showing 36 of ~574560 from 574555 documents
Equivalent continuum-based upscaling of flow in discrete fracture networks: The fracture-and-pipe model
2021
Abstract. Predicting effective permeabilities of fractured rock masses is a key component of reservoir modelling. This is often realized with the discrete fracture network (DFN) method, where single-phase incompressible fluid flow is modelled in discrete representations of individual fractures in a network. Depending on the overall number of fractures, this can result in significant computational costs. Equivalent continuum models (ECM) provide an alternative approach by subdividing the fracture network into a grid of continuous medium cells, over which hydraulic properties are averaged for fluid flow simulations. While this has the advantage of lower computational costs and the possibility…
Modeling and 'smart' prototyping human-in-the-loop interactions for AmI environments
2021
[EN] Autonomous capabilities are required in AmI environments in order to adapt systems to new environmental conditions and situations. However, keeping the human in the loop and in control of such systems is still necessary because of the diversity of systems, domains, environments, context situations, and social and legal constraints, which makes full autonomy a utopia within the short or medium term. Human-system integration introduces an important number of challenges and problems that have to be solved. On the one hand, humans should interact with systems even in those situations where their attentional, cognitive, and physical resources are limited in order to perform the interaction.…
The Functional Crosstalk between Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Regulatory T Cells within the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment
2021
Simple Summary Immunotherapy improved the therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced cancer diseases. However, many patients do not benefit from immunotherapy. The bidirectional crosstalk between myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and regulatory T cells (Treg) contributes to immune evasion, limiting the success of immunotherapy by checkpoint inhibitors. This review aims to outline the current knowledge of the role and the immunosuppressive properties of MDSC and Treg within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Furthermore, we will discuss the importance of the functional crosstalk between MDSC and Treg for immunosuppression, issuing particularly the role of cell adhesion molecules. …
The scientific payload on-board the HERMES-TP and HERMES-SP CubeSat missions
2021
HERMES (High Energy Rapid Modular Ensemble of Satellites) Technological and Scientific pathfinder is a space borne mission based on a LEO constellation of nano-satellites. The 3U CubeSat buses host new miniaturized detectors to probe the temporal emission of bright high-energy transients such as Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs). Fast transient localization, in a field of view of several steradians and with arcmin-level accuracy, is gained by comparing time delays among the same event detection epochs occurred on at least 3 nano-satellites. With a launch date in 2022, HERMES transient monitoring represents a keystone capability to complement the next generation of gravitational wave experiments. In t…
Growth of zinc-blende GaN on muscovite mica by molecular beam epitaxy
2021
Abstract The mechanisms of plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxial growth of GaN on muscovite mica were investigated. Using a battery of techniques, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, cathodoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction, it was possible to establish that, in spite of the lattice symmetry mismatch, GaN grows in epitaxial relationship with mica, with the [11–20] GaN direction parallel to [010] direction of mica. GaN layers could be easily detached from the substrate via the delamination of the upper layers of the mica itself, discarding the hypothesis of a van der Waals growth mode. Mixture of wurtzite (hexagonal) and z…
Particle size-related limitations of persistent phosphors based on the doped Y3Al2Ga3O12 system
2021
AbstractCo-doped Ce3+, Cr3+ and Pr3+ yttrium–aluminium–gallium garnet powders of various sizes were obtained by co-precipitation method. The microstructure and morphology were investigated by XRPD, TEM and gas porosimetry. The luminescence properties were studied by excitation and emission spectra, quantum yield and decay times. Thermoluminescence measurements were performed to evaluate the activation energy, traps redistribution and frequency factor. Limitation in the energy transfer between dopant ions in the small particles, traps depth and surface defects were considered and investigated as responsible for the quenching of persistent luminescence. The phosphors annealed at 1100 °C show …
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2021
Self-regulation, especially the regulation of emotion, is an important component of athletic performance. In our study, we tested the effect of a self-distancing strategy on athletes’ performance in an aggression-inducing experimental task in the laboratory. To this end, we modified an established paradigm of interpersonal provocation [Taylor Aggression Paradigm (TAP)], which has the potential to complement field studies in order to increase our understanding of effective emotion regulation of athletes in critical situations in competitions. In our experimental setting, we first tested the applicability of the self-distancing perspective and the athletes’ ability to dynamically adapt beside…
Green inclusive leadership and green creativity in the tourism and hospitality sector: serial mediation of green psychological climate and work engag…
2021
Green creativity contributes to green innovation and green sustainability in both the manufacturing and services sectors. However, academic research offering more nuanced insights about the drivers of green creativity (GCRT) is deficient, particularly within the tourism and hospitality sector. The present study thus theorized a model based on the Componential Theory of Creativity (CTC) to examine green inclusive leadership (GIL), green psychological climate (GPC), and green work engagement (GWE) as antecedents of GCRT. The model not only posits the direct associations but also accommodates a more complex interaction of variables by anticipating the mediation effect of GPC and GWE on the ass…
Quality-of-Life Impairment among Patients with Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1795 Patients
2021
The chronic, inflammatory skin disorder hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated well documented negative influences on patients&rsquo
Nowhere differentiable intrinsic Lipschitz graphs
2021
We construct intrinsic Lipschitz graphs in Carnot groups with the property that, at every point, there exist infinitely many different blow-up limits, none of which is a homogeneous subgroup. This provides counterexamples to a Rademacher theorem for intrinsic Lipschitz graphs.
Timing techniques applied to distributed modular high-energy astronomy: the H.E.R.M.E.S. project
2021
The HERMES-TP/SP (High Energy Rapid Modular Ensemble of Satellites -- Technologic and Scientific Pathfinder) is an in-orbit demonstration of the so-called distributed astronomy concept. Conceived as a mini-constellation of six 3U nano-satellites hosting a new miniaturized detector, HERMES-TP/SP aims at the detection and accurate localisation of bright high-energy transients such as Gamma-Ray Bursts. The large energy band, the excellent temporal resolution and the wide field of view that characterize the detectors of the constellation represent the key features for the next generation high-energy all-sky monitor with good localisation capabilities that will play a pivotal role in the future …
Solutions for parametric double phase Robin problems
2021
We consider a parametric double phase problem with Robin boundary condition. We prove two existence theorems. In the first the reaction is ( p − 1 )-superlinear and the solutions produced are asymptotically big as λ → 0 + . In the second the conditions on the reaction are essentially local at zero and the solutions produced are asymptotically small as λ → 0 + .
Ball Impact Position in Recreational Male Padel Players: Implications for Training and Injury Management
2021
Racket sports such as padel are characterized by the repetition of unilateral gestures, which can lead to negative adaptations like asymmetries or overuse musculoskeletal injuries. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in ball impact positions (i.e., forward or backward of the center of gravity) in nine stroke types in a sample of forty-eight recreational male padel players. The sample included 14,478 shots corresponding to 18 matches from six tournaments. Forty-eight male padel players were classified into two groups according to their level: trained (n = 24) and novice (n = 24). Type of stroke and ball impact position were registered using a computerized motion tracki…
Interpersonal forgiveness and meaning in life in older adults: The mediating and moderating roles of the religious meaning system
2021
Forgiving others may play an important role in achieving meaning in life as it offers a valuable platform for deliberate moral acts of acceptance of positive affect, behaviour, and cognition towards a transgressor. The aim of this paper was to analyse the relationship between forgiveness and presence, and the search for meaning in life, as well as the mediating role of the religious meaning system in this relationship among older adults. A total of 205 older adults, 112 women and 93 men, participated in the study. The mean age was 72.59. The Transgression-Related Interpersonal Motivations Scale, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and the Religious Meaning System Questionnaire were employed …
The Multifaceted Interplay between Atrial Fibrillation and Myocardial Infarction: A Review
2021
International audience; This review was conducted to emphasize the complex interplay between atrial fibrillation (AF) and myocardial infraction (MI). In type 1 (T1) MI, AF is frequent and associated with excess mortality. Moreover, AF after hospital discharge for T1MI is not rare, suggesting the need to improve AF screening and to develop therapeutic strategies for AF recurrence. Additionally, AF is a common trigger for type 2 MI (T2MI), and recent data have shown that tachyarrhythmia or bradyarrhythmia could be a causal factor in, respectively, 13–47% or 2–7% of T2MI. In addition, AF is involved in T2MI pathogenesis as a result of severe anemia related to anticoagulants. AF is also an unde…
Comment on “Global distribution of earthworm diversity”
2021
Phillips et al . (Reports, 25 October 2019, p. 480) incorrectly conclude that tropical earthworm communities are less diverse and abundant than temperate communities. This result is an artifact generated by some low-quality datasets, lower sampling intensity in the tropics, different patterns in richness-area relationships, the occurrence of invasive species in managed soils, and a focus on local rather than regional richness.
Deep MRD profiling defines outcome and unveils different modes of treatment resistance in standard- and high-risk myeloma
2021
PETHEMA/GEM Cooperative Group.
Inflammation in the Human Periodontium Induces Downregulation of the α1- and β1-Subunits of the sGC in Cementoclasts
2021
Nitric oxide (NO) binds to soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), activates it in a reduced oxidized heme iron state, and generates cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP), which results in vasodilatation and inhibition of osteoclast activity. In inflammation, sGC is oxidized and becomes insensitive to NO. NO- and heme-independent activation of sGC requires protein expression of the &alpha
Vaccine Hesitancy on Social Media: Sentiment Analysis from June 2011 to April 2019
2021
Vaccine hesitancy was one of the ten major threats to global health in 2019, according to the World Health Organisation. Nowadays, social media has an important role in the spread of information, misinformation, and disinformation about vaccines. Monitoring vaccine-related conversations on social media could help us to identify the factors that contribute to vaccine confidence in each historical period and geographical area. We used a hybrid approach to perform an opinion-mining analysis on 1,499,227 vaccine-related tweets published on Twitter from 1st June 2011 to 30th April 2019. Our algorithm classified 69.36% of the tweets as neutral, 21.78% as positive, and 8.86% as negative. The perce…
Oxidative stress and DNA damage in agricultural workers after exposure to pesticides
2021
Abstract Background Recent epidemiological studies on workers describe that exposure to pesticides can induce oxidative stress by increased production of free radicals that can accumulate in the cell and damage biological macromolecules, for example, RNA, DNA, DNA repair proteins and other proteins and/or modify antioxidant defense mechanisms, as well as detoxification and scavenger enzymes. This study aimed to assess oxidative stress and DNA damage among workers exposed to pesticides. Methods For this purpose, 52 pesticide exposed workers and 52 organic farmers were enrolled. They were assessed: the pesticide exposure, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total glutathione (TG)…
Entry with two correlated signals : the case of industrial espionage and its positive competitive effects
2021
Recent advances in information and communication technologies have increased the incentives for firms to acquire information about rivals. These advances may have major implications for market entry because they make it easier for potential entrants to gather valuable information about, for example, an incumbent’s cost structure. However, little theoretical research has actually analyzed this question. This paper advances the literature by extending a one-sided asymmetric information version of Milgrom and Roberts’ (1982) limit pricing model. Here, the entrant is allowed access to an intelligence system (IS) of a certain precision that generates a noisy signal on the incumbent’s cost struct…
Le siège de l'arbitrage international
2021
In international matters, the arbitral tribunal has no choice but to settle in the territory of a State in order to render its award. The choice of this "host State" would then determine the seat of international arbitration. But what choice do we make? How? By whom ? What to do in case of uncertainty of this choice? What effects will this determination then have in creating the tribunal, in rendering and enforcing its award, or in choosing the applicable laws? There is no single answer to these simple questions. Indeed, international arbitration law attaches varying importance to the notion of seat, in the sense that it will depend primarily on one's vision of the place and source of arbit…
The latest Miocene small-sized Cervidae from Monticino Quarry (Brisighella, central Italy): paleobiogeographic and biochronological implications
2021
In this paper, we described the unpublished cervid material from the latest Upper Miocene deposits of the Monticino Quarry (Brisighella, central Italy). The material includes a few teeth, some post...
Heparin in COVID-19 patients is associated with reduced in-hospital mortality: the multicentre Italian CORIST Study
2021
Abstract Introduction A hypercoagulable condition was described in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and proposed as a possible pathogenic mechanism contributing to disease progression and lethality. Aim We evaluated if in-hospital administration of heparin improved survival in a large cohort of Italian COVID-19 patients. Methods In a retrospective observational study, 2,574 unselected patients hospitalized in 30 clinical centers in Italy from February 19, 2020 to June 5, 2020 with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection were analyzed. The primary endpoint in a time-to event analysis was in-hospital death, comparing patients who receive…
Controversy over the Mode of Growth of Cambial Cylinder
2021
Based on mathematical modelling, this review article describes the mechanism of expansion in the circumference of vascular cambium due to radial growth leading to increase in the tree-trunk diameter, and emphasizes upon the huge difference in the rate of symplastic growth of cambial initials in two different directions, viz. radial and circumferential. On the basis of anatomical evidence regarding the role of symplastic and intrusive growths, the long-standing hypothesis that the intrusive growth contributes to the increase of cambium circumference has been falsified. It has been shown with the help of mathematical calculations as well as anatomical observations that only symplastic growth …
Clinical and neuroimaging findings in 33 patients with MCAP syndrome: A survey to evaluate relevant endpoints for future clinical trials
2021
Megalencephaly-CApillary malformation-Polymicrogyria (MCAP) syndrome results from somatic mosaic gain-of-function variants in PIK3CA. Main features are macrocephaly, somatic overgrowth, cutaneous vascular malformations, connective tissue dysplasia, neurodevelopmental delay, and brain anomalies. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical and radiological features of MCAP, to suggest relevant clinical endpoints applicable in future trials of targeted drug therapy. Based on a French collaboration, we collected clinical features of 33 patients (21 females, 12 males, median age of 9.9 years) with MCAP carrying mosaic PIK3CA pathogenic variants. MRI images were reviewed for 21 pat…
Increased proportion of comorbidities but no deterioration of sexual quality of life during a 5-year follow-up in patients with axial spondyloarthrit…
2021
Abstract Objective To explore patient perception of sexual quality of life (SQOL), an important category of QOL, in male and female patients with axial SpA (axSpA) after a 5 year follow-up. Methods A broad spectrum of demographic, disease-related, treatment and SQOL data was collected at baseline and at the 5 year follow-up. SQOL was assessed by the SQOL-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire. For statistical analysis, McNemar’s tests, paired t-tests and multiple regression analyses were applied. Results A total of 245 axSpA patients (168 men and 77 women) from outpatient clinics were examined (mean age 46 years, mean disease duration 11.9 years at baseline). Compared with baseline, the patients had…
Chemical composition of the essential oil from different vegetative parts of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum (Ucria) Coutinho (Umbelliferae) grow…
2021
In the present study, the chemical compositions of the essential oils from roots, stems, leaves and fruits of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum collected in Sicily were evaluated by GC and GC-MS. The main components of the roots were terpinolene (33.15%), gamma-terpinene (12.18%) and fenchyl acetate (11.23%). Stems and leaves were very rich in alpha-phellandrene (36.85% and 41.59%, respectively) and beta-phellandrene (19.68% and 25.79%, respectively), whereas the main components of fruits were terpinolene (20.10%) and limonene (17.84%)These results were compared with those of the EOs of the same vegetative parts of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. vulgare, collected in the same station and in th…
Model reduction techniques for the computation of extended Markov parameterizations for generalized Langevin equations
2021
Abstract The generalized Langevin equation is a model for the motion of coarse-grained particles where dissipative forces are represented by a memory term. The numerical realization of such a model requires the implementation of a stochastic delay-differential equation and the estimation of a corresponding memory kernel. Here we develop a new approach for computing a data-driven Markov model for the motion of the particles, given equidistant samples of their velocity autocorrelation function. Our method bypasses the determination of the underlying memory kernel by representing it via up to about twenty auxiliary variables. The algorithm is based on a sophisticated variant of the Prony metho…
Study of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Nursing Work Environments in Primary Care in Spain
2021
Background: Nursing work environments are defined as the characteristics of the workplace that promote or hinder the provision of professional care by nurses. Positive work environments lead to better health outcomes. Our study aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of primary health care settings in Spain. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out from 2018 to 2019. We used the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and the TOP10 Questionnaire of Assessment of Environments in Primary Health Care for data collection. The associations between sociodemographic and professional variables were analyzed. Results: In total, 702 primary care nurses participated in the study. …
Quality of life in irradiated patients with head and neck cancer: A preliminary study about the impact of prosthetic rehabilitation
2021
Background Oral quality of life is of great importance in head and neck cancer, where each patient combines functional, social and esthetic needs. Our study aimed to evaluate the influence of prosthetic and/or maxillofacial rehabilitation on patients’ perceived oral quality of life. Material and Methods The General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) was used in 28 patients with head and neck cancer who had undergone radiotherapy, recruited at La Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France, and who required prosthetic rehabilitation. The questionnaire was completed at three timepoints in the study: before insertion of the prosthesis (T0), then one week (T1) and three months after inserti…
Mechanisms of Resistance to Insecticidal Proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis
2021
Insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt) are used in sprayable formulations or produced in transgenic crops as the most successful alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The most relevant threat to sustainability of Bt insecticidal proteins (toxins) is the evolution of resistance in target pests. To date, high-level resistance to Bt sprays has been limited to one species in the field and another in commercial greenhouses. In contrast, there are currently seven lepidopteran and one coleopteran species that have evolved practical resistance to transgenic plants producing insecticidal Bt proteins. In this article, we present a review of the current knowledge on mec…
Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium breve INIA P734 (CECT 8178), a Strain Isolated from Human Breast Milk
2021
Departamento de Tecnología de Alimentos (INIA)
Understanding the influence of context in technology integration from teacher educators’ perspective
2021
The perspective of teachers is important for advancing the use of technology in classrooms. A considerable number of research studies have explained context in ways that have narrowed the understanding of its impact on successful technology integration. This study employs the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) model as a lens in understanding factors influencing teachers’ integration of technology in classrooms. Data were collected using focused interviews of 19 teacher educators of three colleges of education from the southern part of Nigeria. The results reveal that among the level contexts, the meso level presented the most challenges to teachers’ efforts at integrat…
Impact of COVID-19 Confinement on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour in Spanish University Students: Role of Gender
2021
During the COVID-19 pandemic, entire populations were instructed to live in home-confinement to prevent the expansion of the disease. Spain was one of the countries with the strictest conditions, as outdoor physical activity was banned for nearly two months. This study aimed to analyse the changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviours in Spanish university students before and during the confinement by COVID-19 with special focus on gender. We also analysed enjoyment, the tools used and motivation and impediments for doing physical activity. An online questionnaire, which included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and certain &ldquo
Non-celiac wheat sensitivity: rationality and irrationality of a gluten-free diet in individuals affected with non-celiac disease: a review
2021
AbstractNon-celiac gluten or wheat sensitivity (NCWS) is a “clinical entity induced by the ingestion of wheat leading to intestinal and/or extraintestinal symptoms that improve once the wheat-containing foodstuff is removed from the diet, and celiac disease and wheat allergy have been excluded”. This mostly accepted definition raises several points that remain controversial on this condition. In the present review, the authors summarize the most recent advances in the clinic and research on NCWS through an accurate analysis of different studies. We screened PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Scopus using the keywords “non-celiac gluten sensitivity”, “non-celiac wheat sensitivity”, and “diagnosis”…