bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Function Of Sharia-Based Regional Regulations On Education And Social Services In The Regions
Authors: Achir Nuvazria , Kamba Sri Nanang Meiske
Published: April 2021

Through access to regional autonomy, the desire of various regions to formulate Islamic law into their laws and regulations in order to fulfill rights and obligations and respond to various problems of society becomes more open. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to reveal how the function of Sharia Regional Regulations in the implementation and fulfillment of basic service duties of local government, especially from the aspects of education and socio-culture in Gorontalo Province. This type of research includes normative legal research supported by empirical data, which examines comprehensively and analytically the primary and secondary legal materials, using statute approach and case approach. The result of the research indicates that the existence of these regional regulations is one of the provisions ensured in Law no. 23 of 2014 on Local Government and Government Regulation Number 38 of 2007 on the Division of Government Affairs, between the Provincial Government and Regency/Municipal Government. The regional regulations drafted and compiled by the Gorontalo provincial government actually assure harmony of life, security, and order. As it is in the field of one's religious education. The existence of the Regional Regulation of Reading and Writing Al-Qur'an in Gorontalo is able to embody the desire of students to develop their education to higher level, as a condition for entering the next school level. Meanwhile, from the socio-cultural aspect, the existence of Regional Regulations on the Prohibition of Gambling, Prostitution, and Liquor, helps the government create order and tranquility in people's lives, maximize regional potential and development, especially with regard to local wisdom. Therefore, the Regional Government requires to implement and maximize the provisions of sharia regional regulations in order to support development, especially those related to basic services in various aspects, in order to maximize the regional potential and local wisdom.
Proximate Analysis and Mineral Content Determination of Traditionally Processed Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) Fruit Pulp for Possible Industrial Application
Authors: CB Olalude , AM Adegboyega , AY Bamigboye , DL Abiona , OA Anifowose , SY Babatunde
Published: April 2021

This study examined the nutritional properties and industrial application of African locust bean properly known as Iru in southwest Nigeria. Locust bean was processed into food condiment which is used as a spice that gives an African meal a pleasant flavor. The production process of locust bean includes boiling for 12 hours, soaking the seeds in water, de-hulling, boiling for another 6 hours and ferment for 4 days. Proximate analysis and mineral content of the African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) fruit pulp was determined using standard methods Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) (1995). The results showed that African locust bean contain 42.8% Moisture, 37.34% Protein, 24.21% Fiber, 0.9% Fat, 3.55% Ash, and 17.0% Carbohydrate using proximate Analysis. The Mineral elements present are Calcium 9.01 mg/100 g, Potassium 20.5 mg/100 g, Magnesium 35.00 mg/100 g, Iron 3.31 mg/100 g, Phosphorus 73.00 mg/100 g with the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Analysis technique. With the values gotten for the nutritional and mineral analysis of African locust bean, it should therefore be substituted for Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) used industrially for the production of various magi and flavorings which are not nutritive but are carcinogenic chemicals while locust bean has no health side effect. The food industry should package the locust bean in a way which would make the condiment much more attractive to its consumer and non-consumers because is faced with packaging problem.
A Novel Approach for the Simulation of Reference Evapotranspiration and Its Partitioning
Authors: Wang Pei , Ma Jingjing , Ma Juanjuan , Sun Haitao , Chen Qi
Published: April 2021

To estimate the irrigation volume required for agriculture and improve water resources utilization efficiency, it is essential to obtain an estimate of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) and its components (e.g., reference transpiration, T0 and reference soil evaporation, E0). This study updated a soil-plant-atmosphere continuum (SPAC) evapotranspiration model and its associated components to obtain a reference-based SPAC model of reference evapotranspiration (R-SPAC), and it applied the model to an agricultural ecosystem. Model simulations of mean hourly ET0 were benchmarked against those of the Penman-Monteith method by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO-PM) throughout the growing season. The resulting good correlation obtained (R2 = 0.96, agreement index, I = 0.98, root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) = 0.05 mm h−1) validated the accuracy of the R-SPAC model. Sensitivity analysis was used to explore uncertainties and errors for ET0, T0, and E0 caused by input variables. The results showed that net radiation and shortwave radiation at the study site were the main drivers of ET0 for both the FAO-PM and R-SPAC models. The study showed that the proposed R-SPAC model can be used for predicting ET0 and for exploring interactions between climate, crop type, and soil in determining evapotranspiration under various future environment conditions.
DRIS Norms and Sufficiency Ranges for Pepper Grown under Greenhouses Conditions in the Southeast of Spain
Authors: Llanderal Alfonso , García-Caparrós Pedro , Lao María Teresa , Segura Maria Luz
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to compile DRIS (Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System) norms and sufficiency ranges for pepper grown in greenhouses and the determination of the variation in DRIS norms and sufficiency ranges during the different phenological stages of the crop. The DRIS norms and sufficiency ranges were constituted by 367 leaf samples of Capsicum annuum L. which were collected in different phenological stages of the crop (flowering (FL), fruiting (FT), fruit development (FD), and harvesting (HV)). Two sufficiency ranges were developed; one including all leaf samples and the other considering the leaf samples by phenological stages ((FL) (44), (FT) (96), (FD) (100), and (HV) (127)). Furthermore, 10 DRIS norms and CV were calculated from N, P, K, Ca, and Mg. Two ratios of them were calculated in FL (N/P and N/K), two in FD (N/P and Ca/N) and one in HV (N/P) showing low CV, meaning, according to DRIS norms, the essential role of these nutrients in the crop nutrition. Moreover, the sufficiency ranges computed by all database were: N (34–56), P (1.9–4.3), K (30–51), Ca (12–33), and Mg (4.0–15) (mg g−1 DW), respectively. The data obtained in this experiment highlighted the importance of the sensitivity (low CV) of nutrient in the phenological stages such as happened with N.
Like Mother Like Child: Do Fearful Sows Have Fearful Piglets?
Authors: Rooney Hazel B. , Schmitt Oceane , Courty Alexandra , Lawlor Peadar G. , O’Driscoll Keelin
Published: April 2021

Gestational and early life experiences affect subsequent behavioural and physical development. The objective of the current study was to investigate associations between gilts’ fear of humans, gestational stress level, and feeding and maternal behaviour, as well as how these related to aspects of the personality and growth of their offspring. A total of 37 gilts were used. Four human approach tests were performed between d 104 and d 111 of gestation to classify gilts as fearful or friendly. Gilt feeding behaviour and salivary cortisol concentration was measured between d 90 and d 108 of gestation, and gilt nursing behaviour assessed at d 13 of lactation. Piglets were subject to a back test at d 13 of age, to an open field test and a human approach test at d 20 of age, and growth was monitored to weaning (d 26 of age). Gilts classified as having a fearful behavioural profile had higher cortisol levels than friendly gilts (p < 0.05). Human fear level did not affect reproductive performance or the growth of offspring (p > 0.05). The offspring of friendly gilts tended to have a more active response to the back test (p = 0.09), less freezing response in the open field test (p < 0.05), and received human contact more than piglets from fearful gilts (p < 0.05). The present study shows that gilt human fear level is linked to their stress levels, which can affect the personality of their piglets.
Alkali-Activated Binders Using Bottom Ash from Waste-to-Energy Plants and Aluminium Recycling Waste
Authors: Maldonado-Alameda Alex , Mañosa Jofre , Giro-Paloma Jessica , Formosa Joan , Chimenos Josep Maria
Published: April 2021

Alkali-activated binders (AABs) stand out as a promising alternative to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC) due to the possibility of using by-products and wastes in their manufacturing. This paper assessed the potential of weathered bottom ash (WBA) from waste-to-energy plants and PAVAL® (PV), a secondary aluminium recycling process by-product, as precursors of AABs. WBA and PV were mixed at weight ratios of 98/2, 95/5, and 90/10. A mixture of waterglass (WG) and NaOH at different concentrations (4 and 6 M) was used as the alkaline activator solution. The effects of increasing NaOH concentration and PV content were evaluated. Alkali-activated WBA/PV (AA-WBA/PV) binders were obtained. Selective chemical extractions and physicochemical characterization revealed the formation of C-S-H, C-A-S-H, and (N,C)-A-S-H gels. Increasing the NaOH concentration and PV content increased porosity and reduced compressive strength (25.63 to 12.07 MPa). The leaching potential of As and Sb from AA-WBA/PV exceeded the threshold for acceptance in landfills for non-hazardous waste.
Assessment of the Permeability to Aggressive Agents of Concrete with Recycled Cement and Mixed Recycled Aggregate
Authors: Cantero Blas , Bravo Miguel , de Brito Jorge , Sáez del Bosque Isabel Fuencisla , Medina César
Published: April 2021

Acceptance by the construction industry of recycled concrete as a sustainable alternative material is contingent upon a reliable assessment of its permeability to corrosive agents. This study analyses the transport mechanisms associated with chloride (Cl−), oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) ions in concrete with cement made with 10% or 25% ground recycled concrete (GRC) separately or in combination with 50% mixed recycled aggregate (MRA). The findings show that, irrespective of aggregate type, concrete with GRC exhibited lower resistance to ingress than conventional concrete due to its greater porosity. Nonetheless, O2 permeability was consistently below 4.5 × 10−17 m2 and CO2 penetration, under 4 mm/year0.5, indicative of concrete with high quality. Resistance to CO2 and Cl− penetration in the materials with 10% GRC was similar to the values observed in conventional concrete. On the other hand, the incorporation of 25% GRC increased the penetration of CO2 and Cl- by 106% and 38%, respectively. Further to those findings in normal carbonation environments, reinforcement passivity would be guaranteed in such recycled materials over a 100 year service life.
Impact of Tropical Cyclones on Inhabited Areas of the SWIO Basin at Present and Future Horizons. Part 1: Overview and Observing Component of the Research Project RENOVRISK-CYCLONE
Authors: Bousquet Olivier , Barruol Guilhem , Cordier Emmanuel , Barthe Christelle , Bielli Soline , Calmer Radiance , Rindraharisaona Elisa , Roberts Gregory , Tulet Pierre , Amelie Vincent , Fleischer-Dogley Frauke , Mavume Alberto , Zucule Jonas , Zakariasy Lova , Razafindradina Bruno , Bonnardot François , Singh Manvendra , Lees Edouard , Durand Jonathan , Mekies Dominique , Claeys Marine , Pianezze Joris , Thompson Callum , Tsai Chia-Lun , Husson Romain , Mouche Alexis , Ciccione Stephane , Cattiaux Julien , Chauvin Fabrice , Marquestaut Nicolas
Published: April 2021

The international research program “ReNovRisk-CYCLONE” (RNR-CYC, 2017–2021) directly involves 20 partners from 5 countries of the south-west Indian-Ocean. It aims at improving the observation and modelling of tropical cyclones in the south-west Indian Ocean, as well as to foster regional cooperation and improve public policies adapted to present and future tropical cyclones risk in this cyclonic basin. This paper describes the structure and main objectives of this ambitious research project, with emphasis on its observing components, which allowed integrating numbers of innovative atmospheric and oceanic observations (sea-turtle borne and seismic data, unmanned airborne system, ocean gliders), as well as combining standard and original methods (radiosoundings and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) atmospheric soundings, seismic and in-situ swell sampling, drone and satellite imaging) to support research on tropical cyclones from the local to the basin-scale.
Ambient Levels, Emission Sources and Health Effect of PM2.5-Bound Carbonaceous Particles and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the City of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Suradi Hamidah , Khan Md Firoz , Sairi Nor Asrina , Rahim Haasyimah Ab , Yusoff Sumiani , Fujii Yusuke , Qin Kai , Bari Md. Aynul , Othman Murnira , Latif Mohd Talib
Published: April 2021

With increasing interest in understanding the contribution of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) to particulate air pollution in urban areas, an exploratory study was carried out to determine levels of carbonaceous aerosols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PM2.5 samples were collected using a high-volume sampler for 24 h in several areas in Kuala Lumpur during the north-easterly monsoon from January to March 2019. Samples were analyzed for water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC). Secondary organic carbon (SOC) in PM2.5 was estimated. Particle-bound PAHs were analyzed using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Average concentrations of WSOC, OC, and EC were 2.73 ± 2.17 (range of 0.63–9.12) µg/m3, 6.88 ± 4.94 (3.12–24.1) µg/m3, and 3.68 ± 1.58 (1.33–6.82) µg/m3, respectively, with estimated average SOC of 2.33 µg/m3, contributing 34% to total OC. The dominance of char-EC over soot-EC suggests that PM2.5 is influenced by biomass and coal combustion sources. The average of total PAHs was 1.74 ± 2.68 ng/m3. Source identification methods revealed natural gas and biomass burning, and urban traffic combustion as dominant sources of PAHs in Kuala Lumpur. A deterministic health risk assessment of PAHs was conducted for several age groups, including infant, toddler, children, adolescent, and adult. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk of PAH species were well below the acceptable levels recommended by the USEPA. Backward trajectory analysis revealed north-east air mass brought pollutants to the studied areas, suggesting the north-easterly monsoon as a major contributor to increased air pollution in Kuala Lumpur. Further work is needed using long-term monitoring data to understand the origin of PAHs contributing to SOA formation and to apply source-risk apportionment to better elucidate the potential risk factors posed by the various sources in urban areas in Kuala Lumpur.
SENP Proteases as Potential Targets for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Tokarz Paulina , Woźniak Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

SUMOylation is a reversible post-translational modification (PTM) involving a covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) proteins to substrate proteins. SUMO-specific proteases (SENPs) are cysteine proteases with isopeptidase activity facilitating the de-conjugation of SUMO proteins and thus participating in maintaining the balance between the pools of SUMOylated and unSUMOylated proteins and in SUMO recycling. Several studies have reported that SENPs’ aberrant expression is associated with the development and progression of cancer. In this review, we will discuss the role of SENPs in the pathogenesis of cancer, focusing on DNA repair and the cell cycle—cellular pathways malfunctioning in most cancer cells. The plausible role of SENPs in carcinogenesis resulted in the design and development of their inhibitors, including synthetic protein-based, peptide-based, and small molecular weight inhibitors, as well as naturally occurring compounds. Computational methods including virtual screening have been implemented to identify a number of lead structures in recent years. Some inhibitors suppressed the proliferation of prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, confirming that SENPs are suitable targets for anti-cancer treatment. Further advances in the development of SENP-oriented inhibitors are anticipated toward SENP isoform-specific molecules with therapeutic potential.
Substrate Stiffness and Stretch Regulate Profibrotic Mechanosignaling in Pulmonary Arterial Adventitial Fibroblasts
Authors: Wang Ariel , Cao Shulin , Stowe Jennifer C. , Valdez-Jasso Daniela
Published: April 2021

Pulmonary arterial adventitial fibroblasts (PAAFs) are important regulators of fibrotic vascular remodeling during the progression of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a disease that currently has no effective anti-fibrotic treatments. We conducted in-vitro experiments in PAAFs cultured on hydrogels attached to custom-made equibiaxial stretchers at 10% stretch and substrate stiffnesses representing the mechanical conditions of mild and severe stages of PAH. The expression of collagens α(1)I and α(1)III and elastin messenger RNAs (Col1a1, Col3a1, Eln) were upregulated by increased stretch and substrate stiffness, while lysyl oxidase-like 1 and α-smooth muscle actin messenger RNAs (Loxl1, Acta2) were only significantly upregulated when the cells were grown on matrices with an elevated stiffness representative of mild PAH but not on a stiffness representative of severe PAH. Fibronectin messenger RNA (Fn1) levels were significantly induced by increased substrate stiffness and transiently upregulated by stretch at 4 h, but was not significantly altered by stretch at 24 h. We modified our published computational network model of the signaling pathways that regulate profibrotic gene expression in PAAFs to allow for differential regulation of mechanically-sensitive nodes by stretch and stiffness. When the model was modified so that stiffness activated integrin β3, the Macrophage Stimulating 1 or 2 (MST1\2) kinases, angiotensin II (Ang II), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and syndecan-4, and stretch-regulated integrin β3, MST1\2, Ang II, and the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel, the model correctly predicted the upregulation of all six genes by increased stiffness and the observed responses to stretch in five out of six genes, although it could not replicate the non-monotonic effects of stiffness on Loxl1 and Acta2 expression. Blocking Ang II Receptor Type 1 (AT1R) with losartan in-vitro uncovered an interaction between the effects of stretch and stiffness and angiotensin-independent activation of Fn1 expression by stretch in PAAFs grown on 3-kPa matrices. This novel combination of in-vitro and in-silico models of PAAF profibrotic cell signaling in response to altered mechanical conditions may help identify regulators of vascular adventitial remodeling due to changes in stretch and matrix stiffness that occur during the progression of PAH in-vivo.
Analysis of Circulating microRNA Signatures and Preeclampsia Development
Authors: Martinez-Fierro Margarita L. , Garza-Veloz Idalia
Published: April 2021

microRNAs are important regulators of cell processes and have been proposed as potential preeclampsia biomarkers. We evaluated serum microRNA expression profiling to identify microRNAs involved in preeclampsia development. Serum microRNA expression profiling was evaluated at 12, 16, and 20 weeks of gestation (WG), and at the time of preeclampsia diagnosis. Two groups were evaluated using TaqMan low-density array plates: a control group with 18 normotensive pregnant women and a case group with 16 patients who developed preeclampsia during the follow-up period. Fifty-three circulating microRNAs were differentially expressed between groups (p < 0.05). Compared with controls, hsa-miR-628-3p showed the highest relative quantity values (at 12 WG = 7.7 and at 20 WG = 3.45) and the hsa-miRs -151a-3p and -573 remained differentially expressed from 16 to 20 WG (p < 0.05). Signaling pathways including cancer-related, axon guidance, Neurotrophin, GnRH, VEGF, and B/T cell receptor, were most commonly altered. Further target gene prediction revealed that nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 gene was included among the transcriptional targets of preeclampsia-modulated microRNAs. Specific microRNAs including hsa-miRs -628-3p, -151a-3p, and -573 were differentially expressed in serum of pregnant women before they developed preeclampsia compared with controls and their participation in the preeclampsia development should be considered.
Adipocyte, Immune Cells, and miRNA Crosstalk: A Novel Regulator of Metabolic Dysfunction and Obesity
Authors: Kiran Sonia , Kumar Vijay , Kumar Santosh , Price Robert L , Singh Udai P.
Published: April 2021

Obesity is characterized as a complex and multifactorial excess accretion of adipose tissue (AT) accompanied with alterations in the immune response that affects virtually all age and socioeconomic groups around the globe. The abnormal accumulation of AT leads to several metabolic diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disorder (NAFLD), low-grade inflammation, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular disorders (CVDs), and cancer. AT is an endocrine organ composed of adipocytes and immune cells, including B-Cells, T-cells and macrophages. These immune cells secrete various cytokines and chemokines and crosstalk with adipokines to maintain metabolic homeostasis and low-grade chronic inflammation. A novel form of adipokines, microRNA (miRs), is expressed in many developing peripheral tissues, including ATs, T-cells, and macrophages, and modulates the immune response. miRs are essential for insulin resistance, maintaining the tumor microenvironment, and obesity-associated inflammation (OAI). The abnormal regulation of AT, T-cells, and macrophage miRs may change the function of different organs including the pancreas, heart, liver, and skeletal muscle. Since obesity and inflammation are closely associated, the dysregulated expression of miRs in inflammatory adipocytes, T-cells, and macrophages suggest the importance of miRs in OAI. Therefore, in this review article, we have elaborated the role of miRs as epigenetic regulators affecting adipocyte differentiation, immune response, AT browning, adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance (IR), glucose homeostasis, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Further, we will discuss a set of altered miRs as novel biomarkers for metabolic disease progression and therapeutic targets for obesity.
Breastfeeding and Allergic Diseases: What’s New?
Authors: Nuzzi Giulia , Di Cicco Maria Elisa , Peroni Diego Giampietro
Published: April 2021

Asthma and other allergic disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and food allergies, are common chronic health problems in childhood. The rapid rise in the prevalence of these conditions registered over the last few decades has stressed the need to identify the modifiable risk factors associated with the development of these diseases. Breast milk, recognized as the gold standard for healthy growth and development of the newborn, is one of the major factors associated with a lower incidence of allergic and infectious diseases in childhood and young adulthood. Although the underlying mechanisms for these effects are not well understood, breastfeeding leads to immune system maturation. In this narrative review, we summarize existing evidence on breastfeeding and human milk composition in relation to allergic disease prevention or development.
Novel Physique Index for the Screening of Skeletal Dysplasia at Birth
Authors: Aoki Ryoji , Nagano Nobuhiko , Okahashi Aya , Ohashi Shoko , Fujinaka Yoshinori , Takigawa Itsuro , Masunaga Ken , Morioka Ichiro
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to devise a novel physique index and investigate its accuracy in identifying newborns with skeletal dysplasia in comparison with head circumference (HC)/height (HT) ratio. The birth weight (W), HT, and HC at birth of 1500 newborns were retrospectively collected. The linear regression equations and coefficients of determination (R2) were determined. The formulated equation was corrected by the mean weight for gestational age at birth (Wcorr) as a novel physique index for screening skeletal dysplasia. The index accuracy was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in 11 newborns by fetal ultrasound and compared with that of the HC/HT ratio. The R2 values between W and HT, (HT)2, and (HT) 3 were 0.978, 0.990, and 0.993, respectively. Those between W and HC, (HC)2, and (HC)3 were 0.974, 0.984, and 0.988, respectively. W/Wcorr × (HC/HT)3 was used as a novel physique index. Seven newborns had skeletal dysplasia. Our novel physique index had a higher area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity than the HC/HT ratio (AUC: 1.00 vs. 0.86, sensitivity: 1.00 vs. 0.86, and specificity: 1.00 vs. 0.75, respectively). Our novel physique index was more accurate than HC/HT ratio and has the potential to accurately identify newborns with skeletal dysplasia.
First-Principles Elastic and Anisotropic Characteristics of Structure-H Gas Hydrate under Pressure
Authors: Daghash Shaden , Servio Phillip , Rey Alejandro
Published: April 2021

Evaluating gas hydrates properties contributes valuably to their large-scale management and utilization in fundamental science and applications. Noteworthy, structure-H (sH) gas hydrate lacks a comprehensive characterization of its structural, mechanical, and anisotropic properties. Anisotropic and pressure dependent properties are crucial for gas hydrates’ detection and recovery studies. The objective of this work is the determination of pressure-dependent elastic constants and mechanical properties and the direction-dependent moduli of sH gas hydrates as a function of guest composition. First-principles DFT computations are used to evaluate the mechanical properties, anisotropy, and angular moduli of different sH gas hydrates under pressure. Some elastic constants and moduli increase more significantly with pressure than others. This introduces variations in sH gas hydrate’s incompressibility, elastic and shear resistance, and moduli anisotropy. Young’s modulus of sH gas hydrate is more anisotropic than its shear modulus. The anisotropy of sH gas hydrates is characterized using the unit cell elastic constants, anisotropy factors, and the angular dependent moduli. Structure-properties composition correlations are established as a function of pressure. It is found that compressing filled sH gas hydrates increases their moduli anisotropy. Differences in atomic bonding across a crystal’s planes can be expected in anisotropic structures. Taken together the DFT-based structure–properties–composition relations for sH gas hydrates provide novel and significant material physics results for technological applications.
A Canadian Perspective on the Challenges for Delivery of Curative-Intent Therapy in Stage III Unresectable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Brade Anthony , Jao Kevin , Yu Simon , Cheema Parneet , Doucette Sarah , Christofides Anna , Schellenberg Devin
Published: April 2021

Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprises a highly heterogenous group of patients with regards to patient fitness and tumour size and distribution, resulting in a wide range of treatment goals and therapy options. Curative-intent multimodality treatment should be considered in all patients with stage III NSCLC. For patients with unresectable disease who are fit, have adequate lung function, and have a disease that can be encompassed within a radical radiation volume, concurrent chemoradiation therapy (cCRT) is the standard of care and can produce cure rates of 20–30%. Recently, consolidation immunotherapy with durvalumab has been recognized as the standard of care following cCRT based on significant improvement rates in overall survival at 4 years. The large heterogeneity of the stage III NSCLC population, along with the need for extensive staging procedures, multidisciplinary care, intensive cCRT, and now consolidation therapy makes the delivery of timely and optimal treatment for these patients complex. Several logistical, communication, and education factors hinder the delivery of guideline-recommended care to patients with stage III unresectable NSCLC. This commentary discusses the potential challenges patients may encounter at different points along their care pathway that can interfere with delivery of curative-intent therapy and suggests strategies for improving care delivery.
Multimodal Low Resolution Face and Frontal Gait Recognition from Surveillance Video
Authors: Maity Sayan , Abdel-Mottaleb Mohamed , Asfour Shihab S.
Published: April 2021

Biometric identification using surveillance video has attracted the attention of many researchers as it can be applicable not only for robust identification but also personalized activity monitoring. In this paper, we present a novel multimodal recognition system that extracts frontal gait and low-resolution face images from frontal walking surveillance video clips to perform efficient biometric recognition. The proposed study addresses two important issues in surveillance video that did not receive appropriate attention in the past. First, it consolidates the model-free and model-based gait feature extraction approaches to perform robust gait recognition only using the frontal view. Second, it uses a low-resolution face recognition approach which can be trained and tested using low-resolution face information. This eliminates the need for obtaining high-resolution face images to create the gallery, which is required in the majority of low-resolution face recognition techniques. Moreover, the classification accuracy on high-resolution face images is considerably higher. Previous studies on frontal gait recognition incorporate assumptions to approximate the average gait cycle. However, we quantify the gait cycle precisely for each subject using only the frontal gait information. The approaches available in the literature use the high resolution images obtained in a controlled environment to train the recognition system. However, in our proposed system we train the recognition algorithm using the low-resolution face images captured in the unconstrained environment. The proposed system has two components, one is responsible for performing frontal gait recognition and one is responsible for low-resolution face recognition. Later, score level fusion is performed to fuse the results of the frontal gait recognition and the low-resolution face recognition. Experiments conducted on the Face and Ocular Challenge Series (FOCS) dataset resulted in a 93.5% Rank-1 for frontal gait recognition and 82.92% Rank-1 for low-resolution face recognition, respectively. The score level multimodal fusion resulted in 95.9% Rank-1 recognition, which demonstrates the superiority and robustness of the proposed approach.
DC-STGCN: Dual-Channel Based Graph Convolutional Networks for Network Traffic Forecasting
Authors: Pan Chengsheng , Zhu Jiang , Kong Zhixiang , Shi Huaifeng , Yang Wensheng
Published: April 2021

Network traffic forecasting is essential for efficient network management and planning. Accurate long-term forecasting models are also essential for proactive control of upcoming congestion events. Due to the complex spatial-temporal dependencies between traffic flows, traditional time series forecasting models are often unable to fully extract the spatial-temporal characteristics between the traffic flows. To address this issue, we propose a novel dual-channel based graph convolutional network (DC-STGCN) model. The proposed model consists of two temporal components that characterize the daily and weekly correlation of the network traffic. Each of these two components contains a spatial-temporal characteristics extraction module consisting of a dual-channel graph convolutional network (DCGCN) and a gated recurrent unit (GRU). The DCGCN further consists of an adjacency feature extraction module (AGCN) and a correlation feature extraction module (PGCN) to capture the connectivity between nodes and the proximity correlation, respectively. The GRU further extracts the temporal characteristics of the traffic. The experimental results based on real network data sets show that the prediction accuracy of the DC-STGCN model overperforms the existing baseline and is capable of making long-term predictions.
Phase and Neutral Current Ripple Analysis in Three-Phase Four-Wire Split-Capacitor Grid Converter for EV Chargers
Authors: Mandrioli Riccardo , Hammami Manel , Viatkin Aleksandr , Barbone Riccardo , Pontara Davide , Ricco Mattia
Published: April 2021

The current switching ripple in a three-phase four-wire split-capacitor converter is analyzed in this paper for all the four ac output wires in relation to both balanced and unbalanced working conditions. Specifically, analytical formulations of the peak-to-peak and root mean square (RMS) current ripples are originally evaluated as a function of the modulation index, separately for the three phases and the neutral wire. Initially, the single-carrier sinusoidal pulse width modulation (PWM) technique is outlined, as it generally concerns a straightforward and effective modulation. With the aim of mitigating the current ripple in the neutral wire, the interleaved multiple-carrier PWM strategy is adopted, also avoiding any repercussion on the phase one. Numerical simulations and experimental tests were carried out to verify all the analytical developments.
Investigation and Practical Application of Silica Nanoparticles Composite Underwater Repairing Materials
Authors: Yang Jingbiao , Deng Shengxiang , Xu Hui , Zhao Ye , Nie Changda , He Yongju
Published: April 2021

Repairing materials are well-known to play an important role in rehabilitating and extending the service life for hydraulic concrete structures. However, current underwater repairing materials possess several problems, including insufficient bond tensile strength, inconsistency with the deformation of the old substrate, and insufficient underwater self-sealing ability. In the present paper, an experimental study was carried out to evaluate the influence of silica nanoparticles (SNs) on the properties of underwater composite-repairing materials. The underwater deformation, impermeability, bond tensile strength, and compressive strength of the SN-modified underwater composite-repairing materials were used as the properties’ evaluation indices. The results show that, within a certain range, the performance of the repairing material increase with increased SN percent. The deformability, impermeability grade, underwater bond tensile strength, and compressive strength of the SN-modified composite underwater repairing materials are 2.2%, 8, 2.91 MPa, and 115.87 MPa, respectively, when the mass ratio of the mortar, the curing agent and the SNs is 8:1:0.002. The proposed material is employed to repair the dam for a hydropower station in Guizhou province, China. Results show the seepage discharge is reduced by 8.6% when the dam is repaired. The annual average generating capacity is increased by 1.104 × 105 kWh. Meanwhile, CO2 and NOx emissions are reduced by 1.049 × 105 and 220.8 kg annually, respectively.
Prediction of System-Level Energy Harvesting Characteristics of a Thermoelectric Generator Operating in a Diesel Engine Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Kim Tae Young
Published: April 2021

This study evaluated the potential of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the system-level performance of a thermoelectric generator (TEG), whose performance depends on various variables including engine load, engine rotation speed, and external load resistance. Therefore, a Python code was developed to determine an optimal ANN structure by tracking the training/prediction errors of the ANN as a function of the number of hidden layers and nodes of hidden layers. The optimal ANN was trained using 484 output current (I)–load resistance (R) datasets obtained under three different engine rotation speeds and five different engine loads. The prediction accuracy of the ANN was validated by comparing 88 I–R datasets reproduced by the ANN using experimental data that were not used for training. In the validation procedure, differences of only 3.49% and 2.59% were observed in the experimental and ANN-predicted output power obtained for the 1000 rpm–0.8 MPa brake mean effective pressure (BMEP) and 1500 rpm–0.4 MPa BMEP scenarios, respectively. The exhaust gas flow characteristics were used for training and validation to predict the pumping loss caused by the installation of the TEG in the middle of the exhaust tailpipe with high accuracy. The results demonstrated that the ANN effectively reproduced datasets to fill the gaps between the discretized experimental results for all the experimental scenarios without any noticeable overfitting and underfitting. The net power gain obtained by the ANN exhibited a clear peak point for the engine rotation speed of 2000 rpm, which is difficult to obtain using experimental data.
Analyzing the Fast-Charging Potential for Electric Vehicles with Local Photovoltaic Power Production in French Suburban Highway Network
Authors: Mourad Abood , Hennebel Martin , Amrani Ahmed , Hamida Amira Ben
Published: April 2021

The need for deploying fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming essential in recent years. This need is justified by the increasing charging demand and supported by new charging technologies making EV chargers more efficient. In this paper, we provide a survey on EV fast-charging models and introduce a data-driven approach with an optimization model for deploying EV fast-chargers for both electric vehicles and heavy trucks traveling through a network of suburban highways. This deployment aims at satisfying EV charging demands while respecting the limits imposed by the electric grid. We also consider the availability of local photovoltaic (PV) farm and integrate its produced power to the proposed charging network. Finally, through a case study on Paris-Saclay area, we provide locations for EV charging stations and analyze the benefits of integrating PV power at different prices, production costs and charging capacities. The obtained results also suggest potential enhancements to the charging network in order to accommodate the increasing charging demand for EVs in the future.
A Stripline-Based Integrated Microfluidic-Microwave Module
Authors: Jasińska Laura , Szostak Krzysztof , Czok Mateusz , Malecha Karol , Słobodzian Piotr
Published: April 2021

The paper presents the preliminary results on the development of an integrated stripline-based microwave-microfluidic module. The measurements were performed in a frequency range from 300 MHz up to 12 GHz, with the microchannel filled with three different test fluids—deionized water, the ethanol-water solution and pure ethanol. Due to the higher-than-expected losses in transmittance, the selected module was examined with use of the cross-sections taken along its length. The possible causes were highlighted and described. Likewise, the proposed areas of further investigations have been clearly described.
Fibers Obtained from Invasive Alien Plant Species as a Base Material for Paper Production
Authors: Starešinič Marica , Boh Podgornik Bojana , Javoršek Dejana , Leskovšek Mirjam , Možina Klemen
Published: April 2021

Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) are one of the biggest challenges in European ecosystems, displacing local vegetation, destroying agricultural land, and causing billions of dollars of damage to the European economy every year. Many of them are removed daily and mainly burned. In this work, we investigated the possibilities of using plants as feedstock for paper production. Papers made from three invasive alien plants, i.e., Knotweed, Goldenrod, and Black locust, were studied and compared with commercial office paper. The study included testing of: (1) structural properties—basic physical properties, grammage, thickness, density and specific volume, moisture content, and ash content; (2) physical and dynamic mechanical properties—tensile strength, Clark stiffness, viscoelastic properties; (3) colorimetric properties of prints; (4) effect of UV light on ageing; and (5) study of cellulose fiber structure and morphology by microscopy. The results suggested that the paper produced can be used as commercial office paper, considering that the paper is slightly dyed. Such papers can also be used for special purposes that present a natural style and connection to nature. The papers produced can also be used for printing documents that are meant to be kept.
Generalized Cauchy Process: Difference Iterative Forecasting Model
Authors: Xing Jie , Song Wanqing , Villecco Francesco
Published: April 2021

The contribution of this article is mainly to develop a new stochastic sequence forecasting model, which is also called the difference iterative forecasting model based on the Generalized Cauchy (GC) process. The GC process is a Long-Range Dependent (LRD) process described by two independent parameters: Hurst parameter H and fractal dimension D. Compared with the fractional Brownian motion (fBm) with a linear relationship between H and D, the GC process can more flexibly describe various LRD processes. Before building the forecasting model, this article demonstrates the GC process using H and D to describe the LRD and fractal properties of stochastic sequences, respectively. The GC process is taken as the diffusion term to establish a differential iterative forecasting model, where the incremental distribution of the GC process is obtained by statistics. The parameters of the forecasting model are estimated by the box dimension, the rescaled range, and the maximum likelihood methods. Finally, a real wind speed data set is used to verify the performance of the GC difference iterative forecasting model.
Efficacy of Electromyographic-Biofeedback Supplementation Training with Patellar Taping on Quadriceps Strengthening in Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome among Young Adult Male Athletes
Authors: Alonazi Asma , Hasan Shahnaz , Anwer Shahnawaz , Jamal Azfar , Parvez Suhel , Alfaiz Faiz Abdulaziz Saleh , Li Heng
Published: April 2021

This study compares the effects of electromyographic-biofeedback (EMG-BF)-guided isometric quadriceps strengthening with patellar taping and isometric exercise alone in patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) among young adult male athletes. Sixty young adult male athletes with PFPS participated in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: (1) EMG-BF-guided isometric exercise training with patellar taping (experimental group, n = 30), and (2) sham EMG-BF training with an isometric exercise program (control group, n = 30). Participants conducted their respective exercise programs for five days per week across four weeks. Study outcomes were pain (measured by the visual analog scale), functional disability (measured by the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain scale), and quadriceps strength (measured by an ISOMOVE dynamometer). Measurements were taken at baseline, Week 2, Week 4, and during a follow-up at Week 6. The experimental group demonstrated significantly lower VAS score at Weeks 2 and 4 compared to that of the control group (p = 0.008 and 0.0005, respectively). The score remained significantly lower at the Week 6 follow-up compared to the control group (p = 0.0005). There were no differences in knee function at Weeks 2 and 4 between the two groups (p = 0.086 and 0.171, respectively); however, the experimental group showed significantly better knee function at Week 6 compared to the control group (p = 0.002). There were no differences in quadriceps strength at Week 2 between the two groups (p = 0.259); however, the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher quadriceps strength at Weeks 4 and 6 compared to the control group (p = 0.0008). Four weeks of EMG-BF supplementation training with patellar taping demonstrated significant improvements in pain intensity, functional disability, and quadriceps muscle strength in young adult male athletes with PFPS.
Loneliness, Wellbeing, and Social Activity in Scottish Older Adults Resulting from Social Distancing during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tomaz Simone A. , Coffee Pete , Ryde Gemma C. , Swales Bridgitte , Neely Kacey C. , Connelly Jenni , Kirkland Andrew , McCabe Louise , Watchman Karen , Andreis Federico , Martin Jack G. , Pina Ilaria , Whittaker Anna C.
Published: April 2021

This study examined the impact of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic on loneliness, wellbeing, and social activity, including social support, in Scottish older adults. A mixed methods online survey was used to examine these factors during social distancing mid-lockdown, July 2020. Participants were asked to state whether loneliness, wellbeing, social activity, and social support had changed since pre-social distancing, and to provide details of strategies used to keep socially active. A total of 1429 adults (84% aged 60+ years) living in Scotland took part. The majority reported that social distancing regulations made them experience more loneliness and less social contact and support. Loneliness during lockdown was higher than reported norms for this age group before the pandemic. A larger social network, more social contact, and better perceived social support seemed to be protective against loneliness and poor wellbeing. Positive coping strategies reported included increasing online social contact with both existing social networks and reconnecting with previous networks, as well as increasing contact with neighbours and people in the community. This underlines the importance of addressing loneliness and social support in older adults but particularly during situations where risk of isolation is high.
Inclusiveness of Urban Space and Tools for the Assessment of the Quality of Urban Life—A Critical Approach
Authors: Gawlak Agata , Matuszewska Magda , Ptak Agnieszka
Published: April 2021

This article aims to compare the international tools assessing the quality of life and to carry out their multifaceted qualitative analysis, emphasizing spatial aspects (architecture, urban planning) and demographic changes. Comparative analysis of three guidelines and 13 rankings includes a comparison of a wide range of domains (2–15), criteria (4–66), and indices (22–223). The already observed worldwide trends of aging societies and increasing urban populations have largely drawn the attention of researchers to the urban life quality. Since the early 1990s, many international tools have been developed for that purpose. Although urban practitioners progressively rely on instruments measuring urban quality of life, in the development of urban policy, there is still little research comparing the already available appraisal instruments in view of their measurement criteria. The results of the research on the global tools show that there are major differences between them, either in view of the purpose, the contracting authorities, research focus group, scale, or in view of the importance of spatial and demographic factors. Such findings can contribute to the development of local guidelines and recommendations for self-government authorities and communities, in this the seniors and future generations, in view of improving the urban life quality.