bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Left Atrial Size in the Context of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Which Echocardiographic Method Correlates to Outcome of Pulmonary Venous Isolation?
Authors: Leitz Patrick , Stebel Lena Marie , Andresen Christian , Ellermann Christian , Güner Fatih , Reinke Florian , Kochhäuser Simon , Frommeyer Gerrit , Köbe Julia , Wasmer Kristina , Lange Philipp S. , Orwat Stefan , Eckardt Lars , Dechering Dirk G.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Multiple studies have shown that left atrial (LA) enlargement is a strong predictor of poor outcome after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). LA size is commonly approximated as the diameter in the parasternal long axis. It remains unknown whether more precise echocardiographic measurements of LA size allow for better correlation with outcome after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Methods and results: We performed a retrospective study of 131 consecutive patients (43 females, 60% paroxysmal AF, mean CHA2DS2-Vasc score 1.6, mean age 61 ± 12 years) referred for PVI. Measurements of the LA were carried out by a single observer in transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE) performed prior to ablation. We calculated diameter of the LA in the parasternal long axis (PLAX), LA area in the 2- as well as 4-Chamber (CH) view. LA volume was computed using the disc summation technique (LAV) and indexed to body surface area (LAVI). Procedural and follow-up data were gathered from a prospective AF database. Ablation was performed exclusively using the second generation cryoballoon by the same operators. Follow-up visits at 3, 6 and 12 months showed freedom from AF in 76%, 73% and 73% respectively. Mean values of LA calculations were LAPLAX: 37.9 mm ± 6.3 mm, 2CH area: 22.5 cm2 ± 6.7 cm2, 4CH area: 21.4 cm2 ± 5.5 cm2, LAV: 73.7 mL ± 26.1 mL and LAVI: 36.2 mL/m2 ± 12.7 mL/m2, respectively. C statistic revealed the best concordance of LAVI with outcome after 12 months (C = 0.67), LAV also exhibited a satisfactory value (C = 0.61) in comparison to surfaces in 2CH (C = 0.59) and 4CH (C = 0.57). PLAX showed the worst correlation (C = 0.51). Additionally, different binary logistic regression models identified three independent predictors of AF outcome after cryoballoon PVI: gender (OR = 0.95 per year; p = 0.01); LAV (OR = 1.3/10mL; p = 0.02) and LAVI (OR = 1.58/10 mL/m2; p = 0.02). In all models, PLAX and area measurements were not predictive. Conclusions: Our data add further to evidence that LA size lends itself well as a predictor of PVI outcome. LAVI and LAV were independently predictive of rhythm outcome after PVI. This did not hold true for more commonly used measurements, such as PLAX diameter and surfaces of the LA, irrespective of the view chosen.
From Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 to CTLA-4 and to MUC1—Is the Better Response to Treatment in Smokers of Cancer Patients Drug Specific?
Authors: Wang Lishi , Liu Fengxia , Li Jing , Ma Li , Feng Helin , Liu Qingyi , Cho William C. , Chen Haiyong , Chen Hong , Guo Hua , Li Zhujun , Howard Scott C. , Li Minghui , Shan Baoen , Gu Weikuan , Ji Jiafu
Published: September 2021

Whether smokers respond to anti-cancer drugs differently than non-smokers remains controversial. The objective of this study is to explore whether the better response of the smokers is specific to therapy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1, anti-checkpoint inhibitor, individual drugs on the cell surface, or lung cancer. Our results showed that among all non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, when the data from anti-PD-1/PD-L1, anti-CTLA-4, and anti-MUC1 drugs are combined, the mean hazard ratios (HR) of smokers and non-smokers were 0.751 and 1.016, respectively. A meta-analysis with a fixed effect (FE) model indicated that the smokers have an HR value of 0.023 lower than that of the non-smokers. A stratified subgroup meta-analysis indicated that when treated with anti-CTLA-4 drugs, smokers had reduced HR values of 0.152 and 0.165 on average and FE model meta-analysis, respectively. When treated with an anti-MUC1 drug, smokers had reduced HR values of 1.563 and 0.645, on average and FE model meta-analysis, respectively. When treated with a combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab drugs, smokers had, on average, reduced HR and FE model meta-analysis values (0.257 and 0.141), respectively. Smoking is a clinical response predictor for anti-PD/PD-L1 monotherapy or first-line treatment in lung, urothelial carcinoma, and head and neck cancer. Smokers treated with other drugs have shown worse responses in comparison to non-smokers. These data suggest that, along with the progress in the development of new drugs for cancer, drugs acting on specific genotypes of smokers likely will arise.
Adipogenic Stimulation and Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate Induced Osteogenic Inhibition of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Is Countered by Cordycepin
Authors: Patil Shankargouda , Reda Rodolfo , Boreak Nezar , Taher Hasan Ahmad , Melha Abdulaziz Abu , Albrakati Ashraf , Vinothkumar Thilla Sekar , Mustafa Mohammed , Robaian Ali , Alroomy Riyadh , Kharaf Rawabi Jaber Ahmed , Kameli Taif Sharafuddin , Alkahtani Ahmed , Baeshen Hosam Ali , Patil Vikrant R. , Testarelli Luca
Published: September 2021

Background: dental pulp-derived stem cells are easy to access and collect and are an excellent source of stem cells for regenerative therapy. These cells can interact with many biomolecules and scaffolds and can pass on the instructive signals to the sites of regeneration where they are used. In this regard cordycepin, a potential biomolecule derived from medicinal mushrooms with a spectrum of bioactive properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer has not yet been tested for its effect on human dental pulp stem cells. Objective: the objective of the present study was to assess the in vitro adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential of human dental pulp stem cells with or without induction after administration of cordycepin. Materials and methods: human dental pulp stem cells DPSCs were isolated from a healthy permanent tooth extracted for orthodontic purposes after obtaining informed consent. Flow cytometry technique was used to assess the surface markers of these cells such as CD73, CD90, and CD105, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. Further, an MTT assay was performed on the cells after subjecting them to various concentrations of cordycepin. Following this, the adipogenic and osteogenic potential of the dental pulp stem cells was assessed with or without induction under the influence/absence of 5 µM of cordycepin. The results obtained were statistically analyzed and documented. Results: it was found that the dental pulp stem cells showed strong positive expression for CD73, CD90, and CD105 and faint expression of CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR. MTT assay revealed that 5 µM was the optimum concentration of cordycepin for all the assays. Concerning adipogenesis experiments, there was a statistically significant lowering of all the 4 adipogenesis-related genes PPARγ, FABP4, LPL, and C/EBPα following cordycepin treatment in the presence of induction compared to the only induction group and untreated control cells (p < 0.05). In connection with osteogenesis, was found that there was a statistically significant increase in the expression of RUNX2, COL1A1, OSX and OCN genes along with the increase in alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining in the DPSC treated with cordycepin along with the presence of induction and simultaneous addition of PDTC compared to the control untreated cells and cells treated with induction and simultaneous addition of PDTC (p < 0.05). Conclusion: cordycepin can be exploited for its osteopromotive properties and can be used as a bioactive molecule alongside the administration of dental pulp stem cells in the area of regenerative biology and medicine.
Effect of Initial Configuration of Weights on Training and Function of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Jesus Ricardo J. , Antunes Mário L. , da Costa Rui A. , Dorogovtsev Sergey N. , Mendes José F. F. , Aguiar Rui L.
Published: September 2021

The function and performance of neural networks are largely determined by the evolution of their weights and biases in the process of training, starting from the initial configuration of these parameters to one of the local minima of the loss function. We perform the quantitative statistical characterization of the deviation of the weights of two-hidden-layer feedforward ReLU networks of various sizes trained via Stochastic Gradient Descent (SGD) from their initial random configuration. We compare the evolution of the distribution function of this deviation with the evolution of the loss during training. We observed that successful training via SGD leaves the network in the close neighborhood of the initial configuration of its weights. For each initial weight of a link we measured the distribution function of the deviation from this value after training and found how the moments of this distribution and its peak depend on the initial weight. We explored the evolution of these deviations during training and observed an abrupt increase within the overfitting region. This jump occurs simultaneously with a similarly abrupt increase recorded in the evolution of the loss function. Our results suggest that SGD’s ability to efficiently find local minima is restricted to the vicinity of the random initial configuration of weights.
Construction of Loose Positively Charged NF Membrane by Layer-by-Layer Grafting of Polyphenol and Polyethyleneimine on the PES/Fe Substrate for Dye/Salt Separation
Authors: Liu Shuai , Fang Xiaofeng , Lou Mengmeng , Qi Yihan , Li Ruo , Chen Gang , Li Yonglian , Liu Yanbiao , Li Fang
Published: September 2021

The effective separation of dyes and inorganic salts is highly desirable for recycling inorganic salts and water resource in printing and dyeing wastewater treatment. In this work, tannic acid (TA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were grafted on the PES/Fe ultrafiltration membrane via the coordination assembly and Michael addition strategy to fabricated a loose nanofiltration membrane (LNM). The effect of PEI concentration on membrane morphologies and properties was systematically investigated. The membrane surface becomes more hydrophilic and transforms into positive charge after the PEI grafting. The optimized PES/Fe-TA-PEI membrane possesses high pure water flux (124.6 L·m−2·h−1) and excellent dye rejections (98.5%, 99.8%, 98.4%, and 86.4% for Congo red, Eriochrome black T, Alcian blue 8GX, and Bromophenol blue, respectively) under 2 bar operation pressure. Meanwhile, the LNM showed a high Alcian blue 8GX rejection (>98.4%) and low NaCl rejection (<5.3%) for the dye/salt mixed solutions separation. Moreover, the PES/Fe-TA-PEI LNM exhibited good antifouling performance and long-term performance stability. These results reveal that such LNM shows great potential for effective fractionation of dyes and salts and recycling of textile wastewater.
Transmigration across a Steady-State Blood–Brain Barrier Induces Activation of Circulating Dendritic Cells Partly Mediated by Actin Cytoskeletal Reorganization
Authors: Meena Megha , Van Delen Mats , De Laere Maxime , Sterkens Ann , Costas Romero Coloma , Berneman Zwi , Cools Nathalie
Published: September 2021

The central nervous system (CNS) is considered to be an immunologically unique site, in large part given its extensive protection by the blood–brain barrier (BBB). As our knowledge of the complex interaction between the peripheral immune system and the CNS expands, the mechanisms of immune privilege are being refined. Here, we studied the interaction of dendritic cells (DCs) with the BBB in steady–state conditions and observed that transmigrated DCs display an activated phenotype and stronger T cell-stimulatory capacity as compared to non-migrating DCs. Next, we aimed to gain further insights in the processes underlying activation of DCs following transmigration across the BBB. We investigated the interaction of DCs with endothelial cells as well as the involvement of actin cytoskeletal reorganization. Whereas we were not able to demonstrate that DCs engulf membrane fragments from fluorescently labelled endothelial cells during transmigration across the BBB, we found that blocking actin restructuring of DCs by latrunculin-A significantly impaired in vitro migration of DC across the BBB and subsequent T cell-stimulatory capacity, albeit no effect on migration-induced phenotypic activation could be demonstrated. These observations contribute to the current understanding of the interaction between DCs and the BBB, ultimately leading to the design of targeted therapies capable to inhibit autoimmune inflammation of the CNS.
Utilisation of Mining Waste from the Steel Industry, Ladle Furnace Slags, as a Filler in Bituminous Mixtures of Continuous Grading
Authors: Nebreda-Rodrigo Francisco Javier , Terrones-Saeta Juan María , Suárez-Macías Jorge , Moreno-López Evaristo Rafael , Corpas-Iglesias Francisco Antonio , Martínez-García Carmen
Published: September 2021

Road construction is an activity that involves a large consumption of raw materials, with the consequent high environmental impact. For this reason, various research projects are being developed in which waste is used as a raw material for bituminous mixtures. This avoids the extraction of raw materials, reduces the environmental impact and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In this research, the incorporation of ladle furnace slag as a filler for continuous grading bituminous mixtures was evaluated. Firstly, the ladle furnace slag was chemically and physically characterised and its suitability for use as a filler was determined in accordance with the regulations. Subsequently, bituminous mixtures were conformed with the slag and also with commercial fillers, calcareous and hornfels, in order to compare the results. Finally, the physical properties, Marshall stability and the effect of water were determined with the immersion–compression test on all families of samples. The results showed that the mixes conformed with ladle furnace slag had higher Marshall stability, less variation due to the effect of water and acceptable physical properties. Consequently, the suitability of utilisation of these slags in bituminous mixtures could be confirmed.
Advances in Microstructural Characterization of Metals by EBSD
Authors: Simões Sónia
Published: September 2021

Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) is a material characterization technique that attracts many researchers to characterize different types of materials [...]
The Fabrication and Indentation of Cubic Silicon Carbide Diaphragm for Acoustic Sensing
Authors: Zawawi Siti Aisyah , Hamzah Azrul Azlan , Majlis Burhanuddin Yeop , Mohd-Yasin Faisal
Published: September 2021

In this study, 550 nm thick cubic silicon carbide square diaphragms were back etched from Si substrate. Then, indentation was carried out to samples with varying dimensions, indentation locations, and loads. The influence of three parameters is documented by analyzing load-displacement curves. It was found that diaphragms with bigger area, indented at the edge, and low load demonstrated almost elastic behaviour. Furthermore, two samples burst and one of them displayed pop-in behaviour, which we determine is due to plastic deformation. Based on optimum dimension and load, we calculate maximum pressure for elastic diaphragms. This pressure is sufficient for cubic silicon carbide diaphragms to be used as acoustic sensors to detect poisonous gasses.
Titanium Wear Particles Exacerbate S. epidermidis-Induced Implant-Related Osteolysis and Decrease Efficacy of Antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Siverino Claudia , Freitag Linda , Arens Daniel , Styger Ursula , Richards R. Geoff , Moriarty T. Fintan , Stadelmann Vincent A. , Thompson Keith
Published: September 2021

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) surgeries are common orthopedic procedures, but bacterial infection remains a concern. The aim of this study was to assess interactions between wear particles (WPs) and immune cells in vitro and to investigate if WPs affect the severity, or response to antibiotic therapy, of a Staphylococcus epidermidis orthopedic device-related infection (ODRI) in a rodent model. Biofilms grown on WPs were challenged with rifampin and cefazolin (100 µg/mL) to determine antibiotic efficacy. Neutrophils or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated with or without S. epidermidis and WPs, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and cytokine release were analyzed, respectively. In the ODRI rodent model, rats (n = 36) had a sterile or S. epidermidis-inoculated screw implanted in the presence or absence of WPs, and a subgroup was treated with antibiotics. Bone changes were monitored using microCT scanning. The presence of WPs decreased antibiotic efficacy against biofilm-resident bacteria and promoted MPO and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in vitro. WPs exacerbated osteolytic responses to S. epidermidis infection and markedly reduced antibiotic efficacy in vivo. Overall, this work shows that the presence of titanium WPs reduces antibiotic efficacy in vitro and in vivo, induces proinflammatory cytokine release, and exacerbates S. epidermidis-induced osteolysis.
Electrochemical Determination of Antioxidant Capacity of Traditional Homemade Fruit Vinegars Produced with Double Spontaneous Fermentation
Authors: Chochevska Maja , Jančovska Seniceva Elizabeta , Veličkovska Sanja Kostadinović , Naumova-Leţia Galaba , Mirčeski Valentin , Rocha João Miguel F. , Esatbeyoglu Tuba
Published: September 2021

In the current study, the antioxidant activity of traditional homemade fruit vinegars (HMV) was estimated by measuring the rate of homogeneous redox reaction with 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical cation (ABTS•+) using cyclic voltammetry. The antioxidant capacity of six HMV produced using traditional methods and the physicochemical characterization were measured in different vinegar production steps throughout a double spontaneous fermentation process, i.e., without any addition of yeasts or acetic acid bacteria. Their antioxidant capacity was compared with seven fruit commercial vinegars (ComV). Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity was independently measured with the TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) assay, aiming at correlating with the electrochemical experimental data. Obtained results from both methods, the electrochemical and TEAC assays, interestingly indicated that all HMV have at least 10 times higher antioxidant activity than ComV. Furthermore, the large range of values for antioxidant capacity in samples of commercial vinegars from apples attested the importance of the raw material quality and technological procedures. The positive correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity measured by the two type of assays indicated that rose hip homemade vinegar (HMV5) has the highest antioxidant capacity. In contrast, the lowest levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity were found in apple and persimmon homemade vinegars (HMV1 and HMV6, respectively) which indicated that the type of fruit is crucial towards the production of high-quality vinegars. In this way, the use of traditional processes for the production of fruit vinegars proved to be very promising in terms of producing differentiated vinegars and, concomitantly, reaching high levels of health-promoting antioxidant capacities.
A Brief Overview of Electrochromic Materials and Related Devices: A Nanostructured Materials Perspective
Authors: Shchegolkov Aleksei Viktorovich , Jang Sung-Hwan , Shchegolkov Alexandr Viktorovich , Rodionov Yuri Viktorovich , Sukhova Anna Olegovna , Lipkin Mikhail Semenovich
Published: September 2021

Exactly 50 years ago, the first article on electrochromism was published. Today electrochromic materials are highly popular in various devices. Interest in nanostructured electrochromic and nanocomposite organic/inorganic nanostructured electrochromic materials has increased in the last decade. These materials can enhance the electrochemical and electrochromic properties of devices related to them. This article describes electrochromic materials, proposes their classification and systematization for organic inorganic and nanostructured electrochromic materials, identifies their advantages and shortcomings, analyzes current tendencies in the development of nanomaterials used in electrochromic coatings (films) and their practical use in various optical devices for protection from light radiation, in particular, their use as light filters and light modulators for optoelectronic devices, as well as methods for their preparation. The modern technologies of “Smart Windows”, which are based on chromogenic materials and liquid crystals, are analyzed, and their advantages and disadvantages are also given. Various types of chromogenic materials are presented, examples of which include photochromic, thermochromic and gasochromic materials, as well as the main physical effects affecting changes in their optical properties. Additionally, this study describes electrochromic technologies based on WO3 films prepared by different methods, such as electrochemical deposition, magnetron sputtering, spray pyrolysis, sol–gel, etc. An example of an electrochromic “Smart Window” based on WO3 is shown in the article. A modern analysis of electrochromic devices based on nanostructured materials used in various applications is presented. The paper discusses the causes of internal and external size effects in the process of modifying WO3 electrochromic films using nanomaterials, in particular, GO/rGO nanomaterials.
High-Throughput Calculations on the Decomposition Reactions of Off-Stoichiometry GeSbTe Alloys for Embedded Memories
Authors: Abou El Kheir Omar , Bernasconi Marco
Published: September 2021

Chalcogenide GeSbTe (GST) alloys are exploited as phase change materials in a variety of applications ranging from electronic non-volatile memories to neuromorphic and photonic devices. In most applications, the prototypical Ge2Sb2Te5 compound along the GeTe-Sb2Te3 pseudobinary line is used. Ge-rich GST alloys, off the pseudobinary tie-line with a crystallization temperature higher than that of Ge2Sb2Te5, are currently explored for embedded phase-change memories of interest for automotive applications. During crystallization, Ge-rich GST alloys undergo a phase separation into pure Ge and less Ge-rich alloys. The detailed mechanisms underlying this transformation are, however, largely unknown. In this work, we performed high-throughput calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) to uncover the most favorable decomposition pathways of Ge-rich GST alloys. The knowledge of the DFT formation energy of all GST alloys in the central part of the Ge-Sb-Te ternary phase diagram allowed us to identify the cubic crystalline phases that are more likely to form during the crystallization of a generic GST alloy. This scheme is exemplified by drawing a decomposition map for alloys on the Ge-Ge1Sb2Te4 tie-line. A map of decomposition propensity is also constructed, which suggests a possible strategy to minimize phase separation by still keeping a high crystallization temperature.
Preparation and Ballistic Performance of a Multi-Layer Armor System Composed of Kevlar/Polyurea Composites and Shear Thickening Fluid (STF)-Filled Paper Honeycomb Panels
Authors: Chang Chang-Pin , Shih Cheng-Hung , You Jhu-Lin , Youh Meng-Jey , Liu Yih-Ming , Ger Ming-Der
Published: September 2021

In this study, the ballistic performance of armors composed of a polyurea elastomer/Kevlar fabric composite and a shear thickening fluid (STF) structure was investigated. The polyurea used was a reaction product of aromatic diphenylmethane isocyanate (A agent) and amine-terminated polyether resin (B agent). The A and B agents were diluted, mixed and brushed onto Kevlar fabric. After the reaction of A and B agents was complete, the polyurea/Kevlar composite was formed. STF structure was prepared through pouring the STF into a honeycomb paper panel. The ballistic tests were conducted with reference to NIJ 0101.06 Ballistic Test Specification Class II and Class IIIA, using 9 mm FMJ and 44 magnum bullets. The ballistic test results reveal that polyurea/Kevlar fabric composites offer better impact resistance than conventional Kevlar fabrics and a 2 mm STF structure could replace approximately 10 layers of Kevlar in a ballistic resistant layer. Our results also showed that a high-strength composite laminate using the best polyurea/Kevlar plates combined with the STF structure was more than 17% lighter and thinner than the conventional Kevlar laminate, indicating that the high-strength protective material developed in this study is superior to the traditional protective materials.
Influence of Reinforcing Agents on the Mechanical Properties of Denture Base Resin: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aldegheishem Alhanoof , AlDeeb Modhi , Al-Ahdal Khold , Helmi Mohammad , Alsagob Eman I.
Published: September 2021

Knowledge about the influence of fillers in denture base resin is vague. This systematic review aimed to report the reinforcing effect of fillers on the mechanical properties of denture base resin by following PRISMA guidelines. Two electronic databases (Pubmed/Medline & Web of Science) were searched for articles using the keywords: fibers in denture base, fillers in denture base, and reinforcement of denture base. Laboratory studies complying with the inclusion criteria were reviewed according to the set protocol. The established focus question was: “Do reinforcing fillers positively influence the mechanical properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) heat polymerized denture base material?” A total of twenty-nine relevant papers qualified for final inclusion. Of these, 24 were determined to have a moderate risk of bias. Micron or nano-sized metal/metal oxides particles and glass fibers were the frequently used reinforcing agents. The trend of evaluating fractural strength (FS) was common. Most of the studies limited the use of reinforcing agents up to 5 wt.%. FS, fracture toughness (FT), and impact strength (IS) tend to increase if the fillers are chemically bonded and well-dispersed in denture base resin. Though fillers with a higher elastic modulus increase the hardness of the reinforced denture base resin, they compromise other mechanical properties. Well-dispersed lower filler loading PMMA denture base resin can enhance the FS, FT, and other related mechanical properties.
Characterization of Cure Behavior in Epoxy Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation Compared with Dielectric Analysis and DSC
Authors: Yan Shuang , Verestek Wolfgang , Zeizinger Harald , Schmauder Siegfried
Published: September 2021

The curing behavior of a thermosetting material that influences the properties of the material is a key issue for predicting the changes in material properties during processing. An empirical equation can describe the reaction kinetics of the curing behavior of an investigated material, which is usually estimated using experimental methods. In this study, the curing process of an epoxy resin, the polymer matrix in an epoxy molding compound, is computed concerning thermal influence using molecular dynamics. Furthermore, the accelerated reaction kinetics, which are influenced by an increased reaction cutoff distance, are investigated. As a result, the simulated crosslink density with various cutoff distances increases to plateau at a crosslink density of approx. 90% for the investigated temperatures during curing time. The reaction kinetics are derived according to the numerical results and compared with the results using experimental methods (dielectric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry), whereby the comparison shows a good agreement between experiment and simulation.
Preparation of Microcellular Foams by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide: A Case Study of Thermoplastic Polyurethane 70A
Authors: Hsiao Yu-Ting , Hsieh Chieh-Ming , Yang Tsung-Mao , Su Chie-Shaan
Published: September 2021

In this study, a case study to produce microcellular foam of a commercial thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) through the supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) foaming process is presented. To explore the feasibility of TPU in medical device and biomedical application, a soft TPU with Shore hardness value of 70A was selected as the model compound. The effects of saturation temperature and saturation pressure ranging from 90 to 140 °C and 90 to 110 bar on the expansion ratio, cell size and cell density of the TPU foam were compared and discussed. Regarding the expansion ratio, the effect of saturation temperature was considerable and an intermediate saturation temperature of 100 °C was favorable to produce TPU microcellular foam with a high expansion ratio. On the other hand, the mean pore size and cell density of TPU foam can be efficiently manipulated by adjusting the saturation pressure. A high saturation pressure was beneficial to obtain TPU foam with small mean pore size and high cell density. This case study shows that the expansion ratio of TPU microcellular foam could be designed as high as 4.4. The cell size and cell density could be controlled within 12–40 μm and 5.0 × 107–1.3 × 109 cells/cm3, respectively.
Islamic Populism in Turkey
Authors: Kirdiş Esen
Published: September 2021

In the last two decades, multiple Islamic parties have become incumbent parties and/or joined coalition governments. Such a development brought debate as to whether these parties could moderate into democratic actors à la Christian Democratic Parties in Western Europe, or whether they were aiming at the formation of an Islamist state and society through electoral means. What remains relatively unaddressed in the literature, however, is to what degree Islamic parties truly derive their socio-political agenda from Islam. Hence, this paper will ask, how do Islamic parties utilize Islam? To answer this question, this paper will use a single case-study approach to test and to rethink Islamic political parties and what is “Islamic” about them in the Turkish case. This paper will study the Turkish case because the country’s incumbent party, the Justice and Development Party (JDP), has been governing Turkey since 2002, making the Party the longest ruling Islamic party still in power. Based on the literature on populism, this paper will argue that the way the JDP utilized Islam can be characterized as populism flavored by religion that is based on (i) a thin theological foundation, (ii) a majoritarian rather than a multivocal interpretation of Islam, and (iii) a Muslim unity rhetoric.
The Light of the Leaf: A Theological Critique of Timothy Morton’s ‘Dark Ecology’
Authors: Haecker Ryan
Published: September 2021

The plant has recently emerged as a battleground of conflicting ecocriticisms. ‘Dark Ecology’ is, in the works of Timothy Morton, an ecocritical hermeneutic, in which the world can be subtracted into the parts of objects, of the plant, and of any leaf that exceeds the totality of abstract ‘Nature’. In dividing the whole into the parts, and combining the parts into an imminently subtracted whole, he has recommended a negative dialectic of virtual objects that can be collected into a ‘hyperobject’. This dialectic can, however, be argued to dissolve any whole into parts, and render the hyperobject internally fissured. We can, from the ‘darkness’ of this fissure, begin to read Nature according to the ‘via plantare’, that is, a mystical way of desiring an other as plant so as to know and love the visible light of the invisible God. ‘Vegetal difference’, the difference of the plant from the animal, should, I argue, be read for theology as a finite reflection of the divine difference of the Holy Trinity in a Trinitarian Ontology, in which the originary difference of the Son from the Father is related through the Holy Spirit, and given again in accelerating gratuity—like the light of the leaf that shines forth from any flower.
Musicalizing the Heart Sutra: Buddhism, Sound, and Media in Contemporary Japan
Authors: Reehl Duncan
Published: September 2021

In Japan, explicitly religious content is not commonly found in popular music. Against this mainstream tendency, since approximately 2008, ecclesiastic and non-ecclesiastic actors alike have made musical arrangements of the Heart Sutra. What do these musical arrangements help us to understand about the formation of Buddhist religiosity in contemporary Japan? In order to answer these questions, I analyze the circulation of these musical arrangements on online media platforms. I pursue the claim that they exhibit significant resonances with traditional Japanese Buddhist practices and concepts, while also developing novel sensibilities, behaviors, and understandings of Buddhist religiosity that are articulated by global trends in secularism, popular music, and ‘spirituality’. I suggest that they show institutionally marginal but publicly significant transformations in affective relationships with Buddhist religious content in Japan through the mediation of musical sound, which I interpret as indicative of an emerging “structure of feeling”. Overall, this essay demonstrates how articulating the rite of sutra recitation with modern music technologies, including samplers, electric guitars, and Vocaloid software, can generate novel, sonorous ways to experience and propagate Buddhism.
Action Recognition of Lower Limbs Based on Surface Electromyography Weighted Feature Method
Authors: Wang Jiashuai , Cao Dianguo , Wang Jinqiang , Liu Chengyu
Published: September 2021

To improve the recognition rate of lower limb actions based on surface electromyography (sEMG), an effective weighted feature method is proposed, and an improved genetic algorithm support vector machine (IGA-SVM) is designed in this paper. First, for the problem of high feature redundancy and low discrimination in the surface electromyography feature extraction process, the weighted feature method is proposed based on the correlation between muscles and actions. Second, to solve the problem of the genetic algorithm selection operator easily falling into a local optimum solution, the improved genetic algorithm-support vector machine is designed by championship with sorting method. Finally, the proposed method is used to recognize six types of lower limb actions designed, and the average recognition rate reaches 94.75%. Experimental results indicate that the proposed method has definite potentiality in lower limb action recognition.
Differences in Readability, Keywords, and Orientation of Mission Statements of the Top 100 Korean and Top 100 US Traditional and Innovative Companies
Authors: Jeon Jongdo , Cho Keun Tae
Published: September 2021

The mission statements of companies reflect the characteristics of their country. There are differences in the content of mission statements between traditional and innovative companies. The sustainable growth of companies has recently become a major focus, and it has been found that mission statements are somewhat related to company innovation. This study analyzed the differences in the readability, keywords, and orientation of mission statements between the top 100 Korean and top 100 US companies by market capitalization and their traditionality and innovativeness. Differences in readability were assessed with the Gunning fog index. Differences in the main keywords were assessed with a keyword network analysis. Differences in orientation were assessed with the nine components of a mission statement. As Korean companies were aiming for global business, there was not much difference in the readability of mission statements between Korean and US companies, but there was a difference between traditional and innovative companies in both countries. There was a difference in the keywords and orientation of the mission statements of Korean and US innovative companies. Both Korean and US innovative companies focused highly on “philosophy.” However, Korean innovative companies focused more on “self-concept,” and US innovative companies focused more on a “concern for survival.”
A Glyphosate-Based Formulation but Not Glyphosate Alone Alters Human Placental Integrity
Authors: Simasotchi Christelle , Chissey Audrey , Jungers Gérald , Fournier Thierry , Seralini Gilles-Eric , Gil Sophie
Published: September 2021

Glyphosate (G)-based herbicidal formulations, such as the most commonly used one, Roundup (R), are major pesticides used worldwide on food and feed. Pregnant women may be frequently exposed to R compounds. These are composed of G, which is declared as the active principle, and other products contained in formulations, named formulants, which have been declared as inerts and diluents by the manufacturers. These formulants have, in fact, been demonstrated to be much more toxic than G, in particular to placental and embryonic human cells. In this work, we thus compared the effect of G and a GT+ formulation named R, using placental perfusion ex vivo. R, but not G alone, was demonstrated to alter the placental permeability of a known small model molecule, antipyrine. Similar results were observed for the fetal venous flow rate. The transfer of G alone increases with time, but is significantly decreased in presence of its formulants. The perfusion of R provokes a destruction of fetal vessels, as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Formulants obviously alter the fetal-placental circulation and placental integrity according to time of exposure. Therefore, G does not appear to be the main toxic agent of R. Formulants, although undeclared, include polyoxyethanolamines, PAHs, or heavy metals, and may be responsible for this toxicity. These compounds are also present in other pesticides. The progressive blood flow reduction due to the toxic compounds of formulations may diminish the nutrient supply to the fetus, alter the development, and may enhance the poisoning effects. Although these are preliminary results, they could at least partially explain some adverse pregnancy outcomes in mothers exposed to pesticides or other environmental pollutants. The debate on glyphosate alone is proven insufficient for the understanding of the toxicity.
abordagem do tema educação ambiental nos trabalhos de conclusão de curso de Pedagogia da Universidade Federal de Rondônia
Authors: Andrade Caroline Almeida de
Published: September 2021

Neste artigo são discutidas informações sobre os trabalhos de conclusão do curso (TCC) de Pedagogia dos campi de Porto Velho e Ariquemes da Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), que abordaram o tema educação ambiental, no período de 2014 a 2018. Para a coleta dos dados foi realizada a pesquisa documental no site institucional. A abordagem no tratamento dos dados foi quantitativa, foram ilustradas as porcentagens dos trabalhos identificados com o tema educação ambiental. Constatou-se que poucos estudantes abordaram a questão do meio ambiente, não há um número significativo de trabalhos com o tema no período verificado. A abordagem do tema se deu principalmente quanto à investigação de atividades efetivas de educação ambiental realizadas no ambiente escolar. Inferiu-se que no curso de Pedagogia, a maioria dos acadêmicos ainda não demonstrou interesse na questão da preocupação ambiental para aprofundamento como trabalho de conclusão de curso.
Saberes para ensinar geometria: manuais didáticos para ensinar matemática na década de 1930
Authors:   , Cruz Evellin Sena
Published: September 2021

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo investigar a presença dos saberes envolvidos na prática dos professores das séries iniciais na década de 1930. Por meio da análise de manuais didáticos para professores do ensino primário, buscamos responder à seguinte questão: quais saberes para ensinar geometria estiveram sistematizados em manuais didáticos direcionados aos professores do ensino primário na década de 1930? Para a discussão teórico-metodológica, nos fundamentamos na História Cultural e na teorização sobre saberes a ensinar e para ensinar. Foram analisados quatro manuais didáticos da década de 1930, sendo dois manuais publicados pelo mesmo autor, Miguel Milano, um de autoria de Miguel Aguayo e um manual escrito pela espanhola Margaritha Comas. Em conclusão, os saberes para ensinar geometria identificados priorizavam o estudo das formas geométricas e das medidas, sobretudo pela observação, mas também por meio de experimentação e exploração de situações cotidianas, partindo do tridimensional e indo para o bidimensional. Diante disso, o produto educacional decorrente desta dissertação consiste numa proposta de minicurso intitulado “Ensino de geometria: uma análise do passado para refletir sobre o presente”. A proposta é confrontar, em termos de permanências (ou heranças), atividades para o ensino de geometria propostas em tempos escolanovistas e na atualidade.
Fenologia reprodutiva e interações planta-visitantes florais em espécies de Bromeliaceae da Floresta Atlântica
Authors:   , Silva Matheus Rezende e
Published: September 2021

A família Bromeliaceae apresenta grande importância na manutenção de comunidades neotropicais. Especialmente na Floresta Atlântica Brasileira, bromélias são o principal grupo responsável pela manutenção da fauna e flora local e participam de importantes interações ecológicas com insetos, anuros e especialmente beija-flores. Este trabalho relata os aspectos da ecologia reprodutiva e as interações entre duas espécies endêmicas de bromélias da Floresta Atlântica (Aechmea bruggeri e Quesnelia indecora) e seus visitantes florais, com o objetivo de avaliar o impacto dessas relações no sucesso reprodutivo e conservação dessas plantas. Foram investigados a fenologia reprodutiva, biologia floral e experimentos de polinização de ambas as espécies. Para a determinação dos visitantes florais, foram feitas observações pontuais, seguido de fotografias e coleta dos visitantes que não puderam ser identificados em campo. Ambas as espécies apresentaram padrão fenológico de floração individual e populacional classificados como anual e com duração intermediária. Aechmea bruggeri e Quesnelia indecora são parcialmente ou totalmente auto incompatíveis, respectivamente. Ambas as espécies apresentaram uma variada guilda de visitação, e embora Quesnelia indecora apresentou flores com características ornitófilas, nenhum beija-flor foi registrado para a espécie. O Beija-flor Thalurania glaucopis foi registrado como o principal visitante de Aechmea bruggeri e a abelha Trigona cf. braueri, foi o principal visitante de Quesnelia indecora. Roubo de néctar por lepidópteros foi registrado para as duas espécies. Roubo de pólen por besouros e roubo de néctar por abelhas foram registrados para Aechmea bruggeri e Quesnelia indecora, respectivamente. A produção de frutos e sementes foi altamente afetada pela intensa herbivoria sofrida por ambas as espécies, o que pode afetar negativamente o sucesso reprodutivo. Nosso estudo destaca a importância das bromélias nas comunidades neotropicais, mostrando como os visitantes florais e as plantas interagem participando da manutenção da diversidade biológica no remanescente florestal estudado.
O uso do Sistema Mobicorretor como prerrogativa basilar para a gestão de resultados
Authors:   , Ferreira Eusilene da Rocha
Published: September 2021

O estudo ora apresentado é desenvolvido no âmbito do Mestrado Profissional em Gestão e Avaliação da Educação (PPGP) do Centro de Políticas Públicas e Avaliação da Educação da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (CAEd/UFJF). Teve-se como questão norteadora a seguinte arguição: De que forma a equipe gestora utiliza os resultados das avaliações da Prova Teresina gerados pelo Sistema MobiCorretor para (re)formular as ações pedagógicas? Ancorada pelas evidências de resultados de baixa proficiência e pela falta de evidências do uso dos dados das avaliações da Prova Teresina na escola e tendo por hipótese que a reunião de esforços da equipe gestora pode gerar ações de forma a subsidiar o planejamento pedagógico e se concretizar na aprendizagem dos alunos, aponta-se como objetivo geral: Compreender como a equipe gestora utiliza os resultados das avaliações da Prova Teresina gerados pelo Sistema MobiCorretor para (re)formular as ações pedagógicas. Ademais, como objetivos específicos, para sistematizar o estudo: Descrever os sistemas de avaliação e os sistemas de informação na Rede Pública Municipal de Teresina; Analisar como a equipe gestora utiliza os resultados da Prova Teresina, disponíveis no Sistema MobiCorretor, como evidências para a tomada de decisões que possam impactar no desempenho dos alunos; Propor com base no modelo Data Wise o desenvolvimento de uma cultura de análise de dados no chão da escola. O percurso metodológico propôs pesquisa qualitativa, e para coleta de dados foi realizada: Pesquisa Documental – verificação de Leis, Resoluções, Portarias, Contratos, Relatórios de Dados Educacionais e Arquivos da Secretaria Municipal de Educação de Teresina (SEMEC); Pesquisa Bibliográfica – no repositório do PPGP/CAEd/UFJF e leitura de obras que versam sobre a temática em questão como, Boudett et al. (2020); Brooke; Cunha (2011); Lück (2000, 2009, 2013); Núñez (2019); Rezende (2014); Gois (2020), dentre outros; Pesquisa Empírica – foi aplicado um questionário com a Equipe Gestora do núcleo da pesquisa. A leitura dos dados disponibilizou subsídios que foram considerados na elaboração do Plano de Ação Educacional (PAE), a saber: i - Capacitação para utilização do Sistema MobiCorretor com a Equipe Gestora; ii - Desenvolver uma Cultura de análise de dados utilizando o modelo Data Wise; iii - Criação de uma agenda de trabalho para a Equipe Gestora e socialização das atividades pedagógicas e administrativas com todos os membros da Equipe Gestora.
Open Access e Creative Commons: um estudo de caso de periódicos científicos internacionais classificados no Qualis/CAPES
Authors:   , Nascimento Gabriel de Souza
Published: September 2021

Esta dissertação analisa as características editoriais dos periódicos internacionais, em formato digital, classificados nos estratos A1 e A2 da área de avaliação Medicina II, de acordo com a classificação do sistema Qualis Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). O objetivo do estudo é verificar, empiricamente, a existência de uma ruptura com o modelo patrimonialista e individualista das legislações de direito autoral, a exemplo da Lei 9.610/98, dando sequência a estudos anteriores que apontaram para a existência de um quadro de superação d\a estrutura tradicional da legislação de direitos autorais, os quais tiveram como objeto de estudo os periódicos nacionais inscritos no sistema de classificação da CAPES. Foi realizada uma análise detalhada de diversos aspectos que pudessem indicar uma adoção pelo acesso aberto (Open Access) por parte das revistas, especialmente pela utilização das licenças Creative Commons. Indaga-se se existem elementos que indiquem uma ruptura com a estrutura tradicional dos direitos autorais, no sentido de confirmarem a opção pelo acesso aberto. O referencial teórico baseia-se nos conceitos de moralidade da aspiração e moralidade do dever segundo Bankowski (2008). Metodologicamente, optou-se pela realização de um estudo de caso único (YIN, 2001), buscando a aderência ao padrão de replicação defendido por Epstein e King (2013). Os resultados apontaram para a predominância de periódicos híbridos entre as revistas internacionais analisadas, tendo editoras como as principais instituições responsáveis pelos periódicos, bem como a adoção de licenças Creative Commons para a publicação na via aberta, além da cobrança recorrente de taxas de processamento (APC), indicando uma ruptura, ainda que moderada, com o modelo tradicional fechado de publicação do conhecimento científico.