bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a novel FRET real-time PCR assay for simultaneous quantitative detection and discrimination of human Plasmodium parasites
Authors: Schneider Renate , Lamien-Meda Aline , Auer Herbert , Wiedermann-Schmidt Ursula , Chiodini Peter L. , Walochnik Julia
Published: June 2021

Increasing numbers of travelers returning from endemic areas, migrants, and refugees have led to a significant rise in the number of imported malaria cases in non-endemic countries. Real- time PCR serves as an excellent diagnostic tool, especially in regions where experience in microscopy is limited. A novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based real-time PCR (FRET-qPCR) was developed and evaluated using 56 reference samples of the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS) for molecular detection of malaria, including P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. Species identification is based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the genome where the MalLC640 probe binds, lowering the melting temperature in the melting curve analysis. The novel FRET-qPCR achieved 100% (n = 56) correct results, compared to 96.43% performing nested PCR. The high sensitivity, with a calculated limit of detection of 199.97 parasites/mL blood for P. falciparum, is a significant advantage, especially if low-level parasitemia has to be ruled out. Even mixed infections of P. falciparum with P. vivax or P. ovale, respectively, were detected. In contrast to many other real-time PCR protocols, this novel FRET-qPCR allows the quantitative and species-specific detection of Plasmodium spp. in one single run. Solely, P. knowlesi was detected but could not be differentiated from P. vivax. The turnaround time of this novel FRET-qPCR including DNA extraction is less than two hours, qualifying it for routine clinical applications, including treatment monitoring.
In science we (should) trust: Expectations and compliance across nine countries during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bicchieri Cristina , Fatas Enrique , Aldama Abraham , Casas Andrés , Deshpande Ishwari , Lauro Mariagiulia , Parilli Cristina , Spohn Max , Pereira Paula , Wen Ruiling
Published: June 2021

The magnitude and nature of the COVID-19 pandemic prevents public health policies from relying on coercive enforcement. Practicing social distancing, wearing masks and staying at home becomes voluntary and conditional on the behavior of others. We present the results of a large-scale survey experiment in nine countries with representative samples of the population. We find that both empirical expectations (what others do) and normative expectations (what others approve of) play a significant role in compliance, beyond the effect of any other individual or group characteristic. In our vignette experiment, respondents evaluate the likelihood of compliance with social distancing and staying at home of someone similar to them in a hypothetical scenario. When empirical and normative expectations of individuals are high, respondents’ evaluation of the vignette’s character’s compliance likelihood goes up by 55% (relative to the low expectations condition). Similar results are obtained when looking at self-reported compliance among those with high expectations. Our results are moderated by individuals’ trust in government and trust in science. Holding expectations high, the effect of trusting science is substantial and significant in our vignette experiment (22% increase in compliance likelihood), and even larger in self-reported compliance (76% and 127% increase before and after the lockdown). By contrast, trusting the government only generates modest effects. At the aggregate level, the country-level trust in science, and not in government, becomes a strong predictor of compliance.
Neuromodulatory effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on neural plasticity and motor functions in rats with an incomplete spinal cord injury: A preliminary study
Authors: Marufa Siti Ainun , Hsieh Tsung-Hsun , Liou Jian-Chiun , Chen Hsin-Yung , Peng Chih-Wei
Published: June 2021

We investigated the effects of intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on locomotor function, motor plasticity, and axonal regeneration in an animal model of incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Aneurysm clips with different compression forces were applied extradurally around the spinal cord at T10. Motor plasticity was evaluated by examining the motor evoked potentials (MEPs). Long-term iTBS treatment was given at the post-SCI 5th week and continued for 2 weeks (5 consecutive days/week). Time-course changes in locomotor function and the axonal regeneration level were measured by the Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) scale, and growth-associated protein (GAP)-43 expression was detected in brain and spinal cord tissues. iTBS-induced potentiation was reduced at post-1-week SCI lesion and had recovered by 4 weeks post-SCI lesion, except in the severe group. Multiple sessions of iTBS treatment enhanced the motor plasticity in all SCI rats. The locomotor function revealed no significant changes between pre- and post-iTBS treatment in SCI rats. The GAP-43 expression level in the spinal cord increased following 2 weeks of iTBS treatment compared to the sham-treatment group. This preclinical model may provide a translational platform to further investigate therapeutic mechanisms of transcranial magnetic stimulation and enhance the possibility of the potential use of TMS with the iTBS scheme for treating SCIs.
Moments of (in)hospitality in cosmopolitan cities
Authors: Mendes Bruna de Castro , Fedrizzi Valéria Luiza Ferreira , Sabbag Percia Helena
Published: June 2021

The aim of the study is to look at cosmopolitan cities searching for moments of hospitality that take place in cosmopolitan spaces. These moments are understood as the time when acts eliminate socially built barriers and anonymity by making people closer to the establishment of relationships that may result in effective bonds (temporary or long-lasting). Photoethnography was used; 421 photographic records were taken in the five largest Brazilian cities (in economic terms): São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Brasíliaand Curitiba. In total, 130 photos were selected for analysis; twenty of them were chosen to represent the four created categories, representing moments of hospitality in cosmopolitan cities: human, architectonic, environmental and hostility. It is noticeable that, although hospitality is a relationship set among two or more individuals, it does not become effective in the absence of adjacent factors, such as architecture and/or the environment. This outcome also reinforces the thin line between hospitality and hostility, to the extent that the perception of hospitality is dependent on hostility. Thus, we expect to contribute to the reasoning about hospitality in contemporary society, which is marked by exclusion, aggressiveness, hostility and, even, moments of inhospitality.
La Movida Madrileña and ‘Paris Maquis’: A comparative history of Madrilenian and Parisian punk
Authors: Kearney James
Published: June 2021

As a cultural phenomenon, punk has had a global impact. Recent scholarship has expanded upon this by exploring examples of punk within different countries around the world. However, not enough attention has been given to these instances in a comparative context, especially with regards to European punk. This article will attempt to ameliorate this by comparing the first waves of both Madrilenian (Spanish) and Parisian (French) punk in terms of origins, ideologies and elements of representation in their contemporary contexts. Punk arrived in these countries at transformative periods in their nations’ histories. Spanish punk, as la Movida Madrileña, began almost immediately after the death of Francisco Franco in 1975, whereas French punk came after the fallout of the May 1968 student protests. However, despite these politically volatile backgrounds, punk in these countries greatly varied in terms of cultural impact. Using these comparative contexts, this piece will illustrate how social, political and cultural differences vastly influence the success and development of punk movements and youth cultures in general. In doing so, this article aims to inspire other researchers to consider the comparative method when looking at punk movements, thereby interrogating how punk develops and how historical backgrounds can influence its development.
‘Recycling the past to meet immediate needs’: Bad Religion’s approach to history1
Authors: Bryan Joseph D.
Published: June 2021

With the release of their seventeenth album of original music (Age of Unreason, May 2019), Bad Religion has reminded the public that their brand of punk rock is not, and has never been, simplistic, reductive or dismissible. While the language of variegated scientific fields provides co-lyricists Greg Graffin and Brett Gurewitz a consistent trove of terms, concepts and imagery, Bad Religion also scrutinizes the past and draws out historical implications for their socio-political-religious commentary. Through an analysis of Bad Religion’s lyrics, especially focusing on Age of Unreason, this article will argue that Bad Religion uses historical references as dire warnings, rhetorical devices and examples to instantiate their larger moral and philosophical principles. They seek to entangle the present and the past and reveal how narratives of ‘progress’ and American ‘exceptionalism’ are misleading. Bad Religion condenses revolutionary and reactionary historical events into sweeping generalizations of human (usually western) civilization, invoking idealized versions of historical periods (‘Dark Ages’ and ‘The Enlightenment’). While their use of the past is often overgeneralized, Bad Religion examines human history as a record of choices and behaviours that matter to the only existence we have: material and mundane, not transcendental or supernatural.
‘We are fireworks’: Anarcho-punk, positive punk and democratic individuality
Authors: White Stuart
Published: June 2021

This article explores the tensions within and around anarcho-punk concerning individuality and individualism by drawing on George Kateb’s discussion of the normative ideal of ‘democratic individuality’, developed to understand the work of the American Emersonian writers (Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman). The article elaborates the three core ideas of ‘democratic individuality’: positive, negative and impersonal individuality. The article interprets the work of Crass, a founding and influential band in the anarcho-punk scene, as centrally a passionate expression of negative individuality: the individual’s refusal to be complicit with injustice. Engaging Rich Cross’s work on individualism in anarcho-punk, the article explains how democratic individuality both supports and cautions against collective action, using this tension to explain the anxiety around collective action in Crass’s work. Using Kateb’s framework, the article argues that positive punk gives a different – in the context, arguably corrective – emphasis to individual self-expression (positive individuality) and self-transcendence (impersonal individuality). Democratic individuality connects punk/post-punk to a history of argument over what it means to become an ‘individual’; and, going forward, offers a helpful framework for punk/post-punk communities in approaching this value.
Sweet Dreams: The Story of the New Romantics, Dylan Jones (2020)
Authors: Loydell Rupert
Published: June 2021

Review of: Sweet Dreams: The Story of the New Romantics, Dylan Jones (2020)

London: Faber & Faber, 680 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-57135-343-9, h/bk, £20
The Scene That Would Not Die: Twenty Years of Post-Millennial Punk in the UK, Ian Glasper (2020)
Authors: Bestley Russ
Published: June 2021

Review of: The Scene That Would Not Die: Twenty Years of Post-Millennial Punk in the UK, Ian Glasper (2020)

Ticehurst: Earth Island Books, 636 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-99975-815-8, p/bk, £14.99
Diminished Responsibility: My Life as a U.K. Sub, and Other Strange Stories, vol. 1, Alvin Gibbs (2020)
Authors: Bestley Russ
Published: June 2021

Review of: Diminished Responsibility: My Life as a U.K. Sub, and Other Strange Stories, vol. 1, Alvin Gibbs (2020)

Stratford-upon-Avon: Tome & Metre, 282 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-83801-160-4, p/bk, £15.00
My Punk Life as Art: 1980s Punk Portraits, Rubber Ro and Friends (2020)
Authors: Evans Gerard
Published: June 2021

Review of: My Punk Life as Art: 1980s Punk Portraits, Rubber Ro and Friends (2020)

Self-published via Blurb, 78 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-71572-621-8, p/bk, £32
Evaluación de los usos del suelo y la erosión hídrica en la subcuenca hidrográfica montañosa del Oued Ourtza (Pre-Rif Oriental, Marruecos)
Authors: Tribak Abdellatif , Baena-Escudero Rafael , Guerrero-Amador Inmaculada Concepción , Amhani Zakariae , Abahrour Mohammed , El Garouani Abdelkader , Arari Khalid
Published: June 2021

Se estudia la distribución espacial de los usos del territorio y de pérdida de suelo en la subcuenca hidrográfica del Oued Ourtza (Pre-Rif Oriental, Marruecos) entre los años 2000 y 2014. Para ello, se ha recurrido a información extraída de imágenes de satélite, el empleo de la ecuación universal de pérdida de suelo en su versión adaptada a las condiciones mediterráneas (RUSLE) y el correspondiente tratamiento mediante herramientas SIG. Las cartografías resultantes denotan la sustitución de los cultivos tradicionales de cereal por otros arbóreos y un importante abandono de las tierras (36,8%). Las pérdidas de suelo son bastante altas (40 t·ha-1·año-1), muy por encima de su tolerancia, aunque están cercanas a las tasas de ablación registradas en otras áreas del entorno mediterráneo y el Rif marroquí. Estas pérdidas se distribuyen desigualmente, correspondiendo las tasas más elevadas con las tierras no cultivadas o abandonadas (>80 t·ha-1 ·año-1) cuya extensión sigue aumentando, sobre todo, en los tramos medio y bajo de la subcuenca donde dominan los materiales lábiles.
Optimal therapeutic adropin dose intervention in mice and rat animal models: A systematic review
Authors: Alzoughool Foad , Al-Zghoul Mohammad Borhan
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim: Adropin is a hormone encoded by the Enho gene, which is associated with energy homeostasis. Preclinical studies using animal models have shown that adropin plays a role in enhancing glucose homeostasis and dyslipidemia. Lately, several studies on animal models have been performed to examine the therapeutic and pathophysiological effects of adropin in many disorders. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the ideal adropin dose in mice and rat animal models.

Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases from 2008 to 2020. The terms used in the search were "adropin," "adropin doses in animal models," "glucose homeostasis related to adropin," and "adropin therapeutic effects on rats and mice." Articles that included non-adropin doses, in vitro studies, and factors affecting adropin levels were excluded from the study.

Results: Of the total 179 qualified studies, six studies were included. We found that a daily injection of 450 nmol/kg of adropin for 3 days might be considered the optimum dose of effect in mice, whereas injection of 2.1 μg/kg once a day for 10 successive days might be the optimal effective dose in rats.

Conclusion: Additional investigations are needed to determine the optimum dose of adropin to be used as a therapeutic intervention depending on the animal model.
Secondary Neutron Dose in Carbon-ion Radiotherapy: Investigations in QST–NIRS
Authors: Yonai Shunsuke , Matsumoto Shinnosuke
Published: June 2021

Background: The National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology–National Institute of Radiological Sciences (QST–NIRS) has continuously investigated the undesired radiation exposure in ion beam radiotherapy mainly in carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT). This review introduces our investigations on the secondary neutron dose in CIRT with the broad and scanning beam methods.Materials and Methods: The neutron ambient dose equivalents in CIRT are evaluated based on rem meter (WENDI-II) measurements. The out-of-field organ doses assuming prostate cancer and pediatric brain tumor treatments are also evaluated through the Monte Carlo simulation. This evaluation of the out-of-field dose includes contributions from secondary neutrons and secondary charged particles.Results and Discussion: The measurements of the neutron ambient dose equivalents at a 90° angle to the beam axis in CIRT with the broad beam method show that the neutron dose per treatment dose in CIRT is lower than that in proton radiotherapy (PRT). For the scanning beam with the energy scanning technique, the neutron dose per treatment dose in CIRT is lower than that in PRT. Moreover, the out-of-field organ doses in CIRT decreased with distance to the target and are less than the lower bound in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) shown in AAPM TG-158 (American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group).Conclusion: The evaluation of the out-of-field doses is important from the viewpoint of secondary cancer risk after radiotherapy. Secondary neutrons are the major source in CIRT, especially in the distant area from the target volume. However, the dose level in CIRT is similar or lower than that in PRT and IMRT, even if the contributions from all radiation species are included in the evaluation.
Investigation of the Sound Absorption and Transmission Loss Performances of Green Homogenous and Hybrid Luffa and Jute Fiber Samples
Authors: Ozcan Ahmet C. , Sanliturk Kenan Y. , Genc Garip , Koruk Hasan
Published: June 2021

In order to promote the use of natural fibers in noise and vibration applications, the properties of these structures should be fully identified. The sound absorption coefficients (SACs) and transmission losses (TLs) of green luffa fiber samples are thoroughly investigated and their acoustic performances are compared with the acoustic performances of green homogenous jute and hybrid jute/luffa fiber samples in this study. For this purpose, green homogenous luffa and jute fiber samples and their green hybrid fiber samples with different thicknesses (10, 20, 30, and 40 mm) are produced and their SACs and TLs are determined using the impedance tube method. First, the methods for the experimental identification of acoustic properties are presented and the variations in the measured acoustic properties are identified. After that, the effects of sample thickness on the acoustic performances of homogenous luffa as well as jute samples and their hybrid fiber samples as a function of frequency are explored. The thickness-dependent tendencies of the SACs and TLs of homogenous and hybrid luffa and jute fiber samples for low, medium and high frequency ranges are determined. Then, the acoustic performances of the homogenous and hybrid luffa and jute samples are compared and evaluated. The results and analyses for the acoustic properties of homogeneous luffa and jute fiber samples and their hybrid fiber samples for a variety of thicknesses and different frequencies presented here can be used to design homogenous as well as hybrid luffa and jute fiber structures in practical applications.
Mirror Therapy Rehabilitation for Lower Limb of Acute Stroke Patients
Authors: Limtrakarn Wiroj , Tangmanee Noppamad , Muengtaweepongsa Sombat
Published: June 2021

This paper aims to study the effectiveness of mirror therapy (MT) having treated to acute stroke patients. The subjects of 20 acute stroke patients, who possessed the ability to respond to verbal instructions were randomly blinded and allocated to a control group (n = 10, 59.2 ± 2.28 years) and a mirror group (n = 10, 53.8 ± 6.14 years). Both groups were treated by intervention of traditional rehabilitation therapy comparing with mirror therapy. Intervention of mirror therapy was taken 60 minutes per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks. Measures of intervention effectiveness were taken before treatment and after treatment by therapist using Brunnstrom stages, Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) lower extremity score and Brunnel Balance Assessment (BBA) balance. Data were analyzed using independent sample t-test. The results revealed that, after 12 weeks of treatment, subjects of both groups gained statistically significant improvements in all variables measure (p < 0.05). Having compared with the control group, the participants of the MT group had greater improvement on the FMA score (31.0 ± 1.20 versus 28.7 ± 0.58). MT is inexpensive and easily applicable in conjunction with traditional physiotherapy for home care program. Consequently, MT proves to be an effective approach for rehabilitation of patients with post-acute stroke.
Guías prácticas y herramienta para apoyar el desarrollo de sitios web accesibles
Authors: Londoño-Rojas Luis-Felipe , Tabares-Morales Valentina , Bez Marta-Rosecler , Duque-Méndez Néstor-Darío
Published: June 2021

El desarrollo masivo de sitios web y de manejo de la información desde la web ha generado un problema de exclusión para muchas personas, especialmente las que presentan algún tipo de discapacidad. Esto se debe, por lo general, a que los sitios web no son accesibles desde el código fuente, ya que los desarrolladores no tienen conocimiento de los estándares y las pautas para desarrollo accesible o no se facilita su comprensión a la hora de aplicarlos, lo cual impide el correcto funcionamiento de las herramientas asistidas usadas por las personas en situación de discapacidad para navegar por los sitios web. Este trabajo propone un conjunto de guías prácticas de código accesible que busca ofrecer una alternativa a los desarrolladores, en la que a través de ejemplos prácticos e interactivos se busca facilitar la implementación de características de accesibilidad. Con el fin de garantizar la disponibilidad y validar las guías propuestas, se desarrolló la herramienta GPCA, que presenta las guías propuestas y los elementos de apoyo a los desarrolladores.
Tecnología y analítica del aprendizaje: una revisión a la literatura
Authors: Contreras-Bravo Leonardo-Emiro , Tarazona-Bermúdez Giovanny-Mauricio , Rodríguez-Molano José-Ignacio
Published: June 2021

Se presenta un trabajo relacionado con la analítica del aprendizaje, la cual consiste en la recopilación y el análisis de datos generados por los estudiantes y sus iteraciones, con el fin de comprender y optimizar el aprendizaje. Se plantea una revisión referencial de los últimos cinco años a través de bases de datos con el fin de identificar aspectos relativos al crecimiento de este enfoque y sus campos de aplicación en la educación superior. El volumen de investigaciones relacionadas va en aumento debido a la necesidad de investigar modelos más acertados de predicción y de nuevos algoritmos dentro del área de la ciencia de datos.
Neonatal lymphocyte subpopulations analysis and maternal preterm premature rupture of membranes: a pilot study
Authors: Amadi Margherita , Visentin Silvia , Tosato Francesca , Fogar Paola , Giacomini Giulia , Res Giulia , Bonadies Luca , Zaramella Patrizia , Plebani Mario , Cosmi Erich , Baraldi Eugenio
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) causes preterm delivery, and increases maternal T-cell response against the fetus. Fetal inflammatory response prompts maturation of the newborn’s immunocompetent cells, and could be associated with unfavorable neonatal outcome. The aims were (1) to examine the effects of pPROM on the newborn’s and mother’s immune system and (2) to assess the predictive value of immune system changes in neonatal morbidity.

Methods

Mother-newborn pairs (18 mothers and 23 newborns) who experienced pPROM and controls (11 mothers and 14 newborns), were enrolled. Maternal and neonatal whole blood samples underwent flow cytometry to measure lymphocyte subpopulations.

Results

pPROM-newborns had fewer naïve CD4 T-cells, and more memory CD4 T-cells than control newborns. The effect was the same for increasing pPROM latency times before delivery. Gestational age and birth weight influenced maturation of the newborns’ lymphocyte subpopulations and white blood cells, notably cytotoxic T-cells, regulatory T-cells, T-helper cells (absolute count), and CD4/CD8 ratio. Among morbidities, fewer naïve CD8 T-cells were found in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (p=0.0009), and more T-helper cells in early onset sepsis (p=0.04).

Conclusions

pPROM prompts maturation of the newborn’s T-cell immune system secondary to antigenic stimulation, which correlates with pPROM latency. Maternal immunity to inflammatory conditions is associated with a decrease in non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytotoxic cells.
Dual-Weighted Residual A Posteriori Error Estimates for a Penalized Phase-Field Slit Discontinuity Problem
Authors: Wick Thomas
Published: June 2021

In this work, goal-oriented adjoint-based a posteriori error estimates are derived for a nonlinear phase-field discontinuity problem in which a scalar-valued displacement field interacts with a scalar-valued smoothed indicator function. The latter is subject to an irreversibility constraint, which is regularized using a simple penalization strategy. The main advancements in the current work are error identities, resulting estimators, and two-sided estimates employing the dual-weighted residual method, which address the influence of the phase-field regularization, penalization, and spatial discretization parameters. Some numerical tests accompany our derived estimates.
An on-chip circular Sierpinski shaped fractal antenna with defected ground structure for Ku-band applications
Authors: Singh Harshavardhan , Azhar Sameen , Mandal Sanjukta , Mandal Sujit Kumar , Naidu Pamidiparthi Ravi Teja
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a circular Sierpinski shaped on-chip fractal antenna with defected ground structure (DGS) is presented for Ku-band applications. The fractal and defected ground structure are employed to achieve higher bandwidth for the entire Ku-band (12–18 GHz). The proposed on-chip antenna (OCA) with a footprint area of 4π mm2 offers wide bandwidth of 7.22 GHz (11.94–19.13 GHz) with the resonating frequency of 15 GHz. At the resonating frequency, the designed antenna shows a peak gain of −19.76 dBi and a radiation efficiency of 55.6%. The co-polarization (CP) and cross-polarization (×P) characteristics of the proposed OCA shows good isolation of 18.05 dBi and 17.44 dBi in the two principal planes with ϕ = 0° and 90° cuts respectively. The measured result of the designed OCA prototype shows a good performance over the desired frequency band.
On-line characterization of wood chip brightness and chemical composition by means of visible and near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Hans Guillaume , Allison Bruce
Published: June 2021

Historically, on-line and real-time measurement of wood chip properties in the pulp and paper industry has been a challenge and has hampered the development of advanced process control strategies. In this study, visible and near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectroscopy is investigated as a means to characterize wood chip brightness and chemical composition (i.e. extractives, lignin and holocellulose content) on-line. The estimated standard error on the holocellulose reference measurement was significantly reduced using data reconciliation. VIS-NIR calibration models were developed using partial least square regression. Derivative and baseline correction were found to be the most appropriate pre-processing methods. Model desensitization to the influence of moisture content and temperature by means of external parameter orthogonalization resulted in more robust models critical for on-line applications under harsh industrial conditions. Wavelength selection improved model accuracy for all properties. A comparison of two different spectrometer and probe combinations demonstrated that, after wavelengths selection, a non-contact measurement of wood chips performs as well as a contact measurement of wood powder for monitoring chemical composition. On-line prediction of wood chip brightness and chemical composition using the developed VIS-NIR models was demonstrated over 7 months in a kraft pulp mill processing both hardwood and softwood chips.
Management of Vipadika with Mahisha Gritha Padanimajjana – a case report
Authors: Suseela Sharanya , Puthanmadom Venkatraramana Sharma Anandaraman , Namboothiri Kesavan Parameswaran , Changuli Krishna Bhat Prathibha
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Vipadika (Palmo plantar Psoriasis) is a Kshudra Kushta (minor skin disorder) of Vatakapha origin (body humors like vata and kapha) characterized by Sphutana (cracks) and Teevra Vedana (severe pain) in Pani (palm) and Pada (sole). Based on the symptoms it can be correlated to Palmo Plantar Psoriasis which is a variant of psoriasis which affects the skin of the palms and soles with the features of hyperkeratotic, pustular, or mixed morphologies. The treatment methods for Palmo plantor psoriasis causes severe side effects due to which an evident shift from modern treatments to ayurvedic treatment line.

Case presentation

A 15 year old, female, with complaint of cracks and dryness over sole of both feet with pain for the last 12 and half years. The case was managed with Padanimajjana (immersion of foot). Padanimajjana is a modified form of Avagaha Sweda (switz bath) where the affected part of the foot is dipped in medicated liquid. Here Mahisha Gritha (Buffaloe ghee) is used for Padanimajjana.

Conclusions

Mahisha Gritha Padanimajjana shows significant improvement in number of cracks, dryness and pain within short period of time. This is a very simple, economical, and effective treatment for Vipadika.
Performance analysis of WDM free space optics transmission system using MIMO technique under various atmospheric conditions
Authors: Thandapani Kavitha , Gopalswamy Maheswaran , Jagarlamudi Sravani , Sriram Naveen Babu
Published: June 2021

Free Space Optical (FSO) communication has evolved as a feasible technique for wireless implementations which offers higher bandwidth capacities over various wavelengths and refers to the transmission of modulated visible beams through atmosphere in order to communicate. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is a technology that multiplexes numerous carrier signals onto single fiber using nonidentical wavelengths and enables the efficiency of bandwidth and expanded data rate. Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) is implemented to improve the quality and performance of free space optical communication in various atmospheric conditions. In this paper, a WDM-based FSO communication system is being implemented that benefits from MIMO which receives multiple copies of the signal at receiver that are independent and analyzed for various streams of data in MIMO i.e. 2 × 2, 4 × 4, 8 × 8. Various factors like BER, Quality Factor are analyzed for the WDM-based FSO communication with MIMO using the OptiSystem for various data streams of MIMO under different atmospheric conditions.
Romanization and Latinization of the Roman Empire in the light of data in the Computerized Historical Linguistic Database of Latin Inscriptions of the Imperial Age
Authors: Adamik Béla
Published: June 2021

The present study demonstrates that the process of linguistic Romanization, i.e. Latinization of the Roman Empire, is traceable by the data of the Computerized Historical Linguistic Database of Latin Inscriptions of the Imperial Age (LLDB). A multi-level analysis of linguistic and non-linguistic data in the LLDB has shown that Latinization, i.e. the spread of spoken or vulgar Latin, became more and more intensive over time in all concerned provinces (i.e. Lusitania, Gallia Narbonensis, Venetia et Histria, Dalmatia, Moesia, Pannonia, and Britannia), although to a varying degree in each. What is more, in many aspects of the investigation, it was possible to find differences between the selected provinces of the Roman Empire corresponding mostly to the future Romance (both negative and positive) outcomes of the respective areas. All in all, the analysis of data of the LLDB database can contribute to solving the complex problem of Latinization, and is a lot more appropriate for this purpose than a simple comparative analysis of epigraphic corpora of the selected provinces.
Assessment of potential strain injury to rectus capitis posterior minor muscles during whiplash type distortions of the cervical spine
Authors: Hallgren Richard C. , Rowan Jacob J.
Published: June 2021

Context

Whiplash type injuries resulting from a rear end motor vehicle accident (REMVA) are thought to be caused by excessive loading and displacement of structural components of the cervical spine. On impact, the seat propels the driver’s torso forward relative to the head, resulting in forced flexion of the occipitoatlantal (OA) joint, accompanied by forced stretching of the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPm) muscles. Flexion of the OA joint and stretching of the RCPm muscles continues to increase until the vehicle’s headrest strikes the back of the driver’s head. It is known that externally applied forces that attempt to move the OA joint beyond its anatomic barrier can result in fracture, dislocation, or soft tissue damage to its structural components. However, the magnitude of headrest backset, defined as the distance between the driver’s head and the vehicle’s headrest, that would result in RCPm muscles being stretched to a length that would put them at risk for a muscle strain injury is unknown.

Objectives

To quantify the relationships among flexion of the OA joint, RCPm muscle stretch, and backset, and to quantify the biomechanical response of RCPm muscles to increasing levels of axial load due to stretching.

Methods

Unembalmed head and neck specimens from three White females aged 85, 63, and 70 years were obtained from the Anatomical Services Division at the University of Maryland. Donors had provided written consent allowing use of their body for research purposes. Using an analytic model of the OA joint, the relationships between flexion of the OA joint and RCPm muscle stretch as a function of backset were estimated. RCPm muscles were removed from the cadavers and forcibly stretched using a servomechanism controlled hydraulic testing machine to quantify the load/displacement properties. After testing, the tissues were sectioned, mounted, and stained using Masson’s trichrome to selectively stain muscle fibers red and collagen blue.

Results

Forced flexion of the OA joint was seen to be directly related to the magnitude of headrest backset. For values of backset greater than 7.2 cm, biomechanical testing of the RCPm muscles revealed that strain injuries ranged from the tearing of a few muscle fibers to complete rupture of the muscle and separation of the tendon at the posterior process of C1.

Conclusions

Results showed that headrest backset at the time of vehicle impact is an important factor in estimating the risk of muscle strain injury to RCPm muscles. Muscle strain injury would be expected to impact the functional relationship between the RCPm muscles and the pain sensitive spinal dura. Physicians should be alert to the possibility that cervicogenic pain patients who have experienced whiplash associated with REMVA may show clinically relevant structural damage to the RCPm muscles on MRI.
WAPM-World Association of Perinatal Medicine Practice Guidelines: Fetal central nervous system examination
Authors: De Robertis Valentina , Sen Cihat , Timor-Tritsch Ilan , Chaoui Rabih , Volpe Paolo , Galindo Alberto , Achiron Reuven , Pooh Ritsuko , Khalil Asma , Volpe Nicola , D’Antonio Francesco , Birnbaum Roee
Published: June 2021

These practice guidelines follow the mission of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine in collaboration with the Perinatal Medicine Foundation, bringing together groups and individuals throughout the world, with the goal of improving the ultrasound assessment of the fetal Central Nervous System (CNS) anatomy. In fact, this document provides further guidance for healthcare practitioners for the evaluation of the fetal CNS during the mid-trimester ultrasound scan with the aim to increase the ability in evaluating normal fetal anatomy. Therefore, it is not intended to establish a legal standard of care. This document is based on consensus among perinatal experts throughout the world, and serves as a guideline for use in clinical practice.
Quantum exceptional chamber induced by large nondipole effect of a quantum dot coupled to a nano-plasmonic resonator
Authors: Lu Yu-Wei , Liu Jing-Feng , Liu Renming , Su Rongbin , Wang Xue-Hua
Published: June 2021

Exceptional points (EPs) are the singularities of a non-Hermitian system where the eigenenergies and eigenstates simultaneously coalesce, a topological property that gives rise to a plethora of exotic phenomena. Probing the EPs and associated effects requires the system to go through the EPs. However, the ultrahigh sensitivity of an isolated EP to the external disturbances makes accessing the EPs difficult. To overcome this limit, many approaches have been presented to form the exceptional line/ring and surface. Here, we demonstrate that a quantum exceptional chamber, which is a three-dimensional collection of the EPs, can be constructed in the coupled plasmon-quantum dot (QD) systems by the nondipole effect of the QD. For an asymmetric QD adjacent to a plasmonic nanoparticle, it is found that the contributions of multipole transitions to the coupling strength can be larger than that of dipole transition. The orientation-dependent quantum interference between the dipole and multipole transitions can lead to controllable switch between the weak and strong coupling, and provides an extra degree of freedom to form a high-dimension EP space. Our approach provides a robust platform for accessing the quantum EPs and related applications.
Liquid crystal lasers: the last decade and the future
Authors: Mysliwiec Jaroslaw , Szukalska Alina , Szukalski Adam , Sznitko Lech
Published: June 2021

The demonstration of the first ruby laser in 1960 led to a revolution in science and technology. The lasers have significantly influenced the development of new approaches to spectroscopy, giving previously undreamed insights into physics, chemistry, and other scientific areas. The search for new materials for light amplification is one of the fundamental subjects of modern photonics and nanotechnology. In this review, we summarize the most appealing progress in developing liquid crystalline (LC) micro and nano-lasers during the last decade, together with their applications and description of perspectives for the future. We will describe the physical background necessary to understand the operation principles of LC lasers, including a description of radiative transition phenomena and LC matter. The article will be divided into separate sections concerning different approaches of LC lasers realization, including; band edge, DFB, DBR, VECSEL, and random cavities utilization. We will also discuss how the LC phases can influence the design of laser devices. Finally, the potential applications, perspectives, and conclusions will be discussed at the end of the article.
One-dimensional planar topological laser
Authors: Palatnik Alexander , Sudzius Markas , Meister Stefan , Leo Karl
Published: June 2021

Topological interface states are formed when two photonic crystals with overlapping band gaps are brought into contact. In this work, we show a planar binary structure with such an interface state in the visible spectral region. Furthermore, we incorporate a thin layer of an active organic material into the structure, providing gain under optical excitation. We observe a transition from fluorescence to lasing under sufficiently strong pump energy density. These results are the first realization of a planar topological laser, based on a topological interface state instead of a cavity like most of other laser devices. We show that the topological nature of the resonance leads to a so-called “topological protection”, i.e. stability against layer thickness variations as long as inversion symmetry is preserved: even for large changes in thickness of layers next to the interface, the resonant state remains relatively stable, enabling design flexibility superior to conventional planar microcavity devices.
Retrospective Redundancy: The Anthropocene and the Crisis of Historical Comprehension
Authors: Leskanich Alexandre
Published: June 2021

This essay contends that the Anthropocene as a historicization in planetary history is symptomatic of a lurking crisis in historical comprehension. This crisis – rooted in the technologically-induced incongruence between past and future – more generally speaks to the consequent diminishment of human historical comprehension under conditions of unprecedented anthropogenic upheaval, and, ultimately, to the inadequacy of the historicizing impulse itself. Thus the Anthropocene, I suggest, fails in its retrospective redundancy to compensate for the incoherence of the historical situation it aims to comprehend, and is further symptomatic of a world that has not merely been historically mismanaged, but in which historical comprehension has itself broken down.
Mapping variation of handsheet properties within loblolly pine trees
Authors: Schimleck Laurence R. , Antony Finto , Mora Christian , Dahlen Joseph
Published: June 2021

Within-tree variation of four handsheet properties (burst index, sheet density, STFI short-span compression strength (STFI) and tensile index) was mapped for loblolly pine trees aged 13 and 22 years using NIR predicted handsheet property data (representing an average of 18 trees for each age). All within-tree maps were similar demonstrating a radial decrease in handsheet properties at all heights, with sheet density and tensile index having the greatest within-tree variation. The corewood zone had the highest values for all properties, while the lowest values were observed in a region consistent with juvenile and transitional outerwood as defined by Burdon et al. (2004). The maps are also similar to, but the inverse of, maps reported in prior studies for density and tracheid coarseness and wall thickness. Relationships amongst the examined handsheet properties and wood and tracheid properties explains the overall similarities of the different maps. The maps provide a representation of within-tree variation of important paper properties at two different ages. An understanding of how these properties vary within loblolly pine trees can aid in better utilization of forest resources.
Women must be equal partners in science: gender-balance lessons from biology
Authors: Spini Lucilla , Buckeridge John , Smagghe Guy , Maree Sarita , Fomproix Nathalie
Published: June 2021

Access to scientific careers for women has never been easy, but as biases and barriers slowly begin to diminish, women are becoming more and more involved in science, especially Biological Sciences. Some of the reasons why women do not have the same opportunities to achieve career pathways equal to those of men are discussed. We conclude that there is an ongoing need to design and apply new policies to effect a gender balance throughout the career path. This is seen not simply as an equitable outcome – it is a moral imperative.
In vitro biocompatibility study of microwave absorbing conducting polymer blend films for biomedical applications
Authors: Bhavsar Vaishali , Tripathi Deepti
Published: June 2021

In the present communication, microwave absorbing property in the frequency range of 12.4–18 GHz and in vitro biocompatibility studies of light weight, flexible, biocompatible, and environment friendly polymer blend films of polyvinylchloride (PVC)-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (taken in ratio 1:1) and doped with various percentage weight concentration of polypyrrole (PPy) are reported. Addition of PPy in the PVC-PVP matrix exhibited a synergetic effect in improving microwave absorbing property. PVC-PVP blend film with 40 and 50% concentrations of PPy were seen to absorb microwaves of the order of 28–50 dB in ku band of microwave region indicating that this composition can suitably find application as microwave absorbing material. In vitro biocompatibility skin irritation study of PVC-PVP (taken in ratio 1:1) with 50% weight concentration of PPy indicated that the prepared film did not have any irritation upon administration and hence is safe for topical application. Moreover, the blood compatibility study of this film exhibited compatibility with blood and can safely be used in any blood contacting mask/device. Hence, this biocompatible film can potentially be used as microwave absorbing material for masking some parts of human body or can be interfaced to biological systems or devices.
Effect of Hydrophobization on Wetting, Drying and Salt Crystallization in Porous Materials
Authors: Shahidzadeh N.
Published: June 2021

We discuss the major role played by both the wetting properties of the porous material and the boundary conditions on the drying process. For hydrophobic materials, it will be shown how under some circumstances the evaporation rate becomes lower in the presence of an air flow over the surface than without an air flow, which at first sight seems counterintuitive. Furthermore, as hydrophobic treatment can facilitate the formation of liquid pockets, we discuss how entrapped sodium chloride solution can reach a high supersaturation before crystallization, contrary to what is commonly assumed for this salt. A consequence of such a high concentration is the very rapid growth of a single skeletal (Hopper) crystal, which can lead to damage.
Bayesian analysis of structural correlated unobserved components and identification via heteroskedasticity
Authors: Li Mengheng , Mendieta-Muñoz Ivan
Published: June 2021

We propose a structural representation of the correlated unobserved components model, which allows for a structural interpretation of the interactions between trend and cycle shocks. We show that point identification of the full contemporaneous matrix which governs the structural interaction between trends and cycles can be achieved via heteroskedasticity. We develop an efficient Bayesian estimation procedure that breaks the multivariate problem into a recursion of univariate ones. An empirical implementation for the US Phillips curve shows that our model is able to identify the magnitude and direction of spillovers of the trend and cycle components both within-series and between-series.
Investigations on the positioning accuracy of the Nano Fabrication Machine (NFM-100)
Authors: Stauffenberg Jaqueline , Ortlepp Ingo , Blumröder Ulrike , Dontsov Denis , Schäffel Christoph , Holz Mathias , Rangelow Ivo W. , Manske Eberhard
Published: June 2021

This contribution deals with the analysis of the positioning accuracy of a new Nano Fabrication Machine. This machine uses a planar direct drive system and has a positioning range up to 100 mm in diameter. The positioning accuracy was investigated in different movement scenarios, including phases of acceleration and deceleration. Also, the target position error of certain movements at different positions of the machine slider is considered. Currently, the NFM-100 is equipped with a tip-based measuring system. This Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) uses self-actuating and self-sensing microcantilevers, which can be used also for Field-Emission-Scanning-Probe-Lithography (FESPL). This process is capable of fabricating structures in the range of nanometres. In combination with the NFM-100 and its positioning range, nanostructures can be analysed and written in a macroscopic range without any tool change. However, the focus in this article is on the measurement and positioning accuracy of the tip-based measuring system in combination with the NFM-100 and is verified by repeated measurements. Finally, a linescan, realised using both systems, is shown over a long range of motion of 30 mm.