bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass Transfer Effect on a Rotating MHD Transient Flow of Liquid Lead Through a Porous Medium in Presence of Hall and Ion Slip Current with Radiation
Authors: Parashar Pranab Jyoti , Ahmed Nazibuddin
Published: March 2021

A problem of unsteady MHD convective flow of liquid lead through an impulsively started semi infinite vertical porous plate in presence of a transversely applied uniform magnetic field under the effects of Hall current, ion slip current and chemical reaction is investigated. The fluid is considered to be incompressible while the magnetic Reynolds number is assumed to be very small. An exact solution to the flow model is obtained adopting Laplace Transform Technique in closed form. The effects of the relevant physical parameters on the velocity field, temperature field and concentration field are displayed graphically and the effects on skin friction, Nusselt number and Sherwood number are presented in tabular form.
Mathematical Modelling of MHD Natural Convection in a Linearly Heated Porous Cavity
Authors: Lawrence Jino , Alagarsamy Vanav Kumar
Published: March 2021

A linear increase in thermal boundaries towards the bottom of the porous cavity is considered for numerical flow analysis on MHD natural convection. The two-dimensional square shaped cavity is filled with the Cu-water nanofluid. The dimensionless equations are considered to interpret the fluid and heat flow inside the cavity with respect to the desired boundaries. The governing equations are solved using the finite difference techniques. The relevant dimensionless parameters used in the present study are Rayleigh number, Darcy number, solid volume fraction of the nanoparticles and Hartmann number to obtain the flow fields. Heatline flows picturization techniques involved in the study analyze the heat flow inside the cavity. As the Rayleigh number and Darcy number increases, an increase in streamlines flow velocity and convection heat transfer is observed. Convective heat transfer is interrupted by increasing the applied magnetic field effects. An improvement in the heat transfer is noticed by increasing the solid volume fraction of the particles.
Relaxing Method in the Evaluation of MPPT of Photovoltaic Cells Based on MIT Modeling
Authors: Majid Amir
Published: March 2021

A relaxation method is proposed to determine the maximum power point tracking of a small to medium powered photovoltaic module, based on the non referenced MIT model, with analytical evaluation of the maximum power of the generated voltage. In implementing this algorithm, there is no need for continuous online measurements of temperature or irradiance, which are the most used variables used in the evaluation of the I-V relationship of PV cells. The method has the advantage of adequate accuracy without any oscillations, compared with certain conventional methods. The method can track accurately the maximum power point under changes in atmospheric conditions and load variations, by referring it with the MIT model.
"La importancia del internet de las cosas en una publicación cientí­fica"
Authors: Valadez Hegler Rebeca del Carmen
Published: March 2021

Si bien el internet de las cosas nos permite tener una conectividad más próxima a bienes y servicios en la vida diaria, no apreciamos el impacto tan significativo que puede provocar para mejorar nuestro entorno sustancialmente. De ahí­ que sea tan importante el saber asociarlo a la ciencia y la tecnologí­a en pro de un desarrollo más evolutivo, en constante cambio y con el firme propósito de simplificar procesos y tener a la mano la mayor información posible en tiempo real.
Método para Quantificação de Perdas em Semicondutores Aplicados a Conversores Estáticos Devido aos Elementos Parasitas da Placa de Circuito Impresso
Authors: Piovesan Tális , Sartori Hamiltom Confortim , Bender Vitor Cristiano , Pinheiro José Renes
Published: March 2021

O aumento da frequência de comutação vem sendo utilizada para aumentar a densidade volumétrica de potência em conversores estáticos. Assim, diversos trabalhos científicos tem apresentado estudos relacionados aos impactos dos elementos parasitas no layout de placa de circuito impresso (PCB) de conversores estáticos CC/CC, comparações entre as tecnologias de semicondutores, desenvolvimento de equações analíticas para a determinação das perdas nos elementos e a utilização de softwares de simulações na determinação de elementos parasitas de conversores estáticos comutados em altas frequências. Desta forma, o presente trabalho apresenta uma metodologia de quantificação de perdas elétricas em chaves semicondutoras de conversores estáticos devido aos elementos parasitas presentes na PCB. Através da utilização de técnicas de engenharia assistida por computador e simulações SPICE, a metodologia proposta tem como objetivos apresentar uma estimativa de perdas devido às ressonâncias causadas pelos elementos parasitas e auxiliar no processo da prototipação, voltada para a redução de perdas dos dispositivos semicondutores presentes na PCB de um conversor estático. Para a validação da metodologia implementou-se um conversor boost síncrono comutado em 350kHz e com potência nominal de 100W. Resultados teóricos, de simulações e experimentais são apresentados.
Studio III 2019-2020: Maribor na Dravi - študentski projekti študijskega programa Arhitektura prve stopnje
Authors: Černigoj Andrej , Ebenšpanger Tomaž
Published: March 2021

Delo v Studio III temelji na celovitem povezovanju najširših humanističnih pogledov, tehničnih znanj in veščin z umetnostjo arhitekturnega oblikovanja ter na spodbujanju zavedanja o družbeni odgovornosti arhitektov v najširšem socialnem in kulturnem kontekstu. Praktično delo na konkretnem projektu je dopolnjeno s predavanji o kompleksnosti in metodah arhitekturnega načrtovanja. Posebnost dela pri Studiu III je oblikovanje misli z maketo kot prenos idej v materialno. Za razliko od dosedanje prakse, ko smo vsako leto obravnavali eno od potencialnih lokacij ob Dravi in vanjo umeščali izbrani program, smo v letošnjem Studiu III na osnovi teh naših raziskovalnih preizkusov urbanega potenciala posameznih lokacij ob Dravi in na osnovi drugih arhitekturnih pobud (npr. UGM in MAKS) ter usmeritev novejših realizacij, kot je na primer Medicinska fakulteta, izdelali idejne zasnove za celoten prostor ob mestnem delu reke Drave od Studenške brvi do dvoetažnega Meljskega mostu. Obravnavani prostor smo razdelili na deset med seboj povezanih lokacij. Vsako lokacijo je obravnavala ena ali dve skupini s po dvema študentoma oziroma študentkama in nanjo umestila lokaciji najbolj ustrezen program, usklajen z bližnjim kontekstom in celotnim naborom vseh desetih lokacij. Rezultat smo na koncu predstavili z atraktivno skupinsko sestavljeno maketo, ki je še bolj jasno izpostavila urbani potencial tega prostora.
Dostopnost digitalnih produktov za vse
Authors: Debevc Matjaž
Published: March 2021

Dostopnost produktov v okviru informacijske in komunikacijske tehnologije postaja s širjenjem kroga uporabnikov tudi na osebe z različnimi oblikami oviranosti pomemben dejavnik pri analizi, izdelavi in ocenjevanju računalniških aplikacij, spletnih strani in mobilnih aplikacij. Monografija predstavlja pomemben korak v osveščanju, izobraževanju in usposabljanju vseh oseb, ki se srečajo z vprašanjem, zakaj in kako pripraviti ustrezno prilagojene aplikacije in produkte, da bodo dostopni vsem. V delu so zajete osnove, ki so potrebne za to, da lahko vsak analitik, razvojnik in ocenjevalec najde oporne točke za svoje delo, kjer mora upoštevati zahteve in potrebe oseb z različnimi oblikami oviranosti. Poleg značilnosti in zahtev so navedene tudi mogoče rešitve oziroma potrebe, ki jih lahko uporabimo za prilagojene aplikacije in produkte. Zajeta so osnovna pravila in načela dostopnosti ter priporočila, kot so WCAG in standard ETSI EN 301 549. Podani so primeri dobre in slabe prakse, da bralec lažje ugotovi in preveri ustreznost svojega predloga glede na tipe oseb z različnimi oblikami oviranosti. Monografija se zaključi z metodami ocenjevanja in preverjanja dostopnosti digitalnih produktov, skupaj s pripomočki za hiter in enostaven pregled po posameznih kriterijih uspešnosti.
Re-Evaluating Megaproject Cost Overruns: Putting Changes Into Perspective
Authors: Walsh Alan , Walker Peter
Published: March 2021

The vast sums of money involved in megaprojects, and the perceived lack of public benefit, create controversy. Flyvberg’ s iron law asserts that megaprojects are over budget, over time, under benefits, over and over again (Flyvberg, 2018). More recent research suggests that this focus on cost overruns is based on highly misleading data (Love & Ahiaga-Dagbui, 2017). This research seeks to examine live megaprojects and examine Flyvbjergs theories in practice, through an investigation of current megaprojects in the Middle East. The research provides three case studies for two recently completed and one on-going megaproject, to examine these claims further. The research questions whether the right comparisons are made between the initial offerings and final product, through consultation with professionals. Based on the findings, it is suggested that an increase of over 100% of the Contract price, may not constitute an over-budget megaproject. Professional Cost Consultants in the built environment can provide greater insight into the complexity that adds cost in the transitions from initial to final costs for megaprojects, although the validity of this insight may be reduced by a lack of distance from or overview of the megaproject. This paper investigates some of the familiar sources of megaproject cost overrun and considers the findings of Cost Consultants engaged in monitoring megaprojects in the state of Qatar. Time and Cost considerations are just two of the characteristics evident in megaprojects. This research suggests that reporting of time and cost overruns is frequently based on limited, misunderstood or misreported data, and that in order to provide higher fidelity, such ‘headline claims’ need to be careful considered in the context of the original project scope. This paper recognises that cost is just one element of a megaproject, and that megaprojects warrant more holistic considerations including acknowledgement of other significant characteristics such as their embodiment of large components of risk, political influences, organisational pressures and management complexities.
Commercial Bank Loans and the Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) In Nigeria
Authors: Success Ikechi Kanu , Anthony Nwadiubu
Published: March 2021

The contributions of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to the growth of Nigerian economy cannot be understated as they seem to drive the economic and industrial transformation of the country. Notwithstanding the acknowledged role of SMEs, a number of factors tend to limit their growth potentials. They’re still faced with the issue of funding and to overcome this problem, external borrowing has become inevitable. Commercial banks appear to be the most likely source of funds. Thus, the main objective of this study is to ascertain the impact of commercial bank loans on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria. While an ex-post facto research design was adopted in the investigation; a least square regression analysis was carried out on a time-series data to ascertain relationships, and to avert the emergence of spurious results, unit root tests were conducted. Outcome of the study indicates that, there exists an inverse relationship (though not statistically significant) between the amount of commercial bank loans (CBLSME) made available to SMEs and the output of SMEs (OPSME) in Nigeria This implies that as CBLSME increases, OPSME decreases. The negative sign exhibited by OPSME is not in line with our apriori expectation because an increase in CBLSME is supposed to cause an increase in investment which is expected to boost the output of SMEs. This trend has shown the poor attitude of commercial banks towards the granting of loans to SMEs in Nigeria. The study also revealed that a seeming upsurge in the activities of SMEs may not have reduced the rate of unemployment in Nigeria as a good number of people employed by the SMEs are probably under-employed. Conclusively, the inability of our commercial banks to grant effective loans to SMEs have translated to low level of output of SMEs to GDP. This in turn has impacted negatively on average capacity utilization and a consequent hike in the already strained unemployment situation in Nigeria. While commercial banks are expected to come to the rescue of SMEs, the truth must be said, that these institutions are profit oriented and may not be in a vantage position to give long term loans with depositors funds that are predominantly short tenured. Based on the findings of study, it is recommended that, the intervention programs put in place by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to ameliorate the challenges of the SMEs should be strengthened. It is not out of place too, for commercial banks to re-jig their SME desks in order to offer sustainable financial assistance to the SMEs. Lastly, the Bank of Industry (BOI) should be properly positioned in its mandate of providing financial assistance for the establishment of large, medium and small projects as well as the expansion, diversification and modernization of existing enterprises and to rehabilitate the ailing ones.
Método estilístico y poesía: apuntes sobre Jesús Montiel
Authors: Salvador Salvador Julio
Published: March 2021

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo poner de manifiesto la utilidad del método estilístico para el análisis de la literatura. Para ello, en primer lugar, se ofrece una breve panorámica sobre las opiniones que algunos especialistas han vertido en relación a la estilística enfatizando en algunas características de dicha metodología. En segundo lugar, se estudian poemas del poeta granadino Jesús Montiel para, a partir de las pautas de examen de la escuela alonsiana, ahondar en su poética, una de las más novedosas dentro del panorama poético español en la actualidad.
La crisis del detective en Los hombres mojados no temen a la lluvia de Juan Madrid
Authors: Cuadra Carlos
Published: March 2021

La novela negra española durante el tiempo de la transición democrática tuvo un carácter político y sirvió para desarrollar una crítica de la sociedad. Juan Madrid, uno de los representantes del género estableció un modelo narrativo con las novelas protagonizadas por el detective Toni Romano que se convirtió, de alguna manera en el representante de los ideales de la izquierda. En la novela de 2016 Los Hombres mojados no temen a la lluvia, Juan Madrid desarrolla una variación de este modelo tradicional y renuncia a una visión política en aras de una visión mucho más marginal y violenta.
Potencial biotecnológico de los hongos marinos en las zonas costeras de Costa Rica
Authors: Masís Ramos Stephannie , Meléndez-Navarro Paola , Méndez-Rodríguez Erika
Published: March 2021

La micología marina consiste en un grupo diverso, cuyas características de sobrevivencia en   ambientes hostiles y sus adaptaciones los convierte en atractivo para la obtención de metabolitos y diversas aplicaciones biotecnológicas. Dentro de sus utilidades, se reporta la producción de alcaloides, lípidos, enzimas, pigmentos, compuestos con aplicación médica, entre otros. Estos hongos habitan generalmente en climas tropicales, subtropicales y templados; por lo que, debido al clima tropical y posición geográfica que posee Costa Rica, el país es prometedor para la exploración y explotación de la diversidad micológica asociada a los organismos en los que suelen hospedarse los hongos marinos, como lo son las esponjas marinas, algas y plantas situadas en el mar o manglares. De esta manera, el presente artículo evidencia el potencial biotecnológico que presenta la micoflora en las zonas costeras de Costa Rica.
Materiales alternativos como oportunidad de reducción de impactos ambientales en el sector construcción
Authors: Hernández-Zamora María Fernanda , Jiménez-Martínez Sebastián Isaí , Sánchez-Monge Juan Ignacio
Published: March 2021

Las construcciones se han convertido en un grave problema ambiental, debido a su alta exigencia de recursos naturales y la producción masiva de residuos de gran volumen que requieren un manejo especial. Debido a esto, es necesario replantear los materiales utilizados en el sector, junto con los métodos de extracción y producción, así como la aplicación de instrumentos que faciliten la disminución de los impactos asociados a las obras de construcción, desde la etapa del diseño u obtención de materias primas. De esta manera, se empleó una búsqueda bibliográfica de diversos documentos con carácter electrónico, principalmente de las bases de datos de la Universidad Nacional, entre otros buscadores académicos. El proceso metodológico se realizó  a partir de una investigación cualitativa, donde la teoría y la revisión bibliográfica fueron el marco de referencia; bajo el objetivo de identificar algunos de los materiales alternativos  , tales como el adobe, la madera, el cáñamo, la paja, el bambú y los ecoladrillos confeccionados con residuos domésticos , que pueden reemplazar el uso de materiales convencionales. En este sentido, la presente indagación bibliográfica permitió demostrar que los materiales alternativos son capaces de dar el mismo soporte estructural a una obra constructiva, en comparación con otros materiales convencionales. Asimismo, se destaca el valor agregado que estas opciones le otorgan al sector construcción, reduciendo las huellas ecológicas asociadas y mejorando el equilibrio ambiental, ya que se reducen los altos costos ambientales por la extracción de recursos y se minimizan los demás impactos ambientales negativos.
Manejo ambiental de residuos orgánicos
Authors: González-Jiménez Yuliana , Villalobos-Morales Josué
Published: March 2021

La inadecuada disposición de residuos trae consigo una serie de impactos ambientales negativos tanto para los seres humanos como para la biota en general. Uno de los residuos municipales que representa la principal fuente de impactos y riesgos ambientales adversos en los vertederos tradicionales es la fracción orgánica biodegradable, especialmente los residuos de las trampas de grasas y aceites. Las técnicas para su disminución en vertederos comprenden desde generación de biodiesel hasta el compostaje. En el presente estudio se realiza una descripción del estado del arte de algunas metodologías utilizadas a nivel mundial para llevar a cabo el compostaje de los residuos de las trampas de grasas y aceites; esto con la intención de lograr minimizar los impactos ambientales generados por la inadecuada disposición de los mismos. Se determinó que, por las condiciones climatológicas habituales de nuestro país, es posible utilizar los procesos de compostaje en el tratamiento de los residuos sólidos provenientes de sistemas de trampas de grasas y aceites.
Clients' Willingness to Incorporate Religion or Spirituality in Counseling
Authors: Diallo Abdoulaye , Herold Michael , Diallo Lara , Marini Irmo , Dominguez Allen
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study investigated clients' willingness to incorporate religion/spirituality in their counseling sessions.

Methods

Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and test of moderation were utilized in this study's data analyses.

Results

Clients in general were willing to incorporate religion/spirituality in counseling sessions. Non-Christians were more willing than Christians. The relationship between clients' religion and their willingness occurred only in clients with a high level of spirituality.

Conclusion

Rehabilitation educators should consider infusing religion/spirituality in their courses/curricula and encourage students to gain knowledge of various religion/spiritual beliefs in ways that provide a springboard for incorporating religion/spirituality in counseling.
Institutions and practices of interaction in the intellectual sphere. Review of the book “Naukoemkie proizvodstva v sisteme vzaimodeistviya institutov” [Science-intensive production in the system of institutions interaction].
Authors: Ablazhey Anatoly
Published: March 2021

The review analysis the content of a collective monograph about the institutions and practices of social institutions interaction, included in the production of innovative products. The book is complex, interdisciplinary and based on a rich empirical base. Among the authors - specialists in the field of sociology of education, science of science, statistics, jurisprudence. In their field of view are such important topics as key problems of training for the knowledge-based economy; the role and functions of techno-parks; statistical accounting in the field of innovation; lobbying as an element of state innovation policy, legal aspects of innovation (protection of intellectual property), etc. A number of the results obtained by theauthors are valuable for both researchers and managers. Among them, for example, is the conclusion that a simple increasing of funding for knowledge-intensive sectors of economy will not guarantees automatic growth of the innovation market. More perspective is searching and testing of new, more effective forms of interaction between the key-players operating in this area. The monograph is an important contribution in scientific understanding the problem of innovation in modern Russia and must be useful to all specialists deal with this topic.
Peer reviewing in the contemporary academic communications
Authors: Tambovtsev Vitaly
Published: March 2021

The paper is devoted to substantiating the requirements that make sense to present to the journal articles manuscripts’ peer reviews in order to reduce the reviewers’ efforts without reducing the reviews quality. For this, the role of peer review in scientific communication is characterized, and the changes that have occurred in scientific communication over the past two decades are analyzed, including the emergence of open access journals and its consequences: mega-journals and predatory journals. An assessment of the new model of peer review in mega-journals is given, which reduces the efforts of reviewers, but also reduces the level of trust in the articles published in them. The twofold function of peer reviewing is analyzed: social, which resolves the problem to support the scientific knowledge growth, and facilitates the scientists’ orientation in journal publications, and private, which increases the publishers’ competitive advantages in the scientific publications market. It is proposed to separate these functions, leaving traditionally voluntary reviews only for social function, and transferring private to the category of fee-based services: the journal’s editor(publisher) can order to reviewer same recommendation for author on paper’s improving. A description of the new requirements for peer reviews is given, in which only the scientific nature of the article, the author’s professional competence, and the novelty of the research results obtained should be analyzed.
Is Transition to Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament Possible?
Authors: Arbatov A.
Published: March 2021

The article treats political, military and strategic aspects of disarmament process, in particular the involvement of nations other than USA and Russia. The author briefly analyses the positions of the European nations (United Kingdom and France), China, India and Pakistan on the issue. Also, the article covers the approaches of the informal and non-recognized nuclear states (North Korea and Israel).
Anti-Crisis Policies of A. Merkel in Framework of European Union
Authors: Vasil'ev V.
Published: March 2021

The article explores specific political aspects of the policy line pursued by the FRG Chancellor A. Merkel as aimed to overcome the debt crisis in the debt-distressed countries of the European Union and to sustain the unity of Europe. It analyzes particular features of policy by the German Chancellor towards partners and competitors in the conditions of the European crisis.
New Architecture of Trans-Pacific Security and Cooperation
Authors: Amirov V. , Shvydko V.
Published: March 2021

The publication presents the material of the roundtable that discussed the issue of a new architecture Trans-Pacific Security and Cooperation. A multi-format and multispeed character of regional integration processes makes the task more difficult and its concept – structurally complex. The discussion was attended by IMEMO Deputy Director corr.-member V. Mikheev, as well the researchers from the Center of Asian Pacific Studies V. Amirov, A. Fedorovskiy, V. Shvydko, E. Kanaev, S. Lukonin, Yu. Lukonina, K. Voda, V. Volodina.
«Breivik’s Phenomenon» and European Anti-Jihadism
Authors: Voronov K.
Published: March 2021

“Breivik phenomenon” (the terrorist who has committed a double act of terror on July 22, 2011 in Oslo and on the Utøya island acting alone, consequently 77 persons became victims and 151 persons received wounds of different severity) represents a part of a more scaled European picture of a blowing terrorism, a new turn in the conflict of civilizations which is getting more aggressive. The modern socio-political discourse of the European development points the elements of the Old World multicultural pattern crisis, the problems with the growing number of foreign migrants, structural reasons for Anti-Jihadism (anti-Muslim radicalism), symptoms and manifestations of socialization of a terrorist psychotype like Anders Breivik in this context. Among fatal blunders of EU-élites which influenced the atmosphere, context and political consequences of a series of European events including Norway, one may note: I. Kosovo and Balkan wars of 90s according to the “lines of faults”– bloody episodes in lasting confrontation of civilizations. II. The Constitution of the EU as a demonstration of the European identity failure. III. Artificial EU-construct of a new social community citizenship – pan-European.
Traceability assurance of results of measurements for pollutant substances content in industrial emissions by automatic measuring systems
Authors: Mal’ginov A. V. , Popov O. G. , Kolobova A. V. , Konopelko L. A. , Kustikov Y. A.
Published: March 2021

The results of the development of a gas mixing and analytical stand (reference complex) for testing in order to approve the type of automatic measuring systems (AMS) for determining the content of pollutants in industrial emissions are presented. During the use of the AMS test bench, the units of molar fraction and mass concentration are transferred from the State primary standard of units of molar fraction, mass fraction and mass concentration of components in gas and gas condensate media GET 154 to the tested measuring gas channels of AMS, thereby ensuring traceability of AMS measurement results to the State primary standard GET 154.
Detecting the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Authors: Pokhrel Pravin , Hu Changpeng , Mao Hanbin
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has created huge damage to society and brought panics around the world. Such panics can be ascribed to the seemingly deceptive features of the COVID-19: compared to other deadly viral outspreads, it has medium transmission and mortality rates. As a result, the severity of the causative coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was deeply underestimated by the society at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. Based on this, in this review, we define the viruses with features similar to those of SARS-CoV-2 as the Panic Zone viruses. To contain those viruses, accurate and fast diagnosis followed by effective isolation and treatment of patients are pivotal at the early stage of virus breakouts. This is especially true when there is no cure or vaccine available for a transmissible disease, which is the case for current COVID-19 pandemic. As of January 2021, more than two hundred kits for the COVID-19 diagnosis on the market are surveyed in this review, while emerging sensing techniques for SARS-CoV-2 are also discussed. It is of critical importance to rationally use these kits for the efficient management and control of the Panic Zone viruses. Therefore, we discuss guidelines to select diagnostic kits at different outbreak stages of the Panic Zone viruses, SARS-CoV-2 in particular. While it is of utmost importance to use nucleic acid-based detection kits with low false negativity (high sensitivity) at the early stage of an outbreak, the low false positivity (high specificity) gains its importance at later stages of the outbreak. When a society is set to reopen from the lock-down stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, it becomes critical to have antibody based immunoassay kits with high specificity to identify people who can safely return to the society after their recovery of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Given that the emergence of mutant viruses at the beginning of 2021 has complicated current battle against the COVID-19, we also discussed approaches and guidelines to detect viral mutants in the middle of the second wave of the pandemic that started at the end of 2020. Finally, since a massive attack from a viral pandemic requires a massive defense from the whole society, we urge both government and private sectors to research and develop more affordable and reliable point-of-care testing (POCT) kits, which can be used massively by the general public (and therefore called as massive POCT) to contain Panic Zone viruses in future.
Three authentication schemes without secrecy over finite fields and Galois rings
Authors: Ku-Cauich Juan Carlos , Márquez-Hidalgo Miguel Angel
Published: March 2021

We give three new authentication schemes without secrecy. The first two on finite fields and Galois rings, using Gray map for this link. The third construction is given on Galois rings. The main achievement in this work is to obtain optimal impersonation and substitution probabilities in the schemes. Additionally, in the first and second scheme, we simplify the source space and bring a better relationship between the size of the message space and the key space than the given in [8]. Finally, we provide a third scheme on Galois rings, which generalizes the scheme over finite fields constructed in [9].
In Vitro Evaluation of No-carrier-added Radiolabeled Cisplatin ([189, 191Pt]cisplatin) Emitting Auger Electrons
Authors: Obata Honoka , Tsuji Atsushi B. , Sudo Hitomi , Sugyo Aya , Minegishi Katsuyuki , Nagatsu Kotaro , Ogawa Mikako , Zhang Ming-Rong
Published: March 2021

Due to their short range (2–500 nm), Auger electrons (Auger e-) have the potential to induce nano-scale physiochemical damage to biomolecules. Although DNA is the primary target of Au-ger e-, it remains challenging to maximize the interaction between Auger e- and DNA. To assess the DNA-damaging effect of Auger e- released as close as possible to DNA without chemical damage, we radio-synthesized no-carrier-added (n.c.a.) [189, 191Pt]cisplatin and evaluated both its in vitro properties and DNA-damaging effect. Cellular uptake, intracellular distribution, and DNA binding were investigated, and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were evaluated by im-munofluorescence staining of γH2AX and gel electrophoresis of plasmid DNA. Approximately 20% of intracellular radio-Pt was in a nucleus, and about 2% of intra-nucleus radio-Pt bound to DNA, although uptake of n.c.a. radio-cisplatin was low (0.6% incubated dose after 25-h incuba-tion), resulting in the frequency of cells with γH2AX foci was low (1%). Nevertheless, some cells treated with radio-cisplatin had γH2AX aggregates unlike non-radioactive cisplatin. These findings suggest n.c.a. radio-cisplatin binding to DNA causes severe DSBs by release of Auger e- very close to DNA without chemical damage by carriers. Efficient radio-drug delivery to DNA is necessary for successful clinical application of Auger e-.
The Acute Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Endothelial Function: A Randomised Cross-Over Pilot Study
Authors: Murphy Caitriona , Byrne Jennifer , Keogh Jennifer B , Headland Michelle L , Clifton Peter M.
Published: March 2021

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency may be a catalyst in the process of endothelial dysfunction, an early event in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim was to determine the acute effect of an oral Mg supplement compared to control on endothelieal function assessed by flow-mediated-dilatation (FMD). Nineteen participants (39 years, body mass index (BMI) 22.9kg/m2) completed this randomised cross-over study. Blood pressure (BP) and FMD were measured and blood samples taken before participants drank 200ml water with or without an over the counter Mg supplement (450mg and 300mg for men and women). Measurements were repeated at 60 and 120 minutes. There was a statistically significant two-way interaction between treatment and time on serum Mg (p = .037). A difference of -0.085mm in FMD was observed 60 minutes post drink in the control group compared to baseline FMD, and no difference was observed in the supplement group compared to baseline. Despite the non-significant interaction between treatment and time on FMD, the difference seen in the control group and the lack of change in the supplement group at 60 minutes post-drink suggests that Mg may attenuate the reduction in FMD post-prandially.
An ‘’Omic’’ Overview of Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Dionne Olivier , Corbin François
Published: March 2021

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with a wide range of cognitive, behavioral and medical problems. It arises from the silencing of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene, and consequently, in the absence of its encoded protein, FMRP (Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein). FMRP is a ubiquitously expressed and multifunctional RNA-binding protein, primarily considered as a translational regulator. Pre-clinical studies of the past two decades have therefore focus on this function to relate FMRP’s absence to the molecular mechanisms underlying FXS physiopathology. Based on these data, successful pharmacological strategies were developed to rescue fragile X phenotype in animal models. Unfortunately, these results did not translate into human, as clinical trials using same therapeutic approaches did not reach the expected outcomes. These failures highlight the need to put into perspectives the different functions of FMRP in order to get a more comprehensive understanding of FXS pathophysiology. In this review, FMRP’s involvement on noteworthy molecular mechanisms are pointed out; ultimately contributing to various biochemicals alterations composing the fragile X phenotype.
Stress Classification of ECG-Derived HRV Features Extracted from Wearable Devices
Authors: Dalmeida Kayisan Mary , Masala Giovanni Luca
Published: March 2021

Stress has been identified as one of the major causes of automobile crashes which then lead to high rates of fatalities and injuries each year. Stress can be measured via physiological measurements and in this study the focus will be based on the features that can be extracted by common wearable devices. Hence the study will be mainly focusing on the heart rate variability (HRV). This study is aimed to develop a good predictive model that can accurately classify stress levels from ECG-derived HRV features, obtained from automobile drivers, testing different machine learning methodologies such as K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting (GB). Moreover, the models obtained with highest predictive power will be used as reference for the development of a machine learning model that would be used to classify stress from HRV features derived from HRV measurements obtained from wearable devices. We demonstrate that MLP was the ideal stress classifier by achieving a Recall of 80%. The proposed method can be also used on all applications in which is important to monitor the stress level e. g. in physical rehabilitation, anxiety relief or mental wellbeing.
First Description of Natural SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Two Wild American Minks (Neovison vison)
Authors: Aguiló-Gisbert Jordi , Padilla-Blanco Miguel , Lizana Victor , Maiques Elisa , Muñoz Baquero Marta , Chillida-Martínez Eva , Cardells Jesús , Rubio-Guerri Consuelo
Published: March 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of COVID-19 , is considered a pathogen with animal origin, mainly transmitted human to human. It has been experimentally and naturally demonstrated that several animals can be infected by SARS-CoV-2. There are strong evidences that minks are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, since several cases of human to mink infection have been reported, and it has been suggested mink to human infection exists, which so far it is the most reliable example of a zoonotic event of COVID-19 . However, all these cases reported are form mink farms, with the exception of one case in the USA in which the virus was detected in a mink located in the wild, but it was demonstrated that the animal was infected on a fur farm. In the present work, we have detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in two wild American minks (Neovison vison) in Valencian Community (Eastern Spain) during invasive species trapping campaigns. The animals were trapped from areas known for harbouring self-sustained populations, far away from the nearest fur farm. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in mesenteric lymph nodes samples by RT-PCR. A partial region of the Spike protein gene was amplified and sequence obtaining a 397 nt size sequence. Phylogenetic analysis shown that both sequences were identical to the consensus variant SARS CoV-2 sequence (from Wuhan). This research describes the first infection report of a true wild American mink not related to infected fur farms or direct contact with humans, which is believed to be the first example of wild animals in which SARS-CoV-2 has been detected.
Four years on the track of Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1986): reconstructing the invasion of the Iberian Peninsula using social networks sites and citizen science.
Authors: Gomez David Izquierdo
Published: March 2021

Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896) is one of the 100 worst alien invasive species in the Mediterranean Sea, first reported in Venice in 1949. Firstly, the portunid crab colonized the Northern Levantine basin, and half a century later the species spreads rapidly in the Western basin. The general use of social network sites and smart phones have derived in the bloom of citizen science, which enlists the general public in gathering scientific information across large spatio-temporal scales. This research, describes the use of citizen science to unveil the colonization of C. sapidus in the Iberian Peninsula, using the Local Ecological Knowledge of recreational fishermen. Overall, C. sapidus has been detected in more than 300 locations, including a number of Natura2000 areas and 18 rivers. Eventually, recreational fishermen perceived the presence of the portunid crab as detrimental for the ecosystem.
Evaluation of Prognostic Value of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 in Canine Mammary Gland Tumors; A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Khaki Zohreh , Fathipour vahid
Published: March 2021

Background: Serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were evaluated in 26 dogs with mammary tumors before surgical treatment and then 1, 4 and 12 months after surgery by gelatin zymography. Serum samples from 26 dogs with the normal condition were used as the control in the zymographic evaluation. In addition, pathology evaluation was performed in patients. Results: Our results showed that lymph node metastases are risk factor for death and metastasis and or recurrence (M/R) in canine malignant mammary tumors. Dogs with benign and malignant mammary tumors showed bands of Pro-MMP-2, Pro-MMP-9 and active MMP-9 with molecular weights of 72, 92 and 82, respectively. However, only Pro-MMP-2 and Pro-MMP-9 bands appeared in the serum of control group and two patients with benign lobular hyperplasia tumor. Our results showed that Pro-MMP-2 levels increased more dramatically (2 fold) in malignant tumors than in benign tumors and control groups. Also, in patients with M/R, there was a significant increase in the levels of Pro-MMP-9 in serum samples 12 months after surgery compared with other sampling times. Meanwhile, the presence of active MMP-9 (especially in samples 4 and 12 months after surgery of malignant tumors), regardless of its amount, is important in terms of prognosis for recurrence or metastasis. Also, active MMP-2 was only detected in some malignant and metastatic tumors. Observation of active MMP-2 band is very important for M/R than active MMP-9 because its presence regardless of values coincides with a definite M/R, unlike the active form of MMP-9. Necrosis, stromal invasion, and infiltrative growth increase risk of the development of M/R and the presence of necrosis is a risk factor for death. Conclusions: In conclusion, serum zymograhpy may be used at regular intervals after surgery to check for the possibility of M/R in dogs with mammary tumors.More research is needed in this regard.
Preliminary Assessment of Air Pollution Quality Levels of Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Abulude Francis Olawale , Damodharan Usha , Acha Sunday , Adamu Ademola , Arifalo Kikelomo Mabinuola
Published: March 2021

The low-cost sensors and IoT have come to the rescue due to the high cost and operational complexity of equipment and methodologies in environmental monitoring. They are relatively inexpensive and reliable. It is on this assumption that we have decided to use the World Air Quality satellite data supplied by air matters.com. This study is a 40-day preliminary work in which air quality (Air Quality Index (AQI), PM2.5, PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, and O3) and meteorological (temperature, humidity, and wind speed) parameters were monitored. The data collected was for five locations in Lagos State, Nigeria (Ojodu, Opebi, Ikeja, Maryland, and Eti-Osa). The data obtained were subjected to basic statistical analyses. The findings showed that the Opebi had the highest mean value of PM2.5 (69.28 µg/m3), PM10 (107.38 µg/m3), and CO (1392 µg/m3). The mean values of O3 are as follows: 32.52, 38.7, 36.2, 37.85, and 36.13µg/m3 for Ikeja, Maryland, Opebi, Ojodu, and Eti-Osa respectively. Opebi had the highest value (3179µg/m3), followed by Eti-Osa (2978µg/m3), and the lowest value in Maryland (1943µg/m3) among the CO reference locations. AQI of all locations presented the levels of contamination as 'Unhealthy for Vulnerable Groups'. The pollutants were much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. There were relationships between the parameters monitored and meteorological influences, and the effects of natural and man-made activities may be the sources of the elevated pollutants throughout the locations.
Patient Transfers and Clostridioides Difficile Infections: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Edman-Wallér Jon , Suominen Sakari , Jacobsson Gunnar , Werner Maria
Published: March 2021

Background

Clostridioides difficile spores are present in the hospital environment. We hypothesized that patient transfers between rooms is an independent risk factor for C. difficile infections (CDI), as this increases the environmental exposition. We performed a retrospective case-control study at a public 400-bed hospital in western Sweden.
Methods

Hospital-acquired CDI cases at Södra Älvsborg Hospital, Sweden, during two different years (n = 65) were included in the case group. A random, unmatched selection of patients tested negative for CDI served as control group (n = 101). The number of rooms each patient occupied during hospitalization was the primary variable. Odds ratios (OR) for CDI were calculated by simple and multiple logistic regression.
Results

The number of rooms occupied was not an independent risk factor (OR per room 1.1, 95 % CI: 0.8–1.4) when data were adjusted for duration of hospitalization, which was the only statistically significant variable (OR per additional week of care: 1.7, 95 % CI: 1.2–2.3) in the multiple logistic regression model. The risk associated with the duration of hospitalization was larger among patients who stayed in four or more rooms (OR per additional week of care: 2.5, 95 % CI: 1.1–5.6) than among patients that stayed in one room only (OR per additional week of care: 1.3, 95 % CI: 0.7–2.4).
Conclusions

The risk for C. difficile infections increase with time of care, and patient transfers might amplify the risk, although we could not prove it to be an independent risk factor in this limited case-control study.
Dissipative and Generative Fractional Electric Elements in Modeling RC and RL Circuits
Authors: Haška Kristian , Cvetićanin Stevan , Zorica Dušan
Published: March 2021

Generalized capacitor (inductor) is constitutively modeled by expressing charge (magnetic flux) in terms of voltage (current) memory as a sum of instantaneous and power type hereditary contributions and it is proved to be a dissipative electric element by thermodynamic analysis. On the contrary, generalized capacitor (inductor) as a generative electric element is modeled using the same form of the constitutive equation, but by expressing voltage (current) in terms of charge (magnetic flux) memory. These constitutive models are used in transient and steady state regime analysis of the series RC and RL circuits subject to electromotive force, as well as in the study of circuits' frequency characteristics including asymptotic behavior.
A Time-Zero Biomechanical Study of the Effective Length of the Graft in Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Teng Fei , Teng Yuanjun , Lu Fan , Zhang Xiaohui , Liu Zhongcheng , He Liangzhi , Wang Hong , Han Hua , Xia Yayi
Published: March 2021

Background The effect of effective length on the biomechanical properties of the graft is regarded as an essential variable influencing the posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, the effect has not been fully studied. The purpose was to compare the effects of different effective graft lengths (35 mm, 55 mm, 65 mm) on the time-zero biomechanical properties of the graft in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction.Methods Bovine digital flexor tendons and porcine tibias were used to establish in-vitro PCL reconstruction models. Tensile strength testing was performed at 3 different effective lengths of the graft: short (35 mm, n = 10, group 1), medium (55 mm, n = 10, group 2), and long (65 mm, n = 10, group 3). A computer software (Trapezium X; Shimadzu) was used to record the load-elongation curve, ultimate load (N), the elongation of the graft during the test (mm), tensile stiffness (N/mm), and energy absorption (J). The failure pattern was evaluated by visual observation.Results All the samples failed because the grafts slipped out from the bones, except two grafts ruptured in group 1. The tensile stiffness and ultimate load in group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 2 and group 3 (tensile stiffness, 50.49 ± 11.43 N/mm in group 1 vs 31.20 ± 10.44 N/mm in group 2[P < 0.001] and 19.18 ± 6.18 N/mm in group 3 [P < 0.001]; ultimate load, 452.40 ± 54.52 N in group 1 vs 338.50 ± 26.79 N in group 2 [P < 0.001]and 268.70 ± 28.30 N in group 3 [P < 0.001]). There were significant differences between group 1 and group 3 in energy absorption(9.61 ± 3.25 J vs 5.22 ± 2.43 J, P = 0.002). At 50 N and 100 N of applied load, no statistically significant differences were detected on the elongation of the grafts (P > 0.05). The elongation of the short grafts under 150 N and 200 N of applied load was significantly less than that of the long grafts (150 N, 1.77 ± 0.83 mm in group 1 vs 4.14 ± 1.75 mm in group 3, P = 0.047; 200 N, 2.62 ± 1.10 mm in group 1 vs 7.06 ± 3.20 mm in group 3, P = 0.006).Conclusions This study demonstrated the time-zero biomechanical properties of the graft with short effective length were superior to those of the graft with medium and long effective lengths in PCL reconstruction.