bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Evaluation of Statistical and Fractal Approaches for JRC Calculation Based on a Large Dataset of Natural Rock Traces
Authors: Marsch Kristofer , Fernandez-Steeger Tomas M.
Published: February 2021

After the publication of the type-profiles for the estimation of the joint roughness coefficient (JRC) a discussion evolved about how to adequately use these traces. Based on the chart numerous researchers assembled mathematical correlations with various parameters seeking objectivity in the determination of JRC. Within these works differences concerning the database and the mathematical implementations exist. Consequently, each correlation, although predominantly the same parameters are used, leads to different JRC values. In theory, for any arbitrary profile, irrespective of the particular calculation approach, the same JRC should result. This is a requisite because of the referencing of all correlations to the 10 type-profiles. However, it is shown in this study that in most cases equal or even satisfactorily similar results are not obtained. The discrepancies are vast when non-standard profiles are evaluated, in this case, more than 40,000 traces from six different rock surfaces that cover a broad range of roughness categories. The simple intuitive parameterZ2served as an agent for the statistical methods because of its broad use and consequently good comparability. On the part of the fractal approaches, three definitions were used. However, JRC inferred from fractal correlations are very much dependent on the particular calculation routine. In fact, the theory of fractals is overly complex for the sparse and low-resolution type-profiles. In summary, fractal approaches do not produce safer or more reliable estimates of roughness compared to simple statistical means and usingZ2perfectly suffices to determine the class of JRC.
Fluorescence intensities of composite resins on photo images
Authors: Brokos Ioannis , Stavridakis Minos , Lagouvardos Panos , Krejci Ivo
Published: February 2021

Recording fluorescence using flash photography, may help reduce time of capture and apply effectively in clinical practice. To test methods for visualizing composite resins fluorescence by direct digital photography. Sixty-four specimen discs (1.5 × 10 mm) were prepared from 8 different composite resin brands. Their CIELAB color coordinates (L*, a*, b*) and fluorescence were measured using a portable colorimeter and a fluorescence spectrophotometer. The mean of three measurements was recorded and then specimens were photographed by a DSLR camera with two different filters (365 nm and 405 nm) mounted on a commercial macro flash. RGB values of all specimens on the photographs were measured by using Photoshop software and converted to CIELab. Data were then analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s multiple comparisons tests. Correlation and regression analyses were also used to relate fluorescence and color parameters on the photographs at α = 0.05. Fluorescence and color data indicated significant differences among the materials (p < 0.05). L* a* and b* color coordinates from both photographs were highly correlated to fluorescence intensities found by the reference method (r365 − 0.95, r405 − 0.94), while regression analysis indicated a strong linear relationship (R2365 − 0.88, R2405 − 0.89). The study showed that filtered flash photography either by the use of a 365 nm or a 405 nm band pass filter can directly visualize fluorescence of composite resin materials and differences in fluorescence between them.
Null and Void? Errors in Meta-analysis on Perceptual Disfluency and Recommendations to Improve Meta-analytical Reproducibility
Authors: Weissgerber Sophia C. , Brunmair Matthias , Rummer Ralf
Published: February 2021

In the 2018 meta-analysis of Educational Psychology Review entitled “Null effects of perceptual disfluency on learning outcomes in a text-based educational context” by Xie, Zhou, and Liu, we identify some errors and inconsistencies in both the methodological approach and the reported results regarding coding and effect sizes. While from a technical point of view the meta-analysis aligns with current meta-analytical guidelines (e.g., PRISMA) and conforms to general meta-analytical requirements (e.g., considering publication bias), it exemplifies certain insufficient practices in the creation and review of meta-analysis. We criticize the lack of transparency and negligence of open-science practices in the generation and reporting of results, which complicate evaluation of the meta-analytical reproducibility, especially given the flexibility in subjective choices regarding the analytical approach and the flexibility in creating the database. Here we present a framework applicable to pre- and post-publication review on improving the Methods Reproducibility of meta-analysis. Based on considerations of the transparency and openness (TOP)-guidlines (Nosek et al. Science 348: 1422–1425, 2015), the Reproducibility Enhancement Principles (REP; Stodden et al. Science 354:1240–1241, 2016), and recommendations by Lakens et al. (BMC Psychology 4: Article 24, 2016), we outline Computational Reproducibility (Level 1), Computational Verification (Level 2), Analysis Reproducibility (Level 3), and Outcome Reproducibility (Level 4). Applying reproducibility checks to TRANSFER performance as the chosen outcome variable, we found Xie’s and colleagues’ results to be (rather) robust. Yet, regarding RECALL performance and the moderator analysis, the identified problems raise doubts about the credibility of the reported results.
Effects of high-altitude reservoirs on the structure and function of lotic ecosystems: a case study in Italy
Authors: Petruzziello Antonio , Bonacina Luca , Marazzi Francesca , Zaupa Silvia , Mezzanotte Valeria , Fornaroli Riccardo
Published: February 2021

Alpine and pre-alpine lotic ecosystems are often remote and not affected by humans, which makes them some of the world’s most pristine ecosystems. However, their status is often altered by the presence of reservoirs that are built to fulfill agricultural needs and hydroelectric demands. These reservoirs also disrupt stream continuity and alter the magnitude, timing, and frequency of natural flows. The present work assessed how high-altitude reservoirs affect the riverine ecosystems focusing on the following: (i) the macroinvertebrate communities, (ii) the breakdown of organic matter, and (iii) the thermal regime. Stretches altered by high-altitude reservoirs had the best conditions for most macroinvertebrate families due to a more stable flow conditions. The breakdown rate of coarse particulate organic matter was not affected by high-altitude reservoirs but its availability was higher in altered compared to pristine stretches. The presence of hydroelectric power plants modified the stream thermal regime. Reservoirs mitigate the atmospheric influence on stream water temperature while run of the river plants strengthen it in the diverted stretches. Where both these alterations were present, the thermal regime of the stream was more similar to the natural ones compared to stretches subjected to only one kind of alteration. This research showed how river impoundment alters the structure of macroinvertebrate communities and the function of the downstream lotic ecosystems and can provide the basis to correctly guide management strategies for lotic ecosystems affected by hydrological alterations.
Residential Context and Voting for the Far Right: The Impact of Immigration and Unemployment on the 2017 French Presidential Election
Authors: Vasilopoulos Pavlos , McAvay Haley , Brouard Sylvain
Published: February 2021

The assumption that increasing diversity and economic hardship boost support for the far right is widespread, yet extant research comes up with contradictory findings. This article investigates the link between context and the far right by investigating the impact of immigration and unemployment on voting for Marine Le Pen in the first round of the 2017 French Presidential election. We match a large individual-level survey with contextual variables constructed from the census describing voters’ residential environments. Unlike previous studies, we measure immigration and unemployment at the neighborhood level and the broader level of the department. Using a multilevel model, we find that voters in neighborhoods with high levels of immigration are less likely to vote for the far right. However, in departments, increased immigration and unemployment correlate with greater support for Le Pen. These findings suggest that contact theory and ethnic threat operate differently according to spatial scale.
Adverse childhood experiences and impact on quality of life in adulthood: development and validation of a short difficult childhood questionnaire in a large population-based health survey
Authors: Vederhus John-Kåre , Timko Christine , Haugland Siri Håvås
Published: February 2021

Purpose

A short adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) measure is needed with non-intrusive items that include subjective evaluations of childhood. We validated a short Difficult Childhood Questionnaire (DCQ) that assesses ACEs using personal perceptions of events.

Methods

The study relied on 2019 data from a representative survey (N = 28,047) in Norway. We examined the DCQ’s factor structure, internal consistency, and discriminant validity in a multi-group confirmatory factor analysis. As a group variable, we used whether the respondent had the ACE of parental alcohol use disorder (adult children of alcoholics; ACOA). To assess the DCQ’s convergent validity, we used latent regression analysis with adulthood quality of life (QoL) as the outcome and mental distress and loneliness as potential mediators.

Results

The DCQ’s latent mean was 0.86 (95% CI 0.82–0.90, p < 0.001) higher in the ACOA versus the non-ACOA group. The effect size suggested a large magnitude of this difference. The DCQ score was negatively associated with QoL and positively associated with mental distress and loneliness. For the score’s QoL effect [− 0.84 (95% CI − 0.87 to − 0.80, p < 0.001)], − 0.80 was indirect, and − 0.04 was direct. Thus, most of the association of DCQ with QoL occurred via mediators.

Conclusions

The results confirmed the DCQ’s discriminant and convergent validity and highlight this tool as an empirically supported approach to assess ACEs. Because of its brevity and psychometric strengths, the DCQ is useful for research and likely suited to mental health treatment settings.
Differences and Similarities in the Mechanisms and Clinical Expression of Bradykinin-Mediated vs. Mast Cell–Mediated Angioedema
Authors: Maurer Marcus , Magerl Markus
Published: February 2021

Angioedema (AE), transient localized swelling due to extravasated fluid, is commonly classified as mast cell mediator-induced, bradykinin-mediated or of unknown cause. AE often occurs more than once, and it is these recurrent forms of AE that are challenging for patients and physicians, and they are the ones we focus on and refer to as AE in this review. Since effective treatment depends on the causative mediator, reliable and early diagnosis is essential. Although their clinical presentations bear similarities, many forms of angioedema exhibit specific patterns of clinical appearance or disease history that may aid in diagnosis. Here, we describe the most common differences and similarities in the mechanisms and clinical features of bradykinin-mediated and mast cell mediator-induced types of angioedema. We first provide an overview of the diseases that manifest with mast cell mediator-induced versus bradykinin-mediated angioedema as well as their respective underlying pathogenesis. We then compare these diseases for key clinical features, including angioedema location, course and duration of swelling, attack frequency, prevalence and relevance of prodromal signs and symptoms, triggers of angioedema attacks, and other signs and symptoms including wheals, age of onset, and duration. Our review and comparison of the clinical profiles of different types of angioedema incorporate our own clinical experience as well as published information. Our aim is to highlight that mast cell mediator-induced and bradykinin-mediated angioedema types share common features but are different in many aspects. Knowledge of the differences in underlying pathomechanisms and clinical profiles between different types of angioedema can help with the diagnostic approach in affected patients and facilitate targeted and effective treatment.
Eco-evolutionary dynamics may show an irreversible regime shift, illustrated by salmonids facing climate change
Authors: Horita Junnosuke , Iwasa Yoh , Tachiki Yuuya
Published: February 2021

The enhanced or reduced growth of juvenile masu salmon (Oncorhynchus masou masou) may result from climate changes to their environment and thus impact on the eco-evolutionary dynamics of their life-history choices. Male juveniles with status, i.e., if their body size is larger than a threshold, stay in the stream and become resident males reproducing for multiple years, while those with smaller status, i.e., their body size is below the threshold, migrate to the ocean and return to the stream one year later to reproduce only once. Since juvenile growth is suppressed by the density of resident males, the fraction of resident males may stay in equilibrium or fluctuate wildly over a 2-year period. When the threshold value evolves, the convergence stable strategy may generate either an equilibrium or large fluctuations of male residents. If environmental changes occur faster than the rate of evolutionary adaptation, the eco-evolutionary dynamics exhibit a qualitative shift in the population dynamics. We also investigated the relative assessment models, in which individual life-history choices are made based on the individual’s relative status within the juvenile population. The eco-evolutionary dynamics are very different from the absolute assessment model, demonstrating the importance of understanding the mechanisms of life history choices when predicting the impacts of climate change.
Short tutorial. Treatment options in light chain amyloidosis and monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance
Authors: Krauth Maria T. , Agis Hermine
Published: February 2021

AL amyloidosis (AL) and monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) are both paraprotein-associated diseases. Both entities are based on a monoclonal paraprotein produced by a clonal plasma-cell population like in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or by a B-cell population like in low grade lymphoma. Per definition MGUS and low-grade lymphoma do not require treatment. But in rare cases the monoclonal M‑gradient acts as a “toxic” protein inducing severe multimodal organ damage as in AL and MGRS. Urgent treatment is indicated in AL and in MGRS to avoid irreparable loss of organ function or death. No treatment is currently approved in Europe for AL or MGRS. On January 15, 2021 the US Food and Drug Administration approved the monoclonal anti-CD38 antibody for treatment of AL. To minimize the serum M‑gradient concentration, a clone directed therapy as in multiple myeloma or B‑cell malignancies treatment regimens can be applied. In AL, an additional treatment option is under investigation. These special drugs are directed against the typical amyloid-fibrils responsible for deposition formation. An additional and important consideration in this special field of rare diseases is the option of organ transplantation in particular kidney transplantation in MGRS. All these treatment modalities are addressed in this article.
Association of Vitamin D Status with COVID-19 Infection and Mortality in the Asia Pacific region: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yadav Dharmveer , Birdi Amandeep , Tomo Sojit , Charan Jaykaran , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Sharma Praveen
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic by WHO on 11 March 2020. Still, very little is known about the potential protective dietary factors for the prevention of infection and mortality due to COVID-19. Keeping in view the scarcity of literature/studies available, in this regards present study was undertaken to assess if there is any correlation between mean levels of Vitamin D in various Asia Pacific countries with the infection and mortality caused by COVID-19. We collected data for mean levels of Vitamin D for 37 Asia Pacific countries for which we have also got the data regarding the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. The mean levels of Vitamin D were found to have a significant association with the number of cases/million(r =  − 0.394, p value = 0.016) and a weak association with the number of deaths/ million (r =  − 0.280, p value = 0.093) due to COVID-19. In conclusion, we found a significant relationship between Vitamin D levels with the number of COVID-19 cases. So further clinical trial/study with a large sample size is needed to elucidate the protective role of Vitamin D in COVID-19.
Load prediction of hingeless helicopter rotors including drivetrain dynamics
Authors: Weiss Felix , Kessler Christoph
Published: February 2021

In contrast to analyses with constrained hub speed, the present study includes the dynamic response of coupled rotor-drivetrain modes in the aeromechanic simulation of rotor blade loads. The structural model of the flexible Bo105 rotor-drivetrain system is coupled to aerodynamics modeled by an analytical formulation of unsteady blade element loads combined with a generalized dynamic wake or a free wake, respectively. For two flight states, i. e. cruise flight and large blade loading, a time-marching autopilot trim of the rotor-drivetrain system in wind tunnel configuration is performed. The simulation results are compared to those of a baseline case with constant rotor hub speed. The comparison reveals a major change in the blade passage frequency harmonics of the lead-lag loads. Beside the full drivetrain model, reduced models are shown to accurately represent the drivetrain influence on blade loads, if the eigenfrequency of the coupled second collective lead-lag/drivetrain mode is properly predicted. In a sensitivity analysis, this eigenfrequency is varied by stiffness modification of a reduced drivetrain model. The resulting changes in blade loads are correlated to this eigenfrequency, which serves as a simple though accurate classification of the drivetrain regarding its influence on vibratory blade loads. Finally, the potential to improve lead-lag load predictions by application of a drivetrain model is demonstrated through the comparison of simulated loads with measurements from a wind tunnel test.
Digoxin treatment reactivates in vivo radioactive iodide uptake and correlates with favorable clinical outcome in non‐medullary thyroid cancer
Authors: Crezee Thomas , Tesselaar Marika H. , Nagarajah James , Corver Willem E. , Morreau Johannes , Pritchard Catrin , Kimura Shioko , Kuiper Josephina G. , van Engen-van Grunsven Ilse , Smit Jan W. A. , Netea-Maier Romana T. , Plantinga Theo S.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Non-medullary thyroid cancer (NMTC) treatment is based on the ability of thyroid follicular cells to accumulate radioactive iodide (RAI). However, in a subset of NMTC patients tumor dedifferentiation occurs, leading to RAI resistance. Digoxin has been demonstrated to restore iodide uptake capacity in vitro in poorly differentiated and anaplastic NMTC cells, termed redifferentiation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vivo effects of digoxin in TPO-Cre/LSL-BrafV600E mice and digoxin-treated NMTC patients.

Methods

Mice with thyroid cancer were subjected to 3D ultrasound for monitoring tumor growth and 124I PET/CT for measurement of intratumoral iodide uptake. Post-mortem analyses on tumor tissues comprised gene expression profiling and measurement of intratumoral autophagy activity. Through PALGA (Dutch Pathology Registry), archived tumor material was obtained from 11 non-anaplastic NMTC patients who were using digoxin. Clinical characteristics and tumor material of these patients were compared to 11 matched control NMTC patients never treated with digoxin.

Results

We found that in mice, tumor growth was inhibited and 124I accumulation was sustainably increased after short-course digoxin treatment. Post-mortem analyses revealed that digoxin treatment increased autophagy activity and enhanced expression of thyroid-specific genes in mouse tumors compared to vehicle-treated mice. Digoxin-treated NMTC patients exhibited significantly higher autophagy activity and a higher differentiation status as compared to matched control NMTC patients, and were associated with favourable clinical outcome.

Conclusions

These in vivo data support the hypothesis that digoxin may represent a repositioned adjunctive treatment modality that suppresses tumor growth and improves RAI sensitivity in patients with RAI-refractory NMTC.
Hinokiflavone and Related C–O–C-Type Biflavonoids as Anti-cancer Compounds: Properties and Mechanism of Action
Authors: Goossens Jean-François , Goossens Laurence , Bailly Christian
Published: February 2021

Biflavonoids are divided in two classes: C–C type compounds represented by the dimeric compound amentoflavone and C–O–C-type compounds typified by hinokiflavone (HNK) with an ether linkage between the two connected apigenin units. This later sub-group of bisflavonyl ethers includes HNK, ochnaflavone, delicaflavone and a few other dimeric compounds, found in a variety of plants, notably Selaginella species. A comprehensive review of the anticancer properties and mechanism of action of HNK is provided, to highlight the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activities of HNK and derivatives, and HNK-containing plant extracts. The anticancer effects rely on the capacity of HNK to interfere with the ERK1-2/p38/NFκB signaling pathway and the regulation of the expression of the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 (with a potential direct binding to MMP-9). In addition, HNK was found to function as a potent modulator of pre-mRNA splicing, inhibiting the SUMO-specific protease SENP1. As such, HNK represents a rare SENP1 inhibitor of natural origin and a scaffold to design synthetic compounds. Oral formulations of HNK have been elaborated to enhance its solubility, to facilitate the compound delivery and to enhance its anticancer efficacy. The review shed light on the anticancer potential of C–O–C-type biflavonoids and specifically on the pharmacological profile of HNK. This compound deserves further attention as a regulator of pre-mRNA splicing, useful to treat cancers (in particular hepatocellular carcinoma) and other human pathologies.
Development of flexible textile aluminium-air battery prototype
Authors: Vališevskis Aleksandrs , Briedis Uģis , Carvalho Miguel , Ferreira Fernando
Published: February 2021

There is one component that virtually any embedded wearable needs—a power source. This paper proposes an energy source, which contains no harmful substances, can be stored in a stand-by dry state for indefinite time period, is flexible and has tactile characteristics similar to that of textile. The main feature of this energy source is the separation of the electrolyte and the electrodes—the electrolyte is applied only when the battery needs to be activated. This makes storage time in a dry state virtually infinite. It expands their potential use to storage solutions and healthcare/health monitoring solutions, because the design of the battery allows it to be used as an active sensor, which generates electric current, when it detects liquid. We stress that this solution is suitable for specific applications only, outlined in the paper. The main components of the battery include aluminium anode, air cathode and the cotton shell. The design includes only textile-based materials, which ensure greater flexibility and better fusion with textile materials, where the battery is intended to be integrated. Besides that, results of the experiments with multi-cell battery prototype are presented.
Functionalization of alumina particles to improve the performance of eco-friendly brake-pads
Authors: Chauhan Vanvirsinh , Bijwe Jayashree , Darpe Ashish
Published: February 2021

Abrasives, such as oxides of alumina (Al), silica (Si), zirconia (Zr), chromium (Cr) etc., are added to raise the friction level and also to remove the glaze on the disc so that surface will be rejuvenated continuously during braking and will contribute to maintain the desired friction level. However, these inorganic particles have less adhesion with the resin/binder and hence are easily dug out during wearing process contributing to higher wear. If efforts are made to enhance the filler-matrix adhesion, not only the wear of friction material (FM) should reduce, the particles may stay for a longer time on the tribo-surface of the pads to contribute fully towards controlling the coefficient of friction (μ). In the present study, alumina particles were selected for siloxane treatment to improve the filler-matrix adhesion. Two types of eco-friendly (free from asbestos and Cu) brake-pads were developed using alumina as a theme ingredient (treated and untreated) keeping all the parent formulation identical. An additional type of brake-pads without alumina particles was also developed to observe the effect of abrasive particles on the tribo-performance. The performance properties (physical, mechanical, and tribological) of brake-pads were compared when evaluated in identical conditions. The tribo-testing was done on full-scale brake inertia dynamometer following the procedure in Japanese automobile standard (JASO C 406). It was observed that siloxane treatment affected both friction and wear of brake-pads in a beneficial way. Wear resistance got increased 35% for siloxane treated pads. Worn surfaces were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) technique.
Intellectual heartbeats classification model for diagnosis of heart disease from ECG signal using hybrid convolutional neural network with GOA
Authors: Tyagi Ankita , Mehra Ritika
Published: February 2021

Automatic heart disease detection from human heartbeats is a challenging and intellectual assignment in signal processing because periodically monitoring of the heart beat arrhythmia for patient is an essential task to reduce the death rate due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this paper, the focus of research is to design hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture by making use of Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA) to classify different types of heart diseases from the ECG signal or human heartbeats. Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) as an artificial intelligence approach is widely used in computer vision-based medical data analysis. However, the traditional CNN cannot be used for classification of heart diseases from the ECG signal because lots of noise or irrelevant data is mixed with signal. So this study utilizes the pre-processing and selection of feature for proper heart diseases classification, where Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) is used for the noise reduction as well as segmentation of ECG signal and Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA) is used for selection of R-peaks features from the extracted feature sets in terms of R-peaks and R-R intervals that help to attain better classification accuracy. For training as well as testing of projected Heartbeats Classification Model (HCM), the Standard MIT-BIH arrhythmia database is utilized with hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture. The assortment of proper R-peaks and R-R intervals is a major factor and because of the deficiency of apposite pre-processing phases like noise removal, signal decomposition, smoothing and filtering, the uniqueness of extracted feature is less. The experimental outcomes show that the planned HCM is effective for detecting irregular human heartbeats via R-peaks and R-R intervals. When the proposed Heartbeats Classification Model (HCM) was verified on the database, model achieved higher efficiency than other state-of-the-art techniques for 16 heartbeat disease categories and the average classification accuracy is 99.58% with fast and robust responses where the correctly classified heartbeats are 86,005 and misclassified beats is only 108 with 0.42% error rate.
Preliminary study on crosswind aerodynamics for a group of road race cyclists
Authors: Kraemer Paul , Marro Massimo , Correia Horacio , Salizzoni Pietro
Published: February 2021

Under crosswind conditions, road cyclists experience an extra drag force and a destabilising lateral force. In these conditions a group of cyclists manages to reorganise its spatial formation to minimise these forces forming an echelon, i.e a diagonal single pace line of riders staggered across the road, a configuration which is markedly different from those adopted in wind-free conditions. To study the effect of the crosswind on drag and lateral forces on the riders we performed wind-tunnel experiments using a scale model cyclist and measuring the forces by means of a load cell. Several configurations with one, two, and four cyclists have been investigated varying yaw angles. Results show that, in a basic 4 rider configuration at a 50 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

yaw angle, a sheltered rider within the echelon experiences less than 30% of the drag of the guttered rider behind the echelon, struggling against the crosswind. Furthermore, we show that an echelon is worth being adopted under crosswind conditions only beyond a 30 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

yaw angle. At this critical 30 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

yaw angle the drag on the guttered rider doubles when the gap to the front group increases from 10 cm to 1 m (in real scale). These results can be of interest in defining road cycling race strategies and they allow some significant configurations to be identified and further investigated in more complex experiments.
Using seawater-based Na2CO3 medium for scrubbing the CO2 released from Bio-CNG plant for enhanced biomass production of Pseudanabaena limnetica
Authors: Rambhiya Sagar Jayant , Magar Chaitanya Sampat , Deodhar Manjushri Arun
Published: February 2021

The concentration of CO2, one of the most important greenhouse gases (GHG), has reached to 409.8 ± 0.1 ppm in 2019. Although there are many carbon capture and storage (CCS) methods, they are very costly and their long term use raises concern about environmental safety. Alternatively, bio-sequestration of CO2 using microalgal cell factories has emerged as a promising way of recycling CO2 into biomass via photosynthesis. In the present study, Indigenous algal strain Pseudanabaena limnetica was cultivated in pneumatically agitated 60-L flat-panel photobioreactor system. The gas was released from Bio-CNG plant as by-product into Na2CO3-rich medium and cultivated in semicontinuous mode of operation. It was observed that when CO2 was sparged in seawater-based 0.02 M Na2CO3 solution, maximum CO2 was dissolved in the system and was used for algal cultivation. Control system produced 0.64 ± 0.035 g/L of biomass at the end of 15 days, whereas CO2 sparged Na2CO3 medium produced 0.81 ± 0.046 g/L of biomass. When CO2 from Bio-CNG station was fed, it resulted in biomass production of 1.62 ± 0.070 g/L at the end of 18 days compared to 1.46 ± 0.066 g/L of biomass produced in control system which was not fed with gas released from Bio-CNG plant as by-product. Thus, feeding CO2 directly into Na2CO3 medium and operating the system semicontinuously would be efficient for scrubbing CO2 from commercial Bio-CNG plant. This study proves that feeding CO2 gas from Bio-CNG plant into Na2CO3-rich alkaline system can be used to feed algae for enhanced biomass production.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Property evaluations of coir fibres for use as reinforcement in composites
Authors: Madueke Chioma Ifeyinwa , Kolawole Funsho , Tile Joseph
Published: February 2021

The density, tensile properties at different gauge lengths, Weibull modulus, and water absorption at elevated temperatures of coir fibres of Sri Lanka are presented. The tensile strength and stiffness of these fibres were found to decrease by 51.0 and 68.0% respectively as the gauge length of the coir fibres increased from 20 to 100 mm at a constant cross-head displacement rate of 1 mm/minute. The elongation at break of these fibres increased from 33.3 to 62.5% as the gauge length increased from 20 to 100 mm. The porosity of the fibres is in the range of 32.9–48.1% with an average pore count of 130–475 and average cell diameter of 6.8–13.7 µm within the studied diameter range of 0.162–0.313 mm. The porosity of coir fibres was found to increase as the diameter increased. TGA and scanning electron microscopy of failed samples were conducted to analyse the failure modes and to observe the trend in changes in the mechanical properties.
The Future of the Sciences and Humanities
Authors: Philipse Herman
Published: February 2021

The arts and sciences evolve by specialisation and broadening of their scopes. Much innovation results from unusual combinations of views and techniques originating in widely different domains. However, stepping outside an established discipline entails the danger of ‘shallowness’, even if the primary challenge was a ‘deep’ integration problem. Acceptance of new departures requires recognition and understanding of what is involved, and this depends, among other things, on the adopted nomenclature of the insiders and the resulting perception by outsiders. Thus, current ways of referring to varieties of research and study - say, 'sciences' vs 'humanities' - often form obstacles to the appreciation of novel approaches. New views are necessary. But which angles must be considered?
Drama as Text and Performance
Authors: Törnqvist Egil
Published: February 2021

This bilingual English-Swedish study of August Strindberg’s renowned play Miss Julie (1888) provides a penetrating analysis of the author’s text and of Ingmar Bergman’s praised 1985 production. The book is a paradigmatic illustration of similarities and differences between text and performance. The Bergman part is highlighted by a number of black-and-white illustrations from the stage performance. The complete text is also available on the website www.missjulie.eu, where a great many stills and some moving images can be found.
Evidence for strong relations between the upper Tagus loess formation (central Iberia) and the marine atmosphere off the Iberian margin during the last glacial period
Authors: Wolf Daniel , Kolb Thomas , Ryborz Karolin , Heinrich Susann , Schäfer Imke , Calvo Ruben , Sanchez Jesus , Hambach Ulrich , Zech Roland , Zöller Ludwig , Faust Dominik
Published: February 2021

During glacial times, the North Atlantic region was affected by serious climate changes corresponding to Dansgaard-Oeschger cycles that were linked to dramatic shifts in sea temperature and moisture transfer to the continents. However, considerable efforts are still needed to understand the effects of these shifts on terrestrial environments. In this context, the Iberian Peninsula is particularly interesting because of its close proximity to the North Atlantic, although the Iberian interior lacks paleoenvironmental information so far because suitable archives are rare. Here we provide an accurate impression of the last glacial environmental developments in central Iberia based on comprehensive investigations using the upper Tagus loess record. A multi-proxy approach revealed that phases of loess formation during Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2 (and upper MIS 3) were linked to utmost aridity, coldness, and highest wind strengths in line with the most intense Greenland stadials also including Heinrich Events 3–1. Lack of loess deposition during the global last glacial maximum (LGM) suggests milder conditions, which agrees with less-cold sea surface temperatures (SST) off the Iberian margin. Our results demonstrate that geomorphological system behavior in central Iberia is highly sensitive to North Atlantic SST fluctuations, thus enabling us to reconstruct a detailed hydrological model in relation to marine–atmospheric circulation patterns.
Public Policy, Industrial Innovation, and the Zero-Emission Vehicle
Authors: Eisler Matthew N.
Published: February 2021

Regulating environmental outcomes without stipulating the technologies to accomplish them is a characteristically American form of governmental intervention. This approach aims to encourage industry to address public-policy concerns while minimizing interference in its affairs. However, California's zero-emission-vehicle mandate of 1990 implied the development of specific technologies with highly disruptive sociotechnical effects. The most practical zero-emission vehicle of the day was the all-battery electric vehicle, a technology characterized by the temporal mismatch of its components. Batteries have shorter life-spans than electric motors, a durability dilemma that rewards battery-making. In response, General Motors and Toyota devised strategies to mitigate this risk that involved mediating the technology of the Ovonic Battery Company.
Multinational Companies and the Cultural Industries: W.H. Smith in Canada, 1950–1989
Authors: Buckley Thomas R.
Published: February 2021

The political hazards that host country governments pose multinational companies are multifaceted and persistent. This study focuses on the experience of the Canadian subsidiary of British retailer W.H. Smith and Son in order to examine how host country policy can influence a multinational operating in the cultural industries. While bargaining models have previously provided the principal analytical lens for analyzing the interaction between multinationals and host governments, I argue that such frameworks lack the necessary nuance in order to explain fully the interaction between the Canadian government and W.H. Smith. In order to address the intricacy of these relations, it is necessary to integrate insights from new institutional economics with conventional bargaining frameworks.
The figure of the abducted Acholi girl: nation-building, gender, and children born into the LRA in Uganda
Authors: Stewart Beth W.
Published: February 2021

Based on analysis of newspapers and secondary sources, this article examines the gendered construction of the national imagery of the war between the Ugandan government and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in an effort to expand current conceptual understanding of the exclusion experienced by children born of forced marriage inside the LRA. Uganda developed as a militarised and masculine post-colony and yet nation-building for President Museveni involved crafting a national imagery that drew upon development discourses of gender and children to position himself as the benevolent father of the nation. Invoking Veena Das’ ‘figure of the abducted woman’, I argue that the Ugandan government mobilised the figure of the abducted Acholi girl to legitimise both its governance and the war. The article concludes that the resulting narrative provided no legitimate social or political space in the national imagery for the children of the abducted girls.
Practices of development assistance and climate change mitigation in reshaping the Mozambican REDD+ strategy
Authors: Virtanen Pekka , Palmujoki Eero
Published: February 2021

This paper studies how the practices of climate change governance and development assistance have reshaped the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD) process in Mozambique. We look at how the original goals of the Mozambican REDD+ strategy changed in the interplay of different governance-related practices, both those originating locally and nationally, and those coming from international organisations. The paper is based on the frameworks of multilevel governance and practice theory. We identify six combinations of practices that are relevant in the REDD+ programmes and projects. Three of them are incorporated in the general idea of sustainability, including practices of promoting environmental conservation, economic growth and social justice/development, while the remaining three practices are connected to climate-mitigation practices, for which the frame is defined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Polygenic association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder liability and cognitive impairments
Authors: Vainieri Isabella , Martin Joanna , Rommel Anna-Sophie , Asherson Philip , Banaschewski Tobias , Buitelaar Jan , Cormand Bru , Crosbie Jennifer , Faraone Stephen V. , Franke Barbara , Loo Sandra K. , Miranda Ana , Manor Iris , Oades Robert D. , Purves Kirstin L. , Ramos-Quiroga J. Antoni , Ribasés Marta , Roeyers Herbert , Rothenberger Aribert , Schachar Russell , Sergeant Joseph , Steinhausen Hans-Christoph , Vuijk Pieter J. , Doyle Alysa E. , Kuntsi Jonna
Published: February 2021

Background

A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 12 independent loci significantly associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Polygenic risk scores (PRS), derived from the GWAS, can be used to assess genetic overlap between ADHD and other traits. Using ADHD samples from several international sites, we derived PRS for ADHD from the recent GWAS to test whether genetic variants that contribute to ADHD also influence two cognitive functions that show strong association with ADHD: attention regulation and response inhibition, captured by reaction time variability (RTV) and commission errors (CE).

Methods

The discovery GWAS included 19 099 ADHD cases and 34 194 control participants. The combined target sample included 845 people with ADHD (age: 8–40 years). RTV and CE were available from reaction time and response inhibition tasks. ADHD PRS were calculated from the GWAS using a leave-one-study-out approach. Regression analyses were run to investigate whether ADHD PRS were associated with CE and RTV. Results across sites were combined via random effect meta-analyses.

Results

When combining the studies in meta-analyses, results were significant for RTV (R2 = 0.011, β = 0.088, p = 0.02) but not for CE (R2 = 0.011, β = 0.013, p = 0.732). No significant association was found between ADHD PRS and RTV or CE in any sample individually (p > 0.10).

Conclusions

We detected a significant association between PRS for ADHD and RTV (but not CE) in individuals with ADHD, suggesting that common genetic risk variants for ADHD influence attention regulation.
Investigation of longitudinal friction characteristics of an omnidirectional wheel via LuGre model
Authors: Şahin Osman Nuri , Dede Mehmet İsmet Can
Published: February 2021

In recent years, omnidirectional wheels have found more applications in the design of automated guided vehicles (AGV). In this work, LuGre friction model is used for an omnidirectional wheel. A test setup that includes a single omnidirectional wheel is designed and constructed to identify the model parameters. With the help of the constructed test setup, the longitudinal friction characteristic of the omnidirectional wheel is obtained, and the model is verified via validation tests. In addition, for the first time, the effect of lateral frictional force on longitudinal motion is examined for an omnidirectional wheel through experiments.
Food after the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Case for Change Posed by Alternative Food: A Case Study of the American Midwest
Authors: Robinson Jennifer Meta , Mzali Leila , Knudsen Daniel , Farmer James , Spiewak Ruta , Suttles Shellye , Burris Mecca , Shattuck Annie , Valliant Julia , Babb Angela
Published: February 2021

Non-Technical Summary

In this paper, we focus on the disruption that the current pandemic has created within the US industrial food system. We suggest that the pandemic has provided an opening for small producers. Attending to small-scale responses to the pandemic can guide policy and public investments towards a more just and sustainable future for food.

Technical Summary

Building on the IPES-Food Communique of April 2020, we examine the many ways in which the US industrial food system faltered during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Using Regime Theory as a guide, we suggest that such a catastrophic crisis may create significant opportunities for an emergent food regime. Drawing from our research and participant observation in the US Midwest, we examine changes in the food system occasioned by the pandemic that foreshadow a new food regime. We suggest several blockages and risks to this new regime and suggest policies that would make transition smoother to a more just and sustainable food system.

Social Media Summary (120 characters)

What will food be like after the pandemic? This new study outlines an alternative food system emerging in the American Midwest.
Vitamin-D-Mangel im Sport
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Jastrzębski Zbigniew , Nikolaidis Pantelis T.
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung. Ein Mangel an Vitamin D ist in der allgemeinen Bevölkerung wie auch bei Sportlerinnen und Sportlern sehr häufig. Ziel dieser Übersicht ist, den Stand des Wissens um die Bedeutung von Vitamin D für den sportlich aktiven Menschen zusammenzustellen. Ein Vitamin-D-Mangel liegt bei Sportlerinnen und Sportlern in bis zu 90 % vor. Risikogruppen bzw. -faktoren sind junge Sportler/innen, weibliches Geschlecht, Sportler/innen mit einer Einschränkung wie z.B. Querschnittgelähmte, Vegetarier/innen, Sportler/innen mit einer Resorptionsstörung wie Zöliakie, diejenigen, die in Hallen trainieren und dort auch Wettkämpfe durchführen (Eishockey, Basketball, Boxen, Rhythmische Sportgymnastik), ältere Sportler/innen, dunkle Hautpigmentation, der Gebrauch von Sonnenschutz, die Tageszeit des Trainings (früher Morgen, später Abend) sowie die geografische Lage. Sonnenexposition sowie eine ausgewogene Ernährung reichen oft nicht aus, um einen Vitamin-D-Mangel zu verhindern.
CME/Antworten: Die erhöhte Kreatininkinase als diagnostischer Parameter der Rhabdomyolyse
Authors: Hadzalic Hasan , Herzog Aline , Keller Dagmar I.
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung. Erhöhte CK-Werte mit oder ohne Symptome sind abklärungsbedürftig, um mögliche Folgekomplikationen auszuschliessen. Eine ausreichende Hydrierung, Absetzen von möglichen auslösenden Medikamenten und Noxen und engmaschige Laborkontrollen sind dabei für den Outcome ausschlaggebend. Eine akute Rhabdomyolyse kann dabei diverse Ursachen haben, die allgemein in traumatisch und atraumatisch eingeteilt werden können. Bei rezidivierendem Auftreten müssen auch genetische oder autoimmunologische Krankheiten ausgeschlossen werden. Neben ausführlicher Anamnese, körperlicher Untersuchung, Labor- und Urinuntersuchung steht eine Vielzahl an Diagnostik zur Verfügung, diese sollte dabei gezielt eingesetzt werden. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, auf mögliche Abklärungsstrategien, Ursachen und Differenzialdiagnosen einer Erhöhung der Kreatininkinase und Rhabdomyolyse einzugehen. Dies illustrieren wir mit einem Fall.
Evidence of Subproton‐Scale Magnetic Holes in the Venusian Magnetosheath
Authors: Goodrich Katherine A. , Bonnell John W. , Curry Shannon , Livi Roberto , Whittlesey Phyllis , Mozer Forrest , Malaspina David , Halekas Jasper , McManus Michael , Bale Stuart , Bowen Trevor , Case Anthony , Dudok de Wit Thierry , Goetz Keith , Harvey Peter , Kasper Justin , Larson Davin , MacDowall Robert , Pulupa Marc , Stevens Michael
Published: February 2021

Depressions in magnetic field strength, commonly referred to as magnetic holes, are observed ubiquitously in space plasmas. Subproton‐scale magnetic holes with spatial scales smaller than or on the order of a proton gyroradius, are likely supported by electron current vortices, rotating perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field. While there are numerous accounts of subproton‐scale magnetic holes within the Earth’s magnetosphere, there are few, if any, reported observations in other space plasma environments. We present the first evidence of subproton‐scale magnetic holes in the Venusian magnetosheath. During Parker Solar Probe’s first Venus Gravity Assist, the spacecraft crossed the planet’s bow shock and subsequently observed the Venusian magnetosheath. The FIELDS instrument suite onboard the spacecraft achieved magnetic and electric field measurements of magnetic hole structures. The electric fields associated with magnetic depressions are consistent with electron current vortices with amplitudes on the order of 1 μA/m2.