bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Transition From Warm-dry to Warm-wet in Eastern Northwest China
Authors: Yang Jinhu , Zhang Qiang , Lu Guoyang , Liu Xiaoyun , Wang Youheng , Wang Dawei , Liu Weiping , Yue Ping , Zhu Biao
Published: February 2021

During the second half of the 20th century, eastern Northwest China experienced a warming and drying climate change. To determine whether this trend has continued or changed during the present century, this study systematically analyzes the characteristics of warming and dry–wet changes in eastern Northwest China based on the latest observational data and World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) collection data. The results show that eastern Northwest China has warmed continuously during the past 60 years with a sudden temperature change occurring in the late 1990s. However, the temperature in the 2000s decreased slowly, and that in the 2010s showed a warming trend. The amount of precipitation began to increase in the late 1990s, which indicates a contemporary climate transition from warm-dry to warm-wet in eastern Northwest China. The contribution of precipitation to humidity is significantly more than that of temperature. Long-term and interannual variations dominate the temperature change, with the contribution of the former much stronger than that of the latter. However, interannual variation dominates the precipitation change. The warming accelerates from period to period, and the temperature spatial consistently increased during the three most recent climatic periods. The precipitation decreased from 1961–1990 to 1981–2010, whereas its spatial consistency increased from 1981–2010 to 1991–2019. The significant warming and humidification that began in the late 1990s and is expected to continue until the end of the 21st century in the medium emission scenario. However, the current sub-humid climate will not easily be changed. The warming could cause a climate transition from warm temperate to subtropical by 2040. The dry-to-wet climate transition in eastern Northwest China could be related to synergistic enhancement of the East Asian summer monsoon and the westerly circulation. This research provides a scientific decision-making basis for implementing western development strategies, ecological protection, and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin Area as well as that for ecological construction planning and water resource management of eastern Northwest China.
Challenges of the Blue Economy: Evidence and Research Trends  
Authors: Vázquez Rosa María Martínez , García Juan Milán , Valenciano Jaime de Pablo
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe Blue Economy is a recent field of study that encompasses economic activities that depend on the sea, often associated with other economic sectors, including tourism, maritime transport, energy and fishing. Blue growth supports the sustainable growth of the maritime and marine sectors as the oceans and seas are engines of the global economy and have great potential for growth and innovation. This article undertakes a bibliometric analysis in the terms of blue economy, maritime economy, ocean economy, marine economy, and Blue Growth to analysis the scientific production of this field of study. The main objective is to find out if there is a link between the blue economy and the circular economy.ResultsThe results show an evolving and growing trend during the last decade regarding the number of published articles and citations. Nascent and future research trends include terms such as small-scale fisheries, blue degrowth, aquatic species, biofuel, growth of the coastal blue economy, and internationalization. New researchers, experts, public institutions, and private companies who wish to understand the roots of the Blue Economy and its evolution over time may find this article useful to design and develop strategies that lead to its efficient management, preservation, and sustainability.ConclusionsIn conclusion, it highlights the need for alliances between the sectors that compose blue growth with the incorporation of the circular economy in order to achieve a sustainable blue economy.
Delayed Hospital Admission for Traumatic Hip Fracture During the COVID-19 Pandemic 
Authors: Jarvis Stephanie , Salottolo Kristin , Madayag Robert , Pekarek Jennifer , Nwafo Nnamdi , Wessel Alexander , Duane Therese , Roberts Zachary , Lieser Mark , Corrigan Chad , Bar-Or David
Published: February 2021

Background: Concerns of contracting the highly contagious disease COVID-19 have led to a reluctance in seeking medical attention, which may contribute to delayed hospital arrival among traumatic patients. The study objective was to describe differences in time from injury to arrival for patients with traumatic hip fractures admitted during the pandemic to pre-pandemic patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study at six level I trauma centers included patients with traumatic hip fractures. Patients with a non-fall mechanism and those who were transferred in were excluded. Patients admitted 3/16/2019-6/30/2019 were in the “pre-pandemic” group, patients were admitted 3/16/2020-6/30/2020 were in the “pandemic” group. The primary outcome was time from injury to arrival. Secondary outcomes were time from arrival to surgical intervention, hospital length of stay (HLOS), and mortality. Results: There were 703 patients, 352 (50.1%) pre-pandemic and 351 (49.9%) during the pandemic. Overall, 66.5% were female and the median age was 82 years old. Patients were similar in age, race, gender, and injury severity score. The median time from injury to hospital arrival was statistically shorter for pre-pandemic patients when compared to pandemic patients, 79.5 (56, 194.5) minutes vs. 91 (59, 420), p=0.04. The time from arrival to surgical intervention (p=0.64) was statistically similar between groups. For both groups, the median HLOS was 5 days, p=0.45. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher during the pandemic, 1.1% vs 3.4%, p=0.04.Conclusions: While time from injury to hospital arrival was statistically longer during the pandemic, the difference may not be clinically important. Time from arrival to surgical intervention remained similar, despite changes made to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Physicians should anticipate a slightly delayed arrival for hip fractures and provide prompt evaluation to reach definitive care in a timely manner.
Uni-portal and three-portal video-assisted thoracic surgery pulmonary lobectomy for early stage lung cancer (UNIT trial): study protocol of a single-center randomized trial
Authors: Mendogni Paolo , Mazzucco Alessandra , Palleschi Alessandro , Rosso Lorenzo , Righi Ilaria , Carrinola Rosaria , Damarco Francesco , Privitera Emilia , Fumagalli Jacopo , Bonitta Gianluca , Nosotti Mario , Tosi Davide
Published: February 2021

BackgroundVideo-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is currently the recommended approach for treating early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Different VATS approaches have been proposed so far, and the actual advantages of one technique over the other are still under debate. The aim of our study is to compare postoperative pain and analgesic drug consumption in uniportal VATS and triportal VATS for pulmonary lobectomy in early-stage lung cancer patients. MethodsThis study is a single-centre, prospective, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. It is designed to compare uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (u-VATS) and three-ports video-assisted thoracic surgery (t-VATS) in terms of post-operative pain. The trial will enrol 120 patients with a 1:1 randomization. The primary outcome is the assessment of analgesic drug consumption. Secondary outcomes are postoperative pain measurement, evaluation of postoperative pulmonary function, and metabolic recovery after pulmonary lobectomy. DiscussionThe choice of which VATS approach to adopt for treating patients undergoing pulmonary resection mostly depends on the surgeon’s preferences; therefore, it is hard to prove whether one VATS technique is superior to the other. Moreover, postoperative analgesic protocols vary consistently among different centres. To date, only a few studies have evaluated the effects of the most popular VATS techniques. There is no evidence about difference between multi-ports VATS and u-VATS in terms of postoperative pain. We hope that the results of our trial will provide valuable information on the outcomes of these different surgical approaches.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03240250; registered 08/07/2017; retrospectively registered; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03240250?term=NCT03240250&draw=2&rank=1
Prediction of Pathologic Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Using Machine Learning Models in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Kim Ji-Yeon , Jeon Eunjoo , Kwon Soonhwan , Jung Hyungsik , Joo Sunghoon , Park Youngmin , Lee Se Kyung , Lee Jeong Eon , Nam Seok Jin , Cho Eun Yoon , Park Yeon Hee , Ahn Jin Seok , Im Young-Hyuck
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to develop a machine learning(ML) based model to accurately predict pathologic complete response(pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC) using pretreatment clinical and pathological characteristics of electronic medical record(EMR) data in breast cancer(BC).Methods The EMR data from patients diagnosed with early and locally advanced BC and who received NAC followed by curative surgery were reviewed. A total of 16 clinical and pathological characteristics was selected to develop ML model. We practiced six ML models using default settings for multivariate analysis with extracted variables. ResultsIn total, 2,065 patients were included in this analysis. Overall, 30.6% (n=632) of patients achieved pCR. Among six ML models, the LightGBM had the highest area under the curve (AUC) for pCR prediction. After hyper-parameter tuning with Bayesian optimization, AUC was 0.810. Performance of pCR prediction models in different histology-based subtypes was compared. The AUC was highest in HR+HER2- subgroup and lowest in HR-/HER2- subgroup (HR+/HER2- 0.841, HR+/HER2+ 0.716, HR-/HER2 0.753, HR-/HER2- 0.653).ConclusionsA ML based pCR prediction model using pre-treatment clinical and pathological characteristics provided useful information to predict pCR during NAC. This prediction model would help to determine treatment strategy in patients with BC planned NAC.
Physical-based Methodology for Prediction of Weld Bead Characteristics in the Laser Edge Welding Process 
Authors: Nabavi Seyedeh Fatemeh , Farshidianfar Mohamad Hossein , Farshidianfar Anooshiravan , Beidokhti Behrooz
Published: February 2021

A comprehensive physical-based methodology is introduced to predict weld bead properties in the Laser Edge Welding (LEW) process. Laser edge welding of AISI 316L stainless steel thin sheets are conducted to investigate the behavior of geometrical, mechanical and metallurgical properties of the weld bead. The effect of significant processing parameters including the laser power, speed and focal distance are considered. The method however, utilizes a set of physical-based contour plots to predict the trend of weld characteristics using the heat input and power density. A novel combined physical parameter is also introduced and optimized to indicate the exact quantitative effectiveness of each physical and processing parameter. The developed approach is utilized to analyze a broad range of weld bead characteristics. First, weld bead geometrical characteristics such as weld width, penetration and distortion are studied. The physical-based method revealed that the power density has a significant effect on the weld penetration-to-width ratio while distortion is governed by the heat input. Variations of the fracture load are analyzed based on the corresponding combined parameter. Interestingly, a greater penetration-to-width ratio results in a higher fracture load. Finally, microstructural evolutions are investigated in three main regions, including the top, middle and bottom of the weld bead. A skeletal ferrite phase is observed in the mid-zone, which increases with increase of power density. The presented methodology can be applied to a broad range of other laser materials processing techniques to obtain insightful process design tips in order to achieve tailor-made properties.
Defect-induced B4C Electrodes for High Energy Density Supercapacitor Devices
Authors: Balcı Özge , Ammar Ameen Uddin , Buldu Merve , Kiraz Kamil , Somer Mehmet , Erdem Emre
Published: February 2021

Boron carbide powders were synthesized by mechanically activated annealing process using anhydrous boron oxide (B2O3) and varying carbon (C) sources such as graphite and activated carbon: The precursors were mechanically activated for different times in a high energy ball mill and reacted in an induction furnace. According to the Raman analyses of the carbon sources, the I(D)/I(G) ratio increased from ~0.25 to ~0.99, as the carbon material changed from graphite to active carbon, indicating the highly defected and disordered structure of active carbon. Complementary advanced EPR analysis of defect centers in B4C revealed that the intrinsic defects play a major role in the electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor device once they have an electrode component made of bare B4C. Depending on the starting material and synthesis conditions the conductivity, energy, and power density, as well as capacity, can be controlled hence high-performance supercapacitor devices can be produced.
Effects of Biodegradable Film Mulching on Bacterial Diversity in Soils
Authors: Xue Yinhao , Jin Tuo , Gao Chengyu , Li Chongxiao , Zhou Tao , Wan Dongshi , Yang Mengran
Published: February 2021

The spread of biodegradable plastic film (BDFs) not only increase grain yield but also reduce the environmental pollution from plastic film to a large extent. Soil microbes have been considered to be involved in biodegradation processes. However, the study of microbes diversity in soil mulched with biodegradable plastic film remains limited. Here, we compared the diversity of microbes between soils with biodegradable film and non-biodegradable film (NBDF) mulch. The results showed that BDFs affected on the soil quality parameters, such as total C, P and NH4+-N, but also on the microbes species richness (ACE; Chao1) and diversity (Simpson index; Shannon index). In terms of dominant phyla and genera, BDFs and NBDF can influence the abundance of disparate species. Furthermore, BDFs could also contribute to improve the richness of the important functional bacterial groups in soil, e.g. Pedomicrobium and Comamonas, both of which have been found to be involved in the degradation of plastic residues in soil. Finally, we found that BDFs improved the transformation of nitrogen through increased significantly the abundances of Nitrobacter and Nitrospira. Our results highlight the impact of BDFs mulch on the abundance of functional bacteria in the soil.
Four Novel Gene Polymorphisms Cause Nuclear Age Related Cataract in Chinese People 
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhao Wencheng , Yu Yongbin , liu ping
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMore information on genetic variation can be obtained by exon sequencing for the diagnosis of nuclear age-related cataract (NARC). MethodsIn our present study, genomes of 12 DNA samples were sequenced. The average effective depth was 10× when using Illumina sequencing. After conducting whole-exon sequencing, we further performed depth analysis and spectrum analysis to determine the gene polymorphism sites closely associated with NARC. ResultsIn genes showing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), there were 18,699 synonymous mutations and 17,975 missense mutations in the coding region. A total of 4,944 insertions and deletions (indels) were found. Among them, 1329 indels exhibited polymorphism and were further analyzed. Whole-exon sequencing previously showed polymorphism associated with ARC and known pathways associated with protein synthesis and metabolism. Following depth analysis (GO and KEGG analysis), we identified 20 promising candidate genes that were closely related to NARC. We further performed spectrum analysis for 26 polymorphism sites and found that ZNF573 (rs3095726, SNP), ZNF862 (rs62621204, SNP), SYNE3 (rs76499929, indel), and GAS2L2 (rs78557458, SNP) had statistically significant relationship with NARC. The 3D protein structure showed obvious changes for ZNF573 (rs3095726, SNP) and GAS2L2 (rs78557458, SNP). ConclusionsOur findings provide the basis for further studies and discovery of key genes associated with NARC.
Minimising Radiation Exposure in Catheter Ablation of Ventricu-lar Arrhythmias
Authors: Jan Matevž , Žižek David , Kalinšek Tine Prolič , Kuhelj Dimitrij , Trunk Primož , Kolar Tadeja , Kšela Juš , Rauber Martin , Yazici Mehmet
Published: February 2021

BackgroundConventional fluoroscopy (CF) guided catheter ablation (CA) is an established treatment option for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). However, with the complex nature of most procedures, patients and staff bare an increased radiation exposure. Near-zero or zero-fluoroscopy CA is an alternative method which could substantially reduce or even eliminate the radiation dose. Our aim was to analyse procedural outcomes with fluoroscopy minimising approach for treatment of VAs in patients with structurally normal hearts (SNH) and structural heart disease (SHD).MethodsFifty-two (age 53.4±17.8 years, 38 male, 14 female) consecutive patients who underwent CA of VAs in our institution between May 2018 and December 2019 were included. Procedures were performed primarily with the aid of the three-dimensional (3D) electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) system and intra-cardiac echocardiography (ICE). Fluoroscopy was considered only in left ventricular (LV) summit mapping for coronary angiography and when epicardial approach was planned. Acute and long-term procedural outcomes were analysed.ResultsSixty CA procedures were performed. Twenty-five patients had SHD-related VAs (Group 1) and 27 patients had SNH (Group 2). While Group 1 had significantly higher total procedural time (256.9±71.7 vs 123.6±42.2 minutes; p < 0.001) compared to Group 2, overall procedural success rate [77.4% (24/31) vs 89.7% (26/29); p= 0.20)] and recurrence rate after the first procedure [8/25, (32%) vs 8/27, (29.6%); p= 0.85] were similar in both groups. Fluoroscopy was used in 3 procedures in Group 1 where epicardial approach was needed and in 4 procedures in Group 2 where LV summit VAs were ablated. Overall procedure-related major complications were low (3/60, 5%).ConclusionsFluoroscopy minimising approach for CA of VAs is feasible and safe in patients with SHD and SNH. Fluoroscopy could not be completely abolished in VAs with epicardial and LV summit substrate location.
Study of Temperature-dependent Conduction Mechanisms in Au/0.8nm-GaN/n-GaAs Schottky Diode
Authors: Helal Hicham , Benamara Zineb , Wederni M.A , Mourad Sabrine , Khirouni Kamel , Monier Guillaume , Robert-Goumet Christine , Rabehi Abdelaziz , Kacha Arslane Hatem
Published: February 2021

Passivation of interface states in the Schottky barrier is an approach to enhance the properties of the Schottky devices. In this work, Au/0.8nm-GaN/n-GaAs Schottky structure is studied electrically in a wide temperature range. With increasing temperature, the reverse current Iinv increases from 1×10-7 A to 1×10-5 A, and the saturation current Is increases from 1×10-32 A to 5×10-7A. The series resistance Rs decreases with increasing temperature from 13.44 Ω to 4.25 Ω. The ideality factor n decreases from 10.64 to 1.15. The barrier height increases abnormally with increasing temperature from 0.54 eV at 80 K to 1.03 eV at 180 K, then decreases to 0.82 eV at 420 K. The abnormal behavior of and the high values of n in low temperature are due to the tunnel mechanisms effects, such as FE and TFE currents. FE mechanism is the dominant process at low temperatures (80-300 K) and TFE mechanism is the dominant one at high temperatures (300-420K). Finally, our structure presents an inhomogeneous barrier height, maybe caused by the thin GaN interface layer.
Epidemiology and Mortality Predictors for Severe Childhood Community-acquired Pneumonia in ICUs: A Case-control Study
Authors: cao lu , li zhuo , ji zhaohua , zuo yan , wang jingwen
Published: February 2021

Background: To identify the epidemiology and mortality predictors for severe childhood community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and evaluate the influence of medications on clinical outcome in the real world.Methods: We performed a retrospective case-control study among children with severe CAP aged ≤5 years of age, separately comparing the detailed information between the in-hospital death cases and the survival cases in two different age groups. Multivariate regression model was used to figure out mortality predictors.Results: 945 children were recruited, including 604 infants and 341 young children. Overall 88 deaths occurred (9.3%). There was low adherence to guidelines in antimicrobials and carbapenems were widely served as initial empiric regimens, but the efficacy was not superior to the guidelines recommended. In multivariate analyses, very severe pneumonia (OR: 3.55; 95% CI: 1.39-9.09), lower birth weight (OR: 3.92; 95% CI: 1.50-10.23), severe underweight (OR: 4.72; 95% CI: 1.92-11.62), mechanical ventilation (OR: 5.06; 95% CI: 1.97-12.95；OR：14.43; 95% CI 3.31-62.96)，comorbidity including anemia (OR: 5.61; 95% CI: 2.36-13.35), neonatal asphyxia (OR: 6.03; 95% CI: 1.57-23.12), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (OR: 3.73; 95% CI: 1.21-11.48) and sedative-hypnotics ( OR: 4.32; 95% CI: 1.76-10.61; OR: 4.13; 95% CI：1.50-11.38) were independent risk factors for death, whereas a lower mortality was present in infants with probiotics (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.10-0.54).Conclusions: Severe pneumonia remains a primary cause of death in children under 5 years of age. Clinical characteristics, comorbidity and medications are evidently associated with death. Importantly, we should pay particular attention to the identification of the mortality predictors and establish prophylactic measures to reduce the mortality.
First detection of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in wastewater samples by mass spectrometry
Authors: Lara-Jacobo Linda , Islam Golam , Desaulniers Jean-Paul , Kirkwood Andrea , Simmons Denina
Published: February 2021

On March 12, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic. COVID-19 is produced by a novel β-coronavirus known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [1]. Several studies have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in urine, feces, and other biofluids from both symptomatic and asymptomatic people with COVID-19 [2], suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 RNA could be detected in human wastewater [3]. Thus, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is now used as an approach to monitor COVID-19 prevalence in many different places around the world [4-10] . Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the most common SARS-CoV-2 detection method in WBE, but there are other methods for viral biomolecule detection that could work as well. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in untreated wastewater (WW) influents collected from six wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), from Durham Region, Ontario, Canada, using a LC-MS/MS-based proteomics approach. We identified many SARS-CoV-2 proteins in these wastewater samples, with peptides from pp1ab being the most consistently detected and with consistent abundance.
Comprehensive Double Slit Experiments-Exploring Experimentally Mystery of Double Slit
Authors: Peng Hui
Published: February 2021

Young’s double slit experiments, which represent the mystery of quantum mechanics, have been interpreted by quantum probability waves and pilot waves. In this article, to study the mystery, we proposed and carried out comprehensive double slit experiments, which demonstrate two postulates related to double slit experiments: (1) before striking at the slide of a double slit, photons emitted by a laser source behave as particles; (2) before striking at the detector, photons behave as particles. Progress in studying the mystery of the double slit experiment is presented.
The cost-effectiveness of government actions to reduce sodium intake through salt substitutes in Vietnam
Authors: Taylor Colman , Hoek Annet C , Deltetto Irene , Peacock Adrian , Ha Do Thi Phuong , Sieburg Michael , Hoang Dolly , Trieu Kathy , Cobb Laura K , Jan Stephen , Webster Jacqui
Published: February 2021

Background Dietary sodium reduction is recommended to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. In Vietnam food products including salt, fish sauce and bot canh contribute to ~70% of dietary sodium intake. Reduced sodium versions of these products can be produced by replacing some of the sodium chloride with potassium chloride. We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of three alternative approaches to introducing reduced sodium products onto the market with a view to lowering population sodium intake in Vietnam.Methods The three salt substitution strategies included voluntary, subsidised and regulatory approaches targeting salt, fish sauce and bot canh products. Costs were modelled using the WHO-CHOICE methodology. A Markov cohort model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of each strategy versus no intervention from the government perspective. The model linked each intervention strategy to assumed changes in levels of sodium intake and then to systolic blood pressure. Changes in SBP were linked to a probability of ischaemic heart disease or stroke. The model followed people over their lifetime to assess average costs and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained for each strategy. Results The voluntary salt substitution strategy was assumed to require no investment by government. Following ramp up (years 6+), the average annual costs for the subsidised and regulatory strategies were 21,808,968,902 ₫ (US$ 977,354) and 12,949,953,247 ₫ (US$ 580,410) respectively. Relative to no intervention, all three salt substitution strategies were found to be cost-effective. Cost savings were driven by reductions in strokes (32,595; 768,384; 2,366,480) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) events (22,830; 537,157; 1,648,590) for the voluntary, subsidised & regulatory strategies, respectively. The voluntary strategy was least cost-effective (-3,445 ₫ US$ -0.15; 0.009 QALYs gained) followed by the subsidised strategy (-43,189 ₫ US$ -1.86; 0.022 QALYs gained) and the regulatory strategy delivered the highest cost savings and health gains (-243,530 ₫ US$ -10.49; 0.074 QALYs gained). Conclusion This research shows that all three modelled salt substitution strategies would be good value for money relative to no intervention in Vietnam. The subsidised alternative would require the highest level of government investment; however the implementation costs will be exceeded by healthcare savings assuming a reasonable time horizon is considered.
Protective effects of calorie restriction on insulin resistance and islets function in STZ-induced type 2 diabetes rats
Authors: Zhang Li , Huang Ying-juan , Sun Jia-pan , Zhang Ting-ying , Liu Tao-li , Ke Bin , Shi Xian-fang , Li Hui , Zhang Geng-peng , Ye Zhi-yu , Hu Jian-guo , Qin Jian
Published: February 2021

Background Caloric restriction (CR) has become increasingly attractive in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of the increasingly common high-calorie diet and sedentary lifestyle. This study aimed to evaluate the role of CR in T2DM treatment and further explore its potential molecular mechanisms.Methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The diabetes model was induced by 8 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD) followed by a single dose of streptozotocin injection (30 mg/kg). Subsequently, the diabetic rats were fed HFD at 28 g/day (diabetic control) or 20 g/day (30% CR regimen) for 20 weeks. Meanwhile, normal rats fed a free standard chow diet served as the vehicle control. Body mass, plasma glucose levels, and lipid profiles were monitored. After diabetes-related functional tests were performed, the rats were sacrificed at 10 and 20 weeks, and glucose uptake in fresh muscle was determined. In addition, western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect alterations in AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling. Results We found that 30% CR significantly attenuated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, leading to alleviation of glucolipotoxicity and thus protection of islet function. Insulin resistance was also markedly ameliorated, as indicated by notably improved insulin tolerance and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). However, the improvement in glucose uptake in skeletal muscle was not significant. The upregulation of AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling in muscle induced by 30% CR also attenuated gradually over time. Interestingly, the consecutive decrease in AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling in white adipose tissue was significantly reversed by 30% CR. Conclusion CR (30%) could protect islet function from hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia, and improve insulin resistance. The mechanism by which these effects occurred is likely related to the upregulation of AKT/AS160/GLUT4 signaling.
CLUSTERING ANALYSIS FOR RESIDENTIAL AREAS BASED ON NEIGHBORHOOD AMENITIES
Authors: Bhowmick Karan
Published: February 2021

The use of urban land in cities can be improved and the poor execution of Urban planning is related to the problem of housing. The problem of housing has become acute because of the tremendous increase of urban population and unplanned growth of the cities. Mumbai has a population of 20,411,000 thus it is the target of our analysis project. Affordable housing in Mumbai has become an unfathomable challenge, it one of the most complex probes in this city. About 42% of Mumbais housing comprises slums. With this in mind, our aim is to help the decision of buying houses, by recommending localities with basic amenities. We hope to make the process of scrutinizing residential buildings more streamlined. We also hope to underscore areas with housing potential in this study. We use K-Means Clustering to cluster the different neighborhoods of Mumbai, based on the availability of 31 amenities in the neighborhood. We have used Data from Wikipedia to get the list of neighborhoods in Mumbai, and we use Foursquare API to get a list of amenities in each area of the neighborhood. We then evaluate the model using silhouette score and plot a graph using folium to show the different clusters on the map of Mumbai.
CHIRP FILTER JAMMING IMMUNITY RESEARCH
Authors:   Logistics Department, Command and Staff Faculty,Rakovski National Defense College, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria., Ivanov Spassov Sevdalin
Published: February 2021

The pulse compression technique uses a matched filter to extract an echo signal in the radars receiver. A model of a matched filter for a chirp signal was synthesized using the Simulink Tool of the MATLAB software. Pulse jamming and chirp jamming signals were feed to the input of the matched filter. The output signals were measured. The matched filters degree of suppression of these jamming signals was assessed. Conclusions were made about the jamming immunity of a radar operating with a Chirp matched filter.
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE DISSOLVING EFFECT OF RC SOLVE, EUCALYPTUS OIL AND G-SOL ON AH PLUS ROOT CANAL SEALER - AN INVITRO STUDY
Authors:   MDS, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai., Mohan Malavika , R. Verma Meenakshi ,   MDS, Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai., K. Jain Ashish ,   MDS, Head of Department and Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai., D. Rao Rahul ,   MDS, Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai., Patil Nitesh ,   MDS, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai., Agrawal Sonal ,   MDS, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai.
Published: February 2021

Context: Use of root canal solvents has increased the success rate of endodontic retreatment and it has made the procedure faster and simpler. Aims: During retreatment, a solvent facilitates the removal of obturation material and root canal sealer by softening it, so as to obtain a root canal free of debris and microorganisms. Hence an invitro study was done to evaluate and compare the dissolving effect of RC Solve, Eucalyptus oil and G-sol on AH Plus Root Canal Sealer. Methods and Material: Thirty standardized stainless-steel rings filled with AH Plus sealer manipulated according to manufacturers instructions were prepared and placed ten minutes for complete setting in an incubator at 37Ã‚Â°C for 48 hours and weighed to obtain the initial weight. The samples were divided into three equal groups of 10 each and immersed in RC Solve, Eucalyptus oil and G-sol for 10 minutes and dried in an incubator at 37Ã‚Â°C for 24 hours and weighed again for final weight. The amount of sealer lost was determined by calculating the difference between initial and final weight. Results: The dissolving effect of AH Plus sealer on all three solvents showed a marked amount of weight loss (p<0.05). The best dissolving capability on AH Plus sealer was exhibited by Eucalyptus oil followed by RC Solve and least for G-Sol. The result of the ANOVA with a p-value of 0.004 indicated a significant difference of weight change of AH Plus sealer after immersion into RC Solve, Eucalyptus Oil and G-Sol. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that Eucalyptus oil has a slightly better solvent effect.
REGULATED SHORT SELLING IN BURSA MALAYSIA: EVALUATING THE USURY ISSUE
Authors:   Research Centre for Sharia, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi., Alisa Ahmad Azlin , Abdul Manap Norhoneydayatie ,   Research Centre for Sharia, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi., Qamal Danial Mohd Safuan Nor ,   Research Centre for Sharia, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi.
Published: February 2021

Regulated short selling transactions is an alternative that was introduced by the Syariah Advisory Council (SAC), which is attached to the Securities Commission Malaysia, to implement short selling in Malaysia. Short selling is not permitted because it involves various Shariah-related issues, including usury, uncertainty (ghÃ„Ârar), gambling, speculation etc. Since short selling has advantageous in terms of liquidity and opportunities for investors to reap profit when the value of securities fall, hence, regulated short selling activities should be restructured so that it can be implemented without transgressing the boundaries of syarak. This qualitative study used the content analysis approach to examine and determine whether the element of usury still exists in regulated short selling. Findings show that regulated short selling transactions adopted by Bursa Malaysia is combined with the Securities Borrowing and Lending (SBL) mechanism. Therefore, implementing regulated short selling in Bursa Malaysia can solve the usury issue when short selling transactions are combined with SBL, which uses the ijarah bi istihan principle.
Analysis on transformer vibration signal recognition based on convolutional neural network
Authors: Cai Yonghua , Hou Aixia
Published: February 2021

In order to study the relationship between the transformer vibration and the operation state, the wavelet analysis method and the convolutional neural network method were used to analyze the transformer vibration signal. This paper proposes a transformer based on convolution neural network-based surface vibration signal feature extraction method. The result show that the convolution of neural network in different station transformer surface vibration signal classification has a lot of advantage, as the integration of feature extraction and classification recognition process together can effectively classify vibration signal recognition processing. This method is feasible for classification and identification by providing an accuracy value of 92.74 %. The future perspective of this research will focus on a generalized network model and parameters through experimentation for further investigation of accuracy and efficiency of this method.
Water policy and regional economic development: evidence from Henan province, China
Authors: Bai Hefei , Tang Ke , Zhao Ximeng , Yu Zhijian
Published: February 2021

With the rapid advance of industrialization and urbanization and the intensified impact of global climate change, the contradiction between the global water shortage and economic growth has become prominent. This paper, taking Henan province as an example, analyzed the influence of water resource policy on regional economic growth through a calculable general equilibrium model and further discussed the relevant policy recommendations. The results showed that the improvement of water supply, water efficiency and water technology could promote the growth of the regional economy and result in a positive effect on regional GDP, employment and resident income. However, the rise of water price has a negative impact on regional economic development, mainly reflected in regional GDP, employment and household income. The improvement of water price, water efficiency and water conservancy technology would lead to a decrease in regional water consumption, while only the increase of the water supply would lead to an increase in water consumption. Accordingly, the paper puts forward policy suggestions, such as accelerating the improvement of water conservancy facilities, establishing a reasonable water price mechanism and actively exploring experience in water conservation and emission reduction.
Estimating the groundwater storage for future irrigation schemes
Authors: Abdul-Ganiyu Shaibu , Prosper Kpiebaya
Published: February 2021

Presented in this paper is a feasibility study of groundwater for agricultural use (irrigation) in Northern Ghana. The study was conducted using geo-electrical data, boreholes drill logs, results of water quality, and results of the pumping test. The geo-electrical results were to unearth the lithology of the study area; it was found to be underlain with varying geology of both Precambrian and Paleozoic sedimentary formation. These formations consist of phyllite, schist, granite, meta-sediments, and meta-volcanics making up the Precambrian and sandstone, shale, siltstone, mudstones, granitiods also, of the Paleozoic sedimentary. Areas of low resistivity were targeted for drilling per the geophysical results of the profile, values between 24 and 100 ohm.m were zones of probable groundwater occurrence in the study. The groundwater storage capacity and the extractable storage capacity were estimated to be approximately 710,000 km3 and 290,000 km3. The pumping test results acquired from 81 boreholes from the study were used to analyze the sustainability. However, groundwater depth was studied using the Static water level (SWL), areas of SWL around 22 m and 25 m are likely to have a shallow depth whereas areas of 17 m would have deeper groundwater depth.
Development and numerical modelling of a novel UV/H2O2 rotating flow reactor for water treatment
Authors: Luo Minghan , Xu Wenjie , Jeong Taeseop
Published: February 2021

The ultraviolet photochemical degradation process is widely applied in wastewater treatment due to its low cost, high efficiency and sustainability. In this study, a novel rotating flow reactor was developed for UV-initiated photochemical reactions. The reactor was run in a continuous flow mode, and the tangential installation of the inlet and outlet on the annular reactor improved reaction rates. Numerical modelling, which combined solute transport, radiation transfer and photochemical kinetic degradation processes, was conducted to evaluate improvement compared to current reactor designs. Methylene Blue (MB) decomposition efficiency from the modelling results and the experimental data agreed well with each other. The model results showed that a rotational motion of fluid was well developed inside the designed reactor for a wide range of inflow rates; the generation of ·OH radicals significantly depended on UV irradiation dose, and thus the degradation ratio of MB showed a strong correlation with the UV irradiation distribution. In addition, the comprehensive numerical modelling showed promising potential for the simulation of UV/H2O2 processes in rotating flow reactors.
Working with Resistance in Therapy: A Theoretical Evaluation
Authors: Yaman Neslihan
Published: February 2021

Clients sometimes have difficulties to express themselves in therapy or may resist the therapy process. There are many reasons of clients’ who have difficulties to express themselves and resist in counselling sessions. Understanding the resistance of the client can be useful to understand the therapeutic relationship, the causes of resistance and other problems it creates, or to motivate the client with the help of interventions. In this context, this study focus on to investigate client resistant within general definitions considering the counselling approaches. As a result of the research, it was determined that the resistance of the clients in therapy is clustered around the concepts of “maintaining the problems—denial and distortion of experience”, “coping process”, “to share or not to share: counsellor self-disclosure”.
Digital Health Integration Assessment and Maturity of the United States Biopharmaceutical Industry: Forces Driving the Next Generation of Connected Autoinjectable Devices
Authors: Rafiei Ramin , Williams Chelsea , Jiang Jeannette , Aungst Timothy Dy , Durrer Matthias , Tran Dao , Howald Ralph
Published: February 2021

Autoinjectable devices continue to provide real-life benefits for patients with chronic conditions since their widespread adoption 30 years ago with the rise of macromolecules. Nonetheless, issues surrounding adherence, patient administration techniques, disease self-management, and data outcomes at scale persist despite product design innovation. The interface of drug device combination products and digital health technologies formulates a value proposition for next-generation autoinjectable devices to power the delivery of precision care at home and achieve the full potential of biologics. Success will largely be dependent on biopharma’s digital health maturity to implement this framework. This viewpoint measures the digital health maturity of the top 15 biopharmaceutical companies in the US biologics autoinjector market and establishes the framework for next-generation autoinjectable devices powering home-based precision care and the need for formal digital health training.
The study on the effectiveness of soft skill subjects in Public TVET Institutes in Bhutan
Authors: Pelzang Yonten
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study is to find out the effectiveness of soft skills subjects being taught in Public TVET Institute in Bhutan. The study was conducted using a mixed-mode research approach. A total of 30 TVET graduates were involved as respondents in collecting data for this research. The primary data for the study were collected through structured questions and informal interviews from the respondents. The data were analyzed through the process of thematic data analysis. The findings of this study revealed that the effectiveness of soft skill subjects taught and learned in the public Institutes was mostly effective. The graduates who got enrolled in Institute after their 12th standard have different views on its effectiveness than the graduates who got enrolled in the same Institute after the 10th standard. The study concluded that a technical skill has the power to facilitate gainful employment, but soft skill can magically sustain them in the organization.
Antibacterial Activity and Time-kill Assay of Terminalia catappa L. and Nigella sativa L. against Selected Human Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Sowmya  , Raveesha Koteshwar Anandrao
Published: February 2021

The current investigation aims to test the susceptibility of human pathogenic clinical isolates and MTCC strains to leaf and seed extracts of Terminalia catappa and Nigella sativa. Disc diffusion assay, micro dilution assay and minimum Bactericidal Concentration investigated the susceptibility of bacteria to the test extracts. The active extract was subjected to phytochemical screening, separation of the phytochemicals by Thin Layer Chromatography, bioactivity guided assay and Time- kill assay. Acetone and methanol extracts of T.catappa revealed, significant inhibition of clinical origin Staphylococcus aureus followed by Proteus vulgaris and the MTCC strains Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeroginosa and Bacillus subtilis. Nigella sativa inhibited the growth of clinical origin Staph.aureus and MTCC strain of Staph.aureus, Salmonella typhi and B.subtilis. Minimum inhibitory concentration for all the test bacteria was reported in the range of 5000μg/ml to 9 μg/ml in T. catappa extract. Most sensitive being the clinical isolate Staph. aureus and Proteus vulgaris. The bactericidal concentration for the test bacteria was found to be between 5000μg/ml and 625μg/ml. Phyto-chemical analysis of leaf extracts of T. catappa found to have dominated by polyphenols (Terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, flavones, saponins and tannins) and N.sativa extracts recorded the presence of alkaloids, proteins and oils and fats. TLC profiling of the acetone extract revealed many antibacterial active bands. Bands having Retention factor 0.47 and 0.52 were active against the test bacteria. Time kill assay of the acetone extract of T. catappa were carried out for the first time. The extract exhibited dose dependent bactericidal and bacteriostatic activity against the clinical isolates.
COMPUTER SIMULATION USING MSC ADAMS
Authors: Hroncová Darina , Delyová Ingrid
Published: February 2021

The goal of the presented paper is to compile a two-link model of manipulator and control the movement of the basket mounted at its end-effector. Authors focus on using MSC Adams in simulation of the motion of a two-link manipulator model. Attention is paid to kinematic and dynamic analysis of the manipulator, its modelling and control. The capability of MSC Adams Control Toolkit is used to design a control system which keeps the basket of the endeffector in horizontal position. Finally, the results obtained by computer simulation of the model are evaluated.
STRATEGI PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER SPIRITUALITAS KEAGAMAAN DAN CINTA TANAH AIR (Perspektif Filsafat Pendidikan Islam)
Authors: Maragustam Maragustam
Published: February 2021

The globalization current is very influential towards the formation of one's character whether to be character or to be a character tuna. The issue is how to make someone character and avoid the character's tuna. For that, then what will be answered in this study is how the strategy of the character formation of religious spirituality and love of Homeland? What are the values that need to be attributed? The scientific approach used was the philosophy of Islamic education with an eclectic incorporative. The study is entirely a kind of qualitative research-a library with a variety of litertur related to the character. Data collection with documentation. Its analytical techniques (1) Content analysis, (2) Miles and Huberman (data collection, data reduction, data desplay, and data verification), and (3) data triangulation.  Research results; First, the strategy of establishing religious spirituality characters and the love of Homeland is habituation, moral knowing, moral feeling, immorality, and repentance with the throne, Takhalli, Tahalli, and Tajalli. Secondly, the primary value implanted is religious spiritual. From this core value will give birth to the value of love of homeland, integrity (honesty-trust), responsibility, respect, humility, tolerance, social care, love of science, hard work, patience, self-reliant, and silaturrahim.