bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Logistic conditions of spatial planning of urbanized areas for the development of inland navigation
Authors: Jerzyło Patrycja , Wawrzyńska Aleksandra , Smolarek Leszek
Published: November 2020

Spatial planning is a derivative of several environmental, economic, market, technical, social, and political factors. In spatial planning of inland water ports, the configuration of the land surface, i.e., its shape (relief), and the presence and mutual location of objects and points of characteristic water ports are assumed as the main factors. Also, the port's planning, the planned structure of trade in goods, forecasted ship traffic, communication routes, applicable transshipment technology, and the anticipated demand for the development of shipping and inland waterway trade are of great importance in spatial planning and location.
The article describes the criteria of logistic conditions for planning the inland port's location and transport accessibility in the lower section of the Vistula River. The intensity of vessel traffic, port spatial planning, and economic assessment were assessed.
Selected issues of research on the impact of intelligent transport systems on road safety with the use of driving simulators
Authors: Kamiński Tomasz , Pędzierska Małgorzata , Gąsiorek Kamila
Published: November 2020

The article describes the impact of information displayed to drivers on boards with variable content and presented on the static table, on drivers' decisions regarding the selection of an alternative route. The results of the research obtained in the RID 4D project titled "Impact of the use of Intelligent Transport Systems services on the level of road safety" financed by the National Center for Research and Development and the General Directorate of National Roads and Motorways (DZP/RID-I-41/7/NCBR / 2016 agreement). The article describes an attempt to assess the economic effects of implementing selected ITS solutions. Based on the impact of selected ITS solutions on the speed of driving, an assessment was made of the increase of safety on the road, using as a measure the number of people killed, severely and slightly injured. The whole article is summarized by conclusions.
An application of TCP and UDP protocols in the connection of railway traffic control systems
Authors: Karolak Juliusz , Kochan Andrzej
Published: November 2020

The article presents the possible implementation of the interface between computer devices: TCP and UDP protocols of one of the layers of the TCP / IP model, along with their features. Responses to errors were distinguished. Then an example of cooperation between two actual rail traffic control systems and other examples was presented, supplementing them with the proposed classification of connections. Systems are also presented, inside which network connections using TCP and IP protocols are used. The influence of the indicated damages on the substantive work of the connection was also presented.
Selected issues of automation of rail vehicles operation
Authors: Koper Emilia , Kochan Andrzej , Ilczuk Przemysław
Published: November 2020

This article presents a synthesis of the assessment opportunities for the implementation of automation of rail vehicles in Poland. The evaluation was to identify the threats to the implementation of automation of the above mentioned vehicles and then to assign to them the effects and probabilities of occurrence. For the purpose of probability estimation, a review of selected scientific, technical, formal and legal sources was carried out. Definitions of grades of automation (GoA) were given, assigning technical and safety functionalities to them. Functional classification has been made with regard to traffic safety. The problem of passengers' and drivers' social feelings towards the introduction of automatic vehicles has been pointed out. A formal and legal analysis of the possibility of implementing automatic rail vehicle traffic in Poland was also carried out.
Study of lever drive wheelchair propulsion model in terms of energy usage
Authors: Kozłowski Maciej , Wołos Magdalena
Published: November 2020

This study presents the results of the analysis of the energy properties of a manual wheelchair model. Modeling, simulation and validation techniques were used. Parameters of the model were identified on the technical assumptions and dynamic identification. The measurement data has been divided into training and testing data. The training data were used for dynamic identification of the brake torque and the kinematic transmission ratio of the reduction gears. The testing data were used to check the accuracy of the model. The model has been implemented in the Matlab-Simulink environment. The energy efficiency characteristics of the lever drive wheelchair propulsion were presented as results of the work. The study includes the following research stages: (1) Execution of a series of measurements in the research environment, (2) Developing a nomnal and mathematical model of the stand (3) Identification of the model parameters (4) Implementation of the model in a programming environment (5) Model verification and validation (6) Carrying out the calculations of energy parameters including instantaneous efficiency and energetic efficiency of the work cycle. The study presents and proves the thesis that the developed model generates the course of state variables in a manner consistent with the obtained measurements results.
Selected simulation and experimental study of the CWR track
Authors: Kukulski Jacek , Makowski Jacek , Towpik Kazimierz
Published: November 2020

The article presents issues related to the CWR (continuous welded track) and discusses the problems associated with its operation. An important part of the article is the results of simulation tests carried out for the developed model of a CWR track loaded with various values of longitudinal forces that may occur during operation. The forces act in the rail due to the occurrence of thermal stresses with values depending on the temperature change of the rail. In addition to simulation tests, the concept of experimental tests that will be performed on a selected section of the railway line is also presented. The MS-02 device will be used to measure longitudinal forces under various load conditions and to maintain the contactless path. The results of measurements made in the exploited track will be used in the long term to verify and further improve the numerical models.
Possibilities of using carbon nanotubes in General Aviation
Authors: Linka Anita , Wróblewska Agnieszka
Published: November 2020

Nanotechnology is a relatively new field of science that focuses on technology at the nanoscale. Matter in this dimension often shows significantly different properties that find their application in completely new technical areas [1]. General Aviation, like every other area of aviation, constantly strives to reduce the costs of production and operation of aircraft while maintaining unchanged safety and reliability parameters. Systems used in aviation, for example communication, usually do not apply in the area of General Aviation because of their cost. An example of this is the anti-icing system used in passenger airliners, which cannot be used in GA aircraft due to the costs and additional construction load. Carbon nanotubes exhibit very good hydrophobic properties, thanks to that, they can turn out to be an excellent substitute for systems in the area of aviation transport.
Optimization of the structure of the parcel distribution system at a selected logistics company
Authors: Tarapata Zbigniew , Antkiewicz Ryszard , Pierzchała Dariusz , Dudziński Jarosław
Published: November 2020

The article presents a description, formulation and method of solving a certain problem of optimization of the structure of the distribution system in a selected logistics company in Poland. It was assumed that shipments are generated in the areas of address codes (more precisely: we know the volume of shipments between each pair of address codes in a time profile (day/week/month/year)). The problem of system structure optimization is decompressed into two subproblems: (1) location and dimensioning the company's branches by optimizing the number, location, bandwidth of branches and allocating code points to be serviced by the branches. The criterion for optimization is the total cost of establishing and maintaining branches and the costs of transporting shipments. From code points to the branch and vice versa; (2) location and dimensioning of the sorting plant and determination of the transport plan. Problem (1) solved using a modified, randomised clustering method k-means on the current data on the structure and volume of shipments from a certain courier company. Results of research on real data for the problem (1) are presented.
Die Schönen im Kino
Authors: Koebner Thomas
Published: November 2020

Was ist das Schöne, wer sind die Schönen - zumal im Kino? Fragen, deren Antworten nicht auf der Hand liegen. Immerhin ist die Zeit allmählich reif für einen Paradigmenwechsel in der ästhetischen Betrachtung des Films: Weg von einer klassisch geprägten Auffassung, dass das Schöne mit interesselosem Wohlgefallen zu tun habe. Vielmehr müssen wir uns eingestehen, dass wir die Schönen - weibliche wie männliche Projektionen - mit Interesse besetzen und mit Begehren verfolgen. So ergibt sich ein Paradox von Nähe und Ferne: Oft ziehen die Schönen ihre Betrachter gleichsam magisch an, bis diese ihnen förmlich mit allen Sinnen ergeben sind, bisweilen fordert die als schön "ausgezeichnete" Person aber auch eine Art Ehrfurchtsabstand ein. Das gilt auch für das Verhältnis zu den Schönen im Kino.

Es ist verlockend, sich bei dieser kniffligen Angelegenheit auf eine Vielzahl einzelner Fälle einzulassen. So ist mit diesem Buch eine Geschichte der Schönen, der zu "Ikonen" erhobenen oder stilisierten Schauspielerinnen und Schauspieler im Film, zustande gekommen; diese orientiert sich an ausgewählten Exempeln und Modellen - von Asta Nielsen bis zu Juliette Binoche, von Max Linder bis zu Johnny Depp. Manches Leinwandgesicht aus den 1920er Jahren, das damals für schön und anziehend erklärt wurde, wirkt heute merkwürdig altmodisch, wenn nicht sogar sonderbar skurril. Was als schön gilt, ist relativ. Es gibt viele Variablen bei der Anschauung von menschlicher Schönheit - Rückblicke auf die Kunstgeschichte und die Geschichte der Fotografie sollen bei der Überlegung "Was ist das Schöne, wer sind die Schönen?" helfen. Dabei stellt man auch fest, dass es Merkmale des Schönen zu geben scheint, die überzeitliche Geltung beanspruchen. Ewige Schönheit - eine Illusion? Unterscheidet sich der Körper einer antiken Aphrodite-Skulptur, vom Publikum seinerzeit bewundert, von dem einer jungen Schauspielerin aus einem Film der 1990er Jahre? Bei genauerer Betrachtung ergibt sich eine "Typologie des Schönen", die sich nicht nur kurz- und langfristig verändert, von Epoche zu Epoche, sondern auch unterschiedlichen Kulturmustern unterworfen ist. Schließlich: Wer über das Schöne spricht, darf das Hässliche nicht meiden. Also wird auch der "Entwicklungsgeschichte des Hässlichen" im Kino oder dessen, was dafür gilt, besondere Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt.
Wilfried Berghahn
Authors: Wedel Michael
Published: November 2020

"Einer der Besten ..." Mit diesen Worten war eine Sammlung von Auszügen aus Nachrufen auf Wilfried Berghahn (1930-1964) überschrieben, die im November 1964 in der "Filmkritik" erschien. Der promovierte Literaturwissenschaftler und anerkannte Musil-Spezialist galt zum Zeitpunkt seines frühen Todes als das intellektuelle Gravitationszentrum der fortschrittlichen deutschsprachigen Filmkritik, deren wichtigstes publizistisches Forum - die Zeitschrift "Filmkritik" - er als Chefredakteur gemeinsam mit Enno Patalas leitete. Dort erschienen auch die meisten seiner Texte über Film, andere wurden in Kulturzeitschriften wie den "Frankfurter Heften" oder dem "Merkur" veröffentlicht. Kollegen verglichen die Qualität seines filmpublizistischen Wirkens mit der des ebenfalls früh verstorbenen André Bazin in Frankreich. Im Gegensatz zu dessen breit rezipierten Schriften bleiben Berghahns Essays, Kritiken und Porträts in der vorliegenden Edition noch zu entdecken.
Impact of Assisted Reproductive Technology on Embryonic Health Screening Tests: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Soltani Shirin , Karimi Akbar , Khashavi Zahra , Roozbeh Nasibeh
Published: November 2020

Background: More than one million children throughout the world are born by using fertility techniques. In this process, human intervention and laboratory conditions may have an impact on the growth and development of the fetus. Objectives: This study aimed at considering the effect of assisted reproductive techniques on the results of embryonic health screening tests. Methods: In this case-control study, through the simple random sampling, 200 pregnant women who have used assisted reproductive techniques as a case group, and 200 natural pregnant women as a control group, were selected among clients referring to the Infertility Center of the Ome Leila hospital in Bandar Abbas province. By using an interview with pregnant women and investigating the embryonic screening tests, checklists were filled out and data analyzed by the SPSS version 21 and chi-square test. Results: The majority of participating women in the study were housewives and had preliminary infertility. The body mass index (BMI) of most of them was normal. There was no significant difference between the final results of the embryonic screening test in the two groups at the first trimester (P> 0.05). However, In the second trimester, there was a significant difference between them. The positive results were higher in the case group in comparison with the control group (P= 0.001). The mean of all types of screening tests in the first trimester in both groups was not different, significantly (P< 0.05) although in the second trimester, the mean of all the tests including beta human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) (P= 0.006) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (P= 0.018) in both case and control groups, was significantly different. The mean of β-hCG and AFP was higher in the case group, while the mean of Estradiol and Inhibin, NB, and NT did not have any difference between them (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Our study showed that embryonic screening tests, especially the β-hCG and AFP tests, would be affected by applying assisted reproductive techniques. For couples who had a history of infertility and used assisted reproductive methods, screening tests are essential in the first and second trimester.
Successful Term Pregnancy Following Radical Trachelectomy and Laparoscopic Lymphadenectomy in a Patient with Invasive Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The First Case Reported from Iran
Authors: Aminimoghaddam Soheila , Chaichian Shahla , Kohler Christhardt , Mehdizadehkashi Abolfazl , Moazzami Bahram
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Fertility-sparing strategies are suggested for selected patients with cervical cancer, who wish to preserve their fertility, which includes neoadjuvant chemotherapy, conization, and trachelectomy. Radical trachelectomy is suggested as a safe method with favorable outcomes. However, the controversy about the success rate, fertility rate, and risk of recurrence of radical trachelectomy questions its applicability. Case Presentation: Here, we presented a 39-year-old woman with high-grade invasive cervical cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) which was successfully managed by laparoscopic lymphadenectomy and radical trachelectomy and leading to normal pregnancy in the following years. Conclusions: This case report suggests that this procedure should be considered in selected patients, especially those who wish to have a child in the future. Besides, it is recommended that obstetricians pay greater attention to post-trachelectomy pregnancies to reduce the complication rates.
The Effect of Eight Weeks of Hand-Selected Strength Exercises and the Cinnamon Supplementation on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Elderly Women with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Hassani Shayesteh , Hosseinpour Delavare Sedigheh , Safikhani Hassan
Published: November 2020

Background: Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease (arthropathy) and a cause of disability in aging ages. The prevalence rate of the osteoarthritis is different and is related to different indicators. Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of hand-selected exercises and cinnamon supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers in elderly women with osteoarthritis. Methods: The participants of this study were 48 women with hand-osteoarthritis. They divided into four groups (strength exercises, cinnamon-honey supplementation, combinatory and control) randomly. The first group underwent the hand-selected strength exercises. The second group used the supplementations for 8 weeks. The third group also applied hand-selected exercises and supplements simultaneously. The fourth group also participated as a control group without any exercise or supplementation. Patients’ TNfα and IL6 levels were measured before and after applying the independent variables and were compared. The dependent t-test was used to compare between pre and posttest and the ANOVA test to compare TNfα and IL6 levels between the four groups. The significance level P ≤ 0.05 was considered. Results: The results showed that by applying variables, the strength exercises and cinnamon-honey supplementary as well as the combination of exercises and supplementary have had a positive effect on inflammatory biomarkers and in fact, 8 weeks of resistance exercises and using cinnamon-honey supplements in women with hand osteoarthritis have led to a decrease in IL 6 and TNfα levels. Conclusions: Therefore, it is recommended to use wrist resistance exercises with supplements (cinnamon and honey) to accelerate the recovery of the disease and improve the wrist inflammatory.
Beware of the Philosophical Expert
Authors: Lauwaert Lode , De Block Andreas ,   DePaul University
Published: November 2020

Many philosophers and lay people believe that philosophy has an important role to play in times of societal crisis. In this contribution reasons are given to doubt the supposed societal relevance of philosophy.
Working from Home vs Learning from Home: A Critical Investigation and Analysis during the COVID-19
Authors: Munna Afzal Sayed , Shaikh Md. Sadeque Imam
Published: November 2020

The article aimed to make a critical investigation and analysis on working from home vs learning from home during the COVID-19. Small-scale research was conducted only targeting parents (having at least one school going child) to capture the view of how they deem the concept of working from home vs learning from home and whether there are any reservations among both concepts. The findings from the 36 respondents’ feedback suggest that parents often prefer working from home (wherever possible) but the same parent does not want their child to learn from home. The research shows that most parents believe remote working leads to higher productivity and leads to cost-effectiveness and remote learnings deteriorate creativity.
Identification of Efficient Cropping Zone for Maize in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Sanbagavalli S. , Jeeva M. , Vikram K.
Published: November 2020

An analytical study was made in the Department of Agronomy, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore. The study was conducted for finding the identification of potential district of maize in Tamil Nadu based on the area, production, productivity data collected from 1998-1999 to 2015-2016. Based on the data relative spread index (RSI) and relative yield index (RYI) were calculated. The results showed that among 32 districts of Tamil Nadu five districts such as Ariyalur, Coimbatore, Erode, Theni, Tiruppur are very potential districts for cultivating the maize crop. From the analysis, parameters like RYI and RSI are high and these are potential districts and some districts are having RSI more but RYI less which indicates that non-suitability of the crop to that area.
Impacts of Acquired Iron Deficiency on Adolescent Health
Authors: Ciampo Luiz Antonio Del , Ciampo Ieda Regina Lopes Del
Published: November 2020

Adolescence is a period of growth and physical and emotional development for which, among other factors, it is necessary to ingest nutrients in sufficient quantity and quality to supply all the demands of the organism. As it is a phase of nutritional vulnerability, adolescents need to have their nutritional status monitored to prevent the lack of micronutrients from interfering with their full growth and development. Iron is a fundamental micronutrient for humans and its lack can lead to several physical and emotional impairments that interfere with good health conditions. This article presents the characteristics of the adolescent's growth and development and the consequences that can be caused by acquired iron deficiency during the second decade of life, with repercussions that can extend throughout adult life. It also proposes measures to prevent or minimize this nutritional problem among adolescents.
Impact of Organic Farming on Sustainable Agriculture System and Marketing Potential: A Review
Authors: Patle G. T. , Kharpude S. N. , Dabral P. P. , Kumar Vishal
Published: November 2020

Organic farming helps to improve the health of agro-ecosystem by its holistic approach using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods in exclusion of all synthetic off-farm inputs. Although the organic farming is eco-friendly, question arises about possibility to adopt the organic farming for the large scale and its impacts on maintaining the productivity of land to meet the food security challenges from the ever-increasing population of the world. But at the same time, consumer’s behaviour and consciousness toward the safe and healthy food enforced the thinking of farmers toward the organic farming which is more lucrative due to high market demand and value of organic produce. This paper mainly addresses about the present status and future scope of organic farming especially in North eastern region of India, State of Sikkim, Indian and Global scenario and to investigate the major external and internal factors that influence the whole organic system including production and marketing of organic commodity.
Natural Regeneration in Urban Fragment of Atlantic Forest, Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Almeida Débora de Melo , Lima Leandro Dias de , Santos Paulo César da Silva , Pezzoti Jeniffer Michele , Rocha Iara Cristina Araujo , Silva Anderson Francisco da , Ralph Lidiana Nayara , Feliciano Ana Lícia Patriota
Published: November 2020

Aims: Evaluate the phytosociological structure of natural regeneration, the ecological group and the species dispersion syndrome in an urban fragment of the Atlantic Forest, Pernambuco, Brazil.

Study Design: Systematic sampling.

Place and Duration of Study: Immaculate Catholic College Conceição do Recife (FICR), in the municipality of Recife, PE, in August 2019.

Methodology: In the survey, 10 plots of 5 m x 5 m were sampled, and all living individuals with height ≥ 1 m and circumference at 1.30 m from the soil were sampled < 15 cm. The structure of natural regeneration was analyzed based on phytosociological parameters and distribution of individuals in height classes. Species diversity was estimated using the Shannon diversity and Pielou equability indices.

Results: We sampled 236 individuals, belonging to 26 species. The estimated density and dominance were 9,940 ind.ha-1 and 5.27 m2.ha-1, respectively. The families with the highest species richness were Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Bignoniaceae. The species that stood out when considering density, frequency, dominance, importance value and natural regeneration were Protium heptaphyllum, Eschweilera ovata, Casearia javitensis, Brosimum guianense, Handroanthus sp.1, Xylopia frutescens, Thyrsodium spruceanum and Myrciaria ferruginea, being considered well adapted, showing efficiency in the development and establishment of new individuals. The Elaeis guineensis it was also among those that stood out the most, and it was necessary to monitor and control, because it is an invasive alien species. The indices of Shannon diversity and Pielou equability were 2.56 nats.ind.-1 and 0.76, respectively. In the area, the initial secondary species with zoochoric dispersal syndrome predominated. The distribution of the number of individuals for height classes occurred in the following order: C3 > C1 > C2.

Conclusion: The area is in the intermediate stage of ecological succession, with moderate species richness. It is necessary to monitor the area, aiming at the control of the species Elaeis guineensis and native species with low natural regeneration.
A Study on Employer Branding in Seed Sector in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Anjali A. , Sivakumar S. D. , Hemalatha S. , Selvaraju P.
Published: November 2020

As an agricultural country, seed sector is one among the important segments in India. In this competitive world, hiring and retaining talent is tough. Attracting the key talent to the right position can be pretty much impossible without solid employer brand. At present, turnover intention of employees is the universal problem that haunts the organization. The present study investigated the relationship between dimensions of employer branding (social value, interest value, application value, economic value and development value) and turnover intention of employees working in Tamil Nadu seed companies.

According to the survey conducted by Indian Seed Market for the year 2019, five seed companies were selected based on the respondent’s willingness to participate in the study. The participants were contacted through online. Google forms were sent to 390 respondents via mail and 150 usable responses were collected. Survey was conducted from March 2020 to June 2020. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was done to assess the relationship between employer branding and turnover intention.

The results showed that employer branding dimensions such as social value, interest value, development value was significantly negative to turnover intention, whereas application value and economic value showed non-significant relation. Hence, the study revealed that increase in employer branding resulted in lower turnover intention. Lower turnover rate further lead to reduction in hiring and training cost for new employees and thereby would increase organization’s profitability.
Multi-Hole Process Plate Modification for Chip on Lead Device at Die Attach Process
Authors: Jr. E. Graycochea , Rodriguez R. , Gomez F. R. , Bacquian B. C.
Published: November 2020

The paper focused on the improvement done in chip on lead (COL) leadframe package assembly manufacturing to address the leadframe bouncing effect during die attach process. A new and enhanced process plate is designed with multi-hole configuration to provide a strong vacuum underneath the leadframe and to maintain the planarity during dispensing and die bonding of silicon dies onto the leadframe. With the new multi-hole process plate, leadframe bouncing was successfully eliminated during die attach process. For future works, the multi-hole process plate could be used on devices with similar configuration.
Evaluation of Antifungal and Antioxidant Effects of Qutran (Wood Tar) from Olea europaea Subsp. Cuspidate
Authors: Gumgumjee Nehad M.
Published: November 2020

Qutran oil (Olea europaea) extracted as medicinal plants extracted has a great activity against four fungistrains. Aspergillus (flavus, fumigatus, niger) and Candida albicans throughout using agar well diffusion in our investgation. Results showed that, tar oilhas antifungal effects against studied strains. Inhibition growth rate was from 16.33 to 46.00 mm. and also has positive activities against investagated organisms more than traditional antibiotics either amphoteracin B or Nystatin. A. fumigatus was mainly susceptible fungi followed by A. niger while A.  flavus has the  most resistant fungi with inhibition zone (16.33 mm). Wood tar oil, Olea europaea, given a high DPPH radical scavenging activity 79.10% compared to ascorbic acid.
Comparison of Local Ice Packs with Local Anaesthetics for Decreasing the Pain of Injection during a Dental Procedure
Authors: Hafeez Nauma , Prabu Dinesh
Published: November 2020

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of different possible and non-pharmacological techniques in eliminating the discomfort of local anaesthesia injection during dental procedures.

Introduction: Dental anxiety and fear of needles are one of the most common problems seen by dental practitioners; several methods are currently used to lower the discomfort of local anaesthesia injection during dental procedures. The desensitization of injection sites is one of the recommended strategies. Among chemical anaesthetic topical agents that are effective but might have allergic side effects, using some non-pharmacological and safe techniques might be useful.

Materials and Methods: Randomly chosen patients receiving LA underwent pre-injection intervention that included heat, cold and pressure. This was compared with a control of no pre-injection intervention. Pain score in ice and LA spray pre-injection intervention. It clearly shows that the pain levels in the LA spray technique are higher than those in the Ice technique.

Results: Comparing the pain score of ice as a pre-injection intervention between males and females it was found that males have lower pain scores than females.

Conclusion: This study shows a significant advantage of the non-pharmacological method over the pharmacological method. Hence further research could help standardize ice application pre-injection for a more nontoxic and natural method of reducing pain during an LA injection. It can also prove beneficial when LA does not work due to an acidic environment.
Reformulating Special Relativity on a Two-World Background
Authors: Joseph O. Akindele Adekugbe
Published: November 2020

A new spacetime is isolated and added to the existing spacetime, yielding a pair of co-existing spacetimes, which are four-dimensional inversions of each other. The separation of the spacetimes by the special-relativistic event horizon, compels an interpretation of a pair of symmetrical worlds (or universes) in nature. Furthermore, a two-dimensional intrinsic spacetime that underlies the four-dimensional spacetime in each universe is introduced. The four-dimensional spacetime is the outward manifestation of the two-dimensional intrinsic spacetime, just as the special theory of relativity (SR) on flat four-dimensional spacetime is the outward manifestation of the intrinsic special theory of relativity (∅SR) on flat two-dimensional intrinsic spacetime in each universe. A new set of spacetime/intrinsic spacetime diagrams in the two-world picture is developed, from which intrinsic Lorentz transformation in ∅SR and Lorentz transformation in SR are derived and intrinsic Lorentz invariance and Lorentz invariance are validated in each universe. The SR remains unchanged, but the exposition of its two-world background, the isolated parallel new theory ∅SR and other isolated new features in this article, allow a broader view of SR. This article includes a new addition to the  conceptions of many worlds (or universes) in physics and it is effectively a review (in the two-world picture) of the existing geometrical representations of the Lorentz transformation (in a one-world picture).
Genome‐scale CRISPR screening identifies cell cycle and protein ubiquitination processes as druggable targets for erlotinib‐resistant lung cancer
Authors: Lee Jieun , Choi Ahyoung , Cho Sung‐Yup , Jun Yukyung , Na Deukchae , Lee Ahra , Jang Giyong , Kwon Jee Young , Kim Jaesang , Lee Sanghyuk , Lee Charles
Published: November 2020

Erlotinib is highly effective in lung cancer patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. However, despite initial favorable responses, most patients rapidly develop resistance to erlotinib soon after the initial treatment. This study aims to identify new genes and pathways associated with erlotinib resistance mechanisms in order to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we induced knockout (KO) mutations in erlotinib‐resistant human lung cancer cells (NCI‐H820) using a genome‐scale CRISPR‐Cas9 sgRNA library to screen for genes involved in erlotinib susceptibility. The spectrum of sgRNAs incorporated among erlotinib‐treated cells was substantially different to that of the untreated cells. Gene set analyses showed a significant depletion of ‘cell cycle process’ and ‘protein ubiquitination pathway’ genes among erlotinib‐treated cells. Chemical inhibitors targeting genes in these two pathways, such as nutlin‐3 and carfilzomib, increased cancer cell death when combined with erlotinib in both in vitro cell line and in vivo patient‐derived xenograft experiments. Therefore, we propose that targeting cell cycle processes or protein ubiquitination pathways are promising treatment strategies for overcoming resistance to EGFR inhibitors in lung cancer.
Extracellular vesicles and oncogenic signaling
Authors: Schubert Antonia , Boutros Michael
Published: November 2020

In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) emerged as potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for cancer therapy. While the field of EV research is rapidly developing and their application as vehicles for therapeutic cargo is being tested, little is still known about the exact mechanisms of signaling specificity and cargo transfer by EVs, especially in vivo. Several signaling cascades have been found to use EVs for signaling in the tumor–stroma interaction. These include potentially oncogenic, verbatim transforming, signaling cascades such as Wnt and TGF‐β signaling, and other signaling cascades that have been tightly associated with tumor progression and metastasis, such as PD‐L1 and VEGF signaling. Multiple mechanisms of how these signaling cascades and EVs interplay to mediate these complex processes have been described, such as direct signal activation through pathway components on or in EVs or indirectly by influencing vesicle biogenesis, cargo sorting, or uptake dynamics. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of EVs, their biogenesis, and our understanding of EV interactions with recipient cells with a focus on selected oncogenic and cancer‐associated signaling pathways. After an in‐depth look at how EVs mediate and influence signaling, we discuss potentially translatable EV functions and existing knowledge gaps.
Unraveling the Nature of Excellent Potassium Storage in Small‐Molecule Se@Peapod‐Like N‐Doped Carbon Nanofibers
Authors: Xu Rui , Yao Yu , Wang Haiyun , Yuan Yifei , Wang Jiawei , Yang Hai , Jiang Yu , Shi Pengcheng , Wu Xiaojun , Peng Zhangquan , Wu Zhong‐Shuai , Lu Jun , Yu Yan
Published: November 2020

The potassium–selenium (K–Se) battery is considered as an alternative solution for stationary energy storage because of abundant resource of K. However, the detailed mechanism of the energy storage process is yet to be unraveled. Herein, the findings in probing the working mechanism of the K‐ion storage in Se cathode are reported using both experimental and computational approaches. A flexible K–Se battery is prepared by employing the small‐molecule Se embedded in freestanding N ‐doped porous carbon nanofibers thin film (Se@NPCFs) as cathode. The reaction mechanisms are elucidated by identifying the existence of short‐chain molecular Se encapsulated inside the microporous host, which transforms to K2Se by a two‐step conversion reaction via an “all‐solid‐state” electrochemical process in the carbonate electrolyte system. Through the whole reaction, the generation of polyselenides (K2Sen, 3 ≤ n ≤ 8) is effectively suppressed by electrochemical reaction dominated by Se2 molecules, thus significantly enhancing the utilization of Se and effecting the voltage platform of the K–Se battery. This work offers a practical pathway to optimize the K–Se battery performance through structure engineering and manipulation of selenium chemistry for the formation of selective species and reveal its internal reaction mechanism in the carbonate electrolyte.
Experimental and density functional theory studies on hydroxymethylation of phenylboronic acids with paraformaldehyde over a RhPPh3 catalyst
Authors: Wang Kuan , Lan Jie , He Zhen‐Hong , Cao Zhe , Wang Weitao , Yang Yang , Liu Zhao‐Tie
Published: November 2020

The synthesis of benzyl alcohols (BAs) is highly vital for their wide applications in organic synthesis and pharmaceuticals. Herein, BAs was efficiently synthesized via hydroxymethylation of phenylboronic acids (PBAs) and paraformaldehyde over a simple RhPPh3 catalyst combined with an inorganic base (NaOH). A variety of BAs with the groups of CH3−, CH3O−, Cl−, Br−, and so on were obtained with moderate to good yields, indicating that the protocol had a good universality. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations proposed the Hayashi‐type arylation mechanism involved the arylation step of PBA and Rh(OH)(PPh3)2 catalyst to form Rh(I)‐bound aryl intermediates and the hydrolysis step of Rh(I)‐bound aryl intermediates and HCHO to generate BA product (the rate‐determining step). The present route provides a valuable and direct method for the synthesis of BAs and expands the application range of paraformaldehyde.
Synthesis of waterborne polyurethane ink binder with high T‐peel strength and its application in biaxially oriented polypropylene film printing
Authors: Zhang Mingguang , Lian Xiuye , Cui Jialiang , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Haiqiao
Published: November 2020

In order to improve adhesion properties of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) inks on biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films, herein, a liquid polyester polyol BY3003 with long‐branched aliphatic chains was used to prepare WPU latexes suitable for BOPP films printing. The application of BY3003 made the surface tension of the prepared latexes not more than 43 mN/m, while that of traditional WPU latex exceeded 55 mN/m. Accordingly, the T‐peel strength of the inks made from these latexes was all above 0.8 N/15 mm. In addition, post chain extension degree, dimethylol butyric acid content, and NCO/OH molar ratio also had significantly effect on latex and film properties of WPU, especially on the T‐peel strength of the corresponding inks. By optimizing these factors, a WPU latex with surface tension as low as 39.6 mN/m and adhesion fastness over 95% on BOPP film were obtained, and the T‐peel strength of its corresponding ink was up to 2.05 N/15 mm, which is the highest value recorded in the literature as far as we know.
Maternal biomarkers for early prediction of the neural tube defects pregnancies
Authors: Yadav Upendra , Kumar Pradeep , Rai Vandana
Published: November 2020

Background

Neural tube defects (NTD) are one of the most common congenital birth defects. The reason for the NTD cause is still not completely known, but it is believed that some genetic and environmental factors might play a role in its etiology. Among the genetic factors the polymorphism in the folate gene pathway is crucial. Numerous studies have suggested the possible role of maternal higher plasma concentration of homocysteine and low concentration of folate and cobalamin in the development of NTD but some negative studies are also published.

Aim

Aim of the present was to find out the exact relation between NTD and maternal biomarkers like folate, cobalamin and homocysteine by conducting a meta‐analysis.

Method

Different electronic databases were searched for the eligible studies. Standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine association between maternal markers as risk for NTD pregnancy. The p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant in all tests. All the statistical analyses were done in the Open Meta‐Analyst program.

Results

The homocysteine is significantly associated with the increased risk of NTD (SMD = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35−0.80, p = <0.001; I2 = 93.01%), s‐folate showed protective role in NTD (SMD = −0.48; 95% CI: −0.77 to −0.19, p = 0.001; I2 = 95.73%), similarly cobalamin is also having protective role (SMD = −0.28; 95% CI: −0.43 to −0.13, p = <0.001; I2 = 80.40%).

Conclusion

In conclusion this study suggest that different maternal biomarkers may be used for the early prediction of the NTDs.
Mandatory disclosure, greenhouse gas emissions and the cost of equity capital: UK evidence of a U‐shaped relationship
Authors: Gerged Ali Meftah , Matthews Lane , Elheddad Mohamed
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the effects of disclosing greenhouse gas (GHG) information mandatorily on the cost of equity capital (COC) using a longitudinal unbalanced panel database of the United Kingdom's FTSE 350 firms for the period 2011–2016. We use a nonlinear panel quantile regression (PQR) model to examine the relationship between GHG disclosure (GHGD) and COC in the United Kingdom. This technique was supplemented by conducting a two‐step generalised method of moment (GMM) estimation to address any concerns related to the potential existence of endogeneity problems. Our findings suggest that high‐level GHGD appeared to be negatively associated with COC up to a certain level, which is known as the turning point; then, any increase in GHGD is likely to increase the COC. This means that the nonlinear association between GHGD and COC is evidenced in our study and takes a U shape. Likewise, our findings are associative of a moderating effect of the 2013 carbon disclosure regulation (CDR) on the GHGD–COC nexus. We argue that mandatory GHGD and GHG risk are linked so that those companies that are associated with higher GHG risk have a tendency to be better disclosers. Consequently, we urge regulators to design GHGD regulations in a way that mirrors corporate environmental risk and leads to a lower COC in order to align the interests of corporations with those of the society at large.
A Detailed Chemical and Biological Investigation of Twelve Allium Species from Eastern Anatolia with Chemometric Studies
Authors: Izol Ebubekir , Temel Hamdi , Yilmaz Mustafa Abdullah , Yener Ismail , Olmez Ozge Tokul , Kaplaner Erhan , Fırat Mehmet , Hasimi Nesrin , Ozturk Mehmet , Ertas Abdulselam
Published: November 2020

Allium species are widely consumed as food all over the world. The phenolic profile of ethanol extracts of aerial parts and roots of 12 Allium species, collected from five different Eastern Anatolia regions, were studied using LC‐MS/MS. In vitro antioxidant, anticholinesterase, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities were also tested. The multivariate analyses were performed using principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses. Seventeen of 27 standard compounds were detected in all Allium species. The major components were mainly identified as quinic acid, malic acid, vanillin, and p‐coumaric acid. The aerial parts possessed better antioxidant activity than roots. Aerial parts of A. atroviolaceum, A. chrysantherum, A. kharputense, and A. shirnakiense exhibited high cytotoxic activity against DLD‐1 colon cancer cell lines (IC50 12.5 μg/mL). A. shatakiense and A. vineale demonstrated good antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli (MIC 75 μg/mL). According to chemometric analysis, differences were detected between aerial parts and the roots. The aerial parts of A. atroviolaceum, A. chrysantherum, A. kharputense, and A. shirnakiense could be potent in the pharmaceutical industry while A. shatakiense and A. vineale in the food industry after further investigations.
β‐Carboline‐Based pH Fluorescent Probe and Its Application for Monitoring Enzymatic Ester Hydrolysis
Authors: Huang Rong , Zhang Xian‐Dong , Wu Xing , Liu Ji‐Kai
Published: November 2020

A novel pH‐activatable fluorescent probe, 1‐(propan‐2‐yl)‐9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indole‐3‐carboxylic acid (L‐1), based on β‐carboline derivatives, has been developed, which displays significant fluorescent response toward pH variation with high selectivity, good photo‐stability and favorable pKa value. Moreover, L‐1 can dynamically monitor the release of protons during ester hydrolysis reaction in consistent with enzymatic kinetics manner.
Potential Myocardial Protection of 3,4‐seco‐Lupane Triterpenoids from Acanthopanax sessiliflorus Leaves
Authors: Wang Haohao , Chen Chen , Liu Ruijuan , Wang Xu , Zhao Yan , Yan Zhaowei , Cai Enbo , Zhu Hongyan
Published: November 2020

A rich of 3,4‐seco‐lupane triterpenoids including chiisanoside (CSS), divaroside (DVS), sessiloside‐A1 (SSA) and chiisanogenin (CSG) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the leaves of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus. On the basis of previous studies, this article focused on four important components of 3,4‐seco‐lupane triterpenoids in Acanthopanax sessiliflorus leaves and explored their protective effects against aconitine‐induced cardiomyocyte injury and their molecular mechanisms. The results showed that pretreatment with 3,4‐seco‐lupane triterpenoids could effectively increase cell viability, reduce CK‐MB and LDH activities, reduce ROS production, maintain calcium concentration balance, and inhibit apoptosis, with divaroside having the best effect. In addition, Western blot results showed that divaroside down‐regulated Cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax and up‐regulated Bcl‐2 expression through activating the PI3 K/AKT pathway. However, the LY294002 inhibitor reversed this situation. This suggests that 3,4‐seco‐lupane triterpenoids may be a new hotspot for potential myocardial protective drugs research.
Rht‐1 semi‐dwarfing alleles increase the abundance of high molecular weight glutenin subunits
Authors: Jobson Emma M , Ohm Jae‐Bom , Martin John M , Giroux Michael J
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives

Grain protein and starch abundance and composition are quantitative traits that play key roles in wheat quality. The semi‐dwarfing alleles of the Reduced height (Rht‐1) gene increase tillers and yield but also reduce seed size and protein content. Despite their negative impact on grain protein content, the semi‐dwarfing alleles increase dough mixing time and tolerance. This study used near isogenic lines that were either tall or semi‐dwarf lines that carried Rht‐B1b, Rht‐D1b, or Rht‐8 to investigate how each semi‐dwarfing allele impacts gluten composition and flour pasting properties.

Findings

None of the semi‐dwarfing alleles impacted starch properties. Each reduced flour protein content compared to the tall variety with the largest decreases in Rht‐B1b (1.8%) and Rht‐D1b (1.5%). The semi‐dwarfing lines increased the gluten index (21.5%) compared to Rht‐1a. Using SE‐HPLC, we determined that the semi‐dwarfing lines had an increased relative abundance of high molecular weight glutenins compared to the tall variety.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the Rht‐1 semi‐dwarfing alleles increase dough mixing time and tolerance by increasing the relative abundance of high molecular weight glutenins yielding stronger dough.

Significance and Novelty

The semi‐dwarfing alleles developed primarily for agronomic purposes have significant impacts on gluten index and starch swelling power.