bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Evaluation of the Indoor Environmental Quality of Buildings: The Noise Pollution Effects on Housing Prices in the City of Bari (Italy)
Authors: Morano Pierluigi , Tajani Francesco , Di Liddo Felicia , Darò Michele
Published: May 2021

Among environmental factors, noise represents one of the most relevant determinants on human health and on the urban quality level and, consequently, on real estate values. Thus, the noise pollution issue plays a significant role in public urban policies aimed at increasing the acoustic comfort level and creating more sustainable and comfortable cities. The real estate market is highly sensitive to noise factor and the residential prices can be strongly influenced by a high acoustic pollution rate. The present research aims to analyze the functional relationships between noise pollution and selling prices in four municipal areas of the city of Bari (Southern Italy). For each area, a study sample constituted by two hundred residential properties sold in 2017–2019 was detected for the identification of the main influential factors on prices and the investigation of the contribution of noise on them. The implementation of an econometric technique was used to obtain four different models (one for each municipal area of the city of Bari) able to explain the specific impact of noise pollution level on selling prices. From the comparison of the results obtained for each area, the outputs confirm the expected phenomena in terms of a decrease of noise component influence on residential prices from the central area to the peripheral. For the suburban area of the city of Bari, the model obtained does not include the noise pollution factor, showing a lower (scarce) importance of the environmental factor among the buyer and seller bargaining phases.
Current and Novel Alkylators in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Schjesvold Fredrik , Oriol Albert
Published: May 2021

A large number of novel treatments for myeloma have been developed and approved; however, alkylating drugs continue to be part of standard regimens. Additionally, novel alkylators are currently being developed. We performed a non-systematized literary search for relevant papers and communications at large conferences, as well as exploiting the authors’ knowledge of the field, to review the history, current use and novel concepts around the traditional alkylators cyclophosphamide, bendamustine and melphalan and current data on the newly developed pro-drug melflufen. Even in the era of targeted treatment and personalized medicine, alkylating drugs continue to be part of the standard-of-care in myeloma, and new alkylators are coming to the market.
A Retrospective Analysis of Dabrafenib and/or Dabrafenib Plus Trametinib Combination in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma to Characterize Patients with Long-Term Benefit in the Individual Patient Program (DESCRIBE III)
Authors: Atkinson Victoria G. , Quaglino Pietro , Aglietta Massimo , Del Vecchio Michele , Depenni Roberta , Consoli Francesca , Bafaloukos Dimitrios , Ferrucci Pier Francesco , Tulyte Skaiste , Krajsová Ivana , Ascierto Paolo A. , Gueli Rossana , Arance Ana , Gogas Helen , Banerjee Hiya , Saliba Teddy , de Jong Egbert , Neyns Bart
Published: May 2021

The dabrafenib plus trametinib (dab + tram) combination has demonstrated durable long-term efficacy in patients with BRAF V600–mutant metastatic melanoma. However, real-world data characterizing patients with long-term benefit are limited. DESCRIBE III was a global, observational, retrospective, chart review study in patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma treated with dab monotherapy and/or dab + tram combination therapy as part of the Named Patient Program or Individual Patient Program. Overall, 509 patients were enrolled. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their observed treatment duration: long-term (on therapy ≥12 months), intermediate (on therapy ≥6 months and <12 months), and short-term (on therapy <6 months) duration of benefit. More patients in the short-term duration of benefit group had baseline characteristics associated with poor prognosis compared with the other two groups. Median lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (368 U/L) at baseline were also higher in the short-term duration of benefit group. No new safety signals were identified. DESCRIBE III identified baseline characteristics associated with long-term benefit of dab + tram. Lower LDH level and <3 metastatic sites at baseline were associated with a longer duration of benefit, confirming that the findings from COMBI-d and COMBI-v are relevant to patients treated in a real-world setting.
Clinical, Histological, and Molecular Features of Solitary Fibrous Tumor of Bone: A Single Institution Retrospective Review
Authors: Bianchi Giuseppe , Lana Debora , Gambarotti Marco , Ferrari Cristina , Sbaraglia Marta , Pedrini Elena , Pazzaglia Laura , Sangiorgi Luca , Bartolotti Isabella , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Scotlandi Katia , Righi Alberto
Published: May 2021

Primary solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) of the bone is extremely rare, with only few cases reported in the literature. We retrieved all cases of primary SFT of the bone treated at our institution and we assessed the morphology and the immunohistochemical and molecular features to investigate the clinical outcome of primary SFT of the bone and any clinical relevance of clinical and histological criteria of aggressiveness currently adopted for the soft tissues counterpart. Morphologically, 15 cases evidenced high cellularity, cytologic atypia, and foci of necrosis and were associated with more than 4 mitotic figures/10 HPF. Immunohistochemical analysis showed an expression of CD34 and of STAT6 immunopositivity in 95% and in 100% of cases, respectively. The presence of NAB2-STAT6 chimeric transcripts was found in 10 out of 12 cases in which RT-PCR analysis was feasible, whereas TERT promoter mutations analysis was feasible in 16 cases and only a C-to-T substitution in a heterozygous state was found in one DNA sample for the C228T genetic variant. P53 variants were assessed in 12 cases: 11 (91.6%) cases showed a variation, while in one case, no alteration was found. Disease-specific survival was 64% at 5 years and 49% at 10 years. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between survival and all the clinicopathological and molecular parameters evaluated. In conclusion, at difference to SFT of soft tissues, aggressive behavior of primary SFT of the bone seems to be independent from mitotic count or any other clinicopathological and molecular features.
Twelve-Year Single Center Experience Shows Safe Implementation of Developed Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Treatment Protocols for Gastrointestinal and Gynecological Primary Tumors
Authors: Horvath Philipp , Yurttas Can , Beckert Stefan , Königsrainer Alfred , Königsrainer Ingmar
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy provide survival benefits to selected patients. We aimed to report our experience and the evolution of our peritoneal surface malignancy program. (2) Methods: From June 2005 to June 2017, 399 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy at the Tübingen University Hospital were analyzed from a prospectively collected database. (3) Results: Peritoneal metastasis from colorectal cancer was the leading indication (group 1: 28%; group 2: 32%). The median PCI was 15.5 (range, 1–39) in group 1 and 11 (range, 1–39) in group 2 (p = 0.002). Regarding the completeness of cytoreduction (CC), a score of 0 was achieved in 63% vs. 69% for group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.010). Median overall survival rates for patients in group 1 and 2 for colon cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer and appendix cancer were 34 and 25 months; 45 months and not reached; 30 and 16 months; 39 months and not reached, respectively. The occurrence of grade-III and -IV complications slightly differed between groups (14.5% vs. 15.6%). No 30-day mortality occurred. (4) Conclusions: Specialized centers are able to provide low-morbidity cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy without mortality. Strict patient selection during the time period significantly improved CC scores.
The Role of IGF/IGF-IR-Signaling and Extracellular Matrix Effectors in Bone Sarcoma Pathogenesis
Authors: Tzanakakis George N. , Giatagana Eirini-Maria , Berdiaki Aikaterini , Spyridaki Ioanna , Hida Kyoko , Neagu Monica , Tsatsakis Aristidis M. , Nikitovic Dragana
Published: May 2021

Bone sarcomas, mesenchymal origin tumors, represent a substantial group of varying neoplasms of a distinct entity. Bone sarcoma patients show a limited response or do not respond to chemotherapy. Notably, developing efficient chemotherapy approaches, dealing with chemoresistance, and preventing metastasis pose unmet challenges in sarcoma therapy. Insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and -2) and their respective receptors are a multifactorial system that significantly contributes to bone sarcoma pathogenesis. Whereas failures have been registered in creating novel targeted therapeutics aiming at the IGF pathway, new agent development should continue, evaluating combinatorial strategies for enhancing antitumor responses and better classifying the patients that could best benefit from these therapies. A plausible approach for developing a combinatorial strategy is to focus on the tumor microenvironment (TME) and processes executed therein. Herewith, we will discuss how the interplay between IGF-signaling and the TME constituents affects sarcomas’ basal functions and their response to therapy. This review highlights key studies focusing on IGF signaling in bone sarcomas, specifically studies underscoring novel properties that make this system an attractive therapeutic target and identifies new relationships that may be exploited. Potential direct and adjunct therapeutical implications of the extracellular matrix (ECM) effectors will also be summarized.
COVID-19 Risk Factors for Cancer Patients: A First Report with Comparator Data from COVID-19 Negative Cancer Patients
Authors: Russell Beth , Moss Charlotte L. , Palmer Kieran , Sylva Rushan , D’Souza Andrea , Wylie Harriet , Haire Anna , Cahill Fidelma , Steel Renee , Hoyes Angela , Wilson Isabelle , Macneil Alyson , Shifa Belul , Monroy-Iglesias Maria J , Papa Sophie , Irshad Sheeba , Ross Paul , Spicer James , Kordasti Shahram , Crawley Danielle , Zaki Kamarul , Sita-Lumsden Ailsa , Josephs Debra , Enting Deborah , Swampillai Angela , Sawyer Elinor , Fields Paul , Wrench David , Rigg Anne , Sullivan Richard , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Dolly Saoirse
Published: May 2021

Very few studies investigating COVID-19 in cancer patients have included cancer patients as controls. We aimed to identify factors associated with the risk of testing positive for SARS CoV2 infection in a cohort of cancer patients. We analyzed data from all cancer patients swabbed for COVID-19 between 1st March and 31st July 2020 at Guy’s Cancer Centre. We conducted logistic regression analyses to identify which factors were associated with a positive COVID-19 test. Results: Of the 2152 patients tested for COVID-19, 190 (9%) tested positive. Male sex, black ethnicity, and hematological cancer type were positively associated with risk of COVID-19 (OR = 1.85, 95%CI:1.37–2.51; OR = 1.93, 95%CI:1.31–2.84; OR = 2.29, 95%CI:1.45–3.62, respectively) as compared to females, white ethnicity, or solid cancer type, respectively. Male, Asian ethnicity, and hematological cancer type were associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 (OR = 3.12, 95%CI:1.58–6.14; OR = 2.97, 95%CI:1.00–8.93; OR = 2.43, 95%CI:1.00–5.90, respectively). This study is one of the first to compare the risk of COVID-19 incidence and severity in cancer patients when including cancer patients as controls. Results from this study have echoed those of previous reports, that patients who are male, of black or Asian ethnicity, or with a hematological malignancy are at an increased risk of COVID-19.
Ni-Containing Catalysts
Authors: Da Costa Patrick
Published: May 2021

Murray Raney used Nickel for the first time as a hydrogenation catalyst over one century ago [...]
TILLING-by-Sequencing+ Reveals the Role of Novel Fatty Acid Desaturases (GmFAD2-2s) in Increasing Soybean Seed Oleic Acid Content
Authors: Lakhssassi Naoufal , Lopes-Caitar Valéria Stefania , Knizia Dounya , Cullen Mallory A. , Badad Oussama , El Baze Abdelhalim , Zhou Zhou , Embaby Mohamed G. , Meksem Jonas , Lakhssassi Aicha , Chen Pengyin , AbuGhazaleh Amer , Vuong Tri D. , Nguyen Henry T. , Hewezi Tarek , Meksem Khalid
Published: May 2021

Soybean is the second largest source of oil worldwide. Developing soybean varieties with high levels of oleic acid is a primary goal of the soybean breeders and industry. Edible oils containing high level of oleic acid and low level of linoleic acid are considered with higher oxidative stability and can be used as a natural antioxidant in food stability. All developed high oleic acid soybeans carry two alleles; GmFAD2-1A and GmFAD2-1B. However, when planted in cold soil, a possible reduction in seed germination was reported when high seed oleic acid derived from GmFAD2-1 alleles were used. Besides the soybean fatty acid desaturase (GmFAD2-1) subfamily, the GmFAD2-2 subfamily is composed of five members, including GmFAD2-2A, GmFAD2-2B, GmFAD2-2C, GmFAD2-2D, and GmFAD2-2E. Segmental duplication of GmFAD2-1A/GmFAD2-1B, GmFAD2-2A/GmFAD2-2C, GmFAD2-2A/GmFAD2-2D, and GmFAD2-2D/GmFAD2-2C have occurred about 10.65, 27.04, 100.81, and 106.55 Mya, respectively. Using TILLING-by-Sequencing+ technology, we successfully identified 12, 8, 10, 9, and 19 EMS mutants at the GmFAD2-2A, GmFAD2-2B, GmFAD2-2C, GmFAD2-2D, and GmFAD2-2E genes, respectively. Functional analyses of newly identified mutants revealed unprecedented role of the five GmFAD2-2A, GmFAD2-2B, GmFAD2-2C, GmFAD2-2D, and GmFAD2-2E members in controlling the seed oleic acid content. Most importantly, unlike GmFAD2-1 members, subcellular localization revealed that members of the GmFAD2-2 subfamily showed a cytoplasmic localization, which may suggest the presence of an alternative fatty acid desaturase pathway in soybean for converting oleic acid content without substantially altering the traditional plastidial/ER fatty acid production.
Analysis of COVID-19 on Diagnosis, Vaccine, Treatment, and Pathogenesis with Clinical Scenarios
Authors: Tellez Daniel , Dayal Sujay , Phan Phong , Mawley Ajinkya , Shah Kush , Consunji Gabriel , Tellez Cindy , Ruiz Kimberly , Sabnis Rutuja , Dayal Surbi , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: May 2021

As the world continues to suffer from an ever-growing number of confirmed cases of the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus, researchers are at the forefront of developing the best plan to overcome this pandemic through analyzing the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment options pertaining to the virus. In the midst of a pandemic, the main route for detection of the virus has been conducting antigen tests for rapid results, using qRT-PCR, and conducting more accurate molecular tests, using rRT-PCR, on samples from patients. Most common treatments for those infected with COVID-19 include Remdesivir, an antiviral, dexamethasone, a steroid, and rarely, monoclonal antibody treatments. Although these treatments exist and are used commonly in hospitals all around the globe, clinicians often challenge the efficacy and benefit of these remedies for the patient. Furthermore, targeted therapies largely focus on interfering with or reducing the binding of viral receptors and host cell receptors affected by the SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus. In addition to treatment, the most efficacious method of preventing the spread of COVID-19 is the development of multiple vaccines that have been distributed as well as the development of multiple vaccine candidates that are proving hopeful in preventing severe symptoms of the virus. The exaggerated immune response to the virus proves to be a worrying complication due to widespread inflammation and subsequent clinical sequela. The medical and scientific community as a whole will be expected to respond with the latest in technology and research, and further studies into the pathogenesis, clinical implications, identification, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19 will push society past this pandemic.
Low-Energy Optical Conductivity of TaP: Comparison of Theory and Experiment
Authors: Yaresko Alexander , Pronin Artem V.
Published: May 2021

The ab-plane optical conductivity of the Weyl semimetal TaP is calculated from the band structure and compared to the experimental data. The overall agreement between theory and experiment is found to be best when the Fermi level is slightly (20 to 60 meV) shifted upwards in the calculations. This confirms a small unintentional doping of TaP, reported earlier, and allows a natural explanation of the strong low-energy (50 meV) peak seen in the experimental ab-plane optical conductivity: this peak originates from transitions between the almost parallel non-degenerate electronic bands split by spin-orbit coupling. The temperature evolution of the peak can be reasonably well reproduce by calculations using an analog of the Mott formula.
Not the Cryptic Species: Diversity of Hipposideros gentilis (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in Indochina
Authors: Yuzefovich Alexander P. , Artyushin Ilya V. , Kruskop Sergei V.
Published: May 2021

We present here the result of phylogenetic analysis for Vietnamese Hipposideros gentilis specimens using 7 nuclear genes and one mitochondrial gene. The complex distribution of divergent mitochondrial DNA lineages contradicts, at least in part, nuclear and morphological data. The most likely explanation for this discordance is the historical hybridization between ancestral populations of H. gentilis and H. rotalis/H. khaokhouayensis. Our data supports the species status of H. gentilis, while only partially corroborating its previously proposed subspecies delimitation. We suggest the lowland forest populations from south Vietnam may correspond to their own subspecies. At the same time, the close phylogenetic relationship and morphological similarity of mountain forms from south and central Vietnam to the north Vietnamese populations make doubtful the subspecies status of H. gentilis sinensis.
Influence of Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis Canker Disease on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Eucalyptus urograndis
Authors: Dahali Rasdianah , Md. Tahir Paridah , Roseley Adlin Sabrina Muhammad , Hua Lee Seng , Bakar Edi Suhaimi , Ashaari Zaidon , Abdul Rauf Mohd Redzuan , Zainuddin Nur Aziera , Mansoor Noor Syazwani
Published: May 2021

Eucalyptus hybrid has been planted rigorously in wet tropical regions including Malaysia. Recently, there was a report on the occurrence of stem canker on these trees. However, the extent of the infections by this stem canker is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of stem canker disease, Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis, on the physical and mechanical properties of 11-year-old E. urophylla × E. grandis or also known as E. urograndis. The samples were taken from infected and healthy trees that were segregated into different classes based on the severity of the attack, i.e., healthy (class 1), moderately infected (class 2), severely infected (class 3) and very severely infected (class 4). A total of 1440 samples from four infection classes were used in this study. The physical and mechanical properties were determined according to the standard test procedures specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 13061:2014 (Parts 1 to 4, 13, 14 and 17) and British Standard (BS 373: 1957). From the result, a significant effect by the infection classes was observed on physical and mechanical properties of E. urograndis. All infected wood experienced less shrinkage compared to that of a healthy one, particularly the volumetric (Volsh) and radial shrinkage (Rsh). Wood from class 2 and class 3 was less affected by the infection while the majority of wood from class 4 had significantly lower density and poorer strength. Based on the strength data, wood from infection class 2 can be considered to be used for non-structural applications such as furniture, interior finishing, window frames and doors since reduction in mechanical properties was observed. Wood from class 3 would need further investigation to examine its suitability for structural applications.
Impact of Industrial Pollution on Radial Growth of Conifers in a Former Mining Area in the Eastern Carpathians (Northern Romania)
Authors: Sidor Cristian Gheorghe , Vlad Radu , Popa Ionel , Semeniuc Anca , Apostol Ecaterina , Badea Ovidiu
Published: May 2021

The research aims to evaluate the impact of local industrial pollution on radial growth in affected Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) stands in the Tarnița study area in Suceava. For northeastern Romania, the Tarnița mining operation constituted a hotspot of industrial pollution. The primary processing of non-ferrous ores containing heavy metals in the form of complex sulfides was the main cause of pollution in the Tarnița region from 1968 to 1990. Air pollution of Tarnița induced substantial tree growth reduction from 1978 to 1990, causing a decline in tree health and vitality. Growth decline in stands located over 6 km from the pollution source was weaker or absent. Spruce trees were much less affected by the phenomenon of local pollution than fir trees. We analyzed the dynamics of resilience indices and average radial growth indices and found that the period in which the trees suffered the most from local pollution was between 1978 and 1984. Growth recovery of the intensively polluted stand was observed after the 1990s when the environmental condition improved because of a significant reduction in air pollution.
Availability and Applicability of Wood and Crop Residues for the Production of Wood Composites
Authors: Procházka Petr , Honig Vladimír , Bouček Jiří , Hájková Kateřina , Trakal Lukáš , Soukupová Jana , Roubík Hynek
Published: May 2021

Due to high levels of volatility in both the agricultural and the forestry commodity markets, specifically, of timber and agricultural crops, it is important to identify the risks associated with the stability of supplies necessary for the production of composite materials in the Czech Republic. This study aims to accurately estimate the availability of selected raw materials that contain lignocellulose over the next 20 years. In addition, their suitability for the production of composite materials is assessed based on their physical properties. Furthermore, in the event of scarcity involving timber in the European Union, recycled wood and post-harvest residues could replace conventional raw materials in wood-based composites such as particleboards and chipboards. The viable potential of Czech forests is predicted to be between 740 and 750 million cubic meters of timber. For agricultural crops, it is estimated at 0.9 million hectares of wheat and 0.5 million hectares of canola under the current EU biofuel policy and at 0.4 million hectares if this policy is removed. According to moisture and fibre analyses carried out in our study, the most suitable candidate for wood-based composites production is soft wood.
Identification of Extractives from Various Poplar Species
Authors: Szadkowska Dominika , Zawadzki Janusz , Kozakiewicz Paweł , Radomski Andrzej
Published: May 2021

Fast-growing poplar trees from plantations are the source of inexpensive wood that is intended mainly for chemical processing in the pulp and paper industry. Their potential as raw material for biofuel manufacturing is widely discussed as well. The detailed chemical composition of this raw material is therefore an important question. Five species of poplars were investigated: Populus alba, P. maximowiczii, P. trichocarpa, P. nigra, and P. tremula. Wood is a material consisting mainly of lignocellulose, but there are also many extractives. In temperate zone climate they typically represent up to 5% of wood mass. Their identification is difficult, due to various classes of compounds and great number of individual ones. These compounds can affect the properties of wood—its resistance to biotic agents and suitability to enzymatic treatment towards biofuels. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS) was used to analysis of extractives in various species of poplar wood. Compounds from several classes were identified like phenols, fatty acids, and their derivatives, sterols. Their identification was discussed along with estimation of their content in wood of investigated species.
Changes in Lactate Production, Lactate Dehydrogenase Genes Expression and DNA Methylation in Response to Tamoxifen Resistance Development in MCF-7 Cell Line
Authors: Hamadneh Lama , Al-Lakkis Lara , Alhusban Ala A. , Tarawneh Shahd , Abu-Irmaileh Bashaer , Albustanji Sokiyna , Al-Bawab Abdel Qader
Published: May 2021

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a key enzyme in the last step of glycolysis, playing a role in the pyruvate-to-lactate reaction. It is associated with the prognosis and metastasis of many cancers, including breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the changes in LDH gene expression and lactate concentrations in the culture media during tamoxifen resistance development in the MCF-7 cell line, and examined LDHB promoter methylation levels. An upregulation of 2.9 times of LDHB gene expression was observed around the IC50 concentration of tamoxifen in treated cells, while fluctuation in LDHA gene expression levels was found. Furthermore, morphological changes in the cell shape accompanied the changes in gene expression. Bisulfate treatment followed by sequencing of the LDHB promoter was performed to track any change in methylation levels; hypomethylation of CpG areas was found, suggesting that gene expression upregulation could be due to methylation level changes. Changes in LDHA and LDHB gene expression were correlated with the increase in lactate concentration in the culture media of treated MCF-7 cells.
Airflow and Air Velocity Measurements While Playing Wind Instruments, with Respect to Risk Assessment of a SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Spahn Claudia , Hipp Anna Maria , Schubert Bernd , Axt Marcus Rudolf , Stratmann Markus , Schmölder Christian , Richter Bernhard
Published: May 2021

Due to airborne transmission of the coronavirus, the question arose as to how high the risk of spreading infectious particles can be while playing a wind instrument. To examine this question and to help clarify the possible risk, we analyzed 14 wind instruments, first qualitatively by making airflows visible while playing, and second quantitatively by measuring air velocity at three distances (1, 1.5, 2 m) in the direction of the instruments’ bells. Measurements took place with wind instrumentalists of the Bamberg Symphony in their concert hall. Our findings highlight that while playing, no airflows escaping from any of the wind instruments—from the bell with brass instruments or from the mouthpiece, keyholes or bell with woodwinds—were measurable beyond a distance of 1.5 m, regardless of volume, pitch or what was played. With that, air velocity while playing corresponded to the usual value of 1 m/s in hall-like rooms. For air-jet woodwinds, alto flute and piccolo, significant air movements were seen close to the mouthpiece, which escaped directly into the room.
Network Traffic Anomaly Detection via Deep Learning
Authors: Fotiadou Konstantina , Velivassaki Terpsichori-Helen , Voulkidis Artemis , Skias Dimitrios , Tsekeridou Sofia , Zahariadis Theodore
Published: May 2021

Network intrusion detection is a key pillar towards the sustainability and normal operation of information systems. Complex threat patterns and malicious actors are able to cause severe damages to cyber-systems. In this work, we propose novel Deep Learning formulations for detecting threats and alerts on network logs that were acquired by pfSense, an open-source software that acts as firewall on FreeBSD operating system. pfSense integrates several powerful security services such as firewall, URL filtering, and virtual private networking among others. The main goal of this study is to analyse the logs that were acquired by a local installation of pfSense software, in order to provide a powerful and efficient solution that controls traffic flow based on patterns that are automatically learnt via the proposed, challenging DL architectures. For this purpose, we exploit the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), and the Long Short Term Memory Networks (LSTMs) in order to construct robust multi-class classifiers, able to assign each new network log instance that reaches our system into its corresponding category. The performance of our scheme is evaluated by conducting several quantitative experiments, and by comparing to state-of-the-art formulations.
Editorial from the Editor-in-Chief to Introduce the Journal
Authors: Purcell Wendy M.
Published: May 2021

People at work is the focus of Merits, an international, peer-reviewed open access journal [...]
Facile Patterning of Thermoplastic Elastomers and Robust Bonding to Glass and Thermoplastics for Microfluidic Cell Culture and Organ-on-Chip
Authors: Schneider Stefan , Brás Eduardo J. S. , Schneider Oliver , Schlünder Katharina , Loskill Peter
Published: May 2021

The emergence and spread of microfluidics over the last decades relied almost exclusively on the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The main reason for the success of PDMS in the field of microfluidic research is its suitability for rapid prototyping and simple bonding methods. PDMS allows for precise microstructuring by replica molding and bonding to different substrates through various established strategies. However, large-scale production and commercialization efforts are hindered by the low scalability of PDMS-based chip fabrication and high material costs. Furthermore, fundamental limitations of PDMS, such as small molecule absorption and high water evaporation, have resulted in a shift toward PDMS-free systems. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) are a promising alternative, combining properties from both thermoplastic materials and elastomers. Here, we present a rapid and scalable fabrication method for microfluidic systems based on a polycarbonate (PC) and TPE hybrid material. Microstructured PC/TPE-hybrid modules are generated by hot embossing precise features into the TPE while simultaneously fusing the flexible TPE to a rigid thermoplastic layer through thermal fusion bonding. Compared to TPE alone, the resulting, more rigid composite material improves device handling while maintaining the key advantages of TPE. In a fast and simple process, the PC/TPE-hybrid can be bonded to several types of thermoplastics as well as glass substrates. The resulting bond strength withstands at least 7.5 bar of applied pressure, even after seven days of exposure to a high-temperature and humid environment, which makes the PC/TPE-hybrid suitable for most microfluidic applications. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the PC/TPE-hybrid features low absorption of small molecules while being biocompatible, making it a suitable material for microfluidic biotechnological applications.
Conspiracy Theories as Superstition: Today’s Mirror Image in Spinoza’s Tractatus Theologico-Politicus
Authors: van der Klaauw Jamie
Published: May 2021

The contention in this paper is that the theological-political disputes Spinoza was concerned with 350 years ago are similar to the conspiratorial disputes we experience today. The world in Spinoza’s Tractatus theologico-politicus, a political intervention in his time, serves as a “mirror image”, that is to say, it deals with the same problem we face today albeit in a different mode. Understanding our contemporary condition under the auspices of a Spinozist perspective, problems in countermeasures to the conspiratorial disputes come to light. Scholarly work and practice focus on the epistemological dimension of conspiracy theories, tying in the extent to which they are problematic to the degree in which they deal in untruth. However, the lesson from Spinoza’s analysis of the theological-political disputes is that such theories do not deal in truth, but, in affect, they do not spring from a lack of education but a lack of certainty. The work of Spinoza opens up a different approach, and if our aim is like that of the TTP, to defend political life against the threat of civil war, such a different approach is in order.
Dynamics of a Homogeneous and Isotropic Space in Pure Cubic f(R) Gravity
Authors: Petriakova Polina
Published: May 2021

The possible ways of dynamics of a homogeneous and isotropic space described by the Friedmann–Lemaitre–Robertson–Walker metric in the framework of cubic in the Ricci scalar f(R) gravity in the absence of matter are considered. This paper points towards an effective method for limiting the parameters of extended gravity models. A method for f(R)-gravity models, based on the metric dynamics of various model parameters in the simplest example is proposed. The influence of the parameters and initial conditions on further dynamics are discussed. The parameters can be limited by (i) slow growth of space, (ii) instability and (iii) divergence with the inflationary scenario.
Evaluation of Dispersion Methods and Mechanical Behaviour of Glass Fibre Composites with Embedded Self-Healing Systems
Authors: Vintila Ionut Sebastian , Draghici Sorin , Petrescu Horia Alexandru , Paraschiv Alexandru , Condruz Mihaela Raluca , Maier Lucia Raluca , Bara Adela , Necolau Madalina
Published: May 2021

The present paper is focused on evaluating the most suitable dispersion method in the epoxy matrix of two self-healing systems containing dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (ENB) monomers encapsulated in a urea-formaldehyde (UF) shell, prior to integration, fabrication and impact testing of specimens. Both microstructural analysis and three-point bending tests were performed to evaluate and assess the optimum dispersion method. It was found that ultrasonication damages the microcapsules of both healing systems, thus magnetic stirring was used for the dispersion of both healing systems in the epoxy matrix. Using magnetic dispersion, 5%, 7%, 10%, 12% and 15% volumes of microcapsules were embedded in glass fibre composites. Some of the samples were subjected to thermal cycling between −20 °C and +100 °C for 8 h, to evaluate the behaviour of both healing systems after temperature variation. Impact test results showed that the mechanical behaviour decreases with increasing microcapsule volume, while for specimens subjected to thermal cycling, the impact strength increases with microcapsule volume up to 10%, after which a severe drop in impact strength follows. Retesting after 48 h shows a major drop in mechanical properties in specimens containing 15% MUF-ENB microcapsules, up to total penetration of the specimen.
AI Perspectives in Smart Cities and Communities to Enable Road Vehicle Automation and Smart Traffic Control
Authors: Englund Cristofer , Aksoy Eren Erdal , Alonso-Fernandez Fernando , Cooney Martin Daniel , Pashami Sepideh , Åstrand Björn
Published: May 2021

Smart cities and communities (SCC) constitute a new paradigm in urban development. SCC ideate a data-centered society aimed at improving efficiency by automating and optimizing activities and utilities. Information and communication technology along with Internet of Things enables data collection and with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) situation awareness can be obtained to feed the SCC actors with enriched knowledge. This paper describes AI perspectives in SCC and gives an overview of AI-based technologies used in traffic to enable road vehicle automation and smart traffic control. Perception, smart traffic control and driver modeling are described along with open research challenges and standardization to help introduce advanced driver assistance systems and automated vehicle functionality in traffic. To fully realize the potential of SCC, to create a holistic view on a city level, availability of data from different stakeholders is necessary. Further, though AI technologies provide accurate predictions and classifications, there is an ambiguity regarding the correctness of their outputs. This can make it difficult for the human operator to trust the system. Today there are no methods that can be used to match function requirements with the level of detail in data annotation in order to train an accurate model. Another challenge related to trust is explainability: models can have difficulty explaining how they came to certain conclusions, so it is difficult for humans to trust them.
The Evolving Role for Zinc and Zinc Transporters in Cadmium Tolerance and Urothelial Cancer
Authors: Satarug Soisungwan , Vesey David A. , Gobe Glenda C.
Published: May 2021

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental toxicant with serious public health consequences due to its persistence within arable soils, and the ease with which it enters food chains and then, accumulates in human tissues to induce a broad range of adverse health effects. The present review focuses on the role of zinc (Zn), a nutritionally essential metal, to protect against the cytotoxicity and carcinogenicity of Cd in urinary bladder epithelial cells. The stress responses and defense mechanisms involving the low-molecular-weight metal binding protein, metallothionein (MT), are highlighted. The efflux and influx transporters of the ZnT and Zrt-/Irt-like protein (ZIP) gene families are discussed with respect to their putative role in retaining cellular Zn homeostasis. Among fourteen ZIP family members, ZIP8 and ZIP14 mediate Cd uptake by cells, while ZnT1 is among ten ZnT family members solely responsible for efflux of Zn (Cd), representing cellular defense against toxicity from excessively high Zn (Cd) intake. In theory, upregulation of the efflux transporter ZnT1 concomitant with the downregulation of influx transporters such as ZIP8 and ZIP14 can prevent Cd accumulation by cells, thereby increasing tolerance to Cd toxicity. To link the perturbation of Zn homeostasis, reflected by the aberrant expression of ZnT1, ZIP1, ZIP6, and ZIP10, with malignancy, tolerance to Cd toxicity acquired during Cd-induced transformation of a cell model of human urothelium, UROtsa, is discussed as a particular example.
Numerical Investigation on Wellbore Temperature Prediction during the CO2 Fracturing in Horizontal Wells
Authors: Lyu Xinrun , Zhang Shicheng , He Yueying , Zhuo Zihan , Zhang Chong , Meng Zhan
Published: May 2021

A novel model is established to predict the temperature field in the horizontal wellbore during CO2 fracturing. The pressure work and viscous dissipation are considered, and the transient energy, mass and momentum equations as well as the CO2 physical properties are solved fully coupled. The model passes the convergence test and is verified through a comparison using the COMSOL software. Then, a sensitivity analysis is performed to study the effects of the treating parameters. Results illustrate that the relationship between the injection rate and the stable bottom-hole temperature (hereinafter referred to as BHT) is non-monotonic, which is different from the hydraulic fracturing. The existence of the horizontal section will increase the BHT at 2 m3/min condition but reduce the BHT at 10 m3/min condition. The problem of high wellbore friction can be alleviated through tube size enhancement, and the ultimate injection rate allowed increased from 2.7 m3/min to 29.6 m3/min when the tube diameter increased from 50.3 mm to 100.3 mm. Additionally, the open-hole completion method of the horizontal section can increase the BHT to 2.7 °C but reduce the near formation temperature to 24.5 °C compared with the casing completion method.
Vector Surveillance, Host Species Richness, and Demographic Factors as West Nile Disease Risk Indicators
Authors: Humphreys John M. , Young Katherine I. , Cohnstaedt Lee W. , Hanley Kathryn A. , Peters Debra P. C.
Published: May 2021

West Nile virus (WNV) is the most common arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) in the United States (US) and is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in the country. The virus has affected tens of thousands of US persons total since its 1999 North America introduction, with thousands of new infections reported annually. Approximately 1% of humans infected with WNV acquire neuroinvasive West Nile Disease (WND) with severe encephalitis and risk of death. Research describing WNV ecology is needed to improve public health surveillance, monitoring, and risk assessment. We applied Bayesian joint-spatiotemporal modeling to assess the association of vector surveillance data, host species richness, and a variety of other environmental and socioeconomic disease risk factors with neuroinvasive WND throughout the conterminous US. Our research revealed that an aging human population was the strongest disease indicator, but climatic and vector-host biotic interactions were also significant in determining risk of neuroinvasive WND. Our analysis also identified a geographic region of disproportionately high neuroinvasive WND disease risk that parallels the Continental Divide, and extends southward from the US–Canada border in the states of Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin to the US–Mexico border in western Texas. Our results aid in unraveling complex WNV ecology and can be applied to prioritize disease surveillance locations and risk assessment.
First Report on Cyanotoxin (MC-LR) Removal from Surface Water by Multi-Soil-Layering (MSL) Eco-Technology: Preliminary Results
Authors: Aba Roseline Prisca , Mugani Richard , Hejjaj Abdessamad , Brugerolle de Fraissinette Nelly , Oudra Brahim , Ouazzani Naaila , Campos Alexandre , Vasconcelos Vitor , Carvalho Pedro N. , Mandi Laila
Published: May 2021

Cyanobacteria blooms occur frequently in freshwaters around the world. Some can produce and release toxic compounds called cyanotoxins, which represent a danger to both the environment and human health. Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the most toxic variant reported all over the world. Conventional water treatment methods are expensive and require specialized personnel and equipment. Recently, a multi-soil-layering (MSL) system, a natural and low-cost technology, has been introduced as an attractive cost-effective, and environmentally friendly technology that is likely to be an alternative to conventional wastewater treatment methods. This study aims to evaluate, for the first time, the efficiency of MSL eco-technology to remove MC-LR on a laboratory scale using local materials. To this end, an MSL pilot plant was designed to treat distilled water contaminated with MC-LR. The pilot was composed of an alternation of permeable layers (pozzolan) and soil mixture layers (local sandy soil, sawdust, charcoal, and metallic iron on a dry weight ratio of 70, 10, 10, and 10%, respectively) arranged in a brick-layer-like pattern. MSL pilot was continuously fed with synthetic water containing distilled water contaminated with increasing concentrations of MC-LR (0.18–10 µg/L) at a hydraulic loading rate (HLR) of 200 L m−2 day−1. The early results showed MC-LR removal of above 99%. Based on these preliminary results, the multi-soil-layering eco-technology could be considered as a promising solution to treat water contaminated by MC-LR in order to produce quality water for irrigation or recreational activities.
Trace Metals Do Not Accumulate Over Time in The Edible Mediterranean Jellyfish Rhizostoma pulmo (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa) from Urban Coastal Waters
Authors: Basso Lorena , Papadia Paride , Rizzo Lucia , Migoni Danilo , Fanizzi Francesco P. , Piraino Stefano
Published: May 2021

Jellyfish as food represent a millennial tradition in Asia. Recently, jellyfish have also been proposed as a valuable source of protein in Western countries. To identify health risks associated with the potential human consumption of jellyfish as food, trace element accumulation was assessed in the gonads and umbrella tissues of the Mediterranean Rhizostoma pulmo (Macri, 1778), sampled over a period of 16 months along the shallow coastal waters a short distance from the city of Taranto, an area affected by metallurgic and oil refinery sources of pollution. Higher tissue concentrations of trace elements were usually detected in gonads than in umbrella tissue. In particular, significant differences in the toxic metalloid As, and in the metals Mn, Mo, and Zn, were observed among different tissues. The concentrations of vanadium were slightly higher in umbrella tissues than in gonads. No positive correlation was observed between element concentration and jellyfish size, suggesting the lack of bioaccumulation processes. Moreover, toxic element concentrations in R. pulmo were found below the threshold levels for human consumption allowed by Australian, USA, and EU Food Regulations. These results corroborate the hypothesis that R. pulmo is a safe, potentially novel food source, even when jellyfish are harvested from coastal areas affected by anthropogenic impacts.
“Es usted quien debe tomar las riendas de su destino”
Authors: Coutant Isabelle
Published: May 2021

En Francia los años 1990 constituyeron un giro en la aprehensión de la delincuencia juvenil, cuya economía moral reconectó con representaciones heredadas del siglo XIX. En este sentido, los jóvenes son percibidos sobre todo como peligrosos y no tanto en peligro. La observación de las audiencias para adolescentes en las Maisons de Justice permiten estudiar esta economía moral en actos. Menos formales que en los tribunales, estas audiencias aparecen como una escena de confrontación entre el discurso de los magistrados, el sistema de valores de los jóvenes, el de sus víctimas y los principios educativos de los padres. Me interesaré aquí por la manera en que los delegados del procurador proceden para desestabilizar a los adolescentes, apoyándose finalmente menos en el derecho mismo que en el ethos de las víctimas y de los padres y, lo que parece aún más eficaz, en sus emociones. Mostraré que esas audiencias también pueden ser el escenario de una desestabilización para los mismos profesionales, quienes durante las conversaciones con los jóvenes y sus familias se ven a veces confrontados a interrogarse sobre lo que hacen.
Derechos de la infancia y género en México
Authors: Pochetti Irene
Published: May 2021

A partir de un trabajo de campo etnográfico llevado a cabo en las ciudades de México

y Tijuana entre 2003 y 2013, este estudio analiza las articulaciones entre la política de

atención de la “infancia callejera”, las transformaciones democráticas y las políticas

económicas de corte neoliberal desplegadas durante la primera década del año 2000 en

México. La reflexión propone, por un lado, preguntarse cómo se articularon los conte nidos de la Convención sobre Derechos del Niño (CDN) con la noción de Estado y las

políticas públicas de la época. Por el otro lado, responderemos a la pregunta de cómo

los recursos discursivos y legislativos que refieren a los derechos de las/os niñas/os, y en

particular su interpretación sexuada (enfoque de género), son apropiados y traducidos

por los distintos actores que trabajan con niñas/os y adolescentes en situación de calle.
Alejandro y los otros retratos de la Galería de Niños de América del Instituto Interamericano del Niño
Authors: Ribeiro Fernanda Bittencourt
Published: May 2021

En este artículo se interpreta la categoría “infancia latinoamericana” a par

-

tir del análisis de la Galería de Niños de América creada en la década de

1970 por el Instituto Interamericano del Niño, la Niña y Adolescentes (IIN).

Se considera que los cuadros que la componían constituyen una perspectiva

privilegiada para el análisis de la producción de imágenes de la infancia y los

ideales de modernidad difundidos por dicho organismo. El análisis destaca

la coexistencia, en el marco del sistema de protección interamericano, de la

afirmación de un “niño del mundo”, por encima de las pertenencias locales

y las inversiones simbólicas que producen la especificidad de la región. Se

argumenta que este conjunto de cuadros genera el efecto de alejar la niñez,

dicha desamparada y portadora del futuro del continente, de la imagen de

la infancia irregular y del niño peligroso. Vista desde esta galería, la infancia

latinoamericana aparece asociada a la imagen de un niño solo, algo indefenso,

pero digno y necesitado de apoyo.