bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between alcohol consumption and oesophageal microbiota in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Rao Wenqing , Lin Zheng , Liu Shuang , Zhang Zhihui , Xie Qianwen , Chen Huilin , Lin Xi , Chen Yuanmei , Yang Huimin , Yu Kaili , Hu Zhijian
Published: March 2021

Background

Microbiota has been reported to play a role in cancer patients. Nevertheless, little is known about the association between alcohol consumption and resultant changes in the diversity and composition of oesophageal microbiota in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

We performed a hospital-based retrospective study of 120 patients with pathologically diagnosed primary ESCC. The relevant information for all study participants were collected through a detailed questionnaire. The differences in adjacent tissues between non-drinkers and drinkers were explored using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Raw sequencing data were imported into QIIME 2 to analyse the diversity and abundance of microbiota. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and unconditional logistic regression were performed to determine the bacterial taxa that were associated with drinking.

Results

The Shannon diversity index and Bray-Curtis distance of oesophageal microbiota were significantly different among drinkers(P < 0.05). The alcohol-related bacteria were primarily from the orders Clostridiales, Gemellales and Pasteurellales, family Clostridiaceae, Lanchnospiraceae, Helicobacteraceae, Alcaligenaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Pasteurellaceae and Gemellaceae; genus Clostridium, Helicobacter, Catonella, Bacteroides, Bacillus, Moraxella, and Bulleidia; and species B. moorei and longum (genus Bifidobacterium). In addition, the diversity and abundance of these microbiota were observed to be affected by the age, residential districts of the patients, and sampling seasons. Moreover, the higher the frequency and years of alcohol consumption, the lower was the relative abundance of genus Catonella that was observed.

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption is associated with alterations in both the diversity and composition the of the oesophageal microbiota in ESCC patients.
Estimated glomerular filtration rate and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing non-cardiac and non-neuron surgery: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Luo Xueying , Zheng Sujing , Liu Baoer , Yang Liping , Li Ya , Li Feng , Gao Rui , Hu Haofei , He Jinsong
Published: March 2021

Background

There is limited evidence to clarify the specific relationship between preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (preop-eGFR) and postoperative 30-day mortality in Asian patients undergoing non-cardiac and non-neuron surgery. We aimed to investigate details of this relationship.

Methods

We reanalyzed a retrospective analysis of the clinical records of 90,785 surgical patients at the Singapore General Hospital from January 1, 2012 to October 31, 2016. The main outcome was postoperative 30-day mortality.

Results

The average age of these recruited patients was 53.96 ± 16.88 years, of which approximately 51.64% were female. The mean of preop-eGFR distribution was 84.45 ± 38.56 mL/min/1.73 m2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that preop-eGFR was independently associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.992; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.990–0.995; P < 0.001). A U-shaped relationship was detected between preop-eGFR and 30-day mortality with an inflection point of 98.688 (P for log likelihood ratio test < 0.001). The effect sizes and confidence intervals on the right and left sides of the inflection point were 1.013 (1.007 to 1.019) [P < 0.0001] and 0.984 (0.981 to 0.987) [P < 0.0001], respectively. Preoperative comorbidities such as congestive heart failure (CHF), type 1 diabetes, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and anemia were associated with the odds ratio of preop-eGFR to 30-day mortality (interaction P < 0.05).

Discussion

The relationship between preop-eGFR and 30-day mortality is U-shaped. The recommended preop-eGFR at which the rate of the 30-day mortality was lowest was 98.688 mL/min/1.73 m2.
Influence of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on patients receiving lung resection: a retrospective study of 1749 cases
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Lai Yutian , Li Pengfei , Su Jianhuan , Che Guowei
Published: March 2021

Background

The study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following the implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for patients undergoing lung cancer surgery.

Method

A retrospective cohort study involving 1749 patients with lung cancer undergoing pulmonary resection was conducted. The patients were divided into two time period groups for analysis (routine pathway and ERAS pathway). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risks of developing postoperative pulmonary complications.

Results

Among the 1749 patients, 691 were stratified into the ERAS group, and 1058 in to the routine group. The ERAS group presented with shorter postoperative in-hospital length of stay (LOS) (4.0 vs 6.0, P < 0.001), total LOS (10.0 vs. 13.0 days, P < 0.001), and lower total in-hospital costs (P < 0.001), including material (P < 0.001) and drug expenses (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the ERAS group also presented with a lower occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) than the routine group (15.2% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.022). Likewise, a significantly lower occurrence of pneumonia (8.4% vs. 14.2%, P < 0.001) and atelectasis (5.9% vs. 9.8%, P = 0.004) was found in the ERAS group. Regarding the binary logistic regression, the ERAS intervention was the sole independent factor for the occurrence of PPCs (OR: 0.601, 95% CI 0.434–0.824, P = 0.002). In addition, age (OR: 1.032, 95% CI 1.018–1.046), COPD (OR: 1.792, 95% CI 1.196–2.686), and FEV1 (OR: 0.205, 95% CI 0.125–0.339) were also independent predictors of PPCs.

Conclusion

Implementation of an ERAS pathway shows improved postoperative outcomes, including shortened LOS, lower in-hospital costs, and reduced occurrence of PPCs, providing benefits to the postoperative recovery of patients with lung cancer undergoing surgical treatment.
The physician-nurse collaboration in truth disclosure: from nurses’ perspective
Authors: Cheng Qinqin , Duan Yinglong , Wang Ying , Zhang Qinghui , Chen Yongyi
Published: March 2021

Background

Collaboration between physicians and nurses is critical. However, a limited number of studies have provided insights into the status of physician–nurse collaboration in truth disclosure.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an electronic questionnaire among Chinese nurses who attended a provincial conference. The Nurse–Physician Collaboration Scale was administered to nurses to assess the collaboration in truth disclosure from their perspective. A multiple-choice question was asked to assess the perceived difficulties in truth disclosure. Descriptive statistics, univariate, and multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed to evaluate physician–nurse collaboration in truth disclosure.

Results

A total of 287 nurses completed the survey, and 279 of them reported that they had carried out truth disclosures among patients. The average score for physician–nurse collaboration in truth disclosure was 3.98 ± 0.72. The majority of nurses (73.1–81%) responded positively to different dimensions of collaboration in truth disclosure. The results of multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that seniority (B = − 0.111, 95% confidence interval [CI] = − 0.167−− 0.055, p < 0.001) and frequency of truth disclosure (B = 0.162, 95%CI = 0.076–0.249, p < 0.001) were the only two factors associated with collaboration in truth disclosure between physicians and nurses. The most common barrier perceived by nurses was fear of patients’ negative emotions or their suicide attempts after truth telling.

Conclusions

Most nurses responded positively to physician–nurse collaboration in truth disclosure. Various difficulties existed in the practice of truth-telling collaboration. Further studies are required to test the potential interventions to promote cooperation between nurses and physicians in truth disclosure.
Comparison of capillary and venous blood for malaria detection using two PCR-based assays in febrile patients in Sierra Leone
Authors: Leski Tomasz A. , Taitt Chris Rowe , Bangura Umaru , Lahai Joseph , Lamin Joseph M. , Baio Victoria , Koroma Mohamed S. , Swaray Abdulai G. , Jacobsen Kathryn H. , Jackson Olivia , Jones Brian W. , Phillips Cynthia L. , Ansumana Rashid , Stenger David A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Rapid and sensitive diagnostics are critical tools for clinical case management and public health control efforts. Both capillary and venous blood are currently used for malaria detection and while diagnostic technologies may not be equally sensitive with both materials, the published data on this subject are scarce and not conclusive.

Methods

Paired clinical samples of venous and capillary blood from 141 febrile individuals in Bo, Sierra Leone, were obtained between January and May 2019 and tested for the presence of Plasmodium parasites using two multiplexed PCR assays: the FilmArray-based Global Fever Panel (GFP) and the TaqMan-based Malaria Multiplex Sample Ready (MMSR) assay.

Results

No significant differences in Plasmodium parasite detection between capillary and venous blood for both assays were observed. The GFP assay was more sensitive than MMSR for all markers that could be compared (Plasmodium spp. and Plasmodium falciparum) in both venous and capillary blood.

Conclusions

No difference was found in malaria detection between venous and capillary blood using two different PCR-based detection assays. This data gives support for use of capillary blood, a material which can be obtained easier by less invasive methods, for PCR-based malaria diagnostics, independent of the platform.
Lung clearance index and diffusion capacity for CO to detect early functional pulmonary impairment in children with rheumatic diseases
Authors: Hildebrandt Julia , Rahn Anja , Kessler Anja , Speth Fabian , Fischer Dagmar-Christiane , Ballmann Manfred
Published: March 2021

Background

In adults with rheumatic diseases pulmonary complications are relevant contributors to morbidity and mortality. In these patients diffusion capacity for CO (DLCO) is an established method to detect early pulmonary impairment. Pilot studies using DLCO indicate that early functional pulmonary impairment is present even in children with rheumatic disease albeit not detectable by spirometry and without clinical signs of pulmonary disease.

Since the lung clearance index (LCI) is also a non-invasive, feasible and established method to detect early functional pulmonary impairment especially in children and because it requires less cooperation (tidal breathing), we compared LCI versus DLCO (forced breathing and breath-holding manoeuvre) in children with rheumatic diseases.

Findings

Nineteen patients (age 9–17 years) with rheumatic disease and no clinical signs of pulmonary disease successfully completed LCI and DLCO during annual check-up. In 2 patients LCI and DLCO were within physiological limits. By contrast, elevated LCI combined with physiological results for DLCO were seen in 8 patients and in 9 patients both, the LCI and DLCO indicate early functional pulmonary changes. Overall, LCI was more sensitive than DLCO to detect early functional pulmonary impairment (p = 0.0128).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that early functional pulmonary impairment is already present in children with rheumatic diseases. LCI is a very feasible and non-invasive alternative for detection of early functional pulmonary impairment in children. It is more sensitive and less cooperation dependent than DLCO. Therefore, we suggest to integrate LCI in routine follow-up of rheumatic diseases in children.
METTL3-mediated m6A mRNA modification of FBXW7 suppresses lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wu Yingtong , Chang Ning , Zhang Yong , Zhang Xinxin , Xu Leidi , Che Yinggang , Qiao Tianyun , Wu Bin , Zhou Ying , Jiang Jun , Xiong Jie , Zhang Jian , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2021

Background

FBXW7 m6A modification plays an important role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

The correlation between FBXW7 and various genes related to m6A modification was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The regulatory effects of METTL3 on FBXW7 mRNA m6A modification were examined in a cell model, and the underlying mechanism was determined by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter, and mutagenesis assays. In vitro experiments were performed to further explore the biological effects of METTL3-mediated FBXW7 m6A modification on LUAD development.

Results

Decreased FBXW7 expression was accompanied by downregulated METTL3 expression in human LUAD tissues and was associated with a worse prognosis for LUAD in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. m6A was highly enriched in METTL3-mediated FBXW7 transcripts, and increased m6A modification in the coding sequence region increased its translation. Functionally, METTL3 overexpression or knockdown affected the apoptosis and proliferation phenotype of LUAD cells by regulating FBXW7 m6A modification and expression. Furthermore, FBXW7 overexpression in METTL3-depleted cells partially restored LUAD cell suppression in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that METTL3 positively regulates FBXW7 expression and confirm the tumor-suppressive role of m6A-modified FBXW7, thus providing insight into its epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in LUAD initiation and development.
Survivorship of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato in irrigated sugarcane plantation scheme in Ethiopia
Authors: Hawaria Dawit , Kibret Solomon , Demissew Assalif , Tsegaye Arega , Bitew Denekew , Yan Guiyun , Yewhalaw Delenasaw
Published: March 2021

Background

To ensure food security, sub-Saharan Africa has initiated massive water resource development projects, such as irrigated agriculture, in recent years. However, such environmental modifications affect the survivorship and development of mosquitoes, which are vectors of different diseases. This study aimed at determining the effects of irrigation practices on development and survivorship of Anopheles gambiae s.l. in Ethiopia.

Methods

A life table experiment was conducted to examine the effect of environmental modification on survivorship of both immature and adult An. gambiae s.l. in irrigated and non-irrigated areas. The pupation rate and development time of the immatures and adult longevity and fecundity were compared between the two settings.

Results

The estimated mean survival time of female An. gambiae s.l. in the irrigated and non-irrigated areas was 37.9 and 31.3 days, respectively. A survival analysis showed that adult females of An. gambiae s.l. placed in an irrigated area lived significantly longer than those in a non-irrigated area (χ2 = 18.3, df = 1, P <0.001), and An. gambiae s.l. females lived significantly longer than males in both areas (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Adult An. gambiae s.l. survivorship was found to be enhanced in the irrigated area compared to non-irrigated area. Longer survival of adult mosquitoes in irrigated areas could have important implications for vectorial capacity and hence malaria transmission.

Graphical Abstract
Efficacy of milbemycin oxime/afoxolaner chewable tablets (NEXGARD SPECTRA®) against Capillaria aerophila and Capillaria boehmi in naturally infected dogs
Authors: Di Cesare Angela , Morelli Simone , Morganti Giulia , Simonato Giulia , Veronesi Fabrizia , Colombo Mariasole , Berlanda Michele , Lebon Wilfried , Gallo Matilde , Beugnet Frederic , Traversa Donato
Published: March 2021

Background

Capillaria aerophilaandCapillaria boehmiparasitize the respiratory system of wild and domestic carnivores.Capillaria aerophilainhabits the trachea and bronchi of dogs and cats, whileC. boehmiaffects the nasal cavities and sinuses of dogs. In dogs the infection may be subclinical or characterized by varying respiratory distress.

Methods

The present study evaluated the efficacy of an oral formulation containing milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner (NEXGARD SPECTRA®) in dogs naturally infected withC. aerophilaand/orC. boehmifrom three enzootic areas of Italy. Dogs were enrolled pending fecal examination and molecular confirmation of respiratory capillarioses. Dogs were allocated in two groups: Group 1 (G1, 25 dogs), treated with a negative control product with no anthelmintic activity (afoxolaner, NEXGARD®), and Group 2 (G2, 26 dogs), treated with NEXGARD SPECTRA®. At the day of treatment administration (Day 0), all dogs were clinically examined. Dogs were again subjected to clinical and fecal examinations at Days 28 (± 4) and 56 (± 2). The primary criterion for treatment efficacy was the reduction of fecalCapillariaegg counts in G2 compared with G1. The regression of/recovery from baseline clinical signs was considered as a further efficacy criterion.

Results

Percentage reduction of fecalCapillariaegg counts in the NEXGARD SPECTRA®group compared to the control group was > 97% on Day 28 and 100% on Day 56, respectively (p < 0.05 for both time points). Twelve of the 13 dogs in the NEXGARD SPECTRA®group with respiratory signs prior to treatment were free of clinical signs at the end of the study. Conversely, the six control group dogs with respiratory signs prior to treatment remained symptomatic.

Conclusions

Results of the present study showed that NEXGARD SPECTRA® was safe and highly efficacious in the reduction ofC. aerophilaandC. boehmieggs after one treatment with a complete reduction of the egg output after the second administration associated with a recovery from respiratory signs.

Graphical Abstract
Exploration of binary protein–protein interactions between tick-borne flaviviruses and Ixodes ricinus
Authors: Lemasson Manon , Caignard Grégory , Unterfinger Yves , Attoui Houssam , Bell-Sakyi Lesley , Hirchaud Edouard , Moutailler Sara , Johnson Nicholas , Vitour Damien , Richardson Jennifer , Lacour Sandrine A.
Published: March 2021

Background

Louping ill virus (LIV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are tick-borne flaviviruses that are both transmitted by the major European tick, Ixodes ricinus. Despite the importance of I. ricinus as an arthropod vector, its capacity to acquire and subsequently transmit viruses, known as vector competence, is poorly understood. At the molecular scale, vector competence is governed in part by binary interactions established between viral and cellular proteins within infected tick cells.

Methods

To investigate virus-vector protein–protein interactions (PPIs), the entire set of open reading frames for LIV and TBEV was screened against an I. ricinus cDNA library established from three embryonic tick cell lines using yeast two-hybrid methodology (Y2H). PPIs revealed for each viral bait were retested in yeast by applying a gap repair (GR) strategy, and notably against the cognate protein of both viruses, to determine whether the PPIs were specific for a single virus or common to both. The interacting tick proteins were identified by automatic BLASTX, and in silico analyses were performed to expose the biological processes targeted by LIV and TBEV.

Results

For each virus, we identified 24 different PPIs involving six viral proteins and 22 unique tick proteins, with all PPIs being common to both viruses. According to our data, several viral proteins (pM, M, NS2A, NS4A, 2K and NS5) target multiple tick protein modules implicated in critical biological pathways. Of note, the NS5 and pM viral proteins establish PPI with several tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor (TRAF) proteins, which are essential adaptor proteins at the nexus of multiple signal transduction pathways.

Conclusion

We provide the first description of the TBEV/LIV-I. ricinus PPI network, and indeed of any PPI network involving a tick-borne virus and its tick vector. While further investigation will be needed to elucidate the role of each tick protein in the replication cycle of tick-borne flaviviruses, our study provides a foundation for understanding the vector competence of I. ricinus at the molecular level. Indeed, certain PPIs may represent molecular determinants of vector competence of I. ricinus for TBEV and LIV, and potentially for other tick-borne flaviviruses.

Graphical Abstract
The association between serum testosterone levels and metabolic syndrome among women
Authors: Liang Junxiao , Peng Qiaohua , Yang Xinyun , Yang Chunbo
Published: March 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between total serum testosterone level (TT) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among adult female population. Subgroup analysis further stratified the population by menopausal status to address the potential hormonal difference in postmenopausal women.

Methods

A total of 1966 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012 cycle was included for analysis in this study. MetS was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Serum TT was collected during the physical examination of the NHANES program and divided into quartiles (Q) in this analysis. Menopausal status was determined based on NHANES Reproductive Health Questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied for analysis.

Results

The odds of MetS in Q2: 12.99–19.38 ng/mL (OR = 0.641, 95%CI 0.493–0.835, P < 0.01), Q3: 19.39–28.38 ng/mL (OR = 0.476, 95%CI 0.362–0.626, P < 0.001), and Q4: ≥28.40 ng/mL (OR = 0.390, 95%CI 0.294–0.517, P < 0.001) were statistically lower compared to the reference Q1: <12.99 ng/mL. For the postmenopausal group, a significantly lower odds of MetS was observed in the Q2 (OR = 0.689, 95%CI 0.486–0.977, P < 0.05) and Q4 (OR = 0.606, 95%CI 0.399–0.922, P < 0.05), while the odds of Q3 (OR = 0.439, 95%CI 0.248–0.779, P < 0.01) and Q4 (OR = 0.464, 95%CI 0.261–0.825, P < 0.01) were significantly lower than the reference Q1 in the premenopausal group.

Conclusions

Elevated TT levels are associated with incremental reductions in the odds of metabolic syndrome among adult females. Although, serum testosterone level is associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in both the postmenopausal and the premenopausal group, the patterns of the relationship are different.
Sustained clinical remission under infliximab/rituximab combination therapy in a patient with granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Valor-Méndez Larissa , Kleyer Arnd , Rech Jürgen , Manger Bernhard , Schett Georg
Published: March 2021

Background

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by small and medium vessel vasculitis. The use of biological therapies such as rituximab and infliximab has improved the treatment of ocular manifestations in GPA.

Case report

We report a case of a 45-year-old Caucasian male suffering with rhinitis, sinubronchitis and exophthalmos. These clinical findings, subsequent biopsy and MRI were consistent with positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)/proteinase-3 and he was diagnosed with GPA with orbital involvement. He was refractory to cyclophosphamide at stable doses of methotrexate and a therapy with rituximab was started. Eventually and because of family planning methotrexate was replaced by azathioprine. Symptoms worsened and MRI revealed an increase in the granulomatous lesion in the orbit. Therefore, we decided to add infliximab to the combination of azathioprine and rituximab, our patient achieved then a long-term response. During the 10 years of the combined treatment, no adverse effects or systemic involvement occurred.

Conclusions

This case suggests that the individual use of a combination of rituximab and infliximab may be a promising strategy for the treatment in the long term of refractory orbital GPA.
Autoencoder-bank based design for adaptive channel-blind robust transmission
Authors: Safi Hossein , Akbari Mohammad , Vaezpour Elaheh , Parsaeefard Saeedeh , Shubair Raed M
Published: March 2021

The idea of employing deep autoencoders (AEs) has been recently proposed to capture the end-to-end performance in the physical layer of communication systems. However, most of the current methods for applying AEs are developed based on the assumption that there exists an explicit channel model for training that matches the actual channel model in the online transmission. The variation of the actual channel indeed imposes a major limitation on employing AE-based systems. In this paper, without relying on an explicit channel model, we propose an adaptive scheme to increase the reliability of an AE-based communication system over different channel conditions. Specifically, we partition channel coefficient values into sub-intervals, train an AE for each partition in the offline phase, and constitute a bank of AEs. Then, based on the actual channel condition in the online phase and the average block error rate (BLER), the optimal pair of encoder and decoder is selected for data transmission. To gain knowledge about the actual channel conditions, we assume a realistic scenario in which the instantaneous channel is not known, and propose to blindly estimate it at the Rx, i.e., without any pilot symbols. Our simulation results confirm the superiority of the proposed adaptive scheme over existing methods in terms of the average power consumption. For instance, when the target average BLER is equal to $$10^{-4}$$

10

-
4

, our proposed algorithm with 5 pairs of AE can achieve a performance gain over 1.2 dB compared with a non-adaptive scheme.
Crystallization behavior of ion beam sputtered HfO2 thin films and its effect on the laser-induced damage threshold
Authors: Balogh-Michels Zoltán , Stevanovic Igor , Borzi Aurelio , Bächli Andreas , Schachtler Daniel , Gischkat Thomas , Neels Antonia , Stuck Alexander , Botha Roelene
Published: March 2021

In this work, we present our results about the thermal crystallization of ion beam sputtered hafnia on 0001 SiO2substrates and its effect on the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT). The crystallization process was studied using in-situ X-ray diffractometry. We determined an activation energy for crystallization of 2.6 ± 0.5 eV. It was found that the growth of the crystallites follows a two-dimensional growth mode. This, in combination with the high activation energy, leads to an apparent layer thickness-dependent crystallization temperature. LIDT measurements @355 nm on thermally treated 3 quarter-wave thick hafnia layers show a decrement of the 0% LIDT for 1 h @773 K treatment. Thermal treatment for 5 h leads to a significant increment of the LIDT values.
The direction of airlines business models – up or down?
(Post Covid-19 crisis – case study)
Authors: MRÁZOVÁ Mária , KAZDA Antonín
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with airlines business models, mostly full service network carriers (FSNC) and low-cost carriers (LCC) and their position on the airline market. Covid-19 crisis causes many negative impacts on all airline industry. Hybridisation process in aviation industry is described many times in the past; now it has a stronger impact on airline business model development and it is oriented on different aspects than before. The paper emphasises the fact that low-cost carrier’s business model is much closer to the features of the FSNC carriers from the price point of view and vice versa. Furthermore, the authors introduce some other diversifications of airlines business models and the paper offers the new stimulus to move forward in this tough time for airlines business, paradoxically, thanks to Covid-19. Finally, yet importantly, the authors emphasise the important role of the state in the further direction of the airlines during and after the Covid-19 crisis
Design and Optimization of Lug Bracket Assembly
Authors: GOWTHAM G. , SHIVA SAM KUMAR G. SHIVA SAM KUMAR , DARA AASA
Published: March 2021

An aircraft is an advanced mechanical structure made by man which has been dominating the skies from the early 19th centuries. It has been used for transportation of cargo/ passengers from one place to another in a shorter period of time. Advances in aeronautics lead to the development of fighter aircrafts with exciting and dominating characteristics. A fighter aircraft is to be designed in such a way that it can withstand heavy loadings on the wing due to its high manoeuvrability. A fighter aircraft is designed to be marginally unstable, which makes control easier and better during manoeuvrability at high speeds, but in this state there is a heavy fluctuating load acting on the wing. The wing is connected to the fuselage using wing fuselage lug attachment bracket. Since the wing is a cantilever structure, the load acting on the wing is concentrated on the hinge (lug bracket assembly). In this paper, a lug bracket is designed according to the standard design procedure and is validated using Finite Element Methods to ensure the static loading capability and stress concentrations in lug bracket. The validated model has been optimized using Altair Optistruct. The optimized model has been validated under static loading condition for the stress concentration and displacement and is compared with initial model in order to study and understand its behaviour under various conditions.
Conceptual Design of a Low - Cost Linear Actuator for Variable Span Wing Application
Authors: HOSSAIN Aynul
Published: March 2021

Aerospace actuators can be found throughout modern commercial and experimental aircraft, as well as in military and space exploration. The aerospace industry is not only growing, but also rapidly changing and the demand for aerospace actuators is permanently increasing. Linear actuator is able to push, pull, and hold objects in a way that our bodies cannot. Additionally, electrically powered technology provides more sophisticated control options. Linear actuator drive many different functions that are essential to safe and efficient aircraft operation. Manufacturers and hobbyists alike are always on the hunt for new ways to automate functions while keeping development costs low. Providing cost-effective linear solutions for aerospace application is one of the biggest challenge. This research will provide a cost-effective actuator conceptual design for variable span morphing wing UAV. The cost-effective design will be presented along with the application-based selection of linear actuators for morphing wing UAV.
Phenotypic detection and genotyping of Clostridium perfringens associated with enterotoxemia in sheep in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsaab Fehaid , Wahdan Ali , Saeed Elhassan M. A.
Published: March 2021

Background and Aim: Enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens toxinotypes is an often fatal disease of sheep of all ages, with a substantial economic loss to the sheep industry. This study was conducted to isolate C. perfringens from suspected cases of enterotoxemia in sheep in the central part of the Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia, and to determine the prevalent toxinotype by detecting alpha (cpA), beta (cpB), and epsilon (etX) toxin genes, which might help control this disease locally.

Materials and Methods: A total of 93 rectal swabs and intestinal content samples were collected from diseased and animals suspected of having died of enterotoxemia in early 2020. Samples were subjected to bacteriological examination, biochemical analysis of isolates by VITEK 2, and molecular toxinotyping of isolates by LightCycler® real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results: Our results revealed that only 14 isolates were confirmed by VITEK 2 as being C. perfringens, with excellent identification (probability of 95% and 97%). According to the toxinotyping of isolates by RT-PCR, all 14 isolates possessed both the cpA and etX toxin genes, while the cpB toxin gene was not detected in any of the isolates.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that C. perfringens type D was the only toxinotype found in the central part of the Qassim Region in 2020; moreover, according to the culture method, only 15% (14/93) of the suspected cases of enterotoxemia were confirmed to be caused by C. perfringens infection, which highlighted the importance of clinical and laboratory differential diagnosis of enterotoxemia in sheep.
Adaptación y validación de la Escala de Actitudes de Culpabilización de la Víctima en Casos de Violencia de Pareja contra la Mujer (VB-IPVAW) en población ecuatoriana
Authors:   Departamento de Psicología Social, Universidad de Valencia, España, Villagrán Aída M. , Martín-Fernández Manuel ,   Departamento de Psicología Social, Universidad de Valencia, España, Gracia Enrique ,   Departamento de Psicología Social, Universidad de Valencia, España, Lila Marisol ,   Departamento de Psicología Social, Universidad de Valencia, España
Published: March 2021

La violencia de pareja contra la mujer (VPM) constituye un grave problema de salud pública con importantes consecuencias para la salud física y psicológica de las mujeres. Las actitudes de culpabilización de la víctima pueden contribuir a crear un clima de aceptación social en el que la VPM se perciba como una conducta normativa, influyendo en las respuestas de los individuos, comunidades, e instituciones frente a este problema. Ecuador es uno de los países de Latinoamérica donde la prevalencia de VPM es más alta, y las investigaciones sobre esta temática son todavía escasas. El objetivo de este estudio es adaptar y validar la escala española de actitudes de culpabilización de la víctima (VB-IPVAW) al entorno cultural ecuatoriano. Para ello se analizaron las propiedades psicométricas de la escala en una muestra de 1122 ecuatorianos, así como su invarianza factorial entre hombres y mujeres con una segunda muestra de 400 estudiantes universitarios. Se examinó también el posible sesgo por deseabilidad social de los ítems de este instrumento. Los resultados mostraron que la escala VB-IPVAW tiene una excelente consistencia interna, que se relaciona con otros constructos como la gravedad percibida de la VPM y el sexismo ambivalente, que sus ítems tienen una baja carga de deseabilidad social y que es invariante entre géneros. La adaptación de la escala VB-IPVAW al contexto cultural ecuatoriano representa un avance clave en el estudio y la comprensión de las actitudes de culpabilización a la víctima, proporcionando un instrumento fiable y válido para evaluar estas actitudes.
Implement wrist-worn PPG and SpO2 monitoring system
Authors: Hong Noh Yun , Yun Seo Ji , Un Jeong Do
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives: With the advent of an aging society, the advent of smartphones is changing the paradigm of medical services.Existing health care has been aimed at diagnosing and curing, but now there is a lot of focus on personal health monitoring and disease prevention.The PPG signal reflecting the activity state of the heart among the various biological information of the human body has a regular period and regular characteristic.In addition, it is possible to observe pathological and physiological abnormalities by observing changes in the components of the PPG signal according to the state of health and the body, and it can be utilized for diagnosis of heart disease.Methods/Statistical analysis: In this research, we implemented a wrist - worn measuring system to monitor PPG and SPO2 in real time in daily life. Adaptive filter method was applied formotion-artifact removal of PPG and SpO2 signal measured in everyday life. A smart phone application applied the adaptive filter method can monitoring the measured physical information in real time.Findings: For the performance evaluation, the PPG signal of the wrist wearing type measurement system implemented using the commercial PPG measuring device ubpulse 360 (Laxtha, Korea) were comparative evaluation. Also, we measured PPG signals according to activity and rest state in 9 college students. As a result of the experiment, it was confirmed that the mean correlation coefficient between the implemented system and the commercial system was 0.934. We confirmed that the measured results are very similar, and we can confirm the usefulness of the implemented system.Improvements/Applications: In non-invasive SpO2 devices, even with slight movement, the noise is larger than the signal and the ratio of absorbance is incorrectly calculated when calculating SPO2. Therefore, it is difficult to obtain a normal waveform. In order to overcome these disadvantages, we implemented the PPG and SPO2 measurement monitoring system which minimizes the distortion of the PPG signal using the adaptive filter.In the future, we will research techniques for measuring PPG and SPO2 more conveniently in daily life and algorithms for improving the accuracy of PPG data.
Research of improved object detection with image dehazing
Authors: Ahn Hyochang , Hwan Lee June , Jin Cho Han
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives: In this paper, we propose an improved object recognition method that can recover visibility by detecting degraded image due to factors such as weather, and to detect objects in the reconstructed image.Methods/Statistical analysis: In this paper, we propose improved object detection and recognition method by visibility restoration by improving degraded image. First, fog removal based on a single image is performed and restored using a median filter instead of using the minimum value in the window. We also used adaptive feature point extraction method to extract feature points by removing unnecessary information such as noise from the improved image.Findings: The performance of the proposed algorithm was evaluated by measuring the number of feature points before and after the proposed algorithm. Experimental results show that more feature points are extracted and matched than the case of recognition of the region of interest after reconstructing the image by removing the fog using the intermediate value filter in the image of degraded image by the proposed method.Improvements/Applications: Applying the proposed method to a variety of vision - based intelligent systems such as smart cars will eliminate the bad conditions such as fog, which will give better performance.
Information visualization for the lod services on national R&D data
Authors: Jeong Hanjo , Ki Kim Yong , Park Minwoo
Published: March 2021

Background/Objectives: NTIS (National Science & Technology Information Service) is constructed and operated to provide a comprehensive data-provider service of national R&D data. Thus, NTIS is needed to manage and share the national R&D data in a more open and standardized way.Methods/Statistical analysis: This paper presents a lightweight ontology-based LOD service and its visualization interfaces on the national R&D data maintained by NTIS. The lightweight ontology is used to represent the information and the knowledge of the R&D data in terms of the information entities and their simple relationships.Findings: The lightweight ontology enables us to process the R&D data in more semantic and efficient ways. For the visualizations, a hierarchical and network-type user interfaces are introduced to represent the NTIS LOD data and allow users to browse the LOD data in a more convenient way. This research also presents the overall system architecture of the NTIS LOD system.Improvements/Applications: The hierarchical and network visualization interfaces effectivenessly represent the LOD data, and also allow users to search and browse the LOD data in more convenient and efficient ways.
Milkfish (Chanos Chanos) Gelatin as Biosensor Material for Chromium (III) Detection
Authors: P.H. Hutapea T , . Rukisah , . Mulyadi , A. Madurani K , . Suprapto , Kurniawan F.
Published: March 2021

Milkfish (Chanos chanos) gelatin was successfully developed as biosensor material. The milkfish bone was obtained from local restaurants in Tarakan, North Borneo, Indonesia. Gelatin was extracted from milkfish bone using acid method at 55°C. Characterization by FTIR showed that milkfish gelatin had similar functional group with commercial gelatin. The gelatin was used as biosensor material for detecting chromium. The gelatin was mixed with carbon in 1:1 ratio to form gelatin/carbon paste modified silver electrode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis of the gelatin/carbon paste modified silver electrode showed a better conductivity than paraffin/carbon paste modified silver electrode. Performance of the gelatin/carbon paste modified silver electrode in chromium (III) solution was conducted using cyclic voltammetry technique. Measurement was carried out at -1 V to +1 V with scan rate of 100 mV/s in acid and base condition. The best result was shown by gelatin/carbon paste modified silver electrode. It can detect chromium (III) ions at reduction potential of -0.78 V in alkaline condition. Unspecific responses were observed from silver electrode, paraffin/silver electrode, carbon/silver electrode, gelatin/silver electrode and paraffin/carbon paste modified silver electrode. This result can be concluded that the milkfish gelatin obtained have a potential to be developed as chromium (III) biosensor.
Evaluating Quality and Reliability of Final Exam Questions for Probability and Statistics Course Using Rasch Model
Authors: Zulkifli Faiz , Zainal Abidin Rozaimah , Faezah Mohamad Razi, Nor Hazlina Mohammad Noor , Ahmad Rusliza , Zafirah Azmi Anis
Published: March 2021

Evaluation of the questions’ level of complexity for the statistical course was proposed using the revised version of Bloom’s taxonomy. The use of Bloom's taxonomy in statistical examination papers allows the degree of difficulty to be pseudo-objectively assessed. Well-constructed questions in the final examination will help in measuring students' abilities based on comprehensive cognitive skills. Therefore, this study used Rasch Model to evaluate the quality and reliability of final exam questions for probability and statistics course. According to research findings, five out of 30 questions are considered as misfit items. It is therefore recommended that these items be removed or rephrased to better suit the students’ ability level in a course. Whereas, nine questions have significant differences between taxonomy level and Rasch level that require further analysis. Overall, students view the set of exam questions as simple due to the unavailability of difficult items. Based on this result, it is suggested that the exam questions should undergo verification process from the expert and students should be exposed early to various types of questions with different level of difficulty.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of TiO2/Al2O3 Nanocomposite and its Application as Improved Sonocatalyst
Authors: Ali S. Ali Assist. Prof. , J. Mohammed Alaa , R. Saud Haider
Published: March 2021

The powder of TiO2/Î±-Al2O3 nanocomposite for Sonocatalysis decolorisation was successfully achieved in the Hydrothermal autoclave reaction for 6 hours and completely crystallized into Anatase phase at temperature of 220oC which more lower than normal required calcination temperature 500oC. The TiO2/Î±-Al2O3 nanoparticles examined using FT-IR, SEM, TGA, X-ray diffraction studies( XRD), The results indicate the formation of nanocomposite with tetragonal Anatase phase and average crystal size of 21.4nm for TiO2/Î±-Al2O3 while the average crystal size of 8.1nm for Al2O3, which are calculated according to Scherrerâ€™s equation. This powder was mixed with methylene blue to study the effect of nanocomposite on it, the prepared nanocomposite show highly decolorisation percentage of methylene blue solution.Â
Some Mechanical Properties of Cement Treated Base (CTB) Incorporating Waste Portland Cement Concrete Under Different Corresponding Conditions
Authors: Khawla H. H. Shubber Asst. Prof. Dr. , Sajjad Hashim Mohamed Eng.
Published: March 2021

This research represents a trial of understanding and improving mechanical properties of base or subbase granular materials, used in pavement construction, stabilized with Portland cement known as cement treated base (CTB) in terms of density, optimum water content (O.W.C), and compression Strength of three curing ages (3, 7, 28) days under different situations. Different Portland cement percent of (0, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 15) % by weight were added to selected base course granular materials (type B according to local standard specification in Iraq). Results showed that the density of mixture increase with increasing added cement percent, while O.W.C takes its maximum value around 7% cement content, and compression strength increase with increasing cement content and curing age. Then effect of replacing 50% of natural granular materials by waste Portland cement concrete (WPCC) was investigated on the results of (0, 7& 15)% cement content on density, O.W.C and compression strength in the three curing ages. Results reveled although density of mixture cooperating WPCC for 0% cement content was higher, CTB of natural granular material were denser. On the other hand compressive strength decrease in case of using WPCC for all percent cement added and curing ages. Finally, effect of soaking in water on CTB with (7 &15)% cement compressive strength of three curing ages was studied, under three period of soaking (1 week, 2 weeks, &one month). Test results exposed that, CTB Compressive strength increase with increasing soaking period but still less than that of un-soaked and for all curing ages. For each test stage mathematics relationships with acceptable correlation were presented proofing test results tendency.
Coal Consumption and Environmental Sustainability in South Africa: The role of Financial Development and Globalization
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday , Kirikkaleli Dervis , Adeshola Ibrahim , Oluwajana Dokun , Akinsola Gbenga Daniel , Osemeahon Oseyenbhin Sunday
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to investigate coal consumption and environmental sustainability in South Africa by examining the role of financial development and globalization by using a dataset covering the period from 1980 to 2017. The study utilized the Auto-regressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) approach in addition to the Bayer and Hank combined co-integration, fully modified Ordinary least squares (FMOLS), and Dynamic ordinary least Squares (DOLS). The study further utilized the frequency domain causality test to capture the causal linkage between the series. The advantage of the frequency domain causality is that it can capture causal linkages between series at different periods. The Bayer and Hanck co-integration and ARDL bounds tests reveal co-integration among the series. The empirical findings based on the ARDL long-run estimation reveal that a 1% increase in coal consumption increases environmental degradation by 1.077%, while a 1% increase in financial development decreases the environmental degradation by 0.973%. Furthermore, a 1% increase in economic growth decreases environmental quality by 1.449%. The outcomes of the FMOLS and DOLS approaches also provide supportive evidence for the ARDL long-run results. Furthermore, the results of the frequency domain causality test reveal that at a significance level of 1%, coal consumption Granger causes CO2 emissions at different frequencies, while financial development Granger causes CO2 emissions in the long run and short run at a significance level of 10%. In terms of policy suggestions, South Africa should embrace policies that encourage energy consumers to shift toward renewable energy. Furthermore, financial reforms should be implemented to curb environmental degradation