bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FORMATION OF CRUSHING ZONE AT THE LEVEL OF TAMPING IN THE CONDITIONS OF MASS EXPLOSIONS
Authors: Kravets Viktor , Shukurov А. , Marchuk Аndrii , Sagalo B.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the work is to study the sequence of formation of the fracture zone in the area of the array above the ends of the system of adjacent charges in connection with the technological parameters of their mutual location. The task of works is the analytically substantiate the dependence of the value of the undamaged area of the array at the level of the bottomhole on the parameters of the system of downhole charges, taking into account the phenomenon of the edge effect.

Research results. Data on the dimentions of the part of the massif in the lborewhole that does not participate in the mass deformation motion of the rock during the formation of adjacent downhole funnels are obtained. It is assumed that this area between adjacent charges is the source of the oversized fraction.

Originality. The process of formation of the destroyed zone in space above the end of the boreholeis considered step by step: generation of the shock wave front, the symmetry of which is close to spherical, formation of the  loosenning funnel system in the second stage, which does not adjacent charges of the total front of the stress wave from the explosion of downhole charges detonated from their bottom. Behind him moves the deformation front of a complex structure. It is assumed that this front in the system of two adjacent charges acquires a shape similar to a vertical wedge inverted by the base towards the free surface. The expected result of such a step-by-step deformation process is the desired degree of crushing of the rock mass at the level of the tamping.

Conclusions and practical implications. Theoretically and calculatedly obtained and recommended rational parameters of the location of the system of well charges of limited length to reduce the size of the non-destructive region of the rock mass at the level of the tamping, which improves the design of mass explosions in mountain slopes.
A RESPONSABILIDADE CIVIL E AS FORMAS DE INDENIZAÇÃO NOS CASOS DE VIOLÊNCIA OBSTÉTRICA PRATICADA EM HOSPITAIS PÚBLICOS
Authors: Feitosa Isabella Sousa , Mota Karine Alves Gonçalves
Published: December 2021

Este artigo tem como objetivo abordar e discutir os procedimentos jurídicos utilizados na responsabilização civil nos casos de violência obstétrica praticada em hospitais públicos. Utiliza-se de uma abordagem qualitativa para realizar a revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema e analisar os acórdãos utilizados no estudo. Sintetiza as formas que a violência pode se manifestar. Faz uma análise sobre a necessidade de resposta legislativa eficaz quanto ao tema. Estuda a caracterização da responsabilidade civil do estado e seu direito de regresso. Deduz os possíveis danos indenizáveis por meio de precedentes jurisprudenciais. Por fim, faz uma reflexão sobre as dificuldades enfrentadas pelas vítimas ao buscarem a reparação pelos danos, e sobre a forma que os acórdãos são proferidos atualmente, além de apontar a necessidade do reconhecimento da violência obstétrica como violência de gênero no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro.
Medieval mass burial in Pereslavl-Zalessky
Authors: Rasskazova A.V. , Zheyfer V.A. , Mazurok O.I.
Published: December 2021

The paper presents the results of the anthropological study of a mass grave located in the grounds of the kremlin of Pereslavl-Zalessky (European Russia). It has been preliminary dated to the 13th — first half of the 14th century. This study is aimed at craniological investigation and establishing anthropological connections of the Medieval population of Pereslavl-Zalessky, as well as clarification of the circumstances of appearance of the mass burial within the town territory with the aid of anthropological methods. The human remains were analyzed to identify the number of individuals and to determine their sex and age. Determination of sex and age and recording of injuries were carried out on the craniological material. The craniological program was used to study 28 male and
16 female skulls. A canonical discriminant analysis was used for the intergroup analysis. The mass burial contained separated bones of 80 adults and 19 children. It was possible to identify 30 males and 24 females. The male component of the group was represented by virtually all age groups. The female part comprised mainly women aged 20–35. Therefore, the interred were placed in the grave spontaneously, considerably later after their death; the bodies had time to decompose completely. Eleven instances of skull injuries without signs of necrotic process and healing were recorded. The location and characteristics of the burial and presence of several instances of fatal lacerated wounds indicate that the city residents died in the course of a military clash. Therefore, the studied series represents a time slice of the population of the medieval city. The canonical discriminant analy-sis on the craniological series of 53 revealed that the studied series is distinct from the territorially and chronologically close series of Yaroslavl and Kostroma Krivichs. It also showed that the formation of the population of Pereslavl-Zalessky was strongly influenced by the migration of the Ilmen Slovens and Smolensk-Polotsk Krivichs. Among the specifics of the Pereslavl series, also noteworthy is the strong influence of southern Russian migrants. On the contrary, the influence of the Finno-Ugric morphological component on the urban population of the 13th–14th centuries was very insignificant.
Local Opt-Out Provisions in a State Gambling Expansion: An Analysis of Pennsylvania Municipalities
Authors: Yaskewich David
Published: December 2021

A 2017 gambling expansion bill in Pennsylvania included a provision that gave municipalities the option to ban a new casino from opening within their borders.  This paper examined how different factors influenced local decisions on whether to allow casino gambling.  Multilevel linear probability models indicated that municipalities were influenced by economic characteristics, as evidenced by a higher likelihood of allowing casinos in communities with lower levels of household income.  Results also suggested that municipalities were influenced by variables related to tax competition and the percentage of residents who were black.  The findings of this study identify factors that may influence municipal governments when given the authority to opt out of a state gambling expansion capable of generating a new source of local tax revenue.
Retiring the Golden Hammer: Identifying Situational Practices for Public Strategy Implementation
Authors: Mitchell David , Kanaan David , Stoeckel Sarah , Myser Suzette
Published: December 2021

While scholars and practitioners increasingly embrace contingent approaches to public strategic management, they have done so tepidly. In an increasingly perilous and turbulent governing environment, both groups must move past time-honored tools and concepts and embrace the complexity inherent to the strategy implementation process. In response, this article proposes a contingent, micro-organizational process model of public strategy implementation based on Whittington’s (2017) framework of strategy as a practice and a process. Through regression analysis of 205 strategic initiatives from 43 U.S. municipalities, the study concludes that the relationships between implementation practices and proximate outcomes do indeed vary over time and across context, offering a specific list of recommended practices tailored to the intersections of implementation phase and initiative type. Public strategy implementation scholars can best aid practitioners by rejecting strategic reductivism and embracing micro-organizational implementation activity surrounding a strategic initiative, in all of its temporal and contextual splendor.
Pivoting Services: Resilience in the Face of Disruptions in Nonprofit Organizations Caused by COVID-19
Authors: Newby Kara , Branyon Brittany
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global event that has sent shockwaves through every aspect of the economy. The nonprofit sector has been dealt a double hit—relying on donations in a time of economic hardship while being on the frontlines of the response to increased need. Previous studies have shown that COVID-19 has impacted nonprofits in numerous ways; however, the majority of studies have focused on the financial impact. Using a resilience framework, this study adds to the literature by analyzing how nonprofits have dealt with the loss of services, what it has looked like to pivot and adapt to this new environment, and what impact the loss of volunteers has had on organizations. In this qualitative study of 12 nonprofits in the Southeast United States, we find that while the organizations do talk about financial strain, equally as stressful has been the loss of face-to-face services. Nonprofits are used to being on the frontlines of most emergencies, and in this pandemic, many have struggled to keep their workers safe by following health guidelines while also serving their clients. The inability to meet with clients and the stress of pivoting to an online environment is as great or greater of a burden as the financial impact.
Bending Analysis of Isotropic Rectangular Kirchhoff Plates Subjected to Non-Uniform Heating Using the Fourier Transform Method
Authors: Fogang Valentin
Published: December 2021

The object of this paper is the bending analysis of isotropic rectangular Kirchhoff plates subjected to non-uniform heating (NUH) using the Fourier transform method. The bottom and top surfaces of the plate are assumed to have different changes in temperature, whereas the change in temperature of the mid-surface is zero. According to classical plate theory, the governing equation of the plate contains second derivatives of the NUH; these derivatives are zero by constant value of the NUH, which leads to its absence in the governing equation. This paper presented an approach by which Fourier sine transform was utilized to describe the NUH, while the double trigonometric series of Navier and the simple trigonometric series of Lévy were utilized to describe the deflection curve. Thus, the NUH appeared in the governing equation, which simplified the analysis. Rectangular plates simply supported along all edges were analyzed, bending moments, twisting moments, and deflections being determined. In addition, rectangular plates simply supported along two opposite edges were analyzed; the other edges having various support conditions (free, simply supported, and fixed).
Wood Burial is Currently the Only Fast and Effective Method of Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Xu Kai
Published: December 2021

In this study, we analyzed the feasibility of various carbon neutral methods based on the first principles of biogeochemistry, namely energy use efficiency and elemental stoichiometry. We believe that wood burial is the only currently feasible carbon neutrality method because this method has no theoretical uncertainties, can be implemented immediately, is large scale, low cost, has low technical requirements, and has a relatively low impact on agriculture.
Internacionalização em casa pela telecolaboração:
Authors: Schaefer Rodrigo , Heemann Christiane
Published: December 2021

A telecolaboração, definida como o uso de tecnologias on-line no ensino-aprendizagem de línguas entre alunos geograficamente dispersos (O’DOWD, 2013a) assume, conforme O’Dowd (2021), relevância para a comunicação intercultural no contexto da Internacionalização em Casa (IeC) (BEELEN; JONES, 2015). Esta última representa uma internacionalização mais inclusiva, materializada pelo desenvolvimento de competências, tais como a competência internacional, a intercultural e a global, no interior da própria instituição. Considerando que o processo de Internacionalização do Currículo (IoC) ocorre à luz da abordagem intercultural (LUNA, 2018a), um exercício de reflexão por parte dos autores deste estudo concernente ao grau de internacionalização da disciplina Inglês Instrumental em um curso do Instituto Federal Catarinense (IFC) revelou que a referida disciplina não abrange indicativos de internacionalização alicerçados nos aportes teóricos da IoC pela perspectiva intercultural. Uma alternativa encontrada foi a implementação de três ações, envolvendo  telecolaboração mediante projetos, articuladas com a disciplina em tela. Nosso estudo, de abordagem qualitativa, teve o objetivo de discutir como a IeC tem sido materializada no IFC por meio da telecolaboração. Os dados que foram submetidos a análises foram coletados mediante relatos de experiência e entrevista. O estudo mostrou que as atividades telecolaborativas têm contribuído para processos iniciais de IeC na instituição, no sentido de que tem havido oportunidades para o encontro e diálogo interculturais entre brasileiros e falantes de espanhol e de inglês de diferentes países. Ainda, tem sido possível, por meio de tais atividades, fomentar a discussão sobre essencialismos culturais, pensamentos hegemônicos e diferentes questões relacionadas às sociedades contemporâneas.
Programa de Extensão em Atenção Plena e o uso de mídias digitais para promoção de bem-estar
Authors: Pasini Josiane , Andrade Ana Maria Jung de
Published: December 2021

Atenção Plena é o termo em português, originado de mindfulness, utilizado para designar a prática de atividades conscientes, utilizando a respiração como âncora para manter a atenção no momento presente. É uma prática cujos benefícios são comprovados na redução de sintomas de estresse e ansiedade. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar as ações do “Programa Atenção Plena: a consciência para o aqui e agora” e a forma como as mídias digitais foram imprescindíveis para seu alcance na comunidade acadêmica. O Programa Atenção Plena é um programa de extensão executado no Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Sul - Campus Bento Gonçalves. O Programa foi elaborado e realizado durante a pandemia ocasionada pela COVID-19. Semanalmente foram produzidos vídeos e textos orientando a prática de Atenção Plena, baseada no programa de oito semanas do livro Atenção Plena – Mindfulness: Como encontrar a paz em um mundo frenético, de Mark Williams e Danny Penman. Os vídeos foram publicados nos websites institucionais, no canal do Youtube do Campus Bento Gonçalves, nos perfis do Instagram e Facebook e enviados via e-mail institucional para servidores e discentes. Como resultados, tivemos boa aceitação da comunidade, longo espectro de alcance, produção de materiais e legado institucional, divulgação sobre estratégias de cuidado em saúde e aproximação de outros profissionais com interesses correlatos. O formato virtual limitou apenas o acompanhamento e a avaliação individuais e sugerimos ampliar ações com novos projetos de pesquisa, ensino e extensão utilizando a metodologia e recursos apresentados de forma complementar.
Olimpíada Brasileira de Informática – OBI 2020
Authors: Rossi Leila Lisiane , Silva Dyeizon Procopiuk da , Araujo Kennedy Ferreira , Pinheiro Fábio José Rodrigues , Mariani Wagner Carlos , Rosa Angela Maria Crotti
Published: December 2021

O artigo descreve o projeto de extensão realizado anualmente no Instituto Federal Catarinense – IFC - Videira, intitulado Olimpíada Brasileira de Informática – OBI, uma competição Nacional promovida pela Universidade de Campinas – UNICAMP. A Olimpíada é composta por 2 modalidades: Iniciação e Programação, abrangendo alunos do ensino fundamental, médio e graduação. No IFC - Videira foi proposto um projeto de extensão para incentivar as escolas de Videira - SC a participarem da Olimpíada Brasileira de Informática – OBI, desde 2017. O foco no presente artigo é descrever o projeto OBI 2020, o qual foi realizado de forma remota devido à pandemia. Inicialmente, na Fase Local, inscreveram-se 251 estudantes de três escolas, incluindo o IFC – Videira e, para a Fase Estadual, foram selecionados conforme regulamento, entre os que realizaram a prova, os 15% melhores de cada escola que acertarem pelo menos um terço das questões e destes, 5% dos melhores em nível nacional. Na Modalidade Iniciação, foram classificados 8 alunos para a Fase Estadual. Os participantes do segundo ano do curso técnico em Informática Integrado e da Graduação em Ciência da Computação do IFC - Videira foram 10 inscritos na modalidade Programação Nível 1 e Sênior, e desses, 1 foi aprovado para as Etapas Estadual e Nacional. Além disso, foi realizado um minicurso de lógica e programação para os competidores da Modalidade Iniciação que participaram da etapa Nacional na OBI 2019.
Crianças e adolescentes em ação no LIPLEI:
Authors: Silva Virginia Renata Vilar da , Andrade Danyelle Almeida de , De Bona Viviane , Paula Guilherme Gutemberg Barbosa de , Souza Karla Paloma Silva , Justino Jéssica Vitória da Conceição , Silva Janaina Maria da , Silva Ellen Damonys Pereira da
Published: December 2021

Com o objetivo de socializar experiências extensionistas no contexto remoto, este artigo se propõe a compartilhar o desenvolvimento de oficinas para crianças e adolescentes, realizadas pelo Laboratório de Estudos, Pesquisa e Extensão sobre Infâncias e Projetos Lúdico-Educacionais Inclusivos (LIPLEI). Esse projeto é vinculado ao Grupo de Estudos e Pesquisa Interdisciplinar em Formação Humana, Representações e Identidades (GEPIFHRI), da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), e desenvolve projetos de pesquisa, extensão e formação de professores(as). No que concerne à extensão, o LIPLEI se apresenta como um laboratório de observação e experimentação que desperta o interesse tanto no aprofundamento dos estudos dos processos de ensino e de aprendizagem quanto nas questões que se referem à cultura lúdica infantil. Almeja ainda oferecer ações extensionistas que permitam às crianças e adolescentes o contato e as vivências com situações maker e que contribuam para a formação de futuros(as) professores(as). Dessa forma, este texto descreve duas oficinas oferecidas, remotamente, para crianças no período de agosto de 2020 a maio de 2021. Os títulos das oficinas são “Construção de animações em Stop Motion” e “Construção de Quadrinhos Digitais com o StoryboardThat”. Este relato contempla desde o planejamento até a vivência de cada uma delas. Destaca-se que as atividades extensionistas desenvolvidas pelo LIPLEI lograram êxito. Conforme os pressupostos da Cultura Maker, foi viável a criação de encontros interativos que contaram com a participação e protagonismo das crianças. Também foi possível articular o uso das tecnologias digitais com processos educativos ativos, que garantiram às crianças uma aprendizagem criativa, lúdica e compartilhada.
The Propagation Properties of a Laguerre–Gaussian Beam in Nonlinear Plasma
Authors: Qiangbo Suo , Han Yiping , Cui Zhiwei
Published: December 2021

The self-focusing properties of the Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beam in nonlinear plasma, characterized by significant collisional or ponderomotive nonlinearity have been explored. The second-order differential equation of the beam width is established from Maxwell’s equations with Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin (WKB) and paraxial like approximation. The effect of the vortex charge number, intensity parameter and plasma temperature on the self-focusing properties of the Laguerre-Gaussian beam has been investigated.
Synthesis of Copper–nitrogen Codoped Carbon Quantum Dots Using Frangipani as a Carbon Source and Application of Metronidazole Determination
Authors: Lan Lan Yuwei , Lan Yuwei , Bao Wenbin , Liang Chunfeng , Li Guowei , Yang Jiachu , Wei Liubai , Su Qionghua
Published: December 2021

High-fluorescence Cu/N codoped carbon quantum dots (Cu/NCQDs) were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method using frangipani as the carbon source and copper acetate as the copper source. The Cu/NCQDs exhibited high-intensity, stable blue fluorescence that is independent of the excitation wavelength. Since metronidazole can effectively quench the fluorescence intensity of Cu/NCQDs, a metronidazole fluorescence-detection method using Cu/NCQDs as the fluorescence probe was developed, and the quenching mechanism was studied.The method has the advantages of simplicity, speed, and low cost. Besides,it has a wider linear range and detection limit. Further, the metronidazole content in actual samples was determined by this method, with good results.
COVID 19 breakthrough infection risk: a simple physical model describing the dependence on antibody concentration
Authors: Williams David E
Published: December 2021

The empirically-observed dependence on blood IgG anti-receptor binding domain antibody concentration of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy against infection has a rational explanation in the statistics of binding of antibody to spike proteins on the virus surface: namely that the probability of protection is the probability of antibody binding to more than a critical number of the spike proteins protruding from the virus. The model is consistent with the observed antibody concentrations required to induce immunity and with the observed dependence of vaccine efficacy on antibody concentration and thus is a useful tool in the development of models to relate, for an individual person, risk of breakthrough infection given measured antibody concentration
Predesign cost estimation of a potential wastewater treatment plant for Jordan petroleum refinery-Electrocoagulation
Authors: Sakhel Simon , Geissen Sven-Uwe
Published: December 2021

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether simulated Jordan refinery wastewater can be treated through electrocoagulation (EC) to conform to the most stringent Jordanian norms for reusing this wastewater for irrigation of cut flowers and to perform cost analysis for a treatment plant whose core are the EC reactors. The method used for estimating the fixed (capital) costs of the treatment plant is taken from literature and is based on a study estimate (factored estimate) that depends on the knowledge of major items of equipment. Most of the operating costs are estimated based on percentages which are also taken from literature. The best percentage removal of COD, BOD, TSS, fat, oil& grease (FOG), bicarbonate (HCO3 −), and phenol from simulated Jordan refinery wastewater so that it conforms to Jordanian norms were 84.4%, 82.1%, 27.3%, at least 98.8%, 94.9%, at least 96.7%, respectively, at a current of 10 A, treatment time of 5 minutes, Al/SS electrodes, and inter-electrode distance 10 mm. Overall treatment costs for the simulated wastewater was 10.75 $/m3 (27 $/kg CODremoved). It is concluded that simulated Jordan refinery wastewater cannot be treated so that it conforms to the most stringent norms for using the treated wastewater for cut flowers irrigation but could be treated enough to conform to the Jordanian norms for using the treated water for irrigation of cooked vegetables, parks, and playgrounds. Moreover, EC is a suitable technology for the treatment of Jordanian recalcitrant refinery wastewater and the cost for its treatment is affordable.
Coping with and Adapting to Climate and Non-Climate Stressors Within the Small-Scale Farming, Fishing and Seaweed Growing Sectors, Zanzibar
Authors: Makame Makame Omar , Shackleton Sheona , Filho walter Leal
Published: December 2021

The Eastern African region is witnessing changes in climate conditions and rising sea levels due to the influences of global warming interacting with weather phenomenon such as El Nino and La Nina. These trends, as well as more intense extreme weather events, highlight the urgent need for appropriate adaptation responses at both the national and local level. This is especially the case for the numerous small islands of the region that are particularly vulnerable to climate change. This paper reports on a study that examined coping and adaptation responses to climate and non-climate stressors amongst coastal communities on two Zanzibar islands (Pemba and Unguja) in Tanzania. The study focused on three of the primary livelihood activities on the islands, namely, seaweed growing, fishing, and crop and livestock farming. Using mainly survey data, we explored the responses of farmers, fishermen, and seaweed growers to multiple shocks and stressors. We further investigated responses that were discontinued for various reasons, as well as any barriers to adaptation encountered by these communities. We found that coastal communities in both Kiuyu Mbuyuni, Pemba and Matemwe, Unguja face a range of interrelated shocks and stressors linked to their livelihood activities, some of which they were able to respond to primarily through coping strategies. However, their attempts to adapt in the longer term as well as to venture outside their traditional activities were constrained by several barriers. Some of these barriers operate beyond the individual and community capability to overcome, whilst others - like social and cultural barriers – can be addressed at the local level but need a concerted effort and political will. We draw the findings together into a conceptual framework to help unpack the implications these hold for coastal communities on the two islands. We then suggest ways to build resilience in local livelihoods and overcome barriers to climate change adaptation in the future.
Awareness About Colorectal Cancer among Young Adults in Poland
Authors: Fudalej Marta , Badowska-Kozakiewicz Anna , Pikul Julia , Deptała Andrzej
Published: December 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most predominant malignancies among the adult population. Most cases of CRC develop from non-malignant precursor lesions called adenomas over a long time, which provides an opportunity for prevention with screening programmes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness level concerning colorectal cancer epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, and prevention among young society in Poland. The knowledge was examined with an anonymous survey between February and March 2021. Statistical analysis was performed and differences were considered significant if the p-value obtained was smaller than the assumed level of significance p ≤ 0.05. Respondents were mostly female, living in a city, with a population of over 500 thousand. The study acquired information that might guide educators about knowledge deficit among young society in Poland. The results confirmed that education, family/friends history of CRC and a place of residence differentiate knowledge and awareness about CRC. They revealed a significant knowledge gap between rural and urban inhabitants as well as a medical and non-medical group.
Fungal Spores in Insect Trapping Fluids: Simultaneous Sampling for Insects and Pathogens
Authors: Berube Jean A , Allison Jeremy D. , Rooyen Kate Van , Hughes Cory , Gagné Patrick N. , Sweeney Jon
Published: December 2021

Surveillance for early detection of non-native, invasive pathogens requires simple, sturdy, and easy to use collecting devices. In this study, we compared the fungal species detected in wet collection cups of Lindgren traps versus those detected on slides with oiled cheesecloth as aerial spore collectors. DNA was extracted and amplified from both using the primers ITS1F -ITS7G, and Illumina sequencing was used for metabarcoding of fungi present in samples. In 90 samples there were 1277 fungal OTUs. For fungal OTUs only detected by one collection method, insect traps had three times the number of fungal OTUs compared to slides, and this pattern persisted when analyses were restricted to pathogens and forest pathogens. Annually, thousands of insect traps are deployed in North America and the associated trap fluids have added value in forest disease research and monitoring.
Biostabilization of Gold Mine Tailings: Co-Inoculation of Cyanobacteria Under Sterile and Non-Sterile Conditions
Authors: Rezasoltani Samira , Champagne Pascale , Mann Vanessa
Published: December 2021

Cyanobacterial crust formation has attracted attention for stabilizing erosion-susceptible soils in desert regions. However, limited information exists on its application in waste impoundments such as mine tailings. Identifying suitable inoculants with the ability to develop biocrusts in the more toxic conditions of mine tailings represents a challenge for exploiting this biotechnology for such applications. In this study, the performance of two nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (Anabaena sp. and Nostoc muscorum), individually and as a consortium, in creating biocrusts over gold mine tailings were investigated under sterile and non-sterile conditions. The results showed that Anabaena sp. and the co-inoculation of the species promoted higher synthesis of chlorophyll-a and total EPS compared to N. muscorum. The inoculated strains also exhibited different responses in the amount of the EPS fractions. The less soluble and more condensed tightly bound EPS represented a higher fraction of total EPS with co-inoculation and N. muscorum. With respect to wind erosion resistance and compressive strength of the biocrusts generated, co-inoculation showed better performance, followed by N. muscorum, while Anabaena sp. appeared to be less effective. The presence of indigenous microbial community within the tailings influenced the biostabilization performance of Anabaena sp., while the influence was insignificant under co-inoculation and N. muscorum. Overall, inoculating the cyanobacteria in a mixture with complementary traits (higher chlorophyll-a synthesis and total EPS secretion of Anabaena sp. vs. higher TB-EPS fraction and filamentous growth of N. muscorum) presented an effective strategy in the development of a resistant biocrust against wind erosion. With this inoculation strategy, the beneficial effects of the individual strains on biocrust formation could be combined, thus a comparatively stronger structure could be formed. Besides chlorophyll-a content, factors such as cyanobacteria morphology and EPS fractions would contribute to the biostabilization process. The results also suggested that sterilization of the tailings would influence the performance of cyanobacteria depending on the inoculant. Thus, the response of inoculants to other microbial communities should be considered prior to field-scale application.
Adjuvant Radiotherapy is Associated with an Increase of Survival of Old (Aged Over 80 Years) and Very Old (Aged Over 90 Years) Women with Breast Cancer Receiving Breast-Conserving Surgery
Authors: Zhang Jiaqiang , Sum Shao-Yin , Chang Chia-Lun , Hsu Jeng-Guan , Chiang Ming-Feng , Lee Tian-Shyug , Wu Szu-Yuan
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND: To date,no data on the effect of adjuvant whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) on oncologic outcomes, such as all-cause death, locoregional recurrence (LRR), and distant metastasis (DM), are available forold (aged ≥80 years) and very old (≥90 years) women with breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) receiving breast-conserving conservative surgery (BCS).PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled old (≥80 yearsold) and very old (≥90 yearsold) women with breast IDC who had received BCS followed by adjuvant WBRT or no adjuvant WBRT. We groupedthem based on adjuvant WBRT status and compared their overall survival (OS), LRR, and DM outcomes. To reduce the effects of potential confounders when comparing all-cause mortality between the groups, propensity score matching was performed.RESULTS:Overall, 752 older women with IDC received BCS followed by adjuvant WBRT, and 752 with IDC received BCS with no adjuvant WBRT.In multivariable Cox regression analysis, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of all-cause death for adjuvant WBRT compared with no adjuvant WBRT in older women with IDC receiving BCS was 0.56 (0.44-0.70). The aHRs (95% CIs) of LRR and DM foradjuvant WBRT were 0.29 (0.19-0.45) and 0.45 (0.32-0.62), respectively, compared with no adjuvant WBRT.CONCLUSION: Adjuvant WBRT was associated with decreases in all-cause death, LRR, and DM in old (aged ≥80 years) and very old (aged ≥90 years) women with IDC compared with no adjuvant WBRT.Condensed Abstract: This study is the first to examine the effect of adjuvant whole-breast radiotherapy (WBRT) on oncologic outcomes such as all-cause death, locoregional recurrence (LRR), and distant metastasis (DM) in old (aged ≥80 years) and very old (aged ≥90 years) women with breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) receiving breast-conserving surgery. After propensity score matching, adjuvant WBRT was associated with decreases in all-cause death, LRR, and DM in old and very old women with IDC compared with no use of adjuvant WBRT.
Rock Thickness Identification by XGBoost with Logging Data
Authors: LIU Weikai , ZHAO Yanbin , YANG Mei , XU Yueqing , LI Guangming
Published: December 2021

Based on research on the response mechanism of rock formations and reservoirs to logging curves, 12 logging curves selected by combining the depth characteristics of formations are proposed to identify rock formations and reservoirs using four algorithms: logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF) and XGBoost. Out of 60 wells in the study block, 57 wells were selected for training and learning, and the remaining 3 wells were used as prediction samples for testing the algorithm. The recognition of rock formations and reservoirs is performed by each of these four machine learning algorithms, and predictive knowledge is obtained separately. It was found that the accuracy of the 4 algorithms for rock formation and reservoir layer identification reached over 90%, but the XGBoost algorithm was found to be the best in terms of the 4 scoring criteria of F1-score, precision, recall and accuracy. The accuracy of rock formation identification could reach over 95%, and the correlation analysis between the logging curve and rock formation could be performed on this basis. The results show that the RMN, RLLD and RLLS have the most obvious responses to the sandstone layer, off-surface reservoir and effective thickness layer, and the CAL has the least effect on the formation and reservoir identification, which can provide an effective reference for the selection and dimensionality reduction of the subsequent logging curves.
No Impact of Psychosocial Stress on Glioblastoma Development
Authors: Durrechou Quentin , Engelhardt Julien , Jecko Vincent , Domblides Charlotte , Catry-Thomas Isabelle , Loiseau Hugues , Planchon Charlotte , De Grimal Sandrine , BRONNIMANN Charlotte
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Psychosocial stress represents an important source of questions in the potential implication of origin of cancer. The aim of the study was to assess stress prevalence prior to diagnosis of wild-type IDH glioblastoma.Methods: This prospective single-center study enrolled consecutive new cases of wild-type IDH glioblastoma diagnosed between December 2019 and March 2021 at the University Hospital of Bordeaux. A standardized patient self-assessment stress questionnaire explored both the presence of stressor exposure and the intensity of patient stress level prior to the diagnosis. Four groups were included: high stressors/high stress, high stressors/low stress, low stressors/low stress, and low stressors/high stress. Patient characteristics were collected. Statistical analysis was based on the Chi-square test and the Kaplan-Meier survival estimator.Results: Sixty-four patients with a median age of 66 years were included. Glioblastoma involved predominantly the frontal lobe (39%). Thirty-six patients (56.3%) presented a low stressor/low stress profile. Stress corresponded mainly to the death of a loved one or to family health problems. Among working professionals, 20 patients (67.5%) reported low-intensity work stress. A history of depression was found in 30%. Progression-free survival at 6 months was 45.3% and median overall survival was estimated to be 16.5 months. Level and presence of stress did not differ based on location of tumour. No association was found between stress and tumour progression or overall survival.Conclusion: A majority of patients in this study had low exposure to stressors as well as low stress level. Psychological stress did not seem to favour the emergence of glioblastoma or survival.
Intercomparison of Radiosensitization Induced by Gold and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Human Glioblastoma Cells Irradiated by 6 MV Photons
Authors: Guerra Danieli , Oliveira Elisa , Sonntag Amanda , Sbaraine Patrícia , Fay André , Morrone Fernanda , Papaleo Ricardo
Published: December 2021

In this work, an intercomparison of sensitization effects produced by gold (GNP) and dextran-coated iron oxide (SPION-DX) nanoparticles in M059J and U87 human glioblastoma cells was performed using 6MV-photons. Three variables were mapped: the nanoparticle material, treatment concentration, and cell radiosensitivity. For U87, GNP treatments resulted in high sensitization enhancement ratios (SER10% up to 2.04). More modest effects were induced by SPION-DX, but still significant reductions in survival were achieved (maximum SER10%=1.61). For the radiosensitive M059J, sensitization by both NPs was poor. SER10% increased with the degree of elemental uptake in the cells, but not necessarily with treatment concentration. For GNP, where exposure concentration and elemental uptake were found to be proportional, SER10% increased linearly with concentration in both cell lines. For SPION-DX, saturation of sensitization enhancement and metal uptake occurred at high exposures. Fold change in the α/β ratios extracted from survival curves are reduced by the presence of SPION-DX but strongly increased by GNPs, suggesting that sensitization by GNPs occurs mainly via promotion of lethal damage, while for SPION-DX repairable damage dominates. The NPs were more effective in eliminating the radioresistant glioblastoma cells, an interesting finding, as resistant cells are key targets to improve treatment outcome.
Broadband Design of Acoustic Metasurfaces for the Stabilization of a Mach 4 Boundary Layer Flow
Authors: Zhao Rui , Liu Xiao , Wen Chih-Yung , Wang Xiaoyong
Published: December 2021

A piecewise acoustic metasurface is designed to suppress the first mode while marginally amplifying the Mack second mode in a Mach 4 flat-plate boundary layer (BL) flow. The results of linear stability theory (LST) and the eN method demonstrate the stabilization effect and transition delay performance, respectively. However, the direct numerical simulation (DNS) results indicate that the designed broadband acoustic metasurface actually weakly excites the first mode with a slightly larger fluctuating pressure amplitude at the surface, which is in contrast to the analysis of LST. The discrepancies are found to lie in the ‘roughness’ effect caused by the recirculation zones inside the microslits and the alternating expansion and compression waves induced at the slit edges, which significantly amplifies the first mode. For further clarification of the competitive mechanism between the acoustic stabilization and ‘roughness’ destabilization effects of metasurfaces on the first mode, a carefully designed metasurface is installed at the maximum growth rate region, which excites the first mode on the metasurface but inhibits its development downstream.
NeuralTPL: a deep learning approach for efficient reaction
space exploration
Authors: Wan Yue , Li Xin , Wang Xiaorui , Hsieh Chang-Yu , Liao Ben , Yao Xiaojun , Zhang Shengyu
Published: December 2021

Computer-aided synthesis planning (CASP) has been helping chemists to synthesize novel molecules at an accelerated pace. The recent integration of deep learning with CASP has opened up new avenues for digitizing and exploring the vastly unknown chemical space, and has led to high expectations for fully automated synthesis plannings using machine-discovered novel reactions in the "future". Despite many progresses in the past few years, most deep-learning methods only focus on improving few aspects of CASP (e.g., top-k accuracy). In this work, we target specifically the efficiency of reaction space exploration and its impact on CASP. We propose NeuralTPL, a template-oriented generative approach, that performs impressively across a range of evaluation metrics including chemical validity, diversity, and novelty for various tasks in CASP. In addition, our Transformer-based model bears the potential to learn the core reaction transformation as it can efficiently explore the reaction space. We then perform several experiments and conduct a thorough analysis regarding the three metrics and demonstrate its chemical value for improving the existing deep-learning-driven CASP algorithms.
Segmentation of Tomato Growing Truss a Depth Image Conversion Model Based on CycleGAN
Authors: Jung Dae-Hyun , Kim Cheoul Young , Lee Taek Sung , Park Soo Hyun
Published: December 2021

Background: The truss on tomato plants is a group or cluster of smaller stems where flowers and fruit develop, while a growing truss is the most extended part of the stem. Because the state of the growing truss reacts sensitively to the surrounding environment, it is essential to control the growth in the early stages. With the recent development of IT and artificial intelligence technology in agriculture, a previous study developed a real-time acquisition and evaluation method for images using robots. Further, we used image processing to locate the growing truss and flowering rooms to extract growth information such as the height of the flower room and hard crab. Among the different vision algorithms, the CycleGAN algorithm was used to generate and transform unpaired images using generatively learning images. In this study, we developed a robot-based system for simultaneously acquiring RGB and depth images of the tomato growing truss and flower room groups.Results: The segmentation performance for approximately 35 samples was compared through the false negative (FN) and false positive (FP) indicators. For the depth camera image, we obtained FN as 17.55±3.01% and FP as 17.76±3.55%. Similarly, for CycleGAN, we obtained FN as approximately 19.24±1.45% and FP as 18.24±1.54%. As a result of image processing through depth image, IoU was 63.56 ± 8.44%, and when segmentation was performed through CycelGAN, IoU was 69.25 ± 4.42%, indicating that CycleGAN is advantageous in extracting the desired growing truss. Conclusions: The scannability was confirmed when the image scanning robot drove in a straight line through the plantation in the tomato greenhouse, which confirmed the on-site possibility of the image extraction technique using CycleGAN. In the future, the proposed approach is expected to be used in vision technology to scan the tomato growth indicators in greenhouses using an unmanned robot platform.
Cationic Amino Acid Transporter-1 (CAT-1) Promotes Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes Proliferation and Cytokine Secretion by Taking Up L-Arginine in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lu Ying , Hao Chongbo , Yu Shanshan , Ma Zuan , Fu Xuelian , Qin Mingqing , Ding Menglei , Xu Zengguang , Fan Lieying
Published: December 2021

Background: Abnormal proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) in the synovial lining layer is the primary cause of synovial hyperplasia and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, the relationship between metabolic abnormalities and FLS proliferation is a new focus of investigation. However, little is known regarding the relationship between amino acid metabolism and RA. Methods: The concentrations of amino acids and cytokines in the synovial fluid of RA (n=9) and osteoarthritis (OA,n=9) were detected by LC-MS/MS and CBA assay, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of CAT-1 were determined in FLSs isolated from RA and OA patients by real-time PCR and western blotting. MTT assay, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion and cytokine secretion were determined in FLSs knocked down of CAT-1 using siRNA or treated with D-arginine under normoxic and hypoxic culture conditions. A mouse collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was applied to test the therapeutic potential of blocking the uptake of L-arginine in vivo.Results: L-arginine was upregulated in the synovial fluid of RA patients and was positively correlated with elevation of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. Further examination demonstrated that cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1) was the primary transporter for L-arginine and was overexpressed on RA FLSs compared to OA FLSs. Moreover, knockdown of CAT-1 using siRNA or inhibition of L-arginine uptake using D-arginine significantly suppressed L-arginine metabolism, cell proliferation, migration and cytokine secretion in RA FLSs under normoxic and hypoxic culture conditions in vitro but increased cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, in vivo assays revealed that an L-arginine-free diet or blocking the uptake of L-arginine using D-arginine suppressed arthritis progression in CIA mice. Conclusion: CAT-1 is upregulated and promotes FLS proliferation by taking up L-arginine, thereby promoting RA progression.
Rapid meniscus-guided printing of stable semi-solid-state liquid metal microgranular-particle for soft electronics
Authors: Lee Gun-Hee , Lee Ye RIm , Kim Hanul , Kwon Do A , Kim Hyeonji , Choi Siyoung , Jeong Jae-Woong , Park Steve
Published: December 2021

Liquid metal (LM) is being regarded as the most feasible material for soft electronics owing to its distinct combination of high conductivity comparable to that of metals and exceptional deformability derived from its liquid state. However, the applicability of LM is still limited due to the difficulty of achieving its mechanical stability and intrinsic conductivity. Furthermore, reliable and rapid patterning of stable LM directly on various soft substrates at high-resolution remains a formidable challenge. In this work, meniscus-guided printing of ink containing polyelectrolyte-attached LM microgranular-particle (PaLMP) in an aqueous solvent to generate semi-solid-state LM is presented. PaLMP printed in the evaporative regime is mechanically stable, intrinsically conductive, and patternable down to 50 µm on various substrates. Demonstrations of the ultrastretchable (~500% strain) electrical circuit, customized e-skin, and zero-waste ECG sensor validate the simplicity, versatility, and reliability of this manufacturing strategy, enabling broad utility in the development of advanced soft electronics.
Nicotine Activating α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors to Suppress Neuroinflammation via JAK2-STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Ischemic Rats and Inflammatory Cells
Authors: Wang Qi , Gou Jinyu , Guo Shenrui , Wei Feng , Han Tingting , Lai Ruihe , Zhang Dalong , Diao Yao , Yin Yafu
Published: December 2021

Nicotine plays a role in inhibiting the inflammatory factors, which contributes to improving cognitive impairment by activating α4β2 nAChRs in ischemic rats, but the underling mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Janus tyrosine kinase 2-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2-STAT3) signaling pathway is involved in cognitive improvement, and there seems a relationship between nAChRs and JAK2-STAT3 as well. This study was designed to investigate the role of JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway in nicotine-mediated anti-inflammation effect. Nicotine, DHβE (the most potent competitive antagonist of α4β2 nAChRs) and AG490 (a specific JAK2-STAT3 blocker) were adopted for intervention treatment in ischemic rats and HEK-293T-hα4β2 cells. Morris Water Maze (MWM) test and 2-[18F]-A-85380 PET imaging were performed to detect the cognition and α4β2 nAChRs in ischemic rats. The results demonstrated that nicotine intervention increased the density of α4β2 nAChRs and improved cognitive impairment, but this effect would be blocked by AG490, while receptors were still upregulated. Essentially, when JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway was blocked, nicotine could only upregulate the expression of α4β2 nAChRs, but not improve the cognitive function. The results were further confirmed by PCR and Western blot analysis. The cell experiments also showed that nicotine could reduce inflammatory factors stimulated by LPS and upregulate the expression of pJAK2 and pSTAT3 in HEK-293T-hα4β2 cells, while AG490 and DHβE reversed nicotine’s effect. In summary, our work indicated that JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway played an important role in nicotine-induced cognitive improvement by up-regulating α4β2 nAChRs in ischemic rats.