bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic revision and phylogeny of Paragripopteryx Enderlein, 1909 (Plecoptera: Gripopterygidae)
Authors: Duarte Tácio , Calor Adolfo Ricardo , Bispo Pitágoras da Conceição
Published: March 2022

Among the Neotropical gripopterygids, the genusParagripopteryxoccurs along the Brazilian Atlantic coast to Uruguay. Since its first recognition by Enderlein in 1909, the genus underwent a confusing taxonomic history with some combinations. In this study, we aim to reviseParagripopteryxand present the first morphology-based phylogeny for the genus. The analysis comprised 38 morphological characters and their respective states in 30 terminal taxa, including 13Paragripopteryxspecies, two new species identified as belonging toParagripopteryx, and 15 outgroup species, among which we can highlight 12 different South American genera and one Australian genus of Gripopterygidae. The cladistic analysis yielded a parsimonious tree for k = 3 (137 steps, consistency index = 0.445, and retention index = 0.591) where mostParagripopteryxare nested, except for UruguayanParagripopteryx munoai. We can then infer that in its current circumscriptionParagripopteryxis polyphyletic. The following two species are described:Paragripopteryx dasalmassp. nov. andParagripopteryx ogumsp. nov.Paragripopteryx baratiniiis designated as anomen dubium. Additionally, we provide a key for species identification, updated geographical records, and illustrations for all species. As a corollary, our study gathers relevant morphological information that can help to better understand this genus and create foundations for the next steps.
Clinically adjudicated deceased donor acute kidney injury and graft outcomes
Authors: Mansour Sherry G. , Khoury Nadeen , Kodali Ravi , Virmani Sarthak , Reese Peter P. , Hall Isaac E. , Jia Yaqi , Yamamoto Yu , Thiessen-Philbrook Heather R. , Obeid Wassim , Doshi Mona D. , Akalin Enver , Bromberg Jonathan S. , Harhay Meera N. , Mohan Sumit , Muthukumar Thangamani , Singh Pooja , Weng Francis L. , Moledina Dennis G. , Greenberg Jason H. , Wilson Francis P. , Parikh Chirag R.
Published: March 2022

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) in deceased donors is not associated with graft failure (GF). We hypothesize that hemodynamic AKI (hAKI) comprises the majority of donor AKI and may explain this lack of association.

Methods

In this ancillary analysis of the Deceased Donor Study, 428 donors with available charts were selected to identify those with and without AKI. AKI cases were classified as hAKI, intrinsic (iAKI), or mixed (mAKI) based on majority adjudication by three nephrologists. We evaluated the associations between AKI phenotypes and delayed graft function (DGF), 1-year eGFR and GF. We also evaluated differences in urine biomarkers among AKI phenotypes.

Results

Of the 291 (68%) donors with AKI, 106 (36%) were adjudicated as hAKI, 84 (29%) as iAKI and 101 (35%) as mAKI. Of the 856 potential kidneys, 669 were transplanted with 32% developing DGF and 5% experiencing GF. Median 1-year eGFR was 53 (IQR: 41–70) ml/min/1.73m2. Compared to non-AKI, donors with iAKI had higher odds DGF [aOR (95%CI); 4.83 (2.29, 10.22)] and had lower 1-year eGFR [adjusted B coefficient (95% CI): -11 (-19, -3) mL/min/1.73 m2]. hAKI and mAKI were not associated with DGF or 1-year eGFR. Rates of GF were not different among AKI phenotypes and non-AKI. Urine biomarkers such as NGAL, LFABP, MCP-1, YKL-40, cystatin-C and albumin were higher in iAKI.

Conclusion

iAKI was associated with higher DGF and lower 1-year eGFR but not with GF. Clinically phenotyped donor AKI is biologically different based on biomarkers and may help inform decisions regarding organ utilization.
Relationship satisfaction in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-national examination of situational, dispositional, and relationship factors
Authors: Vigl Julia , Strauss Hannah , Talamini Francesca , Zentner Marcel
Published: March 2022

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on various aspects of life, but questions about its effects on close relationships remain largely unanswered. In the present study, we examined perceived changes in relationship satisfaction at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic by using an international sample of 3,243 individuals from 67 different countries, mostly from Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In April and May 2020, participants responded to an online survey that included questions about relationship satisfaction, their satisfaction before the pandemic, other relationship aspects (e.g., shared time), special circumstances (e.g., mobility restrictions), and enduring dispositions (e.g., insecure attachment). A decline in time shared with one’s partner was most strongly associated with perceived decreases in relationship satisfaction, resulting in a different pattern of findings for cohabiting and non-cohabiting individuals. Among the most influential moderators were anxious and avoidant attachment. The findings offer insights into both aggravating and protecting factors in couples’ responses to pandemic-related stressors.
Preparing for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases: Example of a high-level isolation unit
Authors: Pfäfflin Frieder , Stegemann Miriam Songa , Heim Katrin Moira , Achterberg Stephan , Pfitzner Ursula , Götze Louise , Oesterhelweg Lars , Suttorp Norbert , Herzog Christian , Stadtmann Benjamin , Uhrig Alexander
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Patients with high-consequence infectious diseases (HCID) are rare in Western Europe. However, high-level isolation units (HLIU) must always be prepared for patient admission. Case fatality rates of HCID can be reduced by providing optimal intensive care management. We here describe a single centre’s preparation, its embedding in the national context and the challenges we faced during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.

Methods

Ten team leaders organize monthly whole day trainings for a team of doctors and nurses from the HLIU focusing on intensive care medicine. Impact and relevance of training are assessed by a questionnaire and a perception survey, respectively. Furthermore, yearly exercises with several partner institutions are performed to cover different real-life scenarios. Exercises are evaluated by internal and external observers. Both training sessions and exercises are accompanied by intense feedback.

Results

From May 2017 monthly training sessions were held with a two-month and a seven-month break due to the first and second wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, respectively. Agreement with the statements of the questionnaire was higher after training compared to before training indicating a positive effect of training sessions on competence. Participants rated joint trainings for nurses and doctors at regular intervals as important. Numerous issues with potential for improvement were identified during post processing of exercises. Action plans for their improvement were drafted and as of now mostly implemented. The network of the permanent working group of competence and treatment centres for HCID (Ständiger Arbeitskreis der Kompetenz- und Behandlungszentren für Krankheiten durch hochpathogene Erreger (STAKOB)) at the Robert Koch-Institute (RKI) was strengthened throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Discussion

Adequate preparation for the admission of patients with HCID is challenging. We show that joint regular trainings of doctors and nurses are appreciated and that training sessions may improve perceived skills. We also show that real-life scenario exercises may reveal additional deficits, which cannot be easily disclosed in training sessions. Although the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic interfered with our activities the enhanced cooperation among German HLIU during the pandemic ensured constant readiness for the admission of HCID patients to our or to collaborating HLIU. This is a single centre’s experience, which may not be generalized to other centres. However, we believe that our work may address aspects that should be considered when preparing a unit for the admission of patients with HCID. These may then be adapted to the local situations.
Otto the Barbarian: Patriarchy, Feminism, and Romanian New Wave Cinema
Authors: Rodriguez Randall
Published: March 2022

The film Otto the Barbarian, on the surface, tells the coming-of-age story of a teenager living in Romania coping with the suicide of a friend. This film, however, also uses character perspective to subversively redress gender relations in post Communist Romania. Themes of self-harm, silence, display, and age are woven into the film to subtly challenge traditional gender roles. Director Ruxandra Ghițescu uses a cinematic style similar to many Romanian New Wave films to focus on a handful of characters. These characters tell a story of youth and communication but also an underlying story of status.
It Follows, Joshua Grimm (2018)
Authors: Adkins Tia M.
Published: March 2022

Review of: It Follows, Joshua Grimm (2018)

Liverpool: Auteur Publishing in partnership with Liverpool University Press, 120pp.,

ISBN: 9781911325581 (pbk), $15.00, ISBN: 9781911325598 (ebk), $14.99
Scholarship as Love’s Work: Catherine Wheatley’s Stanley Cavell and Film
Authors: Tulenko Abigail
Published: March 2022

Review of: Stanley Cavell and Film: Scepticism and Self-Reliance at the Cinema, Catherine Wheatley (2019)

London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 307pp., ISBN: 9781350191358 (pbk), $35.96, ISBN: 9781788310253 (hbk), $108.00
T2 Trainspotting (2017)
Authors: Wells Logan
Published: March 2022

T2 Trainspotting (2017)

England

Director Danny Boyle

Runtime 117 minutes
Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Two Takes (1968, 2005)
Authors: Zarm Vanessa
Published: March 2022

Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Two Takes (1968, 2005)

Director William Greaves

Runtime 174 minutes

Blu-ray/DVD

USA, 1968, 2005

Distributed by The Criterion Collection (region A/1)
Heterogeneity of quiescent and active neural stem cells in the postnatal brain
Authors: Dimitrakopoulos Dimitrios , Kakogiannis Dimitrios , Kazanis Ilias
Published: March 2022

In the postnatal mammalian brain, neurogenic activity is retained in anatomically restricted areas, driven by pools of Neural Stem Cells (NSCs). These cells and their progeny have been studied intensively as potential targets for regenerative treatments, aiming at either their in situ manipulation or their use as sources of cells for transplantation-based strategies. Although their full identity, heterogeneity and differentiation potential remain elusive, due to the absence of specific cell-type markers, our knowledge of their properties is constantly expanding. Here, we focus on the NSC niche that is located at the Subependymal Zone (SEZ/ also known as Subventricular Zone) of the lateral ventricles of the brain. We review, summarize and explain the different faces of the NSC, as they have been described, using a wide range of experimental approaches, over a time-frame of three decades: the primitive, definitive, quiescent or activated NSC. We also review the growing evidence of the existence of latent NSCs outside of niches, in the brain parenchyma, that constitute promising new therapeutic targets, complemented by the novel technologies of
in vivo cell reprogramming.
COVID-19: 8 lecciones de la primera infodemia global que deberían ser una oportunidad para las bibliotecas
Authors: López-Borrull Alexandre
Published: March 2022

La crisis sanitaria por la COVID-19 llevó consigo la primera infodemia global, en la cual, bulos y teorías negacionistas camparon y campan a sus anchas por el espacio digital y redes sociales. Con la perspectiva de dos años de pandemia, se ofrecen algunos aprendizajes que en la opinión del autor deberían ser oportunidades para las bibliotecas a la hora de tratar con el fenómeno de la desinformación, que aunque no es nuevo, en el caso de la infodemia ha tenido una escala de tipo global. Se analizan aspectos como el consumo de información vía las redes sociales, los distintos tipos de negacionismo y las alfabetizaciones necesarias en las cuáles el colectivo bibliotecario podría aportar toda su experiencia. Finalmente, se hacen una serie de recomendaciones de acciones que las bibliotecas y el colectivo bibliotecario, a nivel colectivo pero también de forma individual podrían llevar a cabo en colaboración con otros actores para la lucha eficiente contra la desinformación.
Femenino singular: Revisiones del canon literario iberoamericano contemporáneo
Authors: Fuentes del Río Mónica
Published: March 2022

¿Un libro sobre mujeres escrito por mujeres? En Femenino singular. Revisiones del canon literario iberoamericano contemporáneo, doce autoras y un autor de distintos continentes diseccionan, con perspectiva de género, la obra de otras tantas escritoras españolas e hispanoamericanas relativamente actuales, aunque también, en dos ocasiones, textos y personajes femeninos creados por sendos escritores varones, tan diferentes entre ellos como lo son Antonio Gala y Pablo Simonetti. Entre las escritoras analizadas, se incluyen algunas emergentes, que están alcanzando prestigio en los últimos años, junto con otras que ya consolidaron renombre internacional en el siglo xx o en lo que llevamos del xxi: María Zambrano, Esther Tusquets, Alfonsina Storni, Montserrat Roig, Elena Poniatowska, Rosa Montero, Ana Merino, Carmen Martín Gaite, Rebeca Lane, Beatriz Guido, Rosario Castellanos, Nellie Campobello y Odette Alonso son las poetas, novelistas y ensayistas —algunas también dramaturgas, cuentistas, filósofas e, incluso, cantautoras— a las que se dedican los capítulos. Concretamente, las tres secciones en que se divide el volumen abordan las relaciones entre la identidad y lo otro en sus obras, aspectos como la vivencia del espacio, el cuerpo, la sexualidad, la maternidad y la infancia, así como el compromiso y la amplitud del sujeto. Esta renovada revisión del canon pretende contribuir a la educación literaria aportando una nueva mirada sobre la literatura desde el punto de vista de la identidad femenina, sin renunciar a aceptar sus singularidades.
COMBINED EXTRUSION OF GLASSES WITH A CONICAL BOTTOM. METHODOLOGY FOR CALCULATING TECHNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF CONSTRAINED EXTRUSION AT INITIAL DEFORMATION BY DIRECT EXTRUSION
Authors: Vorontsov A. L. , Lebedeva D. A.
Published: March 2022

The methodology for calculating the energy-power and deformation parameters of the process of constrained extrusion of glasses with a conical bottom part, starting from the direct extrusion. The extrusion of both non-hardening and hardening material is considered. In the latter case, the account of the hardening of the extruded material is described in detail. The above formulas allow us to determine such important parameters of the stamping process as total and specific deforming force, maximum pressure on the die wall, and an increase in the yield stress.
MODEL OF MECHANISM OF CONVERSION OF EXTERNAL ACTION INTO NATURAL OSCILLATIONS
Authors: Konovalov A. M. , Kugushev V. I.
Published: March 2022

The work presents a geometrical interpretation of a mathematical model intended to give a specific description of the process of conversion of external dynamic action into natural oscillations of a part. Besides geometrical constructions, the essence of the model stems from the strict logic as well, following which the model does not have a tangible embodiment. Nonetheless, it is a function space, in which the process is being generated and energy of natural oscillations is getting accumulated, i.e. the model is an non-material carrier of free energy of elastic oscillations. Material carrier is the very part. The model is represented as the Riemannian space, in which all dynamic parameters are constant and set to zero, therefore, on the one side, it appears as if it does not have any tangible embodiment. On the other side, by nature, the model is a necessary expansion of the function space, which, on the qualitative level, allows to obtain explanation of a number of processes, which are observed experimentally, but to this day were not provided with a specific substantiation from a physics perspective. The proposed model can be an effective tool for analysis of processes, occurring in the course of non-destructive testing and vibration-based diagnostics. For example, the Article presents a theoretical justification of the process of modelling of cracks in the non-destructive testing methods, using natural oscillations of the item being checked. On top of that, it gives a derivation of the formula determining amount of the crack detected through these methods.
THE HEAT TREATMENT EFFECT ON THE MAGNETOELASTIC SENSITIVITY OF HIGH-CHROMIUM STEEL TO LOW-CYCLE ELASTIC DEFORMATIONS IN THE MAGNETOELASTIC MEMORY MODE
Authors: Muratov K. R. , Novikov V. F.
Published: March 2022

The magnetoelastic tests’ results for the 30Kh13 steel samples hardened and tempered at different temperatures are presented. The samples premagnetized to saturation are treated to a fivescore-cycle stretching effect. It is followed by repetition with the load increase by 50 MPa. The magnetic field intensity of the residual magnetization is recorded synchronously with the active load. The high structural sensitivity of magnetoelastic irreversible demagnetization  = ∆H/∆σ in the low loads’ part is shown and explained. It allows using this parameter for non-destructive quality control of steels with properties close to 30Kh13 and the same composition products. Samples with a high tempering temperature of 600...700 С make it possible to create peak (limit) load sensors and fatigue damage sensors on their basis. It is proposed to use them in the form of glued foil or wire elements that can work off-line.
METHODS OF CONDITION MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTICS OF ROLLING BEARINGS OF CENTRIFUGAL MACHINES AND MECHANISMS
Authors: Burda E. A. , Zusman G. V. , Kudryavtseva I. S. , Naumenko A. P.
Published: March 2022

The perfection of methods and means of non-destructive testing and technical diagnostics is determined by the level of development of science and modern industrial technologies. The desire to develop technologies determines the growing needs for monitoring the state of substances, materials, products, and now the control of the state of the natural environment is becoming more and more relevant. Methods and means of condition monitoring and diagnostics of rolling bearings have been developed and developed for more than 60 years. Despite certain successes, today there is no information about the veracity of ways to solve this problem. The paper provides a fairly brief overview of methods and methods for monitoring the condition and diagnosis of rolling bearings, and also describes one of the newest trends in this field – the analysis of the properties of the characteristic function of vibroacoustic signals in order to determine the condition of the objects of control and, in particular, rolling bearings. It is shown that the magnitude of the module and the area of the characteristic function of the vibroacoustic signal are very effective criteria for assessing the technical condition of a rolling bearing.
ALGORITHM AUTOMATION METHODS FOR WORKING WITH NETWORK EQUIPMENT
Authors: Mukasheva M. A.
Published: March 2022

Relevance of the topic: methods of automating algorithms for the operation of network equipment are currently carried out using various tools and solutions for faster and more efficient execution of routine tasks, as well as for obtaining deterministic results. Production processes need algorithmization of ACS as a tool for saving time resource for management, coordinating production schedules, technical and technological limitations. You can form an alternative to quickly respond to precedents in production that have not predicted to change the course of technological processes. Most automation options today have disadvantages and advantages. The most popular way is queuing theory. Optimization of global search, additive method of criteria convolution, APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling) systems for the most perfect planning are relevant. The specified software systematically synchronizes the planning process deployed for optimization and combines actions on the links that make up the supply chain, accentuates the framework and specifics determined by production and the industry. Most often, the network equipment is controlled by a software module that loads the machines and mechanisms needed by the enterprise for the production of products. Developers design systems to control timeslots and production lines. Known for the high efficiency of algorithms, the execution of which occurs through the automated control system, and the installation is carried out at an industrial enterprise to control loading operations. In the structure of external software, an algorithm is required. The program module contains commands for loading operations. They are distributed for technological lines, divided along the time axis. We see a rational solution to simulate a complex using simulation and analytics based on an automation product within the network equipment configured by the program. This will allow, under the conditions of the experiment, to determine how most likely traffic will be distributed in time, to prepare methods for automatic collection of information. Input traffic parameters, settings or the current load arriving at the equipment are set arbitrarily.
ACCURACY OF DETERMINATION OF LINEAR SPECTRAL FREQUENCIES
Authors: Kuzin P. I. , Kuzina E. I. , Boyko A. P. , Starikov D. A. , Chapurin E. N.
Published: March 2022

The article describes the basic idea of coding a speech signal by the method of linear prediction (Linear Predictive Coding – LPC), which consists in the fact that instead of the parameters of the speech signal, the encoded parameters of a certain filter are transmitted over the communication line, which is, in a sense, an equivalent of the human vocal tract, as well as parameters of the excitation signal of this filter: tone or noise. The essence of the parameters of the synthesizing filter – linear prediction coefficients (LP), calculated in the process of frame-by-frame adaptive filtering – is disclosed. The main advantages of these coefficients are stated, which consists in the ability to completely describe the state of the predictor filter, as well as the main disadvantages obtained as a result of numerous studies that prevent the direct transmission of LPCs over the communication channel due to their sensitivity to quantization errors. The necessity of searching for mathematically equivalent parameters f the reducing filter is substantiated. Alternative parameters of the LSP representation of the vocal tract model, called Linear Spectral Frequencies (LSP), are proposed, and are most often used in low-speed speech codecs at the present time. The main difficulty of the task of calculating the LSP directly from the LSP in real time is described, and it is also investigated that most of the analyzer’s processor time, as a rule, is spent on this task. It is proved that despite the high level of development of digital processors, the problem of calculating the parameters of the vocal tract model in real time remains one of the main difficulties in speech coding. That is why methods that reduce the complexity of this procedure are currently of significant interest. A new method for calculating the LSP and an algorithm based on it are proposed. Its main advantages over the existing ones are described. An assessment of the possible improvement in the quality of speech processing was made, due to the use of the developed method for calculating the LSP.
MASS TRAINING FOR THE CUSTOMER ENTERPRISE STAFF AT THE STAGE OF PILOT SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Filippov E. V.
Published: March 2022

The present article describes exactly how a mass training for the customer’s enterprise employees can be organized while elaborating the pilot implementation. It was considered that institutionalization of the customer’s company personnel training is the major factor for success of the implementation, while its non-exhaustiveness becomes the significant driver of on-site resistance. It was emphasized that the functionality of the implemented solution is actively developed before the pilot, which can be a serious challenge to the training group. The article presents a conceptual framework of relation between attitude to work and confirmation of the training completion. The software of the training process, i.e. solution on 1C:Enterprise platform and its deployment environments, as well as the hardware were described. The scopes were given as follows: total number of trainees, and indicators of peak and conventional amounts of actual users of the training systems. The article describes the role of everyone involved in the training process and its change over time, the training specifics, the methods of the learning outcomes scoring, the statistics collected, the process of receiving feedback from trainees. The study showed that the following was crucial to the process: a unified technology for the training assignment to all users, constant work on enriching and optimizing the courses, enhancement of the statistics collected, and building the support service for the customer. It was stated that the acceptance tests were successfully performed by the trained key users not only in advanced enterprises, but also in the mainstream of the pilot wave companies. It was concluded that effective mass training proved possible even while the functionality is being actively developed.
Longitudinal Strength Analysis Considering the Cargo Load on Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC)
Authors: Suci Indah Melati , Sitepu Ganding , Muis Alie Muhammad Zubair
Published: March 2022

The ultimate strength of the Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) is an important aspect that must be analyzed. The purpose of this study was to analyze the ultimate strength of the VLCC ship in terms of deformation under hogging and sagging conditions on the deck and bottom. Deformation is a change in the shape or size of a material due to a workforce that is applied to you. In this case, the deformation in question arises due to the working moment. This deformation analysis was carried out using the Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis (NLFEA) method. This analysis is carried out by presenting the support or Multi-Point Constraints (MPC) in the cross-section, as well as moments of 6.52 × 1012  for hogging conditions and -5.5 × 1012  for slack conditions.
Podmínky k udržitelnému rozvoji na venkově – jak podporovat transformační procesy v praxi?
Authors: Dlouhá Jana , Pospíšilová Marie , Vávra Jan
Published: March 2022

Východiskem úvah o strategiích udržitelnosti regionálního rozvoje jsou Cíle udržitelného rozvoje (SDGs) a jak se promítají na místní úroveň. Článek soustřeďuje pozornost na cíl č. 4 – vzdělávání, které může významně podporovat implementaci dalších cílů, pokud cílí na důležité aktéry udržitelného rozvoje. Tuto (transformativní) roli by mělo vzdělávání plnit i na místní úrovni, což ovšem strategické rozvojové dokumenty plně nezohledňují, oblast celoživotního učení není systémově řešena vůbec. Cílem výzkumu bylo zmapovat aktuální situaci v regionech ČR a zjistit, jakou úlohu vzdělávání na místní úrovni v kontextu udržitelného rozvoje plní (a mělo by plnit), a jaké jsou v této souvislosti role jednotlivých aktérů rozvoje venkova. Otázky, které si řešitelský tým kladl v rámci školení pro představitele místních akčních skupin (MAS), byly formulovány a následně distribuovány formou plošného dotazníkového šetření mezi manažery/manažerkami MAS. Data byla vyhodnocena kvantitativními a především kvalitativními metodami, s důrazem na jedinečné zkušenosti a postřehy. Z výsledků vyplývá, že místní aktéři (reprezentovaní MAS) si uvědomují potřebu vzdělávání i nedostatky v této oblasti, a chápou též důsledky tohoto stavu pro udržitelný rozvoj v environmentální, ekonomické i sociální oblasti. Potenciál jednotlivých aktérů (jejich role v procesech udržitelnosti) zůstává nevyužit, což ovlivňuje schopnost inovací. Ačkoli jsou MAS aktérem, který svou roli spatřuje především v posilování sociálního kapitálu a dalších předpokladů rozvoje včetně vzdělávání, existují překážky exogenního charakteru, které naplnění této role brání. Součástí možných řešení je posílení leadershipu MAS v otázkách udržitelnosti, a to i prostřednictvím vzdělávání; vytvoření systému celoživotního učení, které využívá místní znalosti; a zapojení expertů nejen v oblasti technologií, ale například též odborníků na otázky sociální. Vymezení rolí jednotlivých aktérů v procesech rozvoje na úrovni regionů (a tím i specifik bottom-up procesů), by přispělo i k vyjasnění toho, jaké top-down podněty jsou nezbytné k prosazování veřejného zájmu, vyjádřeného např. v SDGs.
Catalytic performance of Na/Ca-based fluxes for coal char gasification
Authors: Liu Tao , Mao Lirui , Jiao Facun , Wu Chengli , Zheng Mingdong , Li Hanxu
Published: March 2022

Flux, able to improve the ash fusibility, usually contains catalytic metal compounds. Unfortunately, the quantitative analysis of synergistic catalysis effects between different fluxing agents on coal gasification has not been investigated thoroughly. In this study, the effect of the kinds and content of Na/Ca-based fluxes on char gasification was investigated in thermogravimetry analyzer (TGA). The synergistic catalysis effects and mechanism between the two kinds of fluxes were also studied. Finally, based on the TGA tests, the kinetics models for char gasification with flux addition were developed. The results showed that all the four Na-based fluxes could increase the char reactivity. Na2CO3, which afforded the best activity, could increase the reactivity by 5.3 times when the content was 5%. The five Ca-based fluxes had a weaker catalysis effect compared with Na-based fluxes. CaCl2, exhibiting the best activity among the five Ca-based fluxes, could increase the reactivity by 2.3 times when the content was 5%. For composite fluxes, Na2CO3–CaO and Na2CO3–CaCO3 had a remarkable synergistic effect, whereas others had less effect. Na2CO3 could inhibit the aggregation of Ca, which might cause the synergistic effects between Na and Ca fluxes. The random pore model was more suitable to describe the catalytic gasification process.
Experimental and Theoretical Study on the Performance of an Extruder for Cross-linkable PE
Authors: Harlin A. , Syrjälä S.
Published: March 2022

The performance of a single-screw extruder for the processing of cross-linkable low-density polyethylene in cable coating applications is examined. In particular, the aim is to demonstrate that the melt quality is markedly dependent on the melting efficiency. An instrumented 120 mm, 24 : 1 L/D extruder is used to perform the study. So-called pull-out tests are carried out for investigating the melting behavior inside an extruder. At the beginning of the melting zone, a typical Maddock melting mechanism is observed. Thereafter, as melting proceeds, the solid polymer becomes totally surrounded by melt according to the Lindt-Decker melting mechanism, and finally a solid-bed break-up occurs in many circumstances. This undesirable phenomenon can be avoided by screw cooling which, however, has its own drawbacks. In addition to the experimental work, numerical simulations of the melting behavior are conducted. The results provided by the simulation are in accord with the experimental findings.
Simulation Opportunities by a Three-dimensional Calculation of Injection Moulding based on the Finite Element Method
Authors: Michaeli W. , Hoffmann S. , Kratz M. , Webelhaus K.
Published: March 2022

The simulation of injection moulding is essential to meet quality requirements and to increase the efficiency of the design process. In this paper a 3D-finite element model for the simulation of injection moulding is presented. The model's capability comprises the calculation of velocity, pressure and temperature fields as well as the prediction of the flow front position. The numerical approach is mainly based on the Galerkin formulation. Special emphasis is placed on the handling of polymer compressibility in order to enable a realistic simulation of the packing phase. The numerical efficiency has been largely enhanced through the employment of an automatic time step control. In order to demonstrate the code's capabilities and outline advantages and disadvantages over other simulation systems, the calculation results are compared to experimental data and to results obtained from other numerical models.
A review on COVID-19 transmission, epidemiological features, prevention and vaccination
Authors: Zhang Yuqin , Wu Gonghua , Chen Shirui , Ju Xu , Yimaer Wumitijiang , Zhang Wangjian , Lin Shao , Hao Yuantao , Gu Jing , Li Jinghua
Published: March 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused hundreds of millions of infections and millions of deaths over past two years. Currently, many countries have still not been able to take the pandemic under control. In this review, we systematically summarized what we have done to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, from the perspectives of virus transmission, public health control measures, to the development and vaccination of COVID-19 vaccines. As a virus most likely coming from bats, the SARS-CoV-2 may transmit among people via airborne, faecal-oral, vertical or foodborne routes. Our meta-analysis suggested that the R0 of COVID-19 was 2.9 (95% CI: 2.7–3.1), and the estimates in Africa and Europe could be higher. The median Rt could decrease by 23–96% following the nonpharmacological interventions, including lockdown, isolation, social distance, and face mask, etc. Comprehensive intervention and lockdown were the most effective measures to control the pandemic. According to the pooled R0 in our meta-analysis, there should be at least 93.3% (95% CI: 89.9–96.2%) people being vaccinated around the world. Limited amount of vaccines and the inequity issues in vaccine allocation call for more international cooperation to achieve the anti-epidemic goals and vaccination fairness.
Second-order topological phases in C
4v
-symmetric photonic crystals beyond the two-dimensional Su-Schrieffer–Heeger model
Authors: Chen Yafeng , Lan Zhihao , Zhu Jie
Published: March 2022

Second-order photonic topological insulators (SPTIs) with topologically protected corner states provide a unique platform for realizing the robust manipulation of light in lower dimensions. Previous SPTIs proposed in C
4v
-symmetric lattices are mainly based on the two-dimensional (2D) Su-Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model consisting of an even number of sites in the unit cell. Moreover, second-order topological phases within high-order band gaps are rarely explored. Here, we propose a new principle of SPTIs beyond the 2D SSH model, which is realized in C
4v-symmetric lattices consisting of an odd number of sites in the unit cell. The midgap-gap-ratios of these odd-order band gaps, from the first-order to the nineteenth-order with step of two-order, are maximized by the method of topology optimization. Second-order topological phases are successfully created within these sizeable band gaps and highly localized corner states are observed. Our work offers a new route for exploring high-order topological states in photonics and other classical systems.
High-performance optical beam steering with nanophotonics
Authors: Lin Sam , Chen Yixin , Wong Zi Jing
Published: March 2022

The ability to control and steer optical beams is critical for emerging technologies. Among these are light detection and ranging (LiDAR), laser display, free space communication, and single pixel imaging. Improvements in these areas promise enhanced 3D data collection capabilities, orders of magnitude increase in wireless data rate, less expensive cameras, and ever more immersive virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) consumer electronics. Bulk mechanical or liquid crystal devices are conventionally utilized platforms that achieve optical beam steering, but they are bulky and limited in speed and reliability. Instead, chip-scale photonic platforms offer faster and more elegant mechanisms to manipulate light, capable of minimizing device size, weight, and power. Additionally, a critical device metric is its far field resolution, which influences fine feature detection in imaging applications, laser display quality, and signal power and fidelity of free space communication links. Strong light matter interaction achieved with nanophotonic approaches generally makes devices smaller and more efficient, yet ultimately these effects must be scaled to suitable aperture sizes to maintain good resolution. Recent years have seen rapid development in these performance characteristics, spurred by research on active metasurfaces, slow light waveguides, and waveguide phased arrays, with different architectures encountering unique tradeoffs between device complexity, resolution, and speed, in attempting to achieve groundbreaking values for all three. We review these diverse emerging nanophotonic approaches that aspire to achieve high-performance optical beam steering.
Components’ Exchanges between Recycled Materials and Asphalt Binders in Asphalt Mixes
Authors: Deef-Allah Eslam , Abdelrahman Magdy , Ragab Mohyeldin
Published: March 2022

The focus of this study was to explore the components’ exchanges between recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) or reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and virgin asphalt binders (VABs) in the asphalt mixes and to establish their effect on the rutting resistance of the extracted asphalt binders (EABs). Twelve plant mixes and twelve field mixes were gathered as examples of four Superpave mixes containing RAP or RAS. The plant mixes were reheated and compacted in the lab. The field mixes were collected as cores within 2 weeks after the ending of the construction process. The exchanged components were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and with the asphalts’ components analyses. The FTIR indexes for the EABs from the plant mixes showed more aging components than the FTIR indexes for the EABs from the field mixes. More asphaltenes plus resins and fewer saturates plus aromatics were observed for the EABs from the plant mixes when compared twith the EABs from the field mixes. The FTIR spectra of the EABs from plant mixes containing RAS showed the styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) components, which were not observed for the field mixes’ EABs. The SBS polymeric components in the EABs from the plant mixes formed three-dimensional network structures that increased the EABs’ stiffness and elasticity characteristics. These components evolved the rutting resistances of EABs. Reheating the plant mixes in the lab before the compaction process increased the blending and components’ exchanges between RAP/RAS and VABs.
New Optimized Mechanism for Linking a Hydraulic Actuator to the Elbow Joint of an Upper Arm Exoskeleton
Authors: Holl Eva
Published: March 2022

Many occupational activities require heavy load lifting. The presented upper limb exoskeleton provides support for such lifting processes. Actuation is performed by a hydraulic system. Hydraulics is selected because of its unrivaled force density to satisfy the central demands on exoskeletons for a high wearing comfort: low weight and small distance to the body. The demand for high wearing comfort requires a slim construction beside the arm where the hydraulic actuator is integrated. The hydraulic power is transferred from the power unit at the back to the differential cylinder beside the limb. Through the novel mechanism, a compact transfer of the linear cylinder motion to a rotary joint motion is enabled, and a lightweight construction is possible. The hydraulic cylinder is connected to a crank on the exoskeleton arm, and the piston rod hinge of the cylinder guides along a line at the upper arm and is connected via a connection rod to a second crank, which is also part of the lower arm. This system of kinematics achieves a low crank length, which is a major compactness requirement. The optimized kinematic structure defines the basic architectural structure on which the full exoskeleton construction is developed. The supply of the hydraulic cylinder is connected by hoses to the components placed in the backpack. The electro-hydraulic actuator consists of a speed variable electric motor and a constant displacement pump, which generates the cylinder pressure. A low-pressure accumulator and pressure sensors are connected to the closed hydraulic circuit. Only the elbow motion is supported by an actuator; the other exoskeleton joints are passive and transmit parts of the load to the backpack frame. Motion control is done by the wearer. The measured electromyography sensor signal is adjusted by desired percentage, and the control system generates a proportional torque on the elbow joint.
A Computational Model of Direction Selectivity in Macaque V1 Cortex Based on Dynamic Differences between On and Off Pathways
Authors: Chariker Logan , Shapley Robert , Hawken Michael , Young Lai-Sang
Published: March 2022

This paper is about neural mechanisms of direction selectivity (DS) in macaque primary visual cortex, V1. We present data (on male macaque) showing strong DS in a majority of simple cells in V1 layer 4Cα, the cortical layer that receives direct afferent input from the magnocellular division of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Magnocellular LGN cells are not direction-selective. To understand the mechanisms of DS, we built a large-scale, recurrent model of spiking neurons called DSV1. Like its predecessors, DSV1 reproduces many visual response properties of V1 cells including orientation selectivity. Two important new features of DSV1 are (1) DS is initiated by small, consistent dynamic differences in the visual responses of OFF and ON Magnocellular LGN cells, and (2) DS in the responses of most model simple cells is increased over those of their feedforward inputs; this increase is achieved through dynamic interaction of feedforward and intracortical synaptic currents without the use of intracortical direction-specific connections. The DSV1 model emulates experimental data in the following ways: (1) most 4Cα Simple cells were highly direction-selective but 4Cα Complex cells were not; (2) the preferred directions of the model's direction-selective Simple cells were invariant with spatial and temporal frequency (TF); (3) the distribution of the preferred/opposite ratio across the model's population of cells was very close to that found in experiments. The strong quantitative agreement between DS in data and in model simulations suggests that the neural mechanisms of DS in DSV1 may be similar to those in the real visual cortex.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTMotion perception is a vital part of our visual experience of the world. In monkeys, whose vision resembles that of humans, the neural computation of the direction of a moving target starts in the primary visual cortex, V1, in layer 4Cα that receives input from the eye through the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). How direction selectivity (DS) is generated in layer 4Cα is an outstanding unsolved problem in theoretical neuroscience. In this paper, we offer a solution based on plausible biological mechanisms. We present a new large-scale circuit model in which DS originates from slightly different LGN ON/OFF response time-courses and is enhanced in cortex without the need for direction-specific intracortical connections. The model's DS is in quantitative agreement with experiments.
Bronchiolitis Management and Unnecessary Antibiotic Use Across 3 Canadian PICUs
Authors: Almadani Ahmed , Noël Kim C. , Aljassim Nada , Maratta Christina , Tam Ingrid , Papenburg Jesse , Quach Caroline , Thampi Nisha , McNally James D. , Lefebvre Marie-Astrid , Zavalkoff Samara , O’Donnell Shauna , Jouvet Philippe , Fontela Patricia S.
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES

To describe the patient characteristics, clinical management, and infectious etiology in critically ill children with bronchiolitis. The secondary objective was to determine the association between antibiotic use and hospital length of stay among patients without concomitant bacterial infections.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study including patients ≤2 years old with bronchiolitis admitted to 3 Canadian pediatric intensive care units between 2016 and 2018.

RESULTS

We included 372 patients with a median age of 2.1 months (interquartile range 1.2–6.6) and Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score 3.0 (interquartile range 0–3.0). Initial ventilatory management included high flow nasal cannula (28.2%) and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (53.7%), of which 41.9% and 87.5%, respectively, did not require escalation of ventilatory support. Chest radiographs (81.7%) and respiratory virus testing (95.4%) were performed in most patients; 14.0% received systemic steroids. Respiratory syncytial virus was detected in 61.3% patients, and 7.5% had a culture-positive concomitant bacterial infection. Of 258 (69.4%) patients with a viral infection, only 45.3% received antibiotics. In this group, antibiotic use beyond 72 hours was not associated with hospital length of stay (ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 0.97–1.34).

CONCLUSIONS

High flow nasal canulae and noninvasive ventilation are commonly used in severe bronchiolitis. Despite contrary evidence, steroids and antibiotics were also frequently used. Evidence-based guidelines specific to children with severe bronchiolitis are needed to improve the care delivered to this patient population.
Are owned dogs or stray dogs more prepared to diseases? A comparative study of immune system gene expression of perforin and granzymes
Authors: Temizkan Mehmet Cevat , Sonmez Gonca
Published: March 2022

Stray dogs are inevitably exposed to more infections than owned dogs living indoor. However, no studies have investigated whether the immune system gene expression differs between owned dogs kept in better care conditions and stray dogs living outside. To investigate this, blood samples were taken from 90 dogs (45 owned and 45 stray dogs) that were checked and confirmed as healthy. By using qPCR, the amples were analyzed for the expression of the perforin, granzyme A and granzyme B genes, which are associated with the activation of apoptotic pathways in the immune system. We found that the perforin and granzyme A gene expression levels were higher in stray dogs although the differences were not statistically significant. On the other hand, a 2.81 times higher and a notable difference (P < 0.001) was found in the expression level of granzyme B gene in stray dogs. These results indicate that the immune system in stray dogs might be more prepared for diseases than that of the owned dogs and the granzyme B gene plays a more dominant role in the immune response than granzyme A and perforin.