bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Gut Microbiota, Probiotics and Prebiotics in the Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Oniszczuk Anna , Oniszczuk Tomasz , Gancarz Marek , Szymańska Jolanta
Published: February 2021

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in identifying and applying new, naturally occurring molecules that promote health. Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits on the host”. Quite a few fermented products serve as the source of probiotic strains, with many factors influencing the effectiveness of probiotics, including interactions of probiotic bacteria with the host’s microbiome. Prebiotics contain no microorganisms, only substances which stimulate their growth. Prebiotics can be obtained from various sources, including breast milk, soybeans, and raw oats, however, the most popular prebiotics are the oligosaccharides contained in plants. Recent research increasingly claims that probiotics and prebiotics alleviate many disorders related to the immune system, cancer metastasis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. However, little is known about the role of these supplements as important dietary components in preventing or treating cardiovascular disease. Still, some reports and clinical studies were conducted, offering new ways of treatment. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss the roles of gut microbiota, probiotics, and prebiotics interventions in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Association of Systemic Sclerosis and Periodontitis with Vitamin D Levels
Authors: Isola Gaetano , Palazzo Giuseppe , Polizzi Alessandro , Murabito Paolo , Giuffrida Clemente , Lo Gullo Alberto
Published: February 2021

The aim of the present study was to analyze the association among systemic sclerosis (SSc), periodontitis (PT); we also evaluated the impact of PT and SSc on vitamin D levels. Moreover, we tested the association with potential confounders. A total of 38 patients with SSc, 40 subjects with PT, 41 subjects with both PT and SSc, and 41 healthy controls were included in the study. The median vitamin D levels in PT subject were 19.1 (17.6–26.8) ng/mL, while SSc + PT group had vitamin d levels of 15.9 (14.7–16.9) ng/mL, significantly lower with respect to SSc patients (21.1 (15.4–22.9) ng/mL) and to healthy subjects (30.5 (28.8–32.3) ng/mL) (p < 0.001). In all subjects, vitamin D was negatively associated with c-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001) and with probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque score (PI) (p < 0.001 for all parameters) and positively related to the number of teeth (p < 0.001). Moreover, univariate regression analysis demonstrated an association among high low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol (p = 0.021), CRP (p = 0.014), and PT (p < 0.001) and reduced levels of vitamin D. The multivariate regression analysis showed that PT (p = 0.011) and CRP (p = 0.031) were both predictors of vitamin D levels. Subjects with PT and SSc plus PT had significant lower vitamin D values with respect to SSc and to healthy subjects. In addition, PT seems negatively associated with levels of vitamin D in all analyzed patients.
Integrative Taxonomy and Molecular Phylogeny of the Plant-Parasitic Nematode Genus Paratylenchus (Nematoda: Paratylenchinae): Linking Species with Molecular Barcodes
Authors: Singh Phougeishangbam Rolish , Karssen Gerrit , Couvreur Marjolein , Subbotin Sergei A. , Bert Wim
Published: February 2021

Pin nematodes of the genus Paratylenchus are obligate ectoparasites of a wide variety of plants that are distributed worldwide. In this study, individual morphologically vouchered nematode specimens of fourteen Paratylenchus species, including P. aculentus, P. elachistus, P. goodeyi, P. holdemani, P. idalimus, P. microdorus, P. nanus, P. neoamblycephalus, P. straeleni and P. veruculatus, are unequivocally linked to the D2-D3 of 28S, ITS, 18S rRNA and COI gene sequences. Combined with scanning electron microscopy and a molecular analysis of an additional nine known and thirteen unknown species originating from diverse geographic regions, a total of 92 D2-D3 of 28S, 41 ITS, 57 18S rRNA and 111 COI new gene sequences are presented. Paratylenchus elachistus, P. holdemani and P. neoamblycephalus are recorded for the first time in Belgium and P. idalimus for the first time in Europe. Paratylenchus is an excellent example of an incredibly diverse yet morphologically minimalistic plant-parasitic genus, and this study provides an integrated analysis of all available data, including coalescence-based molecular species delimitation, resulting in an updated Paratylenchus phylogeny and the corrective reassignment of 18 D2-D3 of 28S, 3 ITS, 3 18S rRNA and 25 COI gene sequences that were previously unidentified or incorrectly classified.
Recent Large-Scale Genotyping and Phenotyping of Plant Genetic Resources of Vegetatively Propagated Crops
Authors: Nybom Hilde , Lācis Gunārs
Published: February 2021

Several recent national and international projects have focused on large-scale genotyping of plant genetic resources in vegetatively propagated crops like fruit and berries, potatoes and woody ornamentals. The primary goal is usually to identify true-to-type plant material, detect possible synonyms, and investigate genetic diversity and relatedness among accessions. A secondary goal may be to create sustainable databases that can be utilized in research and breeding for several years ahead. Commonly applied DNA markers (like microsatellite DNA and SNPs) and next-generation sequencing each have their pros and cons for these purposes. Methods for large-scale phenotyping have lagged behind, which is unfortunate since many commercially important traits (yield, growth habit, storability, and disease resistance) are difficult to score. Nevertheless, the analysis of gene action and development of robust DNA markers depends on environmentally controlled screening of very large sets of plant material. Although more time-consuming, co-operative projects with broad-scale data collection are likely to produce more reliable results. In this review, we will describe some of the approaches taken in genotyping and/or phenotyping projects concerning a wide variety of vegetatively propagated crops.
Preparation of Chemically Modified Lignin-Reinforced PLA Biocomposites and Their 3D Printing Performance
Authors: Hong Seo-Hwa , Park Jin Hwan , Kim Oh Young , Hwang Seok-Ho
Published: February 2021

Using a simple esterification reaction of a hydroxyl group with an anhydride group, pristine lignin was successfully converted to a new lignin (COOH-lignin) modified with a terminal carboxyl group. This chemical modification of pristine lignin was confirmed by the appearance of new absorption bands in the FT-IR spectrum. Then, the pristine lignin and COOH-lignin were successfully incorporated into a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix by a typical melt-mixing process. When applied to the COOH-lignin, interfacial adhesion performance between the lignin filler and PLA matrix was better and stronger than pristine lignin. Based on these results for the COOH-lignin/PLA biocomposites, the cost of printing PLA 3D filaments can be reduced without changing their thermal and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the potential of lignin as a component in PLA biocomposites adequate for 3D printing was demonstrated.
A Methodology for Industrial Water Footprint Assessment Using Energy-Water-Carbon Nexus
Authors: Trubetskaya Anna , Horan William , Conheady Paul , Stockil Ken , Moore Sean
Published: February 2021

Recent national government policy in Ireland proposes a radical transformation of the energy sector and a large reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050. Water and energy form the water–energy nexus, with water being an essential component in energy production. However, the connection between the production of energy and water is rarely made. In particular, the end-user processes are generally excluded because they occur outside the water industry. The present study includes two simple approaches for industrial sites to calculate their carbon footprint in the water sector. The assessment of the milk powder manufacturing using both approaches indicates that the combined emission factor of the water supply and treatment is approximately 1.28 kg CO2 m−3 of water. The dairy production among steel, textile, and paper industries appears to be the most carbon-emitting industry. However, the results show that the carbon intensity of the water supply and treatment can be minimized by the integration of renewable energy sources for the onsite heat/steam and electricity generation. The uniqueness of our approaches compared to calculations illustrated by the ecoinvent and other governmental databases is its simplicity and a focus on the main energy consuming manufacturing steps in the entire industrial process. We believe that the management of water and energy resources will be more efficient when “active water citizens” raise environmental awareness through promoting measures regarding data monitoring and collection, observed leaks and damages, dissimilation and exchange of information on sustainable water stewardship to public and various industrial stakeholders.
Solvent Extraction of Boric Acid: Comparison of Five Different Monohydric Alcohols and Equilibrium Modeling with Numerical Methods
Authors: Balinski Adam , Recksiek Volker , Kelly Norman
Published: February 2021

Solvent extraction is one of the common methods for the recovery of boric acid (or boron) from aqueous solutions. A wide variety of different compounds including monohydric alcohols has been tested, and there is wide recognition that they are rather ineffective compared to other extractants such as diols. Nevertheless, monohydric alcohols find application in industrial processes, demonstrating their efficiency. The intention of this study is to clarify this discrepancy and to provide an overall picture of monohydric alcohols as an extractant for boric acid. Five different monohydric alcohols are the object of this study: n-octanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 2-butyl-1-octanol, 2-octanol and 3,7-dimethyl-3-octanol. A special focus of this work is the examination of the effect of the structure of the carbon chain and the effect of the composition of the aqueous phase on the extraction efficiency. As well as the extraction efficiency for boric acid, other important properties are examined such as the viscosity of the organic phase, the solubility of alcohols in the aqueous phase and the co-extraction of salts used as a salting-out agent (NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2, LiCl, LiNO3). Finally, a numerical algorithm is developed to calculate the relationship between the number of theoretical stages and the phase ratio at equilibrium for selected extraction systems.
Mothers of the Movement: Evangelicalism and Religious Experience in Black Women’s Activism
Authors: Booker Vaughn A.
Published: February 2021

This article centers Black religious women’s activist memoirs, including Mamie Till Mobley’s Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime that Changed America (2003) and Rep. Lucia Kay McBath’s Standing Our Ground: The Triumph of Faith over Gun Violence: A Mother’s Story (2018), to refocus the narrative of American Evangelicalism and politics around Black women’s authoritative narratives of religious experience, expression, mourning, and activism. These memoirs document personal transformation that surrounds racial violence against these Black women’s Black sons, Emmett Till (1941–1955) and Jordan Davis (1995–2012). Their religious orientations and experiences serve to chart their pursuit of meaning and mission in the face of American brutality. Centering religious experiences spotlights a tradition of Black religious women who view their Christian salvation as authorizing an ongoing personal relationship with God. Such relationships entail God’s ongoing communication with these Christian believers through signs, dreams, visions, and “chance” encounters with other people that they must interpret while relying on their knowledge of scripture. A focus on religious experience in the narratives of activist Black women helps to make significant their human conditions—the contexts that produce their co-constitutive expressions of religious and racial awakenings as they encounter anti-Black violence. In the memoirs of Till and McBath, their sons’ murders produce questions about the place of God in the midst of (Black) suffering and their intuitive pursuit of God’s mission for them to lead the way in redressing racial injustice.
Crop Biomass Mapping Based on Ecosystem Modeling at Regional Scale Using High Resolution Sentinel-2 Data
Authors: He Liming , Wang Rong , Mostovoy Georgy , Liu Jane , Chen Jing M. , Shang Jiali , Liu Jiangui , McNairn Heather , Powers Jarrett
Published: February 2021

We evaluate the potential of using a process-based ecosystem model (BEPS) for crop biomass mapping at 20 m resolution over the research site in Manitoba, western Canada driven by spatially explicit leaf area index (LAI) retrieved from Sentinel-2 spectral reflectance throughout the entire growing season. We find that overall, the BEPS-simulated crop gross primary production (GPP), net primary production (NPP), and LAI time-series can explain 82%, 83%, and 85%, respectively, of the variation in the above-ground biomass (AGB) for six selected annual crops, while an application of individual crop LAI explains only 50% of the variation in AGB. The linear relationships between the AGB and these three indicators (GPP, NPP and LAI time-series) are rather high for the six crops, while the slopes of the regression models vary for individual crop type, indicating the need for calibration of key photosynthetic parameters and carbon allocation coefficients. This study demonstrates that accumulated GPP and NPP derived from an ecosystem model, driven by Sentinel-2 LAI data and abiotic data, can be effectively used for crop AGB mapping; the temporal information from LAI is also effective in AGB mapping for some crop types.
Magnetically Counting Hand Movements: Validation of a Calibration-Free Algorithm and Application to Testing the Threshold Hypothesis of Real-World Hand Use after Stroke
Authors: Schwerz de Lucena Diogo , Rowe Justin , Chan Vicky , Reinkensmeyer David
Published: February 2021

There are few wearable sensors suitable for daily monitoring of wrist and finger movements for hand-related healthcare applications. Here, we describe the development and validation of a novel algorithm for magnetically counting hand movements. We implemented the algorithm on a wristband that senses magnetic field changes produced by movement of a magnetic ring worn on the finger (the “Manumeter”). The “HAND” (Hand Activity estimated by Nonlinear Detection) algorithm assigns a “HAND count” by thresholding the real-time change in magnetic field created by wrist and/or finger movement. We optimized thresholds to achieve a HAND count accuracy of ~85% without requiring subject-specific calibration. Then, we validated the algorithm in a dexterity-impaired population by showing that HAND counts strongly correlate with clinical assessments of upper extremity (UE) function after stroke. Finally, we used HAND counts to test a recent hypothesis in stroke rehabilitation that real-world UE hand use increases only for stroke survivors who achieve a threshold level of UE functional capability. For 29 stroke survivors, HAND counts measured at home did not increase until the participants’ Box and Blocks Test scores exceeded ~50% normal. These results show that a threshold-based magnetometry approach can non-obtrusively quantify hand movements without calibration and also verify a key concept of real-world hand use after stroke.
Noise as Diagnostic Tool for Quality and Reliability of MEMS
Authors: Mohd-Yasin Faisal , Nagel David J.
Published: February 2021

This perspective explores future research approaches on the use of noise characteristics of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices as a diagnostic tool to assess their quality and reliability. Such a technique has been applied to electronic devices. In comparison to these, however, MEMS have much more diverse materials, structures, and transduction mechanisms. Correspondingly, we must deal with various types of noise sources and a means to separate their contributions. In this paper, we first provide an overview of reliability and noise in MEMS and then suggest a framework to link noise data of specific devices to their quality or reliability. After this, we analyze 13 classes of MEMS and recommend four that are most amenable to this approach. Finally, we propose a noise measurement system to separate the contribution of electrical and mechanical noise sources. Through this perspective, our hope is for current and future designers of MEMS to see the potential benefits of noise in their devices.
The Study of Dynamic Modeling and Multivariable Feedback Control for Flexible Manipulators with Friction Effect and Terminal Load
Authors: Zhang Fuli , Yuan Zhaohui
Published: February 2021

The flexible manipulato is widely used in the aerospace industry and various other special fields. Control accuracy is affected by the flexibility, joint friction, and terminal load. Therefore, this paper establishes a robot dynamics model under the coupling effect of flexibility, friction, and terminal load, and analyzes and studies its control. First of all, taking the structure of the central rigid body, the flexible beam, and load as the research object, the dynamic model of a flexible manipulator with terminal load is established by using the hypothesis mode and the Lagrange method. Based on the balance principle of the force and moment, the friction under the influence of flexibility and load is recalculated, and the dynamic model of the manipulator is further improved. Secondly, the coupled dynamic system is decomposed and the controller is designed by the multivariable feedback controller. Finally, using MATLAB as the simulation platform, the feasibility of dynamic simulation is verified through simulation comparison. The results show that the vibration amplitude can be reduced with the increase of friction coefficient. As the load increases, the vibration can increase further. The trajectory tracking and vibration suppression of the manipulator are effective under the control method of multi-feedback moment calculation. The research is of great significance to the control of flexible robots under the influence of multiple factors.
A Game Theory-Based Approach for Modeling Autonomous Vehicle Behavior in Congested, Urban Lane-Changing Scenarios
Authors: Smirnov Nikita , Liu Yuzhou , Validi Aso , Morales-Alvarez Walter , Olaverri-Monreal Cristina
Published: February 2021

Autonomous vehicles are expected to display human-like behavior, at least to the extent that their decisions can be intuitively understood by other road users. If this is not the case, the coexistence of manual and autonomous vehicles in a mixed environment might affect road user interactions negatively and might jeopardize road safety. To this end, it is highly important to design algorithms that are capable of analyzing human decision-making processes and of reproducing them. In this context, lane-change maneuvers have been studied extensively. However, not all potential scenarios have been considered, since most works have focused on highway rather than urban scenarios. We contribute to the field of research by investigating a particular urban traffic scenario in which an autonomous vehicle needs to determine the level of cooperation of the vehicles in the adjacent lane in order to proceed with a lane change. To this end, we present a game theory-based decision-making model for lane changing in congested urban intersections. The model takes as input driving-related parameters related to vehicles in the intersection before they come to a complete stop. We validated the model by relying on the Co-AutoSim simulator. We compared the prediction model outcomes with actual participant decisions, i.e., whether they allowed the autonomous vehicle to drive in front of them. The results are promising, with the prediction accuracy being 100% in all of the cases in which the participants allowed the lane change and 83.3% in the other cases. The false predictions were due to delays in resuming driving after the traffic light turned green.
ARTYCUL: A Privacy-Preserving ML-Driven Framework to Determine the Popularity of a Cultural Exhibit on Display
Authors: Varma Gatha , Chauhan Ritu , Yafi Eiad
Published: February 2021

We present ARTYCUL (ARTifact popularitY for CULtural heritage), a machine learning(ML)-based framework that graphically represents the footfall around an artifact on display at a museum or a heritage site. The driving factor of this framework was the fact that the presence of security cameras has become universal, including at sites of cultural heritage. ARTYCUL used the video streams of closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) cameras installed in such premises to detect human figures, and their coordinates with respect to the camera frames were used to visualize the density of visitors around the specific display items. Such a framework that can display the popularity of artifacts would aid the curators towards a more optimal organization. Moreover, it could also help to gauge if a certain display item were neglected due to incorrect placement. While items of similar interest can be placed in vicinity of each other, an online recommendation system may also use the reputation of an artifact to catch the eye of the visitors. Artificial intelligence-based solutions are well suited for analysis of internet of things (IoT) traffic due to the inherent veracity and volatile nature of the transmissions. The work done for the development of ARTYCUL provided a deeper insight into the avenues for applications of IoT technology to the cultural heritage domain, and suitability of ML to process real-time data at a fast pace. While we also observed common issues that hinder the utilization of IoT in the cultural domain, the proposed framework was designed keeping in mind the same obstacles and a preference for backward compatibility.
Active Time in Cooperative Activities, Quality of Life and Body Mass Index in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. A Model of Structural Equations
Authors: González-Valero Gabriel , Vidal-Conti Josep , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Palou-Sampol Pere
Published: February 2021

Current research shows that individuals with intellectual disabilities do not engage in enough physical activity to acquire health benefits. However, cooperative learning has been shown to be an effective tool for inclusion and for improving healthy physical habits. The aim of this study is to contrast an explanatory model which incorporates quality of life, active time in cooperative activities, body mass index and age, as well as to analyze, using multi-group structural equations, the existing associations according to the sex of subjects with intellectual disabilities. The convenience sampling used allowed the collection of data from a total of 156 subjects in Granada (Spain), aged between 18–55 years. In terms of gender, the sample was homogeneous, representing 52.6% (n = 82) for women and 47.4% (n = 74) for men. The active time during the cooperative learning was recorded with the Xiaomi Mi Band 2 activity band, for the quality of life scale (GENCAT) was used, and the body mass index was calculated through its standardized equation. Age was directly associated with body mass index in both sexes. Likewise, age was positively related to the active time of women. Quality of life was directly associated with active time and body mass index was inversely related to active time. This study shows the importance of active time during work and cooperative learning in individuals with intellectual disabilities, as it is associated with an improvement in the quality of life and a reduction in the problems of sedentarism, overweight, and obesity.
Complex Projects and Transition-Driven Evaluation: The Case of the easyRights European Project
Authors: Concilio Grazia , Karimi Maryam , Rössl Lydia
Published: February 2021

More and more, the evaluation of complex projects is being related to the capacity of the project to deal with crucial social, economic, and environmental issues that society is responsible for and with the activation of systemic changes. Within this “mission” perspective, growing attention is given to learning in action. This paper aims at (i) conceptualizing a methodological framework for complex project evaluation within the context of the Triple-Loop Learning mechanism and (ii) showing its application in a European project as well as including the toolbox developed in coherence with the elaborated framework. It does so by looking at the case of an ongoing Horizon 2020 project aiming to develop language-oriented technologies supporting the inclusion of migrants in Europe. In particular, the paper looks at Triple-Loop Learning as pushed by the reflection on three dimensions: the “what”, the “how”, and the “why” of collective actions in complex projects. The consequent learning process is expected to have transformational potentials at the individual, institutional/organizational, and (in the long term) up to the societal scale. By exploring the opportunities offered by the evaluation tools in the easyRights project, the study highlights the potential of nurturing a wider, arguably neglected as yet, learning space for understanding, engaging, and transforming real contexts and thus developing more effective contribution to the needed transition.
Supply Chain Integration, Interfirm Value Co-Creation and Firm Performance Nexus in Ghanaian SMEs: Mediating Roles of Stakeholder Pressure and Innovation Capability
Authors: Tian Hongyun , Otchere Samuel Kofi , Coffie Cephas P. K. , Mensah Isaac Adjei , Baku Raphael Kwame
Published: February 2021

Strategic decisions like supply chain integration and interfirm value co-creation are significant to SMEs’ performance. Therefore, this paper aims to find out the relationships between supply chain integration, interfirm value co-creation, and firm performance in Ghanaian SMEs. We employed a structural equation model (SEM) to estimate the responses of 473 SMEs registered with the Association of Ghanaian Industries (AGI) to find the nexus between supply chain integration, interfirm value co-creation, and the performance of Ghanaian SMEs. Further, we test for the mediating role of innovation capability and stakeholder pressure in the relationships between supply chain integration and firm performance and the relationship between supply chain integration and interfirm value co-creation, respectively. We found a positive significant relationship between the variables. Innovation capability mediates the positive relationship between supply chain integration and firm performance. Interfirm value co-creation has a negative relationship with the innovation capabilities of SMEs. Therefore, Ghanaian SMEs can invest in technologies, which promote collaborations with external parties to create value while minimizing cost.
Cognitive Functioning: An Underlying Mechanism of Age and Gender Differences in Self-Assessed Risk Tolerance among an Aging Population
Authors: Sharma Muna , Chatterjee Swarn
Published: February 2021

Attitude toward risk plays a vital role in an individual’s financial decision-making and well-being. Past studies have found significant association of age and gender with risk tolerance. However, studies on the factors affecting the underlying mechanism are scant. The purpose of this research is to test whether cognitive functioning mediates the association between age, gender, and self-assessed risk tolerance. Using the 2014 wave of the Health and Retirement Study, path analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized model. Results revealed a negative direct association between age and risk tolerance. Moreover, the study also found a lower level of risk tolerance in women. A bootstrap-based confidence interval revealed that a significant portion of the relationship between age and risk tolerance was mediated by cognition. However, the gender difference in risk tolerance was not explained by cognition. Financial planning practitioners and policymakers should understand the contribution of cognitive functioning toward the difference in risk tolerance in older populations and implement strategies to reinforce cognitive functioning to mitigate the adversity of a low level of risk tolerance.
Statistical Road-Traffic Noise Mapping Based on Elementary Urban Forms in Two Cities of South Korea
Authors: Kim Phillip , Ryu Hunjae , Jeon Jong-June , Chang Seo Il
Published: February 2021

Statistical models that can generate a road-traffic noise map for a city or area where only elementary urban design factors are determined, and where no concrete urban morphology, including buildings and roads, is given, can provide basic but essential information for developing a quiet and sustainable city. Long-term cost-effective measures for a quiet urban area can be considered at early city planning stages by using the statistical road-traffic noise map. An artificial neural network (ANN) and an ordinary least squares (OLS) model were developed by utilizing data on urban form indicators, based on a 3D urban model and road-traffic noise levels from a normal noise map of city A (Gwangju). The developed ANN and OLS models were applied to city B (Cheongju), and the resultant statistical noise map of city B was compared to an existing normal road-traffic noise map of city B. The urban form indicators that showed multi-collinearity were excluded by the OLS model, and among the remaining urban forms, road-related urban form indicators such as traffic volume and road area density were found to be important variables to predict the road-traffic noise level and to design a quiet city. Comparisons of the statistical ANN and OLS noise maps with the normal noise map showed that the OLS model tends to under-estimate road-traffic noise levels, and the ANN model tends to over-estimate them.
Analysis of the Living Conditions at eZakheleni Informal Settlement of Durban: Implications for Community Revitalization in South Africa
Authors: Nkonki-Mandleni Busisiwe , Omotayo Abiodun Olusola , Ighodaro David Ikponmwosa , Agbola Samuel Babatunde
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the living conditions of the eZakheleni informal settlement, Durban metropolis of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. The utilized data were collected with the use of a well-structured questionnaire through a multistage sampling of 255 households. The descriptive results indicated low levels of educational attainment, large number of female headed households, high unemployment rates, inadequate sources of income, poor security and low government intervention programmes. The results of inferential analysis indicate that factors such as water accessibility, toilet accessibility, years of working experience, food security status, educational status and access to good health were the significant factors that were key to improving the living conditions of the residents in the study area. The study therefore concluded that education, basic housing services (water accessibility, toilet accessibility), food security, working experience, social connectivity and health are key contributors to households’ living condition in the study area and recommended several future research and policy directions which could improve the living conditions of the informal settlement.
Fluoropolymer Film Formation by Electron Activated Vacuum Deposition
Authors: Grytsenko Kostyantyn , Ksianzou Viachaslau , Kolomzarov Yurii , Lytvyn Peter , Dietzel Birgit , Schrader Sigurd
Published: February 2021

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyhexafluoropropylene (PHFP) and polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) were heated to their decomposition temperature in a high vacuum. The emitted fragments passed an electron cloud, condensed on a substrate and formed fluoropolymer film. Growth rate of PTFE and PHFP films increased up to a factor five in the presence of the electron cloud. Mass spectrometry revealed changes in the mass spectra of fragments generated by thermal decomposition only and formed under electron activation. The observed changes were different for each fluoropolymer. Infrared spectroscopy (IRS) showed that the structure of the films was close to the structure of the bulk polymers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has revealed different morphologies of PTFE, PHFP and PCTFE films, suggesting a Volmer–Weber growth mechanism for PTFE and PHFP but a Frank-van der Merwe one for PCTFE. All films were smooth at nanoscale and transparent from ultraviolet to near-infrared region. Additional radio frequency (RF) plasma ignited in the emitted fragments at a low pressure increased mechanical characteristics of the films without losing their optical transparency and smoothness.
Feature Extraction of Marine Water Pollution Based on Data Mining
Authors: Lin Haixia , Cui Jianhong , Bai Xiangwei
Published: February 2021

The ocean occupies more than two-thirds of the earth’s area, providing a lot of oxygen and materials for human survival and development. However, with human activities, a large number of sewage, plastic bags, and other wastes are discharged into the ocean, and the problem of marine water pollution has become a hot topic in the world. In order to extract the characteristics of marine water pollution, this study proposed K-means clustering technology based on cosine distance and discrimination to study the polluted water. In this study, the polygonal area method combined with six parameters of water quality is used to analyze the marine water body anomalies, so as to realize the rapid and real-time monitoring of marine water body anomalies. At the same time, the cosine distance method and discrimination are used to classify marine water pollutants, so as to improve the classification accuracy. The results show that the detection rate of water quality anomalies is more than 88.2%, and the overall classification accuracy of water pollution is 96.3%, which proves the effectiveness of the method. It is hoped that this study can provide timely and effective data support for the detection of marine water bodies.
Transcriptome Analysis of Caco-2 Cells upon the Exposure of Mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol and Its Acetylated Derivatives
Authors: He Yuyun , Yin Xiaoyao , Dong Jingjing , Yang Qing , Wu Yongning , Gong Zhiyong
Published: February 2021

Deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON) and 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON) are type B trichothecenes; one of the major pollutants in food and feed products. Although the toxicity of DON has been well documented, information on the toxicity of its acetylated derivative remains incomplete. To acquire more detailed insight into 3-ADON and 15-ADON, Caco-2 cells under 0.5 µM DON, 3-ADON and 15-ADON treatment for 24 h were subjected to RNA-seq analysis. In the present study, 2656, 3132 and 2425 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected, respectively, and were enriched utilizing the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and the Gene Ontology (GO) database. The upregulation of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM), WEE1 homolog 2 (WEE2) and downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), minichromosome maintenance (MCMs), cyclin dependent kinase (CDKs), and E2Fs indicate that the three toxins induced DNA damage, inhibition of DNA replication and cell cycle arrest in Caco-2 cells. Additionally, the upregulation of sestrin (SENEs) and NEIL1 implied that the reason for DNA damage may be attributable to oxidative stress. Our study provides insight into the toxic mechanism of 3-ADON and 15-ADON.
TLR4 Agonist Combined with Trivalent Protein JointS of Streptococcus suis Provides Immunological Protection in Animals
Authors: Wang Zhaofei , Guo Mengting , Kong Licheng , Gao Ya , Ma Jingjiao , Cheng Yuqiang , Wang Henan , Yan Yaxian , Sun Jianhe
Published: February 2021

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) serotype 2 (SS2) is the causative agent of swine streptococcosis and can cause severe diseases in both pigs and humans. Although the traditional inactive vaccine can protect pigs from SS2 infection, novel vaccine candidates are needed to overcome its shortcomings. Three infection-associated proteins in S. suis—muramidase-released protein (MRP), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and DLD, a novel putative dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase—have been previously identified by immunoproteomic assays. In this study, the effective immune protection of the recombinant trivalent protein GAPDH-MRP-DLD (JointS) against SS2, SS7, and SS9 was determined in zebrafish. To improve the immune efficacy of JointS, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) as a TLR4 agonist adjuvant, which induces a strong innate immune response in the immune cells of mice and pigs, was combined with JointS to immunize the mice. The results showed that immunized mice could induce the production of a high titer of anti-S. suis antibodies; as a result, 100% of mice survived after SS2 infection. Furthermore, JointS provides good protection against virulent SS2 strain infections in piglets. Given the above, there is potential to develop JointS as a novel subunit vaccine for piglets to prevent infection by SS2 and other S. suis serotypes.
Evaluation of Groundwater Potential and Safe Yield of Heterogeneous Unconsolidated Aquifers in Chiang Mai Basin, Northern Thailand
Authors: Taweelarp Sutthipong , Khebchareon Morrakot , Saenton Schradh
Published: February 2021

Chiang Mai basin has an escalating population growth resulting in high demand for water consumption. Lack of surface water supply in most parts of the basin gives rise to the increasing use of groundwater which leads to a continuous decline in groundwater level in the past decades. This study is the first long-term groundwater monitoring and modeling study that aims at developing a transient, regional groundwater flow model of heterogeneous unconsolidated aquifers based on the MODFLOW program. Long-term groundwater monitoring data from 49 piezometers were used in model calibration and validation. The pilot points technique was used to account for the spatial variability of hydrogeologic parameters of heterogeneous aquifers. The simulation results and statistics showed that most sensitive and significant model parameters were spatially variable hydraulic conductivities and recharge rates. The Chiang Mai basin’s unconsolidated aquifers do not have high potential. The water table and/or potentiometric surface in the southeast and southwest areas of Chiang Mai city were continuously decreasing with no sign of recovery indicating critical groundwater condition and careful management must be considered. Safe yield calculation, based on a 2-m average drawdown threshold, suggested that unconsolidated aquifers of the Chiang Mai basin can sustain overall abstraction rates up to 51.2 Mm3/y or approximately 214% of the current extraction rates.
Phenomenology & Sociality : How Extended Normative Perturbations Give Rise to Social Agency
Authors: Gahrn-Andersen Rasmus , Cowley Stephen J.
Published: February 2021

Although cognitive science has recently asked how human sociality is constituted, there is no clear and consistent account of the emergence of human style social agency. Previously, we have critiqued views based on ''participatory sensemaking'' by arguing that agency requires a distinctive kind of phenomenology that enables a diachronic social experience. In advancing the positive argument, we link developmental psychology to phenomenological insights by focusing on childcaregiver dynamics around the middle of the second year. Having developed very basic social skills, an infant comes to feel normative perturbances impinging on her in a way that leads to new modes of action. Accordingly, we trace agency and linguistic competencies to how these kinds of coordination intermesh. Nascent capabilities for predicating draw on the child's history of coping with norms and rules that are imposed by caretakers. Developmental events thus transform the child's experience and drive the emergence of social agency. Once the child has successfully dealt with the environment’s normative perturbations she is able to develop the skills of a fullyfledged human social agent.
Energy Challenge, Power Electronics & Systems (PEAS) Technology and Grid Modernization
Authors: R Geetha , S Gowdhamkumar , R Yamuna ` , Jambulingam S
Published: February 2021

Modern society has reached a point where virtually every crucial economic and social function depends on the secure and reliable operation of the electrical power and energy infrastructures. The energy consumption growth and the population growth are pushing world’s total energy consumption to double by 2050. This represents grand challenges and opportunities for power electronics and electric power systems engineers to modernize the power grid. Power electronics & systems (PEAS) technology is increasingly important for smarter distributed systems, particularly for power grid modernization. This paper discussed smart technology solutions, such as PEAS, for the changing nature of the electric power system. Specific technical challenges that are facing the power electronics and electric power systems communities are then elaborated. It is shown that we can meet the grand energy challenge by lever-aging the grid modernization efforts. To provide electric power to twice as many people does not have to increase the required environment footprint.
Secured Transaction In Iot using Digital Finger Print
Authors: S Kalaivani , Dhiman Shalini , T.K.P. Rajagopal
Published: February 2021

Internet of Things (IoT) can be seen as a pervasive network of networks: numerous heterogeneous entities both physical and virtual interconnected with any other entity or entities through unique addressing schemes, interacting with each other to provide/request all kinds of services. Given the enormous number of connected devices that are potentially vulnerable, highly significant risks emerge around the issues of security, privacy, and governance; calling into question the whole future of IoT. During the data exchange, it is mandatory to secure the messages between sender and receiver to handle the malicious human based attacks. The main problem during Fingerprint based approaches is the computational overhead due to large real numbers required for Fingerprint and verification processes. This paper presents a light weight Shortened Complex Digital Fingerprint Algorithm (SCDSA) for providing secure communication between smart devices in human centered IoT. We have used less extensive operations to achieve Fingerprint and verification processes like human beings do Fingerprints on legal documents and verify later as per witness. It enhances the security strength to guard against traffic analysis attacks.
Design of Solar Pv Based Shunt Active Filter for Nonlineasr Load
Authors: Mansoor Mohamed jaidu , Kumar Ranjith
Published: February 2021

Elevation of power electronics technology, converter are the main causes for power quality issues, because of their high switching characteristics.so to reduce the harmonics injected by the nonlinear load, the filters are play a major role to improve a power quality improvement, particularly shunt active filter is more reliable for reduce a harmonic in power system network. This novel technique proposed for design a shunt active filter with solar photovoltaic array integrated into nonlinear load using a Point of Common Coupling (PCC) technique. Zero crossing detection technique are used to extract the magnitude of a fundamental active components of distorted load currents. The estimation of harmonic isolator and current compensation are controlled by Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) controller, different types of compensation techniques are used in this work Synchronous reference frame theory, instantaneous reactive power theory (PQ) and hysteresis current control technique. These techniques enable extraction of active power, regulates a load voltage and maintain a phasor sequence at PCC under the voltage sag and swell. Simulation is carried out by MATLAB/SIMULINK for different compensations techniques and Total Harmonics Distortion (THD) values are tabulated.
Design and Fabrication of Fixed Bed Reactor
Authors: K.P Shankar , G Mouli , R Muthukumar , D Poovarasan , M Prakash
Published: February 2021

There are many bio waste available in our day to day life , instead of dumping them, we can make use of that waste matter by extracting oil from such bio wastes by using a setup called “fixed bed reactor” so many research has been made in past on this fixed bed reactor, in which we are conducting experiments on different bio wastes and going to extract oil on that corresponding wastes(dry seeds) with a heating element of   0 to 300?C, here we changed the cooling system and in that oil will be collected from the overflow of the condenser bath.
Integrated Dual Output Converter with Low Electric Stress on Components
Authors: R Priyanka , R Shanmugalakshmi
Published: February 2021

In recent days there is a vast development in the field of power electronic converters. Necessity of multiple level of voltage demand is raised for single supply system. To meet different level of load demand single input and multiple output topologies (SIMO) are created. There are many such converters fall under SIMO converters. The Integrated Dual Output Converter (IDOC) is one among them. The IDOC is a DC-DC converter that performs boost and buck operations simultaneously with a single input. It is basically evolved from boost converter, replacing a single switch by couple of switches. Both the switches are connected in series not only to perform both buck and boost operation but also to provide continuous input current. Main advantage of IDOC over conventional boost and buck converter is the reduced number of switches. Comparisons among another six buck-boost converters and the proposed IDOC converter are presented. It is found that the proposed converter’s voltage gain is smaller than the other converters’ in step-down mode.  Also, based upon the comparisons among the same kind and same number of components, the voltage and current stresses on the power switch of the proposed IDOC converter are less than or equal to those of the comparative converters, and the voltage stress on the charge pump capacitor and the switching device power rating of the proposed IDOC converter are always lower than those of other comparative converters. These advantages make component selection for the proposed converter much easier, and it can be used for industrial application. In order to check the behavior of the converter simulation is carried out in a MATLAB/SIMULINK. The simulation results validated the operation of the converter.
Security System to Prevent Tailgating Using Face Recognition and Ultrasonic Sensor
Authors: R Kannamma , S Bhargavi , S Bhavani Sree , J Mahalakshmi
Published: February 2021

Tailgating is the one where an employee holds the office door for others to enter into the building with one access. This leads to insecure where in the unknown person can also enters into the building with the access of the original employee. To overcome this, introducing security system that prevents tailgating that provides authentication, accuracy, flexibility and gives more convenience to the security guards. It is an embedded based system and built under the Linux environment. First the faces of all the people is captured and trained using OpenCV python package for the purpose of further experimentation in the future. In this Raspberry pi is used as a main controller along with camera which enables to access image processing with any portable embedded system. When the person enters near to the gate, the ultrasonic sensor starts to sense and triggers the camera which detects the person face and checks with the trained dataset using the Haar Cascading algorithm, if it matches the gate gets opened. If suppose the person enters the gate with other person with one access control, then again, the camera gets triggered to capture the unauthorized person face and sends the mail of the detected person to the concerned authority through firebase cloud database.