bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Modeling of Students’ Academic Performances: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Kemda Lionel Establet , Murray Micheal
Published: June 2021

Within students’ attrition studies, it is necessary to assess the longitudinal evolution of students within a given course of study, from enrolment to exit from the university through degree completion and academic dropout. Here, the student's academic progress is monitored through the number of courses failed each semester enrolled. The students’ failure rate and academic behavior typically provide significant insight into students’ exit outcomes from University programs. These programs usually have a maximum time frame required to complete the course. A likelihood-based approach is discussed that conditions on the exit outcome and random effects in adjusting within-subject correlation of longitudinal measurements. Ignoring the number of courses enrolled by a student may produce inadequate results on the actual failure rates. Conditioned on the exit outcomes of the student, we find out that factors such as financial aid, matriculation points, students’ race and course type registered, and gender are distinguishing factors that affect students’ academic performances, for completers and dropouts. Also, being in university-type accommodation (that often have added services such as transportation and internet connections) does not seem to significantly affect the failure rate within both groups of students. In addition, an increase in matriculation points significantly reduces the failure rate independent of the Quintile school of the student. Several count models such as mixed Poisson, mixed Zero Inflation Poisson, mixed Negative Binomial, and mixed Hurdle Poisson models are fitted and compared. In particular, the mixed Poisson model provides a better fit based on the Bayesian Information Criterion and residues analysis.
Association between radical cystectomy prophylactic antimicrobial regimen and postoperative infection
Authors: Ross James Paul Joseph , Breau Rodney H. , Vigil Humberto , Hickling Duane R. , Angel Jonathan B. , Mallick Ranjeeta , Cagiannos Ilias , Morash Chirstopher , Lavallee Luke T.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Infections are common after radical cystectomy. The objective of this study was to determine the association between antimicrobial prophylactic regimen and infection after radical cystectomy.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who underwent radical cystectomy at one tertiary Canadian center between January 2016 and April 2020. Patients received antimicrobial prophylaxis based on surgeon preference (cefazolin/metronidazole or ampicillin/ciprofloxacin/metronidazole or other). A univariable and multivariable logistic regression model was created to determine the association between antimicrobial regimen and postoperative infection within 30 days. The association between patient demographic factors, as well as preoperative and intraoperative variables and infection was also determined. Infection characteristics, including type, timing, and antimicrobial susceptibilities were reported.

Results: One hundred and sixty-five patients were included. Mean age was 69.8 years, 121 (73.3%) were male, and 72 (43.6%) received orthotopic neobladder diversion. Ninety-six patients (58%) received cefazolin/metronidazole prophylaxis, 50 (30%) received ampicillin/ciprofloxacin/metronidazole, and 19 (11.5%) received another regimen. Fifty-four patients (32.7%) developed a postoperative infection (surgical site infection or urinary tract infection). Surgical site infection occurred in 35 patients (21.2%) and urinary tract infection occurred in 34 (21.0%). There was no association between antimicrobial regimen and incidence of postoperative infection (surgical site infection or urinary tract infection, relative risk [RR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–1.99).

Conclusions: The overall incidence of infection was 32.7% following radical cystectomy. The preoperative prophylactic antibiotic regimen used was not associated with incidence of postoperative infection.
Long surgical waiting list times are associated with an increased rate of negative ureteroscopies
Authors: González-Padilla Daniel A. , González-Díaz Alejandro , Peña-Vallejo Helena , Santos Pérez de la Blanca Rocío , Teigell-Tobar Julio , Hernández-Arroyo Mario , Abad-López Pablo , Rodriguez-Antolin Alfredo , Cabrera-Meiras Fernando
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Negative ureteroscopy (NURS) is “a ureteroscopy in which no stone is found during the procedure.” We aimed to determine the association between the surgical waiting list time (WLT) and the NURS rate.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients scheduled for ureteroscopy in our center between January 2017 and July 2019. The inclusion criterion was unilateral semirigid ureteroscopy for a single ureteral stone; exclusion criteria were renal-only stones, incomplete ureteroscopy, and stones >10 mm. We analyzed age, gender, body mass index, stone size, density and location, presence of a temporary double-J (DJ) stent, use of medical expulsive therapy, and WLT. Complications while waiting for surgery were also collected and analyzed.

Results: We included 219 patients, 41 (18.7%) of whom had NURS. The median WLT was 74 days (interquartile range [IQR] 45–127). Variables protective against NURS were large stone size (odds ratio [OR] 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–0.93), presence of a temporary DJ stent (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.2–0.8), and radiopaque stones (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21–0.88). A long WLT (>60 days) increased the risk of NURS (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.02–4.61). Complications requiring emergency department visits while waiting for surgery were documented in 58/137 (42.3%) patients with indwelling DJ stents; nonetheless, a WLT greater than the median was not associated with an increased risk of complications (p=0.38).

Conclusions: Long WLT has an independent, direct, and linear correlation with NURS rates. Patients at higher risk of NURS, may be offered preoperative re-evaluation with a computed tomography scan in a resource-limited setting.
Use of video education in post-operative patient counselling: A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Witherspoon Luke D.E. , Gan Ailsa M.L. , Breau Rodney H. , Saumure Ginette , Shea Jacqueline , Mallick Ranjeeta , Warren Jeffrey E. , Blew Brian , Cagiannos Ilias , Morash Christopher , Lavallée Luke T.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: This quality improvement study examined if a video-based resource could reduce delayed discharges after robotic prostatectomy while maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction.

Methods: From April 2018 to February 2020, all patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) were asked to complete an anonymous survey evaluating their perioperative experience. The quality improvement (QI) intervention started in March 2019 with a series of six educational videos being shown to all patients. The videos were used to supplement postoperative instruction. The discharge times of all patients were obtained from The Ottawa Hospital Data Repositories. A run chart analysis was used to detect change in discharge time (outcome measure). Patient satisfaction (balancing measure) was analyzed using Chi-squared analysis and descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 425 robotic prostatectomies (199 pre-intervention, 226 post-intervention) were available. Analysis of the run chart revealed non-random change favoring earlier discharge in the intervention group (p<0.05), with a pre-intervention late discharge rate of 64% and a post-intervention late discharge rate of 55%. A total of 140 surveys (59 pre-intervention, 81 post-intervention) assessing patient satisfaction were completed, corresponding with a response rate of 29.6% and 35.8%, respectively. Median score on a 10-point scale for overall satisfaction was equal between the intervention and non-intervention groups (9 [interquartile range (IQR 8–10) vs. 10 [IQR 8-10], p=0.92).

Conclusions: Patient satisfaction with care and education was high for all patients and was not negatively impacted by this intervention. Video education tools may be one method to help improve the discharge process following RARP.
American Soft Power Through Hollywood Superhero Movies: The Case of the Trilogy of Captain America
Authors: Suwankaewmanee Lalita
Published: June 2021

The Captain America trilogy exemplifies American ideals: individuality, democracy, liberty, equality, and patriotism through the life and identity of its protagonist Steve Rogers. From the blatant display of American cultures to American values to the artistic imitation of American policies, the Captain America trilogy incorporates all mentioned elements and presents the world the compelling stories where heroes are created, sacrifices are made, damages are done—all for the protection of humanity. As the curtain closes, superheroes always emerge as the saviors—to all. The assertion of power, as the trilogy demonstrates, is no longer through the brutal force of military power but wielded through soft power, namely culture, values, and policies. Only through careful analysis of the storyline, character traits, dialogues, and images, one may discover hidden messages in the art that imitates life. As stated by Joseph Nye (1990), a political scientist, “the best propaganda is not propaganda”.
SKEW POLYNOMIAL RINGS SATISFYING $R$-BND PROPERTY
Authors: SALEM REFAAT M.
Published: June 2021

In this paper we show that, a prime right Noetherian ring $A$ satisfies $T(A) = n <\infty$ iff $A[x, \sigma]$ satisfies $r$-Bnd $(n + 1)$.
A CONVOLUTION APPROACH TO CERTAIN SUBCLASSES OF STARLIKE FUNCTIONS
Authors: REDDY T . RAM , JUNEJA O. P. , SATHYANARAYANA K.
Published: June 2021

The class $R_\gamma(A,B)$ for $-1\le B < A\le 1$ and $\gamma> (A- 1)/(1- B)$ consisting of normalised analytic functions in the open unit disc is defined with the help of Convolution technique. It consists of univalent starlike functions for $\gamma\ge 0$. We establish containment property, integral transforms and a sufficient condition for an analytic function to be in $R\gamma(A,B)$. Using the concept of dual spaces we find a convolution condition for a function in this class.
ON SOME INTEGRAL REPRESENTATIONAL FORMULAS FOR SCHWARZIAN COEFFICIENTS WITH AN APPLICATION TO NUMBER THEORY
Authors: ZEMYAN STEPHEN M.
Published: June 2021

We develop integral representational formulas for all Sch­warzian coefficients of single-slit mappings by utilizing Lowner's Para­metric Method. As an application, we evaluate a complicated number­ theoretic sum.
Financial Decision Making Under Stress
Authors:   , Bejanyan Narek
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper is to examine the link between individuals' financial decisions and stress. In a laboratory experiment, Holt and Laury lottery was used to elicit participants risk preferences. The Cold Pressor Test was used to induce a safe level of stress. In the treatment group, 62% of participants are risk averse; versus 76% in the control group. Additionally, inconsistent financial decision making was observed in both groups: 55% of participants in the treatment group versus 30% in the control.
The Corporate Character of Eudaimonist Virtue Ethics Cautioning the Invisible Environment of Harmful EMFs Resulting from 5G Technology
Authors:   , Komrosky Joseph
Published: June 2021

There is a current concern in environmental ethics that stems from the development of cell phone communication technology; namely, do the electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) linked to the development of technology of 4G and 5G cause harm to the environment (e.g., plants, bees and other insects, the animal kingdom, and human beings)? Do EMFs cause or correlate to the collapse of bee colonies and/or lower sperm counts in men and increased rates of breast cancer in women? This concern deals with EMFs that are inextricably linked to the development of telecommunication technology of current 4G and future 5G. More specifically, there are concerns that these EMFs may cause harm to various members of the environment, such as plants and trees, bees and insects, other members of the animal kingdom, and humans; and that some of these harms are expressed as sperm reduction in men, breast cancer in women, and brain cancer in men and women. The thesis of this dissertation is that a normative person-based theory of neo-Aristotelian eudaimonistic virtue ethics provides an ethical framework that gives strong support for the conclusion that it is morally impermissible for a telecommunications corporate person with good character, to allow harmful EMFs associated with the implementation of 5G technology. Particularly in light of numerous studies and anecdotal evidence that suggests that this technology might be harmful to humans and the environment. I draw an analogy between persons and "corporate persons" to argue that corporations ought to consider character when making decisions about whether to introduce new technologies--in this case, the EMFs that accompany 4G and 5G into the world. Furthermore, the primary point of this dissertation is the application of the practical ethics of character. I am specifically interested in the question of character in relation to the vetting questions, of the introduction, by telecommunications corporations, of new 5G technology into the world. The normative view developed in this dissertation has real-life practicality that if adopted by a telecommunications corporate person, of good character, would provide a model of practical moral reason sufficient to guide them to act compassionately towards the environment regarding the problem of 5G technology and the potential environmental harm EMFs can bring. Moreover, my argument based on eudaimonistic normative principles does something that utilitarian and deontological action-based normative theories do not do, namely, focus on the nature and role of character. Character is able to provide insight and explanatory power even for an ordinary person to see why their actions are guided a certain way. Finally, I will demonstrate the efficaciousness of the character-based, eudaimonistic normative framework that brings to the application of the problem 5G and potentially harmful EMFs in our environment.
Deep Learning for Early Detection, Identification, and Spatiotemporal Monitoring of Plant Diseases Using Multispectral Aerial Imagery
Authors:   , Mbugua Joseph
Published: June 2021

Production of food crops is hampered by the proliferation of crop diseases which cause huge harvest losses. Current crop-health monitoring programs involve the deployment of scouts and experts to detect and identify crop diseases through visual observation. These monitoring schemes are expensive and too slow to offer timely remedial recommendations for preventing the spread of these crop-damaging diseases. There is thus a need for the development of cheaper and faster methods for identifying and monitoring crop diseases. Recent advances in deep learning have enabled the development of automatic and accurate image classification systems. These advances coupled with the widespread availability of multispectral aerial imagery provide a cost-effective method for developing crop-diseases classification tools. However, large datasets are required to train deep learning models, which may be costly and difficult to obtain. Fortunately, models trained on one task can be repurposed for different tasks (with limited data) using transfer learning technique. The purpose of this research was to develop and implement an end-to-end deep learning framework for early detection and continuous monitoring of crop diseases using transfer learning and high resolution, multispectral aerial imagery. In the first study, the technique was used to compare the performance of five pre-trained deep learning convolutional neural networks (VGG16, VGG19, ResNet50, Inception V3, and Xception) in classifying crop diseases for apples, grapes, and tomatoes. The results of the study show that the best performing crop-disease classification models were those trained on the VGG16 network, while those trained on the ResNet50 network had the worst performance. The other studies compared the performance of using transfer learning and different three-band color combinations to train single- and multiple-crop classification models. The results of these studies show that models combining red, near infrared, and blue bands performed better than models trained with the traditional visible spectral band combination of red, green, and blue. The worst performing models were those combining near infrared, green, and blue bands. This research recommends that further studies be undertaken to determine the best band combinations for training single- and multi-label classification models for both crops and plants and diseases that affect them.
The Impact of Air Pollution on the Stock Market in South Korea
Authors:   , Paeng Seongcheol
Published: June 2021

Recently, behavioral finance researchers have produced many articles about moods effect on financial market. Weather factors and sports sentiments have a significant impact on moods and then the moods affect financial market. Air pollution also has an effect on financial market. This paper's hypothesis is that air pollution has a meaningful negative impact on the stock market in South Korea. This paper uses the Granger Causality for checking the significances and the Vector Auto-Regression model and the Impulse Response Function for investigating its impact according to time. Furthermore, this paper uses the 2SLS method for resolving endogeneity problems and checking robustness. If the level of air pollution increases 100 ??/?3, then the stock return reduces 0.42 after one day, and then recovers. The effect is significant at the 1% level and similar with the 2SLS method. Finally, this paper introduces air pollution momentum strategy that maximizes the cumulative return and measures the key variable's performance.
Transborder Identity Development: A Photovoice Constructivist Grounded Theory Study of Transfronterizx Students in Postsecondary and Higher Education at the San Diego-Tijuana Border Region
Authors:   , Orta Vannessa
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this photovoice constructivist grounded theory study is to illustrate the intersections and developmental processes of a transborder identity among Transfronterizx students in postsecondary and higher education institutions at the San Diego-Tijuana border region by examining the psychosocial and cognitive-structural factors that influenced their social identities. To generate the findings of this study, I conducted 11 photovoice focus groups and 20 one-on-one photovoice interviews in three grounded theory data collection and analysis phases, consisting of 691 photos with 32 current and former Transfronterizx students in postsecondary and higher education institutions at the San Diego-Tijuana border region. The intersections and developmental processes of a transborder identity are illustrated in a model grounded by the thoughts, feelings, and experiences participants shared about their academic trajectories, transborder performances and salient social identities at the San Diego-Tijuana borderlands. Transborder identity is defined by five in-vivo themes representing the meanings Transfronterizx students ascribed to themselves in relationship to others and their environment at the San Diego-Tijuana borderlands: (1) "We Speak English, We Speak Spanish, We Speak Spanglish," (2) "Soy De Aquí y Soy de Allá" (3) "Building Bridges, Not Walls," (4) "We Have to Adapt to Live in these Situations" and (5) "Las Ganas de Salir Adelante." The findings also illustrate the current realities lived by Transfronterizx students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for future research, practice and policy centered on fostering the development and success of Transfronterizx students in postsecondary and higher education institutions at the San Diego-Tijuana border region are addressed.
Effect of feeding a diet comprised of various corn silages inclusion with peanut vine or wheat straw on performance, digestion, serum parameters and meat nutrients in finishing beef cattle
Authors: Zhang Hongrui , Zhang Liyang , Xue Xiao , Zhang Xiaoxia , Wang Hongyi , Gao Tengyun , Phillips Clive
Published: June 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the feeding value, meat nutrients and associative effects of a diet comprised of various corn silages inclusion with peanut vine or wheat straw in finishing beef cattle.Methods: One hundred and eighty Simmental crossbred beef steers were blocked and assigned to the follow treatments: i) whole plant corn silage-based diet (control, WPCS), ii) mixed forages-based diet (replacing a portion of corn silage with wheat straw, WPCSW), iii) corn stalklage-based diet (CS), and iv) sweet corn stalklage-based diet (SCS). Each group consisted of 5 repeated pens with 9 steers/pen. The diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic with same forage to concentrate ratio. Experimental diets were fed for 90 d.Results: The effective ruminal degradability of dry matter and crude protein were highest for WPCS diet (p<0.05), for neutral detergent fiber was highest in SCS diet (p<0.05). The average daily gain was greater for cattle offered the WPCS diet, intermediate with WPCSW and SCS and lowest with CS (p<0.001). The concentration of non-esterified fatty acid in serum was higher for steers fed with CS and SCS diets than those offered WPCS and WPCSW steers (p<0.001). The treatments did not affect the general nutritional contents and amino acids composition of Longissimus dorsi of steers (p>0.05).Conclusion: The corn silage-based diet exhibited the highest feeding value. The sweet corn stalklage and wheat straw as an alternative to corn silage offered to beef cattle had limited influence on feeding value and meat nutrients. However, the value of a corn stalklage-based diet was relatively poor. To sum up, when the high quality forage resources, such as corn silage, are in short supply, or the growth rate of beef cattle decreases in the later finishing period, the sweet stalklage and wheat straw could be used as a cheaper alternative in feedlot cattle diet without sharp reducing economic benefits.
Microbiological Indices for Diagnosis of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soils
Authors: Chejara Sukirtee , Kamboj Paras , Singh Y. V. , Tandon Vikas
Published: June 2021

Heavy metal contamination has gained popularity worldwide due to their persistent nature in the environment, on the top of that non-biodegradable nature makes its accumulation easy to toxic levels. Understanding the nature of contamination has become a major concern before heavy metals deteriorate the quality of soil; to diagnose heavy metal pollution suitable indices are required. Microbial indices gaining importance because of their sensitive nature towards change in surrounding, which is the imperative quality required to select microbes as environmental indicators. Albeit enough literature is present related to this topic but the information is scattered so role of this chapter is imperative. The chapter will be helpful for the reader to provide a thorough understanding of merits and demerits of microbiological indices for heavy metal contaminated and restituted soils. The changes in microbiological indices and their mechanism of response towards heavy metal stress are effectively summarized. Research gap and future needs of microbial diagnosis of heavy metal contaminated soils are discussed.
Revealing Cyber Threat of Smart Mobile Devices within Digital Ecosystem: User Information Security Awareness
Authors: Susanto Heru
Published: June 2021

In recent years, the number of mobile device users has increased at a significant rate due to the rapid technological advancement in mobile technology. While mobile devices are providing more useful features to its users, it has also made it possible for cyber threats to migrate from desktops to mobile devices. Thus, it is important for mobile device users to be aware that their mobile device could be exposed to cyber threats and that users could protect their devices by employing cyber security measures. This study discusses how users in responded to the smart mobile devices (SMD) breaches. A number of behavioural model theories are used to understand the user behaviour towards security features of smart mobile devices. To assess the impact of smart mobile devices (SMD) security and privacy, surveys had been conducted with users, stressing on product preferences, user behaviour of SMD, as well as perceptions on the security aspect of SMD. The results was very interesting, where the findings revealed that there were a lack of positive relationships between SMD users and their level of SMD security awareness. A new framework approach to securing SMD is proposed to ensure that users have strong protection over their data within SMD.
Food Waste and Agro By-Products: A Step towards Food Sustainability
Authors: Tiwari Ajita , Khawas Roshna
Published: June 2021

Utilization of food/agricultural waste is having challenge and necessity in day to day life. It’s an important aspect for all the industries (food) for the process of modification and recovery. The main aim is to minimize deterioration and maximize utilization of food which will lead to less problems in waste management and environment pollution. In some of the meat packaging and food processing industries, waste utilization treatment has been implemented for successful and substantial processing. In need of growing demands of high nutritive and cheap price foods, requirements are getting high simultaneously with increasing world population. So, there is urgent need of nutrient recovery from wasted utilization and sources of food/feed will help to reduce the shortage of world food supplies to the coming generation.
An Evolutionary Approach to the Adaptive Value of Belief
Authors: Pinto Anabela
Published: June 2021

The word “belief” evokes concepts such as religious or political beliefs, however there is more to belief than cultural aspects. The formation of beliefs depends on information acquired through subjective sampling and informants. Recent developments in the study of animal cognition suggest that animals also hold beliefs and there are some aspects that underly the formation of beliefs which are shared with other animal species, namely the relationship between causality, predictability and utility of beliefs. This review explores the biological roots of belief formation and suggests explanations for how evolution shaped the mind to harbour complex concepts based on linguistic structures held by humans. Furthermore, it suggests that beliefs are shaped by the type and process of information acquisition which progresses through three levels of complexity.
Exercise Training and Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD
Authors: Permatasari Tarigan Amira , Rizki Ananda Fannie
Published: June 2021

Systemic inflammation and deconditioning syndrome lead to loss of structural and function of body muscle, particularly in extremity muscle. Longer period of inactivity due to dyspnea worsen the destruction of muscle. Regular and gradually increase exercise training as part of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) can improve the function of essential muscles in doing daily life so stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patient can maintenance their daily activities with minimal limitations. Pulmonary rehabilitation consists of exercise training, nutritional support, smoking cessation, and self-management of COPD. The prescription of exercise training is mandatory. Assessment of clinical condition to adjust the type of training, duration, frequency, and intensity of training must be completed before beginning the training session. Regular and gradually increased training gives significant impact in improving lung function, dyspnea scale, and quality of life in patient with stable COPD. However, in this covid era, the restriction of hospital attending PR was significantly affect PR program. As immunocompromised population, COPD patient have higher risk for COVID19 infection and develops more severe complications compare with normal population. So, the modified supervised and unsupervised training was needed to revise the classic type of PR. Tele-rehabilitation with teleconference, phone calls, and interactive web based PR can be the good alternative in decreasing hospital admission and improving quality of life in patient with COPD.
Clinical Staging in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Borbála Dombi Zsófia , Barabássy Ágota , Sebe Barbara , Laszlovszky István , Németh György
Published: June 2021

The aim of this chapter is to summarize the state-of-the-art knowledge of clinical staging in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Clinical staging has been introduced to psychiatry in the past two decades. Its primary goal is to divide the course of the disorder into recognizable stages based on seriousness, development and symptom characteristics in order to better predict prognosis and to adopt the most appropriate treatment strategies. The first staging model was developed in 1982. Since then several distinct concepts of clinical staging in psychiatry have emerged. To date, there is no clinical consensus regarding which staging model is the gold standard, nonetheless when merging them together an integrated staging concept arises. The integrated staging model of schizophrenia spectrum disorders is composed of four stages. The chapter will introduce the different staging models in a historical order as well as present the integrated staging model detailing the characteristics, timeline and dominating symptoms of each stage. Appropriate treatment strategies for the distinct stages will also be outlined.
Evaluation of the Effect of Fruit Juice Containing Bacillus Coagulans Probiotic Supplement on the Level of Immunoglobulins A, M and Lymphocytes in Two-Speed Athletes
Authors: Ebrahimi Elahe , Golshahi Maryam , Yazdi Samane , Mehdi Pirnia Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Probiotics exert beneficial effects on their host health by creating microbial balance in the digestive system. The role of some probiotic strains in strengthening the immune system and reducing the risk of diseases, especially respiratory infections, has been proven in previous studies. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation containing Bacillus coagulans on the Runner athletes immune system. In this study, the effect of Bacillus coagulans probiotic on immunoglobulins A, M and monocytes count 60 male athlete sprints Evaluates that which were randomly divided into two groups of 30.For 3 months, the experimental group received a daily glass of probiotic juice containing 109 cfu / ml containing probiotic supplement and the control group received plain and no supplemental juice. During the study period, once every 2 weeks, One day after exercise (running 200 meters), blood samples were taken from all participants Then In the collected samples, IgA, IgM and lymphocytes were evaluated. Consumption of probiotic juice containing 2 × 109 f cfu/ml Bacillus coagulans probiotic supplement showed a significant difference in the amount of IgA, IgM and Lymphocyte between the experimental group and the control group. The results of this study showed that the consumption of juice containing probiotic supplement Bacillus coagulans can increase the level of immune factors IgM, IgA, lymphocytes and prevent the occurrence of diseases, especially respiratory infections, by improving the function of the immune system.
Tunable Zeroth-Order Resonator Based on Ferroelectric Materials
Authors: M. Mansour Mohamed , Kanaya Haruichi
Published: June 2021

Tunable microwave devices have the benefits of added functionality, smaller form factor, lower cost, and lightweight, and are in great demand for future communications and radar applications as they can extend the operation over a wide dynamic range. Current tunable technologies include several schemes such as ferrites, semiconductors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and ferroelectric thin films. While each technology has its own pros and cons, ferroelectric thin film-based technology has proved itself as the potential candidate for tunable devices due to its simple processes, low power consumption, high power handling, small size, and fast tuning. A tunable Composite Right Left-Handed Zeroth Order Resonator (CRLH ZOR) is introduced in this chapter and it relies mainly on the latest advancement in the ferroelectric materials. It is common that for achieving optimum performance for the resonant structure, this involves the incorporation of an additional tuning by either mechanical means (i.e. with tuning screws) or other coupling mechanisms. The integration between electronic tuning and High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) components yields a high system performance without degradation of efficiency. This leads not only low-loss microwave components that could be fine-tuned for maximum efficiency but will provide a tunable device over a broadband frequency spectrum as well. The dielectric properties of the ferroelectric thin film, and the thickness of the ferroelectric film, play a fundamental role in the frequency or phase tunability and the overall insertion loss of the circuit. The key advantages of using ferroelectric are the potential for significant size-reduction of the microwave components and systems and the cabibility for integration with microelectronic circuits due to the utilization of thin and thick ferroelectric film technology. In this chapter, ZOR is discussed and the conceptual operation is introduced. The ZOR is designed and simulated by the full-wave analysis software. The response is studied using electromagnetic characteristics with the applied electric field, ferroelectric thickness, and the operating temperature.
Cloud Security in Middleware Architecture
Authors: Chandra Patni Jagdish
Published: June 2021

The new Internet of Things (IoT) has increased the need for computing, connectivity, and storage capacities as the amount of sensitive data grows. Since it provides on-demand access to a common pool of resources such as processors, storage, software, and services, cloud computing can seem to be a convenient solution. However, there is a cost, as excessive communications burden not only the core network, but also the cloud data centre. As a result, it’s critical to consider appropriate approaches and security middleware solutions. In this chapter, we define a middleware architecture to address security concerns and explore the general concept of cloud to achieve a higher level of security. Since it is designed to pre-process data at the network’s edge, this security middleware functions as a smart gateway. Data can be processed and stored locally on fog or sent to the cloud for further processing, depending on the information obtained. Furthermore, the devices communicate via middleware, which gives them access to more computing power and improved security capabilities, allowing them to conduct safe communications. We discuss these concepts in detail, and explain how this is effective to cope with some of the most relevant security challenges.
Biorefinery System of Lignocellulosic Biomass Using Steam Explosion
Authors: Asada Chikako , Sholahuddin  , Nakamura Yoshitoshi
Published: June 2021

Recently, plant biomass has been attracting attention due to global warming and the depletion of fossil fuels. Lignocellulosic biomass (i.e., wood, straw, and bagasse) is attracting attention as an abundant renewable resource that does not compete with the food resources. It is composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin and is a potential resource that can be converted into high-value-added substances, such as biofuels, raw materials for chemical products, and cellulose nanofibers. However, due to its complicated structure, an appropriate pretreatment method is required for developing its biorefinery process. Steam explosion is one of the simplest and environmentally friendly pretreatments to decompose lignin structure, which converts cellulose into low-molecular-weight lignin with high efficiency. It has received significant attention in the field of not only biofuel but also biochemical production. Steam explosion involves the hydrolysis of plant biomass under high-pressure steam and the sudden release of steam pressure induces a shear force on the plant biomass. Moreover, it is a green technology that does not use any chemicals. Thus, a steam explosion-based biorefinery system is highly effective for the utilization of lignocellulosic into useful materials, such as ethanol, methane gas, antioxidant material, epoxy resin, and cellulose nanofiber.
DEEP CRUSTAL STRUCTURE IN NORTHEASTERN EURASIA AND ITS CONTINENTAL MARGINS
Authors: Kashubin S. N. , Petrov O. V. , Shokalsky S. P. , Milshtein E. D. , Androsov E. A. , Vinokurov I. Yu. , Tarasova O. A.
Published: June 2021

The paper reports on the deep geophysical studies performed by the Geological Survey of Russia (VSEGEI) under the international project – Deep Processes and Metallogeny of Northern, Central and Eastern Asia. A model of the deep crustal structure is represented by a set of crustal thickness maps and a 5400-km long geotransect across the major tectonic areas of Northeastern Eurasia. An area of 50000000 km2 is digitally mapped in the uniform projection. The maps show the Moho depths, thicknesses of the main crustal units (i.e. the sedimentary cover and the consolidated crust), anomalous gravity and magnetic fields (in a schematic zoning map of the study area), and types of the crust. The geotransect gives the vertical section of the crust and upper mantle at the passive margin of the Eurasian continent (including submarine uplifts and shelf areas of the Arctic Ocean) and the active eastern continental margin, as well as an area of the Pacific plate.
PALEOZOIC GRANITOID MAGMATISM OF THE URALS: THE REFLECTION OF THE STAGES OF THE GEODYNAMIC AND GEOCHEMICAL EVOLUTION OF A COLLISIONAL OROGEN
Authors: Kholodnov V. V. , Shardakova G. Yu. , Puchkov V. N. , Petrov G. A. , Shagalov E. S. , Salikhov D. N. , Korovko A. V. , Pribavkin S. V. , Rakhimov I. R. , Borodina N. S.
Published: June 2021

The Ural mobile belt is an intracontinental epioceanic orogen that has already gone through all stages of the geodynamic development. Igneous rocks formed during each stage are important indicators for understanding the evolution of this belt and determining potential ore contents of its segments. We consolidated large datasets on petrogeochemistry and isotope geochronology of the Paleozoic (490–250 Ma) granitoids associated with the opening and evolution of the Ural paleoocean and the subsequent formation of the collisional orogen. Using these data, we have revised the ages of several tectono-magmatic events, clarified the paleogeodynamic settings for the generation of granitoids of different compositions, and described the roles of mantle-crust interactions and the plume factor in the formation of the mature continental crust in the study area. The results can be useful for geological mapping and improving the assessment of the potential ore contents in granitoid complexes that differ in origin and composition.
EVENT STRATIGRAPHY AND CORRELATION PROBLEMS OF THE ORDOVICIAN STRATA OF GORNY ALTAI AND SALAIR
Authors: Sennikov N. V. , Obut O. T. , Lykova E. V. , Timokhin A. V. , Khabibulina R. A. , Shcherbanenko T. A.
Published: June 2021

Study of the Ordovician sedimentary sequences of Gorny Altai and Salair has revealed lithological and paleontological features correlating with global sedimentary events:

(1) The Acerocare Regressive Event (an initial event in the Early Tremadocian);

(2) Black Mountain Transgressive Event (Early Tremadocian);

(3) Peltocare Regressive Event (Tremadocian);

(4) Kelly Creek Regressive Event (Late Tremadocian);

(5) Ceratopyge Regressive Event (Late Tremadocian);

(6) Billingen Transgressive Event (Early Floian);

(7) Stein Lowstand Event (Middle Darriwilian);

(8) Vollen Lowstand Event (Sandbian);

(9) Arestad Drowning Event (Middle Sandbian);

(10) Frognerkilen Lowstand Event (Early Katian);

(11) Linearis Drowning Events 1 and 2 (Middle Katian);

(12) Terminal Husbergoya Lowstand Event (Hirnantian); and

(13) Hirnantian Lowstand Event (HICE) (Late Ordovician).

The chronostratigraphic levels with traces of the global sedimentary events in the Uymen-Lebed structural-facies zone (SFZ) (Gorny Altai) differ from those in the Charysh-Inya and Anui-Chuya SFZ (Altai). In the Ordovician, the Altai basin located in the Charysh-Inya and Anui-Chuya SFZ was a marine area separated from both the Uymen-Lebed basin and the coeval Salair basin. The traces of the global sedimentary and/or biotic events in the Altai and Salair sections can be used as a precise basis for direct correlation of the local stratigraphic units with the units of the International Stratigraphic Chart.
AGE AND COMPOSITION OF THE EARLY PALEOZOIC MAGMATIC ASSOCIATIONS AND RELATED RARE-ELEMENT PEGMATITES IN THE SOUTH-EASTERN PART OF THE SANGILEN BLOCK, TUVA-MONGOLIAN MASSIF
Authors: Kuznetsova L. G. , Shokalsky S. P. , Sergeev S. A. , Dril S. I.
Published: June 2021

The article presents new data on ages (U-Pb zircon dating, SIMS SHRIMP-II) and chemical compositions of rocks from gabbro-granitic and granite-leucogranitic magmatic associations. These rocks preceded the formation of Li-enriched spodumene pegmatites of the Tserigiyngol-Burchin ore cluster (Russian: ЦБРУ), one of the main clusters in the South Sangilen pegmatite belt (SSB) located in the Tuva-Mongolian massif being a part of the Central Asian Fold Belt. We investigated the rocks from the Upper Tserigiyngol, Uchuglyk and Temenchulu plutons, and pegmatites from two neighbouring fields. We distinguish three impulses of granitic magmatism (517±7, 508±7, and 488±6 Ma), which are attributed to different stages of the Early Paleozoic collision orogeny (520-480 Ma). The period when the Li-enriched pegmatites were formed (494±7 Ma) is close to the magmatism impulse at 488±6 Ma. Differences are discovered in compositional and isotopic (Sm-Nd) features of granites dominating at the following stages of collisional orogeny: (1) early collision (517±7 Ma) – I-type granites, eNd(T)=0–1.5, TNd (DM-2st)=1.2–1.1 b.y., and (2) late collision (488±6 Ma) – A-2-type granites, eNd(T)=–3.0…–1.6, TNd (DM-2st)=1.5–1.4 b.y., which are due to different sources. Our study shows that facies transitions are absent between the late-collision granites (488±6 Ma) and the spodumene pegmatites from the Tserigiyngol-Burchin ore cluster (494±7 Ma), although these rocks are close in age. In terms of geochemical features, the spodumene pegmatites from the cluster are strongly different from both the late-collision granites and spodumene pegmatites from other SSB fields, including the large Tastyg lithium deposit. We have analysed the role of interactions between the crustal and mantle materials in the formation of granitoid sources in the Tserigiyngol-Burchin ore cluster, and described their evolution in time and the influence on the pegmatite rare-element specialization.
P–T CONDITIONS, U/Pb AND 40Ar/39Ar ISOTOPIC AGES OF UHT GRANULITES FROM CAPE KALTYGEI, WESTERN BAIKAL REGION
Authors: Volkova N. I. , Mikheev E. I. , Travin A. V. , Vladimirov A. G. , Mekhonoshin A. S. , Khlestov V. V.
Published: June 2021

The study is focused on metapelitic granulites of Cape Kaltygei (Western Baikal region) that contain a diagnostic mineral assemblage of ultrahigh temperature (UHT) metamorphic rocks (orthopyroxene+sillimanite+quartz). The pseudosection-based thermobarometry yields peak metamorphic temperature and pressure values (T=950 °C, P=~9 kbar) and suggests near-isobaric cooling (IBC) conditions during the retrograde evolution of the granulites. The U/Pb zircon age estimates for metamorphism (~1.87 Ga) support the data published by other researchers. The SHRIMP-II U-Pb dating of zircon cores yields a minimum protolith age of 1.94–1.91 Ga. Biotites and amphiboles from granulites of Cape Kaltygei show the 40Ar/39Ar isotopic ages that are close to the Early Paleozoic accretion-collision system of the Western Baikal region.
PLATINUM METAL MINERALIZATION OF THE SOUTH URALS MAGMATIC COMPLEXES: GEOLOGICAL AND GEODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FORMATIONS, PROBLEMS OF THEIR GENESIS, AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Rakhimov I. R. , Saveliev D. E. , Vishnevskiy A. V.
Published: June 2021

In the South Urals, we have identified and investigated two platinum-bearing formations – ophiolite chromitebearing complexes, and the Khudolaz differentiated mafic-ultramafic complex with sulfide Cu-Ni mineralization. The ophiolite chromite-bearing complexes include fragments of the upper mantle and lower crust of the Paleouralian Ocean, which were induced by collision onto the edge of the East European platform. The origin of the Khudolaz complex is related a mantle plume activity. Here, we review and compare the main features of platinum-metal mineralization (PMM) in these two formations.

The article presents the results of mineralogical and geochemical studies of PMM associated with chromite and sulfide Cu-Ni ores. In association with chromitites, two types of PMM are distinguished: (1) predominating refractory platinoids in chromitites of the mantle unit of the section, and (2) predominating platinum and palladium in chromitites of the transitional wehrlite-clinopyroxenite complex. Compositions of platinum group minerals (PGM) and relations between their elements and host minerals suggest that the minerals of the ophiolite chromite-bearing complexes are of a restite origin, while the Khudolaz complex results from a combination of magmatic processes and solid-phase redistribution of material. Palladium (michenerite, froodite, merenskyite, borovskite, sudburyite) and platinum (sperrylite, moncheite) minerals are found in magmatic sulfide ores of the Khudolaz complex, which were subjected to hydrothermal metasomatization. Texture observations using electron microscope and optical (reflected light) images, as well as LA ICP MS analyses of sulfides suggest late- and post-magmatic crystallization of PMM in three phases: (1) immiscible metalloid or highly fractionated residual sulfide melts trapped in sulfides; (2) segregation of isomorphic impurities of platinum group elements (PGE) and chalcogenide elements from sulfide solid solutions; and (3) interaction of hydrothermal fluids with soluble sulfides.

Prospective for PMM are extended bodies of disseminated chromitites in marginal dunites of the Kraka and Nurali massifs, and wehrlite-clinopyroxenite complexes of the same massifs containing PGE (above 500 ppb). In the Khudolaz complex, promising PMM bodies are low-metasomatized parts of sulfide ore bodies (1 ppm of ΣPGE and above) located in the largest massifs, Severny Buskun and Zapadny Karasaz. Exocontact zones of these intrusions are also promising for PMM.