bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deformation Wave Theory and Application to Optical Interferometry
Authors: Yoshida Sanichiro , Sasaki Tomohiro
Published: March 2020

A method to diagnose the deformation status of solid objects under loading is discussed. The present method is based on a recent field theory of deformation and fracture and optical interferometry known as the Electronic Speckle-Pattern Interferometry (ESPI). Using one of the most fundamental principles of physics referred to as symmetry in physics, this field theory formulates all stages of deformation and fracture on the same theoretical basis. In accordance with the formalism, the theory has defined the criteria for different stages of deformation (linear elastic, plastic and fracturing stages) expressed by certain spatiotemporal features of the differential displacement (the displacement occurring during a small time interval). The ESPI is used to visualize the differential displacement field of a specimen as two-dimensional, full-field interferometric fringe patterns. This paper reports experimental evidence that demonstrates the usefulness of the present method. A tensile load is applied to an aluminum-alloy plate specimen at a constant pulling rate and the resultant in-plane displacement field is visualized with a two-dimensional ESPI setup. The differential displacement field is obtained at each time step and the interferometric fringe patterns are interpreted based on the criterion for each stage of deformation. It has been found that the criteria of linear elastic deformation, plastic deformation and fracturing stage are clearly observed in the corresponding fringe patterns and that the observations are consistent with the loading characteristics.
Decomposition and Arrow-Like Aggregation of Fuzzy Preferences
Authors: Raventós-Pujol Armajac , Campión María J. , Induráin Esteban
Published: March 2020

We analyze the concept of a fuzzy preference on a set of alternatives, and how it can be decomposed in a triplet of new fuzzy binary relations that represent strict preference, weak preference and indifference. In this setting, we analyze the problem of aggregation of individual fuzzy preferences in a society into a global one that represents the whole society and accomplishes a shortlist of common-sense properties in the spirit of the Arrovian model for crisp preferences. We introduce a new technique that allows us to control a fuzzy preference by means of five crisp binary relations. This leads to an Arrovian impossibility theorem in this particular fuzzy setting.
Singular Value Thresholding Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Network Localization
Authors: Ahmad Najib Yasmeen Nadhirah , Daud Hanita , Abd Aziz Azrina
Published: March 2020

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are of great current interest in the proliferation of technologies. Since the location of the sensors is one of the most interesting issues in WSN, the process of node localization is crucial for any WSN-based applications. Subsequently, WSN’s node estimation deals with a low-rank matrix which gives rise to the application of the Nuclear Norm Minimization (NNM) method. This paper will focus on the localization of 2-dimensional WSN with objects (obstacles). Recent studies introduce Nuclear Norm Minimization (NNM) for node estimation instead of formulating the rank minimization problem. Common way to tackle this problem is by implementing the Semidefinite Programming (SDP). However, SDP can only handle matrices with a size of less than 100 × 100. Therefore, we introduce the method of Singular Value Thresholding (SVT) which is an iterative algorithm to solve the NNM problem that produces a sequence of matrices { X k , Y k } and executes a soft-thresholding operation on the singular value of the matrix Y k . This algorithm is a user-friendly algorithm which produces a low computational cost with low storage capacity required to give the lowest-rank minimum nuclear norm solution.
Single-Valued Neutrosophic Linguistic Logarithmic Weighted Distance Measures and Their Application to Supplier Selection of Fresh Aquatic Products
Authors: Wang Jiefeng , Zeng Shouzhen , Zhang Chonghui
Published: March 2020

A single-valued neutrosophic linguistic set (SVNLS) is a popular fuzzy tool for describing deviation information in uncertain complex situations. The aim of this paper is to study some logarithmic distance measures and study their usefulness in multiple attribute group decision making (MAGDM) problems within single-valued neutrosophic linguistic (SVNL) environments. For achieving the purpose, SVNL weighted logarithmic averaging distance (SVNLWLAD) and SVNL ordered weighted logarithmic averaging distance (SVNLOWLAD) measures are firstly developed based on the logarithmic aggregation method. Then, the SVNL combined weighted logarithmic averaging distance (SVNLCWLAD) measure is presented by unifying the advantages of the previous SVNLWLAD and SVNLOWLAD measures. Moreover, a new MAGDM model by utilizing the SVNLCWLAD measure is presented under SVNL environments. Finally, a supplier selection for fresh aquatic products is taken as a case to illustrate the performance of the proposed framework.
Preparation of Superhydrophobic Surface on Titanium Alloy via Micro-Milling, Anodic Oxidation and Fluorination
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Wan Yi , Ren Bing , Wang Hongwei , Yu Mingzhi , Liu Anqi , Liu Zhanqiang
Published: March 2020

The superhydrophobic surface has a great advantage of self-cleaning, inhibiting bacterial adhesion, and enhancing anticoagulant properties in the field of biomedical materials. In this paper, a superhydrophobic surface was successfully prepared on titanium alloy via high-speed micro-milling, anodic oxidation and fluoroalkylsilane modification. The surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscope and a laser scanning microscope. The surface wettability was investigated through the sessile-drop method. Firstly, regular microgrooves were constructed by micro-milling. Then, nanotube arrays were fabricated by anodic oxidation. Afterwards, fluoroalkylsilane was used to self-assemble a monolayer on the surface with a composite micro/nanostructure. Compared to polished titanium samples, the modified samples exhibited superhydrophobic properties with the water contact angle (CA) of 153.7° and the contact angle hysteresis of 2.1°. The proposed method will provide a new idea for the construction of superhydrophobic titanium surgical instruments and implants in the future.
Overexpression of Semaphorin 3A Is a Marker Associated with Poor Prognosis in Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Imoto Tomoko , Kondo Satoru , Wakisaka Naohiro , Hai Pham , Seishima Noriko , Kano Makoto , Ueno Takayoshi , Mizokami Harue , Nakanishi Yosuke , Hatano Miyako , Endo Kazuhira , Sugimoto Hisashi , Moriyama-Kita Makiko , Yoshizaki Tomokazu
Published: March 2020

Semaphorins were discovered as guidance signals that mediate neural development. Recent studies suggest that semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), a member of the semaphorin family, is involved in the development of several cancers. This study aimed to analyze the association of Sema3A with the clinical features of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an Epstein–Barr virus-associated carcinoma, and the Epstein–Barr virus primary oncogene latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). The expression of Sema3A and LMP1 was immunohistochemically examined in the 35 NPC specimens. The mean expression scores for Sema3A and LMP1 were 20.8% ± 14.5% and 13.9% ± 14.8%, respectively. The expression of Sema3A significantly correlated with that of LMP1 (r = 0.41, p = 0.014). In addition, the Sema3A high cohort showed significantly poorer prognosis than the Sema3A low cohort. Sema3A expression was higher in the LMP1-positive KH-1 and KR-4 cell lines compared to the LMP1-negative HeLa cells. Overexpression of LMP1 in the LMP1-negative AdAH cell line upregulated Sema3A expression, both at the transcriptional and translational level. Finally, Sema3A expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with NPC. Our data suggest that LMP1 induces the expression of Sema3A, which may promote tumor progression in NPC.
Surfactant-Free Synthesis and Scalable Purification of Triangular Gold Nanoprisms with Low Non-Specific Cellular Uptake
Authors: Ramírez-Jiménez Rafael , Artiga Álvaro , Mitchell Scott G. , Martín-Rapún Rafael , de la Fuente Jesús M.
Published: March 2020

Gold nanoprisms possess remarkable optical properties that make them useful for medical biotechnology applications such as diagnosis and photothermal therapy. However, shape-selective synthesis of gold nanoprisms is not trivial and typically requires either toxic surfactants or time-consuming purification protocols, which can limit their applicability. Here, we show how triangular gold nanoprisms of different sizes can be purified by precipitation using the non-toxic glutathione ligand, thereby removing the need for toxic surfactants and bottleneck purification techniques. The protocol is amenable for direct scaling up as no instrumentation is required in the critical purification step. The new purification method provides a two-fold increased yield in gold nanoprisms compared to electrophoretic filtration, while providing nanoprisms of similar localized surface plasmon resonance wavelength. Crucially, the gold nanoprisms isolated using this methodology show fewer non-specific interactions with cells and lower cellular internalization, which paves the way for a higher selectivity in therapeutic applications.
Modeling of Complex Interfaces: From Surface Chemistry to Nano Chemistry
Authors: Vekeman Jelle , Tielens Frederik
Published: March 2020

For a few years now, quantum chemical modeling of materials has experienced a tremendous boost due to the increasing computational power [...]
Green Silver Nanoparticles Formed by Phyllanthus urinaria, Pouzolzia zeylanica, and Scoparia dulcis Leaf Extracts and the Antifungal Activity
Authors: Nguyen Dai , Lee Jung , Park Ki , Ching Yern , Nguyen Xuan , Phan V.H. , Hoang Thi Thai
Published: March 2020

Phytoconstituents presenting in herbal plant broths are the biocompatible, regenerative, and cost-effective sources that can be utilized for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Different plant extracts can form nanoparticles with specific sizes, shapes, and properties. In the study, we prepared silver nanoparticles (P.uri.AgNPs, P.zey.AgNPs, and S.dul.AgNPs) based on three kinds of leaf extracts (Phyllanthus urinaria, Pouzolzia zeylanica, and Scoparia dulcis, respectively) and demonstrated the antifungal capacity. The silver nanoparticles were simply formed by adding silver nitrate to leaf extracts without using any reducing agents or stabilizers. Formation and physicochemical properties of these silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. P.uri.AgNPs were 28.3 nm and spherical. P.zey.AgNPs were 26.7 nm with hexagon or triangle morphologies. Spherical S.dul.AgNPs were formed and they were relatively smaller than others. P.uri.AgNPs, P.zey.AgNPs and S.dul.AgNPs exhibited the antifungal ability effective against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium oxysporum, demonstrating their potentials as fungicides in the biomedical and agricultural applications.
Modulation of Cellular Biochemistry, Epigenetics and Metabolomics by Ketone Bodies. Implications of the Ketogenic Diet in the Physiology of the Organism and Pathological States
Authors: Dąbek Arkadiusz , Wojtala Martyna , Pirola Luciano , Balcerczyk Aneta
Published: March 2020

Ketone bodies (KBs), comprising β-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate and acetone, are a set of fuel molecules serving as an alternative energy source to glucose. KBs are mainly produced by the liver from fatty acids during periods of fasting, and prolonged or intense physical activity. In diabetes, mainly type-1, ketoacidosis is the pathological response to glucose malabsorption. Endogenous production of ketone bodies is promoted by consumption of a ketogenic diet (KD), a diet virtually devoid of carbohydrates. Despite its recently widespread use, the systemic impact of KD is only partially understood, and ranges from physiologically beneficial outcomes in particular circumstances to potentially harmful effects. Here, we firstly review ketone body metabolism and molecular signaling, to then link the understanding of ketone bodies’ biochemistry to controversies regarding their putative or proven medical benefits. We overview the physiological consequences of ketone bodies’ consumption, focusing on (i) KB-induced histone post-translational modifications, particularly β-hydroxybutyrylation and acetylation, which appears to be the core epigenetic mechanisms of activity of β-hydroxybutyrate to modulate inflammation; (ii) inflammatory responses to a KD; (iii) proven benefits of the KD in the context of neuronal disease and cancer; and (iv) consequences of the KD’s application on cardiovascular health and on physical performance.
Carp Edema Virus and Cyprinid Herpesvirus-3 Coinfection is Associated with Mass Mortality of Koi (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus) in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Sang Wha , Giri Sib Sankar , Kim Sang Guen , Kwon Jun , Oh Woo Taek , Park Se Chang
Published: March 2020

As koi and common carp gain importance in the Korean fish industry, the need for better diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of associated diseases has increased. In June 2019, the first known case of mass mortality involving cyprinid herpesvirus-3 (CyHV-3) and the second involving carp edema virus (CEV) occurred in a koi farm in Jeolla-do, Korea. Notably, the CEV exhibited a closer phylogenetic relationship with certain CEV strains originating from Poland, Germany, and India than with strains originating from China or Japan. Epidemiological studies and detailed surveillance and control for CEV and CyHV-3 are needed along with quarantine inspections.
The Idea of the Anavatapta Lake in India and Its Adoption in East Asia
Authors: Gao Yang
Published: March 2020

This article centers around the Anavatapta Lake. In East Asian pictorialization of worldview, Maps of Mt. Sumeru, which depict the mountain at the core of the world, are often paired with Maps of India, in which the Anavatapta Lake occupies a significant place. When the concept of the Anavatapta Lake was transmitted from India to China and Japan, it was understood through the lens of local cultures and ideologies, and the lake was envisioned as a site spatially connected to various places in China and Japan. As a result, the idea of the Indian lake located at the center of the human world helped China and Japan formulate their statuses and positions within the religious and geopolitical discourse of Buddhist cosmology. Through investigations of both pictorial and textual sources, this article explores the significance and place that the Anavatapta Lake occupied in East Asian religion and literature.
The Impact of Pan-Sharpening and Spectral Resolution on Vineyard Segmentation through Machine Learning
Authors: Jones Eriita G. , Wong Sebastien , Milton Anthony , Sclauzero Joseph , Whittenbury Holly , McDonnell Mark D.
Published: March 2020

Precision viticulture benefits from the accurate detection of vineyard vegetation from remote sensing, without a priori knowledge of vine locations. Vineyard detection enables efficient, and potentially automated, derivation of spatial measures such as length and area of crop, and hence required volumes of water, fertilizer, and other resources. Machine learning techniques have provided significant advancements in recent years in the areas of image segmentation, classification, and object detection, with neural networks shown to perform well in the detection of vineyards and other crops. However, what has not been extensively quantitatively examined is the extent to which the initial choice of input imagery impacts detection/segmentation accuracy. Here, we use a standard deep convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect and segment vineyards across Australia using DigitalGlobe Worldview-2 images at ∼50 cm (panchromatic) and ∼2 m (multispectral) spatial resolution. A quantitative assessment of the variation in model performance with input parameters during model training is presented from a remote sensing perspective, with combinations of panchromatic, multispectral, pan-sharpened multispectral, and the spectral Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) considered. The impact of image acquisition parameters—namely, the off-nadir angle and solar elevation angle—on the quality of pan-sharpening is also assessed. The results are synthesised into a ‘recipe’ for optimising the accuracy of vineyard segmentation, which can provide a guide to others aiming to implement or improve automated crop detection and classification.
Constructing a New Inter-Calibration Method for DMSP-OLS and NPP-VIIRS Nighttime Light
Authors: Ma Jinji , Guo Jinyu , Ahmad Safura , Li Zhengqiang , Hong Jin
Published: March 2020

The anthropogenic nighttime light (NTL) data that are acquired by satellites can characterize the intensity of human activities on the ground. It has been widely used in urban development assessment, socioeconomic estimate, and other applications. However, currently, the two main sensors, Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s Operational Linescan System (DMSP-OLS) and Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership Satellite’s Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (NPP-VIIRS), provide inconsistent data. Hence, the application of NTL for long-term analysis is hampered. This study constructed a new inter-calibration method for DMSP-OLS and NPP-VIIRS nighttime light to solve this problem. First, NTL data were processed to obtain vicarious site across China. By comparing different candidate models, it is discovered the Biphasic Dose Response (BiDoseResp) model, which is a weighted combination of sigmoid functions, can best perform the regression between DMSP-OLS and logarithmically transformed NPP-VIIRS. The coefficient of determination of BiDoseResp model reaches 0.967. It’s residual sum of squares is 6.136 × 10 5 , which is less than 6.199 × 10 5 of Logistic function. After obtaining the BiDoseResp-calibrated VIIRS (BDRVIIRS), we smoothed it by a filter with optimal parameters to maximize the consistency. The result shows that the consistency of NTL data is greatly enhanced after calibration. In 2013, the correlation coefficient between DMSP-OLS and original NPP-VIIRS data in the China region is only 0.621, while that reaches to 0.949 after calibration. Finally, a consistent NTL dataset of China from 1992 to 2018 was produced. When compared with the existing methods, our method is applicable to the full dynamic range of DMSP-OLS. Besides, it is more suitable for country or larger scale areas. It is expected that this method can greatly facilitate the development of research that is based on the historical NTL archive.
An Approach to the Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Vegetation in the Growing Season in Western China
Authors: Yuan Junfang , Bian Zhengfu , Yan Qingwu , Gu Zhiyun , Yu Haochen
Published: March 2020

Since the implementation of the great western development strategy in 2000, the ecological environment in the western region of China has been significantly improved. In order to explore the temporal and spatial characteristics of vegetation coverage in the western region, this paper adopted the method of Maximum Value Composite (MVC) to obtain the mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) of vegetation on the basis of the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spector audiometer (MODIS) data of 2000/2005/2010/2015/2018. Thereafter, the spatio-temporal differentiation characteristics of vegetation in western China were analyzed. The results show that: (1) According to the time characteristics of vegetation coverage in the western region, the average annual NDVI value of vegetation coverage in the growing season in the western region fluctuated between 0.12 and 0.15, among which that of 2000 to 2010 fluctuated more greatly but did not show obvious change trend. (2) Based on Sen trend and Mann-Kendall test analysis, the area of vegetation coverage improvement in the western region from 2000 to 2018 was larger than that of significant vegetation degradation. (3) From the perspective of global autocorrelation coefficient, Moran’s I values were all positive from 2000 to 2018, which indicates that the vegetation coverage in the west showed strong positive autocorrelation in each period. According to the average value and coefficient of variation of vegetation coverage, the vegetation coverage was lower in 2000, its internal variation was smaller, and the vegetation coverage increased with time. According to the local spatial autocorrelation analysis, the vegetation coverage levels in different regions varied greatly. (4) The standard deviation ellipse method was used to study the spatial distribution and directional transformation of vegetation. It makes the result more intuitive, and the three levels of gravity center shift, direction shift, and angle shift were considered: the vegetation growth condition in the spatial aggregation area improved in 2015; the standard deviation ellipses in 2000 and 2018 overlapped and shifted eastward, which indicates that the vegetation coverage conditions in the two years were similar and got ameliorated.
Modeling the Spatial Distribution of Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) Using Fishery and Remote Sensing Data: Approach and Resolution
Authors: Su Nan-Jay , Chang Chia-Hao , Hu Ya-Ting , Chiang Wei-Chuan , Tseng Chen-Te
Published: March 2020

Swordfish, Xiphias gladius (Linnaeus, 1758), is a commercially important species that is widely distributed throughout three oceans. This species inhabits oceanic waters with preferred environmental ranges and migrates vertically to the surface layer for feeding. However, the spatial distribution pattern and habitat preferences of swordfish have been rarely studied in the Pacific Ocean due to the wide geographic range of this species. This study examined the spatial distribution and preferred ranges of environmental variables for swordfish using two approaches, generalized additive models and habitat suitability index methods, with different spatio-temporal data resolution scales. Results indicated that sea surface temperature is the most important factor determining swordfish spatial distribution. Habitat spatial pattern and preferred environmental ranges, estimated using various modeling approaches, were robust relative to the spatio-temporal data resolution scales. The models were validated by examining the consistency between predictions and untrained actual observations, which all predicted a high relative density of swordfish in the tropical waters of the central Pacific Ocean, with no obvious seasonal movement. Results from this study, based on fishery and remote sensing data with wide spatial coverage, could benefit the conservation and management of fisheries for highly migratory species such as swordfish and tuna.
Investigating the Recent Surge in the Monomah Glacier, Central Kunlun Mountain Range with Multiple Sources of Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Guo Lei , Li Jia , Wu Lixin , Li Zhiwei , Liu Yanyang , Li Xin , Miao Zelang , Wang Wei
Published: March 2020

Several glaciers in the Bukatage Massif are surge-type. However, previous studies in this region focused on glacier area and length changes, and more information is needed to support the deep analysis of glacier surge. We determined changes in glacier thickness, motion, and surface features in this region based on TanDEM-X, ALOS/PRISM, Sentinel-1A, and Landsat images. Our results indicated that the recent surge of the Monomah Glacier, the largest glacier in the Bukatage Massif, started in early 2009 and ceased in late 2016. From 2009 to 2016, its area and length respectively increased by 6.27 km2 and 1.45 km, and its ice tongue experienced three periods of changes: side broadening (2009–2010), rapid advancing (2010–2013), and slow expansion (2013–2016). During 2000–2012, its accumulation zone was thinned by 50 m, while its ice tongue was thickened by 90 m. During 2015–2017, its flow velocity reduced from 1.2 to 0.25 m/d, and the summer velocities were much higher than winter velocities. We conclude that the recent Monomah Glacier surge is thermal-controlled. The subglacial temperature rose to the pressure-melting point because of substantial mass accumulation, and then the increased basal meltwater caused the surge.
Learning and SLAM Based Decision Support Platform for Sewer Inspection
Authors: Chuang Tzu-Yi , Sung Cheng-Che
Published: March 2020

Routine maintenance of drainage systems, including structure inspection and dredging, plays an essential role in disaster prevention and reduction. Autonomous systems have been explored to assist in pipeline inspection due to safety issues in unknown underground environments. Most of the existing systems merely rely on video records for visual examination since sensors such as a laser scanner or sonar are costly, and the data processing requires expertise. This study developed a compact platform for sewer inspection, which consisted of low-cost components such as infrared and depth cameras with a g-sensor. Except for visual inspection, the platform not only identifies internal faults and obstacles but also evaluates their geometric information, geo-locations, and the block ratio of a pipeline in an automated fashion. As the platform moving, the g-sensor reflects the pipeline flatness, while an integrated simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) strategy reconstructs the 3D map of the pipeline conditions simultaneously. In the light of the experimental results, the reconstructed moving trajectory achieved a relative accuracy of 0.016 m when no additional control points deployed along the inspecting path. The geometric information of observed defects accomplishes an accuracy of 0.9 cm in length and width estimation and an accuracy of 1.1% in block ratio evaluation, showing promising results for practical sewer inspection. Moreover, the labeled deficiencies directly increase the automation level of documenting irregularity and facilitate the understanding of pipeline conditions for management and maintenance.
Applying Satellite Data Assimilation to Wind Simulation of Coastal Wind Farms in Guangdong, China
Authors: Xu Wenqing , Ning Like , Luo Yong
Published: March 2020

With the development of the wind power industry in China, accurate simulation of near-surface wind plays an important role in wind-resource assessment. Numerical weather prediction (NWP) models have been widely used to simulate the near-surface wind speed. By combining the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model with the Three-dimensional variation (3DVar) data assimilation system, our work applied satellite data assimilation to the wind resource assessment tasks of coastal wind farms in Guangdong, China. We compared the simulation results with wind speed observation data from seven wind observation towers in the Guangdong coastal area, and the results showed that satellite data assimilation with the WRF model can significantly reduce the root-mean-square error (RMSE) and improve the index of agreement (IA) and correlation coefficient (R). In different months and at different height layers (10, 50, and 70 m), the Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) can be reduced by a range of 0–0.8 m/s from 2.5–4 m/s of the original results, the IA can be increased by a range of 0–0.2 from 0.5–0.8 of the original results, and the R can be increased by a range of 0–0.3 from 0.2–0.7 of the original results. The results of the wind speed Weibull distribution show that, after data assimilation was used, the WRF model was able to simulate the distribution of wind speed more accurately. Based on the numerical simulation, our work proposes a combined wind resource evaluation approach of numerical modeling and data assimilation, which will benefit the wind power assessment of wind farms.
Tackling Complex Social Challenges within Neoliberal Constraints: The Context Shaping ‘Intellectual Quality of Life’ (iQoL) in a Canadian University Context
Authors: Huot Suzanne , McKay Jocelyn , Barbic Skye , Wylie Alison , Weis Dominique , Bean Sherman Sarah , Holsti Liisa
Published: March 2020

The contemporary academic environment in Canada has undergone reorganization based on neoliberal principles, and has increased attention focused on the importance of supporting interdisciplinary initiatives to address complex problems affecting global society. The purpose of our study was to examine the experience of people participating in a specific university-funded interdisciplinary research initiative. As there is a strong emphasis within this program on reporting on the outcomes of the funding that supports interdisciplinary collaboration, our aim was to explore how participation may shape one’s intellectual quality of life (iQoL) and how one’s iQoL could be conceptualized and understood. Using a pragmatic constructivist case study, focus group and individual interviews were undertaken with 30 participants involved with university-funded interdisciplinary research teams. Findings illustrate that their iQoL was shaped by their capacity to engage in and achieve what they viewed as their core work and its outcomes. Related sub-themes addressed the social and relational climate, institutional environment and structure, and expectations and resources. We argue that further development of iQoL as a unique construct is required to adequately measure the full range of people’s experiences in academia, particularly when aiming to address ‘wicked’ social and global problems within a predominantly neoliberal context.
Relationships between Resisted Sprint Performance and Different Strength and Power Measures in Rugby Players
Authors: Zabaloy Santiago , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Freitas Tomás T. , Pareja-Blanco Fernando , Pereira Lucas , Loturco Irineu , Comyns Thomas , Gálvez-González Javier , Alcaraz Pedro E.
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between a specific isometric-strength sprint test (SIST) and unresisted maximum velocity (Vmax), sprint times across different loading conditions, and the velocity loss (Vloss) loads required to achieve each intended Vloss condition during resisted sprint training (RST) in rugby players. Additionally, the investigation examined the relationship between strength in the back-squat one-repetition maximum (1RM-SQ) as well as isometric squat (ISQT), jumps, and sprint performance variables. Twenty (n = 20) male amateur rugby players performed, on two separate occasions, a structural multiple-joint assessment of jumps, strength, and sprint performance. Interestingly, SIST revealed moderate correlations (r = 0.453 to 0.681; p < 0.05) between 1RM-SQ and ISQT. The SISTrel (relative to body mass), but not SIST, used in the present study showed moderate correlations (r = 0.508 to 0.675; p < 0.05) with the loads needed to reach 10%, 30%, and 50% of Vloss during RST. The SISTrel that measures resultant force application in a more sprint-related position explains much of the individual response of each athlete during sprinting towing a sled and can also be used to prescribe and quantify loads in the RST in a more objective and individual manner.
Construction and Immunogenicity of Virus-Like Particles of Feline Parvovirus from the Tiger
Authors: Jiao Cuicui , Zhang Hongliang , Liu Wei , Jin Hongli , Liu Di , Zhao Jian , Feng Na , Zhang Chuanmei , Shi Jing
Published: March 2020

Feline panleukopenia, caused by feline parvovirus (FPV), is a highly infectious disease characterized by leucopenia and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis that severely affects the health of large wild Felidae. In this study, tiger FPV virus-like particles (VLPs) were developed using the baculovirus expression system. The VP2 gene from an infected Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) was used as the target gene. The key amino acids of this gene were the same as those of FPV, whereas the 101st amino acid was the same as that of canine parvovirus. Indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) results demonstrated that the VP2 protein was successfully expressed. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting (WB) results showed that the target protein band was present at approximately 65 kDa. Electron micrograph analyses indicated that the tiger FPV VLPs were successfully assembled and were morphologically similar to natural parvovirus particles. The hemagglutination (HA) titer of the tiger FPV VLPs was as high as 1:218. The necropsy and tissue sections at the cat injection site suggested that the tiger FPV VLPs vaccine was safe. Antibody production was induced in cats after subcutaneous immunization, with a >1:210 hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titer that persisted for at least 12 months. These results demonstrate that tiger FPV VLPs might provide a vaccine to prevent FPV-associated disease in the tiger.
High Prevalence of Rotavirus A in Raw Sewage Samples from Northeast Spain
Authors: Silva-Sales Marcelle , Martínez-Puchol Sandra , Gonzales-Gustavson Eloy , Hundesa Ayalkibet , Gironès Rosina
Published: March 2020

Rotavirus A (RVA) is the most common virus associated with infantile gastroenteritis worldwide, being a public health threat, as it is excreted in large amounts in stool and can persist in the environment for extended periods. In this study, we performed the detection of RVA and human adenovirus (HAdV) by TaqMan qPCR and assessed the circulation of RVA genotypes in three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) between 2015 and 2016 in Catalonia, Spain. RVA was detected in 90% and HAdV in 100% of the WWTP samples, with viral loads ranging between 3.96 × 104 and 3.30 × 108 RT-PCR Units/L and 9.51 × 104 and 1.16 × 106 genomic copies/L, respectively. RVA VP7 and VP4 gene analysis revealed the circulation of G2, G3, G9, G12, P[4], P[8], P[9] and P[10]. Nucleotide sequencing (VP6 fragment) showed the circulation of I1 and I2 genotypes, commonly associated with human, bovine and porcine strains. It is important to mention that the RVA strains isolated from the WWTPs were different from those recovered from piglets and calves living in the same area of single sampling in 2016. These data highlight the importance of monitoring water matrices for RVA epidemiology and may be a useful tool to evaluate and predict possible emergence/reemergence of uncommon strains in a region.
A Turkey-origin H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus Shows Low Pathogenicity but Different Within-host Diversity in Experimentally Infected Turkeys, Quail and Ducks
Authors: Świętoń Edyta , Tarasiuk Karolina , Olszewska-Tomczyk Monika , Iwan Ewelina , Śmietanka Krzysztof
Published: March 2020

Avian influenza virus (AIV) is a highly diverse and widespread poultry pathogen. Its evolution and adaptation may be affected by multiple host and ecological factors, which are still poorly understood. In the present study, a turkey-origin H9N2 AIV was used as a model to investigate the within-host diversity of the virus in turkeys, quail and ducks in conjunction with the clinical course, shedding and seroconversion. Ten birds were inoculated oculonasally with a dose of 106 EID50 of the virus and monitored for 14 days. Virus shedding, transmission and seroconversion were evaluated, and swabs collected at selected time-points were characterized in deep sequencing to assess virus diversity. In general, the virus showed low pathogenicity for the examined bird species, but differences in shedding patterns, seroconversion and clinical outcome were noted. The highest heterogeneity of the virus population as measured by the number of single nucleotide polymorphisms and Shannon entropy was found in oropharyngeal swabs from quail, followed by turkeys and ducks. This suggests a strong bottleneck was imposed on the virus during replication in ducks, which can be explained by its poor adaptation and stronger selection pressure in waterfowl. The high within-host virus diversity in quail with high level of respiratory shedding and asymptomatic course of infection may contribute to our understanding of the role of quail as an intermediate host for adaptation of AIV to other species of poultry. In contrast, low virus complexity was observed in cloacal swabs, mainly from turkeys, showing that the within-host diversity may vary between different replication sites. Consequences of these observations on the virus evolution and adaptation require further investigation.
Immunologic Dose-Response to Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccines in Animals and Humans: A Systematic Review of Dose-Response Studies of Replication Incompetent Adenoviral Vaccine Vectors when Given via an Intramuscular or Subcutaneous Route
Authors: Afrough Sara , Rhodes Sophie , Evans Thomas , White Richard , Benest John
Published: March 2020

Optimal vaccine dosing is important to ensure the greatest protection and safety. Analysis of dose-response data, from previous studies, may inform future studies to determine the optimal dose. Implementing more quantitative modelling approaches in vaccine dose finding have been recently suggested to accelerate vaccine development. Adenoviral vectored vaccines are in advanced stage of development for a variety of prophylactic and therapeutic indications, however dose-response has not yet been systematically determined. To further inform adenoviral vectored vaccines dose identification, historical dose-response data should be systematically reviewed. A systematic literature review was conducted to collate and describe the available dose-response studies for adenovirus vectored vaccines. Of 2787 papers identified by Medline search strategy, 35 were found to conform to pre-defined criteria. The majority of studies were in mice or humans and studied adenovirus serotype 5. Dose-response data were available for 12 different immunological responses. The majority of papers evaluated three dose levels, only two evaluated more than five dose levels. The most common dosing range was 107–1010 viral particles in mouse studies and 108–1011 viral particles in human studies. Data were available on adenovirus vaccine dose-response, primarily on adenovirus serotype 5 backbones and in mice and humans. These data could be used for quantitative adenoviral vectored vaccine dose optimisation analysis.
Perceptions of healthcare professionals and people with type 2 diabetes on emotional support: a qualitative study
Authors: Hadjiconstantinou Michelle , Dunkley Alison J , Eborall Helen , Robertson Noelle , Khunti Kamlesh , Davies Melanie
Published: March 2020

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a demanding condition that impacts the person living with the condition physically and psychologically. Promoting emotional support is a key strategy to improve diabetes care.

Aim

To explore the views and experiences of people with T2DM and healthcare professionals (HCPs) on emotional support in diabetes care, and identify barriers and facilitators to the provision of emotional support in clinical practice.

Design & setting

A qualitative study in England with data collected from four focus groups.

Method

Focus group discussions were conducted with people with T2DM (n = 10) and HCPs (n = 10). The analysis was informed by the framework method and principles of the constant comparative approach.

Results

Emotional support was lacking in diabetes primary care, and there was a need to normalise the emotional impact of T2DM. Barriers to emotional support included: lack of HCP confidence to discuss emotional issues; lack of counselling training; and time constraints in consultations. Inappropriate use of the word ‘depression’ creates a sense of taboo for those experiencing emotions other than depression.

Conclusion

Consensus between the two target groups indicated a strong need to integrate emotional support in diabetes care, and the need to support and train HCPs in addressing psychosocial aspects of T2DM. Shared language is recommended across diabetes services to appropriately refer to wellbeing. Addressing barriers and considering ways to incorporate emotional management in diabetes consultations is recommended, includings introducing HCP training to increase confidence and enhance counselling skills.
MODELO DE EJECUCIÓN DE PROYECTOS DE VIVIENDAS DE INTERÉS SOCIAL DEL SECTOR CONSTRUCCIÓN
Authors: Dubuc Elizabeth
Published: March 2020

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo proponer un modelo gerencial para la fase estado Zulia, sustentándose teóricamente en los aportes de Cartay, Pmbok, y Chamoun, entre otros. La metodología fue de tipo descriptiva, con diseño transeccional de campo. La técnica de recolección de la información utilizada fue la encuesta con un instrumento cuestionario contentivo de 65 ítems. Se identificaron las fases de un modelo gerencial para la fase de ejecución de proyectos de viviendas de interés social del sector construcción del Edo Zulia, los cuales quedan plenamente reseñados en la propuesta del modelo. Los resultados evidenciaron debilidades en las fase de ejecución por lo que se considera que las empresas aplicar un nuevo modelo de gerencia en la dirección de proyectos civiles en su fase de ejecución, con la finalidad de optimar el seguimiento y control del proyecto civil y su rentabilidad.
NEW CUT-OFF VALUE OF IVUS MINIMAL LUMEN AREA (MLA) AND FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE (FFR) TO DEFINE THE FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF DENOVO INTERMEDIATE CORONARY STENOSIS
Authors: Ngo Minh Hung , Hoang Anh Tien , Nguyen Cuu Long , Vo Thanh Nhan , Le Phan Tuong Quynh , Nguyen Viet Nhan
Published: March 2020

Background: Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) is a supportive tool for coronary angiography in evaluating intermediate coronary lesions. However, old cut-off value of 4mm2 of IVUS Minimal Lumen Area (MLA) has been proved very low diagnosic accuracy. Objective: We aimed to assess a new cut-off value of IVUS MLA and its diagnostic performance to predict ischemia, using fractional flow reserve (FFR) as gold standard. Methods: Denovo Intermediate lesions were evaluated with both IVUS and FFR. A total of 32 lesions were enrolled into the study. Results: Thirty two patients, who had denovo intermediate lesions distributing at prox-mid segment of RCA (31.3%), LAD (59.4%) and LCx (6.2%), were enrolled into this study, with average age: 63.97±11.59 (years), male: 71.9% and female: 28.1%, mean diameter stenosis: 50.68% ± 8.83 and mean reference diameter: 2.99 mm ± 0.61mm. IVUS MLA (r = 0.386, p < 0.014) correlated with FFR. The stenotic diameter (r = -0.159, p < 0.192), the length (r = -0.052, p = 0.389) and the plaque volume (r = -0.105, p = 0.284) didn’t well correlate with FFR. Best cut-off value (BCV) of IVUS MLA to define the functional significance (FFR ≤0.8) was 2.55 mm2 (AUC 0.776; 95% CI 0.607-0.946) with sensitivity and specitivity were 66.7% and 88.2% respectively.
Conclusion: In this study, an IVUS MLA of 2.55 mm2 was the BCV to define the functional significance of denovo intermediate coronary stenosis. However, when IVUS MLA is used to determine the functional significance, both the lesion diameter and length should be considered.

Key words: intermediate lesion, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR)
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AND RESULTS IN ANTIBIOGRAM–BASED HELICOBACTER PYLORI THERAPY IN GASTRITIS PATIENTS AFTER TWO OR MORE ERADICATION FAILURES
Authors: Dang Ngoc Quy Hue , Tran Van Huy , Tran Duc Anh
Published: March 2020

Background: The Maastricht IV consensus recommended that if patients who failed after two eradication attempts need to be treated with the third-line treatment based on the antimicrobial susceptibility. However, there was few researches in Vietnam about the true effectiveness of this approach. Objectives: To determine the antibiotic resistance prevalances of H.pylori and the success rates of antibiogram-based on H.pylori eradication treatment according to modified intention to treat and per protocol analysis. Method: This cross-sectional, intervention study involved 62 dyspeptic patients who had two or more eradication failures, examined at Thong Nhat-Dong Nai General Hospital from 05/2014- 05/2015, diagnosed gastritis endoscopically and H.pylori positive at rapid urease test. Antibiogram for H.pylori was used both to evaluate antibiotic resistance and to treat patients. Results: The prevalances of H.pylori resistance to AMX, CLR, LFX, MTZ, TET were7.6- 77.4- 66.1- 86.2- 1.7%, respectively. The rate of H.pylori strains resistance to LFX was significantly higher in female than in male, 75.0% versus 44.4%, OR = 0.3 (95% CI 0.1 - 0.8), p = 0.03. 90.6% of H.pylori strains were susceptible to both AMX and TET and 54.8% of those were resistant to both CLR and LFX. Using mITT and PP analysis, the success rates of antibiogram-based regimen were: 69.2% và 76.6%, respectively. Conclusion: In patients who failed two or more H.pylori eradication treatments, both AMX and TET were still susceptible. The rates of H.pylori strains were resistant to CLR, LFX and dual rather high. The efficacy of antibiogram-based H.pylorieradication treatment was acceptable. Key words: H.pylori, antibiotic resistance, antibiogram-based, eradication, failure, mITT, PP.
CLINICAL SYMPTOMS, BIOCHEMISTRY AND CYTOLOGY OF PLEURAL, PERITONEAL EFFUSIONS
Authors: Nguyen Van Mao , Pham Huyen Quynh Trang
Published: March 2020

Background: The cytology and the support of clinical symptoms, biochemistry for diagnosis of the cases of effusions are very important. Objectives: - To describe some of clinical symptoms and biochemistry of effusions. - To compare the results between cytology and biochemistry by the causes of pleural, peritoneal fluids. Material & Method: A cross-sectional study to describe all of 47 patients with pleural, peritoneal effusions examinated by cytology in the Hospital of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy from April 2013 to January 2014. Results: In 47 cases with effusions, pleural effusion accounting for 55.32%, following peritoneal effusions 29.79% and 14.89% with both of them. The most common symptoms in patients with pleural effusions were diminished or absent tactile fremitus, dull percussion, diminished or absent breath sounds (100%), in patients with peritoneal effusions was ascites (95.24%). 100% cases with pleural effusions, 50% cases with peritoneal effusions and 80% cases with pleural and peritoneal effusions were exudates. The percentage of malignant cells in patients with pleural effusions was 26.92%, in peritoneal effusions was 28.57%, in pleural and peritoneal effusions was 42.86%. The percentage of detecting the malignant cells in patients with suspected cancer in the first test was 57.14%, in the second was 9.53% and 33.33% undetectable. Most of cases which had malignant cells and inflammatory were exudates, all of the cases which had a few cells were transudates. Besides, 7.5% cases which had high neutrophil leukocytes were transudates. Conclusion: Cytology should be carry out adding to the clinical examinations and biochemistry tests to have an exact diagnosis, especially for the malignant ones. For the case with suspected cancer, we should repeat cytology test one more time to increase the ability to detect malignant cells. Key words: Effusion, pleural effusion, peritoneal effusion, cytology, biochemistry