bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demand for Taenia solium Cysticercosis Vaccine: Lessons and Insights From the Pig Production and Trading Nodes of the Uganda Pig Value Chain
Authors: Ouma Emily , Dione Michel , Mtimet Nadhem , Lule Peter , Colston Angie , Adediran Samuel , Grace Delia
Published: April 2021

Taenia solium cysticercosis disease remains a key challenge to the pig sector in low- and middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and South East Asia, resulting in both economic losses and public health impacts. The World Health Organization has ranked it first on the global scale of foodborne parasites. A One Health approach has been recommended for reduction of infection pressure and eradication in the longer term. A new vaccine TSOL18 (Cysvax™), applied in combination with oxfendazole (Paranthic 10%™), a dewormer drug has been developed and field tested for the control of T. solium cysticercosis, with high potential to break the disease cycle. It is however unclear whether the products can be marketed through a market driven approach, and if smallholder pig farmers would be willing to take up and pay for the vaccine–oxfendazole combination. A choice experiment methodology was used to assess the potential demand and willingness to pay for the vaccine—oxfendazole combination by Ugandan smallholder pig farmers, and demand for vaccinated pigs by pig traders. The results showed that farmers highly valued quality assurance attributes and were not keen on the vaccine if there were no associated returns in the form of premium price for vaccinated pigs during sales. They were willing to pay US$ 2.31 for the vaccine if it resulted in a premium price for vaccinated pigs. Furthermore, they preferred an accompanying vaccine viability detector as part of its quality assurance. The pig traders on the other hand preferred high carcass weight of pigs, potentially achieved by using oxfendazole. The results show that unless the pig market systems pay a premium price for vaccinated pigs, and quality assurance systems guarantee quality vaccine, uptake of the TSOL18 vaccine and oxfendazole by farmers through market mechanisms may be unsuccessful. The current pig marketing system does not reward food safety, the focus is mainly on carcass weight. Alternative delivery mechanisms for the vaccine through a mix of private–public investments needs to be explored, as the benefits of vaccinated pigs are societal and include reduction and elimination of neurocysticercosis in the long run.
Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Canine Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Serum Free Culture Medium Have Anti-inflammatory Effect on Microglial Cells
Authors: Kuwahara Yukina , Yoshizaki Karin , Nishida Hidetaka , Kamishina Hiroaki , Maeda Sadatoshi , Takano Katsura , Fujita Naoki , Nishimura Ryohei , Jo Jun-ichiro , Tabata Yasuhiko , Akiyoshi Hideo
Published: April 2021

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been used as cell sources for treating dogs with naturally-occurring diseases. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from MSCs are now recognized as pivotal to modulating the immune response and supporting tissue repair. Manufacture of MSC-EVs for clinical application mandates removal of the xeno-proteins, including fetal bovine serum. The objective of this study was to examine whether canine MSCs survived and secreted EVs in serum-free medium (SFM) conditions and to assess the immunomodulatory effect of EVs in vitro. Canine MSCs were found to survive and secrete EVs under SFM conditions. The surface markers of MSCs in the SFM were similar to MSCs in complete culture medium. Canine MSC-EVs had a diameter of ~300 nm and were positive for EV markers. MSC-derived EVs from the serum-free condition reduced the levels of IL-1β by BV-2 cells in response to LPS stimulation. These results warrant further studies of the use of SFM for producing EVs derived from canine MSCs.
Echinacea purpurea Ethanol Extract Improves Male Reproductive Dysfunction With Streptozotocin–Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Mao Chien-Feng , Sudirman Sabri , Lee Chi-Chih , Tsou David , Kong Zwe-Ling
Published: April 2021

As lifestyle changes, the prevalence of diabetes increases every year. Diabetes-induced male reproductive dysfunction is predominantly due to increased oxidative stress and then results in sperm damage and infertility. Echinacea purpurea is a traditional medicinal herb and is well-known for its immune-modulatory, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral activities. The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a critical role in innate immune responses leading to nuclear factor (NF)-κB phosphorylation and release of proinflammatory cytokines including nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. However, the relation between Echinacea purpurea extract and TLR4 remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects on male reproduction of Echinacea purpurea ethanol extract (EPE) against diabetic rats and whether the anti-inflammatory effects were through the TLR4 pathway. Diabetic male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were induced by streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) and nicotinamide (230 mg/kg). EPE was tested in three doses (93, 279, and 465 mg/kg p.o. daily) for 4 weeks. Besides, metformin administration (100 mg/kg/day) was treated as a positive control. Results indicated that EPE administration for about 4 weeks improved hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Additionally, EPE increased sperm motility, protected sperm morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as protein for testosterone synthesis enzyme. In sperm superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione antioxidants were increased, whereas proinflammatory cytokines, such as NO, IL-1β, and TNF-α were decreased. The testis protein content of TLR4 and downstream phospho-NF-κB p65 also were reduced. The EPE might reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines via TLR4 pathways and improve diabetes-induced male infertility.
The Binaural Illusion of Wallach (1940) Apparent in Synthetic Aperture Images of the Field of Audition Generated as the Head Turns
Authors: Tamsett Duncan
Published: April 2021

Wallach (J. Exp. Psychol. 1940, 27, 339–368) predicted that a human subject rotating about a vertical axis through the auditory centre, having an acoustic source rotating around the same axis at twice the rotation rate of the human subject, would perceive the acoustic source to be stationary. His prediction, which he confirmed by experiment, was made to test the hypothesis that humans integrate head movement information that is derived from the vestibular system and visual cues, with measurements of arrival time differences between the acoustic signals received at the ears, to determine directions to acoustic sources. The simulation experiments described here demonstrate that a synthetic aperture calculation performed as the head turns, to determine the direction to an acoustic source (Tamsett, Robotics 2017, 6, 10), is also subject to the Wallach illusion. This constitutes evidence that human audition deploys a synthetic aperture process in which a virtual image of the field of audition is populated as the head turns, and from which directions to acoustic sources are inferred. The process is akin to those in synthetic aperture sonar/radar technologies and to migration in seismic profiler image processing. It could be implemented in a binaural robot localizing acoustic sources from arrival time differences in emulation of an aspect of human audition.
Virtual Reality-Based Alcohol Prevention in Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Prediger Christina , Helmer Stefanie Maria , Hrynyschyn Robert , Stock Christiane
Published: April 2021

Virtual Reality-simulations offer new opportunities for alcohol prevention in adolescents. As an innovative medium, Virtual Reality can be attractive for the target group, and avatar-based pathways allow tailoring prevention in a gender-specific manner. However, tailoring may reproduce gender stereotypes and be exclusive. Therefore, this systematic review aims to summaries existing evidence regarding Virtual Reality-simulations for alcohol prevention targeting adolescents and to examine how gender is considered. A systematic search was conducted in seven databases. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Out of 224 search hits, four publications derived out of an Australian, a Danish, and a US-American project met the inclusion criteria. Research designs included qualitative (2), quantitative (1), and mixed-method approaches (1). Qualitative methods focused on development, evaluation, and participatory methods in the creation process, demonstrating adolescents’ involvement in Virtual Reality design. Adolescents appreciated the realism and the exposure to peer pressure and to negative alcohol consequences. Quantitative designs focused mainly on measuring alcohol-related outcomes (e.g., attitude and behavioral intentions towards binge drinking), and positive changes were found. In all studies, gender was assessed in the male-female dichotomy. Further gender-sensitive research is needed to develop and test the possibilities and pitfalls of tailoring Virtual Reality-simulations.
An Explosion Based Algorithm to Solve the Optimization Problem in Quadcopter Control
Authors: Shauqee Mohamad Norherman , Rajendran Parvathy , Suhadis Nurulasikin Mohd
Published: April 2021

This paper presents an optimization algorithm named Random Explosion Algorithm (REA). The fundamental idea of this algorithm is based on a simple concept of the explosion of an object. This object is commonly known as a particle: when exploded, it will randomly disperse fragments around the particle within the explosion radius. The fragment that will be considered as a search agent will fill the local space and search that particular region for the best fitness solution. The proposed algorithm was tested on 23 benchmark test functions, and the results are validated by a comparative study with eight well-known algorithms, which are Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Artificial Bee Colony (ABC), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Differential Evolution (DE), Multi-Verse Optimizer (MVO), Moth Flame Optimizer (MFO), Firefly Algorithm (FA), and Sooty Tern Optimization Algorithm (STOA). After that, the algorithm was implemented and analyzed for a quadrotor control application. Similarly, a comparative study with the other algorithms stated was done. The findings reveal that the REA can yield very competitive results. It also shows that the convergence analysis has proved that the REA can converge more quickly toward the global optimum than the other metaheuristic algorithms. For the control application result, the REA controller can better track the desired reference input with shorter rise time and settling time, lower percentage overshoot, and minimal steady-state error and root mean square error (RMSE).
Maneuverability of the Scope and Instruments within Three Different Single-Incision Laparoscopic Ports: An Experimental Pilot Study
Authors: Haider Georg , Schulz Ursula , Katic Nikola , Peham Christian , Dupré Gilles
Published: April 2021

Single-port access systems (SPASs) are currently used in human and veterinary surgeries. However, they pose technical challenges, such as instrument crowding, intra- and extracorporeal instrument collision, and reduced maneuverability. Studies comparing the maneuverability of the scopes and instruments in different SPASs are lacking. This study aimed to compare the maneuverability of three different SPASs: the Covidien SILS-port, Storz Endocone, and glove port. A clear acrylic box with artificial skin placed at the bottom was used to mimic the abdominal wall and cavity. The three SPASs were placed from below, and a 10-mm endoscope and 5-mm instrument were introduced. A motion analysis system consisting of 18 cameras and motion analysis software were used to track the movement of the endoscope and instrument, to determine the volume of the cone-shaped, three-dimensional figures over which movement was possible, with higher values indicating greater maneuverability. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for the analysis. The maneuverability of the endoscope alone was significantly higher in the glove port system than in the other two SPASs. When inserting an additional instrument, the maneuverability significantly decreased in the SILS-port and Endocone, but not in the glove port. The highest maneuverability overall was found in the glove port.
Long Intergenic Non-Coding RNAs in the Mammary Parenchyma and Fat Pad of Pre-Weaning Heifer Calves: Identification and Functional Analysis
Authors: Zhang Shengchao , Ahmad Sibtain , Zhang Yuxia , Hua Guohua , Yi Jianming
Published: April 2021

Enhanced plane of nutrition at pre-weaning stage can promote the development of mammary gland especially heifer calves. Although several genes are involved in this process, long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) are regarded as key regulators in the regulated network and are still largely unknown. We identified and characterized 534 putative lincRNAs based on the published RNA-seq data, including heifer calves in two groups: fed enhanced milk replacer (EH, 1.13 kg/day, including 28% crude protein, 25% fat) group and fed restricted milk replacer (R, 0.45 kg/day, including 20% crude protein, 20% fat) group. Sub-samples from the mammary parenchyma (PAR) and mammary fat pad (MFP) were harvested from heifer calves. According to the information of these lincRNAs’ quantitative trait loci (QTLs), the neighboring and co-expression genes were used to predict their function. By comparing EH vs R, 79 lincRNAs (61 upregulated, 18 downregulated) and 86 lincRNAs (54 upregulated, 32 downregulated) were differentially expressed in MFP and PAR, respectively. In MFP, some differentially expressed lincRNAs (DELs) are involved in lipid metabolism pathways, while, in PAR, among of DELs are involved in cell proliferation pathways. Taken together, this study explored the potential regulatory mechanism of lincRNAs in the mammary gland development of calves under different planes of nutrition.
Replacing Alfalfa with Paper Mulberry in Total Mixed Ration Silages: Effects on Ensiling Characteristics, Protein Degradation, and In Vitro Digestibility
Authors: Li Rongrong , Zheng Mingli , Jiang Di , Tian Pengjiao , Zheng Menghu , Xu Chuncheng
Published: April 2021

To develop an alternative high-protein forage resource to alleviate ruminant feed shortages, we investigated the effects of replacing alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) with different ratios of paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L., RY) on fermentation quality, protein degradation, and in vitro digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage. The TMR were made with alfalfa and RY mixtures (36.0%), maize meal (35.0%), oat grass (10.0%), soybean meal (7.5%), brewers’ grain (5.0%), wheat bran (5.0%), premix (1.0%), and salt (0.5%) on a dry matter basis, respectively. The alfalfa and RY mixtures were made in the following ratios of dry matter: 36:0 (RY0), 27:9 (RY9), 18:18 (RY18), 9:27 (RY27), and 0:36 (RY36). After ensiling for 7, 14, 28, and 56 days, fermentation quality, protein degradation, and microbial counts were examined, and chemical composition and in vitro digestibility were analyzed after 56 days of ensiling. All TMR silages, irrespective of the substitution level of RY, were well preserved with low pH and ammonia nitrogen content, high lactic acid content, and undetectable butyric acid. After ensiling, the condensed tannin content for RY18 silages was higher than the control, but non-protein nitrogen, peptide nitrogen, and free amino acid nitrogen contents was lower, while the fraction B1 (buffer-soluble protein) was not different among all the silages. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility for RY27 and RY36 silages was lower than the control, but there was no difference between control and RY18 silages. This study suggested that ensiling RY with alfalfa inhibited true protein degradation, but decreased in vitro dry matter and crude protein digestibility of TMR silages, and that 18:18 is the optimal ratio.
Initially Reduced Linezolid Dosing Regimen to Prevent Thrombocytopenia in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kawasuji Hitoshi , Tsuji Yasuhiro , Ogami Chika , Kaneda Makito , Murai Yushi , Kimoto Kou , Ueno Akitoshi , Miyajima Yuki , Fukui Yasutaka , Sakamaki Ippei , Yamamoto Yoshihiro
Published: April 2021

This retrospective cohort study investigated the effects of an initially reduced linezolid dosing regimen in hemodialysis patients through therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Patients were divided into two groups depending on their initial dose of linezolid (standard dose of 600 mg every 12 h or initially reduced dose of 300 mg every 12 h/600 mg every 24 h). The cumulative incidence rates of thrombocytopenia and severe thrombocytopenia were compared between both groups using the Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test. Eleven episodes of 8 chronic hemodialysis patients were included; 5 were in the initially reduced-dose group. Thrombocytopenia developed in 81.8% of patients. The cumulative incidence rates of thrombocytopenia and severe thrombocytopenia in the initially reduced-dose group were significantly lower than in the standard-dose group (p < 0.05). At the standard dose, the median linezolid trough concentration (Cmin) just before hemodialysis was 49.5 mg/L, and Cmin at the reduced doses of 300 mg every 12 h and 600 mg every 24 h were 20.6 mg/L and 6.0 mg/L, respectively. All five episodes underwent TDM in the standard-dose group required dose reduction to 600 mg per day. Our findings indicate that initial dose reduction should be implemented to reduce the risk of linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia among hemodialysis patients.
PKCα Inhibition as a Strategy to Sensitize Neuroblastoma Stem Cells to Etoposide by Stimulating Ferroptosis
Authors: Monteleone Lorenzo , Speciale Andrea , Valenti Giulia Elda , Traverso Nicola , Ravera Silvia , Garbarino Ombretta , Leardi Riccardo , Farinini Emanuele , Roveri Antonella , Ursini Fulvio , Cantoni Claudia , Pronzato Maria Adelaide , Marinari Umberto Maria , Marengo Barbara , Domenicotti Cinzia
Published: April 2021

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a limited cell population inside a tumor bulk characterized by high levels of glutathione (GSH), the most important antioxidant thiol of which cysteine is the limiting amino acid for GSH biosynthesis. In fact, CSCs over-express xCT, a cystine transporter stabilized on cell membrane through interaction with CD44, a stemness marker whose expression is modulated by protein kinase Cα (PKCα). Since many chemotherapeutic drugs, such as Etoposide, exert their cytotoxic action by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the presence of high antioxidant defenses confers to CSCs a crucial role in chemoresistance. In this study, Etoposide-sensitive and -resistant neuroblastoma CSCs were chronically treated with Etoposide, given alone or in combination with Sulfasalazine (SSZ) or with an inhibitor of PKCα (C2-4), which target xCT directly or indirectly, respectively. Both combined approaches are able to sensitize CSCs to Etoposide by decreasing intracellular GSH levels, inducing a metabolic switch from OXPHOS to aerobic glycolysis, down-regulating glutathione-peroxidase-4 activity and stimulating lipid peroxidation, thus leading to ferroptosis. Our results suggest, for the first time, that PKCα inhibition inducing ferroptosis might be a useful strategy with which to fight CSC chemoresistance.
The Impact of Fracture Persistence and Intact Rock Bridge Failure on the In Situ Block Area Distribution
Authors: Strauhal Thomas , Zangerl Christian
Published: April 2021

The in situ block size distribution is an essential characteristic of fractured rock masses and impacts the assessment of rockfall hazards and other fields of rock mechanics. The block size distribution can be estimated rather easily for fully persistent fractures, but it is a challenge to determine this parameter when non-persistent fractures in a rock mass should be considered. In many approaches, the block size distribution is estimated by assuming that the fractures are fully persistent, resulting in an underestimation of the block sizes for many fracture geometries. In addition, the block size distribution is influenced by intact rock bridge failure, especially in rock masses with non-persistent fractures, either in a short-term perspective during a slope failure event when the rock mass increasingly disintegrates or in a long-term view when the rock mass progressively weakens. The quantification of intact rock bridge failure in a rock mass is highly complex, comprising fracture coalescence and crack growth driven by time-dependent changes of the in situ stresses due to thermal, freezing-thawing, and pore water pressure fluctuations. This contribution presents stochastic analyses of the two-dimensional in situ block area distribution and the mean block area of non-persistent fracture networks. The applied 2D discrete fracture network approach takes into account the potential failure of intact rock bridges based on a pre-defined threshold length and relies on input parameters that can be easily measured in the field by classical discontinuity mapping methods (e.g., scanline mapping). In addition, on the basis of these discrete fracture network analyses, an empirical relationship was determined between (i) the mean block area for persistent fractures, (ii) the mean block area for non-persistent fractures, and (iii) the mean interconnectivity factor. The further adaptation of this 2D approach to 3D block geometries is discussed on the basis of general considerations. The calculations carried out in this contribution highlight the large impact of non-persistent fractures and intact rock bridge failure for rock mass characterization, e.g., rockfall assessment.
Assessment of the Parameters of a Shock Wave on the Wall of an Explosion Cavity with the Refraction of a Detonation Wave of Emulsion Explosives
Authors: Afanasev Pavel Igorevich , Makhmudov Khairullo Faizullaevich
Published: April 2021

At present, studying the parameters of shock waves at pressures up to 20 GPa entails a number of practical difficulties. In order to describe the propagation of shock waves, their initial parameters on the wall of the explosion cavity need to be known. With the determination of initial parameters, pressures in the near zone of the explosion can be calculated, and the choice of explosives can be substantiated. Therefore, developing a method for estimating shock wave parameters on an explosion cavity wall during the refraction of a detonation wave is an important problem in blast mining. This article proposes a method based on the theory of breakdown of an arbitrary discontinuity (the Riemann problem) to determine the shock wave parameters on the wall of the explosion cavity. Two possible variants of detonation wave refraction on the explosion cavity wall are described. This manuscript compares the parameters on the explosion cavity wall when using emulsion explosives with those obtained using cheap granular ANFO explosives. The detonative decomposition of emulsion explosives is also considered, and an equation of state for gaseous explosion products is proposed, which enables the estimation of detonation parameters while accounting for the incompressible volume of molecules (covolume) at the Chapman–Jouguet point.
Augmented EHR: Enrichment of EHR with Contents from Semantic Web Sources
Authors: Mañas-García Alejandro , Maldonado José Alberto , Marcos Mar , Boscá Diego , Robles Montserrat
Published: April 2021

This work presents methods to combine data from the Semantic Web into existing EHRs, leading to an augmented EHR. An existing EHR extract is augmented by combining it with additional information from external sources, typically linked data sources. The starting point is a standardized EHR extract described by an archetype. The method consists of combining specific data from the original EHR with contents from the external information source by building a semantic representation, which is used to query the external source. The results are converted into a standardized EHR extract according to an archetype. This work sets the foundations to transform Semantic Web contents into normalized EHR extracts. Finally, to exemplify the approach, the work includes a practical use case in which the summarized EHR is augmented with drug–drug interactions and disease-related treatment information.
Coupling High-Resolution Numerical Weather Prediction and Computational Fluid Dynamics: Auckland Harbour Case Study
Authors: Safaei Pirooz Amir Ali , Moore Stuart , Turner Richard , Flay Richard G. J.
Published: April 2021

In this study, the resilience of large cities and their built infrastructure in New Zealand to extreme winds, is investigated by coupling the outputs of a very high-resolution, 333-m resolution, numerical weather prediction (NWP) model with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Following an extreme wind event on 18 September 2020 in Auckland, in which two trucks travelling over the Auckland Harbour bridge tipped over and damaged the bridge structure, a CFD simulation of airflow over the bridge using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method and NWP wind speed forecasts as the inlet profile is conducted. The 333 m NWP forecasts were validated against four nearby observation sites, showing generally high correlations of greater than 0.8 and low mean bias (±3 m s−1) and RMSE (<3 m s−1) values. The CFD-based estimates of the mean wind speed-up over the bridge showed that the mean wind speed could increase by a factor of 1.15–1.20 in the vicinity of the road where the toppled vehicles were travelling. Additionally, NWP forecasts and CFD estimates of wind gusts at the maximum bridge height, within the area not affected by the bridge structure, agreed well with a value of about 25 m s−1. An anemometer mounted at the top of the bridge arch measured a higher gust wind speed of about 35 m s−1 that could have been influenced by the gust speed-up resulting from the flow separation from the bridge arch, which is demonstrated in the CFD results. The results demonstrate the importance of understanding localised wind speed-up effects and distinguishing them from the approaching undisturbed airflow.
Sentiment Analysis of Students’ Feedback with NLP and Deep Learning: A Systematic Mapping Study
Authors: Kastrati Zenun , Dalipi Fisnik , Imran Ali Shariq , Pireva Nuci Krenare , Wani Mudasir Ahmad
Published: April 2021

In the last decade, sentiment analysis has been widely applied in many domains, including business, social networks and education. Particularly in the education domain, where dealing with and processing students’ opinions is a complicated task due to the nature of the language used by students and the large volume of information, the application of sentiment analysis is growing yet remains challenging. Several literature reviews reveal the state of the application of sentiment analysis in this domain from different perspectives and contexts. However, the body of literature is lacking a review that systematically classifies the research and results of the application of natural language processing (NLP), deep learning (DL), and machine learning (ML) solutions for sentiment analysis in the education domain. In this article, we present the results of a systematic mapping study to structure the published information available. We used a stepwise PRISMA framework to guide the search process and searched for studies conducted between 2015 and 2020 in the electronic research databases of the scientific literature. We identified 92 relevant studies out of 612 that were initially found on the sentiment analysis of students’ feedback in learning platform environments. The mapping results showed that, despite the identified challenges, the field is rapidly growing, especially regarding the application of DL, which is the most recent trend. We identified various aspects that need to be considered in order to contribute to the maturity of research and development in the field. Among these aspects, we highlighted the need of having structured datasets, standardized solutions and increased focus on emotional expression and detection.
Wine Spirit Ageing with Chestnut Staves under Different Micro-Oxygenation Strategies: Effects on the Volatile Compounds and Sensory Profile
Authors: Caldeira Ilda , Vitória Cláudia , Anjos Ofélia , Fernandes Tiago A. , Gallardo Eugénia , Fargeton Laurent , Boissier Benjamin , Catarino Sofia , Canas Sara
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the wine spirit aged by an alternative process (staves combined with different micro-oxygenation levels) and its comparison with the traditional process (wooden barrels). This evaluation was made by analyzing the volatile compounds and sensory profile of the spirits during 365 days of ageing. The findings confirmed the role played by oxygen in the volatile profile of aged wine spirits. Samples of alternative ageing modalities were well distinguished from those of wooden barrels based on the volatile profile, namely on the concentrations of several volatile phenols. From a sensory point of view, the results are promising with high overall consistency scores obtained from samples of alternative ageing process modalities.
Platelet-Rich Plasma in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Quadriceps Tendon Bone Reconstruction—Impact of PRP Administration on Pain, Range of Motion Restoration, Knee Stability, Tibial Tunnel Widening and Functional Results
Authors: Malinowski Konrad , Ebisz Michał , LaPrade Robert F , Mostowy Marcin
Published: April 2021

Background: Using Platetet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been suggested to improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of PRP administration on pain, range of motion (ROM) restoration and the functional results of ACLR performed with quadriceps tendon bone (QTB) autografts. Methods: A total of 106 patients were included in this multicenter study. Fifty-two patients underwent single-bundle QTB ACLR and 54 patients underwent the same procedure with additional PRP administration. Results: Mean time of need for on-demand analgesia was 8 days in the PRP group and 11 days in no-PRP group. Symmetric full extension was restored in a mean of 40 days in the PRP group and 53 days in the no-PRP group. Ninety degrees of flexion was restored at a mean of 21 days in the PRP group and 25 days in the no-PRP group. At 18 months postoperatively, the mean side-to-side difference in anterior tibial translation with the use of an arthrometer (Rolimeter, Aircast Europa) was 1.3 mm in the PRP group vs. 2.7 mm in the no-PRP group. Mean tibial tunnel widening was 1.4 mm in the PRP group vs. 2.1 mm in the no-PRP group. The mean score in the pain section of the KOOS scale was 93 in the PRP group vs. 89 in the no-PRP group. For the IKDC scale, 53 patients in the PRP group graded A or B and 1 patient graded C. In the no-PRP group, 48 patients graded A or B and 4 patients graded C or D. Conclusions: The use of PRP in QTB ACLR may decrease the need for on-demand analgesia and accelerate ROM restoration as well as improve knee stability, lessen the extent of tibial tunnel widening and potentially diminish pain at 18 months postoperatively. Further studies will be needed to confirm all authors’ conclusions.
Unmanned Aerial Traffic Management System Architecture for U-Space In-Flight Services
Authors: Capitán Carlos , Pérez-León Héctor , Capitán Jesús , Castaño Ángel , Ollero Aníbal
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a software architecture for Unmanned aerial system Traffic Management (UTM). The work is framed within the U-space ecosystem, which is the European initiative for UTM in the civil airspace. We propose a system that focuses on providing the required services for automated decision-making during real-time threat management and conflict resolution, which is the main gap in current UTM solutions. Nonetheless, our software architecture follows an open-source design that is modular and flexible enough to accommodate additional U-space services in future developments. In its current implementation, our UTM solution is capable of tracking the aerial operations and monitoring the airspace in real time, in order to perform in-flight emergency management and tactical deconfliction. We show experimental results in order to demonstrate the UTM system working in a realistic simulation setup. For that, we performed our tests with the UTM system and the operators of the aerial aircraft located at remote locations with the consequent communication issues, and we showcased that the system was capable of managing in real time the conflicting events in two different use cases.
Analysis of Shielding Performance of Radiation-Shielding Materials According to Particle Size and Clustering Effects
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil
Published: April 2021

In the field of medical radiation shielding, there is an extensive body of research on process technologies for ecofriendly shielding materials that could replace lead. In particular, the particle size and arrangement of the shielding material when blended with a polymer material affect shielding performance. In this study, we observed how the particle size of the shielding material affects shielding performance. Performance and particle structure were observed for every shielding sheet, which were fabricated by mixing microparticles and nanoparticles with a polymer material using the same process. We observed that the smaller the particle size was, the higher both the clustering and shielding effects in the high-energy region. Thus, shielding performance can be improved. In the low-dose region, the effect of particle size on shielding performance was insignificant. Moreover, the shielding sheet in which nanoparticles and microsized particles were mixed showed similar performance to that of the shielding sheet containing only microsized particles. Findings indicate that, when fabricating a shielding sheet using a polymer material, the smaller the particles in the high-energy region are, the better the shielding performance is. However, in the low-energy region, the effect of the particles is insignificant.
Development of Kraft Lignin Chemically Modified as a Novel Crosslinking Agent for the Synthesis of Active Hydrogels
Authors: Rico-García Diana , Guerrero-Ramírez Luis Guillermo , Cajero-Zul Leonardo Ramses , Orozco-Guareño Euologio , Figueroa-Ochoa Edgar Benjamin , Gutiérrez-Saucedo Ramon Alejandro , Perez-Alvarez Leyre , Vilas-Vilela Jose Luis , Hernandez-Olmos Saira Lizette
Published: April 2021

In this research a chemical modification of kraft lignin was carried out using a basic nucleophilic substitution reaction (NSA) in order to functionalize it as a novel crosslinking agent for the synthesis of active hydrogels. The chemical modification success of the synthesized crosslinker was demonstrated by using several techniques such as volumetry probes, FTIR, 1H-NMR and DSC. Thus, the obtained materials were employed during the synthesis of acrylic acid-based hydrogels, due to its high-water absorption capacity to evaluate their retention potential of heavy metal ions. Characterization of the active hydrogels were performed by FTIR and SEM, showing the specific signals corresponding to the base monomers into the polymer skeleton and the efficiency of modified kraft lignin as a novel crosslinking agent. Additionally, to demonstrate the potential use of these hydrogels in wastewater treatment, metal ions adsorption experiments were conducted, showing adsorption percentages higher than 90% and 80% for Pb2+ and Cu2+, respectively.
An Insight into the Efficient Dimethoate Adsorption on Graphene-Based Materials—A Combined Experimental and DFT Study
Authors: Anićijević Vladan J. , Lazarević-Pašti Tamara D. , Vasić Vesna M. , Vasić Anićijević Dragana D.
Published: April 2021

(1) Background: The development of highly efficient methods for removing hazardous substances from the environment attracts increasing attention. Understanding the basic principles of the removal processes using graphene materials is equally essential to confirm their application efficiency and safety. (2) Methods: In this contribution, adsorption of pesticide dimethoate (DMT) on graphene-based materials has been investigated on the molecular level. (3) Results: The experimental results’ analysis revealed a cooperative binding mechanism of the DMT on the adsorption sites of investigated materials—graphene oxide (GO) and industrial graphene (IG). The adsorption data were analyzed using various adsorption isotherms to determine the thermodynamics of the adsorption process. The experimental results were correlated with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of DMT adsorption on the model surfaces that appropriately describe the graphene materials’ reactive features. (4) Conclusions: Considering experimental results, calculated adsorption energies, optimized adsorption geometries, and electronic structure, it was proposed that the dispersive interactions determine the adsorption properties of DMT on plain graphene sites (physisorption). Additionally, it was shown that the existence of vacancy-type defect sites on the surfaces could induce strong and dissociative adsorption (chemisorption) of DMT.
A Novel MRA-Based Framework for Segmenting the Cerebrovascular System and Correlating Cerebral Vascular Changes to Mean Arterial Pressure
Authors: Taher Fatma , Kandil Heba , Gebru Yitzhak , Mahmoud Ali , Shalaby Ahmed , El-Mashad Shady , El-Baz Ayman
Published: April 2021

Blood pressure (BP) changes with age are widespread, and systemic high blood pressure (HBP) is a serious factor in developing strokes and cognitive impairment. A non-invasive methodology to detect changes in human brain’s vasculature using Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) data and correlation of cerebrovascular changes to mean arterial pressure (MAP) is presented. MRA data and systemic blood pressure measurements were gathered from patients (n = 15, M = 8, F = 7, Age = 49.2 ± 7.3 years) over 700 days (an initial visit and then a follow-up period of 2 years with a final visit.). A novel segmentation algorithm was developed to delineate brain blood vessels from surrounding tissue. Vascular probability distribution function (PDF) was calculated from segmentation data to correlate the temporal changes in cerebral vasculature to MAP calculated from systemic BP measurements. A 3D reconstruction of the cerebral vasculature was performed using a growing tree model. Segmentation results recorded 99.9% specificity and 99.7% sensitivity in identifying and delineating the brain’s vascular tree. The PDFs had a statistically significant correlation to MAP changes below the circle of Willis (p-value = 0.0007). This non-invasive methodology could be used to detect alterations in the cerebrovascular system by analyzing MRA images, which would assist clinicians in optimizing medical treatment plans of HBP.
Goldmann Tonometry and Corneal Biomechanics
Authors: Messenio Dario , Ferroni Marco , Boschetti Federica
Published: April 2021

Glaucoma is the second cause of irreversible blindness in the world. Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a recognized major risk factor for the development and progression of glaucomatous damage. Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is internationally accepted as the gold standard for the measurement of IOP. The purpose of this study was to search for correlations between Goldmann tonometry and corneal mechanical properties and thickness by means of in vitro tests. IOP was measured by the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GIOP), and by a pressure transducer inserted in the anterior chamber of the eye (TIOP), at increasing pressure levels by addition of saline solution in the anterior chamber of enucleated pig eyes (n = 49). Mechanical properties were also determined by inflation tests. The GAT underestimated the real measurements made by the pressure transducer, with most common differences in the range 15–28 mmHg. The difference between the two instruments, highlighted by the Bland–Altman test, was confirmed by ANOVA, normality tests, and Mann–Whitney’s tests, both on the data arranged for infusions and for the data organized by pressure ranges. Pearson correlation tests revealed a negative correlation between (TIOP-GIOP) and both corneal stiffness and corneal thickness. In conclusion, data obtained showed a discrepancy between GIOP and TIOP more evident for softer and thinner corneas, that is very important for glaucoma detection.
Multichannel Real-Time Electronics Platform for the Estimation of the Error in Impact Localization with Different Piezoelectric Sensor Densities
Authors: Capineri Lorenzo , Bulletti Andrea , Marino Merlo Eugenio
Published: April 2021

The work presents a structural health monitoring (SHM) electronic system with real-time acquisition and processing for the determination of impact location in laminate. The novelty of this work is the quantitative evaluation of impact location errors using the Lamb wave guided mode S0, captured and processed in real-time by up to eight piezoelectric sensors. The differential time of arrival is used to minimize an error function for the position estimation. The impact energy is correlated to the amplitudes of the antisymmetric (A0) mode and the electronic design is described to avoid saturation for signal acquisition. The same electronic system is designed to acquire symmetric (S0) low level signals by adequate gain, bandwidth, and signal-to-noise ratio. Such signals propagate into a 1.4 mm thick aluminum laminate at the group velocity of 5150 m/s with frequency components above 270 kHz, and can be discriminated from the A0 mode to calculate accurately the differential arrival time. The results show that the localization error stabilizes at a value comparable with the wavelength of the S0 mode by increasing the number of sensors up to six, and then remains constant at up to eight sensors. This suggests that a compromise can be found between sensor density and localization error.
Prussian Blue and Its Analogs as Novel Nanostructured Antibacterial Materials
Authors: Taglietti Angelo , Pallavicini Piersandro , Dacarro Giacomo
Published: April 2021

Prussian blue is an ancient artificial pigment. Its biocompatibility and the possibility of synthesizing it in nanometric size stimulated the interest of the scientific community. Many uses of Prussian blue nanoparticles have been reported in the field of nanomedicine. More recently, interest into the potential application of Prussian blue nanoparticles as antibacterial agents has spread. Literature regarding Prussian blue and its analogs as antibacterial materials is still limited, but the number of papers has grown quickly over the last 2–3 years.
Evolution of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants in the Air: What Changed after Five Lockdown Weeks at a Southwest Atlantic European Region (Northwest of Spain) Due to the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic?
Authors: Moreda-Piñeiro Jorge , Sánchez-Piñero Joel , Fernández-Amado María , Costa-Tomé Paula , Gallego-Fernández Nuria , Piñeiro-Iglesias María , López-Mahía Purificación , Muniategui-Lorenzo Soledad
Published: April 2021

Due to the exponential growth of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Spain (2020), the Spanish Government adopted lockdown measures as mitigating strategies to reduce the spread of the pandemic from 14 March. In this paper, we report the results of the change in air quality at two Atlantic Coastal European cities (Northwest Spain) during five lockdown weeks. The temporal evolution of gaseous (nitrogen oxides, comprising NOx, NO, and NO2; sulfur dioxide, SO2; carbon monoxide, CO; and ozone, O3) and particulate matter (PM10; PM2.5; and equivalent black carbon, eBC) pollutants were recorded before (7 February to 13 March 2020) and during the first five lockdown weeks (14 March to 20 April 2020) at seven air quality monitoring stations (urban background, traffic, and industrial) in the cities of A Coruña and Vigo. The influences of the backward trajectories and meteorological parameters on air pollutant concentrations were considered during the studied period. The temporal trends indicate that the concentrations of almost all species steadily decreased during the lockdown period with statistical significance, with respect to the pre-lockdown period. In this context, great reductions were observed for pollutants related mainly to fossil fuel combustion, road traffic, and shipping emissions (−38 to −78% for NO, −22 to −69% for NO2, −26 to −75% for NOx, −3 to −77% for SO2, −21% for CO, −25 to −49% for PM10, −10 to −38% for PM2.5, and −29 to −51% for eBC). Conversely, O3 concentrations increased from +5 to +16%. Finally, pollutant concentration data for 14 March to 20 April of 2020 were compared with those of the previous two years. The results show that the overall air pollutants levels were higher during 2018–2019 than during the lockdown period.
Method for Measuring the Second-Order Moment of Atmospheric Turbulence
Authors: Shen Hong , Yu Longkun , Jing Xu , Tan Fengfu
Published: April 2021

The turbulence moment of order m (μm) is defined as the refractive index structure constant Cn2 integrated over the whole path z with path-weighting function zm. Optical effects of atmospheric turbulence are directly related to turbulence moments. To evaluate the optical effects of atmospheric turbulence, it is necessary to measure the turbulence moment. It is well known that zero-order moments of turbulence (μ0) and five-thirds-order moments of turbulence (μ5/3), which correspond to the seeing and the isoplanatic angles, respectively, have been monitored as routine parameters in astronomical site testing. However, the direct measurement of second-order moments of turbulence (μ2) of the whole layer atmosphere has not been reported. Using a star as the light source, it has been found that μ2 can be measured through the covariance of the irradiance in two receiver apertures with suitable aperture size and aperture separation. Numerical results show that the theoretical error of this novel method is negligible in all the typical turbulence models. This method enabled us to monitor μ2 as a routine parameter in astronomical site testing, which is helpful to understand the characteristics of atmospheric turbulence better combined with μ0 and μ5/3.
Surface and Tropospheric Response of North Atlantic Summer Climate from Paleoclimate Simulations of the Past Millennium
Authors: Pyrina Maria , Moreno-Chamarro Eduardo , Wagner Sebastian , Zorita Eduardo
Published: April 2021

We investigate the effects of solar forcing on the North Atlantic (NA) summer climate, in climate simulations with Earth System Models (ESMs), over the preindustrial past millennium (AD 850–1849). We use one simulation and a four-member ensemble performed with the MPI-ESM-P and CESM-LME models, respectively, forced only by low-scaling variations in Total Solar Irradiance (TSI). We apply linear methods (correlation and regression) and composite analysis to estimate the NA surface and tropospheric climatic responses to decadal solar variability. Linear methods in the CESM ensemble indicate a weak summer response in sea-level pressure (SLP) and 500-hPa geopotential height to TSI, with decreased values over Greenland and increased values over the NA subtropics. Composite analysis indicates that, during high-TSI periods, SLP decreases over eastern Canada and the geopotential height at 500-hPa increases over the subtropical NA. The possible summer response of SSTs is overlapped by model internal variability. Therefore, for low-scaling TSI changes, state-of-the-art ESMs disagree on the NA surface climatic effect of solar forcing indicated by proxy-based studies during the preindustrial millennium. The analysis of control simulations indicates that, in all climatic variables studied, spurious patterns of apparent solar response may arise from the analysis of single model simulations.