bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Analysis of Co-Production in Public Services
Authors: Khine Pwint Kay , Mi Jianing , Shahid Raza
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study is to explore conceptual approaches in co-production studies and to examine current research trends of the study. The conceptual paper includes research articles related to co-production in public administration field. By thoroughly scrutinizing 32 research works of co-production, this study highlights major loopholes in the field of the study. The contributions of the study are: (1) identifying two common characteristics of co-production, (2) categorising three types of co-producing by end-users, and (3) finding that goals and success of co-production are more beneficial for service providers though its initial approach is citizen-centric approach. We suggest that future studies should be (1) to focus on reasons for co-production failures or success, (2) to discover further hindrances for co-production in service production, (3) to examine influencing factors on service providers as well as institutional impacts on co-production process, and (4) to include practical assessment in co-production study.
Fermentation of Soybean Seeds Using Rhizopus oligosporus for Tempeh Production and Standardization Based on Isoflavones Content
Authors: Dwiatmaka Yohanes , Lukitaningsih Endang , Yuniarti Nunung , Wahyuono Subagus
Published: April 2021

Tempeh is an Indonesian traditional food, made from white soybean seeds by fermentation with Rhizopus mold. Soybean seeds content high isoflavone glycosides. Isoflavones can act as phytoestrogen, antioxidant and improves memory. Isoflavone glycosides are poorly absorbed in the human body, but the aglycone isoflavones absorbed quickly. Rhizopus mold hydrolize isoflavone glycosides to be aglycone isoflavones during tempeh production. This research was aimed to know the best room temperature and time of fermentation for making soybean tempeh with high content of isoflavones. After rinsing and boiling, the soybean seeds than fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus. Three conditions were applied: (a) ambient temperature (27-32oC) without air circulation, (b) 27±0.5 oC, and (c) 30±0.5 oC both with air circulations. Inner temperature of tempeh was recorded hourly. Total isoflavones were measured with UV spectrophotometer every 6 hours. Based on this study, fermentation at (a) condition caused the tempeh too hot and rotted quickly. Fermentation at (b) and (c) conditions produced tempeh with good quality. Tempeh ripening was reached between 32-32 hours with inner temperature 32-33oC. Fermentation for 72 hours at condition (b) was chosen because its high total isoflavones content (0.089% w/w), but decrease about 20% compare to soybean seeds (0.112% w/w).
Secure Air Traffic Control at the Hub of Multiplexing on the Centrifugo-Pneumatic Lab-on-a-Disc Platform
Authors: Ducrée Jens
Published: April 2021

Larger-scale integration (LSI) resides at the heart of comprehensive sample-to-answer automation and parallelisation of assay panels for frequent and ubiquitous bioanalytical testing in decentralised the point-of-use / point-of-care settings. With an emphasis on rotational, centrifugo-pneumatic flow control, this paper employs a virtual “digital twin” strategy, considering experimental tolerances, to efficiently design such “Lab-on-a-Disc” systems featuring high packing density, reliability, configurability, modularity, manufacturability, performance while minimizing development and fabrication cost.
How to Integrate the Data-based Strategies and Advanced Technologies into Efficient Air Pollution Management in Smart Cities?
Authors: Myeong Seunghwan , Shahzad Khurram
Published: April 2021

Air pollution contributes to a critical environmental problem in various towns and cities. With the emergence of the smart cities concept, appropriate methods to curb associated with exposure to pollutants must have been a portion of appropriate urban development policy. This study presents a technologically driven air quality solution in smart cities to advertise energy-efficient and cleaner sequestration in these areas. It aims to address the issue of how to integrate the data-based strategies and artificial intelligence into efficient public sector pollution management in smart cities as a core part of the smart city definition. Exploratory research has been used in 152 smart cities, and environmental experts contributed to this study. It further addresses the technical criteria for implementing such a framework that the public administration uses to prepare the renovation of public buildings, minimize energy use and costs, and link these smart police stations to monitor air pollution as a part of integrated cities. Such a digital transition in resource management will increase public governance's energy performance, a higher standard of operation, and a healthier environment.
Boundary-Element Analysis of Magnetic Polarization Tensor for Metallic Cylinder
Authors: Jin Zhongwei , qin ganghua , fan haidong , huang ruochen , chen ziqi , zhao qian , lu mingyang , zhang zhijie , peyton anthony , yin wuliang
Published: April 2021

The magnetic polarization tensor has a promising capability of determining the geometry and material properties of metallic samples. In this paper, a novel computation method is proposed to estimate the magnetic polarization tensors for the metallic samples using the boundary element method. In this method, the metallic sample is placed in a uniformly distributed magnetic field. Based on assumptions that the excitation frequency and/or the conductivity of the sample is very high, the metallic sample is regarded as a perfect electrical conductor (PEC). Therefore, the scattered field at a certain distance can be simulated. By utilising the boundary element method, the magnetic polarization tensor can be derived from the simulated scattered field. The theoretical calculation is presented and simulations and experiments have been carried out to validate the proposed method. The results from the simulation are matched with the analytical solution for the case of sphere samples. Moreover, there is a good agreement between the simulation results and the experimental results for the copper cylindrical samples.
Unified Model for Paraphrase Generation and Paraphrase Identification
Authors: Kubal Divesh , Palivela Hemant
Published: April 2021

Paraphrase Generation is one of the most important and challenging tasks in the field of Natural Language Generation. The paraphrasing techniques help to identify or to extract/generate phrases/sentences conveying the similar meaning. The paraphrasing task can be bifurcated into two sub-tasks namely, Paraphrase Identification (PI) and Paraphrase Generation (PG). Most of the existing proposed state-of-the-art systems have the potential to solve only one problem at a time. This paper proposes a light-weight unified model that can simultaneously classify whether given pair of sentences are paraphrases of each other and the model can also generate multiple paraphrases given an input sentence. Paraphrase Generation module aims to generate fluent and semantically similar paraphrases and the Paraphrase Identification systemaims to classify whether sentences pair are paraphrases of each other or not. The proposed approach uses an amalgamation of data sampling or data variety with a granular fine-tuned Text-To-Text Transfer Transformer (T5) model. This paper proposes a unified approach which aims to solve the problems of Paraphrase Identification and generation by using carefully selected data-points and a fine-tuned T5 model. The highlight of this study is that the same light-weight model trained by keeping the objective of Paraphrase Generation can also be used for solving the Paraphrase Identification task. Hence, the proposed system is light-weight in terms of the model’s size along with the data used to train the model which facilitates the quick learning of the model without having to compromise with the results. The proposed system is then evaluated against the popular evaluation metrics like BLEU (BiLingual Evaluation Understudy):, ROUGE (Recall-Oriented Understudy for Gisting Evaluation), METEOR, WER (Word Error Rate), and GLEU (Google-BLEU) for Paraphrase Generation and classification metrics like accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score for Paraphrase Identification system. The proposed model achieves state-of-the-art results on both the tasks of Paraphrase Identification and paraphrase Generation.
Risk Factors for Tibial Component Loosening
Authors: van Hamersveld Koen T. , Marang-van de Mheen Perla J. , Tsonaka Roula , Nilsson Kjell G. , Toksvig-Larsen Sören , Nelissen Rob G.H.H.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is a highly accurate tool to detect implant migration and predict loosening following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, little is known about the predisposing risk factors for implant migration, nor which migration profile should be considered physiological (i.e., merely part of an implant-settling phase) and which should be considered pathological (i.e., having a high probability for implant loosening). By pooling individual participant data from long-term follow-up RSA studies, we aimed to identify predisposing risk factors for tibial component loosening.

Methods:

Individual data were collected for 630 patients from 11 RSA studies. The repeated measurements were analyzed with use of a linear mixed-effects model, determining the effect of age, sex, body mass index, diagnosis, preoperative and postoperative limb alignment, and prosthesis characteristics on tibial component migration over time, taking into account the clustering of patients within studies.

Results:

High initial migration was found to result in early mechanical loosening in 18 cases (2.9%) and septic loosening in 2 cases (0.3%), whereas stabilization of high initial migration occurred in 17 cases (2.7%). Late loosening occurred in 13 cases (2.1%). All other 580 cases (92.1%) showed early stabilization and remained stable over time. Mixed-effects model analyses showed that for cemented prostheses, sex, diagnosis, and posterior cruciate ligament type had an effect on migration, but these differences were nonsignificant when analyzing migration from 3 months onwards. Uncemented prostheses aligned in varus showed more migration than neutrally and valgus-aligned TKAs (p = 0.031), and this difference increased over time (p < 0.001). Significantly higher migration was observed following uncemented TKA without an osseointegration-promoting surface (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

For cemented prostheses, increased migration during the first 3 postoperative months was observed for female patients, patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and patients who underwent a posterior-stabilized TKA. For uncemented prostheses, both postoperative varus alignment of the lower limb and the absence of an osseointegration-promoting surface significantly increased postoperative tibial component migration.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Age and Genesis of the Pokrovskoe Gold–Silver Deposit (Russian Far East)
Authors: Sorokin A.A. , Kadashnikova A.Yu. , Ponomarchuk A.V. , Travin A.V. , Ponomarchuk V.A.
Published: April 2021

––We present results of geochronological studies of rocks from different igneous complexes and of hydrothermally altered volcanics with Au–Ag mineralization from the Pokrovskoe deposit. The age of the ore-hosting granites of the Sergeevsky pluton of the Upper Amur complex is estimated at ~129 Ma. The primary age of dacites of a sill-like body is within 128–125 Ma and is close to the age of volcanics of the Taldan complex. Propylitization processes superposed on these dacites are dated at ~122–119 Ma. Taking into account the commercial contents of gold and silver in these rocks, we believe that the age of the hosted orebodies is in the same interval. The period 122–119 Ma is also the time of formation of the Gal’ka volcanic complex in the Umlekan volcanic zone, which was accompanied by granitoid magmatism. This suggests that the formation of the Pokrovskoe deposit was associated with the accumulation of the Gal’ka complex.
Assessing Optimal Digital Elevation Model Selection for Active River Area Delineation Across Broad Regions
Authors: Ma Shizhou , Beazley Karen , Nussey Patrick , Greene Chris
Published: April 2021

The Active River Area (ARA) is a spatial approach for identifying the extent of functional riparian area. Given known limitations in terms of input elevation data quality and methodology, ARA studies to date have not achieved effective computer-based ARA-component delineation, limiting the efficacy of the ARA framework in terms of informing riparian conservation and management. To achieve framework refinement and determine the optimal input elevation data for future ARA studies, this study tested a novel Digital Elevation Model (DEM) smoothing algorithm and assessed ARA outputs derived from a range of DEMs for accuracy and efficiency. It was found that the tested DEM smoothing algorithm allows the ARA framework to take advantage of high-resolution LiDAR DEM and considerably improves the accuracy of high-resolution LiDAR DEM derived ARA results; smoothed LiDAR DEM in 5-meter spatial resolution best balanced ARA accuracy and data processing efficiency and is ultimately recommended for future ARA delineations across large regions.
Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct with infiltrative small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Zhao Baoyi , Lin Hua-jun , Man Wen-hao , Su Cai-li , Zhang Zhong-tao , Li Pei-xin
Published: April 2021

Introduction: We present the case of an intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) accompanying a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. Patient concerns: A 73-year-old male Chinese patient presented with jaundice of unknown origin. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan revealed that the wall of the lower common bile duct was thickened and nodular, causing a narrowing in the lumen and upper common bile duct enlargement above the narrow segment. Diagnosis and interventions: The initial diagnosis based on clinical manifestations was IPNB and pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. Pathological examination of the resected bile duct revealed papillary proliferation of biliary-type cells with nuclear atypia, indicating IPNB. Immunohistochemistry was positive for neuroendocrine markers indicative of infiltration and small cell neuroendocrine cancer. Outcomes: The patient died on postoperative day 138. Conclusion: This is the first reported case of its kind, as none has been reported in any published literature so far.
Quantitative MRI Reveals Grey Matter Abnormalities in Children With Drug-Naïve Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Su Shu , Chen Yingqian , Dai Yan , Lin Liping , Qian Long , Zhou Qin , Zou Mengsha , Zhang Hongyu , Liu Meina , Xiang Xianhong , Yang Zhiyun
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To investigate the quantitative profiles of brain GM in pediatric drug-naïve ADHD patients using Synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI).
Method and Materials:

A total of 37 drug-naïve pediatric ADHD and 27 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. Each subject underwent both SyMRI and conventional 3D T1-FSPGR scans. Quantitative parameters, T1 and T2 maps, were extracted from the SyMRI data. Between-group quantitative maps were compared using a general linear model analysis. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to assess the association between significantly altered MR indices and clinical measurements in ADHD.
Results

Compared with the HC group, altered T1 and T2 relaxometry times in the ADHD group were mainly distributed in GM regions of the cerebellum, attention and execution control network, default mode network, and limbic areas. Moreover, the T1 value of the right cerebellum 8 was negatively correlated with the attention concentration level in ADHD (R = 0.1401, P = 0.0225). With regards to T2 map, the associations were observed between the attention level of ADHD patients and left fusiform gyrus (R = 0.2509, P = 0.0016), and right cerebellum crus2 (R = 0.1422, P = 0.0214).
Conclusion

Altered T1, T2 values found in specific regions of GM may reveal widespread micromorphology changes, i.e., brain iron deficiency, low myelin content, and enlarged vascular interstitial space in ADHD patients. Thus, T1, T2 values might be promising imaging markers for future ADHD studies.
Extraction efficiency simulation in deep ultraviolet AlGaN light emitting diodes
Authors: Fan Qian , Ni Xianfeng , Hua Bing , Gu Xing
Published: April 2021

A ray tracing model is developed to study the light extraction efficiency (LEE) of the nitride wide band gap semiconductor deep ultraviolet light emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs). The basic device structure is flip-chip LED device with dome shape encapsulation. Various device parameters such as reflecting metal choices, absorption coefficient of the AlGaN/AlN layers, sapphire surface roughness etc have been examined. We have found that the transparency of the AlGaN/AlN epitaxial layers as well as the encapsulation layer play key roles in improving the LEE and spatial distribution. To further verify the absorption by the AlN, highly doped n-type Al0.61Ga0.39N epitaxial layer is grown on AlN template and sapphire substrate by high temperature MOCVD deposition method, then the transmittance is measured after sapphire’s backside being polished to mirror smooth. The extrapolated the absorption coefficient of the AlN is below 103 cm-1, which paves the way to the success of high efficiency DUV LEDs.
Influence of Wastewater Type in the Effects Caused by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in the Removal of Macronutrients by Activated Sludge
Authors: Cervantes-Avilés Pabel , Saber Ayman N. , Polanco Abrahan Mora , Mahlknecht Jurgen , Cuevas-Rodríguez Germán
Published: April 2021

The imminent arrival of nanoparticles (NPs) to the wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) brings concern about their effects. In this work, the effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) NPs in the removal of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus by activated sludge bioreactors during the treatment of synthetic, raw and filtered wastewater were evaluated. The floc size, compaction of sludge, and morphological interactions between sludge and NPs were also evaluated. The main effect was observed in the ammoniacal nitrogen removal, which was inhibited up to 22% for all types of wastewater in the presence of TiO2 NPs. While nitrite production deficiencies were observed for real wastewaters experiments, nitrate formation was mainly affected for synthetic wastewater. The removal of organic matter was affected by TiO2 NPs in lower level (up to 6%) than nitrogen removal, especially during treatment of raw wastewater. The removal of orthophosphate was improved in presence of NPs 34%, 16% and 55% for synthetic, raw, and filtered wastewater, respectively. The compaction of the sludge was also a positive effect, which enhanced as the concentration of NPs increased without alterations in the floc size for all types of wastewater. Based on TEM and STEM imaging, the main interaction of TiO2 NPs with activated sludge flocs was mainly the adsorption of NPs on the cell membrane. This means that NPs can disrupt the cell membrane during aerobic wastewater treatment. The effects of NPs on macronutrient removal depended on wastewater characteristics. The use of realistic matrices is highly encouraged for ecotoxicological experiments.
The COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown and Its Future Economic and Demographic Implications on Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi Babatunde , Abatan Sunday Matthew , Atsuwa Ruth Ngukimbin
Published: April 2021

Background:The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) associated with acute respiratory syndrome believed to have emanated from Wuhan, China in 2019 has led to serious implications on fertility, economic challenges and intimate partner violence (IPV) in Nigeria. The impact of the coivd-19 pandemic led to various responses by many governments around the world, aimed at reducing the spread of the disease and the unprecedented deaths that have followed. This paper examined the implications of the COVID-19 lockdown on fertility, economic and intimate partner violence in Nigeria using situation analysis study (SAS) as its design. Qualitative and quantitative data obtained through administered questionnaires using online survey monkey and focused group method was analyzed. Result:Results indicated that, although lockdown as a method adopted by governments to curtail the spread of the deadly virus has to an extent reduced the spread of Covid-19, however, it has negative implications especially on fertility and the economy. It was also found to induce a spike in intimate partner violence (IPV) in Nigeria. Conclusion: The study recommends that government agencies aside introducing lockdown as a measure for reducing the spread of the virus should sensitize on its benefits as a good instrument for tackling future occurrences of the virus. Also, other safety nets like flexible loans to low income individuals for immediate and basic needs among other factors should be adopted.
Point-Process modeling of Secondary Crashes
Authors: Motagi Samarth , Namilae Sirish , Gbaguidi Audrey , Parr Scott , Liu Dahai
Published: April 2021

Secondary crashes or crashes that occur in the wake of a preceding or primary crash are among the most critical incidents occurring on highways, due to the exceptional danger they present to the first responders and victims of the primary crash. In this work, we developed a self-exciting temporal point process to analyze crash events data and classify it into primary and secondary crashes. Our model uses a self-exciting function to describe secondary crashes while primary crashes are modeled using a background rate function. We fit the model to crash incidents data from the Florida Department of Transportation, on Interstate-4 (I-4) highway for the years 2015-2017, to determine the model parameters. These are used to estimate the probability that a given crash is secondary crash and to find queue times. To represent the periodically varying traffic levels and crash incidents, we model the background rate, as a stationary function, a sinusoidal non-stationary function, and a piecewise non-stationary function. We show that the sinusoidal non-stationary background rate fits the traffic data better and replicates the daily and weekly peaks in crash events due to traffic rush hours. Secondary crashes are found to account for up to 15.09% of the traffic incident, depending on the city on the I4 Highway.
Pain hypersensitivity in a pharmacological mouse model of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Authors: Bouchatta Otmane , Aby Franck , Sifeddine Wahiba , Rabia Bouali-Benazzouz , Brochoire Louison , Manouze Houria , Fossat Pascal , M'Hamed Saadia Ba , Bennis Mohamed , Landry Marc
Published: April 2021

Recent clinical evidence suggest that pain hypersensitivity develops in subjects with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the mechanisms and neural circuits involved in these interactions remain unknown because of the paucity of studies in animal models. In our previous work, we validated a mouse model obtained by neonatal 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection, to mimic ADHD syndrome. Here, we demonstrated that 6-OHDA mice exhibited a marked decrease of withdrawal thresholds to thermal and mechanical stimuli, suggesting that ADHD conditions increase nociceptive sensitivity. Moreover, sensitization to pathological inflammatory pain is amplified in 6-OHDA mice as compared to shams. Conversely, ADHD-related hyperactivity and anxiety, but not inattention and impulsivity, are worsened in the inflammatory pain model. Our data indicated that ADHD-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia are accompanied by neuronal hyperexcitability in the dorsal spinal cord. Next, we tested the hypothesis that descending controls are responsible for pain alterations. By combining in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetic stimulation and behavioral analyses, we demonstrated that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) hyperactivity alters the ‘ACC – posterior insula’ circuit, and triggers changes in spinal networks that underlie pain sensitization. Altogether, our results point to unprecedented mechanisms underlying the comorbidity between ADHD and pain sensitization. They indicate that ADHD and pain sensitization are mutually worsening comorbid disorders. The identification of shared mechanisms, engaging overlapping neuronal circuits and underlying both disorders, is key to better treatments.
FIRELAN | An Ecologically Based Planning Model Towards a Fire Resilient and Sustainable Landscape. A Case Study in Center Region of Portugal
Authors: Magalhães Manuela R. , Cunha Natalia S. , Pena Selma B. , Müller Ana
Published: April 2021

This paper explores the role of landscape planning as a tool for rural fire prevention. It presents a methodology for a fire resilient and sustainable landscape model (FIRELAN) that articulates the ecological and cultural components in a suitable and multifunction land-use plan. FIRELAN is a conceptual and ecologically based model that recognizes river basin’ land morphology, microclimate, and species combustibility as the fundamental factors that determine fire behavior and landscape resilience, along with the ecological network (EN) for achieving ecological sustainability of the landscape.
The model is constituted by the FIRELAN Network and the Complementary Areas. This network ensures the effectiveness of discontinuities in the landscape with less combustible land-uses. It also functions as a fire-retardant technique and protection of wildland-urban interface (WUI).
This model is applied to municipalities from Portugal's center region, a simplified landscape severely damaged by recurrent rural fires. The results show that land-use and tree species composition should change drastically, whereas about 72% of the case study needs transformation actions. This requires a significant increase of native or archaeophytes species, agricultural areas, landscape discontinuities and the restoration of biodiversity in Natura 2000 areas. The EN components are 79% of the FIRELAN N area, whose implementation ensures soil and water conservation, biodiversity, and habitats.
This paper contributes to the discussion of the Portuguese rural fires planning framework, highlighting the role of this model implementation towards a new landscape by giving explicit indications of adequate land-uses in rural areas. The FIRELAN model can be replicated in any situation.
High order pulse-echo (HOPE) ultrasound
Authors: Hofmann Urs Alexander Tassilo , Pérez-López Sergio , Estrada Héctor , Razanksy Daniel
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Induction and quantification of fiber alignment in cellulose nanofibril films
Authors: Roozbahani Sahar , Hamilton Josh , Alsamsam Omar , Mason Michael , Tilbury Karissa Beth
Published: April 2021

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) have been explored as an emerging naturally sourced material for use in the preparation of new biomaterials. CNF fibrils have a high aspect ratio with fibril lengths of ~ 1 µm and diameters of 20–40 nm. The assembly of CNF impacts both bulk mechanical properties as well as localized cellular interaction. The ability to reproducibly tune CNF fiber alignment is an active area of CNF-based biomaterial research. Here, we present a simple CNF fibril alignment strategy based on application of constant unilateral force on thin CNF films drying on a flexible substrate. CNF fibril alignment/orientation was characterized using both Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and conventional Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) approaches. CNF is optically birefringent; therefore, calculation of the birefringence orientation index (BOI) can infer the extent of CNF fibril alignment with a non-destructive, cost-effective technique. CNF fibril alignment is markedly increased with application of 10.2 N force as assessed by both SEM and PLM analysis. SEM imaging resolved individual CNF and the alignment was analyzed using OrientationJ, an ImageJ plugin, to extract fibril angle whereas PLM microscopy provided a BOI value. Both the fibril alignment and BOI score were in agreement; therefore, it is acceptable to infer fibril organization with PLM techniques. Furthermore, the addition of nanoparticle hydroxyapatite did not diminish the CNF fibril alignment as assessed by both PLM and SEM highlighting the utility of the CNF film fabrication technique. In summary, the application of unilateral force on thin CNF films adhered to latex, is an elegant, scalable, and cost-effective technique for generating CNF films with reproducible fibril alignment.
Approximate Analytical study of unsteady Hybrid nanofluid in the presences of magnetic field with convective boundary condition over a stretching surface
Authors: Rehman Ali , khan Waris
Published: April 2021

The objective of this researcher paper is to study the analytical solution of unsteady hybrid nanofluid in the presences of magnetic field over a stretching surface. By using similarity transformation the major partial differential equation is converted to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equation .the analytical method (OHAM) is used to find the approximate analytical solution of the nonlinear ordinary differential equation The BVPh 2.0 package function of MATHEMATICA is used to obtained the numerical results the result of important parameter such as, magnetic parameter, Prandtl number, Eckert number and surface convection parameter for both velocity and temperature profile are plotted and discuss. The BVPh 2.0 package is used to obtained the converges of the problem up to 25 iterations. The skin friction coefficient and Nusselt is explained in table form.
Long-Term Impacts of Reservoir Operation on the Spatiotemporal Variation in Nitrogen Forms in the Post-Three Gorges Dam Period (2004–2016)
Authors: Nie Bei , Zeng Yuhong , Niu Lanhua , Zhang Xiaofeng
Published: April 2021

Nitrogen (N) is an essential nutrient limiting life, and its biochemical cycling and distribution in rivers have been markedly affected by river engineering construction and operation. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the spatiotemporal variations and driving environmental factors of N distributions based on the long-term observations (from 2004 to 2016) of seven stations in the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). In the study period, the overall water quality status of the river reach improved, whereas N pollution was severe and tended to be aggravated after the TGR impoundment. The anti-seasonal reservoir operation strongly affected the variations in N forms. The total nitrogen (TN) concentration in the mainstream of the Yangtze River continuously increased, although it was still lower than that in the incoming tributaries (Wu and Jialing rivers). Further analysis showed that this increase occurred probably because of external inputs, including the upstream (76%), non-point (22%), and point source pollution inputs (2%). Besides, different N forms showed significant seasonal variations; among them, the TN and nitrate nitrogen concentrations were the lowest in the impoundment season (October–February), and the ammonia nitrogen concentrations were the highest in the sluicing season (March–May). These parameters varied likely because of internal N transformation. Redundancy analysis revealed that the water level regulated by the anti-seasonal operation was the largest contributor. Our findings could provide a basis for managing and predicting the water quality in the Yangtze River.
C. elegans-based chemosensation strategy for the early detection of cancer metabolites in urine samples
Authors: Lanza Enrico , Rocco Martina Di , Schwartz Silvia , Caprini Davide , Milanetti Edoardo , Ferrarese Giuseppe , Lonardo Maria Teresa , Pannone Luca , Ruocco Giancarlo , Martinelli Simone , Folli Viola
Published: April 2021

Chemosensory receptors play a crucial role in distinguishing the wide range of volatile/soluble molecules by binding them with high accuracy. Chemosensation is particularly developed in organisms lacking long-range sensory mechanisms like vision/hearing. Despite its low number of sensory neurons, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans possesses several chemosensory receptors, allowing it to detect about as many odorants as mammals. Here, we show that C. elegans displays attraction towards urine samples of women with breast cancer, avoiding control ones. Behavioral assays on animals lacking AWC sensory neurons demonstrate the relevance of these neurons in sensing cancer odorants: calcium imaging on AWC increases the accuracy of the discrimination (97.22%). Also, chemotaxis assays on animals lacking GPCRs expressed in AWC allow to identify receptors involved in binding cancer metabolites, suggesting that an alteration of a few metabolites is sufficient for the cancer discriminating behavior of C. elegans, which may help identify a fundamental fingerprint of breast cancer.
Thermal and Geometrical Assessment of Parabolic Trough Collector Mounted Double Evacuated Novel Receiver Tube System
Authors: Thappa Sahil , Chauhan Aditya , Anand Yatheshth , Anand Sanjeev
Published: April 2021

This paper particularly aims to highlight the necessity of optimal geometric design considerations of a parabolic trough collector (PTC) mounted novel receiver tube in view of efficient operation and high-end performance. Many investigations, analysis, and validation have been done in this regard as solar energy based PTC now a commercially mature technology acknowledges a variety of role in the form of power generation and other thermal applications. This article identifies the optimal rim angle corresponding to its tube size as required for high exergetic gains. Almost six receiver tubes, distinct in terms of dimensions and number of covers are compared for their best results to be mounted on adequate geometry with different rim angle (40°, 80°, and 120°). A significant variation of flow rate (i.e. 16 to 216 litre/hr) and inlet fluid temperature (i.e. 323 K, 423 K, 523 K, 623 K, and 723 K) has been extensively detailed about high energy and exergy retrieval from the system. The study reports that all the favorable results are found with the receiver tube having a diameter of 0.027 m and a double envelope, compared to other design considerations. Results show that as the flow rate increases energy efficiency also increases up to some extent along with increasing receiver tube temperature. The highest energy and exergy efficiency as reported to be 79.4% and 47% respectively with 80o being the optimal rim angle for a 5.7 m wide parabolic aperture.
Efficient Electrocatalytic Upgrading of Furan-Based Biomass: Key Roles of Two-Dimensional Mesoporous Heterostructure and Ternary Electrolyte
Authors: Wu Haoran , Zou Yashi , Xu Haishan , Yang Jianming , Bao Qinye , Wu Liang , Mai Yiyong
Published: April 2021

Development of high-performance electrocatalytic systems for efficient conversion of biomass to value-added chemicals under mild conditions and understanding of their mechanisms are of profound significance, but have remained a great challenge. Here, we report the first development of two-dimensional mesoporous electrocatalyst for biomass conversion. The electrocatalyst (meso-PA/PmPD/GO) consists of phytic acid (PA)-doped mesoporous poly(m-phenylenediamine) layers coated on graphene oxide nanosheets. Meanwhile, a high-performance ternary electrolyte containing 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BmimBF4), acetonitrile and H2O is developed. The combination of meso-PA/PmPD/GO and the ternary electrolyte realizes highly efficient conversion of two important biomass derivatives at room temperature. One involves a hardly achieved oxidation of furfuryl alcohol to 6-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-6H-pyrano-3-one with high faradic efficiency (FE: 83.7%) and selectivity (87.9%). The other involves the oxidation of furfural to 5-hydroxy-2(5H)-furanone with record-high FE (98.9%) and selectivity (93.6%). Mechanism study including DFT calculations unveils that N-heterocyclic carbenes (Bmim*) generated from BmimBF4 act as the reaction-determining active species. Additionally, the synergistic effect of the PA doping, mesoporous structure and p-n heterojunction interface in meso-PA/PmPD/GO favors the mass transport and the transfer of generated holes to the outer layers, thus boosting the catalytic performance.
Effect of direct feeding training with xanthan gum-based thickener modified food on the recovery of swallowing safety and efficacy in Chinese patients with post-stroke dysphagia: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Wang Yao , Rao Jiang , Zhang Jie , Zhu Hui-min , Liu Li , Huang Shao-chun
Published: April 2021

Background: Increasing the bolus viscosity of food can protect patients with post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) from aspiration. However, conventional starch thickeners increase post-deglutition residue. The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic effect of direct feeding training with xanthan gum-based thickener (Softia G, NUTRI Co., Ltd., Yokkaichi, Japan) modified food in Chinese PSD patients with a nasogastric tube.Methods: This randomized controlled study enrolled PSD patients with a gastric tube, who were equally divided into the experimental group (E-group) and the control group (C-group) according to a random number table. Both groups were given traditional training for dysphagia. The E-group cases received additional direct feeding training with Softia G-modified training food. The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and modified volume-viscosity swallow test (M-VVST) for swallowing safety and efficacy according to adjusted Chinese dietary habits were administered before and after treatment for four weeks. The nasogastric tube removal rate was calculated in both groups post-training.Results: A total of 167 participants completed the study, 82 cases in the E-group and 85 in the C-group. After treatment, the FOIS score of the E-group (median = 5) was better than that of the C-group (median = 3) (p < 0.001). In the E-group, the incidence of coughing, voice changes, and oxygen desaturation of 3% or more was 7.32%, 4.88%, and 2.44%, significantly lower than in the C-group (37.65%, 16.47%, and 11.76%, p < 0.05). The incidence of pharyngeal residue and piecemeal deglutition were 0% and 2.44%, respectively, in the E-group; the differences between the groups were statistically significant (The C-group: 28.24% and 16.47%, p < 0.05). Moreover, the gastric tube removal rate was 100% in the E-group and 28.24% in the C-group (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Direct feeding training with xanthan gum-based thickener Softia G-modified food can effectively promote swallowing safety and efficacy in Chinese patients with PSD. M-VVST is more applicable to the Chinese population than conventional V-VST.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trail Registry ChiCTR2100043352, 11/02/2021, Retrospectively registered.
Fluorescent lamp tungsten filament thermionic emission gun as a novel humidity optical sensor
Authors: Sherafat Leila , Torabi-Monfared Hossein , Doroodmand Mohammad Mahdi , Eshghi Fazlolah
Published: April 2021

Detecting humidity is a continuing concern within important area such as structural health, food processing, industrial as well agricultural products. In this study, a novel humidity optical sensor is introduced based on the thermionic emission of tungsten filament of a fluorescent lamp. Estimated blue compliant using a charged coupling device camera (CCD) in optical image of the tungsten filament is considered as appropriate detection system for relative humidity (RH) sensing. . The fabricated optical sensor has acceptable linear range (2.0- 98 % RH), improved detection limit (<5.0 % RH), acceptable saturated limit (> 99.0 % RH), improved percentage of relative standard deviation (4.18%, n=2), adequate hysteresis (<4.0 % RH) and a shorter rise time (<5.0 s), respectively. The mechanism behind this detection system was based on the interaction between H2O and tungsten filament during formation of WO3.x H2O (x = 1-2) based on the patented X-ray diffraction analysis.
Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Otolaryngology Residency Training: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sánchez-Gómez Serafín , Maza-Solano Juan Manuel , López-Flórez Luz , Arias Pablo Parente , Duro David Lobo , Palacios-García José María
Published: April 2021

BackgroundTraining in surgical specialties has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. A study was carried out to further analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on specific aspects of clinical, training, and research activities performed by the otolaryngology residents in Spain.MethodsA cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted during the last two weeks of February 2021. The study consisted of an online survey taken by otolaryngology residents who had undertaken one-year continuing training from February 15, 2020 to February 15, 2021 and consisted of 26 questions exploring the impact of the COVID-19 on the health of the ENT residents and training activities. Categorical variables were reported as frequency and percentage. When indicated, Pearson´s Chi-square test (c2) with Yates´s correction and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) were used.Results143 completed surveys were received from 264 Residents (54.17%). 36 residents (25.2%) have suffered from the disease due to SARS-CoV-2. Most of them only developed mild symptoms (86.1%), with 3 requiring hospitalization (8.3%). The origin of infection was unknown in all cases and the need for confinement was principally due to either attending an asymptomatic patient in 9 cases (6.3%) or to being in close contact with an asymptomatic person off hospital grounds in 22 (15.4%). 60.1% of the residents surveyed reported having lost more than 6 months of their training period, and in 18.8% of cases, it was as high as 10 and 12 months. There has been a reduction of more than 75% of what was planned in surgical training (p < 0.05) of tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, stapedectomy, cochlear implants, endoscopic sinonasal and anterior skull base surgery, septoplasty and turbinoplasty.ConclusionsThe decline in ENT activity and residents having to assist in other COVID-19 units during the most critical moments of the pandemic, has caused the main reduction in their training capacity. Virtual activities have been widely accepted, but they have not completely replaced all residents’ training needs. Specialized ENT training should be extended from 6 months to 1 year to ensure adequate training, especially for recovering the surgical Otology and Rhinology hands-on training lost during the pandemic.
A systematic review of the effects of remote feedback in home-based strategy physical activity interventions for cancer survivors
Authors: Omar Mardiana , Zulkefli Nor Afiah Mohd
Published: April 2021

Background: Studies have reported on positive health outcomes from physical activity (PA) for cancer survivorship. Systematic reviews, meta-analysis and trial studies have concluded that PA intervention improves quality of life and physical function, reduces the relapse of cancer and mitigates cancer mortality. Despite these important gains, cancer survivors’ PA level is still not satisfactory. Across all cancer types, home is the most preferred location of PA. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of remote feedback delivery strategy for home-based PA among cancer survivors. Methods: A systematic review was conducted by retrieving relevant articles published from the year 2009 to 2019 from the database aggregator EBSCOhost (databases used were Medline, CINAHL, SPORT Discuss and Cochrane trials). Results: Both frequent remote contact and direct remote contact are equally effective and have a larger effect than programmes with usual care, no intervention, participants placed in waiting list for intervention or participants given basic guidelines on PA. Direct remote contact reported strong evidence of moderate effect while frequent telephone contact reported conflicting findings of varied effect sizes. Conclusion: Opting for remote feedback strategies with supervised exercise provide an easier approach for the cancer survivors to keep up with exercise for a longer period of time and can be integrated in a cancer survivor’s lifestyle.
3D DCE-MRA in spinal vascular malformations
Authors: Cao Jibin , Gao Sijia , Sun Wenge , Cui Lingling
Published: April 2021

Purpose: This study was carried out to investigate whether 3.0T dynamic enhanced 3 dimensional magnetic resonance angiography (3D DCE-MRA) could identify spinal cord vascular malformations efficiently.Material and Methods: 32 suspected cases of spinal vascular disease with MR imaging and clinical symptoms were detected using DCE-MRA. 28 patients were valued through DSA for 3-5 days, and surgical treatment was performed on 24 patients. Results: DCE-MRA was used to examine all the cases which recognized abnormal vascular lesions clearly, and 28 cases were consistent with DSA or surgical diagnosis. The arterial blood supply was evaluated accurately in 28 cases. The findings were correct in 26 cases.Conclusion: 3.0T DCE-MRA features high sensitivity and accuracy in detecting and characterizing SVMs, especially SDAVF.
Protective Effects of Chicken Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on a Mouse Model of Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Wang xishuai , Song hanan , Zhao shiyu , Guan weijun , Gao yang
Published: April 2021

Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were an emergent tool to prevent acute lung injury (ALI) and its complications. We attempted to isolate, culture, and characterize chicken bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), investigate whether BM-MSCs protect against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI, and explore the related mechanisms. Methods: Ninety-six male ICR (6 wks old) mice were divided into three groups: Con, LPS, and LPS + MSC. Mice in the LPS and Ex+LPS groups received 5 mg/kg LPS intratracheally to induce ALI. Histopathological micrographs showed morphological changes in the lung, heart, liver, kidney, and aorta. Lung permeability, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell counts, oxidative stress parameters, and inflammatory cytokine levels in the BALF, plasma, and lung tissue were detected. Furthermore, gene expression levels for Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TRL4) and myeloid differentiation factor (Mdy88) were measured. Besides, a survival analysis was performed in sixty male ICR mice. Results: BM-MSCs administration significantly increased the survival rate and decreased the histopathological severity of LPS-induced lung, liver, kidney, and aortic injury. BM-MSC administration improved LPS-induced pulmonary inflammation, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress injury. BM-MSC administration reduced the infiltration of neutrophils in lung, liver, kidney, and heart tissues. In addition, BM-MSC administration reduced TRL4 and Mdy88 mRNA expression in mice with ALI. Conclusions: Chicken BM-MSCs improved LPS-induced ALI and liver, kidney, heart, and aortic injury. Chicken BM-MSCs improved LPS-induced ALI, in part through TLR4/Myd88 signaling and inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress injury. BM-MSCs improved LPS-induced pulmonary fibrosis via suppressing TGF-β and MMP-9. BM-MSCs reduced neutrophil content via suppressing CXCL-1, IL-8, and TNF-α.