bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on nutritional status among primary school children and related co-morbidities in peri urban rural setting of India
Authors: Bhoir Prashant , Patki Swati M. , Patki Manoj B. , Bhoir Jidnyasa
Published: May 2021

Background: Objective of the research was to study the nutritional status of children and related co-morbidities among primary school children in peri-urban rural setting of Thane district of Maharashtra.Methods: A cross sectional study with primary data collection from government primary school in peri-urban rural setting was conducted with total study duration of one year. Children between 6 and 12 years were included in study from primary school. Schools selected using lottery system and all children present on day on examination were included. Sample size estimation by formula n=4pq/l2 which was 336, but study enrolled 402 children. Anthropometric data (BMI) was analyzed using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS)-17, differential and inferential statistics calculated and represented using tables and charts. Chi square test was used for statistical significance and finding association with various factors.Results: The prevalence of overweight (≥85th percentile) among children was 20.83% (male), 20.95% (female) and prevalence of obesity (>95th percentile) was 14.06 % (male), 17.62% (female). Prevalence of underweight was 4.17 % (male), 4.29% (female). Female children were at greater risk of being overweight and obese.Conclusions: Childhood obesity is a problem in peri-urban rural Thane and requires timely intervention for its control.
Multi-Focus Image Fusion with Multi-Scale Transform Optimized by Metaheuristic Algorithms
Authors: Abas Asan Ihsan , Baykan Nurdan Akhan
Published: May 2021

Focus is limited and singular in many image capture devices. Therefore, different focused objects at different distances are obtained in a single image taken. Image fusion can be defined as the acquisition of multiple focused objects in a single image by combining important information from two or more images into a single image. In this paper, a new multi-focus image fusion method based on Bat Algorithm (BA) is presented in a Multi-Scale Transform (MST) to overcome limitations of standard MST Transform. Firstly, a specific MST (Laplacian Pyramid or Curvelet Transform) is performed on the two source images to obtain their low-pass and high-pass bands. Secondly, optimization algorithms were used to find out optimal weights for coefficients in low-pass bands to improve the accuracy of the fusion image and finally the fused multi-focus image is reconstructed by the inverse MST. The experimental results are compared with different methods using reference and non-reference evaluation metrics to evaluate the performance of image fusion methods.
TRANSFORMING ENERGY SECTOR IMPACT FOR SUPPORTING CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION: THE CASE OF PAKISTAN
Authors: Nawaz Shahzada M. Naeem , Saleemi Zubair Khalid , Nadeem Muhammad
Published: May 2021

Purpose of the study: This study attempts to provide an analysis of the energy sector of Pakistan including generation and quality of electricity, and potential of renewables for climate change mitigation.

Methodology: The study used a quantitative approach for analysis. Primary and secondary data sources are used.

Main Findings: According to the quantitative analysis institutions fail to meet the growing demand due to insignificant or no increase in capacity to produce power. CO2 emissions are rising because of increased reliance on coal and other thermal sources for electricity generation.

Applications of this study: It proposes to increase the reliance on renewable resources and align the policy and regulatory framework for setting a sustainable economic system. The government should also plan for a rigorous electric supply system that would ensure the quality and sustainability of the electricity supply.

Novelty/Originality of this study: It sets a benchmark analysis and sets the direction for the policymakers especially at the stage when the country has settled the shortage issue, but at the cost of increasing fossils share in the fuel mix, whereas the transmission and distribution of electricity supply are ignored.
Construction of Imagined Geographies Through Law: The Case of Judaization of the Negev Desert
Authors: Górska Ewa
Published: May 2021

This article draws on the postcolonial legal theories and the concept of imaginative geographies, aiming to shed light on the process of producing and realizing Israeli representations of the Negev Desert through the implementation of legal regulations. The focus is on chosen imaginations of the Negev Desert, researched here as a case study of material realisation of imaginative geographies. In the analysis, symbolic narratives, visions of spaces, and new categories, intertwined in legal acts as their foundations, justifications and goals are underlined. The conclusions of presented study show that imaginations and visions can be in fact reproduced in space through legal regulations, and in the analysed case law has three aspects: it is an expression of imagined geographies; it translates those visions into technical terms; and lastly, the implementation of its provisions becomes the main instrument of producing those representations in reality.
Achalasia of the cardia in Allgrove syndrome in an 8-year-old child
Authors: Razumovsky A. Yu. , Mitupov Z. B. , Alkhasov A. B. , Chubko D. M.
Published: May 2021

Introduction. The authors present a clinical case of an 8-year-old patient with an extremely rare Allgrove’s syndrome and cardia achalasia. By various authors, in case of this syndrome, achalasia of the cardia is diagnosed in 75% of cases, along with other symptoms. Currently, there are a number of modalities for treating achalasia of the cardia. However, the most popular one is cardiomyotomy by Heller in combination with fundoplication by Dor which recently has been successfully performed with minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques.Clinical case. In present case, the patient had all possible minimally invasive surgical interventions. However, all attempts to apply organ-preserving techniques for treating achalasia of the cardia had failed .Results. Finally, the child had esophageal plastic surgery – coloesophagoplasty with good clinical outcomes.
Tubularized incised plate urethroplasty with or without dilatation in hypospadias repair: a comparative study
Authors: Nazmul Islam , Ashrarur Rahman Mitul , Sabbir Karim , Afifa Ferdous
Published: May 2021

Background. After tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty meatal and urethral dilatation is a common practice. There are some complication of uretheral dilatation like urethral bleeding,urethral perforation and creating a false passage. Moreover dilating the urethra regularly is physically or psychologically painful both for the child and the parents. The aim of this study was to justify the necessity of uretheral dilatation after TIP urethroplasty.Material and Methods. This study was a prospective, comparative study performed in Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital from July 2017 to June 2020. Total 60 respondents were participated in this study with maintain inclusion criteria. Respondents with primary distal and mid-shaft hypospadias where TIP urethroplasty was indicated, admitted in Dhaka Shishu Hospital during study period were included. Group 1 was assigned non dilatation group and Group 2 was assigned to regular urethral ditatation group after TIP urethro- plasty. Fistula formation, meatal stenosis and neourethral stricture were compaired between two groups. Informed written consents were taken from legal guardians. Data ware analyzed by SPSS Program.Results. In this study there was no significant difference of ages between two groups. In Group 2 10 %( 3)respondents developed urethrocutaneous fistula, 10% (3) respondents developed meatal stenosis and 3.33% (1)respondents developed neourethral stricture. On the other hand. In Group 1 10% (3) respondents developed urethrocutaneous fistula, 6.66% (2) respondents developed meatal stenosis. None of patient in Group 1 developed neourethral stricture.Conclusion. There was no significant difference in fistula formation, meatal stenosis and neourethral stricture in between regular urethral dilatation group and non-dilatation group after TIP urethroplasty.
Automatic control of crossing closure on characteristics of approaching train
Authors:   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Bushuev Sergey Valentinovich , Popov Anton Nikolaevich ,   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Grishaev Sergey Yuryevich ,   production association «Oktyabr»
Published: May 2021

The paper considers a method of controlling the crossing closure on characteristics of approaching train that will enable the crossing closure so that the train is guaranteed to have time to stop before the crossing in the case of the forced stop of road vehicles on it. In order to realize the method the authors have developed algorithms and structural scheme of the system that contains locomotive and stationary equipment, have formulated the requirements for the equipment of the existing locomotive microprocessor systems and complexes and have justified the choice of the locomotive equipment for realization of the proposed method and the system.
Influence of wear of traction transmission elements on life of drives of freight electric locomotives
Authors:   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Buynosov Alexander Petrovich , Sharapov Alexander Takhirovich ,   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT)
Published: May 2021

At operation of rolling stock all friction joints are supposed to wear especially heavy-loaded elements of freight electric locomotives. The paper analyses the distribution of failures according data of unplanned repairs and determines that a traction drive is a heavy-loaded element. The work shows its structural scheme and considers the influence of wear of traction transmission elements on drive life. The authors have processed and analysed spectrograms of a direct current freight electric locomotive. As a result, they have concluded that the reason of high dynamic loads on traction drive elements is the wear of gear wheels teeth that leads to appearance of cracks on body structures and to weakening of bolted connections. The authors propose a number of principled approaches to reduce the wear of gear transmission and body structures.
Calculation of tonal rail circuits with consideration of a complicated waveform
Authors:   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Shestakov M. I.
Published: May 2021

The article deals with the problem of calculating modern audio frequency track circuits, the working signal of which is a frequency-manipulated signal transmitting Bauer codes. Such signals have a wide spectrum, which leads to the error in the calculations performed according to the classical method for a single frequency. Increasing the code transfer rate in order to reduce the response time of track circuits further expands the signal spectrum, which negatively affects the safety of such rail circuits. To determine the width and composition of the signal spectrum, a discrete Fourier transformation is used. The new method of calculating rail circuits proposed in this article allows us to determine the root-mean-square value of the signal at the output of the rail circuit with a known amplitude-frequency characteristic of the rail circuit and the form of a complex signal at the input. The obtained ratio of the root-mean-square signal levels at the input and output of the rail circuit allows us to solve the problem of calculating the operating modes of the rail circuit taking into account its nonlinear amplitude-frequency characteristics and taking into account the complex signal form, including consideration of the specific transmitted Bauer code. This solution allows you to increase the reliability of the calculation of the adjustment tables of the tonal track circuits and, as a result, increase the reliability and safety of their operation.
Lightning protection of the object located on the slope
Authors:   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Kosyakov A. A.
Published: May 2021

The article points out the drawback of all the current instructions for the lightning protection device: the lack of instructions for calculating the lightning protection zones of an object located on a slope. The methods of applying the current instructions for the lightning protection device when placing an object on a slope are given, based on the assumption that lightning strikes the lightning rods vertically and perpendicular to the slope. The features of the choice of lightning protection characteristics (calculated points of the protected object, calculated heights of lightning rods, methods of constructing lightning protection zones) are described. A method for calculating the lightning protection zones of an object located on a slope is proposed, based on the assumption that lightning strikes lightning rods perpendicular to the slope, in particular, the concept of the axis of a conditional lightning rod shifted on the object plan for calculating lightning protection zones is introduced. The consequences of the application in engineering practice of the methodology for calculating the lightning protection zones of an object located on a slope, based on the assumption that lightning strikes the lightning rods perpendicular to the slope, are indicated. Using a pulse voltage generator, tests were performed on a model of a lightning rod located on a slope in order to determine the direction of lightning strikes-vertical or perpendicular to the slope. It was determined experimentally that the proposed method for calculating the lightning protection zones of an object located on a slope, based on the assumption that lightning strikes lightning rods perpendicular to the slope, should be used in cases where the protected objects are located on slopes with an angle of more than 25°.
O “colecionamento de canções do povo” para o Ensaio sobre Música Brasileira de Mário de Andrade
Authors: Toni Flavia Camargo
Published: May 2021

Descrição dos procedimentos de pesquisa de Mário de Andrade para o preparo dos escritos sobre música brasileira anteriores à “viagem etnográfica” de 1928 ao Nordeste, tendo por base a correspondência com poetas, sobretudo Ascenso Ferreira e Rosário Fusco, do Recife e de Cataguases, respectivamente. Dentre seus interlocutores, traz a reflexão acerca da grafia dos cantos de tradição oral com o compositor Luciano Gallet, assim como o reconhecimento das fontes de pesquisas expresso na edição do Ensaio sobre Música Brasileira (1928). Analisa a cronologia dos escritos à luz dessas cartas, bem como a partir das edições da obra musicológica do autor, preparadas por Oneyda Alvarenga para a editora Martins.
Multilayered autoencoders in problems of hyperspectral image analysis and processing
Authors: Kuzmina Margarita Georgievna
Published: May 2021

A model of five-layered autoencoder (stacked autoencoder, SAE) is suggested for deep image features extraction and deriving compressed hyperspectral data set specifying the image. Spectral cost function, dependent on spectral curve forms of hyperspectral image, has been used for the autoencoder tuning. At the first step the autoencoder capabilities will be tested based on using pure spectral information contained in image data. The images from well known and widely used hyperspectral databases (Indian Pines, Pavia University и KSC) are planned to be used for the model testing.
An Isolated Iliac Wing Stress Fracture in a Male Marathon Runner
Authors: Iizawa Norishige , Sonoki Kentaro , Obara Yoshinori , Kataoka Tatsunori , Majima Tokifumi
Published: May 2021

Case:

A 49-year-old man, who had started jogging 3 months before his first participation in a marathon race, presented with acute pain and difficulty walking that began during the marathon race. Tumors and bone metabolism factors were ruled out by blood examination and various imaging findings. Isolated iliac wing fatigue fracture was diagnosed and treated with conservative therapy.

Conclusion:

This is the first English-literature report we know of an isolated iliac wing stress fracture in a male marathon runner without underlying disease. Our study highlights the importance of considering this rare fracture when diagnosing patients presenting with iliac pain.
Lengthening After Nonvascularized Fibula Grafting for Large Postinfective Bone Defect
Authors: Pinto Deepika , Mehta Rujuta , Agashe Mandar
Published: May 2021

Case:

We describe a case of lengthening of the tibial regenerate after nonvascularized fibula grafting, for postinfective tibial gap nonunion in a child. A large tibial defect secondary to osteomyelitis in a 10-month-old boy was reconstructed using a 5-cm fibula autograft. Concomitant distal tibial physeal arrest led to progressive shortening. Distraction osteogenesis was performed, through the grafted segment, on 2 occasions—at the ages of 3.5 and 8 years—to achieve total lengthening of 9 cm and good functional recovery at 11.5 years of age.

Conclusion:

The tibial regenerate after nonvascularized fibula grafting in children has good potential for distraction osteogenesis.
Congenital Absence of the Patellar Tendon
Authors: Haws Brittany E. , Sanders James O. , Cook P. Christopher
Published: May 2021

Case:

Isolated unilateral congenital patellar tendon absence is a rare condition that has not been well described. We report on 2 patients with congenital patellar tendon absence that underwent soft-tissue reconstruction of their patellar tendon. We present the clinical and radiographic features, surgical management with both single-stage and multistage approaches, and postoperative outcomes for the treatment of this condition.

Conclusion:

Soft-tissue reconstruction of the patellar tendon led to satisfactory outcomes, providing active knee extension and improved ambulation in both cases. In cases of significant superior migration, multiple procedures may be required to mobilize the patella to an appropriate position.
"One Musician at a Time"
Authors: Chapman Dale
Published: May 2021

Dale Chapman discusses the important work that the Jazz Foundation of America is doing during the pandemic, assisting jazz musicians with housing costs, medical expenses, and emergency financial support, and argues for the pandemic as an opportune moment to organize on behalf of policies that ensure the universal reach of economic and social security.
“We’re in the defining moment where we’re able to figure out what the digital norms are going to be”
Authors: Block Mike , Risk Laura
Published: May 2021

Cellist Mike Block (Silkroad Ensemble), here interviewed by Laura Risk, describes the work of moving his music camps online and the transition to teaching virtually in a conservatory setting. He discusses the challenges of learning to teach and perform online, and finding new ways to generate revenue in the digital realm.
Hermann’s Jazz Club – technological challenges for a venue during the pandemic
Authors: Stewart William
Published: May 2021

William Stewart, the Technical Director of Hermann’s Jazz Club in Victoria, Canada, discusses the technological solutions he devised to continue to present jazz concerts online during the pandemic.
Ecuaciones diferenciales y sistemas dinámicos. Tomo I
Authors: Pérez Alcázar Jorge Augusto
Published: May 2021

El texto "Ecuaciones diferenciales", trata esencialmente del cambio, el flujo, el movimiento y, en particular, de la rapidez a la que estos cambios se dan en los diferentes fenómenos de la naturaleza. Cada ser viviente experimenta cambios. Representarlos debe ser el marco de trabajo de cualquier documento de ecuaciones diferenciales. Es por ello que el presente texto trabaja en particular, la dinámica del estudio de los sistemas que evolucionan con el paso del tiempo.
The Clinical Value of Lipid Abnormalities in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Li Anyang , Wang Luhui , Jin Mengya , Shou Yueyao , Zhu Haiyan
Published: May 2021

Background: To describe the characteristic of plasma lipid prolife among cervical cancer and further evaluate the prognostic significance of lipid levels in cervical cancer. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1,713 patients with cervical cancer in our hospital. Preoperative plasma lipid profile, including cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), of 1,713 cervical cancer patients were compared with 10,397 healthy women. Then, we evaluated the impact of lipids on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in cervical cancer using univariate and multivariate Cox model. Results: While plasma TC, TG and LDL were significantly higher, HDL was lower in patients with cervical cancer as compared with healthy women. TG was identified as independent predictors for RFS, and OS among patients with cervical cancer. Further stratified by age, patients with higher TG showed a significantly worse RFS and OS compared with those with lower TG among patients ≥50 years old, but not among <50 years old. Conclusion: Cervical cancer was associated with a disordered lipid profile. Hypertriglyceridemia was an independent poor prognostic indicator for cervical cancer, especially for elder patients. Strengthening lipid management may be beneficial for improving postoperative OS and RFS in patients with cervical cancer.
Pressure Change Of Fixed Rotational Deformities In The Femur In Human Cadaver Knees-A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Peizhi Yuwen , Lv Hongzhi , Zhu Yanbin , Chang Wenli , Wei Ning , Guo Jialiang , Wang Haicheng , Ding Kai , Chen Wei , Zhang Yingze
Published: May 2021

Background: Closed intramedullary interlocking nailing is a standard treatment for femoral shaft fractures, but incidences of rotational malalignment after operation is really high. Poor reduction and postoperative malunion lead to many clinical symptoms and long term degenerative arthritis. It has been proved that uneven stress is the mechanical cause of knee joint degeneration, but few studies pay attention to the effect of femur rotational deformity on knee joint contact pressure.This study aim to quantitatively evaluate the relation between residual rotational deformity in femur and contact pressure of knee joint. Methods: Fourteen cadaveric Lower limbs were selected and autopsied, rotatory fixation model with different angles were then made. Connect each model on the biomechanical machine and apply a vertical load to 400N. The contact pressure was quantitatively measured using ultra-low-pressure sensitive film technology. FPD-305E density meter and FPD-306E pressure converter were used to read relative pressure values. Contact pressure on medial and lateral tibial plateau in different femoral rotational deformities were compared. Analysis were done using SPSS software.Results: The medial group show a significant difference on tibial plateau (F=92.114, P<0.01), further test showed statistically significant differences of pairwise comparisons between 0°, 5°, 10°, 15° internal rotation deformity (P<0.05). There is no significant difference in lateral group (ꭓ2=9.967, P<0.01). The medial contact pressure is 0.940±0.177 MPa and the lateral is 1.008±0.219 MPa at neutral position, no statistically significant was found, so is 5° of internal rotational deformity. But the medial contact pressure are all higher than the lateral side at 5°, 10°, 15° of external rotation, and 10°, 15° of internal rotation. Conclusion: Obvious contact pressure changes on tibial plateau were observed in rotatory deformity femur, which is closely related to the occurrence of knee osteoarthritis. Doctors should detect rotational deformity as much as possible during operation and perform anatomical reduction, for patients with residual rotational deformities, indication of osteotomy should not be too broad.
CLAMPs allow single cell tracking of KRASG12C inhibition and endow druggability to KRAS mutants
Authors: Evangelista Marie , Davies Chris , Oh Angela , Mroue Rana , Mulvihil Melinda , Xiao Yang , Feng Siyu , Jayakar Sangeeta , Chan Emily , Arumugam Vidhyalakshmi , Lu Cheng , Franke Yvonne , Merchant Mark , Koeppen Hartmut , Quinn John , Malhotra Sushant , Purkey Hans , Rudolph Joachim , Koerber James , Wang Weiru
Published: May 2021

The discovery of covalent inhibitors binding the switch II (SWII) pocket has enabled therapeutic intervention in KRASG12C driven tumors and represents a milestone in targeting KRAS-driven cancers. However, the transient nature and high energetic barrier required for binding this pocket has been an obstacle in successfully targeting other KRAS mutant oncoproteins. We report the discovery of KRAS Conformation Locking Antibodies for Molecular Probe discovery (CLAMP)s that specifically recognize the unique conformation of KRASG12C induced by covalent inhibitors. KRAS CLAMPs enable single cell resolution of covalent inhibitor-bound KRASG12C in cells and in vivo tumor models, providing a biomarker for direct target engagement of KRASG12C inhibition. KRAS CLAMPs bind multiple KRAS mutants and stabilize an open conformation of the SWII pocket increasing the affinity of weak non-covalent SWII pocket ligands. This work provides new insights into KRASG12C upon treatment with covalent inhibitors and offers a path towards targeting the SWII pocket in other RAS mutants.
Analysis of light emission and schlieren from short gap high voltage streamer impulses representing lightning
Authors: Mitchard Daniel , Widger Phillip , Haddad A.
Published: May 2021

Light emissions and schlieren structures were simultaneously observed from streamers produced by tens of kilovolts 1.2/50 μs impulses, representing the high voltage component of lightning, applied across a 4 cm air gap between a variety of electrode geometries and a ground plane in an unconfined environment. The results demonstrated that the light emissions and Schlieren structures coincide along the same streamer filaments but on different timescales; the light existing only during the microsecond timeframe impulse whereas the Schlieren continued to develop into the millisecond timeframe, moving towards the centre of the air gap whilst diffusing into the surrounding air within 100 ms. If an electrical breakdown did occur, the Schlieren structures outside the arc remained visible. Streamer formation theory for high voltage impulses is subsequently refined to include the observed Schlieren mechanism.
Electronically Steered MIMO Patch Antenna with Conformal Feeding for 5 G Applications
Authors: gupta monish
Published: May 2021

Multiple input multiple output antenna is the key technology which enables the design of 5 G networks. In order to achieve desired beam forming and side lobe reduction capabilities, antennas used in MIMO technology are required to feed with signals having different phase and amplitude. It is possible to achieve variable phase shift and variable attenuation using phase shifter and amplitude limiters. However when these devices are used between source and antenna, they makes the system non planner and non-conformal. This research presents a 16 element, multiple user MIMO Patch antenna with conformal and planner power divider network to achieve electronically steered beam along with desired side lobe level reduction. Wilkinson power divider is used to achieve conformal and planner power divider for MIMO antenna. Desired beam forming capabilities are achieved by controlling the phase of input signal to antennas by controlling the length of microstripline and desired side lobe reduction capabilities are achieved by controlling the amplitude of input signal to antenna by controlling the width of microstrip line used in Wilkinson power divider. This provides an overall planner and conformal structure. In this research same antenna is used is generate two major beams by controlling the phase and amplitude of input signal. The achieved radiation pattern of designed antenna consists of one major beams having gain of 18 dB and located at theta equal to 100 and Phi equal to 1800. When phase of input signal to antennas are changed a major beam having gain of 18 dB and located at theta equal to 100 and Phi equal to 2700 is obtained. The side lobe level less than 13 dB of main beam is achieved using designed antenna. The designed structure is simulated and analyzed using HFSS. Simulated results for the designed MIMO antenna are verified by analyzing the fabricating structure using vector network analyzer and horn antenna.
A novel method for maintaining the stability of freshly cultured Mesenchymal Stem Cells in clinical grade injection ready state without cryopreservation
Authors: Bonab Mandana Mohyeddin , Talebian Fatemeh , Borzabadi Aida , Nasr Vahideh , Kooshlshahi Azam Abedi , Anisie Fahime , Haghshenas Ronaz , Shalbafan Bita , Janzamin Ehsan , Shahbeigi Saeed
Published: May 2021

Background

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with low immuonogenecity, and dynamic tissue repair potential, which explains the overwhelming attention they have attracted in regenerative therapy. One notable challenge in MSCs therapy is bench to bed timeline of freshly cultured MSCs; it does not exceed 24 hours. For use after 24 hours, MSC need to be cryopreserved, a process that preserves the cells for years, but is costly and damaging. Here we introduce a method to extend the bench to bed lifetime of MSCs up to 4 days without the high cost and cell damaging effects of cryopreservation. Our method uses human plasma as medium.
Methods

MSCs of 12 tissue samples − 4 adipose, 4 bone marrow and 4 Wharton's jelly- were cultured and expanded under standard conditions. After the cell harvest, each sample was suspended in human plasma. Cell suspensions were refrigerated (5 ± 3° C) or stored at room temperature (22 ± 3°C). During the next 7 days, two tubes (one from each group) were examined every 24 hours to assess MSCs viability and growth potential. On day 3, we assessed MSC 1) differentiation potential to adipocyte and osteocyte tissues 2) surface markers. Results were analyzed by computing the overall mean and applying the independent-samples t-test to those means.
Results

The sample means for both cell expansion and cell viability were compared between the two “fridge” and “room temperature” groups. Although there was a gradual decrease in cell growth potential between the cells stored for 1 day to those stored for 7 days, we show more than 80% of the cells remain alive for up to 4 days of storage in both groups. The cells reached 80% confluency in under 20 days for all samples stored up to 4 days. No significant differences were observed between the two groups (room temperature and fridge stored). The differentiation potential to adipocyte and osteocyte tested on day 3 were positive in all samples. The analysis of cell surface markers tested on day 3 were positive for CD90, CD105, CD73 and negative for CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR.
Conclusion

We present a method of MSC culture medium using human plasma that can preserve their viability and growth potential for up to 4 days in both room and refrigerator temperatures without losing their stemness characteristics (we recommend use of 5 ± 3°C). This novel method will allow rapid expansion and therapeutic use of MSCs. Since the cells can be maintained in clinical grade, injection ready state for several days, they can be transported across the globe.
Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation for a PhotoVoltaic Based Single Stage Inverter
Authors: Santhoshi Bolisetti Kavya , Mohanasundaram Kuppusamy , Kaliappan Vishnu Kumar , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar
Published: May 2021

The work proposed in this paper focuses on providing an effective solution to shortage of power in rural areas with an effective technique implemented in an economically feasible way. The traditional Inverters used for either residential or commercial purposes consume electrical energy from the grid to fulfill the charging and discharging of the battery, which may lead to overloading. The shortcomings of the traditional inverters such as Non-Renewable nature of power sources, increased cost of manufacturing, and multi-stage conversion complexity, are considered by the researchers for improvement. As a result, an attempt has been made to provide a cost effective renewable energy system with single stage topology for AC power applications. Single stage power conversion with allowed shoot through state is used here to avoid additional components and reduce the switching losses. Unlike the traditional inverters, the Quasi Impedance Source Inverter that is brought forward can be utilized as a Standalone system or a capable backup at the time of power outages. Sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) is applied to attain reduced harmonics which are measured by observing the harmonic pattern in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) curve. The lab results obtained through MATLAB simulation confirm the noteworthy diminution of THD level in the proposed system compared to the reported one. Usage of Photovoltaic (PV) Panel to tap energy with reduced stochastic fluctuations due to high filtering capacity of the proposed circuit, eliminating the need of additional filters, is the uniqueness of this technique.
Analytical Analysis for Optimizing Mass Ratio of Nonlinear Tuned Mass Dampers
Authors: Zhang Tianjiao , Li Luyu
Published: May 2021

To reduce the adverse vibrations of buildings, tuned mass dampers (TMDs), which are the most representative passive control devices, have been widely used and studied in aerospace, machinery, civil engineering, and other fields for many years. Most scholars used to treat the TMD as a linear damper, but they show some nonlinear characteristics owing to the use of limit devices and large displacements. It is necessary to consider the nonlinear coefficient of the TMD when designing its parameters. In this study, the mass ratio of the TMD was optimized with considering the nonlinear coefficient of the TMD. The complex variable average method and multiscale method were used for analysis. A mass ratio interval was found on the “ε- N2” curve in which modulation response can occur, and then an analytical method for obtaining the optimal mass ratio of TMD was derived based on this phenomenon. The numerical results showed that taking the midpoint of this mass ratio interval as the optimal mass ratio can yield a better damping effect and robustness than using the traditional linear design method.
International Trade, CO2 Emissions and Re-examination of “Pollution Haven Hypothesis” in China
Authors: Wu Ran , Ma Tao , Chen Dongxu , Zhang Wenxi
Published: May 2021

We use input–output analysis and Levinson’s structural decomposition method to measure China’s CO2 emissions under the no-trade hypothesis, to calculate how international trade affects China’s emissions. We also analyze the driving factors of the difference between hypothetical no-trade CO2 emissions and actual emissions and discuss the existence of “pollution haven hypothesis” (PHH) in China. The results show that (1) from 2000 to 2017, the hypothetical no-trade CO2 emissions are 2.43–14.67% lower than actual emissions. The scale effect is the main cause of this difference, while the composition effect fluctuates and has little impact. (2) Although exports make other economies’ CO2 emissions transfer to China, imports also help avoid China’s emissions from some carbon-intensive sectors. (3) International trade has little impact on the cleanliness of China’s industry composition. The no-trade industry composition is slightly cleaner than the actual one before 2010, after which trade improves the cleanliness of industry composition to a small extent. PHH is invalid for China in recent years, and results for most developing countries do not support PHH. (4) The relationship between no-trade effects and income per capita for all the economies does not also support PHH. Most economies reduce emissions, and their industry compositions are cleaner because of trade, regardless of their development degree.
Enhancing the prediction of COVID-19 evolution by combining models and data sources
Authors: García-Cremades Santi , Morales-García Juan , Hernández-Sanjaime Rocío , Martínez-España Raquel , Bueno-Crespo Andrés , Hernández-Orallo Enrique , López-Espín José Juan , Cecilia Jose M.
Published: May 2021

We are witnessing the dramatic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic which, unfortunately, go beyond the impact on the health system. Until herd immunity is achieved with vaccines, the only available mechanisms for controlling the pandemic are quarantines, perimeter closures and social distancing with the aim of reducing mobility. Governments only apply these measures for a reduced period of time, since they involve the closure of economic activities such as tourism, cultural activities or nightlife. The main criterion for establishing these measures and planning socioeconomic subsidies is the evolution of infections. Early warning systems in all countries monitor the COVID-19 pandemic evolution. However, the collapse of the health system and the unpredictability of human behaviour, among others, make it difficult to predict this evolution in the short to medium term. This article evaluates different models for the early prediction of the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic to create a decision support system for policy-makers. We consider a wide branch of models including artificial neural networks such as LSTM and GRU and statistically-based models such as autoregressive (AR) or ARIMA. Moreover, several consensus strategies to ensemble all models into one system are proposed to obtain better results in this uncertain environment. Our results reveal that the ensemble of different models improves the overall accuracy of the prediction, reaching up to 0.93 $R^2$, 4.16 RMSE and 3.55 MAE when there are not trend changes in the time-series. Mobility data provided by Google mobility data is also considered as exogenous information for our ensemble model to forecast trend changes, providing a good framework for a complete inference.
Application of CO2-water-rock reaction transport simulation in NPs-CO2 flooding and storage
Authors: Feng Fuping , Han Xu , Liu Shengyuan , Jing Dong , Wang Yanxin
Published: May 2021

As a hot issue in geological engineering, CO2 flooding and sequestration still face many challenges. Injection of nanoparticles into CO2 can improve the injectability and effective reserves of CO2. However, the migration law of the mixed fluid of CO2 and nanoparticles (NPs-CO2) in the reservoir under the condition of chemical reaction is still unclear. Based on chemical reaction kinetics, a mass transfer model of NPs-CO2 nanofluid in reservoir is established by combining the micro-pore structure change of porous media under CO2-water-rock reactions condition and the migration law of NPs-CO2 fluid. The geochemical reaction process between CO2 and reservoir and the influence of heterogeneity caused by rock microstructure on the miscibility and migration of NPs-CO2 brine fluid are simulated. The results show that the CO2-water-rock reaction increases the heterogeneity of reservoir, and the porosity and permeability are rising as a whole; the increase of reservoir heterogeneity caused by chemical reaction can makes the migration of NPs-CO2 selective. The local accumulation of NPs-CO2 in the unconnected pores will weaken the original oil displacement efficiency to some extent; in the process of CO2 sequestration, the density difference between NPs-CO2 and formation water can not only promote the miscibility of NPs-CO2-brine fluid, but also inhibit the acid fluid under buoyancy. The upward diffusion is moved to the cover layer to prevent the chemical reaction of the rocks in the cap layer, so as ensuring the permanent storage of greenhouse gases.
Bio-based films/nanopapers of banana tree pseudostem: From lignocellulosic wastes to added-value micro/nanomaterials
Authors: Guimarães Barbara Maria Ribeiro , Scatolino Mário Vanoli , Martins Maria Alice , Ferreira Saulo Rocha , Mendes Lourival Marin , Lima José Tarcísio , Junior Mario Guimarães , Tonoli Gustavo Henrique Denzin
Published: May 2021

The growing demand for products with lower environmental impact and the extensive applicability of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) have received attention in several fields of knowledge due to their attractive properties. In this study, bio-based films/nanopapers were produced with CNFs from banana tree pseudostem (BTPT) wastes and Eucalyptus kraft cellulose (EKC) and were evaluated by their properties, such as mechanical strength, biodegradability and light transmittance. The CNFs were produced by mechanical fibrillation (after 20 and 40 passages) from suspensions of BTPT (alkaline pre-treated) and EKC. Films/nanopapers were produced by casting from both suspensions with concentrations of 2% (based in dry mass of CNF). The BTPT films/nanopapers showed greater mechanical properties, with Young’s modulus and tensile strength around 2.42 GPa and 51 MPa (after 40 passages), respectively. On the other hand, the EKC samples showed lower disintegration in water after 24 h and biodegradability. The increase in the number of fibrillation cycles produced more transparent films/nanopapers and caused a significant reduction of water absorption for both raw materials. The permeability was similar for the films/nanopapers from BTPT and EKC. This study indicated that attractive mechanical properties and biodegradability could be achieved by bio-based nanomaterials, with potential for being applied as emulsifying agents and special membranes, enabling more efficient utilization of agricultural wastes.
Investigation of the Relationships Between Sleep Behaviors and Risk of Health Lifespan Termination: A Prospective Cohort Study Based on 323,373 UK-Biobank Participants
Authors: Sambou Muhammed Lamin , Zhao Xiaoyu , Hong Tongtong , Sambou Alima , FADOUA EL HAFA , Naveed Muhammad , Basnet Til Bahadur , Dia Juncheng
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To examine the associations between insomnia, napping, daytime sleepiness, and getting up from bed with the risk of health lifespan termination using a prospective cohort design based on the UK-Biobank (UKB) database. Methods: Our study population consisted of 323,373 UKB participants enrolled in the UKB study from 2006 to 2010 and followed up to 2016. The outcome variable was health lifespan that was characterized by eight events strongly associated with ageing. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk of terminated health lifespan were computed in Cox proportional hazards models. Furthermore, we collapsed each of the four sleep behavior factors into binary categories (high vs. low-risk groups) to explore the Population Attributable Risk percentages (PAR%).Results: Participants in the high-risk subgroups of the four sleep behaviors had a significantly higher risk of terminated health lifespan; that is, 'usually insomnia' (HR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.07; P<0.001), 'usually napping' (HR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.18-1.26; P<0.01), 'excessive daytime sleepiness' (HR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.19-1.32; P<0.001), and 'difficult getting up from bed' (HR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.05-1.10; P<0.001). The corresponding PAR% indicated that about 7% of the terminated health lifespan events in this cohort would have been eliminated if all people were in the low-risk sleep groups.Conclusion: We observed that frequent insomnia, napping, daytime sleepiness, and 'difficult getting up from bed' are associated with increased risk of terminated health lifespan. Therefore adherence to healthy sleep behavior is significant for healthy lifespan.
Patient Age Associates With Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Density In Breast Cancer
Authors: Takada Koji , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Asano Yuka , Goto Wataru , Ishihara Sae , Morisaki Tamami , Shibutani Masatsune , Tanaka Hiroaki , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Lymphocytes surrounding the cancer participate in tumor-related immune responses, and are called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Several recent reports suggest TILs to index the tumor-microenvironment (TME), and predict the therapeutic effect of chemotherapy. However, only few studies have studied the relationship between age and TILs. Aging reduces host immunity, and we predict that it may also affect TILs. Thus, we hypothesized that older breast cancer (BC) patients may have low TILs density than younger BC patients. Here, we retrospectively analyzed the differences in TILs by age and the therapeutic effects of pre-operative chemotherapy (POC) in BC patients aged less than 45 years and more than 60 years.Methods: POC was administered to 356 patients. We confirmed and compared TILs density and therapeutic effects in patients aged < 45 years (n=75) and those aged >61 years (n=116). TIL density was evaluated using pre-treatment needle biopsy specimens. Definition and evaluation of TILs was based on the International TILs Working Group 2014.Results: Based on subtype, younger patients showed significantly higher pathological complete response rates than older patients with hormone receptor (HR)+ human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)+ and HER2-enriched BC. In HR+HER2+BC, the objective response rate was significantly high in younger than in older patients. Further, a significant difference was observed for overall survival between these patients with triple-negative BC.Conclusions: Our study suggests that younger BC patients possess significantly high TILs density than older patients. These differences may influence the therapeutic efficacy in highly immunogenic subtypes.
Is Totally Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy Better Than Laparoscopy- Assisted Total Gastrectomy For Clinical Stage I Gastric Cancer? A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Park Shin-Hoo , Suh Yun-Suhk , Kim Tae-Han , Choi Yoon-Hee , Choi Jong-Ho , Kong Seong-Ho , Park Do Joong , Lee Hyuk-Joon , Yang Han-Kwang
Published: May 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcome and quality of life (QoL) of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) compared with laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) in patients with clinical stage I gastric cancer.Methods: From 2012 to 2018, EGC patients who underwent TLTG (n=223), including the first case with intracorporeal hemi-double stapling, were matched to those who underwent LATG (n=114) with extracorporeal circular stapling, using 2:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Prospectively collected morbidity was compared between the TLTG and LATG groups in conjunction with the learning curve. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL questionnaires QLQ-C30, STO22, and OG25 were prospectively surveyed during postoperative 1 year for patient subgroups.Results: After PSM, grade I pulmonary complication rate was lower in the TLTG group (n=213) than in the LATG group (n=111) (0.5% vs. 5.4%, P=0.007). Other complications were not different between the groups. The learning curve of TLTG was overcome at the 26th case in terms of the comprehensive complication index. The TLTG group after learning curve showed lower grade I pulmonary complication rate than the matched LATG group (0.5% vs. 4.7%, P=0.024). Regarding postoperative QoL, the TLTG group (n=63) revealed less dysphagia (P=0.028), pain (P=0.028), eating restriction (P=0.006), eating (P=0.004), odynophagia (P=0.023) than the LATG group (n=21). Multivariate analyses for each QoL item demonstrated that TLTG was the only common independent factor for better QoL.Conclusions: TLTG reduced pulmonary complications and provided better QoL in dysphagia, pain, eating, odynophagia than LATG for patients with clinical stage I gastric cancer.