bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion Detection of an Orifice Plate for Flow Rate Measurement using Heat Transfer Mechanism
Authors: Prabhu V. , Velnath R. , Vairavel K.S.
Published: March 2021

Flow rate measurement is a critical parameter in industries which is measured by various techniques. But among them the most commonly used method of flow rate measurement is using differential pressure. A restriction placed in the path of flow produces a drop in pressure which is measured. The fundemental principle of bernoullis is used to compute the volumetric flow rate. The orifice plate is the primary sensing element widely used in differential pressure based flow measurement. Hence the accuracy of the flow rate depends upon the dimensions of the orifice plate. The reason for this is the flow rate is computed assuming that the dimensions of the primary sensing element is constant. Due to this reason it is important to detect any damges to the orifice plate. Erosion and plugging of contaminants are common problems encountered in this method. Improper values of pressure adversely lead to drop in transmitter accuracy. This paper provides a novel method for detecting damages in an orifice plate without visual confirmation. This technique provides a significant advantage of providing diagnosis information related to an orifice plate which thereby helps to measure the flow rate of fluids using differential pressure method with accuracy. This objective of our work is focused towards process industries where majority of the flow rate is measured using differential pressure method.
Development of Latex Transducer for Rubber Tapping Process
Authors: Arthur Vasanth J.
Published: March 2021

There is a huge demand for rubber in India used in variety of products. Now a day’s people collect the latex from the rubber tree by manual or semi-automatic rubber tapping process. By collecting the latex, the cutting depth is fixing for an approximate value. For each and every tree the depth of the bark is varied and improper tapping damages the cambium layer of the tree. The proposed latex transducer contains two motors, embedded controller, current sensor, distance sensor, LCD display and power supply. One motor is used for drilling and other motor is for driving. The driving motor will drive the drilling motor. For driving, stepper motor is used and drilling operation brushed DC motor is used. The current sensor senses the current of drilling motor. Initially the current sensor sense the distance up to the tree surface, then the embedded controller will give the signal to the driving motor, the driving motor will drive the drilling motor up to the tree surface. Once the drilling motor reach the surface, the embedded controller initialize the distance and runs the drilling motor so the distance sensor sense the distance from the tree surface. To reach the inner wood the drilling motor takes more current, so the embedded controller will stop the drilling operation and give the signal to the LCD display. So easily find the depth of rubber tree up to the cambium layer.
Potentially Affect Of A Vehicle To Grid On The Electricity System
Authors: Thakre Mohan P. , Mahadik Yogesh V. , Yeole Dipak S.
Published: March 2021

As many electric vehicles (EVs) are continuously on the market, Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology has been successfully taken into consideration. The EV can be used to take part in such a load change in the electricity network as external storage gadgets. This article makes it much easier for researchers to understand the philosophy of V2G and its measurable influence on the electricity system in order that included all of the details for the integration of renewable energy sources. In the field of well-mannered and battery degradation, bi-directional charger and charging stations, a configuration for V2G and the critical aspects involved with V2G become analyzed by means of concentrated battery system management and control throughout this work. The challenges, benefits and technologies related to V2G are also addressed, in addition to the financial revenues and expenses of both EV holder as well as the energy infrastructure. For standardized test systems, the influence of a vehicle on the grid on the electrical grid has been examined in this work.
Performance Evaluation of speed control using Fuzzy dependent Genetic Algorithm in PMSM
Authors: Vijay Amirtha Raj F. , Kamatchi Kannan V. , Ponmurugan P. , Chitra K. , Lakshmanan M.
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the role of the tuning algorithm for speed regulation of the Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM). The picks of the PID regulator normally provide adequate results in the application of a low-force drive, but for high-power application drives, a self PID controller doesn’t provide any acceptable performance. Such applications require high-precision, superior and adaptable speed regulators and effectiveness in the cycle and execution of the plan. High-performance applications need some capacity based on High-speed high-reliability regulators, adaptability with maximum torque coefficient, higher rating capacity with minimum ripple torque. So many speed controlling mechanisms are available in the quick world, and these methods vary from the choice of regulator used in the PMSM to the method of programming/use of equipment. In this paper, generous examination is taken to control the speed of PMSM with three unique specialists, ABC based speed control drive, ANFIS controller of PMSM drive and Genetic algorithm based fuzzy controller. The planned regulators are tried through the mathematical reproductions in the MATLAB Simulink Platform. The examination between the reproduction aftereffects of execution measures are introduced toward the end. Hereditary calculation based Genetic algorithm based fuzzy controller gives some better outcome appropriate for the superior applications.
Power Flow Management in Hybrid Renewable Sources
Authors: Stanley Raja Alex , Vidhyalakshmi R , Sundar S , Suresh V , Suresh M , Maniraj P
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to manage the power flow in hybrid renewable energy sources in efficient manner. In this there will be two renewable energy sources, battery, load and grid. In this system the bidirectional buck boost converter is used for PV source and battery, dual half bridge converter with transformer coupling and inverter for load/grid. In a standalone system, PV and wind source are made to operate in Maximum Power Point mode where the load will take the required power. In case of systems which are connected to the grid, two sources will always be operating at its MPP. If both the sources are not present, the required power will be taken from the grid and is used for charging the battery when the situation arises. MATLAB/Simulink is used to obtain the simulation results and the performance for the management of power flow is determined for various modes of operation
Design and Development of Automatic Quality Domestic Water Distribution and Wastage Reduction Management System
Authors: Ganesh Babu C , Saran G , Balamurugan V , Harirajan G K , Kavinprasanth M
Published: March 2021

The consequence of the project is that it is possible to minimize unnecessary consumption of water and provide water of good quality. This will eliminate additional health conditions. Recent days have raised the availability of polluted water due to the irresponsibility of staff or the collapse of pipes. However to prevent such cases, such automated systems will help to achieve the best water quality. Another big issue that can be minimized once this project is successfully completed is undesirable water pollution. By automatically shutting down the inlet tube once the tank reaches the full volume large amounts of water can be saved. As of now the water is just shut down on time. This can be stopped. The tank can be cleaned periodically via the automated tank cleaning system with echo enzymes, which in most locations is not properly accomplished. Bacteria and other germs can also be killed automatically by adding organic chlorine when needed. This is more effective than human work, since human beings add chlorine. They just add randomly, but this can be avoided when automated. The system of rationing implemented in this project would help people get the same amount of water. And robbery may also be minimized. We can also implement a system to buy water online by means of which people can buy water when they need the excess. All data, such as flow rate, pH, can be obtained from each house with GSM technology. This project will help to build a new, intelligent village and help people to access good quality water. In addition, implementation can be carried out on the basis of the specifications.
An Efficient Privacy-Preserving Ranked Keyword Search Method
Authors: Nirmala E. , Muthurajkumar S. , Subitha D.
Published: March 2021

The keyword searching algorithm plays a vital role in cloud computing Architecture. Here, the searching technique is applied as a tool to encrypted data set which is outsourced. This technique works well, by either directed on multi keyword findings with exact match or one keyword search with fuzzy logic with a result of true or false. Though the existing techniques come across sensible difficultyin execution upon the encrypted data set, in the execution of multiple keyword based searching, keyword correction is difficult to achieve. To overcome with this problem, we construct a highly efficient, multiple corrections in keyword searching algorithm using ranking scheme. Multiple corrections like spell checks and errors. In the existing system of Author Wang and others scheme, they were unable to address the aforementioned problems, But in our method of multiple keyword searching technique, the Fuzzy Gramm algorithm helps to detect and handle the spelling errors by making a function call. Additionally the keywords with similar ancestry can be found by making use of stemming procedure. Alongside with thatrank keyword is used to achieve accurate checking with matched text file content. Thus the proposed approach enhances security and reliability to the maximum extent compared to the existing system.
Performance Evaluation of Standalone Solar Powered Water Irrigation System Using DC Pump
Authors: Matheswaran A. , Ganesh babu C. , Lakshmi K. , Sivaranjani P. , Dhanuja R.K. , Nidhya shree M.
Published: March 2021

In the present scenario, the demand for agriculture is increasing abruptly due to the population in the world. In agriculture, irrigation plays a major role. As it requires electricity supply to irrigate the field, farmers find it an additional expense towards the electricity cost and also it is challenging to provide the uninterrupted supply to farmers. Though our government provides subsidies, the demand for electricity throughout the world is increasing. Especially as we tend to rely on agriculture for our daily life and considering the hardship faced by the farmers, nowadays people tend to move towards solar power but the existing grid connected system may lead to high cost, need of more space, and needs proper maintenance. The use of DC pumps overthrows the struggles of farmers and to pave a way to increases agricultural practices. This system consist of array of 3 panels connected to the DC motor of 0.75 kW. The use of DC motor assists in storing the power generated by the system and can be used during night time or in case of emergency situation, providing uninterrupted power supply. This system serves the important advantage to the environment that it reduces CO2 emission as it eliminates the use of fuel for pumps to operate. As the system is designed autonomous, it also reduces space occupancy. The panel setup is placed in an appropriate location so that it could receive more radiation, as a result generates maximum power. The parameters like power, power quality and pumping rate has also been analyzed under varying atmospheric conditions under specific period of time. Thus this system provides the more efficient way to utilize the solar power and to generate maximum energy for use.
Low Power and Energy Efficient Street Light System Using IoT
Authors: Srinivasan M , Manojkumar P , Dheepancharavarthy A
Published: March 2021

In real world day to day routine the power consumption is very high to meet our real world and sophisticated life. With new technological development such as WSN (Wireless Sensor Network), IoT, SoC, Network Processor, Embedded systems design plays a vital role in automobile, industry 4.0, home automation, weather monitoring systems, light control, colleges, industries, etc., Presently we use manual design to control all the lighting systems in industries, street lights this leads to the huge energy consumption in all the real use cases. In this project we implementing, how WSN, SoC and IoT is deployed in this above cases. It is an important scheme to solve the power demand and also implementing lighting to all over the world. Out proposed design implements automatic ON/OFF control of lights and monitoring faulty bulbs through mobile application and WEB server.
IoT Based Water flow Monitoring, Theft Avoidance and Alert system for Water Supply
Authors: Shri Tharanyaa J P , Satheesan Abin , Saravanakumar R , Sharmila D
Published: March 2021

Most of the urban areas in India depend on Government water supply for their daily usage. The amount of water supply will be limited and provided in a short period of time by the Government. According to the climate and environmental changes the amount of water will be varied. Now many private companies have emerged in the field of water supply to sell water to gain huge profit. But still Government water supply is the main source for common people in urban areas of India. Most of the water connections are given to the individual home by plastic or steel pipes through underground or overground. It is very easy for a person to steal the water from the pipeline illegally. Others cannot identify the theft easily and they will be cheated. Consequently, water availability/supply for the homes in that area will be reduced. A system has been proposed in the paper to find and stop the water theft in an area using the sensors and IoT technology. This system can also identify the leakage of pipes anywhere in the line.
Estimation of the buried pipeline displacement using distributed fibre optic sensing: An experimental study
Authors: Alarifi Hamzh , Mohamad Hisham
Published: March 2021

Pipe displacement (bending) is one of the most prominent risks caused by the soil movements in the landslide areas. The lateral soil movement causes damages to the buried pipelines, which might explode due to leakage of flammable materials. Employing fibre optic sensors to monitor the buried pipes can maintain the integrity of piping systems and the surrounding environment. The fibre optic sensor has already demonstrated its capabilities to provide a continuous monitoring system for the structures. This paper aims to evaluate the buried pipeline displacement caused by the lateral soil movement. Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA) is used to measure the strain values from the fibre optic cable. A small physical model is used to demonstrate the bending of High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe under the ground movement. This paper concludes that the fibre optic sensor could be employed to evaluate the horizontal and vertical displacements of the buried pipeline.
Experimental Study on Effects of Plot Length on Runoff Depth Under Natural Precipitation
Authors: Law S L G , Kuok K K , Trinidad S G
Published: March 2021

This paper focuses on the experimental study to determine the relationship of slope length on runoff depth and runoff coefficient. Based on the thorough review of different plot sizes (lengths) for soil loss estimation, the slope of the current experimental plots was designed with an angle of 22.78° from horizontal. The plots were grouped into Plot A (1 m wide x 1 m slope long), Plot B (1 m wide x 2 m slope long) and Plot C (1 m wide x 3 m slope long). Homogenous soil samples were used for all the 3 experimental plots and a tipping bucket rain gauge with automatic data logger was installed at the experimental plot for rainfall intensities collection for the individual rainfall events. Runoff volumes were recorded for the individual rainfall events for determination of runoff coefficients. The rainfall intensities are grouped into ⩽30 mm/h, 30-60 mm/h and ⩾60 mm/h. It was found that the shorter plot (Plot A) has the highest runoff coefficients of 96.34%, 69.89% and 96.26% for 3 different precipitation groups ⩽30 mm/h, 30-60 mm/h and ⩾60 mm/h, respectively. Based on results, the longest plot (Plot C) shows that an increase in mean values of 33.59%, 38.30% and 49.45% as the intensity increased from ⩽30 mm/h to ⩾60 mm/h. From this study, it can be concluded that comparatively longer slope length tends to result in lower runoff depth.
Mechanical properties of reactive powder concrete under distinct curing environment
Authors: Vijay A , Senthilselvan S
Published: March 2021

Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) is composed of fine powders (cement, sand, quartz powder and silica fume), steel fibres (optional) and superplasticizer. This gives good compaction and an impenetrable matrix is achieved, and this strong concentration gives RPC, an ultra-high strength and durability properties. In this research work, focus was aimed to produce reactive powder concrete (RPC) composite material with compression strength up to 100 N/mm2. Components for RPC mixture are carefully selected to achieve optimal mixture. Detailed concrete mix proportions are given in this research paper. Preparation and testing of material were produced in laboratory belonging to the Department of Civil Engineering in SRM Institute of Science and Technology. Casting of concrete cubes and beams was done for both M60 and M100 grades of concrete. This paper investigates mechanical and fresh concrete properties of reactive powder concrete for both the design mix. Laboratory investigations like; Compressive test, split tensile test and flexural strength were conducted to evaluate strength characteristics of RPC, under different curing conditions like oven, steam, and hot water with respect to time factor of T1 (60 min), T2 (61-90 min) and T3 (91-120 min). In every aspect of testing, the steam curing at 100°C shows improved results of 15.71-17.40% in compressive strength, 24.66-25.93% in tensile strength and 20% in flexural strength for both grades of concrete
Gallivanting with Architecture
Authors: Wahid J , Saleh B , Chuloh J , Abdullah A
Published: March 2021

Lately, it has been observed that buildings are becoming daring in their design, with forms and structures that appears to defy the law of gravity. The architecture discipline has been deployed to create eye-catching, even startling forms isolated in space that serves multiple purposes from authoritarian state-building to symbols of development, to “must-see” objects driving tourist to a particular place. These dramatic, monumental assemblies are not always well-received, however, with public outrage frequently directed toward their undesirable impacts on or lack of consideration toward the built context of a place. The building is not only a functional structure in any urban area but rather an intervention in the public space that remain there for many years or became an iconic landmark for someone to remember. The design of these buildings is not entirely based on the skill of the architect. Possibly influenced by the desires and tastes of the clients somewhat influenced by the practical constraints of the budget. Likewise, within those parameters, the creativity and even personality of the architect often shines through. The paper employed an exploratory techniques coupled with a descriptive analysis from printed materials as the framework to gather the written criticism of the projects that has been built. Through the pictorial and repertory grid applied in the investigation, this examines the essence of architecture design from the modern era until the present day. The findings from pictorial analysis showed that resemblance of the façade of the building symbolize the common objects and simple form found in daily life.
Extension of Time (EoT) Considerations in Construction Duration Estimate for Public Construction Projects
Authors: Ting S N , Darrell V C , Kueh A B H , Lee Y Y , Ng C K
Published: March 2021

Construction duration is defined as the time frame given by the Client of a project use to complete the project under normal working conditions, practice of construction. However, often times, projects faced time overruns and hence, needing to activate contractual remedies like Extension of Time (EoT). This paper aims to investigate the factors related to award the Extension of Time (EoT) for construction projects in especially in the public sector in Sarawak. A structured checklist was created as an instrument and employed to accomplish the objective of this research. A total of 111 previous public projects which were granted EoT were studied. The findings revealed several detailed factors that had typically led to project delays in the State. These findings are expected to offer the construction industry stakeholders in Sarawak a focal point on those delay that could be included in construction project duration estimates and management of construction performances, followed by the appropriate corrective and improvement measures for time management for construction projects.
Performance analysis of fabricated bio-filtration system for small-scaled greywater treatment: TSS and turbidity removals
Authors: Samat Abdul N A S , Renang W , Baini R , Lai J C H , Rahman M R
Published: March 2021

River pollution, which is mainly due to excessive drainage of untreated domestic greywater, has becoming a serious concern in both poor and developing areas like Sarawak in the current years. Realizing the vital role of Sarawak rivers, the need to improve the level of pollution, demand for clean freshwater resources, as well as to save cost on household water supply, the greywater generated daily from every household needs to be pretreated for reuse, otherwise, discharged. This further demands for cost-effective pretreatment technology for domestic and residential use. This research, therefore, analyzes the efficiency of a low-cost bio-filtration system which utilizes agricultural wastes, namely rice husk and coconut coir, as bio-filter media to improve the quality of greywater effluent samples in terms of total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity removals. This paper presents the extended results obtained from the previous research work using the same fabricated pre-treatment system, which consists of six main units i.e. wastewater storage tank, water feed tank, pre-sedimentation tank, bio-filter, post-sedimentation tank and treated water storage tank. The system is operated for six hours to complete several cycles of treatment. At every one-hour interval, both TSS and turbidity levels of the wastewater samples are recorded and the removal performances are evaluated and analyzed. Positive outcomes are attained from this research study such that the rice husk system is able to reduce the TSS and turbidity levels by 49.06% i.e. from 53.00 mg/L to 27.00 mg/L with an average rate of 4.33 mg/L.hr, as well as 57.79% i.e. from 41.70 FNU to about 17.60 FNU, at a rate of 4.02 FNU/hr respectively. Besides, the coconut coir bio-filtration system achieves TSS removal efficiency of 49.70% i.e. from 65.60 mg/L to 33.00 mg/L at mean rate of 5.43 mg/L.hr, and 63.10% turbidity removal i.e. from 48.40 FNU to 17.86 FNU, at 5.09 FNU/hr respectively.
Improved thermal conductivity of polypropylene filled with exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) particles
Authors: Muratov D S , Vanyushin V O , Luchnikov L O , Degtyaryov M Yu , Kolesnikov E A , Stepashkin A A , Kuznetsov D V
Published: March 2021

In this work, we show the route to obtain thermoplastic based composites with an enhanced thermal conductivity that was achieved by using exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) particles as a filler material. Reports on composites with bulk or nano hBN showed, that while increasing the filler load improves thermal properties it could aggravate the composite melt rheology and mechanical properties. On the other hand, exfoliated hBN particles compared to bulk or nanopowder hBN could provide even better thermal properties with no degradation in composite mechanics, which was shown for epoxy. Taking into account the above, we obtained exfoliated hBN particles by ultrasound treatment in isopropyl alcohol and then used them as a filler in polypropylene based composites to increase the thermal conductivity. The composites with 29% wt. of exfoliated hBN showed a thermal conductivity of 0.721 W m−1 K−1 which is 4 times higher than for pristine polypropylene.
Quantitative analysis of uranium in electro-recovery salt of pyroprocessing using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: HAN Seul-Ki , PARK Se-Hwan , AHN Seong-Kyu
Published: March 2021

The amounts of nuclear materials in the LiCl-KCl salt in pyroprocessing have to be analyzed to prevent the diversion of the nuclear material. An alternative method to the chemical analysis has been pursued, and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is one candidate. In the present work, an in situ and quantitative analysis method of electro-recovery (ER) salt was proposed and demonstrated by using LIBS combined with dipstick sampling. Two types of simulated salt samples were prepared: ER salt sample and salt obtained from the dipstick sampling, and pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser with a wavelength of 532 nm was focused on the salt to generate plasma. The plasma emission was measured by using an Echelle spectrometer with a resolution of 0.01 nm in conjunction with an Intensified Charge-Coupled Detector camera. The U and other rare earth peaks in the spectra were identified. The best Limit of Detection and Root Mean Square Error of Calibration of U were 38 ppm and 0.0203 wt%, respectively. Our work shows that the U in the pyroprocessing ER salt can be monitored with LIBS.
Development of a battery-operated floating-electrode dielectric barrier discharge plasma device and its characteristics
Authors: LIU Yawei , WANG Sen , ZHOU Rusen , FANG Zhi , OSTRIKOV Kostya (Ken)
Published: March 2021

In this work, a portable floating-electrode dielectric barrier discharge (FE-DBD) device is designed with a rechargeable battery as the power supply. The characteristics of the FE-DBD with a metal electrode and human hand are studied and compared. The human contact safety is verified by calculating the current through the human body based on the equivalent circuit model. Escherichia coli inactivation experiments confirm the efficacy of the FE-DBD device in the envisaged applications.
Interventions to Improve Post-Detoxification Treatment Engagement and Alcohol Recovery: Systematic Review of Intervention Types and Effectiveness
Authors: Livingston Nicholas , Ameral Victoria , Hocking Elise , Leviyah Xenia , Timko Christine
Published: March 2021

Aims

Most inpatient alcohol detoxification patients do not seek treatment post-discharge, which increases the risk of relapse and re-hospitalization. To date, there have been no efforts to synthesize the evidence supporting the broad range of available interventions for this critical transition. The current study is a systematic review and evaluation of interventions designed to promote treatment engagement and recovery following alcohol detoxification.

Methods

The initial literature search yielded 6419 articles, published since 1999, from PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection and PsycARTICLES databases, 49 of which were eligible for full review. Data extraction included in-depth evaluation of intervention types, study and research design features, reported outcomes and study quality/bias indicators. All articles were coded by independent raters and final results were obtained through consensus.

Results

Interventions included medical/medication, psychological/psychosocial, technological, mutual-help and combined approaches. On average, medical/medication interventions were less, and psychological/psychosocial and technological interventions were more likely to demonstrate efficacy with respect to treatment engagement and recovery. There was significant variability in study quality/bias but no significant differences across intervention types. Studies differed considerably across measured outcomes, internal and external validity, in/exclusion criteria and documentation of co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion

Over half of studies reviewed reported empirical support for the intervention(s) evaluated. Although findings slightly favor non-medical interventions, the variability in study design and quality/bias requires more rigorous follow-up research. Recommendations from this review may guide future implementation and intervention development, which are critically needed to improve post-detoxification care and outcomes for patients with alcohol use disorder.
Does Having Deep Personal Relationships Constitute an Element of Well-Being?
Authors: Hooker Brad
Published: March 2021

Deep personal relationships involve deep mutual understanding and strong mutual affection. This paper focuses on whether having deep personal relationships is one of the elements of well-being. Roger Crisp put forward thought experiments which might be taken to suggest that having deep personal relationships has only instrumental value as a means to other elements of well-being. The different conclusion this paper draws is that having deep personal relationships is an element of well-being if, but only if, the other people involved have qualities that merit affection for these people.
The Addition of Tissue Stromal Vascular Fraction to Platelet-Rich Plasma Supplemented Lipofilling Does Not Improve Facial Skin Quality: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: van Dongen Joris A , Boxtel Joeri V , Willemsen Joep C , Brouwer Linda A , Vermeulen Karin M , Tuin Aartje Jorien , Harmsen Martin C , van der Lei Berend , Stevens Hieronymus P
Published: March 2021

Background

Lipofilling has become popular as a treatment to improve aging-related skin characteristics (eg, wrinkles, pigmentation spots, pores, or rosacea). Different additives such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stromal vascular fraction (SVF) have been combined with lipofilling to increase the therapeutic effect of adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that mechanically isolated SVF augments the therapeutic effect of PRP-supplemented lipofilling to improve facial skin quality.

Methods

This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial was conducted between 2016 and 2019. In total, 28 female subjects were enrolled; 25 completed the follow-up. All patients received PRP-supplemented lipofilling with either mechanically isolated SVF or saline. SVF was isolated by fractionation of adipose tissue (tSVF). Results were evaluated by changes in skin elasticity and transepidermal water loss, changes in skin-aging-related features, ie, superficial spots, wrinkles, skin texture, pores, vascularity, and pigmentation, as well as patient satisfaction (FACE-Q), recovery, and number of complications up to 1 year postoperative.

Results

The addition of tSVF to PRP-supplemented lipofilling did not improve skin elasticity, transepidermal water loss, or skin-aging-related features. No improvement in patient satisfaction with overall facial appearance or facial skin quality was seen when tSVF was added to PRP-supplemented lipofilling.

Conclusions

In comparison to PRP-supplemented lipofilling, PRP-supplemented lipofilling combined with tSVF does not improve facial skin quality or patient satisfaction in a healthy population. PRP-supplemented lipofilling combined with tSVF can be considered a safe procedure.

Level of Evidence: 2
SAResNet: self-attention residual network for predicting DNA-protein binding
Authors: Shen Long-Chen , Liu Yan , Song Jiangning , Yu Dong-Jun
Published: March 2021

Knowledge of the specificity of DNA-protein binding is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of gene expression, regulation and gene therapy. In recent years, deep-learning-based methods for predicting DNA-protein binding from sequence data have achieved significant success. Nevertheless, the current state-of-the-art computational methods have some drawbacks associated with the use of limited datasets with insufficient experimental data. To address this, we propose a novel transfer learning-based method, termed SAResNet, which combines the self-attention mechanism and residual network structure. More specifically, the attention-driven module captures the position information of the sequence, while the residual network structure guarantees that the high-level features of the binding site can be extracted. Meanwhile, the pre-training strategy used by SAResNet improves the learning ability of the network and accelerates the convergence speed of the network during transfer learning. The performance of SAResNet is extensively tested on 690 datasets from the ChIP-seq experiments with an average AUC of 92.0%, which is 4.4% higher than that of the best state-of-the-art method currently available. When tested on smaller datasets, the predictive performance is more clearly improved. Overall, we demonstrate that the superior performance of DNA-protein binding prediction on DNA sequences can be achieved by combining the attention mechanism and residual structure, and a novel pipeline is accordingly developed. The proposed methodology is generally applicable and can be used to address any other sequence classification problems.
Inverses of Matérn covariances on grids
Authors: Guinness Joseph
Published: March 2021

We conduct a study of the aliased spectral densities of Matérn covariance functions on a regular grid of points, elucidating the properties of a popular approximation based on stochastic partial differential equations. While other researchers have shown that this approximation can work well for the covariance function, we find that it assigns too much power at high frequencies and does not provide increasingly accurate approximations to the inverse as the grid spacing goes to zero, except in the one-dimensional exponential covariance case.
Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance: Compared to What?
Authors: de Kraker Marlieke E A , Lipsitch Marc
Published: March 2021

The increased focus on the public health burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) raises conceptual challenges, such as determining how much harm multidrug-resistant organisms do compared to what, or how to establish the burden. Here, we present a counterfactual framework and provide guidance to harmonize methodologies and optimize study quality. In AMR-burden studies, 2 counterfactual approaches have been applied: the harm of drug-resistant infections relative to the harm of the same drug-susceptible infections (the susceptible-infection counterfactual); and the total harm of drug-resistant infections relative to a situation where such infections were prevented (the no-infection counterfactual). We propose to use an intervention-based causal approach to determine the most appropriate counterfactual. We show that intervention scenarios, species of interest, and types of infections influence the choice of counterfactual. We recommend using purpose-designed cohort studies to apply this counterfactual framework, whereby the selection of cohorts (patients with drug-resistant, drug-susceptible infections, and those with no infection) should be based on matching on time to infection through exposure density sampling to avoid biased estimates. Application of survival methods is preferred, considering competing events. We conclude by advocating estimation of the burden of AMR by using the no-infection and susceptible-infection counterfactuals. The resulting numbers will provide policy-relevant information about the upper and lower bound of future interventions designed to control AMR. The counterfactuals should be applied in cohort studies, whereby selection of the unexposed cohorts should be based on exposure density sampling, applying methods avoiding time-dependent bias and confounding.
Linking Tooth Shape to Strike Mechanics in theBoa constrictor
Authors: Ryerson William G , Van Valkenburg Tate
Published: March 2021

Synopsis

Snakes, with the obvious exception of the fangs, are considered to lack the regional specialization of tooth shape and function which are exemplified by mammals. Recent work in fishes has suggested that the definition of homodont and heterodont are incomplete without a full understanding of the morphology, mechanics, and behavior of feeding. We investigated this idea further by examining changes in tooth shape along the jaw of Boa constrictor and integrating these data with the strike kinematics of boas feeding on rodent prey. We analyzed the shape of every tooth in the skull, from a combination of anesthetized individuals and CT scanned museum specimens. For strike kinematics, we filmed eight adult boas striking at previously killed rats. We determined the regions of the jaws that made first contact with the prey, and extrapolated the relative positions of those teeth at that moment. We further determined the roles of all the teeth throughout the prey capture process, from the initiation of the strike until constriction began. We found that the teeth in the anterior third of the mandible are the most upright, and that teeth become progressively more curved posteriorly. Teeth on the maxilla are more curved than on the mandible, and the anterior teeth are more linear or recurved than the posterior teeth. In a majority of strikes, boas primarily made contact with the anterior third of the mandible first. The momentum from the strike caused the upper jaws and skull to rotate over the rat. The more curved teeth of the upper jaw slid over the rat unimpeded until the snake began to close its jaws. In the remaining strikes, boas made contact with the posterior third of both jaws simultaneously, driving through the prey and quickly retracting, ensnaring the prey on the curved posterior teeth of both jaws. The curved teeth of the palatine and pterygoid bones assist in the process of swallowing.
An algorithm to identify residential mobility from electronic health-record data
Authors: Meeker Jessica R , Burris Heather , Boland Mary Regina
Published: March 2021

Background

Environmental, social and economic exposures can be inferred from address information recorded in an electronic health record. However, these data often contain administrative errors and misspellings. These issues make it challenging to determine whether a patient has moved, which is integral for accurate exposure assessment. We aim to develop an algorithm to identify residential mobility events and avoid exposure misclassification.

Methods

At Penn Medicine, we obtained a cohort of 12 147 pregnant patients who delivered between 2013 and 2017. From this cohort, we identified 9959 pregnant patients with address information at both time of delivery and one year prior. We developed an algorithm entitled REMAP (Relocation Event Moving Algorithm for Patients) to identify residential mobility during pregnancy and compared it to using ZIP code differences alone. We assigned an area-deprivation exposure score to each address and assessed how residential mobility changed the deprivation scores.

Results

To assess the accuracy of our REMAP algorithm, we manually reviewed 3362 addresses and found that REMAP was 95.7% accurate. In this large urban cohort, 41% of patients moved during pregnancy. REMAP outperformed the comparison of ZIP codes alone (82.9%). If residential mobility had not been taken into account, absolute area deprivation would have misclassified 39% of the patients. When setting a threshold of one quartile for misclassification, 24.4% of patients would have been misclassified.

Conclusions

Our study tackles an important characterization problem for exposures that are assigned based upon residential addresses. We demonstrate that methods using ZIP code alone are not adequate. REMAP allows address information from electronic health records to be used for accurate exposure assessment and the determination of residential mobility, giving researchers and policy makers more reliable information.
Revisiting the Politics of Land Recovery Among White Commercial Farmers in Zimbabwe: Implications for Transitional Justice
Authors: Batisai Kezia , Mudimu George T
Published: March 2021

The land question in postcolonial Africa, particularly in former settler colonies, has an enduring legacy. To illuminate the enduring dimensions of the land question, this article explores various land recovery options adopted by (former) white commercial farmers in Zimbabwe as they renegotiate access, ownership and control of land expropriated via the Fast Track Land Reform Programme. Zimbabwe has been fluid in handling these recovery options as it strives to reposition the economy and score political goals locally and globally. A transitional justice approach ensures that the contemporary land question, rooted in a historical racialized struggle, is resolved on an equality basis that transcends the current politicized productivist land recovery discourse. As the transitional justice approach takes cognisance of longstanding marginalization and embraces robust institutions that withstand political whims and the test of time, it ensures meaningful policy and practical interventions that confront the contentious land question in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Glycine ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction caused by ABT-199 in porcine oocytes
Authors: Yu Sicong , Gao Lepeng , Song Yang , Ma Xin , Liang Shuang , Lan Hainan , Zheng Xin , Li Suo
Published: March 2021

Mitochondria play an important role in controlling oocyte developmental competence. Our previous studies showed that glycine (Gly) can regulate mitochondrial function and improve oocyte maturation in vitro. However, the mechanisms by which Gly affects mitochondrial function during oocyte maturation in vitro have not been fully investigated. In this study, we induced a mitochondrial damage model in oocytes with the Bcl-2-specific antagonist ABT-199. We investigated whether Gly could reverse the mitochondrial dysfunction caused by ABT-199 exposure and whether it is related to calcium regulation. Our results showed that ABT-199 inhibited cumulus expansion, decreased the oocyte maturation rate and the intracellular glutathione (GSH) level, caused mitochondrial dysfunction, which was confirmed by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the expression of mitochondrial function-related genes PGC-1α, and increased reactiveoxygenspecies (ROS) levelsand the expression of apoptosis-associated genes Bax, Caspase-3, and Cyto C.More importantly, ABT-199-treated oocytes showed an increase in the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and had impaired cortical type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3R1) distribution. Nevertheless, treatment with Gly significantly ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, and Gly also regulated [Ca2+]i levels and IP3R1 cellular distribution, which further protects oocyte maturation in ABT-199-induced porcine oocytes.Taken together, our results indicate that Gly has a protective action against ABT-199-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in porcine oocytes.
A11 RISK PERCEPTION AND KNOWLEDGE OF COVID-19 IN PATIENTS WITH CELIAC DISEASE
Authors: Zhen J , Stefanolo J , Montoro M , Uscanga L , Day A , Tye-Din J , Ciacci C , Lebwohl B , Pinto-Sanchez M I
Published: March 2021

Background

Celiac disease (CeD) has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections, however, we recently demonstrated that the odds of contracting COVID-19 in patients with CeD is similar to that of the general population. Due to this discrepancy, how patients with CeD perceive their risk may differ from their actual risk.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the risk perceptions for contracting COVID-19 in patients with CeD and to determine the factors that may influence their perceptions.

Methods

We distributed a survey throughout 10 countries between March and June 2020 and collected data on demographics, diet, COVID-19 testing, and risk perceptions of COVID-19 in patients with CeD. Participants were recruited through various celiac associations, clinic visits, and social media. Risk perception was assessed by asking individuals whether they believe patients with CeD are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the general population. Logistic regression was used to determine the influencing factors associated with COVID-19 risk perception, such as age, sex, adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD), and comorbidities such as cardiac/respiratory conditions and diabetes. Data was presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs).

Results

A total of 10,737 participants with CeD completed the survey. From them, 6,019 (56.1%) patients with CeD perceived they were at a higher risk or were unsure if they were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 compared to the non-CeD population. A greater proportion of patients with CeD had high levels of COVID-19 risk perceptions when compared to infections in general (56.1% vs 26.7%; p<0.0001). Consequently, 28.8% reported taking extra COVID-19 precautions as a result of their CeD. Members of celiac associations had lower rates of perceiving an increased risk of COVID-19 when compared to non-members (49.5% vs 57.4%, p<0.0001). Older age (aOR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.9 to 1, p<0.001), male sex (aOR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.94, p=0.001), and strict adherence to a GFD (aOR: 0.89; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.97, p=0.007) were associated with a lower perception of COVID-19 risk. Meanwhile, the presence of comorbidities was associated with a higher perception of COVID-19 risk (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.51, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Overall, a large proportion of patients with CeD, particularly females, those with comorbidities, or those not adhering to a strict GFD, believed they were or were unsure if they were at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their condition. As high levels of risk perception may increase an individual’s pandemic-related stress and contribute to negative mental health consequences, healthcare providers should maintain consistent communication with the celiac community and provide them with evidence-based recommendations.

Funding Agencies

None