bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the Home based Virtual Rehabilitation System (HoVRS) to remotely deliver an intense and customized upper extremity training
Authors: Qiu Qinyin , Cronce Amanda , Patel Jigna , Fluet Gerard G , Mont Ashley , Merians Alma S , Adamovich Sergei V
Published: November 2020

Background: After stroke, sustained hand rehabilitation training is required for continuous improvement and maintenance of distal function. Methods: In this paper, we present a system designed and implemented in our lab: the Home based Virtual Rehabilitation System (HoVRS). Fifteen subjects with chronic stroke were recruited to test the feasibility of the system as well as to refine the design and training protocol to prepare for a future efficacy study. HoVRS was placed in subjects’ homes, and subjects were asked to use the system at least 15 minutes every weekday for 3 months (12 weeks) with limited technical support and remote clinical monitoring. Results: All subjects completed the study without any adverse events. Subjects on average spent 13.5 hours using the system. Clinical and kinematic data were collected pre and post study in the subject’s home. Subjects demonstrated a mean increase of 5.2 (SEM=0.69) on the Upper Extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UEFMA). They also demonstrated improvements in six measurements of hand kinematics. In addition, a combination of these kinematic measures was able to predict a substantial portion of the variability in the subjects’ UEFMA score. Conclusion: Persons with chronic stroke were able to use the system safely and productively with minimal supervision resulting in measurable improvements in upper extremity function.
The Effects of Normal Aging, Subjective Cognitive Decline, Mild Cognitive Impairment, or Alzheimer's Disease on Visual Search
Authors: Xue Chaunwei , Tang Yi , Wang Changming , Yang Haibo , Li Liang
Published: November 2020

Background：To examine the progressively developed visual-search deficiency associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods: Healthy-younger adults (34), healthy-older adults (normal-aging control, NC, 30), adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD, 14), amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI, 20), or mild AD (15) participated in this study. To determine whether 1 of 4 letters presented at 4 symmetrically-located positions differed from the other 3, when the 4 letters were masked by either other randomly positioned and oriented letters or random-pixel noise. Meanwhile, eye movements were tracked.Results: In all the participants, with the stimulus-presentation time being longer, the visual-search performance improved, and both the eye interest-area first fixation duration (IFFD) and the interest-area-fixation count (IFC) increased. Particularly under the noise-masking condition, the AD group performed the worst at stimulus-presentation times between 300 and 900 ms. The aMCI group, but not the SCD group, performed worse than the NC group at the stimulus-presentation time of either 300 or 500 ms. The IFC was higher in all the patient groups than that in the NC group, and distinguishable between participants with AD and those with SCD or aMCI. Conclusions: The visual-search performance combined with eye-moment tracking under the noise-masking condition can be used for distinguishing AD from normal aging, SCD, and aMCI.
Differential Production and Secretion of Potentially Toxigenic Extracellular Proteins from Hypervirulent Aeromonas hydrophila Under Biofilm and Planktonic Culture
Authors: Barger Priscilla C. , Liles Mark R , Beck Benjamin H , Newton Joseph C
Published: November 2020

Background: Hypervirulent Aeromonas hydrophila (vAh) is an emerging pathogen in freshwater aquaculture that results in the loss of over 3 million pounds of marketable channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and channel catfish hybrids (I. punctatus, ♀ x blue catfish, I. furcatus, ♂) each year from freshwater catfish production systems in Alabama, U.S.A. vAh isolates are clonal in nature and are genetically unique from, and significantly more virulent than, traditional A. hydrophila isolates from fish. Even with the increased virulence, natural infections cannot be reproduced in aquaria challenges making it difficult to determine modes of infection and the pathophysiology behind the devastating mortalities that are commonly observed. Despite the intimate connection between environmental adaptation and plastic response, the role of environmental adaption on vAh pathogenicity and virulence has not been previously explored. In this study, secreted proteins of vAh cultured as free-living planktonic cells and within a biofilm were compared to elucidate the role of biofilm growth on virulence. Results: Functional proteolytic assays found significantly increased degradative activity in biofilm secretomes; in contrast, planktonic secretomes had significantly increased hemolytic activity, suggesting higher toxigenic potential. Intramuscular injection challenges in a channel catfish model showed that in vitro degradative activity translated into in vivo tissue destruction. Identification of secreted proteins by HPLC-MS/MS revealed the presence of many putative virulence proteins under both growth conditions. Biofilm grown vAh produced higher levels of proteolytic enzymes and adhesins, whereas planktonically grown cells secreted higher levels of toxins, porins, and fimbrial proteins. Conclusions: This study is the first comparison of the secreted proteomes of vAh when grown in two distinct ecological niches. These data on the adaptive physiological response of vAh based on growth condition increase our understanding of how environmental niche partitioning could affect vAh pathogenicity and virulence. Increased secretion of colonization factors and degradative enzymes during biofilm growth and residency may increase bacterial attachment and host invasiveness, while increased secretion of hemolysins, porins, and other potential toxins under planktonic growth (or after host invasion) could result in increased host mortality. The results of this research underscore the need to use culture methods that more closely mimic natural ecological habitat growth to improve our understanding of vAh pathogenesis.
Artificial intelligence prediction of adverse outcomes in emergency department patients with hyperglycemic crises in real-time
Authors: Hsu Chin-Chuan , Kao Yuan , Hsu Chien-Chin , Chen Chia-Jung , Hsu Shu-Lien , Liu Tzu-Lan , Lin Hung-Jung , Wang Jhi-Joung , Liu Chung-Feng , Huang Chien-Cheng
Published: November 2020

Background
Hyperglycemic crises are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Previous studies proposed methods for predicting adverse outcome in hyperglycemic crises, artificial intelligence (AI) has however never been tried. We implemented an AI prediction model integrated with hospital information system (HIS) to clarify this issue.
Methods
We included 3,715 patients with hyperglycemic crises from emergency departments (ED) between 2009 and 2018. Patients were randomized into a 70%/30% split for AI model training and testing. Twenty-two feature variables from their electronic medical records were collected, and multilayer perceptron (MLP) was used to construct an AI prediction model to predict sepsis or septic shock, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and all-cause mortality within 1 month. Comparisons of the performance among random forest, logistic regression, support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), and MLP algorithms were also done.
Results
Using the MLP model, the areas under the curves (AUCs) were 0.808 for sepsis or septic shock, 0.688 for ICU admission, and 0.770 for all-cause mortality. MLP had the best performance in predicting sepsis or septic shock and all-cause mortality, compared with logistic regression, SVM, KNN, and LightGBM. Furthermore, we integrated the AI prediction model with the HIS to assist physicians for decision making in real-time.
Conclusions
A real-time AI prediction model is a promising method to assist physicians in predicting adverse outcomes in ED patients with hyperglycemic crises. Further studies on the impact on clinical practice and patient outcome are warranted.
An Interactome Map of Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Li Lin , Han Linqian , Zhong Wanshun , Qian Jia , Jin Minliang , Tian Peng , Zhu Wanchao , Zhang Hongwei , Sun Yonghao , Liu Wenshan , Feng Jia-Wu , Chen Guo , Li Ruonan , Xiong Zimo , Li Juan , Luo Zi , Chen Sijia , Jin Qixiao , Li Jiaxin , Li Zhao , Liang Yan , Jin Xiaomeng , Liu Xiangguo , Ye Xinnan , Yin Yuejia , Peng Yong , Lu Xiaoduo , Chen Lingling , Li Qing , Jackson David , Yan Jianbing , Yang Fang
Published: November 2020

Interactomes are powerful tools for encoding and decoding complex life systems. Here, we generated a maize interactome map that integrates genomic interactions, transcriptomic co-expression networks, translatomic co-expression networks, and protein–protein interactions throughout the maize lifecycle. This map, containing over 9 million interactions in more than 5,000 functional modules, reveals extensive functional divergence for duplicate genes and a progressive increase in regulatory divergence between the two maize subgenomes during the flow of genetic information. This network enables dissecting and validating gene functions, re-constructing regulatory pathways, and deciphering molecular mechanisms underlying complex traits combining big data mining technique-machine learning. By applying this map to flowering-time, we identified 1,843 high-confidence genes enriched in eight molecular pathways that are related to flowering time. The function of 30 (out of 58 tested) genes, including 27 novel genes, was verified by loss-of-function mutagenesis. Furthermore, a new pathway involving histone modification was identified and confirmed to regulate flowering time. The interactome map illustrates how coherent sets of molecular interactions connect different types of functional elements and pathway modules to map a genome-wide functional wiring landscape, which will be applicable in a wide range of species.
Men’s education on planning and encouraging breastfeeding improves the mothers’ performance and exclusive breastfeeding: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Panahi Farideh , simbar masoumeh , fakari farzaneh rashidi , Lotfi Razieh , Rahimizadeh Mitra
Published: November 2020

Background: men’s participation is crucial for promoting of breastfeeding. There are a few studies on the effectiveness of father’s education on the nursery performance. Therefore, this study aims to assess the mothers’ performance following father’s education on breastfeeding. Method: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 76 fathers in two groups of control (38 men) and intervention (38 men) in a selected health center in Iran. They were spouses of primiparous women; fathers of a healthy, single neonates. Two groups of intervention and control were selected using randomized sampling method. The tools for data collection were: a “Demographic and Maternal-Infant Information Questionnaire”, and a “Fathers’ support for Breastfeeding Assessment Tool”, a “Checklist to Assess Mothers’ Breastfeeding Performance” and an “Exclusive Breastfeeding Questionnaire”. The intervention was: fathers’ education about “breastfeeding” and “the ways of support including encouragement and planning for breastfeeding”. The education was performed in the intervention group in two sessions with one-week interval. Fathers in the control group did not receive the education. Mothers’ breastfeeding performance, father’s support for breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding was compared before and after intervention, and between groups after four months’ intervention. Data was analyzed using SPSS 26. Results: Between groups comparison showed, before intervention, the mean scores for breastfeeding performance was not significantly different between two groups (P=0.7). However, after the intervention, it was higher in the interventional group comparing to the control group (T test; p<0.001). Intra-groups comparison demonstrated, after intervention, the improvement was not seen after 4 months in the control group (p=0.6), while there was a significant improvement in the intervention group comparing to before intervention (Paired test; p<0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that father’s education improves breastfeeding performance of nursery mothers. Since, breastfeeding is an important factor for maternal-infant health, providing fathers’ participation education to promote breastfeeding programs leads to long and effective exclusive breastfeeding.Trial Registration: IRCT201508248801N10. Registered 31 August 2016.
Dynamic Modelling of Piston Slapping Motion in Combustion Engines
Authors: Kaisan M.U. , Narayan S. , bakar Shitu Abu , Ibrahim Ibrahim Umar , Ibrahim Bashir Garba
Published: November 2020

A numerical model of the piston skirt taking into account its lateral, reciprocating and rotatory motion has been presented in order to investigate the lateral motion of piston skirt assembly and resulting vibrations induced as a result of these motions in the engine block. Various parameters of modal analysis were obtained using mobility analysis. The presented methodology was validated by data obtained from a diesel engine test set up. The predicted results matched well with those of measured data, hence validating the presented scheme.
Discovery of fungal oligosaccharide-oxidising flavo-enzymes with previously unknown substrates, redox-activity profiles and interplay with LPMOs
Authors: Momeni Majid Haddad , Fredslund Folmer , Bissaro Bastien , Raji Olanrewaju , Vuong Thu , Meier Sebastian , Nielsen Tine , Lombard Vincent , Guigliarelli Bruno , Biaso Frédéric , Haon Mireille , Grisel Sacha , Henrissat Bernard , Welner Ditte , Master Emma , Berrin Jean-Guy , Hachem Maher Abou
Published: November 2020

Oxidative plant cell-wall processing enzymes are of great importance in biology and biotechnology. Yet, our insight into the functional interplay amongst such oxidative enzymes remains limited. Here, a phylogenetic analysis of the auxiliary activity 7 family (AA7), currently harbouring oligosaccharide flavo-oxidases, revealed a striking abundance of AA7-genes in phytopathogenic fungi and Oomycetes. Expression of five fungal enzymes, including three from unexplored clades, expanded the AA7-substrate range and unveiled a cellooligosaccharide dehydrogenase activity, previously unknown within AA7. Sequence and structural analyses revealed unique signatures distinguishing the strict dehydrogenase clade from canonical AA7 oxidases. The discovered dehydrogenase directly transferred electrons to an AA9 lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase (LPMO) and fuelled cellulose degradation by LPMOs without exogenous reductants. The expansion of the substrate range and the synergistic interplay with LPMOs highlight the functional diversity within AA7 and set the stage for harnessing AA7 dehydrogenases to fine-tune LPMO activity in biotechnological conversion of plant feedstocks.
BRAFV600E-induced senescence drives Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis pathophysiology
Authors: Merad Miriam
Published: November 2020

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a potentially fatal condition characterized by granulomatous lesions with characteristic clonal mononuclear phagocytes (MNP) harboring activating somatic mutations in MAPK pathway genes, most notably BRAFV600E. We recently discovered that the BRAFV600E mutation can also affect multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) in multisystem LCH disease. How BRAFV600E mutation in HPC leads to LCH is not known. Here we show that enforced expression of the BRAFV600E mutation in early mouse and human multipotent HPC induced a senescence program that led to HPC growth arrest, apoptosis resistance and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). SASP, in turn, promoted HPC skewing towards the MNP lineage leading to the accumulation of senescent MNP in tissue and the formation of LCH lesions. Accordingly, elimination of senescent cells using INK-ATTAC transgenic mice as well as pharmacologic blockade of SASP improved LCH disease in mice. These results identify senescent cells as a novel target for the treatment of LCH.
Supramolecular Cocrystals Built Through Redox-Triggered ion Intercalation in π-Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Yanashita Yu , Tsurumi Junto , Kurosawa Tadanori , Ueji Kan , Tsuneda Yukina , Kohno Shinya , Kempe Hideto , Kumagai Shohei , Okamoto Toshihiro , Takeya Jun , Watanabe Shun
Published: November 2020

Self-organization in π-conjugated polymers gives rise to a highly ordered lamellar structure, in which inter-chain stacking spontaneously forms two-dimensional conjugated sheets. This multi-layer stacked nature of semicrystalline polymers results not only in effective charge transport, but also allows the inclusion of various functional molecules and ions. In particular, redox-triggered ion-intercalation in a polymer's lamellae is an ideal system for molecular doping, for which extremely high charge carrier density, corresponding to one carrier per monomer unit, has been achieved. We conducted a detailed structural analysis and electron density simulation to pinpoint exactly where the guest dopants are located periodically in the restricted void space in a polymer's lamellae. Our findings are indicative of an intercalation compound of layered polymers and a guest intercalant. In addition, we show that a homogeneous cocrystal structure can be realized throughout the host polymer medium, which is proved unambiguously by the observation of coherent carrier transport across microscopic-scale films. Also, the intercalation cocrystal nature gives the best achievable doping level in semicrystalline conjugated polymers and excellent environmental stability. These findings should open up new possibilities for tuning the collective dynamics of functional molecules and ions through intercalation phenomena.
Determinant of Food Security Within the COVID-19 Epidemic Circumstances- A Special Case of Chinese Agriculture Food Production and Distribution Industries
Authors: Sarkar Apurbo , Peau Anamika Kor , Al Asif Abdullah , Qian Lu , Das Jiban Chandro
Published: November 2020

PurposeSince the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic rises, it poses a catastrophic effect for the society and its development globally. These pandemic situations put global inhabitants under tremendous pressure to maintain a sufficient supply of nutrition and desirable food security. Agricultural food production and distribution industries may play a vital role in determining the current conditions of any countries food security and sustainable development goals. Design/methodology/approachSince an increasing number of people had been suffering from hunger and malnutrition before even the infection strikes, it could create more dangerous circumstances by creating a global food crisis if the immediate measure is not taken. This paper examines the determinants of food security within three distinct aspects (effective utilization of food, food availability, and food access) within the COVID-19 epidemic situation. For developing and validating the model, the empirical data was collected from the agricultural food supply industry in China (Shaanxi Province). Whereas, the core analytical assumption has made by employing the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modelling (SEM).FindingsAfter analyzing the data collected from 67 agricultural food productions and distribution personnel along with the hypothesis testing, it has found that determinants of the effective utilization if food aspects are positively related to the determinants of food availability and food access aspects, and the determinants of food availability are positively related to the food access determinants. OriginalityThis research will be helpful to the government and industry in developing policies and strategies for the successful implementation of all the associated determinants of food security in terms of the epidemic situation.
Prognostic Indicators and Short Term Outcomes for Operated Patients with Peritonitis: Prospective Cohort Hospital Based Study in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Msuya Nassib Daud , Alloyce Julius Pius , Msuya David , Chilonga Kondo , Herman Ayesiga , Chugulu Samuel
Published: November 2020

Background: Peritonitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies all over the world and is associated with significant complications and mortality. The spectrum of aetiology of peritonitis differs between high income countries and low income countries. Majority of the patients present late with purulent peritonitis and septiceamia. Surgical treatment of peritonitis is highly demanding and very complex, however, if the outcome in these patients can be correctly predicted, then better management can be instituted in order to achieve optimal patients’ care and hence improve treatment outcome.Methods: Prospective cohort hospital based study was conducted among patients admitted due to peritonitis at Kilimanjaro Christian medical center (KCMC) from October 2018 to March 2019.Documentary review and interview methods were employed to obtain data using electronic structured questionnaire. Data was summarized using median, Inter-quartile range (IQR), frequency and percentage. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify prognostic indicators for post-operative complications and mortality. A 95% CI and P <0.05 used for significance test.Results: The study enrolled 70 patients with predominance of male, giving a male to female ratio of 4.1:1. A total number of 33(47.1%) developed complications and 16(22.9%) died. Only 1(1.43%) patient presented to the hospital within 24 hours since the onset of illness. Delay in care, longer duration of operation, and low potassium were the prognostic indicators noted to have influence on short term complications. The major influence for mortality were comorbidity (AOR=3.02; 95%CI: 2.25-42.90) and postoperative complications (dyselectrolaemia) with (AOR=9.27; 95%CI: 1.21-70.83).Conclusion: Mortality and complications resulted from peritonitis is unacceptably high. Delay in care, longer duration of operation and preoperative low serum potassium levels were the prognostic indicators for the post-operative complications. Comorbidity and postoperative complications such as dyselectrolaemia had influence for the mortality. Correct prediction of these adverse outcomes will help to institute better management for the patients with peritonitis.
A new method to rapidly and accurately assess the mechanical properties of geologically relevant materials
Authors: Deng Pu , Herrera Sean V. , Prorok Barton C.
Published: November 2020

A new indentation-based method was developed that will impact and facilitate the elastic property measurements of rocks and minerals, especially those possessing unusual deformation behavior, including brittle materials and those with complex architectures. The novel feature employed is a metallic film that uniformly transfers the load from the indenter tip to the sample. The film also absorbs the damage caused by the penetrating indenter, shielding the material from highly localized deformation that can impact its response to loading. Many geologically relevant materials have resisted traditional indentation testing because they are either brittle in nature or possess highly anisotropic architectures, such as layered or lamellar structures. In both cases, the highly localized deformation from direct indentation significantly affects the indenter unloading stiffness, from which the elastic properties are determined. The indirect indentation method developed here has demonstrated accurate determination of the elastic properties of many common geological materials as well as materials that have resisted elastic characterization such as galena and talc.
Sisi Gelap Kepemimpinan Pentakostal-Karismatik
Authors: Pranoto Minggus M.
Published: November 2020

Abstract

This article highlights a critical question: why is Pentecostal-Charismatic leadership vulnerable to various scandals? This model of leadership often exposes the dark side of leadership characterized by the issues of money, sex, and power. This study suggests that Pentecostal-Charismatic leaders are often trapped in the model of personalized charismatic leadership that is based on misinterpretation of the doctrine of being Spirit-filled. The method used in this article is that of practical theology relating the framework of socialized charismatic leadership to the theological concept of the church (ekklesia) as the body of Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

 

Abstrak

Tulisan ini menyoroti pertanyaan kritis: mengapa kepemimpinan Pentakostal-Karismatik rentan terkena berbagai skandal? Model kepemimpinan ini acap kali memunculkan sisi gelap kepemimpinan yang ditandai oleh masalah-masalah keuangan, seksual, dan kekuasaan. Kajian ini mengungkapkan bahwa para pemimpin Pentakostal-Karismatik seringkali terjebak dalam model personalized charismatic leadership yang didasari oleh penafsiran yang keliru atas doktrin being Spirit-filled. Metode tulisan ini termasuk dalam ranah teologi praktis yang mengaitkan kerangka berpikir socialized charismatic leadership dengan konsep teologis tentang gereja (ekklesia) sebagai tubuh Kristus dan persekutuan Roh Kudus.
Kekristenan dan Spiritualitas Online: Cybertheology sebagai Sumbangsih Berteologi di Indonesia
Authors: Sopacoly Mick Mordekhai , Lattu Izak Y.M.
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The mobilization of information, technology, and social change marked by the presence of cyberspace not only affects the way people think in building relationships with others and themselves but also the process of developing faith and spirituality. Using the methods of qualitative research, literature study, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD), this research finds that in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Christian religious patterns are changing drastically, driving all churches to move to virtual reality. The Christian notion of spirituality is also being transformed so that the experience with God is believed to occur not only in the physical space of the church but also in virtual reality. “Clickactivism” forms a new faith community determined by click and spiritual experiences which strength lies in the imagination of communities and individuals. This study concludes that cybertheology is an important contribution in helping Indonesian Christians to have a strong spiritualityabout God who cannot be confined within time and space.

 

Abstrak

Arus mobilisasi informasi, teknologi, dan perubahan sosial yang ditandai dengan adanya ruang cyber (cyberspace) ternyata tidak hanya mempengaruhi cara berpikir manusia dalam membangun relasi dengan sesama dan diri sendiri tetapi juga proses pengembangan iman dan spiritualitasnya. Metode yang digunakan ialah penelitian kualitatif, studi literatur, dan Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa dalam konteks pandemi COVID-19, pola beragama Kristen berubah secara drastis sehingga memaksa semua gereja untuk pindah ke realitas virtual. Pemahaman kekristenan tentang spiritualitas juga bertransformasi sehingga pengalaman dengan Tuhan diyakini tidak terbatas dalam ruang fisik gereja tetapi juga dalam realitas virtual. “Aktivitas klik” membentuk sebuah komunitas iman yang baru, yang ditentukan oleh klik dan pengalaman spiritual yang kekuatannya terletak pada imajinasi komunitas dan individu. Karena itu, studi ini menyimpulkan bahwa teologi cyber menjadi kontribusi penting untuk membantu kekristenan di Indonesia untuk berspiritualitas mengenai Tuhan yang tidak dapat dikurung dalam ruang dan waktu.
CARACTERIZAÇÃO FÍSICA E QUÍMICA DA BIOMASSA USADA COMO COMBUSTÍVEL SÓLIDO EM UMA CALDEIRA
Authors: Carvalho Natália , Barros João , Silva Diego , Nakashima Gabriela , Yamaji Fábio
Published: November 2020

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOMASS USED AS SOLID FUEL IN A BOILER. Biomass is a renewable energy source most used in the world, however, depending on the chemical properties and origin of the material used as biofuel, the amount of ash generated during combustion can be high, harming the energetic harnessing. The objective of this study was to characterize chemically and physically biomass: bark, sawdust, and urban pruning; used for energy generation. Also, part of the study was the physical characterization of briquettes produced from these materials. The analyzes performed to characterize the biomass were: moisture determination, higher heating value, proximate analysis and chemical composition - extractives, lignin and holocellulose contents. Subsequently, the biomass was briquetted and the mechanical properties of the briquettes were tested. The results showed that all biomass (bark, sawdust, and urban pruning) has the energy potential to be used in the industry. T1 briquettes (100% bark) showed the highest mechanical resistance. However, the formation of blends should be sought to minimize the ash content in the boiler. Thus, blends T2 and T3 can be considered as the best alternatives for the company.
Automated set-up parameter estimation and result evaluation for SSI-Cov-OMA
Authors: Bonekemper Lukas , Wiemann Marcel , Kraemer Peter
Published: November 2020

Traditionally, modal analysis and the extraction of modal parameters from vibration data is a process that requires a more or less extensive amount of manual interaction from setting input parameters up until finding the eigenfrequencies. The growing interest in continuously monitoring mechanical structures e.g. for automated damage detection methods has led to the development of many approaches to automate different aspects of modal analysis. In this context, the Covariance-driven Stochastic subspace identification (Cov-SSI) is a widely used method. The present paper provides an automated Cov-SSI algorithm combined with a peak-picking approach for the automatic determination of input parameters. In this regard, using the Prominence-parameter allows to examine the PSD by finding the most relevant peaks. The herein shown algorithm is currently suitable for systems with a limited number of sensors. Cov-SSI results are arranged in stability plots and interpreted using the hierarchical clustering method. By creating stability plots for a wide range of block rows a sensitivity analysis is used to find the optimal result based on the averaged standard deviation of damping of the clusters in every stability plot. A second aspect of this paper is comparing the common method for order reduction with a modified method described in [1], which preserves the orthogonality of the U, S and V matrix of the singular value decomposition. Exemplary results on both methods are provided using simulated data (state-space, 3 DoF).
Integration of Webqual Method to Importance Performance Analysis and Kano Model to Analyze System Quality of E-Government: Case Study LAPOR!
Authors: Rindani Fiena , Puspitodjati Sulistyo
Published: November 2020

The management of public complaints in many institutions in Indonesia has not been managed effectively and integrated. Each institution works partially and not coordinated well. This causes duplication of handling complaint, or worse is a complaint possibly not handled by any of institution, due to the reason that the complaint is not their authority. For this reason, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia established a S4N-LAPOR!. Meanwhile, there are still some deficiencies in LAPOR. This research purpose is to analyze/evaluate LAPOR using an integration of Webqual method to Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) and Kano model. This research is only carried out by analyzing web-based LAPOR services. The questionnaires are distributed to 159 respondents. The webqual method is used to determine the dimension and attributes, while the IPA and Kano model is conducted for data analysis. The integration from the results of both data analysis shows that there are 14-attributes out of 23 that need to be the priority for LAPOR improvements.
Stormwater harvesting infrastructure systems design for urban park irrigation: Brimbank Park, Melbourne case study
Authors: Day Jake Kyle , Sharma Ashok K
Published: November 2020

Stormwater harvesting for residential and non-residential reuse is an important and crucial aspect to reduce freshwater demand to address climate change, population growth and urbanisation challenges. It is important that freshwater be conserved as much as possible through capturing rainwater and stormwater and using these resources for fit for purpose end uses such as irrigation of public open parks and residential non-potable end uses. The paper describes a methodology for the planning and design of a stormwater harvesting system for park irrigation. The application of suitable models for storage tank capacity and pipe sizing considering peak flows are described. The application of the approach is demonstrated with a local case study for the benefit of wider water professionals engaged in water-sensitive urban design.
Ecological-environmental quality estimation using remote sensing and combined artificial intelligence techniques
Authors: Nourani Vahid , Foroumandi Ehsan , Sharghi Elnaz , Dąbrowska Dominika
Published: November 2020

Ecological-environmental quality was evaluated for Tabriz and Rasht cities (in Iran) with different climate conditions using artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing (RS) techniques. Sampling sites were surveyed and ecological experts assigned eco-environment background values (EBVs) of sites. Then, eco-environmental attributes were extracted as RS derived, and meteorological attributes were observed. Three AI-based models, artificial neural network (ANN), support vector regression (SVR), and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) were then applied to learn the relationship between a target set of known EBVs and eco-environmental attributes as inputs. According to the results of the single models, none of the models could evaluate EBV appropriately for all regions and classes. Thereafter, three combining techniques were applied to the outputs of single models to enhance spatial evaluation of EBV. It was observed that the modeling for Tabriz led to more accurate results. It seems that the better network performance for Tabriz may be due to a more heterogeneous dataset in this kind of climate. Furthermore, results indicated that SVR led to better performance than both ANN and ANFIS models, but the models' combining techniques were shown to be superior. Combining techniques enhanced performance of single AI modeling up to 26% in the verification step.
Numerical solutions of hyperbolic systems of conservation laws combining unsteady friction and viscoelastic pipes
Authors: Seck Aboudou
Published: November 2020

The main contribution of the paper is to incorporate pipe-wall viscoelastic and unsteady friction in the derivation of the water-hammer solutions of non-conservative hyperbolic systems with conserved quantities as variables. The system is solved using the Godunov finite volume scheme to obtain numerical solutions. This results in the appearance of a new term in the mass conservation equation of the classical governing system. This new numerical algorithm implements the Godunov approach to one-dimensional hyperbolic systems of conservation laws on a finite volume stencil. The viscoelastic pipe-wall response in the mass conservation part of the source term has been modeled using generalized Kelvin–Voigt theory. For the momentum part of the source term a fast, robust and accurate numerical scheme linked to the Lambert W-function for calculating the friction factor has been used. A case study has been used to illustrate the influence of the various formulations; a comparison between the classical solution, the numerical solution including quasi-steady friction, the numerical solution incorporating the viscoelastic effects, and measurements are presented. The inclusion of viscoelastic effects results in better agreement between the measured and solved values.
Actual Problems of Statistical Study of Economic Assets in Modern Conditions
Authors: Salin V. N. , Vakhrameeva M. V. , Sitnikova O. Y.
Published: November 2020

Purpose of research. It is necessary to clearly define the composition and structure of economic assets to conduct a systematic statistical analysis of the state and development of the national economy, including at the level of sectors, subsectors and institutional units.

The purpose of the work is to systematize data on the availability and movement of economic assets in the context of information sources, methods of their assessment and analysis of the practice of macroeconomic calculations.

Materials and methods. In this paper, the authors considered the classification of economic assets, applied structural and dynamic data analysis, as well as methods of theoretical research in the form of generalization, comparison, and special analytical procedures.

Results. Statistical study of economic transactions with assets involves a detailed review of the groupings and classifications of assets at the level of institutional units, sectors of the economy and the economy as a whole, which will provide reliable information about their availability and movement. In addition, it is necessary to understand the essence of statistical indicators that reflect the state and change in the value of assets, the methodology for their calculation, comprehensive analysis and practical use. The paper defines the main directions for studying economic assets based on current international standards, taking into account national statistical practice.

Conclusion. As part of a systematic statistical analysis of the state and development of the national economy in various areas, it is necessary to clearly define the composition and structure of economic assets, their place and significance in the production of goods and services.

The issue of assessing the value of economic assets, which should reflect their market value, is of significant importance. Improving methods for assessing economic assets is an urgent problem not only for macroeconomic calculations, but also for adequately reflecting economic operations at the level of institutional units and sectors of the economy.

Economic assets are recognized as such if they bring economic benefits to their owner. Evaluating the effectiveness of asset use in economic activities or asset ownership is no less challenging for analysts. Such analytical procedures require a comprehensive analysis of data on the availability and movement of assets, their composition and structure, including from an international perspective.

The authors of the article have repeatedly addressed the issues of macroeconomic calculations in their publications, which allowed them to consider in more detail topical issues related to the accumulation of non-financial and financial assets.
Simultaneous Optimization of Activity and Stability of Xylose Reductase from D. nepalensis NCYC 3413 Using Statistical Experimental Design
Authors: Malla Shwethashree , Gummadi Sathyanarayana N.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Physical parameters like pH and temperature play a major role in the design
of an industrial enzymatic process. Enzyme stability and activity are greatly influenced by these
parameters; hence optimization and control of these parameters becomes a key point in determining
the economic feasibility of the process.

Objective:

This study was taken up with the objective to optimize physical parameters for maximum stability and activity of
xylose reductase from D. nepalensis NCYC 3413 through separate and simultaneous optimization studies and comparison
thereof.

Method:

Effects of pH and temperature on the activity and stability of xylose reductase from Debaryomyces nepalensis
NCYC 3413 were investigated by enzyme assays and independent variables were optimised using surface response methodology. Enzyme activity and stability were optimised separately and concurrently to decipher the appropriate conditions.

Results:

Optimized conditions of pH and temperature for xylose reductase activity were determined to be 7.1 and 27 ℃ respectively, with predicted responses of specific activity (72.3 U/mg) and half-life time (566 min). The experimental values
(specific activity 50.2 U/mg, half-life time 818 min) were on par with predicted values indicating the significance of the
model.

Conclusion:

Simultaneous optimization of xylose reductase activity and stability using statistical methods is effective as
compared to optimisation of the parameters separately.
Purification of Classical Swine Fever Virus E2 Subunit Vaccines Based on High Affinity Peptide Ligand
Authors: Wang Fangyu , Yu Qiuying , Hu Man , Xing Guangxu , Zhao Dong , Zhang Gaiping
Published: November 2020

Background:

The purification of expressed proteins is the most critical part of subunit--
vaccine production. Protein-purification methods such as affinity chromatography and ion
exchange still have the shortcomings of being time consuming and complicated. With the rapid development
of computational molecular-simulation technology, structure-based peptide-ligand design
has become feasible.

Objection:

We aimed to apply molecular docking for a peptide ligand designed for classical swine fever virus (CSFV) E2
purification.

Methods:

Computational-derived peptides were synthesized, and the in vitro binding interaction
with E2 was investigated. The effects of purification on E2 were also evaluated.

Results:

The best peptide recognizing E2 was P6, which had a sequence of KKFYWRYWEH.
Based on kinetic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, the apparent affinity constant of P6
was found to be 148 nM. Importantly, P6 showed suitable binding affinity and specificity for E2 purification
from transgenic rice seeds. Evaluation of immune antibodies in mice showed that the antibody-
blocking rate on day 42 after inoculation reached 86.18% and 90.68%.

Conclusion:

The computational-designed peptide in this study has high sensitivity and selectivity
and is thus useful for the purification of CSFV E2. The novel method of design provided a broad
platform and powerful tool for protein-peptide screening, as well as new insights into CSFV
vaccine design.
A Novel Reversibly Glycosylated Polypeptide-2 of Bee Pollen from Rape (Brassica napus L.): Purification and Characterization
Authors: Zhang Qi , Sun Tian , Tuo Xingxia , Li Yujin , Yang Haixia , Deng Jianjun
Published: November 2020

Background:

Reversibly glycosylated polypeptide (RGP), a kind of hydrosoluble and
plasmodesmal-associated protein found in plants, plays a crucial role in the development of pollen.

Objective:

A novel RGP 2 was isolated and identified from rape (Brassica napus L.) bee pollen.

Methods:

RGP2 was isolated and purified by ion-exchange column and gel filtration chromatography,
and characterized by MALDI-TOF-MS, LC-MS, immunological histological chemistry, and
transmission electron microscope.

Results:

Our results indicated that the RGP2 is an acidic protein (pI=5.46) with the molecular
weight 42388 Da. It contained 17 kinds of amino acids, among which aspartic acid had the highest
amount (71.56 mg/g). Homologous alignment of amino acid sequence results showed that RGP2
was 80.33%, 85.02%, 86.06%, and 88.93% identical to Arabidopsis thaliana RGP2 (AtRGP2),
Oryza sativa RGP (OsRGP), Triticum aestivum RGP (TaRGP), and Zea maize RGP (ZmRGP), respectively.
The localization results showed that RGP2 in rape anther existed in exine and intine of
anther cells of rape flower by immunological histological chemistry and the subcellular localization
identified that RGP2 appeared around the Golgi apparatus in cytoplasm by transmission electron
microscope.

Conclusion:

RGP2 has a highly conserved sequence of amino acid residues and potential glycosylation
sites.
Composite Aerogels for Biomedical and Environmental Applications
Authors: Shah Nasrullah , Lin Dong
Published: November 2020

Aerogels are a class of advanced materials having the lowest density with extraordinary characteristics
of high surface area, extreme porosity, lowest thermal conductivity, and tunable surface chemistry. Aerogels
of silica, alumina, carbon, metals, metal oxides, clay, cellulose, gelatin, chitosan, synthetic polymers and
many others have attracted much interest for different potential applications. Several attempts have been made
to improve the characteristics and performance efficiency of the aerogels. One of those is to fabricate composite
aerogels to be used in several applications. In designing composite aerogels for biomedical and environmental
purposes, the nature of the ingredient materials along with their net efficiency and cost are important to be considered.
In this regard, various compositions of composite aerogels have been explored by researchers to make
them suitable for use in these applications. In the present study, an attempt has been made to briefly summarize
various studies of composite aerogels for biomedical and environmental applications.
Insights into Peptide Mediated Antibiofilm Treatment in Chronic Wound: A Bench to Bedside Approach
Authors: Radhakrishnan Megha P. , Suryaletha Karthika , Shankar Aparna , Savithri Akhila Velappan , George Sanil , Thomas Sabu
Published: November 2020

Chronic wound biofilm infections are a threat to the population with respect to morbidity
and mortality. The presence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens in chronic wound renders
the action of antibiotics and antibiofilm agents difficult. Therefore an alternative therapy is essential
for reducing bacterial biofilm burden. In this scenario, the peptide-based antibiofilm therapy
for chronic wound biofilm management seeks more attention. A synthetic peptide with a broad
range of antibiofilm activity against preformed and established biofilms, having the ability to kill
multispecies bacteria within biofilms and possessing combinatorial activity with other antimicrobial
agents, provides significant insights. In this review, we portray the possibilities and difficulties
of peptide-mediated treatment in chronic wounds biofilm management and how it can be clinically
translated into a product.
Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Clinical and Metabolic Approach
Authors: Djordjevic Dragan B. , Koracevic Goran , Djordjevic Aleksandar D. , Lovic Dragan B.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Having in mind that diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity are some of the
greatest health challenges of the modern era, diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is becoming more
and more recognized in clinical practice.

Main Text:

Initially, DM is asymptomatic, but it may progress to diastolic and then systolic left
ventricular dysfunction, which results in congestive heart failure. A basic feature of this DM complication
is the absence of hemodynamically significant stenosis of the coronary blood vessels.
Clinical manifestations are the result of several metabolic disorders that are present during DM progression.
The complexity of metabolic processes, along with numerous regulatory mechanisms, has
been the subject of research that aims at discovering new diagnostic (e.g. myocardial strain with
echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance) and treatment options. Adequate glycaemic control
is not sufficient to prevent or reduce the progression of DCM. Contemporary hypoglycemic
medications, such as sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors, significantly reduce the frequency
of cardiovascular complications in patients with DM. Several studies have shown that, unlike
the above-stated medications, thiazolidinediones and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are associated
with deterioration of heart failure.

Conclusion:

Imaging procedures, especially myocardial strain with echocardiography and cardiac
magnetic resonance, are useful to identify the early signs of DCM. Research and studies regarding
new treatment options are still “in progress”.