bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver Fibrosis is Associated with a Decrease in Gait Speed in Older Men with Chronic Liver Disease: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fudeyasu Kenichi , Nomura Takuo , Kawae Toshihiro , Iwaki Daisuke , Nakashima Yuki , Nagao Akiko , Hiramatsu Akira , Aikata Hiroshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Kimura Hiroaki
Published: September 2021

Background: Although it has already been reported that chronic liver disease (CLD) can induce sarcopenia, the impact of sarcopenia, especially on motor function, in older patients with CLD is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of liver fibrosis on motor function in these patients.Methods: In all, 117 older patients with CLD aged above 60 years (men, n=70; women, n=47) were included in this study. We examined the presence or absence of sarcopenia and checked motor functions such as muscle strength and walking speed. The results were compared between patients with FIB-4 index of >3.25, indicative of severe-degree liver fibrosis (SLF), and those with an index of <3.25, indicative of low-degree liver fibrosis (LLF). We also analyzed the factors related to the decrease in gait speed.Results: The decrease in gait speed (<1.0 m/s) was significantly higher (P = 0.027) and the knee extension force (KEF) was significantly lower (P = 0.010) in men with SLF than in those with LLF. In this study, liver fibrosis (odds ratio [OR] = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.56–0.90) and KEF (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.02–1.16) were identified as factors associated with the decrease in gait speed.Conclusions: Older male patients with CLD have decreased motor function as the disease progresses. We found that the decrease in gait speed is related to liver fibrosis and KEF. It is necessary to focus on the motor function of older patients with CLD, especially the gait speed.
Identification of Hub Gene and Potential Drugs for Enzalutamide Resistant Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Depend On Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Chen Xi , Wu Yechen , Wang Xinan , Xu Chengdang , Wang Licheng , Yao Yicong , Wu Denglong , Wu Gang
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAndrogen deprivation therapy (ADT) is still the first line method to treat PCa. However, after a period of therapy, primary PCa will inevitably progress into castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Enzalutamide (MDV3100) is an androgen receptor (AR) signal inhibitor which can delay the progression of CRPC and increase survival of patients with metastatic CRPC. However, the mechanisms of enzalutamide resistant castration-resistant prostate cancer (EnzR CRPC) are still controversial. MethodsWe collected RNA-seq data of enzalutamide resistant castration-resistant prostate cancer cell line LNCaP (EnzR LNCaP) from GSE44905, GSE78201 and GSE150807. We found hub gene from the three datasets. Then we tested the expression of hub gene in TCGA database and potential drug that has effect on hub gene. Finally, we verified the hub gene expression and drug function.ResultsFrom GSE44905, GSE78201 and GSE150807, we found 45 differently expressed genes (DEGs) between LNCaP and EnzR LNCaP. Ten hub gene were found in protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The hub gene expression and survival analysis were analyzed by GEPIA depend on TCGA database. We found that CDK6 was highly expressed in both EnzR LNCaP cell and prostate cancer patients. Ten potential small molecules can suppress CDK6 expression from CMap. Finally, we verified the expression of CDK6 in both CRPC patients’ samples and prostate cancer cell lines. The function of three potential CDK6 inhibitors, apigenin, chrysin and fisetin, was tested in prostate cancer cell lines.ConclusionsThe study proved that the mutation of CDK6 maybe a reason to the occurrence of CRPC and suppress CDK6 expression may be a potential way in treating CRPC.
COVID-19 Infection With Humoral Immunodeficiency in Midwestern United States
Authors: Jalil Maaz , Pietras Julianne , Ahmed Syed , Daniels Phuong , Hostoffer Robert
Published: September 2021

Background: The coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) has infected many individuals worldwide and continues to pose a significant threat to those with weakened immune systems. A paucity of data exists evaluating the clinical outcomes of patients with humoral immunodeficiencies that contract COVID-19. Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 infections in patients with primary humoral immunodeficiency. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort review on 15 patients with a humoral immunodeficiency including Common Variable Immunodeficiency, Specific Antibody Deficiency, or unspecified hypogammaglobulinemia, who contracted COVID-19. Severity scores were determined to evaluate the clinical outcomes of these patients. Results: Of our 15-patient cohort, 33% of individuals with a humoral immunodeficiency infected with COVID-19 had a more severe disease, requiring hospitalization or resulting in death. COVID-19 mortality rate was found to be 7%. All 5 of our patients with more severe infection had at least 1 comorbidity. Conclusion: Within our cohort of humoral immunodeficient patients infected with COVID-19 we found a higher rate of severe infections and worse clinical outcomes.
Scalable Synthesis of Iron Oxide–Based Composite Films As Freestanding Negative Electrodes With Ultra-High Areal Capacitances For High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Jyothibasu Jincy Parayangattil , Wang Ruei-Hong , Ong Kenneth , Ong Juping Hillary Lin , Lee Rong-Ho
Published: September 2021

This paper reports a simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly procedure for the synthesis of cellulose/functionalized carbon nanotube (f-CNT)/Fe2O3 (CCF) composite films and their performance as freestanding negative electrodes in supercapacitors. A facile chemical precipitation process was performed at room temperature within a short reaction time without requiring any of the special processing conditions used in the conventional hydrothermal synthesis, making it the most cost-efficient method for the bulk-scale production of sustainable supercapacitors. The binder-free negative electrode with ultra-high active material loading exhibited outstanding areal (9107.1 mF cm–2) and volumetric (314 F cm–3) capacitances, which were much greater than the values reported previously in the literature for negative electrodes. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor cell featuring cellulose/f-CNT/MnO2 (CCM) and CCF as its positive and negative electrodes, respectively, achieved superior electrochemical performances. Therefore, on account of the economic and environmental superiority of this method and its bulk scalability, this paper provides a simple, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach for the development of sustainable supercapacitors for practical use.
Molecular Evolutionary Process of Advanced Gastric Cancer During Sequential Chemotherapy Detected by Circulating Tumor DNA
Authors: Xi Wenqi , Zhou Chenfei , Zhang Shouwei , Zhao Yi , Chen Yawei , Ji Jun , Ma Tao , Wu Junwei , Shangguan Chengfang , Zhu Zhenggang , Zhang Jun
Published: September 2021

Background: Chemotherapy is the major strategy for advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients, whereits efficacy has largely plateaued. Tumor evolutionary theory provides a promising strategy to optimize paradigm of cancer treatment, while current data of molecular changes during sequential chemotherapy is too insufficient to understandevolutionary process in tumors. Methods: Here, we performed NGS analysison 100 circulatingtumor DNA (ctDNA) samples collected from 27 AGC patients during treatment of sequentialchemotherapy. We observed dynamic changes of copy number instability (CNI) and gene-level copy number variations (CNVs) during the treatment.Results: Gene-levelCNV profiles were similar between baseline and end oftreatment. Subsequent regimens did not significantly change the CNV profiles driven by first-line regimens. Based on changes of copy number values of genes during treatment, resistance related genes of all four regimens were identified, respectively. These genes could be enriched into several common oncologic pathways, while exhibited a high inter-patient heterogeneity. Genes with different copy number values between baseline and end of treatment could be the targets of by molecular matched therapy. Conclusions: Our study provides important information to understand molecular evolutionary process of AGS patients during sequential chemotherapy first and can help to optimize future treatment strategies.
Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (GEPNET) Registry 2009-2018: A Large Multi-country Registry with Over 1000 GEPNET Patients
Authors: Yalcin Suayib , Turna Hande , Shimon Ilan , Shyr Yi-Ming , Shan Yan-Shen , Aykan Nuri Faruk , Saglam Sezer , Sezer Ahmet , Yumuk Perran Fulden , Ramos Jose , Yeh Kun-Huei , Hanna Colette , Lim Hwee Yong , Bhudhisawasdi Vajarabhongsa , Aktas Gokmen , Bai Li-Yuan , Raef Hussein , Chiu Tai-Jan , Lau Mike , Slader Cassandra , Hwang Tsann-Long
Published: September 2021

Background: This 8-year observational, multicenter, registry study was undertaken to assess the incidence and regional trends in diagnosis, clinical management, and outcome assessments of patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET) in the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Turkey, and South Africa.Materials and Methods: Patient data including demographics, primary tumor site, tumor differentiation, diagnosis, treatment modalities, outcomes were collected via a web-based data entry portal.Results: Overall, 974 patients were enrolled, and 951 of which were evaluated (median age: 54 years). Pancreas was the most commonly reported primary tumor site. Non‑functioning and functioning (most common: carcinoid) tumors were reported in 61.9% and 27.9% of patients, respectively. Abdominal pain was the most commonly reported symptom. Surgery was the most-commonly employed initial treatment, followed by treatment with somatostatin analogs; >80% of patients had open surgery and R0 resection. Satisfactory response to the initial treatment modality was reported for 56.4% of patients. Overall survival rate was 96.3% at 6 months since diagnosis and 72.9% at 60 months. Median progression-free survival was 60.9 months since first diagnosis and 60.5 months after first treatment, with a 6-month progression-free survival of 95.0%. Conclusion: The GEP-NET registry provides important information relating to the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the participating countries. This analysis highlighted the need for improvements in the clinical practice to ensure better evaluation and treatment management.
Quantized State Feedback-Based H∞ Control for Nonlinear Parabolic PDE Systems via Finite-Time Interval
Authors: Chang Xiao-Heng , Li Teng-Fei , Park Ju H.
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the finite-time H∞ control problem of nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation (PDE) systems with parametric uncertainties is studied. Firstly, based on the definition of the quantiser, static state feedback controller and dynamic state feedback controller with quantization are presented, respectively. The finite-time H∞ control design strategies are subsequently proposed to analyze the nonlinear parabolic PDE systems with respect to the effect of quantization. And by constructing appropriate Lyapunov functionals for the studied systems, sufficient conditions for the existence of the feedback control gains and the quantizer’s adjusting parameters which guarantee the prescribed attenuation level of H∞ performance are expressed as nonlinear matrix inequalities. Then, by using some inequalities and decomposition technic, the nonlinear matrix inequalities are transformed to standard linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Moreover, the optimal H∞ control performances are pursued by solving optimization problems subject to the LMIs. Finally, to illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the finite-time H∞ control design strategies, an application to the catalytic rod in a reactor is explored.
An Observational Study of Team-Based Learning (TBL) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in the Teaching of Neuromuscular Disease
Authors: Niu Jingwen , Zhao Jun , Tan Ying , Huang Yangyu , Xu Yan , Pan Hui , Peng Bin , Zhu Yicheng , Cui Liying , Guan Yuzhou
Published: September 2021

Background To explore the practicability of team-based learning (TBL) and problem-based learning (PBL) in the teaching of neuromuscular disease in the Department of Neurology.Methods During 2012 and 2015, eighty-eight interns from Peking Union Medical College were randomly assigned to the TBL and PBL groups. In the TBL group of 6~8 interns, the teaching process included case preparation, group discussion, oral presentation and teacher assessment. In the PBL group of 24~34 interns, the process included case preparation, oral presentation and teacher assessment. After the teaching process, students were evaluated for basic knowledge, clinical thinking ability, document search numbers and a course experience questionnaire (CEQ); teachers were evaluated based on the effect of class teaching.Results There was no significant difference in the scores of neuroanatomy, neurology, diagnostics, neuromuscular disease or case writing between the TBL and PBL groups before the internship. After the learning process, there was no significant difference in the scores of neuroanatomy, neurology and neuromuscular disease. However, the TBL group performed better than the PBL group in clinical localization diagnosis, literature retrieval ability and inquiry learning ability. Evaluation by teachers showed that there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in teaching objectives, preclass preparation, basic knowledge, integration of basic knowledge and clinical practice, and overall teaching effect; however, the TBL group was superior to the PBL group in class atmosphere, initiative thinking, teamwork and communication between teachers and students.Conclusions Both TBL and PBL could help medical students improve their knowledge of neurology and neuromuscular disease. TBL could better improve students' communication, cooperation, literature searching and inquiry learning abilities.
Aquaporin-4 Expression In The Human Choroid Plexus
Authors: Deffner Felix , Gleiser Corinna , Mattheus Ulrich , Wagner Andreas , Neckel Peter H , Fallier-Becker Petra , Hirt Bernhard , Mack Andreas F
Published: September 2021

Background: The choroid plexus (CP) consists of specialized ependymal cells and underlying stroma and blood vessels, producing the bulk of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CP epithelial cells are the site of the internal blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, show epithelial characteristics (basal lamina, tight junctions), and express aquaporin-1 (AQP1) apically. In contrast, ventricle-lining ependymal cells express aquaporin-4 (AQP4) basolaterallly. The initial purpose of this study was to analyze the expression of aquaporins in the ependyma – CP transition zone in the human brain to gain insights in aquaporin regulation. The results prompted us to investigate aquaporin expression in the mouse CP of different age groups. Methods: We analyzed the CP from eight body donors (age 74-91) applying immunofluorescence, qPCR, and freeze-fracture electron microscopy. We used antibodies against AQP1, AQP4, NKCC1, and Na/K-ATPase. In addition, we compared the CP from young (2 months), adult (12 months) and old (30 months) mice by qPCR and immunofluorescence. Results: Unexpectedly, many cells in the human CP were positive not only for AQP1 but also for AQP4, normally restricted to ependymal cells and astrocytes. Expression of AQP1 and AQP4 was found in the CP of all eight body donors. These results were confirmed by qPCR, and by electron microscopy detecting AQP4-specific orthogonal arrays of particles. To find out whether AQP4 expression correlated with relevant transport-related proteins we investigated expression of NKCC1 and Na/K-ATPase. Immunostaining for NKCC1 was similar to AQP1 and revealed no particular pattern related to AQP4. Co-staining of AQP4 and Na/K-ATPase indicated a trend for an inverse correlation of their expression. To test for the possibility of age-related changes causing AQP4 expression in the CP, we analyzed mouse brains from different age groups and found a significant increase of AQP4 on the mRNA level in old mice compared to young and adult animals. Conclusions: We provide evidence for AQP4 expression in the human and murine CP related to aging which likely contributes to the water flow through the CP epithelium and CSF production. In two alternative hypotheses, we discuss this as a beneficial compensatory, or a detrimental mechanism influencing the previously observed CSF changes during aging.
Comparison of Green Bio-Based Cerium/Alginate vs. Copper/Alginate Beads: Study of Vibrational And Thermal Properties Using Experimental And Theoretical Methods
Authors: Elhoudi Mohammed , Oukhrib Rachid , Celaya Christian A. , Araiza Daniel G. , Abdellaoui Youness , Barra Issam , Brahmi Younes , Bourzi Hassan , Reina Miguel , Albourine Abdallah , Oualid Hicham Abou
Published: September 2021

Herein, bio-based alginate (Alg) containing-metal atom beads (M= Cu and Ce) were synthesized via an alginate cross-linking method, and studied using experimental techniques combined with theoretical simulations. Firstly, FTIR, TGA and SEM analyses were carried out to study the cross-linking structural features,, thermal stability, and surface morphology. Besides, density functional theory (DFT) methods were used to calculate global reactivity parameters such as HOMO-LUMO energy gaps (ΔEH-L), electronegativity (μ), hardness (η), and electrophilic and nucleophilic indicators using both gas and aqueous media ; the latter for the study of the complexation process. Results showed that Alg@Ce and Alg@Cu beads behave differently and as a function of the increasing temperature. This behaviour c was also predicted by the energy conformer differences between Alg@Ce and Alg@Cu, which were found out theoretically and explained with the combined study of the vibrational modes between the carboxylate group with either Cu or Ce. Overall, the reactivity of the Alg@Ce bead was higher than that of the Alg@Cu counterpart; results could be used as a cornerstone to transfer the materials here studied to a wider range of applications.
A Comparison of Subxiphoid and Intercostal Wound Pain in the Same Patients Following Thoracic Surgery
Authors: Liu Yu-Wei , Chou Shah-Hwa , Chou Andre , Kao Chieh-Ni , Chiang Hung-Hsing , Lee Jui-Ying , Li Hsien-Pin , Chang Po-Chih
Published: September 2021

Background: There is a lack of data comparing postoperative pain after subxiphoid and intercostal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Pain is an individual's subjective experience and therefore difficult to compare between different individuals subjected to either procedure. This study assessed reported pain at six postoperative time points in the same patients receiving both subxiphoid and intercostal incisions for thoracic disease. Methods: Data from 26 patients who received simultaneous combined intercostal and subxiphoid VATS were retrospectively analyzed from August 2019 to April 2020. All patients received same length subxiphoid and intercostal incisions with or without drain placements. A numerical pain rating scale was administered on postoperative days (POD)-1, POD-2, POD-Discharge, POD-30, POD-90, and POD-180.Results: Bilateral uniportal VATS was performed in 11 patients and unilateral multiportal VATS in 15 patients. In the unilateral VATS group, there were no significant differences in pain reported for subxiphoid and intercostal incisions. However, in the bilateral VATS group, subxiphoid wounds resulted in significantly higher mean pain scores on POD-1, POD-2, and POD-Discharge (p = 0.0003, 0.001, and 0.03, respectively) but lower pain scores on POD-90 (p = 0.03). Conclusions: In the bilateral VATS group, higher late (3 and 6 months) postoperative pain was associated with intercostal incisions as have been reported by previous studies. Interestingly, subxiphoid incisions were found to have higher early (Day 1, 2, and Discharge) postoperative pain than intercostal incisions. More research is needed to better understand the cause of pain in a surgical area previously not thought to be prone to pain.
Sizing Up Swords: Correlated Evolution of Antlers and Tusks in Ungulates
Authors: Lopez Nicole , Stankowich Theodore
Published: September 2021

Most sexual weapons in sexual combat and visual displays of dominance (e.g., antlers, horns) show positively allometry with body size for both growth during development and evolution across species, but allometry in species with more than one sexual weapon is unstudied. We examined the allometric relationships between body size and tusks (pure combat weapons) and/or antlers (both a visual signal and combat weapon) from forty-three artiodactyl species including the muntjaks (Muntiacinae), which uniquely have both antlers and tusks. We found that in Muntiacinae antler length scales positively allometrically with skull length, whereas tusk size scales isometrically suggesting greater energy investment in antlers as signals over tusks as combative weapons when both are present. Interspecifically, we found that species who possess only one weapon (either solely tusked or solely antlered) scaled positively allometrically with body mass, and the latter relationship levels off at larger body sizes. In our tusk analysis, when we included Muntiacinae species the positive allometric trend was not conserved resulting in an isometric relationship suggesting the possession of antlers negatively affect the energy investment in tusks as weapons. Overall, our findings show that species that possess dual weapons unproportionally invest energy in the development and maintenance of their multiple weapons.
The Effect of CoFe2O4, CuFe2O4 and Cu/CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles on the Optical Properties and Piezoelectric Response of the PVDF Polymer.
Authors: EL-Masry Mai , Ramadan Rania
Published: September 2021

Cobalt ferrite, Copper ferrite and cobalt doped copper ferrite nanoparticles have been synthesized and characterized using different characterization methods (XRD, FTIR and FESEM). The prepared nanoparticles have been used as promising fillers of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer. The PVDF/(Cu-CoFe2O4, CoFe2O4, and CuFe2O4) nanocomposites films have been prepared via a simple solution casting technique. The optical properties and the piezoelectric response of the prepared nanocomposite films have been studied. The study showed that Cu-CoFe2O4, CoFe2O4, and CuFe2O4 have enhanced the interfacial polarization density and dielectric constant. The optical conductivity value of PVDF/ (Cu-CoFe2O4 and CoFe2O4) increased five times compared with the pure PVDF. Also, an increase in the piezoelectric response has been recorded by adding the nano-fillers to the pure PVDF.
Attachment and Grief in Young Adults after the Loss of a Close Friend: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Johnsen Iren , Tømmeraas Ane Martine
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAlthough many lose a close friend each year, they are seldom the focus of grief research. However, these losses often cause severe and long-lasting reactions. Deaths among adolescents and young adults are also often caused by traumatic events, e.g. from accidents, suicides, and homicides, placing them at significant risk for complicated grief reactions. The focus of this paper is bereaved friends after the shootings at Utøya, Norway in 2011, which is among a few studies that focus on bereaved friends, exploring how attachment affects the grief process after the loss of a close friend.MethodsThis paper explores qualitative data from in-depth interviews with thirteen bereaved friends, conducted about 28 months after the loss. The interview sample consisted of eight females and five males, aged 18 to 31 years. The interviews were semi-structured, with a theme guide of 14 questions, and the method used for analyses was systematic text condensation. ResultsTwo main themes were identified from the analyses of the interviews: Friendship and Grief, with the subordinate themes: The importance of the friendship, Longing and remembrance, How the loss has affected other relationships, How the loss has affected the friend’s daily lives, Processing of the grief and Not being family. For most of the bereaved friends the loss and the grief had a profound effect on them and their overall lives, from daily functioning in school or at work, to changes in attitudes, and the way they were met as bereaved. ConclusionsThe support, intimacy, and feelings of togetherness we share with our friends are of great importance and value for all people, but maybe especially for young people. When adolescents and young adults experience losses, their reactions are often intense and long-lasting, and especially complicated grief reactions can affect school performance and concentration, health, result in emotional problems; and disrupt development (e.g. identity formation and social skills). We don’t know much about the grief of bereaved friends and how their reactions can be explained. Thus, we hope that these findings could shed light on their grief reactions, and provide new knowledge on the short- and long-term psychological impact of losses of friends.
Effect of the Utilization of Non-Reciprocal Trade Preferences offered by the QUAD on Economic Complexity in Beneficiary Countries
Authors: GNANGNON Sèna Kimm
Published: September 2021

This article aims to contribute to the nascent literature on the effect of non-reciprocal trade preferences (NRTPs) on industrialization in beneficiary countries. In so doing, it complements the few existing works on the effect of NRTPs on export product diversification by investigating the effect of NRTPs (both the Generalized System of Preferences- GSP programs- and other non-reciprocal trade preferences) offered by the QUAD countries on the level of economic complexity in beneficiary countries. The analysis has relied on 110 beneficiary countries of these NRTPs over the period 2002–2018, and made primarily use of the two-step system Generalized Methods of Moments estimator. The findings are quite interesting. First, beneficiary countries tend to use GSP programs (rather than other trade preferences) to achieve greater economic complexity, and the positive effect of the utilization of GSP programs on economic complexity is higher for high income beneficiary countries than relatively less advanced beneficiary countries. Second, both GSP programs and other non-reciprocal trade preferences are strongly complementary in promoting economic complexity in beneficiary countries, in particular if their usage reach high levels. Third, the utilization of NRTPs enhances economic complexity in countries that receive high foreign direct investment flows. Finally, development aid flows are strongly complementary with the utilization of NRTPs in fostering economic complexity in beneficiary countries, especially for high amounts of development aid. This suggests the need for preference-granting countries (that are also suppliers of development aid) to offer both generous NRTPs and higher development aid flows if those NRTPs are to be effective in expanding the manufacturing base in the beneficiary countries.Jel Classification: F13; F14; O14.
Novas realidades de produção agrícola: possibilidades que o projeto de extensão “feira agroecológica” constrói na educação do campo
Authors: STRECHAR Maria Gabriela , VERGEPKA Audevir , COSTA Cesar Renato Ferreira da , GULAK Gabriel Sedorko , SZOREK Jaine Mariele , FONSECA Marylia Gabriela Ortis da
Published: September 2021

A Agroecologia valoriza pessoas em espaços de troca de saberes, boas práticas e comércio justo. Este artigo reflete o Projeto de Extensão "Feira Agroecológica", associado a educação, propondo novas realidades de produção e modos de vida, versus sistemas agroindustriais integrados, atualmente hegemônicos. A reflexão teórica parte da ideia de transformaçõessocioeconômicas e culturais, pela pedagogia da alternância, sugerindo produção e relações socioambientais diferentes do modelo hegemônico. Pela teoria observa-se a consistência dos três eixos do projeto: viabilidade de comercialização de produtos, a formação contextualizada de sujeitos sociais e produção agrícola humana e ambiental para vida. A educação no campo, convergente a ação da Feira Agroecológica, traria benefícios para agricultores e consumidores, viabilizando espaço para venda de produtos, com rentabilidade necessária, com vida saudável e humanizada fortalecendo a todos, a partir de uma educação contextualizada e constante.
A simplified model of a current transformer for studying relay protection operation in transient conditions
Authors: Mukhametgaleeva T. S. , Fedosov D. S.
Published: September 2021

We develop a simplified model of a current transformer based on its current-voltage characteristic. This model is applicable for studying relay protection operation in transient conditions when no high accuracy or consideration of current transformer magnet core hysteresis is required. The model was developed in MATLAB Simulink using elements of the SimPowerSystems and Simscape libraries. The model uses the transformation ratio and current-voltage characteristic obtained during operational tests of a current transformer. Calculation experiments with non-linear resistance found that a currentvoltage characteristic of voltage and current values can be used to model a current transformer, rather than instantaneous values. The following conditions were simulated: for nominal currents in current transformer windings to check the transformation ratio; for opened secondary winding; with current transformer saturation by increasing secondary loading; increasing the primary current ratio and presence of aperiodic current at the start of the transition process. It was found that the developed current transformer model allows for a correct imitation of all the above conditions. To verify the model, secondary current oscillograms were obtained using real current transformers 10 kV at known primary current, which were compared with nominal oscillograms in the model. The discrepancy between the results of calculational and real experiments was no more than 10% in amplitude values, with high-quality matching obtained for current charts in the model and real current transformers. A significant advantage of the developed model is that its setting requires no information on magnet core cross-section, power line length, steel grade, and the number of current transformer winding turns.
Generation of sodium cyanide by coal gasification for gold recovery factories
Authors: Vasyunina N. V. , Dubova I. V. , Baksheev S. P. , Kovel M. R. , Makarova V. V.
Published: September 2021

The aim was to assess the technological feasibility of generating sodium cyanide by coal gasification, to study the effects of the process parameters (temperature, experiment duration, coal type) on the concentration of sodium cyanide in the resulting solutions, as well as to identify optimal modes of the process. Experiments were carried out on a laboratory setup consisting of a tubular cylindrical furnace equipped with a working compartment in the form of a corundum tube. Lignite and charcoal, preliminarily crushed to increase the specific surface area, were investigated. A solution of sodium cyanide was produced by sorption of gaseous hydrocyanic acid (a syngas component) with a sodium carbonate solution. A NaOH solution (pH = 10) installed in an ice bath was used in the system of absorbers. The content of sodium cyanide in the solution was determined by the titrimetric method. The HSC Chemistry 5.1 software package was used for thermodynamic calculations. During the gasification of charcoal in the temperature range 600–800oC, sodium cyanide solutions with a concentration of 0.03–0.08 wt% were obtained. An increase in temperature from 600 to 900oC led to a 4-fold decrease in the concentration of sodium cyanide in an alkaline solution, under the same duration of the experiments. A regression equation was derived for the dependence of the NaCN concentration in solution on the temperature of coal gasification and the duration of the process. It was shown that the generation of sodium cyanide by coal gasification under laboratory conditions yields sodium cyanide concentrations in solution comparable to those used for gold cyanidation at gold recovery plants. The installation of sodium cyanide generation lines directly at the production areas of gold recovery plants will reduce the production costs by eliminating expenses for purchasing, transporting and storing reagents.
Mathematical modelling of the thermal regime of a ladle- furnace unit considering internal heat sources
Authors: Cheremisin D. D. , Novokreschenov S. A. , Shvydkiy V. S. , Zhukov V. P.
Published: September 2021

We apply mathematical modelling to study heat transfer processes during fire refining of blister copper in a ladle-furnace unit. A ladle-furnace unit was designed to test the refining technology using bottom blowing in a bubble mode by gaseous reducing agents (hydrocarbons) and an oxidiser. Mathematical modelling allows the properties of a real process to be described based on mathematical formalisation of physical laws and regularities. It was proposed to use gaseous reducing agents, rather than expensive residual fuel, as a liquid-reducing agent. The use of gaseous reducing agents in the bottom blowing mode produces higher technical and economic indicators of the process. In addition, some technological operations were transferred directly to the ladle, thereby eliminating the need for re-melting and heating of refined copper. One of the identified problems was the need to maintain the predetermined thermal regime, which provides the very possibility of both performing refining operations and introducing a gaseous reagent (determining the hydro-gas-dynamic parameters) into the melt during bottom blowing. An original method for considering the thermal effects of chemical reactions in mathematical models was presented using an example of exothermic reactions during oxidative refining. The use of two different methods of analysis allowed a comprehensive assessment of the influence of the main exothermic reactions on the thermal regime of the refining process. The presented mathematical models can be used for determining the specific effect of various technological parameters (composition and fuel consumption, temperature and degree of blast enrichment, lining design, etc.) on the dynamics of changes in the temperature field of the melt and the technical and economic parameters of melting as a whole.
The efficiency of copper extraction from magma bodies: Implications for mineralization potential and fluid-silicate melt partitioning of copper
Authors: Zhou Jin-Sheng , Wang Qiang , Wyman Derek A. , Zhao Zhen-Hua , Zhang Le , He Peng-Li
Published: September 2021

Multiple factors may downgrade the mineralization potential of an intermediate-felsic intrusion, such as the commonly invoked inefficient fluid exsolution and lack of ore-forming species (metals and their ligands) in magmas. However, other factors may affect the mineralization potential of a magma body but have poorly understood roles in the formation of magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits. Here, we present a comparison between two Cu mineralizing plutons and a Cu-poor, Fe mineralizing pluton in the Edong district. Efficient fluid exsolution and extraction occurred during the solidification of all three plutons, as evidenced by extensive skarn alteration around them. The results show that the oxidation state of the three plutons is similar (within a range of ~ΔNNO+0.9 to ΔNNO+2.5). A systematic comparison of the Cu contents of a certain suite of minerals of the three plutons shows that the Cu concentrations of all minerals in the Cu mineralizing plutons are lower than those of the Cu-poor Fe mineralizing pluton. This indicates that the Cu mineralizing plutons underwent more efficient copper extraction. Thus, igneous crystals with anomalously low Cu contents may potentially be used as a tool to identify Cu mineralizing magmatic units in a deposit with multiphase intrusions. We suggest that the inefficient copper extraction from plutons may be ascribed to the lack of reduced S species during fluid exsolution or different evolution paths of Cu and Cl during magma crystallization.
Controls on tetrahedral Fe(III) abundance in 2:1 phyllosilicates—Reply
Authors: Cuadros Javier , Michalski Joseph R. , Dyar M. Darby
Published: September 2021

The model of Fe3+ distribution between octahedra and tetrahedra in dioctahedral smectites by Decarreau and Petit (2014) used data from infrared analysis. From their own and other general evidence, the resulting data are likely to be affected by significant uncertainty. This aside, their model has limited application because it is based on synthetic smectites containing only Si, Al, and Fe3+.
New Mineral Names,
Authors: Belakovskiy Dmitriy I. , Uvarova Yulia
Published: September 2021

In this issue

This New Mineral Names has entries for 11 new species, including bohuslavite, fanfaniite, ferrierite-NH4, feynmanite, hjalmarite, kenngottite, potassic-richterite, rockbridgeite-group minerals (ferrirockbridgeite and ferrorockbridgeite), rudabányaite, and strontioperloffite.
DEVELOPMENT OF HERBAL TEA USING MORINGA OLIFERA, ELSHOLTZIA COMMUNIS AND ALPINIA GALANGA: A SENSORY ACCEPTANCE STUDY
Authors:   Department of Food, Nutrition & Dietetics, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam., Baruah Chandrama , Yepthomi Yelika ,   Department of Food, Nutrition & Dietetics, Assam down town University, Guwahati, Assam.
Published: September 2021

The present study aims to develop an herbal tea formulation from leaves of Moringa oleifera incorporating with rhizomes of Alpinia galanga and the inflorescence of Elsholtzia communis with an insight to improve its sensory attributes and also enhancing the nutritional value. The ingredients were processed and three herbal teas HT1, HT2, HT3 were formulated by mixing them at different levels of incorporation. Acceptability trials for color, aroma, taste and overall aceptability revealed that HT2 was the most liked infusion with highest scores for color (7.8), taste (8.04) and overall acceptability (7.96). The total antioxidant capacity of HT2 was determined by the DPPH scavenging activity test by the method of Blois. The methanolic extracts of the herbal tea sample showed 76.12% radical scavenging activity whereas the sample extracted with DMSO showed a lower antioxidants capacity of 62.45%. The shelf life of the herbal tea was studied by storing in different packaging materials. HDPE Zip loc bags, tea bags (packed in paper cartons) and HDPE containers stored the product without spoilage over a period of six months. The developed herbal tea has a good market potential with significant health benefits.
SEISMIC EVALUATION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BUILDING USING NON-LINEAR TIME HISTORY ANALYSIS
Authors:   MSc Research Scholar, Department of Structural Engineering,Civil Engineering School, Southwest Jiaotong University, Sichuan Province, 611756 China., Getachew Yilachew , Yianhui Liu ,   Associate Professor, Department of Structural Engineering,Civil Engineering School, Southwest Jiaotong University, Sichuan Province, 611756 China., Abegaz Tseganesh ,   MSc Research Scholar, Department of Structural Engineering,Civil Engineering School, Southwest Jiaotong University, Sichuan Province, 611756 China.
Published: September 2021

Thestructure exposed to earthquake is required to show inelastic conduct that the misshaping in a part doesnt stay corresponding to the inside power. A non-direct investigation represents the inelastic reaction. Both material non-linearity and mathematical nonlinearity cases are considered. There is plastic distortion and energy assimilation in a part for more significant levels of interior power. This sort of nonlinear conduct is alluded to as material non-linearity. A few diverse hysteresis models are accessible to depict the conduct of various kinds of materials. Generally, these vary in the measure of energy they disperse in a given pattern of distortion, and how the energy dissemination conduct changes with an expanding measure of disfigurement. Turn hysteresis model is utilized. This study work utilizes fifteen-story and two cellars working of 40/60 undertaking of City Government of Addis Ababa Saving House Enterprise as a contextual investigation. A correlation is made between straight versatile examination and non-direct time history as far as story Displacement, Inter-story float, story Shear, Axial power, and Torsion. Along these lines, it ought not to be astonishing that structures endure harm during extraordinary ground shaking. The principal focal point of this work is to assess the seismic obstruction by utilizing non-direct time history investigation with the goal that the harm will be controlled satisfactorily. Seismic contribution to nonlinear unique examinations of constructions is normally characterized as far as speed increase time arrangement. Three references Earthquake Ankober 2016, EL-Centro 1940, and Sierra-Madre 1991 are utilized to create counterfeit time history utilizing time-space strategy. The time-space strategy is by and large viewed as a superior methodology for ghostly coordinating since this technique changes the speed increase time narratives in the time area by adding wavelets.
The impact of family ownership and under-aspiration performance on a firm’s capital structure
Authors: Minh Nguyen Kieu , Minh Vu Tu
Published: September 2021

Research on the capital structure of family firms has flourished in recent years, but the impact of performance aspiration and family ownership together on capital structure remains inadequately investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the impact of family ownership and under-aspiration performance and their interaction on capital structure. Panel data estimations were applied with a unique dataset of 3.857 observations from 387 public firms in Vietnam from 2010 to 2020 (134 family firms and 253 non-family firms). The results reveal that family ownership and under-aspiration performance each has a positive effect on capital structure. However, under-aspiration performance negatively moderates the positive effect of family ownership on capital structure. These findings contribute to a stream of studies on the capital structure of family firms by exploring the role of under-aspiration performance, as well as provide important implications for shareholders, managers and debtors in financial management.
Copula-based modeling of hydraulic structures using a nonlinear reservoir model
Authors: Tan Qiaofeng , Mao Yunze , Wen Xin , Jin Tian , Ding Ziyu , Wang Zhenni
Published: September 2021

Multivariate flood frequency analysis has been widely used in the design and risk assessment of hydraulic structures. However, analytical solutions are often obtained based on an idealized linear reservoir model in which a linear routing process is assumed, and consequently, the flood risk is likely to be over- or underestimated. The present study proposes a nonlinear reservoir model in which the relationships of reservoir water level with reservoir volume and discharge are assumed to be nonlinear in order to more accurately describe the routing process as it takes into consideration the interactions between hydrological loading and different discharge structures. The structure return period is calculated based on the copula function and compared with that based on the linear reservoir model and the bivariate return period based on the Kendall distribution function. The results show that the structure return period based on the linear model leads to an underestimation of the flood risk under the conditions of high reservoir water level. For the same reservoir, linear and nonlinear reservoir models give quite different reservoir volume-water level and discharge-water level curves; therefore, they differ substantially in the sensitivity to flood events with different combinations of flood peak and volume. We also analyze the effects of the parameters involved in the reservoir volume-water level and discharge-water level relationships on the maximum water level at different return periods in order to better understand the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method for different hydraulic projects.
Library-independent source tracking of fecal contamination in selected stations and tributaries of Laguna Lake, Philippines
Authors: Abello Joseth Jermaine M. , Malajacan Gicelle T. , Labrador Kevin L. , Nacario Mae Ashley G. , Galarion Luiza H. , Obusan Marie Christine M. , Rivera Windell L.
Published: September 2021

Laguna Lake is the largest inland freshwater body in the Philippines. Although it is classified to be usable for agricultural and recreational purposes by the country's Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), studies looking at lake ecology revealed severe fecal contamination which contributes to the deterioration of water quality. Determining the sources of fecal contamination is necessary for lake protection and management. This study utilized a library-independent method of microbial source tracking (LIM-MST) to identify sources of fecal contamination in selected Laguna Lake stations and tributaries. Genetic markers of the host-associated Escherichia coli, heat-labile toxin (LTIIA) and heat-stable II (STII), were used to identify cattle and swine fecal contaminations, respectively. Meanwhile, human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was used to identify human fecal contamination. Results identified the presence of agricultural and human fecal contamination in Laguna Lake Stations 1 and 5, Mangangate River, and Alabang River. The selected sites are known to be surrounded by residential and industrial complexes, and most of their discharges find their way into the lake. The identification of the specific sources of fecal contamination will guide management practices that aim to regulate the discharges in order to improve the water quality of Laguna Lake.
Competitive adsorption and mechanism of hexahydroxy metallic system by aminated solution-blown polyacrylonitrile micro/nanofibers
Authors: Lou Huiqing , Li Siyu , Feng Xiangwei , Cao Xianzhong
Published: September 2021

Adsorptive properties for Cd(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) onto amidoxime-functionalized polyacrylonitrile (APAN) micro/nanofibers were systematically investigated in a hexahydroxy metallic solution system using batch experiments. The interactive effect of multi-metal ions in multi- metal systems was antagonistic in nature, and the adsorption capacity in a multi-metal system was lower than that in a single-metal system. The Langmuir isotherm model could explain respectively the isotherm and kinetic experimental data for the hexahydroxy metallic system with much satisfaction. The maximum adsorption capacity in hexahydroxy metallic for Cd(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), Pb(II) and Zn(II) was calculated to be 98 mg/L, 158 mg/L, 80 mg/L, 76, 312 and 58 mg/L individually. The APAN micro/nanofibers possessed good selectivity toward Pb(II) and Cr(III), over Cd(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II), having the highest selectivity coefficients at 17.52 and 6.07 in the test range. The five adsorption-desorption cycle experiments exhibited that APAN micro/nanofibers adsorbent are readily reusable, and have potential for heavy metal removal from wastewater. The adsorption behavior in multi-metal systems was shown to be complex, including surface complexation, antagonistic competition and displacement reactions. The diversity and selectivity in metal ion adsorption onto the micro/nanofibers relate mainly to the stability constants, and the microscopic coupling mechanism between the heavy metal ions and the functional groups on the fiber surface. This interaction mechanism between the favorable component and other metal ions could contribute significantly to the direct displacement impact illustrated schematically.