bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open-Access Academic Articles Requires Peer-Review Makeover: Consistency Is the Key
Authors: Ostafiński Witold
Published: November 2021

The internet has greatly altered the way that people and institutions communicate. One of the most recent changes is the growth of the Open Access (OA) model, where research articles are provided free of charge to readers online. Such changes are having a domino effect on traditional communication. In most cases, articles in professional journals have been evaluated by a strict peer-review system. However, due to the inherent problems with these peer reviews, such as the length of time it takes referees to complete their analysis and the reviewer’s personal biases and potential unethical behavior, there is a growing consensus that a different review method needs to be developed for OA articles. In addition, the internet has led to the development of many new professional journals, which range from poor to excellent, based on the articles accepted. Unfortunately, some journals are being published solely for monetary gain from high author fees.Presently, different review methods are being suggested or implemented for articles, such as ranking systems, online commentaries and crowdsourcing, Also, various institutions are publishing lists that rate academic journals on their quality level. Such experimentation of review models is important. However, after the trial period, the primary OA sources need to agree on using the same review model. Consistency of evaluation is critical for readers to be able to make objective comparisons of scholastic articles from one OA site to another.
An innovative ‘flat-pack’ wharf: overcoming construction challenges in Antarctica
Authors: Wenkenbach Ian , Meijer Emiel , Roper Alan , Craigie Stewart
Published: November 2021

A new longer and deeper wharf was completed in 2020 for the UK’s largest Antarctic research station. The £40 million structure replaced the life-expired wharf at Rothera Point on Adelaide Island and enables the station to accommodate British Antarctic Survey’s new polar research and supply vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough. Design and construction at this remote and environmentally extreme location presented many challenges, leading to the development of an innovative ‘flat-pack’ modular solution. This paper describes how the new 74 m long wharf was designed, manufactured, delivered and built in just two short austral summers.
Drawing the Invisible: Comics as a Way of Depicting Psychological Responses to the Pandemic
Authors: Whatley Edward
Published: November 2021

This graphic article explores the sensory world in the context of pandemic-related mental health issues. While comic artists work in abstract and impressionistic styles to varying degrees, most comic art has been representational. While many artists are adept at rendering facial expressions and body language, these are merely outward manifestations of a character’s mood or emotions. This article explores conveying states of mind less literally, using my own psychological reaction to the pandemic as its subject. I employ visual metaphors, icons, symbols, abstraction, and simplification rather than realistic or highly rendered images in the hopes of better relaying thoughts and emotions.
Immobile wh-phrases in Tagalog
Authors: Richards Norvin
Published: November 2021

I argue that overt movement cannot always be triggered by a need to create a specifier for the head bearing the Probe, as commonly assumed. In Tagalog, I claim, the best description of the behavior of wh-phrases is that they must become linearly adjacent to C; I show that Tagalog wh-phrases in fact occupy several different structural positions which are consistent with this linear requirement.
Taskscapes, Landscapes, and the Politics of Agricultural Production in Roman Mosaics
Authors: Mallon Kilian
Published: November 2021

In recent years archaeologists have put forward explanations of the design and impact of mythological and allegorical scenes in mosaics as part of elite Roman visual culture. While scenes of labor have served as evidence to accompany archaeological data on rural life, depictions of labor have received comparatively less attention as part of Roman ideological structures. Through an analysis of mosaics of the imperial period, this article demonstrates the value of adapting Timothy Ingold’s concept of ‘taskscape’ for explaining shared similarities in the communication strategies underlying depictions of agricultural work in Roman art and showcases an approach to the Roman economy rooted in this body of anthropological theory. Elites were able to reinforce normative values about the agricultural world by controlling not just what was seen, but what was not seen. Their mosaics present certain generic and hidden views of work that allowed fellow elites to use their own imaginations to continually ‘fill in the gaps’ and reinforce their control over agricultural production, a strategy that endured across the Roman world for generations.
COVİD-19 SÜRECİNDE KENTLER VE KENTLİLER: YAŞANANLAR VE BEKLENTİLER ÜZERİNE TESPİTLER (GÖLLER BÖLGESİ BULGULARI)
Authors: NEGİZ Nilüfer , SAVAŞ YAVUZÇEHRE Pınar , YALÇIN Özkan
Published: November 2021

Salgınlar tarih boyunca görülmüştür. 21. Yüzyılda yoğun kentleşmenin de bir sonucu olarak kent ve kentliler, salgınlardan ciddi anlamda etkilenmektedir. Son bir yıldır Covid-19 pandemisi tüm dünyayı etkisi altına almıştır. Bugünlerde, kent yaşamı “yeni normal” olarak dönüşmektedir. Kentsel alanda sunulan hizmetlerden birincil olarak sorumlu olan yerel yönetimlerden de beklentiler farklılaşmaktadır. Çalışmanın amacı, Covid-19 pandemisinin kente ve kentlilere etkilerini incelemek, yerel yönetimlerden beklenen hizmetlerdeki değişimi belirlemektir. 2020 Ağustos ayında pandemi koşullarında Göller Bölgesinde yapılan geniş kapsamlı bir alan araştırmasının sonuçları çerçevesinde kentlilerin pandemi koşullarında yaşadıkları ve beklentileri tartışılmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, pandemi sürecinde kentlilerin beklentilerinin; ağırlıklı olarak ekonomik anlamda istihdam ve nakdi yardım ile pandemiye yönelik koruyucu kentsel hizmetlerde etkinlik, süreklilik ve denetimler konusunda yoğunlaştığı anlaşılmaktadır.
Enhancing student giftedness in open distance e-learning through quality assurance using Donabedian steps
Authors: MAHLANGU Vimbi Petrus
Published: November 2021

Students must have faith in open distance e-learning institutions' quality assurance methods if they are to have faith in them. The article looks into quality assurance and uses a qualitative approach to grasp the concept. To acquire information, a literature review was used. The discourse and practices about systematic quality assurance in open distance e-learning institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic had institutions panic throughout the world, resulting in market-based models associated with neoliberalism's ideology and policy and expressed in economic rationalities such as new public management, total quality management, public choice, and human capital to a large extent. Quality assurance in open distance e-learning aims to preserve and improve educational quality. In order to evaluate open distance e-learning, quality expectations and criteria must be made clear and public. Quality assurance is critical when it comes to open distance e-learning. The process of analysing, assessing, monitoring, ensuring, maintaining, and improving the quality of higher education systems and programs should be ongoing. As a result, relevant technologies can be utilized as pointers in undertaking quality assurance in open distance e-learning settings by relying on Donabedian processes.
Using subcutaneous nerve stimulation for rate control of atrial fibrillation v1
Authors: Sheng Chen Peng
Published: November 2021

Study Description: Patients will have a 1:1 randomization to receive subcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ScNS) to observe if the stimulation can reduce atrial fibrillation burden in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). All subjects will undergo the implant of a neurostimulator lead. The experimental group will receive stimulation and the control group will not receive stimulation. All subjects will complete the same follow up visits to compare the 2 groups Objectives: Primary Objective: To test the hypothesis that chronic subcutaneous nerve stimulation can reduce AF burden in patients with severe symptomatic AF unresponsive to conventional therapies The secondary objective: To test the hypotheses that the effect of ScNS on the following endpoints is different between the two randomization groups: 1) Time-dependent reduction of AF burden 2) Effects of ScNS on ventricular rate control during AF Endpoints: Primary Objective: To test the hypothesis that chronic subcutaneous nerve stimulation can reduce AF burden in patients with severe symptomatic AF unresponsive to conventional therapies The secondary objective: To test the hypotheses that the effect of ScNS on the following endpoints is different between the two randomization groups: 1) Time-dependent reduction of AF burden 2) Effects of ScNS on ventricular rate control during AF 3) Reduction of SKNA 4) Improvement of quality of life •The primary Efficacy Endpoint: The average AF burden. •The secondary Efficacy Endpoint(s): 1) Time-dependent reduction of AF burden 2) Ventricular rate during AF 3) average SKNA 4) Quality of life Study Population: The study will enroll patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation unresponsive to conventional therapy defined by not responding to at least 1 antiarrhythmic drug.The study will enroll 30 patients, including 15 men and 15 women between the 18 and 75 years old. There will be no sex/gender/racial/ethnic based exclusion. Patients will be enrolled from the Cedars Sinai Medical Center. Phase: Not applicable Description of Sites/Facilities Enrolling Participants: The study will enroll patients treated at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. This is a single site study. Description of Study Intervention: The patients will undergo surgical implantation of an externalized lead under the skin on the chest wall. The wire is then connected to a neurostimulator. The experimental group (Group A) will receive ScNS (3.5 mA) for two weeks. The shame group (Group B) will receive sham (0 mA) stimulation for two weeks. The AF burden will be assessed by a 7-day mobile cardiac telemetry. Study Duration: 36 months Participant Duration: Up to 4 months.
Beyond the Classroom Walls: The Case of Israeli Youths’ Sense of Group Climate in Online and Offline Educational Environments
Authors: Lapidot-Lefler Noam , Dolev-Cohen Michal
Published: November 2021

The study examined Israeli youths’ sense of group climate in online and offline educational settings, i.e., in Instant Messaging (IM) groups organized by homeroom teachers for their respective students and in the physical classroom environment. Participants included 550 students (152 boys, 398 girls), of ages 10-18, who completed an online survey. The findings reveal that the students perceived the classroom climate to be more positive than that of the IM group in which the homeroom teacher is present. Furthermore, the more positive the perceived face-to-face (FtF) classroom climate was, the more positive the perceived IM group climate. In addition, when both class and IM group climates were perceived to be highly positive, a sense of non-violence among the participants was found to be the highest. These findings shed light on the unique phenomena of homeroom teachers who participate with their students in IM groups. Based on the findings, implications for educators and school counsellors are discussed.
Fractured implicitness : Why implicit populism matters?
Authors: Tóth Tamás
Published: November 2021

This paper aims to refine a theoretical and methodological approach in social sciences, namely implicit populism. To achieve this goal, the study aims to connect implicit populism and its counterpart, explicit populism to a specific research approach, namely the political communication style and introduce their contributions to the literature. Additionally, the paper introduces implicit populism’s possible effects on content analyses to demonstrate its methodological potential. Finally, the study attempts to provide an aspect by which the antagonist part of implicit populism can be subcategorized. Therefore, new subdimension of antagonism might emerge in populism studies. The first focuses on the articulated enemy by employing, for instance, the signifier of ‘dangerous people.’ The second aims to explore the more sophisticated populist political style embedding the ‘culprit others’ in a concealed way. Consequently, expressions such as ‘danger,’ ‘threat,’ ‘anger,’ and ‘hatred’ are also parts of antagonism representing a universal and unarticulated problem that harmfully affects people.
Risk Transfer for Multilateral Development Banks: Obstacles and Potential
Authors: Galizia Federico , Perraudin William , Powell Andrew , Turner Timothy
Published: November 2021

Long-term development finance provided by Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) is key to advancing the United Nations 2015 Sustainable Development Goals. However, MDBs are constrained in their lending by the availability of capital. This paper argues that Risk Transfer, as a complement to equity injections, could permit higher MDB lending by attracting a broader class of investors. We describe selected examples of actual Risk Transfer transactions and provide estimates of the potential expansion in lending these techniques could yield. But we also identify obstacles that limit investors willingness and ability to participate in these transactions. Therefore, we recommend an agenda for international policymakers to open the way for the wider use of Risk Transfer. Still, we recognize this will be a gradual process which cannot substitute for MDB expansion through additional ordinary capital resources.
métricas alternativas
Authors: González Bríñez Mario Hernán
Published: November 2021

Gracias al desarrollo acelerado en las últimas décadas de las redes sociales y de la Web 2.0, los sistemas tradicionales de medición de la producción científica comenzaron a observar cómo emergían otras formas de divulgación y medición de impacto.
Michel Foucault: escuela, sexualidad y procesos de subjetivación
Authors: Traslaviña Katherine , Macías Gabriel
Published: November 2021

De acuerdo con Foucault, los procesos de subjetivación se enmarcan en formaciones históricas. A cada formación histórica corresponden verdades catalogadas como legítimas y tecnologías de poder, que en conjunción son capaces de dirigir conductas y producir determinado tipo de sujeto. Actualmente la escuela es una institución en la que convergen tecnologías de poder (como la disciplina y la biopolítica) y saberes concebidos como verdaderos (por ejemplo, la sexualidad), que propician procesos de subjetivación. La disciplina tendrá como blanco de poder al cuerpo en tanto individuo, y la biopolítica se encargará del conjunto de cuerpos: la población. En este artículo analizaremos las formas en las que la escuela, como institución disciplinaria y de control, orienta las prácticas de los individuos mediante el saber de la sexualidad, para que devengan en sujetos sexualizados capaces de autorregularse, con la finalidad de defender un conjunto: la sociedad.
AS PRÁTICAS AVALIATIVAS NA FORMAÇÃO INICIAL: O QUE DIZEM OS RELATÓRIOS DE ESTÁGIO?
Authors: Costa Joyce Ramos , Frossard Matheus Lima , Barcelos Marciel
Published: November 2021

O artigo tem como objetivo compreender quais as práticas avaliativas estão em circulação no estágio supervisionado em educação física da Universidade Federal do Tocantins. Assume o método documental e as fontes são constituídas dos relatórios de estágio supervisionado em educação física produzidos de 2015-2019. Organiza suas fontes por meio do software iramuteq. Discute as fontes em duas categorias: as práticas avaliativas mobilizadas no estágio supervisionado, que evidencia quais práticas avaliativas foram mobilizadas e avaliação no ensino fundamental e no ensino médio: o que dizem os relatórios? Que amplia a compreensão sobre as preocupações no processo de avaliação do ensino-aprendizagem. Conclui que há necessidade de fomentar um movimento inventivo na realização das práticas avaliativas com o intuito de qualificar a atuação docente, especialmente considerando a singularidade da educação física escolar.
OBJETIVOS DO DESENVOLVIMENTO SUSTENTÁVEL (ODS-11) E O DIREITO À CIDADE
Authors: Bazzoli João Aparecido , Silva Érica Nascimento da
Published: November 2021

Em setembro de 2015, chefes de Estado, de Governo e altos representantes da Organização das Nações Unidas reuniram-se em Nova York e adotaram a Agenda 2030 para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Esta Agenda é um plano de ação global que objetiva alcançar os 17 Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS) e tem como lema ''não deixar ninguém para trás''. Para que estes objetivos (ODS) sejam efetivamente alcançados se vislumbra haver necessidade da sua territorialização a partir do contexto global, adaptando-os para às condições nacionais e subnacionais. Este trabalho objetivou analisar qualitativamente as ações locais de aceleração dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, que foram realizadas em 2019 pelo Programa de Pós-graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional (PPGDR) da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), decorrentes de atividades extensionistas transcorridas em Palmas-TO. A metodologia qualitativa aplicada ao estudo partiu do acompanhamento das atividades realizadas pelo Programa, da análise de registros acadêmicos e das produções acadêmicas resultantes destas atividades. Concluiu-se com este estudo que para fortalecer e fomentar este tema inter-relacionando-o aos debates acerca do Direito à Cidade, serão necessários a integração destas ações locais acadêmicas com as políticas institucionais (Projetos políticos pedagógicos) e o estabelecimento de parcerias externas, além de maior divulgação do trabalho para a sociedade.
Detrimental Effect of Ozone on Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Rangel Karyne , Cabral Felipe O , Lechuga Guilherme Curty , Carvalho João P.R.S. , Villas-Bôas Maria H.S. , Midlej Victor , De-Simone Salvatore Giovanni
Published: November 2021

(1) Background: Disinfection of medical devices designed for clinical use associated or not with the growing area of tissue engineering is an urgent need. However, traditional disinfection methods are not always suitable for some biomaterials, especially those sensitive to chemical, thermal, or radiation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the minimal concentration of ozone gas (O3) necessary to control and kill a set of sensitive or multi-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The cell viability, membrane permeability, and the levels of reactive intracellular oxygen (ROS) species were also investigated; (2) Material and Methods: Four standard strains and a clinical MDR strain were exposed to low doses of ozone at different concentrations and times. Bacterial inactivation (cultivability, membrane damage) was investigated using colony counts, resazurin as a metabolic indicator, and propidium iodide (PI). A fluorescent probe (H2DCFDA) was used for the ROS analyses; (3) Results: No reduction in the count colony was detected after O3 exposure, compared to the control group. However, the cell viability of E. coli (30%), P. aeruginosa (25%), and A. baumannii (15%) was reduced considerably. The bacterial membrane of all strains was not affected by O3 but presented a significant increase of ROS in E. coli (90 ± 14%), P. aeruginosa (62.5 ± 19%), and A. baumanni (52.6 ± 5%); (4) Conclusion: Low doses of ozone were able to interfere in the cell viability of most strains studied, and although it does not cause damage to the bacterial membrane, increased levels of reactive ROS are responsible for causing a detrimental effect in the lipids, proteins, and DNA metabolism.
Investigation of Copper, Zinc and Strontium Doping on Electrochemical Properties of Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes for In Vitro Neural Recording
Authors: Khudhair Dhurgham , Gaburro Julie , Hamedani Hoda Amani , Barlow Anders , Garmestai Hamid , Bhatti Asim
Published: November 2021

Direct interaction with the neuronal cells is a prerequisite to deciphering useful information in understanding the underlying causes of diseases and functional abnormalities in the brain. Precisely fabricated nanoelectrodes provide the capability to interact with the brain in its natural habitat without compromising its functional integrity. Considerable research has been focused on the employment of vertical nanotubes as nanoelectrodes due to large-scale intracellular recording capability and longer-term intracellular access that arise from their unique geometry. Despite many types of nanotube structures reported in the literature, a limited subset of the nanotubes has been investigated for neural interfacing. This work reports on the fabrication and optimisation of vertically oriented titania nanotube arrays as a scalable electrode platform for neural interface application. To this end, the doping was performed by incorporating a selected group of biologically active metallic ions, including zinc, strontium, and copper, into TiO2 lattice and its effect was studied with respect to the structural, electrochemical and biological properties of the nanotube arrays. It was found that doping can change the length, diameter and wall thickness of the nanotubes. Among pure and doped samples, the copper-doped TiO2 nanotubes demonstrated the highest electrochemical and biological performance. Our results suggest that the doping can be used as a promising method to optimise the properties of nanotube arrays for the development of high-performance neural electrodes.
Environmental Management Zoning of Coal-Fired Power Plants in China in the Context of Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Qiu Wen , Zhao Mingxuan , Lv Lianhong , Luo Hong
Published: November 2021

The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions directly or indirectly generated by thermal power enterprises at any given time can be offset through afforestation, energy conservation and emission reduction. The present situation and control methods of CO2 emission in China's coal-fired thermal power industry are introduced. The complex ecosystem is a unity of ecological functions composed of human society, economic activities and natural conditions. In the context of carbon neutrality and based on the theory of composite ecosystem, this paper divides the coal-fired thermal power plants in China into environmental management zones, calculates the atmospheric environmental capacity, and puts forward the concept of regional atmospheric environmental capacity, classification and zoning control. Finally, the management and control units are classified, and differentiated management and control requirements are put forward to provide a reference for regional air quality standard planning.
Microbes in the Datura Rootzone Contribute to an Antioxidant Support System of Flavonoids and Other Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Senn Savanah , Pangell Kelly , Bowerman Adrianna L.
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the roles that microbes may be playing in the rootzone of the medicinal plant Datura inoxia. We hypothesized that rhizospheric and endophytic microbes would be found that were capable of performing the same secondary metabolic functions of the plant rootzone they inhabited. We also hypothesized that the microbial functions would be co-operative with and supportive to plant secondary metabolite production, for example, by providing precursors to important plant bioactive molecules. The methods employed were mi-crobial barcoding, tests of essential oils against antibiotic resistant bacteria and other soil bacterial isolates, 16S Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) metabarcoding, and Whole Genome Shotgun (WGS) taxonomic and functional. A few of the main bacterial genera of interest that were dis-covered in the Datura root microbiome were Flavobacterium, Chitinophaga, Pseudomonas, Strepto-myces, Rhizobium, and Bacillus. In the context of known interactions, and current results, plants and microbes influence the flavonoid biosynthetic pathways of one other, in terms of the regulation of the phenylpropanoid pathway. This is important because these compounds are phyto-protective antioxidants and are precursors to many aromatic bioactive compounds that are relevant to human health. There was strong evidence to support the notion that synergistic production of plant de-rived secondary metabolites by microbes occurred, as well as the ability for the compounds to enter plant cells. There are possible biopharmaceutical and agricultural applications of the natural interplay that was discovered during this study of the Datura inoxia rhizosphere.
Spatiotemporal Trends of Bora Bora’s Shoreline Classification and Movement Using High Resolution Imagery From 1955 to 2019
Authors: Gairin Emma , Collin Antoine , James Dorothée , Maueau Tehani , Roncin Yoann , Lefort Lucas , Dolique Franck , Jeanson Matthieu , Lecchini David
Published: November 2021

Coastal urbanisation is a widespread phenomenon throughout the world and is often linked to increased erosion. Small Pacific islands are not spared from this issue, which is of great importance in the context of climate change. The French Polynesian island of Bora Bora was used as a case study to investigate the historical evolution of its coastline classification and position from 1955 to 2019. A time series of very-high-resolution aerial imagery was processed to highlight the changes of the island’s coastline. The overall length of natural shores, including beaches, decreased by 46% from 1955 to 2019 while man-made shores such as seawalls increased by 476%, and as of 2019 represented 61% of the coastline. This evolution alters sedimentary processes: the time series of aerial images highlights increased erosion in the vicinity of seawalls and embankments, leading to the incremental need to construct additional walls. In addition, the gradual removal of natural shoreline types modifies landscapes and may negatively impact marine biodiversity. Through documenting coastal changes on Bora Bora through time, this study highlights the impacts of man-made structures on erosional processes and underscores the need for sustainable coastal management plans in French Polynesia.
Clustering Application for Condition-based Maintenance in Time-varying Processes: A Review
Authors: Quatrini Elena , Colabianchi Silvia , Costantino Francesco , Tronci Massimo
Published: November 2021

In the field of industrial process monitoring, more and more interest is being shown in specific process categories. These include time-varying processes, that is, those processes whereby the response one receives as output from the system depends on when the input signal is sent into it. There are many reasons for this process variability and such contexts are not always analyzed with this operational characteristic at their core. At the same time, interest in certain categories of techniques is also becoming more prominent, to meet certain application needs. Among these, clustering and unsupervised techniques in general are gaining ground. This is largely due to the difficulty of finding fault data with which to train, for example, supervised models. On the other hand, the clustering technique, on which this contribution focuses, also makes it possible to compensate for the lack of complete knowledge of the structure of the process itself. With these two considerations in mind, this contribution proposes a literature review on the topic of clustering applied in time-varying contexts, in the maintenance field. The aim is to present an overview of the main fields of study, the role of clustering in this context and the main clustering techniques used.
Special Issue on Advanced Precision Engineering for Digital Transformation
Authors: Yamamura Kazuya , Shirase Keiichi
Published: November 2021

“The digital transformation can be understood as the changes that the digital technology causes or influences in all aspects of human life” (definition by Prof. Erik Stolterman). In order to manufacture high value-added products and create a sustainable society, the digital transformation, based on advanced precision engineering, will be an urgent task within manufacturing systems.

This special issue consists of eight excellent research papers that focus on advanced precision engineering in manufacturing systems. All research papers were presented at the 18th International Conference on Precision Engineering (ICPE2020). The ICPE2020 covered various topics, including digital design, CAD/CAM technology, traditional cutting/grinding, non-traditional additive manufacturing, machine tools, measurement, robotics, control, and others. Held during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a virtual conference that saw 189 papers presented in the oral session and 38 papers presented in poster session. The COVID-19 pandemic demands the innovation of current manufacturing systems with new concepts and methodologies, and the editors hope that the research papers in this special issue give us valuable information for the digital transformation of manufacturing systems.

All papers were refereed through careful peer reviews. The editors deeply appreciate the efforts and excellent work of all the authors and anonymous reviewers in realizing this special issue. Finally, we hope that future research on precision engineering in manufacturing will further contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of our global society.
Optimization of Cutting Tool Allocation to Enhance Workload Balance and Total Completion Time in Parallel-Type FMS
Authors: Shimada Takumi ,   Setsunan University 17-8 Ikeda-naka-machi, Neyagawa, Osaka 572-8508, Japan, Suwa Haruhiko ,   Corresponding auhor,
Published: November 2021

This study aims to build a machine scheduling method that involves the cutting tool management in parallel-type flexible manufacturing systems. These systems consist of multi-axis CNC machine tools and are equipped with an automated tool changer and a large-capacity tool magazine. The target scheduling problem could be described as a multi-objective parallel scheduling problem. We consider the availability of cutting tools stored in the magazine as so-called “machine eligibility,” and propose a two-phase scheduling method for tool allocation and job sequencing on machines to minimize the workload balance between machines and the total completion time. Two mathematical models for tool allocation are provided: a machine-eligibility-based model and an enhanced version of the model that considers each cutting tool. A series of computational experiments demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method. We also clarify the relationship between schedule performance measures and job routing flexibility in the system.
Reversing Behavior of Planetary Gear Train Influenced by Support Stiffness of Driving Shaft
Authors: Hamada Seiya , Otokodani Kazutoshi , Nakagawa Masao , Hirogaki Toshiki , Aoyama Eiichi ,   Doshisha University 1-3 Tataramiyakodani, Kyotanabe-shi, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan,   National Traffic Safety and Environment Laboratory, Tokyo, Japan
Published: November 2021

Planetary gear trains (PGTs) are widely used in many machines and are one of the most important mechanisms in hybrid and electric vehicles. Previous research, based on empirical knowledge gained from the automobile industry, indicates that high carrier-support stiffness and low ring-gear support stiffness are required to reduce ring-gear errors. Therefore, here, we evaluate the vibration characteristics of a PGT as a function of the support stiffness, which is varied by inserting urethane rubber into the driving shaft. We conducted experiments using a 2K-HV-type tester, which contains a coaxially rotating and revolving planet gear shaft based on a universal joint. This mechanism allows the observation of the inner workings of the mechanism with the use of a transparent acrylic carrier. We were able to detect the so-called “bounce” phenomenon consisting of a swaying motion when the rotation of the ring gear is reversed, and this result was confirmed by our internal observations of the mechanism. It is evident that the index of vibration increases due to the bounce phenomenon because the reversal of the ring gear causes a larger vibration than that of the carrier because the ring gear can vibrate without restraint, unlike the planet gear that is sandwiched between the sun and ring gears. Furthermore, the influence of the radial support stiffness of the driving shaft, load torque to the output shaft, and acceleration time of the reversing gear on the “bounce” phenomenon were evaluated. We found that a larger load torque corresponds to a greater difference depending on the acceleration conditions of the sun gear. During reversal, at the moment when the rotation speed is zero and rotation recommences, the ring gear exerts the maximum force, and the larger is the load torque, the greater is the effect of the difference in acceleration.
99mTc labeled genistein kits: development methods and quality control for breast cancer radiotracer applications
Authors: Ramdhani Danni , Sriy Maula Eka , W Eva Maria , Listiani Nita , Mustarichie Resmi , Watabe Hiroshi
Published: November 2021

Objective.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have been widely used to treat breast cancer, osteoporosis, and postmenopausal symptoms. SERMs have an affinity for estrogen receptors (ER) in target tissues and resist stimulation of the breast, bone, and endometrium. Genistein as an isoflavone compound that has a high affinity for ERβ targets makes it a potential target or prognostic marker for breast cancer. This study was carried out to develop 99mTc-genistein kit that can be used to detect breast cancer.
Methods.

The synthesis process and quality control were investigated to obtain the optimal formula for the ratio of a substance, reducing agent, optimal conditions of the synthesis reaction, physicochemical properties of the kit, and its stability to meet the requirements of radiochemical purity.
Results.

The radiochemical purity in the development of the radiopharmaceutical kit was 93.25% ± 0.30%. The physicochemical properties of the kit preparations showed hydrophilic properties, good plasma protein binding, no electrical charge, and were stable at storage temperatures.
Conclusions.

The radiochemical purity of the radiopharmaceutical kits meets the requirements of the United State Pharmacopeia and has good physicochemical properties to be developed into kits.
Brucein D augments the chemosensitivity of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer via inhibiting the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Zhang Juan , Xu Hong-Xi , Cho William Chi Shing , Cheuk Wah , Li Yang , Huang Qiong-Hui , Yang Wen , Xian Yan-fang , Lin Zhi-Xiu
Published: November 2021

Background
Gemcitabine (GEM) is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma carcinoma (PDAC), but chemoresistance is often encountered clinically. Nrf2, an oxidative stress responsive transcription factor, is an important contributor to chemoresistance and is closely associated with poor prognosis of PDAC. Brucein D (BD), a natural compound has been reported to exert anti-tumor effect in several cancers including PDAC. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of the BD and Nrf2 axes on the chemosensitivity of GEM and attempted to elucidate its underlying mechanism.
Methods
Clinical study and GEPIA database analysis was first conducted to identify the expression of Nrf2 in PDAC. We then established cell lines with stable deletion of Nrf2 through lentivirus transfecting into PDAC cells. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to measure the expression of Nrf2. The effects of BD and Nrf2 axes on PDAC cell proliferation, colony-formation, tumor growth and chemosensitivity were determined both in vitro and in vivo. Orthotopic xenograft and genetically engineered KPC mouse models of PDAC were used to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of BD and GEM.
Results
Nrf2 was highly expressed in PDAC from clinical study and GEPIA analysis. Gain-and lost-function study demonstrated that Nrf2 aggravated the chemosensitivity of GEM of PDAC cells both in vitro and in vivo. We further found that BD efficiently inhibited PDAC cells proliferation and enhanced the chemosensitivity of GEM. Mechanistic studies revealed that BD sensitized the GEM in PDAC cells through the ubiquitin-proteasome-dependent degradation of Nrf2, and then downregulate the Nrf2 pathway. Silencing of Nrf2 plus BD resulted in a better inhibitory effect of GEM. In contrast, Nrf2 activation aggravated the chemosensitivity of GEM, indicating that the action of BD was Nrf2 dependent. Furthermore, the efficacy of BD alone and in combination with GEM was validated on both orthotopic xenograft and genetically engineered KPC mouse models.
Conclusions
BD was proven to enhance the chemosensitivity of GEM in PDAC through inhibition of the Nrf2 pathway. Our experimental findings indicate that BD, a potent Nrf2 inhibitor, holds promise for further development into a novel adjuvant therapy for PDAC.
Detrimental Health Relationship Between Blood Cadmium and the Red Blood Cell Folate Level
Authors: Wang Bo-kai , Chen Wei-Liang
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims: Increasing studies have demonstrated the association between heavy metal pollution and micronutrients, especially folate. However, the relationship between cadmium and folate remains rarely discussed. In this study, we aim to explore the potential correlation between cadmium and folate in human population, and highlight the possible mechanism of cadmium impacting on human health.Method and Results: We utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES) 2017-2018 data with 5690 participants in this study. Multivariable linear regression models were adopted to investigate the serum cadmium levels and RBC folate concentration. Gender differences in this correlation was also explored. A significant reverse relationship was found between serum cad-mium and RBC folate, either in male or female.Conclusions: A negative relationship between serum cadmium levels and levels of RBC folate either in male or female group in the U.S adult population was found in this study. Nevertheless, due to the general limitations of the NHANES data, as a cross-sectional study, further prospective investigation is needed to discover the causality of cadmium in folate status, and to determine whether or not the folate supplement have a beneficial influence against heavy metal toxicities.
Inhibition of Immunoglobulin E Attenuates Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Ting Shu , Ying Liu , Yitian Zhou , Zhou Zhou , Peiran Yang , Jinqiu Li , Yanjiang Xing , Xiaomin Song , Bolun Li , Junling Pang , Xin Ning , Xianmei Qi , Changming Xiong , Hang Yang , Qianlong Chen , Jingyu Chen , Ying Yu , Jing Wang , Chen Wang
Published: November 2021

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe cardiopulmonary disease characterized by pathological vascular remodeling in the lung. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is known to participate in aortic vascular remodeling, but whether IgE mediates pulmonary vascular remodeling in PH is unknown. Here, we found serum IgE elevation in PAH patients, hypoxia-induced PH mice and monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH rats. Combining animal model of PH with single-cell RNA sequencing, we found IgE production in the lung tissues of PH mice. Neutralizing IgE with an anti-IgE antibody was effective in preventing PH development in mice and rat models. The IgE receptor FcεRIα was also upregulated in PH lung tissues and Fcer1a deficiency prevented the development of PH in mice. Single-cell RNA-seq revealed that FcεRIα was mostly expressed in mast cells, and mast cell-specific Fcer1a knockout protected against PH in mice. Further mechanistic experiments revealed that IgE-activated mast cells produced interleukins IL6 and IL13, which subsequently promoted vascular muscularization. Clinically approved IgE antibody Omalizumab alleviated the progression of established PH in rats. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we have demonstrated that blocking IgE- FcεRIα signaling may hold potential for the treatment of PAH.
The Impact of Meaning in Life and Reasons for Living on Suicidal Behaviour in Young Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Flynn Evan
Published: November 2021

A systematic review is presented which aims to synthesise relevant literature focused on the influence of Meaning in Life (MiL) and Reasons for Living (RFL) on Suicidal Behaviour (SB) in young adults. Twelve papers of suitable quality were sourced through a rigorous search strategy and a narrative synthesis was performed. This revealed that RFL and MiL act as protective factors against SB in young adults. Additional findings revealed a cultural universality of the protective aspect of MiL/RFL on SB, as well as further insights into the sub-components of life meaning- Search for Meaning in Life and Presence of Meaning in Life. The associated risk factors of SB- Hopelessness, Life Regard and Mental Pain, are also discussed in relation to MiL and RFL. This study paves the way for further research on the same topic and draws attention to something that is frequently neglected in the psychiatric community- consideration of the transcendental aspects of human nature.
Workforce problems at rural public health-centres in India: A WISN retrospective analysis and national-level modelling study
Authors: Nair Aatmika , Jawale Yash , Dubey Sweta R , Dharmadhikari Surabhi , Zadey Siddhesh
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND
Rural India has a severe shortage of human resources for health (HRH). The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) deploys HRH in the rural public health system to tackle shortages. Sanctioning under NRHM does not account for workload resulting in inadequate and inequitable HRH allocation. The Workforce Indicators of Staffing Needs (WISN) approach can identify shortages and inform appropriate sanctioning norms. India currently lacks nationally-relevant WISN estimates. We used existing data and modelling techniques to synthesize such estimates.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective analysis of existing survey data for 93 facilities from 5 states over 8 years to create WISN calculations for HRH cadres at primary and community health centres (PHCs and CHCs) in rural areas. We modelled nationally-representative average WISN-based requirements for specialist doctors at CHCs, general doctors and nurses at PHCs and CHCs. For 2019, we calculated national and state-level overall and per-centre WISN differences and ratios to depict shortage and workload pressure. We checked correlations between WISN ratios for cadres at a given centre-type to assess joint workload pressure. We evaluated the gaps between WISN-based requirements and sanctioned posts to investigate suboptimal sanctioning through concordance analysis and difference comparisons.
RESULTS
In 2019, at the national-level, WISN differences depicted workforce shortages for all considered HRH cadres. WISN ratios showed that nurses at PHCs and CHCs, and all specialist doctors at CHCs had very high workload pressure. States with more workload on PHC-doctors also had more workload on PHC-nurses depicting an augmenting or compounding effect on workload pressure across cadres. A similar result was seen for CHC-specialist pairs - physicians and surgeons, physicians and paediatricians, and paediatricians and obstetricians-gynaecologists. We found poor concordance between current sanctioning norms and WISN-based requirements with all cadres facing under-sanctioning. We also present across-state variations in workforce problems, workload pressure and sanctioning problems.
CONCLUSION
We demonstrate the use of WISN calculations based on available data and modelling techniques for national-level estimation. Our findings suggest prioritising nurses and specialists in the rural public health system and updating the existing sanctioning norms based on workload assessments. Workload-based rural HRH deployment can ensure adequate availability and optimal distribution.
Early Disruption of Synaptic Function, Impairment of Plasticity, and Decreased of Cortical Circuit Connectivity in an Alzheimer’S Mouse Model of Amyloid Deposition
Authors: Chen Chang , Wei Jing , Ma Xiaokuang , Zhang Le , Nehme Antoine , Cui Yuehua , Ferguson Deveroux , Qiu Shenfeng , Bai Feng
Published: November 2021

Mutations in genes encoding amyloid precursor proteins and presenilins lead to increased β-amyloid (Aβ) production and cause familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder often associates with aging and features synapse loss and impaired synaptic plasticity. Aβ deposition is a pathological hallmark of AD. It is currently unknown whether and how AD risk alleles affects development of brain circuit function, and whether subtle synaptic pathology occurs prior to overt Aβ deposition. Transgenic mutated APP/PS1 over-expression mice lines are key tools to study molecular mechanisms of AD pathogenesis. Among these mice lines, the 5XFAD mice rapidly recapitulate key features of AD pathology, and have proven utility in studying amyloid plaque formation and Aβ-induced neurodegeneration. We reason that transgenic mutant APP/PS1 over-expression may lead to neurodevelopmental defects in early cortical neurons as a result of continuous APP/Aβ expression from early life. We first explored age-dependent plasticity changes in prefrontal cortical circuits in the 5XFAD mice, and found that at an early age (6-8 wks old) that does not produce overt impairment of hippocampus LTP, layer (L) 5 neuron circuit plasticity, measured by long term potentiation (LTP), is impaired. In addition, L5 neurons, which are reportedly vulnerable cortical neuron populations, show reduced mEPSC amplitude and frequency in early postweaning ages, indicating impaired synaptic transmission as a result of transgenic APP/Aβ overloading during early postnatal development. These functional changes were corroborated by the morphological findings of smaller, sparser dendritic spines on L5 pyramidal neurons, indicative of impaired prefrontal circuit function. Lastly, laser scanning photostimulation (LSPS) combined with glutamate uncaging revealed that L2/3 > L5 cortical connectivity was decreased at this early age. Our results suggest 5XFAD transgenic mutant APP/PS1 over expression causes developmental defects of cortical circuits, which could contribute to the age-dependent synaptic pathology and neurodegeneration later in life.
MAOS - Oxygen Minimum Amount Calculation Software for Thermodynamics Processes
Authors: B Popovici
Published: November 2021

The present paper aims to exhibit a dedicated software tool (MAOS) which determine the amount of fresh air introduced into each cylinder for 2 and 4-stroke naval engines, taking into account the current "Fuel-Efficient and Non-Polluting Engines" trends. The quantity of air, known as ‘fresh load’, determines the quality of the fuel’s oil oxidation processes and the heat transfer inside the piston’s head. Thus, in order to maintaining the oxidation process, the software determine the active component in the fresh load, represented by the oxygen and the excess of air, known as alpha. The software comes to the attention of young naval engineers as a validating current computing techniques precursor, using existing theoretical methods.
Selecting the elastic coupling and lubrification system to a single speed reducer to a mathcad computerassisted
Authors: Mihaela Turof
Published: November 2021

The Mathcad interface allows users to combine a variety of different elements (math, descriptive text, and support images) in the form of a natural-readable worksheet. Since mathematics is essential for the program, mathematics is inherently alive, dynamically recalculating, as upstream values change. This allows easy manipulation of input variables, hypotheses and expressions, which in turn are updated in real time. The following example serves to highlight Mathcad's capabilities rather than to provide specific details about the functionality of the individual product. This paper aims to make selection of the elastic coupling and lubrification system for the design of a single stage speed reducer using MathCad program.