bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanocarved Vanadium Nitride Nanowires Encapsulated in Lamellar Graphene Layers as Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Zhao Dan , Yuan Xiaoyan , Wang Ruiqin , Zhao Qian , Guo Shouwu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Supercapacitors have the characteristics of high specific capacitance, long cycle life and fast charging ability, which have shown extremely valuable applications in energy storage fields. Improving the electrode materials is a crucial approach to achieve high capacity. Vanadium nitride (VN) has higher theoretical capacitance than noble metal oxides, as well as better chemical stability and good electrical conductivity. Herein, a composite of VN nanowires with multiple cavities encapsulated in N-doped reduced graphene oxide lamellar layers (VNNWs@rGO) has been synthesized by facile freeze-casting and subsequent nitridation technique. The hierarchical VNNWs@rGO composite exhibited excellent supercapacitor performance: high capacitances of 222 and 65 F g− 1 were achieved at current densities of 0.5 and 10 A g− 1, respectively. The improved electrochemical performance is associated with the unique structural design: the N-doped rGO sheets endowed enhanced electric conductivity and chemical stability for VN, the interconnected laminar network of VNNWs@rGO are crucial for electrolyte penetration and charge transfer, and the cavities and nanoparticles inside the VN nanowires can provide abundant active sites for electric double layer capacitor and pseudocapacitance.
Access to Health Insurance in Zimbabwe and associated factors: Insights from data from the Zimbabwe Demographic Health survey, 2015
Authors: Musuka Godfrey , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Cuadros Diego , Chingombe Innocent , Murewanhema Grant , Mapingure Munyaradzi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: To determine factors associated with access to health insurance among adults in Zimbabwe. Methods: We used statistical analysis to determine the association between various variables and access to health insurance using the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 2015-16 data.Results: Overall, only 11% of 7397 females and 12% of 7420 males included in the analysis had access to health insurance. Age, educational level, marital status, religion, area of residence and wealth quintile were associated with access to health insurance for both females and males. For females, HIV status was associated with access to health insurance. Although not statistically significant a smaller proportion of HIV positive males (10%) had access to any medical insurance compared to their HIV negative counterparts (12%), p=0.189. Conclusion: Our study showed that geospatial distribution of individuals with access to health insurance in Zimbabwe is concentrated around urban areas. Since the bulk of Zimbabweans do not have access to health insurance and mainly use the public health sector for services, there is need for the Ministry of Health to enhance its investment in these facilities so that the bulk of the population can also get quality healthcare.
Bayesian Maximal Information Coefficient (BMIC) to Discover Causal Correlations from Large Dataset in Random System
Authors: Wang Shuliang , Surapunt Tisinee 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Bayesian network (BN) is a probability inference model to describe the explicit relationship of cause and effect, which may examine the complex system of rice price with data uncertainty. However, discovering the optimized structure from a super-exponential number of graphs in the search space is an NP-hard problem. In this paper, the Bayesian maximal information coefficient (BMIC) is proposed to uncover the causal correlations from a large dataset in a random system by integrating a probabilistic graphical model (PGM) and maximal information coefficient (MIC) with Bayesian linear regression (BLR). First, MIC is to capture the strong dependence between predictor variables and a target variable for reducing the number of variables during the Bayesian network structural learning. Second BLR is to assign orientation in a graph resulting in a posterior probability distribution. It conforms to what BN needs to acquire a conditional probability distribution when given the parents for each node by the Bayes’ Theorem. Third, the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) is treated as an indicator to determine the well-explained model with its data to ensure correctness. The score shows that the proposed method obtains the highest score compared to the two traditional learning algorithms. Finally, the BMIC is applied to discover the causal correlations from large dataset on Thai rice price by identifying the causality change in the paddy price of Jasmine rice. The experimented results show the BMIC returns the directed relationships with a clue to identify the cause(s) and effect(s) on paddy price with the better heuristic search.
Long Term Monitoring of Connection Between Relief and Clouds Cover Distribution in Serbia
Authors: Valjarević Aleksandar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The use of meteorological satellite recordings over the last three decades has increased the possibility of determining the patterns between meteorological elements and relief in a more precise way. Cloud cover can influence numerous important ecological processes including growth, reproduction and survival. In the future, the possibility to define geographical locations of potential cloud seeding will be of the utmost significance for the analysis of cloud cover. The properties of cloud cover were estimated by means of MODIS satellite recordings with the average resolution of 1km2 within the period of 30 years (1989-2019). The 30 years’ period represents a whole climatological cycle, sufficient for the conduction of a detailed analysis. These cloud cover properties are for the first time analyzed on the territory of Serbia. These findings support the fundamental role of remote sensing as an effective lens through which one can understand and globally and regionally view the fine-grain spatial variability of clouds and their potential use for seeding. Geographical Information systems with advanced technics gave a better insight into cloud cover properties. In the end, the maps showed three types of cloud distribution, maximum, minimum, and average. One of the questions which has so far remained unsolved is the relation between meteorological parameters and relief. In this research, the author tried to address the possibility of finding patterns between cloud cover distribution and relief.
Applicability of IoT in Solid Garbage Collection and Monitoring System for Smart Cities
Authors: Abuga Dominic , Raghava Nallanthighal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Waste management has been a challenge to many cities globally. Improper disposal of waste is harmful to human beings, flora, and fauna. In human beings, inappropriate waste disposal results in waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera, which are very dangerous. Waste collected and dumped in landfills produces methane gas which is more dangerous than carbon dioxide. Methane is a greenhouse gas, causes global warming, which has severe ramifications for our planet. In this paper, the applicability of IoT in solid garbage collection and monitoring framework for smart cities has been put forward. The proposed system is built using a Raspberry Pi Uno board that is interfaced with a weight sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and a GSM modem. The weight sensor will be placed at the bottom of the garbage bin for weight measurement. The Ultrasonic sensor will be affixed at the top of the garbage bin in order to measure the levels of waste. The Raspberry will have to be programmed in such a manner that when the garbage is almost being filled up, the other remaining level/height from the threshold level will be automatically displayed. When the solid waste in the garbage bin reaches the threshold weight, it will also set off the GSM modem, which will notify the person in charge of garbage collection. The personnel will send a message to the administrator in charge of garbage collection vehicles.
An Alternative Pressure-dependent Friction Boundary Condition for Modeling Self-reacting Friction Stir Welding
Authors: ZHAO CHENYU , Liu Xun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A pressure-dependent friction boundary condition is developed based on wear theory for modeling self-reacting friction stir welding using computational fluid dynamics approach. The importance of shear layer in weld formation is emphasized. Effects of welding speed on the weld cross section geometry can be robustly captured with this newly developed boundary condition. Computational results showed at higher welding speed, the distance between the TMAZ boundary and the pin periphery at the advancing side is reduced, which corresponds to the experimental observations. This tendency could serve as a numerical criterion to predict void defect formation.
Silk-based Matrices and C-kit Positive Cardiac Progenitor Cells for a Cardiac Organoid: Study of an in Vivo Model
Authors: Motta Antonella , Barone Rosario , Macaluso Filippo , Giambalvo Filippo , Pecoraro Francesco , Marco Patrizia Di , Cassata Giovanni , Puleio Roberto , Migliaresi Claudio , Guercio Annalisa , Felice Valentina Di 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In recent years, there has been a shift from tissue engineering to the production of organoids. The latter are useful tools to study many biochemical aspects and cellular reactions while avoiding the excessive use of laboratory animals. Organoids are very interesting tools because they can replicate the cellular and extracellular environment of an organ and retain some of the properties of the organ itself. However, without an adequate network of vessels, cell masses not only fail to grow, but they may exhibit an area of necrosis, indicating a lack of oxygen and nutrients. For this reason, scientific researchers are looking for ways to create organoids that can also mimic the vascular network of the organ from which they originate. One possibility is to implant the organoids in immunocompromised animals.In the present study, we generated cardiac organoids ex vivo by seeding tyrosine protein kinase kit (c-kit)-positive cardiac progenitor cells (CPC cells) from fresh rat hearts into a rat collagen I gel. We then implanted these patches into immunosuppressed animals and compared the suitability of different silk fibroin scaffolds with three different geometries. We demonstrated that CPC cells were destroyed by CD3+ lymphocytes, that the porous and partially oriented scaffolds induced a consistent foreign body response compared to the electrospun meshes, and that CPC cells were degraded by a T-cell-mediated immune response, although the latter may be suitable for generating rat cardiac organoids.
Brain solute transport is more rapid in periarterial than perivenous spaces
Authors: Vinje Vegard , Bakker Erik Nicolaas Theodorus Petrus , Rognes Marie E 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Perivascular fluid flow, of cerebrospinal or interstitial fluid in spaces surrounding brain blood vessels, is recognized as a key component underlying brain transport and clearance. An important open question is how and to what extent differences in vessel type or geometry affect perivascular fluid flow and transport. Methods: Using computational modelling in both idealized and image-based geometries, we study and compare fluid flow and solute transport in pial (surface) periarterial and perivenous spaces. Results: Our findings demonstrate that differences in geometry between arterial and venous pial perivascular spaces (PVSs) lead to higher net CSF flow, more rapid tracer transport and earlier arrival times of injected tracers in periarterial spaces compared to perivenous spaces. Conclusions: These findings can explain the experimentally observed rapid appearance of tracers around arteries, and the delayed appearance around veins without the need of a circulation through the parenchyma, but rather by direct transport along the PVSs.
Emerging properties of malaria transmission and persistence in urban Accra, Ghana: Evidence from a participatory system approach
Authors: Savi Merveille Koissi Koissi , Callo-Concha Daniel , Tonnang Henri E.Z. , Borgemeister Christian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Several studies that aim to enhance the understanding of malaria transmission and persistence in urban settings failed to address its underlining complexity. We aim at doing that by applying a qualitative and participatory-based system analysis and mapping to elicit the system’s emergent properties. In two experts’ workshops, we sketched and refined the system, which was represented through a causal loop diagram, where the identification of leverage points was done using network analysis. We found 45 determinants interplaying through 56 linkages, and identified three subsystems: urbanization-related transmission, infection-prone behavior and healthcare efficiency, and Plasmodium resistance. Apart from the number of breeding sites and malaria positive cases, other determinants such as drug prescription and the awareness of householders were identified by the network analysis as leverage points and emergent properties of the system of transmission and persistence of malaria. Based on our findings, we suggest that ongoing efforts to control malaria, such as the use of insecticide-treated bed nets and larvicide applications should continue, and include new ones focusing on the public awareness and malaria literacy of city dwellers. We found that our participatory approach strengthened the legitimacy of the recommendations and the co-learning of participants.
Interactome, Network, and Enrichment Motif Analysis Reveals Possible Linkage Between Human Mental Disorders, Emotions, and Coronavirus: In-Silico Insight
Authors: Habib Peter T. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The pandemic of COVID-19 has caused a global crisis. Today, everybody focuses on COVID-19 infection prevention, preparation, and discussion of physical health effects issues. It is important to understand, however, that a few will face life-threatening negative effects on physical health, but that all people will face the negative impact of the pandemic on mental health. COVID-19 hospitals are established in different locations to address the physical health implications of the pandemic. However, it is necessary to understand the effects of infections on mental health more effectively to prevent the negative consequences of infection. Here, we try to find out how the infection could affect mental health. We identify motifs in SARS-CoV-2 that are predicted to interact with human transcription factors (TF). Those TFs regulating behavior and mental health. Our results show that SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to overactivation or inhibition of critical genes already known to affect behavior and mental health. This study is still limited to in silico limits so, clinical investigation needs to be addressed to assess our hypothesis.
Comparing the Impact of Serum GPER-1 and Oxidant/Antioxidant Levels on Retinopathy in Diabetic Patients and Healthy Individuals: A Pilot Study
Authors: Beyoğlu Abdullah , Kurutaş Ergül Belge , Karaküçük Yalçın , Çömez Ayşegül , Meşen Ali 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aims

This research sought to determine the impact of serum G receptor-mediated protein-1 (GPER-1) levels on the development of retinopathy in diabetic patients, comparing them to healthy individuals.
Methods

Forty patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR) (Group 1), 40 patients without DR (NDR) (Group 2) and 40 healthy individuals (Group 3) were included in this study. Serum progesterone, GPER-1, oestradiol, oxidant/antioxidant and thyroid-releasing hormone (TSH) levels were analysed and compared among the groups. Post hoc analysis was performed to compare the sub-groups in which statistically significant differences were found.
Results

A significant difference was found among all groups in terms of GPER-1, oxidant/antioxidant and oestradiol levels (p < 0.01), but no significant difference was found in terms of TSH or progesterone (p = 0.496, p = 0.220, respectively). In the post hoc analysis of the groups with statistically significant differences, another significant difference was found among all groups for GPER-1 and oxidant/antioxidant levels (p < 0.05). GPER-1 and oxidant levels were positively correlated, while GPER-1 and antioxidant levels were negatively correlated (r = 0.622/p < 0.01, r = 0.453/p < 0.01, r = 0.460/p < 0.01, respectively). The multiple regression analysis showed that increased GPER-1 may help prevent DR.
Conclusions

GPER-1 levels, which were highest in the DR group, increased as the oxidant/antioxidant balance changed in favour of oxidative stress. This seems to be a defence mechanism for preventing neuronal damage.
Hydrological simulation of the Jialing River Basin using the MIKE SHE model in changing climate
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Meng , Song Yongyu , Lai Yuequn 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Climate change and human activities have an important impact on the changing environment, leading to significant changes in the basin water cycle process. The Jialing River Basin, the largest tributary of the upper Yangtze River, is selected as the study area. Three different rainfall datasets, the China Meteorological Assimilation Driving (CMAD) dataset, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission data, and gauged observation data, were used as inputs for the MIKE System Hydrological European (MIKE SHE) model. By comparing the simulation results driven by various meteorological data, the applicability of the MIKE SHE model at four stations is evaluated, and the sensitivity and uncertainty of model parameters are analyzed. Meanwhile, the impact of large hydropower stations on the runoff of the Jialing River Basin is assessed, and the influence of human activities on the runoff change is determined. The future climate change of the watershed was analyzed by using the typical representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP8.5 climate scenarios. Based on the MIKE SHE model, the runoff of the Jialing River Basin in the future climate scenario is predicted, and the corresponding response of the Jialing River Basin is analyzed quantitatively. The results show that the CMAD data-driven model has better Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency and correlation coefficient for each period. By analyzing the influence of the hydropower station on the runoff process at the outlet of the basin, it is found that the hydropower station has a certain regulating effect on the runoff process at the outlet of the basin. In addition, the RCP4.5 scenario is more consistent with the future scenario, indicating that the Jialing River Basin will become colder and drier.
Quantitative evaluation of the mitigation effect of low-impact development pavement materials on urban heat island and tropical night phenomena
Authors: Mun-soo Na , Woo-bin Bae , Hee-man Kang , Yong-gil Kim , Sang-rae Kim 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Rapid urbanization has led to altered thermal circulations in major cities that are responsible for the increasing occurrence of urban heat islands (UHIs) and events such as tropical nights and heat waves. To effectively mitigate such events, low-impact development (LID) and green infrastructure strategies have been developed. In Korea, LID techniques focus mainly on road pavement materials; however, issues regarding the reliability of measurements due to differences in the measurement equipment and studied specimens persist. This study presents the design of a green infrastructure surface temperature measurement (GSTM) instrument and a reliable methodology developed to evaluate the performance of pavement materials under controlled climate conditions. The developed GSTM instrument and methodology were tested by monitoring the surface temperature of materials based on LID practices and dense-graded asphalt and evaluating their ability to mitigate UHI and tropical night phenomena. The experiments were conducted under controlled climate conditions, using summer climate conditions of Seoul's typical meteorological year data. The UHI and tropical night phenomena mitigation performance of the pavement materials was evaluated by analyzing the correlation between the pavement materials' albedo and surface temperature using porous block specimens of different colors and LID-based pavement materials. The greening block recorded the most significant reduction in surface temperature, showing a difference of 22.6 °C, 185 min to the dense-graded asphalt. The white and yellow porous blocks showed surface temperature differences of 10.2 °C and 8.2 °C respectively compared to the dense-graded asphalt. The results revealed that pavement materials with higher albedo, more evaporation, and lower heat capacity have superior performance in mitigating UHI and tropical night events.
Removal of Basic Orange 2 dye and Ni2+ from aqueous solutions using alkaline-modified nanoclay
Authors: Geroeeyan Armin , Niazi Ali , Konoz Elaheh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the present research, the removal of Basic Orange 2 (BO2) dye using alkaline-modified clay nanoparticles was studied. To characterize the adsorbent, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, BET and BJH analyses were performed. The effect of the variables influencing the dye adsorption process such as adsorbent dose, contact time, pH, stirring rate, temperature, and initial dye concentration was investigated. Furthermore, the high efficiency of Ni2+ removal indicated that it is possible to remove both dye and metal cation under the same optimum conditions. The experimental data were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. Fitting the experimental data to Langmuir isotherm indicated that the monolayer adsorption of dye occurred at homogeneous sites. Experimental data were also analyzed with pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intra-particle diffusion kinetic equations for kinetic modeling of the dye removal process. The adsorption results indicated that the process follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic parameters of the dye adsorption process such as enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy changes were calculated and revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The results presented the high potential of the modified nanoclay as a cost-effective adsorbent for the removal of BO2 dye and Ni2+ from aqueous medium.
State Arctic Policy of Russia
Authors: Leksin V. N. , Porfiriev B. N. 
Published: March 2021

The state Arctic policy of Russia has no analogues in terms of the variety of tasks and the scale of risks of their implementation – from natural and climatic to foreign policy. Its most important subject was the consistent combination of new state and corporate solutions with the re-development of the «Soviet heritage». Today, this “heritage” accounts for more than 80% of the currently used national wealth of the Arctic. It was created in fundamentally different socio-political and socio-economic conditions, and now to maintain it at least in the same state and restructure it requires financial, material, technical and human resources that are not comparable with those necessary for similar purposes in the territories located to the south. The implementation of a unified state policy in the Arctic zone is complicated by the fact that it consists of a unique conglomeration of territories of four constituent entities of the Russian Federation and 28 municipalities of different types, located on the territory of other regions of the Russian Federation. All of them are relatively independent, have their own regulations, strategies for their development, etc. In 2008–2019, the state Arctic policy of Russia was documented in successive Decrees of the President of the Russian Federation and government decisions on the Arctic development program. However, in 2020 they were radically revised, including in the direction of taking into account the growing foreign policy threats. The conclusion is justified that only the strengthening of political and economic sovereignty on the basis of stable economic growth of the entire country can ensure the stability and minimize the risks of the functioning of this most important part of our state.