bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Steroidogenesis in Peripheral and Transition Zones of Human Prostate Cancer Tissue
Authors: Deb Subrata , Chin Mei Yieng , Pham Steven , Adomat Hans , Hurtado-Coll Antonio , Gleave Martin E. , Tomlinson Guns Emma S.
Published: January 2021

The peripheral zone (PZ) and transition zone (TZ) represent about 70% of the human prostate gland with each zone having differential ability to develop prostate cancer. Androgens and their receptor are the primary driving cause of prostate cancer growth and eventually castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). De novo steroidogenesis has been identified as a key mechanism that develops during CRPC. Currently, there is very limited information available on human prostate tissue steroidogenesis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate steroid metabolism in human prostate cancer tissues with comparison between PZ and TZ. Human prostate cancer tumors were procured from the patients who underwent radical prostatectomy without any neoadjuvant therapy. Human prostate homogenates were used to quantify steroid levels intrinsically present in the tissues as well as formed after incubation with 2 µg/mL of 17-hydroxypregnenolone (17-OH-pregnenolone) or progesterone. A Waters Acquity ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to a Quattro Premier XE tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer using a C18 column was used to measure thirteen steroids from the classical and backdoor steroidogenesis pathways. The intrinsic prostate tissue steroid levels were similar between PZ and TZ with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), pregnenolone and 17-OH-pregnenolone levels higher than the other steroids measured. Interestingly, 5-pregnan-3,20-dione, 5-pregnan-3-ol-20-one, and 5-pregnan-17-ol-3,20-dione formation was significantly higher in both the zones of prostate tissues, whereas, androstenedione, testosterone, DHT, and progesterone levels were significantly lower after 60 min incubation compared to the 0 min control incubations. The incubations with progesterone had a similar outcome with 5-pregnan-3,20-dione and 5-pregnan-3-ol-20-one levels were elevated and the levels of DHT were lower in both PZ and TZ tissues. The net changes in steroid formation after the incubation were more observable with 17-OH-pregnenolone than with progesterone. In our knowledge, this is the first report of comprehensive analyses of intrinsic prostate tissue steroids and precursor-driven steroid metabolism using a sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay. In summary, the PZ and TZ of human prostate exhibited similar steroidogenic ability with distinction in the manner each zone utilizes the steroid precursors to divert the activity towards backdoor pathway through a complex matrix of steroidogenic mechanisms.
Epigenetic Regulation of ALS and CMT: A Lesson from Drosophila Models
Authors: Yamaguchi Masamitsu , Omori Kentaro , Asada Satoshi , Yoshida Hideki
Published: January 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the third most common neurodegenerative disorder and is sometimes associated with frontotemporal dementia. Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is one of the most commonly inherited peripheral neuropathies causing the slow progression of sensory and distal muscle defects. Of note, the severity and progression of CMT symptoms markedly vary. The phenotypic heterogeneity of ALS and CMT suggests the existence of modifiers that determine disease characteristics. Epigenetic regulation of biological functions via gene expression without alterations in the DNA sequence may be an important factor. The methylation of DNA, noncoding RNA, and post-translational modification of histones are the major epigenetic mechanisms. Currently, Drosophila is emerging as a useful ALS and CMT model. In this review, we summarize recent studies linking ALS and CMT to epigenetic regulation with a strong emphasis on approaches using Drosophila models.
Magnetospirillum magneticum as a Living Iron Chelator Induces TfR1 Upregulation and Decreases Cell Viability in Cancer Cells
Authors: Menghini Stefano , Ho Ping Shu , Gwisai Tinotenda , Schuerle Simone
Published: January 2021

Interest has grown in harnessing biological agents for cancer treatment as dynamic vectors with enhanced tumor targeting. While bacterial traits such as proliferation in tumors, modulation of an immune response, and local secretion of toxins have been well studied, less is known about bacteria as competitors for nutrients. Here, we investigated the use of a bacterial strain as a living iron chelator, competing for this nutrient vital to tumor growth and progression. We established an in vitro co-culture system consisting of the magnetotactic strain Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 incubated under hypoxic conditions with human melanoma cells. Siderophore production by 108 AMB-1/mL in human transferrin (Tf)-supplemented media was quantified and found to be equivalent to a concentration of 3.78 µM ± 0.117 µM deferoxamine (DFO), a potent drug used in iron chelation therapy. Our experiments revealed an increased expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and a significant decrease of cancer cell viability, indicating the bacteria’s ability to alter iron homeostasis in human melanoma cells. Our results show the potential of a bacterial strain acting as a self-replicating iron-chelating agent, which could serve as an additional mechanism reinforcing current bacterial cancer therapies.
Green Synthesis of Chromium Oxide Nanoparticles for Antibacterial, Antioxidant Anticancer, and Biocompatibility Activities
Authors: Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Shahid Sammia , Hanif Sadaf , Almoallim Hesham S. , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Sellami Hanen
Published: January 2021

This study deals with the green synthesis of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) nanoparticles using a leaf extract of Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet as a reducing and capping agent. Different characterization techniques were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction technique confirmed the purity and crystallinity of the Cr2O3 nanoparticles. The average size of the nanoparticles ranged from 17 to 42 nm. The antibacterial activity of the green synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated against four different bacterial strains, E. coli, S. aureus, B. bronchiseptica, and B. subtilis using agar well diffusion and a live/dead staining assay. The anticancer activities were determined against Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cancer cells using MTT and a live/dead staining assay. Antioxidant activity was investigated in the linoleic acid system. Moreover, the cytobiocompatibility was analyzed against the Vero cell lines using MTT and a live/dead staining assay. The results demonstrated that the green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles exhibited superior antibacterial activity in terms of zones of inhibition (ZOIs) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria compared to plant extracts and chemically synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles (commercial), but comparable to the standard drug (Leflox). The green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles exhibited significant anticancer and antioxidant activities against MCF-7 cancerous cells and the linoleic acid system, respectively, compared to chemically synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles. Moreover, cytobiocompatibility analysis displayed that they presented excellent biocompatibility with Vero cell lines than that of chemically synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles. These results suggest that the green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles’ enhanced biological activities might be attributed to a synergetic effect. Hence, green synthesized Cr2O3 nanoparticles could prove to be promising candidates for future biomedical applications.
Young Generation’s Mobile Payment Adoption Behavior: Analysis Based on an Extended UTAUT Model
Authors: Wei Min-Fang , Luh Yir-Hueih , Huang Yu-Hsin , Chang Yun-Cih
Published: January 2021

Younger generations comprise an essential segment for the mobile payment market to prosper. However, empirical evidence of the drivers/barriers of the young generation’s adoption of mobile payment has been inconclusive. This study intends to advance the body of knowledge on this subject based on the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), incorporating the young generation’s risk perception and bonus/rewards provided by the mobile-pay firms. To this end, 295 samples with the majority being more tech-savvy, namely generation Y and generation Z, were collected from an online survey in Taiwan. The empirical results in this study demonstrate the uniquely positive effect of social influence on the young generations’ behavioral intention to adopt mobile payment. While behavioral intention and promotional activities are the drivers of the young generation’s actual usage of mobile payment, perceived risks are found to exert a negative impact, reflecting the risk-averse preferences of the young generation in Taiwan. The ignorable moderation effect of gender, on the other hand, suggests the absence of a gender gap in the use of mobile payment among the young generations. The findings in this research have important implications for the development of promotion programs motivating the young generation’s adoption of mobile payment.
The Influence of ZnO Oxide Layer on the Physicochemical Behavior of Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy
Authors: Woźniak Anna , Walke Witold , Jakóbik-Kolon Agata , Ziębowicz Bogusław , Brytan Zbigniew , Adamiak Marcin
Published: January 2021

Titanium and its alloys are characterized by high biocompatibility and good corrosion resistance as a result of the ability to form a TiO2 oxide layer. However, based on literature data it can be concluded that titanium degradation products, in the form of titanium particles, metal-protein groups, oxides and ions, may cause allergic, inflammatory reactions and bone resorption. The corrosion process of Ti6Al4V in the human body environment may be intensified by a decreased pH and concentration of chloride compounds. The purpose of this article was to analyze the corrosion resistance of the Ti6Al4V alloy, obtained by the selective laser melting method in a corrosion solution of neutral pH and in a solution simulating peri-implant inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the influence of zinc oxide deposited by the atomic layer deposition method on the improvement of the physicochemical behavior of the Ti6Al4V alloy was analyzed. In order to characterize the ZnO layer, tests of chemical and phase composition as well as surface morphology investigation were performed. As part of the assessment of the physicochemical properties of the uncoated samples and those with the ZnO layer, tests of wetting angle, pitting corrosion and impedance corrosion were carried out. The number of ions released after the potentiodynamic test were measured using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES) method. It can be concluded that samples after surface modification (with the ZnO layer) were characterized by favorable physicochemical properties and had higher corrosion resistance.
Effect of Equal Channel Angular Pressing on the Dynamic Softening Behavior of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy in the Hot Deformation Process
Authors: Zhao Zhiyong , Gao Jun , Wang Yaoqi , Zhang Yanling , Hou Hongliang
Published: January 2021

To investigate the effect of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) on the deformation of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at a higher temperature, hot compression tests were conducted on alloys having two different initial microstructures (the original alloy (Pre-ECAP) and ECAP-deformed alloy (Post-ECAP)). Post-ECAP, the alloy showed a higher degree of dynamic softening during the hot deformation process due to its finer grain size and higher distortion energy. The flow stress of Post-ECAP alloy was higher than the Pre-ECAP alloy at 500 °C when ε˙= 0.003 s−1. However, the stress of the Post-ECAP alloy decreased rapidly with increasing temperature and strain rate, until the stress value was much lower than that of Pre-ECAP at 700 °C when ε˙= 0.03 s−1. The value of the dynamic softening coefficient revealed that the dynamic softening behavior of Post-ECAP was more pronounced than that of Pre-ECAP in the hot compression deformation process. The main dynamic softening mechanism of Pre-ECAP is dynamic recovery, while the dynamic recrystallization process plays a more important role in the deformation process of Post-ECAP alloy. The microstructures observation results showed that dynamic recrystallization was more likely to occur to Post-ECAP alloys under the same deformation condition. Almost fully dynamic recrystallization had occurred in the deformation process of Post-ECAP at 700 °C and a strain rate of ε˙= 0.01 s−1. The grains of Post-ECAP alloys were further refined. The Post-ECAP alloy exhibits better plastic deformation at temperatures higher than 600 °C due to its significant dynamic recrystallization.
Optimization of Pickling Solution for Improving the Phosphatability of Advanced High-Strength Steels
Authors: Cho Sangwon , Ko Sang-Jin , Yoo Jin-Seok , Park Joong-Chul , Yoo Yun-Ha , Kim Jung-Gu
Published: January 2021

This study investigated the optimum pickling conditions for improving the phosphatability of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) using surface analysis and electrochemical measurements. To remove the SiO2 that forms on the surface of AHSS, 30 wt.% NH4HF2 was added to the pickling solution, resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of SiO2 remaining on the surface of the AHSS. The phosphatability was improved remarkably using HNO3 concentrations higher than 13% in the pickling solution. Furthermore, phosphate crystals became finer after pickling with a HNO3-based solution rather than a HCl-based solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data indicated that the corrosion resistance of AHSS subjected to HNO3-based pickling was higher than that of AHSS subjected to HCl-based pickling. Fluorine compounds, which were involved in the phosphate treatment process, were only formed on the surface of steel in HNO3-based solutions. The F compounds reacted with the phosphate solution to increase the pH of the bulk solution, which greatly improved the phosphatability. The phosphatability was better under HNO3-based conditions than a HCl-based condition due to the fineness of the phosphate structure and the increased surface roughness.
Natural Building Materials for Interior Fitting and Refurbishment—What about Indoor Emissions?
Authors: Richter Matthias , Horn Wolfgang , Juritsch Elevtheria , Klinge Andrea , Radeljic Leon , Jann Oliver
Published: January 2021

Indoor air quality can be adversely affected by emissions from building materials, consequently having a negative impact on human health and well-being. In this study, more than 30 natural building materials (earth dry boards and plasters, bio-based insulation materials, and boards made of wood, flax, reed, straw, etc.) used for interior works were investigated as to their emissions of (semi-)volatile organic compounds ((S)VOC), formaldehyde, and radon. The study focused on the emissions from complete wall build-ups as they can be used for internal partition walls and the internal insulation of external walls. Test chambers were designed, allowing the compounds to release only from the surface of the material facing indoors under testing parameters that were chosen to simulate model room conditions. The emission test results were evaluated using the AgBB evaluation scheme, a procedure for the health-related evaluation of construction products and currently applied for the approval of specific groups of building materials in Germany. Seventeen out of 19 sample build-ups tested in this study would have passed this scheme since they generally proved to be low-emitting and although the combined emissions of multiple materials were tested, 50% of the measurements could be terminated before half of the total testing time.
Effect of Structural Build-Up on Interlayer Bond Strength of 3D Printed Cement Mortars
Authors: Pan Tinghong , Jiang Yaqing , He Hui , Wang Yu , Yin Kangting
Published: January 2021

Understanding the relationship between the intrinsic characteristics of materials (such as rheological properties and structural build-up) and printability and controlling intrinsic characteristics of materials through additives to achieve excellent printability is vital in digital concrete additive manufacturing. This paper aims at studying the effects of material’s structural build-up on the interlayer bond strength of 3DPC with different time gaps. Structural build-up can indirectly affect the interlayer bond strength by affecting the surface moisture of concrete. Based on the structural build-up of 3DPC, a new parameter, maximum operational time (MOT), is proposed, which can be considered as the limit of time gap to ensure high interlayer bond strength. Slump-retaining polycarboxylate superplasticizer (TS) slightly slows down the physical flocculation rate, but increases the maximum operational time of the cement paste. Nano clay significantly increases the sort-term structural build-up rate and has the function of internal curing and water retaining. Composite with nano-clay and TS can reduce the loss of surface moisture of 3D printed layers, prevent the formation of interface weak layer, and increase the interlayer bond strength between printed layers. This contribution can provide new insight into the design of 3D-printed ink with good extrudability, outstanding buildability, and excellent interlayer bond strength.
Generation of Self-Assembled 3D Network in TPU by Insertion of Al2O3/h-BN Hybrid for Thermal Conductivity Enhancement
Authors: Su Kai-Han , Su Cherng-Yuh , Chi Po-Wei , Chandan Prem , Cho Cheng-Ta , Chi Wan-Yu , Wu Maw-Kuen
Published: January 2021

Thermal management has become one of the crucial factors in designing electronic equipment and therefore creating composites with high thermal conductivity is necessary. In this work, a new insight on hybrid filler strategy is proposed to enhance the thermal conductivity in Thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU). Firstly, spherical aluminium oxide/hexagonal boron nitride (ABN) functional hybrid fillers are synthesized by the spray drying process. Then, ABN/TPU thermally conductive composite material is produced by melt mixing and hot pressing. Then, ABN/TPU thermally conductive composite material is produced by melt mixing and hot pressing. Our results demonstrate that the incorporation of spherical hybrid ABN filler assists in the formation of a three-dimensional continuous heat conduction structure that enhances the thermal conductivity of the neat thermoplastic TPU matrix. Hence, we present a valuable method for preparing the thermal interface materials (TIMs) with high thermal conductivity, and this method can also be applied to large-scale manufacturing.
Electrochemically Driven Phase Transition in LiCoO2 Cathode
Authors: Tan Jinhui , Wang Zhongzui , Li Guangzhao , Hu Huicong , Li Jie , Han Rui , Zhang Dongyan
Published: January 2021

Lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), which has been successfully applied in commercial lithium-ion batteries for portable devices, possesses a theoretical specific capacity of 274 mAh g−1. However, its actual capacity is only half of the theoretical specific capacity, because the charging voltage is restricted below 4.2 V. If a higher charging voltage is applied, an irreversible phase transition of LiCoO2 during delithiation would occur, resulting in severe capacity fading. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the electrochemically driven phase transition of LiCoO2 cathode material to approach its theoretical capacity. In this work, it was observed that LiCoO2 partially degraded to Co3O4 after 150 charging-discharging cycles. From the perspective of crystallography, the conventional cell of LiCoO2 was rebuilt to an orthonormal coordinate, and the transition path from layered LiCoO2 to cubic Co3O4 proposed. The theoretical analysis indicated that the electrochemically driven phase transition from LiCoO2 to Co3O4 underwent several stages. Based on this, an experimental verification was made by doping LiCoO2 with Al, In, Mg, and Zr, respectively. The doped samples theoretically predicted behavior. The findings in this study provide insights into the electrochemically driven phase transition in LiCoO2, and the phase transition can be eliminated to improve the capacity of LiCoO2 to its theoretical value.
Absolute Measurement of Material Nonlinear Parameters Using Noncontact Air-Coupled Reception
Authors: Jeong Hyunjo , Cho Sungjong , Zhang Shuzeng , Li Xiongbing
Published: January 2021

Nonlinear ultrasound is often employed to assess microdamage or nonlinear elastic properties of a material, and the nonlinear parameter is commonly used to quantify damage sate and material properties. Among the various factors that influence the measurement of nonlinear parameters, maintaining a constant contact pressure between the receiver and specimen is important for repeatability of the measurement. The use of an air-coupled transducer may be considered to replace the contact receiver. In this paper, a method of measuring the relative and absolute nonlinear parameters of materials is described using an air-coupled transducer as a receiver. The diffraction and attenuation corrections are newly derived from an acoustic model for a two-layer medium and the nonlinear parameter formula with all corrections is defined. Then, we show that the ratio of the relative nonlinear parameter of the target sample to the reference sample is equal to that of the absolute nonlinear parameter, and this equivalence is confirmed by measurements on three systems of aluminum samples. The proposed method allows the absolute measurement of the nonlinear parameter ratio or the nonlinear parameter without calibration of the air-coupled receiver and removes restrictions on the selection of reference samples.
Static Mechanical Properties of Expanded Polypropylene Crushable Foam
Authors: Rumianek Przemysław , Dobosz Tomasz , Nowak Radosław , Dziewit Piotr , Aromiński Andrzej
Published: January 2021

Closed-cell expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam is commonly used in car bumpers for the purpose of absorbing energy impacts. Characterization of the foam’s mechanical properties at varying strain rates is essential for selecting the proper material used as a protective structure in dynamic loading application. The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of loading strain rate, material density, and microstructure on compressive strength and energy absorption capacity for closed-cell polymeric foams. We performed quasi-static compressive strength tests with strain rates in the range of 0.2 to 25 mm/s, using a hydraulically controlled material testing system (MTS) for different foam densities in the range 20 g/dm3 to 220 g/dm3. The above tests were carried out as numerical simulation using ABAQUS software. The verification of the properties was carried out on the basis of experimental tests and simulations performed using the finite element method. The method of modelling the structure of the tested sample has an impact on the stress values. Experimental tests were performed for various loads and at various initial temperatures of the tested sample. We found that increasing both the strain rate of loading and foam density raised the compressive strength and energy absorption capacity. Increasing the ambient and tested sample temperature caused a decrease in compressive strength and energy absorption capacity. For the same foam density, differences in foam microstructures were causing differences in strength and energy absorption capacity when testing at the same loading strain rate. To sum up, tuning the microstructure of foams could be used to acquire desired global materials properties. Precise material description extends the possibility of using EPP foams in various applications.
Zirconia–Alumina Composites Obtained by Centrifugal Slip Casting as Attractive Sustainable Material for Application in Construction
Authors: Zygmuntowicz Justyna , Tomaszewska Justyna , Żurowski Radosław , Wachowski Marcin , Piotrkiewicz Paulina , Konopka Katarzyna
Published: January 2021

This paper focuses on the possibility of adapting the centrifugal slip casting method to obtain zirconia–alumina composite materials in the form of finished tube-shaped products. These types of products, due to their unique properties, can be utilised, for example, in the transport of aggressive substances, even in extreme temperatures or corrosive conditions. The study reports on the two series of zirconia–alumina composites differing in the content of ZrO2—2.5 and 25 vol%. The fabricated and sintered materials were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and stereological analysis. Moreover, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was provided in accordance with the requirements of the ISO 14044 and EN 15805 standards. The obtained data clearly show that the centrifugal slip casting method allows obtaining samples with high density and extremely uniform distribution of the ZrO2 phase in the alumina matrix. The stereological analysis results proved also that the addition of ZrO2 is effective in reducing the growth of Al2O3 grains during the sintering process. The phase analysis carried out by means of XRD showed that during the sintering process, in the case of composites with a lower ZrO2 content (2.5 vol%), the monoclinic to tetragonal transformation of ZrO2 was total, while for samples containing 25 vol% ZrO2, the monoclinic phase remained in a small amount in the final product.
A Multi-Omics Characterization of the Natural Product Potential of Tropical Filamentous Marine Cyanobacteria
Authors: Leão Tiago , Wang Mingxun , Moss Nathan , da Silva Ricardo , Sanders Jon , Nurk Sergey , Gurevich Alexey , Humphrey Gregory , Reher Raphael , Zhu Qiyun , Belda-Ferre Pedro , Glukhov Evgenia , Whitner Syrena , Alexander Kelsey L. , Rex Robert , Pevzner Pavel , Dorrestein Pieter C. , Knight Rob , Bandeira Nuno , Gerwick William H. , Gerwick Lena
Published: January 2021

Microbial natural products are important for the understanding of microbial interactions, chemical defense and communication, and have also served as an inspirational source for numerous pharmaceutical drugs. Tropical marine cyanobacteria have been highlighted as a great source of new natural products, however, few reports have appeared wherein a multi-omics approach has been used to study their natural products potential (i.e., reports are often focused on an individual natural product and its biosynthesis). This study focuses on describing the natural product genetic potential as well as the expressed natural product molecules in benthic tropical cyanobacteria. We collected from several sites around the world and sequenced the genomes of 24 tropical filamentous marine cyanobacteria. The informatics program antiSMASH was used to annotate the major classes of gene clusters. BiG-SCAPE phylum-wide analysis revealed the most promising strains for natural product discovery among these cyanobacteria. LCMS/MS-based metabolomics highlighted the most abundant molecules and molecular classes among 10 of these marine cyanobacterial samples. We observed that despite many genes encoding for peptidic natural products, peptides were not as abundant as lipids and lipopeptides in the chemical extracts. Our results highlight a number of highly interesting biosynthetic gene clusters for genome mining among these cyanobacterial samples.
Exploring a New Adaptive Routing Based on the Dijkstra Algorithm in Optical Networks-on-Chip
Authors: Zheng Yan-Li , Song Ting-Ting , Chai Jun-Xiong , Yang Xiao-Ping , Yu Meng-Meng , Zhu Yun-Chao , Liu Yong , Xie Yi-Yuan
Published: January 2021

The photoelectric hybrid network has been proposed to achieve the ultrahigh bandwidth, lower delay, and less power consumption for chip multiprocessor (CMP) systems. However, a large number of optical elements used in optical networks-on-chip (ONoCs) generate high transmission loss which will influence network performance severely and increase power consumption. In this paper, the Dijkstra algorithm is adopted to realize adaptive routing with minimum transmission loss of link and reduce the output power of the link transmitter in mesh-based ONoCs. The numerical simulation results demonstrate that the transmission loss of a link in optimized power control based on the Dijkstra algorithm could be maximally reduced compared with traditional power control based on the dimensional routing algorithm. Additionally, it has a greater advantage in saving the average output power of optical transmitter compared to the adaptive power control in previous studies, while the network size expands. With the aid of simulation software OPNET, the network performance simulations in an optimized network revealed that the end-to-end (ETE) latency and throughput are not vastly reduced in regard to a traditional network. Hence, the optimized power control proposed in this paper can greatly reduce the power consumption of s network without having a big impact on network performance.
A Bidirectional Knudsen Pump with a 3D-Printed Thermal Management Platform
Authors: Cheng Qisen , Qin Yutao , Gianchandani Yogesh B.
Published: January 2021

This paper reports on a bidirectional Knudsen pump (KP) with a 3D-printed thermal management platform; the pump is intended principally for microscale gas chromatography applications. Knudsen pumps utilize thermal transpiration, where non-viscous flow is created against a temperature gradient; no moving parts are necessary. Here, a specialized design leverages 3D direct metal laser sintering and provides thermal management that minimizes loss from a joule heater located on the outlet side of KP, while maintaining convective cooling on the inlet side. The 3D-KP design is integrative and compact, and is specifically intended to simplify assembly. The 3D-KP pumping area is ≈1.1 cm2; with the integrated heat sink, the structure has a footprint of 64.2 × 64.2 mm2. Using mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membranes with a 25 nm average pore diameter and 525 μm total membrane thickness as the pumping media, the 3D-KP achieves a maximum flow rate of 0.39 sccm and blocking pressure of 818.2 Pa at 2 W input power. The operating temperature is 72.2 °C at ambient room temperature. In addition to MCE membranes, anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes are evaluated as the pumping media; these AAO membranes can accommodate higher operating temperatures than MCE membranes. The 3D-KP with AAO membranes with 0.2 μm average pore diameter and 531 μm total membrane thickness achieves a maximum flow rate of 0.75 sccm and blocking pressure of 496.1 Pa at 9.8 W at an operating temperature of 191.2 °C.
Consumption of a High-Protein Meal Replacement Leads to Higher Fat Oxidation, Suppression of Hunger, and Improved Metabolic Profile After an Exercise Session
Authors: Oliveira Camila L. P. , Boulé Normand G. , Berg Aloys , Sharma Arya M. , Elliott Sarah A. , Siervo Mario , Ghosh Sunita , Prado Carla M.
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to compare the impact of a high-protein meal replacement (HP-MR) versus a control (CON) breakfast on exercise metabolism. In this acute, randomized controlled, cross-over study, participants were allocated into two isocaloric arms: (a) HP-MR: 30% carbohydrate, 43% protein, and 27% fat; (b) CON: 55% carbohydrate, 15% protein, and 30% fat. Following breakfast, participants performed a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise while inside a whole-body calorimetry unit. Energy expenditure, macronutrient oxidation, appetite sensations, and metabolic blood markers were assessed. Forty-three healthy, normal-weight adults (24 males) participated. Compared to the CON breakfast, the HP-MR produced higher fat oxidation (1.07 ± 0.33 g/session; p = 0.003) and lower carbohydrate oxidation (−2.32 ± 0.98 g/session; p = 0.023) and respiratory exchange ratio (−0.01 ± 0.00; p = 0.003) during exercise. After exercise, increases in hunger were lower during the HP-MR condition. Changes in blood markers from the fasting state to post-exercise during the HP-MR condition were greater for insulin, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, peptide tyrosine-tyrosine, and gluca-gon-like peptide 1, and lower for triglyceride and glycerol. Our primary findings were that a HP-MR produced higher fat oxidation during the exercise session, suppression of hunger, and improved metabolic profile after it.
Can Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Achieve Justice in Transitioning to 100% Renewable Electricity? Survey of Public Perceptions in Sociotechnical Change
Authors: Adesanya Adewale A.
Published: January 2021

The cost of energy in the Western Upper Peninsula (WUP), a rural and northern part of the state of Michigan, is among the highest in the United States. This situation has resulted in hardship for WUP residents due to exorbitant electricity bills. While interest in renewable electricity (RE) has increased in the region, the unanswered questions are what factors would make WUP residents more or less supportive of a transition to 100% RE, and how does the support for a 100% RE transition differ between counties in the WUP? This research analyzed factors that would make residents more or less supportive of a 100% RE transition in the WUP. This research investigated public perceptions through a quantitative residents’ survey (N = 347). Using logistic regression, the results show that residents’ likelihood to participate in a municipality-led initiative that will reduce their consumption by 5% is statistically significant to their probability of support for wind energy development at p < 0.05. Furthermore, the likelihood of 100% RE transition support is very high across WUP counties, with a similar trend for project preferences. The results in this research can provide a roadmap for future community-engaged planning on 100% RE in various counties in the region.
Short-Term Effects of Fire Severity on Vegetation Based on Sentinel-2 Satellite Data
Authors: Han Aru , Qing Song , Bao Yongbin , Na Li , Bao Yuhai , Liu Xingpeng , Zhang Jiquan , Wang Chunyi
Published: January 2021

An important component in improving the quality of forests is to study the interference intensity of forest fires, in order to describe the intensity of the forest fire and the vegetation recovery, and to improve the monitoring ability of the dynamic change of the forest. Using a forest fire event in Bilahe, Inner Monglia in 2017 as a case study, this study extracted the burned area based on the BAIS2 index of Sentinel-2 data for 2016–2018. The leaf area index (LAI) and fractional vegetation cover (FVC), which are more suitable for monitoring vegetation dynamic changes of a burned area, were calculated by comparing the biophysical and spectral indices. The results showed that patterns of change of LAI and FVC of various land cover types were similar post-fire. The LAI and FVC of forest and grassland were high during the pre-fire and post-fire years. During the fire year, from the fire month (May) through the next 4 months (September), the order of areas of different fire severity in terms of values of LAI and FVC was: low > moderate > high severity. During the post fire year, LAI and FVC increased rapidly in areas of different fire severity, and the ranking of areas of different fire severity in terms of values LAI and FVC was consistent with the trend observed during the pre-fire year. The results of this study can improve the understanding of the mechanisms involved in post-fire vegetation change. By using quantitative inversion, the health trajectory of the ecosystem can be rapidly determined, and therefore this method can play an irreplaceable role in the realization of sustainable development in the study area. Therefore, it is of great scientific significance to quantitatively retrieve vegetation variables by remote sensing.
YAM BEAN VELVA DRAGON PRODUCTS BASED ON RED DRAGON FRUIT AND BENGKUANG AS AN ALTERNATIVE OF SNACK WITH INULIN AND ANTOSIANIN FIBER SOURCES
Authors: Nurjanah ,Nia Fatimah , Fauziyah Roro Nur , Rosmana Dadang
Published: January 2021

Not infectious disease (PTM) have become a health problem for every country. One of the main contributors who use PTM is food control, by consuming foods that contain inulin (bengkuang tubers) and anthocyanins (dragon fruit). Intermittent food products consisting of velva become more effective because in one product already has a lot of special nutritional content of inulin and anthocyanin fibers. The design of this study was experimental with a completely randomized design (CRD). The research method uses hedonic tests, spectrophotometry for anthocyanin levels, and literature tests for inulin fiber levels. This study involved 30 panelists who were apparently students of the Nutrition Department of the Poltekkes Bandung. This product formulation consists of three dragons and bengkuang, which is counterpart 1 (30%: 70%), counterpart 2 (70%: 30%), and counterpart 3 (50%: 50%). The hedonic test results showed that the level of preference consisted of counterpart 2 and the Kruskal-Wallis test results showed differences between the aspects of color, taste, and aroma with a value of p <α and also none in the design of the texture with p> α. The level of anthocyanin product serving is 6.04 mg and can fulfill 81% of the anthocyanin requirement by consuming two serving sizes. While the level of inulin per serving amounted to 2.1 g and can meet the needs of inulin at least a day from 350% snack.
Recherches sur l'aimantation de la Magnétite cristallisée
Authors: Weiss Pierre
Published: January 2021

Cette étude de l’aimantation de la magnétite cristallisée comprend

deux parties :

La première contient la détermination des courbes d’aimantation au

moyen d’une méthode nouvelle. Ces courbes, relatives aux directions

des axes quaternaire ternaire et binaire du système cubique,

présentent des différences bien caractérisées. L’aimantation dans

la direction des axes ternaire et binaire est analogue à celle des

autres corps ferro˗magnétiques et tend vers la saturation suivant une

loi hyperbolique. L’aimantation suivant l’axe ternaire est en

général la plus forte, mais très peu supérieure à l’aimantation

suivant l’axe binaire. L’aimantation suivant l’axe quaternaire est

nettement inférieure et tend à atteindre celle des deux autres axes

dans les champs très forts. Pour cette dernière direction, la

saturation n’a pu être mise en évidence expérimentalement : dans

les champs élevés, la courbe d’aimantation semble avoir une

asymptote inclinée sur l’axe des abscisses.

Une hypothèse de structure réticulaire permet de rendre assez bien

compte de ces faits.

Dans la deuxième partie, ces résultats ont été confirmés et

étendus à des directions en dehors des axes de symétrie dans des

expériences sur des disques de magnétite. La méthode employée à cet

effet donne avec une grande sensibilité les variations de

l’aimantation avec la direction.

On a pu mettre en évidence par la même méthode l’obliquité de

l’aimantation sur le champ et mesurer sa composante perpendiculaire au

champ en fonction de la direction.

Toutes ces expériences, faites sur plusieurs cristaux de gisements

différents, ont montré un accord très satisfaisant des propriétés

magnétiques avec la symétrie cubique, mais, contrairement à ce

qu’auraient pu faire supposer les propriétés optiques des cristaux

cubiques, la grandeur de l’aimantation de la magnétite varie avec son

orientation par rapport aux axes cristallographiques.
Educational Inequality and Inclusiveness: The Case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Tauheed Tahira , Nasir Muhammad
Published: January 2021

It is argued that masses in Pakistan are excluded from the mainstream progress of education resulting in social unrest and adverse state of human development. This paper examines prevailing inequality in and exclusion from education in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, and provides an empirical base for designing an appropriate policy framework to mitigate the underline issues. Towards this end the household-based education and Inequality-adjusted education indices are derived using Foster-López-Calva-Székely (FLS) methodology at the provincial, and district levels from the most recent Pakistan Social and Living Standard Measurement (PSLM) survey 2014-15. The provincial analysis is elaborated at the urban and rural regions as well. The distribution of these indices across households are utilized to measure inequality and inclusiveness coefficients by employing “Atkinson’s inequality measure” and “sixty percent of median as threshold of exclusion,” respectively. At the district level the impact of economic, social, demographic, and locational factors on inclusiveness of education are also investigated using linear regression. The results demonstrate that KPK households reside on average in low category of actual education level experiencing high inter-regional and intra-regional disparities and exclusions. At the district levels, the inequalities in educational achievement and exclusions are even more pronounced, indicating that aggregated analyses suppress the intra-regional disparities and segregations. Based on these findings, it is asserted that investment in social infrastructure specifically educational, health, and law and order facilities, development of agriculture sector, and eradication of gender discrimination, are important factors to promote inclusive education in the province.
Enterprise Resource Planning Systems and User Performance in Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Abrar , Bin Baharun Rohaizat , Yasir Muhammad , MD Nor Khalil
Published: January 2021

The study is designed to assess the impact of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems on the performance perceived by users in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan. This study sought to evaluate the effect of ERPs quality factors including Information Quality (IQ), System Quality (SQ) and Service Quality (SRQ) on User Performance (UP) towards system usage and the mediating role of Perceived Usefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) and User Satisfaction (US) between ERPs quality factors and UP. Consequently, a framework is proposed by integration of DeLone & McLean (D&M) Information Systems (IS) success model and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to address the research questions. The study used quantitative research methodology and data were collected from 317 employees from eight universities in Pakistan. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was performed using SmartPLS and the results indicated that SQ, IQ and SRQ has direct and positive effect on UP. Additionally, PU and PEOU are found to have mediating role between ERP quality factors and UP. Moreover, US has mediated the relationship between SQ, IQ with UP, but failed to mediate the effect of SRQ on UP. Theoretically, the study contributes by integrating factors from D&M IS success model and TAM to investigate the effect of ERP systems on UP through PU, PEOU and US. Practically, the study implied that practitioners needs to put efforts to provide a system which users perceive as useful and free of efforts.
(Ab)usos e costumes nos estudos e pesquisas sobre a sexualidade humana
Authors: Carvalho Renato Paiva
Published: January 2021

O presente texto propõe-se a discutir alguns usos e costumes presentes em estudos e pesquisas envolvendo a sexualidade humana, no que concerne a conceitos que embutem uma apreciação valorativa da atividade sexual de grupos historicamente discriminados. Os investigadores científi- cos, cuja seriedade é inquestionável, acabam inadvertidamente cometendo arbitrariedades conceituais que atingem sobretudo a autonomia sexual a cidadania das pessoas sob sua análise. Este texto apresenta alguns desses conceitos e discute porque de um uso assentado sobre certos costumes, eles se transformam em abusos.
América latina. Entre la nueva realidad y las viejas desigualdades
Authors: Acuña Ortigoza Marianela
Published: January 2021

Dialogar entre los que hacemos vida académica, compartimos pensares y haceres, es siempre un ejercicio de recreación espiritual, más que calificarnos intelectualmente, nos compromete la comprensión del ethos común. Con esa intención se proponen las reflexiones de este trabajo. Su objetivo es reconocer los nuevos sentidos que definen la realidad contemporánea en el contexto de la pandemia global del COVID-19, con énfasis analítico en América Latina, sus desigualdades y los efectos sobre la salud y la educación. Con base en Álvarez (2020), Bonilla-Molina-Molina (2018), Casanova (2020), Foucault (2002), Salazar (2020), UNESCO (2020), se desarrollóun abordajemetodológico documental-hermenéutico. Los resultados de la hermeneusis revelan que a finales de 2020,es posible identificar reconfiguraciones globales que mediadas por la pandemia, vislumbran la edificación de un nuevo orden mundial de consolidación del capitalismo tecno-financiero, las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación se apoderan de las relaciones sociales, sustituyendo, subordinando, influyendo, condicionando, creando la subjetividad necesaria a la nueva normalidad, mientras se confirma una afectación de la pandemia con mayor severidad en los sectores más vulnerables de la población, la profundización de las desigualdades sociales, el desmantelamiento de la función pública y la ausencia progresiva del Estado en la atención de los problemas colectivos, siendo la salud y la educación dos de los sectores más afectados.
Educación a distancia: transformación de los aprendizajes
Authors: Covarrubias Hernández Liliana Yonué
Published: January 2021

El objetivo de este artículo es reflexionar en torno al nuevo contexto educativo que la comunidad estudiantil y docente enfrentan luego de atravesar por la situación pandémica a la que la Organización Mundial de la Salud nos remitiera con la declaración del Covid-19 como nueva enfermedad en contagio a nivel mundial, dando lugar así a modalidades virtuales como la nueva normalidad en que se imparten los aprendizajes a la par del temor y la desigualdad social que impera de manera generalizada. Apoyados en la reflexión y análisis teórico de algunas investigaciones y perspectivas teóricas como las trazadas por Díaz (2020), Zebadúa (2020), Mancera, et.al. (2020), Silva (2020), Truco (2020), Trejo (2020) y en los recientes estudios de la CEPAL (2019), observamos los nuevos comportamientos en torno a la continuidad de los procesos educativos que se dieron principalmente en América Latina donde la alfabetización digital sigue siendo un pendiente de los gobiernos. Por tanto, se hace necesario observar como propuesta la humanización de los agentes educadores, del sistema y la sociedad en general para contribuir con esta nueva modalidad de acercar los conocimientos a los educandos de los diferentes estratos sociales, generar empatía para comprender que la gran mayoría no cuenta con acceso a las herramientas tecnológicas y mucho menos a la manipulación de éstas, de tal forma que se requiere la injerencia de todos los sectores para seguir construyendo y formando a las nuevas generaciones.