bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Characterization of Quinary High Entropy-Ultra-High Temperature Diborides
Authors: Barbarossa Simone , Orrù Roberto , Cannillo Valeria , Iacomini Antonio , Garroni Sebastiano , Murgia Massimiliano , Cao Giacomo
Published: March 2021

Due to their inherent chemical complexity and their refractory nature, the obtainment of highly dense and single-phase high entropy (HE) diborides represents a very hard target to achieve. In this framework, homogeneous (Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2)B2, (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2)B2, and (Hf0.2Zr0.2Nb0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2)B2 ceramics with high relative densities (97.4, 96.5, and 98.2%, respectively) were successfully produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS) using powders prepared by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). Although the latter technique did not lead to the complete conversion of initial precursors into the prescribed HE phases, such a goal was fully reached after SPS (1950 °C/20 min/20 MPa). The three HE products showed similar and, in some cases, even better mechanical properties compared to ceramics with the same nominal composition attained using alternative processing methods. Superior Vickers hardness and elastic modulus values were found for the (Hf0.2Nb0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2)B2 and the (Hf0.2Zr0.2Ta0.2Mo0.2Ti0.2)B2 systems, i.e., 28.1 GPa/538.5 GPa and 28.08 GPa/498.1 GPa, respectively, in spite of the correspondingly higher residual porosities (1.2 and 2.2 vol.%, respectively). In contrast, the third ceramic, not containing tantalum, displayed lower values of these two properties (25.1 GPa/404.5 GPa). However, the corresponding fracture toughness (8.84 MPa m1/2) was relatively higher. This fact can be likely ascribed to the smaller residual porosity (0.3 vol.%) of the sintered material.
Passively Tunable Terahertz Filters Using Liquid Crystal Cells Coated with Metamaterials
Authors: Chiang Wei-Fan , Lu Yu-Yun , Chen Yin-Pei , Lin Xin-Yu , Lim Tsong-Shin , Liu Jih-Hsin , Lee Chia-Rong , Huang Chia-Yi
Published: March 2021

Liquid crystal (LC) cells that are coated with metamaterials are fabricated in this work. The LC directors in the cells are aligned by rubbed polyimide layers, and make angles θ of 0°, 45°, and 90° with respect to the gaps of the split-ring resonators (SRRs) of the metamaterials. Experimental results display that the resonance frequencies of the metamaterials in these cells increase with an increase in θ, and the cells have a maximum frequency shifting region of 18 GHz. Simulated results reveal that the increase in the resonance frequencies arises from the birefringence of the LC, and the LC has a birefringence of 0.15 in the terahertz region. The resonance frequencies of the metamaterials are shifted by the rubbing directions of the polyimide layers, so the LC cells coated with the metamaterials are passively tunable terahertz filters. The passively tunable terahertz filters exhibit promising applications on terahertz communication, terahertz sensing, and terahertz imaging.
A Novel Fishbone-Like Lead(II) Supramolecular Polymer: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application for Producing Nano Metal Oxide
Authors: Hanifehpour Younes , Mirtamizdoust Babak , Joo Sang Woo , Sadeghi-Roodsari Majid , Abdolmaleki Mehdi
Published: March 2021

The nanorods of [Pb(L)Br2]n (1) (L = 1,2-bis (pyridin-3-ylmethylene)hydrazine) underwent ultrasound irradiation and were synthesized as a novel three-dimensional fishbone-like Pb(II)–organic coordination supramolecular compound. The morphology and nanostructure of the synthesized compound were determined through SEM, FTIR, elemental analyses, and XRD. Compound 1 was structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and revealed six-coordinated Pb (II) ions bonded to two N atoms from two L ligands and four bromine anions, forming a one-dimensional fishbone-like coordination polymer, which extended into a 3D supramolecular structure through weak intermolecular interactions. The bulk thermal stability of compound 1 was examined using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, PbO nanoparticles with sizes of 40–80 nm were obtained through the thermolysis of 1 at 180 °C using oleic acid as a surfactant.
Influence of Hydrate-Forming Gas Pressure on Equilibrium Pore Water Content in Soils
Authors: Sergeeva Daria , Istomin Vladimir , Chuvilin Evgeny , Bukhanov Boris , Sokolova Natalia
Published: March 2021

Natural gas hydrates (primarily methane hydrates) are considered to be an important and promising unconventional source of hydrocarbons. Most natural gas hydrate accumulations exist in pore space and are associated with reservoir rocks. Therefore, gas hydrate studies in porous media are of particular interest, as well as, the phase equilibria of pore hydrates, including the determination of equilibrium pore water content (nonclathrated water). Nonclathrated water is analogous to unfrozen water in permafrost soils and has a significant effect on the properties of hydrate-bearing reservoirs. Nonclathrated water content in hydrate-saturated porous media will depend on many factors: pressure, temperature, gas composition, the mineralization of pore water, etc. In this paper, the study is mostly focused on the effect of hydrate-forming gas pressure on nonclathrated water content in hydrate-bearing soils. To solve this problem, simple thermodynamic equations were proposed which require data on pore water activity (or unfrozen water content). Additionally, it is possible to recalculate the nonclathrated water content data from one hydrate-forming gas to another using the proposed thermodynamic equations. The comparison showed a sufficiently good agreement between the calculated nonclathrated water content and its direct measurements for investigated soils. The discrepancy was ~0.15 wt% and was comparable to the accuracy of direct measurements. It was established that the effect of gas pressure on nonclathrated water content is highly nonlinear. For example, the most pronounced effect of gas pressure on nonclathrated water content is observed in the range from equilibrium pressure to 6.0 MPa. The developed thermodynamic technique can be used for different hydrate-forming gases such as methane, ethane, propane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, various gas mixtures, and natural gases.
The Effect of Climate on the Solar Radiation Components on Building Skins and Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Materials
Authors: Gholami Hassan , Nils Røstvik Harald
Published: March 2021

The business model of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is developing expeditiously and BIPV will soon be recognised as a building envelope material for the entire building skins, among other alternatives such as brick, wood, stone, metals, etc. This paper investigates the effect of climate on the solar radiation components on building skins and BIPV materials in the northern hemisphere. The selected cities are Stavanger in Norway, Bern in Switzerland, Rome in Italy, and Dubai in the UAE. The study showed that for all the studied climates, the average incident radiation on the entire building skins is slightly more than the average incident radiation on the east or west facades, regardless of the orientations of the building facades. Furthermore, the correlation between solar radiation components and different BIPV technologies is discussed in this paper. It is also found that when it comes to the efficiency of different BIPV cells, the impact of the climate on some of the BIPV technologies (such as DSC and OSC) is much more significant than others (such as c-Si, mc-Si and CIGS). The evidence from this study suggests that in climates with higher diffuse radiation-or with more overcast days per year-the contribution of IR radiation decreases. Therefore, the efficiency of BIPV materials that their spectral responses are dependent on the IR radiation (like Si and CIGS) in such a climate would drop down meaningfully. On the other hand, the DSC and OSC solar cells could be a good option for cloudy climates since they have more stable performance, even in such a climate. Although, their efficiency compared to other BIPV materials such as Si-based BIPV solar cells is still significantly less thus far.
Feedback-Linearization-Based Fuel-Cell Adaptive-Control Paradigm in a Microgrid Using a Wavelet-Entrenched NeuroFuzzy Framework
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Khan Laiq , Ahmad Saghir , Jamil Mohsin
Published: March 2021

The article portrays an adaptive control paradigm for the swift response of a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) in a grid-connected microgrid. The control scheme is based on an adaptive feedback-linearization-embedded fully recurrent NeuroFuzzy Laguerre wavelet control (FBL-FRNF-Lag-WC) framework. The nonlinear functions of feedback linearization (FBL) are estimated using a fully recurrent NeuroFuzzy Laguerre wavelet control (FRNF-Lag-WC) architecture with a recurrent Gaussian membership function in the antecedent part and a recurrent Laguerre wavelet in the consequent part, respectively. The performance of the proposed control scheme is validated for various stability, quality, and reliability factors obtained through a simulation testbed implemented in MATLAB/Simulink. The proposed scheme is compared against adaptive NeuroFuzzy, PID, and adaptive PID (aPID) control schemes using different performance parameters for a grid-connected load over 24 h.
Does Carbon Risk Matter? Evidence of Carbon Premium in EU Energy-Intensive Companies
Authors: Witkowski Pawel , Adamczyk Adam , Franek Slawomir
Published: March 2021

In this paper we have assessed the impact of the European Union’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) on the level of the carbon premium. The aim of the study is to determine whether there is a stable carbon premium in energy-intensive sectors. Unlike other studies, our research sample included not only companies in the energy sector, but also entities classified as energy-intensive. In the research, we used our own criterion for allocating companies to a clean and dirty portfolio, which made it possible to make the estimation of the carbon premium more resistant to changes in the rules for allocation of emission allowances. We detected a positive, statistically significant carbon premium in the years 2003–2012 and a negative one in the years 2013–2015, but we did not detect a statistically significant carbon premium in the period 2016–2019. This means that there are no grounds for concluding that there is a stable, positive carbon premium for energy-intensive companies subject to the EU ETS over time. We have also noticed that a significant problem in studying the impact of the EU ETS on the carbon premium is the use of static portfolios of clean and dirty companies
Are Climate Factors Driving the Contemporary Wildfire Occurrence in China?
Authors: Lan Zige , Su Zhangwen , Guo Meng , C. Alvarado Ernesto , Guo Futao , Hu Haiqing , Wang Guangyu
Published: March 2021

Understanding the drivers of wildfire occurrence is of great value for fire prevention and management, but due to the variation in research methods, data sources, and data resolution of those studies, it is challenging to conduct a large-scale comprehensive comparative qualitative analysis on the topic. China has diverse vegetation types and topography, and has undergone rapid economic and social development, but experiences a high frequency of wildfires, making it one of the ideal locations for wildfire research. We applied the Random Forests modelling approach to explore the main types of wildfire drivers (climate factors, landscape factors and human factors) in three high wildfire density regions (Northeast (NE), Southwest (SW), and Southeast (SE)) of China. The results indicate that climate factors were the main driver of wildfire occurrence in the three regions. Precipitation and temperature significantly impacted the fire occurrence in the three regions due to the direct influence on the moisture content of forest fuel. However, wind speed had important influence on fire occurrence in the SE and SW. The explanation power of the landscape and human factors varied significantly between regions. Human factors explained 40% of the fire occurrence in the SE but only explained less than 10% of the fire occurrence in the NE and SW. The density of roads was identified as the most important human factor driving fires in all three regions, but railway density had more explanation power on fire occurrence in the SE than in the other regions. The landscape factors showed nearly no influence on fire occurrence in the NE but explained 46.4% and 20.6% in the SE and SW regions, respectively. Amongst landscape factors, elevation had the highest average explanation power on fire occurrence in the three regions, particularly in the SW. In conclusion, this study provides useful insights into targeted fire prediction and prevention, which should be more precise and effective under climate change and socio-economic development.
Determination of Foam Stability in Lager Beers Using Digital Image Analysis of Images Obtained Using RGB and 3D Cameras
Authors: Nyarko Emmanuel Karlo , Glavaš Hrvoje , Habschied Kristina , Mastanjević Krešimir
Published: March 2021

Foam stability and retention is an important indicator of beer quality and freshness. A full, white head of foam with nicely distributed small bubbles of CO2 is appealing to the consumers and the crown of the production process. However, raw materials, production process, packaging, transportation, and storage have a big impact on foam stability, which marks foam stability monitoring during all these stages, from production to consumer, as very important. Beer foam stability is expressed as a change of foam height over a certain period. This research aimed to monitor the foam stability of lager beers using image analysis methods on two different types of recordings: RGB and depth videos. Sixteen different commercially available lager beers were subjected to analysis. The automated image analysis method based only on the analysis of RGB video images proved to be inapplicable in real conditions due to problems such as reflection of light through glass, autofocus, and beer lacing/clinging, which make it impossible to accurately detect the actual height of the foam. A solution to this problem, representing a unique contribution, was found by introducing the use of a 3D camera in estimating foam stability. According to the results, automated analysis of depth images obtained from a 3D camera proved to be a suitable, objective, repeatable, reliable, and sufficiently sensitive method for measuring foam stability of lager beers. The applied model proved to be suitable for predicting changes in foam retention of lager beers.
Numeric Simulation Demonstrates That the Upstream Movement of Invasive Bigheaded Carp Can Be Blocked at Sets of Mississippi River Locks-and-Dams Using a Combination of Optimized Spillway Gate Operations, Lock Deterrents, and Carp Removal
Authors: Zielinski Daniel Patrick , Sorensen Peter W.
Published: March 2021

Invasive bigheaded carp are advancing up the Upper Mississippi River by passing through its locks-and-dams (LDs). Although these structures already impede fish passage, this role could be greatly enhanced by modifying how their spillway gates operate, adding deterrent systems to their locks, and removing carp. This study examined this possibility using numeric modeling and empirical data, which evaluated all three options on an annual basis in both single LDs and pairs under different river flow conditions. Over 100 scenarios were modeled. While all three approaches showed promise, ranging from 8% to 73% reductions in how many carp pass a single LD, when employed together at pairs of LDs, upstream movement rates of invasive carp could be reduced 98–99% from current levels. Although modifying spillway gate operation is the least expensive option, its efficacy drops at high flows, so lock deterrents and/or removal using fishing/trapping are required to move towards complete blockage. Improved deterrent efficacy could also offset the need for more efficient removal. This model could help prioritize research and management actions for containing carp.
Durability of Thermal Renders with Lightweight and Thermal Insulating Aggregates: Regranulated Expanded Cork, Silica Aerogel and Expanded Polystyrene
Authors: Morgado André , Soares António , Flores-Colen Inês , Veiga Maria do Rosário , Gomes Maria Glória
Published: March 2021

Following the trend of energy-efficient construction, renders with thermal insulation properties have been studied for replacing conventional renders. However, there are still few studies on the durability of these renders that may become a barrier for their implementation. In this study, the performance of lightweight renders for thermal insulation to accelerated aging cycles and freeze/thaw cycles is discussed. For this purpose, renders with regranulated expanded cork (GEC), silica aerogel (SA), and expanded polystyrene (EPS) were produced and tested for compressive strength, ultra-sound velocity, Young’s modulus, and thermal conductivity before and after accelerated aging cycles (hygrothermal, IR and freeze/thaw cycles). With this study, a comparison between the influence of different aggregates on renders is carried out in order to understand their effect on different properties of renders.
We Are Together Now: Notes on the Film Hoktiwe: Two Poems in Ishakkoy
Authors: Darensbourg Jeffery U.
Published: March 2021

Artist and historian of the Atakapa-Ishak Nation, Jeffery Darensbourg’s 2020 film with Fernando López features poetry in Ishakkoy, an indigenous language from what is now southwest Louisiana and southeast Texas, composed during an artist residency at A Studio in the Woods. The companion essay shares some of the process of composing creative works in this language, and especially of writing centos, also known as patchwork or collage poems, during COVID-19 sequestration.
Special Issue “Cardiovascular Genetics”
Authors: Brodehl Andreas , Milting Hendrik , Gerull Brenda
Published: March 2021

Since the beginnings of cardiovascular genetics, it became evident in thousands of clinical cases that many cardiomyopathies, channelopathies, aortopathies as well as complex multifactorial diseases such as coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis or atrial fibrillation (AF) have a genetic etiology [...]
Representations of Shylock in Arnold Wesker’s The Merchant, Howard Jacobson’s Shylock Is My Name and Clive Sinclair’s Shylock Must Die
Authors: Brauner David
Published: March 2021

Given the centrality of Shakespeare to the Western canon and, more specifically, to the idea of a national English literary tradition, and given that Shylock is one of his most (in)famous creations, it is hardly surprising that he has proved irresistible to a number of Anglo-Jewish authors. Attempts to rehabilitate Shylock and/or to reimagine his fate are not a recent phenomenon. In the post-war era, however, the task of revisiting Shakespeare’s play took on a new urgency, particularly for Jewish writers. In this essay I look at the ways in which three contemporary British Jewish authors—Arnold Wesker, Howard Jacobson and Clive Sinclair—have revisited The Merchant of Venice, focusing on the figure of Shylock as an exemplar of what Bryan Cheyette has described as “the protean instability of ‘the Jew’ as a signifier”. Wesker, Jacobson and Sinclair approach Shakespeare’s play and its most memorable character in very different ways but they share a sense that Shylock symbolically transgresses boundaries of time and space—history and geography—and is a mercurial, paradoxical figure: villain and (anti-)hero; victim and perpetrator; scapegoat and scourge. Wesker’s play is more didactic than the fiction of Jacobson and Sinclair but ultimately his Shylock eludes the historicist parameters that he attempts to impose on him, while the Shylocks of Shylock is My Name and Shylock Must Die transcend their literary-historical origins, becoming slippery, self-reflexive, protean figures who talk back to Shakespeare, while at the same time speaking to the concerns of contemporary culture.
The Combined Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Insulin Therapy on Glycated Hemoglobin Concentrations, Lipid Profiles and Hemodynamic Parameters in Patients with Type-2-Diabetes and Hemiplegia Related to Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rubinowicz-Zasada Maja , Kucio Ewa , Polak Anna , Stastny Petr , Wierzbicki Krzysztof , Król Piotr , Kucio Cezary
Published: March 2021

Type-2-diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global problem of medical, social and economic consequences. Physical activity is a vital therapy in patients with T2DM, but some of them cannot exercise for various reasons. The purpose of our pilot study was to determine whether a combination of neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) and insulin therapy could improve the management of T2DM patients with hemiplegia caused by an ischemic stroke. Fifteen immobile patients with T2DM on insulin therapy were enrolled in the study. NMES was applied to their lower limbs for 60 min, 5 days a week, over a period of 12 weeks. The intervention caused statistically significant reductions in the blood concentrations of glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol and low-density cholesterol in the participants. Furthermore, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were significantly lower. More randomized clinical trials are needed to accurately measure the effect of NMES on T2DM treatment and to determine whether it can be an alternative for physical activity for immobile patients with T2DM.
Study on Factors of People’s Wearing Masks Based on Two Online Surveys: Cross-Sectional Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Ling , Zhu Sirong , Yao Hui , Li Mengying , Si Guanglin , Tan Xiaodong
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: To analyze factors of people’s wearing masks based on two online surveys, and to explore whether living area factor or quarantine status could have an impact on mask-wearing. (2) Methods: Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to explore the influence of different factors on people’s behavior of mask-wearing in the present study. R3.6.2 was used for data cleaning, SPSS 26.0 was used to conduct corresponding statistical analysis, and a two-sided p-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. (3) Results: According to our study, the proportion of participants who wore face masks was higher than 90.0% in both surveys. Single factor analysis showed that the proportion of people wearing face masks raised with the increase of people’s education, age, and monthly income (Yuan) in both surveys. People who lived in rural areas were less likely to wear masks. Mask-wearing rate was lower in the isolated individuals than in the non-isolated ones. (4) Conclusions: Masks-wearing is one of the effective measures for COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control. After the Chinese government made wearing face masks mandatory in public places, most residents in China had developed the habit of wearing masks, contributing to the high rate of masks-wearing in China. However, people in rural areas need to raise their awareness of wearing masks. Meanwhile, the mask-wearing of the isolated individuals needs to be enhanced.
Isokinetic Strength, Vertical Jump Performance, and Strength Differences in First Line Professional Firefighters Competing in Fire Sport
Authors: Miratsky Petr , Gryc Tomas , Cabell Lee , Zahalka Frantisek , Brozka Matej , Varjan Matej , Maly Tomas
Published: March 2021

The purpose of our study was to investigate peak torque (PT) of knee extensors (KE) and knee flexors (KF), bilateral and unilateral strength asymmetries in isokinetic testing and vertical jump height (JH), vertical ground reaction force (VGRF), and force differences (ΔVGRF) between legs during different jump tests in professional first-line firefighters (n = 15) competing in fire sports disciplines. There was a significant effect of jump type on JH (F2,44 = 7.23, p < 0.05), VGRF (F2,44 = 16.03, p < 0.05), and ΔVGRF (F2,44 = 3.45, p < 0.05). Professional firefighters achieved a mean JH of 50.17 cm in the countermovement jump free arms and high PT of KEs (3.15 Nm/kg). No significant differences (p > 0.05) and small effect sizes (d < 0.3) were found between the legs when PTs were assessed. We found a slightly higher (d = 0.53) unilateral strength ratio in non-dominant legs (58.12 ± 10.26%) compared to dominant legs (55.31 ± 7.51%). No effect of laterality was found among limb comparisons, but a higher unilateral isokinetic strength ratio was found in non-dominant legs of firefighters. A high level of strength (PT of KEs > 3 times body weight) and vertical jump performance is comparable to the performance of elite athletic populations.
Key Performance Indicators Related to Strength, Endurance, Flexibility, Anthropometrics, and Swimming Performance for Competitive Aquatic Lifesaving
Authors: Reichmuth Daniela , Olstad Bjørn Harald , Born Dennis-Peter
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study was to investigate key performance indicators for the individual pool-based disciplines of competitive lifesaving regarding strength, flexibility, sprint and endurance swimming performance, anthropometric characteristics, and technical skills specific to competitive lifesaving. Data were collected from Swiss national team members (seven males: age 19 ± 2 yrs, body mass 77 ± 11 kg, body height 177 ± 7 cm and seven females age 21 ± 5 yrs, body mass 64 ± 6 kg, body height 171 ± 4 cm) competing at the 2019 European lifesaving championships. Potential key performance indicators were assessed with race times derived from the 2019 long-course season using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Large and significant correlations showed that sprint, i.e., 50 m freestyle performance (r ≥ 0.770), was related to race time of all pool-based disciplines, rather than endurance swimming performance. Additionally, significant correlations revealed upper body strength, i.e., bench press (r ≥ −0.644) and pull (r ≥ −0.697), and leg strength (r ≥ −0.627) as key performance indicators. Importance of the lifesaving-specific skills, anthropometric characteristics, and core strength varied between the disciplines. Flexibility was not significantly related to race times of competitive lifesaving. The present study showed that sprint swimming performance, upper body, and leg strength are particularly important for competitive lifesaving. As other physical and technical requirements varied between the pool-based disciplines, coaches may use the present key performance indicators to establish training guidelines and conditioning programs as well as prioritize skill acquisition in training to specifically prepare athletes for their main disciplines.
Does Delaying Time in Cancer Treatment Affect Mortality? A Retrospective Cohort Study of Korean Lung and Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Han Kyu-Tae , Kim Woorim , Kim Seungju
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between delays in surgical treatment and five- and one- year mortality in patients with lung or gastric cancer. The National Health Insurance claims data from 2006 to 2015 were used. The association between time to surgical treatment, in which the cut-off value was set at average time (30 or 50 days), and five year mortality was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard model. Subgroup analysis was performed based on treatment type and location of medical institution. A total of 810 lung and 2659 gastric cancer patients were included, in which 74.8% of lung and 71.2% of gastric cancer patients received surgery within average. Compared to lung cancer patients who received treatment within 50 days, the five-year (HR 1.826, 95% CI 1.437–2.321) mortality of those who received treatment afterwards was higher. The findings were not significant for gastric cancer based on the after 30 days standard (HR: 1.003, 95% CI: 0.822–1.225). In lung cancer patients, time-to-treatment and mortality risk were significantly different depending on region. Delays in surgical treatment were associated with mortality in lung cancer patients. The findings imply the importance of monitoring and assuring timely treatment in lung cancer patients.
The Association between Vigorous Physical Activity and Stress in Adolescents with Asthma
Authors: Kong Sunga , So Wi-Young , Jang Seyong
Published: March 2021

Asthma is a very common condition that affects 5–10% of the global population, and its prevalence is increasing. Vigorous physical activity (PA) is effective in improving cardiorespiratory fitness and managing stress. This study aimed to investigate the association between vigorous PA and stress among Korean adolescents with asthma using large-scale survey data. The questionnaire data of 57,303 adolescents were analyzed using raw data from the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey. We performed logistic regression analysis to calculate the stress odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for asthma and non-asthma groups using models 1 and 2. We also performed logistic regression analysis to calculate the stress OR for the asthma group with vigorous PA and non-vigorous PA using models 1, 2, and 3. Model 1 was adjusted for age, sex, obesity, smoking, and alcohol status; model 2 was further adjusted for household income, academic achievement, and comorbidities. Model 3 was further adjusted for moderate activity and resistance exercise. The OR of stress was 20% higher in the asthma group than in the non-asthma group (p < 0.05). In the fully adjusted models, the OR for the non-asthma group with vigorous PA versus non-vigorous PA was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.84–0.94). However, the OR for the asthma group with vigorous PA versus non-vigorous PA was 0.70 (95% CI: 0.57–0.86), indicating that adolescents who engage in vigorous PA had lower stress in the asthma group (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that adolescents with asthma had higher stress levels than those without asthma; however, vigorous PA was associated with lower stress. These effects were more pronounced in adolescents with asthma.
Unravelling the Perspectives of Day and Night Traders in Selected Markets within a Sub-Saharan African City with a Malaria Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Survey
Authors: Tetteh-Quarcoo Patience B. , Dayie Nicholas T. K. D. , Adutwum-Ofosu Kevin Kofi , Ahenkorah John , Afutu Emmanuel , Amponsah Seth K. , Abdul-Rahman Mubarak , Kretchy James-Paul , Ocloo Janet Y. , Nii-Trebi Nicholas I. , Yalley Akua K. , Hagan Oheneba C. K. , Niriwa Benjamin P. , Aghasili Chukwuemeka C. , Kotey Fleischer C. N. , Donkor Eric S. , Ayeh-Kumi Patrick F. , Udofia Emilia Asuquo
Published: March 2021

Background: Malaria is still endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with a high disease burden. Misconceptions about malaria contribute to poor attitudes and practices, further increasing the burden in endemic countries. Studies have examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of malaria among different populations. However, there seems to be no available literature reporting on the perspectives of day and night market traders. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on malaria KAP with a focus on day and night market traders. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study involving day and night market traders in 10 selected markets within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was carried out. Data were collected from consenting respondents using a structured questionnaire. Results: Of the 760 respondents (33.3% (n = 253) night and 66.7% (n = 507) day traders) interviewed, there was no significant difference between the day and night market traders in terms of malaria KAP. Although the market traders had an overall moderate knowledge (54.0% of the day traders and 56.5% of the night traders), misconceptions about malaria (especially that it could be caused by exposure to the sun) still existed among the traders. Moreover, the majority of the traders who demonstrated high knowledge (43.98%, n = 250) did not always take laboratory tests to confirm their suspicion, indicating poor attitude. Furthermore, the market traders’ choice of drug for malaria treatment (p = 0.001) and preferred malaria treatment type (orthodox or herbal) (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with their knowledge level. Conclusions: Despite the observation that no significant difference in KAP exists between day and night market traders, appropriate health education programs and interventions still need to be directed at misconceptions, poor attitudes, and poor practices revealed by this study. This will ultimately help in the prevention and control of malaria in Ghana, and globally.
Insights into Metabolite Diagnostic Biomarkers for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Yamano Emi , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Kataoka Yosky
Published: March 2021

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a persistent and unexplained pathological state characterized by exertional and severely debilitating fatigue, with/without infectious or neuropsychiatric symptoms, and with a minimum duration of 6 consecutive months. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood. There are no firmly established diagnostic biomarkers or treatment, due to incomplete understanding of the etiology of ME/CFS and diagnostic uncertainty. Establishing a biomarker for the objective diagnosis is urgently needed to treat a lot of patients. Recently, research on ME/CFS using metabolome analysis methods has been increasing. Here, we overview recent findings concerning the metabolic features in patients with ME/CFS and the animal models which contribute to the development of diagnostic biomarkers for ME/CFS and its treatment. In addition, we discuss future perspectives of studies on ME/CFS.
Defective Oligodendroglial Lineage and Demyelination in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Traiffort Elisabeth , Morisset-Lopez Séverine , Moussaed Mireille , Zahaf Amina
Published: March 2021

Motor neurons and their axons reaching the skeletal muscle have long been considered as the best characterized targets of the degenerative process observed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, the involvement of glial cells was also more recently reported. Although oligodendrocytes have been underestimated for a longer time than other cells, they are presently considered as critically involved in axonal injury and also conversely constitute a target for the toxic effects of the degenerative neurons. In the present review, we highlight the recent advances regarding oligodendroglial cell involvement in the pathogenesis of ALS. First, we present the oligodendroglial cells, the process of myelination, and the tight relationship between axons and myelin. The histological abnormalities observed in ALS and animal models of the disease are described, including myelin defects and oligodendroglial accumulation of pathological protein aggregates. Then, we present data that establish the existence of dysfunctional and degenerating oligodendroglial cells, the chain of events resulting in oligodendrocyte degeneration, and the most recent molecular mechanisms supporting oligodendrocyte death and dysfunction. Finally, we review the arguments in support of the primary versus secondary involvement of oligodendrocytes in the disease and discuss the therapeutic perspectives related to oligodendrocyte implication in ALS pathogenesis.
Differential Subcellular Distribution of Cytokinins: How Does Membrane Transport Fit into the Big Picture?
Authors: Nedvěd Daniel , Hošek Petr , Klíma Petr , Hoyerová Klára
Published: March 2021

Cytokinins are a class of phytohormones, signalling molecules specific to plants. They act as regulators of diverse physiological processes in complex signalling pathways. It is necessary for plants to continuously regulate cytokinin distribution among different organs, tissues, cells, and compartments. Such regulatory mechanisms include cytokinin biosynthesis, metabolic conversions and degradation, as well as cytokinin membrane transport. In our review, we aim to provide a thorough picture of the latter. We begin by summarizing cytokinin structures and physicochemical properties. Then, we revise the elementary thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of cytokinin membrane transport. Next, we review which membrane-bound carrier proteins and protein families recognize cytokinins as their substrates. Namely, we discuss the families of “equilibrative nucleoside transporters” and “purine permeases”, which translocate diverse purine-related compounds, and proteins AtPUP14, AtABCG14, AtAZG1, and AtAZG2, which are specific to cytokinins. We also address long-distance cytokinin transport. Putting all these pieces together, we finally discuss cytokinin distribution as a net result of these processes, diverse in their physicochemical nature but acting together to promote plant fitness.
Correction: Peacey, L., et al. Copper(II) Binding by the Earliest Vertebrate Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, the Type II Isoform, Suggests an Ancient Role for the Metal. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21, 7900
Authors: Peacey Lorraine , Peacey Charlotte , Gutzinger Adele , Jones Christopher E.
Published: March 2021

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Idiosyncratic Drug Induced Liver Injury, Cytochrome P450, Metabolic Risk Factors and Lipophilicity: Highlights and Controversies
Authors: Teschke Rolf , Danan Gaby
Published: March 2021

Progress in understanding the mechanisms of the idiosyncratic drug induced liver injury (iDILI) was highlighted in a scientometric investigation on the knowledge mapping of iDILI throughout the world, but uncertainty remained on metabolic risk factors of iDILI, the focus of the present review article. For the first time, a quantitative analysis of 3312 cases of iDILI assessed for causality with RUCAM (Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method) showed that most drugs (61.1%) were metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms: 49.6% by CYP 3A4/5, 24.6% by CYP 2C9, 13.2% by CYP 2E1, 7.3% by CYP 2C19, 3.5% by CYP 1A2 and 1.8% by CYP 2D6. Other studies showed high OR (odds ratio) for drugs metabolized by unspecified CYPs but the iDILI cases were not assessed for causality with RUCAM, a major shortcoming. In addition to critical comments on methodological flaws, several risk factors of iDILI were identified such as high but yet recommended daily drug doses, actual daily drug doses taken by the patients, hepatic drug metabolism and drug lipophilicity. These risk factors are subject to controversies by many experts seen critically also by others who outlined that none of these medication characteristics is able to predict iDILI with high confidence, leading to the statement of an outstanding caveat. It was also argued that all previous studies lacked comprehensive data because the number of examined drugs was relatively small as compared to the number of approved new molecular entities or currently used oral prescription drugs. In conclusion, trends are evident that some metabolic parameters are likely risk factors of iDILI but strong evidence can only be achieved when methodological issues will be successfully met.
Clinical and Molecular Diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome with Single- or Multi-Locus Imprinting Disturbance
Authors: Fontana Laura , Tabano Silvia , Maitz Silvia , Colapietro Patrizia , Garzia Emanuele , Gerli Alberto Giovanni , Sirchia Silvia Maria , Miozzo Monica
Published: March 2021

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous overgrowth disease. BWS is caused by (epi)genetic defects at the 11p15 chromosomal region, which harbors two clusters of imprinted genes, IGF2/H19 and CDKN1C/KCNQ1OT1, regulated by differential methylation of imprinting control regions, H19/IGF2:IG DMR and KCNQ1OT1:TSS DMR, respectively. A subset of BWS patients show multi-locus imprinting disturbances (MLID), with methylation defects extended to other imprinted genes in addition to the disease-specific locus. Specific (epi)genotype-phenotype correlations have been defined in order to help clinicians in the classification of patients and referring them to a timely diagnosis and a tailored follow-up. However, specific phenotypic correlations have not been identified among MLID patients, thus causing a debate on the usefulness of multi-locus testing in clinical diagnosis. Finally, the high incidence of BWS monozygotic twins with discordant phenotypes, the high frequency of BWS among babies conceived by assisted reproductive technologies, and the female prevalence among BWS-MLID cases provide new insights into the timing of imprint establishment during embryo development. In this review, we provide an overview on the clinical and molecular diagnosis of single- and multi-locus BWS in pre- and post-natal settings, and a comprehensive analysis of the literature in order to define possible (epi)genotype-phenotype correlations in MLID patients.
Enhanced Binary MQ Arithmetic Coder with Look-Up Table
Authors: Ko Hyung-Hwa
Published: March 2021

Binary MQ arithmetic coding is widely used as a basic entropy coder in multimedia coding system. MQ coder esteems high in compression efficiency to be used in JBIG2 and JPEG2000. The importance of arithmetic coding is increasing after it is adopted as a unique entropy coder in HEVC standard. In the binary MQ coder, arithmetic approximation without multiplication is used in the process of recursive subdivision of range interval. Because of the MPS/LPS exchange activity that happens in the MQ coder, the output byte tends to increase. This paper proposes an enhanced binary MQ arithmetic coder to make use of look-up table (LUT) for (A × Qe) using quantization skill to improve the coding efficiency. Multi-level quantization using 2-level, 4-level and 8-level look-up tables is proposed in this paper. Experimental results applying to binary documents show about 3% improvement for basic context-free binary arithmetic coding. In the case of JBIG2 bi-level image compression standard, compression efficiency improved about 0.9%. In addition, in the case of lossless JPEG2000 compression, compressed byte decreases 1.5% using 8-level LUT. For the lossy JPEG2000 coding, this figure is a little lower, about 0.3% improvement of PSNR at the same rate.
Behavioral Manipulation for Pest Control
Authors: Mazzoni Valerio , Anfora Gianfranco
Published: March 2021

Pest control is moving towards a dramatic reduction in pesticide-based approaches in favor of more eco-friendly strategies characterized by the promotion of ecological intensification of agriculture and reduction of human inputs (especially pesticides) [...]
Detection of Phosphine Resistance in Field Populations of Four Key Stored-Grain Insect Pests in Pakistan
Authors: Wakil Waqas , Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Usman Muhammad , Gulzar Sehrish , El-Shafie Hamadttu A. F.
Published: March 2021

In Pakistan, the control of stored-product insect pests mainly relies on the use of phosphine gas along with other control tactics. The aim of this study was to determine the level of phosphine resistance among ten differently located populations of the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae), the granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and the khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). Laboratory-susceptible populations of all insect species were also considered in the experiments. Concentration–response bioassays were conducted for each species. All of the tested populations (10 out of 10) of each species were found to be resistant to phosphine, but varied in their level of resistance. Probit analysis estimated LC50 at 2.85, 1.90, 2.54 and 2.01 ppm for laboratory-susceptible populations of R. dominica, S. granarius, T. castaneum and T. granarium, respectively. Against R. dominica, the highest and lowest resistance levels were observed in the Rahim Yar Khan (LC50 at 360.90 ppm) and Rawalpindi (LC50 at 210.98 ppm) populations, respectively. These resistant populations were 126.67- and 74.02-fold more resistant than the laboratory population. The Multan and Lahore populations of S. granarius exhibited the maximum (LC50 at 122.81 ppm) and minimum (LC50 at 45.96 ppm) resistance levels, respectively, i.e., they were 64.63- and 24.18-fold more resistant than the laboratory population. The Layyah population of T. castaneum showed the maximum resistance level (LC50 at 305.89 ppm) while the lowest was observed in the Lahore population (LC50 at 186.52 ppm), corresponding to 120.42- and 73.43-fold more resistant than the laboratory population, respectively. Regarding T. granarium, the Layyah population showed the maximum resistance level (LC50 at 169.99 ppm) while the Lahore population showed the minimum resistance (LC50 at 74.50 ppm), i.e., they were 84.57- and 37.06-fold more resistant than the laboratory population, respectively. Overall, R. dominica presented the highest resistance level, followed by T. castaneum, T. granarium and S. granarius. The current study suggests that the application of phosphine may not be an adequate control strategy for the management of the above tested insect pests in Pakistan.
Global Diversity and Taxonomy of Sidera (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota): Four New Species and Keys to Species of the Genus
Authors: Liu Zhan-Bo , Zhou Meng , Yuan Yuan , Dai Yu-Cheng
Published: March 2021

The genus Sidera is a polypore genus with resupinate, white to cream or buff fresh basidioma, poroid or hydnoid hymenophore, a monomitic or dimitic hyphal system with generative hyphae bearing clamp connections, the presence of rosette-like crystals and allantoid to lunate basidiospores. We study the phylogeny and diversity of Sidera herein by using both morphological and molecular methods. Phylogenetic analyses are based on the ITS dataset, the combined 2-locus dataset (5.8S + nLSU) and 7-locus dataset (ITS + nLSU + RPB1 + RPB2 + TEF1 + mtSSU + nSSU) of 15 taxa of Sidera all over the world. Among them, four species are new to science and described and illustrated in this paper, viz. S. inflata, S. malaysiana, S. punctata and S. roseo-bubalina. In addition, three taxa were treated as Sidera vulgaris sensu lato. An identification key of the 14 accepted species of Sidera worldwide is provided.
Establishment of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Transformation of Cladonia macilenta, a Model Lichen-Forming Fungus
Authors: Liu Rundong , Kim Wonyong , Paguirigan Jaycee Augusto , Jeong Min-Hye , Hur Jae-Seoun
Published: March 2021

Despite the fascinating biology of lichens, such as the symbiotic association of lichen-forming fungi (mycobiont) with their photosynthetic partners and their ability to grow in harsh habitats, lack of genetic tools manipulating mycobiont has hindered studies on genetic mechanisms underpinning lichen biology. Thus, we established an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) system for genetic transformation of a mycobiont isolated from Cladonia macilenta. A set of combinations of ATMT conditions, such as input biomass of mycobiont, co-cultivation period with Agrobacterium cells, and incubation temperature, were tested to identify an optimized ATMT condition for the C. macilenta mycobiont. As a result, more than 10 days of co-cultivation period and at least 2 mg of input biomass of the mycobiont were recommended for an efficient ATMT, owing to extremely slow growth rate of mycobionts in general. Moreover, we examined T-DNA copy number variation in a total of 180 transformants and found that 88% of the transformants had a single copy T-DNA insertion. To identify precise T-DNA insertion sites that interrupt gene function in C. macilenta, we performed TAIL-PCR analyses for selected transformants. A hypothetical gene encoding ankyrin repeats at its C-terminus was interrupted by T-DNA insertion in a transformant producing dark-brown colored pigment. Although the identification of the pigment awaits further investigation, this proof-of-concept study demonstrated the feasibility of use of ATMT in construction of a random T-DNA insertion mutant library in mycobionts for studying genetic mechanisms behind the lichen symbiosis, stress tolerance, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis.