bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ interest in science learning and measurement practices. Questions for research in the Moroccan school context
Authors: Boukayoua Zakaria , Kaddari Fatiha , Bennis Nezha
Published: August 2021

Current reforms of education systems seek to improve the learning environment and opt for a more active role of students in the construction of learning to increase their academic performance. In Morocco, several reforms have been carried out over the last two decades to address the shortcomings of the education system. Still, the results of national and international assessments remain low, particularly for science. These discouraging results are linked on the one hand to the physical learning environment offered by the Moroccan school and, on the other hand, to less tangible aspects related to the students themselves, such as their interest in learning science. Often, reforms and teaching practices neglect these less tangible aspects. However, students’ interest in school science is widely studied worldwide. At the same time, further research in the Moroccan context is needed to provide more explanations for their low achievement in science. The objective of this work is to see how interest has been defined and the good practices to measure it in the context of science teaching. In addition, to ask several questions that deserve an examination in the Moroccan school context.
Comparative analysis of human development indicators: Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region
Authors: Abroun Ikrame , Azyat Abdelilah , Ben Achhab Nizar , Raissouni Naoufal , Chahboun Asaad
Published: August 2021

Human development is more than a question of the accumulation of wealth, income, or economic growth. It must be human-centred. This is why concerns as necessary as respect for human rights, the reduction of social inequalities and poverty, the promotion of equal opportunities between men and women are indeed relevant. This considers human resources not only as a means of growth but, more fundamentally, as an end of growth. The demographic variable was always a serious problem to decision-makers in different countries. It is considered to be at the root of the various handicaps of development. Morocco has carried out throughout the last forty years’ population policies to improve the well-being of its citizens. To highlight regional and provincial disparities in Morocco, we are based in this work on indices of human development, namely, SDI, ASDI, MLDI using the process of the data warehouse. Finally, we have analyzed and visualized these indices with Power BI software to make a comparative analysis of TTA provinces. Findings show that Tanger-Assilah province has a great value with 0.77 of MLDI. However, Chefchaouen province has the less one with 0.56. This study has been performed to help to establish efficient decisions and making operational insights.
Evaluation of human capital performance of the countries by CRITIC and COPRAS methods: an application on the members of the organization of the black sea economic cooperation
Authors: Masca Mahmut
Published: August 2021

This study aims to evaluate the members of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC) in terms of human capital performance using CRITIC (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation) and COPRAS (Complex Proportional Assessment) methods. A hybrid method has been used in analysis. This integrated model consists of a combination of CRITIC and COPRAS methods. The CRITIC method was used to find the objective weights of the criteria. The COPRAS method was used to rank the countries according to their performance. The infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births), unemployment rate (percentage of the total labour force), average life expectancy at birth, total (years), labour force participation rate (percentage of the total population aged 15-64), current health expenditure (percentage of GDP), internet users (percentage of the total population) and population aged 15-64 (percentage of the total population) are used as criteria for measuring the human capital of countries. 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2018 data of the countries were used in the study. According to the analysis result, Serbia, Greece, Romania in 2000, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria in 2005, Greece, Russia, Bulgaria, in 2010, Russia, Moldova, Bulgaria in 2015, Russia, Romania and Bulgaria in 2018 are the top three countries with the highest human capital performance. Countries with the lowest human capital performance are as follows: Azerbaijan, Albania, Armenia in 2000 and 2005; Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, in 2010; Turkey, Azerbaijan, Albania in 2015 and 2018.
Need to implement targeted policies for regional development in the administrative districts of Sliven and Shumen, in the context of the regional economy
Authors: Petrov Kamen
Published: August 2021

This exhibition is dedicated to the regional development of two administrative districts in Bulgaria. These are the districts of Shumen, which is located in Northern Bulgaria and the district of Sliven in Southern Bulgaria. The two districts have similar problems and regional problems. As on the basis of geo-economics analysis, assessment of their demographic potential, their infrastructural security is made a characteristic of both areas and their regional potential. Relevant problem areas, opportunities for conducting targeted regional development policies and recommendations for improving regional policies are presented. The comparative analysis of such spatial units gives us the opportunity to subject to regional analysis separate administrative units and to propose measures for their regional development.
Status of digital administrative services in the Republic of Bulgaria
Authors: Kirilova Katia
Published: August 2021

Digital administrative services are an essential component of the e-government system. They provide to citizens and businesses opportunities to facilitate contacts with the administration. To be developed and used, they need to be designed very carefully in advance. For this purpose, in most cases, modeling and reengineering of the main work processes is done. In this context, the study aims to present some of the results of a survey conducted among a sample of municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria. The applied methods are related to: preparation and conducting of an online survey; methods related to data collection and storage by the respondents; statistical methods for analysis of the obtained results. The main results represent the degree of development of digital administrative services in the Republic of Bulgaria. They were obtained from the survey. The conclusions are in the direction of clarifying the degree of development of digital administrative services.
Connectivity in the Western Balkans Region - Difficulties, Challenges and Alternatives
Authors: Stanev Stanislav
Published: August 2021

The countries of the Western Balkans have declared their foreign policy priority membership not only in NATO but also in the European Union. Achieving these goals is associated with overcoming many challenges of different nature. Although not directly related to the country's de facto membership of the EU, its infrastructure and the level of its connection with its neighbors raises many of the issues important to society and forms many of its immediate priorities. Difficulties in interconnectedness between countries can have both a political and a geographical basis. In this regard, a serious challenge for the Republic of Northern Macedonia is the level of connection with its eastern and western neighbors. Almost 30 years after the declaration of independence, the infrastructure continues to follow the realities set and realized by Socialist Yugoslavia. This in turn poses many difficulties for the economic development of the whole region. A significant part of the reasons for the lack of progress are also due to purely geographical reasons, but alternative solutions can be sought to overcome the backlog in connectivity.
The contribution of the reemergence of local identities to the achievement of the European socio-economic cohesion
Authors: Gouridis Athanassios
Published: August 2021

The present paper attempts to approach the recent phenomenon of the reemergence of the local identities in Europe, applying it, as a case-study, on the European-border Greek-Thracian region in relationship with its Bulgarian neighbors. Globalization provoked fears in local communities for instability, dissolution and loss of identity, urging reactions, targeting to consistency, tranquility and security, traced particularly in the reappearance of local identification procedures. Nevertheless, the new approach, opposite to introversive, often connected to heterophobe behaviors, is actively positive and creative, functioning in the frames set by the EU. The identity-building capacities are now built from the inside, enriched by their interdependent character and visualized through sustainable synergies on a horizontal, cross-border, trans-regional, or trans-national level and a vertical one, functioning on various fields, such as culture, tourism, education, social inclusion, youth and training. The new procedures play a crucial role in the planning and implementation of the European policies, which now embrace communities, since it has been realized that local identities beyond a desirable, constitute an indispensable actor for the overall longevity, so that local diversity potentially contributes substantially to the European economic, social and territorial cohesion and integration.
The regions in Bulgaria and the green economy - novelty or serious experience?
Authors: Delcheva Stanka
Published: August 2021

The report presents the regional development policy in Bulgaria after 2007 with focus of the stated and implemented support for application of a green economy transition’s instruments. The green economy is defined by relevant economic sectors and themes that add value to quality of life, reducing carbon emissions and creating jobs. Objective: to review the applying of instruments for transition to a green economy in the regions as part of regional development policy and promotion of the regions’ competitiveness. Methods: Descriptive analysis and review of documents were used; review of planning documents at regional and municipal level and analysis of the type of applied instruments for the transition to a green economy; comparative evaluation of the already applied instruments with the forecasts for the new programming period 2021-2027. Results: The applied in the period 2007 - 2020 instruments for supporting the transition to a green economy and their connection with the development of the regions in Bulgaria are traced. The results correlation of the already applied instruments with the approach envisaged in the programming period after 2021 has been assessed. Elements of the connection between transition readiness and the regions’ competitiveness are considered. Conclusions: Conclusions are drawn about the Bulgarian regions experience and capacities gained to exploit the potential and opportunities to increase competitiveness and well-being.
How Bulgaria Can Contribute to Energetic Refurbishment of Real Estate in Germany
Authors: Bodmer Ulrich , Heissenhuber Alois
Published: August 2021

On 28th September 2010, the government of the Federal Republic of Germany set a political goal to achieve a “nearly climate-neutral building stock by 2050”. Due to the long period from now up to 2050, an intermediate goal was set in 2019: Emission of climate-damaging gases in Germany must decrease by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. Up to now, however, Germany has only marginally come closer to either of these goals. According to the Federal Environment Agency, emissions of CO2 equivalents from the building sector in Germany in 2011 amounted to 128 megatons. In 2020 the emissions summed up to 120 megatons. Thus, the target set for 2050 cannot be achieved with the current refurbishment rate, especially not if the climate protection targets are now even tightened up by politicians and are now to be achieved by 2045 instead of 2050. But plants from Bulgaria and other Middle and Eastern European countries may play a decisive role to speed up the energetic refurbishment of buildings. Why and which plants may make significant contributions to the energy-efficient renovation of buildings in Germany is presented in this article.
Consumer transition to a green economy: The role of third-party certified eco-labels
Authors: Vázquez José Luis , Lanero Ana
Published: August 2021

In order to reduce the asymmetry of knowledge between producers and consumers, many organizations promote the use of eco-labels certified by independent third parties, with the purpose of identifying those products or services that have minor impact on the environment throughout their entire life cycle. However, since there are currently a high number of ethical labels and claims and consumers are usually confused about their real meaning. This research is intended to analyze whether consumers attribute organic properties to products identified by third-party certified eco-labels to the same extent that to other third-party certified sustainability labels and other non-certified organic claims. A survey study was carried out with a sample of 200 university business students and ANOVA analysis was used to verify differences in the meaning attributed to different labels. In general terms, the results of the study allow to conclude that consumers do not have a precise knowledge about the meaning of different sustainability dimensions certified by official seals, nor do they know how to differentiate them from non-certified advertising claims. One of the main practical implications of this work has to do with the critical analysis of the effectiveness of Community regulations on eco-labelling and green advertising claims.
Application of data analytics for research of digital administrative services in Bulgaria
Authors: Milev Plamen
Published: August 2021

The article examines issues on the topic of digital administrative services in Bulgaria. In this sense, the paper presents the opportunities for application of data analytics, which are suitable for research of this type of services. In this case, the article uses data from online media content on the researched topic. The main purpose of the article is to apply opportunities for data analytics and to present the relevant analysis on the topic of digital administrative services in Bulgaria. To achieve its goal, the article uses various scientific methods, including study, analysis, research, modeling and experimentation. The results support the main hypothesis of the study, namely defining the benefits of applying data analytics to research the media positioning of digital administrative services in Bulgaria. In conclusion, the paper points out the opportunities for improvement of the research in the subject area with the application of the respective data analysis.
Strategies for Implementation of Innovation by Wine Producers in Bulgaria: An Empirical Evidence
Authors: Angelova Mina , Pastarmadzhieva Daniela
Published: August 2021

The innovation strategy is essential for the effective implementation of innovations for various reasons. Thus, the aim of the current study is to identify the level of implementation of innovation strategies among Bulgarian wine producers, and to identify an association between various factors and the intention to implement innovation strategies. The object of the research is Bulgarian SMEs wine producers. The focus is their activity, regarding the innovation strategy of their company. The results show that several associations can be identified as regards some of the characteristics of the SMEs.
Advanced Banking for Digitalization in Animal Husbandry
Authors: Terzieva Milvina , Karastoyanov Dimitar
Published: August 2021

The article describes ICT innovations in modern banking and the transition to open banking. Platforms for fast money transfers, movement schemes for transactions and types of services are presented. Possibilities for digitalization of financial operations in animal husbandry are discussed. Factors such as reducing costs, increasing efficiency, facilitating and improving decision-making in the overall management of the financial, economic and reporting activities of a livestock farm are analyzed.
Factor influences in the food industry of the example of dairy processing enterprises in Bulgaria
Authors: Milev Oleg
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this article is to examine the factors that affect the sales revenues of companies in the food industry with a subject of business activity of processing milk and dairy products. Based on available statistical information and applied theoretical statements, a method of analysis was chosen related to the change in sales revenues from the volume, price and range of produced and sold types of dairy products. By studying the relationships and dependencies of factor influences, it is possible to optimize production capacity and to do more effective strategic planning. The obtained result of the research is the basis for deriving guidelines and recommendations in order to increase the financial result of the dairy processing enterprises in Bulgaria.
Performance of a new flexible 19 G EUS needle in pancreatic solid lesions located in the head and uncinate process: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Ginès Angels , Fusaroli Pietro , Sendino Oriol , Seicean Andrada , Gimeno-Garcia Antonio Z. , Gratacós-Ginès Jordi , Araujo Isis K. , Rodríguez-Carunchio Leonardo , Alós Silvia , Lisotti Andrea , Cominardi Anna , Montenegro Andrea , Fernández-Esparrach Glòria
Published: August 2021

Background and study aims The poor flexibility of large-bore EUS needles often leads to technical failure when sampling from the duodenum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical and diagnostic performances of a new Menghini tip 19G nitinol EUS needle for sampling pancreatic solid lesions in the head and uncinate process.

Patients and methods This was a European prospective multicenter single-arm study. A maximum of four passes were allowed. In case of failure, different needles were permitted.

Results We included 75 patients (51 % males) with lesions in the head (n = 68; 91 %) and uncinate process (n = 7; 9 %) (mean size: 33 ± 12 mm; number of passes: 1.8 ± 0.9). Technical success was seen in 71 of 75 (94.7 %). Diagnostic rates were 89.3 % (67/75) and 94.4 % (67/71) in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis, respectively. In the eight cases with failure, diagnosis was obtained with another needle (n = 4), from another lesion (n = 3) or with follow-up (n = 1). A histological sample was obtained in 64 patients (ITT 85.3 % and PP 90 %) and immunohistochemistry was successfully performed in 13 of 15 lesions in which it was required. No differences between rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) and non-ROSE groups were observed regarding diagnostic success (87.5 % vs 91 %, P = 0.582) and diagnosis at the first pass (70 % vs 81 %, P = 0.289). Number of passes was lower in the ROSE group (1.4 + 0.9 vs 2.2 + 0.7, P < 0.001). One adverse event was recorded (1.3 %) consisting in a duodenal perforation after a single session EUS-ERCP.

Conclusions The new nitinol Menghini tip 19G EUS needle showed high technical diagnostic success in safely sampling solid lesions in the head and uncinate process of the pancreas.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal tract among patients with negative nasopharyngeal COVID-19 testing prior to endoscopy
Authors: Yang Dennis , Perbtani Yaseen B. , Loeb Julia , Liu Nanlong , Draganov Peter V. , Estores David E. , Lauzardo Michael , Maurelli Anthony , Lednicky John A. , Morris J. Glenn
Published: August 2021

Background and study aims The clinical significance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the stool remains unclear. We aimed to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 is detected via real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) in the gastrointestinal tracts of patients scheduled for endoscopy and if the virus obtained from these clinical specimens could be isolated in culture.

Patients and methods All patients underwent symptom screening and had negative nasopharyngeal testing for SARS-CoV-2 within 72 hours of their scheduled procedure. Study samples were collected via nasopharyngeal swab, rectal swab, and fluid from the upper gastrointestinal tract and/or colon based on their endoscopic procedure(s). Samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 via rRT-PCR. SARS-CoV-2 positive specimens were isolated and cultured in Vero-E6 cells.

Results 243 patients (mean age 63.1 years;54.3 % men) were enrolled from July 15, 2020 to September 2, 2020. SARS-CoV-2 testing was performed from 242 (99.6 %) nasopharyngeal, 243 (100 %) rectal, 183 (75.3 %) upper gastrointestinal tract and 73 (30 %) colon samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in the nasopharynx and gastrointestinal specimens in one patient (0.4 %). After a 14-day incubation period, there was no evidence of virus growth in cells incubated with any of these specimens.

Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 was rarely detected in the gastrointestinal tract of patients with negative nasopharyngeal testing prior to endoscopy. No live virus was detected by culture, further highlighting that presence of viral genome on its own is not sufficient proof of infectivity. PCR-based screening provides limited insight into virus infectivity and its results should be interpreted carefully as to avoid unnecessary delays in clinical care or inadvertent risk exposure.
Lipödem heute: Zwischen konservativer Therapie, Liposuktion und Adipositaschirurgie
Authors: Hesse U. , Hesse A. , Hesse L. , Schultz E. , Kaiser M.
Published: August 2021

Die zunehmende Prävalenz des Lipödems geht einher mit einer demografischen Zunahme der Adipositas per magna.

Konservative und operative Maßnahmen ermöglichen eine ausgeprägte Befund- und Beschwerdebesserung.

Die exakte Diagnose und Differenzierung zwischen therapiebedürftiger Adipositas und therapiebedürftigem Lipödem entscheiden über Erfolg und Misserfolg der eingeleiteten Therapie.

Nach konservativem Therapieversuch kann die operative Versorgung bei Ausbleiben einer entsprechenden Besserung durch Liposuktion oder adipositaschirurgische Intervention bei einem erheblichen Teil der Betroffenen die konservative Therapie reduzieren bzw. teilweise sogar ganz überflüssig machen.
Fingerkrafttraining für Kletterer: Anleitung zur Verwendung eines Trainingsboards
Authors: López-Rivera Eva
Published: August 2021

Wer sich beim Klettern verbessern möchte, muss seine Fingerkraft trainieren. Dafür gibt es verschiedene Möglichkeiten. Die erfahrene Kletterin Eva López-Rivera erklärt, was man beim Training mit dem Hangboard beachten muss.
Organic Photoredox Catalysts Exhibiting Long Excited-State Lifetimes
Authors: You Youngmin , Jeong Dong Yeun
Published: August 2021

Organic photoredox catalysts with a long excited-state lifetime have emerged as promising alternatives to transition-metal-complex photocatalysts. This paper explains the effectiveness of using long-lifetime photoredox catalysts for organic transformations, focusing on the structures and photophysics that enable long excited-state lifetimes. The electrochemical potentials of the reported organic, long-lifetime photocatalysts are compiled and compared with those of the representative Ir(III)- and Ru(II)-based catalysts. This paper closes by providing recent demonstrations of the synthetic utility of the organic catalysts.

1 Introduction

2 Molecular Structure and Photophysics

3 Photoredox Catalysis Performance

4 Catalysis Mediated by Long-Lifetime Organic Photocatalysts

4.1 Photoredox Catalytic Generation of a Radical Species and its Addition to Alkenes

4.2 Photoredox Catalytic Generation of a Radical Species and its Addition to Arenes

4.3 Photoredox Catalytic Generation of a Radical Species and its Addition to Imines

4.4 Photoredox Catalytic Generation of a Radical Species and its Addition to Substrates Having C≡X Bonds (X=C, N)

4.5 Photoredox Catalytic Generation of a Radical Species and its Bond Formation with Transition Metals

4.6 Miscellaneous Reactions of Radical Species Generated by Photoredox Catalysis

5 Conclusions
In vivo Hemostatic Activity of Jatropha mollissima: A Triple-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial in an Animal Model
Authors: Dantas Maria Vitoria Oliveira , Nogueira Paula Lima , Lima Filipe de Oliveira , Oliveira Denis Candeia Pereira , Gomes Emanuelly Nara Severiano , Rodrigues José Filipe Bacalhau , Amoah Solomon Kweku Sagoe , Rosendo Rosana Araújo , da Penha Elizandra Silva , Dantas Antonio Flávio Medeiros , Fook Marcus Vinícius Lia , Lacerda-Santos Rogério , Melquiades de Medeiros Luanna Abílio Diniz
Published: August 2021

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic activity of the sap from Jatropha mollissima (Pohl) Baill. in rats.

Materials and Methods Twenty-four Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n = 6): the JM25 and JM40 groups were treated with ethanolic extract from the sap of J. mollissima, in a concentration of 25 and 40 mg·mL1, respectively; the MO group was treated with Monsel’s solution and the control group SC with a 0.9% sodium chloride solution.

Statistical Analysis Data were submitted to the Kurskal–Wallis’ test, followed by Dunn’s post hoc (p < 0.05).

Results There was a significant reduction in the bleeding time of the group from the JM25 extract (p = 0.001) when compared with MO and SC. There were no statistically significant differences between groups JM25 and JM40 (p > 0.05). The JM25 group did not present rebleeding, a result significantly different from the MO group (p = 0.001). Monsel’s solution showed significant bleeding, six times greater than the control group SC.

Conclusion The J. mollissima extract, in the concentration of 25 mg·mL1, showed the highest hemostatic efficiency and was found to be a promising biomaterial for the elaboration of a hemostatic product.
Effect of Yellow Propolis on Biocompatibility of Cements: Morphological and Immunohistochemistry Analysis
Authors: Meneses Izaura Helena Chaves de , Sampaio Gêisa Aiane de Morais , Vieira Rayssa Amaral , Campos Márcio José da Silva , Alves Polliana Muniz , Pithon Matheus Melo , Lacerda-Santos Rogério
Published: August 2021

Objective The focus of this study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of ionomer cements modified with ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) in different concentrations and time intervals.

Materials and Methods In total, one hundred and thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomized into nine groups: Control, Groups Meron, and Groups Ketac (conventional, and added with 10, 25, 50% EEP, respectively). Histological analyses of inflammatory infiltrate and collagen fibers, and immunohistochemistry of CD68+ for macrophages (MOs) and multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) were performed.

Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using the Kruskal—Wallis and Dunn (p < 0.05) tests.

Results Intense inflammatory infiltrate was demonstrated in the cements with 10% EEP at 7 days and 15 days (p < 0.05), only Group Ketac 10% EEP (p = 0.01) at 30 days. A smaller quantity of collagen fibers was observed in the cements with 10% EEP (p = 0.01) at 7 days, and Group Meron 10% EEP (p = 0.04) at 15 days. MOs and MGCs showed significant difference for the cements with 10% EEP (p = 0.01) at 7 and 15 days. At 30 days, MOs persisted in the Groups with 10% EEP.

Conclusions The concentration of 10% EEP had the greatest influence on the inflammatory and tissue repair processes. The concentrations of 25 and 50% EEP demonstrated biocompatibility similar to that of cements that did not receive EEP.
Effects of SiO2 Incorporation on the Flexural Properties of a Denture Base Resin: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Alzayyat Sara T. , Almutiri Ghadah A. , Aljandan Jawhara K. , Algarzai Raneem M. , Khan Soban Q. , Akhtar Sultan , Ateeq Ijlal Shahrukh , Gad Mohammed M.
Published: August 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of low-silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nano-SiO2) on the flexural strength and elastic modulus of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base material.

Materials and Methods A total of 50 rectangular acrylic specimens (65 × 10 × 2.5 mm3) were fabricated from heat-polymerized acrylic resin. In accordance with the amount of nano-SiO2, specimens were divided into the following five groups (n = 10 per group): a control group with no added SiO2, and four test groups modified with 0.05, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 wt% nano-SiO2 of acrylic powder. Flexural strength and elastic modulus were measured by using a 3-point bending test with a universal testing machine. A scanning electron microscope was used for fracture surface analyses. Data analyses were conducted through analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05).

Results Compared with the control group, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity tended to significantly increase (p ˂ 0.001) with the incorporation of nano-SiO2. In between the reinforced groups, the flexural strength significantly decreased (p ˂ 0.001) as the concentrations increased from 0.25 to 1.0%, with the 1.0% group showing the lowest value. Furthermore, the elastic modulus significantly increased (p ˂ 0.001) at 0.05% followed by 1.0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and least in control group.

Conclusion A low nano-SiO2 addition increased the flexural strength and elastic modulus of a PMMA denture base resin.
Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment by a Trifid Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament
Authors: Bhandari Prem Singh
Published: August 2021

Anatomical variations at the suprascapular notch may limit the available space for the suprascapular nerve (SSN), and cause its entrapment in the tight osseoligamentous tunnel. The author encountered the presence of a trifid superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) while operating on a patient with SSN entrapment. Surgical division of the three bands resulted in complete regression of symptoms.
Tetrahydrocurcumin Downregulates MAPKs/cPLA2 Signaling and Attenuates Platelet Thromboxane A2 Generation, Granule Secretion, and Thrombus Growth
Authors: Li Weiqi , Ma Yongjie , Zhang Chunmei , Chen Binlin , Zhang Xiandan , Yu Xin , Shuai Hongyan , He Qilian , Ya Fuli
Published: August 2021

Platelet granule secretion plays a key role in atherothrombosis. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol compound derived from turmeric, exerts multiple biological activities. The current study sought to investigate the efficacy of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC, the major active metabolite of curcumin) on platelet granule secretion in vitro and thrombus formation in vivo. We found that THC significantly attenuated agonist-induced granule secretion in human gel-filtered platelets in vitro, including CD62P and CD63 expression and platelet factor 4, CCL5, and adenosine triphosphate release. These inhibitory effects of THC were partially mediated by the attenuation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) phosphorylation, leading to a decrease in thromboxane A2 (TxA2) generation. Moreover, the MAPK (Erk1/2, JNK1/2, and p38 MAPK) signaling pathways were downregulated by THC treatment, resulting in reduced cPLA2 activation, TxA2 generation, and granule secretion. Additionally, THC and curcumin attenuated murine thrombus growth in a FeCl3-induced mesenteric arteriole thrombosis model in C57BL/6J mice without prolonging the tail bleeding time. THC exerted more potent inhibitory effects on thrombosis formation than curcumin. Through blocking cyclooxygenase-1 activity and thus inhibiting platelet TxA2 synthesis and granule secretion with aspirin, we found that THC did not further decrease the inhibitory effects of aspirin on thrombosis formation. Thus, through inhibiting MAPKs/cPLA2 signaling, and attenuating platelet TxA2 generation, granule secretion, and thrombus formation, THC may be a potent cardioprotective agent.
Dynamic behaviors of wind turbines under wind and earthquake excitations
Authors: Xi Renqiang , Wang Piguang , Du Xiuli , Xu Chengshun
Published: August 2021

The dynamic behaviors of wind turbines subjected to combined wind-earthquake loading were investigated. Numerical simulations were performed to examine the influence of wind speed and earthquake intensity on the dynamic behaviors of wind turbines after evaluating the influence of randomness of wind. Subsequently, the effect of start time and input angle of earthquakes on seismic responses of wind turbines was evaluated to explore the temporal and spatial combinations of wind and earthquake loads. It is noted that the wind increases and decreases the response amplitude of the wind turbine under weak and strong earthquake excitations, respectively. Consequently, the most unfavorable seismic load conditions are represented by the wind–earthquake combination in the former scenario and by only the earthquake case in the latter scenario. Because the start time of earthquakes can significantly affect the dynamic response of the wind turbine, sufficient wind samples must be generated to obtain the mean of the response amplitudes. Moreover, the input angle of earthquakes influences the seismic response of wind turbines, owing to the asymmetry of aerodynamic damping and blade stiffness. Consequently, the combination of wind and earthquake excitations in the space domain must be considered prudently.
Simulation of high Schmidt number fluids with dissipative particle dynamics: Parameter identification and robust viscosity evaluation
Authors: Lauriello N. , Kondracki J. , Buffo A. , Boccardo G. , Bouaifi M. , Lisal M. , Marchisio D.
Published: August 2021

Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) is a widely used coarse-grained technique for the simulation of complex fluids. Although the method is capable of describing the hydrodynamics of any fluid, the common choice of DPD parameters, such as friction coefficient γ, dissipative cutoff radius rcD, coarse-graining factor Nm and weighting function exponent s, unrealistically leads to the simulation of liquid water with a low Schmidt number Sc at standard pressure and temperature. In this work we explored the influence of these parameters, finding the set of parameters needed to properly simulate liquid water. Particular attention was devoted to the numerical techniques to calculate the transport properties from equilibrium simulations, especially in the calculation of the viscosity, comparing the most commonly adopted techniques and formulating a recipe that can be used for further investigations.
Monolithically integrated InGaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well photodetectors on 300 mm Si wafers
Authors: Mehdi H. , Martin M. , Jany C. , Virot L. , Hartmann J. M. , Da Fonseca J. , Moeyaert J. , Gaillard P. , Coignus J. , Leroux C. , Licitra C. , Salem B. , Baron T.
Published: August 2021

Near infrared light detection is fundamental for sensing in various application fields. In this paper, we detail the properties of InGaAs/AlGaAs multiple quantum well (MQW) photodetectors (PDs) monolithically integrated by direct epitaxy on 300 mm Si(001) substrates. A MQW high crystalline quality is achieved using 300 mm Ge/Si pseudo-substrates with a low threading dislocation density of 4 × 107 cm−2 from electron channeling contrast imaging measurements. The localized states in the MQW stack are investigated using temperature-dependent photoluminescence. Two non-radiative recombination channels are identified. The first one is due to delocalized excitons generated by potential’s fluctuations because of the InGaAs/AlGaAs interfacial roughness (with an activation energy below 4 meV). The second one is due to exciton quenching because of the presence of numerous threading dislocations. A low dark current density of 2.5 × 10−5 A/cm2 is measured for PDs on Ge/Si substrates, i.e., a value very close to that of the same PDs grown directly on GaAs(001) substrates. A responsivity of 36 mA/W is otherwise measured for the photodiode on Ge/Si at room temperature and at −2 V.
Impact of growth parameters on the background doping of GaN films grown by ammonia and plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy for high-voltage vertical power switches
Authors: Wang Jianfeng , Jorgensen Kelsey Fast , Farzana Esmat , Qwah Kai Shek , Monavarian Morteza , Biegler Zachary J. , Mates Thomas , Speck James S.
Published: August 2021

We report on ammonia and plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (NH3-MBE and PAMBE) grown GaN layers with a low net carrier concentration (Nnet). Growth parameters, such as growth rate, V–III ratio, and plasma power, were investigated on different substrates to study their impact on surface morphology and background doping levels using atomic force microscopy and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements, respectively. The elevated growth rates are especially interesting for vertical power switches, requiring very thick drift regions (over 10 μm) with low background concentrations. For our NH3-MBE-grown layers, Nnet shows an almost linear increase with the growth rate. Using a freestanding substrate and at a fast growth rate of 1.4 μm hr−1, a Nnet value as low as 1 × 1015 cm−3 was achieved. For samples grown via PAMBE, the lowest Nnet among samples grown under a Ga adlayer was 2 × 1016 cm−3 for a growth rate of 0.32 μm h−1 on a GaN-on-sapphire template. The results support the use of MBE for growing high-quality GaN material with reasonably fast growth rates maintaining low background doping levels for high-voltage vertical power electronic devices.
Magnetohydrodynamic natural convection of a hybrid nanofluid from a sinusoidal wavy cylinder placed in a curve-shaped cavity
Authors: Parvin Salaika , Roy Nepal Chandra , Saha Litan Kumar
Published: August 2021

A numerical investigation has been executed in a curve-shaped enclosure crammed with a hybrid nanofluid containing a wavy-shaped inner cylinder with the existence of a magnetic field. A mixture of copper and alumina nanoparticles in a normal water-based solution is used to create the hybrid nanofluid. The natural convective flow in the enclosure is generated as a result of the temperature difference between a cold outer curve-shaped enclosure and a hot inner wavy cylinder. A numerical parametric examination is performed for several values of the Rayleigh number, volume concentration of nanoparticles, Hartmann number, and wave number of the inner cylinder. Outcomes are explained in terms of velocity field, isotherms, and local and average Nusselt numbers with changes in physically significant parameters. The outcomes reveal that the rate of thermal transmission is considerably augmented for rising the concentration of the hybrid nanofluid and Rayleigh number; however, with a higher Hartmann number, opposite tendency is exhibited. In addition, the intensity of the fluid flow and the heat transfer inside the enclosure are controlled by the number of waves in the internal cylinder.
Syphilis, HIV and other STI positivity in clients presenting as contacts of syphilis at Sydney Sexual Health Centre
Authors: Blackie Annika , Bourne Christopher , Varma Rick
Published: August 2021

There is a paucity of contemporary data pertaining to sexually transmitted infection test positivity of people presenting as contacts of syphilis. Over a 12 month period in 2018, within a sexual health service, we identified 191 (92% men who have sex with men) presentations, 7.8% were diagnosed with syphilis (three primary, four secondary, six early latent and two late latent infections). A total of 20.8% (38/183) were diagnosed with one or more STI including 54 non-syphilis infections: two (1.1%) new HIV; 26 (14.2%) Chlamydia trachomatis; and 24 (13.1%) Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Although syphilis test positivity in contacts is low, this population requires comprehensive STI screening and HIV prevention discussion.
Variable strategies to solve risk–reward tradeoffs in carnivore communities
Authors: Ruprecht Joel , Eriksson Charlotte E. , Forrester Tavis D. , Spitz Derek B. , Clark Darren A. , Wisdom Michael J. , Bianco Marcus , Rowland Mary M. , Smith Joshua B. , Johnson Bruce K. , Levi Taal
Published: August 2021

Significance

An incomplete understanding of the total influence competitively dominant predators exert on subordinate species hinders our ability to anticipate the effects that changing carnivore populations will have on ecological communities. Here, we show that cougars are the architects of a complex behavioral game of risk and reward, because subordinate or cooccurring carnivores are both provisioned and preyed on by the dominant predators. Each cooccurring carnivore species considered here employed a different strategy to approach the risk–reward tradeoff, suggesting there are multiple viable solutions to the game. By not considering the multitude of effects dominant predators have on other carnivores, we are missing important linkages in terrestrial food webs.
The LpoA activator is required to stimulate the peptidoglycan polymerase activity of its cognate cell wall synthase PBP1a
Authors: Sardis Marios F. , Bohrhunter Jessica L. , Greene Neil G. , Bernhardt Thomas G.
Published: August 2021

Significance

Class A penicillin-binding proteins (aPBPs) assemble the bacterial cell wall and are the targets of penicillin and related β-lactam antibiotics. In gram-negative bacteria, the aPBPs require outer membrane lipoproteins to function. However, little is known about how these proteins promote the activity of their cognate synthases in cells. Here, we show that one of these lipoproteins, called LpoA, has a much more pronounced effect on aPBP activity in cells than anticipated from biochemical studies. It not only modulates the cross-linking of cell wall polymers but is also required for the aPBP to make the polymers in the first place. Our findings therefore provide insights into the regulation of an important class of antibiotic targets in their native cellular context.
On the four grades / four calls of Chinese rime tables
Authors: Orlandi Georg
Published: August 2021

The present paper seeks to discuss and clarify the notions of ‘Grades’ and ‘Calls’ of traditional Chinese rime tables, which are commonly related to the presence or absence of glides, and continue to be taken as a basis for reconstructing vocalic and semi-vocalic portions of the post-initial elements in medieval and pre-medieval Chinese syllables. It is argued that, based on the discussions of Grades/Calls by Chinese scholars of the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries, they were probably conceived as degrees of stricture of the phonatory apparatus, with progressive narrowing of the articulatory aperture, from wide and open to narrow and close. It is concluded that the linguistic perspective underpinning the classification of “sounds” in the linguistic tradition of China appears to be remarkably close to concepts long held in other linguistic traditions.
Metapragmatics in indirect reports
Authors: Morady Moghaddam Mostafa , Ostovar-Namaghi Seyyed Ali
Published: August 2021

This study attempts to describe how metapragmatic devices can exert change in indirect reporting. This was achieved through the analysis of naturally occurring indirect reports during interaction. Specifically, indirect reports were extracted from a series of expert talks (≈800 minutes) broadcast by Iranian national TV. The analysis of these expert talks showed cases of communicative ‘know-hows’, where Persian speakers reflectively managed the dialogue in terms of their interpretation of the original utterance. Accordingly, Persian speakers negotiated the degree of reflexivity by changing the verb of saying and by adhering to specific syntactic markers. Thus, contrary to previous research, the present study revealed that Persian indirect reports can benefit from some syntactic markers to show that speakers do not perfectly adhere to the pragmatic force of the original speaker’s utterance. By contrast, Persian speakers use classes of markers, or contextualisation clues (Gumperz 1982), to show their control over the utterances. These markers are generally used to indicate politeness, uncertainty, and summarisation in Persian indirect reports. Such markers can distinguish indirect reports in Persian from those of other languages such as English.
Translational regulation in the brain by TDP-43 phase separation
Authors: Gao Ju , Wang Luwen , Ren Xiaojia , Dunn Justin R. , Peters Ariele , Miyagi Masaru , Fujioka Hisashi , Zhao Fangli , Askwith Candice , Liang Jingjing , Wang Xinglong
Published: August 2021

The in vivo physiological function of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) that governs non–membrane-bound structures remains elusive. Among LLPS-prone proteins, TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kD (TDP-43) is under intense investigation because of its close association with neurological disorders. Here, we generated mice expressing endogenous LLPS-deficient murine TDP-43. LLPS-deficient TDP-43 mice demonstrate impaired neuronal function and behavioral abnormalities specifically related to brain function. Brain neurons of these mice, however, did not show TDP-43 proteinopathy or neurodegeneration. Instead, the global rate of protein synthesis was found to be greatly enhanced by TDP-43 LLPS loss. Mechanistically, TDP-43 LLPS ablation increased its association with PABPC4, RPS6, RPL7, and other translational factors. The physical interactions between TDP-43 and translational factors relies on a motif, the deletion of which abolished the impact of LLPS-deficient TDP-43 on translation. Our findings show a specific physiological role for TDP-43 LLPS in the regulation of brain function and uncover an intriguing novel molecular mechanism of translational control by LLPS.
Dielectric response of electron–hole systems. Nondegenerate case and quantum corrections
Authors: Semkat D , Stolz H , Kraeft W-D , Fehske H
Published: August 2021

Analytical results for the dielectric function in RPA are derived for three-, two-, and one-dimensional semiconductors in the weakly-degenerate limit. Based on this limit, quantum corrections are derived. Further attention is devoted to systems with linear carrier dispersion and the resulting Dirac-cone physics.
Non-equidistant scanning path generation for the evaluation of surface curvature in metrological scanning probe microscopes
Authors: Hu Yaoyuan , Ju Bingfeng
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we present a novel geometry information-based adaptive step (non-equidistance) scanning path generation method for metrological scanning probe microscopes. This method reduces the total amount of required data and enables faster surface scanning speed for large industrial workpieces while preserving adequate geometric information for performance evaluation after surface reconstruction. The grid points are generated iteratively while gaining knowledge of the surface geometry step by step. We focus on the curvature properties and then propose a metric for the curvature information based on the triangulated surface geometry. With certain convergence criteria on the curvature measure variation, the proposed methods promise better surface reconstruction completeness and performance evaluation correctness. Simulations on the algorithm are performed on a typical parametric surface. A brief comparison to height-based scanning algorithm is performed to show the adaptability of the novel method on curvature evaluation. Experimental verifications are conducted to show the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Corrigendum: Is Jakarta a child-friendly city? (2020 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 592 012026)
Authors: Drianda R P , Kesuma M
Published: August 2021

Please see Article PDF for corrigendum text.
Dislocation structure and mobility in the layered semiconductor InSe: a first-principles study
Authors: Rudenko A N , Katsnelson M I , Gornostyrev Yu N
Published: August 2021

The structure and mobility of dislocations in the layered semiconductor InSe is studied within a multiscale approach based on generalized Peierls–Nabarro model with material-specific parametrization derived from first principles. The plasticity of InSe turns out to be attributed to peculiarities of the generalized stacking fault relief for the interlayer dislocation slips such as existence of the stacking fault with a very low energy and low energy barriers. Our results give a consistent microscopic explanation of recently observed (2020 Science
369, 542) exceptional plasticity of InSe.