bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MSC virtual e-abstract (OCL-01)
Authors: Stroke Conference 2020 Malaysia
Published: October 2020

Stroke rehabilitation in Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II: A cross sectional study.

Factors affecting arrival time of acute ischaemic stroke patients in Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

Outcomes of antiplatelet therapy for secondary prevention in patients with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Use smartphone application to save life in patients of acute ischemic stroke.

Frailty and its association with characteristics and outcomes of older persons with acute stroke.

Factors contributing to mortality and prolonged length of stay among older persons admitted with acute stroke.

Assessment of effect of age on glasgow coma scale (gcs) and national institutes of health stroke scale (nihss) in stroke patients.
Pengaruh Supportive Leardership Terhadap Job Performance dengan Job Satisfaction Sebagai Variabel Intervening Pada Karyawan Hotel X Sidoarjo
Authors: Arko Miko
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to prove the influence of supportive leadership and performance through job satisfaction as a mediator. The method used in this study is quantitative with data collection techniques through the distribution of questionnaires in the study sample, as many as 74 employees of Hotel X Sidoarjo. The data analysis technique used is SPSS and Sobel test to determine the mediating effect. This study found that: (1) leadership supported positive and significant effect on job satisfaction with a beta coefficient of 0,618 (0.000 <0.05); (2) job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on performance with a beta coefficient of 0,348 (0.000 <0.05); and (3) job satisfaction succeeded in mediating the effect of support on work performance with the sobel test results of 2.730 (0.006 <0.05).
The Development Of Literacy Reading Books of North Sumatera Fairy Tale For V Grade Students at Elementary School
Authors: Nainggolan Naomi Christina , Rosliani
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this research is to develop a literacy reading books that contain North Sumatra myth to increase passion of reading in applying literacy program in school environment. The population is all of fifth grade students of SD Kalam Kudus-2 Medan in total 109 students, and the sample is class Mikha with 29 students. Sampling technique of the research is purposive sampling, which allow researcher to determine the sample with particular consideration. The research uses the development steps of Borg and Gall which are: (1) introduction survey, (2) product development, (3) product design, (4) design validation, (5) design improvement, and (6) final product. The result of the research indicates that it is really important to develop local myth reading books for teachers and students in implementing the literacy program. These books are validated by material and learning design expert teams. The presentation of validation result by material expert is in average 82, 69% with good criteria, meanwhile by learning design expert is in average 87, 94% with very good criteria. Result that shown of Bahasa Indonesia teachers is in average 98,9% with very good criteria. In addition to small area test average is 91, 66% with very good criteria. Overall,the limited area test result is in average 95% with very good criteria.
ІНФОРМАЦІЙНО-ОСВІТНЄ СЕРЕДОВИЩЕ ФОРМУВАННЯ ПРОФЕСІЙНИХ МОВНО-МОВЛЕННЄВИХ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТЕЙ СТУДЕНТІВ ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО ПРОФІЛЮ
Authors: Зінченко Вікторія Миколаївна , Романуха Олександр Миколайович , Ревуцька Світлана Казимирівна , Чевердак Поліна Олександрівна
Published: October 2020

У сучасних умовах розвитку й широкого застосування комп’ютерної техніки навчальний процес у закладах вищої освіти має будуватись із застосуванням інформаційних технологій, що сприяє диференціації, гуманізації та гуманітаризації освіти, інтенсивному розвиткові й реалізації духовного та інтелектуального потенціалу студентів. Висока культура мовлення є складником загальної людської культури. Сьогодні збільшився інтерес до української мови як державної і студентам недостатньо мати набуті в школі знання. Випускник закладу вищої освіти повинен досконало знати українську мову і використовувати її в процесі виконанні службових обов’язків. Сформовані мовно-мовленнєві і мовно- професійні компетентності сприяють оволодінню фахом, підвищують ефективність праці, позитивно впливають на ділові стосунки. Для спеціаліста економічного профілю висока культура усного й писемного мовлення – не лише відображення його професійності, толерантності, вихованості, інтелігентності. Вона визначає культуру його праці, а також, що є найважливішим, культуру взаємин у всіх сферах мовленнєвої діяльності. Саме пошук інноваційних ефективних методик викладання мовних курсів в економічних закладах вищої освіти зумовлює дослідження особливостей формування мовно-мовленнєвих компетентностей студентів економічних спеціальностей засобами сучасних інформаційних технологій. У статті досліджено: погляди вчених-психологів і педагогів на проблему впровадження інформаційних технологій у процес навчання української мови за професійним спрямуванням; визначено основні лінгводидактичні завдання, вирішенню яких сприяє впровадження інформаційних технологій у процес мовної освіти; окреслено психолого-педагогічні умови формування професійних мовно-мовленнєвих компетентностей студентів економічного профілю з використанням інформаційних технологій; розглянуто зміни в моделі та складники процесу навчання мови за професійним спрямуванням при використанні інформаційних технологій.
ФЕНОМЕН ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОСТІ В КОНТЕКСТІ ПІДГОТОВКИ «ЦИФРОВОГО» ПОКОЛІННЯ ПРОФЕСІОНАЛІВ-ЛІДЕРІВ
Authors: Дубініна Оксана Миколаївна , Ігнатюк Ольга Анатоліївна , Середа Наталія Вікторівна
Published: October 2020

Професійна відповідальність має вагоме значення у всіх сферах діяльності людини. Динамічний розвиток суспільства, його всебічна інформатизація, зростаючі вимоги ринку праці потребують посиленої уваги до означеного феномену при підготовці у вищій школі нового покоління професіоналів-лідерів. Найменш розробленими областями щодо відповідальності як педагогічного феномену є конкретизація поняття відповідальності в рамках професійної освіти, визначення її структурних детермінуючих характеристик тощо. Найбільшою складністю дослідження виявився той факт, що дотепер серед наукової психолого-педагогічної спільноти немає єдиної думки щодо професійної відповідальності на предмет того, чи вона є рисою особистості, установкою або властивістю особистості або його системною якістю, почуттям, ставленням до виконуваної роботи тощо. Метою статті став аналіз професійної відповідальності в контексті підготовки принципово нового покоління фахівців-лідерів у процесі їх підготовки в технічному університеті та під час навчання в Центрі Лідерства НТУ «ХПІ»; визначення впливу відповідальності особистості на формування лідерської позиції сучасного фахівця, що в результаті надало можливість додання цієї інтегративної риси особистості до факторно-критеріальної моделі професійно значущих якостей (ПЗЯ) фахівця педагога-лідера. Для досягнення поставленої мети було використано ряд теоретичних та емпіричних методів дослідження: аналіз стану дослідження проблеми в наукових публікаціях; узагальнення вітчизняного і зарубіжного досвіду формування відповідальності майбутніх фахівців; вивчення структури відповідальності, показників та критеріїв її сформованості; аналіз основних термінів і понять та взаємозв’язок між ними; метод порівняльного аналізу; добір експериментальних даних проводився на основі тестування з попереднім з’ясуванням доцільності тестів та опитувальників для використання в оцінюванні результатів наукових досліджень з педагогічних наук. Статистична обробка експериментальних даних проводилась інструментарієм кореляційного аналізу. Обчислення і розрахунки здійснювались за підтримки системи комп’ютерної математики MathCad та організаційної програми Excel.
Thermophilic co-digestion of food waste and sewage sludge
Authors: Li Jamie Ka Yan
Published: October 2020

Due to the rising concerns regarding food waste disposal as well as the increasing demand for renewable energy nowadays, a number of European countries have adopted anaerobic co-digestion, a technology that deals with food waste and sewage sludge. As stated in the HKSAR Government’s Policy Address 2016, the feasibility of using existing sewage treatment facilities for co-digestion of food waste and sewage sludge has been under exploration. A trial scheme has been commenced in 2019. This paper aims to compare the efficiency of biogas production and volatile solid reduction in co-digestion of food waste and sewage with mono-digestion in laboratory scale.
Estivadores Portugueses - Organização do trabalho e acidentes
Authors: Ferreira Queiróz Maria de Fátima , Areosa João , Lara Ricardo , Gonçalves Filipe
Published: October 2020

Os riscos são onipresentes aos ambientes de trabalho e representam importantes problemas de saúde coletiva. Em determinadas profissões os riscos são de maior gravidade, como no caso dos estivadores. Este artigo apresenta os acidentes de trabalho nos portos portugueses de Lisboa, Figueira da Foz e Sines, objetivando conhecer a relação entre os acidentes e o modo como o trabalho está organizado a partir do entendimento dos trabalhadores. Foi aplicado questionário contendo questões relativas à organização do trabalho e ao acidente de trabalho. A amostra contou com 140 estivadores. Os dados foram objetos de análise descritiva e teste do qui-quadrado (p<0,05). O acidente de trabalho com estivadores foi associado à exigência rígida de controle (p=0,005) e à condição de ter vivenciado incidente de trabalho (p=0,003). Os estivadores mencionam que não se sentem seguros no trabalho e relatam a dimensão das exigências diárias no porto. A pesquisa pretende ainda contribuir com a construção de políticas de saúde do trabalhador portuário. Portanto, ouvir o trabalhador sobre relatos de incidentes permitiu compreender a dimensão do trabalho no porto e os vários fatores que podem determinar um acidente.
The arrival of the ACEs movement in Scotland: Policy entrepreneurship and critical activist responses
Authors: Walsh Gary M.
Published: October 2020

This paper combines conceptual and documentary analysis to critique the recent introduction of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) in Scottish social policy, highlighting the role of the ACE-Aware Nation ‘movement’ and its positioning of the ACEs model through its campaigning activities. Consideration is given to the role of a sophisticated network of policy entrepreneurs and the commercial and political interests at play. Reflection is offered on the critical activist responses to this campaign that seek to highlight the socio-economic and political underpinnings of childhood trauma, which are largely absent in the ACEs model. The argument is that these policy developments amount to a recent turn to the ACEs model as a simplistic solution to complex social problems – a solution that is shown to be ultimately flawed in several respects. This analysis reveals the contradictions, conflicts and confusion that have emerged within the ACEs discourse, caused in the main by heuristic thinking and the conceptual inadequacies, misuses and misunderstandings of the ACEs model. The paper concludes that policy makers and practitioners should exercise caution in their appraisal of the ACEs model and the associated movement in Scotland.
Modeling and Development of a Novel Quality of Service Prediction Model for Global System for Mobile Communications Network using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Popoola Jide Julius , Areo Adewale Enoch
Published: October 2020

Quality of service (QoS) performance evaluation is an essential indicator in determining the efficiency of services rendered by an industry. Comparison of some key performance indicators with standard threshold values has been a major approach for determining QoS of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) in Nigeria. This comparative approach, which usually involves human involvement is prone to error. Thus, an automatic artificial neural networks (ANN) predictive QoS model was developed in the study presented in this paper. In carrying out the study, five key performance indicators (KPIs) data were collected form the GSM operator used. The collected KPIs parameters were used to develop a mathematical model that was transformed into the proposed automatic QoS predicted model using ANN. The developed QoS prediction model when evaluated was found to be accuracy and performed favorably well when compared with the manual approach being used by the Nigerian Communications Commission. The developed automatic QoS prediction model for this study is thus suggested as a better replacement for the current manual method based on its accuracy and non-human involvement in predicting QoS of GSM network investigated.
Mental Health and Advising on the College Campus
Authors: Nelson Krista L.
Published: October 2020

Students having mental health concerns are a significant reality for the university campus. Advisers are likely to see a growing trend of increasingly severe mental health problems while advising students. Warning signs of abnormal behaviors are usually evident. The mental health disorders of depression and anxiety are highly recognized as occurring on college campuses, but advisers see many other disorders regularly in our student advisees. Learning what constitutes abnormal behavior will assist student advisees. This article is a means to educate advisers about the identification of abnormal behaviors and assist in their planning for advising students with mental health problems.

Let me begin by stating that I am currently a faculty adviser at a small university in the south. However, my professional education is in Counseling Psychology and mental health. My training and experience in counseling psychology have provided me with the ability to recognize mental health illnesses and abnormality of behaviors.

This article will provide some basic signs to watch for and identify as symptomology of potential mental health problems. These may be evident as overt behavioral displays or reports from your advisees. As an adviser, you will have student advisees who are experiencing or displaying mental health issues. There are oftentimes situations in which an advisee will describe symptoms that they are experiencing which sound unusual, detrimental, atypical, or even frightening. Symptomology can range from relatively mild feelings of stress, exhaustion, or fatigue all the way to severe and extreme indications of suicidality or psychoticism.

A student advisee may arrive in your office for advising confused and unsure of how to gain assistance for their mental health concerns. Your role as an adviser for students is not only to help the advisee with choosing a major to study or selecting a class section. Instead, your role as an adviser may also include aiding student advisees who are in need of support, and that assistance may sometimes include mental health concerns.
BREAKTHROUGH NOVATIONS IN FODDER QUALITY EVALUATION
Authors: Popov Vladimir
Published: October 2020

Weende system of a fodder analysis which is applied in our country till now, is replacing by detergent scheme of the zootechnical analysis accepted in many developed countries. The procedure of "control values", applied by company BLGG AgroXpertus laboratories, represents doubtless interest for experts in cattle feeding. This article allows to now the control values parameters of green fodder, wet silage, prewilted silage and haylage. The same complex researches in sacco and in vitro are necessary in our country for working out similar control values like in the Netherlands. This makes possible to correct control values parameters taking in account the soil-climatic, species, varieties and other features of concrete region. New terms and the abbreviations applied in foreign practice are not understandable to experts of the domestic farms. That is why in this article Russian equivalents are represented and needed explanations are made. The information on indexes list depending of forage kind and milk productivity of cow allows deliberate to quantity of necessary analysis for quality testing of own production forages.
Identifying 8-mRNAsi Based Signature for Predicting Survival in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Machine Learning
Authors: Tian Yuxi , Wang Juncheng , Qin Chao , Zhu Gangcai , Chen Xuan , Chen Zhixiang , Qin Yuexiang , Wei Ming , Li Zhexuan , Zhang Xin , Lv Yunxia , Cai Gengming
Published: October 2020

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been characterized by several exclusive features that include differentiation, self-renew, and homeostatic control, which allows tumor maintenance and spread. Recurrence and therapeutic resistance of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) have been identified to be attributed to CSCs. However, the biomarkers led to the development of HNSCC stem cells remain less defined. In this study, we quantified cancer stemness by mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi), and found that mRNAsi indices were higher in HNSCC tissues than that in normal tissue. A significantly higher mRNAsi was observed in HPV positive patients than HPV negative patients, as well as in male patients than in female patients. The 8-mRNAsi signature was identified from the genes in two modules which were mostly related to mRNAsi screened by weighted gene co-expression network analysis. In this prognostic signatures, high expression of RGS16, LYVE1, hnRNPC, ANP32A, and AIMP1 focus in promoting cell proliferation and tumor progression. While ZNF66, PIK3R3, and MAP2K7 are associated with a low risk of death. The riskscore of eight signatures have a powerful capacity for 1-, 3-, 5-year of overall survival prediction (5-year AUC 0.77, 95% CI 0.69–0.85). These findings based on stemness indices may provide a novel understanding of target therapy for suppressing HNSCC stem cells.
Tanshinone IIA Inhibits Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Through Hindering β-Arrestin1 Mediated β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Song Qing , Yang Liu , Han Zhifen , Wu Xinnan , Li Ruixiao , Zhou Lihong , Liu Ningning , Sui Hua , Cai Jianfeng , Wang Yan , Ji Qing , Li Qi
Published: October 2020

Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a major active ingredient extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza, which has been proved to be able to inhibit metastasis of various cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanisms of anti-metastatic effect of Tan IIA on CRC are not well explored. A number of studies indicate that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in CRC metastasis, and our previous studies demonstrate that β-arrestin1could regulate EMT in CRC partly through β-catenin signaling pathway. In this work, we investigate whether Tan IIA could regulate EMT in CRC through β-arrestin1-mediated β-catenin signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Our results showed that Tan IIA inhibited lung metastases of CRC cells in vivo and extended the survival time of mice with CRC. In vitro, Tan IIA increased the expression of E-cadherin, decreased the expression of Snail, N-cadherin and Vimentin, thus suppressed EMT and the migratory ability of CRC cells. Further study found that the mechanism of action of Tan IIA in regulating EMT and metastasis is associated with the suppression of β-arrestin1 expression, resulting in the increase of GSK-3β expression, reduction of β-catenin nuclear localization, thereby decreased the activity of β-catenin signaling pathway. Our data revealed a new mechanism of Tan IIA on the suppression of EMT and metastasis in CRC via β-arrestin1-mediated β-catenin signaling pathway and provided support for using Tan IIA as anti-metastatic agents in CRC.
Gene Expression and Metabolomics Profiling of the Common Wheat Obtaining Leaf Rust Resistance by Salicylic or Jasmonic Acid through a Novel Detached Leaf Rust Assay
Authors: Kim Minseo , Lee Aro , Roh Yeon Jin , Lee Hae Min , Jo Youngho , Cho Hwayeon , Choi Dong Wook , Choi Meena , Eyun Seong-il , Choi Changhyun , Chung Namhyun , Lee Hojoung , Lee Byung Cheon
Published: October 2020

Wheat leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina is a destructive fungal disease causing considerable grain yield loss. In this study, we developed a novel assay to test the rust resistance of detached wheat leaves on defined media with retarded senescence. We observed that salicylic and jasmonic acid confer leaf rust resistance to a susceptible Keumkang wheat (Triticum aestivium L.). Transcription analysis revealed that atchi8 was highly expressed with an increased chitinase activity in the salicylic acid-treated leaves, while expression of PR-9, atpodL, and PR-5 increased in the jasmonic acid-treated leaves. Additionally, the metabolic profile suggested that the phenylalanine pathway might link flavonoid production to leaf rust resistance in the salicylic acid-treated leaves, while the alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism might control the production of other amino acids to enhance pathogen stress response in the jasmonic acid-treated leaves. Finally, all identified genes and metabolites could be potential targets for screening chemical compounds for leaf rust resistance. Future studies on the underlying mechanisms of leaf rust resistance obtained by exogenous treatment of salicylic and jasmonic acids remain necessary.
Pearl Millet Forage Water Use Efficiency
Authors: Crookston Bradley , Blaser Brock , Darapuneni Murali , Rhoades Marty
Published: October 2020

Pearl millet (Pennisitum glaucum L.) is a warm season C4 grass well adapted to semiarid climates where concerns over scarce and depleting water resources continually prompt the search for water efficient crop management to improve water use efficiency (WUE). A two-year study was conducted in the Southern Great Plains, USA, semi-arid region, to determine optimum levels of irrigation, row spacing, and tillage to maximize WUE and maintain forage production in pearl millet. Pearl millet was planted in a strip-split-plot factorial design at two row widths, 76 and 19 cm, in tilled and no-till soil under three irrigation levels (high, moderate, and limited). The results were consistent between production years. Both WUE and forage yield were impacted by tillage; however, irrigation level had the greatest effect on forage production. Row spacing had no effect on either WUE or forage yield. The pearl millet water use-yield production function was y = 6.68 × x (mm) − 837 kg ha−1; however, a low coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.31) suggests that factors other than water use (WU), such as a low leaf area index (LAI), had greater influence on dry matter (DM) production. Highest WUE (6.13 Mg ha−1 mm−1) was achieved in tilled soil due to greater LAI and DM production than in no-till.
Near Real-Time Biophysical Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Yield Estimation to Support Crop Insurance Implementation in India
Authors: Arumugam Ponraj , Chemura Abel , Schauberger Bernhard , Gornott Christoph
Published: October 2020

Immediate yield loss information is required to trigger crop insurance payouts, which are important to secure agricultural income stability for millions of smallholder farmers. Techniques for monitoring crop growth in real-time and at 5 km spatial resolution may also aid in designing price interventions or storage strategies for domestic production. In India, the current government-backed PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) insurance scheme is seeking such technologies to enable cost-efficient insurance premiums for Indian farmers. In this study, we used the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) to estimate yield and yield anomalies at 5 km spatial resolution for Kharif rice (Oryza sativa L.) over India between 2001 and 2017. We calibrated the model using publicly available data: namely, gridded weather data, nutrient applications, sowing dates, crop mask, irrigation information, and genetic coefficients of staple varieties. The model performance over the model calibration years (2001–2015) was exceptionally good, with 13 of 15 years achieving more than 0.7 correlation coefficient (r), and more than half of the years with above 0.75 correlation with observed yields. Around 52% (67%) of the districts obtained a relative Root Mean Square Error (rRMSE) of less than 20% (25%) after calibration in the major rice-growing districts (>25% area under cultivation). An out-of-sample validation of the calibrated model in Kharif seasons 2016 and 2017 resulted in differences between state-wise observed and simulated yield anomalies from –16% to 20%. Overall, the good ability of the model in the simulations of rice yield indicates that the model is applicable in selected states of India, and its outputs are useful as a yield loss assessment index for the crop insurance scheme PMFBY.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Coagulase-Positive Staphylococcus Isolates Recovered in a Veterinary University Hospital
Authors: Pérez-Sancho Marta , Alvarez-Perez Sergio , Garcia-Seco Teresa , Hernandez Marta , Rodríguez-Lázaro David , Domínguez Lucas , García Marta Eulalia , Blanco Jose Luis
Published: October 2020

The Staphylococcus pseudintermedius group (SIG) is an emerging threat in veterinary medicine, particularly methicillin-resistant (MRSP) isolates, which are frequently associated with multidrug resistance. Reliable identification of SIG members is critical to establish correct antimicrobial treatments. However, information on the molecular epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance patterns of MRSP in some regions is still limited. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial resistance of SIG isolates recovered from animals at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Complutense University of Madrid (Spain) during a 10-year period (2007–2016). A total of 139 selected Staphylococcus isolates were subjected to species-level identification by different bioanalytical techniques (PCR, VITEK, MALDI-TOF) and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Methicillin-resistant isolates (n = 20) were subjected to whole genome sequencing for further characterization of their antibiotic resistance determinants. Our results showed that there was a good correlation between PCR and MALDI-TOF identification, whereas VITEK showed very divergent results, thus confirming MALDI-TOF as a good alternative for species-level identification of coagulase-positive staphylococci. Notably, S. pseudintermedius, including the epidemic MRSP genotype ST71, was the only SIG species found among canine isolates. In addition, we found a high prevalence of multidrug resistance and resistance to fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins and macrolides. Finally, diverse genes associated with antibiotic resistance were detected among MRSP isolates, although the genetic basis of some of the resistant phenotypes (particularly to fluoroquinolones) could not be determined. In conclusion, our study reveals the circulation of MRSP in the veterinary setting in Spain, thus highlighting the emerging threat posed by this bacterial group and the need for further epidemiological surveillance.
A Systematic Overview of Recent Methods for Non-Contact Chronic Wound Analysis
Authors: Marijanović Domagoj , Filko Damir
Published: October 2020

Chronic wounds or wounds that are not healing properly are a worldwide health problem that affect the global economy and population. Alongside with aging of the population, increasing obesity and diabetes patients, we can assume that costs of chronic wound healing will be even higher. Wound assessment should be fast and accurate in order to reduce the possible complications, and therefore shorten the wound healing process. Contact methods often used by medical experts have drawbacks that are easily overcome by non-contact methods like image analysis, where wound analysis is fully or partially automated. Two major tasks in wound analysis on images are segmentation of the wound from the healthy skin and background, and classification of the most important wound tissues like granulation, fibrin, and necrosis. These tasks are necessary for further assessment like wound measurement or healing evaluation based on tissue representation. Researchers use various methods and algorithms for image wound analysis with the aim to outperform accuracy rates and show the robustness of the proposed methods. Recently, neural networks and deep learning algorithms have driven considerable performance improvement across various fields, which has a led to a significant rise of research papers in the field of wound analysis as well. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of recent methods for non-contact wound analysis which could be used for developing an end-to-end solution for a fully automated wound analysis system which would incorporate all stages from data acquisition, to segmentation and classification, ending with measurement and healing evaluation.
A Linear Brushless Direct Current Motor Design Approach for Seismic Shake Tables
Authors: Ustun Ozgur , Kivanc Omer Cihan , Mokukcu Mert Safa
Published: October 2020

The progress in material and manufacturing technologies enables the emergence of new research areas in electromagnetic actuator applications. Permanent magnet (PM) linear motors are preferred to achieve precise position control and to meet the need for high dynamic forces in the seismic shake tables that are used in analyzing reactions of structure models. The design approaches on the linear motors used in the seismic shake tables may vary depending on the desired force, stroke and acceleration values. Especially, the maximum width, the maximum depth, the maximum linear motor length in longitudinal direction and the maximum travelling distance parameters are the primary design criteria in seismic shake table drive systems. In this paper, a design approach for a linear PM brushless direct current (BLDC) motor with high force/volume, force/weight and force/input power ratios is developed. The design was analyzed using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM) approaches through the ANSYS Maxwell software. The mathematically designed linear BLDC motor was manufactured and subjected to displacement, acceleration and force tests that are used in seismic analyses. The results of the experimental tests validate the convenience of the proposed design approach and the selected parameters.
Ab Initio Study of the Effect of Mono-Vacancies on the Metastability of Ga-Stabilized δ-Pu
Authors: Hernandez Sarah C. , Freibert Franz J.
Published: October 2020

Most experimental studies on metallic Pu are on the room temperature monoclinic α-phase or the fcc Ga stabilized δ-phase. Stabilized δ-phase Pu-Ga alloys are metastable and exhibit a martensitic phase transformation to α’-phase at low temperatures, or applied shear, with concentrations lower than three atomic percent Ga. By using first principles, we explore the metastability of δ-phase by investigating the structural and electronic behavior induced by Ga alloying and by a mono-vacancy point defect. We find that a site substitutional Ga induces a tetragonal distortion in the lattice affected by hybridization of Ga 4p and Pu 6d states. With the addition of a mono-vacancy, a monoclinic or tetragonal distortion forms locally (dependent on its distance from Ga), and decoupling of the Pu 5f and 6d states and broadening of the 6d states occurs. This response enables hybridization of Pu 6d with the Ga 4p states affecting the mono-vacancy formation energy. Thus, stabilization of the fcc lattice correlates with hybridization of Pu 6d states with Ga 4p states, and this becomes more evident in the presence of a mono-vacancy.
FEM Modelling of the Influence of the Remaining Windings on the Frequency Response of the Power Transformer
Authors: Trela Katarzyna , Gawrylczyk Konstanty Marek
Published: October 2020

One of the standard diagnostic methods for power transformers is frequency response analysis (FRA). This paper deals with progress in the frequency response interpretation of these very important appliances in the power network. Simulations of the frequency response of the transformer windings are a useful way to improve the correct assessment of FRA results. One of the disadvantages of FRA modelling is time-consuming analysis, especially of large multilayer windings. The aim of this article is to develop a numerical model, which would reduce the duration of the electromagnetic field analysis of the winding with hundreds of turns. The approach introduced in the paper describes the simple two-dimensional (2D) finite elements method (FEM) model, which provides the results comparable to the three-dimensional (3D) model. Moreover, the paper presents the numerical models, which demonstrate the influence of the remaining windings on the inductance of tested winding. As a result of the conducted research, the comparison of inductance curve obtained from FRA measurement on the physical model with modelled resonance slope is presented, both for 2D and 3D cases.
Global Mechanical Behavior Characterization of Uniaxially Loaded Rock Specimen Based on Its Structural Evolution
Authors: Xing Tongzhen , Zhu Haibin , Liu Guangyan , Song Yimin , Ma Shaopeng
Published: October 2020

Characterizing global mechanical behavior accurately is important for a detailed understanding of the deformation mechanism of rock material. In this paper, a new characterization model of the global mechanical behavior of rock is proposed, based on the structural characteristics of rock deformation. Uniaxial compression tests were carried out using the digital image correlation method and acoustic emission to obtain the interrelationship between mechanical behavior and deformation evolution. The test results show that the appearance of deformation localization leads to non-linear evolution of global mechanical behavior in a rock specimen. Further, due to the gradual evolution of deformation localization bands, the rock specimen evolves from a complete whole to a rock structure with a “weak interlayer”. Thus, the global mechanical behavior of the rock specimen depends heavily on the structural evolution process, especially when close to failure. A simplified characterization model was established according to the deformation process. The finite element method was used to verify the rationality of the proposed structural model. The verification result showed that under uniaxial compression, the structural model can reproduce the global mechanical behavior evolution process of the rock specimen.
Improving School Transition Spaces Microclimate to Make Them Liveable in Warm Climates
Authors: Diz-Mellado Eduardo , López-Cabeza Victoria Patricia , Rivera-Gómez Carlos , Roa-Fernández Jorge , Galán-Marín Carmen
Published: October 2020

The so-called urban heat islands (UHI) is a thermal phenomenon characterized by higher air temperatures in the urban area than in rural surroundings. Vernacular passive strategies such as courtyards are proved to be useful to generate specific microclimates, especially in the warmer regions of the Earth. Courtyards increase the porosity of the cities, understanding porosity as building voids. Accordingly, their study will be fundamental in reducing the UHI effect by generating urban cooling microislands. This paper aims to analyze two passive strategies capable of modifying the thermal effect of radiation inside the courtyard of two school buildings: albedo and vegetation. In this regard, two case studies were assessed, both of them located in the city of Seville. Results show that the temperature in these spaces can vary up to 7 °C depending on the albedo, which confirms the importance of detecting an optimal albedo factor. In addition, data showed a significant increase in the thermal delta (TD), courtyard versus outdoor temperature, after the installation of a vegetal facade. Accordingly, both strategies will be fundamental in locations affected by climate change, especially considering that they are not only effective cooling strategies but also relatively easy to implement in the building’s refurbishment process.
Photonic Microwave Distance Interferometry Using a Mode-Locked Laser with Systematic Error Correction
Authors: Kim Wooram , Fu Haijin , Lee Keunwoo , Han Seongheum , Jang Yoon-Soo , Kim Seung-Woo
Published: October 2020

We report an absolute interferometer configured with a 1 GHz microwave source photonically synthesized from a fiber mode-locked laser of a 100 MHz pulse repetition rate. Special attention is paid to the identification of the repeatable systematic error with its subsequent suppression by means of passive compensation as well as active correction. Experimental results show that passive compensation permits the measurement error to be less than 7.8 μm (1 σ) over a 2 m range, which further reduces to 3.5 μm (1 σ) by active correction as it is limited ultimately by the phase-resolving power of the phasemeter employed in this study. With precise absolute distance ranging capability, the proposed scheme of the photonic microwave interferometer is expected to replace conventional incremental-type interferometers in diverse long-distance measurement applications, particularly for large machine axis control, precision geodetic surveying and inter-satellite ranging in space.
Effect of Adjuvant Use of NSAID in Reducing Probing Pocket Depth in the Context of Conventional Periodontal Therapy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials
Authors: Gartenmann Stefanie , Maier Nicole , Wiedemeier Daniel B. , Attin Thomas , Schmidlin Patrick
Published: October 2020

This systematic review aimed to assess the literature on the benefit of adjuvant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during conventional periodontal therapy in terms of probing pocket depth (PD). A literature search according to PRISMA guidelines in Medline (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane library identified seven studies to be included in this review. In terms of the main outcome, PD, three studies found a larger reduction after NSAID administration compared to non-NSAID control patients. In two studies, no difference in PD reduction between NSAID and placebo was found. Overall, the NSAID patients showed no significant difference with an estimated 0.11 mm larger reduction in PD than the control [95% CI: −0.22 mm, 0.44 mm]. The secondary outcomes, bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment gain, also showed comparable results in all studies between patients receiving NSAID and those that did not. The estimated additional PD reduction of 0.11 mm in the NSAID group is very small and not statistically significant. It is unlikely that PD can be improved by adjuvant NSAID treatment after root surface debridement, yet the evidence to date is limited and warrants further investigation.
Analysis of the ETNA 2015 Eruption Using WRF–Chem Model and Satellite Observations
Authors: Rizza Umberto , Brega Eleonora , Caccamo Maria Teresa , Castorina Giuseppe , Morichetti Mauro , Munaò Gianmarco , Passerini Giorgio , Magazù Salvatore
Published: October 2020

The aim of the present work is to utilize a new functionality within the Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with Chemistry (WRF–Chem) that allows simulating emission, transport, and settling of pollutants released during the Etna 2015 volcanic activities. This study constitutes the first systematic application of the WRF–Chem online-based approach to a specific Etna volcanic eruption, with possible effects involving the whole Mediterranean area. In this context, the attention has been focused on the eruption event, recorded from 3–7 December 2015, which led to the closure of the nearby Catania International Airport. Quantitative meteorological forecasts, analyses of Etna volcanic ash transport, and estimates of the ash ground deposition have been performed. In order to test the performance of the proposed approach, the model outputs have been compared with data provided by satellite sensors and Doppler radars. As a result, it emerges that, as far as the selected eruption event is concerned, the WRF–Chem model reasonably reproduces the distribution of SO2 and of volcanic ash. In addition, this modeling system may provide valuable support both to airport management and to local stakeholders including public administrations.
Generation of Internal Gravity Waves in the Thermosphere during Operation of the SURA Facility under Parametric Resonance Conditions
Authors: Grigoriev Gennadiy I. , Lapin Victor G. , Kalinina Elena E.
Published: October 2020

The problem of excitation of internal gravity waves (IGWs) in the upper atmosphere by an external source of a limited duration of operation is investigated. An isothermal atmosphere was chosen as the propagation environment of IGWs in the presence of a uniform wind that changes over time according to the harmonic law. For the vertical component of the displacement of an environment, the Mathieu equation with zero initial conditions was solved with the right part simulating the effect of a powerful heating facility on the ionosphere. In the case of a small amplitude of the variable component of the wind, the time dependence of the vertical displacement under parametric resonance conditions using the perturbation method is obtained. The obtained dependence of the solution of the differential equation on the parameters allows us to perform a numerical analysis of the problem in the case of variable wind of arbitrary amplitude. For practical estimations of the obtained values, data on the operating modes of the SURA heating facility (56.15° N, 46.11° E) with periodic (15–30 min) switching on during of 2–3 h for ionosphere impact were used.
Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Genomics in Yeast to Understand Life and Boost Biotechnology
Authors: Schindler Daniel
Published: October 2020

The field of genetic engineering was born in 1973 with the “construction of biologically functional bacterial plasmids in vitro”. Since then, a vast number of technologies have been developed allowing large-scale reading and writing of DNA, as well as tools for complex modifications and alterations of the genetic code. Natural genomes can be seen as software version 1.0; synthetic genomics aims to rewrite this software with “build to understand” and “build to apply” philosophies. One of the predominant model organisms is the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Its importance ranges from ancient biotechnologies such as baking and brewing, to high-end valuable compound synthesis on industrial scales. This tiny sugar fungus contributed greatly to enabling humankind to reach its current development status. This review discusses recent developments in the field of genetic engineering for budding yeast S. cerevisiae, and its application in biotechnology. The article highlights advances from Sc1.0 to the developments in synthetic genomics paving the way towards Sc2.0. With the synthetic genome of Sc2.0 nearing completion, the article also aims to propose perspectives for potential Sc3.0 and subsequent versions as well as its implications for basic and applied research.
The Platelet Fraction Is a Novel Reservoir to Detect Lyme Borrelia in Blood
Authors: Sanderson Victoria P. , Mainprize Iain L. , Verzijlenberg Lisette , Khursigara Cezar M. , Wills Melanie K. B.
Published: October 2020

Serological diagnosis of Lyme disease suffers from considerable limitations. Yet, the technique cannot currently be replaced by direct detection methods, such as bacterial culture or molecular analysis, due to their inadequate sensitivity. The low bacterial burden in vasculature and lack of consensus around blood-based isolation of the causative pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi, are central to this challenge. We therefore addressed methodological optimization of Borrelia recovery from blood, first by analyzing existing protocols, and then by using experimentally infected human blood to identify the processing conditions and fractions that increase Borrelia yield. In this proof-of-concept study, we now report two opportunities to improve recovery and detection of Borrelia from clinical samples. To enhance pathogen viability and cultivability during whole blood collection, citrate anticoagulant is superior to more commonly used EDTA. Despite the widespread reliance on serum and plasma as analytes, we found that the platelet fraction of blood concentrates Borrelia, providing an enriched resource for direct pathogen detection by microscopy, laboratory culture, Western blot, and PCR. The potential for platelets to serve as a reservoir for Borrelia and its diagnostic targets may transform direct clinical detection of this pathogen.
Impact of Drought on Soluble Sugars and Free Proline Content in Selected Arabidopsis Mutants
Authors: Gurrieri Libero , Merico Martina , Trost Paolo , Forlani Giuseppe , Sparla Francesca
Published: October 2020

Water shortage is an increasing problem affecting crop yield. Accumulation of compatible osmolytes is a typical plant response to overcome water stress. Sucrose synthase 1 (SUS1), and glucan, water dikinase 2 (GWD2) and δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthetase 1 (P5CS1) are members of small protein families whose role in the response of Arabidopsis thaliana plants to mild osmotic stress has been studied in this work. Comparative analysis between wild-type and single loss-of-function T-DNA plants at increasing times following exposure to drought showed no differences in the content of water-insoluble carbohydrate (i.e., transitory starch and cell wall carbohydrates) and in the total amount of amino acids. On the contrary, water-soluble sugars and proline contents were significantly reduced compared to wild-type plants regardless of the metabolic pathway affected by the mutation. The present results contribute to assigning a physiological role to GWD2, the least studied member of the GWD family; strengthening the involvement of SUS1 in the response to osmotic stress; showing a greater contribution of soluble sugars than proline in osmotic adjustment of Arabidopsis in response to drought. Finally, an interaction between proline and soluble sugars emerged, albeit its nature remains speculative and further investigations will be required for complete comprehension.
Advances in Multiple Sclerosis Research–Series I
Authors: Apostolopoulos Vasso , Matsoukas John
Published: October 2020

Designing immunotherapeutics, drugs, and anti-inflammatory reagents has been at the forefront of autoimmune research, in particular, multiple sclerosis, for over 20 years. Delivery methods that are used to modulate effective and long-lasting immune responses have been the major focus. This Special Issue, “Advances in Multiple Sclerosis Research—Series I”, focused on delivery methods used for immunotherapeutic approaches, drug design, anti-inflammatories, identification of markers, methods for detection and monitoring MS and treatment modalities. The issue gained much attention with 20 publications, and, as a result, we launched Series II with the deadline for submission being 30 April 2021.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol Using Chemical Vapor Desposition Graphene Column
Authors: Kim Juhee , Park Baekwon , Shin Dong Heon , Yoo Je Min , Lee Hyukjin , Hong Byung Hee
Published: October 2020

In the field of wastewater treatment, the advanced oxidation process (AOP) is a widely employed method. It uses reactive oxygen species (ROS) to degrade harmful organic and inorganic chemicals. Metal catalysts are the conventional standard when using these methods. However, they have drawbacks such as harsh activation conditions and poor recyclability. We previously suggested chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene film as an alternative metal-free catalyst. In this study, we enhanced the catalytic activity of the CVD graphene film by synergistically adding UV light irradiation. The result was complete degradation of phenol on a wafer-scale in a reduced timeframe. To further enhance the degradation process, we devised a graphene-based column for continuous in situ chemical oxidation and analyzed the intermediates over time, proving the potential of graphene-assisted AOP in industrial wastewater applications.