bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Real-Time Wireless System for Lightning Effect Measurements
Authors: Kossowski Tomasz , Matuszewski Łukasz
Published: May 2021

This article presents the results of experimental tests of a measuring system dedicated to the study of lightning phenomena. A wireless non-real-time communication arrangement was used as a prototype to protect the system by overvoltage and electromagnetic noise generated by high-current pulses. All data were collected after analog-to-digital conversion in the RAM of the measuring probe and then transmitted to the recorder after the surge current disappeared. The current generator creates electromagnetic disturbances resulting from its work and those arising from the impulse generated at the output. The wireless measuring system ensures safe operation and avoids measurement disturbances by resigning from the physical connection of the probe and the recorder. The proposed solution enables simultaneous (synchronous) measurement at many points, regardless of the location (for convenient change of the measurement site without cables or optical fibers). Long battery life allows measurements in the laboratory or on the test site without a power source. High accuracy of the measured signal value was obtained thanks to the 16 bit resolution, and the device parameters can be remotely modified. The wireless connection guarantees the safety of people and equipment throughout the laboratory.
Winter Persistent Extreme Cold Events in Xinjiang Region and Their Associations with the Quasi-Biweekly Oscillation of the Polar Front Jet
Authors: Jiang Jie , Yao Suxiang
Published: May 2021

Winter persistent extreme cold events (WPECEs) often cause great damage to the development of economies and people’s lives. The sub-seasonal variation of the atmospheric circulation is regarded as one of important causes of extreme weather, and is key to propel the extended period prediction. In this paper, we mainly analyze the WPECEs in Xinjiang region and their relationship with the sub-seasonal variation of the East Asian polar front jet (PFJ). The results suggest the persistent extreme cold event (equal or greater than 7 days) occurs most frequently in Xinhe County of Xinjiang region, with obvious inter-annual and inter-decadal variations. Further analysis shows that the variation of the mean temperature in the key area has characteristics of intra-seasonal variation when the WPECE occurs. The result of composite analysis shows that this intra-seasonal variation is related to the sub-seasonal variation of atmospheric circulation, especially the PFJ anomalous activity near Lake Balkhash. By using the power spectrum analysis method, note that the PFJ activity has the characteristics of quasi-biweekly oscillation (QBWO) in WPECEs. On quasi-biweekly scale (10–20-day filtered), the weakening of PFJ, the intensification of the zonal easterly wind in the upper troposphere, the accumulation of the strong cold air, and the intensification of the meridional northerly wind in the lower troposphere enhance the occurrence of WPECEs in Xinjiang. Further investigation indicates that the quasi-biweekly PFJ mainly propagates eastward and southward before the WPECE occurs in Xinjiang, China.
Relativistic Coupled-Cluster Calculations of Isotope Shifts for the Low-Lying States of Ca II in the Finite-Field Approach
Authors: Dorne Anaïs , Sahoo Bijaya K. , Kastberg Anders
Published: May 2021

We have evaluated the isotope shift (IS) constants of the first five low-lying fine-structure states of the singly charged calcium ion (Ca II) by adopting a finite-field (FF) approach in the relativistic coupled-cluster (RCC), a method developed by us and by using a code also developed by us. A similar previous calculation using singles and doubles approximation RCC theory (RCCSD method), gives results for the individual states in the FF approach that deviate substantially, while the differential values (the shifts of the spectral lines) agree reasonably well with other theoretical results and with experiments. However, we find a contrasting trend from the FF approach using our RCCSD method although calculations with the Dirac–Hartree–Fock (DHF) method shows good agreement. Our results also show that inclusion of partial triple excitations in the perturbative approach (RCCSD(T) method) through energy derivation lessens accuracy, but these results can be improved when triple excitations are included in the wave function that determines the RCC equations. The differences between the RCCSD and RCCSD(T) results demonstrate the importance of triple excitations in evaluating energies and IS constants for Ca II. Finally, we also present ab initio values of IS’s between the S–P, S–D, and D–P transitions in the DHF, and RCCSD and RCCSD(T) approximations and this is compared to the previously reported values (theoretical as well as experimental).
Bacterial Endophytes of Spring Wheat Grains and the Potential to Acquire Fe, Cu, and Zn under Their Low Soil Bioavailability
Authors: Makar Orysia , Kuźniar Agnieszka , Patsula Ostap , Kavulych Yana , Kozlovskyy Volodymyr , Wolińska Agnieszka , Skórzyńska-Polit Ewa , Vatamaniuk Olena , Terek Olga , Romanyuk Nataliya
Published: May 2021

Wheat grains are usually low in essential micronutrients. In resolving the problem of grain micronutritional quality, microbe-based technologies, including bacterial endophytes, seem to be promising. Thus, we aimed to (1) isolate and identify grain endophytic bacteria from selected spring wheat varieties (bread Oksamyt myronivs’kyi, Struna myronivs’ka, Dubravka, and emmer Holikovs’ka), which were all grown in field conditions with low bioavailability of microelements, and (2) evaluate the relationship between endophytes’ abilities to synthesize auxins and the concentration of Fe, Zn, and Cu in grains. The calculated biological accumulation factor (BAF) allowed for comparing the varietal ability to uptake and transport micronutrients to the grains. For the first time, bacterial endophytes were isolated from grains of emmer wheat T. turgidum subsp. dicoccum. Generally, the 12 different isolates identified in the four varieties belonged to the genera Staphylococcus, Pantoea, Sphingobium, Bacillus, Kosakonia, and Micrococcus (NCBI accession numbers: MT302194—MT302204, MT312840). All the studied strains were able to synthesize the indole-related compounds (IRCs; max: 16.57 µg∙mL−1) detected using the Salkowski reagent. The IRCs produced by the bacterial genera Pantoea spp. and Bacillus spp. isolated from high-yielding Oksamyt myronivs’kyi and Holikovs’ka grains may be considered as one of the determinants of the yield of wheat and its nutritional characteristics.
Prognosis of Acute Ischaemic Stroke Patients with Cancer: A National Inpatient Sample Study
Authors: Pana Tiberiu A. , Mohamed Mohamed O. , Mamas Mamas A. , Myint Phyo K.
Published: May 2021

Whilst cancer is a risk factor for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), its impact on AIS prognosis between metastatic and non-metastatic (MC and NMC) disease is poorly understood. Furthermore, the receipt of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular thrombectomy (ET) and their outcomes is poorly researched. AIS admissions from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) were included (October 2015–December 2017). Multivariable logistic regressions adjusting for a wide range of confounders analysed the relationship between NMC and MC and AIS in-hospital outcomes (mortality, prolonged hospitalisation >4 days and routine home discharge). Interaction terms with IVT and ET were also computed to explore their impact amongst cancer patients. A total of 221,249 records representative of 1,106,045 admissions were included. There were 38,855 (3.51%) AIS admissions with co-morbid cancer: NMC = 53.78% and MC = 46.22%. NMC was associated with 23% increased odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.23 (1.07–1.42)), which was mainly driven by pancreatic and respiratory cancers. This association was entirely offset by both IVT and ET. MC was associated with two-fold increased odds of in-hospital mortality (2.16 (1.90–2.45)), which was mainly driven by respiratory, pancreatic and colorectal cancers. This association was only offset by ET. Both NMC and MC were significantly associated with prolonged hospitalisation and decreased odds of routine discharge. Cancer patients are at higher odds of acute adverse outcomes after AIS and warrant robust primary prevention. IVT and ET improve these outcomes and should thus be offered routinely unless otherwise contraindicated in this group of stroke patients.
Does Cancer Biology Rely on Parrondo’s Principles?
Authors: Capp Jean-Pascal , Nedelcu Aurora M , Dujon Antoine M , Roche Benjamin , Catania Francesco , Ujvari Beata , Alix-Panabières Catherine , Thomas Frédéric
Published: May 2021

Many aspects of cancer biology remain puzzling, including the proliferative and survival success of malignant cells in spite of their high genetic and epigenetic instability as well as their ability to express migrating phenotypes and/or enter dormancy despite possible fitness loss. Understanding the potential adaptive value of these phenotypic traits is confounded by the fact that, when considered separately, they seem to be rather detrimental at the cell level, at least in the short term. Here, we argue that cancer’s biology and success could frequently be governed by processes underlying Parrondo’s paradox, whereby combinations of intrinsically losing strategies may result in winning outcomes. Oncogenic selection would favor Parrondo’s dynamics because, given the environmental adversity in which malignant cells emerge and evolve, alternating between various less optimal strategies would represent the sole viable option to counteract the changing and deleterious environments cells are exposed to during tumorigenesis. We suggest that malignant processes could be viewed through this lens, and we discuss how Parrondo’s principles are also important when designing therapies against cancer.
Viral Proteins as Emerging Cancer Therapeutics
Authors: Manocha Ekta , Caruso Arnaldo , Caccuri Francesca
Published: May 2021

Viruses are obligatory intracellular parasites that originated millions of years ago. Viral elements cover almost half of the human genome sequence and have evolved as genetic blueprints in humans. They have existed as endosymbionts as they are largely dependent on host cell metabolism. Viral proteins are known to regulate different mechanisms in the host cells by hijacking cellular metabolism to benefit viral replication. Amicable viral proteins, on the other hand, from several viruses can participate in mediating growth retardation of cancer cells based on genetic abnormalities while sparing normal cells. These proteins exert discreet yet converging pathways to regulate events like cell cycle and apoptosis in human cancer cells. This property of viral proteins could be harnessed for their use in cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss viral proteins from different sources as potential anticancer therapeutics.
Association between Body Mass Index and Survival Outcome in Metastatic Cancer Patients Treated by Immunotherapy: Analysis of a French Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Collet Laetitia , Delrieu Lidia , Bouhamama Amine , Crochet Hugo , Swalduz Aurélie , Nerot Alexandre , Marchal Timothée , Chabaud Sylvie , Heudel Pierre Etienne
Published: May 2021

The response to immunotherapy has been little investigated in overweight and obese cancer patients. We evaluated the relationships between BMI, toxicity, and survival in patients treated by immunotherapy for metastatic cancer. We included metastatic cancer patients treated by immunotherapy between January 2017 and June 2020 at the Centre Léon Bérard. In total, 272 patients were included: 64% men and 36% women, with a median age of 61.4 years. BMI ≥ 25 in 34.2% and 50% had non-small cell lung cancer (n = 136). Most received monotherapy, with nivolumab in 41.9% and pembrolizumab in 37.9%. Toxicity, mostly dysthyroiditis, occurred in 41%. Median overall survival (OS), estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis, was significantly longer for patients with a BMI ≥ 25 than for those with a BMI < 25 (24.8 versus 13.7 months HR = 0.63; 95% CI 0.44–0.92, p = 0.015), and for patients experiencing toxicity than for those without toxicity (NR versus 7.8 months, HR = 0.22; 95% CI 0.15–0.33, p < 0.001). Adjusted OS was associated with toxicity, and the occurrence of toxicity was associated with sex and histological features but not with BMI. Thus, being overweight and experiencing toxicity was associated with longer overall survival in patients treated by immunotherapy. More attention should be paid to body composition in the care of cancer patients.
Mechanistic Modelling of Slow and Fast NHEJ DNA Repair Pathways Following Radiation for G0/G1 Normal Tissue Cells
Authors: Qi Yaping , Warmenhoven John William , Henthorn Nicholas Thomas , Ingram Samuel Peter , Xu Xie George , Kirkby Karen Joy , Merchant Michael John
Published: May 2021

Mechanistic in silico models can provide insight into biological mechanisms and highlight uncertainties for experimental investigation. Radiation-induced double-strand breaks (DSBs) are known to be toxic lesions if not repaired correctly. Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) is the major DSB-repair pathway available throughout the cell cycle and, recently, has been hypothesised to consist of a fast and slow component in G0/G1. The slow component has been shown to be resection-dependent, requiring the nuclease Artemis to function. However, the pathway is not yet fully understood. This study compares two hypothesised models, simulating the action of individual repair proteins on DSB ends in a step-by-step manner, enabling the modelling of both wild-type and protein-deficient cell systems. Performance is benchmarked against experimental data from 21 cell lines and 18 radiation qualities. A model where resection-dependent and independent pathways are entirely separated can only reproduce experimental repair kinetics with additional restraints on end motion and protein recruitment. However, a model where the pathways are entwined was found to effectively fit without needing additional mechanisms. It has been shown that DaMaRiS is a useful tool when analysing the connections between resection-dependent and independent NHEJ repair pathways and robustly matches with experimental results from several sources.
Electrochemotherapy as a First Line Treatment in Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity and Oropharynx PDL-1 Negative and/or with Evident Contraindication to Immunotherapy: A Randomized Multicenter Controlled Trial
Authors: Perri Francesco , Longo Francesco , Fusco Roberta , D’Alessio Valeria , Aversa Corrado , Pavone Ettore , Pontone Monica , Marciano Maria , Villano Salvatore , Franco Pierluigi , Togo Giulia , Fazio Gianluca , Ordano Daniele , Maglitto Fabio , Salzano Giovanni , Maglione Maria , Guida Agostino , Ionna Franco
Published: May 2021

Background: A significant proportion of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have advanced-stage disease (stages III to IVB) that do not respond to therapy despite aggressive, site-specific multimodality therapy. A great number of them will develop disease recurrence, with up to 60% risk of local failure and up to 30% risk of distant failure. Therapy can be very demanding for the patient especially when important anatomical structures are involved. For these reasons, therapies that preserve organ functionality in combination with effective local tumor control, like electrochemotherapy (ECT), are of great interest. Until few months ago, systemic cetuximab + platinum-based therapy + 5-fluorouracil represented the standard treatment for HNSCC relapses with a median overall survival of 10.1 months and an objective response rate of 36%. Recently the results of KEYNOTE-048 study were published and a new combination of monoclonal antibody named pembrolizumab and chemotherapy emerged as standard first line therapy of recurrent or metastatic tumor that overexpress tissue PDL-1 (Programmed Death 1 ligand). Nevertheless, a variable percentage from 10 to 15% of patients with recurrent/metastatic disease have a tumor that does not overexpress tissue PDL-1, and therefore, according to the results of the KEYNOTE-048 study, does not benefit from replacement of cetuximab with pembrolizumab. These patients will be treated with the “gold standard”: cetuximab, cisplatin/carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Aim: To verify whether electrochemotherapy performed with bleomycin of HNSCC relapses of the oral cavity and oropharynx (single relapse on T) is able to lead to an increase in the objective response rate in comparison with the systemic treatment with cetuximab + platinum-based therapy + 5-fluorouracil in patients with PDL-1 negative tumors. Methods: The phase IIb study involves the enrolment of 96 patients who meet the inclusion criteria (48 in the control arm and 48 in the treatment arm). The control arm involves the treatment of HNSCC with systemic treatment (cetuximab + platinum-based therapy + 5-fluorouracil). The treatment arm involves the ECT with bleomycin. The primary objective is to verify the objective response rate of patients in the control arm compared to the treatment arm.
The Multiple Facets of ATRX Protein
Authors: Valenzuela Martina , Amato Roberta , Sgura Antonella , Antoccia Antonio , Berardinelli Francesco
Published: May 2021

ATRX gene codifies for a protein member of the SWI-SNF family and was cloned for the first time over 25 years ago as the gene responsible for a rare developmental disorder characterized by α-thalassemia and intellectual disability called Alpha Thalassemia/mental Retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) syndrome. Since its discovery as a helicase involved in alpha-globin gene transcriptional regulation, our understanding of the multiple roles played by the ATRX protein increased continuously, leading to the recognition of this multifaceted protein as a central “caretaker” of the human genome involved in cancer suppression. In this review, we report recent advances in the comprehension of the ATRX manifold functions that encompass heterochromatin epigenetic regulation and maintenance, telomere function, replicative stress response, genome stability, and the suppression of endogenous transposable elements and exogenous viral genomes.
Nanotechnology in Bladder Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Barani Mahmood , Hosseinikhah Seyedeh Maryam , Rahdar Abbas , Farhoudi Leila , Arshad Rabia , Cucchiarini Magali , Pandey Sadanand
Published: May 2021

Bladder cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer of the urinary tract in men and the fourth most common cancer in women, and its incidence rises with age. There are many conventional methods for diagnosis and treatment of BC. There are some current biomarkers and clinical tests for the diagnosis and treatment of BC. For example, radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and surgical, but residual tumor cells mostly cause tumor recurrence. In addition, chemotherapy after transurethral resection causes high side effects, and lack of selectivity, and low sensitivity in sensing. Therefore, it is essential to improve new procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of BC. Nanotechnology has recently sparked an interest in a variety of areas, including medicine, chemistry, physics, and biology. Nanoparticles (NP) have been used in tumor therapies as appropriate tools for enhancing drug delivery efficacy and enabling therapeutic performance. It is noteworthy, nanomaterial could be reduced the limitation of conventional cancer diagnosis and treatments. Since, the major disadvantages of therapeutic drugs are their insolubility in an aqueous solvent, for instance, paclitaxel (PTX) is one of the important therapeutic agents utilized to treating BC, due to its ability to prevent cancer cell growth. However, its major problem is the poor solubility, which has confirmed to be a challenge when improving stable formulations for BC treatment. In order to reduce this challenge, anti-cancer drugs can be loaded into NPs that can improve water solubility. In our review, we state several nanosystem, which can effective and useful for the diagnosis, treatment of BC. We investigate the function of metal NPs, polymeric NPs, liposomes, and exosomes accompanied therapeutic agents for BC Therapy, and then focused on the potential of nanotechnology to improve conventional approaches in sensing.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide over Magnetic Nanoparticles: Modification in Fixed-Bed Reactor
Authors: Bibi Mehnaz , Ullah Rasheed , Sadiq Muhammad , Sadiq Saima , Khan Idrees , Saeed Khalid , Zia Muhammad , Iqbal Zaffar , Ullah Inam , Iqbal Zahoor , Ahmad Shahbaz
Published: May 2021

A specific finger-projected fixed-bed reactor (FPFBR) was designed to efficiently utilize magnetic nanoparticles (MnFe2O4/Bi-MnFe2O4) for a model reaction (hydrogenation of a greenhouse gas, CO2, to valuable products: VPs). Coprecipitation method, with desired modification was used for the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) with controlled shape and size. Eighteen fingers in a single chamber were designed in the fixed-bed reactor’s skeleton; each finger worked as an independent reaction core. Controlled flow of hydrogen and CO2 was continuously provided to preheated reaction cores (catalyst beds) from saturator. One of the major products methanol {(%: Conv, 22/Sel 61)} among VPs was identified and quantified by GC. The efficiency of self-designed reactor was 74% for the direct catalytic hydrogenation of CO2 to valuable organic products.
Solketal Production via Solvent-Free Acetalization of Glycerol over Triphosphonic-Lanthanide Coordination Polymers
Authors: Santos-Vieira Isabel C.M.S. , Mendes Ricardo F. , Almeida Paz Filipe A. , Rocha João , Simões Mário M. Q.
Published: May 2021

Biodiesel is one of the most significant and valuable alternatives to fossil fuels. In the process of transesterification to produce biodiesel from various feedstocks, glycerol is one of the side products obtained, in a high glycerol: biodiesel weight ratio (1:10). Therefore, the growing world demand for biodiesel prompted a glycerol surplus. It is, thus, of interest to find new and added-value paths for the transformation of this abundant chemical. One of the most auspicious glycerol applications is the production of fuel additives, namely cyclic acetals and ketals, from aldehydes and ketones, respectively. In this work, coordination polymers based on nitrile (trimethylphosphonic acid) and Ln3+/Eu3+ are used as catalysts for the acetalization of the bio-renewable glycerol into oxygenated fuel additives. Solketal is the major product obtained from the reaction of glycerol with acetone. This product improves the cold flow properties, lowering the viscosity of biodiesel, improving combustion, and boosting the octane number. The stability of the materials is studied as well as their recovery and reuse.
Cytokines Involved in the Pathogenesis of SSc and Problems in the Development of Anti-Cytokine Therapy
Authors: Shima Yoshihito
Published: May 2021

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease of unknown etiology. SSc causes damage to the skin and various organs including the lungs, heart, and digestive tract, but the extent of the damage varies from patient to patient. The pathology of SSc includes ischemia, inflammation, and fibrosis, but the degree of progression varies from case to case. Many cytokines have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of SSc: interleukin-6 is associated with inflammation and transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-13 are associated with fibrosis. Therapeutic methods to control these cytokines have been proposed; however, which cytokines have a dominant role in SSc might differ depending on the extent of visceral lesions and the stage of disease progression. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the disease state of the patient to be targeted and the type of evaluation method when an anti-cytokine therapy is conducted. Here, we review the pathology of SSc and potential cytokine targets, especially interleukin-6, as well as the use of anti-cytokine therapy for SSc.
How Can Rotational Thromboelastometry as a Point-of-Care Method Be Useful for the Management of Secondary Thromboprophylaxis in High-Risk Pregnant Patients?
Authors: Stanciakova Lucia , Dobrotova Miroslava , Holly Pavol , Zolkova Jana , Vadelova Lubica , Skornova Ingrid , Ivankova Jela , Bolek Tomas , Samos Matej , Grendar Marian , Danko Jan , Kubisz Peter , Stasko Jan
Published: May 2021

Thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is suggested. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) represents an innovative point-of-care method enabling the complex and quick evaluation of hemostasis. However, there are only episodic cases of its use for hemostasis assessment and guidance of LMWH in pregnancy. Therefore, we provide the results of unique prospective and longitudinal monitoring of hemostasis in high-risk pregnant women, which we used for the individualized optimalization of secondary thromboprophylaxis. According to the shortening of clot formation time (CFT) in EXTEM (p = 0.0007 from the 26th gestational week vs. controls) and INTEM (p = 0.002 from the 35th gestational week), increase in alpha angle (AA) in EXTEM, INTEM, and HEPTEM, and the persistence of increase in maximum clot firmness (MCF) in EXTEM, INTEM, and HEPTEM (p < 0.001 from the 26th and 35th gestational week vs. controls for EXTEM and INTEM, p = 0.0012 from the 26th gestational week in HEPTEM), LMWH dose was modified. Even after the postpartum period, AA in EXTEM was steeper than in controls (p = 0.0007), indicating that hemostasis is not fully normalized after 6–8 weeks following delivery. Therefore, ROTEM may be a useful tool for the individual evaluation of the termination of anticoagulant thromboprophylaxis.
Indocyanine Green-Assisted and LED-Light-Activated Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy Reduces Dental Plaque
Authors: Nikinmaa Sakari , Moilanen Niina , Sorsa Timo , Rantala Juha , Alapulli Heikki , Kotiranta Anja , Auvinen Petri , Kankuri Esko , Meurman Jukka H. , Pätilä Tommi
Published: May 2021

Aim: This study aimed to determine the feasibility and first efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG)-assisted antimicrobial photodynamictherapy (aPDT) as activated using LED light to the dental plaque. Methods: Fifteen healthy adults were assigned to this four-day randomized study. After rinsing with ICG, 100 J/cm2 of 810 nm LED light was applied to the aPDT-treatment area. Plaque area and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) were measured, and plaque bacteriomes before and after the study were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: aPDT administration was preformed successfully and plaque-specifically with the combination of ICG and the applicator. Total plaque area and endpoint MMP-8 levels were reduced on the aPDT-treatment side. aPDT reduced Streptococcus, Acinetobacteria, Capnocytophaga, and Rothia bacteria species in plaques. Conclusion: ICG-assisted aPDT reduces plaque forming bacteria and exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-proteolytic effects.
Multi-Class Cost-Constrained Random Coding for Correlated Sources over the Multiple-Access Channel
Authors: Rezazadeh Arezou , Font-Segura Josep , Martinez Alfonso , Guillén i Fàbregas Albert
Published: May 2021

This paper studies a generalized version of multi-class cost-constrained random-coding ensemble with multiple auxiliary costs for the transmission of N correlated sources over an N-user multiple-access channel. For each user, the set of messages is partitioned into classes and codebooks are generated according to a distribution depending on the class index of the source message and under the constraint that the codewords satisfy a set of cost functions. Proper choices of the cost functions recover different coding schemes including message-dependent and message-independent versions of independent and identically distributed, independent conditionally distributed, constant-composition and conditional constant composition ensembles. The transmissibility region of the scheme is related to the Cover-El Gamal-Salehi region. A related family of correlated-source Gallager source exponent functions is also studied. The achievable exponents are compared for correlated and independent sources, both numerically and analytically.
The School and the Teacher Autonomy in the Implementing Process of Entrepreneurship Education Curricula
Authors: Sommarström Kaarina , Oikkonen Elena , Pihkala Timo
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine the utilization of the opportunities offered by teacher and school autonomy in entrepreneurship education with companies involved. The research question was: How do schools and teachers use their autonomy in the implementation of entrepreneurship education? This research question was complemented by two additional research questions that were: How does teacher autonomy benefit the implementation of entrepreneurship education? and How do teachers want to utilize autonomy in teaching? This qualitative study used content analyses and the data were collected via semi-structured interviews, with a total of 35 people from 23 schools in Finland. The findings show that school and teacher autonomy brought excellent results in implementing entrepreneurship education and, in these cases, the message of the curriculum worked as fuel for the activities carried out by the school and the teachers. At the same time, some groups of schools and teachers disregarded the message of the curriculum for a set of reasons. Hence, the educational authorities nationally and locally need to consider the balance between autonomy and the core curriculum and weigh the pros and cons of the situation. The study suggests further research on teachers’ perceptions of the relationship between the curricula expectations and implementation of entrepreneurship education.
Teacher Implementation of Cooperative Learning in Indonesia: A Multiple Case Study
Authors: Karmina Sari , Dyson Ben , Watson Penelope , Philpot Rod
Published: May 2021

The current study, a part of a bigger study, explored how teachers in Indonesia implemented cooperative learning (CL) in their distinct contexts. This multiple case study design used a qualitative interpretative approach. Following semi-structured interviews with 18 teachers who had attended CL professional development and used CL in their classrooms, four were purposefully selected as cases of teachers. Classroom observations, post classroom observation interviews, and field notes were employed to investigate the implementation of CL. The data were analysed using Miles, Huberman and Saldaña’s framework. Five themes were generated from cross-case analysis: implementation of CL principles, a lack of CL structures, a greater need of group orientation, group composition, and informal CL. The findings indicate that when an innovative pedagogical practice such as CL is implemented in a culture different from the one in which it was constructed, unique contexts both enable and disrupt the successful implementation of CL. This study proposes that further research attention must be given to understanding the challenges faced by teachers shifting away from direct teaching to student-centred pedagogies such as CL.
A Web-Based Tool for Automatic Detection and Visualization of DNA Differentially Methylated Regions
Authors: Fernández Lisardo , Olanda Ricardo , Pérez Mariano , Orduña Juan M.
Published: May 2021

The study of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) methylation has allowed important advances in the understanding of genetic diseases related to abnormal cell behavior. DNA methylation analysis tools have become especially relevant in recent years. However, these tools have a high computational cost and some of them require the configuration of specific hardware and software, extending the time for research and diagnosis. In previous works, we proposed some tools for DNA methylation analysis and a new tool, called HPG-DHunter, for the detection and visualization of Differentially Methylated Regions (DMRs). Even though this tool offers a user-friendly interface, its installation and maintenance requires the information technology knowledge specified above. In this paper, we propose our tool as a web-based application, which allows biomedical researchers the use of a powerful tool for methylation analysis, even for those not specialized in the management of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and their related software. The performance evaluation results show that this web-based version of HPG-DHunter tool improves the response time offered to the user, also offering an improved interface and higher visualization quality, while showing the same efficiency in DMR identification than the standalone version.
DC Current Limiting Operation and Power Burden Characteristics of a Flux-Coupling Type SFCL Connected in Series between Two Windings
Authors: Ko Seok-Cheol , Han Tae-Hee , Lim Sung-Hun
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a DC fault short circuit was conducted to analyze the DC fault current limiting characteristics of a flux-coupling type superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) that has two coils connected in series via one iron core. Similar to the AC power system, the flux-coupling type SFCL in a DC system, which has the two coils connected with each other in series and the secondary coil connected with the superconducting element in parallel, remains in the superconducting state before a short-circuit accident occurs. This results in magnetic flux getting generated by the two windings connected in series offsetting each other and the induced voltage at the two windings remaining at zero. However, in the event of a short-circuit accident on the DC line, a resistance is generated on the superconducting element, so that the magnetic flux generated at the two windings no longer offsets each other. Therefore, a voltage is induced on the two windings, and the fault current is limited accordingly. As a result of configuring a DC short-circuit device and experimenting with this SFCL, we could confirm the DC fault current limiting effect of a flux-coupling type SFCL with two windings connected in series. In addition, we could establish performance conditions of the flux-coupling type SFCL in a DC system by inferring the fault current, operating current, and limited impedance equations according to the connection direction of the flux-coupling type SFCL with two windings connected in series and by analyzing fault current limiting degree, power burden, magnetic flux, and energy consumption for each element composing the SFCL.
Electric Shared Mobility Services during the Pandemic: Modeling Aspects of Transportation
Authors: Turoń Katarzyna , Kubik Andrzej , Chen Feng
Published: May 2021

The global spread of the COVID-19 virus has led to difficulties in many branches of the economy, including significant effects on the urban transport industry. Thus, countries around the world have introduced different mobility policies during the pandemic. Due to government restrictions and the changed behaviors of transport users, companies providing modern urban mobility solutions were forced to introduce new business practices to their services. These practices are also apparent in the context of the electric shared mobility industry. Although many aspects and problems of electric shared mobility have been addressed in scientific research, pandemic scenarios have not been taken into account. Noticing this research gap, we aimed to update a previously developed model of factors that influence the operation of electric shared mobility by incorporating aspects related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on this industry. This article aims to identify the main factors influencing the electric shared mobility industry during the COVID-19 and post-lockdown periods, together with their operation areas and the involved stakeholders. The research was carried out on the basis of expert interviews, social network analysis (SNA), and the use of the R environment. The article also presents sustainable transport management recommendations for cities and transport service operators, which can be implemented after a lockdown caused by an epidemic. The results in this paper can be used to support transport modeling and the creation of new policies, business models, and sustainable development recommendations. The contents will also be helpful to researchers worldwide in preparing literature reviews for articles related to sustainable management in the COVID-19 pandemic reality.
Potential Diffusion of Renewables-Based DH Assessment through Clustering and Mapping: A Case Study in Milano
Authors: Spirito Giulia , Dénarié Alice , Fattori Fabrizio , Motta Mario , Macchi Samuel , Persson Urban
Published: May 2021

This work aims at developing a methodology for the assessment of district heating (DH) potential through the mapping of energy demand and waste heat sources. The presented method is then applied to the Metropolitan City of Milano as a case study in order to investigate the current and, especially, the future sustainability of DH with the foreseen building refurbishment and consequent heat demand reduction. The first step is the identification of the areas the most interesting from a heat density and an economic point of view through a clustering algorithm, in which lies the main novelty of the work. The potential is then assessed by investigating their synergy with the available heat sources, which are mapped and analyzed in terms of recoverable thermal energy and costs. In future scenarios with foreseen heat demand reduction, low-temperature networks and excess heat sources are considered, such as metro stations and datacenters, together with the conventional sources, such as thermoelectric plants. The outcomes prove that lower heat demand corresponds to higher network costs with consequently reduced district heating potential but also prove that the properties of low-temperature district heating can potentially compensate for the drop in its cost-effectiveness. Another interesting finding is that the renovation of buildings in an area should be not performed evenly but with criteria; for instance, in synergy with DH diffusion.
Applications of Carbon in Rechargeable Electrochemical Power Sources: A Review
Authors: Lach Jakub , Wróbel Kamil , Wróbel Justyna , Czerwiński Andrzej
Published: May 2021

Rechargeable power sources are an essential element of large-scale energy systems based on renewable energy sources. One of the major challenges in rechargeable battery research is the development of electrode materials with good performance and low cost. Carbon-based materials have a wide range of properties, high electrical conductivity, and overall stability during cycling, making them suitable materials for batteries, including stationary and large-scale systems. This review summarizes the latest progress on materials based on elemental carbon for modern rechargeable electrochemical power sources, such as commonly used lead–acid and lithium-ion batteries. Use of carbon in promising technologies (lithium–sulfur, sodium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors) is also described. Carbon is a key element leading to more efficient energy storage in these power sources. The applications, modifications, possible bio-sources, and basic properties of carbon materials, as well as recent developments, are described in detail. Carbon materials presented in the review include nanomaterials (e.g., nanotubes, graphene) and composite materials with metals and their compounds.
Answers Blowing in the Wind: A Quarter Century of Genetic Studies of Pollination in Oaks
Authors: Ashley Mary V.
Published: May 2021

For the past 25 years, the twin tools of highly variable genetic markers (microsatellites) and paternity assignment have provided a powerful approach for investigating pollination patterns in trees, including many Quercus species. Early studies consistently demonstrated surprisingly abundant and extensive long-distance pollen movement in oaks. Indeed, numerous studies showed high levels of pollen immigration (50% or more), even for relatively isolated stands of oaks. Research also characterized fertilization patterns within stands and between hybridizing species in mixed stands. More recent studies have expanded our knowledge of genetic exchange effected by successful pollen movement, identified even more remarkable examples of the distances Quercus pollen can travel, and examined pollination patterns in relictual populations as well as those at the leading edges of range expansion. While the paradigm of long distance pollination continues to hold, a few recent studies that have also revealed the limits of pollen movement, identifying cases of reproductive isolation in extreme situations, where populations are at risk. This review will highlight what has been learned about Quercus pollination, what questions remain, and propose implications for forest management in the face of changing landscapes and climates.
Seismic Performance Enhancement of RC Columns Using Thin High-Strength RC Jackets and CFRP Jackets
Authors: Kalogeropoulos George , Tsonos Alexander-Dimitrios
Published: May 2021

The existing non-ductile RC structures built prior to the 1960s–1970s were mainly conceived to carry only vertical loads. As a result, the columns of these structures demonstrate poor overall hysteresis behavior during strong earthquakes, dominated by brittle shear or/and premature excessive slipping of the inadequately lap-spliced reinforcement. In the present study, the effectiveness of two different strengthening systems (including either the wrapping of the columns by carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer textile or the use of thin high-strength reinforced concrete jackets), was experimentally and analytically investigated. The main variables examined were the strengthening material, the length of the lap splices and the amount of confinement provided by the jackets. Three cantilever column specimens were constructed without incorporating modern design code requirements for preserving seismic safety and structural integrity. Subsequently, the specimens were strengthened and subjected to earthquake-type loading. Their hysteresis performances were compared, while also evaluated with respect to the response of two similar original specimens and the behavior of a control one with continuous reinforcement, tested in a previous study. The predictions of the proposed analytical formulation for the hysteresis behavior of the strengthened specimens were satisfactorily verified by the experimental results.
Rammed Earth with Straw Fibers and Earth Mortar: Mix Design and Mechanical Characteristics Determination
Authors: Sabbà Maria Francesca , Tesoro Mariateresa , Falcicchio Cecilia , Foti Dora
Published: May 2021

Raw earth is one of the oldest building materials, which is suitable for various uses: from the construction of load-bearing walls to use for plasters and finishes. The presence of straw fibers can give different behavior to this material. The present paper illustrates preliminary sensory and qualitative analyses, and subsequent laboratory tests that allow the characterization of the raw earth material with straw fibers for rammed earth constructions through mechanized compaction and the identification of a compatible earth mortar. The raw material considered in this study is mainly clayey; for this reason, a mix design usable with the pisé (or clay) technique has been developed. Cylindrical samples have been made through a press and subject to unconfined compression and indirect tensile tests. The results of the tests showed consistent tensile and compressive strength values in the context of earth materials. At the same time, a study for the realization of a mortar with the same base soil was carried out considering four mixtures, in order to investigate the best compromise between workability, shrinkage and compressive strengths. The purpose of the study was to investigate the mechanical characteristics of the local material through preliminary and laboratory tests, to classify it according to the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) and to verify its suitability for a possible use in the construction field.
Physical and Thermal Evaluation of Olive Oils from Minor Italian Cultivars
Authors: Paciulli Maria , Difonzo Graziana , Conte Paola , Flamminii Federica , Piscopo Amalia , Chiavaro Emma
Published: May 2021

Authentication of extra virgin olive oils is a key strategy for their valorization and a way to preserve olive biodiversity. Physical and thermal analysis have been proposed in this study as fast and green techniques to reach this goal. Thirteen extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) obtained from minor olive cultivars, harvested at three different ripening stages, in four Italian regions (Abruzzo, Apulia, Sardinia, and Calabria) have been studied. Thermal properties, viscosity and color, as influenced by fatty acid composition and chlorophyll content, have been investigated. The thermal curves of EVOOs, obtained by differential scanning calorimetry, were mostly influenced by the oleic acid content: a direct correlation with the cooling and heating enthalpy and an indirect correlation with the cooling transition range were observed. The minor fatty acids, and particularly arachidic acid, showed an influence, mostly on the heating thermograms. Viscosity and color showed respectively a correlation with fatty acids composition and chlorophyll content, however they didn’t result able to discriminate between the samples. Thanks to the principal component analysis, the most influencing thermal parameters and fatty acids were used to cluster the samples, based on their botanical and geographical origin, resulting instead the harvesting time a less influential variable.
Survival of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) on Foods Stored at Refrigerated Temperature
Authors: Dhakal Janak , Jia Mo , Joyce Jonathan D. , Moore Greyson A. , Ovissipour Reza , Bertke Andrea S.
Published: May 2021

Outbreaks of coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) in meat processing plants and media reports of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection on foods have raised concerns of a public health risk from contaminated foods. We used herpes simplex virus 1, a non-Biosafety Level 3 (non-BSL3) enveloped virus, as a surrogate to develop and validate methods before assessing the survival of infectious SARS-CoV-2 on foods. Several food types, including chicken, seafood, and produce, were held at 4 °C and assessed for infectious virus survival (herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and SARS-CoV-2) at 0 h, 1 h, and 24 h post-inoculation (hpi) by plaque assay. At all three time points, recovery of SARS-CoV-2 was similar from chicken, salmon, shrimp, and spinach, ranging from 3.4 to 4.3 log PFU/mL. However, initial (0 h) virus recovery from apples and mushrooms was significantly lower than that from poultry and seafood, and infectious virus decreased over time, with recovery from mushrooms becoming undetectable by 24 hpi. Comparing infectious virus titers with viral genome copies confirmed that PCR-based tests only indicate presence of viral nucleic acid, which does not necessarily correlate with the quantity of infectious virus. The survival and high recovery of SARS-CoV-2 on certain foods highlight the importance of safe food handling practices in mitigating any public health concerns related to potentially contaminated foods.