bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Characteristics of Halogen and LED Automobile Lamps
Authors: Kovalenko Olga Yu. , Zhuravlyova Yulia A.
Published: October 2020

This work contains analysis of characteristics of automobile lamps by Philips, KOITO, ETI flip chip LEDs, Osram, General Electric (GE), Gtinthebox, OSLAMPledbulbs with H1, H4, H7, H11 caps: luminous flux, luminous efficacy, correlated colour temperature. Characteristics of the studied samples are analysed before the operation of the lamps. The analysis of the calculation results allows us to make a conclusion that the values of correlated colour temperature of halogen lamps are close to the parameters declared by manufacturers. The analysis of the study results has shown that, based on actual values of correlated colour temperature, it is not advisable to use LED lamps in unfavourable weather conditions (such as rain, fog, snow). The results of the study demonstrate that there is a slight dispersion of actual values of luminous flux of halogen lamps by different manufacturers. Maximum variation between values of luminous flux of different lamps does not exceed 14 %. The analysis of the measurement results has shown that actual values of luminous flux of all halogen lamps comply with the mandatory rules specified in the UN/ECE Regulation No. 37 and luminous flux of LED lamps exceeds maximum allowable value by more than 8 %. Luminous efficacy of LED lamps is higher than that of halogen lamps: more than 82 lm/W and lower power consumption. The results of the measurements have shown that power consumption of a LED automobile lamp is lower than that of similar halogen lamps by 3 times and their luminous efficacy is higher by 5 times.
Reducing Energy Consumption in Single-Hop and Multi-Hop Topologies of Road Lighting Communication Network
Authors: Çıbuk Musa
Published: October 2020

This study aims to make the wireless sensor network based on a linear topology required in road lighting energy-efficient using the proposed new methods. Because the physical installation of road lighting systems will result in costliness and time-labour loss, the mentioned scenarios were created and analysed in a simulation design. Two new methods were proposed to organize the lighting system more quickly and to increase the speed performance of sensors that join the network and carrying the luminaire data. This is the proxy-based network connection method and a new time-division method for the nodes’ common channel access. Energy consumption scenarios for lighting systems with 50, 100, 150, and 200 luminaires were analysed comparatively during data exchange using wireless sensor networks. Accordingly, the classical method and the proposed novel method were evaluated for the singleand multi-hop scenarios. In the communication between luminaires, the proposed new method for a single-hop scenario was at least 80 % more efficient than the classical method in terms of total energy consumption. In linear topology lighting systems for the same scenario, if the classical method is compared with the proposed new method for 3-hop structures, 58 % efficiency of total energy consumption is achieved.
Interior Lighting of a Historical Building by Using LED Luminaires: A Case Study of Fatih Paşa Mosque
Authors: Efe Serhat Berat , Varhan Derman
Published: October 2020

In this study, a place of worship lighting in accordance with CIE standards was examined. Halogen lamps were used in the place of worship lighting, which was physically applied. Halogen lamp lighting and LED illuminated place of worship environment were compared in terms of luminance level and economic cost in a simulation environment. The illumination level should be 100 lx or above for places of worship according to CIE standards. Lighting using LED lamps, which provide 100 lx illuminance levels, has yielded 85 % more efficient results than illumination by halogen lamps.
Air Disinfection by UV Germicidal Radiation
Authors: Wasserman Alexander L.
Published: October 2020

Since 2005, in our country, the use of UV germicidal radiation for disinfection of the indoor air environment is regulated by the guidance of R3.5.1904–64 (as the recommendations). This radiation is dangerous for humans: skin and especially the eyes are affected. It is necessary to use closed irradiators (recirculators) with germicidal lamps, and not open ones, the radiation of which covers the entire volume of the room in order to avoid exposure of people during disinfection of indoor air. This requires taking people from the premises and observing all relevant safety measures.
Unfortunately, in practice, there may occur, accidentally or out of ignorance of the rules for open irradiators operating by personnel, violations of safety rules leading to grave consequences. To eliminate such violations, it is necessary to increase the level of knowledge of staff, but there is no special educational and technical literature. This article attempts to fill this gap.
A Case of Cochlear Implantation in a Child with Congenital Aural Atresia and Cochlear and Cochlear Nerve Malformation
Authors: Lee Chang Bae , Jeong Sung Wook , Hong Seung Woo
Published: October 2020

Congenital aural atresia (CAA) is usually accompanied by an anomalous course of facial nerves, which may run over the round window niche toward the promontory in some cases of CAA. Very rarely, cochlear malformation might coexist at the same ear which has CAA, in which case cochlear implantation can be difficult due to anomalous facial nerve. Herein we present a case of cochlear implantation performed in a child who had CAA along with cochlear hypoplasia and cochlear nerve aplasia. The mastoid segment of facial nerve was displaced anteriorly, running over the round window niche. The surgery was done successfully using the round window approach without facial nerve injury.
Stoichiometry of Fe, Mn and Co in the marine diazotroph Crocosphaera subtropica ATCC51142 in Fe- and P-limited continuous cultures
Authors: Marki A , Fischer R , Browning TJ , Louropoulou E , Ptacnik R , Gledhill M
Published: October 2020

We investigated trace element stoichiometries of the nitrogen-fixing marine cyanobacterium Crocosphaera subtropica ATCC51142 under steady-state growth conditions. We utilized exponentially fed batch cultures and varied iron (Fe) concentrations to establish nutrient limitation in C. subtropica growing at a constant growth rate (0.11 d-1). No statistical difference in cell density, chlorophyll a, particulate organic carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) were observed between consecutive days after Day 14, and cultures were assumed to be at steady state with respect to growth for the remaining 11 d of the experiment. Cultures were limited by P in the highest Fe treatment (41 nmol l-1) and by Fe in the 2 lower-concentration Fe treatments (1 and 5 nmol l-1). Cell size and in vivo fluorescence changed throughout the experiment in the 1 nmol l-1 Fe treatment, suggesting ongoing acclimation of C. subtropica to our lowest Fe supply. Nevertheless, Fe:C ratios were not significantly different between the Fe treatments, and we calculated an average (±SD) Fe:C ratio of 32 ± 14 µmol mol-1 for growth at 0.11 d-1. Steady-state P-limited cells had lower P quotas, whilst Fe-limited cells had higher manganese (Mn) and cobalt (Co) quotas. We attribute the increase in Mn and Co quotas at low Fe to a competitive effect resulting from changes in the supply ratio of trace elements. Such an effect has implications for variability in elemental stoichiometry in marine phytoplankton, and potential consequences for trace metal uptake and cycling in marine systems.
Iodine, Thyroglobulin and Thyroid Gland
Authors: BÍLEK R. , DVOŘÁKOVÁ M. , GRIMMICHOVÁ T. , JISKRA J.
Published: October 2020

Iodine is essential in the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones that affect metabolic processes in the organism from the prenatal state to the elderly. The immediate indicator of iodine intake is the concentration of iodine in urine, but the indicator of iodine intake in the longer term of several months is thyroglobulin (Tg). Tg negatively correlated with increasing intake of iodine in population that do not suffer from thyroid disease, while a more than adequate to excessive iodine intake leads to an increase in Tg. The dependence of Tg on iodine can be described by a U-shaped curve. Thyroglobulin in serum is elevated in thyroid disease mainly in hyperthyroidism (diagnosis E05 of WHO ICD-10 codes) and in goiter (diagnosis E04 of WHO ICD-10 codes). Tg values decrease below 20 µg/l after effective treatment of patients with thyroid disease. Thyroglobulin may thus be an indicator of thyroid stabilization and the success of the thyroid gland treatment.
11-Keto-testosterone and Other Androgens of Adrenal Origin
Authors: STÁRKA L. , DUŠKOVÁ M. , VÍTKŮ J.
Published: October 2020

The adrenal glands produce significant amounts of steroid hormones and their metabolites, with various levels of androgenic activities. Until recently, the androgenic potency of these adrenal-derived compounds were not well known, but some recent studies have shown that the production of 11-oxo- and 11β-hydroxy-derived testosterone and dihydrotestosterone evidently have high androgenic activity. This fact has clinical importance, for instance, in various types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia with androgenization or polycystic ovarian syndrome, and laboratory determinations of these substances could help to better evaluate the total androgen pressure in patients with these disorders. Another area of concern is the treatment of prostate cancer with androgen deprivation, which loses effectiveness after a certain time. The concurrent blocking of the secretion of adrenal C19-steroids, whether using corticoids or adrenostatics, could increase the effectiveness of androgen-deprivation therapy.
Plasma Levels of Adipokines in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease – Where Is the “Breaking Point” in Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis?
Authors: VAŇKOVÁ M. , VACÍNOVÁ G. , VČELÁK J. , VEJRAŽKOVÁ D. , LUKÁŠOVÁ P. , RUSINA R. , HOLMEROVÁ I. , JAROLÍMOVÁ E. , VAŇKOVÁ H. , BENDLOVÁ B.
Published: October 2020

Peripheral insulin resistance is associated with decreasing adiponectin and increasing leptin plasma levels, and also with cognitive decline. The effects of adipokines on brain function have been published from both animal and human studies. In particular, the influence of leptin and adiponectin on the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been extensively investigated. However, the association between adipsin and AD is as yet unknown. In 37 patients with AD and 65 controls that followed the same study protocol, we tested whether adiponectin, leptin, and adipsin could be used as biomarkers in the early stages of AD. In contrast with conclusions of cognition studies in insulin resistant states, our study found a correlation of impaired neuropsychological performance with increasing adiponectin and decreasing leptin in AD patients. Nevertheless, no significant differences between patients and controls were found. AD women had significantly increased adipsin compared to controls, and there was a positive correlation of adipsin with age and disease duration. Although adipokines do not appear to be suitable biomarkers for early AD diagnosis, they certainly play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Further studies will be needed to explain the cause of the adipokine “breaking point” that leads to the pathogenesis of overt AD.
AN INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHERS 'PERCEPTION OF ETHICAL LEADERSHIP ACCORDING TO SOME VARIABLES
Authors: Akinci Abdullah , Kubilay Ibrahim
Published: October 2020

In this study, it is aimed to examine PE teachers' perceptions of ethical leadership according to some variables. 158 Physical Education teachers selected by simple random method among 250 Physical Education teachers working in primary and high school education institutions affiliated to Isparta Provincial Directorate of National Education participated in the study. As a data collection tool in research; personal information form and ethical leadership scale were used. Participants' scores obtained from personal information and the scale and factor scores are given by determining the frequency (f) and percentage (%) values. In order to determine whether the scores obtained by physical education teachers from the ethical leadership scale differ according to independent variables, the T test was applied in independent groups in paired comparisons, while the one-way Anova test was used to compare three or more variables, and the Bonferoni test was used to determine the difference between groups. According to the statistical processes performed, no significant difference was found in the ethical leadership perceptions of physical education teachers according to the variables of gender and years of service. When ethical leadership perceptions were examined according to the age variable, a significant difference was found between ethics and justice, power sharing subtitles and ethical leadership perceptions total scores. When ethical leadership perceptions were examined according to the marital status variable, a significant difference was found between clarification of duties and roles, subheadings of power sharing and total scores of ethical leadership perceptions. According to the sport type variable, when ethical leadership perceptions were examined, a significant difference was found between the subtitles of ethics and justice, duties and roles, power sharing, and ethical leadership perceptions. As a result, it is thought that the study can contribute to the field in terms of evaluating the ethical leadership perceptions of physical education teachers.
Gait Analysis in the 6-Minute Walk Test in Patients with COPD
Authors: Szczegielniak Jan , Rutkowski Sebastian , Wdowiak Anna , Bogacz Katarzyna , Luniewski Jacek
Published: October 2020

Professional literature provides various studies discussing gait pathologies depending on the type of nervous system and skeletomuscular system. There are, however, no complex studies discussing aspects of gait, such as walking pace, step length or step duration during the 6-minute walk test in patients with COPD. The objective of this work was, therefore, to analyse the gait of patients with COPD during the 6-minute walk test. It attempted to answer the question how gait parameters change during physical effort in case of patients with COPD. The research included 33 in-patients with COPD (27 males and 6 females), with median age of 65.7 ± 10.4, treated in MSWiA Hospital in Glucholazy. For the purposes of gait analysis, the GaitRite mat was used to measure walking pace, step length and step duration. The mat was 4 meters in length and the active surface consisted of 14 thousand sensors. Pearson’s correlation index and t test were used to calculate the relationships between the tested parameters. The analysis of the results showed that as the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test increased, the pace of walking decreased and the step duration and length significantly increased (p < 0.05). High correlations between the values of gait parameters and distance covered were observed. The research showed statistically significant differences in the values of parameters indicating walk pace, step duration and step length between the first and the last tests.Keywords: gait analysis, 6MWT, COPD.
The Influence of Physical Activity on the Quality of Life During Pregnancy
Authors: Dudonienė Vilma , Vaškevičiūtė Rasa , Kesminas Rolandas
Published: October 2020

Pregnancy sets new and higher demands for woman’s body. There are changes in almost all functions of organs and systems, and metabolism during pregnancy. These changes are physiological and the body adapts to the new conditions. Many organs and systems start functioning pathologically, and pregnant body starts to react abnormally to various external and internal stimuli. Physical activity (any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure higher than resting; physical activity is indicatedby the average energy expenditure a day, a week, and is defined by metabolic equivalent (MET) [1]), fully affects and strengthens woman’s body, increases the physiological capacities, activates the work of all systems, and ensures the normal course of pregnancy by improving maternal cardiovascular condition, activating placental blood flow, oxygen transport, improving fetal metabolism. Physical activity has been proved to have positive effect on different systems of human body. The death-rate in pregnant women resulting from hypertension is the second cause after embolism. Preeclampsia is one of the hypertension-related failures which affects 3 to 5% of the pregnant women [2]. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of physical activity on the quality of life (quality of sleep, headache, right side pain, physical and psychological fatigue), blood pressure, and body mass index in physically active and inactive women during 20–35 weeks of pregnancy. It was found that the quality of sleep during 20–25–30–35 weeks of pregnancy was significantly higher and headache and right side pain, as well as, blood pressure, and body mass index were significantly lower in physically active women compared to inactive women. Conclusion. Physical activity during pregnancy had a positive effect on antenatal arterial blood pressure, body mass index and the quality of life during 20–35 weeks of pregnancy.Keywords: pregnancy, physical activity, quality of life, blood pressure, body mass index.
Effect of Physiotherapy on Balance and Gait in People with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Stunžinaitė Eglė , Bagdonaitė Žaneta
Published: October 2020

The majority of persons are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis between the ages of 20 and 50 years, and women are more often affected than men. Lack of balance and falls are common and disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis. The object of the study was changes in balance and gait under the effect of physiotherapy in people with multiple sclerosis. The aim of the study was to analyse scientific articles to determine the impact of physiotherapy on balance and gait in people with multiple sclerosis. The analysed articles had to meet the following criteria: subjects with multiple sclerosis; intervention – physical therapy; two groups of patient: intervention and control; measurements according to Berg balance scale and the Timed „Up & Go” test; articles only in English. Articles that were reviews and did not include clinical trials were not analysed. Research results revealed that physiotherapy interventions, during which aerobic, strength and balance training exercise were applied, improved balance and gait in people with multiple sclerosis. In conclusion, physiotherapy makes a positive effect on improving balance and gait in people with multiple sclerosis.Keywords: multiple sclerosis, exercise, physiotherapy, balance, gait.
Change of Tolerance of Physical Load and Quality of Life using Physical Therapy in Patients after Myocardial Infarction in the Early Period of Rehabilitation
Authors: Šilinė Ligita , Bacevičienė Rasa
Published: October 2020

Each second a person dies from cardiovascular diseases in Lithuania. Mortality from cardiovascular diseases in 2020 will account for 37% of all deaths in the world. Movement is very important for blood circulation and cardiac work, but due to reduced blood supply to the heart physical capacity is disrupted. Physical therapy improves tolerance of physical load, reduces fatigue, dyspnoea, frequency of hospitalization and improves the quality of life. The maximum efficiency is achieved when physical therapy starts in the first week after myocardial infarction. Starting physical therapy each week later, rehabilitation period becomes a month longer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of physiotherapy on the tolerance of physical load and the quality of life changes in patients after myocardial infarction in the early period of rehabilitation. The study involved 14 people (58.1 ± 7,6) after a myocardial infarction (9 men and 5 women). In study there were two groups: 1 – control group (n = 7) with physical therapy 1 time per day, 5 days per week (n = 5), 2 – experimental group (n = 7) with physical therapy 3 times per day, 5 days per week (n = 15). Tolerance of physical load was determine using a 6 min walk test, before and after the 6 min walk test we evaluated subjective complaints using Borg scale. The quality of life was evaluated using SF – 36 questionnaire. Both groups were evaluating before physical therapy and after 5 days of physical therapy. After physical therapy the tolerance of physical load increased in control and experimental groups, it improved during the 6-minute walk distance (p < 0.05), fatigue decreased (p < 0.05) (there was no differences between groups (p > 0.05)). The leg pain in both groups did not change (p > 0.05), dyspnoea did not decrease (p > 0.05). Physical therapy frequency did not influence the quality of life. Conclusion: physical therapy 3 times per day improved the tolerance of physical load – it increased in 6-minute walk distance, but the quality of life did not change significantly.Keywords: myocardial infarction, functional capacity, quality of life, physical therapy.
Immune Homeostasis: New Role of Micro- and Macroelements, Healthy Microbiota
Authors: Bulgakova S. , Romanchuk N.
Published: October 2020

The availability of innovative technologies, such as next-generation sequencing and correlated bioinformatics tools, allows deeper investigation of the cross-network relationships between the microbiota and human immune responses. Immune homeostasis is the balance between immunological tolerance and inflammatory immune responses — a key feature in the outcome of health or disease. A healthy microbiota is the qualitative and quantitative ratio of diverse microbes of individual organs and systems, maintaining the biochemical, metabolic and immune equilibrium of the macroorganism necessary to preserve human health. The studies of P. I. Romanchuk found that the microbiota is a key element potentially capable of influencing antigen functions to induce a protective immune response and the ability of the immune system to adequately respond to antigenic stimulation (vaccine efficacy) by acting as an immunological modulator as well as a natural vaccine adjuvant. The mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between the gut microbiota and the immune system play a crucial role, especially at an early age (early gut microbiota forms immunological functions). New interactions, along with other genetic and environmental factors, lead to a certain composition and richness of the microbiota, which can diversify the individual response to vaccinations. Variations in microbial communities may explain the geographical effectiveness of vaccination. Modern technologies for quantifying the specific and functional characteristics of the microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract, along with fundamental and new concepts in the field of immunology, have revealed numerous ways in which the interaction of the host and microbiota proceeds favorably, neutrally or unfavorably. The gut microbiota has a strong influence on the shape and quality of the immune system, respectively, the immune system determines the composition and localization of the microbiota. Thus, a healthy microbiota directly modulates intestinal and systemic immune homeostasis. The new managed healthy biomicrobiota and personalized functional and balanced nutrition of the “brain and microbiota” is a patient's long-term medical program that allows the combined use of nutritional epigenetics and pharmacepigenetics, and most importantly, an increase in the protective mechanisms of immunity.
Scottish Fulfilment Theory and Friendship: Lived Religion at Edinburgh 1910
Authors: Robert Dana L.
Published: October 2020

Employing the perspective of ‘lived religion’, this article examines how Scottish missionary practices influenced the 1910 Edinburgh World Missionary Conference. Scottish intellectual and worship traditions intersected with commitment to cross-cultural relationships in the missional practices of J. N. Farquhar, Nicol Macnicol, and Annie Small. The juxtaposition of ‘fulfilment theory’ and ‘friendship’ reflected missionary openness to personal engagement with Indian religious and cultural traditions. Instead of being merely an intellectual preparation for ‘comparative religion’, Scottish fulfilment theory signalled an embodied missionary spirituality that emerged as implicit criticism of colonial hierarchies in India.
Foreign Practices of Licensing and Authorisation in the Field of Education
Authors: Vok Milena
Published: October 2020

Introduction. This article examines the legislative provisions of several countries regulating the right of organisations to carry out educational activities. This study aims to examine the international practices of licensing and authorisation in the field of education.
Methods. The research involved uses the formal law method, systemic structural method, comparative law method, sociological/specific sociological method, and the law interpretation method.
Results and Discussion. The materials collected during the study offer insights into the models of educational management used worldwide at the stage of establishing educational institutions. Licencing mechanisms in the field of education can be centralised or decentralised and can vary across the levels of education. The requirements established in a number of countries have much in common and generally apply to the staff of the educational institution, the premises, curricula, equipment, and financing.
Conclusion. The findings of this study can be used by lawyers and researchers in their respective professional and research activities in the area of legislation regulating the education system.
Investigations on Average Fluorescence Lifetimes for Visualizing Multi-Exponential Decays
Authors: Li Yahui , Natakorn Sapermsap , Chen Yu , Safar Mohammed , Cunningham Margaret , Tian Jinshou , Li David Day-Uei
Published: October 2020

Intensity- and amplitude-weighted average lifetimes, denoted as τI and τA hereafter, are useful indicators for revealing Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) or fluorescence quenching behaviors. In this work, we discussed the differences between τI and τA and presented several model-free lifetime determination algorithms (LDA), including the center-of-mass, phasor, and integral equation methods for fast τI and τA estimations. For model-based LDAs, we discussed the model-mismatch problems, and the results suggest that a bi-exponential model can well approximate a signal following a multi-exponential model. Depending on the application requirements, suggestions about the LDAs to be used are given. The instrument responses of the imaging systems were included in the analysis. We explained why only using the τI model for FRET analysis can be misleading; both τI and τA models should be considered. We also proposed using τA/τI as a new indicator on two-photon fluorescence lifetime images, and the results show that τA/τI is an intuitive tool for visualizing multi-exponential decays.
Lung Lobe Segmentation Based on Lung Fissure Surface Classification Using a Point Cloud Region Growing Approach
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhao Hong , Zhou Ping
Published: October 2020

In anatomy, the lung can be divided by lung fissures into several pulmonary lobe units with specific functions. Identifying the lung lobes and the distribution of various diseases among different lung lobes from CT images is important for disease diagnosis and tracking after recovery. In order to solve the problems of low tubular structure segmentation accuracy and long algorithm time in segmenting lung lobes based on lung anatomical structure information, we propose a segmentation algorithm based on lung fissure surface classification using a point cloud region growing approach. We cluster the pulmonary fissures, transformed into point cloud data, according to the differences in the pulmonary fissure surface normal vector and curvature estimated by principal component analysis. Then, a multistage spline surface fitting method is used to fill and expand the lung fissure surface to realize the lung lobe segmentation. The proposed approach was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated on a public dataset from Lobe and Lung Analysis 2011 (LOLA11), and obtained an overall score of 0.84. Although our approach achieved a slightly lower overall score compared to the deep learning based methods (LobeNet_V2 and V-net), the inter-lobe boundaries from our approach were more accurate for the CT images with visible lung fissures.
Natural Killer (NK) Cell Expression of CD2 as a Predictor of Serial Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity (ADCC)
Authors: Tang Jennifer J.-J. , Sung Alexander P. , Guglielmo Michael J. , Navarrete-Galvan Lydia , Redelman Doug , Smith-Gagen Julie , Hudig Dorothy
Published: October 2020

NK cell ADCC supports monoclonal antibody anti-tumor therapies. We investigated serial ADCC and whether it could be predicted by NK phenotypes, including expression of CD16A, CD2 and perforin. CD16A, the NK receptor for antibodies, has AA158 valine or phenylalanine variants with different affinities for IgG. CD2, a costimulatory protein, associates with CD16A and can augment CD16A-signaling. Pore-forming perforin is essential for rapid NK-mediated killing. NK cells were monitored for their ADCC serial killing frequency (KF). KF is the average number of target cells killed per cell by a cytotoxic cell population. KF comparisons were made at 1:4 CD16pos NK effector:target ratios. ADCC was toward Daudi cells labeled with 51Cr and obinutuzumab anti-CD20 antibody. CD16A genotypes were determined by DNA sequencing. CD2, CD16A, and perforin expression was monitored by flow cytometry. Serial killing KFs varied two-fold among 24 donors and were independent of CD16A genotypes and perforin levels. However, high percentages of CD2pos of the CD16Apos NK cells and high levels of CD16A were associated with high KFs. ROC analysis indicated that the %CD2pos of CD16Apos NK cells can predict KFs. In conclusion, the extent of serial ADCC varies significantly among donors and appears predictable by the CD2posCD16Apos NK phenotype.
Alternative Anti-Infective Treatments to Traditional Antibiotherapy against Staphylococcal Veterinary Pathogens
Authors: Mourenza Álvaro , Gil José A. , Mateos Luis M. , Letek Michal
Published: October 2020

The genus Staphylococcus encompasses many species that may be pathogenic to both humans and farm animals. These bacteria have the potential to acquire multiple resistant traits to the antimicrobials currently used in the veterinary or medical settings. These pathogens may commonly cause zoonoses, and the infections they cause are becoming difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the development of novel alternative treatments to traditional antibiotherapy has gained interest in recent years. Here, we reviewed the most promising therapeutic strategies developed to control staphylococcal infections in the veterinary field to overcome antibiotic resistance.
An Overview of the Genus Cotoneaster (Rosaceae): Phytochemistry, Biological Activity, and Toxicology
Authors: Kicel Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

Traditional herbal medicines have become a subject of global importance with both medical and economic implications. The regular consumption of herbal drugs has led to serious concerns regarding their quality, effectiveness, and safety. Thus, relevant scientific evidence has become an important criterion for the acceptance of traditional health claims. The genus Cotoneaster Medikus provides numerous species traditionally used in Asian medicine for the treatment of haemorrhoids, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This review summarises the achievements of modern research on the Cotoneaster taxa, including ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. To date, more than 90 compounds have been isolated or analytically identified in Cotoneaster leaves, fruits, flowers or twigs. These phytochemicals are categorised into flavonoids, procyanidins, phenolic acids, cotonefurans, cyanogenic glycosides, triterpenes, sterols, fatty acids, volatile compounds, and carbohydrates, and many of them are responsible for Cotoneaster pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic or anti-dyslipidaemic activity. In order to ensure the safety of pharmaceutical applications, the potential toxicity of Cotoneaster extracts has also been investigated. In conclusion, this systematic review provides an important reference base for further study into the various medical applications of both the dry extracts and pure isolates of Cotoneaster species.
Detection of Misconfigured BYOD Devices in Wi-Fi Networks
Authors: Choi Jaehyuk
Published: October 2020

As Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy has become widely accepted in the enterprise, anyone with a mobile device that supports Wi-Fi tethering can provide an active wireless Internet connection to other devices without restriction from network administrators. Despite the potential benefits of Wi-Fi tethering, it raises new security issues. The open source nature of mobile operating systems (e.g., Google Android or OpenWrt) can be easily manipulated by selfish users to provide an unfair advantage throughput performance to their tethered devices. The unauthorized tethering can interfere with nearby well-planned access points (APs) within Wi-Fi networks, which results in serious performance problems. In this paper, we first conduct an extensive evaluation study and demonstrate that the abuse of Wi-Fi tethering that adjusts the clear channel access parameters has strong adverse effects in Wi-Fi networks, while providing the manipulated device a high throughput gain. Subsequently, an online detection scheme diagnoses the network condition and detects selfish tethering devices by passively exploiting the packet loss information of on-going transmissions. Our evaluation results show that the proposed method accurately distinguishes the manipulated tethering behavior from other types of misbehavior, including the hidden node problem.
Drilling Process on CFRP: Multi-Criteria Decision-Making with Entropy Weight Using Grey-TOPSIS Method
Authors: Tran Quang-Phuoc , Nguyen Van-Nhat , Huang Shyh-Chour
Published: October 2020

Moisture strongly affects the quality and mechanical specificity of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) when using lubrication fluids during machining, and the significant impact of the cutting tool geometry and cryogenic gas cooling on CFRP machining capabilities are observed. The main body of this paper aims at making decisions about the optimum parameter of the drilling process while machining on CFRP base on the grey relational coefficient embed to the technique for order of preference by similarity to an ideal solution (Grey-TOPSIS). The entropy method was used to determine the weight of decision-making for handling a multiple measure decision-making response. The twist angle of the tool drill, lubrication, and feed rate were used as the input variables, and were analyzed while taking into account several multi-response outputs, such as the surface roughness, uncut fiber, and delamination. The result showed that a feed rate of 228 mm/min, the high-helix twist angle, and cryogenic CO2 lubrication leads the calculated value to close the relative value, which minimizes the value of the surface roughness, the uncut fiber, and the delamination. Finally, verification of the valid effect of each parameter process was conducted using analysis of variance. The results indicated that the lubrication was the highest remarkable criterion on the uncut fiber, the delamination, and the surface roughness. By integrating the advantage of grey systems theory, and the technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution, to evaluate and optimize the machining parameter, the results indicate that the proposed model is useful to facilitate the multi-criteria decision-making problem under the environment of uncertainty and vagueness. This relatively advanced approach is very effectual in rejecting process variation and a great assistive strategy than other multi-criteria decision-making approaches.
Application of Nuclear Inelastic Scattering Spectroscopy to the Frequency Scale Calibration of Ab Initio Calculated Phonon Density of States of Quasi-One-Dimensional Ternary Iron Chalcogenide RbFeSe2
Authors: Kiiamov Airat , Tsurkan Vladimir , Croitori Dorina , Krug von Nidda Hans-Albrecht , Seidov Zakir , Wille Hans-Christian , Sergueev Ilya , Leupold Olaf , Tayurskii Dmitrii , Tagirov Lenar
Published: October 2020

This study aims to examine the applicability of nuclear inelastic scattering (NIS) and conventional Mössbauer spectroscopy for calibration of the frequency scale of ab initio calculated phonon density of states (PDOS) of iron ternary chalcogenides. NIS measurements are carried out on the quasi-one-dimensional ternary chalcogenide RbFeSe2 to obtain the partial PDOS of the iron atoms in the compound. We compare the experimental PDOS with our previous results on vibrational properties of RbFeSe2 obtained with density functional theory (DFT) ab initio calculations, conventional Mössbauer, and infra-red spectroscopies. The experimental PDOS measured by NIS is collated with the ab initio calculated one. The frequency correction factor for the ab initio results is determined as 1.077, in good agreement with value of 1.08 obtained previously from the temperature dependence of the Lamb–Mössbauer factor of the iron atoms in RbFeSe2. We conclude that nuclear inelastic scattering and temperature dependence of the Lamb–Mössbauer factor in conventional Mössbauer spectroscopy can be equally applied for evaluation of the frequency correction factor for ab initio calculated phonon density of iron of ternary chalcogenides.
A New Device to Test the Bending Resistance of Mechanical Endodontic Instruments
Authors: Miccoli Gabriele , Cicconetti Andrea , Gambarini Gianluca , Del Giudice Andrea , Ripanti Federico , Di Nardo Dario , Testarelli Luca , Seracchiani Marco
Published: October 2020

The aims of the present study were to propose a new machine for testing the bending behavior of an instrument at multiple specific points along the cutting surface and to compare the influence of proprietary heat treatment on the bending ability of EdgeTaper (ET), Protaper Universal (PTU), EdgeTaper Platinum (ETP), and Protaper Gold (PTG). A total of 320 instruments were examined in the present study: 80 ET, 80 PTU, 80 ETP, and 80 PTG. The bending ability of all instruments was tested at a 45° angle and on three different portions of the instrument at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the tip using a customized device. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among each single instrument of the series and between ET and PTU as well as ETP and PTG. The bending behavior of a nickel–titanium rotary instrument is its ability to bend without any plastic deformation. This feature, according to the results of the present study, is variable along the cutting surface; therefore, it should be evaluated. Due to the present testing device, it would be possible to obtain reliable and trustworthy information about an instrument’s bending ability.
Improvement of Aerodynamic Performance of Savonius Wind Rotor Using Straight-Arc Curtain
Authors: Zhang Hongfu , Li Zhiqiang , Xin Dabo , Zhan Jian
Published: October 2020

A straight and an arc-shaped curtain are combined to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the Savonius wind rotor. The straight-arc curtain is placed in front of the Savonius wind rotor to reduce the negative moment on the convex blade and increase the positive moment on the concave blade. The static and dynamic performances of the Savonius wind rotor with and without the curtain are investigated based on the computational fluid dynamics method. The results show that the static torque is higher with the curtain than without it at the same angle-of-attack. The maximum mean power coefficient with the curtain is increased by about 50% compared with conventional Savonius wind rotor. Additionally, the flow field around the rotor with the straight-arc curtain is presented, and the flow control mechanics of the straight-arc curtain are discussed.
Countercurrent Actinide Lanthanide Separation Process (ALSEP) Demonstration Test with a Simulated PUREX Raffinate in Centrifugal Contactors on the Laboratory Scale
Authors: Wilden Andreas , Kreft Fabian , Schneider Dimitri , Paparigas Zaina , Modolo Giuseppe , Lumetta Gregg J. , Gelis Artem V. , Law Jack D. , Geist Andreas
Published: October 2020

An Actinide Lanthanide Separation Process (ALSEP) for the separation of trivalent actinides (An(III)) from simulated raffinate solution was successfully demonstrated using a 32-stage 1 cm annular centrifugal contactor setup. The ALSEP solvent was composed of a mixture of 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (HEH[EHP]) and N,N,N′,N′-tetra-(2-ethylhexyl)-diglycolamide (T2EHDGA) in n-dodecane. Flowsheet calculations and evaluation of the results were done using the Argonne’s Model for Universal Solvent Extraction (AMUSE) code using single-stage distribution data. The co-extraction of Zr(IV) and Pd(II) was prevented using CDTA (trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) as a masking agent in the feed. For the scrubbing of co-extracted Mo; citrate-buffered acetohydroxamic acid was used. The separation of An(III) from the trivalent lanthanides (Ln(III)) was achieved using citrate-buffered diethylene-triamine-N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentaacetic acid (DTPA), and Ln(III) were efficiently back extracted using N,N,N′,N′-tetraethyl-diglycolamide (TEDGA). A clean An(III) product was obtained with a recovery of 95% americium and curium. The Ln(III) were efficiently stripped; but the Ln(III) product contained 5% of the co-stripped An(III). The carryover of Am and Cm into the Ln(III) product is attributed to too few actinide stripping stages, which was constrained by the number of centrifugal contactors available. Improved separation would be achieved by increasing the number of An strip stages. The heavier lanthanides (Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd) and yttrium were mainly routed to the Ln product, whereas the lighter lanthanides (La and Ce) were mostly routed to the raffinate.
Novel Cost Reduction Method for Wind Farms Associated with Energy Storage Systems by Optimal Kinetic Energy Control
Authors: Koiwa Kenta , Tawara Takuro , Watanabe Mizuki , Liu Kang-Zhi , Zanma Tadanao , Tamura Junji
Published: October 2020

Wind power generation provides an attractive method for tackling global environmental issues. However, the power grid cannot accommodate large amount of wind farms (WFs) because the fluctuation of WF output degrades the power quality (frequency and voltage) in the power grid. Technical requirements that are related to WF power fluctuation are issued in many countries in order to introduce the WF without degrading power quality. Therefore, it is essential to smooth the WF output in order to satisfy the technical requirements. This paper proposes an operation methodology for a system that is composed of energy storage systems (ESSs) and WF by kinetic energy (KE) control. Moreover, an optimal KE control is presented. The economical aspect and the advantage of the proposed system are verified through scenario simulations.
What Does Developing a Ranking of Leading Contemporary Art Galleries Unveil about the Importance of the National Factor? An Analysis of Art Basel Art Fair
Authors: Quemin Alain
Published: October 2020

Since the French sociologist Raymonde Moulin developed her pioneering research in the 1960s, the art market has been continuously studied by social scientists. For several years now, art market studies have rapidly proliferated. Collectors and collections, though, have tended to draw more attention than professionals and dealers, which remain less analyzed. In this article, we intend to study the impact of the national factor on the gallery sector by using a ranking of the leading contemporary art galleries in the world that we ourselves developed. Having analyzed the construction of the most significant rankings in the art world that all focus entirely or partly on artists, we decided to create one for contemporary art galleries. The methodology that we used will be presented in the first part of the article. In its second part, we will analyze the territorial/national dimension that can be identified in the most important art fair in the world, Art Basel. We will comment on what is revealed by our ranking in terms of countries of origin associated with their share and diverse positions in the ranking. Finally, we will address the contribution that our ranking brings to the knowledge of so-called globalization.
Bullous Pemphigoid: Trigger and Predisposing Factors
Authors: Moro Francesco , Fania Luca , Sinagra Jo Linda Maria , Salemme Adele , Di Zenzo Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequent autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease provoked by autoantibodies directed against two hemidesmosomal proteins: BP180 and BP230. Its pathogenesis depends on the interaction between predisposing factors, such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, comorbidities, aging, and trigger factors. Several trigger factors, such as drugs, thermal or electrical burns, surgical procedures, trauma, ultraviolet irradiation, radiotherapy, chemical preparations, transplants, and infections may induce or exacerbate BP disease. Identification of predisposing and trigger factors can increase the understanding of BP pathogenesis. Furthermore, an accurate anamnesis focused on the recognition of a possible trigger factor can improve prognosis by promptly removing it.
A Possible Path towards Rapid Development of Live-Attenuated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: Plunging into the Natural Pool
Authors: Todorov German , Uversky Vladimir
Published: October 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic spreading around the world, causing massive distress to the world’s economy and affecting healthcare systems worldwide. Although some exposed individuals have no symptoms and most symptomatic infections are not severe, COVID-19 cases span a wide spectrum, ranging from mild to critical and sometimes resulting in life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia, severe respiratory distress and cardiac problems. Currently, there is no curative drug for COVID-19 and vaccines are still under development. We are presenting here a strategy for the fast development of natural live-attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Our proposed approach is based on screening for, identifying, analyzing and selecting naturally attenuated yet highly immunogenic SARS-CoV-2 strains, which may lead to a shorter cycle of vaccine development, as well as higher vaccine effectiveness.