bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiport analysis and design of segmented antennas
Authors: Kajfez Darko , Hasse Roger , Scialacqua Lucia
Published: June 2021

A design procedure is described which enables simultaneous control of the input‐impedance match, directivity, and bandwidth of segmented antennas. Their impedance properties can be accurately determined by a straightforward multiport analysis, which makes it possible to optimise the values of individual reactances with the use of closed‐form objective functions. Two practical omnidirectional segmented monopole antennas have been designed, built, and tested, to verify the proposed design procedure. One is a single‐tuned design with the narrow bandwidth of 1% and realised gain of 6.7 dBi, and another is the double‐tuned design with 42% relative bandwidth and realised gain of 6.2 dBi.
Analytical framework for mutual approximations
Authors: Fayolle M. , Dirkx D. , Visser P. N. A. M. , Lainey V.
Published: June 2021

Context. The apparent close encounters of two satellites in the plane of the sky, called mutual approximations, have been suggested as a different type of astrometric observation to refine the moons’ ephemerides. The main observables are then the central instants of the close encounters, which have the advantage of being free of any scaling and orientation errors. However, no analytical formulation is available yet for the observation partials of these central instants, leaving numerical approaches or alternative observables (i.e. derivatives of the apparent distance instead of central instants) as options.

Aims. Filling that gap, this paper develops an analytical method to include central instants as direct observables in the ephemerides estimation and assesses the quality of the resulting solution.

Methods. To this end, the apparent relative position between the two satellites is approximated by a second-order polynomial near the close encounter. This eventually leads to an expression for mutual approximations’ central instants as a function of the apparent relative position, velocity, and acceleration between the two satellites.

Results. The resulting analytical expressions for the central instant partials were validated numerically. In addition, we ran a covariance analysis to compare the estimated solutions obtained with the two types of observables (central instants versus alternative observables), using the Galilean moons of Jupiter as a test case. Our analysis shows that alternative observables are almost equivalent to central instants in most cases. Accurate individual weighting of each alternative observable, accounting for the mutual approximation’s characteristics (which are automatically included in the central instants’ definition), is however crucial to obtain consistent solutions between the two observable types. Using central instants still yields a small improvement of 10–20% of the formal errors in the radial and normal directions (RSW frame), compared to the alternative observables’ solution. This improvement increases when mutual approximations with low impact parameters and large impact velocities are included in the estimation.

Conclusions. Choosing between the two observables thus requires careful assessment, taking into account the characteristics of the available observations. Using central instants over alternative observables ensures that the state estimation fully benefits from the information encoded in mutual approximations, which might be necessary depending on the application of the ephemeris solution.
ALMA 870 μm continuum observations of HD 100546
Authors: Fedele D. , Toci C. , Maud L. , Lodato G.
Published: June 2021

This paper reports on a new analysis of archival ALMA 870 μm dust continuum observations. Along with the previously observed bright inner ring (r ~ 20–40 au), two addition substructures are evident in the new continuum image: a wide dust gap, r ~ 40–150 au, and a faint outer ring ranging from r ~ 150 au to r ~ 250 au and whose presence was formerly postulated in low-angular-resolution ALMA cycle 0 observations but never before observed. Notably, the dust emission of the outer ring is not homogeneous, and it shows two prominent azimuthal asymmetries that resemble an eccentric ring with eccentricity e = 0.07. The characteristic double-ring dust structure of HD 100546 is likely produced by the interaction of the disk with multiple giant protoplanets. This paper includes new smoothed-particle-hydrodynamic simulations with two giant protoplanets, one inside of the inner dust cavity and one in the dust gap. The simulations qualitatively reproduce the observations, and the final masses and orbital distances of the two planets in the simulations are 3.1 MJ at 15 au and 8.5 MJ at 110 au, respectively. The massive outer protoplanet substantially perturbs the disk surface density distribution and gas dynamics, producing multiple spiral arms both inward and outward of its orbit. This can explain the observed perturbed gas dynamics inward of 100 au as revealed by ALMA observations of CO. Finally, the reduced dust surface density in the ~40–150 au dust gap can nicely clarify the origin of the previously detected H2O gas and ice emission.
Verification of PEMS measurement accuracy based on light vehicle emission test system
Authors: Wang Gang , Qian Chao , Yang Guoliang , Nan Ligui , Yu Haige
Published: June 2021

For the requirements of the portable emission measurement system (PEMS) measurement accuracy for limits and measurement methods for emissions from light-duty vehicles(CHINA 6), based on the light-duty vehicle emission test system in steady-state conditions and WLTC conditions for PEMS gaseous pollutants, mass flow rate , particle number (PN) verify accuracy of measurement. The results showed that the relative measurement errors of CO, CO2, NOx, fuel consumption and mass flow rate were −5.49%, 2.53%, 10.55%, 2.09% and −2.79%. The relative measurement errors of CO, CO2, NOx, fuel consumption and PN under WLTC condition were 6.67%, 2.54%, 12.96%, 2.37% and −16.08%, which meeting the requirements of the regulations.
Analysis of the engine test cycles from China VI heavy duty vehicle standard and China automotive test cycle
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Wang Chuanqi , Gao Tao , Li Tengteng , Lao Hailiang
Published: June 2021

This paper studied the engine test cycles including world harmonized steady cycle (WHSC), world harmonized transient cycle (WHTC) , china heavy-duty steady cycle (CHSC) and china heavy-duty transient cycle (CHTC) based on a diesel engine which meet the China VI heavy duty vehicle emission standard. The results show that regression analysis of speed, torque and power all meet the requirements of the China VI heavy duty vehicle standard. For this engine, NOx, PM and THC pollutants under CHSC are 134.5%, 29.6% and 94.4% higher than those under WHSC, respectively. PN emissions of CHSC is 65.6% lower than that of WHSC. NOx, PM and PN pollutants under CHTC are 62.9%, 96.4% and 64.3% higher than those under WHTC, respectively. The exhaust temperature of the first 350 seconds at CHTC is lower, which poses a greater challenge to the conversion efficiency of the after-treatment system at low speed and low load.
Control-oriented modeling of diesel oxidation catalyst
Authors: Gao Ying , Liu Hongqi
Published: June 2021

Diesel oxidation catalyst outlet temperature control is crucial for heat management to realize diesel particulate filter active regenerative control. In order to control the temperature of the active regeneration process in the filter, the temperature response process of the semi-physical oxidation catalyst model structure is proposed as a multi-stage inertia plus delay, and the equivalent inlet temperature step of the fuel oxidation reaction of the exhaust pipe. Combined with the test test, the control oriented oxidation catalyst model is established.A control-oriented oxidation catalyst model was constructed. By analysed the oxidation catalyst working process, the main chemical reactions, heat and mass transfer processes occurring inside the carrier were analyzed. Three-dimensional CFD model and one-dimensional chemical reaction kinetics model were established respectively. The radial and axial temperature distribution of the carrier was analyzed by model simulation. Based on the analysis of the system characteristics, the multi-step inertia plus delay semi-physical model structure was proposed. Combined with the test, the control oriented oxidation catalyst model is established. Select the appropriate working conditions to identify and verify the model parameters. The results show that the third order model can well indicate the temperature response characteristics of the oxidation catalyst outlet temperature. Considering the complexity of the system, the first-order and third-order model are selected as the basis of the control system design.
Application of shortening time test in battery electric range calculation of PEV based on CLTC-P
Authors: An Xiaopan , Liu Yu , Yu Hanzhengnan , Liu Zhichao , Qi Songbo , Wang Yang
Published: June 2021

In order to obtain the actual results of battery electric range test, and meet the demand of fiscal subsidy policy introduction of new energy vehicles, some modifications of the standard GB/T 18386.1 Test Method for Energy Consumption and Range of Electric Vehicles- part1: Light-duty Vehicles are revised by drafting group. Such as China Light-duty vehicle Test Cycle for passenger car (CLTC-P), Shortened time test method, etc. To prove the reasonability of Shortened time test to measure battery electric range (BER) based on CLTC-P, two sets of vehicle tests were carried out. Results show that shortened time test greatly reduce test time, and the weighting factor setting of DS1 and DS2 is reasonable. Although some deviation between Shortened time test and consecutive cycle test exist, but not regularly. It is related to the vehicle energy regulation strategy individually. Finally, it is recommended that the test vehicle should be forced to break 10 minutes after the end of CSSM.
Study on bonding properties between arc surfacing layers and 1045 steel substrate using pull-lift test method
Authors: Cheng Xiuming , Liu Wumu , Huang Fei , Ren Zhenan , Zhang Xinge
Published: June 2021

Three kinds of surfacing layers of the austenitic steel, niobium alloyed steel and hypereutectic high chromium alloyed cast iron were prepared on 1045 steel substrate by arc surfacing process with self-shielding flux-cored wires. The bonding strength between surfacing layers and the substrate was tested by pull-lift test method. The experimental results show that the bonding strength between austenitic steel surfacing layer and the substrate is the highest up to 549.1 MPa, and the fracture location is near the fusion line with quasi-cleavage fracture characteristic. The bonding strength between the surfacing layer of niobium alloyed steel and the substrate is 314.4 MPa and the fracture mainly occurred at the bottom of the surfacing layer, which also presents quasi-cleavage characteristic. While the bonding strength between hypereutectic high chromium alloyed cast iron surfacing layer and the substrate is as low as 170.7 MPa and the specimen ruptures along the fusion line with brittle fracture characteristic. The bonding properties between surfacing layers and the substrate are directly related to the compositions and microstructures near the fusion line.
Statistical Analysis of the Activities of Individual Entrepreneurs in the Regions of Russia
Authors: Vasilieva Angelica
Published: June 2021

The spread of coronavirus infection caused significant damage to enterprises in the region. The least protected business entities - individual entrepreneurs -suffered the most. The introduction of the self-isolation regime led to a decrease in demand for goods and services of individual entrepreneurs, an increase in business costs, and the accumulation of debts to landlords and creditors. Having fallen into a difficult economic situation, many individual entrepreneurs suffered losses and were forced to close their business. Once in a difficult situation, those entrepreneurs who were able to rebuild to work in the new economic conditions of restrictive measures survived. Some entrepreneurs began to master digital technologies and sell their goods using the Internet. Others switched to the production of antique products. Still others looked for buyers through popular social networks. Overcoming the economic crisis after the pandemic COVID-19 depends primarily on the activities of individual entrepreneurs in the region. It is they who quickly react and create jobs in the region, saturate markets with goods and services, and form the profitable part of the country’s budget. In connection with the above, it seems relevant to conduct a statistical analysis of the activities of individual entrepreneurs in the regions of Russia, in particular, to study the dynamics of individual entrepreneurs, their structure by types of economic activities, to determine the regions with the largest and smallest number of individual entrepreneurs per 1000 population, to identify the relationship between the number of individual entrepreneurs and their revenue from the sale of goods, work.
Qualimetric Assessment of Pedagogical Factors in the Formation of Professional Environmental and Economic Competence of University Graduates
Authors: Salamatov A.A. , Belevitin V.A. , Gafarova E.A. , Gordeeva D.S.
Published: June 2021

The current situation of green economy digitalization actualizes the problem of developing innovative principles of professional training in universities. The key conditions for the training of highly qualified personnel in accordance with the needs of society and employers as participants of educational relations are of particular importance due to the qualimetric assessment of educational achievements of students (QAA), which has been actualized since 2000 by conceptual research within the framework of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The material for the study was modern approaches, algorithms and models of QAA in higher education institutions. The main methods of research were theoretical analysis of published scientific literature on the problem of digital assessment of the level of professional competence of university graduates in the field of green economy-sustainable development, primarily, their professional environmental and economic competence (PEEC) based on a ranking analysis of expert information on the impact of different factors. At the same time, the problems which are the result of multifactor dependencies typical for pedagogy are put into the structured category and the apparatus of mathematical modelling and selection of optimal solutions is scientifically grounded to solve them. The most significant pedagogical factors were selected according to their influence on the level of PEEC formation as a result of using the method of expert group evaluation and ranking the selected opinions of experts, the consistency of which was previously revealed by calculating the Kendall's concordance coefficient. The principles of the systematic approach applied in the pedagogical research, using the conceptual provisions of quantitative measurements, numerical modelling and mathematical statistics based on factor planning allowed us to present the results of the experiment to identify the final dependence of the level of PEEC formation as a regression model as the initial step in the developed platform (underlying concept) of qualimetric assessment of the dominant factors of PEEC formation. The initial principles of such a concept are formulated, providing opportunities for studying and analyzing the influence of various pedagogical factors and organizational and pedagogical conditions, choosing the ways of generating educational trajectories.
Using a Compound Real Option to Develop an Innovation Strategy for an Industrial Cluster
Authors: Koshelev Egor , Yashin Sergei
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this paper is to apply such a technology to develop an innovation strategy for the pilot clusters defined by the state, which would allow to make flexible management decisions. The proposed method for this involves the use of a compound real option, which includes the following components to be applied in the following order: 1) an option to reduce and exit the cluster strategy, 2) an option to develop and replicate the experience in the cluster, 3) an option to change over and temporarily stop the cluster strategy, and 4) an option to delay the start of the new cluster strategy. Combining a compound real option exactly as presented avoids unreasonable managerial decisions to withdraw from the current cluster strategy, which would include multiple tactical cluster development opportunities that have already been implemented. In other words, a put option is first added to the evaluation of the current strategy. This is an option to reduce and exit the cluster strategy. And then if the current strategy continues, the next three call options are added to it.
The outset of the British school of management sociology
Authors: Sokirkin Dmitriy N.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this work is to determine the chronological framework, the features, the main trends and the most prominent representatives of the initial period of creation of the national school of management sociology in Great Britain. In the course of the research process, such general scientific methods as analysis and generalization were used, as well as special methods: historical-genetic and historical periodization. As a result of the study, the data concerning the reasons and prerequisites for the formation of sociological knowledge in the British Isles were obtained. Analysis of the results enabled us to draw conclusions about the importance of the initial period for the subsequent development of the school of management sociology in Great Britain.
Systematische Übersichtsarbeit: moderne Behandlungsverfahren beim postoperativen Chylothorax
Authors: Stange S. , Sziklavari Z.
Published: June 2021

Hintergrund Der Chylothorax ist i. d. R. eine multifaktorielle Komplikation nach Operationen oder Unfällen, seltener die Folge von Tumoren. Da prospektive, randomisierte Studien fehlen, beruht die evidenzbasierte Behandlung auf persönlichen Erfahrungen, im Idealfall erfolgt sie in Kenntnis retrospektiver Analysen.

Material und Methoden Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist es, einen umfassenden Überblick über die aktuell zur Verfügung stehenden modernen Behandlungsverfahren beim postoperativen Chylothorax zu geben sowie ihre Vor- und Nachteile aufzuzeigen. Hierzu erfolgte eine Literaturrecherche in der Datenbank „PubMed“ unter Beschränkung auf Publikationen der letzten 10 Jahre. Für die Recherche wurde das Schlüsselwort „Chylothorax“ eingesetzt. Der Schwerpunkt lag auf den Publikationen, die eine vergleichende Bewertung der Behandlungsmöglichkeiten beinhalten. Bei der kritischen Analyse der Therapieansätze und Empfehlungen wurden Reviews der letzten 5 Jahre bevorzugt, des Weiteren stützten sich die Autoren auf eine kumulative langjährige klinische Erfahrung.

Ergebnisse Der Erfolg einer konservativen Behandlung zeigt in Abhängigkeit von der Ätiologie eine große Streuungsbreite (3–90 %). Die Erfolgsrate der nicht invasiven oder semiinvasiven Verfahren liegt zwischen 50 und 100 %, ebenfalls in Abhängigkeit von der Ätiologie. Bei einer erfolglosen konservativen Behandlung operabler Patienten besteht die chirurgische Standardtherapie in der meist thorakoskopisch durchgeführten Ligatur des Ductus thoracicus. Alternativ kann eine Pleurodese oder die Platzierung einer permanenten Thoraxdrainage oder eines pleuroperitonealen Shunts durchgeführt werden. Die Erfolgsrate dieser Eingriffe liegt zwischen 64 und 100 %. Die Morbiditäts- und Mortalitätsrate kann hierbei Werte bis zu 25 % erreichen.

Schlussfolgerung Die Behandlung eines Chylothorax sollte konservativ begonnen werden. Anschließend kann stufenweise eine aggressivere Therapie empfohlen werden, wobei der Zustand des Patienten und das Drainagevolumen den Entscheidungsprozess steuern. Interventionelle radiologische Verfahren sind sicher in der Anwendung bei gleichzeitig hoher Erfolgsquote und haben somit einen berechtigten Platz neben der konservativen Behandlung bzw. den operativen Verfahren. Sie stehen allerdings aktuell nur in einigen größeren Zentren zur Verfügung.
Impact of COVID-19 on Patient Trends and Outcome: Results from a Tertiary Care Burn and Plastic Unit in Northern India
Authors: Aggarwal Nupur , Srivastava Rakesh Kumar
Published: June 2021

Background Burn and trauma injuries need emergency care and resuscitation, which required uninterrupted delivery of inpatient care services during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Burn patients are physiologically immunocompromised, increasing the risk of COVID-19 infection in them. This study analyzes the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on patient trends in a burn and plastic unit and assesses the effect of COVID-19 infection in burns.

Methods This single-center, retrospective observational case–control study was conducted in the Department of Burns, Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery of a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India. Patient data was collected from April 1, 2019 to August 10, 2019 and from April 1, 2020 to August 10, 2020. All data of burns and trauma patients collected was analyzed and compared.

Results There were total 350 admissions during COVID time period and 562 admissions during non-COVID time period. The admission rate, type of burn injury, and death rate did not vary significantly during the two time periods. Thermal burn was the most common type of burn injury. There were total 18 cases diagnosed to be COVID-19 positive during the pandemic. There were two deaths among COVID-19 positive burn cases.

Conclusion This study finds no difference in patient patterns during COVID and non-COVID time period. Amongst burn patients, no increased risk of COVID-19 infection is seen with larger body surface area of burns. No increase in mortality is seen in burn patients infected with COVID-19.
Volar Marginal Rim Fractures of the Distal Radius Have a Higher Rate of Associated Carpal Injuries—A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Eardley-Harris Nathan , MacLean Simon B.M. , Jaarsma Ruurd , Clarnette Jock , Bain Gregory Ian
Published: June 2021

Background Volar marginal rim distal radius fractures can be challenging due to volar instability of the carpus. The associated carpal injuries, however, have not previously been reported.

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare volar marginal rim fractures to other distal radius fractures to determine if there is any association with other carpal injuries. If so, do these injuries lead to further instability and fixation failure?

Materials and Methods A retrospective radiological review of 25 volar marginal rim fractures was conducted. This was compared with a comparison cohort of 25 consecutive intra-articular distal radius fractures not involving the volar marginal rim. All radiographs were reviewed for associated carpal injuries, including carpal and ulnar styloid fractures, scapholunate instability, and carpal translocation.

Results Volar marginal rim fractures had a significantly higher incidence of associated carpal injuries per patient (2.52 vs. 1.64), scapholunate diastasis (36 vs. 12%), and carpal dislocation (80 vs. 48%). The fixation chosen was more likely to involve a volar rim-specific plate (44 vs. 0%). Following surgical fixation, the volar marginal rim fractures had a significantly higher incidence of carpal instability (56 vs. 24%), failure of fixation (24 vs. 0%), and revision surgery (12 vs. 0%).

Conclusions Volar marginal rim fractures have significantly more carpal injuries, scapholunate instability, and volar carpal instability, compared with other distal radius fractures. Despite the use of volar rim-specific plating, volar marginal rim fractures have a significantly higher incidence of persistent carpal instability, including scapholunate instability, ulnar translocation, volar subluxation, failure of fixation, and revision surgery.

Level of Evidence This is a level III, retrospective review.
CT Enterography Using Four Different Endoluminal Contrast Agents: A Comparative Study
Authors: Singla Deepak , Chandak Shruti , Malhotra Ankur , Agarwal Arjit , Raman Tanu , Chaudhary Mohini
Published: June 2021

Objectives To determine the most preferable endoluminal contrast agent among mannitol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), iohexol, and water by comparing various qualitative (distension, fold visibility, and homogeneity) and quantitative parameters (distension) along with artifacts and patient feedback for computed tomography enterography (CTE).

Methods This was a prospective study including 120 patients of age more than or equal to 18 years who were randomized equally into four groups. Group 1 was given 1500 mL of 3% mannitol solution, group 2 was given 1500 mL of PEG, group 3 was given 20 mL of iohexol dissolved in 1500 mL of water, and group 4 was given 1500 mL of plain water. CTE was done and images were evaluated in axial and coronal planes. Various quantitative and qualitative parameters were taken at the level of second part of duodenum, jejunum, ileum and ileocecal junction (ICJ). Artifacts and patient feedback were also taken into consideration.

Results The quantitative distension and grading, qualitative distension, fold visibility, and homogeneity of the second part of duodenum, jejunum at the level of superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery and renal artery on both sides of abdomen, ileum at the level of aortic bifurcation, common iliac bifurcation, and deep pelvis on both sides of abdomen and ICJ were significantly more in PEG group as compared with mannitol group, followed by iohexol and water group. The results were calculated by ANOVA test using p-value. In terms of patient feedback and artifacts, water was the best agent.

Conclusions PEG is the most suitable contrast agent to carry out CTE. Distension, fold visibility, and homogeneity are the essential features for a better diagnostic outcome of CTE, which was better with PEG.
Brute force analytical model of wind farm blockage is simplified and improved
Authors: Yiu Yuen
Published: June 2021

An analytical model for estimating wind farm losses was made less computationally intensive by using linear superposition and improved by considering the upwind induction of the turbines.
The role of viscoelastic foundation on flexural gravity wave blocking in shallow water
Authors: Boral S. , Nath S. , Sahoo T. , Meylan Michael H.
Published: June 2021

A hydroelastic model is developed to study the interaction of linear long gravity waves with a very large floating flexible plate resting on a viscoelastic foundation, which is based on the Kelvin–Voigt model. Flexural gravity wave blocking occurs for specific values of the compressive force in the absence of viscous damping. During wave blocking, the group velocity vanishes, and mode swapping occurs. Within wave blocking and plate buckling limit in the presence of compressive force, three distinct propagating modes occur in the absence of viscous damping. Moreover, the study reveals that irrespective of the values of viscous damping constant, the blocking/buckling points shift to a higher wavenumber with an increase in the value of elastic foundation constant. On the other hand, the flexural gravity wave modes become complex in the presence of a viscoelastic foundation. The complex wave modes are classified as predominant progressive wave modes and rapidly decaying modes. In the presence of viscous damping, wave blocking does not happen before the buckling limit of the compressive force. However, the phase velocity vanishes, and the group velocity becomes continuous irrespective of the value of non-zero viscous damping at the buckling limit for the compressive force. The detailed behavior of the roots of the dispersion equation and the mode shapes are illustrated through contour plots and by analyzing the roots’ loci. Furthermore, plate deflections are exhibited for different wave and structural parameters.
Effects of fuel injection speed on supersonic combustion using separation-resistant struts
Authors: Hiejima Toshihiko , Nishimura Kaito
Published: June 2021

This paper describes the improvement in combustion efficiency achieved using streamwise vorticity and fuel injections when using hypermixer struts at high Mach numbers. The effects of fuel injection conditions on combustion were investigated using numerical simulations of chemical reactive flows with a detailed reaction mechanism. Hydrogen fuel was injected from the trailing edges of a separation-resistant strut. Fuel injection at sonic speeds led to an enhancement in efficiency with an increased injection angle at Mach number 2.5, but this improvement was not observed at Mach number 3.5. It was found that hydrogen accumulated in the vortex core because of the strong circulation generated from the strut at high Mach numbers. With fuel injection at speeds exceeding the sonic speed, the efficiency increased, and it improved further with an increasing injection angle. From the results, an important indicator for combustion enhancement was derived from the streamwise vortex circulation, fuel injection velocity, and inflow Mach number. To increase the combustion efficiency using the strut, the indicator value should exceed a threshold. This is crucial for ensuring effective fuel consumption during combustion. These findings provide useful insights into a good design of hypermixer struts in supersonic combustion.
Building a transformative feminist movement for women empowerment in Tanzania: the role of the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP-Mtandao)
Authors: Makulilo Alexander Boniface , Bakari Mohammed
Published: June 2021

Tanzania has, over the past two decades, made remarkable progress in terms of women’s representation in the parliament. In the women in parliament rankings, Tanzania comes 23rd in the world and the 8th in Africa with 36.6% Members of Parliament. This achievement is largely a result of struggles by the women’s movement in which a transformative feminist organization namely the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNPMtandao) is clearly singled out to have played a leading role. This paper provides a critical assessment of the contribution of TGNPMtandao in promoting women’s representation and participation in decision-making processes in Tanzania. Specifically, it focuses to understand how TGNP’s leadership style contributed change in the rules of the game towards the achievement of gender equality and women’s political empowerment. In order to accomplish this endeavour, this work employed qualitative research so as to gain an in-depth understanding of gender issues in Tanzania’s context. Data were collected mainly through interviews with key stakeholders from parliamentarians and nongovernmental organizations. Moreover, election reports, evaluation reports, gender reports, and legislations were reviewed to provide secondary data.
A linearly extendible multi-artifact removal approach for improved upper extremity EEG-based motor imagery decoding
Authors: Asogbon Mojisola Grace , Samuel Oluwarotimi Williams , Li Xiangxin , Nsugbe Ejay , Scheme Erik , Li Guanglin
Published: June 2021

Background and Objective: Non-invasive multichannel Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings provide an alternative source of neural information from which motor imagery (MI) patterns associated with limb movement intent can be decoded for use as control inputs for rehabilitation robots. The presence of multiple inherent dynamic artifacts in EEG signals, however, poses processing challenges for brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. A large proportion of the existing EEG signal preprocessing methods focus on isolating single artifact per time from an ensemble of EEG trials and require calibration and/or reference electrodes, resulting in increased complexity of their application to MI-EEG controlled rehabilitation devices in practical settings. Also, a few existing multi-artifacts removal methods though explored in other domains, they have rarely been investigated in the space of MI-EEG signals for multiple artifacts cancellation in a simultaneous manner. Approach: Building on the premise of previous works, this study propose a semi-automatic EEG preprocessing method that combines Generalized Eigenvalue Decomposition driven by low-rank approximation and a Multi-channel Wiener Filter (GEVD-MWF) that employs a learning technique for simultaneous elimination of multiple artifacts from MI-EEG signals. The proposed method is applied to remove multiple artifacts from 64-channel EEG signals recorded from transhumeral amputees while they performed distinct classes of upper limb MI tasks before decoding their movement intent using a selection of features and machine learning algorithms. Main Results: Experimental results show that the proposed GEVD-MWF method yields significant improvements in MI decoding accuracies, in the range of 13.23%-41.21% compared to four existing popular artifact removal algorithms. Further investigation revealed that the GEVD-MWF approach enabled accuracies in the range of 90.44% - 99.67% using “single trial” EEG recordings, which could eliminate the need to record and process large ensembles of EEG trials as commonly required in some existing approaches. Additionally, using a variant of the sequential forward floating selection algorithm, a subset of 9 channels was used to obtain a decoding accuracy of 93.73%±1.58%. Significance: Given its improved performance, reduced data requirements, and feasibility with few channels, the proposed GEVD-MWF could potentially spur the development of effective real-time control strategies for multi-degree of freedom EEG-based miniaturized rehabilitation robotic interfaces.
The Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model in Forecasting Philippine Peso - United States Dollar Exchange Rates
Authors: Toledo Nhoriel I.
Published: June 2021

It is known that in every quotation of exchange rates, there are two currencies involved. Exchange rate is defined as the price of a unit of foreign currency in terms of a domestic currency. This research aims to provide the best Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model that forecasts the Philippine Peso - United States Dollar (PHP-USD) exchange rates using historical average monthly rates from January 2009 to December 2016. Forecasted values from different ARIMA models are compared in terms of errors with actual data values. The best ARIMA model produced is ARIMA(0, 2, 2), which yielded the lowest values for the different performance measures used.
Carbon dioxide removal technologies are not born equal
Authors: Strefler Jessica , Bauer Nico , Humpenöder Florian , Klein David , Popp Alexander , Kriegler Elmar
Published: June 2021

Technologies for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from the atmosphere have been recognized as an important part of limiting warming to well below 2 °C called for in the Paris Agreement. However, many scenarios so far rely on bioenergy in combination with carbon capture and storage as the only CDR technology. Various other options have been proposed, but have scarcely been taken up in an integrated assessment of mitigation pathways. In this study we analyze a comprehensive portfolio of CDR options in terms of their regional and temporal deployment patterns in climate change mitigation pathways and the resulting challenges. We show that any CDR option with sufficient potential can reduce the economic costs of achieving the 1.5 °C target substantially without increasing the temperature overshoot. CDR helps to reduce net CO2 emissions faster and achieve carbon neutrality earlier. The regional distribution of CDR deployment in cost-effective mitigation pathways depends on which options are available. If only enhanced weathering of rocks on croplands or re- and afforestation are available, Latin America and Asia cover nearly all of global CDR deployment. Besides fairness and sustainability concerns, such a regional concentration would require large international transfers and thus strong international institutions. In our study, the full portfolio scenario is the most balanced from a regional perspective. This indicates that different CDR options should be developed such that all regions can contribute according to their regional potentials.
Flexible inkjet-printed graphene antenna on Kapton
Authors: Ibanez Labiano Isidoro , Alomainy Akram
Published: June 2021

Flexible printed antennas have attracted a great deal of attention due to their significant potential for different technologies. Using novel materials such as graphene and inkjet printing fabrication techniques is key for further developing this technology. Several studies have characterised them separately, but it is still challenging to merge them to produce plausible flexible antennas. This paper presents the whole methodology, covering the design, fabrication process, and characterisation of a flexible, inkjet-printed graphene-based antenna intended to use within flexible electronics. The antenna pattern follows a new optimised quasi-Yagi–Uda design working in the desired range of operational frequencies (5–6 GHz). It consists of four directors and a pair of reflectors to improve the directivity with an efficiency of 42%. A co-planar waveguide feeding method is designed to tune the impedance matching, ensuring the wearer’s comfort. The flexible Kapton film was treated with plasma to improve the ink’s adhesion and coverage. The novel antenna suggested potential in advanced materials devices, suitable for various wireless applications for next-generation conformal and flexible electronic devices and applications.
Dependence of the polycarbonate mechanical performances on boron nitride flakes morphology
Authors: Lago Emanuele , Toth Peter S , Gentiluomo Silvia , Thorat Sanjay B , Pellegrini Vittorio , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: June 2021

A key requirement for the exploitation of two-dimensional (2D)-crystals in the field of composites relies on their large-scale production. In this respect, liquid phase exfoliation of layered-crystals is emerging as one of the most promising approaches for the scalable production of high-quality 2D-crystals. However, the dependence of the 2D crystal flakes morphology, i.e. thickness and lateral size, on the mechanical properties of the polymer composites is not fully understood yet. Herein, we tackle this issue by designing an environmentally friendly approach, based on the exfoliation of bulk hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN), widely used as filler in polymer composites for its high intrinsic stiffness, i.e. approaching 1 TPa, in a water/surfactant solution with controlled thickness and lateral size by using cascade ultra-centrifugation. Our approach allows us to obtain two populations of flakes with aspect ratio, i.e. lateral size over thickness, equal to 250 and 350, respectively. The h-BN flakes with tuned aspect ratio are subsequently used as filler in a polycarbonate (PC) matrix by exploiting solution blending in 1,3-dioxolane, a solvent with Hansen’s solubility parameters matching the ones of h-BN, thus enhancing the dispersion of the filler inside the matrix, as evaluated by Raman mapping. We tested the composite mechanical properties finding that flakes with higher aspect ratio show superior reinforcements in terms of both ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus, compared with their lower aspect ratio counterparts. As example, at 0.1 wt% of loading, the difference in reinforcement in terms of Young’s Modulus is of 56 MPa, being the increment, compared to pristine PC, of ∼22% for composites produced with higher aspect ratio fillers, whereas it is instead of only ∼17% for lower aspect ratio fillers.
National Health Spending, Health-Care Resources, Service Utilization, and Health Outcomes
Authors: Tanaka Takanao , Okamoto Shohei , Canning David
Published: June 2021

Cross-national studies of the linkage of health-care spending with population health have found surprisingly limited evidence of benefits. In this study, we investigated associations between national health spending and key health resources (numbers of hospital beds, physicians, and nurses) and utilization of cost-effective health services (antenatal care, attendance of trained staff at childbirth, and measles vaccination), sometimes in ways that curtail the benefits of that expenditure. Using annual panel data from 1990–2014 covering 140 countries, we show that variation in health spending as a share of gross domestic product is not associated with decreased mortality rates. It is also very weakly associated with increased health-care resources and health service utilization (elasticity smaller than 0.08), with the association being close to 0 in low-income countries. In addition, countries with a higher share of out-of-pocket spending have a significantly lower level of health resources and service utilization. These findings, rather than the ineffectiveness of health care, could explain the lack of impact of health spending. In contrast, gross domestic product per capita is significantly associated with increased health resources, a higher rate of service utilization, and lower mortality rates, suggesting that income is an important determinant of public health.
How Can Cognitive Reserve Promote Cognitive and Neurobehavioral Health?
Authors: Stern Yaakov
Published: June 2021

Objective

This review is aimed at understanding how cognitive reserve and related concepts contribute to promoting neurobehavioral and cognitive health, consistent with goal of the 2020 national academy of neuropsychology (NAN) Annual Meeting.

Research indicates that lifestyle factors such as achieving educational and work milestones, participating in leisure and social activities and IQ are all associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline in normal aging and of developing dementia. Many of these lifestyle factors have also been associated with better cognition in other psychiatric and neurological conditions. The cognitive reserve hypothesis posits that these lifestyle factors result in individual differences in the flexibility and adaptability of brain networks that may allow some people to cope better than others with age- or dementia-related brain changes. Recent evidence also supports the idea that specific genetic and lifestyle factors may help preserve a healthy brain or enhance brain reserve, a process that has been called brain maintenance. The complementary concept of brain reserve posits that structural brain features can guard against dementia and related conditions. This review defines these theoretical concepts, their research basis, how they are studied and their clinical applications.

Conclusion

Evidence supports the concept of reserve, which can be influenced by experiences in every stage of life. Focused research in this area can maximize the chance for successful intervention.
AniAMPpred: artificial intelligence guided discovery of novel antimicrobial peptides in animal kingdom
Authors: Sharma Ritesh , Shrivastava Sameer , Kumar Singh Sanjay , Kumar Abhinav , Saxena Sonal , Kumar Singh Raj
Published: June 2021

With advancements in genomics, there has been substantial reduction in the cost and time of genome sequencing and has resulted in lot of data in genome databases. Antimicrobial host defense proteins provide protection against invading microbes. But confirming the antimicrobial function of host proteins by wet-lab experiments is expensive and time consuming. Therefore, there is a need to develop an in silico tool to identify the antimicrobial function of proteins. In the current study, we developed a model AniAMPpred by considering all the available antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) of length $\in $[10 200] from the animal kingdom. The model utilizes a support vector machine algorithm with deep learning-based features and identifies probable antimicrobial proteins (PAPs) in the genome of animals. The results show that our proposed model outperforms other state-of-the-art classifiers, has very high confidence in its predictions, is not biased and can classify both AMPs and non-AMPs for a diverse peptide length with high accuracy. By utilizing AniAMPpred, we identified 436 PAPs in the genome of Helobdella robusta. To further confirm the functional activity of PAPs, we performed BLAST analysis against known AMPs. On detailed analysis of five selected PAPs, we could observe their similarity with antimicrobial proteins of several animal species. Thus, our proposed model can help the researchers identify PAPs in the genome of animals and provide insight into the functional identity of different proteins. An online prediction server is also developed based on the proposed approach, which is freely accessible at https://aniamppred.anvil.app/.
ITSoneWB: profiling global taxonomic diversity of eukaryotic communities on Galaxy
Authors: Tangaro Marco A , Defazio Giuseppe , Fosso Bruno , Licciulli Vito Flavio , Grillo Giorgio , Donvito Giacinto , Lavezzo Enrico , Baruzzo Giacomo , Pesole Graziano , Santamaria Monica
Published: June 2021

ITSoneWB (ITSone WorkBench) is a Galaxy-based bioinformatic environment where comprehensive and high-quality reference data are connected with established pipelines and new tools in an automated and easy-to-use service targeted at global taxonomic analysis of eukaryotic communities based on Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 variants high-throughput sequencing.

Availability and implementation

ITSoneWB has been deployed on the INFN-Bari ReCaS cloud facility and is freely available on the web at http://itsonewb.cloud.ba.infn.it/galaxy.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
MecCog: a knowledge representation framework for genetic disease mechanism
Authors: Kundu Kunal , Darden Lindley , Moult John
Published: June 2021

Motivation

Experimental findings on genetic disease mechanisms are scattered throughout the literature and represented in many ways, including unstructured text, cartoons, pathway diagrams and network graphs. Integration and structuring of such mechanistic information greatly enhances its utility.

Results

MecCog is a graphical framework for building integrated representations (mechanism schemas) of mechanisms by which a genetic variant causes a disease phenotype. A MecCog mechanism schema displays the propagation of system perturbations across stages of biological organization, using graphical notations to symbolize perturbed entities and activities, hyperlinked evidence tagging, a mechanism ontology and depiction of knowledge gaps, ambiguities and uncertainties. The web platform enables a user to construct, store, publish, browse, query and comment on schemas. MecCog facilitates the identification of potential biomarkers, therapeutic intervention sites and critical future experiments.

Availability and implementation

The MecCog framework is freely available at http://www.meccog.org.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.