bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sitagliptin on Islet Function in Pancreatic Insufficient Cystic Fibrosis With Abnormal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Kelly Andrea , Sheikh Saba , Stefanovski Darko , Peleckis Amy J , Nyirjesy Sarah C , Eiel Jack N , Sidhaye Aniket , Localio Russell , Gallop Robert , De Leon Diva D , Hadjiliadis Denis , Rubenstein Ronald C , Rickels Michael R
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Impaired incretin secretion may contribute to the defective insulin secretion and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) that associate with worse clinical outcomes in pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis (PI-CF). The study objective was to test the hypothesis that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor-induced increases in intact incretin hormone [glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)] concentrations augment insulin secretion and glucagon suppression and lower postprandial glycemia in PI-CF with AGT.

Methods

26 adults from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania CF Center with PI-CF and AGT [defined by oral glucose tolerance test glucose (mg/dL): early glucose intolerance (1-h ≥ 155 and 2-h < 140), impaired glucose tolerance (2-h ≥ 140 and < 200 mg/dL), or diabetes (2-h ≥ 200)] were randomized to a 6-month double-blind trial of DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin 100 mg daily or matched placebo; 24 completed the trial (n = 12 sitagliptin; n = 12 placebo). Main outcome measures were mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) responses for intact GLP-1 and GIP, insulin secretory rates (ISRs), glucagon suppression, and glycemia and glucose-potentiated arginine (GPA) test-derived measures of β- and α-cell function.

Results

Following 6-months of sitagliptin vs placebo, MMTT intact GLP-1 and GIP responses increased (P < 0.001), ISR dynamics improved (P < 0.05), and glucagon suppression was modestly enhanced (P < 0.05) while GPA test responses for glucagon were lower. No improvements in glucose tolerance or β-cell sensitivity to glucose, including for second-phase insulin response, were found.

Conclusions

In glucose intolerant PI-CF, sitagliptin intervention augmented meal-related incretin responses with improved early insulin secretion and glucagon suppression without affecting postprandial glycemia.
Re-Irradiation in Patients with Recurrent Rectal Cancer is Safe and Feasible
Authors: Dijkstra Esmée A. , Mul Véronique E. M. , Hemmer Patrick H. J. , Havenga Klaas , Hospers Geke A. P. , Muijs Christina T. , van Etten Boudewijn
Published: May 2021

Background

There is no consensus yet for the best treatment regimen in patients with recurrent rectal cancer (RRC). This study aims to evaluate toxicity and oncological outcomes after re-irradiation in patients with RRC in our center. Clinical (cCR) and pathological complete response (pCR) rates and radicality were also studied.

Methods

Between January 2010 and December 2018, 61 locally advanced RRC patients were treated and analyzed retrospectively. Patients received radiotherapy at a dose of 30.0–30.6 Gy (reCRT) or 50.0–50.4 Gy chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in cases of no prior irradiation because of low-risk primary rectal cancer. In both groups, patients received capecitabine concomitantly.

Results

In total, 60 patients received the prescribed neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy followed by surgery, 35 patients (58.3%) in the reRCT group and 25 patients (41.7%) in the long-course CRT group. There were no significant differences in overall survival (p = 0.82), disease-free survival (p = 0.63), and local recurrence-free survival (p = 0.17) between the groups. Patients in the long-course CRT group reported more skin toxicity after radiotherapy (p = 0.040). No differences were observed in late toxicity. In the long-course CRT group, a significantly higher cCR rate was observed (p = 0.029); however, there was no difference in the pCR rate (p = 0.66).

Conclusions

The treatment of RRC patients with re-irradiation is comparable to treatment with long-course CRT regarding toxicity and oncological outcomes. In the reCRT group, less cCR was observed, although there was no difference in pCR. The findings in this study suggest that it is safe and feasible to re-irradiate RRC patients.
Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure on Nonlinear Vibrating of Annular Circular Plate Coupled with Bounded Fluid
Authors: Nasrollah Barati Amir Hossein , Jafari Ali Asghar , Haghighi Shahram Etemadi , Maghsoudpour Adel
Published: May 2021

The present study aims to evaluate the nonlinear vibration of an annular circular plate in contact with the fluid. Analysis of plate is based on first-order Shear Deformation Theory (FSDT) by considering of rotational inertial effects and transverse shear stresses. The governing equation of the oscillatory behavior of the fluid is determined by solving the Laplace equation and satisfying its boundary conditions. The nonlinear differential equations are solved based on the differential quadrature method and obtaining nonlinear natural frequency. In addition, the numerical results are presented for a sample plate, and the effect of some parameters such as aspect ratio, boundary conditions, fluid density, and fluid height are investigated. Finally, the results are compared with those of similar studies in the literature.
Violence against women in West Bengal: its extent and causes
Authors: Biswas Chaiti Sharma , Pal Manoranjan , Bharati Premananda
Published: May 2021

Violence against women (VAW) is a common phenomenon in orthodox Indian society. Women are here trained to tolerate violence since their childhood. Although it is an age-old problem, it has come into the spotlight after the Beijing world conference. Since then, the Indian government and NGOs have started to take numerous steps to eradicate this crime, but it not only continues to persist in the society but is also increasing over time.

Based on the project data of West Bengal State in India, chi square test and logistic regression are carried out to locate the factors associated with VAW in West Bengal. In addition, women are asked to specify the reasons of violence against them to unveil the important factors. Addressing the factors detected from the study and the factors from the perception of women may help the policymakers to take right and effective measures to tackle this social crime. This study confirms that most of the Bengali women face some sort of violence in their married life; sometimes, they experience multiple types of violence. They also experience neglect, isolation or restriction in their married life and among several factors; dowry is emerging as an important factor in West Bengal.
Quantitative structural imaging of keratoconic corneas using polarization-resolved SHG microscopy
Authors: Raoux Clothilde , Schmeltz Margaux , Bied Marion , Alnawaiseh Maged , Hansen Uwe , Latour Gaël , Schanne-Klein Marie-Claire
Published: May 2021

The human cornea is mainly composed of collagen fibrils aligned together within stacked lamellae. This lamellar structure can be affected in pathologies such as keratoconus, which is characterized by progressive corneal thinning and local steepening. In this study, we use polarization-resolved second harmonic generation (P-SHG) microscopy to characterize 8 control and 6 keratoconic human corneas. Automated processing of P-SHG images of transverse sections provides the collagen orientation in every pixel with sub-micrometer resolution. Series of P-SHG images recorded in the most anterior region of the stroma evidence sutural lamellae inclined at 22° ± 5° to the corneal surface, but show no significant difference between control and keratoconic corneas. In contrast, series of P-SHG images acquired along the full thickness of the stroma show a loss of order in the lamellar structure of keratoconic corneas, in agreement with their defective mechanical properties. This structural difference is analyzed quantitatively by computing the entropy and the orientation index of the collagen orientation distribution and significant differences are obtained along the full thickness of the stroma. This study shows that P-SHG is an effective tool for automatic quantitative analysis of structural defects of human corneas and should be applied to other collagen-rich tissues.
Supercontinuum generation in a carbon disulfide core microstructured optical fiber
Authors: Junaid Saher , Bierlich Joerg , Hartung Alexander , Meyer Tobias , Chemnitz Mario , Schmidt Markus A.
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate supercontinuum generation in a liquid-core microstructured optical fiber using carbon disulfide as the core material. The fiber provides a specific dispersion landscape with a zero-dispersion wavelength approaching the telecommunication domain where the corresponding capillary-type counterpart shows unsuitable dispersion properties for soliton fission. The experiments were conducted using two pump lasers with different pulse duration (30 fs and 90 fs) giving rise to different non-instantaneous contributions of carbon disulfide in each case. The presented results demonstrate an extraordinary high conversion efficiency from pump to soliton and to dispersive wave, overall defining a platform that enables studying the impact of non-instantaneous responses on ultrafast soliton dynamics and coherence using straightforward pump lasers and diagnostics.
Polarization induced reconfigurable multiple OAM vortex waves through a composite meta-surface beam former
Authors: Gu Chenguang , Yang Rui , Li Yachao
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate a composite meta-surface beam former to generate reconfigurable multiple orbital angular momentum (OAM) vortex waves by integrating a polarization conversion meta-mirror with a multi-functional anisotropic meta-lens. More specifically, electromagnetic fields from the feed would be firstly reflected by the meta-mirror, and then transmit through the meta-lens to form the well converged OAM vortex waves with tailored beam numbers, radiation directions and topological charges. Especially, we show that the anisotropic characteristics of the meta-lens would create different multiple OAM vortex waves when the meta-mirror is rotated or equipped with active circuits to have different polarized illuminations on the meta-lens. Our design should pave the way for the reconfigurable design of generating multiple OAM vortex waves to further expand the communication capacity.
Perforated extensible 3-D hyperbolic secant lens antenna for directive antenna applications using additive manufacturing
Authors: Shao Wenyi , Sato Hiroyasu , Li Xiaotong , Mutai Kevin Kipruto , Chen Qiang
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a novel three-dimensional (3-D) generalized hyperbolic secant (H-S) lens is first introduced using perforated dielectric material. The attractiveness of this new lens is its unique intrinsic flat shape characteristic and extensibility for different configuration scenarios, which provide a potential alternative design for a planar Luneburg and half Maxwell fish-eye lens based on a complex conformal mapping method. A high gain and wideband printed antipodal fermi antenna as a feeding source is employed in the proposed lens antenna prototype. The high radiation performance with low side lobe level of the fabricated lens prototype is validated from 8.2GHz to 12.5GHz, demonstrating 23.8 dBi realized gain at 10 GHz with 3-dB beamwidth of 9° and 2-dB fractional gain bandwidth of 41.6%. Besides, the total radiation efficiency is above ∼40% across all tested frequencies, which suggests the proposed H-S lens itself has a broadband response. The simplicity and low-cost fabrication using additive manufacturing of its lens design indicates great potential in broadband high directive antenna applications.
Effect of the GeO2 content on the radiation resistance of Er3+ -doped silica glasses and fibers
Authors: Jiao Yan , Yang Qiubai , Guo Mengting , Ma Xiben , Shao Chongyun , Yu Chunlei , Hu And Lili
Published: May 2021

In this work, Er/Al/Ge co-doped silica glasses with different GeO2 content (0–3 mol%), as well as Ge/Al co-doped silica glasses, are prepared by combining the sol–gel and high-temperature sintering methods. Further, the effects of the GeO2 content on the absorptions and emissions properties, and lifetimes of the glasses before and after 1KGy γ-ray irradiation are compared. The Er/Al/Ge co-doped silica fibers are prepared from a preform produced via modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) combined with nano sol-doping. The effects of Ge co-doping on the optical loss and amplifier gain of the Er-doped silica fibers (EDFs) before and after irradiation are also investigated. The related mechanism and species of the γ-ray radiation-induced color centers are revealed via radiation-induced-absorption (RIA) and continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) spectroscopies. The results revealed that co-doping with GeO2 considerably improves the radiation resistance of the glass and exerts a slight effect on the spectral properties of the Er/Al/Ge co-doped silica glasses before irradiation. The RIA and CW-EPR spectra revealed that the aluminum–oxygen hole center (AlOHC) defects reduce with increasing GeO2 content because the intermediaries, the Ge-related oxygen-deficient centers (GeODC(I) and GeODC(II)), exhibit stronger abilities to trap the holes compared with the [AlO4/2]− group. This reduces the RIA level in the visible and near-infrared regions of the Er/Al/Ge co-doped silica glass. The irradiation experiment on the fiber further confirmed that the radiation resistance of EDFs can be considerably improved by Ge co-doping.
Enhancing EFL Secondary School Students' Writing Skills through a Suggested Model Based on Constructivism
Authors: Srour Kholoud , Aqel Magdy , Shawish Jaber I.
Published: May 2021

Abstract:

The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of a suggested model RW based on constructivism on Palestinian EFL secondary school students' writing skill performance. The sample consisted of (87) female students divided into two groups; a control group 43 and an experimental group 44 students. The researchers used quasi-experimental design of two purposefully assigned, randomly-chosen groups with pre and post tests for each. Different statistical tests included in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) were used to analyze the data collected while answering the study questions and testing the hypotheses. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences at (? ? 0.05) between the experimental group and the control group in relation to the writing skills in favor of the former. Also, the effect size of using the model based on constructivism was significantly large on students' writing skills. The researcher strongly recommended using the suggested model RW in teaching writing skill for the EFL secondary school students.
An Estimate of Global Anthrax Prevalence in Livestock: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Sushma Bylaiah , Shedole Seema , Suresh Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa , Leena Gowda , Patil Sharanagouda S. , Srikantha Gowda
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: Anthrax, caused by the soil-borne spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis, is a zoonotic disease that persists worldwide in livestock and wildlife and infects humans. It is a great hazard to livestock; henceforth, evaluating the global concerns about the disease occurrence in livestock is essential. This study was conducted to estimate the global prevalence of anthrax and predict high-risk regions, which could be an input to veterinarians to take necessary steps to control and avoid the disease.

Materials and Methods: A literature review was performed using online databases, namely, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Biomed Central, and Science Direct, to extract relevant publications worldwide between 1992 and 2020. Initially, 174 articles were selected, and after scrutinizing, 24 articles reporting the prevalence of anthrax were found to be adequate for the final meta-analysis. The statistical study was accompanied by employing fixed effects and random effects models using R.

Results: The pooled prevalence of anthrax globally was 28% (95% confidence interval, 26-30%) from 2452 samples through the fixed effects model. Continent-wise subgroup analysis through the random effects model revealed that the pooled prevalence of anthrax was highest in Africa (29%) and least in North America (21%).

Conclusion: In these publications, anthrax causes economic loss to farmers and, thus, to the world. Hence, controlling anthrax infections in high-risk regions are essential by implementing appropriate control measures to decrease the effect of the disease, thereby reducing economic loss.
Approach to the postnatal sonographic evaluation of prenatally detected abdominopelvic cysts
Authors: Muthee Bernadette Wambui , Bray Heather J.
Published: May 2021

Prenatally detected abdominal and pelvic masses are commonly cystic in morphology and usually seen on mid-trimester sonography. Sonography is the favored imaging modality for the postnatal evaluation of these lesions in newborns, given its availability, low cost, lack of ionizing radiation, lack of sedation, and high spatial resolution in small patients. The differential diagnosis of abdominopelvic cystic masses in newborns is broad given that they can arise from many organs and may have overlapping features on imaging. This article illustrates an approach to the postnatal sonographic evaluation of prenatally detected cystic abdominal and pelvic masses based on their anatomic location and distinctive sonographic characteristics, which can aid in an accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate management.
Intervention in Mannerists wooden paintings representing Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucy, by Belchior de Matos, constituents of a diptych of the chapel of Geraldes, in Peniche
Authors: Ferreira Elisabete , Cruz António João , Rego Carla
Published: May 2021

The panels of Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucy, executed after 1610 by the Portuguese mannerist painter Belchior de Matos for the main altarpiece of the chapel of Saint Sebastian and Saint Lucy of Geraldes, Peniche, were subject to an intervention of conservation and restoration which aimed, in the first place, to restore the dignity indispensable to their adoption by the community and to their return to a place of worship. The works had several damages, but the most serious were the structural problems that jeopardized their stability and compromised the aesthetic value of the paintings. Therefore, it was necessary to reassemble the boards using a synthetic adhesive (PVA) with sawdust and phenolic resin microspheres. The frames, with significant lack of wood, were reconstituted with wood in the joints and with a filler paste (Araldite SV427) over a bamboo dowels structure in the grooves where the supports are inserted.
Trajectory and exhibition of a time-based media work. ‘The drawing of the girl running away from her support’ (2014), by Ana Vieira (1940-2016)
Authors: Gomes Sofia , Macedo Rita
Published: May 2021

Ana Vieira (1940-2016) left a set of installations without systematised documentation or set guidelines. In an attempt to preserve her legacy, heirs have promoted exhibitions as a way to document the tangible and intangible characteristics of these complex works. In 2017, there was an attempt to reinstall the video installation The drawing of the girl running away from her support at the Graça Morais Contemporary Art Centre, but without success. However, in 2019, the necessary conditions were met for its reinstallation at the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. Through this case study and based on Latour's Actor-Network-Theory, it was demonstrated that the exhibition is a crucial moment in the trajectory of the work and in the analysis of a network of agents, human and non-human, giving rise to documentation that is essential to inform future decision-making.
Monitoring pollutant gases in museum microclimates: a relevant preventive conservation strategy
Authors: Barbosa Karen , Ferreira Teresa , Moreira Patrícia , Vieira Eduarda
Published: May 2021

Exposure to an atmosphere rich in volatile pollutants can endanger collections in museums, galleries, libraries or archives. Monitoring volatile pollutants in museum microclimates remains an unusual practice in most institutions. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be released by many sources, including the artefacts’ materials themselves. The presence of pollutants in an enclosed space with poor ventilation, adding to high temperature and relative humidity levels or significant fluctuations, may increase the risk of damage for the more susceptible materials. The tendency observed in museums to enclose artefacts in vitrines or boxes may contribute to the formation of microclimates with high VOCs concentration. Based on the studies developed in the last decades, this work intends to draw attention to the risks associated with gaseous pollutants in museum environment and outline some recommendations that encourage cultural heritage institutions to implement a pollutant monitoring plan associated with risk prevention.
Vocabulary Learning Strategies by JFL Good Learners in the Digital Era
Authors: Lestari Eka Marthanty Indah , Puspitasari Dewi
Published: May 2021

Vocabulary is an integral aspect when learning a foreign language. The issue discussed in this research includes learning new vocabularies by Japanese language learners who are competent and the relevance of vocabulary-learning strategy by Oxford (1990) to foreign language learners' current condition. This research aims to elaborate on the relevant vocabulary-learning strategy for foreign learners of the Japanese language. The research methodology is qualitative, with semi-structured interviews by adopting the questionnaire by Saengpakdeejit (2014). The vocabulary-learning strategy is classified based on the taxonomy of vocabulary learning strategy by Oxford (1990), Schmitt (1997), and Churches (2009). The result shows that Japanese language learners who are competent apply the vocabulary learning strategy, as Oxford (1990) stated. The dominant strategy used by the participants is a cognitive strategy, which allows new vocabularies to be stored in the participant's memory. Furthermore, information related to new vocabularies needs to be stored in the participant's memory using vocabularies. Besides, a competent Japanese language learner can use the learning resources, printed materials, and digital application to improve the vocabularies.
VIRTUAL LEARNING PLATFORM IN ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO FOR MAINTAINING AUTONOMY AND AUTHORITY
Authors: Harahap Mochammad Mirza Yusuf , Atmodiwirjo Paramita
Published: May 2021

This paper highlights a strategy for design studio learning due to the restriction during the COVID-19 pandemic that requires an immediate change from physical, face-to-face learning to virtual, online learning. The study examines how creative design and knowledge construction could be monitored throughout the learning process in the virtual studio. The study reflects upon the autonomy and authority of students and tutors, respectively, as they utilise a particular platform for virtual learning. The virtual communication platform becomes the media to accommodate reflection, peer learning, benchmarking and constructive feedback as essential parts of design learning. The study argues that it is essential to establish a strategy to balance the tutor’s space in maintaining their authority and the students’ space in building their autonomy as a design learner in the virtual studio environment.
Supply-side Effects of Pandemic Mortality: Insights from an Overlapping-generations Model
Authors: Gagnon Etienne , Johannsen Benjamin K. , López-Salido David
Published: May 2021

We use an overlapping-generations model to explore the implications of mortality during pandemics for the economy’s productive capacity. Under current epidemiological projections for the progression of COVID-19, our model suggests that mortality will have, in itself, only small effects on output and factor prices because projected mortality is small in proportion to the population and skewed toward individuals who are retired from the labor force. That said, we show that if the spread of COVID-19 is not contained, or if the ongoing pandemic were to follow a mortality pattern similar to the 1918–1920 Great Influenza pandemic, then the effects on the productive capacity would be economically significant and persist for decades.
Equilibrium Tax Rates under Ex-ante Heterogeneity and Income-dependent Voting
Authors: Chang Bo Hyun , Chang Yongsung , Kim Sun-Bin
Published: May 2021

The standard models with incomplete markets (e.g. Aiyagari) have difficulty justifying the current income tax rates as an optimal or political equilibrium outcome. Given the highly skewed income distribution, the majority of the population would be in favor of raising taxes to a much higher level. We show that incorporating (i) the ex-ante heterogeneity of earnings and (ii) income-dependent voting behavior helps us to reconcile the large gap between the model and data.
Determination of sex-specific 99th percentile upper reference limits for a point of care high sensitivity cardiac troponin I assay
Authors: Apple Fred S. , Schulz Karen , Schmidt Christian W. , van Domburg Trees S. Y. , Fonville Judith M. , de Theije Femke K.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

High sensitivity (hs) cardiac troponin (cTn) assays are defined per the IFCC Committee on Clinical Application of Cardiac Biomarker (C-CB) by the ability to measure ≥ 50% of concentrations greater than the limit of detection (LoD) with an impression of ≤10% at sex-specific 99th percentiles. Our study determined the sex-specific 99th percentile upper reference limits for males and females utilizing heparinized plasma from AACC universal sample bank for the Siemens point of care (POC) Atellica® VTLi hs-cTnI immunoassay.

Methods

Apparently healthy subjects, included overall 693, males 363, and females 330, following exclusionary surrogate biomarker use of hemoglobin A1c, NT-proBNP, and eGFR, along with statin medication. hs-cTnI was measured in a central laboratory, on multiple POC Atellica® VTLi immunoassay analyzers. The LoD was 1.24 ng/L and the 10%CV concentration was 6.7 ng/L. 99th percentile URLs were determined by the nonparametric (NP) method.

Results

Histograms of the hs-cTnI concentrations (ng/L) for males and females were used to visualize the distributions and concentrations in men and women and differed significantly (pre- and post-exclusion, both p <0.001). 99th percentile URLs were: overall 23 ng/L (90% CI 20–32 ng/L); male 27 ng/L (CI 21–37 ng/L); female 18 ng/L (CI 9–78 ng/L). The percentages of subjects having a measurable concentration ≥ the LoD were: overall 83.7%, male 87.3%, female 79.7%.

Conclusions

Our findings show the novel POC Atellica® VTLi hs-cTnI assay meets the designation of a ‘high-sensitivity’ assay using heparinized plasma.
The linguistic division of labour across occupations: moving the discussion on
Authors: Block David
Published: May 2021

In this short paper, I begin by providing background for inquiry into the division of labour across occupations, examined from an economics of language perspective. I then critically discuss the four papers that compose this special issue on the topic, before closing with three suggestions for factors to bear in mind in future research.
Is Trikatu an ayurvedic formulation effective for the management of flu-like illness? A narrative review
Authors: Javed Danish , Dixit Ashish Kumar
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The aim of this review is to summarise and appraise the findings of various studies on Trikatu.

Content

COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 disease a pandemic principally contaminating the respiratory tract and bringing about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is liable for significant mortality around the world. Far-fetched, there is no exact treatment accessible till today. Consequently, it is critical to discover the alternative methodology which can decrease the weight of illness. Trikatu powder recommended by authorities for the management of mild cases of COVID-19 is a conventional ayurvedic formulation containing three spices; Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, and Piper longum. A comprehensive search of the articles published since inception to 01/08/2020 on Trikatu was carried out. Major electronic medical databases such as Pub Med/MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were used for the literature search.

A total of 21 records were identified by electronic searches between since inception to 01/08/2020 of which 13 records were included for review. The reviewed articles highlight Trikatu as a safe, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory property by suppression of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-17, alteration in levels of circulating immune complexes, anti-dyslipidaemia agent by reduced triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol, enhancing bio-availability of co-drug by reducing the elimination half-life (t1/2β) and zero time intercept of the elimination phase.

Outlook

The findings of this review seem to show Trikatu as a potential anti-inflammatory, anti-dyslipidaemia, and immune-modulatory ayurvedic formulation can be used for combating flu like illnesses and also in the management of COVID-19 as an adjuvant. However, rigorous double blind randomized controlled trials with larger sample size are warranted for better validation in such clinical conditions.
Moral ambivalence. A comment on non-invasive prenatal testing from an ethical perspective
Authors: Heinrichs Bert
Published: May 2021

Background

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has been available for almost 10 years. In many countries the test attracted considerable criticism from the start. While most critical comments in this context deal with the (alleged) problem of eugenic selection, I will concentrate on a somewhat broader issue.

Content

I will argue that NIPT clearly has the potential to increase reproductive autonomy and benefit expectant parents. However, NIPT can also put people in a situation that is morally overwhelming for them and from which there is no easy way out. In this sense, such tests can have a dilemma-generating effect.

Summary and Outlook

I will conclude that this can be adequately described by the term “moral ambivalence”.
Fracture characterization and modeling of Gyroid filled 3D printed PLA structures
Authors: Torun Ahmet Refah , Dike Ali Sinan , Yıldız Ege Can , Sağlam İsmail , Choupani Naghdali
Published: May 2021

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a commonly used biodegradable material in medical and increasingly in industrial applications. These materials are often exposed to various flaws and faults due to working and production conditions, and increasing the demand for PLA for various applications requires a full understanding of its fracture behavior. In addition to ABS, PLA is a widely used polymeric material in 3D printing. The gyroid type of filling is advantageous for overcoming the relatively higher brittleness of PLA in comparison with conventional thermoplastic polymers. In this study, the effects of various filling ratios on the fracture toughness of 3D printed PLA samples with gyroid pattern were investigated numerically and experimentally for pure mode I, combined mode I/II, and pure mode II. Two-dimensional finite element modeling was created, and the two-dimensional functions of stress intensity coefficients were extracted in loading mode I, mode I/II, and mode II at varied filling ratios of the gyroid PLA samples. Mixed-mode fracture tests for 3D printed PLA samples with a gyroid pattern at various filling ratios were performed by using a specially developed fracture testing fixture. The results showed that the amount of fracture toughness of the samples under study in tensile mode was much higher than those values in shear mode. Also, as the percentages of the filling ratios in the samples increased, both tensile and shear fracture toughness improved.
Mechanical behavior of composite parts joined through different processes
Authors: Sülü İsmail Yasin , Temiz Şemsettin
Published: May 2021

In this research, composite parts joined according to different joining methods such as single-lap and double-lap embedded adhesive subjected to tensile load were analyzed via the 3-D finite element method (FEM). The study differed from other studies in terms of joining techniques used and the specified parameter and model design. This study aims to emphasize the advantages of joining techniques in terms of aesthetically and joining methods over each other. In the analysis, composite parts carbon/epoxy (T 700) at varied fiber orientation angles and adhesive DP 410 were used. The models for numerical analyses were created in an ANSYS 14.5 software package. Finite element analysis (FEA) was successful in predicting failure loads. Stress in the x, y, z directions, shear stress and von-Mises stress on the adhesive were obtained at the time of failure for predetermined parameters. As a result, the effects of orientation angles, overlap lengths, adhesive layer and bonding methods were investigated. The maximum effect parameter and joining technique was determined for the composite parts joined through varied joining methods.
A comparative analysis of the queuing search algorithm, the sine-cosine algorithm, the ant lion algorithm to determine the optimal weight design problem of a spur gear drive system
Authors: Abderazek Hammoudi , Hamza Ferhat , Yildiz Ali Riza , Gao Liang , Sait Sadiq M.
Published: May 2021

Metaheuristic optimization algorithms have gained relevance and have effectively been investigated for solving complex real design problems in diverse fields of science and engineering. In this paper, a recent meta-heuristic approach inspired by human social concepts, namely the queuing search algorithm (QSA), is implemented for the first time to optimize the main parameters of the spur gear, in particular, to minimize the weight of a single-stage spur gear. The effectiveness of the algorithm introduced is examined in two steps. First, the algorithm used is compared with descriptions in previous studies and indicates that the final results obtained by QSA lead to a reduction in gear weight by 7.5 %. Furthermore, the outcomes obtained are compared with those for the other five algorithms. The results reveal that the QSA outperforms the techniques with which it is compared such as the sine-cosine optimization algorithm, the ant lion optimization algorithm, the interior search algorithm, the teaching-learning-based algorithm, and the jaya algorithm in terms of robustness, success rate, and convergence capability.
Effects of MgO Powder addition on mechanical, physical and thermal properties of Al waste bagasse composite
Authors: Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Saxena Ambuj , Srivastava Nitin
Published: May 2021

Environmental pollution from various industries is a serious issue in most countries. Bagasse is a waste product from sugar factory industries. Bagasse pollutes the soil and the air. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to utilize bagasse waste as a primary reinforcement material in the development of an aluminum-based metal matrix composite. Magnesium oxide (MgO) powder was mixed with bagasse ash to enhance the wettability of the bagasse ash and the aluminum matrix. The microstructure results of the bagasse reinforced hybrid composite showed a proper distribution of carbonized bagasse ash and MgO powder in the aluminum base matrix material. Minimum porosity and minimum corrosion loss were measured at 1.43 % and 0.05 mg, respectively for a selected composition Al+2.5 wt.-% carbonized bagasse ash +12.5 wt.-% MgO hybrid metal matrix composite. The composition of the Al+10 wt.-% carbonized bagasse ash metal matrix composite exhibited the maximum specific strength of 39.59 kN × m × kg-1 which is much better than than that of the base matrix material. In addition, as the percentage of reinforcement in the casting increases, the cost and density of the final cast composite reinforced by bagasse, continually decrease. Sample G13 (Al+ 5 wt.-% carbonized bagasse ash + 10 wt.-% MgO powder) shows a small change in dimensions due to thermal expansion.
Experimental validation of the predicted peak cutting force for seafloor polymetallic sulfide
Authors: Wu Hongyun , Chuai Xiaosheng , Wang Chunlai , Gao Ansen , Shi Feng , Hou Xiaolin , Meng Zhonghua , Liu Guoqing
Published: May 2021

With the gradual reduction of mineral resources, marine mining has increasingly been developed as a method of exploiting resources. However, the cutting efficiency of submarine mineral deposits requires additional improvement. Investigating the preferable cutting efficiency in marine mining, it is important to establish a theoretical model of predicting the peak cutting force for polymetallic sulfide. The polymetallic sulfide was taken from the floor of the Indian Ocean and maintained at constant temperature and humidity conditions during transportation. In the paper, some experiments were conducted to study the physicomechanical properties of polymetallic sulfide. And the cutting experiments were conducted to investigate the cutting force at room temperature and atmosphere pressure, preliminarily. Then, based on maximum tensile stress theory, the theoretical equation of predicting the peak cutting force was derived, and an improved high-precision theoretical model was established. The reliability and accuracy of this model was verified using the experimental data. Based on the improved theoretical model, the brittleness index and the cutting depth, which influenced the peak cutting force, were investigated. Results show that the established model improved the accuracy of predictions. The peak cutting force decreased with the increase of the brittleness index, but it increased with the increase of the depth, which followed the power-law pattern. The power-law coefficient was generally at 1-2. The experiments verified that this improved theoretical model and the related conclusions can predict the peak cutting force. It is significant for the design and study of conical picks and cutting mechanisms in marine mining.
The materiality of languages in engagements with the environment
Authors: Siragusa Laura , Virtanen Pirjo Kristiina
Published: May 2021

Communication, an apparently intangible practice, does in fact affect the way people engage with their social worlds in very material ways. Inspired by both ethnographic and archival-driven research, this special issue aims to fill the gap in studies of language materiality by addressing entanglements with other-than-human agencies. The contributions of this special issue on verbal and non-verbal communicative practices among Indigenous peoples and ethnic minorities in the Global North and the South interpret language materiality as practice- and process-oriented, performative, and embodied relations between humans and other-than-human actors. The articles cover three major sub-themes, which ostensibly intertwine to a greater or lesser degree in all the works: (in-)visible actors and elements-related language; language materiality narrating and producing sociality; and the emotions and affect of language. The topic of this special issue, the materiality of languages, manifested in multiple engagements with the environment, proves particularly critical at the moment, given the current environmental crisis and the need to comprehend in more depth social relations with numerous other-than-human agencies.
Palestinian Firms’ Status and Employment Under the Israeli Security Regime: Evidence from Establishment Censuses
Authors: Hlasny Vladimir , AlAzzawi Shireen
Published: May 2021

The Israeli occupation of Palestine is accompanied by violence and a repressive security regime affecting firms’ operations. We assess firms’ status, and female and total employment during 1997–2017 across region–years seeing differently repressive regimes. Indicators of the security regime come from OCHA-oPt, B’Tselem, and World Bank databases. Data on the entire population of establishments come from five waves of the Palestinian Establishment Census allowing for pooled-cross sectional and limited longitudinal analysis. We find that establishments facing tighter regimes – mobility restrictions, physical violence and building demolitions in their governorate – are more likely to suspend their operations or engage in restructuring, rather than continue operating. Repressive regimes are also associated with falling employment levels and in some cases, falling female employment shares. Repressive regimes are thus damaging to employment in Palestine through several channels. Some establishments do not survive, or enter hibernation. Surviving establishments retain fewer workers.
Reactive nitrogen compounds and their influence on human health: an overview
Authors: Nieder Rolf , Benbi Dinesh K.
Published: May 2021

Nitrogen (N) is a critical component of food security, economy and planetary health. Human production of reactive nitrogen (Nr) via Haber-Bosch process and cultivation-induced biological N2 fixation (BNF) has doubled global N cycling over the last century. The most important beneficial effect of Nr is augmenting global food supplies due to increased crop yields. However, increased circulation of Nr in the environment is responsible for serious human health effects such as methemoglobinemia (“blue baby syndrome”) and eutrophication of coastal and inland waters. Furthermore, ammonia (NH3) emission mainly from farming and animal husbandary impacts not only human health causing chronic lung disease, inflammation of human airways and irritation of eyes, sinuses and skin but is also involved in the formation of secondary particulate matter (PM) that plays a critical role in environment and human health. Nr also affects human health via global warming, depletion of stratospheric ozone layer resulting in greater intensity of ultra violet B rays (UVB) on the Earth’s surface, and creation of ground-level ozone (through reaction of NO2 with O2). The consequential indirect human health effects of Nr include the spread of vector-borne pathogens, increased incidence of skin cancer, development of cataracts, and serious respiratory diseases, besides land degradation. Evidently, the strategies to reduce Nr and mitigate adverse environmental and human health impacts include plugging pathways of nitrogen transport and loss through runoff, leaching and emissions of NH3, nitrogen oxides (NO
x
), and other N compounds; improving fertilizer N use efficiency; reducing regional disparity in access to N fertilizers; enhancing BNF to decrease dependence on chemical fertilizers; replacing animal-based proteins with plant-based proteins; adopting improved methods of livestock raising and manure management; reducing air pollution and secondary PM formation; and subjecting industrial and vehicular NO
x
emission to pollution control laws. Strategic implementation of all these presents a major challenge across the fields of agriculture, ecology and public health. Recent observations on the reduction of air pollution in the COVID-19 lockdown period in several world regions provide an insight into the achievability of long-term air quality improvement. In this review, we focus on complex relationships between Nr and human health, highlighting a wide range of beneficial and detrimental effects.
Linarite from Cap Garonne
Authors: Paulsen Christian , Benndorf Christopher , Günther Daniel , Oeckler Oliver , Osthues Helena , Doltsinis Nikos L. , Galéa-Clolus Valérie , Clolus Pierre , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: May 2021

Linarite, PbCuSO4(OH)2, crystallizes as secondary mineral in form of clusters of crystals in Mine du Pradet at Cap Garonne in France. A tiny single crystal was isolated and its structure was refined from synchrotron diffraction data (λ = 0.049592 nm): P121/m1, a = 467.75(2), b = 563.48(4), c = 967.64(5) pm, β = 102.647(5)°, wR = 0.0544, 819 F
2 values and 56 variables. The proton positions were also refined. The Cu2+ cations are located within Cu(OH)2 ribbons and exhibit pronounced Jahn-Teller distortion (d(Cu–O): 2 × 191.9, 2 × 197.3 and 2 × 252.8 pm). The Cu(OH)2 ribbons are condensed with the sulfate tetrahedra and the lead cations. The latter are coordinated to eight oxygen atoms in a slightly anisotropic manner. Calculations of the electron localization function (ELF) of PbO (litharge), PbSO4 (anglesite) and PbCuSO4(OH)2 (linarite) show pronounced lone-pair character for PbO but rather isotropic ELF values around the lead cations in PbSO4 and PbCuSO4(OH)2.
Approximate estimation of the critical diameter in Koenen tests
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Wahler Sabrina
Published: May 2021

A simple correlation between computed detonation parameters and the critical diameter obtained using the Koenen (steel-sleeve) test is reported. This correlation is
not
meant to replace a proper Koenen test, but rather, to act as an aid to help to know which orifice diameter to start testing with.
Impact of Single and Multiple Specimen Suction Control Oedometer Testing on the Measurement of the Soil–Water Characteristic Curve
Authors: Tripathy Snehasis , Al-Khyat Sahar , Cleall Peter John
Published: May 2021

Devices that simultaneously facilitate controlling suction and applying a net stress on soil specimen provide soil–water characteristic curves (SWCCs) in terms of both the water content and degree of saturation, and volumetric deformations at various applied suctions. Such tests determine the water content of soil specimens based on the measured water volume changes at various applied suctions. However, studies have shown disagreements between the water volume–based calculated water content and the actual water content of soil specimens determined by the oven-drying method. Testing multiple soil specimens at predetermined suctions and measuring water content by the oven-drying method can overcome this but are a time-consuming approach. In this study, the impact of testing single and multiple soil specimens on the subsequently determined suction-water content and suction-degree of saturation SWCCs for the wetting process were studied. Statically compacted specimens of a sandy clay were used for establishing SWCCs using a suction control oedometer. Differences were noted between the calculated and measured water content and degree of saturation for an applied suction range of 0 to 95 kPa. Differences were noted between the SWCC fitting parameters obtained from the test results of single and multiple soil specimens. Statistical analysis suggested the differences between the results from single and multiple soil specimens testing were not significant. Corrections applied to the water volume change measurements were found to minimize these differences.
Mechanical Properties of Warm Mix Asphalt–Stone Matrix Asphalt Modified with Nano Zeolite Material
Authors: Ahmadzadegan Farhad , Sarkar Alireza
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this article is to present an experimental study to characterize the mechanical performance of modified warm mix asphalt mixtures with synthetic zeolite in nano and granule form. The effects of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 % of zeolite in nanocrystal powder and granule form have been evaluated by conducting indirect tensile strength (ITS) for conditioned and unconditioned specimens and wheel track tests. The tensile strength (TS), compressive stress at failure (CSF), equivalent modulus, toughness index, and moisture susceptibility (tensile strength ratio [TSR]) parameters have been calculated by ITS test. Also, rutting depth has been calculated by the wheel track test. According to the results, using zeolite material in nanocrystal powder and granule form has a similar effect on decreasing the TSR content and increasing the moisture susceptibility. Moreover, zeolite decreased the rutting depth, and because of the results, it should be noted that nanocrystal powder material reduced the rutting depth by about 40 % more than granule form. Furthermore, zeolite caused an increase in all the parameters obtained from the ITS test about 21–70 %. Overall, the results show that zeolite had a good effect on the physical properties of the mixture; however, zeolite in granule form caused a reduction in TS (dry condition) and CSF (wet condition).