bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of associations between common SNCA variants and clinical heterogeneity in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Pedersen Camilla Christina , Lange Johannes , Førland Marthe Gurine Gunnarsdatter , Macleod Angus D. , Alves Guido , Maple-Grødem Jodi
Published: July 2021

There is great heterogeneity in both the clinical presentation and rate of disease progression among patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This can pose prognostic difficulties in a clinical setting, and a greater understanding of the risk factors that contribute to modify disease course is of clear importance for optimizing patient care and clinical trial design. Genetic variants in SNCA are an established risk factor for PD and are candidates to modify disease presentation and progression. This systematic review aimed to summarize all available primary research reporting the association of SNCA polymorphisms with features of PD. We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science, from inception to 1 June 2020, for studies evaluating the association of common SNCA variants with age at onset (AAO) or any clinical feature attributed to PD in patients with idiopathic PD. Fifty-eight studies were included in the review that investigated the association between SNCA polymorphisms and a broad range of outcomes, including motor and cognitive impairment, sleep disorders, mental health, hyposmia, or AAO. The most reproducible findings were with the REP1 polymorphism or rs356219 and an earlier AAO, but no clear associations were identified with an SNCA polymorphism and any individual clinical outcome. The results of this comprehensive summary suggest that, while there is evidence that genetic variance in the SNCA region may have a small impact on clinical outcomes in PD, the mechanisms underlying the association of SNCA polymorphisms with PD risk may not be a major factor driving clinical heterogeneity in PD.
The interindividual variability of sleep timing and circadian phase in humans is influenced by daytime and evening light conditions
Authors: Papatsimpa C. , Schlangen L. J. M. , Smolders K. C. H. J. , Linnartz J.-P. M. G. , de Kort Y. A. W.
Published: July 2021

Human cognitive functioning shows circadian variations throughout the day. However, individuals largely differ in their timing during the day of when they are more capable of performing specific tasks and when they prefer to sleep. These interindividual differences in preferred temporal organization of sleep and daytime activities define the chronotype. Since a late chronotype is associated with adverse mental and physical consequences, it is of vital importance to study how lighting environments affect chronotype. Here, we use a mathematical model of the human circadian pacemaker to understand how light in the built environment changes the chronotype distribution in the population. In line with experimental findings, we show that when individuals spend their days in relatively dim light conditions, this not only results in a later phase of their biological clock but also increases interindividual differences in circadian phase angle of entrainment and preferred sleep timing. Increasing daytime illuminance results in a more narrow distribution of sleep timing and circadian phase, and this effect is more pronounced for longer photoperiods. The model results demonstrate that modern lifestyle changes the chronotype distribution towards more eveningness and more extreme differences in eveningness. Such model-based predictions can be used to design guidelines for workplace lighting that help limiting circadian phase differences, and craft new lighting strategies that support human performance, health and wellbeing.
Canagliflozin protects against sepsis capillary leak syndrome by activating endothelial α1AMPK
Authors: Angé Marine , De Poortere Julien , Ginion Audrey , Battault Sylvain , Dechamps Mélanie , Muccioli Giulio G. , Roumain Martin , Morelle Johann , Druart Sébastien , Mathivet Thomas , Bertrand Luc , Castanares-Zapatero Diego , Horman Sandrine , Beauloye Christophe
Published: July 2021

Sepsis capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) is an independent prognostic factor for poor sepsis outcome. We previously demonstrated that α1AMP-activated protein kinase (α1AMPK) prevents sepsis-induced vascular hyperpermeability by mechanisms involving VE-cadherin (VE-Cad) stabilization and activation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase/heat shock protein of 27 kDa (p38MAPK/HSP27) pathway. Canagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, has recently been proven to activate AMPK in endothelial cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that canagliflozin could be of therapeutic potential in patients suffering from SCLS. We herein report that canagliflozin, used at clinically relevant concentrations, counteracts lipopolysaccharide-induced vascular hyperpermeability and albumin leakage in wild-type, but not in endothelial-specific α1AMPK-knockout mice. In vitro, canagliflozin was demonstrated to activate α1AMPK/p38MAPK/HSP27 pathway and to preserve VE-Cad’s integrity in human endothelial cells exposed to human septic plasma. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that canagliflozin protects against SCLS via an α1AMPK-dependent pathway, and lead us to consider novel therapeutic perspectives for this drug in SCLS.
Prognostic and predictive value of ALDH1, SOX2 and SSEA-4 in bladder cancer
Authors: Blomqvist Matias , Koskinen Ilmari , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Mirtti Tuomas , Boström Peter J. , Taimen Pekka
Published: July 2021

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) and radical cystectomy (RC) are standard treatment options for bladder cancer (BC). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to RC improves outcome of some patients but currently there are no valid biomarkers to identify patients who benefit from NAC. Presence of cancer stem cells (CSC) has been associated with poor outcome and resistance to chemotherapy in various cancers. Here we studied the expression of stem cell markers ALDH1, SOX2 and SSEA-4 with immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray material consisting of 195 BC patients treated with RC and 74 patients treated with TUR-BT followed by NAC and RC. Post-operative follow-up data of up to 22 years was used. Negative to weak cytoplasmic SOX2 staining was associated with lymphovascular invasion and non-organ confined disease. It was also associated with shortened cancer-specific survival, but the finding was not statistically significant. Contrary to previous reports, none of the other tested biomarkers were associated with cancer-specific mortality or clinicopathological characteristics. Neither were they associated with response to NAC. Despite the promising results of previously published studies, our results suggest that CSC markers ALDH1, SOX2 and SSEA-4 have little if any prognostic or predictive value in BC treated with RC.
A comprehensive transcriptomic landscape of cholangiocarcinoma based on bioinformatics analysis from large cohort of patients
Authors: Li Hongguang , Qu Lingxin , Zhang Haibin , Liu Jun , Zhang Xiaolu
Published: July 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a group of malignancies emerging in the biliary tree and is associated with a poor patient prognosis. Although the anatomical location is the only worldwide accepted classification basis, it still has bias. The current study integrates the whole-genome expression data from several big cohorts in the literature, to screen and provide a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis, in order to better classify molecular subtypes and explore an underlying cluster mechanism related to anatomy and geographical regions. Differentially expressed protein-coding genes (DEGs) were identified for CCA as well as subtypes. Biological function enrichment analysis—Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis—was applied and identified different DEGs enriched signaling pathways in CCA subtypes. A co-expression network was presented by Weighted gene co-expression network analysis package and modules related to specific phenotypes were identified. Combined with DEGs, hub genes in the given module were demonstrated through protein–protein interaction network analysis. Finally, DEGs which significantly related to patient overall survival and disease-free survival time were selected, including ARHGAP21, SCP2, UBIAD1, TJP2, RAP1A and HDAC9.
Biomass carbon dots derived fromWedelia trilobatafor the direct detection of glutathione and their imaging application in living cells
Authors: Liang Caizhen , Xie Xiaobao , Zhang Dandan , Feng Jin , Lu Shunying , Shi Qingshan
Published: July 2021

Novel long-wavelength emission carbon dots were successfully synthesized from biomassWedelia trilobatafor the direct detection of GSH, which exhibited an intriguing capacity for real-time monitoring of the variation in intracellular GSH levels.
Oligomeric phenylpropanoids having new skeletons and hypoglycemic activity from Magnolia officinalis var. biloba
Authors: Xu Kailing , Li Chuan , Li Chuangjun , Ma Jie , Zang Yingda , Ye Fei , Zhang Dongming
Published: July 2021

Three oligomeric phenylpropanoids [(+)/(–)-1 and 2] with new skeletons and a meroterpenoid (3) from Magnolia officinalis var. biloba were identified. Pharmacological studies showed(+)-1 and (–)-1 are PTP1B and α-glucosidase dual inhibitors.
Reductive O-triflylation of naphthalene diimide: access to alkyne- and amine-functionalized 2,7-diazapyrenes
Authors: Werner Simon , Vollgraff Tobias , Fan Qitang , Bania Kevin , Gottfried J. Michael , Sundermeyer Jörg
Published: July 2021

A reductive one-pot triflylation and silylation of naphthalene diimide is presented. Post-functionalization of the 1,3,6,8-tetratriflato key compound leads to so far non-accessible UHV processable tetraalkynyl and tetraaminyl 2,7-diazapyrenes.
Electroactive nanomaterials in the peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Yao Xiangyun , Qian Yun , Fan Cunyi
Published: July 2021

Severe peripheral nerve injuries are threatening the life quality of human beings.
A ‘smart’ aptamer-functionalized continuous label-free cell catch–transport–release system
Authors: Zhang Bozhen , Wang Canran , Du Yingjie , Paxton Rebecca , He Ximin
Published: July 2021

A ‘smart’ aptamer-functionalized catch–transport–release system was developed with facile fabrication for continuous, selective, high-throughput label-free cell sorting.
Prostasin regulates PD-L1 expression in human lung cancer cells
Authors: Chen Li-Mei , Chai Julius C , Liu Bin , Strutt Tara M , McKinstry K Kai , Chai Karl X
Published: July 2021

The serine protease prostasin is a negative regulator of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation and has a role in the regulation of cellular immunity.  Prostasin expression in cancer cells inhibits migration and metastasis, and reduces epithelial-mesenchymal transition.  Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a negative regulator of the immune response and its expression in cancer cells interferes with immune surveillance.  The aim of this study was to investigate if prostasin regulates PD-L1 expression.  We established sublines over-expressing various forms of prostasin as well as a subline deficient for the prostasin gene from the Calu-3 human lung cancer cells.  We report here that PD-L1 expression induced by interferon-gamma (IFNg) is further enhanced in cells over-expressing the wild-type membrane-anchored prostasin.  The PD-L1 protein was localized on the cell surface and released into the culture medium in extracellular vesicles (EVs) with the protease-active prostasin.  The epidermal growth factor-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-EGFR), protein kinase C (PKC), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) participated in the prostasin-mediated up-regulation of PD-L1 expression.  A Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of patient lung tumors in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database revealed that prostasin and PD-L1 regulate common signaling pathways during tumorigenesis and tumor progression.
Estimation of the carbon footprint of IoT devices based on ESP8266 microcontrollers
Authors: Lukyanov Alexander , Donskoy Danila , Vernezi Miroslav , Karev Dmitry
Published: July 2021

The development of the Internet of Things contributes to improving network protocols and increasing the requirements for energy efficiency of devices. In the field of the Internet of Things and automation systems, one of the most popular microcontrollers is the ESP8266. This article discusses the leading Internet of Things connection protocols based on ESP8266, such as ESP-NOW, HTTP, and ESP-MESH. The study of the power consumption of this microcontroller in various situations and describes the optimal applications of IoT based on ESP8266. The correct choice of communication means of the ESP8266 microcontroller allows you to reduce its power consumption by more than 10% relative to energyintensive communication algorithms. Compared to the power-intensive MESH network, the reduction in power consumption when using the HTTP protocol is 3.34%, and the percentage of energy-consuming events drops by 50.85%. When using ESP-NOW, energy efficiency increases by 5.35%, and the number of energy-consuming events decreases by 83.05%. The value of the carbon footprint generated by the device during the year was, for the three communication technologies used, 2 kg 500 g, 2 kg 320 g, and 2 kg 290 g of CO2, respectively.
Mathematical model of the pneumatic actuator follower system
Authors: Medvedev Denis , Grishhenko Vyacheslav , Martynov Viktor , Ivliev Evgeniy , Korol’kov Yurii
Published: July 2021

The article considers a method of controlling the motion of the output links of the tracking system of pneumatic actuators of technological equipment actuators. Dynamic and qualitative characteristics are improved by means of proportional-integral-differential (PID) controller. The mathematical model of actuator system, which includes power and control parts, has been developed. By calculation experiment the dynamic characteristics of the actuator have been obtained, from which it has been found possible to reduce the energy consumed by the actuator system to about 30%.
Manufacturing of corrosion-resistant steel 316L using additive technologies as a way to increase its corrosion resistance
Authors: Popkova Daria , Zhilyakov Arkadiy , Belikov Sergey , Abramov Alexander , Bazhenov Oleg
Published: July 2021

Austenitic steel 316L is a common corrosion-resistant structural material used in a variety of industries from food to nuclear. There is a well-known tendency of steel 316L to precipitate second phases in the temperature range of 500 ... 800 ° С. During operation in this temperature range, degradation of corrosion properties occurs for a long time. Materials and parts obtained by modern methods of additive technologies are of great interest, since this method of alloys processing affects the thermodynamic equilibrium of the system and the kinetics of the release of second phases in aging alloys. The ability to control the kinetics of second phase formation is one of the key factors for improving the corrosion resistance of alloys. In this work, the effect of the method of steel 316L manufacturing (traditional and selective laser melting) on corrosion resistance at a temperature of 750 ° C for 100 hours in a KCl-NaCl environment was estimated. Corrosion tests were carried out, as a result of which it was found that a sample of 316L steel obtained by the method of selective laser melting has the lowest corrosion rate..
Research of dependences of idle losses of transformers TM-400/10 on voltage according to synchronous measurements
Authors: Zvada Pavel , Zelenskii Evgenii , Kononov Yuri , Kostyukova Svetlana , Dernin Evgeny
Published: July 2021

The article presents the dependences of the active and reactive components of the losses of the idle transformer on the mains voltage. It is proposed to evaluate the no-load losses using an alternative method for identifying the parameters of the transformer based on high-precision synchronous measurements. Within the framework of a pilot project on a real feeder, using the technology of synchronous measurements, the dependences of no-load losses on voltage were identified. For transformers installed in a distribution network, the dependence of losses on voltage is not quadratic, but has a higher order. It was determined that the dependence of losses in a transformer on voltage for active power has a power of 6.35, and for reactive power has a power of 7.4.
Energy efficiency analysis of modern delivery drones
Authors: Izyumov Andrey , Vasilyeva Ekaterina , Ostapovich Oleg , Alentsov Egor
Published: July 2021

The research performed is dedicated to the problem of energy efficiency analysis of modern delivery drones. 12 models are chosen to provide a statistical calculations of the average ratio of mass and flight range of the drone. The method of least squares is used to analyze trends. The conclusion is made that the most successful companies apply the similar ratio of mass and flight range. The most successful drones of such companies are able to carry from 1.3 to 2.27 kg of cargo and have a flight range from 10 to 24 km. That allows to judge about the energy efficiency of these devices.
Registration of the dispersed composition of aerosol media by the holographic method
Authors: Semenov Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The article describes a device based on the holographic method for measuring the parameters of dispersed aerosols. In the proposed device, the measured particle is irradiated with two beams perpendicular to the main radiation axis, while the resulting holographic image in each of the projections gives an increased amount of information (in contrast to existing solutions) about the parameters of the particles. The information obtained is processed layer by layer using digital holography methods to form a volumetric representation of the aerosol under study, which significantly increases the information content of measurements in comparison with existing devices. Methods and algorithms for layer-by-layer processing of the obtained holographic images are described, which make it possible to reconstruct the parameters of aerosols of complex shapes. The design of the device and an algorithm for layer-by-layer reconstruction of aerosol images are proposed.
Increasing the accuracy of signal extraction by correcting the approximating function under conditions of a priori uncertainty
Authors: Nikishin Ivan , Marchuk Vladimir , Shrayfel Igor , Sadrtdinov Ilya
Published: July 2021

The paper discusses the issues of practical implementation of increasing the accuracy of signal extraction, which is achieved by eliminating the «flip» of the approximating function when dividing the measured process into intervals under conditions of a priori uncertainty about the signal function, which significantly increases the error of allocating a useful signal. The probability of a «flip» of the approximating function depends significantly on the variance of the additive noise and the sample length. The use of the proposed methods and their software implementation makes it possible to increase the accuracy of the useful signal extraction up to 30 percent in the absence of a priori information about the function of the measured process for complex signals and at least 20% for simpler ones. The use of the proposed methods will significantly increase the processing efficiency in the conditions of a priori uncertainty about the function of the measured process (useful signal) and the statistical characteristics of the additive noise components.
On a mathematical model in estimating the reliability of technological equipment by non-destructive testing
Authors: Berkovich Vyacheslav , Poltinnikov Viсtor
Published: July 2021

The mathematical model to describe the acoustic emission (AE) in a massive elastic body by radiating piecewise linear defect at the stage of its extension is considered. Problems of reconstructing the wave field in the body and analyzing characteristics of the defect by AE testing are discussed. The problem in question is reduced to the investigation of a boundary integral equations system. The model presented allows to raise the reliability of non-destructive testing results when estimating the exhaustible resource of equipment under long exploitation as one of the directions to solve the problem of energy saving and efficiency.
Application of multigraph sampling method in network traffic design of simulation model of integrated telecommunication and computer network
Authors: Miletić Slobodan , Mladenović Vladimir , Pokrajac Ivan
Published: July 2021

Designing an integrated telecommunications and computer network using a simulation model requires defining all the network and communication elements that make up the network and network communication. The accuracy, quality, and usability of the simulation results depend on the accuracy and the way of defining the network traffic as a timed event between the source and the destination in the network. In this paper, the method for a more accurate definition of network traffic required for the development of a simulation model using the software tool OPNET is proposed. Network traffic can be represented using a multigraph associated with an appropriate matrix of network traffic over time. Time definition of network traffic is enabled by applying the method of sampling multigraphs with the mathematical derivation of the corresponding statistical distribution function. Predicted or existing communication in the network describes using the derived function of network traffic distribution and precisely defines the OPNET simulation model.
Biological processes affecting energy efficiency and energy saving in the technology of fermented milk products
Authors: Ganina Vera , Krasnova Irina
Published: July 2021

The production of dairy products is classified as an energyconsuming industry, which is due to the use of heat exchange processes involving steam as a heat carrier. Indicators of energy efficiency and energy conservation in the production of fermented milk products, including cottage cheese, may sharply decrease due to violations of the fermentation process of raw milk. The intervention of a biological factor – the development of viruses that lyse the cells of lactic acid bacteria, leads to the inhibition or suspension of fermentation. This affects the quality and safety of resulting products and the need to re-implement technological processes that increase energy consumption. Researches on the detection of bacteriophages in the course of technological processes for the production of cottage cheese and yogurt showed the presence of phages at all stages of the technology of fermented milk products. Areas were identified where bacteriophages were detected in large numbers, which could negatively affect the fermentation process of raw milk. The data obtained allowed us to identify critical control points in the technology of cottage cheese and yogurt, where bacteriophages should be monitored to prevent a decrease in energy efficiency and occurrence of additional energy costs.
To the justification of the calculation of the heat conduction process in the dough piece
Authors: Semenov Evgeniy , Sidorenko Yury , Nikitin Igor , Bulychev Nikolay , Dimitrieva Svetlana
Published: July 2021

The main process that ensures the production of bread as a marketable product is the external thermal energy supply during baking. This process is accompanied by a complex physical phenomenon - moisture exchange between the dough-bread with the external environment and the steam-air environment of the baking chamber, as well as internal heat and mass transfer in the heated dough piece. At the same time, biochemical processes associated with the transformation of starch and proteins. Taking into account that the main factor realizing the efficiency and quality indicators of baked bread is heat exchange in the dough piece, in this article, taking into account the peculiarities of the dynamics of the heat transfer phenomenon, a quantitative analysis of the course of this process is carried out. In this work, in contrast to the results obtained by other researchers in the field of calculating the processes of heat treatment of food products, a quantitative analysis of the process is proposed based on a new methodological approach to the problem of physical and mathematical substantiation of the heat transfer process in a dough piece. That can be effectively used in the simulation of innovative samples of baking equipment.
Features of the building of three-dimensional models of agricultural parcels of land to assess the influence of the relief on the signal stability of cellular networks
Authors: Vershinin Stepan , Berezina Natalia , Mysishin Igor , Mikhaylova Yulia
Published: July 2021

The article examines main aspects of building threedimensional (3d) models of agricultural parcels of land on the example of generation of digital models of the experimental farm fields. Features and characteristics of the 3d field models building are given according to the results of the application of photogrammetry methods using a UAV (quadcopter) to obtain a heightmap of the investigated areas to compare it with the change in the density of the GSM signal coverage. The examples of digital terrain models (DTMs) obtained at different stages of the processing are given, the issues of using ready-made models for further analytical research on the example of a heightmap transformation for tracking and predicting negative processes, are considered.
The effectiveness of new drugs for mastitis treatment in cows in lactation and dry period
Authors: Komarov Vladimir , Belkin Boris , Masalov Vladimir , Andreev Sergey , Gutsyna Anna
Published: July 2021

The available bibliographic sources on the study of the veterinary drugs use effectiveness for mastitis treatment in cows in various physiological periods are analyzed. The use of anti-mastitis drugs for lactating and dry cows’ treatment is highlighted. Mastitis incidence in cows and relative study of the treatment mode for mastitis in the lactation and dry periods with the use of new drugs developed by Oryol SAU in cooperation with Experimental and Technological Company Etris, LLC is analyzed. In the experiment, the therapeutic efficacy of new anti-mastitis drugs was found to be 5-6% higher compared to those used on the farm. For high therapeutic efficacy, dosage scheme to be strictly followed, which will reduce the material costs for treatment.
Energy-saving parameters of greenhouses for small businesses
Authors: Blazhnov Alexander , Fetisova Maria , Glukhova Lilia , Volodin Sergey , Kolomytseva Anastasia
Published: July 2021

Approximately 95% of the total heat losses of a greenhouse for year-round use are losses through translucent enclosing structures. Therefore, to reduce energy costs, the area of the enclosing structures of the cultivation structure should be minimal. The purpose of the study included the derivation of formulas to substantiate the energy-saving space-planning parameters of greenhouses offered by the market for farms, and a comparative assessment of various types of structures. Formulas were obtained for determining the minimum fencing factor for greenhouses of various shapes, on the basis of which they were compared in terms of heat losses and material consumption for enclosing structures.
The use of crushed grain of spelt in wheat bread technology
Authors: Khmeleva Evgenia , Berezina Natalia , Satcaeva Inna , Korolev Dmitry , Chalykh Marina
Published: July 2021

Spelt is a valuable crop, known for a long time, but little used currently. The increased interest in it is explained by the great potential of this crop, which lies in its rich chemical composition, and the possibility of using it as a source of alternative raw material in the baking industry. The possibility of using crushed spelt grain (spelt groats) in the technology of wheat bread with increased nutritional value and functional orientation is considered. A rational way of soaking spelt groats has been determined. The influence of spelt groats on the properties of the dough and quality indicators of wheat bread has been studied. A rational dosage of spelt groats has been determined, the use of which makes it possible to obtain bakery products that are as close as possible to the control sample in their physical and chemical parameters.
Mehr Segen als Fluch – Ergotherapeut mit Schwerbehinderung
Authors: Biewald Max
Published: July 2021

Max Biewald hatte als Kind einen Unfall, dessen Folgen ihn bis heute begleiten. Er geht damit sehr offen um und gewährt einen Einblick in sein Privat- und Berufsleben. Dabei wird klar: Seine Schwerbehinderung bringt nicht nur Einschränkungen mit sich, sondern auch Chancen.
Klientinnen im Wohnumfeld begleiten – Psychosoziale Fachkräfte
Authors: Jochen Herrmann
Published: July 2021

Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen können das Angebot der Besonderen Wohnform nutzen. Dabei leben die Klient*innen in einer privaten Wohnung, die an ein Betreuungsangebot angegliedert ist. Sie werden von psychosozialen Fachkräften begleitet, die unter anderem auch Ergotherapeut*innen sein können.
New Antimycotics in the Pipeline – For Ophthalmology Too?
Authors: Behrens-Baumann Wolfgang J.
Published: July 2021

Seven new antimycotics are presented that are at different points of development or approval. These substances are mainly first-in-class drugs. They are primarily developed for systemic administration. However, with the support of a pharmacist, the intravenous formulation may be used as eyedrops. In this short review, the activities of the substances against various fungal infections are described. After unsuccessful conventional therapy of fungal eye infections, one of these new substances might be suitable to cure the mycosis.
ARPA–E explores paths to emissions-free metal making
Authors: Kramer David
Published: July 2021

The agency is seeking advice from industry and academia on how to make mining, smelting, and remediation less polluting and more energy efficient.
Database Construction for Two-Dimensional Material-Substrate Interfaces
Authors: Zhang Xian-Li , Pan Jinbo , Jin Xin , Zhang Yan-Fang , Sun Jia-Tao , Zhang Yu-Yang , Du Shixuan
Published: July 2021

Interfacial structures and interactions of two-dimensional (2D) materials on solid substrates are of fundamental importance for fabrications and applications of 2D materials. However, selection of a suitable solid substrate to grow a 2D material, determination and control of 2D material-substrate interface remain a big challenge due to the large diversity of possible configurations. Here, we propose a computational framework to select an appropriate substrate for epitaxial growth of 2D material and to predict possible 2D material-substrate interface structures and orientations using density functional theory calculations performed for all non-equivalent atomic structures satisfying the symmetry constraints. The approach is validated by the correct prediction of three experimentally reported 2D material-substrate interface systems with only the given information of two parent materials. Several possible interface configurations are also proposed based on this approach. We therefore construct a database that contains these interface systems and has been continuously expanding. This database serves as preliminary guidance for epitaxial growth and stabilization of new materials in experiments.
High-Performance Visible Light Photodetector Based on BiSeI Single Crystal
Authors: Yan Xiu , Zhen Wei-Li , Hu Hui-Jie , Pi Li , Zhang Chang-Jin , Zhu Wen-Ka
Published: July 2021

The continuing demand for new optoelectronic devices drives researchers to seek new materials suitable for photodetector applications. Recently, ternary compound semiconductors have entered researchers’ field of vision, among which chalcohalides have attracted special interest because of their rich properties and unique crystal structure consisting of atom chains and inter-chain van der Waals gaps. We have synthesized high-quality BiSeI single crystals with [110]-plane orientation and fabricated a photodetector. The optoelectronic measurements show a pronounced photocurrent signal with outstanding technical parameters, namely high responsivity (3.2 A/W), specific detectivity (7 × 1010 Jones) and external quantum efficiency (622%) for λ = 635 nm, V
ds = 0.1 V and P
opt = 0.23 mW/cm2. The high performance of BiSeI photodetector and its layer structure make it a promising candidate for low-dimensional optoelectronic applications.
A study into hawler botanical garden (h.b.g) in comparison to some other botanical gardens of the world
Authors: Kareem Kardo N. , Maulood Bahram K.
Published: July 2021

The aim of establishing botanical garden (B.G) in any place, has now been well expanded. It is confined to creation of an aesthetically pleasant refuge form of life as perfect as possible. In fact, it is an outdoor and indoor living museum of plant. Recently it becomes a multi-purpose area in contrast to any traditional gardens, park or greenery. However, such, botanical garden is not found in Iraq and it is almost not available in whole Middle East countries. The present project is a first attempt to establish a botanical garden under the name of Hawler botanical garden (H.B.G) in Iraq. Its structure, design and composition are forwarded and discussed in the present paper. However, (H.B.G) goal is planned to be extended for creation of a herbarium, seed bank, gene bank, conservation of energy, also country local specific gardens and especially Kurdish gardens, all of which are not exist or found so far in the area. Undoubtedly, this will encourage establishing more such gardens in the region in order to increase greenery area and refresh the environment.
The Influence of Steel Fibers on the mechanical properties and thickness of precast concrete panels
Authors: Alrubaie Mays F. , Al-Goody Asrra Y. , Hameed Dalya H.
Published: July 2021

Concrete is well-known with its brittleness, low tensile strength and tensile strain capacities. This performance considered as one of the most crucial constraints that facing precast concrete industry. However, it could be improved by the addition of steel fibers which have been used widely in the last few decades. Hence, higher ductility and better arresting ability to crack propagation could be achieved. In Iraq, the precast concrete panels (flags) are commonly used for roofing and usually produced from plain concrete. This study aimed to add small volume fraction of steel fiber to the precast concrete panels to improve the handling and transportation process and assess their breaking load in according to the requirements of the Iraqi standard specification No.1107- 87. Concrete panels with (400×400mm) and different thicknesses (30 and 50mm) were produced. Different steel fiber volume fractions (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) were incorporated. The mechanical properties (compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength) for the concrete mixes were investigated. The test results of this study encourage the incorporation of small volume fraction of steel fiber in production of precast concrete panels to reduce the spoilage upon handling and transportation of precast concrete panels. The breaking load of steel fiber concrete panels has been improved by 142% relative to reference concrete panels. It was also revealed that the concrete panel thickness could be reduced when the steel fiber content increased, which could be of great interest with regards to the economic side. This is because of reducing the amount of raw materials used in production of concrete panels and thereby reducing the impact on the environment. The statistical analysis was accomplished by using the SPSS program.
Green economy and sustainable development
Authors: Al-Taai Suaad Hadi Hassan
Published: July 2021

The study of green economy and sustainable development is one of the important studies that has received the attention of researchers and scientists for its importance in the development and growth of society in all its aspects, as it is the nucleus of sustainable development and its main pillar for growth, development and prosperity. The green economy is considered a vivid and ideal model of sustainable development, especially economic development, which affects all aspects of life. Its concept emerged in the recent years due to its importance in reducing the manifestations of poverty and destitution and to raise the standard of living of the population and ensure their welfare. It is worth noting that the role of sustainable development can only be activated by implementing the green economy program and providing a healthy environment. This can only be executed by replacing the means of economy that are harmful to the lives of individuals with other healthy means such as generating thermal energy from healthy sources instead of from fuel sources as the fuel sources lead to environmental pollution therefore harm all forms of life. As for the concept of sustainable development, it is the exploitation of material and human energies, support and employment in an optimal manner, and work to develop them and increase their effectiveness in a way that guarantees the rights of everyone in the present and future, and includes people and natural resources, and affirms that the human being invested natural resources perfectly without depletion and leaves to future generations their right, and ensures the just distribution for the wealth.
Response of Young Olive (Olea europaea L.) Trees cv. “K18” to Foliar Application with Promalin and Salicylic Acid Under Field Conditions
Authors: Al-Dulaimi Ahmed Ali Khalaf , Ismail Al-Janabi Atheer Mohammed
Published: July 2021

This study was conducted in the olive orchard of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, Iraq for the period from April 2019 to December 2019 to investigate the influence of foliar application with Promalin and Salicylic acid in some vegetative growth traits and chemical content of young olive (Olea europaea L.) trees cv.“K18”, Where 72 young trees were selected at the age of five years, homogeneous in their growth as much as possible. The experiment included a foliar spraying with growth regulator of promalin at three concentrations: (0, 25 and 50) mlL-1 which is symbolized by (P0, P1 and P2) respectively and foliar spraying with salicylic acid at four levels: (0, 50, 100 and 200) mgL-1 which is symbolized by (S0, S1, S2 and S3) respectively. A factorial experiment was conducted with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates for each treatment. The two factors of the study showed a significant effect in all of the studied growth traits especially the foliar application treatment of promalin with P2 concentration and the spraying with salicylic acid at a concentration of S3 where achieved a significant superiority in average number and length of new branches, average increase in the number of leaves, leaf area, the percentage of dry matter in leaves, percentage of carbohydrates in branches, leaves content of nitrogen as well as total chlorophyll compared to the control treatment which achieved the lowest values.
Evaluating the urban structure of Al-Kut city according to sustainability
Authors: Jasim Ihsan Abbas , Hasan Haider Majid , Farhan Sabeeh Lafta , Bahat Khaleel H.
Published: July 2021

The research attempts to assess the urban structure of Kut city - as a sample of Iraqi cities - according to the requirements of sustainability and the extent of their consistency or their distance from the requirements of achieving sustainable urban development. By studying the main urban components of Kut city, analyzing the spatial distribution of land uses, the nature of the neighbourhood, and the spatial distribution of population densities in it, road network and spatial distribution of urban land prices. The research concludes that the study area’s urban spatial structure is ineffective and has many defects. The city is spread over a large area, and the population densities are distributed unorganized. Most of the population densities are far from the centre area; this leads to long, random and erratic trips. Traffic problems in the city are exacerbated by the absence of a hierarchy of roads and weak links between parts of the city as a result of the spread of the city between the two banks of the river and the lack of adequate bridges.
Detection of quantitative and qualitative for p.aeruginosa in contaminated and non-contaminated soil with oil residues targeting gyrb gene by QPCR
Authors: Mukhlif Suaad S. , Hussein Zainab T. , Taha Mohammed , Mukhlif Asma S.
Published: July 2021

Comparison of P. aeruginosa counts is found in contaminated and non- contaminated soil with oil residue using a real-time quantitative PCR by Direct DNA extraction from soil samples as well as indirect DNA extraction from bacterial isolates. Sampling were collected randomly from ten different regions of the Ministry of Science &Technology during the period from October to December 2019. Twenty soil samples were investigated for hydrocarbon tolerance in selective broth containing hydrocarbon source, and then isolates diagnosed based on phenotype, microscopic, and biochemical tests, were used. Direct DNA extraction from soil samples using DNeasy Power Soil Pro Kit for the rapid detection of P. aeruginosa from soil, as well as wizard DNA extraction method from bacterial isolation. Quantitative and Qualitative PCR was performed with the Magnetic Induction Cycler (Mic), DNA extraction from soil and bacterial isolates amplified and detected using fluorescent reporter dye probes specific for Pseudomonas aeruginosa DNA and Internal Control IC. A total of twenty bacterial isolates were obtained from the different soil samples according to phenotyping tests, and also, we obtain 20 DNA samples from direct DNA extraction from soil, the results of purity were (1.70- 1.95) for wizard method and (1.46- 2.35) for direct extraction from soil. Pseudomonas aeruginosa counts in contaminated soil samples (8 x 107 Copies/μL) showed higher compared with the non- contaminated soil samples (2 x 102 Copies/μL) at maximum use of qPCR and soil DNA. Rapid and specific test (less than 4 hours) using Rt-PCR by targeting gyrB gene for Pseudomonas aeruginosa detection in contaminated and non-contaminated soil samples, combined with correctly adjusted samples processing methods, as well as soil DNA extraction were made which were applied within the sensitivity required for methods.
The role of sustainable to product stable architecture thought in times of crisis
Authors: Abbas Mohammed Ghazi , Kadim Ibrahim Jawad
Published: July 2021

The research aims to employ the principles of sustainability as a knowledge of its scientific origin and from the thought of the principles of architecture science as an independent one where the basic thought is transmitted. Through the theory of nothingness that arises as a result of the crisis to produce an architecture thought that meets the need and meets the human desire in a time of crisis, it presents a contemporary intellectual path derived from trying to understand the components and contents of planning and architectural formations in a new way that follows the principles of sustainability to achieve social distancing and protect people. Accordingly, the research problem was (Architectural thought moves towards the human need as a result of the crisis that is generated from nothing, to represent a crisis in building a stable intellectual model that moves to a sustainable architectural form through the principles of sustainability. The results indicate the importance of adopting new methods in sustainable design to achieve an architecture that protects humans from the epidemic by adopting sustainable materials and employing climatic conditions in the design of buildings.
A study on solid waste generation, composition and management in Sulaimania city, Kurdistan region, Iraq
Authors: Hama Ako Rashed , Tahir Twana A. , Ali Bayad Jamal
Published: July 2021

Municipal solid waste management became a major challenge due to the population growth, change of lifestyle in Sulaimania city, especially since the urban expansion increased from 2003, and when many villages in the countryside had already became a part of the city. The major part of generating solid waste in Sulaimania disposed in the Tanjaro area (an open dumping area southeast of Sulaimania city) without any treatment or proper landfilling. In this research, the compositions of generating solid waste of Sulaimania city and its properties were determined. Also, in this research, it was found that household waste generation is threatening the environment of Sulaimania city due to the huge amount of the produced leachate of solid waste which flowing into the Tanjaro dumping area and ultimately contaminating groundwater, surface and subsurface soil there. This research covered 12 different subzone areas within 5 major zones across the city a covering nearly 300 house samples. Also collected solid waste samples were categorized into the kitchen, plastic, glass, electronic and some other types of solid wastes. The results showed that the number of houses generating more than 2 kg of solid waste per day is higher than those with less than 1kg generated solid waste. It has also been inferred that the highest composition ratio of household solid waste was kitchen type and reached (63.1%) followed by plastic-type solid waste (10.2%), cardboard (5.4%), cans and other metals (2.8%), Glass waste (2.7%) and E-waste (0.1%), other wastes such as textile, nylon, wood and lethal around (15.7%). Besides that, the results showed that the amount of the waste is seasonally changing, for example, the amount of solid waste from April to October is higher than other months due to increasing human activities for producing solid waste. Furthermore, this study covered a survey of the main medical waste from 25 clinics across Sulaimania city and counted the main waste contributed elements of the medical waste that produced. The variation in the generation rate, varied and excuses for this variation clearly stated. Also, the clinic medical waste generation was also investigated for their constituents and quantity and also the possibility of its segregation and ways to dispose of it. All the clinics private and public ones were investigated and studied for having chimneys and the possibilities of air pollution due to the burning of the medical waste.
Identification of microflora associated with dust falling on Karbala province and seasonal distribution
Authors: Al-Salman Ibrahim M A , Mouhsen Thamer A A , Zwain Luma A H , Abdulmuhaimen Sundus , Alhesnawi Asaad Sh M , Najem Najem A
Published: July 2021

Dust is considered one of the most important and most dangerous atmospheric pollutants due to its physical properties and its chemical and biological contents. As a result, the study started in March 2017 and ended in February 2018 to diagnose the microflora associated with dust falling in Karbala province. The results showed that 18 species of fungi belonging to ten genera are Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Absidia, Candida, Trichoderma. The highest frequency was recorded for genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Cladosporium, while the highest occurrence of fungi was in the spring. The results showed the occurrence of two genera of bacteria, Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp., where the first genus dominant in most sites and seasons. Identification of microorganisms associated with dust and their temporal and spatial distribution is in great health and economic importance because of the role of these organisms to cause diseases to humans and plants.