bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semi-automated regional classification of the style of activity of slow rock-slope deformations using PS InSAR and SqueeSAR velocity data
Authors: Crippa Chiara , Valbuzzi Elena , Frattini Paolo , Crosta Giovanni B. , Spreafico Margherita C. , Agliardi Federico 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLarge slow rock-slope deformations, including deep-seated gravitational slope deformations and large landslides, are widespread in alpine environments. They develop over thousands of years by progressive failure, resulting in slow movements that impact infrastructures and can eventually evolve into catastrophic rockslides. A robust characterization of their style of activity is thus required in a risk management perspective. We combine an original inventory of slow rock-slope deformations with different PS-InSAR and SqueeSAR datasets to develop a novel, semi-automated approach to characterize and classify 208 slow rock-slope deformations in Lombardia (Italian Central Alps) based on their displacement rate, kinematics, heterogeneity and morphometric expression. Through a peak analysis of displacement rate distributions, we characterize the segmentation of mapped landslides and highlight the occurrence of nested sectors with differential activity and displacement rates. Combining 2D decomposition of InSAR velocity vectors and machine learning classification, we develop an automatic approach to characterize the kinematics of each landslide. Then, we sequentially combine principal component and K-medoids cluster analyses to identify groups of slow rock-slope deformations with consistent styles of activity. Our methodology is readily applicable to different landslide datasets and provides an objective and cost-effective support to land planning and the prioritization of local-scale studies aimed at granting safety and infrastructure integrity.
Neumaier graphs with few eigenvalues
Authors: Abiad Aida , De Bruyn Bart , D’haeseleer Jozefien , Koolen Jack H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA Neumaier graph is a non-complete edge-regular graph containing a regular clique. In this paper we give some sufficient and necessary conditions for a Neumaier graph to be strongly regular. Further we show that there does not exist Neumaier graphs with exactly four distinct eigenvalues. We also determine the Neumaier graphs with smallest eigenvalue $$-2$$

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Constraint-induced intervention as an emergent phenomenon from synaptic competition in biological systems
Authors: Sohn Won J. , Sanger Terence D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe principle of constraint-induced therapy is widely practiced in rehabilitation. In hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) with impaired contralateral corticospinal projection due to unilateral injury, function improves after imposing a temporary constraint on limbs from the less affected hemisphere. This type of partially-reversible impairment in motor control by early brain injury bears a resemblance to the experience-dependent plastic acquisition and modification of neuronal response selectivity in the visual cortex. Previously, such mechanism was modeled within the framework of BCM (Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro) theory, a rate-based synaptic modification theory. Here, we demonstrate a minimally complex yet sufficient neural network model which provides a fundamental explanation for inter-hemispheric competition using a simplified spike-based model of information transmission and plasticity. We emulate the restoration of function in hemiplegic CP by simulating the competition between cells of the ipsilateral and contralateral corticospinal tracts. We use a high-speed hardware neural simulation to provide realistic numbers of spikes and realistic magnitudes of synaptic modification. We demonstrate that the phenomenon of constraint-induced partial reversal of hemiplegia can be modeled by simplified neural descending tracts with 2 layers of spiking neurons and synapses with spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). We further demonstrate that persistent hemiplegia following unilateral cortical inactivation or deprivation is predicted by the STDP-based model but is inconsistent with BCM model. Although our model is a highly simplified and limited representation of the corticospinal system, it offers an explanation of how constraint as an intervention can help the system to escape from a suboptimal solution. This is a display of an emergent phenomenon from the synaptic competition.
In vitro evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of vancomycin-loaded suture tapes and cerclage wires
Authors: Eidmann Annette , Ewald Andrea , Boelch Sebastian P. , Rudert Maximilian , Holzapfel Boris M. , Stratos Ioannis 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUsage of implants containing antibiotic agents has been a common strategy to prevent implant related infections in orthopedic surgery. Unfortunately, most implants with microbial repellent properties are characterized by accessibility limitations during daily clinical practice. Aim of this in vitro study was to investigate whether suture tapes and cerclage wires, which were treated with vancomycin, show a sustainable antibacterial activity. For this purpose, we used 24 stainless steel wire cerclages and 24 ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and polyester suture tape test bodies. The test bodies were incubated for 30 min. in 100 mg/ml vancomycin solution or equivalent volumes of 0.9% NaCl. After measuring the initial solution uptake of the test bodies, antibacterial efficacy via agar diffusion test with Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin elution tests were performed 1, 2, 3, and 6 days after incubation. Vancomycin-loaded tapes as well as vancomycin-loaded cerclage wires demonstrated increased bacterial growth inhibition when compared to NaCl-treated controls. Vancomycin-loaded tapes showed an additional twofold and eightfold increase of bacterial growth inhibition compared to vancomycin-loaded wires at day 1 and 2, respectively. Elution tests at day 1 revealed high levels of vancomycin concentration in vancomycin loaded tapes and wires. Additionally, the concentration in vancomycin loaded tapes was 14-fold higher when compared to vancomycin loaded wires. Incubating suture tapes and cerclage wires in vancomycin solution showed a good short-term antibacterial activity compared to controls. Considering the ease of vancomycin application on suture tapes or wires, our method could represent an attractive therapeutic strategy in biofilm prevention in orthopedic surgery.
Foregrounding Intersectionality in Considerations of Diversity: Confronting Discrimination in Science Teacher Education
Authors: Burke Lydia E. Carol-Ann 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper contributes to a small but significant body of research addressing issues of prejudice in science education. It is written in the form of a critical incident analysis that uses the framework of intersectionality to examine deficit ideologies and biases inherent in science as a body of knowledge as well as science teacher education. If left unchecked, these prejudices can filter through into school science education, reinforcing the stereotypes of who can contribute to the field of science. The paper makes a call for science teacher educators to support teacher candidates as they move past an academic understanding of diversity in science education to examine their personal dispositions. Suggestions are made for approaches that can be adopted to facilitate the forms of deconstruction necessary for progress to be made in this area.
The effects of intradermal M. bovis and M. avium PPD test on immune-related mRNA and miRNA in dermal oedema exudates of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Catozzi Carlotta , Zamarian Valentina , Marziano Gabriele , Costa Emanuela Dalla , Martucciello Alessandra , Serpe Paola , Vecchio Domenico , Lecchi Cristina , De Carlo Esterina , Ceciliani Fabrizio 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is a zoonotic disease primarily caused by pathogens belonging to the genus of Mycobacterium. Programs of control and eradication for bovine TB include a screening using single intradermal tuberculin (SIT) test with Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis)-purified protein derivatives (PPD-B) single or concurrent with Mycobacterium avium (M. avium)-purified protein derivatives (PPD-A). This study aimed to determine the effects of intradermal PPD-B and PPD-A test on immune-related mRNA and microRNAs in dermal oedema exudates of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The investigation was carried out on RNA extracted from dermal oedema exudates of 36 animals, of which 24 were M. bovis positive (M. bovis+) and 12 M. avium positive (M. avium+). The lymphocyte polarization toward Th1, Th2, TReg, and Th17 lineages was addressed by measuring the abundance of the respective cytokines and transcription factors, namely TBET, STAT4, IFNγ, and IL1β for Th1; STAT5B, and IL4 for Th2; FOXP3 and IL10 for TReg; and RORC, STAT3, and IL17A for Th17. Due to the very low abundance of Th17-related genes, a digital PCR protocol was also applied. The abundance of microRNAs involved in the immune response against PPDs, including miR-122-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR30a, and miR-455-5p, was equally measured. Results showed that IFNγ (fold change = 2.54; p = 0.037) and miR-148a-3p (fold change = 2.54; p = 0.03) were upregulated in M. bovis+ as compared to M. avium+ samples. Our preliminary results supported the pivotal role of IFNγ in the local immune response related to PPD-B and highlighted the differential expression of miR-148a-3p, which downregulates the proinflammatory cytokines and the TLR4-mediated NF-κB activation, providing an anti-inflammation modulator in responses to mycobacterial infection.
Gut Microbial Metabolites in Parkinson’s Disease: Implications of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Liang Yixuan , Cui Li , Gao Jiguo , Zhu Mingqin , Zhang Ying , Zhang Hong-Liang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe search for therapeutic targets for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is hindered by the incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an area with high potential. The neurobiological signaling connections between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system are incompletely understood. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the gut microbiota participates in the pathogenesis of PD. Gut microbial dysbiosis may contribute to the loss of dopaminergic neurons through mitochondrial dysfunction. The intervention of gut microbial metabolites via the microbiota-gut-brain axis may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for PD. In this narrative review, we summarize the potential roles of gut microbial dysbiosis in PD, with emphasis on microbial metabolites and mitochondrial function. We then review the possible ways in which microbial metabolites affect the central nervous system, as well as the impact of microbial metabolites on mitochondrial dysfunction. We finally discuss the possibility of gut microbiota as a therapeutic target for PD.
Cenchrus pseudotriticoides (Poaceae: Panicoideae), a resilient pyrophyte grass from Central Madagascar
Authors: Vorontsova Maria S. 
Published: April 2021

SummaryA new combination is made placingPennisetum pseudotriticoidesin the genusCenchrus. This species is common and often dominant in the southern part of central Madagascar, associated with inundation and fire, and withstanding high grazing. A description, a detailed plate, a map, and list of known specimens are provided.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Communities Through Wastewater Surveillance—a Potential Approach for Estimation of Disease Burden
Authors: Bhattacharya Prosun , Kumar Manish , Islam Md. Tahmidul , Haque Rehnuma , Chakraborty Sudip , Ahmad Arslan , Niazi Nabeel Khan , Cetecioglu Zeynep , Nilsson David , Ijumulana Julian , van der Voorn Tom , Jakariya Md. , Hossain Maqsud , Ahmed Firoz , Rahman Mahbubur , Akter Nargis , Johnston Dara , Ahmed Kazi Matin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe episodic outbreak of COVID-19 due to SARS-CoV-2 is severely affecting the economy, and the global count of infected patients is increasing. The actual number of patients had been underestimated due to limited facilities for testing as well as asymptomatic nature of the expression of COVID-19 on individual basis. Tragically, for emerging economies with high population density, the situation has been more complex due to insufficient testing facilities for diagnosis of the disease. However, the recent reports about persistent shedding of viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2 in the human feces have created a possibility to track the prevalence and trends of the disease in communities, known as wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). In this article, we highlight the current limitations and future prospects for WBE to manage pandemics.
Treaty-text Loyalists’ Burden with Subsequent State Practice
Authors: Chigara Benedict Abrahamson 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe role of subsequent state practice in the procedural law of treaties, and in the determination of consent in the implementation of treaties have become the subject of much scholarly debate in recent times. The UN International Law Commission has devoted copious amounts of study time into these issues under the distinguished guidance of Georg Nolte as Special Rapporteur. Ph.D. theses and research monographs, journal articles and commentaries have appeared on the matter, but the debate persists. At one end of this debate are treaty-text loyalists that reject the potential of subsequent state practice to modify what they regard as ‘solemn oaths’ taken by states when they conclude and adopt a treaty. That ‘temporal declaration of consent’ by states to be bound by a treaty regime is for them sacrosanct. At the other end are analytical jurisprudence scholars who appear to insist upon a purpose test approach to the matter. This article evaluates treaty-text loyalists’ arguments under current state practice on treaty implementation across a number of disciplines. It shows that the view that ‘temporal consent’ supremely prohibits the modification of treaties through subsequent state practice is exaggerated. Moreover, the ‘solemn oaths’ perception of treaties is not supported by recent examples of treaty implementation.
Vehicle handling improvements through Steer-by-Wire
Authors: Sterthoff Jan , Henze Roman , Küçükay Ferit 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper focuses on handling improvements enabled through Steer-by-Wire systems, which have increasingly become subject of R&D, as they not only offer the potential for improving vehicle handling but also have many advantages in combination with automated driving. Handling improvements through a steering ratio depending on vehicle speed, as well as steering-wheel angle, are known from Active Front Steering systems. A new overall concept is proposed, that also takes into account lateral and longitudinal acceleration as well as steering rate, which are all available signals in a production car. The overall concept is designed in an optimization process to modify a range of established characteristic parameters known from open-loop maneuvers and the objective evaluation of vehicle handling. In this context, validated models for a vehicle and a Steer-by-Wire system are used to obtain reliable results in simulation. Possibilities for tuning the non-linear steering behavior as well as improvements in the dynamic behavior, especially in yaw damping and response time, are demonstrated.
Intelligent fault analysis of transmission line using phasor measurement unit incorporating auto-reclosure protection scheme
Authors: Swain Kunjabihari , Cherukuri Murthy 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe power system stability and reliability are stimulated by the faults on the transmission line. Many researchers have explored the performance of the transmission system under various kinds of faults. Specifically, the arrival of expeditious and effective data acquisition systems with high rate of sampling has set down the foundation for successful real-time monitoring. Using the LabVIEW and the data acquisition system’s of National Instruments (NI), virtual systems have been developed for obtaining optimal paradigmatic data with appropriate characterization and quality transmission. The primary objective of the work is to perceive and comprehend the transmission line faults with the aid of synchronized phasor measurements obtained from the phasor measurement unit (PMU) as well as protecting the system using auto-reclosing signal. The developed algorithms include phaselet coefficients for perception as well as comprehension. In order to increase the accuracy, particle swarm optimized extreme learning machine technique has also been used for comprehension. A protection scheme is employed using auto-reclosing to minimize the power loss and quick reconnection the power line in case of temporary fault. Developed algorithms have been validated on a practical laboratory transmission line using NI PMU. As the LabVIEW platform has been used for simulations, it is composed of visual displays such that the system operator can efficiently perform the planning and control decisions.
Distribution and risk appraisal of dissolved trace elements in Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake, Gandaki Province, Nepal
Authors: Pant Ramesh Raj , Bishwakarma Kiran , Basnet Buddha Bahadur , Pal Khadka Bahadur , Karki Laxmi , Dhital Yam Prasad , Bhatta Youb Raj , Pant Bhoj Raj , Thapa Lal B. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractContamination of the trace elements (TEs) in the freshwater ecosystems is becoming a worldwide problem. This study was carried out to investigate the TEs contamination, and their associated health risk in Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake, Gandaki Province, Nepal. A total of 30 water samples were collected from both lakes during the pre-monsoon season in 2016. The samples were analyzed for the TEs including copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), cesium (Cs), and arsenic (As) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results exhibited that the mean concentrations of all the TEs were higher in Rupa Lake as compared to Begnas Lake except Pb. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis revealed that both the geogenic and anthropic sources were the major contributors of TEs in the lake water. Anthropic activities were considered to contribute the TEs like Zn and Mn in lake water mainly via agricultural runoff, while evaluating the risk of TEs on human health all the elements showed HQ < 1 and CR < 10−4 indicating currently very low health risk concerns. In good agreement with above, the water quality index (WQI) of the Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake was 2.67 and 5.66, respectively, specifying the lake water was safe for drinking and public health concern. This appraisal would help the policymakers and concerned stakeholders for the sustainable management of Ramsar listed freshwater lakes in the Himalayas.
Exergy efficiency of thermochemical syngas-to-ethanol production plants
Authors: e Silva Marcos Paulo Gabriel da Costa , Miranda Júlio Cesar de Carvalho 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This work presents exergy analyses applied in four different conceptual second-generation ethanol production processes through a thermochemical route using catalysts based on Molybdenum (P-1), Copper (P-2), and Rhodium (P-3 and P-4), aiming to assess their exergetic efficiencies. The results show that the conceptual processes have satisfactory exergy efficiencies in both cases, when compared among themselves and when compared with other processes reported in literature. The processes’ efficiency for P-1, P-2, P-3 and P-4 were, respectively, 52.4%, 41.4%, 43.7% and 48.9%. The reactors were the sections in which exergy destruction was more significant, due to the exothermic reactions and mixing points (where streams with different temperatures were mixed). Such results show the potential of thermochemical ethanol production, besides opening the possibilities of process improvement.

Graphic abstract
Bipedal Humanoid Hardware Design: a Technology Review
Authors: Ficht Grzegorz , Behnke Sven 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurpose of ReviewAs new technological advancements are made, humanoid robots that utilise them are being designed and manufactured. For optimal design choices, a broad overview with insight on the advantages and disadvantages of available technologies is necessary. This article intends to provide an analysis on the established approaches and contrast them with emerging ones.Recent FindingsA clear shift in the recent design features of humanoid robots is developing, which is supported by literature. As humanoid robots are meant to leave laboratories and traverse the world, compliance and more efficient locomotion are necessary. The limitations of highly rigid actuation are being tackled by different research groups in unique ways. Some focus on modifying the kinematic structure, while others change the actuation scheme. With new manufacturing capabilities, previously impossible designs are becoming feasible.SummaryA comprehensive review on the technologies crucial for bipedal humanoid robots was performed. Different mechanical concepts have been discussed, along with the advancements in actuation, sensing, and manufacturing. The paper is supplemented with a list of the recently developed platforms along with a selection of their specifications.