bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marine Microbial Diversity as Source of Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Shaaban Khaled A.
Published: April 2022

Natural products continue to be a major inspiration and untapped resource for bioactive drug leads/probes [...]
Mechanisms of Resistance to Second-Generation Antiandrogen Therapy for Prostate Cancer: Actual Knowledge and Perspectives
Authors: Pinto Francesco , Dibitetto Francesco , Ragonese Mauro , Bassi Pierfrancesco
Published: April 2022

Prostate cancer therapy for locally advanced and metastatic diseases includes androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Second-generation antiandrogens have a role in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Nevertheless, some patients do not respond to this therapy, and eventually all the patients became resistant. This is due to modifications to intracellular signaling pathways, genomic alteration, cytokines production, metabolic switches, constitutional receptor activation, overexpression of some proteins, and regulation of gene expression. The aim of this review is to define the most important mechanisms that drive this resistance and the newest discoveries in this field, specifically for enzalutamide and abiraterone, with potential implications for future therapeutic targets. Furthermore, apalutamide and darolutamide share some resistance mechanisms with abiraterone and enzalutamide and could be useful in some resistance settings.
Reduction Kinetics of Copper Slag by H2
Authors: Zhang Baojing , Zhang Tingan , Zheng Chao
Published: April 2022

In order to maximize the utilization value of copper slag, a process of smelting copper–iron alloy with copper slag is proposed here. The reduction kinetics of copper slag by H2 are studied in this paper. The main phases of the copper slag were Fe2SiO4 and Fe3O4. The suitable conditions of reduction were a temperature of 1373.15 K, a H2 partial pressure of 40%, and a calcium oxide addition amount of 30%. In these conditions, the metal reduction ratio was 85.12%. The copper slag, after reduction, was heated to 1773.15 K for 4 h. The content of iron in the metal was 85.11%, and the copper content was 10.40%. According to the unreacted nuclear model, the reduction process of copper slag is controlled by internal diffusion and chemical reaction. With the increase of the reduction ratio, internal diffusion is the main influencing factor. The activation energy of H2 reduction copper slag is 29.107~36.082 kJ/mol, which decreases gradually with the H2 partial pressure’s increase. The metal obtained by copper slag reduction contains a certain amount of sulfur, and a desulfurization process is required before it is used.
Response Surface Methodology Analysis of the Effect of the Addition of Silicone Oil on the Transfer of Carbon Dioxide during Bioleaching of Mining Tailings by Native Microorganisms
Authors: Zazueta-Álvarez David , Medrano-Roldán Hiram , Vázquez-Ortega Perla , Núñez-Núñez Cynthia , Fierros-Romero Grisel , Rojas-Contreras Juan , Álvarez-Álvarez Carlos , Reyes-Jáquez Damián
Published: April 2022

The bioleaching of manganese present in mining waste after metal extraction can be catalyzed by Leptospirillum (L.) ferriphilum by allowing atmospheric carbon dioxide to be used in this autotrophic process and generating the subsequent recovery of silver. Bioleaching of metals is widely performed in agitated tanks; therefore, it is important to assess the mass transfer capacity of gaseous substrates, such as carbon dioxide, during the microbial processes. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of the presence and concentration of a transfer vector (silicone oil) added into a stirred-tank bioreactor during bioleaching of mining tailings catalyzed by L. ferriphilum, determined by the combined gas/oil mass transfer coefficient of carbon dioxide (kLaCO2) into the aqueous phase. The experiments were carried out following a Box–Behnken experimental design, evaluating the concentrations of mining waste (30%, 40%, and 50%), Fe2+, serving as electron donor (2, 8, and 14 g/L), and silicon oil (0%, 5%, and 10%). A significant increase in kLaCO2 was observed after the addition of the transfer vector by comparing the lowest kLaCO2 value of 1.68 h−1 (obtained at 50% pulp, 8 g/L Fe2+, and 0% silicone oil) and the highest kLaCO2 of 21.81 h−1 (obtained at 30% pulp, 2 g/L Fe2+, 5% silicone oil). The results showed statistically significant differences in the transfer of carbon dioxide during the bioleaching process with a transfer vector.
Phosphate Record in Pleistocene-Holocene Sediments from Denisova Cave: Formation Mechanisms and Archaeological Implications
Authors: Sokol Ella V. , Kozlikin Maxim B. , Kokh Svetlana N. , Nekipelova Anna V. , Kulik Natalya A. , Danilovsky Viktoria A. , Khvorov Pavel V. , Shunkov Michael V.
Published: April 2022

The distribution of authigenic phosphates in the sedimentary sequence of prehistoric Denisova Cave (Altai, South Siberia) has important archeological implications. The sampled Late Pleistocene–Early Holocene sedimentary sequence in the East Chamber of the cave consists of argilo-sandy-phosphatic sediments intercalated with guano layers of insectivorous bats. The sediments bear partially degraded N-rich organic matter (OM); chitin fragments enriched in S, P, Zn, and Cu; and a set of phosphates. The guano layers record at least three prolonged episodes of cave occupation by colonies of insectivorous bats between 10 kyr and 5 kyr BP, after people had left the cave or visited it rarely in small groups. The formation of phosphates follows the OM biodegradation pathways, with acidic leaching and gradual neutralization of P-rich solutions. The depth profile of authigenic phosphates shows a suite of mineral assemblages that mark a trend from acidic to slightly alkaline pH conditions of guano degradation (from top to bottom): ardealite, taranakite, and leucophosphite corresponding to acidic environments; whitlockite, brushite, and hydroxylapatite, which are stable under slightly acidic and neutral conditions; and hydroxylapatite in coexistence with calcite and stable at the bottom of the leaching profile under alkaline conditions. Authigenic phosphates can be used as reliable indicators of human non-occupation (abandonment) periods of Denisova Cave. Acidic leaching is responsible for disturbance and/or elimination of archaeological and paleontological materials in Late Pleistocene–Early Holocene sediments that were exposed to at least three “acidic waves”.
Review on the Development and Utilization of Ionic Rare Earth Ore
Authors: Luo Xianping , Zhang Yongbing , Zhou Hepeng , He Kunzhong , Luo Caigui , Liu Zishuai , Tang Xuekun
Published: April 2022

Rare earth, with the reputation of “industrial vitamins”, has become a strategic key metal for industrial powers with increasingly significant industrial application value. As a unique rare earth resource, ionic rare earth ore (IREO) has the outstanding advantages of complete composition, rich resource reserves, low radioactivity, and high comprehensive utilization value. IREO is the main source of medium and heavy rare earth raw materials, which are in great demand all over the world. Since the discovery of IREO, it has attracted extensive attention. Scientists in China and the around world have carried out a lot of research and practical work and achieved a series of important breakthroughs. This paper introduces the discovery process, metallogenic causes, deposit characteristics, and the prospecting research progress of IREO, so as to deepen the understanding of the global distribution of ionic rare earth resources and the prospecting direction of ionic rare earth deposits. The leaching principle of IREO, the innovation of leaching process, the influencing factors and technological development of in situ leaching process, and the technical adaptability of in situ leaching process are reviewed. The development of leachate purification and rare earth extraction technology is summarized. We aim to provide guidance for the industrial development of IREO through the above review analysis. Additionally, the problems existing in the development of IREO are pointed out from the aspects of technology, economy, and the environment. Ultimately, a series of suggestions are put forward, such as the development of ammonium free extraction technology in the whole exploitation process of in situ leaching and leachate purification and rare earth precipitation, research on enhancing of seepage and mass transfer process, and research on the development of new technologies for impurity removal of leachate and extraction of rare earth, so as to promote the development of green and efficient exploitation new technologies and sustainable development of ionic rare earth ore.
Phytotoxicity and Accumulation of Copper-Based Nanoparticles in Brassica under Cadmium Stress
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Fu Yutong , Zheng Shunan , Xu Yingming , Sun Yuebing
Published: April 2022

The widespread use of copper-based nanoparticles expands the possibility that they enter the soil combined with heavy metals, having a toxic effect and posing a threat to the safety of vegetables. In this study, single and combined treatments of 2 mg/L Cd, 20 mg/L Cu NPs and 20 mg/L CuO NPs were added into Hoagland nutrient solution by hydroponics experiments. The experimental results show that copper-based Nanoparticles (NPs) can increase the photosynthetic rate of plants and increase the biomass of Brassica. Cu NPs treatment increased the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities of Brassica, and both NPs inhibited ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity. We observed that Cd + Cu NPs exhibited antagonistic effects on Cd accumulation, inhibiting it by 12.6% in leaf and 38.6% in root, while Cd + CuO NPs increased Cd uptake by 73.1% in leaves and 22.5% in roots of Brassica. The Cu content in the shoots was significantly negatively correlated with Cd uptake. The Cd content of each component in plant subcellular is soluble component > cytoplasm > cell wall. Cu NPs + Cd inhibited the uptake of Zn, Ca, Fe, Mg, K and Mn elements, while CuO NPs + Cd promoted the uptake of Mn and Na elements. The results show that copper-based nanoparticles can increase the oxidative damage of plants under cadmium stress and reduce the nutritional value of plants.
Label-Free Detection of Saxitoxin with Field-Effect Device-Based Biosensor
Authors: Ullah Najeeb , Noureen Beenish , Tian Yulan , Du Liping , Chen Wei , Wu Chunsheng
Published: April 2022

Saxitoxin (STX) is a highly toxic and widely distributed paralytic shellfish toxin (PSP), posing a serious hazard to the environment and human health. Thus, it is highly required to develop new STX detection approaches that are convenient, desirable, and affordable. This study presented a label-free electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) sensor covered with a layer-by-layer developed positively charged Poly (amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer. An aptamer (Apt), which is sensitive to STX was electrostatically immobilized onto the PAMAM dendrimer layer. This results in an Apt that is preferably flat inside a Debye length, resulting in less charge-screening effect and a higher sensor signal. Capacitance-voltage and constant-capacitance measurements were utilized to monitor each step of a sensor surface variation, namely, the immobilization of PAMAM dendrimers, Apt, and STX. Additionally, the surface morphology of PAMAM dendrimer layers was studied by using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Fluorescence microscopy was utilized to confirm that Apt was successfully immobilized on a PAMAM dendrimer-modified EIS sensor. The results presented an aptasensor with a detection range of 0.5–100 nM for STX detection and a limit of detection was 0.09 nM. Additionally, the aptasensor demonstrated high selectivity and 9-day stability. The extraction of mussel tissue indicated that an aptasensor may be applied to the detection of STX in real samples. An aptasensor enables marine toxin detection in a rapid and label-free manner.
Angle-Dependent Magic Optical Trap for the 6S1/2↔nP3/2 Rydberg Transition of Cesium Atoms
Authors: Bai Jiandong , Wang Xin , Hou Xiaokai , Liu Wenyuan , Wang Junmin
Published: April 2022

The existence of an anisotropic tensor part of atomic states with an angular momentum greater than 1/2 causes their dynamic polarizabilities to be very sensitive to the polarization direction of the laser field. Therefore, the magic wavelength of the transition between two atomic states also depends on the polarization angle between the quantized axis and the polarization vector. We perform a calculation of the magic conditions of the 6S1/2↔nP3/2 (n = 50–90) Rydberg transition of cesium atoms by introducing an auxiliary electric diople transition connected to the target Rydberg state and a low-excited state. The magic condition is determined by the intersection of dynamic polarizabilities of the 6S1/2 ground state and the nP3/2 Rydberg state. The dynamic polarizability is calculated by using the sum-over-states method. Furthermore, we analyze the dependence of magic detuning on the polarization angle for a linearly polarized trapping laser and establish the relationship between magic detuning and a principal quantum number of the Rydberg state at the magic angle. The magic optical dipole trap can confine the ground-state and Rydberg-state atoms simultaneously, and the differential light shift in the 6S1/2↔nP3/2 transition can be canceled under the magic condition. It is of great significance for the application of long-lifetime high-repetition-rate accurate manipulation of Rydberg atoms on high-fidelity entanglement and quantum logic gate operation.
Probing Nuclear Dipole Moments and Magnetic Shielding Constants through 3-Helium NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Makulski Włodzimierz
Published: April 2022

Multinuclear NMR studies of the gaseous mixtures that involve volatile compounds and 3He atoms are featured in this review. The precise analyses of 3He and other nuclei resonance frequencies show linear dependencies on gas density. Extrapolation of the gas phase results to the zero-pressure limit gives the ν0(3He) and ν0(nX) resonance frequencies of nuclei in a single 3-helium atom and nuclei in molecules at a given temperature. The NMR frequency comparison method provides an approach for determining different nuclear magnetic moments. The application of quantum chemical shielding calculations, which include a more complete and careful theoretical treatment, allows the shielding of isolated molecules to be achieved with great accuracy and precision. They are used for the evaluation of nuclear moments, without shielding impacts on the bare nuclei, for: 10/11B, 13C, 14N, 17O, 19F, 21Ne, 29Si, 31P, 33S, 35/37Cl, 33S, 83Kr, 129/131Xe, and 183W. On the other hand, new results of nuclear moments were used for the reevaluation of absolute nuclear magnetic shielding in the molecules under study. Additionally, 3He gas in water solutions of lithium and sodium salts was used for measuring 6/7Li and 23Na magnetic moments and reevaluating the shielding parameters of Li+ and Na+ water-solvated cations. In this paper, guest 3He atoms that play a role in probing the electron density in many host macromolecules are also presented.
Propagation of Cosmic Rays in Plasmoids of AGN Jets-Implications for Multimessenger Predictions
Authors: Becker Tjus Julia , Hörbe Mario , Jaroschewski Ilja , Reichherzer Patrick , Rhode Wolfgang , Schroller Marcel , Schüssler Fabian
Published: April 2022

After the successful detection of cosmic high-energy neutrinos, the field of multiwavelength photon studies of active galactic nuclei (AGN) is entering an exciting new phase. The first hint of a possible neutrino signal from the blazar TXS 0506+056 leads to the anticipation that AGN could soon be identified as point sources of high-energy neutrino radiation, representing another messenger signature besides the established photon signature. To understand the complex flaring behavior at multiwavelengths, a genuine theoretical understanding needs to be developed. These observations of the electromagnetic spectrum and neutrinos can only be interpreted fully when the charged, relativistic particles responsible for the different emissions are modeled properly. The description of the propagation of cosmic rays in a magnetized plasma is a complex question that can only be answered when analyzing the transport regimes of cosmic rays in a quantitative way. In this paper, therefore, a quantitative analysis of the propagation regimes of cosmic rays is presented in the approach that is most commonly used to model non-thermal emission signatures from blazars, i.e., the existence of a high-energy cosmic-ray population in a relativistic plasmoid traveling along the jet axis. It is shown that in the considered energy range of high-energy photon and neutrino emission, the transition between diffusive and ballistic propagation takes place, significantly influencing not only the spectral energy distribution, but also the lightcurve of blazar flares.
Energy and Exergy Analysis of Biogas-Powered Power Plant from Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Food and Animal Waste
Authors: Ruwa Tonderai Linah , Abbasoğlu Serkan , Akün Ertan
Published: April 2022

Despite the research that has been conducted on biogas production from different waste materials through the anaerobic digestion process, there are still limited studies on their application for thermal systems. This paper presents an energetic and exergetic analysis of a multigeneration system comprising a micro-gas turbine, an organic Rankine cycle (ORC), an absorption chiller, and a water heater. It uses energy from biogas combustion produced through anaerobic co-digestion of food and animal waste. The reported biogas yield from 3 different studies was used in designing the fuel input for the system. The results showed that substrate combination of poultry manure and food waste (Biogas-A) needs 35.07 tons of volatile solids (tons-VS/day) of waste compared to 33.11 tons-VS/day for Biogas-B (Cattle manure and food waste), and 81.87 tons-VS/day for Biogas-C (swine manure and corn straw). For an increase in the methane content from 40% to 60%, the substrate amounts were reduced by 42.3% for Biogas-A, 45.3% for Biogas-B, and 42.7% for Biogas-C. Likewise, for an increase in recuperator effectiveness from 65% to 95%, the substrate amounts reduced by 31.6% for Biogas-A, 30.3% for Biogas-B, and 31.4% for Biogas-C. Increasing the ambient temperature was shown to have an adverse effect on the performance of the system. The energy efficiency of the system reduced from 47.8% to 39.8% and the exergy efficiency reduced from 63% to 60% for an increase from 5 °C to 40 °C. The total exergy destruction of the system also increased from 1760 kW to 1885 kW. The results from this study will give an overview for future practical design for electricity production from waste and the choice of biomass materials to be utilized.
Development and Application of SONIC Divertor Simulation Code to Power Exhaust Design of Japanese DEMO Divertor
Authors: Asakura Nobuyuki , Hoshino Kazuo , Homma Yuki , Sakamoto Yoshiteru ,   Joint Special Design Team for Fusion DEMO
Published: April 2022

An integrated divertor simulation code, SONIC, has been developed in order to predict a self-consistent transport solution of the plasma, neutral and impurities in the scrape-off layer (SOL) and divertor. SONIC code has contributed to determining the divertor design and power handling scenarios for the Japanese (JA) fusion demonstration (DEMO) reactor. Radiative cooling scenario of Ar impurity seeding and the divertor performance have been demonstrated to evaluate the power exhaust scenarios with Psep = 230–290 MW. The simulation identified the decay length of the total parallel heat flux profile as being broader than the electron one, because of the ion convective transport from the outer divertor to the upstream SOL, produced by the plasma flow reversal. The flow reversal also reduced the impurity retention in the outer divertor, which may produce the partial detachment. Divertor operation margin of key power exhaust parameters to satisfy the peak qtarget ≤ 10 MWm−2 was determined in the low nesep of 2 − 3 × 1019 m−3 under severe conditions such as reducing radiation loss fraction, i.e., f*raddiv = (Pradsol + Praddiv)/Psep and diffusion coefficients (χ and D). The divertor geometry and reference parameters (f*raddiv ~ 0.8, χ = 1 m2s−1, D = 0.3 m2s−1) were consistent with the low nesep operation of the JA DEMO concepts. For either severe assumption of f*raddiv ~ 0.7 or χ and D to their half values, higher nesep operation was required. In addition, recent investigations of physics models (temperature-gradient force on impurity, photon transport, neutral–neutral collision) under the DEMO relevant SOL and divertor condition are presented.
What Proportion of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Published in the Annals of Surgery Provide Definitive Conclusions—A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Davey Matthew G. , Davey Martin S. , Lowery Aoife J. , Kerin Michael J.
Published: April 2022

Objective: To perform a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the Annals of Surgery during a 10-year eligibility period and determine the unambiguity of concluding statements of these reviews published in the journal. Background: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses integrate clinically pertinent results from several studies to replicate large-volume, ‘real world’ scenarios. While the assimilation of results from multiple high-quality trials are at the summit of the evidence-base, the increasing prevalence of reviews using low-to-moderate levels of evidence (LOE) limit the ability to make evidence-based conclusions. In surgery, increasing LOE are typically associated with publication in the highest impact surgical journals (e.g., Annals of Surgery). Methods: A systematic review was performed as per PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search of the Annals of Surgery for articles published between 2011 and 2020 was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: In total, 186 systematic reviews (with or without meta-analyses) were published in the Annals of Surgery between 2011 and 2020 (131 systematic reviews with meta-analyses (70.4%) and 55 without meta-analyses (29.6%)). Study data were from 22,656,192 subjects. In total, 94 studies were from European research institutes (50.5%) and 58 were from North American institutes (31.2%). Overall, 75.3% of studies provided conclusive statements (140/186). Year of publication (P = 0.969), country of publication (P = 0.971), region of publication (P = 0.416), LOE (P = 0.342), surgery performed (P = 0.736), and two-year impact factor (IF) (P = 0.251) failed to correlate with conclusive statements. Of note, 80.9% (106/131) of meta-analyses and 61.8% of systematic reviews (34/55) provided conclusive statements (P = 0.009, †). Conclusions: Over 75% of systematic reviews published in the Annals of Surgery culminated in conclusive statements. Interestingly, meta-analyses were more likely to provide conclusive statements than systematic reviews, while LOE and IF failed to do so.
The Effect of EMG Features on the Classification of Swallowing Events and the Estimation of Fluid Intake Volume
Authors: Malvuccio Carlotta , Kamavuako Ernest N.
Published: April 2022

Nowadays, society is experiencing an increase in the number of adults aged 65 and over, and it is projected that the older adult population will triple in the coming decades. As older adults are prone to becoming dehydrated, which can significantly impact healthcare costs and staff, it is necessary to advance healthcare technologies to cater to such needs. However, there has not been an extensive research effort to implement a device that can autonomously track fluid intake. In particular, the ability of surface electromyographic sensors (sEMG) to monitor fluid intake has not been investigated in depth. Our previous study demonstrated a reasonable classification and estimation ability of sEMG using four features. This study aimed to examine if classification and estimation could be potentiated by combining an optimal subset of features from a library of forty-six time and frequency-domain features extracted from the data recorded using eleven subjects. Results demonstrated a classification accuracy of 95.94 ± 2.76% and an f-score of 94.93 ± 3.51% in differentiating between liquid swallows from non-liquid swallowing events using five features only, and a volume estimation RMSE of 2.80 ± 1.22 mL per sip and an average estimation error of 15.43 ± 8.64% using two features only. These results are encouraging and prove that sEMG could be a potential candidate for monitoring fluid intake.
Material-Specific Determination Based on Microscopic Observation of Single Microplastic Particles Stained with Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Aoki Hiroshi
Published: April 2022

Microplastics are increasingly suspected of having serious negative effects on ecological systems and living organisms. These effects are different based on the materials of the microplastics, leading to the importance of the determination of the materials. For material determination, spectral fingerprints based on FT-IR and Raman microspectroscopy are previously and commonly used, though they require patience and special skills. In this study, we have developed a novel technique for microscopic observation of single microplastic particles stained with fluorescent dyes to enable fluorescence-based determination of materials of these particles as a first screening of material determination. Commercially available and popular microplastic particles and fluorescent dyes were used. Fluorescence microscopy was carried out to observe the degree of fluorescent intensity for various combinations of microplastics and dyes based on the difference in fluorescent intensity of microplastics before and after staining with the dyes. We have found a dependence of the fluorescent intensity on the combination of the microplastics and the dye. Fluorescein gave the highest increase in intensity for PS (polystyrene), showing a statistically significant difference between fluorescent intensity for PS and that for PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene). The use of Fluorescein thus enables specific detection of PS. On the other hand, Nile Red gave the highest increase in fluorescence for PP, indicating that the combination of Nile Red and PP gives a significantly greater interaction than with other combinations. The use of Nile Red thus enables the specific detection of PP. These results indicate the possibility of the material determination of microplastics by using fluorescent dyes. This is the first demonstration of the differential determination of the materials of single-particle microplastics based on a material-specific increase in fluorescent intensity by staining microplastics with fluorescent dyes.
Machine Learning for Detection of Muscular Activity from Surface EMG Signals
Authors: Di Nardo Francesco , Nocera Antonio , Cucchiarelli Alessandro , Fioretti Sandro , Morbidoni Christian
Published: April 2022

Background: Muscular-activity timing is useful information that is extractable from surface EMG signals (sEMG). However, a reference method is not available yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the reliability of a novel machine-learning-based approach (DEMANN) in detecting the onset/offset timing of muscle activation from sEMG signals. Methods: A dataset of 2880 simulated sEMG signals, stratified for signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and time support, was generated to train a hidden single-layer fully-connected neural network. DEMANN’s performance was evaluated on simulated sEMG signals and two different datasets of real sEMG signals. DEMANN was validated against different reference algorithms, including the acknowledged double-threshold statistical algorithm (DT). Results: DEMANN provided a reliable prediction of muscle onset/offset in simulated and real sEMG signals, being minimally affected by SNR variability. When directly compared with state-of-the-art algorithms, DEMANN introduced relevant improvements in prediction performances. Conclusions: These outcomes support DEMANN’s reliability in assessing onset/offset events in different motor tasks and the condition of signal quality (different SNR), improving reference-algorithm performances. Unlike other works, DEMANN’s adopts a machine learning approach where a neural network is trained by only simulated sEMG signals, avoiding the possible complications and costs associated with a typical experimental procedure, making this approach suitable to clinical practice.
Preparation and Antioxidant Activities of Phenylethanoids from Dracocephalum heterophyllum
Authors: Lv Yue , Wang Ze , Wu Qian , Fang Yan , Wang Qilan , Li Gang , Dang Jun
Published: April 2022

The health benefits of Dracocephalum heterophyllum are widely reported in traditional Tibetan medicines, but the reported chemical composition is limited, probably due to difficulties in separating and purifying compounds. In this study, antioxidative phenylethanoids were isolated from an extract of Dracocephalum heterophyllum using medium- and high-pressure liquid chromatography, coupled with on-line HPLC–1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl recognition. Firstly, crude samples (1.3 kg) of Dracocephalum heterophyllum were pretreated via silica gel medium-pressure liquid chromatography to yield 994.0 g of Fr2, of which 10.8 g was then pretreated via MCI GEL®CHP20P medium-pressure liquid chromatography. The resulting Fr23 and Fr25 were further separated and purified using high-pressure liquid chromatography, and yielded 8.08 mg of Fr2391, 9.76 mg of Fr2551, 16.09 mg of Fr2581, and 8.75 mg of Fr2582. Furthermore, analysis of the purity and structures of the phenylethanoids suggested that Fr2391, Fr2551, Fr2581, and Fr2582 corresponded to decaffeoylverbascoside, rosmarinic acid, acteoside, and 2′-O-acetylplantamajoside, respectively, with all being over 95% pure. Finally, the antioxidant potential of the compounds was explored based on their ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine, as well as through molecular docking of proteins related to antioxidant pathways. Altogether, our findings revealed that the proposed method is promising for separating pure antioxidative phenylethanoids from other natural compounds.
How Does a Foucauldian Genealogical Approach Enhance the Study of Long-Term Care through a Critical Disability Lens?
Authors: Hewitt Michelle
Published: April 2022

Younger disabled adults in long-term care, particularly those with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses, receive care that does not fit their needs. This article looks at whether a Foucauldian genealogical approach would enhance a study that focuses on the societal values that have allowed this situation to persist. It looks at the historical and cultural contingencies of genealogy, and its ability to explore the complex power relations at play, in normalization and biopower. It concludes that there is a place for this approach–one that can be adapted from the 1970s approach of Foucault to fit power dynamics and positioning in care in the 2020s.
Time-Restricted Feeding Improved Vascular Endothelial Function in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity Rat Model
Authors: Azemi Ahmad Khusairi , Siti-Sarah Abdul Rahim , Mokhtar Siti Safiah , Rasool Aida Hanum Ghulam
Published: April 2022

Obesity, where there is enhancement of stored body fat in adipose tissues, is associated with cardiovascular complications that are mainly related to atherosclerosis. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is a form of restricted eating aimed at reducing weight in obese subjects. The present study aims to investigate changes in vascular endothelial function, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and protein kinase B (Akt) protein expressions with TRF in obese and normal rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two normal and three obese groups; obesity was induced in the obese groups by feeding with a high-fat diet (HFD) for six weeks. After six weeks, rats were equally divided into five groups (n = 7 per group): Normal group (NR) which continued on a standard diet for six more weeks, normal group switched to TRF with a standard diet for six weeks (NR + TRFSD), obese group (OR) which continued on HFD for six more weeks, obese group switched to TRF of HFD (OR + TRFHFD), and obese group switched to TRF of a standard diet (OR + TRFSD). TRF was practiced for six weeks, after which the rats were sacrificed. Aortic endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxations and contractions were assessed using the organ bath. Aortic eNOS and Akt protein expressions were determined using immunoblotting. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, body mass index (BMI), serum lipid profile, Lee’s index, serum insulin levels, and sensitivity (HOMA-IR) were also measured. Endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly impaired, while endothelium-dependent contraction increased in obese rats compared to that in normal rats. Both obese groups which underwent TRF with a HFD and standard diet improved their impairments in endothelium-dependent relaxation and reduced endothelium-dependent contraction; these were associated with increased expressions of aortic eNOS and Akt protein. Both obese groups with TRF reduced body weight, BMI, Lee’s index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and improved insulin sensitivity. TRF improved endothelium-dependent relaxation and reduced endothelium-dependent contraction, thus attenuating endothelial dysfunction in obese rats. These were associated with increased aortic eNOS and Akt protein expressions.
The Effectiveness of Merge the (A-ECMS) with Heuristics Rule-Based Control Strategy for Energy Management in a Parallel HEVs
Authors: Raheem Mohammed , Ali Abdul Baki , Munahi Basil
Published: April 2022

The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is considered an effective technique to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The effectiveness of the HEVs in reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emissions is required an accurate division of the total power demand between energy sources. This aim is reached by an accurate design of energy management strategy (EMS) in the HEVs. Dynamic programming is an effective strategy to found the optimal solution for energy management. This technique requires the driving cycle to be known previously, wherefore it's not suitable to implement in real-time. The Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS) is an effective technique that can be implemented in real-time. This strategy is used to estimate and adapt the equivalent factor (EF) in real-time, which is used to convert the electric energy from the battery to equivalent fuel cost. The value of the (EF) varies with the driving cycle, therefore, the (EF) is suitable for a certain driving cycle and may lead to weak performance to another. This work proposed a technique based on the battery state of charge feedback called adaptive prediction (AP) to estimate and adapt the equivalent factor in real-time. The best-obtained results are ranged between (11.1 to 32.889) % for several different driving cycles.
Determination of Deoxygenation Coefficient for Al-Robat and Al-Jubyla Creeks in Basrah City/ South of Iraq
Authors: Hadi Hanaa , Khudhair Kifah
Published: April 2022

Al-Robat and Al-Jubyla creeks, which composes the study area, are two of the main six creeks branched from Shatt Al- Arab river in Basrah province, south of Iraq. They are used as open drains for discharging untreated sanitary sewage which caused the depletion of their dissolved oxygen and subsequently the deterioration of their water quality. To study the impact of discharging untreated sanitary sewage on study area water quality, measured in terms of dissolved oxygen concentration, it is necessary to determine the values of deoxygenation coefficient (K1). The aim of this study is to find K1 values for the study area using laboratory results of BOD time series analyses. For this purpose, water samples were collected from eight locations distributed along the study area. Thomas graphical method was applied to calculate K1. The results showed that the K1 values for Al-Robat and Al-Jubyla creeks ranged from 0.279 to 0.488 day ˗ 1 at 20 °C with ultimate BOD values varied over the range (40.5-258.6) mg/l. These results revealed that the water in Al-Robat and Al-Jubyla creeks has the characteristics of raw sewage.
Shear Behavior of Two-Layer Beams Made of Normal and Lightweight Concrete Layers
Authors: AL-Farttoosi Hayder , Abdulrazzaq Oday , Hussain Haleem
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the shear strength behavior of two-layer reinforced concrete beams consisting of two different types of concrete. One of the layers made of lightweight concrete (LWC) and the other was normal weight concrete (NWC). A total of 16 shear deficient reinforced concrete beams were fabricated and cast with NWC, LWC, and two-layer beam of both material with different configuration. All the beams were tested under four-point loading after 28 days. The variables of the experimental program include the ratio of thickness of the lightweight concrete layer to the overall depth of beam (hLW/h), and concrete compressive strength. Experimental results which include load-deflection response curves along with failure modes for NWC, LWC and two-layer beams. The results showed that all beams failed in a similar mode, due to diagonal tension shear crack. Based on the experimental results it can be also concluded that the shear load is governed by compressive strength of lower layer of the concrete when the shear span to overall depth (a/h) of the beams is 2.75 or more. While for the a/h 2.375 and 2.00 the two-layer beam has a significant reduction in the shear capacity compared to the NWC beams and increasing compared to LWC beam. The ratio of experimental shear stress divided by the root square of concrete compressive strength (vexp⁄√(f_c^' )), which demonstrates the diagonally cracked concrete's ability to transfer strain and shear was maintained for all configurations greater than 0.17, which is the minimal value recommended by ACI318-19.
Effect of Fiber Orientation Angle on Stress Intensity Factor of Composite Plate Using Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM)
Authors: Kahyoosh Maha , Laftah Rafil , Nassar Ameen
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the effect of fiber orientation angle on the stress intensity factor SIF for carbon epoxy composite plates with single-edge, center, and inclined cracks of varying lengths under tensile load. The stress intensity factor and shape factor were calculated individually for each case, with nine different fiber orientation angles computed using the extended finite element method XFEM concepts. It is found the stress intensity factor increases with increasing crack lengths while the shape factor decreases. In the case of single edge cracks, the SIF increases in the average value reached (173 %) for composite plates with different fiber orientation angles, while in the case of the center crack, the average value of SIF reaches (81 %). It was observed in this study that the increases in stress intensity factor and the decreases in the shape factor with different crack lengths were more stable in the composite plate with a fiber orientation angle of 75°. The higher values of SIF at an angle of 75° are because of the high probability of fiber slippage at 75° due to induced shear stresses in addition to the tensile stresses at the fiber-matrix interface. As a result, the crack tip has a high-stress intensity factor.
El razonamiento jurídico en la toma de decisiones para la Gobernabilidad
Authors: Castilla Barraza Jaime Gabriel
Published: April 2022

Se busca proporcionar elementos para la discusión sobre la relación entre razonamiento jurídico y gobernabilidad, a partir de la revisión sistemática de la evidencia científica disponible en SCOPUS, en lo concerniente a ambos conceptos. Como método, se realizó la búsqueda en SCOPUS de los términos “razonamiento jurídico” y “gobernabilidad”, descartándose los artículos que no estén disponibles para su descarga gratuita. De esta búsqueda, resultaron 4 267 referencias alusivas a razonamiento jurídico y 167 568 a gobernabilidad. Tras su revisión, se concluye que la gobernanza surge como imperativo para contar con un entorno democrático, pues se relaciona con la eficacia gubernamental y calidad regulatoria. En tanto, el razonamiento jurídico permite razonar sobre explicaciones y preguntas críticas que apuntan a fuentes de duda. Se concluye que la gobernanza se sostiene en un marco jurídico, y éste a su vez en el razonamiento jurídico. La relación entre ambos permite mantener el estatus quo.
O trabalhador com deficiência: considerações sobre o cenário nacional e internacional / The disabled worker: considerations about the national and international scenario
Authors: Vasconcelos Fernanda Mussato , Wellichan Danielle da Silva Pinheiro
Published: April 2022

Pensar no contexto do trabalho para a pessoa com deficiência (PcD) é pensar não somente na sua busca de condição financeira melhor, mas também no apoio da família, que é essencial, na qualificação profissional pra concorrer às vagas, nas questões de acessibilidade no local de trabalho e nas atitudes sociais da equipe de trabalho. Ainda que no contexto brasileiro exista a Lei de Cotas (Lei n. 8.213/91), a PcD continua encontrando inúmeras dificuldades para o acesso e permanência no mercado de trabalho e a lei em si, não garante que essa inserção aconteça ou estabelece sob quais condições ela deveria acontecer efetivamente. Ao tratar da questão do mercado de trabalho para a PcD em contexto brasileiro, questiona-se também como acontece em outros países. Como será a relação entre o mercado de trabalho e a pessoa com deficiência em outras localidades? O que aproxima e distancia as realidades no mercado de trabalho de cada pessoa com deficiência? Essa é a proposta do presente texto, apresentar, ainda que de forma sucinta, um panorama a respeito do trabalhador com deficiência no contexto nacional e internacional. Buscou-se na literatura nacional e internacional, materiais impressos e eletrônicos em bases de dados e repositórios institucionais para a construção do referencial teórico. Metodologicamente, trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica, baseada nos pressupostos teóricos de Marconi e Lakatos (2003) e Gil (2002). No cenário brasileiro observou-se que nem sempre as vagas de trabalho ofertadas são preenchidas e que muitas vezes são criadas especificamente para contemplar as exigências vigentes na legislação. Acerca da situação empregatícia das PcD em outros países, nota-se que apesar da existência de legislações fomentando a contratação, faltam, assim como no Brasil, mecanismos práticos para o cumprimento da lei. Há dois lados distintos na conjuntura em estudo: um que busca conquistar seu espaço (PcD) e outro (empregador) que a aceita teórica e aparentemente, mas na prática pouco faz para isso, como se comprova nos entraves encontrados e citados em estudos, além daqueles denunciados na mídia.
Online Hate Speech: User Perception and Experience Between Law and Ethics
Authors: Fischer-Lessiak Gregor , Sackl-Sharif Susanne , Millner Clara
Published: April 2022

‘Governance’ of online hate speech (OHS) has become a buzzword in social media research and practice. Inputs from a plethora of stakeholders, international organisations, platforms, governments, and NGOs are discussed by academics, (social) media executives and lawmakers around the globe. In these discussions, the opinions of users remain underexplored, and data on their experiences and perceptions is scarce. The present paper focuses on five case studies of model OHS postings in the context of the Austrian OHS governance system. For these case studies, 157 respondents assessed in an online survey whether a posting should be deleted according to their own ethical standards, whether they believed that this posting was currently punishable under Austrian criminal law, and whether it should be punishable. Furthermore, respondents indicated how they deal with OHS in their daily lives when confronted with it on digital platforms. Using social sciences, human rights, and criminal law approaches, we found that OHS-awareness among our respondent group was high and that there is a preference for state regulation, i.e., punishability under national criminal law, and for the deletion of OHS postings. Simultaneously, readiness for counter-speech and reporting of postings for deletion remains relatively low. Thus, OHS postings are hardly ever answered directly or forwarded to specialised organisations and/or the police. If OHS postings are reported, it is mostly done via the channels of the respective platform.
Contextual Factors behind Audience Engagement Behaviours of YouTube Vloggers: A Case Study
Authors: Zhang Hantian
Published: April 2022

YouTube as a social media site for online videos has become a major platform for the distribution and consumption of video blogs (vlogs). Famous YouTube video bloggers (vloggers) can obtain large audiences and become important for product marketing. The success of vloggers can be related to the achievement of audience engagement, manifested by viewers’ participation and consumption on YouTube. Existing studies have explored vloggers’ audience engagement behaviours (AEBs) in their videos. This work-in-process research shifts focus from content to the vlogging “context” - situational factors involved during the production of vlogs. Context has been studied in subjects including human-computer interactions (HCI), television and language use, but rarely in vlogging. Previous research unveiled that context could affect bloggers’ written content. Research in marketing suggests the effect of context on brands’ engagement strategies towards consumers. However, the relationships between vlogging context and vloggers’ AEBs in videos have rarely been explored.  This study explores the question “How can vlogging context affect vloggers’ audience engagement behaviours in videos?”  This study implemented a qualitative analysis of videos from two famous UK YouTube vloggers.  The analysis currently focuses on exploring how three key types of context (vlogger, audience and environmental context ) may affect the two AEBs – interaction and self-disclosure. The results propose that the three contexts affect vloggers’ AEBs through multiple contextual factors within each context. This highlights the importance of the vlogging context regarding its impact on vloggers’ implementation of AEBs. The study contributes to establishing a further understanding of AEBs of vloggers by taking context into account in addition to content. It provides another angle to evaluate vloggers and social media producers’ practices for building audiences.