bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core-collapse supernova subtypes in luminous infrared galaxies
Authors: Kankare E. , Efstathiou A. , Kotak R. , Kool E. C. , Kangas T. , O’Neill D. , Mattila S. , Väisänen P. , Ramphul R. , Mogotsi M. , Ryder S. D. , Parker S. , Reynolds T. , Fraser M. , Pastorello A. , Cappellaro E. , Mazzali P. A. , Ochner P. , Tomasella L. , Turatto M. , Kotilainen J. , Kuncarayakti H. , Pérez-Torres M. A. , Randriamanakoto Z. , Romero-Cañizales C. , Berton M. , Cartier R. , Chen T.-W. , Galbany L. , Gromadzki M. , Inserra C. , Maguire K. , Moran S. , Müller-Bravo T. E. , Nicholl M. , Reguitti A. , Young D. R.
Published: March 2021

The fraction of core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) occurring in the central regions of galaxies is not well constrained at present. This is partly because large-scale transient surveys operate at optical wavelengths, making it challenging to detect transient sources that occur in regions susceptible to high extinction factors. Here we present the discovery and follow-up observations of two CCSNe that occurred in the luminous infrared galaxy (LIRG) NGC 3256. The first, SN 2018ec, was discovered using the ESO HAWK-I/GRAAL adaptive optics seeing enhancer, and was classified as a Type Ic with a host galaxy extinction ofAV= 2.1−0.1+0.3mag. The second, AT 2018cux, was discovered during the course of follow-up observations of SN 2018ec, and is consistent with a subluminous Type IIP classification with anAV = 2.1 ± 0.4 mag of host extinction. A third CCSN, PSN J10275082−4354034 in NGC 3256, was previously reported in 2014, and we recovered the source in late-time archivalHubbleSpace Telescope imaging. Based on template light curve fitting, we favour a Type IIn classification for it with modest host galaxy extinction ofAV= 0.3−0.3+0.4mag. We also extend our study with follow-up data of the recent Type IIb SN 2019lqo and Type Ib SN 2020fkb that occurred in the LIRG system Arp 299 with host extinctions ofAV= 2.1−0.3+0.1andAV= 0.4−0.2+0.1mag, respectively. Motivated by the above, we inspected, for the first time, a sample of 29 CCSNe located within a projected distance of 2.5 kpc from the host galaxy nuclei in a sample of 16 LIRGs. We find, if star formation within these galaxies is modelled assuming a global starburst episode and normal IMF, that there is evidence of a correlation between the starburst age and the CCSN subtype. We infer that the two subgroups of 14 H-poor (Type IIb/Ib/Ic/Ibn) and 15 H-rich (Type II/IIn) CCSNe have different underlying progenitor age distributions, with the H-poor progenitors being younger at 3σsignificance. However, we note that the currently available sample sizes of CCSNe and host LIRGs are small, and the statistical comparisons between subgroups do not take into account possible systematic or model errors related to the estimated starburst ages.
Creation of resistant specimens of cotton (Tetranychus turkestani) using marker-based selection method in Uzbekistan
Authors: Umedova Mexriniso , Rakhmankulov Murod
Published: March 2021

This article discusses the damage caused by pests to agricultural crops, including cotton, the importance of their control, the advantages of using modern biotechnological methods in the development of new pest-resistant varieties and foreign experience in this field, as well as preliminary research in this case was also briefly illuminated.
Bioecological properties of underground pests in cultivation of potatoes planted after grain
Authors: Khudoykulov Azamjon , Anorbaev Azimjon , Kholikova Gulnoza
Published: March 2021

In the conditions of Tashkent and Samarkand provinces of Uzbekistan, autumn moth (Agrotis segetum Den. Et Sshiff) is one of the most common pests in irrigated agricultural areas. The worms of this pest damage hundreds of crops belonging to 34 families and infect cotton, alfalfa, sugar beet, corn, cereals, legumes, oilseeds and vegetables, melons and potatoes, as well as ivy, wild coconut, sorghum, and oats. Autumn nocturnal worms pierce the seed pods, damaging the root collar of young sprouting crops. The developmental characteristics of underground pests of potatoes planted in the post-grain recurrence period were studied, their bioecology according to the characteristics of damage to various crops.
Development of software for analysis of indicators of spatial development of a complicated subject territory
Authors: Sizov Alexander , Chernykh Elena
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the description of the created software package that allows the user to solve a number of problems of systematization and primary processing of a large volume of spatial data on three subjects of the Tyumen region included in the statistical register of Rosstat for a given monitoring period in order to calculate and analyze indicators of the spatial development of the territory of the “Greater Tyumen region”
Development of a System of Standard Designs in Industrial Construction
Authors: Silka Dmitriy , Butyrin Andrey
Published: March 2021

The use of standard designs in construction is a topical subject of research within the frame of project management. Construction projects, especially industrial construction ones, are characterized by a great diversity of design and other solutions. Just about any new project produces new ways of resolving issues and involves looking for optimum constructive, planning, and other solutions. There arises the need to coordinate all parts of the work with the client, although essentially there is nothing particularly novel about the project, as many of the issues were already resolved in past activity. Quite naturally, many construction companies will look for tried-and-true solutions and strive for the unification and standardization of design work. This paper describes a set of tools for implementing a system of standard designs and proposes a set of ways to achieve one’s key design objectives.
Neural network model for forecasting the development of road transport enterprises in a non-stationarity economy
Authors: Borodulina Svetlana
Published: March 2021

The paper presents the results of the study of the influence of factors on the development indicators of road transport enterprises, describes the development indicators and their dynamics. On the basis of the theoretical foundations of non-stationarity, an interpretation of the concept of non-stationarity of the development of the economy and the industry market is proposed. On the basis of the crisis development scale developed by the author, the results of the cluster analysis of enterprises in the sample and the data of statistical processing of effective performance indicators, the forecast of the crisis development of road transport enterprises of Saint - Petersburg in the transport services market of the region is made using neural network modeling. With the help of the constructed neural network model of the dependence of the degree of crisis on the most significant indicators, it is possible to predict the development of crisis situations, and this indicates the possibility of predicting the non-stationarity development of road transport enterprises and the economy as a whole.
Analisys of sea transportation processes with network and simulation modeling
Authors: Vinnikova Mariia , Semenov Anton
Published: March 2021

The paper examines a complex of operations in sea transport using methods of network and simulation modeling. The authors consider the process of organizing sea transportation for the tanker fleet. In this case, the whole procedure is divided into four blocks of work. Each of the blocks is investigated separately using the network modeling method. The result of a private study is network models that describe the logic of performing a set of works, as well as the average execution time of all operations. It is proved that the use of simulation modeling for the analysis of the process of organizing and performing sea transportation makes it possible to assess the distribution of the execution time of the entire complex of works, as well as to identify bottleneck. The information obtained can be used for the subsequent analysis of the features of the work performance that reduce the efficiency of operations in the sea transportation process, and the development of possible solutions to improve the procedures under consideration.
Tensor invariants of generalized Kenmotsu manifolds
Authors: Shihab Ali Abdul Al Majeed , Rustanov Aligadzhi
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we study the properties of generalized Kenmotsu manifolds, consider the second-order differential geometric invariants of the Riemannian curvature tensor of generalized Kenmotsu manifolds (by the symmetry properties of the Riemannian geometry tensor). The concept of a tensor spectrum is introduced. Nine invariants are singled out and the geometric meaning of these invariants turning to zero are investigated. The identities characterizing the selected classes are singled out. Also, 9 classes of generalized Kenmotsu manifolds are distinguished, the local structure of 8 classes from the selected ones is obtained.
Choosing variable-frequency drive systems for the mining process units
Authors: Kugusheva Natalia , Semenov Alexander , Yakushev Ilya , Pavlova Svetlana , Egorov Ayaal , Fedorov Oleg
Published: March 2021

Mining enterprises are energy intensive facilities. The capacity of single technological units can reach 5 MW. Variable-frequency drive systems are often used to set them in motion. The paper analyzes the features of choosing and using variable-frequency drives under diamond mining conditions. The study objective is to formulate and formalize the problems of introducing and operating variable-frequency drives at diamond-mining enterprises to further develop and implement guidelines for improving the performance of this drive type. To achieve this objective, the use of variable frequency drives in various process units of diamond mining should be studied and analyzed. The units are considered, for which in recent years, electric drive systems have been groundlessly (according to the authors) chosen by the engineering staff of enterprises. A technical and economic comparison of low-voltage frequency converters with the same power but different control modes is performed. The economic indicators of introducing high-voltage and low-voltage frequency converters into an existing electric drive system are calculated and represented as a comparative table. Conclusions are made on the need to proceed with the research and develop guidelines for implementing frequency converters at diamond-mining enterprises.
Kansei — learning: emotional writing work on programming lectures
Authors: Razumowsky Alexei
Published: March 2021

A method of teaching programming is proposed for consideration, which, like Kansei-engineering [1], is based on managing the emotional background in the classroom during classes to enhance the individual significance of the quality of the assignment. The need for the method is due to the fact that during the oral presentation of the material by the lecturer, students today do not use note-taking, and there is also no feedback. The ways of increasing the effectiveness of teaching programming by means of developing the ability to “think with your hands”, as an activation of creativity, through the use of additional emotional stress. In this direction, an initiative is proposed to supplement the written dictation at the lecture. It obliges the student not only to implement written decisions, but also to emotionally assess their quality by making special notes in the margins. Such an innovation will allow not only to develop and strengthen the skill of writing software code, but also at the same time to check its correctness individually, since the selfassessment of the quality of the result is formed emotionally. It is assumed that the introduction of regular lecture emotional writing practices will allow students to hone their algorithmic thinking skills more effectively, and the teacher to manage the tendency of individual learning. It can be expected that an emotional insight will occur in the student’s mind at a certain moment, associated with the assessment of his own work, which will determine the initial moment of the emerging understanding. An emotional reaction in conjunction with a written result will mean the initialization of an individual educational process.
Raven paradox: problem and solution given on the basis of Aristotle’s logic
Authors: Zamorev Anton , Fedyukovsky Alexander
Published: March 2021

The paper is devoted to the solution of two well-known paradoxes of inductive logic: Hempel’s and Goodman’s, which the science has not solved unambiguously yet. The results of this research can be used in any natural science, but they are especially relevant for areas where there is an emphasis placed on environmental friendliness and sustainable development. The central problem of this research is the problem of limits of applying classical logic laws. The problem is solved by method of reduction of logical laws to those cases where they, according to Aristotle, act faultlessly, and refusal of their recognition in the cases where their action is questionable. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate the solution of both problems within Aristotle’s logic. In that regard, the following results are received: common faults of previous solutions of Hempel’s paradox, consisting in ignoring any of its parties, are revealed; the original nature of Goodman’s paradox, consisting in wrong interpreting “inductive confirmation” criteria is opened; two methods of forming and assessing the subject volumes of statements are revealed: analytical and synthetical ones; it is proved that the theses treated in Hempel’s paradox as equivalent ones are not always so, but only on condition of their subjects’ reality and of their subject volumes’ identity; it is established that the conditions of the statement equivalence correspond to the limits of applying logic laws in Aristotle’s interpretation.
Project-Based Learning as an Important Element of Training Students Majoring in Environmental Engineering
Authors: Semenova Natalia
Published: March 2021

The paper addresses the training of specialists in civil engineering, having skills in project activities and advanced design techniques. Including technologies for the design of facilities, taking into account environmental norms and rules of nature management. Teamwork skills are one of the important competencies of a modern specialist. The paper describes ways to implement students’ teamwork in the training process at universities. It is shown how collective training techniques are introduced to the training process of engineering students. The author notes the importance of further development of project-based learning for the training of specialists in civil engineering, architecture and other engineering fields. It is also noted that the accomplishment of assignments — and not only individually but also in micro-groups — often adds a competitive aspect to the process, helps reveal leadership skills, and makes it possible for students to fulfill themselves at their best and demonstrate their talents. Collective assignments always require thinking outside the box, looking for unconventional solutions, and make students have an open mind. The paper also addresses matters of developing the graphic culture in students during their training and highlights the importance of the graphic culture in the training of highly qualified specialists.
Interpretation of legal obligations of a person and a citizen in the field of environmental protection
Authors: Yunusov Emzari
Published: March 2021

The article examines legal duties of a person and a citizen, which is a toolkit in the process of learning the proper, socially significant behavior of legally liable subjects of legal relations. The author proposes a classification of legal duties according to various criteria. The classification of legal duties is an integral part of legal regulation and it is of particular importance in the life of society and state.
Home Automation through Smart Lighting, Smart Security and other Appliances
Authors: Rajarajeswari S , Usha Rani Shola , Kataria Alpanshu , Dutta Soumitro
Published: March 2021

The smart home automation system is designed to conveniently manage and monitor household appliances and lighting fixtures remotely, to save time and to use resources effectively. It is a control system for allowing access to home automation devices. The automation devices include lights, fan, camera and doors. It even enhances the main features of the project to control the home appliances from anywhere as remotely. With the camera module, continuous surveillance and protection of the home is accomplished. A significant improvement is achieved in utility costs by an optimal use of energy. Using inexpensive electronic and interactive tools, this initiative can be applied, making it economically, physically and operationally feasible. Basically it involves controlling everything remotely via a visual interface and mobile application. The automation system employs the use of MQTT protocol in order to secure the transmitted device based information to and from in the network. The defense against Man in the Middle attack (MITM) is the main focus of our automation system. The routed messages are checked at the intermediate hub to check for the occurrence of MITM based DoS attacks through manual reset points. .
Investigation of process parameters and plate local thickening on residual stresses in hot stamping process
Authors: Li Jinbo , Chen Xiaohui , Liu Xianlong
Published: March 2021

In this paper, local-thickened plates are adopted for aluminum alloy square cups stamping with relatively low values of residual stresses and small radius at the bottom corner. By utilizing numerical and experimental methods, the effects of process parameters and plate local thickening on the residual stress distribution of hot stamped aluminum alloy square cups are studied. Furthermore, the influence of plate local thickening on the radius of bottom corner of square cups is also investigated. The results showed that with an increase in the forming temperature, blank holder force and die corner radius, residual stresses in hot stamped square cups can be reduced. The same effect can be achieved by decreasing the die entrance radius. As opposed to the flat plates, using local-thickened plates can not only reduce the residual stresses values in hot stamped square cups, but also decrease the radius at the bottom corner of square cups. When the optimized thickening scheme of plate is used, the smaller radius at the bottom corner, the lower residual stresses in the square cups are obtained.
Il était une fois l’hépatotoxicité…
Authors: Le Daré Brendan , Ferron Pierre-Jean , Gicquel Thomas
Published: March 2021

Le foie assure une grande partie du métabolisme des xénobiotiques. Ses particularités en font pourtant une cible privilégiée pour des composés toxiques. Les hépatotoxicités des xénobiotiques, ces molécules étrangères à notre organisme, constituent un vrai défi pour les cliniciens, l’industrie pharmaceutique, et les agences de santé. à la différence des hépatotoxicités intrinsèques, prévisibles et reproductibles, les hépatotoxicités idiosyncrasiques surviennent de manière non prévisible. La physiopathologie des hépatotoxicités idiosyncrasiques à médiation immune reste la moins bien connue. Le développement d’outils qui permettent désormais d’améliorer la prédiction et la compréhension de ces atteintes hépatiques paraît être une approche prometteuse pour identifier des facteurs de risque, et de nouveaux mécanismes de toxicité.
Méthylation de l’ADN mitochondrial
Authors: Leroux Émélie , Brosseau Cindy , Angers Bernard , Angers Annie , Breton Sophie
Published: March 2021

La méthylation de l’ADN est un mécanisme épigénétique essentiel à la plupart des organismes, notamment pour la régulation de l’expression génique. Dans le génome nucléaire des mammifères, elle est généralement restreinte aux cytosines précédant une guanine, alors qu’elle opère dans un contexte nucléotidique plus varié chez les bactéries. Curieusement, l’existence même de méthylation dans les mitochondries demeure en débat. Cette controverse pourrait être due aux différences entre ces génomes, et à des méthodologies plutôt adaptées à l’étude des méthylations du génome nucléaire. Des études récentes suggèrent ainsi que la méthylation de l’ADN mitochondrial se ferait davantage en contexte nucléotidique varié, comme chez leurs ancêtres bactériens.
Structural and mechanical properties of W-C: H coatings prepared by HiTUS
Authors: Kvetková Lenka , Hviščová Petra , Molčanová Zuzana , Kabátová Margita , Lofaj František , Girman Vladimír
Published: March 2021

The structure and mechanical properties of hydrogenated tungsten-carbon (W-C: H) coatings have been studied as a function of the composition and structure. These coatings were prepared by the High Target Utilization Sputtering (HiTUS), the first time used for this type of coatings. W-C: H coatings were deposited from tungsten–carbide target in argon, argon–acetylene (C2H2), and argon–methane (CH4) atmosphere on bearing steel 100Cr6 substrate, Al substrate, Si wafer a, and WC-Co substrate. W-C: H coatings obtained at different acetylene and methane flow were characterized by Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis (ERDA) and Rutherford Backscattering (RBS), X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoindentation. Mechanical properties of these coatings are controlled within a range through a change in mutual concentration of crystalline phase and amorphous hydrogenated carbon matrix. The higher hardness (Hit = 29.5 ± 4.5 GPa) was measured for coating with 3 sccm methane addition. W-C: H coatings with more than 4 sccm of C2H2 and CH4 addition had fully amorphous structure and worse off mechanical properties.
Ultra-magnifying narrow-band imaging for endoscopic diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia: a pilot image analysis study
Authors: Iwagami Hiroyoshi , Uedo Noriya , Yip Hon-Chi , Shichijo Satoki , Kanesaka Takashi , Maekawa Akira , Yamamoto Sachiko , Higashino Koji , Takeuchi Yoji , Ishihara Ryu , Nakatsuka Shin-ichi
Published: March 2021

Background and study aims Narrow-band imaging (NBI) with or without magnification has recently been used for diagnosis of gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM). Endocytoscopy is a newly developed endoscopic technique that enables ultra-high (500 ×) magnification of the digestive tract mucosa. This study aimed to analyze the ultra-magnifying NBI characteristics of GIM.

Patients and methods This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a cancer referral center. Patients who underwent ultra-magnifying NBI of the gastric mucosa using endocytoscopy were eligible. A soft black cap was used for non-contact observation. We compared the characteristic findings of GIM by ultra-magnifying NBI of metaplastic and non-metaplastic mucosae. A reference standard for GIM in this study was conventional magnifying NBI findings of GIM.

Results We obtained 28 images of metaplastic mucosa and 32 of non-metaplastic mucosa from 38 patients. Ultra-magnifying NBI revealed the cobblestone-like cellular structure in the marginal crypt epithelium of metaplastic and non-metaplastic mucosa. Diagnostic values (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and kappa value [95 % confidence interval]) for the heterogeneous cellular structure and rough contour of the marginal crypt epithelium were 82 % (68 %–96 %), 94 % (85 %–100 %), 88 % (80 %–96 %), and 0.70, and 86 % (73 %–99 %), 94 % (85 %–100 %), 90 % (82 %–98 %), and 0.71, respectively.

Conclusions The characteristic ultrastructural features of GIM were identified by ultra-magnifying NBI, warranting validation of diagnostic value in a prospective study.
KfH-Broschüre
Authors: Brandt Claudia
Published: March 2021

„Die frühzeitige Diagnose und konsequente Behandlung chronischer Erkrankungen wie Diabetes ist besonders wichtig“ – darauf wies der Diabetologe und Nephrologe Prof. Dr. Dieter Bach, Vorstandsvorsitzender des KfH Kuratorium für Dialyse und Nierentransplantation e. V., anlässlich des Weltdiabetestages am 14.11.2020 hin. So könnten auch Folgeschäden für die Nieren vermieden werden.
Association between Levels of Total Cell-Free DNA and Development of Preeclampsia—A Literature Review
Authors: Wu Yi , Werlang Ana , Cheng Weiwei , Lanes Andrea , Wen Shi Wu , Walker Mark
Published: March 2021

Objectives The aim of the study is to synthesize the evidence and evaluate the total cell-free deoxyribonucleic (cfDNA) associated with the prediction of preeclampsia (PE). Total cfDNA is constituted by both cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) originated mainly from the placenta, and maternal cfDNA derived from maternal leukocytes.

Methods A systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed and Medline. Literature reporting levels of total cfDNA in the development of PE was included. Studies that only reported cffDNA, but no cfDNA concentrations were not included in this review.

Results Eight studies were included. Seven reported values of cfDNA in PE patients, regardless of early or late onset PE, six of which demonstrated a significant increase of cfDNA in patients who subsequently developed PE. Seven studies evaluated cfDNA levels in the first trimester, six of which showed significant increase of cfDNA concentrations in women who later developed PE. Five studies investigated cfDNA levels in the second trimester, all presenting increased total cfDNA levels in the PE group compared with normal controls.

Conclusion Total cfDNA may play a role as a biochemical marker of PE, compared with fetal cfDNA. Large prospective studies with homogeneous populations and standardized methodology are needed to further confirm its predictive value.
Modified Glasgow Coma Scale and the Alert Verbal Painful Unresponsive Scale for Assessing the Level of Consciousness in Pediatric Critical Care Patients—A Comparative Study
Authors: Chaudhary Richa , Nagula Karthikeya , Taksande Amar
Published: March 2021

Altered consciousness is a common problem encountered in the pediatric emergency department. Modified Glasgow coma scale (MGCS) has been widely used in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) for assessing the level of consciousness in children with various illnesses. To compare utility of alert verbal painful unresponsive (AVPU) scale and MGCS for assessing level of consciousness of critically ill patients admitted to PICU. A prospective observational study was conducted at Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital in Maharashtra, India on children above the age of 30 days admitted to the PICU from September 2018 to August 2019, fulfilling the inclusion criteria, after obtaining informed consent from the parents. Level of consciousness of the enrolled patients was assessed using the AVPU scale and MGCS. One-way analysis of variance technique was used for data analysis. A total of 74 children were included in the study. A good correlation was observed between the two scales and mean MGCS score of 13.8 (13–15), 11.3 (11–12), 8.09 (7–9), and 3 corresponded to A, V, P, and U, respectively. AVPU scale was comparable to MGCS in assessing level of consciousness in children admitted to PICU. AVPU can be used for initial evaluation of level of consciousness in children presenting with altered consciousness. More detailed MGCS can be used to assess the improvement over time and to decide further treatment strategy.
Novel Presentation of Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated with COVID-19
Authors: Thomas Arun , Hiremath Sagar , Baju M.M.
Published: March 2021

Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging rare disease reported in children 4 to 6 weeks after a usually asymptomatic COVID-19 infection. Though it usually presents as a Kawasaki-like illness or toxic shock syndrome, other multisystem presentations have been reported. Presentation as hemiplegia, however, is rare. Here, we describe a child with acute hemiplegia and rapidly progressive shock, who responded dramatically to steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin and experienced a full recovery. By reporting this case, we wish to add to the literature this atypical presentation of this novel disease, and highlight the importance of quickly diagnosing and treating this life-threatening disease.
Cognitive Deficits in Pediatric Craniopharyngioma: An Updated Review
Authors: Al-Mirza Abdulrahman , Al-Taei Omar , Al-Saadi Tariq
Published: March 2021

Craniopharyngiomas (CP) are brain tumors that often occur in children and adolescent that results in many neurological and endocrinological disorders. The aim of this systematic review is to provide updated version of studies used to formalize standard tests used for cognitive impairment in pediatric patients with craniopharyngioma. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, Science Direct, Wiley Online, and Springer to identify studies assessing cognitive impairment in pediatric patients with craniopharyngioma. Academic and learning dysfunctions were reported in seven studies among 41 of 178 patients (23%). Visual–spatial deficits were reported in six studies. Speech and verbal dysfunctions were reported in three studies. Memory deficits were reported in eight studies among 61 of 197 patients (31%). Motor dysfunctions were reported in five studies. Sleep related issues were reported in four studies among 33 of 70 patients (47.1%). Patients with treated pediatric CP demonstrate a high incidence of neurological deficits including cognitive dysfunctions. Academic and learning dysfunctions, visual–spatial deficits, speech and verbal dysfunctions, memory deficits, and sleep-related issues were the most commonly reported cognitive deficits in the present study.
Laboratory Verification of a BRCA1 and BRCA2 Massively Parallel Sequencing Assay from Wet Bench to Bioinformatics for Germline DNA Analysis
Authors: Poon Kok-Siong , Chiu Lily , Tan Karen Mei-Ling
Published: March 2021

Introduction A robust genetic test for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is necessary for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of patients with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. We evaluated a commercial amplicon-based massively parallel sequencing (MPS) assay, BRCA MASTR Plus on the MiSeq platform, for germline BRCA genetic testing.

Methods This study was performed on 31 DNA from cell lines and proficiency testing samples to establish the accuracy of the assay. A reference cell line DNA, NA12878 was used to determine the reproducibility of the assay. Discordant MPS result was resolved orthogonally by the current gold-standard Sanger sequencing method.

Results The analytical accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for variant detection were 93.55, 92.86, and 100.00%, respectively. Both sequencing depth and variant allele frequencies were highly reproducible by comparing the NA12878 DNA tested in three separate runs. The single discordant result, later confirmed by Sanger sequencing was due to the inability of the MASTR Reporter software to identify a 40-bp deletion in BRCA1.

Conclusion The BRCA MASTR Plus assay on the MiSeq platform is accurate and reproducible for germline BRCA genetic testing, making it suitable for use in a clinical diagnostic laboratory. However, Sanger sequencing may still serve as a confirmatory method to improve diagnostic capability of the MPS assay.
Towards digital society management and ‘capitalism 4.0’ in contemporary Russia
Authors: Popkova Elena , Bogoviz Aleksei V. , Sergi Bruno S.
Published: March 2021

Conceptualizing the complexities of the Russian political economy strikingly illustrates the challenging but essential role of the State in the new process of capitalist reforms initiated in the 1990s. A missing ingredient in this discourse has been considering the extraordinary impact technology has on society and how it affects the process. Accordingly, this paper focuses on the current development of culturally unique capitalist theory in Russia, together with the practical application of proven quantitative landmarks and policy implications for managing digital society’s development to optimize capitalism in Russia. The paper performs a quantitative analysis of the considerable influence that the digital society has on Russian capitalism and how the latter can be systemically optimized through the former’s development. This contribution’s originality lies in its consideration of the consequences of digital culture on the unique model of capitalism shaping contemporary Russia. Currently, Russia is implementing a particular and unique model of capitalism model where the digital society’s influence is limited and contradictory. We argue that the Russian model of capitalism could experience rapid development in the foreseeable future with effective digital society management.
Global urban subway development, construction material stocks, and embodied carbon emissions
Authors: Mao Ruichang , Bao Yi , Duan Huabo , Liu Gang
Published: March 2021

Urban subway system, as an important type of urban transportation infrastructure, can provide mass mobility service and help address urban sustainability challenges such as traffic congestion and air pollution. The continuous construction of subways, however, causes large amounts of construction materials and embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this study, we characterized the patterns of subway development, construction material stocks, and embodied emissions covering all 219 cities in the world in which subways are found by July 2020. The global subway length reached 16,419 km in 2020, and the construction material stocks amounted to 2.5 gigatons, equaling to an embodied emission of 560 megatons. In particular, China’s subway system contributes to ~40% of the total global stocks, with a pattern of moderate and steady stocks growth before 2010 and a rapid expansion afterwards, implying the late-development advantages and infrastructure-based urbanization mode. Our results demonstrated that identifying the spatiotemporal characteristics of subway materials stocks development is imperative for benchmarking future resource demand, informing sustainable subway planning, prospecting urban mining and waste management opportunities and challenges, and mitigating the associated environmental impacts for global GHG emission reduction.
“I was the Woman, he was the Man”: dementia, recognition, recognisability and gendered subjectivity
Authors: Sandberg Linn J
Published: March 2021

Subjectivity is a widely explored topic in dementia studies, in both the humanities and the social sciences. Persistent discourses of “a loss of self” in dementia have been challenged by scholars, who argue for the need for continued recognition of the person with dementia and that subjectivity in dementia may be sustained. So far, however, there is a lack of discussion about the significance of gender, and how being recognised as a subject overall is closely intertwined with being recognised as a gendered subject. This article explores how gender matters to the recognition of subjectivity in dementia. But it also explores how dementia as a position of cognitive otherness may impact upon and disrupt gender performativity. The discussion builds on narratives from an interview study on intimacy and sexual relationships among heterosexual couples living with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the narrative of the Swedish autobiographical novel Minns du? [Do you remember?] (Beckman, 2019), in which the nonbinary transgender narrator Alice seeks to recollect the memories of their partner AnnaBelle, who is living with a memory-related illness. The article shows how reiterations of gender could be significant in sustaining subjectivity for a person with dementia. But it also shows how cultural tropes of persons with dementia as strange(rs), children or animals position them as unintelligible and thus as unrecognisable gendered subjects. The novel, in contrast, provides an alternative form of worldmaking in which intersubjective recognition is not dependent on either cognitive function or binary gender within a heterosexual matrix.
Why has the COVID-19 pandemic increased support for Universal Basic Income?
Authors: Nettle Daniel , Johnson Elliott , Johnson Matthew , Saxe Rebecca
Published: March 2021

The onset of the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic led to a marked increase in positive discussion of Universal Basic Income (UBI) in political and media circles. However, we do not know whether there was a corresponding increase in support for the policy in the public at large, or why. Here, we present three studies carried out during 2020 in UK and US samples. In study 1 (n = 802, April 2020), people expressed much stronger support for a UBI policy for the times of the pandemic and its aftermath than for normal times. This was largely explained by the increased importance they attached, in the pandemic context, to a system that is simple and efficient to administer, and that reduces stress and anxiety in society. In study 2 (n = 400, May 2020), we pitted UBI against a conditional targeted social transfer system. Preferences for UBI were stronger for pandemic times than for normal times. This was partially explained by a number of perceived advantages, such as simplicity of administration and suitability for a changing world. In study 3 (n = 397, September 2020), we found that the headline results of studies 1 and 2 persisted six months after the onset of the pandemic, albeit with attenuated effect sizes. Our results illustrate how a changing social and economic situation can bring about markedly different policy preferences, through changes in citizens’ perceptions of what is currently important.
The fractal dimension of Islamic and Persian four-folding gardens
Authors: Patuano Agnès , Lima M. Francisca
Published: March 2021

Since Benoit Mandelbrot (1924–2010) coined the term “fractal” in 1975, mathematical theories of fractal geometry have deeply influenced the fields of landscape perception, architecture, and technology. Indeed, their ability to describe complex forms nested within each other, and repeated towards infinity, has allowed the modeling of chaotic phenomena such as weather patterns or plant growth. Some human-designed patterns such as the ones developed by Islamic cultures have been found to follow similar principles of hierarchy, symmetry, and repetition. However, the application of these principles in the design of gardens is an underexplored field. This paper presents a comparative exploration of the four-fold garden design model—the chahár-bágh—typical of Persian and Islamic garden design by analyzing two case studies: Taj Mahal and Isfahan’s city plan. This four-fold pattern is known to not only have a religious reading but to be also linked with ideals of fair distribution. Using an innovative compositional fractal analysis inspired by architecture, our results demonstrate that these gardens contain a high level of self-replication and scale invariance and that they exhibit a high fractal dimension. The novel application of this method of analysis to historical landscape plans allows us to assess to what extent fractal concepts were already in use before the European Renaissance and Mandelbrot’s explorations, and to speculate on their symbolism in the context of Islamic and Persian garden design. Specifically, we conclude that the fractal characteristics of these gardens might be intended as a representation of the infinite divine but also of principles of fairness and equality. Moving forward, this approach could be applied to design spaces, namely in the infrastructural design of the urban fabric, which are both meaningful and environmentally just.
Trapping performance of holographic optical tweezers generated with different hologram algorithms
Authors: He M. R. , Liang Y. S. , Bianco P. R. , Wang Z. J. , Yun X. , Cai Y. N. , Feng K. , Lei M.
Published: March 2021

Quantitative measurement of small forces and small displacement using holographic optical tweezers (HOTs) is finding increasing applications due to the features of non-contact and high accuracy manipulation. Although hologram optimization algorithms have been widely reported, the holographic optical trapping performance relying on the algorithms has not been studied systematically. In this paper, we investigated the force measuring the performance of various types of HOTs generated with six different hologram algorithms (GSW, GAA, GS, SR, S, and RM). To do this, we built up a HOT instrument and compared the light fields’ intensity distribution, trap stiffness, efficiency, and calculation time of multi-point trap arrays generated by six hologram algorithms with this setup. Our work will provide a better understanding of the performance of different hologram algorithms in HOTs.
The discharge selectivity in an atmospheric pressure helium–argon dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Huo W. G. , Li X. , Lin J. S. , Guo Y. T. , Wang Y. X. , Xia Y. , Zhang M.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, an atmospheric pressure polyethylene terephthalate dielectric barrier discharge is produced in a helium–argon mixture. The influences of the electrode voltage on the discharge mode are experimentally investigated. The results show that, at a fixed argon content of 50%, the discharge transits from local uniform, through the isolated pattern, to whole uniform with the increase in the electrode voltage. Both the peak value of current pulse and argon spectra (696.54, 763.13, 772.09, 811.17, and 911.81 nm) intensities are captured to clarify the characteristics of the discharge mode transition. The different discharge characteristic regions are obtained by varying the argon content. In addition, the influence of the argon content on the above-mentioned argon spectra intensities is also researched. The spectra intensities enhance at 696.54, 763.13, and 772.09 nm but weaken at 811.17 and 911.81 nm with the increase in the argon content when the discharge operates in the whole uniform mode. The physical reasons for these results are discussed.
Synthesis and biological activity of aza and deaza analogues of purine nucleosides
Authors: Matyugina Elena S. , Kochetkov Sergey N. , Khandazhinskaya Anastasia L.
Published: March 2021

Analogues and derivatives of nucleic acid components have been used as key drugs in different areas of medicine over the past decades. The replacement of one or more nitrogen atoms of the heterocyclic base with a CH group affords deazapurine nucleoside analogues, and the replacement of the methine group with a nitrogen atom gives azapurine derivatives. A combination of aza and deaza moieties in the purine base leads to aza(deaza)-modified bases. Some nucleoside analogues were found to exhibit pronounced anticancer and antiviral activity. The synthesis and evaluation of biological activity of aza- and deazapurine nucleoside analogues have attracted interest from researchers four decades ago. This review describes and integrates the studies concerning certain aspects of the synthesis and(or) activity of various representatives of this class of compounds. The structure–biological activity relationships are analyzed. The successful approaches to the design of aza- and deazapurine nucleoside analogues are considered. A comparison is given for the methods of chemical and enzymatic synthesis of these compounds.

The bibliography includes 161 references.
Genomic analysis of the brassica pathogen turnip mosaic potyvirus reveals its spread along the former trade routes of the Silk Road
Authors: Kawakubo Shusuke , Gao Fangluan , Li Shifang , Tan Zhongyang , Huang Ying-Kun , Adkar-Purushothama Charith Raj , Gurikar Chennappa , Maneechoat Phoowanarth , Chiemsombat Pissawan , Aye Seint San , Furuya Naruto , Shevchenko Oleksiy , Špak Josef , Škorić Dijana , Ho Simon Y. W. , Ohshima Kazusato
Published: March 2021

Significance

Our article presents the most comprehensive reconstruction of the evolutionary and phylogeographic history of a major plant pathogen of brassica vegetables in Eurasia. Sampling across such a large landmass poses considerable challenges, and our study attempts to describe the spatial and temporal patterns of migration for a plant pathogen on a large scale. Our phylogeographic and molecular clock analyses show that the migration pathways of turnip mosaic potyvirus retrace some of the historical trade arteries of the Silk Road. This study demonstrates how a comprehensive genetic analysis can provide a large-scale view of the epidemiology and human-mediated spread of a plant pathogen across centuries of evolutionary history.
Micro-businesses in the Mountains of Northern Albania
Authors: Woodward Simon
Published: March 2021

Parts of Northern Albania are still hard to get to, but adventure tourism has been making significant inroads, year by year, up until 2019. Two entrepreneurial villages, in particular, have led the way. Over 20 guest-houses have already opened, providing accommodation and food to travellers.

Information

Adapted from ‘Chapter 12: Destination Management: Case Study: Developing Rural Tourism in Northern Albania’. In: Robinson P., Lück M. and Smith S. (eds)
Tourism 2nd Edition
. CAB International, pp. 274-276.

© CAB International 2021
Interviewing for a PI position—the pandemic way
Authors: Casadio Melina , Simon Dan
Published: March 2021

JCB asks early career researchers to share their experience interviewing for academic faculty positions and becoming independent PIs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Application of multi-active center organic quinone molecular functionalized graphene in fully pseudocapacitive asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Lijie , Kong Chao , Hu Zhongai , Wu Bowan , Han Yanxia
Published: March 2021

5, 7, 12, 14-pentacenetetrone (PT), polycyclic quinone derivatives, are rich in carbonyl, which were investigated as a novel organic electrode material for supercapacitors. PT with a π conjugated system, is a flat molecule, generating strong π–π interactions between molecules. PT molecules were uniformly fixed on conductive reduced graphene oxide (rGO) through π–π interaction by one-step solvothermal method, forming a three-dimensional cross-linked PT@rGO hydrogel. This composite structure was conducive to reducing the charge transfer resistance and promoting the Faraday reaction of electrode, which achieved the superposition of electric double-layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance. Appropriate organic molecular loading can effectively improve electrochemical performance. The optimal PT@rGO electrode material displayed the specific capacitance of 433.2 F g−1 at 5 mV s−1 with an excellent rate capability in 1 mol l−1 H2SO4 electrolyte. Finally, the fully pseudocapacitive asymmetric supercapacitor has been assembled by using PT@rGO as positive electrode and benz[a]anthracene-7,12-quinone (BAQ) modified rGO(BAQ/rGO)as negative electrode, which exhibited the good energy storage performance in a cell voltage of 1.8 V.
Gravitational waves as a big bang thermometer
Authors: Ringwald Andreas , Schütte-Engel Jan , Tamarit Carlos
Published: March 2021

There is a guaranteed background of stochastic gravitational
waves produced in the thermal plasma in the early universe. Its
energy density per logarithmic frequency interval scales with the
maximum temperature Tmax which the primordial plasma
attained at the beginning of the standard hot big bang era. It
peaks in the microwave range, at around 80
GHz [106.75/g*s(Tmax)]1/3, where g*s(Tmax) is the effective number of entropy degrees of freedom in
the primordial plasma at Tmax. We present a
state-of-the-art prediction of this Cosmic Gravitational Microwave
Background (CGMB) for general models, and carry out calculations for
the case of the Standard Model (SM) as well as for several of its
extensions. On the side of minimal extensions we consider the
Neutrino Minimal SM (νMSM) and the SM-Axion-Seesaw-Higgs
portal inflation model (SMASH), which provide a complete and
consistent cosmological history including inflation. As an example
of a non-minimal extension of the SM we consider the Minimal
Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM). Furthermore, we discuss the
current upper limits and the prospects to detect the CGMB in
laboratory experiments and thus measure the maximum temperature and
the effective number of degrees of freedom at the beginning of the
hot big bang.