bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on the impact of storage boundary and caprock morphology on carbon sequestration in saline aquifers
Authors: Ahmadinia Masoud , Shariatipour Seyed M.
Published: December 2020

Structural trapping is known to be the primary storage mechanism in geological carbon sequestration (GCS), where the injected CO2 rises upwards due to buoyancy forces and becomes trapped under an ultra‐low permeability layer. Although it is relatively common in GCS studies to assume a planar caprock for the synthesised models, in a real scenario this is not always the case as the caprock might exhibit some small‐ or large‐scale topography changes. Moreover, little is known about the impact of the caprock morphology on the CO2 plume migration and the storage capacity. In this work, we performed a preliminary study of the effects of boundary conditions on the CO2 plume migration and dissolution. This was performed because most of the case study models which are employed for GCS studies are part of larger reservoirs. The obtained results were used in the simulation models of the second part of the work, to model an infinite‐acting reservoir appropriately. Three different volume modifier values of 105, 107 and 109 were considered on either one side or both sides of the reservoir for both horizontal and tilted caprock models. The CO2 dissolution in the tilted models was seen to be higher once the multiplier was on the opposite side of the slope. Horizontal models closed on one side (closed faults, salt walls, etc.) were also found to exhibit more significant dissolution than models which were open from both sides. We subsequently investigated the impact of caprock morphology on the CO2 plume advancement and its structural and dissolution trapping mechanisms by performing numerical simulations on nine synthetic models. The dissolution and migration distance are seen to be at a maximum for tilted reservoirs, where the CO2 has more space to migrate upwards and to interact with more formation water. The lowest dissolution occurred where the significant portion of the injected CO2 was trapped in a sand ridge or an anticline. Moreover, the possibility and also the amount of structural trapping was evaluated using an analytical method, and the results showed a fair match with the ones from the numerical simulation. We believe that this methodology could be applied for site screening prior to performing numerical simulations. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disturbance observer‐based two‐Layer control strategy design to deal with both matched and mismatched uncertainties
Authors: Shafei Hamid Reza , Bahrami Mohsen , Talebi Heidar Ali
Published: December 2020

This study presents a novel control strategy for managing nonlinear systems in the presence of mismatched uncertainties. Dealing with the uncertainties that do not satisfy the so‐called matching conditions is an ongoing issue in control engineering. In this regard, and for the first time, a disturbance observer (DO)‐based hybrid control system, which considers robustness as well as control signal optimality, is developed in this article. For this purpose, and with the aim of robustly managing uncertain nonlinear systems and achieving optimized control effort, an optimal control law based on the state‐dependent Riccati equation is integrated with a DO‐based second‐order sliding mode controller. The Lyapunov stability theory is applied to verify the asymptotic stability of the designed control system. Computer simulations are performed to demonstrate the efficacy and the superiority of our novel controller over two other existing methods (DO‐based sliding mode control [SMC] and DO‐based adaptive SMC). The simulation results show that the presented method is capable of managing uncertain nonlinear systems robustly and with much less control effort than the two mentioned methods.
Thermodynamic limit of the spin-$$ \frac{1}{2} $$ XYZ spin chain with the antiperiodic boundary condition
Authors: Xin Zhirong , Cao Yusong , Xu Xiaotian , Yang Tao , Cao Junpeng , Yang Wen-Li
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Based on its off-diagonal Bethe ansatz solution, we study the thermodynamic limit of the spin-$$ \frac{1}{2} $$

1
2

XYZ spin chain with the antiperiodic boundary condition. The key point of our method is that there exist some degenerate points of the crossing parameter ηm,l, at which the associated inhomogeneous T − Q relation becomes a homogeneous one. This makes extrapolating the formulae deriving from the homogeneous one to an arbitrary η with O(N−2) corrections for a large N possible. The ground state energy and elementary excitations of the system are obtained. By taking the trigonometric limit, we also give the results of antiperiodic XXZ spin chain within the gapless region in the thermodynamic limit, which does not have any degenerate points.
CO2 capture using membrane contactors: a systematic literature review
Authors: Hafeez Sanaa , Safdar Tayeba , Pallari Elena , Manos George , Aristodemou Elsa , Zhang Zhien , Al-Salem S. M. , Constantinou Achilleas
Published: December 2020

With fossil fuel being the major source of energy, CO2emission levels need to be reduced to a minimal amount namely from anthropogenic sources. Energy consumption is expected to rise by 48% in the next 30 years, and global warming is becoming an alarming issue which needs to be addressed on a thorough technical basis. Nonetheless, exploring CO2capture using membrane contactor technology has shown great potential to be applied and utilised by industry to deal with post- and pre-combustion of CO2. A systematic review of the literature has been conducted to analyse and assess CO2removal using membrane contactors for capturing techniques in industrial processes. The review began with a total of 2650 papers, which were obtained from three major databases, and then were excluded down to a final number of 525 papers following a defined set of criteria. The results showed that the use of hollow fibre membranes have demonstrated popularity, as well as the use of amine solvents for CO2removal. This current systematic review in CO2removal and capture is an important milestone in the synthesis of up to date research with the potential to serve as a benchmark databank for further research in similar areas of work. This study provides the first systematic enquiry in the evidence to research further sustainable methods to capture and separate CO2.
Mysteries of Cinema
Authors: Martin Adrian
Published: December 2020

The major essays of the distinguished and prolific Australian-born film critic Adrian Martin have long been difficult to access, so this anthology, which collects highlights of his work in one volume, will be welcomed throughout film studies. Martin offers indepth analysis of many genres of films while providing a broad understanding of the history of cinema and the history of film criticism and culture. These vibrant, highly personal essays, written between 1982 and 2016, balance breadth across cinema theory with almost encyclopedic detail, ranging between aesthetics, cinephilia, film genre, criticism, philosophy, and cultural politics. Mysteries of Cinema circumscribes a special cultural period that began with the dream of critique as a form of poetic writing, and today arrives at collaborative experiments in audiovisual essays. Throughout these essays, Martin pursues a particular vision of what cinema has been, what it is, and what it still could be.
Design and analysis of 4 × 4 MIMO antenna with DGS for WLAN applications
Authors: Malaisamy K. , Santhi M. , Robinson S.
Published: December 2020

In this paper, a low profile 4 × 4 multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) antenna is proposed and designed for wireless local area network (WLAN) application using a square split-ring resonator. Initially, a single square-patch antenna is designed with square-shaped split-ring slot. Subsequently, the two-element MIMO antenna is designed and it is extended to four-element MIMO antenna. Finally, the defected ground structure (DGS) is implemented in order to enhance antenna performance. The antenna elements are placed opposite to each other. The mutual coupling between the antennas elements is reduced by DGS. The proposed single, two and four-element antennas operate at 5.8 GHz for WLAN. The overall performance is measured in terms of S parameter, radiation pattern, and envelope correlation coefficient. The simulated results are verified through measurements. The simulated and measured results demonstrate that the proposed 4 × 4 MIMO antenna is the most suitable for WLAN applications.
The use of plant-tissue composition at hemofilter the polyserositis of pigs (illness glasser)
Authors: Petrova O.G. , Alekseev A.D. , Moskvin V.D. , Barashkin M.I. , Drozdova L.I.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the research in the article is to study a specific infectious disease – hemophilous polyserositis of pigs, its spread in the territory of the Ural region. Epizootological analysis of Piglet morbidity was shown, laboratory studies were conducted, and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of this disease were made. Evaluation of the specific effectiveness of the plant - tissue immunomodulator “Vidoral” in the treatment of hemophilous polyserositis in pigs and increasing the protective activity of vaccines. The features of the development of the epizootic process in hemophilous polyserositis of pigs in the studied agricultural enterprises of two regions of the Ural region are characterized. The role and place of porcine hemophilous polyserositis among respiratory diseases of infectious etiology in the formation of the nosological profile of infectious pathology is determined. The drug Vidoral on a plant and tissue basis was theoretically justified and studied, and the effectiveness of its use in animals with hemophilous polyserositis in pigs was determined.
The development of directions of government regulation of the soybean production industry in modern economic conditions
Authors: Krivoshlykov K.M. , Vasilieva N.K. , Boyko E.Yu.
Published: December 2020

In modern conditions of the world economy’s transformation, which caused significant changes in the foreign trade market environment, the current issue is the modernization of the agrifood policy of Russia to provide the national economy with the agricultural products of its own production, in particular with soybean. By increasing the means of state support and by overcoming structural problems, the soybean industry can become both a powerful driver of domestic economic growth and a key factor in the development of the world food markets in terms of Russia’s focus on the global competitiveness of domestic products.
Designing a payment for ecosystem services scheme, the practical obstacles for implementation in arid and semiarid rangelands
Authors: Zakeri Emad , Mousavi Seyed Alireza , Karimzadeh Hamidreza
Published: December 2020

Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes are an innovative solution to reduce environmental degradation. However, most existing experience with PES implementation is related to the agricultural, forestry and marine sectors, and the application of PES in rangelands is limited. Although a PES could be an option to reduce rangeland degradation, there is no specific framework or experience for its implementation in Iran. Financial resources for funding the scheme are important, although funding by itself is not sufficient, and details are important in designing a successful PES system. This study aimed to design and introduce the framework of a PES scheme based on field surveys, information collection and analysis emphasising soil and water conservation functions, and identification and discussion of the challenges and obstacles facing implementation of the designed framework. After delineating the vegetation types on rangeland ecosystems, their current ecological condition was considered the baseline, and minimum and maximum payments were considered, equal to the livestock reduction compensation and the total value of the increased ecosystem services as a result of PES implementation respectively. Results suggest designing the practical steps of PES schemes is complicated despite the concept’s simplicity, and a lack of clear property rights can increase complexity and multiply the costs. Considering different socioeconomic and ecological contexts, and the detailed framework in all the processes of identification and investigation, development, pilot testing, and project operation can increase the effectiveness of PES schemes. Our findings appear useful for policy-making to balance utilisation pressure in natural areas, not only in Iran, but also in many arid and semiarid rangelands elsewhere.
Vinpocetine Attenuates Ischemic Stroke Through Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Expression in Mice
Authors: Han Dong , Wang Jue , Wen Lulu , Sun Miao , Liu Hang , Gao Yan
Published: December 2020

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of globe death and permanent disability, but its therapeutic strategies are limited. Over the past decades, multiprotein complexes called inflammasomes have been shown as promising targets in ischemic stroke. Here, we examined vinpocetine (Vinp), a synthetic drug, playing a neuroprotective role against ischemic stroke in mice through regulating NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. Middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) was applied to mimic ischemic stroke in vivo. Vinp was administrated by intraperitoneal injection with different dose (5 or 10 mg/kg) 1 hour after reperfusion. Then, neurological assessment and infarct size were performed, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 levels were evaluated using ELISA. The levels of NLRP3 inflammasome components and its upstream nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) were determined using real-time PCR or Western blot. The experimental results indicated that posttreatment with Vinp decreased cerebral infarct size, improved behavior recover, reduced NLRP3 inflammasome expression, and suppressed the transfer of NF-κB to nucleus and proinflammatory cytokine release in middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion mice. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Vinp alleviates ischemic stroke by regulating levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, NF-κB, and proinflammatory cytokines in vivo, offering an alternative medication for ischemic stroke associated with inflammation.
Pharmacological Pre- and Postconditioning With Levosimendan Protect H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts From Anoxia/Reoxygenation-induced Cell Death via PI3K/Akt Signaling
Authors: Schauer Antje , Barthel Peggy , Adams Volker , Linke Axel , Poitz David M. , Weinbrenner Christof
Published: December 2020

The calcium sensitizer levosimendan is indicated for the hemodynamic stabilization of patients with acutely decompensated heart failure and has been shown to be protective against reperfusion injury after myocardial infarction. However, affected forms of cell death and underlying signaling pathways remain controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the influence of levosimendan preconditioning and postconditioning on anoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy in H9c2 myoblasts. To mimic conditions of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, rat cardiac H9c2 myoblasts were exposed to anoxia/starvation, followed by reoxygenation/refeeding. Apoptosis, necrosis, autophagy, cell viability, survival signaling, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening were measured. Both, pharmacological preconditioning and postconditioning with levosimendan were capable to reduce apoptosis as well as necrosis in stressed H9c2 cells. However, preconditioning showed to have the stronger impact compared with postconditioning. Moreover, levosimendan preconditioning increased autophagy, suggesting enhanced repair processes initiated by the early presence of the drug. Underlying mechanisms differ between both interventions: Although both are associated with PI3/Akt activation and reduced mPTP opening, only postconditioning but not preconditioning depended on mKATP activation. This variation might indicate that a pharmacological treatment after the onset of reoxygenation at least in part directly addresses mitochondrial structures for protection. In conclusion, we demonstrate that both pharmacological preconditioning and postconditioning with levosimendan protect anoxia/reoxygenation-stressed cells but differ in the underlying mechanisms. These results are decisive to obtain more insights into the beneficial effects of levosimendan in the treatment of reperfusion-mediated damage.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Component Attendance and Impact of Intervening Clinical Events, as Well as Disease Severity and Risk Factor Burden
Authors: Grace Sherry L. , Prior Peter L. , Mamataz Taslima , Hartley Tim , Oh Paul , Suskin Neville
Published: December 2020

Purpose:

To examine: (1) the rate of clinical events precluding cardiac rehabilitation (CR) continuation, (2) CR attendance by component in those without events, and (3) the association between disease severity (eg, tobacco use, diabetes, and depression) and component attendance (eg, exercise, diet, stress management, and tobacco cessation).

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of electronic records of the CR program in London, Ontario, from 1999 to 2017. Patients in the supervised program are offered exercise sessions 2 times/wk with a minimum of 48 prescribed sessions tailored to patient need. Patients attending ≥1 session without major factors that would limit their exercise ability were included. Intervening events were recorded, as was component attendance.

Results:

Of 5508 enrolled, supervised patients, 3696 did not have a condition that could preclude exercise. Of those enrolled, one-sixth (n = 912) had an intervening event; these patients were less likely to work, more likely to have medical risk factors, had more severe angina and depression, and lower functional capacity. The remaining cohort attended a mean of 26.5 ± 21.3 sessions overall (median = 27; 19% attending ≥48 sessions), including 20.5 ± 17.4 exercise sessions (median = 21). After exercise, the most common components attended were individual dietary and psychological counseling. Patients with more severe angina and depressive symptoms as well as tobacco users attended significantly fewer total sessions, but more of some specific components.

Conclusions:

In one-sixth of patients, CR attendance and completion are impacted by clinical factors beyond their control. Many patients are taking advantage of components specific to their risk factors, buttressing the value of individually tailored, menu-based programming.
Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the German Version of the Thirst Distress Scale for Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Wefer Franziska , Inkrot Simone , Waldréus Nana , Jaarsma Tiny , von Cube Maja , Kugler Christiane
Published: December 2020

Background

In patients with chronic heart failure, thirst can be perceived as an intensive and burdensome symptom, which may have a negative impact on patients' quality of life. To initiate thirst-relieving interventions, assessment of thirst and its related distress is essential. At the time of this study, no instrument was available to evaluate thirst distress in patients with heart failure in Germany.

Objective

The aims of this study were to translate the “Thirst Distress Scale for patients with Heart Failure” (TDS-HF) from English into German and to test validity and reliability of the scale.

Methods

The English version of the TDS-HF was translated into German. A linguistically and culturally sensitive forward-and-backward translation was performed. Psychometric evaluation included confirmatory factor analysis, reliability in terms of internal consistency, and concurrent validity.

Results

Eighty-four hospitalized patients (mean age, 72 ± 10 years; 29% female; mean left ventricular ejection fraction, 36% ± 12%; 62% New York Heart Association functional classes III–IV, 45% on fluid restriction) from an acute care hospital were involved in the study. The item-total correlation ranged from 0.58 to 0.78. Interitem correlations varied between 0.37 and 0.79. Internal consistency was high, with a Cronbach α of 0.89. There was a high correlation between the total score of the TDS-HF and the visual analog scale to assess thirst intensity (r = 0.72, P ≤ .001), and a low correlation with fluid restriction (r = 0.35, P = .002).

Conclusions

The evaluation of the German TDS-HF showed satisfactory psychometric properties in this sample. The instrument is usable for further research and additional psychometric testing.
Predicting the Development of Surgery-Related Pressure Injury Using a Machine Learning Algorithm Model
Authors: CAI Ji-Yu , ZHA Man-Li , SONG Yi-Ping , CHEN Hong-Lin
Published: December 2020

Background

Surgery-related pressure injury (SRPI) is a serious problem in patients who undergo cardiovascular surgery. Identifying patients at a high risk of SRPI is important for clinicians to recognize and prevent it expeditiously. Machine learning (ML) has been widely used in the field of healthcare and is well suited to predictive analysis.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop an ML-based predictive model for SRPI in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

Methods

This secondary analysis of data was based on a single-center, prospective cohort analysis of 149 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery. Data were collected from a 1,000-bed university-affiliated hospital. We developed the ML model using the XGBoost algorithm for SRPI prediction in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery based on major potential risk factors. Model performance was tested using a receiver operating characteristic curve and the C-index.

Results

Of the sample of 149 patients, SRPI developed in 37, an incidence rate of 24.8%. The five most important predictors included duration of surgery, patient weight, duration of the cardiopulmonary bypass procedure, patient age, and disease category. The ML model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.806, which indicates that the ML model has a moderate prediction value for SRPI.

Conclusions

Applying ML to clinical data may be a reliable approach to the assessment of the risk of SRPI in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgical procedures. Future studies may deploy the ML model in the clinic and focus on applying targeted interventions for SRPI and related diseases.
Brief Report: HIV-1 Seroconversion Is Not Associated With Prolonged Rectal Mucosal Inflammation
Authors: Blair Cheríe S. , Lake Jordan E. , Passaro Ryan C. , Chavez-Gomez Susan , Segura Eddy R. , Elliott Julie , Fulcher Jennifer A. , Shoptaw Steven , Cabello Robinson , Clark Jesse L.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Determine the impact of HIV-1 seroconversion on inflammatory cytokines in the rectal mucosa.

Setting:

Secondary analysis of data from men who have sex with men and transgender women who participated in a HIV prevention trial Lima, Peru.

Methods:

From July to December 2017, 605 men who have sex with men and transgender women were screened for rectal gonorrhea/chlamydia (GC/CT). Fifty GC/CT-positive cases were randomly selected and matched with 52 GC/CT-negative controls by age and number of receptive anal intercourse partners in the last month. All participants were HIV-negative at baseline and those with GC/CT at baseline and/or follow-up received appropriate antibiotic therapy. Participants underwent sponge collection of rectal secretions for the measurement of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and were screened for rectal GC/CT and HIV at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests compared inflammatory cytokine levels between participants diagnosed with HIV during follow-up and persons who remained HIV-negative.

Results:

Eight participants were diagnosed with HIV at the 3-month (n = 6) or 6-month (n = 2) visit. The median number of receptive anal intercourse partners in the month before HIV diagnosis was the same for those who acquired HIV and those who did not. There were no significant differences in inflammatory cytokine levels in rectal mucosa between participants who did and did not experience HIV seroconversion at any time point.

Conclusions:

Despite a surge in viral replication during acute infection, findings from this study suggest that there is no prolonged effect of HIV-1 seroconversion on inflammatory cytokine levels in the rectal mucosa.
Educational Video on the WeChat Platform Can Effectively Improve the Quality of Bowel Preparation
Authors: Xu Fen , Lu Sha , Dong Lili , He Yahong , Li Huaming , Tang Juping
Published: December 2020

Bowel preparation is a core issue in the quality of colonoscopy. We attempted to investigate whether an educational video via WeChat (a widely used mobile social media app) improved the compliance of patients and quality of bowel preparation. We enrolled 198 colonoscopy patients aged 35–70 years. They were randomly divided into the WeChat group (100 cases) and the control group (98 cases). The outcomes were the compliance of patients in the bowel preparation process and quality of the bowel preparation according to the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. Participants' compliance increased markedly in the WeChat group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). The total Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score was significantly higher in the WeChat group than in the control group (7.02 ± 1.75 vs. 6.45 ± 1.91, respectively, p < .05). The intubation time (minutes) of colonoscopy in the WeChat group was shorter than that in the control group (7.38 ± 1.37 vs. 7.88 ± 1.39, respectively, p < .05). Our data confirmed that an educational video via WeChat can improve the quality of bowel preparation. It can also increase the compliance of bowel preparation and shorten the intubation time of colonoscopy.
Clinical validation of a point-of-care antibody test for COVID-19
Authors: Patel Monila , Lakhotia Yogesh , Shah Sneha , Suthar Nilay , Shah Cherry , Kola Sankarrao , Rangarajan Radha
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a lateral flow antibody test for COVID-19, approved for use in India. Although many point-of-care antibody tests are available globally, they have been subjected to limited clinical validation. This has led to suboptimal outcomes in the field, where antibody tests play a significant role in tracking the immunity of individuals and communities. In this study an antibody test, ImmunoQuick that recognizes antibodies to the Nucleocapsid and Spike proteins of SARS CoV-2 was tested in 100 symptomatic patients with a positive or negative diagnosis of COVID-19, based on RT-PCR results. The overall sensitivity of the test was found to be 86.1% (95% CI: 76.4% to 92.8%) and specificity 100% (95% confidence interval: 73.5% to 100%). The sensitivity reached a peak of 95.7% with samples taken 17 days after the onset of symptoms. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of the test are sufficient for assessing seroprevalence.
Hippocampal neurons construct a map of an abstract value space
Authors: Knudsen EB , Wallis JD
Published: December 2020

The hippocampus is thought to encode a ‘cognitive map’, a structural organization of knowledge about relationships in the world. Place cells, spatially selective hippocampal neurons that have been extensively studied in rodents, are one component of this map, describing the relative position of environmental features. However, whether this map extends to abstract, cognitive information remains unknown. Using the relative reward value of cues to define continuous ‘paths’ through an abstract value space, we show that single neurons in primate hippocampus encode this space through value place fields, much like a rodent’s place neurons encode paths through physical space. Value place fields remapped when cues changed, but also became increasingly correlated across contexts, allowing maps to become generalized. Our findings help explain the critical contribution of the hippocampus to value-based decision-making, providing a mechanism by which knowledge of relationships in the world can be incorporated into reward predictions for guiding decisions.
Open laboratories for social innovation: a strategy for research and innovation in education for peace and sustainable developmentSustainable development is an issue of high relevance for all countries, and universities play a fundamental role in promotin
Authors: Gómez Zermeño Marcela Georgina , Alemán de la Garza Lorena Yadira
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Sustainable development is an issue of high relevance for all countries and universities play a fundamental role in promoting the participation of society members in achieving this objective. This study aims to conduct an open laboratory of social innovation (OPENLAB_SI) inside a university with society stakeholders, as a research and innovation tool that facilitates addressing the complexity of social problems through the principles of openness, experimentation, inclusion, diversity, participation and collaboration. The aim was to encompass innovation with the active participation of citizens in processes of experimentation, exchange and creativity to impact their social reality through collective designs for more sustainable futures done by and for communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a case study conducted during an OPENLAB_SI, which applied innovative, socio-educational strategies intending to promote the social appropriation of renewable energies to help the sustainable development of urban, rural and marginalized areas. In our open lab, a total of 67 participants attended, including university students from various public and private institutions of higher education. Also, civil organizations participated, as well as consultants, teachers, government representatives and university professors. Experts from various disciplines who work in businesses, foundations, universities and government spoke on the topics that were addressed.

Findings

Among the notable principal findings is the collaborative work done voluntarily by all the participants who, instead of working with a proposal designed beforehand by one group or another, recognized that an OPENLAB_SI leads to the creation of links between society, academia, business and government.

Originality/value

In the OPENLAB_SI through the exchange of experiences and best practices, aimed at more robust networking and improvement in the acquisition of scientific and technological skills and abilities, the participants became actively involved in the generation of collective knowledge. The main contribution of this paper is to present an open laboratory into the social innovation space that can be replicated such a living lab model in other contexts to contribute to pursuit the sustainable development goals with education for sustainable development as a key catalyst for transformation.
Longitudinal changes in red blood cell distribution width decades after radiation exposure in atomic‐bomb survivors
Authors: Yoshida Kengo , Misumi Munechika , Kusunoki Yoichiro , Yamada Michiko
Published: December 2020

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), which generally increases with age, is a risk marker for morbidity and mortality in various diseases. We investigated the association between elevated RDW and prior radiation exposure by examining longitudinal RDW changes in 4204 atomic‐bomb survivors over 15 years. A positive association was found between RDW and radiation dose, wherein RDW increased by 0·18%/Gy. This radiation‐associated effect increased as the participants aged. Elevated RDW was also associated with higher all‐cause mortality. The biological mechanisms underlying these observed associations merit further investigation.
Analysing the Perceptions, Key Issues and Challenges of Japan’s New Defence White Paper 2020
Authors: KATAHARA Eiichi
Published: December 2020

Japan’s new defence white paper offers an overview of the security environment surrounding Japan and the numerous issues concerning Tokyo’s defence and security policy. It highlights North Korea’s increasing missile-related technologies, China’s growing military power and assertive activities, and the impact of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) infection on security issues. Japan will likely remain a cautious security policy player while emerging as a robust military power with growing deterrence and defence capabilities.
On Their Own? Women Running as Independent Candidates in the Middle East
Authors: Welborne Bozena
Published: December 2020

This paper considers examples of women successfully running as independents at the national level in the Middle East, investigating how existing electoral systems impacted their ability to contest political office. Women in the region face a host of challenges when it comes to launching political campaigns outside of sociocultural norms. Most extant literature on political participation focuses on parties as the primary vector for female participation in the Global North and South. However, women in the Middle East often cannot rely on this mechanism due to the absence of political parties or existing parties’ unwillingness to back women for cultural reasons. Yet, the region hosts many female independents holding office at the national level. Through the cases of Jordan, Egypt, and Oman, I unpack this phenomenon using an institutional argument and assess what the emergence of such candidates bodes for the future of women in the Middle East.
Milan ultrasound criteria are accurate in assessing disease activity in ulcerative colitis: external validation
Authors: Allocca Mariangela , Filippi Elisabetta , Costantino Andrea , Bonovas Stefanos , Fiorino Gionata , Furfaro Federica , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Fraquelli Mirella , Caprioli Flavio , Danese Silvio
Published: December 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to provide an external validation of bowel ultrasound (US) predictors of activity in ulcerative colitis (UC) and quantitative Milan Ultrasound Criteria (MUC).

Methods

Forty‐three consecutive patients with UC (16 in endoscopic remission and 27 with endoscopic activity) underwent bowel US and colonoscopy in a tertiary referral inflammatory bowel disease unit.

Results

An MUC score >6.2 discriminated patients with active versus non‐active UC with a sensitivity of 0.85 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66–0.96), specificity of 0.94 (95% CI 0.70–0.99) and an area under the curve of 0.902 (95% CI 0.772–0.971) in complete agreement with the derivation study.

Conclusion

The external validation of MUC confirms that it is an accurate tool for assessing disease activity in patients with UC.
Admissibility of linear predictor in the extended growth curve model
Authors: Xiao Zhihong , Zhu Qiang
Published: December 2020

In the present paper, we first give the definition of the extended growth curve model, then according to the definition of admissible linear predictor and some matrix properties, obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for a linear predictor to be admissible in the classes of homogenous and inhomogeneous linear predictors, respectively.
On Morita equivalence of partially ordered semigroups with local units
Authors: Tart Lauri
Published: December 2020

We show that for two partially ordered semigroups S and T with common local units, there exists a unitary Morita context with surjective maps if and only if the categories of closed right S- and T-posets are equivalent.
Congruences on bicyclic extensions of a linearly ordered group
Authors: Gutik Oleg , Pagon Dušan , Pavlyk Kateryna
Published: December 2020

In the paper we study inverse semigroups B(G), B^+(G), \overline{B}(G) and \overline{B}^+(G) which are generated by partial monotone injective translations of a positive cone of a linearly ordered group G. We describe Green’s relations on the semigroups B(G), B^+(G), \overline{B}(G) and \overline{B}^+(G), their bands and show that they are simple, and moreover, the semigroups B(G) and B^+(G) are bisimple. We show that for a commutative linearly ordered group G all non-trivial congruences on the semigroup B(G) (and B^+(G)) are group congruences if and only if the group G is archimedean. Also we describe the structure of group congruences on the semigroups B(G), B^+(G), \overline{B}(G) and \overline{B}^+(G).
LA PRÁCTICA DE LA PRONUNCIACIÓN CON HABLANTES NATIVOS COMO EJEMPLO DE APRENDIZAJE AUTÓNOMO DE LENGUAS EXTRANJERAS
Authors: Sánchez González Mónica
Published: December 2020

La presente contribución aborda un Proyecto de Innovación Docente llevado a cabo entre la Universidad de Oviedo y la Ludwig-Maximiliams-Universität München, con el objetivo de aportar una nueva propuesta orientada hacia la promoción de la autonomía para alcanzar el nivel que describe Henri Holec en su famosa definición. Dicho Proyecto estaba destinado a fomentar, a través de la metodología tándem, la autonomía del alumnado, tanto en la lengua como en el aprendizaje. Los resultados de este Proyecto, enfocado a la mejora de la comprensión oral y la pronunciación de las lenguas alemana y española, corroboran los planteamientos iniciales de que el tándem se puede introducir desde los primeros niveles de aprendizaje de la L2, y que sirve para ayudar a eliminar inhibiciones que a la larga pueden suponer una barrera comunicativa, siempre y cuando el alumno esté apoyado debidamente en su desarrollo autónomo.
Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors may benefit patients with comorbid hypertension and COVID-19
Authors: Palmer Sarah Jane
Published: December 2020

In this monthly feature, Sarah Jane Palmer delves into topical news, the latest research and what the experts are saying on subjects related to cardiology and cardiac nursing practice
Multi-resolution visualization and analysis of biomolecular networks through hierarchical community detection and web-based graphical tools
Authors: Perlasca Paolo , Frasca Marco , Ba Cheick Tidiane , Gliozzo Jessica , Notaro Marco , Pennacchioni Mario , Valentini Giorgio , Mesiti Marco
Published: December 2020

The visual exploration and analysis of biomolecular networks is of paramount importance for identifying hidden and complex interaction patterns among proteins. Although many tools have been proposed for this task, they are mainly focused on the query and visualization of a single protein with its neighborhood. The global exploration of the entire network and the interpretation of its underlying structure still remains difficult, mainly due to the excessively large size of the biomolecular networks. In this paper we propose a novel multi-resolution representation and exploration approach that exploits hierarchical community detection algorithms for the identification of communities occurring in biomolecular networks. The proposed graphical rendering combines two types of nodes (protein and communities) and three types of edges (protein-protein, community-community, protein-community), and displays communities at different resolutions, allowing the user to interactively zoom in and out from different levels of the hierarchy. Links among communities are shown in terms of relationships and functional correlations among the biomolecules they contain. This form of navigation can be also combined by the user with a vertex centric visualization for identifying the communities holding a target biomolecule. Since communities gather limited-size groups of correlated proteins, the visualization and exploration of complex and large networks becomes feasible on off-the-shelf computer machines. The proposed graphical exploration strategies have been implemented and integrated in UNIPred-Web, a web application that we recently introduced for combining the UNIPred algorithm, able to address both integration and protein function prediction in an imbalance-aware fashion, with an easy to use vertex-centric exploration of the integrated network. The tool has been deeply amended from different standpoints, including the prediction core algorithm. Several tests on networks of different size and connectivity have been conducted to show off the vast potential of our methodology; moreover, enrichment analyses have been performed to assess the biological meaningfulness of detected communities. Finally, a CoV-human network has been embedded in the system, and a corresponding case study presented, including the visualization and the prediction of human host proteins that potentially interact with SARS-CoV2 proteins.
Financial Integration and Growth Volatility Nexus: The Nigeria Experience
Authors: Ehiedu Victor Chukwunweike , Odita Anthony Ogormegbunan , Kifordu Anthony Anyibuofu
Published: December 2020

This paper examined empirically financial integration impact on Nigeria economic growth volatility. Specifically, it identified some of the major key variables through which financial integration influence growth volatility in Nigeria. Three research hypotheses were stated from which an empirical model was formulated to link the influence of financial integration using economic output as explained variable and degree of openness, foreign private investment, exchange rate foreign debt as explanatory variables over the period of 1987– 2019. Multiple regression analysis was employed to estimate the relevant variables. In addition, we tested for stationarity and determined long run association between the variables of the models. The work also reconciled the disequilibrium which exists in the short and long run relationships of the variables in the models. The result showed a non-significant degree of openness but positively associated with gross domestic product. Foreign private investment was strongly and statistically significant to gross domestic product. It was therefore recommended that for Nigeria financial sector services to take substantial benefits of broad participation in globalization, the provision of sound macroeconomic policy framework with high degree of certainty of the future of investment is needed.
A Robot Obstacle Avoidance Method based on Random Forest HTM Cortical Learning Algorithm
Authors: Abdulkadium Ahmed Mahdi
Published: December 2020

Robotics mainly concern with the movement of robot with improvement obstacle avoidance, this issue is handed. It contains of a Microcontroller to process the data, and Ultrasonic sensors to detect the obstacles on its path. Artificial intelligence is used to predict the presence of obstacle in the path. In this research random forest algorithm is used and it is improved by RFHTMC algorithm. Deep learning mainly compromises of reducing the mean absolute error of forecasting. Problem with random forest is time complexity, as it involves formation of many classification trees. The proposed algorithm reduces the set of rules which is used for classification model, to improve time complexity. Performance analysis shows an significant improvement in results as compare to other deep learning algorithm as well as random forest. Forecasting accuracy shows 8% improvement as compare to random forest with 26% reduced operation time.
nanoo.tv – Die Schweizer Filmplattform und Online-Mediathek für Bildung
Authors: Timcke Henning , Nixon Anita
Published: December 2020

Die Schweizer Filmplattform und Online-Mediathek für Bildung, nanoo.tv, ist seit 2006 in Schweizer Bildungsinstitutionen im Einsatz, von der Grundschule bis zur Tertiärstufe. Die Plattform ermöglicht, audiovisuelle Inhalte aus TV- und Radiosendern und anderen Quellen aufzunehmen, zu bearbeiten, und mit Lehrenden und Lernenden zu teilen. Zudem bietet die Online-Mediathek Zugriff auf über 300 000 audiovisuelle Inhalte.1 Die Gründer von nanoo.tv haben maßgeblich zu den heute in der Schweiz geltenden urheberrechtlichen Voraussetzungen zur Nutzung von audiovisuellen Inhalten in der Bildung beigetragen. Aktuell wird die Medienplattform an über 140 Schweizer Bildungsinstitutionen eingesetzt.2
Ubuntu/Botho: Ideologie oder Versprechen?
Authors: Eze Michael Onyebuchi
Published: December 2020

This article investigates the concept of Ubuntu/Botho as a possible foundation for an African moral theory. It departs from an analysis of the idea of “human personhood” as a basis for moral agency, which is controversially debated within African philosophy. This notion of personhood relies on an understanding of the mutual interdependence of human beings. As a next step, the author critically assesses the discursive function of Ubuntu/Botho in African societies and its misuse by political elites as ideological cover for exclusionary and violent practices. By way of conclusion, the article stresses restoration as a key value associated with African humanism based on Ubuntu/Botho.
Modelling and mapping of the COVID-19 trajectory and pandemic paths at global scale: A geographer’s perspective
Authors: Valjarević Aleksandar , Milić Marija , Valjarević Dragana , Stanojević-Ristić Zorica , Petrović Ljiljana , Milanović Miško , Filipović Dejan , Ristanović Branko , Basarin Biljana , Lukić Tin
Published: December 2020

In December 2019, the virus SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan. The virus started to spread from China and dispersed over the rest of the world. In March 2020, WHO (World Health Organization) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The transmission path of the pandemic was accelerated by different types of transportation. With complete analysis of spatial data, population density, types of traffic networks, and their properties, the spatial distribution of COVID-19 was estimated. GIS (Geographical Information System), numerical methods, and software for network analysis were used in this research to model scenarios of virus distribution on a global scale. The analyzed data included air, railway, marine, and road traffic. In the pandemic research, numerous models of possible trajectory of viruses can be created. Many have a stochastic character. This study includes all countries in the world affected by the COVID-19 up to date. In this study, GIS methods such as buffer, interpolations, and numerical analysis were used in order to estimate and visualize ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation. According to the availability of new data, trajectory of virus paths was estimated. On the other hand, sparsely populated areas with poorly developed and small traffic networks (and isolated island territories) tend to be less or not affected as shown by the model. This low-cost approach can be used in order to define important measures that need to be addressed and implemented in order to successfully mitigate the implications of COVID-19 not only on global, but local and regional scales as well.
Synthesis of functionalized carbon nanotubes for fluorescent biosensors
Authors: Wojtera Katarzyna , Walczak Malgorzata , Pietrzak Lukasz , Fraczyk Justyna , Szymanski Lukasz , Sobczyk-Guzenda Anna
Published: December 2020

Despite the development of pharmacy, there are still incurable diseases for which the medicine has not been found yet. Because many diseases are asymptomatic in their first stage of development, often early detection is the crucial factor in combating them. The article describes the process of synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which can be useful in medical diagnostics. CNTs were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. The obtained material was subjected to functionalization – attaching fluorescent markers. In order to check the usefulness of the obtained structures in diagnostics, their fluorescent properties were examined. The results of fourier transform infrared spectroscopy thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy prove that, after proper functionalization, CNTs could be used as fluorescents markers.
Delivery of the placenta
Authors: Ginzburg M.
Published: December 2020

In contrast to the teachings of most German schools, which require a possible long wait for spontaneous, emergence of the placenta, the opposite direction prevails in America.