bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny and Pathology of Anisakids Parasitizing Stranded California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus) in Southern California
Authors: Hrabar Jerko , Smodlaka Hrvoje , Rasouli-Dogaheh Somayeh , Petrić Mirela , Trumbić Željka , Palmer Lauren , Sakamaki Kristen , Pavelin Tina , Mladineo Ivona
Published: March 2021

In marine mammals, nematode-inflicted pathological lesions combined with other pathogens and factors (i.e., pollution, climate change, domoic acid poisoning events, and seasonal El Nino starvation events) negatively impact pinnipeds’ health and may cause mortality. Five California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)—a female pup, three male yearlings, and an adult female—suffered mortalities during rehabilitation at the Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles (San Pedro, CA). According to the necropsy reports, animals developed multisystemic parasitism as a leading cause of death, combined with malnutrition and hypoglycemia. In order to reveal host–parasite dynamics that may play a role in pinniped health and recovery, we examined the type and level of histopathological stomach lesions in California sea lions caused by anisakid nematodes. All isolated anisakids were morphologically and molecularly identified, and their phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using the sequence of the mitochondrial COII gene. Co-parasitation of different Anisakidae spp. within the same host or lesions presented the opportunity to evaluate the existence of recombinant haplotypes and their eventual pathological pressure exerted onto host. The lesions were presented as chronic granulomatous gastritis, with moderate edema and hyperemia of the tunica submucosa and lamina propria, followed by mild, focal fibrosis of the gastric wall. Ulcerative changes with mixed leukocytic infiltrate showed to be localized, shallow, and non-perforative and with no apparent bacterial coinfection, mostly accompanied by healing granulation tissue. Isolated anisakids are grouped into three distinctively separated monophyletic clades corresponding to generaAnisakis,Contracaecum, andPseudoterranova. Most abundant were representatives ofContracaecum ogmorhini sensu lato(55.36%), followed byAnisakis pegreffii(23.21%),Pseudoterranova azarasi(17.86%),Pseudoterranova decipiens sensu lato(1.79%), andAnisakis simplex(1.79%). Phylogenetic trees revealed no differentiation at intra-species level. Our analysis of divergence revealedContracaecumseparated from other lineages in the Jurassic period at the 176.2 Mya andAnisakisdiverging fromPseudoterranovain Cenozoic period at 85.9 Mya.
Driving Skills of Individuals With and Without Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia)
Authors: Gentle Judith , Brady Daniel , Woodger Nigel , Croston Sophie , Leonard Hayley C.
Published: March 2021

Learning to drive is a significant event for the transition to adulthood and delay or avoidance may have social, practical, and psychological implications. For those with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia), driving presents a considerable challenge, and the literature shows that there are differences in driving ability between individuals with and without DCD. The aim of the current research is to further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the driving experiences of individuals with DCD. Nineteen participants with DCD (10 drivers and 9 non-drivers) and 36 controls (17 drivers and 19 non-drivers) aged 18–57 years took part in this study. Participants completed standardized tests, questionnaires and a driving simulation task designed to measure speed, road positioning, and rate of change of steering in three conditions with increasing perceptual complexity. Results indicate that behaviors for all participants changed as the perceptual demands of the task increased. However, drivers with DCD were more affected than all other groups, driving more slowly, and driving further to the right. These findings illustrate how the impact of both internal and external constraints negatively affect the success of the driving task for individuals with DCD compared to their TD peers.
Seasonal Variations in Dietary Diversity and Nutrient Intakes of Women and Their Children (6–23 Months) in Western Kenya
Authors: Waswa Lydiah M. , Jordan Irmgard , Krawinkel Michael B. , Keding Gudrun B.
Published: March 2021

Seasonal variations in food availability and access contributes to inadequate nutrient intakes, particularly in low income countries. This study assessed the effect of seasonality on dietary diversity (DD) and nutrient intakes of women and children aged 6–23 months in a rural setting in Western Kenya. A longitudinal study was conducted among 426 mother-child pairs during the harvest and post-harvest seasons in 2012. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-h dietary recalls and dietary diversity scores (DDS) and nutrient intakes calculated for both seasons. Effect of seasonality on women dietary diversity scores (WDDS) and children's dietary diversity scores (CDDS) were assessed using generalised linear mixed models (GLMM). The proportion of women consuming diets with high DDS (>4 out of 9 food groups) increased from 36.4 to 52.4% between the two seasons, with mean WDDS being significantly higher in November compared to July/August (4.62 ± 1.43 vs. 4.16 ± 1.14,P< 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of children consumed foods from ≥4 out of 7 food groups in November compared to July/August (62.4 vs. 52.6%,P= 0.004). Mean CDDS (3.91 vs. 3.61,P= 0.004) was low but significantly higher in November compared to July/August. Estimated marginal mean WDDS increased from 4.17 to 4.38, and decreased for CDDS from 3.73 to 3.60 between the seasons. Seasonality had a small but significant effect on WDDS,P= 0.008 but not on CDDS,P= 0.293. Increase in CDDS in November was due to age and not seasonal effect. Higher women education and household food security were associated with higher WDDS and CDDS. Intakes of iron, calcium and vitamin E were higher among women in November and significantly different between the seasons. Agro-ecological zone, ethnic group and home gardening influenced nutrient intakes of the women. Seasonality had an effect on the DD of women but not of children, thus other factors apart from food availability influence the quality of children's diets during the complementary feeding period. With increasing age and transition to family foods, children's DD is expected to be affected by seasonality. Integrated interventions to alleviate seasonal food insecurity and strengthen rural households' resilience against seasonal deterioration in diet quality are recommended.
Simplified Dosing Regimens for Gentamicin in Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: D’Agate S. , Musuamba F. Tshinanu , Jacqz-Aigrain E. , Della Pasqua O.
Published: March 2021

Background: The effectiveness of antibiotics for the treatment of severe bacterial infections in newborns in resource-limited settings has been determined by empirical evidence. However, such an approach does not warrant optimal exposure to antibiotic agents, which are known to show different disposition characteristics in this population. Here we evaluate the rationale for a simplified regimen of gentamicin taking into account the effect of body size and organ maturation on pharmacokinetics. The analysis is supported by efficacy data from a series of clinical trials in this population.

Methods: A previously published pharmacokinetic model was used to simulate gentamicin concentration vs. time profiles in a virtual cohort of neonates. Model predictive performance was assessed by supplementary external validation procedures using therapeutic drug monitoring data collected in neonates and young infants with or without sepsis. Subsequently, clinical trial simulations were performed to characterize the exposure to intra-muscular gentamicin after a q.d. regimen. The selection of a simplified regimen was based on peak and trough drug levels during the course of treatment.

Results: In contrast to current World Health Organization guidelines, which recommend gentamicin doses between 5 and 7.5 mg/kg, our analysis shows that gentamicin can be used as a fixed dose regimen according to three weight-bands: 10 mg for patients with body weight <2.5 kg, 16 mg for patients with body weight between 2.5 and 4 kg, and 30 mg for those with body weight >4 kg.

Conclusion: The choice of the dose of an antibiotic must be supported by a strong scientific rationale, taking into account the differences in drug disposition in the target patient population. Our analysis reveals that a simplified regimen is feasible and could be used in resource-limited settings for the treatment of sepsis in neonates and young infants with sepsis aged 0–59 days.
Rendezvous in Cis-Lunar Space near Rectilinear Halo Orbit: Dynamics and Control Issues
Authors: Bucchioni Giordana , Innocenti Mario
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the development of a fully-safe, automatic rendezvous strategy between a passive vehicle and an active one orbiting around the Earth–Moon L2 Lagrangian point. This is one of the critical phases of future missions to permanently return to the Moon, which are of interest to the majority of space organizations. The first step in the study is the derivation of a suitable full 6-DOF relative motion model in the Local Vertical Local Horizontal reference frame, most suitable for the design of the guidance. The main dynamic model is approximated using both the elliptic and circular three-body motion, due to the contribution of Earth and Moon gravity. A rather detailed set of sensors and actuator dynamics was also implemented in order to ensure the reliability of the guidance algorithms. The selection of guidance and control is presented, and evaluated using a sample scenario as described by ESA’s HERACLES program. The safety, in particular the passive safety, concept is introduced and different techniques to guarantee it are discussed that exploit the ideas of stable and unstable manifolds to intrinsically guarantee some properties at each hold-point, in which the rendezvous trajectory is divided. Finally, the rendezvous dynamics are validated using available Ephemeris models in order to verify the validity of the results and their limitations for future more detailed design.
Alkali-Added Catalysts Based on LaAlO3 Perovskite for the Oxidative Coupling of Methane
Authors: An Suna , Cho JeongHyun , Kwon Dahye , Jung Ji Chul
Published: March 2021

In this study, we aimed to enhance the catalytic activity of perovskite catalysts and elucidate their catalytic behavior in the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM), using alkali-added LaAlO3 perovskite catalysts. We prepared LaAlO3_XY (X = Li, Na, K, Y = mol %) catalysts and applied them to the OCM reaction. The results showed that the alkali-added catalysts’ activities were promoted compared to the LaAlO3 catalyst. In this reaction, ethane was first synthesized through the dimerization of methyl radicals, which were produced from the reaction of methane and oxygen vacancy in the perovskite catalysts. The high ethylene selectivity of the alkali-added catalysts originated from their abundance of electrophilic lattice oxygen species, facilitating the selective formation of C2 hydrocarbons from ethane. The high COx (carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide) selectivity of the LaAlO3 catalyst originated from its abundance of nucleophilic lattice oxygen species, favoring the selective production of COx from ethane. We concluded that electrophilic lattice oxygen species play a significant role in producing ethylene. We obtained that alkali-adding could be an effective method for improving the catalytic activity of perovskite catalysts in the OCM reaction.
Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Portuguese Children’s Motor Competence
Authors: Pombo André , Luz Carlos , de Sá Cristina , Rodrigues Luis Paulo , Cordovil Rita
Published: March 2021

During long periods without school, children are more susceptible to unhealthy behaviors, such as an increase in sedentary behaviors, which has a negative impact on children’s motor competence (MC). The COVID-19 lockdown offered us a unique opportunity to test, in a quasi-experimental setting, the impact of lockdown movement restrictions on children’s MC. We assessed the motor competence of 114 children aged 6–9 years using the motor competence assessment. All children were tested before and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Chi-square and 2 × 2 ANOVA (sex by moment) were used to further analyze the data. Regardless of sex, motor performances in all tests (except for jumping sideways in boys) were lower when compared with performances before lockdown. There was a marked decreasing trend in children’s levels of MC, shifting from an upper to a lower quartile in different tests. The results after the lockdown were always significantly inferior to the results before lockdown in all motor tests (except jumping sideways), in the three components of MC, and in global MC. Children’s global MC score decreased by an average of 13 points in boys and 16 points in girls. The imposed movement restrictions had a negative effect on children’s motor competence development.
Operational Study of Drone Spraying Application for the Disinfection of Surfaces against the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: González Jorge Higinio , González de Santos Luis , Fariñas Álvarez Noelia , Martínez Sánchez Joaquin , Navarro Medina Fermin
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the need to maximize the cleanliness of outside public services and the need to disinfect these areas to reduce the virus transmission. This work evaluates the possibilities of using unmanned aircraft systems for disinfection tasks in these aeras. The operational study focuses on evaluating the static and dynamic behavior, as well as the influence of the flying height, mission speed and flow of spraying. The most recommended height for correct spraying with the drone system under study is 3.0 m. The dynamic test shows that the lower height, 3.0 m, also provides the most adequate spraying footprint, achieving 2.2 m for a speed of 0.5 m/s. The operational behavior is evaluated on three different scenarios, a skatepark with an area around 882.7 m2, an outdoor gym with an area around 545.0 m2 and a multisport court with an area around 2025.7 m2. The cleaning time evaluates the flying duration, battery change and tank refill and results in 41 min for the skatepark (5 tank refills and 2 battery changes), 28.6 min for the outdoor gym (3 tank refills and 2 battery changes) and 96.4 min for the multisport court (11 tank refills and 5 battery changes). Each battery change and each tank refill are estimated to take 4 min each, with a drone autonomy of 7 min. The technology appears competitive compared to other forms of cleaning based, for example, on human operators.
Quantifying Media Effects, Its Content, and Role in Promoting Community Awareness of Chikungunya Epidemic in Bangladesh
Authors: Begum Mst. Marium , Ulvi Osman , Karamehic-Muratovic Ajlina , Walsh Mallory R. , Tarek Hasan , Lubinda Jailos , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J. , Sarfraz Shehzad , Treviño C Jesús A. , Shad Muhammad Yousaf , Haque Ubydul
Published: March 2021

Background: Chikungunya is a vector-borne disease, mostly present in tropical and subtropical regions. The virus is spread by Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquitos and symptoms include high fever to severe joint pain. Dhaka, Bangladesh, suffered an outbreak of chikungunya in 2017 lasting from April to September. With the goal of reducing cases, social media was at the forefront during this outbreak and educated the public about symptoms, prevention, and control of the virus. Popular web-based sources such as the top dailies in Bangladesh, local news outlets, and Facebook spread awareness of the outbreak. Objective: This study sought to investigate the role of social and mainstream media during the chikungunya epidemic. The study objective was to determine if social media can improve awareness of and practice associated with reducing cases of chikungunya. Methods: We collected chikungunya-related information circulated from the top nine television channels in Dhaka, Bangladesh, airing from 1st April–20th August 2017. All the news published in the top six dailies in Bangladesh were also compiled. The 50 most viewed chikungunya-related Bengali videos were manually coded and analyzed. Other social media outlets, such as Facebook, were also analyzed to determine the number of chikungunya-related posts and responses to these posts. Results: Our study showed that media outlets were associated with reducing cases of chikungunya, indicating that media has the potential to impact future outbreaks of these alpha viruses. Each media outlet (e.g., web, television) had an impact on the human response to an individual’s healthcare during this outbreak. Conclusions: To prevent future outbreaks of chikungunya, media outlets and social media can be used to educate the public regarding prevention strategies such as encouraging safe travel, removing stagnant water sources, and assisting with tracking cases globally to determine where future outbreaks may occur.
Neonatal Screening in Europe Revisited: An ISNS Perspective on the Current State and Developments Since 2010
Authors: Loeber J. Gerard , Platis Dimitris , Zetterström Rolf H. , Almashanu Shlomo , Boemer François , Bonham James R. , Borde Patricia , Brincat Ian , Cheillan David , Dekkers Eugenie , Dimitrov Dobry , Fingerhut Ralph , Franzson Leifur , Groselj Urh , Hougaard David , Knapkova Maria , Kocova Mirjana , Kotori Vjosa , Kozich Viktor , Kremezna Anastasiia , Kurkijärvi Riikka , La Marca Giancarlo , Mikelsaar Ruth , Milenkovic Tatjana , Mitkin Vyacheslav , Moldovanu Florentina , Ceglarek Uta , O'Grady Loretta , Oltarzewski Mariusz , Pettersen Rolf D. , Ramadza Danijela , Salimbayeva Damilya , Samardzic Mira , Shamsiddinova Markhabo , Songailiené Jurgita , Szatmari Ildiko , Tabatadze Nazi , Tezel Basak , Toromanovic Alma , Tovmasyan Irina , Usurelu Natalia , Vevere Parsla , Vilarinho Laura , Vogazianos Marios , Yahyaoui Raquel , Zeyda Maximilian , Schielen Peter C.J.I.
Published: March 2021

Neonatal screening (NBS) was initiated in Europe during the 1960s with the screening for phenylketonuria. The panel of screened disorders (“conditions”) then gradually expanded, with a boost in the late 1990s with the introduction of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), making it possible to screen for 40–50 conditions using a single blood spot. The most recent additions to screening programmes (screening for cystic fibrosis, severe combined immunodeficiency and spinal muscular atrophy) were assisted by or realised through the introduction of molecular technologies. For this survey, we collected data from 51 European countries. We report the developments between 2010 and 2020 and highlight the achievements reached with the progress made in this period. We also identify areas where further progress can be made, mainly by exchanging knowledge and learning from experiences in neighbouring countries. Between 2010 and 2020, most NBS programmes in geographical Europe matured considerably, both in terms of methodology (modernised) and with regard to the panel of conditions screened (expanded). These developments indicate that more collaboration in Europe through European organisations is gaining momentum. We can only accomplish the timely detection of newborn infants potentially suffering from one of the many rare diseases and take appropriate action by working together.
VIPPrint: Validating Synthetic Image Detection and Source Linking Methods on a Large Scale Dataset of Printed Documents
Authors: Ferreira Anselmo , Nowroozi Ehsan , Barni Mauro
Published: March 2021

The possibility of carrying out a meaningful forensic analysis on printed and scanned images plays a major role in many applications. First of all, printed documents are often associated with criminal activities, such as terrorist plans, child pornography, and even fake packages. Additionally, printing and scanning can be used to hide the traces of image manipulation or the synthetic nature of images, since the artifacts commonly found in manipulated and synthetic images are gone after the images are printed and scanned. A problem hindering research in this area is the lack of large scale reference datasets to be used for algorithm development and benchmarking. Motivated by this issue, we present a new dataset composed of a large number of synthetic and natural printed face images. To highlight the difficulties associated with the analysis of the images of the dataset, we carried out an extensive set of experiments comparing several printer attribution methods. We also verified that state-of-the-art methods to distinguish natural and synthetic face images fail when applied to print and scanned images. We envision that the availability of the new dataset and the preliminary experiments we carried out will motivate and facilitate further research in this area.
Comparison of Polysaccharides Extracted from Cultivated Mycelium of Inonotus obliquus with Polysaccharide Fractions Obtained from Sterile Conk (Chaga) and Birch Heart Rot
Authors: Beltrame Gabriele , Trygg Jani , Hemming Jarl , Han Zenghua , Yang Baoru
Published: March 2021

The polysaccharides of the sterile conk of Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) have demonstrated multiple bioactivities. The mycelium of this basidiomycete, obtained after submerged cultivation, has been considered a feasible alternative to the sterile conk for the production of polysaccharides. However, previous research has paid little attention to the differences in the structures of polymers obtained from the different resources. Moreover, the birch wood colonized by I. obliquus has never been investigated as a source of bioactive polysaccharides. In the present study, polysaccharide fractions produced from cultivated mycelium, sterile conks of different geographical origins, and birch heart rot were investigated. High amounts of phenolic compounds, possibly lignans, were bound to the sterile conk polysaccharides. Mycelial polysaccharides were rich in α- and β-glucans and had high (105 Da) and low (104 Da) molecular weight populations. On the other hand, sterile conk polysaccharides were mainly β-glucan of lower and monodispersed molecular weight (103 Da). Heart rot polysaccharides were comprised mainly of low molecular weight (103 Da) hemicelluloses. Nevertheless, fungal polysaccharides were identified in the extracts. The differences in structure and molecular properties among the polysaccharide fractions of mycelium, heart rot, and sterile conk are likely associated with differences in bioactivities and, therefore, in nutraceutical potential.
Magnetic Normal Mode Calculations in Big Systems: A Highly Scalable Dynamical Matrix Approach Applied to a Fibonacci-Distorted Artificial Spin Ice
Authors: Giovannini Loris , Farmer Barry W. , Woods Justin S. , Frotanpour Ali , De Long Lance E. , Montoncello Federico
Published: March 2021

We present a new formulation of the dynamical matrix method for computing the magnetic normal modes of a large system, resulting in a highly scalable approach. The motion equation, which takes into account external field, dipolar and ferromagnetic exchange interactions, is rewritten in the form of a generalized eigenvalue problem without any additional approximation. For its numerical implementation several solvers have been explored, along with preconditioning methods. This reformulation was conceived to extend the study of magnetization dynamics to a broader class of finer-mesh systems, such as three-dimensional, irregular or defective structures, which in recent times raised the interest among researchers. To test its effectiveness, we applied the method to investigate the magnetization dynamics of a hexagonal artificial spin-ice as a function of a geometric distortion parameter following the Fibonacci sequence. We found several important features characterizing the low frequency spin modes as the geometric distortion is gradually increased.
Botulinum Toxin A Injection for the Treatment of Intractable Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Choi Eun Woo , Yeom Dong Ju , Jang Sun Young
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of periocular botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection in patients with intractable dry eye disease (DED). Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients with intractable DED who underwent periocular BTA injection from December 2019 to March 2020 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were injected with 2.5 units of BTA in the medial part of the lower eyelids. The clinical data collected included age, sex, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, tear film break up time (TBUT), Schirmer test results, tear osmolarity (I-PEN), and tear meniscus height (TMH) measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. All subjective and objective data were collected before treatment and at 1 month after treatment. Results: Twenty-eight consecutive patients were eligible for chart review and analysis. Significant improvements in OSDI, tear osmolarity, and TMH were observed at 1 month after periorbital BTA injection. At the baseline and 1-month follow-up examinations, OSDI scores were 62.22 ± 21.30 and 47.98 ± 17.23, respectively (p < 0.001). TMH increased significantly after treatment (82.25 ± 40.50 at baseline vs. 138.02 ± 66.62 1-month after treatment; p < 0.001). Tear osmolarity using I-PEN showed a significant decrease after treatment (320.82 ± 24.66 at baseline vs. 302.75 ± 22.33 at 1 month after treatment; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in TBUT or Schirmer test results before and after BTA injection. Conclusions: BTA injection into the medial part of the eyelid improves dry eye symptoms, the amount of tear retention, and tear osmolarity. Based on the objective parameters of the tear condition, this study supports the idea of BTA use as a potential treatment option for patients with intractable DED.
Use of an Insulation-Tipped Knife during Rigid Bronchoscopic Treatment of Benign Tracheobronchial Stenosis
Authors: Park Ji-Won , Ko Yousang , Kim Changhwan
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives: Tracheal or bronchial tears are potential complications of rigid bronchoscopy. This study aimed to investigate the acute complications and outcomes of using an insulation-tipped (IT) knife in combination with rigid bronchoscopic dilatation for treating benign tracheobronchial stenosis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a chart review of patients with benign tracheobronchial stenosis who were treated with rigid bronchoscopy and an IT knife at two referral centers. Treatment success was defined as a clinically stable state without worsening symptoms after 3 months of treatment. Results: Of the 23 patients with benign tracheobronchial stenosis, 15 had tracheal stenosis and 6 had main bronchial stenosis. Among them, three cases were of simple stenosis (13%), while the others were of complex stenosis (87%). The overall treatment success rate was 87.0%. Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema occurred due to bronchial laceration in two cases of distal left main bronchial stenosis (8.7%), and no other significant acute complications developed. Silicone stents were inserted in 20 patients, and successful stent removal was possible in 11 patients (55.0%). Six of the seven stents inserted in patients with post-intubation tracheal stenosis were removed successfully (85.7%). However, most of the patients with post-tracheostomy tracheal stenosis required persistent stenting (80%). Pulmonary function was significantly increased after treatment, and the mean increase in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 391 ± 171 mL (160–700 mL). Conclusion: The use of an IT knife can be suggested as an effective and safe modality for rigid bronchoscopic treatment of benign tracheobronchial stenosis.
Mathematical Modeling of Ion Quantum Tunneling Reveals Novel Properties of Voltage-Gated Channels and Quantum Aspects of Their Pathophysiology in Excitability-Related Disorders
Authors: Qaswal Abdallah Barjas , Ababneh Omar , Khreesha Lubna , Al-Ani Abdallah , Suleihat Ahmad , Abbad Mutaz
Published: March 2021

Voltage-gated channels are crucial in action potential initiation and propagation and there are many diseases and disorders related to them. Additionally, the classical mechanics are the main mechanics used to describe the function of the voltage-gated channels and their related abnormalities. However, the quantum mechanics should be considered to unravel new aspects in the voltage-gated channels and resolve the problems and challenges that classical mechanics cannot solve. In the present study, the aim is to mathematically show that quantum mechanics can exhibit a powerful tendency to unveil novel electrical features in voltage-gated channels and be used as a promising tool to solve the problems and challenges in the pathophysiology of excitability-related diseases. The model of quantum tunneling of ions through the intracellular hydrophobic gate is used to evaluate the influence of membrane potential and gating free energy on the tunneling probability, single channel conductance, and quantum membrane conductance. This evaluation is mainly based on graphing the mathematical relationships between these variables. The obtained mathematical graphs showed that ions can achieve significant quantum membrane conductance, which can affect the resting membrane potential and the excitability of cells. In the present work, quantum mechanics reveals original electrical properties associated with voltage-gated channels and introduces new insights and implications into the pathophysiology of excitability- related disorders. In addition, the present work sets a mathematical and theoretical framework that can be utilized to conduct experimental studies in order to explore the quantum aspects of voltage-gated channels and the quantum bioelectrical property of biological membranes.
A Review on Recent Progress of Glycan-Based Surfactant Micelles as Nanoreactor Systems for Chemical Synthesis Applications
Authors: Vafakish Bahareh , Wilson Lee D.
Published: March 2021

The nanoreactor concept and its application as a modality to carry out chemical reactions in confined and compartmentalized structures continues to receive increasing attention. Micelle-based nanoreactors derived from various classes of surfactant demonstrate outstanding potential for chemical synthesis. Polysaccharide (glycan-based) surfactants are an emerging class of biodegradable, non-toxic, and sustainable alternatives over conventional surfactant systems. The unique structure of glycan-based surfactants and their micellar structures provide a nanoenvironment that differs from that of the bulk solution, and supported by chemical reactions with uniquely different reaction rates and mechanisms. In this review, the aggregation of glycan-based surfactants to afford micelles and their utility for the synthesis of selected classes of reactions by the nanoreactor technique is discussed. Glycan-based surfactants are ecofriendly and promising surfactants over conventional synthetic analogues. This contribution aims to highlight recent developments in the field of glycan-based surfactants that are relevant to nanoreactors, along with future opportunities for research. In turn, coverage of research for glycan-based surfactants in nanoreactor assemblies with tailored volume and functionality is anticipated to motivate advanced research for the synthesis of diverse chemical species.
Are Double-Lane Roundabouts Safe Enough? A CHAID Analysis of Unsafe Driving Behaviors
Authors: Pulvirenti Giulia , Distefano Natalia , Leonardi Salvatore , Tollazzi Tomaz
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the nature and causes of unsafe driving behavior at roundabouts through an on-road study. Four urban double-lane roundabouts with different layouts were selected for an on-road study. Sixty-six drivers (41 males and 25 females) aged 18–65 years took part in the study. Unsafe behaviors observed during the in situ survey were divided into three different categories: entry unsafe behaviors, circulation unsafe behaviors, and exit unsafe behaviors. Three chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) analyses were developed in order to analyze the influence of roundabout characteristics and maneuvers on unsafe behaviors at double-lane roundabouts. The results confirmed the awareness that double-lane roundabouts are unsafe and inadvisable. More than half of unsafe driving behaviors were found to be entry unsafe behaviors. Moreover, the entry radius was found to be the geometric variable most influencing unsafe driving behaviors.
Método de corrección de factores: alternativa para la valoración de suelos. Caso Arequipa Metropolitana
Authors: López Ortega Silvia Noelia , García Anco Edgar
Published: March 2021

Debido al crecimiento económico y poblacional, la adquisición de viviendas o terrenos para la construcción en Arequipa Metropolitana ha requerido, la aplicación de regulaciones para evitar el fenómeno de la especulación y la segregación geográfica, al respecto el presente artículo tiene por propósito aplicar el método de corrección de factores para la valoración de suelos urbanos de Aznar y Guijarro. Mediante la comparación de métodos de tasación aplicados por entidades bancarias para créditos hipotecarios y el valor del mercado establecido por el propietario, fueron establecidos siete criterios para la ciudad mencionada con el apoyo de un análisis longitudinal: número y orientación de fachadas, valor por metro cuadrado, recuperación de la inversión, distancia y ubicación a medios de transportes y centros económicos y de servicios básicos, además de establecer que la corrección de factores se encuentra en un 0.92 del valor del mercado.
Utilisation de l’impression et de la modelisation tridimensionnelle en medecine veterinaire
Authors: Boursier Jean-François
Published: March 2021

L’impression en trois dimensions en médecine vétérinaire connait un essor important depuis plusieurs années. En médecine humaine, cette technique est déjà régulièrement utilisée, notamment dans le domaine chirurgical. Les nouvelles techniques de prototypage tridimensionnel (3D), notamment grâce aux imprimantes non professionnelles, ont permis l’usage fréquent de cette technologie, en réduisant deux limites majeures qui existaient auparavant : les délais d’obtention du modèle plastique et le coût d’impression. Le délai d’obtention d’un modèle 3D plastique issu d’une impression professionnelle, et le coût de production lié à cette méthode, entrainaient des réticences à l’application de cette technologie à la médecine vétérinaire. Actuellement, l’impression d’un modèle en 3D peut être intégrée dans la démarche diagnostique et tend à devenir une aide précieuse en médecine vétérinaire ou encore à apporter un support pédagogique, autant auprès des propriétaires que des vétérinaires en formation.
Tiempos de coronavirus según Herbert Marcuse
Authors: Rivero Crespo Catalina
Published: March 2021

El siguiente ensayo pretende explicar los efectos de la pandemia del Coronavirus en los distintos patrones sociales, especialmente en aquellos que están estrechamente relacionados con la tecnología. La explicación de este fenómeno proviene de un análisis a profundidad sobre las obras más populares del sociólogo Herbert Marcuse: El hombre unidimensional. Estudios en la ideología de la sociedad industrial avanzada(1964) e Industrialización y capitalismo en la obra de Max Weber. (1968).
Mulheres e Geografia – reflexões pertinentes?
Authors: Santos Roseli Alves dos
Published: March 2021

Este texto decorre da sistematização da exposição realizada a convite da Revista Geoatos para o debate online – Geógrafas brasileiras: contextos e desafios. A construção do presente texto teve por base as experiências vivenciadas ao longo da docência geográfica e das pesquisas realizadas, além dos trabalhos efetivados no âmbito acadêmicos e dos movimentos sociais e populares. Assim, objetivamos dar prosseguimento aos debates aflorados durante a realização do encontro online, respondendo as questões formuladas e inseridos a partir de uma reflexão teórica a importância da leitura geográfica para compreensão da participação das mulheres nos diversos espaços e as dificuldades enfrentadas em uma sociedade patriarcal, destacando assim o papel social que a geografia pode desempenhar na atualidade com vistas  a auxiliar na sua compreensão e a fomentar mudanças mais justas e equitativas.
Recomendaciones para el diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento del cáncer de mama durante la pandemia de SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 en Colombia
Authors: Herazo Maya Fernando , Brugés Maya Ricardo , Hincapie Uribe Ana Lucia , Carvajal Barrera Ana María , Ospina Serrano Aylen Vanessa , Restrepo Ramirez Carlos Alberto , Benavides Duque Carolina , Alvarez Cesar Eduardo , Gómez Duque David Ignacio , Caicedo Mallarino Jose Joaquin , Bobadilla Arévalo Iván Andrés , Patiño Pacheco Jairo H. , Cuello López Javier  Mauricio , Ibarra Palacio Johanna Paola , Sánchez Blando John Jairo , Egurrola Pedraza Jorge Armando , Caicedo Mallarino Jose Joaquin , Torres Vásquez Lina María , Viaña González Luis Eduardo , Guzmán Abi-Saab Luis , Palacios Fuenmayor Luis José , Gallon Villegas Luis Javier , Lema Medina Mauricio , Hernández Restrepo Michel , Jaramillo Botero Natalia , Llinás Quintero Néstor Eduardo , Manneh Kopp Ray Antonio
Published: March 2021

Bajo las nuevas condiciones generadas por la pandemia de COVID-19, los tratamientos para el cáncer de mama requieren algunas reorientaciones y cuidados que se exponen en este artículo. Se consideran aquí las tres fases de gravedad de la pandemia y los respectivos tratamientos que demandan en función de los lineamientos dictados por el Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia. Se trata de un conjunto de referencias para orientar las terapias y tratamientos, inspiradas en las políticas de salud regionales, nacionales e institucionales.
Consenso del Grupo de Estudio Latinoamericano de Linfoproliferativos (GELL) para el manejo del Linfoma en estado de Pandemia SARS CoV-2 / COVID 19
Authors: Ospina Idárraga Juan Alejandro , Martinez-Cordero Humberto , Idrobo Quintero Henry , Ortiz Alfaro Conrad , Martínez Correa Lina María , Garcia Juan Esteban , Malpica Luis , Castillo Jorge , Torres Maria Alejandra , Villela Luis , Candelaria Myrna , Von Glasenapp Alana , Beltran Brady , Paredes Sally , Castro Denisse e , Prates Virginia , Di Stefano Marcos , Riva Eloísa , Abello Polo Virginia , Choque Juan Antonio , Peña Camila , Rojas Christine , Valvert Gamboa Fabiola , Fiad Lorena
Published: March 2021

En diciembre de 2019 se detectó por primera vez en China la existencia del SARS-CoV2, causante de la enfermedad COVID-19. El virus rápidamente se propagó por Europa y Asia, tardándose un par de meses antes de llegar a América Latina. Se ha demostrado que los pacientes que desarrollan una enfermedad severa y que tienen mayor riesgo de mortalidad por COVID-19 son aquellos con edades avanzadas y que presentan por lo menos una enfermedad crónica, incluyendo el cáncer. Debido a lo anterior, surgen muchas dudas en el grupo de profesionales encargados de brindar tratamiento a pacientes con cáncer durante la pandemia, pues se debe equilibrar el riesgo-beneficio de proveer tratamiento a pacientes que se encuentran de base con un riesgo incrementado para tener manifestaciones severas por COVID-19. En este consenso planteamos recomendaciones para los profesionales en hematología que brindan tratamiento a pacientes que padecen de algún tipo de linfoma, con el fin de aclarar el panorama clínico durante la pandemia.
Social media marketing and customer engagement : a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa
Authors: URBAN B , MAPHATHE TL
Published: March 2021

Social media platforms are increasingly used by SMEs who have fewer resources and need to rely on social media marketing to engage with their customers. This article investigates the extent to which social media platforms specifically Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter contribute to increased customer engagement. While past studies have concentrated on the adoption of social media in predominantly western contexts, this research is focused on SMEs in a relatively under-researched African market context, South Africa. The research design was a quantitative cross-sectional study relying on primary data collection, where hypotheses were tested using statistical analyses in terms of correlational and regression analyses. Results support the hypotheses where the use of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter platforms show a significant and positive relationship with increased customer engagement. The findings have management implications where owner-managers should make use of social media by maintaining and growing an extensive network of ties to both collect information and identify resources, as well as to build a reputation and engage with their customers.
MODEL PENGEMBANGAN MUTU SUMBERDAYA GURU LEMBAGA PENDIDIKAN ISLAM
Authors: Zuhri I Mustofa
Published: March 2021

Pada zaman era globalisasi lembaga pendidikan Islam harus lebih menekankan pada kualitas sumber daya manusianya karena guru adalah salah satu komponen utama bagi keberhasilan proses belajar mengajar di sekolah. Mutu sekolah, khususnya mutu anak didik, mau tak mau berkaitan dengan mutu guru-gurunya yang langsung terlibat  dengan anak didik di kelas. Namun, pada kenyataannya, terdapat banyak keluhkan tentang kualitas guru khususnya di lembaga pendidikan Islam. Oleh karena itu, perlu adanya strategi yang komprehensif bagi guru menjadi tenaga pendidik yang berkualitas, profesional, berkomitmen serta memiliki semangat ibadah. Penelitian ini fokus mengkaji strategi pengembangan mutu guru MAN 3 Jember. Kajian penelitian ini menggunakan perspektif fenomenologis terhadap studi kasus. Hasil penelitian ini adalah bahwa untuk mengembangkan kualitas guru, para pimpinan MAN 3 Jember perlu (1) untuk membuat, menyusun, dan merumuskan visi, misi, dan tujuan lembaga khususnya pengembangan mutu guru; (2) untuk membangun komitmen yang bernilai ibadah; (3) untuk membangun sikap dan kedisiplinan; (4) untuk merubah pola pikir dan untuk membangun karakter positif guru.
Kata kunci: Lembaga pendidikan Islam, kualitas guru, proses belajar dan pengajaran, MAN 3 Jember
 
In the era of globalization, Islamic educational institutions have to emphasize the quality of their human resources. The teacher is one of the main characters for the success of the teaching and learning process. The quality of schools, especially the students quality, is inevitably related to the teachers concerned the students in the classroom. However, in reality, there are many complaints about teacher quality, especially in Islamic educational institutions. Therefore, it is necessary to have a comprehensive strategy for teachers to become qualified, professional, committed educators who have the spirit of worship. This study focuses on the assessment of teacher quality development strategies in MAN 3 Jember. This study uses a phenomenological perspective on a case study. As a result, for developing teacher quality in MAN 3 Jember is (1) compiling, compiling, and formulating the vision, mission, and objectives of the institution, to realize teacher quality; (2) building a commitment that has worship values; (3) building attitude and discipline; (4) changing the mindset also building the positive character of the teacher.
Keywords: Islamic Educational Institutions, Teacher Quality, Teaching and Learning Process, MAN 3 Jember
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study on effects of ultra-high-pressure annealing on surface of Mg-ion-implanted GaN
Authors: Akazawa Masamichi , Wu Encheng , Sakurai Hideki , Bockowski Michal , Narita Tetsuo , Kachi Tetsu
Published: March 2021

The effects of ultra-high-pressure annealing (UHPA) on the surface of Mg-ion-implanted GaN were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). After Mg ion implantation or Mg–N co-implantation, GaN was annealed at 1400 °C for 5 min under a nitrogen pressure of 1 GPa. No deterioration of the surface stoichiometry occurred after UHPA despite the extremely high annealing temperature. The angle-resolved XPS with calibration showed that the surface Fermi level was pinned at 0.5 eV from the conduction band edge after dehydrogenation subsequent to UHPA. However, the absence of pinning at the charge neutrality level showed that surface disorder was absent after UHPA. The surface photovoltaic effect as evidence of the achievement of p-type conduction even in the near-surface region was more remarkable for Mg–N-ion-implanted samples after dehydrogenation subsequent to UHPA. There is the possibility that the density of N-vacancy-related defects was reduced more by Mg–N co-implantation.
Single-chip mixer-based subarray beamformer for sub-Nyquist sampling in ultrasound imaging
Authors: Kanemoto Daisuke , Spaulding Jonathon , Murmann Boris
Published: March 2021

Compressed sensing (CS) has been proposed as a method of breaking the seemingly inherent tradeoff between sampling rate and resolution in a variety of applications, such as ultrasound imaging. Although various studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of using CS for sub-Nyquist sampling in ultrasound imaging, a dedicated integrated circuit (IC) has not yet been presented. This work introduces a single-chip mixer-based subarray beamformer, an important component for sub-Nyquist sampling in a CS ultrasound imaging system. The beamformer chip, which performs mixing, filtering, and summation of delayed signals within a subarray, is implemented using a single operational transconductance amplifier. We evaluated the performance of the proposed mixer-based subarray beamformer circuit fabricated using a 65 nm CMOS process with 0.4 mW ch−1 power consumption from a 1.2 V supply. Measurement results indicate that the prototype chip is suitable for subarray beamforming with a 5 ns resolution digital mixing sequence. The IC presented here is the first known implementation of a mixer-based subarray beamformer for sub-Nyquist sampling in ultrasonic applications and is expected to reduce sampling data requirements by a factor of 32.
Waveguide characteristics of adjustable magnetorheological mechanical topological insulator
Authors: Zhang Shengdong , You Shihui , Li Wei
Published: March 2021

A structure of tunable magnetorheological mechanical topological insulator that uses magnetorheological elastomers as matrix and pure iron as scatterer is designed. By changing the external magnetic field, the elastic modulus of the matrix is affected, and the size and width of the bandgap are adjusted to give the structure adjustability. The waveguide characteristics, the adjustability of topology edge state, the effect of point defects, and the time-domain characteristics of the structure are studied by the finite element method. The tunable range of the structure is increased by 446%; the elastic wave can propagate well in the linear channel and Z channel, there is a certain loss of the elastic amplitude at the output; the point defects have a great influence on the transmission loss, and the abrupt peak value is easy to appear, and there is a “transition region” near the upper and lower boundaries.
Thermodynamic and experimental studies of β-Ga2O3 growth by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Goto Ken , Ikenaga Kazutada , Tanaka Nami , Ishikawa Masato , Machida Hideaki , Kumagai Yoshinao
Published: March 2021

Thermodynamic analysis and experimental demonstration of β-Ga2O3 growth by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy using triethylgallium (TEG) and oxygen (O2) precursors were performed. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the O2 supplied is preferentially used for the combustion of hydrocarbons and H2 derived from TEG. Therefore, the use of high growth temperatures and high input VI/III ratios is essential for the complete combustion of hydrocarbons and H2, and β-Ga2O3 growth. The use of an inert gas as the carrier gas was also determined as necessary to grow β-Ga2O3 at high temperatures. Based on these results, a (

2
¯

01) oriented smooth β-Ga2O3 layer could be grown on a c-plane sapphire substrate at 900 °C with a growth rate of 1.4 μm h−1 at an input VI/III ratio of 100. The grown layer showed a clear optical bandgap of 4.84 eV, and impurity concentrations of hydrogen and carbon were below the background levels of the measurement system.