bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satellite dish antenna control for distributed mobile telemedicine nodes
Authors: Onyeka Ekengwu Bonaventure , Eze Paulinus Chinaenye , Asiegbu Christopher Nnaemeka , Olisa Samuel Chukwuemeka , Udechukwu Chimezie Felix
Published: August 2022

The positioning control of a dish antenna mounted on distributed mobile telemedicine nodes (DMTNs) within Nigeria communicating via NigComSat-1R has been presented. It was desired to improve the transient and steady performance of satellite dish antenna and reduce the effect of delay during satellite communication. In order to overcome this, the equations describing the dynamics of the antenna positioning system were obtained and transformed into state space variable equations. A full state feedback controller was developed with forward path gain and an observer. The proposed controller was introduced into the closed loop of the dish antenna positioning control system. The system was subjected to unit step forcing function in MATLAB/Simulink simulation environment considering three different cases so as to obtain time domain parameters that characterized the transient and steady state response performances. The simulation results obtained revealed that the introduction of the full state feedback controller provided improved position tracking to unit step input with a rise time of 0.42 s, settling time of 1.22 s and overshoot of 4.91%. With the addition of observer, the rise time achieved was 0.39 s, settling time of 1.31 s, and overshoot of 10.7%. The time domain performance comparison of the proposed system with existing systems revealed its superiority over them.
Subarrays of phased-array antennas for multiple-input multiple-output radar applications
Authors: Tahcfulloh Syahfrizal , Hardiwansyah Muttaqin
Published: August 2022

The subarray MIMO radar (SMIMO) is a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar with elements in the form of a sub-array that acts as a phased array (PAR), so it combines at the same time the key advantage of the PAR radar, which is high directional gain to increase target range, and the key advantage of the MIMO radar, i.e., high diversity gains to increase the maximum number of detected targets. Different schemes for the number of antenna elements in the transceiver zones, such as uniform and/or variable, overlapped and non-overlapped, significantly determine the performance of radars as virtual arrays (VARs), maximum number of detected targets, accuracy of target angle, detection resolution, SNR detection, and detection probability. Performance is also compared with the PAR, the MIMO, and the phased MIMO radars (PMIMO). The SMIMO radar offers great versatility for radar applications, being able to adapt to different shapes of the multiple targets to be detected and their environment. For example, for a transmit-receive with an antenna element number, i.e., M = N = 8, the range of the number of detected targets for the SMIMO radar is flexible compared to the other radars. On the other hand, the proposed radar's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) detection performance and detection probability (K = 5, L = 3) are both 1,999 and above 90%, which are better than other radars.
ДИНАМІКА ПОКАЗНИКІВ ФУНКЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ ПЕЧІНКИ В ПЕРІОД ПІЗНІХ ПРОЯВІВ КРАНІОСКЕЛЕТНОЇ ТРАВМИ ЗА УМОВ СУПУТНЬОГО ХРОНІЧНОГО ГЕПАТИТУ ТА ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ КОРЕКЦІЇ АРМАДІНОМ
Authors: Прохоренко О. О. , Цимбалюк Г. Ю.
Published: August 2022

РЕЗЮМЕ. Краніоскелетна травма у структурі летальності посідає одне з перших місць у світі. Недостатньо вивченим на цьому тлі є вплив супутньої патології, зумовленої хронічним ураженням внутрішніх органів. Значний інтерес становить проблема хронічних дифузних уражень печінки. Тому пошук закономірностей формування дисфункції печінки та розробка шляхів її профілактики і корекції за умов тяжкої поєднаної травми і хронічного ураження печінки належить до актуальних проблем сучасної теоретичної і практичної медицини.

Мета – зʼясувати динаміку показників функціональної активності печінки в період пізніх проявів краніоскелетної травми за умов супутнього хронічного гепатиту та оцінити ефективність корекції армадіном.

Матеріал і методи. В окремих групах нелінійних білих щурів-самців моделювали краніоскелетну травму, хронічний гепатит та їх поєднання. З метою корекції у групі з поєднаним ураженням застосовували армадін у дозі 20 мг/кг внутрішньоочеревино. Через 14, 21, 28 і 35 діб після нанесення травми у печінці піддослідних тварин визначали швидкість жовчовиділення, вміст у жовчі сумарних жовчних кислот, загального і кон’югованого білірубіну, на основі яких розраховували ступінь кон’югації білірубіну.

Результати. Нанесення краніоскелетної травми через 14 діб посттравматичного періоду, порівняно з контролем, супроводжується істотним зниженням швидкості жовчовиділення, вмісту в жовчі сумарних жовчних кислот та ступеня кон’югації білірубіну, які до 35 доби досягали рівня контролю. Водночас нанесення травми на тлі супутнього хронічного гепатиту теж викликає порушення досліджуваних показників, яке істотно більше, ніж у групі тварин без супутнього хронічного гепатиту. Застосування за цих умов армадіну з 21 доби експерименту зумовлює зменшення порушень досліджуваних показників, порівняно з групою тварин без корекції.

Висновки. Нанесення краніоскелетної травми на тлі хронічного гепатиту в період пізніх проявів травматичної хвороби супроводжується більшим порушенням показників жовчоутворювальної та жовчовидільної функції печінки, ніж у групі травмованих тварин без супутнього ураження печінки. Застосування армадіну викликає статистично значуще зниження інтенсивності виявлених порушень, починаючи з 21 доби експерименту.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ ЖИРНИХ КИСЛОТ CAMELINA SATIVA (L.) CRANTZ
Authors: Lisova T. O. , Trzhetsynskyi S. D.
Published: August 2022

Мета роботи – встановлення якісного складу та  визначення кількісного вмісту жирних кислот рижію посівного сорту «Славутич».
Матеріали та методи. Об’єкт дослідження – рижію посівного трава та насіння. Сировина вирощена та заготовлена ​​на території Запорізької області влітку 2018 р. Дослідження хімічного складу рижію посівного проводили методом ГХ-МС за допомогою газового хроматографа Agilent 7890B GC System з мас-спектрометричним детектором Agilent 5977 BGC/MSD та хроматографічною колонкою DB-5ms.
Результати й обговорення. Методом ГХ-МС виявлено 11 жирних кислот в сировині рижію посівного, а саме у траві – 5, у насінні – 11. Загальна кількість жирних кислот у траві Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz становить 2,04%, а в насінні – 40,32%. Кількість ненасичених жирних кислот (35,20%) у траві становить майже третину від загального вмісту, де переважає α-ліноленова кислота (24,86%). При цьому кількість ненасичених жирних кислот насіння (86,94%) значно перевищує кількість насичених кислот з домінуванням α-ліноленової (161,03 мг/г, 39,95% від загального вмісту ідентифікованих жирних кислот), паулінової (81,20 мг/г, 20,15%) та лінолевої кислот (73,30 мг/г, 18,19%).
Висновки. На основі проведеного фітохімічного дослідження ідентифіковано та встановлено кількісний вміст жирних кислот трави та насіння рижію посівного сорту Славутич. Отримані результати дозволяють рекомендувати насіння рижію посівного як рослинне джерело поліненасичених жирних кислот з метою створення на його основі ефективних вітчизняних препаратів.
МУЗЕЙНА ПЕДАГОГІКА ТА ЇЇ РОЛЬ У НАВЧАЛЬНОМУ ПРОЦЕСІ МЕДИЧНИХ ЗАКЛАДІВ ВИЩОЇ ОСВІТИ
Authors: Федонюк Л. Я. , Ярема О. М. , Ястремська С. О.
Published: August 2022

За сучасних умов реформування української освітньої системи постає питання щодо нових підходів до організації і змісту навчально-виховної діяльності. Важливе місце серед них посідає один із перспективних напрямів сучасної педагогіки – музейна педагогіка, що вирішує проблеми формування особистості, а саме: залучення учнівської та студентської молоді до дослідницької діяльності засобами музейної експозиції з використанням інформаційних технологій, розвиток їх дослідницьких умінь і творчих здібностей, вироблення здатності до самостійних суджень та оцінок, навичок критичного мислення. Музейна педагогіка відіграє велику роль у системі освіти та сприяє всебічному розвитку особистості студента. Метою створення навчальних музеїв є отримання найповнішого уявлення про зміст живої природи, що нас оточує, морфологію людини, тварин, рослин, а також їх вважають осередком освіти і виховання. У Тернопільському національному медичному університеті імені І. Я. Горбачевського МОЗ України є ряд музеїв навчального профілю: музей кафедри анатомії людини, музей кафедри патологічної анатомії з секційним курсом та судовою медициною, навчально-біологічний музей імені І. І. Яременка. Музей кафедри анатомії людини містить унікальну колекцію анатомічних препаратів, які відображають форму органів, їх топографічні взаємовідносини, проекції судин і нервів, що слугують невід’ємною теоретичною базою для студентів медичного, стоматологічного та фармацевтичного факультетів, а також для студентів Навчально-наукового інституту медсестринства. Досягти високого практичного рівня професійної підготовки неможливо і без вивчення музейних макропрепаратів кафедри патологічної анатомії з секційним курсом та судовою медициною. Навчально-біологічний музей імені І. І. Яременка представляє натуральні об’єкти та їх зображення, які створюють найповніше уявлення про взаємозв’язок людини з навколишнім природним середовищем. Отже, музеї університету займають вагоме місце у навчально-виховному процесі, завдяки їм теорія і практика дають високий позитивний результат у формуванні професіоналізму лікаря.
Detection of Carotid Artery Stenosis Based on Video Motion Analysis for Fast Screening
Authors: Tsai Cheng‐Hsuan , Huang Ching‐Chang , Hsiao Hao‐Ming , Hung Ming‐Ya , Su Guan‐Jie , Lin Li‐Han , Chen Ying‐Hsien , Lin Mao‐Shin , Yeh Chih‐Fan , Hung Chi‐Sheng , Kao Hsien‐Li
Published: August 2022

Background

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is a common cause of ischemic stroke, and the early detection of CAS may improve patient outcomes. Carotid Doppler ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose CAS. However, it is costly and may not be practical for regular screening practice. This article presents a novel noninvasive and noncontact detection technique using video‐based motion analysis (VMA) to extract useful information from subtle pulses on the skin surface to screen for CAS.

Methods and Results

We prospectively enrolled 202 patients with prior carotid Doppler ultrasound data. A short 30‐second video clip of the neck was taken using a commercial mobile device and analyzed by VMA with mathematical quantification of the amplitude of skin motion changes in a blinded manner. The first 40 subjects were used to set up the VMA protocol and define cutoff values, and the following 162 subjects were used for validation. Overall, 54% of the 202 subjects had ultrasound‐confirmed CAS. Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the area under the curve of VMA‐derived discrepancy values to differentiate patients with and without CAS was excellent (area under the curve, 0.914 [95% CI, 0.874–0.954];
P
<0.01). The best cutoff value of VMA‐derived discrepancy values to screen for CAS was 5.1, with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 87%. The diagnostic accuracy was consistently high in different subject subgroups.

Conclusions

A simple and accurate screening technique to quickly screen for CAS using a VMA system is feasible, with acceptable sensitivity and specificity.
Home-Based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Enhance Cognition in Stroke: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ko Myoung-Hwan , Yoon Ju-Yul , Jo Yun-Ju , Son Mi-Nam , Kim Da-Sol , Kim Gi-Wook , Won Yu Hui , Park Sung-Hee , Seo Jeong-Hwan , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: August 2022

Background:

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising tool for improving poststroke cognitive function. Home-based rehabilitation is increasingly required for patients with stroke, and additional benefits are expected if supplemented with remotely supervised tDCS (RS-tDCS). We evaluated the cognitive improvement effect and feasibility of RS-tDCS in patients with chronic stroke.

Methods:

Twenty-six patients with chronic stroke and cognitive impairment (Korean version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment [K-MoCA] score <26) were randomized into real and sham RS-tDCS groups and underwent concurrent computerized cognitive training and RS-tDCS. Patients and caregivers underwent training to ensure correct tDCS self-application, were monitored, and treated 5 d/wk for 4 weeks. We investigated several cognition tests including K-MoCA, Korean version of the Dementia Rating Scale-2, Korean-Boston Naming Test, Trail Making Test, Go/No Go, and Controlled Oral Word Association Test at the end of the training sessions and one month later. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used for comparison between the groups and within each group. The adherence rate of the appropriate RS-tDCS session was also investigated.

Results:

In within-group comparison, unlike the sham group, the real group showed significant improvement in K-MoCA (
P
real
=0.004 versus
P
sham
=0.132), particularly in patients with lower baseline K-MoCA (K-MoCA
10–17
;
P
real
=0.001 versus
P
sham
=0.835, K-MoCA
18–25
;
P
real
=0.060 versus
P
sham
=0.064) or with left hemispheric lesions (left;
P
real
=0.010 versus
P
sham
=0.454, right;
P
real
=0.106 versus
P
sham
=0.128). In between-group comparison, a significant difference was observed in K-MoCA in the lower baseline K-MoCA subgroup (K-MoCA
10–17
;
P
time×group
=0.048), but no significant difference was found in other cognitive tests. The adherence rate of successful application of the RS-tDCS was 98.4%, and no serious adverse effects were detected.

Conclusions:

RS-tDCS is a safe and feasible rehabilitation modality for poststroke cognitive dysfunction. Specifically, RS-tDCS is effective in patients with moderate cognitive decline. Additionally, these data demonstrate the potential to enhance home-based cognitive training, although significant differences were not consistently found in between-group comparisons; therefore, further larger studies are needed.

Registration:

URL:
https://cris.nih.go.kr
; Unique identifier: KCT0003427.
Relationship Between Prognostic Nutritional Index and Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Coronary Angiography
Authors: Hatem Engin , Aslan Onur , Demirci Emre E. , Yildirim Sinan
Published: August 2022

Prognostic nutritional index (PNI), consisting of inflammatory-nutritional parameters, has been investigated in terms of outcomes and renal function in patients with coronary artery disease. The objective of this study is to assess the predictive power of the PNI in predicting the risk for developing contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI), an important complication following coronary angiography in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The study population (336 patients with the diagnosis of NSTEMI) was divided into two groups: patients with CA-AKI and patients without CA-AKI. The mean age of the whole population was 62.0 ± 12.7 (21–95) years. CA-AKI was detected in 68 (20%) patients. Prognostic nutritional index values were significantly ( P < .001) lower in the CA-AKI (+) group. Low PNI values (cutoff < 48.5%) were independent predictors of CA-AKI with Odds ratio (OR): .913, 95% confidence interval (CI): .866–.962, P:.001, with a sensitivity 70.6% and specificity 69.4%. Prognostic nutritional index seems to be an easily assessable and promising scoring system that can be used in clinical practice for predicting the risk of developing CA-AKI.
Mixed marriage in Ezra 9-10: The Disappearance of Ezra as a mimic man for the Persian Empire
Authors: Yang Inchol
Published: August 2022

In this paper, as I follow scholars’ socio-economic perspectives on Ezra 9-10, I will explore the mixed marriage issue in light of the post-colonial theory, especially Homi Bhabha’s post-colonial theory. I will argue that Ezra as a mimic man followed the Persian Empire’s political policy. The Empire prohibited intermarriage between the returnees and those who had not been in exile. However, Ezra was persecuted because of his coercive dissolution of marriage. In his commentary, Ezra-Nehemiah, Joseph Blenkinsopp assumes that Ezra was recalled by the Persian Empire since Ezra’s decision of dissolution of marriage caused political unrest in Yehud. However, he does not clarify how Ezra’s intermarriage prohibition is supported by the Persian Empire. Given the fact that Udjahorresnet, the Egyptian priest and special advisor to the Persian Empire on Egyptian affairs, banished the foreigners who had settled in the sanctuary of Neith in the third year of Darius, Ezra must have followed the prohibition of intermarriage by the Persian Empire. If I apply Homi Bhabha’s concept to Ezra’s political status, Ezra as a mimic man reveals his hybrids: he is part Pro-Persian and part Jewish elite. In an attempt to resolve the conflicts between the group of returnees and those who were not in exile, especially in regard to property disputes, the Persian Empire sent the Pro-Persian Ezra. However, by interpreting the Deuteronomic law in an extreme way, Ezra decided to separate the existing families. According to Ancient Near Eastern Law, a husband should return his wife’s dowry after their divorce. On account of this, Ezra must have stirred up considerable social controversy. In other words, Ezra’s hybridity functions as a menace to the Persian Empire.
Dynamic interception point guidance algorithm based on particle swarm optimization
Authors: Chen Yi-Wei
Published: August 2022

The engagement of target-interceptor is an extremely complicated and nonlinear problem. Most literatures of developed guidance algorithms are hard to work in real-time missile guidance systems because of the complicated design of controllers, restriction in specific condition or excess computing loading. In this paper, the proposed guidance algorithm computes the predicted interception point of target-interceptor and applies particle swarm optimization to optimize the lateral acceleration control commands of missile where the definition of fitness function can guide the missile toward the predicted interception point when the computed fitness value is the minimum. According to the results of simulation experiments, the proposed method has the satisfied target-kill performance to the superior aircraft with high agility. The missile can greatly revise the flight route toward the computed collision course at the initial pursuit stage and the course curve of missile is flatter than the other two guidance laws. Besides, the proposed method can reduce the occurrence of big lateral acceleration control commands acting on the missile to avoid unlocking the evasive target at the terminal stage. As a result, the proposed guidance algorithm based on particle swarm optimization is very effective without using the complicated nonlinear control methods and excess storage burden of computer. It is a simple and feasible missile guidance algorithm due to the advantages of simplicity and effectiveness just like the proportional navigation guidance law but the performance of proposed guidance algorithm is better than proportional navigation guidance law and the other guidance algorithm designed by particle swarm optimization.
Does Skill Performance Influence Young Children’s Perceived Physical Competence?
Authors: Johnson Jerraco L. , Wadsworth Danielle D. , Rudisill Mary E. , Irwin Jacqueline M. , Bridges Claire
Published: August 2022

Children’s self-perceived competence is critical for their engagement in fundamental motor skills (FMS), although these perceptions are highly inaccurate until around age seven (grade 2). Moreover, FMS competence is highly correlated with physical activity engagement in childhood. In this study we examined: (a) if children’s perceptions of their FMS competence differed after they were allowed to perform the skill or observe their performance, and (b) if the accuracy of children’s perceived competence changed under those conditions. Child participants ( N = 76; K-second grade) judged their own competence for three physical skills (running, skipping and dribble or hopping) on the Harter and Pike Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance under three conditions: (a) a no-performance baseline, (b) after performing each skill, and (c) after observing themselves performing the skill. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that their perceived competence differed across these conditions for running but not for skipping/hopping ( p = .556) or for dribbling ( p = .368). Spearman’s rho correlations showed that their perceived running competence scores better predicted their actual competence after observing their performance ( rs = .25, p = .029) than after other conditions. Both performing and observing their performance were associated with changes in perceptions of running competence. Future research should focus on how and when children’s perceived competence is assessed and how perceptions relate to FMS and physical activity engagement.
A comprehensive review of fault diagnosis and fault-tolerant control techniques for modular multi-level converters
Authors: Ahmad Faizan , Adnan Muhammad , Amin Arslan Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Gufran
Published: August 2022

Background

Many faults occur in the modular multi-level converters (MMCs), including unbalancing capacitor voltage, lower and upper arm unbalancing, the line to line voltage unbalancing, sensors and actuators fault, system fault, and sub-modules fault in high as well as medium voltage applications.

Introduction

Several fault-tolerant approaches are presented to overcome these problems, such as active fault-tolerant control system (AFTCS), passive fault-tolerant control system (PFTCS), hybrid fault-tolerant control system (HFTCS), redundant system technique, special power circuit with the controller, and zero sequence voltage methods, which we will explain extensively in this article.

Methodology

This review emphasizes the types of faults in the MMCs and discusses the protection methods under failure conditions. The MMC is more popular in high voltage applications because it not only improves the quality of the grid but also has good harmonic performance in high power transmission. There is no need for any isolated dc sources to operate it. When faults are removed, the efficiency and reliability of the system will be increased.

Results

This extensive explanation of the current literature on MMC fault diagnosis and control techniques will conclude which methods provide a more valuable solution. Finally, this paper discusses the best approach to reduce MMC faults and provides a future research direction to the readers.
Ethnicity and protective policies in Sikkim: Consolidation and reconfiguration
Authors: Thapa Sandhya
Published: August 2022

This article examines how ethnicities in the state of Sikkim have evolved and emerged as fluid but potent instruments that are deployed by the state’s constituent ethnic groups in their efforts to marshal and retain control over its socio-economic and political resources, in conjunction with the policies of the central government. The process of validating ethnic identities that began in the colonial period has now been strengthened and shapes the protective polices of governments at both levels, the central and the state, for Sikkim. The processes of modernisation and development set in motion after Sikkim’s merger with India have resulted in consolidation and reconfiguration of ethnicities across the structural and cultural spheres of Sikkimese society.
IV: Glimpses from villages in the Northeast: Traditional quarantine measures came alive during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Haokip Thongkholal
Published: August 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities in the hills of Northeast India fought the epidemic by taking recourse to traditional preventive health measures, both sealing off villages and quarantining to combat the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus. These traditional emergency health measures grew out of local experience with disease but resemble the current practices of lockdown and quarantine. Quarantine measures, dismissed by the World Health Organization in 2018 as ‘no longer efficient’, were re-established in the course of the epidemic. However, these practices continued to be part of the oral tradition of villages in the Northeast and highlighted an aspect of their autonomy in this arena.
High-Quality Contact With Fellow Majority Group Students Is Associated With Better Academic Performance of Minority Group Students
Authors: Kahalon Rotem , Shnabel Nurit , Sharvit Keren , Halabi Samer , Wright Stephen C.
Published: August 2022

We examined the association between intergroup contact and academic performance at university among minority students in a context with a segregated pre-university school system. Study 1 tested whether participation in a group dynamics course, which involves intimate interpersonal contact between Israeli Arab ( n = 125) and Jewish students, was associated with better grade point average (GPA). As expected, Arab students who participated in the course had a higher GPA than those who did not, even when controlling for pre-university achievements. The corresponding difference among Jews was substantially smaller. Study 2 ( N = 90), a longitudinal study, revealed that the quality of contact with Jewish students at university was associated with Arab students’ subsequent higher GPA, even when controlling for pre-university contact, proxies of academic achievements, and perceptions of intergroup relations. The quality of contact with Jewish students was also associated with Arab students’ sense of academic belonging. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Cultural Continuance and Agency in Cherokee Biographical Digital Storytelling
Authors: Cox Megan M.
Published: August 2022

The concepts of Native American cultural continuance and agency have become critical elements of both preserving, sharing, and extending the culture of Indigenous Americans into the future. Digital media platforms offer Native American nations a new opportunity to reach both a Native audience and society at large and contradict traditional media's cultural stereotypes and misrepresentation. Therefore, this qualitative content analysis of Cherokee Nation digital media explores what elements of cultural continuance and cultural agency are found in biographical digital storytelling. Using the key concepts extracted from the literature (visibility, envisioning a future, creative authority and autonomy, authenticity, and disrupting dominant norms) as the focus, six themes emerged from Cherokee Nation articles and documentaries.
Polarisation or just differences in opinion: How and why Facebook users disagree about Greta Thunberg
Authors: Elgesem Dag , Brüggemann Michael
Published: August 2022

To what extent was Greta Thunberg a ‘polarizing figure’ on Facebook, in the period when she received the most extensive media attention? The paper analyses seven months of discussion concerning Thunberg and her message of intergenerational climate justice, using all relevant posts on public Facebook pages in Germany, Sweden, and the UK. We find that there are many similarities in the attitudes expressed and topics discussed on Facebook in the three countries; however, there are also some striking differences in the levels of polarisation. This comparative study provides evidence that the level of polarisation around these topics on Facebook is very low in Sweden and the UK, but high in Germany. In Germany, a group of political actors stand out as particularly polarising, and, in contrast to the other two countries, the topic of intergeneration justice, the core of Thunberg’s message, is almost absent from the German Facebook discourse. The study shows that Thunberg was not in general a polarising figure in the three European countries and that neither the affordances offered by the platform nor features of her person, message, or activism explain the observed polarisation around Thunberg on Facebook.
A power-law relation of surface roughness and ages of alluvial fans in a hyperarid environment: A case study in the Dead Sea area
Authors: Su Qiang , Ren Junjie , Wang Xianyan , Liang Oubo
Published: August 2022

Despite recent advances in mapping and dating alluvial fans, due to the availability of high-resolution remote sensing data and Quaternary dating techniques, quantifying surface features in remote sensing data remains a challenge. Surface roughness is a time-dependent feature under stable conditions, which indicates the relative age of alluvial fans in a hyperarid environment. Although surface roughness can be quantitatively inferred from remote sensing data, determining surface roughness in a uniform index remains a complex problem. Here, we used the normalized backscatter intensity (NBI) from high-resolution ALOS PALSAR data to quantify alluvial fan surface roughness, which is further used to quantitatively map alluvial fans. We established a robust power-law relation between the NBI value ( R) and the in-situ age ( T) as measured with independently dated alluvial fans. Based on the R-T relation, it can be further to apply the R measurement to T estimates as old as ∼540 ka with an average uncertainty of ∼25% on a regional scale. The NBI value, independent of atmospheric conditions and sensitive to surface roughness variability, is an effective criterion for quickly distinguishing alluvial fans and performing age estimation. We propose that insolation weathering is an important physical weathering pattern in the Dead Sea area, which mainly controls the surface roughness in this hyperarid region.
Effect and mechanism of a novel Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Li Qiangqiang , Yang Qinglin , Liu Xiaorong , Liang Wenqiang , Zhang Xiaobo , Wang Yongping
Published: August 2022

We investigated the effect and mechanism of a novel Mg-3Nd-1Gd-0.3Sr-0.2Zn-0.4Zr (abbreviated to Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr) alloy on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells extracted from Sprague-Dawley rats. Cultured cells were divided into five groups: a control group cultured in osteogenic induction medium alone without Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy extract, and four experimental groups cultured in the same medium with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy extracts, respectively. After 14 days of culture, ALP activity was determined and expressions of osteogenesis-related factors Runx2, OCN, and OPN at the mRNA level and Runx2, OCN, and OPN at the protein level were detected by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. After 21 days of culture, mineralized nodules were detected by alizarin red staining. The results showed that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from Sprague-Dawley rats were successfully isolated in vitro using the whole bone marrow adherence method. Flow cytometry revealed that the cells expressed high levels of CD44 and CD90, but low levels of CD31 and CD45. Alizarin red staining indicated the formation of mineralized nodules in all five groups. Compared with the control group, the number of mineralized nodules was increased significantly in the four experimental groups ( p < 0.05). The ALP activity in each group was significantly higher on day 14 than on day 7, and was significantly higher in the four experimental groups compared with the control group ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the ALP activity was highest when the concentration of Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy extract was 75% ( p < 0.05). RT-PCR results showed that, compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of Runx2, OPN, and OCN was significantly higher in the four experimental groups ( p < 0.05), and the highest mRNA expression of Runx2, OPN, and OCN was observed in the 75% experimental group ( p < 0.05). Western blotting showed that Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy extract significantly increased the protein expression of Runx2, OCN, and OPN compared with the control group ( p < 0.05). Our data indicate that the novel Mg-Nd-Gd-Sr alloy can promotes the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. During this process, there is an increase in the expressions of Runx2, OPN, and OCN mRNAs and Runx2, OCN, and OPN proteins.
Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases Among Breast Cancer Survivors: Findings From the NHANES 2003-2018
Authors: Kim Youngdeok , Franco R. Lee , Lucas Alexander R. , Sutton Arnethea L. , LaRose Jessica G. , Kenyon Jonathan , Via Jeremy , Cheng Richard K. , D’Agostino Ralph, B. , Sheppard Vanessa B. , Hundley W. Gregory
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To examine the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among breast cancer (BC) survivors.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2018.

Setting

United States (US).

Subjects

A nationally representative sample of US women with a history of BC.

Measures

Self-reported CVD status (i.e., coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure, and stroke) and time of the CVD diagnosis were used to categorize BC survivors into three groups: No CVD, preexisting CVD, and post-acquired CVD after BC diagnosis.

Analysis

The prevalence of CVD among BC survivors were estimated by demographic characteristics. Complex sampling design of the NHANES was accounted to estimate the population-level prevalence.

Results

A total of 658 BC survivors were identified, representing 3.01% (≈3.4 million) of the US women aged ≥18 years old. Of those, ≈6% (≈.2 million) had preexisting CVD and ≈11% (≈.4 million) had at least one CVD diagnosed after BC diagnosis, with an average time elapsed ranging from ≈5 years for heart failure to ≈9 years for CAD and stroke. The prevalence of CVD among BC survivors differed by demographic characteristics including age, education, marital status, menopausal, and physical activity levels.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that BC survivors are at risk of suffering from CVD and public health strategies for the long-term management of CVD risk factors in this vulnerable population group is recommended.
Psychological Factors Associated With Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior in Parkinson’s Disease: The Role of Depression, Anxiety, and Catastrophizing
Authors: Rider John V , Longhurst Jason K , Lekhak Nirmala , Navalta James W , Young Daniel L , Landers Merrill R
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological factors (depression, anxiety, and catastrophizing) and fear of falling avoidance behavior (FFAB) among individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Methods

A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from 59 individuals with PD using hierarchical multiple regression.

Results

Disease severity (Movement Disorder Society - Unified PD Rating Scale) and catastrophizing (Consequences of Falling Questionnaire (CoF)) explained approximately 48.2% of the variance in the FFAB Questionnaire scores ( P < .001). Catastrophizing was the only significant psychological variable ( P < .001). The damage to identity subscale of the CoF was significant in the final model ( P < .001).

Conclusions

Catastrophizing about the consequences of falls explained the largest portion of variability in FFAB after controlling for disease severity. Catastrophizing about the immediate consequences of falling may play a prominent role in FFAB and may be a potential treatment target for mitigating FFAB.
Experience With Pre-procedural Hemostatic Medications versus Platelet Transfusion in Patients With Platelet Storage Pool Deficiency
Authors: Lundy Katharine A. , Rabatin Abigail , Davidson Erica R. , Li Junan , Snider Melissa J. , Kraut Eric H.
Published: August 2022

Background

Storage pool deficiency (SPD) is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by reduction in the number of delta granules within platelets, interfering with hemostasis. Current literature lacks well-designed studies from which to draw concrete conclusions regarding pre-procedural management of bleeding complications. Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe bleeding and safety outcomes of SPD patients receiving either pre-procedural platelet transfusions or platelet-sparing regimens. Methods: An exploratory retrospective cohort study was conducted among SPD patients, comparing major bleeding events between those who received platelet transfusion and those who received desmopressin, tranexamic acid, and/or aminocaproic acid within 24 hours prior to procedure. Results: Rates of major bleeding were not found to be higher among patients who received a platelet-sparing regimen [platelet-sparing: 2/25 (8%); platelet transfusion: 2/29 (6.9%); P = .99]. Incidence of non-major bleeding was higher in the platelet transfusion group, but this was not statistically significant [platelet-sparing: 0/25 (0%); platelet transfusion: 3/29 (10.3%); P = .24]. Treatment-related adverse effects were observed following 8 of 54 procedures (14.8%). Conclusion: Use of a platelet-sparing regimen was not associated with a significantly higher incidence of major or non-major bleeding events. Future prospective trials are recommended to compare outcomes between therapies.
Mathematical design and meshing analysis of a new internal gear transmission based on spatial involute-helix curve
Authors: Liang Dong , Zhao Weicheng , Meng Sheng , Peng Shuai
Published: August 2022

We present a new internal gear transmission based on spatial involute-helix curve in this article. Firstly, the generation principle of spatial involute-helix curve is proposed according to gear geometry theory. Mathematical design model of the spatial conjugate involute-helix curves is provided through establishing the meshing relationship solved by relative velocity and specific normal vector at contact point. The equations of conjugated spatial involute-helix curve and line of action of contact curves are derived, respectively. Secondly, tooth profiles construction with spatial involute-helix curve pair is carried out by isometric offsetting and kinematics methods. General tooth profiles form and numerical example are proposed in terms of given design parameters. Furtherly, meshing analysis of generated tooth profiles are discussed. Center distance separability and axial errors action are discussed according to the theoretical derivation and simulation process. Contact stress analysis and the comparison are studied by finite element method. Finally, the experimental test of the new gear pair manufactured by CNC technology is provided and general transmission efficiency results and contact conditions of tooth profiles under different error conditions are displayed. Research conclusions show that the new internal gear drive has well transmission property and further study on the contact dynamic and error analysis will be carried out.
Sensor fault-tolerant attitude determination system based on the nonlinear interacting-multiple-model approach
Authors: Akbarinia Banafshe , Shahmohamadi Ousaloo Hamed
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a methodology for satellite sensors' fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) in a fault-tolerant attitude determination system using a nonlinear interacting-multiple-model approach (IMM). Moreover, the fault-tolerant attitude determination system utilizes the IMM approach in the presence of sensors' total fault to estimate faulty sensors and attitude states. This methodology relies on the most conventional satellite attitude sensors including magnetometer, sun sensor, and gyroscope measurements. The presented scheme leads to a significant computational time-saving method due to considering a pre-filter Kalman for fault detection, hence, the proposed FDD approach consists of two stages. In the first stage, the pre-filter Kalman detects any sensor fault and attitude states. In contrast, in the next stage, fault diagnosis and optimal attitude estimation are obtained through the IMM approach. Therefore, the IMM algorithm will be activated to extract the optimal estimation and identify faulty sensor(s). A Monte Carlo type approach is used to verify this technique for various initial conditions. Through numerical and Monte Carlo simulations, it is shown that the proposed scheme is robust against sensors' total fault, and the system is capable of detecting and isolating accurately the faulty sensor. Hardware in the loop tests using satellite dynamics simulator are also used to validate the presented system performance.
A systematic review of grid-connected photovoltaic and photovoltaic/thermal systems: Benefits, challenges and mitigation
Authors: Hamid Abdul K , Mbungu Nsilulu T , Elnady A. , Bansal Ramesh C , Ismail Ali A , AlShabi Mohammad A
Published: August 2022

Solar energy is the powerhouse where all potential and classified renewable energies lug their sources. The energy transformation from the Sun to electricity requires an adequate control scheme to maximise the generated power and enhance the system efficiency. Besides, more than half of solar irradiation on conventional Photovoltaic (PV) panels is lost. The PV thermal (PV/T) modules have been introduced to convert the lost irradiation to heat. Thus, a systematic review of system components, development, and strategies for grid-connected solar PVs plants is presented. Two solar PVs, traditional PV and PV/T, are evaluated. Each grid-tied PV component is considered a subsystem to analyse the potential improvement of grid-connected PVs. This is from solar resources to grid-tied PV inverter techniques. An intensive assessment of the system improvements is presented to evaluate PV plants’ benefits, challenges, and potential solutions. The improvement trends for the novel generation of grid-connected PV systems consist of applying innovative approaches. It is also found that intelligent strategies optimally ensure the overall efficiency of grid-tied PVs using real-time control and measurement under innovative applications and technologies. These methods effectively assist in enhancing grid-tied diverse solar power approaches. Therefore, this paper would offer a significant foundation for advanced research into the subject of grid-tied PV and PV/T and their innovation and/or technology development.
Convergence analysis of ecological footprint at different time scales: Evidence from Southern Common Market countries
Authors: Ursavaş Uğur , Yilanci Veli
Published: August 2022

This study investigates the convergence in ecological footprint per capita across Southern Common Market countries over the period 1961–2016 within the framework of the environmental convergence hypothesis. However, unlike the existing literature, which mainly tests the convergence for the overall period, this study follows a different path. First, the time series is decomposed into different frequencies using the discrete wavelet transform method. Then, using the Fourier Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root tests, convergence in ecological footprint per capita is tested for different time scales; short-run, medium-run, and finally long-run. The results indicate that countries show different convergence tendencies at different time scales. While the results support the convergence hypothesis for all countries in the short-run, the convergence hypothesis holds for only four and three of the five countries in the medium and long-run, respectively. Besides, the results show that the convergence hypothesis holds for only Uruguay for the whole period.
Methamphetamine exposure increases cardiac microvascular permeability by activating the VEGF-PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway, reversed by Bevacizumab
Authors: Chen Rui , Huang Peng , Wei Songren , Zhang Cui , Lai Xiaoping , Wang Huijun , Tang Jianpin
Published: August 2022

Methamphetamine (METH) is an illicit amphetamine-like psychostimulant that is commonly abused. However, the modulation of METH-induced cardiac microvascular permeability is still not completely known. Previously, we discovered that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulated the cardiotoxicity produced by METH. In this work, we looked into the effect of METH exposure on cardiac microvascular permeability via the VEGF-PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway, as well as the efficacy of Bevacizumab treatment in reducing this effect. The findings revealed that METH exposure enhanced cardiac microvascular permeability while also activating the VEGF-PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway. Furthermore, treatment with Bevacizumab has been shown to be effective in reversing the METH-induced phenomena. Briefly stated, our research may provide fresh insight into the molecular underpinnings of METH-induced cardiac microvascular permeability, and it may also provide evidence for a relationship between METH misuse and Bevacizumab medication.
Identification and Characterisation of the Salt Tolerant Phosphate-Solubilising Bacterial Isolates for Enhancing Soil Fertility
Authors: Kyaw Ei Phyu , Lynn Tin Mar , Thant Sabai , Aung Nwe Nwe , Oo Nan Nan , Win Kyaing Kyaing , Yu San San
Published: August 2022

In this study, 13 bacteria were isolated from the agricultural soils of Kyaukse city, Myanmar, and out of these isolates, two bacteria isolates viz. JU-24 and JU-33 are found to be potent phosphate (P) solubilisers and are selected for further studies. These two isolates are identified as Bacillus megaterium based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence. When the growth rates of these two isolates were tested for salt tolerance, they could grow well in media with NaCl concentrations of 3%, 6% and 9%. For 0% and 3% NaCl concentrations, JU-33 (84.37 mg/L for 0% NaCl and 130.36 mg/L for 3% NaCl) showed higher P-solubilising efficiency than JU-24 (73.29 mg/L for 0% NaCl and 87.42 mg/L for 3% NaCl) for both NaCl concentrations when inoculated in Ca3(PO4)2 containing liquid medium. In media containing AlPO4 and FePO4 without NaCl, the P-solubilising activity of JU-24 is higher than JU-33 for these two substrates. Moreover, these strains showed noticeable levels of P solubilisation activity in the presence of various carbon sources indicating high P-solubilising efficacy. The soil inoculation experiment revealed that inoculating the experimental soil with JU-33 resulted in an obvious increase in available P, which increased from 13.08 mg/L in the non-inoculated soil to 18.40 mg/L in the inoculated soil with the bacterial isolate, JU-33. This study clearly showed that JU-24 and JU-33 isolates could be used as biofertilizers in ecological agricultural systems and may help to sustain environmental health and soil productivity. The use of biofertilizers can reduce the use of expensive chemical fertilisers, reducing planting costs and improving soil fertility through long-term use. Biofertilizers can help solve the problem of feeding an increasing global population at a time when agriculture is facing various environmental stresses and are affordable for low-income farmers.