bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REB’s statistical series: surveys of agricultural enterprises
Authors: Aukutsionek S. , Batyaeva A. , Dyomina N. , Egorov A. , Matveev A.
Published: January 2021

The article presents unique data on the Russian agricultural sector, which has been gathered by the Russian Economic Barometer for more than 25 years. There is published statistics reflecting the attitude of the heads of agricultural enterprises towards the economic policy of the government. There are presented data revealing the degree of importance for the agricultural producers of various factors limiting production and capital investments.
Influence of North-Easterly Monsoon on Carbonaceous Particles and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in PM2.5 in the City of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Suradi Hamidah , Khan Md Firoz , Sairi Nor Asrina , Rahim Haasyimah Ab , Yusoff Sumiani , Fujii Yusuke , Qin Kai , Bari Md. Aynul , Othman Murnira , Latif Mohd Talib
Published: January 2021

With increasing interest in understanding contribution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) to particulate air pollution in urban areas, an exploratory study was carried out to determine levels of carbonaceous aerosols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the City of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PM2.5 samples were collected using a high-volume sampler for 24 h in several areas in Kuala Lumpur during the north-easterly monsoon from January to March 2019. Samples were analysed for water soluble organic carbon (WSOC), organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and secondary organic carbon (SOC) in PM2.5 was estimated. Particle-bound PAHs were analysed using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Average concentrations of WSOC, OC and EC were 2.7 ± 2.2 (range of 0.63-9.1) µg/m3, 6.9 ± 4.9 (3.1-24.1) µg/m3 and 3.7 ± 1.6 (1.3-6.8) µg/m3, respectively, with estimated average SOC of 2.3 µg/m3, contributing 34% to total OC. The average of total PAHs was 1.8 ± 2.7 ng/m3. Source identification methods revealed natural gas and biomass burning, and urban traffic combustion as dominant sources of PAHs in Kuala Lumpur. To understand human health risk posed by PAHs, a deterministic screening health risk assessment was also conducted for several age groups including infant, toddler, children, adolescent and adult. The total concentration of BaPeq is 3.8 ng/m3, with the average of 0.29 (range of 0.001-1.6) ng/m3. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of PAH species were well below the acceptable levels recommended by the USEPA. Future work is needed using long-term monitoring data to understand the origin of PAH contributing to SOA formation and to apply source-risk apportionment to know better the potential risk factors posed by the various sources in urban areas in Kuala Lumpur.
Fetal Growth Acceleration – Current Approach to the Big Baby Issue
Authors: Modzelewski Jan , Kajdy Anna , Muzyka-Placzyńska Katarzyna , Sys Dorota , Rabijewski Michał
Published: January 2021

Background: Fetal overgrowth is related to many perinatal complications including stillbirth, cesarean section, maternal and neonatal injuries, and shoulder dystocia. It is related to maternal diabetes, obesity, and gestational weight gain, but also happens in low-risk pregnancies. There is ongoing discussion regarding definitions, methods of detection, and classification. The method used for detection is of crucial importance as it draws a line between those at risk and low-risk populations. Methods: In this a narrative review of relevant evidence identified through PubMed search with one of the general terms (macrosomia, large-for-gestational-age) combined with the outcome of interest. Results: This revive summarizes evidence on the relation of fetal overgrowth with stillbirth, cesarean sections, shoulder dystocia, anal sphincter injury, and hemorrhage. Customized growth charts help to detect mothers and fetuses at risk of those complications. Relations between fetal overgrowth and diabetes, maternal weight, and gestational weight gain. Conclusions: a substantial proportion of complications are an effect of the fetus growing above its potential and should be recognized as a new dangerous condition of Fetal Growth Acceleration
Analysis and Modeling for Cold Chain Logistics of Agricultural Products Demand Forecasting
Authors: Wen Siyuan , Li Jiankun , Wang Rui , Liu Hao
Published: January 2021

Cold chain logistics of Agricultural Products demand forecasting can provide the scientific basis for the country to formulate logistics strategy, which further promotes the development of social economy and the improvement of living standards in China. In this paper, a new mathematical combined model is proposed to Agricultural Products Demand. Shandong, one of a China’s province, serves as the main producer and distributor of agricultural products. Based on the index system created from multiple related factors influencing cold chain logistics demand of agricultural products in Shandong, this paper employs principal component analysis to reduce the dimension of various indexes and predicts principal components with time series. Thereafter, multiple linear regression model and neural network model were constructed to forecast the cold chain logistics demand of agricultural products in Shandong, and their combined forecast models were compared. What's more, the paper provides insight for reference and decision-making concerning the development of cold chain logistics industry of agricultural products in Shandong province.
Knowledge and Perception of Rabies Among School Children in Rabies Endemic Areas of South Bhutan
Authors: Lungten Lungten , Rinchen Sangay , Tenzin Tenzin , Phimpraphai Waraphon , de Garine-Wichatitsky Michel
Published: January 2021

Rabies is endemic in southern Bhutan and children were reported to be the most frequent victims. We surveyed the knowledge, attitude, and practices on rabies among school children in three schools located in southern Bhutan. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed to analyze the level of knowledge and variation of perception towards rabies among secondary school children. A total of 701 students (57.9% female, 42.1% male) had participated in the survey of which 98.2% heard about rabies. Most of the students demonstrated a good level of knowledge (59.7%) and a favorable perception towards rabies (57.7%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the importance of previous rabies awareness campaign increasing the likelihood of positive knowledge about rabies at the individual student and the school level. Similarly, higher grades of students’, employed mothers of the students, and students from villages were associated with more favorable perceptions. Overall, our study in rabies endemic areas of Southern Bhutan showed that most of the students have good knowledge and favorable perception towards rabies. However, we identified several knowledge gaps. Therefore, efforts should be made to address the knowledge gaps through regular awareness programs by actively engaging key stakeholders such as school-teachers and parents.
Post Synthetic Modification of Planar Antiaromatic Hexaphyrin(1.0.1.0.1.0) By Regio-selective, Sequential SNAr
Authors: Dutta Ranjan , Chandra Brijesh , Hong Seong-Jin , Park Yeonju , Jung Young Mee , Lee Chang-Hee
Published: January 2021

In spite of unique structural, spectroscopic and redox properties, the synthetic variants of the planar, antiaromatic hexaphyrin (1.0.1.0.1.0) derivatives 2, has been limited due to the low yields and difficulty in access to the starting material. A chemical modification of the meso-substituents could be good alternative overcoming the synthetic barrier. Herein, we report a regio-selective nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) of meso-pentafluorophenyl group in rosarrin 2 with catechol. The reaction afforded benzodioxane fused rosarrin 3 as single product with high yield. The intrinsic antiaromatic character of the starting rosarrin 2 retained throughout the reactions. Clean, two electron reduction was achieved by treatment of 3 with SnCl2•2H2O affording 26pi-electron aromatic rosarrin 4. The synthesized compounds exhibited noticeable changes in photophysical and redox properties compared with starting rosarrin 2. .
Modelling the Dynamics of T-Cell Development in the Thymus
Authors: Robert Philippe , Kunze-Schumacher Heike , Greiff Victor , Krueger Andreas
Published: January 2021

The thymus hosts the development of a specific type of adaptive immune cells called T cells. T cells orchestrate the adaptive immune response through recognition of antigen by the highly variable T-cell receptor (TCR). T-cell development is a tightly coordinated process comprising lineage commitment, somatic recombination of Tcr gene loci and selection for functional, but non-self-reactive TCRs, all interspersed with massive proliferation and cell death. Thus, the thymus produces a pool of T cells throughout life capable of responding to virtually any exogenous attack while preserving the body through self-tolerance. The thymus has been of considerable interest to both immunologists and theoretical biologists due to its multiscale quantitative properties, bridging molecular binding, population dynamics and polyclonal repertoire specificity. Here, we review mathematical modelling strategies that were reported to help understand the flexible dynamics of the highly dividing and dying thymic cell populations. Furthermore, we summarize the current challenges to estimating in vivo cellular dynamics and to reaching a next-generation multiscale picture of T-cell development.
The Roles of Protein Structure, Taxon Sampling, and Model Complexity in Phylogenomics: A Case Study Focused on Early Animal Divergences
Authors: Pandey Akanksha , Braun Edward L.
Published: January 2021

Despite the long history of using protein sequences to infer the tree of life the potential for different parts of protein structures to retain historical signal remains unclear. We propose that it might be possible to improve analyses of phylogenomic datasets by incorporating information about protein structure; we test this idea using the position of the root of Metazoa (animals) as a model system. We examined the distribution of “strongly decisive” sites (alignment positions that support a specific tree topology) in a dataset comprising >1,500 proteins and almost 100 taxa. The proportion of each class of strongly decisive sites in different structural environments was very sensitive to the model used to analyze the data when a limited number of taxa were used but they were stable when taxa were added. As long as enough taxa were analyzed, sites in all structural environments supported the same topology (ctenophores sister to other animals) regardless of whether standard tree searches or decisive sites were used to select the optimal tree. However, the use of decisive sites revealed a difference between the support for minority topologies for sites in different structural environments; buried sites and sites in sheet and coil environments exhibited equal support for the minority topologies whereas solvent exposed and helix sites had unequal numbers of sites supporting the minority topologies. Given the plausible trees equal support for minority topologies is consistent with discordance among gene trees, making it possible the relatively slowly evolving buried (and sheet and coil) sites are giving an accurate picture of the true species tree as well as the amount of conflict among gene trees. Alternatively, the apparent support could reflect currently uncharacterized processes of molecular evolution. Regardless, it is clear that analyses of the deepest branches in the animal tree of life using sites in different structural environments are associated with a subtle data type effect that results in distinct phylogenetic signals.
Variable Expanding Structure for Data Center Interconnection Networks
Authors: Zhang Jianfei ,   School of Computer Science and Technology, Changchun University of Science and Technology No.7089 Weixing Road, Changchun, Jilin 130022, China, Jiang Yuchen , Liu Yan
Published: January 2021

Data centers are fundamental facilities that support high-performance computing and large-scale data processing. To guarantee that a data center can provide excellent properties of expanding and routing, the interconnection network of a data center should be designed elaborately. Herein, we propose a novel structure for the interconnection network of data centers that can be expanded with a variable coefficient, also known as a variable expanding structure (VES). A VES is designed in a hierarchical manner and built iteratively. A VES can include hundreds of thousands and millions of servers with only a few layers. Meanwhile, a VES has an extremely short diameter, which implies better performance on routing between every pair of servers. Furthermore, we design an address space for the servers and switches in a VES. In addition, we propose a construction algorithm and routing algorithm associated with the address space. The results and analysis of simulations verify that the expanding rate of a VES depends on three factors:n,m, andkwhere thenis the number of ports on a switch, themis the expanding speed and thekis the number of layers. However, the factormyields the optimal effect. Hence, a VES can be designed with factormto achieve the expected expanding rate and server scale based on the initial planning objectives.
Numerical Simulation of Laser-Induced Bubble and Metal-Free Water Cannon
Authors: Ohkubo Tomomasa , Matsunaga Ei-ichi , Sato Yuji ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tokyo University of Technology 1404-1 Katakura, Hachiouji, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan,   Joining and Welding Research Institute, Osaka University 11-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
Published: January 2021

Laser propulsion is expected to be the next-generation propulsion mechanism. In particular, metal-free water cannon realizes propulsion without a metallic target. In this study, we develop a numerical simulation code using the C-CUP (CIP and Combined, Unified Procedure) method to simulate a laser-induced bubble and a metal-free water cannon. We successfully reproduced the qualitative behavior of spouting water in a three-dimensional space when the metal-free water cannon is irradiated by laser. Furthermore, the calculated results for the time development of displacement of the metal-free water cannon agree qualitatively with the experimental results. We simulate the behavior of the laser-induced bubble and discovered that the bubble inhales the water once spouted out, and the target moves backward owing to the pressure difference generated by the bubble expansion as well as collapsing and inhaling actions. Furthermore, the laser-induced bubble repeats the expansion and collapse, and the target moves forward while it oscillates.
Generalized Fuzzy c-Means Clustering and its Property of Fuzzy Classification Function
Authors: Kanzawa Yuchi , Miyamoto Sadaaki ,   Shibaura Institute of Technology 3-7-5 Toyosu, Koto, Tokyo 135-8548, Japan,   University of Tsukuba 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
Published: January 2021

This study shows that a generalized fuzzy c-means (gFCM) clustering algorithm, which covers both standard and exponential fuzzy c-means clustering, can be constructed if a given fuzzified function, its derivative, and its inverse derivative can be calculated. Furthermore, our results show that the fuzzy classification function for gFCM exhibits a behavior similar to that of both standard and exponential fuzzy c-means clustering.
Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Observer and Fractional-Order Software Phase-Locked Loop for Speed-Sensorless Control of Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
Authors: Zhao Kaihui , Zhou Ruirui , She Jinhua , Leng Aojie , Dai Wangke , Huang Gang ,   College of Electrical and Information Engineering, Hunan University of Technology No.88, Taishan Road, Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou, Hunan 412007, China,   School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Technology 1404-1 Katakura, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0982, Japan,   College of Traffic Engineering, Hunan University of Technology No.88, Taishan Road, Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou, Hunan 412007, China
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a novel method is presented to improve the speed-sensorless control performance of an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor using a nonsingular fast terminal sliding-mode observer and fractional-order software phase-locked loop. The interior permanent magnet synchronous motor system is first described. Next, a nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode observer is constructed to estimate the d-q-axis back electromotive force. The speed and position of the rotor are then accurately tracked using a fractional-order software phase-locked loop. The effectiveness and feasibility are verified through a simulation in MATLAB/Simulink. The results show an excellent performance despite a fluctuation in speed and torque ripple.
Monitoring and Analysis of Auto Body Precision Based on Big Data
Authors: Yang Yixin , Gao Jianjun , Guo Konghui ,   College of Mechanical and Transportation Engineering, Hunan University Lushan Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China,   BAIC Motor Co., Ltd. Zhuzhou Branch Liyu Industrial Park, Tianyuan District, Zhuzhou, Hunan 412007, China
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a Hadoop-based big data system for auto body precision is established. The system unifies the elements that affect auto body precision into a big data platform, which is more efficient than traditional management methods. Using big data analysis, we devised algorithms to improve the efficiency and accuracy of body precision monitoring. Furthermore, we developed techniques to analyze complex dimension deviation problems using a correlation analysis method, principal component analysis (PCA), and improved PCA method. We further established failure modes and devised monitoring and diagnosis models based on time series analysis.
Ameliorated Frenet Trajectory Optimization Method Based on Artificial Emotion and Equilibrium Optimizer
Authors: Wu Xiangdong ,   School of Automation, Beijing Institute of Technology No.5 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China, Hirota Kaoru , Tang Bijun , Dai Yaping , Jia Zhiyang
Published: January 2021

An ameliorated Frenet trajectory optimization (AFTO) method based on artificial emotion (AE) and an equilibrium optimizer (EO) is proposed for the local trajectory planning of an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV). An artificial emotional potential field (AEPF) model is established to simulate AE. To realize a humanoid driving mode with emotional intelligence, AE is introduced into the Frenet trajectory optimization (FTO) method to determine the optimal trajectory. Based on the optimal discrete goal state of the FTO method, a first-sampling-then-optimization (FSTO) framework combining the FTO method with the EO is designed to obtain the optimal trajectory in a continuous goal state space. With different AEPF levels corresponding to different types of obstacles, simulation results show that the AEPF effectively adjusts the trajectory into different levels of safe distance between the UGV and obstacles corresponding to the humanoid driving mode. From the results of 30 independent experiments based on the AEPF, the FSTO framework in the AFTO method is effective for optimizing the trajectory of the FTO method at a lower cost. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed method for different types of roads is verified on a straight road and a curved road with obstacles in simulation. The improvement based on emotional intelligence and trajectory optimization in the AFTO method provides a humanoid driving mode for the UGV in the continuous goal state space.
An Improved Fully Convolutional Network Based on Post-Processing with Global Variance Equalization and Noise-Aware Training for Speech Enhancement
Authors: Li Wenlong ,   School of Automation, Beijing Institute of Technology No.5 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China, Hirota Kaoru , Dai Yaping , Jia Zhiyang
Published: January 2021

An improved fully convolutional network based on post-processing with global variance (GV) equalization and noise-aware training (PN-FCN) for speech enhancement model is proposed. It aims at reducing the complexity of the speech improvement system, and it solves overly smooth speech signal spectrogram problem and poor generalization capability. The PN-FCN is fed with the noisy speech samples augmented with an estimate of the noise. In this way, the PN-FCN uses additional online noise information to better predict the clean speech. Besides, PN-FCN uses the global variance information, which improve the subjective score in a voice conversion task. Finally, the proposed framework adopts FCN, and the number of parameters is one-seventh of deep neural network (DNN). Results of experiments on the Valentini-Botinhaos dataset demonstrate that the proposed framework achieves improvements in both denoising effect and model training speed.
Escritura áurea, ficción y géneros narrativos: problemas historiográficos.
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

Este artículo analiza ciertos problemas relativos a la clasificación tradicional de los géneros narrativos del Siglo de Oro en la historia literaria. Dicha clasificación presenta algunas incongruencias e impide ver con claridad tanto la evolución de las formas narrativas en los siglos XVI y XVII como los vínculos existentes entre obras consideradas de géneros distintos. En este sentido, los testimonios coetáneos demuestran, por una parte, que existía de alguna manera una recepción común de las obras de ficción y, por otra, que los límites entre esos géneros no resultaban tan claros como se piensa. Asimismo, el artículo analiza el papel de la imitatio en la aparición de los géneros y en la permeabilidad entre ellos.
“A discreción del viento”: La odisea de Periandro (Persiles, II, x-xx)
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto analizar en profundidad el relato de Periandro, que seextiendealolargodeunsignificativonúmerode capítulos (del X al XX) del libro II de Los trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda, de Miguel de Cervantes. El trabajo se estructura en dos partes claramente diferenciadas: por un lado, el estudio del relato de Periandro propiamente dicho, desde la función que desempeña en el texto, la situación interlocutiva en que se produce, la recepción de que es objeto por parte del variopinto auditorio que lo escucha, hasta la modulación de su contenido. Por el otro, el establecimiento de sus principales referentes intertextuales, con especial atención a la analepsis completiva de Calasiris, en la Historia etiópica, de Heliodoro, los Relatos verídicos o la Historia verdadera, de Luciano de Samósata, y, sobre todo, la narración de Odiseo, en la Odisea, de Homero.
Conversaciones en verso. La epístola ética del Renacimiento y la construcción del yo poético | Clara Marías
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

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Pensamiento social y político en la literatura española. Desde el Renacimiento hasta el siglo XX | Loreto Busquets
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

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Como desees: Historias inconcebibles del rodaje de “La princesa prometida” | Cary Elwes (con Joe Layden)
Authors: Admin Ojs
Published: January 2021

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Student-Generated Examples and Group Work in Mathematics
Authors: Cornock Claire
Published: January 2021

An assignment from Higher Education is presented within this paper as a case study of students generating their own examples whilst working in groups. The student perspective was gained through a questionnaire at the end of the assignment with each cohort over a three year period, which was completed by 123 students in total. The students provided insight on creating their own examples, as well as the group work aspect of the assignment. In particular, students indicated what they believe to be the most beneficial assessment approaches. Elements of learning, understanding and motivation are explored, and the student perspective is compared with the literature.Â
Conquering the â€˜Fear Fortressâ€™ â€“ Returning to a mathematics exam as a Community Practitioner Nurse Prescriber
Authors: Penazzi Davide , Smith Charlotte
Published: January 2021

Building confidence is essential for qualified nurses undertaking numeracy assessments. This qualitative research study explores self-reported levels of confidence in nurses at various stages of the life-course, including when undertaking a numeracy test as part of the Community Practitioner Nurse Prescribing (CPNP) qualification. An hour-long, semi-structured focus group was conducted by the authors, and the resulting data was thematically analysed. The authors explored the experience of CPNP students returning to a learning and exam environment, and how this experience impacted on their confidence. Overall, a high level of confidence in the use of numeracy in clinical practice, but strong test anxiety, was identified in all participants. Participants reported an increase in confidence levels following the successful achievement of the numeracy test, with some going on to display advanced numeracy skills in clinical practice. Teaching staff have a responsibility to support returning learners to build confidence throughout this process and the authors conclude with some suggestions of how to support teaching and learning in this setting.
Multiplex and On-site PCR detection of swine diseases based on the microfluidic chip system
Authors: Jiang Yan , Jiang Shan , Wu Yue , Zhou Bin , Wang Kaiming , Jiang Luyan , Long Yunfeng , Chen Gan , Zeng Dexin
Published: January 2021

Background: At present, the process of inspection and quarantine starts with sampling at the customs port, continues with transporting the samples to the central laboratory for inspection experiments, and ends with the inspected results being fed back to the port. This process had the risks of degradation of biological samples and generation of pathogenic microorganisms and did not meet the rapid on-site detection demand because it took a rather long time. Therefore, it is urgently needed to develop a rapid and high-throughput detection assay of pathogenic microorganisms at the customs port. The aim of this study was to develop a microfluidic chip to rapidly detect swine pathogenic microorganisms with high-throughput and higher accuracy. Moreover, this chip will decrease the risk of spreading infection during transportation.Results: A series of experiments were performed to establish a microfluidic chip. The resulting data showed that the positive nucleic acid of four swine viruses were detected by using a portable and rapid microfluidic PCR system, which could achieve a on-site real-time quantitative PCR detection. Furthermore, the detection results of eight clinical samples were obtained within an hour. The detection limit of this microfluidic PCR detection system was as low as 1 copies/μL. The results showed that the high sensitivity and specificity of this chip system in disease detection played an important role in customs inspection and quarantine during customs clearance.Conclusion: The microfluidic PCR detection system established in this study could meet the requirement for rapid detection of samples at the customs port. This chip could avoid the risky process of transporting the samples from the sampling site to the testing lab, and drastically reduce the inspection cycle. Moreover, it would enable parallel inspections on one chip, which greatly raised the efficiency of inspection.
Build a Bioinformatic Analysis Platform and Apply it to Routine Analysis of Microbial Genomics and Comparative Genomics
Authors: Liu Hualin , Xin Bingyue , Zheng Jinshui , Zhong Hao , Yu Yun , Peng Donghai , Sun Ming
Published: January 2021

More and more frequently, genomics and comparative genomics have been used as routine methods for general microbiological research. However, using several tools or even writing some scripts are required for completing a simple analysis, which is complicated for most biological researchers. To simplify the operation process, particularly for the convenience of microbiologists, here we have developed PGCGAP, a comprehensive, malleable, and easily installed prokaryotic genomic and comparative genomic analysis pipeline. PGCGAP implements genome assembly, gene prediction and annotation, genome and metagenome distance estimation, phylogenetic analysis, COG annotation, pan-genome analysis, inference of orthologous gene groups, variant calling and annotation, and screening for antimicrobial and virulence genes. Although we have tried our best to simplify the installation and usage of PGCGAP, it may be difficult for non-bioinformaticians to master it. Therefore, a protocol was created to help microbiologists without any experience in bioinformatics to establish their bioinformatics platform and perform routine analyses. This protocol shows how to choose the equipment to install a Linux subsystem on a laptop with a Windows 10 system, to install the PGCGAP and perform all analyses with an example dataset. The protocol requires a basic understanding of Linux, so an additional web page was written to help uninitiated users learn Linux and whole-genome sequencing (https://github.com/liaochenlanruo/pgcgap/wiki/Learning-bioinformatics or http://bcam.hzau.edu.cn/linuxwgs.php).
Health Care Professionals’ Perspectives on Screening and Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Public Hospitals of South India – A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sahu Biswamitra , Babu Giridhara R , Gurav Kaveri Siddappa , Karthik Maithili , Deepa R , Lobo Eunice , John Daisy A , Oakley Laura , Oteng-Ntim E , Nadal Iliatha Papachristou , Kinra Sanjay
Published: January 2021

BackgroundWomen developing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) are subsequently at a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life. Screening and effective management of women with GDM are essential in preventing progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus. We aimed to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers regarding the barriers from the health system context that restrict the timely screening and effective management of GDM.MethodsWe conducted six in-depth interviews of health care providers- four with nurses and two with obstetricians in the public hospitals in India's major city (Bengaluru). The interviews were conducted in the preferred language of the participants (Kannada for nurses, English for the obstetricians) and audio-recorded. All Kannada interviews were transcribed and translated into English for analysis. The primary data were analyzed using the grounded theory approach by NVivo 12 plus. The findings are put into perspective using the socio-ecological model.ResultsHealth care providers identified delayed visits to public hospitals and stress on household-level responsibilities as barriers at the individual level for GDM screening. Also, migration of pregnant women to their natal homes during first pregnancy is a cultural barrier in addition to health system barriers such as unmet nurse training needs, long waiting hours, uneven power dynamics, lack of follow-up, resource scarcity, and lack of supportive oversight. The barriers for GDM management included non-reporting women to follow - up visits, irregular self-monitoring of drug and blood sugar, trained staff shortage, ineffective tracking, and lack of standardized protocol.ConclusionThere is a pressing need to develop and improve existing GDM Screening and Management services to tackle the growing burden of GDM in public hospitals of India.
A Global Roll-out of Nationally Relevant Policies Bridges the Emissions Gap
Authors: Soest Heleen van , Reis Lara Aleluia , Baptista Luiz Bernardo , Bertram Christoph , Després Jacques , Drouet Laurent , Elzen Michel , Fragkos Panagiotis , Fricko Oliver , Fujimori Shinichiro , Grant Neil , Harmsen Mathijs , Iyer Gokul , Keramidas Kimon , Köberle Alexandre , Kriegler Elmar , Malik Aman , Mittal Shivika , Oshiro Ken , Riahi Keywan , Roelfsema Mark , Ruijven Bastiaan van , Schaeffer Roberto , Herran Diego Silva , Tavoni Massimo , Unlu Gamze , Vandyck Toon , Vuuren Detlef van
Published: January 2021

Closing the remaining emissions gap between Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the global emissions levels needed to achieve the Paris Agreement’s climate goals will likely require a comprehensive package of policy measures. National and sectoral policies can help fill the gap, but success stories in one country cannot be automatically replicated in other countries, but need to be adapted to the local context. Here, we develop a new Bridge scenario based on nationally relevant measures informed by interactions with country experts. We implement this scenario with an ensemble of global integrated assessment models (IAMs). We show that a global roll-out of these good practice policies closes the emissions gap between current NDCs and a cost-optimal well below 2 °C scenario by two thirds by 2030 and more than fully by 2050, while being less disruptive than a scenario that delays cost-optimal mitigation to 2030. The Bridge scenario leads to a scale-up of renewable energy (reaching 50%-85% of global electricity supply by 2050), electrification of end-uses, efficiency improvements in energy demand sectors, and enhanced afforestation and reforestation. Our analysis suggests that early action via good-practice policies is less costly than a delay in global climate cooperation.
Detecting authorities that manipulate public procurement
Authors: Tas Bedri
Published: January 2021

Manipulative authorities can bunch tenders just below thresholds to implement noncompetitive procurement practices in public procurement. Here, I use regression discontinuity manipulation tests to identify this bunching manipulation scheme. I investigate the European Union public procurement data set that covers more than two million contracts. The results show that 10-13% of the examined authorities have high probabilities of bunching manipulation. I study the impact of manipulation by authorities on public procurement. I find that manipulative authorities are less likely to employ competitive procurement procedures. Local firms are more likely to win contracts from a manipulative authority. The bunching scheme increases the probability that the same firm wins contracts repeatedly. Empirical results suggest that policy makers can effectively employ regression discontinuity tests to determine manipulative authorities.
Stereospecific Hydroformylation of 1-Substituted Cyclopent-3-en-1-ols: A Concise Access to Bridged [2, 2, 1] Bicyclic Lactones With A Quaternary Stereocenter
Authors: Li Shuailong , Li Zhuangxing , Li Mingzheng , He Lin , Zhang Xumu , Lv Hui
Published: January 2021

An efficient method for enantioselective construction of bridged [2, 2, 1] bicyclic lactones bearing a quaternary stereocenter was achieved by Rh-catalyzed asymmetric hydroformylation /intramolecular cyclization/PCC oxidation. By employing a hybrid phosphine-phosphite chiral ligand, a series of cyclopent-3-en-1-ols were transformed into their corresponding y-hydroxyl aldehydes with specific syn-selectivity, then hemiacetal formed in situ and oxidized by PCC in one-pot, affording bridged [2,2,1] bicyclic lactones in high yields and excellent enantiomeric excess. Replacing the hydroxyl group by an ester group, cyclopentanecarbaldehydes with a chiral all-carbon quaternary stereocenter in the γ-position can be generated efficiently. Gram-scale reaction and several transformations to corresponding amide, alcohol and acid demonstrated the practical value of this methodology.
Optimization of the Flow Conditions in the Spawning Grounds of the Chinese Sturgeon (Acipenser Sinensis) Through Gezhouba Dam Generating Units
Authors: Huang Anyang , Yao Jinzhong , Zhu Jiazhi , Gao Xingchen , Jiang Wei
Published: January 2021

Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) is a critically endangered species, and waters downstream from Gezhouba Dam are the only known spawning grounds. To optimize the velocity conditions in the spawning grounds by controlling the opening mode of Gezhouba Dam generator units, a mathematical model of Chinese sturgeon spawning grounds was established in FLOW-3D. The model was evaluated with velocity measurements, and the results was determined to be in good agreement. By inverting the 2016-2019 field monitoring results, the model shows that the preferred velocity range for Chinese sturgeon spawning is 0.6-1.5 m/s. Velocity fields of different opening modes of the generator units were simulated with identical discharge. The suitable-velocity area was maximal when all units of Dajiang Plant of Gezhouba Dam were open. For discharges below 12000 m3/s, most of the area was suitable; for discharges above 12000 m3/s, the suitable area rapidly decreased with increasing discharge. A comparison of suitable areas under high-flow showed that at discharges of 12000~15000 m3/s, opening 11~13 units on the left side was optimal. For discharges above 15000 m3/s, all units should be open. We used these results to recommend a new operation scheme to support the conservation of Chinese sturgeon.
Interaction Between Coxsackievirus B3 Infection and α-Synuclein in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Park Soo Jin , Jin Uram , Park Sang Myun
Published: January 2021

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disease. PD is pathologically characterized by the death of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of intracellular protein inclusions called Lewy bodies or Lewy neurites. The major component of Lewy bodies is α-synuclein (α-syn). Prion-like propagation of α-syn has emerged as a novel mechanism in the progression of PD. Targeting this mechanism could enable the development of disease-modifying therapies for patients with PD. Nevertheless, the initial triggers of LB formation leading to acceleration of the process remain elusive.MethodsTo evaluate α-syn function in viral replication, we infected coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) to α-syn overexpressed neurons or α-syn transgenic (TG) mice. We then performed biochemical and histological analyses to evaluate interaction between CVB3 and α-syn in Lewy body formation.ResultsWe demonstrated that CVB3 infection can induce α-syn-associated inclusion body formation in neurons as a trigger. The inclusion bodies contained clustered organelles, including damaged mitochondria with α-syn fibrils. α-Syn overexpression accelerated inclusion body formation and induced more concentric inclusion bodies. In brains from CVB3 infected mice, α-syn aggregates in the cell body of midbrain neurons were observed. Additionally, α-syn overexpression favored CVB3 replication and related cytotoxicity. α-Syn transgenic mice had a low survival rate, enhanced CVB3 replication, and further neuronal cell death, including dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. These results may be due to the different usage of autophagy between CVB3 and α-syn. ConclusionsThis study elucidated the mechanism of Lewy body formation and the pathogenesis of PD associated with CVB3 infection.
Prevalence of Under Nutrition and its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Konso District, Southern Ethiopia: Community Based Cross Sectional Study
Authors: GELEBO DEYGANTO , GEBREMICHAEL MATHEWOS , ASALE GISTANE , BERBADA DESSALEGN
Published: January 2021

Background: Under nutrition during pregnancy is an important public health problem. It is highly prevalent in Ethiopia but not sufficiently addressed yet. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of under nutrition and its associated factors among pregnant mothers in Konso district, Ethiopia. Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was conducted with qualitative inquiry study from December 2018 to January 2019. A multistage stratified sampling technique was used to select 527 subjects. Quantitative data were collected using pretested structured questionnaire. The qualitative data were generated through two focus group discussions among purposely selected discussants. Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) was measured by standard non stretchable MUAC tape. Data were entered into Epi-data version3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 21. In multivariable binary logistic regression statistically significant association was declared at p-value < 0.05 while thematic framework analysis was employed for the qualitative data. Results: Among 501 participants, the overall prevalence of under nutrition was 43.11% (95% CI 38.76%-47.47%). Family food insecurity (AOR = 3.1; 95%CI: 2.1-4.6), low dietary diversity score (AOR = 4.9; 95%CI: 2.6-9.2), medium dietary diversity score (AOR = 2.3; 95%CI: 1.2-4.7), absence of latrine (AOR = 1.8; 95%CI: 1.2-2.6) and having family resource decision making by husband only (AOR = 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1-2.6) were significantly associated factors. Traditional believes to restrict food such as egg, milk and milk products, avocado for women, weak nutrition education and malnutrition screening program, daily consumption of locally prepared alcoholic drink called ”Cheka”, draught prone nature of this setting, 2 traditional way of farming practices and low socioeconomic status were found to be barriers for women"s under nutrition. Conclusions: The prevalence of under nutrition was found to be higher than previously reported findings. Food security, dietary diversity, latrine availability, family resource decision making, food restrictions, weak maternal nutrition education and malnutrition screening program, practice of depending on local alcoholic drink called “Cheka”, draught, traditional way of farming and low socioeconomic status were identified factors. Hence, interventions targeting maternal nutrition education, hygiene and sanitation promotion, house hold food insecurity improvement strategies should be implemented to improve nutritional status of pregnant women.
TGF-β Isoforms and Receptors: A Gene Expression Analysis in Multiple Sclerosis Patients and Normal Individuals
Authors: Shirvani-Farsani Zeinab , Behmanesh Mehrdad , Sahraian Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2021

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), depicted by lymphocytic infiltration and demyelination. MS is associated with the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory and down-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate the expression level of TGF-β1, TGF-β 2, TGF-β-R1 and TGF-β-R2 mRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MS patients and healthy controls using Real-Time PCR. Results: Our findings indicated that the TGF-β-R1 expression level was 2.25 times higher in controls than MS patients. Also, a significant correlation between normalized expression of TGF-β-R1 and TGF-β1, or TGF-β2 was observed. Therefore, these genes could likely play an important role in the etiology of MS.
Menopause Impacts Human Brain Structure, Connectivity, Energy Metabolism, and Amyloid-beta Deposition.
Authors: Mosconi Lisa , Berti Valentina , Dyke Jonathan , Schelbaum Eva , Jett Steven , Laughlin Lacey , Jang Grace , Rahman Aneela , Hristov Hollie , Pahlajani Sikly , Andrews Randolph , Matthews Dawn , Etingin Orli , Ganzer Christine , Leon Mony de , Isaacson Richard , Brinton Roberta
Published: January 2021

All women undergo the menopause transition (MT) in their lifetime, yet little is known of how this process impacts the human brain. The MT occurs in stages characterized by unique endocrine properties that impact aging trajectories of multiple organ systems including brain. This multi-modality neuroimaging study indicates that MT stages (pre-menopause, peri-menopause, and post-menopause) are associated with substantial differences in brain structure, connectivity, and energy metabolism in regions subserving higher-order cognitive processes. Effects were specific to endocrine aging (menopause) rather than chronological aging, as determined by comparison to age-matched males. Brain biomarkers largely stabilized post-menopause, and gray matter volume (GMV) recovered in key brain regions sensitive to cognitive aging. Notably, GMV recovery and in vivo brain mitochondria ATP production correlated with preservation of cognitive performance post-menopause, suggesting adaptive compensatory processes. In parallel to the adaptive process, amyloid-β deposition was more pronounced in peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women carrying apolipoprotein E-4 (APOE-4) genotype, the major genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, relative to genotype-matched males. These data show that human menopause is a dynamic neurological transition that significantly impacts brain structure, connectivity, and metabolic profile, as well as cognitive integrity, during midlife endocrine aging of the female brain.
Trends in Mental Health Symptoms, Service Use, and Unmet Need for Services
among US Adults through the First Nine Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Coley Rebekah , Baum Christopher
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to rising morbidity, mortality, and social and economic disruption, stressors which have impaired mental health.1 Evidence emerged of substantial increases in anxiety and depression in spring and summer, 2020.2-7 To understand the effects of the pandemic and inform public health initiatives, it is essential to track trends in mental health disorders, as well as use of and need for mental health services, and to identify demographic groups at highest risk. Analyzing cross-sectional samples of 1,483,378 US adults, we show that reports of anxiety and depression rose significantly from April to November, 2020 to rates six-times higher than early 2019 US norms. Use of prescription medication, counseling services, and unmet need for mental health services also rose significantly. Prevalence rates of mental health disorders were highest among young, less educated, single, female, Black, Hispanic, and other race/ethnicity adults, with age and education disparities growing over time. Hispanics, Blacks, other race/ethnicities, and less educated respondents also were significantly less likely to be receiving medication or counseling and reported higher unmet needs for services. Together, disparities in estimates of mental health disorders and mental health treatment indicate a striking disequilibrium between the potential need for and the use of mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising mental health challenges are being born largely by young, less advantaged people of color and women, with the potential for expanded interruptions to optimal functioning and repercussions for social and economic recovery from COVID-19.