bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Segment Rupture Model of the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake Revealed by InSAR and GPS Data
Authors: He Zhongqiu , Chen Ting , Wang Mingce , Li Yanchong
Published: November 2020

The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, including two large (Mw ≥ 6.0) foreshocks and an Mw 7.0 mainshock, occurred in the Hinagu and Futagawa fault zones in the middle of Kyushu island, Japan. Here, we obtain the complex coseismic deformation field associated with this earthquake from Advanced Land Observation Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) and Sentinel-1A Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data. These InSAR data, in combination with available Global Positioning System (GPS) data, are then used to determine an optimal four-segment fault geometry with the jRi method, which considers both data misfit and the perturbation error from data noise. Our preferred slip distribution model indicates that the rupture is dominated by right-lateral strike-slip, with a significant normal slip component. The largest asperity is located on the northern segment of the Futagawa fault, with a maximum slip of 5.6 m at a 5–6 km depth. The estimated shallow slips along the Futagawa fault and northern Hinagu fault are consistent with the displacements of surface ruptures from the field investigation, suggesting a shallow slip deficit. The total geodetic moment release is estimated to be 4.89 × 1019 Nm (Mw 7.09), which is slightly larger than seismological estimates. The calculated static Coulomb stress changes induced by the preferred slip distribution model cannot completely explain the spatial distribution of aftershocks. Sensitivity analysis of Coulomb stress change implies that aftershocks in the stress shadow area may be driven by aseismic creep or triggered by dynamic stress transfer, requiring further investigation.
Storm Surge Hazard Assessment of the Levee of a Rapidly Developing City-Based on LiDAR and Numerical Models
Authors: Liu Qingrong , Ruan Chengqing , Guo Jingtian , Li Jian , Lian Xihu , Yin Zhonghui , Fu Di , Zhong Shan
Published: November 2020

Rapidly developing cities could require an urgent hazard assessment to ensure the protection of their economy and population against natural disasters. However, these cities that have rapidly developed should have historical records of observations that are too short to provide sufficient data information for such an assessment. This study used ocean numerical models (i.e., Finite-Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM) and Parabolic Mild-Slope Wave Module (MIKE 21 PMS) to reconstruct data for a storm surge hazard assessment of the levee at Weifang (China). LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data were also used to obtain 3D point cloud data and the structure of the levee. The designed levee height was calculated based on the simulations and 3D point cloud data, and the results were compared with measured heights to evaluate whether the levee is sufficiently high to satisfy the safety requirement. The findings of this work will enhance the marine disaster prevention capacity of the region and could help reduce economic losses associated with marine-related disasters. The results could also provide support for future work on disaster prevention in the field of coastal marine engineering.
A Remote Sensing Diagnosis of Water Use and Water Stress in a Region with Intense Irrigation Growth in Brazil
Authors: Santos Ana Beatriz , Heil Costa Marcos , Chartuni Mantovani Everardo , Boninsenha Igor , Castro Marina
Published: November 2020

Western Bahia, Brazil, is a classic example of a region where intense irrigation growth has led to acute water stress situations in a few small basins. The water stress problem has the potential to grow regionally. However, there are currently no systematic field measurements of water withdrawn from rivers or groundwater to supply irrigation systems. In this work, we merge remote sensing and river gauge data to assess both the amount of water used for irrigation in Western Bahia and also its consequences for regional water stress, identifying water conflict situations and assessing water security. Remote sensing products used include time series of the normalized difference vegetation index, evapotranspiration, and rainfall. Field data include time series of river discharge and calibration data for crop status and actual evapotranspiration. From calibrated remote sensing products, three-day water balances were calculated for each center pivot using computations of irrigation depth and water uptake for irrigation, both individually at the center-pivot scale and integrated regionally. From these regional integrations, a simple water-use diagnostic indicated that three sub-basins presented the most critical conditions for water conflicts. An in-depth analysis of these sub-basins shows that, despite the high water stress, water use for irrigation has been steadily increasing, pushing the water use to its limits. This work demonstrates that the use of remote sensing products together with field data is a powerful tool for diagnosing water conflict situations. The limitations of this work relate to the absence of field data to validate the water uptake estimated and to the lack of additional long-term and high-quality river flow stations to provide diagnostics for all small basins in the region.
Bringing Bathymetry LiDAR to Coastal Zone Assessment: A Case Study in the Southern Baltic
Authors: Tysiac Pawel
Published: November 2020

One of the major tasks in environmental protection is monitoring the coast for negative impacts due to climate change and anthropopressure. Remote sensing techniques are often used in studies of impact assessment. Topographic and bathymetric procedures are treated as separate measurement methods, while methods that combine coastal zone analysis with underwater impacts are rarely used in geotechnical analyses. This study presents an assessment of the bathymetry airborne system used for coastal monitoring, taking into account environmental conditions and providing a comparison with other monitoring methods. The tests were carried out on a section of the Baltic Sea where, despite successful monitoring, coastal degradation continues. This technology is able to determine the threat of coastal cliff erosion (based on the geotechnical analyses). Shallow depths have been reported to be a challenge for bathymetric Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), due to the difficulty in separating surface, water column and bottom reflections from each other. This challenge was overcome by describing the classification method used which was the CANUPO classification method as the most suitable for the point cloud processing. This study presents an innovative approach to identifying natural hazards, by combining analyses of coastal features with underwater factors. The main goal of this manuscript is to assess the suitability of using bathymetry scanning in the Baltic Sea to determine the factors causing coastal erosion. Furthermore, a geotechnical analysis was conducted, taking into account geometrical ground change underwater. This is the first study which uses a coastal monitoring approach, combining geotechnical computations with remote sensing data. This interdisciplinary scientific research can increase the awareness of the environmental processes.
Modelling of Phase Contrast Imaging with X-ray Wavefront Sensor and Partial Coherence Beams
Authors: Begani Provinciali Ginevra , Cedola Alessia , Rochefoucauld Ombeline de La , Zeitoun Philippe
Published: November 2020

The Hartmann wavefront sensor is able to measure, separately and in absolute, the real δ and imaginary part β of the X-ray refractive index. While combined with tomographic setup, the Hartman sensor opens many interesting opportunities behind the direct measurement of the material density. In order to handle the different ways of using an X-ray wavefront sensor in imaging, we developed a 3D wave propagation model based on Fresnel propagator. The model can manage any degree of spatial coherence of the source, thus enabling us to model experiments accurately using tabletop, synchrotron or X-ray free-electron lasers. Beam divergence is described in a physical manner consistent with the spatial coherence. Since the Hartmann sensor can detect phase and absorption variation with high sensitivity, a precise simulation tool is thus needed to optimize the experimental parameters. Examples are displayed.
Demonstration of Three-Dimensional Indoor Visible Light Positioning with Multiple Photodiodes and Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhang Zhuo , Chen Huayang , Zeng Weikang , Cao Xinlong , Hong Xuezhi , Chen Jiajia
Published: November 2020

To provide high-quality location-based services in the era of the Internet of Things, visible light positioning (VLP) is considered a promising technology for indoor positioning. In this paper, we study a multi-photodiodes (multi-PDs) three-dimensional (3D) indoor VLP system enhanced by reinforcement learning (RL), which can realize accurate positioning in the 3D space without any off-line training. The basic 3D positioning model is introduced, where without height information of the receiver, the initial height value is first estimated by exploring its relationship with the received signal strength (RSS), and then, the coordinates of the other two dimensions (i.e., X and Y in the horizontal plane) are calculated via trilateration based on the RSS. Two different RL processes, namely RL1 and RL2, are devised to form two methods that further improve horizontal and vertical positioning accuracy, respectively. A combination of RL1 and RL2 as the third proposed method enhances the overall 3D positioning accuracy. The positioning performance of the four presented 3D positioning methods, including the basic model without RL (i.e., Benchmark) and three RL based methods that run on top of the basic model, is evaluated experimentally. Experimental results verify that obviously higher 3D positioning accuracy is achieved by implementing any proposed RL based methods compared with the benchmark. The best performance is obtained when using the third RL based method that runs RL2 and RL1 sequentially. For the testbed that emulates a typical office environment with a height difference between the receiver and the transmitter ranging from 140 cm to 200 cm, an average 3D positioning error of 2.6 cm is reached by the best RL method, demonstrating at least 20% improvement compared to the basic model without performing RL.
Mechanical Power in Endurance Running: A Scoping Review on Sensors for Power Output Estimation during Running
Authors: Jaén-Carrillo Diego , Roche-Seruendo Luis E. , Cartón-Llorente Antonio , Ramírez-Campillo Rodrigo , García-Pinillos Felipe
Published: November 2020

Mechanical power may act as a key indicator for physiological and mechanical changes during running. In this scoping review, we examine the current evidences about the use of power output (PW) during endurance running and the different commercially available wearable sensors to assess PW. The Boolean phrases endurance OR submaximal NOT sprint AND running OR runner AND power OR power meter, were searched in PubMed, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS. Nineteen studies were finally selected for analysis. The current evidence about critical power and both power-time and power-duration relationships in running allow to provide coaches and practitioners a new promising setting for PW quantification with the use of wearable sensors. Some studies have assessed the validity and reliability of different available wearables for both kinematics parameters and PW when running but running power meters need further research before a definitive conclusion regarding its validity and reliability.
Integration of a Social Robot in a Pedagogical and Logopedic Intervention with Children: A Case Study
Authors: Egido-García Verónica , Estévez David , Corrales-Paredes Ana , Terrón-López María-José , Velasco-Quintana Paloma-Julia
Published: November 2020

The effectiveness of social robots such as NAO in pedagogical therapies presents a challenge. There is abundant literature focused on therapies using robots with children with autism, but there is a gap to be filled in other educational different needs. This paper describes an experience of using a NAO as an assistant in a logopedic and pedagogical therapy with children with different needs. Even if the initial robot architecture is based on genericbehaviors, the loading and execution time for each specific requirement and the needs of each child in therapy, made it necessary to develop “Adaptive Behaviors”. These evolve into an adaptive architecture, appliedto the engineer–therapist–child interaction, requiring the engineer-programmer to be always present during the sessions. Benefits from the point of view of the therapist and the children and the acceptance of NAO in therapy are shown. A robot in speech-therapy sessions can play a positive role in several logopedic aspectsserving as a motivating factor for the children.Future works should be oriented in developing intelligent algorithms so as to eliminate the presence of the engineer-programmer in the sessions. Additional work proposals should consider deepening the psychological aspects of using humanoid robots in educational therapy.
HDDM Hardware Evaluation for Robust Interference Mitigation
Authors: Garzia Fabio , van der Merwe Johannes Rossouw , Rügamer Alexander , Urquijo Santiago , Felber Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

Interference can significantly degrade the performance of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers. Therefore, mitigation methods are required to ensure reliable operations. However, as there are different types of interference, robust, multi-purpose mitigation algorithms are needed. This paper describes the most popular state-of-the-art interference mitigation techniques. The high-rate DFT-based data manipulator (HDDM) is proposed as a possible solution to overcome their limitations. This paper presents a hardware implementation of the HDDM algorithm. The hardware HDDM module is integrated in three different receivers equipped with analog radio-frequency (RF) front-ends supporting signals with different dynamic range. The resource utilization and power consumption is evaluated for the three cases. The algorithm is compared to a low-end mass-market receiver and a high-end professional receiver with basic and sophisticated interference mitigation capabilities, respectively. Different type of interference are used to compare the mitigation capabilities of the receivers under test. Results of the HDDM hardware implementation achieve the similar or improved performance to the state of the art. With more complex interferences, like frequency hopping or pulsed, the HDDM shows even better performance.
Understanding the Real-World Impact of Geographical Indications: A Critical Review of the Empirical Economic Literature
Authors: Török Áron , Jantyik Lili , Maró Zalán Márk , Moir Hazel V. J.
Published: November 2020

In our study, we tried to collect empirical studies focusing on the economic impact of Geographical Indications (GIs). Using a systematic literature review approach, we investigated three different aspects: market size, price premium and impacts on rural development. Based on the findings of studies both from the grey and academic literature, the results are quite mixed. Though the number of GI-related empirical studies has risen in recent years, there is a lack of economic data to support policies related to GIs, even in the European Union (EU), where the most important GI system exists. Overall, it is impossible to draw any general conclusions about the economic impact of GIs. Some countries have remarkable GI market size, and some GI products have a determinative role in both domestic and export markets; however, it is not general. Again, some particular GI products of some regions could gain significant price premiums, but due to the associated higher production costs and unequal distribution in the value chain, it might not result in higher producer incomes. The most conflicting empirical results were found in how GIs can contribute to regional prosperity, as evidences of the harmful effects of GIs on rural development were also identified.
Academic Policy Regarding Sustainability and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Authors: Tanveer Muhammad , Hassan Shafiqul , Bhaumik Amiya
Published: November 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown, and technologies have intensified across all fields of life, particularly in education. AI has been applied to resources to improve skills giving teachers the time and freedom to provide understanding and adaptability and drive performance. This paper, written for policymakers in the field of education, highlights the impact of AI and advancements in academic policy. These academic policymakers generate ideas and strategies for applying AI across various disciplines. There is also discussion around AI implementation in education throughout developing nations for moving towards and ensuring affordable, high-quality education for every individual. Education for sustainable development (ESD) aims to promote the development of knowledge, skills, understanding, values and actions necessary to build a sustainable world, to protect and preserve the environment, and promote social equity and economic sustainability. This paper analyses how AI can be used to update learning probabilities by providing examples of how it can be integrated with existing educational systems, using data to improve educational capital and quality in developing countries. It goes on to discuss whether policymakers and institutions can reinvent and rework educational programs to polish graduates’ skills for the growing presence of AI across all disciplines. There are four main parts to this work: (1) different dimensions regarding the complexities and potential implications, (2) the pros and cons of educational sustainability policy related to AI, (3) carving out AI and its outstanding execution, and finally (4) the linkage of AI with higher education within the context of educational expansions. In conclusion, the paper focuses on AI’s applications, benefits and sustainable development education challenges.
Identifying Promising School-Based Intervention Programs to Promote 24-Hour Movement Guidelines among Children: Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Rodrigo-Sanjoaquín Javier , Bois Julien E. , Aibar Solana Alberto , Lhuisset Léna , Zaragoza Casterad Javier
Published: November 2020

Three key health behaviors, physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB) and sleep (SLP), have been identified by the 24-h framework as movement behaviors. School-based interventions targeting these multiple health behaviors among children have the potential to increase health outcomes. Despite this, the efficacy and sustainability of school-based movement behavior interventions among children has not been evaluated yet. To fill this gap in literature, this systematic review will aim to: (1) Summarize and classify movement behavior strategies used in literature to improve PA, SB and SLP in/from school in children; and (2) measure the effect of movement behavior strategies used in literature to improve PA, SB and SLP in children. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020199154). A systematic search will be conducted between 2010 to 2020 in five databases: Pubmed, Scopus, SPORTDiscuss, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Risk of bias and quality assessment will be evaluated and measured according to the recommended tools. This systematic review will provide information about which kind of school-based movement behavior interventions are effective, sustainable and the best to implement in children.
The Effect of Climate Change-Induced Temperature Increase on Performance and Environmental Impact of Intensive Pig Production Systems
Authors: Hörtenhuber Stefan J. , Schauberger Günther , Mikovits Christian , Schönhart Martin , Baumgartner Johannes , Niebuhr Knut , Piringer Martin , Anders Ivonne , Andre Konrad , Hennig-Pauka Isabel , Zollitsch Werner
Published: November 2020

This study examined climate change impacts (CCI) on productivity of pig production systems, their resource use, environmental impacts and the relevance of potential adaptation options. The impact of increasing temperature and temperature-humidity index (THI) on performance of pigs in confined housing systems was analysed by a meta-analysis. Using climate data for an Austrian site for the period 1981 to 2010, different scenarios (cold year, warm year, hot year, worst case scenario) were modelled and compared. Although significant differences between thermoneutral and heat stress conditions were detected for the analysed traits of growing and finishing pigs, overall performance, resource use (cumulative energy demand) and environmental impacts (global warming, acidification and eutrophication potential) per kg of live mass for finished pigs and reared piglets did not significantly differ between most scenarios. Elements of pig production systems resilient to CCI, which were not considered under performance and environmental impacts (LCA), were addressed in a system analysis that was based on literature and expert knowledge. The most important detected system elements are plants and animals with an appropriate genetic potential, securing the access to inexpensive feed, including land for feed production, securing water supply and the implementation of health plans and measures against diseases associated with CCI.
Teacher Involvement in Organisational Change: From Engaging Risk to Cooperative Learning
Authors: Daujotienė Laima , Kazlauskienė Aušra , Bubnys Remigijus
Published: November 2020

The present research aims at analysing the result of how preconditions, teacher reactions, action strategies, and intervening conditions of teacher involvement in the organisational changes manifest. A particular school which had recently implemented changes was chosen for the investigation. The research is based on application of the strategy of the grounded theory. A semi-structured interview was chosen to collect the data. Grounding on the analysis of the research data, the development paths of the teacher involvement in the organisational changes manifesting at the personal and organisational levels were disclosed. The research reveals that the teacher involvement in the changes is determined by various preconditions: boredom, self-assessment, positive encouragement, support, negative reaction of others. Each precondition for the involvement in the changes creates conditions for the manifestation of different teacher reactions and action strategies. The intervening conditions (continuous changes, changing of personal attitudes and organisational culture) acting during the involvement in the changes were revealed in the course of the research. While analysing the process of the teacher involvement in the changes, the result of this process was revealed: from engaging risk to cooperative learning.
Coordinated Voltage Regulation Methods in Active Distribution Networks with Soft Open Points
Authors: Hu Ruonan , Wang Wei , Chen Zhe , Wu Xuezhi , Jing Long , Ma Wei , Zeng Guohong
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a coordinated voltage regulation method for active distribution networks (ADNs) to mitigate nodal voltage fluctuations caused by photovoltaic (PV) power fluctuations, where a three-stage optimization scheme is developed to coordinate and optimize the tap position of on-load tap changers (OLTCs), the reactive power of capacitor banks (CBs), and the active and reactive power of soft open points (SOPs). The first stage aims to schedule the OLTC and CBs hourly using the rolling optimization algorithm. In the second stage, a multi-objective optimization model of SOPs is established to periodically (15 min) optimize the active and reactive power of each SOP. Meanwhile, this model is also responsible for optimizing the Q-V droop control parameters of each SOP used in the third stage. The aim of the third stage is to suppress real-time (1 min) voltage fluctuations caused by rapid changes in PV power, where the Q-V droop control is developed to regulate the actual reactive power of SOPs automatically, according to the measured voltage at the SOPs’ connection points. Furthermore, numerous simulations and comparisons are carried out on a modified IEEE 33-bus distribution network to verify the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed voltage regulation method.
Aerogel-Based Plasters and Energy Efficiency of Historic Buildings. Literature Review and Guidelines for Manufacturing Specimens Destined for Thermal Tests
Authors: Del Curto Davide , Cinieri Valentina
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a literature review about aerogel-based products for building, focusing on the plasters used within the architectural restoration sector. Aerogel has entered the construction field in the last two decades as a component of many insulation products, due to its high thermal performance. Aerogel-based plasters allow the matching of high thermal performance and limited thickness. This makes them suitable when retrofitting an existing building and also when restoring a heritage building. We analyze the results of recent research, focusing on the most commonly used methods for assessing the thermal performances and durability of aerogel-based plasters. As a result of this review, we propose a guideline for manufacturing samples destined for laboratory tests.
The Impact of Cultural Aspects on Building the Smart City Approach: Managing Diversity in Europe (London), North America (New York) and Asia (Singapore)
Authors: Šulyová Dominika , Vodák Josef
Published: November 2020

One of the main motives for creating this article was to explore the importance of cultural aspects in building smart city approaches. The aim of this article was to obtain answers to three research questions, the answers to which made it possible to identify the elements of multiculturalism that affect the development of smart cities, to find out how multiculturalism affects smart cities and how to manage diversity. The ambition was to create and organize the most important findings into a comprehensive framework. To achieve this goal, secondary analysis methods were used by examining the literature and case studies of best practices from Europe, North America, and Asia. The choice of case studies was conditioned by the placement of smart cities in four global indices (smart city index, Arcadis, IESE and global power index), the existence of a multicultural strategy and elements of successful diversity management, including positive effects and possible limitations. In addition, methods of analysis, comparison and summarization were used. Effective diversity management acts as an accelerator of the sustainable development of smart cities. The results of the analysis of the case studies serve as a basis for recommendations and the creation of a proposed general model, whose task is to simplify the adoption of intelligent concepts, which creates space for the specification of local or cultural conditions of the country. Testing the model in practice is the subject of the following research activities of the authors.
Analogy between Thermodynamic Phase Transitions and Creeping Flows in Rectangular Cavities
Authors: Kaufman Miron , Fodor Petru S.
Published: November 2020

An analogy is found between the streamline function corresponding to Stokes flows in rectangular cavities and the thermodynamics of phase transitions and critical points. In a rectangular cavity flow, with no-slip boundary conditions at the walls, the corners are fixed points. The corners defined by a stationary and a moving wall, are found to be analogous to a thermodynamic first-order transition point. In contrast, the corners defined by two stationary walls correspond to thermodynamic critical points. Here, flow structures, also known as Moffatt eddies, form and act as stagnation regions where mixing is impeded. A third stationary point occurs in the middle region of the channel and it is analogous to a high temperature thermodynamic fixed point. The numerical results of the fluid flow modeling are correlated with analytical work in the proximity of the fixed points.
Conversion of Dual-Use Technology: A Differential Game Analysis under the Civil-Military Integration
Authors: Cao Xia , Yang Xiaojun , Zhang Lupeng
Published: November 2020

Civil-military integration enables the symmetry development of dual-use technologies in the defense and civilian areas. In this paper, we used stochastic differential game theory to build theoretical models of the dual-use technology conversion between a military firm and a civilian firm. The models include three directions of dual-use technology conversion, namely, spin-off, spin-in, and mix. In particular, we incorporate the dynamic development of dual-use technology into the research framework. Our results show that the order of the Pareto optimality results is mix, spin-in, spin-out, including the best effort, the highest revenue, and the most technology value-added. The results also indicate that: (1) Some random interference factors can affect the transfer efforts, such as the coefficient of technological innovation capability and cost coefficients. (2) The military subsidies factor is an inventive mechanism that can promote dual-use transfer from the civilian firm to the military. (3) The military enterprise only earns more than the civilian firm in spin-in. (4) The growth of models in the dual-use technology conversion process faces increased technology uncertainty.
Toxemia in Human Naturally Acquired Botulism
Authors: Rasetti-Escargueil Christine , Lemichez Emmanuel , Popoff Michel R.
Published: November 2020

Human botulism is a severe disease characterized by flaccid paralysis and inhibition of certain gland secretions, notably salivary secretions, caused by inhibition of neurotransmitter release. Naturally acquired botulism occurs in three main forms: food-borne botulism by ingestion of preformed botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) in food, botulism by intestinal colonization (infant botulism and intestinal toxemia botulism in infants above one year and adults), and wound botulism. A rapid laboratory confirmation of botulism is required for the appropriate management of patients. Detection of BoNT in the patient’s sera is the most direct way to address the diagnosis of botulism. Based on previous published reports, botulinum toxemia was identified in about 70% of food-borne and wound botulism cases, and only in about 28% of infant botulism cases, in which the diagnosis is mainly confirmed from stool sample investigation. The presence of BoNT in serum depends on the BoNT amount ingested with contaminated food or produced locally in the intestine or wound, and the timeframe between serum sampling and disease onset. BoNT levels in patient’s sera are most frequently low, requiring a highly sensitive method of detection. Mouse bioassay is still the most used method of botulism identification from serum samples. However, in vitro methods based on BoNT endopeptidase activity with detection by mass spectrometry or immunoassay have been developed and depending on BoNT type, are more sensitive than the mouse bioassay. These new assays show high specificity for individual BoNT types and allow more accurate differentiation between positive toxin sera from botulism and autoimmune neuropathy patients.
Identification of Novel Yellow Fever Class II Epitopes in YF-17D Vaccinees
Authors: Mateus Jose , Grifoni Alba , Voic Hannah , Angelo Michael A. , Phillips Elizabeth , Mallal Simon , Sidney John , Sette Alessandro , Weiskopf Daniela
Published: November 2020

Yellow fever virus (YFV) is a mosquito-borne member of the genus flavivirus, including other important human-pathogenic viruses, such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika. Herein, we report identifying 129 YFV Class II epitopes in donors vaccinated with the live attenuated YFV vaccine (YFV-17D). A total of 1156 peptides predicted to bind 17 different common HLA-DRB1 allelic variants were tested using IFNγ ELISPOT assays in vitro re-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from twenty-six vaccinees. Overall, we detected responses against 215 YFV epitopes. We found that the capsid and envelope proteins, as well as the non-structural (NS) proteins NS3 and NS5, were the most targeted proteins by CD4+ T cells from YF-VAX vaccinated donors. In addition, we designed and validated by flow cytometry a CD4+ mega pool (MP) composed of structural and non-structural epitopes in an independent cohort of vaccinated donors. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive prediction and validation of YFV epitopes in a cohort of YF-17D vaccinated individuals. With the design of a CD4 epitope MP, we further provide a useful tool to detect ex vivo responses of YFV-specific CD4 T cells in small sample volumes.
Removal of Molybdenum(VI) from Raw Water Using Nano Zero-Valent Iron Supported on Activated Carbon
Authors: Zhu Huijie , Huang Qiang , Fu Shuai , Zhang Xiuji , Shi Mingyan , Liu Bo
Published: November 2020

Traces of Molybdenum (Mo) in drinking water pose potent dangers owing to its harmful effects on the health of humans. This study used nanoscale zero-valent iron (Fe0) supported by activated carbon (NZVI/AC) for removing Mo(VI) from raw water. In an attempt to gain an understanding of the various factors that affect the process, we designed the study to look into the impact of various experimental parameters including pH, adsorption kinetics, and coexisting ions on the Mo(VI) removal using fixed-bed column runs and a batch-adsorption method and for Mo(VI) removal using NZVI/AC. The optimum conditions were found to be pH 4.5 and an equilibrium time of 9 h and 72 h for simulation water (SW) and raw water (RW), respectively. The removal of Mo(VI) was remarkably inhibited by the presence of silicate (SiO42−) and phosphate (PO43−), while the impact of humic acid and some other anions was insignificant. Metal cations such as Fe3+, Al3+, Zn2+, and Ni2+ enhanced the adsorption of Mo(VI). The influent contaminant concentration Mo(VI) in raw water was found to be 0.1603 mg/L, the empty-bed contact time (EBCT) was 3 and 6 min, whereas the breakthrough empty-bed volumes were 800 and 1100 and at the value of 70 μg/L provided by WHO provisional guidelines, respectively.
Control of Dual-Output DC/DC Converters Using Duty Cycle and Frequency
Authors: Matsushita Yoshinori , Noguchi Toshihiko , Shimizu Kazuki , Taguchi Noritaka , Ishii Makoto
Published: November 2020

As part of the integration process of the auxiliary power systems of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and fuel cell vehicles, this study proposes a method to control two different voltage types using two control factors of the rectangular alternating waveforms contained in DC/DC converters, namely the duty cycle and frequency. A prototype circuit consisting of an H-bridge inverter, a transformer, two series resonant filters and two diode bridge circuits was constructed. The H-bridge inverter was connected to the primary side of the transformer and the diode bridge rectifier circuit was connected to the secondary side in parallel. Series resonant filters were inserted between one of the diode bridge circuits and the transformer. Thereafter, the proposed control method was applied to the transformer voltage of the prototype circuit. Although the circuit operation became complex owing to the circulating current flowing between the ground (GND) of the two output circuits, it exhibited ideal static and dynamic characteristics, thereby confirming the possibility of controlling two voltages with the duty cycle and frequency control factors. The results of the efficiency evaluation and loss analysis demonstrated a minimum efficiency of 68.3% and a maximum efficiency of 88.9%. As the output power of the circuit containing the resonant filters increased, the current peak value increased and the circuit became less efficient.
Representação política e relações sociais no Brasil atual
Authors: Kirst Hoewell Pedro Guilherme
Published: November 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo examinar a questão da representação política no Brasil contemporâneo, buscando estabelecer nexos com as relações sociais. Partindo de um referencial teórico crítico às teorias mainstream da Ciência Política, a ideia principal é considerar a historicidade e a materialidade do país, visando identificar as limitações da democracia brasileira, em particular, e das democracias liberais, em geral.

Como objeto imediato, a crise recente (a partir de 2013) que acometeu o Brasil muito revela sobre as questões referentes às estruturas jurídico-política, econômica e ideológica, que serão abordadas no texto. A forma da representação política pode ser colocada em xeque, tendo em vista que há déficits quantitativos e qualitativos preocupantes, em especial nas casas legislativas.

Avaliaremos o que há – ou não – de democrático no desenho atual, as estruturas que permitem tais déficits e quais as possíveis causas da chamada crise.
Design and Analysis of Exhaust Manifold
Authors: D Anand , Suresh Vellingiri
Published: November 2020

The exhaust manifold system is mountedon the cylinder head of theengine. It is associated with the catalyst converter at the other end. The emitted gases transmitted from the chamber come out at temperatures of about 800 °C and with pressures extending from 100 to 500 kPa. The exhaust manifold system is exposed to high temperatures and weights which will lead to thermo mechanical failure. Redesigning an exhaust manifold by determining Thermal stresses and deflections exhibited under various operating conditions with different materials and temperatures. The objective is to ensure the suitability of the design for a particular material from the view point of reliability and serviceability.  Defects in existing manifold are cracks usually occur due to prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, defects in casting and Heat cycling. High end cad cam software such as Unigraphics and Ansys is used for modeling and analysis. The 3d Model of exhaust manifold is subjected to thermal and structural loads and results are tabulated according to the procedure for the Exhaust manifold.
Knowledge, Attitude, Risk and Fear Assessment of Health Professionals towards Covid-19 in Perspective of Workplace, Local and National Policy
Authors: Yadav Ram Lochan , Yadav Laxmi Kumari , Churasiya Rosan , Islam Md. Nazrul
Published: November 2020

Background: Health professionals, the frontline fighters, are under high risk of being infected with a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Many health workers in the world, including Nepal, have lost their lives in fighting with COVID-19. Thus, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, risk, and fear among health professionals towards COVID-19 and evaluated their satisfaction with local and governmental policies of Nepal.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study included 150 (male-44% and female-56%) health professionals with mean age 26.14±6.092 years working at Chitwan Medical College, Nepal. The questionnaire included 40 statements having four categories to assess 1) the participant’s knowledge about COVID-19, 2) the risk and attitude, 3) their fears, and 4) stake holder’s role in encouraging health professionals to allay their fears and avert negative attitudes.
Política y naturaleza humana
Authors: Esposito Roberto
Published: November 2020

A pesar de todos los intentos de restaurarla, la gran tradición humanista no pudo resistir el doble trauma de Auschwitz e Hiroshima, en el que la idea misma de humanidad había sido devorada por su opuesto. Sin embargo, más allá de la crítica al humanismo realizada por filósofos del siglo XX como Heidegger, el antiguo perfil del hombre como esencialmente humanus se delinea nuevamente. Por otra parte, tan pronto como el vector antropotécnico -o biopolítico- nietzscheano de intervención artificial sobre las características de la naturaleza humana entra en sinergia con el supuesto darwinista acerca de la contigüidad con el mundo animal, las consecuencias sociales pueden ser devastadoras. Pero, ¿es ésta la única cara -destructiva y autodestructiva- del posthumanismo? ¿Es necesario que se convierta en una forma de antihumanismo patente? En oposición tanto al rechazo heideggeriano de la biología y del animal, como al mal uso biopolítico de la semántica inmunitaria, que ha llevado a las formas más brutales de eugenesia homicida, en este artículo afirmo que la entrada pujante de la vida biológica en la dinámica sociopolítica no es necesariamente un peligro del que tengamos que defendernos en nombre de una pureza autoreferencial del individuo y la especie. También puede ser comprendida como el futuro del hombre, un umbral desde el cual el hombre puede ser estimulado a emprender una elaboración más compleja y abierta de su humanitas.
Legislasi Hukum Islam dalam Sistem Hukum Nasional
Authors: Ainun Najib
Published: November 2020

Constitutionally, Indonesia is neither a religious state nor a secular state, but a state based on Pancasila. The ideology of this nation also influences the development of law in it, which is not based on religion nor adheres to the secular legal system. Based on the Pancasila philosophy, Indonesia's national legal system recognizes religious law, customary law and Western law as a source of material law in the formation of national law. The existence of Islamic law in the national legal system experienced ups and downs, due to the influence of the political power of each era of government. Transforming Islamic law into national law requires negotiation and dialectics through a friendly approach and does not trigger national disintegration. So that the process of transformation into the resulting national law can be divided into two forms, first, Islamic law is adapted into positive law in the form of organic law. Second, accommodation in the form of absorption of Islamic values into national law, by not using Islamic / Islamic labels. The transformation of Islamic law into national law is a manifestation of responsive and accommodative legal development.
Prospective methods of control of tobacco products
Authors: SAMOILENKO Natalia , KANDASHKINA Izabella
Published: November 2020

Natalia Samoylenko and Isabella Kandashkina believe that the development of relevant methods for quality control and safety of tobacco products by TC 153 on the basis of standards harmonized with international ones makes it possible to fully meet the requirements of TR CU 035/2014 and to ensure scientific and technological progress.
PERFORMANCE AND INTESTINAL MORPHOMETRY OF NAKED NECK BIRDS FED TREE CASSAVA HAY
Authors: Medeiros Santana Marcelo Helder , Naves Givisiez Patrícia Emília , Duarte de Lima Maria Cristina , Figueiredo Júnior Jalceyr Pessoa , Gonçalves dos Santos Élcio , Perazzo da Costa Fernando Guilherme
Published: November 2020

Basal diet was partially substituted with tree cassava (Manihot psdeudoglaziovii) hay in the feeding of naked neck Label Rouge birds reared in semiarid climate. It was evaluated the effects on food intake, weight gain, feed conversion from 33 to 70 days of age (d), relative weight of prime cuts and edible organs at 70d, and the histology of small intestine at 56d. An economic analysis of the use of tree cassava hay was also carried out. Three hundred Label Rouge birds were distributed at 33d into a completely randomized design with three treatments (0, 7 and 14% of tree cassava hay levels) and ten repetitions with ten birds per repetition. There were no differences on feed intake, although tree cassava levels negatively affected weight gain and feed conversion. Relative gizzard weight increased (P<0.05) with higher tree cassava levels. In the duodenum, villus height increased (P<0.01) in birds fed 7% tree cassava hay; crypts were deeper in all segments of birds fed 14% tree cassava hay. Relative gross profit decreased in any scenario simulated with 14% of tree cassava hay. The substitution of tree cassava hay for basal diet at the level of 7% is viable for naked neck Label Rouge birds reared in semiarid climate.
TRATAMENTO DE FERIDAS CUTÂNEAS OCASIONADA POR QUEIMADURA EM UM CANINO – RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Costa Jamiliana Querino , Oliveira Clarisse Silva de Menezes , Alves Mariana De Melo , Moura Maria Francicarla Nascimento , Nóbrega Matheus EstrelaSulpino da , Durand Vitória Rodrigues , Araújo Ana Lucélia , Santana Vanessa Lira de
Published: November 2020

Lesões cutâneas surgem após trauma tecidual, no caso de danos extensos é importante o auxílio terapêutico para acelerar processo cicatricial, visto que este apresenta-se lento. As queimaduras dérmicas promovem lesão térmica, focais, multifocais ou extensas, e podem ser de primeiro, segundo ou terceiro grau. Este relato objetiva abordar o caso de uma cadela, SRD, que apresentou lesões de pele por queimadura de primeiro e segundo grau, acometendo língua, com 50% da área prejudicada, dorso, ventre abdominal, axilar e coxins plantares. Animal apresentava disfagia, hiporexia, apatia, dor severa nos primeiros dias de tratamento. Tratada com antibióticos, anti-inflamatórios e analgésicos sistêmicos e tópico com higienização das feridas e aplicação pomada cicatrizante. Animal teve total cicatrização com 121 dias.
LEISHMANIOSE VISCERAL NO CARIRI CEARENSE SOB UMA ABORDAGEM DA ESTATÍSTICA MULTIVARIADA
Authors: Nascimento Kellyma Kellyashin Felix do , Nascimento Kenikywaynne Kerowaynne Felix do , Nascimento Kerolly Kedma Felix do , Santos Fábio Sandro dos , Gomes Diego Alves , Figueiredo Salomão Cambui de
Published: November 2020

A Leishmaniose Visceral tem como agente etiológico protozoários do gênero Leishmania cuja infecção pode atingir humanos e várias espécies de animais. Ao pensar em formas de transmissão, é importante considerar áreas urbanas e rurais, pois através da urbanização, por exemplo, há uma relação direta das formas de transmissão da doença para o ser humano. Este trabalho foi realizado com dados de 38 municípios da região do Cariri no estado do Ceará, entre os anos de 2008 a 2017, utilizando-se técnicas multivariadas para análise de agrupamento e para verificação de semelhanças entre as cidades e os valores de incidência em relação aos casos de leishmaniose. Os resultados mostraram que as cidades de Barbalha e Juazeiro do Norte possuem o maior número de casos, sendo mais prevalentes em indivíduos do sexo masculino. Em particular, Barbalha apresenta grande incidência da patologia. Com os grupos obtidos, conclui-se que há necessidade de monitoramento, especialmente, nas regiões próximas a mata, e aprimoramento nas políticas de cuidados à saúde humana e animal em toda a macrorregião do Cariri cearense.

 
ACHADOS CLÍNICOS E PATOLÓGICOS DE UM CÃO INFECTADO SIMULTANEAMENTE POR Ehrlichia sp., Babesia sp., Hepatozoon sp. E Anaplasma sp.: RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Pereira Edinete Lúcio , De Jesus Clauceane , Melo Higina Moreira , Silva Rosangela Maria Nunes da , Souza Almir Pereira de
Published: November 2020

O aumento populacional de cães vem propagando enfermidades como as hemoparasitoses, sendo Ehrlichia sp., Babesia spp., Hepatozoon canis e Anaplasma platys as mais comuns transmitidas pelo Rhipicephalus sanguineus, podendo ocorrer co-infecção. O objetivo do estudo é relatar o caso de uma cadela atendida e diagnosticada com co-infecção de Babesiose, Anaplasmose, Erliquiose e Hepatozoonose na Clínica Médica de Pequenos Animais, do Hospital Veterinário Universitário Prof. Ivon Macedo Tabosa, da UFCG, Campus de Patos-PB. O animal estava apático e com as mucosas hipocoradas. No hemograma observou-se anemia, trombocitopenia, neutrofilia madura e leucocitose; e no esfregaço sanguíneo a presença Hepatozoon sp., Babesia sp e Anaplasma platys. Na punção de medula visualizou-se Hepatozoon sp., Babesia sp. e Ehrlichia sp. Diante do diagnóstico de co-infecções hemoparasitoses, a cadela foi tratada e retornou 15 dias ao HVUIMT com melhora significativa do quadro geral. Diante do exposto nota-se a necessidade de um maior controle do Riphicephalus sanguineus (carrapato marrom) no ambiente, por ser responsável pela transmissão de diversas enfermidades, como a Erhlichia sp., Babesia sp., Hepatozoon sp. e Anaplasma platys, as quais podem aparecer associados em um mesmo animal, o que agrava ainda mais o quadro clínico do paciente.