bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnant Mothers’ Medical Claims and Associated Risk of Their Children being Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Grivas Genevieve , Frye Richard , Hahn Juergen
Published: September 2021

A retrospective analysis of administrative claims containing a diverse mixture of ages, ethnicities, and geographical regions across the United States was conducted in order to identify medical events that occur during pregnancy and are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The dataset used in this study is comprised of 123,824 pregnancies of which 1265 resulted in the child being diagnosed with ASD during the first five years of life. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant relationships between several maternal medical claims, made during her pregnancy and segmented by trimester, and the child’s diagnosis of ASD. Having a biological sibling with ASD, maternal use of antidepressant medication and psychiatry services as well as non-pregnancy related claims such hospital visits, surgical procedures, and radiology exposure were related to an increased risk of ASD regardless of trimester. Urinary tract infections during the first trimester and preterm delivery during the second trimester were also related to an increased risk of ASD. Preventative and obstetrical care were associated with a decreased risk for ASD. A better understanding of the medical factors that increase the risk of having a child with ASD can lead to strategies to decrease risk or identify those children who require increased surveillance for the development of ASD to promote early diagnosis and intervention.
Nonlinear Influence of Public Services on Urban Housing Prices: A Case Study of China
Authors: Gan Lei , Ren Hong , Xiang Weimin , Wu Kun , Cai Weiguang
Published: September 2021

Owing to China’s rapid urbanization and internal migration, public services are unevenly distributed in cities, affecting urban housing prices. This study examines the dynamic effect of China’s public service levels on urban housing prices. We used the entropy method to calculate the public service index of 30 cities in China and a panel threshold regression model to explore the relationship between urban public service levels and housing prices. We found that the degree of the effect of public service levels on urban housing prices varies with the per capita disposable income of urban residents, demonstrating an inverted U-shaped curve. The role of public services in promoting urban housing prices increases with the increase in the level of urbanization. When the level of urbanization exceeds its threshold, the enhancement effect increases. These results help us better understand the theories of housing price changes in Chinese cities and support policymakers in formulating effective control measures for the housing market.
Identifying Influencing Factors of Agricultural Soil Heavy Metals Using a Geographical Detector: A Case Study in Shunyi District, China
Authors: Dong Shiwei , Pan Yuchun , Guo Hui , Gao Bingbo , Li Mengmeng
Published: September 2021

Identifying influencing factors of heavy metals is essential for soil evaluation and protection. This study investigates the use of a geographical detector to identify influencing factors of agricultural soil heavy metals from natural and anthropogenic aspects. We focused on six variables of soil heavy metals, i.e., As, Cd, Hg, Cu, Pb, Zn, and four influencing factors, i.e., soil properties (soil type and soil texture), digital elevation model (DEM), land use, and annual deposition fluxes. Experiments were conducted in Shunyi District, China. We studied the spatial correlations between variables of soil heavy metals and influencing factors at both single-object and multi-object levels. A geographical detector was directly used at the single-object level, while principal component analysis (PCA) and geographical detector were sequentially integrated at the multi-object level to identify influencing factors of heavy metals. Results showed that the concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn were mainly influenced by DEM (p = 0.008) and land use (p = 0.033) factors, while annual deposition fluxes were the main factors of the concentrations of Hg, Cd, and Pb (p = 0.000). Moreover, the concentration of As was primarily influenced by soil properties (p = 0.026), DEM (p = 0.000), and annual deposition flux (p = 0.000). The multi-object identification results between heavy metals and influencing factors included single object identification in this study. Compared with the results using the PCA and correlation analysis (CA) methods, the identification method developed at different levels can identify much more influencing factors of heavy metals. Due to its promising performance, identification at different levels can be widely employed for soil protection and pollution restoration.
Uncovering Transcriptional Responses to Fractional Gravity in Arabidopsis Roots
Authors: Sheppard James , Land Eric S. , Toennisson Tiffany Aurora , Doherty Colleen J. , Perera Imara Y.
Published: September 2021

Although many reports characterize the transcriptional response of Arabidopsis seedlings to microgravity, few investigate the effect of partial or fractional gravity on gene expression. Understanding plant responses to fractional gravity is relevant for plant growth on lunar and Martian surfaces. The plant signaling flight experiment utilized the European Modular Cultivation System (EMCS) onboard the International Space Station (ISS). The EMCS consisted of two rotors within a controlled chamber allowing for two experimental conditions, microgravity (stationary rotor) and simulated gravity in space. Seedlings were grown for 5 days under continuous light in seed cassettes. The arrangement of the seed cassettes within each experimental container results in a gradient of fractional g (in the spinning rotor). To investigate whether gene expression patterns are sensitive to fractional g, we carried out transcriptional profiling of root samples exposed to microgravity or partial g (ranging from 0.53 to 0.88 g). Data were analyzed using DESeq2 with fractional g as a continuous variable in the design model in order to query gene expression across the gravity continuum. We identified a subset of genes whose expression correlates with changes in fractional g. Interestingly, the most responsive genes include those encoding transcription factors, defense, and cell wall-related proteins and heat shock proteins.
Yuxiensis granularis gen. et sp. nov., a Novel Quellkörper-Bearing Fungal Taxon Added to Scortechiniaceae and Inclusion of Parasympodiellaceae in Coronophorales Based on Phylogenetic Evidence
Authors: Bundhun Digvijayini , Wanasinghe Dhanushka N. , Maharachchikumbura Sajeewa S. N. , Bhat Darbhe J. , Huang Shi-Ke , Lumyong Saisamorn , Mortimer Peter E. , Hyde Kevin D.
Published: September 2021

An undetermined saprobic fungal taxon from Yunnan (China) is revealed as a new genus in Scortechiniaceae (Coronophorales). The novel taxon, Yuxiensis, is characterized by immersed to erumpent, semi-globose ascomata, which are not surrounded by any tomentum or conspicuous subiculum, a subcylindrical quellkörper in the centrum, clavate asci with long pedicels and allantoid hyaline ascospores with granular contents. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian posterior probability analyses based on LSU, ITS, tef1 and rpb2 sequence data depict a close phylogenetic relationship of the new genus to Pseudocatenomycopsis, hence, confirming its placement in Scortechiniaceae. Parasympodiellaceae, thus far belonging to Parasympodiellales, is transferred to Coronophorales based on multi-gene phylogenetic evidence. Additionally, the incertae sedis monotypic genus Arthrocristula is treated as a synonym of Parasympodiella, with Arthrocristula hyphenata recombined as Parasympodiella hyphenata comb. nov., as the type strain of Arthrocristula hyphenata clusters inside the Parasympodiellaceae clade along with other Parasympodiella taxa.
Dynamic Properties and Fractal Characteristics of 3D Printed Cement Mortar in SHPB Test
Authors: Mo Yixin , Yue Songlin , Zhou Qizhen , Feng Bowei , Liu Xiao
Published: September 2021

Comparing with the traditional construction process, 3D printing technology used in construction offers many advantages due to the elimination of formwork. Currently, 3D printing technology used in the construction field is widely studied, however, limited studies are available on the dynamic properties of 3D printed materials. In this study, the effects of sand to binder ratios and printing directions on the fractal characteristics, dynamic compressive strength, and energy dissipation density of 3D printed cement mortar (3DPCM) are explored. The experiment results indicate that the printing direction has a more significant influence on the fractal dimension compared with the sand to binder ratio (S/B). The increasing S/B first causes an increase and then results in a decline in the dynamic compressive strength and energy dissipation of different printing directions. The anisotropic coefficient of 3DPCM first is decreased by 20.67%, then is increased by 10.56% as the S/B increases from 0.8 to 1.4, showing that the anisotropy is first mitigated, then increased. For the same case of S/B, the dynamic compressive strength and energy dissipation are strongly dependent on the printing direction, which are the largest printing in the Y-direction and the smallest printing in the X-direction. Moreover, the fractal dimension has certain relationships with the dynamic compressive strength and energy dissipation density. When the fractal dimension changes from 2.0 to 2.4, it shows a quadratic relationship with the dynamic compressive strength and a logarithmic relationship with the energy dissipation density in different printing directions. Finally, the printing mortar with an S/B = 1.1 is proved to have the best dynamic properties, and is selected for the 3D printing of the designed field barrack model.
Microstructures and Electrical Conduction Behaviors of Gd/Cr Codoped Bi3TiNbO9 Aurivillius Phase Ceramic
Authors: Zhou Huajiang , Wang Shaozhao , Wu Daowen , Chen Qiang , Chen Yu
Published: September 2021

In this work, a kind of Gd/Cr codoped Bi3TiNbO9 Aurivillius phase ceramic with the formula of Bi2.8Gd0.2TiNbO9 + 0.2 wt% Cr2O3 (abbreviated as BGTN−0.2Cr) was prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction route. Microstructures and electrical conduction behaviors of the ceramic were investigated. XRD and SEM detection found that the BGTN−0.2Cr ceramic was crystallized in a pure Bi3TiNbO9 phase and composed of plate-like grains. A uniform element distribution involving Bi, Gd, Ti, Nb, Cr, and O was identified in the ceramic by EDS. Because of the frequency dependence of the conductivity between 300 and 650 °C, the electrical conduction mechanisms of the BGTN−0.2Cr ceramic were attributed to the jump of the charge carriers. Based on the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model, the maximum barrier height WM, dc conduction activation energy Ec, and hopping conduction activation energy Ep were calculated with values of 0.63 eV, 1.09 eV, and 0.73 eV, respectively. Impedance spectrum analysis revealed that the contribution of grains to the conductance increased with rise in temperature; at high temperatures, the conductance behavior of grains deviated from the Debye relaxation model more than that of grain boundaries. Calculation of electrical modulus further suggested that the degree of interaction between charge carriers β tended to grow larger with rising temperature. In view of the approximate relaxation activation energy (~1 eV) calculated from Z″ and M″ peaks, the dielectric relaxation process of the BGTN−0.2Cr ceramic was suggested to be dominated by the thermally activated motion of oxygen vacancies as defect charge carriers. Finally, a high piezoelectricity of d33 = 18 pC/N as well as a high resistivity of ρdc = 1.52 × 105 Ω cm at 600 °C provided the BGTN−0.2Cr ceramic with promising applications in the piezoelectric sensors with operating temperature above 600 °C.
Covalent Organic Frameworks: New Materials Platform for Photocatalytic Degradation of Aqueous Pollutants
Authors: Qian Yuhang , Ma Dongge
Published: September 2021

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are highly porous and crystalline polymeric materials, constructed by covalent bonds and extending in two or threedimensions. After the discovery of the first COF materials in 2005 by Yaghi et al., COFs have experienced exciting progress and exhibitedtheirpromising potential applications invarious fields, such as gas adsorption and separation, energy storage, optoelectronics, sensing and catalysis. Because of their tunablestructures, abundant, regular and customizable pores in addition to large specific surface area, COFs can harvest ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared photons, adsorb a large amount of substrates in internal structures and initiate surface redox reactions to act as effective organic photocatalysts for water splitting, CO2 reduction, organic transformations and pollutant degradation. In this review, we will discuss COF photocatalysts for the degradation of aqueous pollutants. The state-of-the-art paragon examples in this research area will be discussed according to the different structural type of COF photocatalysts. The degradation mechanism will be emphasized. Furthermore, the future development direction, challenges required to be overcome and the perspective in this field will be summarized in the conclusion.
Flexural Pseudo-Ductility Effect in Hybrid GFRP/CFRP Bars under Static Loading Conditions
Authors: Duda Szymon , Lesiuk Grzegorz , Zielonka Paweł , Stabla Paweł , Lubecki Marek , Ziółkowski Grzegorz
Published: September 2021

The problem with composite rebars in the civil engineering industry is often described as the material’s brittleness while overloaded. To overcome this drawback, researchers pay attention to the pseudo-ductility effect. The paper presents four-point bending tests of pure unidirectional (UD) rods with additional composite layers obtained by filament winding and hand braiding techniques. Two types of core materials, glass FRP (fibre reinforced polymer) and carbon FRP, were used. Regarding the overwrapping material, the filament winding technique utilized carbon and glass roving reinforcement in the epoxy matrix, while in the case of hand braiding, the carbon fibre sleeve was applied with the epoxy matrix. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and computed tomography (CT) was performed to reveal the structural differences between the two proposed methods. Mechanical test results showed good material behaviour exhibiting the pseudo-ductility effect after the point of maximum force. The two applied overwrapping techniques had different influences on the pseudo-ductility effect. Microstructural investigation revealed differences between the groups of specimens that partially explain their different characters during mechanical testing.
Investigation of Adhesive’s Material in Hermetic MEMS Package for Interfacial Crack between the Silver Epoxy and the Metal Lid during the Precondition Test
Authors: Wu Mei-Ling , Lan Jia-Shen
Published: September 2021

A hermetic Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) package with a metal lid is investigated to prevent lid-off failure and improve its reliability during the precondition test. While the MEMS package benefits from miniaturization and low cost, a hermetic version is highly sensitive to internal pressure caused by moisture penetration and the reflow process, thus affecting its reliability. In this research, the finite element method is applied to analyze the contact stress between the metal lid and the silver epoxy by applying the cohesive zone model (CZM). Moreover, the red dye penetration test is applied, revealing a microcrack at the metal lid/silver epoxy interface. Further analyses indicate that the crack is caused by internal pressure. According to the experimental testing and simulation results, the silver epoxy material, the curing process, the metal lid geometry, and the bonding layer contact area can enhance the bonding strength between the metal lid and the substrate.
New Bounds for the Sine Function and Tangent Function
Authors: Zhu Ling
Published: September 2021

Using the power series expansion technique, this paper established two new inequalities for the sine function and tangent function bounded by the functions x2sin(λx)/(λx)α and x2tan(μx)/(μx)β. These results are better than the ones in the previous literature.
n-th Order Functional Problems with Resonance of Dimension One
Authors: Benham Erin , Kosmatov Nickolai
Published: September 2021

We consider the nonlinear n-th order boundary value problem Lu=u(n)=f(t,u(t),u′(t),…,u(n−1)(t))=Nu given arbitrary bounded linear functional conditions Bi(u)=0, i=1,…,n and develop a method that allows us to study all such resonance problems of order one, as well as implementing a more general constructive method for deriving existence criteria in the framework of the coincidence degree method of Mawhin. We demonstrate applicability of the formalism by giving an example for n=4.
A Goal Programming-Based Methodology for Machine Learning Model Selection Decisions: A Predictive Maintenance Application
Authors: Mallidis Ioannis , Yakavenka Volha , Konstantinidis Anastasios , Sariannidis Nikolaos
Published: September 2021

The paper develops a goal programming-based multi-criteria methodology, for assessing different machine learning (ML) regression models under accuracy and time efficiency criteria. The developed methodology provides users with high flexibility in assessing the models as it allows for a fast and computationally efficient sensitivity analysis of accuracy and time significance weights as well as accuracy and time significance threshold values. Four regression models were assessed, namely the decision tree, random forest, support vector and the neural network. The developed methodology was employed to forecast the time to failures of NASA Turbofans. The results reveal that decision tree regression (DTR) seems to be preferred for low values of accuracy weights (up to 30%) and low accuracy and time efficiency threshold values. As the accuracy weights tend to increase and for higher accuracy and time efficiency threshold values, random forest regression (RFR) seems to be the best choice. The preference for the RFR model however, seems to change towards the adoption of the neural network for accuracy weights equal to and higher than 90%.
Impact of Chlorinated-Assisted Backwash and Air Backwash on Ultrafiltration Fouling Management for Urban Wastewater Tertiary Treatment
Authors: Yang Jiaqi , Monnot Mathias , Ercolei Lionel , Moulin Philippe
Published: September 2021

To improve membrane fouling management, the NaClO-assisted backwash has been developed to improve permeability maintenance and reduce the need for intensive chemical cleanings. This study is aimed to focus on the efficiency of NaClO-assisted backwash in real UF pilot scale and with periodic classic backwash (CB) and air backwash (AB). The impacts on hydraulic filtration performance, physicochemical properties of membrane material under different addition frequencies of NaClO, and the performance of chlorinated CB and AB will be discussed. In result, 10 mg Cl2 L−1 NaClO addition in backwash water is confirmed to greatly improve the overall filtration performance and backwash cleaning efficiency. One condition stands out from the other due to better control of irreversible fouling, less NaClO consumption in 10 years prediction, sustainable and adaptable filtration performance, and less potential damage on the physicochemical properties of the membrane. Additionally, it can be inferred from this experiment that frequent contact with NaClO induced some degradation on the PES-made UF membrane surface properties. To retain the best state of UF membrane on anti-fouling and qualified production, the optimized condition with more frequent NaClO contact was not suggested for long-term filtration.
Influence of Ti Addition on the Strengthening and Toughening Effect in CoCrFeNiTix Multi Principal Element Alloys
Authors: Chung Dukhyun , Kwon Heounjun , Eze Chika , Kim Woochul , Na Youngsang
Published: September 2021

Multi principal element alloys have attracted interests as a promising way to balance the bottleneck of the “inverse relationship” between high hardness and high fracture toughness. In the present study, the authors demonstrate the effects of Ti addition on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the CoCrFeNiTix alloys (x values in molar ratio, x = 0.7, 1.0, and 1.2), which exhibits a multi-phase structure containing face-centered cubic phase and various secondary phases, such as sigma, Laves, and (Cr,Fe)-rich phase. Throughout the combined experimental examination and modeling, we show that superb hardness (~9.3 GPa) and excellent compressive strength (~2.4 GPa) in our alloy system are attributed to solid-solution strengthening of the matrix and the formation of hard secondary phases. In addition, high indentation fracture toughness is also derived from the toughening mechanism interplay within the multiple-phase microstructure. At the fundamental level, the results suggest that multi-principal element alloys containing dual or multi-phase structures may provide a solution for developing structural alloys with enhanced strength-toughness synergy.
Effect of Solute Redistribution on Seeding Process of TiAl Alloys with Limited Convection in a Float Zone
Authors: Xiong Yi-Long , Shen Jun , Du Yu-Jun
Published: September 2021

Two different analytic models, in which convection in the float zone is assumed, are developed to understand the solute redistributions during general seeding and quasi-seeding processes of TiAl alloys, respectively. The results suggest that the solute redistribution plays an important effect in the phase selection and microstructural development during the initial stage of seeding processes. In the initial stage of the quasi-seeding process, the interface concentration increases gradually and the solute diffusion boundary forms with the crystal growth of α phase. Correspondingly, a maximum constitutional undercooling with respect to β phase occurs ahead of the solidifying α interface and then decreases gradually. Simultaneously, the position where the maximum constitutional undercooling occurs also moves forward with regard to the interface. While in the initial stage of the general seeding process, the α phase can grow continuously as stable phase when the initial composition of the melt is higher than Al 48.9%. Under the influence of both the constitutional undercooling and Ti5Si3 particles, coarse dendrites form and then are transformed to cellular morphology. Nevertheless, the lamellar microstructure can still be aligned well during the entire seeding process. Besides, it is also found that the thickness of solute diffusion boundary decreases with the increase of convection intensity and thus, the growing interface become more stably correspondingly, which is beneficial to the lamellar alignment of TiAl alloys.
Formation and Properties of Nitrocarburizing S-Phase on AISI 316L Stainless Steel-Based WC Composite Layers by Low-Temperature Plasma Nitriding
Authors: Adachi Shinichiro , Yamaguchi Takuto , Ueda Nobuhiro
Published: September 2021

Stainless steel-based WC composite layers fabricated by a laser cladding technique, have strong mechanical strength. However, the wear resistance of WC composite layers is not sufficient for use in severe friction and wear environments, and the corrosion resistance is significantly reduced by the formation of secondary carbides. Low-temperature plasma nitriding and carburizing of austenitic stainless steels, treated at temperatures of less than 450 °C, can produce a supersaturated solid solution of nitrogen or carbon, known as the S-phase. The combined treatment of nitriding and carburizing can form a nitrocarburizing S-phase, which is characterized by a thick layer and superior cross-sectional hardness distribution. During the laser cladding process, free carbon was produced by the decomposition of WC particles. To achieve excellent wear and corrosion resistance, we attempted to use this free carbon to form a nitrocarburizing S-phase on AISI 316 L stainless steel-based WC composite layers by plasma nitriding alone. As a result, the thick nitrocarburizing S-phase was formed. The Vickers hardness of the S-phase ranged from 1200 to 1400 HV, and the hardness depth distribution became smoother. The corrosion resistance was also improved through increasing the pitting resistance equivalent numbers due to the nitrogen that dissolved in the AISI 316 L steel matrix.
A Portable Device for LAMP Based Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sreejith Kamalalayam Rajan , Umer Muhammad , Dirr Larissa , Bailly Benjamin , Guillon Patrice , von Itzstein Mark , Soda Narshone , Kasetsirikul Surasak , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A. , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: September 2021

This paper reports the design, development, and testing of a novel, yet simple and low-cost portable device for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2. The device performs loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and provides visually distinguishable images of the fluorescence emitted from the samples. The device utilises an aluminium block embedded with a cartridge heater for isothermal heating of the sample and a single-board computer and camera for fluorescence detection. The device demonstrates promising results within 20 min using clinically relevant starting concentrations of the synthetic template. Time-to-signal data for this device are considerably lower compared to standard quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction(qPCR) machine (~10–20 min vs. >38 min) for 1 × 102 starting template copy number. The device in its fully optimized and characterized state can potentially be used as simple to operate, rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive platform for population screening as well as point-of-need severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection and patient management.
Origin of Salt Effects in SN2 Fluorination Using KF Promoted by Ionic Liquids: Quantum Chemical Analysis
Authors: Oh Young-Ho , Lee Sungyul
Published: September 2021

Quantum chemical analysis is presented, motivated by Grée and co-workers’ observation of salt effects [Adv. Synth. Catal. 2006, 348, 1149–1153] for SN2 fluorination of KF in ionic liquids (ILs). We examine the relative promoting capacity of KF in [bmim]PF6 vs. [bmim]Cl by comparing the activation barriers of the reaction in the two ILs. We also elucidate the origin of the experimentally observed additional rate acceleration in IL [bmim]PF6 achieved by adding KPF6. We find that the anion PF6− in the added salt acts as an extra Lewis base binding to the counter-cation K+ to alleviate the strong Coulomb attractive force on the nucleophile F−, decreasing the Gibbs free energy of activation as compared with that in its absence, which is in good agreement with experimental observations of rate enhancement. We also predict that using 2 eq. KF together with an eq. KPF6 would further activate SN2 fluorination
Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction/Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry for the Determination of 2-Nonenal and Its Application to Body Odor Analysis
Authors: Saito Keita , Tokorodani Yoshiyuki , Sakamoto Chihiro , Kataoka Hiroyuki
Published: September 2021

The odors and emanations released from the human body can provide important information about the health status of individuals and the presence or absence of diseases. Since these components often emanate from the body surface in very small quantities, a simple sampling and sensitive analytical method is required. In this study, we developed a non-invasive analytical method for the measurement of the body odor component 2-nonenal by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry by selective ion monitoring. Using a StableFlex PDMS/DVB fiber, 2-nonenal was efficiently extracted and enriched by fiber exposition at 50 °C for 45 min and was separated within 10 min using a DB−1 capillary column. Body odor sample was easily collected by gauze wiping. The limit of detection of 2-nonenal collected in gauze was 22 pg (S/N = 3), and the linearity was obtained in the range of 1–50 ng with a correlation coefficient of 0.991. The method successfully analyzed 2-nonenal in skin emissions and secretions and was applied to the analysis of body odor changes in various lifestyles, including the use of cosmetics, food intake, cigarette smoking, and stress load.
Advances in Nanomaterials Used in Co-Delivery of siRNA and Small Molecule Drugs for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Chung Shei Li , Yee Maxine Swee-Li , Hii Ling-Wei , Lim Wei-Meng , Ho Mui Yen , Khiew Poi Sim , Leong Chee-Onn
Published: September 2021

Recent advancements in nanotechnology have improved our understanding of cancer treatment and allowed the opportunity to develop novel delivery systems for cancer therapy. The biological complexities of cancer and tumour micro-environments have been shown to be highly challenging when treated with a single therapeutic approach. Current co-delivery systems which involve delivering small molecule drugs and short-interfering RNA (siRNA) have demonstrated the potential of effective suppression of tumour growth. It is worth noting that a considerable number of studies have demonstrated the synergistic effect of co-delivery systems combining siRNA and small molecule drugs, with promising results when compared to single-drug approaches. This review focuses on the recent advances in co-delivery of siRNA and small molecule drugs. The co-delivery systems are categorized based on the material classes of drug carriers. We discuss the critical properties of materials that enable co-delivery of two distinct anti-tumour agents with different properties. Key examples of co-delivery of drug/siRNA from the recent literature are highlighted and discussed. We summarize the current and emerging issues in this rapidly changing field of research in biomaterials for cancer treatments.
Dietary Outcomes of the ‘Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads’ Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Ashton Lee M. , Morgan Philip J. , Grounds Jacqueline A. , Young Myles D. , Rayward Anna T. , Barnes Alyce T. , Pollock Emma R. , Kennedy Stevie-Lee , Saunders Kristen L. , Collins Clare E.
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: The effect of fathers on dietary intake in preschool-aged children is under-explored. The aims were to: (i) evaluate the efficacy of a family-based lifestyle intervention, Healthy Youngsters, Healthy Dads, on change in dietary intake in fathers and their preschool-aged children post-intervention (10 weeks) and at 9 months follow-up compared to a waitlist control group and (ii) investigate associations in father–child dietary intakes. (2) Methods: Linear mixed models estimated group-by-time effects for all dietary outcomes, measured by food frequency questionnaires. Cohen’s d determined effect sizes, while correlation tests determined associations in father–child dietary intakes. (3) Results: For children, medium group-by-time effects sizes were identified at 10 weeks for sodium intake (d = 0.38) and percentage energy from core foods (d = 0.43), energy-dense, nutrient-poor (EDNP) foods (d = 0.43) and prepacked snacks (d = 0.45). These findings were sustained at 9 months follow-up. For fathers, medium to large, group-by-time effect sizes were identified at 10 weeks for energy intake (d = 0.55), sodium intake (d = 0.64) and percentage energy from core foods (d = 0.49), EDNP foods (d = 0.49), and confectionary (d = 0.36). For all of these dietary variables, except sodium, effects were sustained at 9 months. Moderate to strong associations existed in father–child dietary intakes for some of the dietary variables. (4) Conclusions: Although further research is required, this study provides preliminary support for targeting fathers as agents of change to improve dietary intakes in their preschool-aged children.
Changes in the Nasal Microbiota of Pigs Following Single or Co-Infection with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome and Swine Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Chrun Tiphany , Leng Joy , La Ragione Roberto M. , Graham Simon P. , Tchilian Elma
Published: September 2021

Host-microbiota interactions are important in shaping immune responses that have the potential to influence the outcome of pathogen infection. However, most studies have focused on the gut microbiota and its possible association with disease outcome, while the role of the nasal microbiota and respiratory pathogen infection has been less well studied. Here we examined changes in the composition of the nasal microbiota of pigs following experimental infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 2 (PRRSV-2), swine influenza A H3N2 virus (H3N2) or both viruses. DNA extracted from nasal swabs were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing to study the composition of the nasal microbiota. Bacterial richness fluctuated in all groups, with a slight reduction in pigs singly infected with PRRSV-2 and H3N2 during the first 5 days of infection compared to uninfected controls. In contrast, nasal bacterial richness remained relatively stable after PRRSV-2/H3N2 co-infection. PRRSV-2 and H3N2, alone or in combination differentially altered the abundance and distribution of bacterial families. Single and co-infection with PRRSV-2 or H3N2 was associated with the expansion of the Neisseriaceae family. A positive correlation between H3N2 viral load and the relative abundance of the Neisseriaceae was observed. However, further mechanistic studies are required to understand the significance of the changes in specific bacterial families following these viral infections.
Novel Delivery Systems of Polyphenols and Their Potential Health Benefits
Authors: Enaru Bianca , Socaci Sonia , Farcas Anca , Socaciu Carmen , Danciu Corina , Stanila Andreea , Diaconeasa Zorita
Published: September 2021

Liposome-based delivery systems have been studied and used more frequently in recent years due to their advantages, such as low toxicity, specificity, and the ability to protect the encapsulated substance from environmental factors, which could otherwise degrade the active compound and reduce its effectiveness. Given these benefits, many researchers have encapsulated polyphenols in liposomes, thus increasing their bioavailability and stability. Similarly, polyphenols encapsulated in liposomes are known to produce more substantial effects on targeted cells than unencapsulated polyphenols, while having minimal cytotoxicity in healthy cells. Although polyphenols play a role in preventing many types of disease and generally have beneficial effects on health, we solely focused on their chemopreventive effects on cancer through liposomes in this review. Our goal was to summarize the applicability and efficacy of liposomes encapsulated with different classes of polyphenols on several types of cancer, thus opening the opportunity for future studies based on these drug delivery systems.
Dislocations as a Tool for Nanostructuring Advanced Materials
Authors: Turlo Vladyslav
Published: September 2021

Dislocations present unique opportunities for nanostructuring advanced structural and functional materials due to the recent discoveries of linear complexions thermodynamically stable nanoscale features with unique chemistry and structure confined at dislocations. The formation of such features is driven by solute segregation near the dislocation core and results in the stabilization of dislocations, altering mechanical, thermodynamic, and transport properties of the final material. This perspective article gives an overview of the recent discoveries and predictions made by high-resolution experimental characterization techniques, as well as large-scale atomistic simulations in the newly emerging field of linear complexions.
Diachronic Study of Phonological Changes in Tiv Language
Authors: Aor Terfa , Damkor Torkuma Tyonande
Published: September 2021

All levels of language analysis are prone to changes in their phonology, morphology, graphology, lexis, semantics and syntax over the years. Tiv language is not an exception to this claim. This study investigates various aspects of phonological or sound changes in Tiv language. This paper therefore classifies sound changes in Tiv; states causes of sound changes in Tiv and explores implications of sound changes. The research design used in this paper is purposive sampling of relevant data. The instrument used in this paper is the observation method in which the author selected words that showed epenthesis, deletion and substitution. It has been noted that the use of archaic spellings in the Modern Tiv literatures shows their ancientness. Phonological change is not a deviation but a sign of language growth and changes in spellings result in changes in sounds. The author recommends that scholars should write papers or critical works on lexical/morphological, syntactic, semantic, graphological changes in Tiv language. Students should write projects, dissertations and theses on language change and diachronic linguistics. This study introduces Tiv historical linguistics and diachronic phonology which serve as catalysts for the study of Tiv language. The understanding of Tiv sound change provides students with a much better understanding of Tiv phonological system in general, of how Tiv phonology works and how the phonemes fit together
Зворотний бік романтизму: мистецькі стратегії і принцип реальності
Authors: Bilyi Oleg
Published: September 2021

У статті аналізується роль мистецьких стратегій і мистецького примусу як їхньої складової у розбудові наступальних ідеологій (універсалістських, шовіністичних, расистських) та створенні охоронницьких міфів. Окреслюється зв’язок романтичного гіперболізму з принципом реальності, який виразно постає у політичних і геополітичних імплікаціях. Романтизм розглядається як епіфеномен раціоналізму. Зокрема, йдеться про Пошлість – як одну з перетворених форм комунікативної раціональності, що паразитує на контрасті між ідеологічною тотальністю та узвичаєними формами культури. Чільне місце у статті посідає тема глобальних експансіоністських ідеологій. Автор визначає роль мистецької фантазії та містичних ідей стосовно міждержавного суперництва у геополітичних доктринах. У статті простежується взаємозалежність теоретичних засад романтизму та геополітичних проектів. Автор досліджує міфологічну ґенезу завойовницької фантазії авторитарних лідерів, яка утворюється на основі романтичної сваволі творчого суб’єкта. Осмислюється значення мистецького максималізму у контексті культурно-історичної традиції, що сягає імперського універсалізму
Генезис поняття «простір» та його змістові дефініції
Authors: Zhuk-Yaremchuk Yuliia
Published: September 2021

Метою дослідження є аналіз термінологічних витоків поняття «простір», який своєю чергою є однією з фундаментальних філософських категорій. Так, поняття простору використовується у повсякденному та науковому житті, що дає змогу дослідити його багатогранність. Звертаючись до етимологічного аналізу, в пошуку знаходяться аналоги простору: אֶרֶץ (ерец/арец) та χωρα (хора), які водночас теж мають подібні значення, розкриваючись для нас як «країна», «земля народу», «народ», «місце праці», «місце взаємодії», «живе місце» тощо. Розгляд представників неоплатонізму допоміг розширити, уточнити та доповнити понятійний апарат дослідження. Так, звернувшись до Плотіна та Прокла ми спостерігаємо сприйняття хори в якості матерії та пустоти, що край суперечить ідеї платонівської хори. Коли Ямвліх не вбачає у хорі просто матерію, не надає їй негативних якостей, а навпаки сповнює її живими властивостями, підпорядкованості порядку Космосу. Простір, позбавлений колись одухотвореності (сповненості), набуває знов життєвих барв. Так, простір розглядається не як фізична матерія, геометрична площина або протяжність, але як певний відповідник стану взаємодії місця та того, що це місце сповнює.
Специфіка інтерпретації Єфрема Сирина есхатологічних образів у Дан. 7
Authors: Kuryliak Ihor
Published: September 2021

У статті досліджено особливості інтерпретації Єфрема Сирина сьомого розділу апокаліптичної книги пророка Даниїла. З’ясовано, що Єфрем інтерпретує чотири звірі як Вавилон, Мідію, Персію і Грецію. Визначено, що таке тлумачення відрізняється від традиційного тлумачення ранньохристиянських письменників, які вважали, що чотири царства – це Вавилон, Мідо-Персія, Греція і Рим. Автор статті наводить ґрунтовні аргументи, які доводять, що другим царством є Мідо-Персія, третім царством є Греція, а четвертим – Рим. Встановлено, що інтерпретація Єфрема не знаходить біблійної основи і тому уступає традиційному тлумаченню. Проведений аналіз засвідчує, що інтерпретація Єфрема Дан. 7 має герменевтичні принципи сучасної претеристської школи тлумачення. З’ясовано, що теолог інтерпретував образ малого рогу в Дан. 7 як Антіоха Епіфана. Автор статті висвітлює вісім ідентифікаційних особливостей малого рогу, які зображені в сьомому розділі. Досліджено, що, на думку представників істористської школи, малий ріг символізує папство. Подальший розгляд названої наукової проблематики вбачаємо у глибокому екзегетичному аналізі есхатологічних образів у Дан. 7.
Sufficient Turing instability conditions for the Schnakenberg system
Authors: Revina S.V. , Lysenko S.A.
Published: September 2021

A classical reaction-diffusion system, the Schnakenberg system, is under consideration in a bounded domain $\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^m$ with Neumann boundary conditions. We study diffusion-driven instability of a stationary spatially homogeneous solution of this system, also called the Turing instability, which arises when the diffusion coefficient $d$ changes. An analytical description of the region of necessary and sufficient conditions for the Turing instability in the parameter plane is obtained by analyzing the linearized system in diffusionless and diffusion approximations. It is shown that one of the boundaries of the region of necessary conditions is an envelope of the family of curves that bound the region of sufficient conditions. Moreover, the intersection points of two consecutive curves of this family lie on a straight line whose slope depends on the eigenvalues of the Laplace operator and does not depend on the diffusion coefficient. We find an analytical expression for the critical diffusion coefficient at which the stability of the equilibrium position of the system is lost. We derive conditions under which the set of wavenumbers corresponding to neutral stability modes is countable, finite, or empty. It is shown that the semiaxis $d>1$ can be represented as a countable union of half-intervals with split points expressed in terms of the eigenvalues of the Laplace operator; each half-interval is characterized by the minimum wavenumber of loss of stability.
Flows in strongly regular periodic dynamic resource networks
Authors: Skorokhodov V.A. , Sviridkin D.O.
Published: September 2021

This paper is devoted to studying the processes of resource allocation in dynamic resource networks. In such networks, the capacities of the arcs depend on time. Resource allocation in the network occurs in discrete time. The resource of each vertex is distributed only between adjacent vertices according to some rules. The study of the processes of resource redistribution in such networks is carried out. The main goal is to develop methods for finding the limit state (distribution) of a resource in a dynamic resource network. It is shown that the approach based on the construction of an auxiliary network is also applicable to reduce the problem of resource allocation in a dynamic network to a similar problem in an auxiliary network. Theorems on the existence of a limit state on an auxiliary graph are proved for strongly regular periodic dynamical networks. To find the limit states, one can use the approaches which are developed for the shortest path problem in dynamic networks.
Recovery of radial-axial velocity in axisymmetric swirling flows of a viscous incompressible fluid in the Lagrangian consideration of vorticity evolution
Authors: Prosviryakov E.Yu.
Published: September 2021

Swirling laminar axisymmetric flows of viscous incompressible fluids in a potential field of body forces are considered. The study of flows is carried out in a cylindrical coordinate system. In the flows, the regions in which the axial derivative of the circumferential velocity cannot take on zero value in some open neighborhood (essentially swirling flows) and the regions in which this derivative is equal to zero (the region with layered swirl) are considered separately. It is shown that a well-known method (the method of viscous vortex domains) developed for non-swirling flows can be used for regions with layered swirling. For substantially swirling flows, a formula is obtained for calculating the radial-axial velocity of an imaginary fluid through the circumferential vorticity component, the circumferential circulation of a real fluid, and the partial derivatives of these functions. The particles of this imaginary fluid “transfer” vortex tubes of the radial-axial vorticity component while maintaining the intensity of these tubes, and also “transfer” the circumferential circulation and the product of the circular vorticity component by some function of the distance to the axis of symmetry. A non-integral method for reconstructing the velocity field from the vorticity field is proposed. It is reduced to solving a system of linear algebraic equations in two variables. The obtained result is proposed to be used to extend the method of viscous vortex domains to swirling axisymmetric flows.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MANEQUINS PARA O ENSINO DE MOLDAGENS PARA CONFECÇÕES DE PRÓTESE BUCOMAXILOFACIAL INTRAORAL
Authors: Costa Ana Luiza Michel , Castro Kathleen  Salzamann , Porfírio Fernando Barbosa Marques , Lages Frederico Santos
Published: September 2021

A prótese bucomaxilofacial é a especialidade responsável pela reparação de imperfeições faciais intra e extra orais, congênitas ou adquiridas. Os defeitos faciais comprometem algumas funções biológicas, estéticas, e podem, também, causar danos psicológicos. É de suma importância a atuação de uma equipe multidisciplinar para analisar a etiologia do problema para o qual o paciente procura tratamento. Há um aumento expressivo na qualidade de vida dos pacientes usuários das próteses, indicando a importância da especialidade. O objetivo deste trabalho é, através de um relato de experiência, descrever o desenvolvimento de um manequim único e exclusivo para auxiliar o treinamento de moldagens de pacientes com imperfeições intraorais e, consequentemente, difundir o ensino da especialidade entre as faculdades de odontologia. Os manequins criados são utilizados com sucesso no projeto de extensão “Reabilitação Protética Buco Maxilo-facial” do Centro Universitário Newton Paiva, tornando-se um aliado pré-clínico fundamental para a preparação dos alunos.