ: К ВОПРОСУ О МЕЖКУЛЬТУРНОМ ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИИ
Authors: Кульбачевская Ольга Вячеславовна
Published: December 2020

В статье рассматриваются концептуальные подходы, практические меры, слабые стороны и положительные новации в сфере реализации государственной миграционной политики и государственной национальной политики РФ в отношении адаптации и интеграции мигрантов. Изучен характер взаимодействия мигрантов и принимающего российского общества и его влияние на адаптационные и интеграционные процессы. Проанализировано восприятие культурных отличий в молодежной среде (по результатам исследования в школах и вузах г. Москвы). Делается вывод, что большинство россиян не настроено на активное взаимодействие c инокультурными мигрантами, что является препятствием для успешной интеграции мигрантов. Потенциал для успешных интеграционных процессов наблюдается в образовательной среде.
Несмотря на то, что в нашей стране на сегодняшний день отсутствуют полноценные условия для успешной интеграции мигрантов, в последние несколько лет происходят положительные изменения. Если раньше государственные институты выполняли функции преимущественно по социальной адаптации мигрантов (административно-правовой аспект), то в настоящее время со стороны органов власти увеличивается поддержка некоммерческих организаций, осуществляющих деятельность по адаптации и интеграции мигрантов в принимающее общество; поддерживаются и распространяются лучшие практики общественного сектора, который всегда понимал важность осуществления проектов, нацеленных на тесное взаимодействие мигрантов и местного сообщества.
The article examines conceptual approaches, practical steps, weaknesses and positive innovations in the implementation of the State Migration Policy and the State National Policy of the Russian Federation in relation to adaptation and integration of migrants. The article studies the nature of interaction between migrants and the host Russian society and its impact on adaptation and integration processes. It analyzes the perception of cultural differences among young people (based on the results of research done in schools and universities in Moscow). The majority of Russians are not inclined to actively interact with foreign-cultural migrants, which is an obstacle to successful integration of migrants. The potential for successful integration processes is observed in the educational environment.
Despite the fact that our country currently lacks full-fledged conditions for successful integration of migrants, positive changes have been taking place in the past few years. If earlier state institutions performed functions primarily for the social adaptation of migrants (administrative and legal aspect), now the authorities are increasing support for non-profit organizations that work on adaptation and integration of migrants into the host society; the best practices of the public sector, which has always understood the importance of implementing projects aimed at close interaction between migrants and the local community, are supported and disseminated.
THE EFFECT OF PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM ON PSYCHOLOGICAL EMPOWERMENT AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE (Studies at PT. Bank Bukopin Bandar Lampung)
Authors: Oktaria Eka Travilta
Published: December 2020

This research aims to examine how the effects of the performance measurement on psychological empowerment and employee performance. In order to attain the aim of the study, this research is conducted the banking sector, especially Bank Bukopin of Bandar Lampung. According to 40 respondent, researchers analyzed data using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in particularly smart PLS.

 

The result of the study show that the first hypothesis of performance measurement has positive and statistically significant on psychological empowerment hypothesis 1 is supported. However, the second hypothesis is partially supported psychological empowerment on employee performance, and the third hypothesis performance measurement results positive influence on employee performance, then the third hypothesis is supported. This study implies that performance measurement enables to improve employee performance both direct and indirectly through psychological empowerment.
Motivational Interviewing and Self-Care in Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Study Protocol
Authors: Alvarado-Martel Dácil , Boronat Mauro , Alberiche-Ruano María del Pino , Algara-González María Andrea , Ramallo-Fariña Yolanda , Wägner Ana M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Type 1 diabetes is a disease with complex therapeutic recommendations that require day-to-day lifestyle changes. Motivational Interviewing is a communication tool that has proved effective in changing behaviors in people with addictions, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Our objective is to evaluate the effects of a Motivational Interviewing intervention in people with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Sixty-six patients with type 1 diabetes and hemoglobin A1c >= 8% have been included and randomly assigned (computer-generated sequence, sealed envelopes, ratio 1:1) either to the intervention or to the control group. In the intervention group, appointments every 4 months with the endocrinologist include Motivational Interviewing; in the control group, the appointments proceed as usual. Patients will be followed for 16 months. The primary outcome will be self-care behaviors, assessed by a validated questionnaire, the Diabetes Self-Care Inventory-Revised Version. Secondary outcomes include: HbA1c, motivation for self-care, self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, satisfaction with professional-patient relationship, and fulfillment of patients’ own objectives. The practitioners receive training in Motivational Interviewing in order to help them promote adherence to self-care, encourage patient motivation and improve the doctor-patient relationship. The Motivational Interviewing intervention will be evaluated by two psychologists, blinded to the assigned treatment, through video recordings of the sessions and the administration of a purpose-built questionnaire, the EVEM 2.0 scale.

Discussion

There is evidence that MI can improve self-care in type 2 diabetes. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of MI on self-care and HbA1c in people with type 1 diabetes.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03906786, identifier NCT03906786.
Identification of the Biomarkers and Pathological Process of Heterotopic Ossification: Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis
Authors: Wang Shuang , Tian Jun , Wang Jianzhong , Liu Sizhu , Ke Lianwei , Shang Chaojiang , Yang Jichun , Wang Lin
Published: December 2020

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is the formation of abnormal mature lamellar bone in extra-skeletal sites, including soft tissues and joints, which result in high rates of disability. The understanding of the mechanism of HO is insufficient. The aim of this study was to explore biomarkers and pathological processes in HO+ samples. The gene expression profile GSE94683 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Sixteen samples from nine HO- and seven HO+ subjects were analyzed. After data preprocessing, 3,529 genes were obtained for weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Highly correlated genes were divided into 13 modules. Finally, the cyan and purple modules were selected for further study. Gene ontology functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment indicated that the cyan module was enriched in a variety of components, including protein binding, membrane, nucleoplasm, cytosol, poly(A) RNA binding, biosynthesis of antibiotics, carbon metabolism, endocytosis, citrate cycle, and metabolic pathways. In addition, the purple module was enriched in cytosol, mitochondrion, protein binding, structural constituent of ribosome, rRNA processing, oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Finally, 10 hub genes in the cyan module [actin related protein 3 (ACTR3), ADP ribosylation factor 4 (ARF4), progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1), ribosomal protein S23 (RPS23), mannose-6-phosphate receptor (M6PR), WD repeat domain 12 (WDR12), synaptosome associated protein 23 (SNAP23), actin related protein 2 (ACTR2), siah E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (SIAH1), and glomulin (GLMN)] and 2 hub genes in the purple module [proteasome 20S subunit alpha 3 (PSMA3) and ribosomal protein S27 like (RPS27L)] were identified. Hub genes were validated through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In summary, 12 hub genes were identified in two modules that were associated with HO. These hub genes could provide new biomarkers, therapeutic ideas, and targets in HO.
Peptidoglycan Endopeptidase Spr of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Contributes to Kidney Infections and Competitive Fitness During Bladder Colonization
Authors: Huang Wen-Chun , Hashimoto Masayuki , Shih Yu-Ling , Wu Chia-Ching , Lee Mei-Feng , Chen Ya-Lei , Wu Jiunn-Jong , Wang Ming-Cheng , Lin Wei-Hung , Hong Ming-Yuan , Teng Ching-Hao
Published: December 2020

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is the most common pathogen of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Antibiotic therapy is the conventional measure to manage such infections. However, the rapid emergence of antibiotic resistance has reduced the efficacy of antibiotic treatment. Given that the bacterial factors required for the full virulence of the pathogens are potential therapeutic targets, identifying such factors may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies against UPEC UTIs. The peptidoglycan (PG) endopeptidase Spr (also named MepS) is required for PG biogenesis in E. coli. In the present study, we found that Spr deficiency attenuated the ability of UPEC to infect kidneys and induced a fitness defect during bladder colonization in a mouse model of UTI. Based on the liquid chromatography (LC)/mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analysis of the bacterial envelope, spr deletion changed the levels of some envelope-associated proteins, suggesting that Spr deficiency interfere with the components of the bacterial structure. Among the proteins, FliC was significantly downregulated in the spr mutant, which is resulted in reduced motility. Lack of Spr might hinder the function of the flagellar transcriptional factor FlhDC to decrease FliC expression. The motility downregulation contributed to the reduced fitness in urinary tract colonization. Additionally, spr deletion compromised the ability of UPEC to evade complement-mediated attack and to resist intracellular killing of phagocytes, consequently decreasing UPEC bloodstream survival. Spr deficiency also interfered with the UPEC morphological switch from bacillary to filamentous shapes during UTI. It is known that bacterial filamentation protects UPEC from phagocytosis by phagocytes. In conclusion, Spr deficiency was shown to compromise multiple virulence properties of UPEC, leading to attenuation of the pathogen in urinary tract colonization and bloodstream survival. These findings indicate that Spr is a potential antimicrobial target for further studies attempting to develop novel strategies in managing UPEC UTIs.
Small Molecules for Multi-Wavelength Near-Infrared Fluorescent Mapping of Regional and Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Colorectal Cancer Staging
Authors: Baart Victor M. , Deken Marion M. , Bordo Mark W. , Bhairosingh Shadhvi S. , Salvatori Daniela C. F. , Hyun Hoon , Henary Maged , Choi Hak Soo , Sier Cornelis F. M. , Kuppen Peter J. K. , van Scheltinga Anton G. T. Terwisscha , March Taryn L. , Valentijn Adrianus R. P. M. , Frangioni John V. , Vahrmeijer Alexander L.
Published: December 2020

Assessing lymph node (LN) status during tumor resection is fundamental for the staging of colorectal cancer. Current guidelines require a minimum of 12 LNs to be harvested during resection and ultra-staging regional lymph nodes by sentinel lymph node (SLN) assessment is being extensively investigated. The current study presents novel near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dyes for simultaneous pan lymph node (PanLN; regional) and SLN mapping. PanLN-Forte was intravenously injected in mice and assessed for accumulation in regional LNs. SLN800 was injected intradermally in mice, after which the collection and retention of fluorescence in SLNs were measured using indocyanine green (ICG) and its precursor, SLN700, as references. LNs in the cervical, inguinal, jejunal, iliac, and thoracic basins could clearly be distinguished after a low dose intravenous injection of PanLN-Forte. Background fluorescence was significantly lower compared to the parent compound ZW800-3A (p < 0.001). SLN700 and SLN800 specifically targeted SLNs with fluorescence being retained over 40-fold longer than the current clinically used agent ICG. Using SLN700 and SLN800, absolute fluorescence in SLN was at least 10 times higher than ICG in second-tier nodes, even at 1 hour post-injection. Histologically, the fluorescent signal localized in the LN medulla (PanLN-Forte) or sinus entry (SLN700/SLN800). PanLN-Forte and SLN800 appear to be optimal for real-time NIR fluorescence imaging of regional and SLNs, respectively.
The Natural Compound Oblongifolin C Exhibits Anticancer Activity by Inhibiting HSPA8 and Cathepsin B In Vitro
Authors: Han Li , Xu Danqing , Xi Zhichao , Wu Man , Nik Nabil Wan Najbah , Zhang Juan , Sui Hua , Fu Wenwei , Zhou Hua , Lao Yuanzhi , Xu Gang , Guo Cheng , Xu Hongxi
Published: December 2020

PPAPs (Polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols) are a class of compounds with diverse bioactivities, including anticancer effects. Oblongifolin C (OC) is a PPAP isolated from the plant of Garcinia yunnanensis Hu. We previously discovered that OC induces apoptosis, inhibits autophagic flux, and attenuates metastasis in cancer cells. However, the protein targets and the detailed mechanism of action of OC remain unclear. To identify protein targets of OC, a non-labeled protein fishing assay was performed, and it was found that OC may interact with several proteins, including the heat shock 70 kDa protein 8 (HSPA8). Expanding on our previous studies on protein cathepsin B, this current study applied Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) to confirm the potential binding affinity between OC and two protein targets. This study highlights the inhibitory effect of OC on HSPA8 in cancer cells under heat shock stress, by specifically inhibiting the translocation of HSPA8. OC also enhanced the interaction between HSPA8, HSP90, and p53, upregulated the expression of p53 and significantly promoted apoptosis in cisplatin-treated cells. Additionally, a flow cytometry assay detected that OC sped up the apoptosis rate in HSPA8 knockdown A549 cells, while overexpression of HSPA8 delayed the OC-induced apoptosis rate. In summary, our results reveal that OC potentially interacts with HSPA8 and cathepsin B and inhibits HSPA8 nuclear translocation and cathepsin B activities, altogether suggesting the potential of OC to be developed as an anticancer drug.
UHPLC Q-Exactive MS-Based Serum Metabolomics to Explore the Effect Mechanisms of Immunological Activity of Astragalus Polysaccharides With Different Molecular Weights
Authors: Li Ke , Cui Lian-Jie , Cao Yu-Xin , Li Shu-Ying , Shi Li-Xia , Qin Xue-Mei , Du Yu-Guang
Published: December 2020

Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have a wide range of biological activities. Most researchers discuss total APS as the main research object. However, because the relative molecular weight of APS has a wide distribution, in-depth studies on the mechanisms of the biological activity of notable molecules are limited. For example, the relationship between the immunomodulatory effect of APS and its relative molecular weight has not been clearly defined. Therefore, in this paper, we separated and obtained APS of different molecular weights by ultrafiltration technology and then constructed a mouse cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression model to investigate the immune activity of APS of different molecular weights. The immune enhancement mechanism of APS was explored by examining changes in routine blood indicators, body weight, immune organs, and differential metabolites in mouse serum. Results showed that APS-I (molecular weight, >2,000 kDa), APS-II (molecular weight, 1.02 × 104 Da) and APS-III (molecular weight, 286 Da) could increase the number of immune cells in mouse serum and improve immune organ damage to varying degrees. Among the samples obtained, APS-II showed the best effects. Compared with those in the blank group, 29 metabolites determined by UHPLC Q-Exactive MS in the serum of the model group changed remarkably, and APS-I, APS-II, and APS-III respectively restored 13, 25, and 19 of these metabolites to normal levels. Metabolomics analysis revealed that APS-II is mainly responsible for the immunomodulatory activity of APS. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the mechanisms of this specific molecule may involve the regulation of phenylalanine metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) and arginine and proline metabolism.
Prevalence, Characteristics, and Epidemiology of Microbial Hand Contamination Among Minnesota State Fair Attendees (2014)
Authors: Mason Meghan R. , Morawski Bozena M. , Bayliss Ruby L. , Noor Fatuma M. , Jama Sagal H. , Clabots Connie L. , Johnson James R.
Published: December 2020

Background:Many antimicrobial-resistant infections are community-acquired, yet community carriage of microorganisms by healthy individuals is poorly characterized. We assessed microorganism carriage on the hands of Minnesota State Fair attendees and explored associated factors.

Methods:Minnesota State Fair attendees (in 2014) from households with ≥2 members (≥1 member being <19 years old [a child]) were eligible to participate. Participants provided biological samples via a hand plating technique and completed a questionnaire on factors potentially related to microorganism carriage. Using presumptive taxonomic identifications and disk-diffusion-determined resistance phenotypes, hand-culture isolates were classified by microbial type; types were grouped into four broad categories based on inferred pathogenicity and consistency with the skin microbiota. Descriptive statistics,X2tests, and generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to explore associations between survey and culture data.

Results:We enrolled 206 participants from 82 households during 2 days; 50% of subjects were children. Overall, 99.5% (205/206) of hand samples yielded microorganisms. Most were non-pathogenic, whether skin microbiota (98.5% of participants) or non-skin microbiota (93.2% of participants). Only 2.4% (5/206) of samples yielded antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Children were more likely than adults to carry potentially pathogenic (OR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.66–7.93) and presumably non-pathogenic (OR = 6.61, 95% CI: 1.67–26.15) non-skin microorganisms.

Conclusions:Large community gatherings can serve as efficient sites for estimating the prevalence of microorganism carriage. A small proportion of participants carried antimicrobial-resistant pathogens on their hands; most carried non-pathogenic microorganisms, and no exposures specific to the state fair were associated with microorganism carriage.
Computers That Look Like the Brain
Authors: Kvatinsky Shahar
Published: December 2020

Artificial intelligence applications have been developing rapidly over the past few years, allowing computers to perform complex actions, such as driving without a driver, making decisions, and recognizing faces. These applications require that many calculations be performed in parallel and immense amounts of information are needed. This article demonstrates how inefficient today’s computer structure is for performing artificial intelligence applications. To deal with this challenge and improve artificial intelligence applications, we will see how inspiration from the way the human brain works will allow us to build completely new computers, which will rock the way computers have been built for many years.
Using Random Regression Models to Genetically Evaluate Functional Longevity Traits in North American Angus Cattle
Authors: Oliveira Hinayah R. , Brito Luiz F. , Miller Stephen P. , Schenkel Flavio S.
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to propose novel longevity indicators by comparing genetic parameters for traditional (TL; i.e., the cow’s lifespan after the first calving) and functional (FL; i.e., how long the cow stayed in the herd while also calving; assuming no missing (FLa) or missing (FLb) records for unknown calving) longevity, considering different culling reasons (natural death, structural problems, disease, fertility, performance, and miscellaneous). Longevity definitions were evaluated from 2 to 15 years of age, using single- and multiple-trait Bayesian random regression models (RRM). The RRM fitting heterogenous residual variance and fourth order Legendre polynomials were considered as the optimal models for the majority of longevity indicators. The average heritability estimates over ages for FLb (from 0.08 to 0.25) were always higher than those for FLa (from 0.07 to 0.19), and higher or equal to the ones estimated for TL (from 0.07 to 0.23), considering the different culling reasons. The average genetic correlations estimated between ages were low to moderate (~0.40), for all longevity definitions and culling reasons. However, removing the extreme ages (i.e., 2 and >12 years) increased the average correlation between ages (from ~0.40 to >0.70). The genetic correlations estimated between culling reasons were low (0.12 and 0.20 on average, considering all ages and ages between 3 and 12 years old, respectively), indicating that longevity based on different culling reasons should be considered as different traits in the genetic evaluations. Higher average genetic correlations (estimated from 3 to 12 years old) were observed between TL and FLb (0.73) in comparison to TL and FLa (0.64), or FLa and FLb (0.65). Consequently, a higher average proportion of commonly-selected sires, for the top 1% sires, was also observed between TL and FLb (91.74%), compared to TL and FLa (59.68%), or FLa and FLb (61.01%). Higher prediction accuracies for the expected daughter performances (calculated based on the pedigree information) were obtained for FLb in comparison to TL and FLa. Our findings indicate that FLb is preferred for the genetic evaluation of longevity. In addition, it is recommended including multiple longevity traits based on different groups of culling reasons in a selection sub-index, as they are genetically-different traits. Genetic selection based on breeding values at the age of four years is expected to result in greater selection responses for increased longevity in North American Angus cattle.
Reducing versus Embracing Variation as Strategies for Reproducibility: The Microbiome of Laboratory Mice
Authors: Witjes Vera M. , Boleij Annemarie , Halffman Willem
Published: December 2020

Irreproducibility is a well-recognized problem in biomedical animal experimentation. Phenotypic variation in animal models is one of the many challenging causes of irreproducibility. How to deal with phenotypic variation in experimental designs is a topic of debate. Both reducing and embracing variation are highlighted as strategies for reproducibility. In this theoretical review, we use variation in mouse microbiome composition as an example to analyze this ongoing discussion, drawing on both animal research and philosophy of science. We provide a conceptual explanation of reproducibility and analyze how the microbiome affects mouse phenotypes to demonstrate that the role of the microbiome in irreproducibility can be understood in two ways: (i) the microbiome can act as a confounding factor, and (ii) the result may not be generalizable to mice harboring a different microbiome composition. We elucidate that reducing variation minimizes confounding, whereas embracing variation ensures generalizability. These contrasting strategies make dealing with variation in experimental designs extremely complex. Here, we conclude that the most effective strategy depends on the specific research aim and question. The field of biomedical animal experimentation is too broad to identify a single optimal strategy. Thus, dealing with variation should be considered on a case-by-case basis, and awareness amongst researchers is essential.
Precipitation and Calcination of High-Capacity LiNiO2 Cathode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Välikangas Juho , Laine Petteri , Hietaniemi Marianna , Hu Tao , Tynjälä Pekka , Lassi Ulla
Published: December 2020

This article presents the electrochemical results that can be achieved for pure LiNiO2 cathode material prepared with a simple, low-cost, and efficient process. The results clarify the roles of the process parameters, precipitation temperature, and lithiation temperature in the performance of high-quality LiNiO2 cathode material. Ni(OH)2 with a spherical morphology was precipitated at different temperatures and mixed with LiOH to synthesize the LiNiO2 cathode material. The LiNiO2 calcination temperature was optimized to achieve a high initial discharge capacity of 231.7 mAh/g (0.1 C/2.6 V) with a first cycle efficiency of 91.3% and retaining a capacity of 135 mAh/g after 400 cycles. These are among the best results reported so far for pure LiNiO2 cathode material.
Curcumin Innovative Delivery Forms: Paving the ‘Yellow Brick Road’ of Antitumoral Phytotherapy
Authors: Carvalho Henriques Magda , Faustino Maria Amparo F. , Santos Braga Susana
Published: December 2020

This review deals with the various aspects involved in the medicinal action of curcumin, from the photosensitivity and its relevance to storage and shelf-life, to the different routes of administration, which influence the bioavailability. The focus of the review is on the antitumor properties of curcumin and the currently available solutions for their amelioration. The work starts by presenting a brief historical perspective on the origins and uses of curcumin, from early days until the present time. The following sections describe the physico-chemical properties of curcumin and their impact on the biological activity and pharmacokinetics, raising awareness to the need for formulations able to improve the bioavailability. The last section is focused on research efforts being made to circumvent curcumin’s instability and low availability due to the extensive hepatic first pass metabolism, describing innovative scientific advances and new patented formulations and emerging products on the market.
A Study on the Concept of Using Efficient Lightweight Hash Chain to Improve Authentication in VMF Military Standard
Authors: Kim Dohoon , Seo Sang , Kim Heesang , Lim Won Gi , Lee Youn Kyu
Published: December 2020

Authentication algorithms in the form of cryptographic schemes, such as the Secure Hash Algorithm 1 (SHA-1) and the digital signature algorithm (DSA), specified in the current variable message format (VMF) military standard have numerous reliability-related limitations when applied to tactical data link (TDL) and multi-TDL networks (MTN). This is because TDL and MTN require maximum tactical security, communication integrity, and low network overhead based on many protocol header bits for rapid communication with limited network resources. The application of such authentication algorithms to TDL and MTN in a rapidly changing battlefield environment without reinforcement measures will lead to functional weaknesses and vulnerabilities when high-level digital-covert activities and deception tactics are implemented. Consequently, the existing VMF authentication scheme must be improved to secure transmission integrity, lower network transaction, and receive authentication tactical information in VMF-based combat network radio (CNR) networks. Therefore, in this study, a tactical wireless ad hoc network topology, similar to that of the existing CNRs, is considered, and a lightweight multi-factor hash chain-based authentication scheme that includes a time-based one-time password (T-OTP) for network overhead reduction and terminal authentication is proposed, coupled with exception handling. The proposed method enhances the confidentiality of tactical message exchanges and reduces unnecessary network transactions and transmission bits for authentication flows between real-time military terminals owned by squads, while ensuring robustness in limited battlefields. Based on these approaches, in the future, we intend to increase the authentication reliability between wireless terminals in the Korean variable message format (KVMF)-based CNR networks based on the Korean Army Corps network scenarios.
Sign Language Recognition Using Two-Stream Convolutional Neural Networks with Wi-Fi Signals
Authors: Lee Chien-Cheng , Gao Zhongjian
Published: December 2020

Sign language is an important way for deaf people to understand and communicate with others. Many researchers use Wi-Fi signals to recognize hand and finger gestures in a non-invasive manner. However, Wi-Fi signals usually contain signal interference, background noise, and mixed multipath noise. In this study, Wi-Fi Channel State Information (CSI) is preprocessed by singular value decomposition (SVD) to obtain the essential signals. Sign language includes the positional relationship of gestures in space and the changes of actions over time. We propose a novel dual-output two-stream convolutional neural network. It not only combines the spatial-stream network and the motion-stream network, but also effectively alleviates the backpropagation problem of the two-stream convolutional neural network (CNN) and improves its recognition accuracy. After the two stream networks are fused, an attention mechanism is applied to select the important features learned by the two-stream networks. Our method has been validated by the public dataset SignFi and adopted five-fold cross-validation. Experimental results show that SVD preprocessing can improve the performance of our dual-output two-stream network. For home, lab, and lab + home environment, the average recognition accuracy rates are 99.13%, 96.79%, and 97.08%, respectively. Compared with other methods, our method has good performance and better generalization capability.
Synergistic Effects of Acidic pH and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α for Cell-Based Intervertebral Disc Regeneration
Authors: Borrelli Chiara , Buckley Conor T.
Published: December 2020

The intervertebral disc (IVD) relies mainly on diffusion through the cartilaginous endplates (CEP) to regulate the nutrient and metabolites exchange, thus creating a challenging microenvironment. Degeneration of the IVD is associated with intradiscal acidification and elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the synergistic impact of these microenvironmental factors for cell-based therapies remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low pH and physiological levels of interleukin-1ß (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on nasal chondrocytes (NCs) and subsequently compare their matrix forming capacity to nucleus pulposus (NP) cells in acidic and inflamed culture conditions. NCs and NP cells were cultured in low glucose and low oxygen at different pH conditions (pH 7.1, 6.8 and 6.5) and supplemented with physiological levels of IL-1β and TNF-α. Results showed that acidosis played a pivotal role in influencing cell viability and matrix accumulation, while inflammatory cytokine supplementation had a minor impact. This study demonstrates that intradiscal pH is a dominant factor in determining cell viability and subsequent cell function when compared to physiologically relevant inflammatory conditions. Moreover, we found that NCs allowed for improved cell viability and more effective NP-like matrix synthesis compared to NP cells, and therefore may represent an alternative and appropriate cell choice for disc regeneration.
Model Error Representation Using the Stochastically Perturbed Hybrid Physical–Dynamical Tendencies in Ensemble Data Assimilation System
Authors: Lim Sujeong , Koo Myung-Seo , Kwon In-Hyuk , Park Seon Ki
Published: December 2020

Ensemble data assimilation systems generally suffer from underestimated background error covariance that leads to a filter divergence problem—the analysis diverges from the natural state by ignoring the observation influence due to the diminished estimation of model uncertainty. To alleviate this problem, we have developed and implemented the stochastically perturbed hybrid physical–dynamical tendencies to the local ensemble transform Kalman filter in a global numerical weather prediction model—the Korean Integrated Model (KIM). This approach accounts for the model errors associated with computational representations of underlying partial differential equations and the imperfect physical parameterizations. The new stochastic perturbation hybrid tendencies scheme generally improved the background error covariances in regions where the ensemble spread was not sufficiently expressed by the control experiment that used an additive inflation and the relaxation to prior spread method.
Gaze-Head Input: Examining Potential Interaction with Immediate Experience Sampling in an Autonomous Vehicle
Authors: Ataya Aya , Kim Won , Elsharkawy Ahmed , Kim SeungJun
Published: December 2020

Autonomous vehicles (AV) increasingly allow drivers to engage in secondary tasks such as eating or working on a laptop and thus require easy and reliable interaction inputs to facilitate communication between the driver and the vehicle. However, drivers report feeling less in control when driving is no longer the primary task, which suggests that novel approaches for assessing satisfaction regarding AV decision-making are needed. Therefore, we propose an immediate experience sampling method (IESM) that learns driver preferences for AV actions. We also suggest gaze-head input (G-HI) as a novel input in an AV. G-HI provides a hands-free, remote, and intuitive input modality that allows drivers to interact with the AV while continuing to engage in non-driving related tasks. We compare G-HI with voice and touch inputs via IESM for two simulated driving scenarios. Our results report the differences among the three inputs in terms of system usability, reaction time, and perceived workload. It also reveals that G-HI is a promising candidate for AV input interaction, which could replace voice or touch inputs where those inputs could not be utilized. Variation in driver satisfaction and expectations for AV actions confirms the effectiveness of using IESM to increase drivers’ sense of control.
Neurotrophic Factors in Glaucoma and Innovative Delivery Systems
Authors: Mallone Fabiana , Sacchetti Marta , Bruscolini Alice , Scuderi Luca , Marenco Marco , Lambiase Alessandro
Published: December 2020

Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease and a worldwide leading cause of irreversible vision loss. In the last decades, high efforts have been made to develop novel treatments effective in inducing protection and/or recovery of neural function in glaucoma, including neurotrophic factors (NTFs). These approaches have shown encouraging data in preclinical setting; however, the challenge of sustained, targeted delivery to the retina and optic nerve still prevents the clinical translation. In this paper, the authors review and discuss the most recent advances for the use of NTFs treatment in glaucoma, including intraocular delivery. Novel strategies in drug and gene delivery technology for NTFs are proving effective in promoting long-term retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) survival and related functional improvements. Results of experimental and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of biodegradable slow-release NTF-loaded microparticle devices, encapsulated NTF-secreting cells implants, mimetic ligands for NTF receptors, and viral and non-viral NTF gene vehicles are discussed. NTFs are able to prevent and even reverse apoptotic ganglion cell death. Nevertheless, neuroprotection in glaucoma remains an open issue due to the unmet need of sustained delivery to the posterior segment of the eye. The recent advances in intraocular delivery systems pave the way for possible future use of NTFs in clinical practice for the treatment of glaucoma.
Modeling and Simulation of a Hybrid Compression/Absorption Chiller Driven by Stirling Engine and Solar Dish Collector
Authors: Romage Guerlin , Jiménez Cuauhtémoc , de Jesús Reyes José , Zacarías Alejandro , Carvajal Ignacio , Jiménez José Alfredo , Pineda Jorge , Venegas María
Published: December 2020

In this paper, an evaluation of the performance and operating parameters of a hybrid compression/absorption chiller coupled with a low-capacity solar concentrator is presented. The study was carried out using energy and mass balances applied to each component of each system. The variables evaluated in the hybrid chiller were the cooling power, the supply power, the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of both cooling systems and the ratio between heat and power. The diameter and temperature of the hot spot as well as the performance of the dish collector were evaluated. The changed parameters were the heat removed by each refrigeration system, the condenser temperature, the evaporator temperature, the concentration ratio and the irradiance. Results have shown that the compression system can produce up to 53% more cooling power than the heat supplied to the hybrid system. Meanwhile, the absorption system produces approximately 20% less cooling power than the supplied heat. It has also been found that, for the cooling power produced by the hybrid cooler to be always greater than the heat supplied, the cooling power provided by the absorption system should preferably be between 20% and 60% of the total, with a Stirling engine efficiency between 0.2 and 0.3 and a condensation temperature from 28 to 37 °C. Likewise, it has been found that the compression system can produce cooling power up to 3 times higher than the heat of the Stirling engine hot source, with Th = 200 °C and ηs = 0.3. Finally, it has been found that, in a low-capacity solar concentrator, on a typical day in Mexico City, temperatures in the hot spot between 200 and 400 °C can be reached with measured irradiance values from 200 to 1200 W/m2.
Applicability of Formwork Automation Design Software for Aluminum Formwork
Authors: Lee Bokyeong , Choi Hyeonggil , Min Byongwang , Lee Dong-Eun
Published: December 2020

In this study, by applying the developed formwork automation design software to three target structures, we reviewed the applicability of the formwork automation design software for the aluminum formwork. To apply the formwork automation design software, we built an aluminum formwork library based on the conversion of two-dimensional (2D) computer-aided design (CAD) data to three-dimensional building information modeling data for all the components of the aluminum formwork. The results of the automated formwork layout on the target structures using the formwork automation design software confirmed that the wall and deck members were laid out by the set algorithm according to the formwork size and direction. However, because of the limited functionality of the software, the level of completion of the formwork layout was found to be lower than that of the manual formwork layout based on 2D CAD data. The currently developed software is based on a simple algorithm, but has a drawback in that the automated layout is limited to only some of its members. Therefore, additional research should be conducted on the development of advanced software through the diversification of the algorithm, automation of preprocessing of the mesh, and analysis of the relationships of all the members comprising the formwork.
Group-Birefringence-Dispersion Measurements for Polarization-Maintaining Fibers Using a Kerr Phase-Interrogator
Authors: Lu Yang
Published: December 2020

A method which utilizes a Kerr phase-interrogator to measure the group birefringence dispersion (GBD) of a polarization-maintaining fiber (PMF) is systematically studied in this paper. The differential group delay of two sinusoidally modulated optical signals (SMOSs) polarized along the principal axes of the PMF is measured by a Kerr phase-interrogator, which leads to the group birefringence of the PMF. As the laser wavelength of the SMOSs varies, the group birefringence as a function of the laser wavelength is obtained, and the GBD is calculated as the derivative of the group birefringence with respect to the laser wavelength. The proposed method is experimentally demonstrated by characterizations of a Panda PMF with high GBD and an elliptical core PMF with low GBD, and its performance is analyzed. The proposed method eliminates the impact of the laser coherent length and allows for characterizing the GBD of PMFs that are tens of kilometers long.