bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Dietary Glycemic Index, Glycemic Load and Carbohydrate with the Risk of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Cervical Cancer: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Sreeja Sundara Raj , Seo Sang Soo , Kim Mi Kyung
Published: December 2020

Background: The association of dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) with the risk of cervical cancer has never been investigated. Thus, we aimed to find evidence of any association of GI and GL with the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. Methods: In this hospital-based case-control study, we included 1340 women (670 controls and 262, 187 and 221 patients with CIN1, CIN2/3, and cervical cancer, respectively) from the Korean human papillomavirus cohort study. Completed demographic questionnaires and semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaires were collected. The association of dietary GI and GL with CIN and cervical cancer was estimated using a logistic regression model. Results: The multivariate odds ratios (OR) of the highest compared with the lowest quintile of GL for CIN1 were 2.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.33–5.88). Dietary GI and GL were not associated with CIN2/3 and cervical cancer. Stratified analyses by body mass index (BMI) indicated a positive association between GI and GL and CIN 1 risk among women with a BMI (in kg/m2) <23 (OR = 2.94; 95% CI = 1.32–6.53; p for trend = 0.031 for GI and OR = 3.15; 95% CI = 1.53–6.52; p for trend = 0.013 for GL), but not among those with a BMI of ≥23. A stratification analysis by menopausal status showed that the highest quintile of GI and GL was significantly associated with the risk of CIN1 (OR = 2.91; 95% CI = 1.43–5.96; p for trend = 0.005) (OR = 2.96; 95% CI = 1.53–5.69; p for trend = 0.023) among premenopausal women. Also, in HPV positive women, dietary GL showed significant CIN1 risk (OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.09–6.24; p for trend = 0.087). Conclusion: Our case-control study supports the hypothesized associations of dietary GI and GL with increased risk of CIN1. Thus, the consumption of low GI and GL foods plays a significant role in the prevention of cervical carcinogenesis.
Recent Research in Ocular Cystinosis: Drug Delivery Systems, Cysteamine Detection Methods and Future Perspectives
Authors: Castro-Balado Ana , Mondelo-García Cristina , Varela-Rey Iria , Moreda-Vizcaíno Beatriz , Sierra-Sánchez Jesús F. , Rodríguez-Ares María Teresa , Hermelo-Vidal Gonzalo , Zarra-Ferro Irene , González-Barcia Miguel , Yebra-Pimentel Eva , Giráldez-Fernández María Jesús , Otero-Espinar Francisco J. , Fernández-Ferreiro Anxo
Published: December 2020

Cystinosis is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of cystine crystals in different tissues and organs. Although renal damage prevails during initial stages, the deposition of cystine crystals in the cornea causes severe ocular manifestations. At present, cysteamine is the only topical effective treatment for ocular cystinosis. The lack of investment by the pharmaceutical industry, together with the limited stability of cysteamine, make it available only as two marketed presentations (Cystaran® and Cystadrops®) and as compounding formulations prepared in pharmacy departments. Even so, new drug delivery systems (DDSs) need to be developed, allowing more comfortable dosage schedules that favor patient adherence. In the last decades, different research groups have focused on the development of hydrogels, nanowafers and contact lenses, allowing a sustained cysteamine release. In parallel, different determination methods and strategies to increase the stability of the formulations have also been developed. This comprehensive review aims to compile all the challenges and advances related to new cysteamine DDSs, analytical determination methods, and possible future therapeutic alternatives for treating cystinosis.
Clinical Evaluation of Acetaminophen–Galgeuntang Interaction Based on Population Approaches
Authors: Tran Quyen Thi , Park So Jung , Back Hyun-moon , Ngo Lien Thi , Cao Duc Tuan , Nguyen Hung Van , Jung Sangkeun , Chae Jung-woo , Park Yang Chun , Yun Hwi-yeol
Published: December 2020

Galgeuntang (GGT), a traditional herbal medicine, is widely co-administered with acetaminophen (AAP) for treatment of the common cold, but this combination has not been the subject of investigation. Therefore, we investigated the herb–drug interaction between GGT and AAP by population pharmacokinetics (PKs) modeling and simulation studies. To quantify PK parameters and identify drug interactions, an open label, three-treatment, three-period, one-sequence (AAP alone, GGT alone, and AAP and GGT in combination) clinical trial involving 12 male healthy volunteers was conducted. Ephedrine (EPD), the only GGT component detected, was identified using a one-compartment model. The PKs of AAP were described well by a one-compartment model and exhibited two-phase absorption (rapid followed by slow) and first-order elimination. The model showed that EPD significantly influenced the PKs of AAP. The simulation results showed that at an AAP dose of 1000 mg × 4 times daily, the area under the concentration versus time curve of AAP increased by 16.4% in the presence of GGT compared to AAP only. In conclusion, the PKs of AAP were affected by co-administration of GGT. Therefore, when AAP is combined with GGT, adverse effects related to overdose of AAP could be induced possibly.
Morphological and Physiological Changes of Broussonetia papyrifera Seedlings in Cadmium Contaminated Soil
Authors: Zhang Wan , Zhao Yunlin , Xu Zhenggang , Huang Huimin , Zhou Jiakang , Yang Guiyan
Published: December 2020

Broussonetia papyrifera is a widely distributed economic tree species, and it is also a pioneer species in adverse environments. In order to investigate the growth and adaptation mechanism of B. papyrifera under cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil, potted experiments were used with six-month treatments to study Cd enrichment and the transportation, morphological and physiological characteristics of B. papyrifera tissues. The results showed that Cd mainly accumulated in the root when the Cd concentration was high (14.71 mg/kg), and the root biomass was significantly reduced by Cd stress although Cd promoted the growth of seedlings. The bioconcentration factors (BCF) increased with the increase in Cd concentration, and reached the maximum value of 0.21 at 14.71 mg/kg. On the contrary, translocation factor (TF) decreased significantly at 8.28–14.71 mg/kg Cd concentration. Cd not only led to the loose arrangement of the xylem vessels of leaves, but also changed the chlorophyll content. However, B. papyrifera could synthesize organic solutes such as soluble protein, soluble sugar and proline to reduce the intracellular osmotic potential. Our study proved that B. papyrifera has good tolerance to Cd stress and is a pioneer tree species for soil and ecological environment restoration.
Anti-Inflammatory Activities of an Extract of In Vitro Grown Adventitious Shoots of Toona sinensis in LPS-Treated RAW264.7 and Propionibacterium acnes-Treated HaCaT Cells
Authors: Lim Hyeon-Ji , Park In-Sun , Jie Eun Yee , Ahn Woo Seok , Kim Sang-Jun , Jeong Seung-Il , Yu Kang-Yeol , Kim Suk Weon , Jung Chan-Hun
Published: December 2020

Toona sinensis has been traditionally used to treat dysentery, enteritis, flatulence, and itchiness. However, the existence of anti-inflammatory effects of T. sinensis on Propionibacterium acnes-induced skin disease is unknown. In vitro cultures of plant cells and tissues produced under controlled conditions offer a continuous production platform for plant natural products including pigments and anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, we determine the anti-inflammatory activities of an extract of in vitro grown adventitious shoots of T. sinensis on P. acnes, the etiologic agent of skin inflammation. The extract of T. sinensis showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. It also had antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory effects on P. acnes-treated HaCaT cells. In addition, these effects were regulated by suppression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. These results suggesting the potential application of adventitious shoots of T. sinensis grown with an in vitro proliferation system as a medicine for treating P. acnes-induced inflammatory skin disease.
Updating the Breeding Philosophy of Wheat to Fusarium Head Blight (FHB): Resistance Components, QTL Identification, and Phenotyping—A Review
Authors: Mesterhazy Akos
Published: December 2020

Fusarium head blight has posed continuous risks to wheat production worldwide due to its effects on yield, and the fungus provides additional risks with production of toxins. Plant resistance is thought to be the most powerful method. The host plant resistance is complex, Types I–V were reported. From the time of spraying inoculation (Type I), all resistance types can be identified and used to determine the total resistance. Type II resistance (at point inoculation) describes the spread of head blight from the ovary to the other parts of the head. Therefore, it cannot solve the resistance problem alone. Type II QTL (quantitative trait locus) Fhb1 on 3BS from Sumai 3 descendant CM82036 secures about the same resistance level as Type I QTL does on 5AS and 5ASc in terms of visual symptoms, FDK (Fusarium damaged kernel), and deoxynivalenol response. Recently, increasing evidence supports the association of deoxynivalenol (DON) content and low kernel infection with FHB (Fusarium head blight) resistance (Types III and IV), as QTL for individual resistance types has been identified. In plant breeding practice, the role of visual selection remains vital, but the higher correlations for FDK/DON make it possible to select low-DON genotypes via FDK value. For phenotyping, the use of more independent inocula (isolates or mixtures) makes resistance evaluation more reliable. The large heterogeneity of the mapping populations is a serious source of underestimating genetic effects. Therefore, the increasing of homogeneity is a necessity. As no wheat varieties exist with full resistance to FHB, crops must be supported by proper agronomy and fungicide use.
Effect of Long-Term of He-Ne Laser Light Irradiation on Selected Physiological Processes of Triticale
Authors: Możdżeń Katarzyna , Barabasz-Krasny Beata , Zandi Peiman
Published: December 2020

In agriculture, the bio-stimulating properties of laser light increase the yielding capacity of crop species. The experiment aimed to determine the pre-sowing effect of irradiation time with laser He-Ne red light of triticale grains (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A.Camus) on germination and selected morphological and physiological parameters of seedlings and plants grown from them. The highest values of germination indexes were found for grains irradiated with laser for 3 h. In relation to the control, the elongation growth of seedlings was stimulated in grains irradiated with light for 3 h and inhibited for 24 h. The values of the fresh and dry mass of seedlings changed depending on the exposure time. He-Ne light did not significantly affect the degree of destabilization of seedling cell membranes. Biometric analysis of plants grown from irradiated grains showed different reactions of triticale organs to the irradiation time. Red light clearly stimulated the increase in the value of organ mass. Chlorophyll content in leaves was higher in plants grown from grains irradiated for 3 h. Photosynthetic activity did not change significantly relative to the control. The fluorescence emission indexes were mostly lower than in the control, which indicated a positive effect of the laser. In general, the red light of the laser stimulated the morphology and physiology of seedlings and plants, although, for some features, long exposure to red light caused a slight reduction effect.
Photoselective Protective Netting Improves “Honeycrisp” Fruit Quality
Authors: Serra Sara , Borghi Stefano , Mupambi Giverson , Camargo-Alvarez Hector , Layne Desmond , Schmidt Tory , Kalcsits Lee , Musacchi Stefano
Published: December 2020

High temperatures, wind, and excessive sunlight can negatively impact yield and fruit quality in semi-arid apple production regions. Netting was originally designed for hail protection, but it can modify the light spectrum and affect fruit quality. Here, pearl, blue, and red photoselective netting (≈20% shading factor) was installed in 2015 over a commercial “Cameron Select® Honeycrisp” orchard. Our research objectives were to (1) describe the light quantity and quality under the colored nets compared to an uncovered control and (2) investigate the effect of Photoselective nets on “Honeycrisp” apple quality for two growing seasons. Light transmittance and scattering for each treatment were measured with a spectroradiometer, and samples for fruit quality analyses were collected at harvest. PAR (photosynthetic active radiation), UV, blue, red, and far-red light were lower underneath all netting treatments compared to an uncovered control. The scattered light was higher under the pearl net compared to other colors, while red and far-red light were lower under the blue net. For two consecutive years, trees grown under the photoselective nets intercepted more incoming light than the uncovered trees with no differences among the three colors. In both years, trees under red and blue nets had more sunburn-free (clean) apples than pearl and control. Red color development for fruit was lower when nets were used. Interestingly, bitter pit incidence was lower underneath red nets for both years. Other than red color development, “Honeycrisp” fruit quality was not appreciably affected by the use of netting. These results highlight the beneficial effect of nets in improving light quality in orchards and mitigating physiological disorders such as bitter pit in “Honeycrisp” apple.
Topographical and Biomechanical Guidance of Electrospun Fibers for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Ferraris Sara , Spriano Silvia , Scalia Alessandro Calogero , Cochis Andrea , Rimondini Lia , Cruz-Maya Iriczalli , Guarino Vincenzo , Varesano Alessio , Vineis Claudia
Published: December 2020

Electrospinning is gaining increasing interest in the biomedical field as an eco-friendly and economic technique for production of random and oriented polymeric fibers. The aim of this review was to give an overview of electrospinning potentialities in the production of fibers for biomedical applications with a focus on the possibility to combine biomechanical and topographical stimuli. In fact, selection of the polymer and the eventual surface modification of the fibers allow selection of the proper chemical/biological signal to be administered to the cells. Moreover, a proper design of fiber orientation, dimension, and topography can give the opportunity to drive cell growth also from a spatial standpoint. At this purpose, the review contains a first introduction on potentialities of electrospinning for the obtainment of random and oriented fibers both with synthetic and natural polymers. The biological phenomena which can be guided and promoted by fibers composition and topography are in depth investigated and discussed in the second section of the paper. Finally, the recent strategies developed in the scientific community for the realization of electrospun fibers and for their surface modification for biomedical application are presented and discussed in the last section.
Development of Lightweight and High-Performance Ballistic Helmet Based on Poly(Benzoxazine-co-Urethane) Matrix Reinforced with Aramid Fabric and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Daungkumsawat Jusmin , Okhawilai Manunya , Charoensuk Krittapas , Prastowo Radhitya Banuaji , Jubsilp Chanchira , Karagiannidis Panagiotis , Rimdusit Sarawut
Published: December 2020

This study aims to develop a lightweight ballistic helmet based on nanocomposite with matrix of the copolymer of benzoxazine with an urethane prepolymer [poly(BA-a-co-PU)], at mass ratio 80/20, reinforced with aramid fabric and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). This has a protection level II according to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) 0106.01 standard. The effects of MWCNTs mass content in a range of 0 to 2 wt% on tensile, physical and ballistic impact properties of the nanocomposite were investigated. The results revealed that the introduction of MWCNTs enhanced the tensile strength and energy at break of the nanocomposite; the highest values were obtained at 0.25 wt%. In addition, the nanocomposite laminate with 20 plies of aramid fabric showed the lowest back face deformation of 8 mm which was much lower than that specified by the NIJ standard. According to Military Standard (MIL-STD) 662F, the simulation prediction revealed that the ballistic limit of the ballistic helmet nanocomposite was as high as 632 m s−1. The developed laminates made of aramid fabric impregnated with poly(BA-a-co-PU) 80/20 containing 0.25 wt% MWCNTs showed great promise for use as a light weight and high-performance ballistic helmet.
High-Performance Luminescent Solar Concentrators Based on Poly(Cyclohexylmethacrylate) (PCHMA) Films
Authors: Ostos Francisco José , Iasilli Giuseppe , Carlotti Marco , Pucci Andrea
Published: December 2020

In this study, we report on the use of poly(cyclohexylmethacrylate) (PCHMA) as an alternative to the commonly used poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) for the design of efficient luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). PCHMA was selected due to its less polar nature with respect to PMMA, a characteristic that was reported to be beneficial in promoting the fluorophore dispersibility in the matrix, thus maximizing the efficiency of LSCs also at high doping. In this sense, LSC thin films based on PCHMA and containing different contents of Lumogen F Red 305 (LR, 0.2–1.8 wt%) demonstrated optical efficiencies (ηopt) comprising between 9.5% and 10.0%, i.e., about 0.5–1% higher than those collected from the LR/PMMA systems. The higher LR/polymer interactions occurred using the PCHMA matrix maximized the solar harvesting characteristics of the fluorophore and limited the influence of the adverse dissipative phenomena on the fluorophore quantum efficiency. These effects were also reflected by varying the LSC film thickness and reaching maximum ηopt of about 11.5% in the case of PCHMA films of about 30 µm.
Engineering Additive Manufacturing and Molding Techniques to Create Lifelike Willis’ Circle Simulators with Aneurysms for Training Neurosurgeons
Authors: Chen Pin-Chuan , Lin Jang-Chun , Chiang Chung-Hsuan , Chen Yi-Chin , Chen Jia-En , Liu Wei-Hsiu
Published: December 2020

Neurosurgeons require considerable expertise and practical experience in dealing with the critical situations commonly encountered during difficult surgeries; however, neurosurgical trainees seldom have the opportunity to develop these skills in the operating room. Therefore, physical simulators are used to give trainees the experience they require. In this study, we created a physical simulator to assist in training neurosurgeons in aneurysm clipping and the handling of emergency situations during surgery. Our combination of additive manufacturing with molding technology, elastic material casting, and ultrasonication-assisted dissolution made it possible to create a simulator that realistically mimics the brain stem, soft brain lobes, cerebral arteries, and a hollow transparent Circle of Willis, in which the thickness of vascular walls can be controlled and aneurysms can be fabricated in locations where they are likely to appear. The proposed fabrication process also made it possible to limit the error in overall vascular wall thickness to just 2–5%, while achieving a Young’s Modulus closely matching the characteristics of blood vessels (~5%). One neurosurgical trainee reported that the physical simulator helped to elucidate the overall process of aneurysm clipping and provided a realistic impression of the tactile feelings involved in this delicate operation. The trainee also experienced shock and dismay at the appearance of leakage, which could not immediately be arrested using the clip. Overall, these results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed physical simulator in preparing trainees for the rigors involved in performing highly delicate neurological surgical operations.
Study on the Effect of Zinc on the Rheological, Mechanical and Thermal Properties and Fire Hazard of Unfilled and Filled CR/BR Vulcanizates
Authors: Smejda-Krzewicka Aleksandra , Słubik Anna , Strzelec Krzysztof , Rybiński Przemysław
Published: December 2020

This paper discusses the cross-linking and functional properties of elastomer composites containing chloroprene rubber (CR) and butadiene rubber (BR) cured in the presence of zinc (Zn) and reinforced with mineral fillers. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc as a new cross-linking substance with the simultaneous production of elastomer materials with good mechanical properties and a reduced fire hazard. The article concerns the study and explanation of the dependencies influencing the processing and functional properties of unfilled or filled elastomer blends containing different elastomers ratio or different zinc’s amount. The following fillers were used: silica, kaolin, chalk and montmorillonite. The results revealed that the cross-linking degree of CR/BR blends decreased with the increasing amount of butadiene rubber in the blends. The mechanical properties of the cured blends depended on the proportion of elastomers in the composites, the zinc amount, and the presence and type of filler. The flammability of CR/BR/Zn vulcanizates has been investigated before and after the filling. The parameters assessed by the oxygen index method and cone calorimetry, characterizing the behavior of the tested CR/BR/Zn vulcanizates under fire conditions, have shown that they constitute a low fire hazard and can be considered as non-flammable materials.
A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Based Investigation of the Proton Conductivity of Anhydrous Pyrazole Doped Poly(Vinylphosphonic Acid) Composite System
Authors: Huang Yu-Ren , Chien Chung-Te , Chen Cheng-Lung
Published: December 2020

With the recognition of the multiple advantages of proton transport membranes that can operate under anhydrous conditions and offer promising opportunities as fuel cells working at high temperatures, a number of such membranes have been developed, but the proton transport mechanism of these materials has not been fully understood. In this work, a theoretical investigation based on molecular dynamics simulations is carried out on a system that is very similar to a real anhydrous proton transport membrane. The location and type of hydrogen bonds have been precisely identified by intermolecular pair correlation functions. Furthermore, analysis of the proton coordination numbers shows that more protons are located in the neighborhood of the oxygen atoms of poly(vinyl phosphonate anion) than in the neighborhood of the nitrogen atoms of pyrazole. The proton conductivity, 1.06 × 10−3 Scm−1, is obtained by the self-diffusion coefficient of the protons at 423 K, which is reasonably close to the experimentally measured value, 2 × 10−4 Scm−1. In addition, the analysis of the proton trajectories provides us with the proton transfer mechanism in an anhydrous membrane: (a) proton hopping between the oxygen atoms of poly(vinyl phosphonate anion) and (b) proton hopping between two pyrazole molecules. Therefore, the network of the hydrogen bond is the pathway to transport protons via the processes of hydrogen bond forming and breaking.
Proteasome Biology: Chemistry and Bioengineering Insights
Authors: Račková Lucia , Csekes Erika
Published: December 2020

Proteasomal degradation provides the crucial machinery for maintaining cellular proteostasis. The biological origins of modulation or impairment of the function of proteasomal complexes may include changes in gene expression of their subunits, ubiquitin mutation, or indirect mechanisms arising from the overall impairment of proteostasis. However, changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of the cellular environment might also meaningfully contribute to altered performance. This review summarizes the effects of physicochemical factors in the cell, such as pH, temperature fluctuations, and reactions with the products of oxidative metabolism, on the function of the proteasome. Furthermore, evidence of the direct interaction of proteasomal complexes with protein aggregates is compared against the knowledge obtained from immobilization biotechnologies. In this regard, factors such as the structures of the natural polymeric scaffolds in the cells, their content of reactive groups or the sequestration of metal ions, and processes at the interface, are discussed here with regard to their influences on proteasomal function.
Special Issue on “Modelling and Process Control of Fuel Cell Systems”
Authors: Hussain Mohd Azlan , Daud Wan Ramli Wan
Published: December 2020

The ever increasing energy consumption, rising public awareness for environmental protection, and higher prices of fossil fuels have motivated many to look for alternative and renewable energy sources [...]
Automated Optimization for the Production Scheduling of Prefabricated Elements Based on the Genetic Algorithm and IFC Object Segmentation
Authors: Xu Zhao , Wang Xiang , Rao Zezhi
Published: December 2020

Background: With the ever-increasing availability of data and a higher level of automation and simulation, production scheduling in the factory for prefabrication can no longer be seen as an autonomous solution. Concepts such as building information modelling (BIM), graphic techniques, databases, and interface development as well as heightened emphasis on overall-process optimization topics increase the pressure to connect to and interact with interrelated tasks and procedures. Methods: The automated optimization framework detailed in this study intended to generate optimal schedule of prefabricated component production based on the manufacturing process model and genetic algorithm method. An extraction and segmentation approach based on industry foundation classes (IFC) for prefabricated component production is discussed. During this process, the position and geometric information of the prefabricated components are adjusted and output in the extracted IFC file. Then, the production process and the completion time of each process have been examined and simulated with the genetic algorithm. Lastly, the automated optimization solution can be formed by the linking production scheduling database and the computational environment. Results: This shows that the implementation of the automated optimization framework for the production scheduling of the prefabricated elements improves the operability and accuracy of the production process. Conclusions: Based on the integration technique discussed above, the data transmission and integration in the mating application program is achieved by linking the Python-based application, the Structured Query Language (SQL) database and the computational environment. The implementation of the automated optimization framework model enables BIM models to play a better foundational role in patching up the technical gaps between prefabricated building designers and element producers.
Design and Fabrication of Partially Foamed Grid Structure Using Additive Manufacturing and Solid State Foaming
Authors: Park Byung Kyu , Kim Charn-Jung , Kwon Dong Eui , Lee Youn-Woo
Published: December 2020

A partially foamed lattice structure based on synthetic polymers was considered as a functionally graded materials due to their unique properties. In this study, a copolymer is manufactured to be porous functional materials by physical foaming technology, using carbon dioxide. Through morphological characterization, using scanning electron microscope, we identified a potential to fabricate partially foamed structures with micropores. We showed that variation of post-foaming temperature can tune the pore size distribution in the range of 0.9 to 30 μm. Thermal data of the foam grid from differential scanning calorimeter showed some shifts in glass transition, cold crystallization, and melting points. Mechanical strength and thermal conductivity were also measured to find rationale of thermal insulation with tunable mechanical strength and to elucidate the actual 3D lattice foam of a copolymer.
Special Issue on “Chemical Process Design, Simulation and Optimization”
Authors: Corriou Jean-Pierre , Assaf Jean-Claude
Published: December 2020

Since humanity has been able to transform materials, such as raw minerals, and produce food or beverages, a central question was the type of operation and how and where it should be performed [...]
Methods for Identification of Substrates/Inhibitors of FCP/SCP Type Protein Ser/Thr Phosphatases
Authors: Mizunuma Masataka , Kaneko Atsushi , Imai Shunta , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Chuman Yoshiro
Published: December 2020

Protein phosphorylation is the most widespread type of post-translational modification and is properly controlled by protein kinases and phosphatases. Regarding the phosphorylation of serine (Ser) and threonine (Thr) residues, relatively few protein Ser/Thr phosphatases control the specific dephosphorylation of numerous substrates, in contrast with Ser/Thr kinases. Recently, protein Ser/Thr phosphatases were reported to have rigid substrate recognition and exert various biological functions. Therefore, identification of targeted proteins by individual protein Ser/Thr phosphatases is crucial to clarify their own biological functions. However, to date, information on the development of methods for identification of the substrates of protein Ser/Thr phosphatases remains scarce. In turn, substrate-trapping mutants are powerful tools to search the individual substrates of protein tyrosine (Tyr) phosphatases. This review focuses on the development of novel methods for the identification of Ser/Thr phosphatases, especially small C-terminal domain phosphatase 1 (Scp1), using peptide-displayed phage library with AlF4−/BeF3−, and discusses the identification of putative inhibitors.
Revisiting the Role of Mass and Heat Transfer in Gas–Solid Catalytic Reactions
Authors: Tesser Riccardo , Santacesaria Elio
Published: December 2020

The tremendous progress in the computing power of modern computers has in the last 20 years favored the use of numerical methods for solving complex problems in the field of chemical kinetics and of reactor simulations considering also the effect of mass and heat transfer. Many classical textbooks dealing with the topic have, therefore, become quite obsolete. The present work is a review of the role that heat and mass transfer have in the kinetic studies of gas–solid catalytic reactions. The scope was to collect in a relatively short document the necessary knowledge for a correct simulation of gas–solid catalytic reactors. The first part of the review deals with the most reliable approach to the description of the heat and mass transfer outside and inside a single catalytic particle. Some different examples of calculations allow for an easier understanding of the described methods. The second part of the review is related to the heat and mass transfer in packed bed reactors, considering the macroscopic gradients that derive from the solution of mass and energy balances on the whole reactor. Moreover, in this second part, some examples of calculations, applied to chemical reactions of industrial interest, are reported for a better understanding of the systems studied.
Combining a Matheuristic with Simulation for Risk Management of Stochastic Assets and Liabilities
Authors: Bayliss Christopher , Serra Marti , Nieto Armando , Juan Angel A.
Published: December 2020

Specially in the case of scenarios under uncertainty, the efficient management of risk when matching assets and liabilities is a relevant issue for most insurance companies. This paper considers such a scenario, where different assets can be aggregated to better match a liability (or the other way around), and the goal is to find the asset-liability assignments that maximises the overall benefit over a time horizon. To solve this stochastic optimisation problem, a simulation-optimisation methodology is proposed. We use integer programming to generate efficient asset-to-liability assignments, and Monte-Carlo simulation is employed to estimate the risk of failing to pay due liabilities. The simulation results allow us to set a safety margin parameter for the integer program, which encourage the generation of solutions satisfying a minimum reliability threshold. A series of computational experiments contribute to illustrate the proposed methodology and its utility in practical risk management.
Assessment of DUACS Sentinel-3A Altimetry Data in the Coastal Band of the European Seas: Comparison with Tide Gauge Measurements
Authors: Sánchez-Román Antonio , Pascual Ananda , Pujol Marie-Isabelle , Taburet Guillaume , Marcos Marta , Faugère Yannice
Published: December 2020

The quality of the Data Unification and Altimeter Combination System (DUACS) Sentinel-3A altimeter data in the coastal area of the European seas is investigated through a comparison with in situ tide gauge measurements. The comparison was also conducted using altimetry data from Jason-3 for inter-comparison purposes. We found that Sentinel-3A improved the root mean square differences (RMSD) by 13% with respect to the Jason-3 mission. In addition, the variance in the differences between the two datasets was reduced by 25%. To explain the improved capture of Sea Level Anomaly by Sentinel-3A in the coastal band, the impact of the measurement noise on the synthetic aperture radar altimeter, the distance to the coast, and Long Wave Error correction applied on altimetry data were checked. The results confirmed that the synthetic aperture radar altimeter instrument onboard the Sentinel-3A mission better solves the signal in the coastal band. Moreover, the Long Wave Error processing contributes to reduce the errors in altimetry, enhancing the consistency between the altimeter and in situ datasets.
A Validation Experiment of the Reflectance Products of KOMPSAT-3A Based on RadCalNet Data and Its Applicability to Vegetation Indexing
Authors: Kim Kwangseob , Lee Kiwon
Published: December 2020

Surface reflectance products obtained through the absolute atmospheric correction of multispectral satellite images are useful for precise scientific applications. For broader applications, the reflectance products computed using high-resolution images need to be validated with field measurement data. This study dealt with 2.2-m resolution Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite (KOMPSAT)-3A images with four multispectral bands, which were used to obtain top-of-atmosphere (TOA) and top-of-canopy (TOC) reflectance products. The open-source Orfeo Toolbox (OTB) extension was used to generate these products. Next, these were subsequently validated by considering three sites (i.e., Railroad Valley Playa, NV, USA (RVUS), Baotou, China (BTCN), and La Crau, France (LCFR)) in RadCalNet, as well as a calibration and validation portal for remote sensing. We conducted the validations comparing satellite image-based reflectance products and field measurement reflectance based on data sets acquired at different times. The experimental results showed that the overall trend of validation accuracy of KOPSAT-3A was well fitted in all the RadCalNet sites and that the accuracy remained quite constant. Reflectance bands showing the minimum and maximum differences between the sets of experimental data are presented in this paper. The vegetation indices (i.e., the atmospherically resistant vegetation index (ARVI) and the structure insensitive pigment index (SIPI)) and three TOC reflectance bands obtained from KOMPSAT-3A were computed as a case study and used to achieve a detailed vegetation interpretation; finally, the correspondent results were compared with those obtained from Landsat-8 images (downloaded from the Google Earth Engine (GEE)). The validation and the application scheme presented in this study can be potentially applied to the generation of analysis ready data from high-resolution satellite sensor images.
An Underwater Pathfinding Algorithm for Optimised Planning of Survey Dives
Authors: Mangeruga Marino , Casavola Alessandro , Pupo Francesco , Bruno Fabio
Published: December 2020

In scientific and technical diving, the survey of unknown or partially unexplored areas is a common task that requires an accurate planning for ensuring the optimal use of resources and the divers’ safety. In particular, in any kind of diving activity, it is essential to foresee the “dive profile” that represents the diver’s exposure to pressure over time, ensuring that the dive plan complies with the specific safety rules that have to be applied in accordance with the diver’s qualification and the environmental conditions. This paper presents a novel approach to dive planning based on an original underwater pathfinding algorithm that computes the best 3D path to follow during the dive in order to be able to maximise the number of points of interest (POIs) visited, while taking into account the safety limitations. The proposed approach, for the first time, considers the morphology of the 3D space in which the dive takes place to compute the best path, taking into account the decompression limits and avoiding the obstacles through the analysis of a 3D map of the site. Moreover, three different cost functions are proposed and evaluated to identify the one that could suit the divers’ needs better.
Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Technology: A Review
Authors: Tang Liu , Chang Shwu Jen , Chen Ching-Jung , Liu Jen-Tsai
Published: December 2020

In recent years, with the rise of global diabetes, a growing number of subjects are suffering from pain and infections caused by the invasive nature of mainstream commercial glucose meters. Non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology has become an international research topic and a new method which could bring relief to a vast number of patients. This paper reviews the research progress and major challenges of non-invasive blood glucose detection technology in recent years, and divides it into three categories: optics, microwave and electrochemistry, based on the detection principle. The technology covers medical, materials, optics, electromagnetic wave, chemistry, biology, computational science and other related fields. The advantages and limitations of non-invasive and invasive technologies as well as electrochemistry and optics in non-invasives are compared horizontally in this paper. In addition, the current research achievements and limitations of non-invasive electrochemical glucose sensing systems in continuous monitoring, point-of-care and clinical settings are highlighted, so as to discuss the development tendency in future research. With the rapid development of wearable technology and transdermal biosensors, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring will become more efficient, affordable, robust, and more competitive on the market.
EPGNet: Enhanced Point Cloud Generation for 3D Object Detection
Authors: Chen Qingsheng , Fan Cien , Jin Weizheng , Zou Lian , Li Fangyu , Li Xiaopeng , Jiang Hao , Wu Minyuan , Liu Yifeng
Published: December 2020

Three-dimensional object detection from point cloud data is becoming more and more significant, especially for autonomous driving applications. However, it is difficult for lidar to obtain the complete structure of an object in a real scene due to its scanning characteristics. Although the existing methods have made great progress, most of them ignore the prior information of object structure, such as symmetry. So, in this paper, we use the symmetry of the object to complete the missing part in the point cloud and then detect it. Specifically, we propose a two-stage detection framework. In the first stage, we adopt an encoder–decoder structure to generate the symmetry points of the foreground points and make the symmetry points and the non-empty voxel centers form an enhanced point cloud. In the second stage, the enhanced point cloud is input into the baseline, which is an anchor-based region proposal network, to generate the detection results. Extensive experiments on the challenging KITTI benchmark show the effectiveness of our method, which has better performance on both 3D and BEV (bird’s eye view) object detection compared with some previous state-of-the-art methods.
Mining and Tailings Dam Detection in Satellite Imagery Using Deep Learning
Authors: Balaniuk Remis , Isupova Olga , Reece Steven
Published: December 2020

This work explores the combination of free cloud computing, free open-source software, and deep learning methods to analyze a real, large-scale problem: the automatic country-wide identification and classification of surface mines and mining tailings dams in Brazil. Locations of officially registered mines and dams were obtained from the Brazilian government open data resource. Multispectral Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, obtained and processed at the Google Earth Engine platform, was used to train and test deep neural networks using the TensorFlow 2 application programming interface (API) and Google Colaboratory (Colab) platform. Fully convolutional neural networks were used in an innovative way to search for unregistered ore mines and tailing dams in large areas of the Brazilian territory. The efficacy of the approach is demonstrated by the discovery of 263 mines that do not have an official mining concession. This exploratory work highlights the potential of a set of new technologies, freely available, for the construction of low cost data science tools that have high social impact. At the same time, it discusses and seeks to suggest practical solutions for the complex and serious problem of illegal mining and the proliferation of tailings dams, which pose high risks to the population and the environment, especially in developing countries.
LAPKaans: Tool-Motion Tracking and Gripping Force-Sensing Modular Smart Laparoscopic Training System
Authors: Olivas-Alanis Luis H. , Calzada-Briseño Ricardo A. , Segura-Ibarra Victor , Vázquez Elisa V. , Diaz-Elizondo Jose A. , Flores-Villalba Eduardo , Rodriguez Ciro A.
Published: December 2020

Laparoscopic surgery demands highly skilled surgeons. Traditionally, a surgeon’s knowledge is acquired by operating under a mentor-trainee method. In recent years, laparoscopic simulators have gained ground as tools in skill acquisition. Despite the wide range of laparoscopic simulators available, few provide objective feedback to the trainee. Those systems with quantitative feedback tend to be high-end solutions with limited availability due to cost. A modular smart trainer was developed, combining tool-tracking and force-using employing commercially available sensors. Additionally, a force training system based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) phantoms for sample stiffness differentiation is presented. This prototype was tested with 39 subjects, between novices (13), intermediates (13), and experts (13), evaluating execution differences among groups in training exercises. The estimated cost is USD $200 (components only), not including laparoscopic instruments. The motion system was tested for noise reduction and position validation with a mean error of 0.94 mm. Grasping force approximation showed a correlation of 0.9975. Furthermore, differences in phantoms stiffness effectively reflected user manipulation. Subject groups showed significant differences in execution time, accumulated distance, and mean and maximum applied grasping force. Accurate information was obtained regarding motion and force. The developed force-sensing tool can easily be transferred to a clinical setting. Further work will consist on a validation of the simulator on a wider range of tasks and a larger sample of volunteers.
Self-Supervised Learning to Detect Key Frames in Videos
Authors: Yan Xiang , Gilani Syed Zulqarnain , Feng Mingtao , Zhang Liang , Qin Hanlin , Mian Ajmal
Published: December 2020

Detecting key frames in videos is a common problem in many applications such as video classification, action recognition and video summarization. These tasks can be performed more efficiently using only a handful of key frames rather than the full video. Existing key frame detection approaches are mostly designed for supervised learning and require manual labelling of key frames in a large corpus of training data to train the models. Labelling requires human annotators from different backgrounds to annotate key frames in videos which is not only expensive and time consuming but also prone to subjective errors and inconsistencies between the labelers. To overcome these problems, we propose an automatic self-supervised method for detecting key frames in a video. Our method comprises a two-stream ConvNet and a novel automatic annotation architecture able to reliably annotate key frames in a video for self-supervised learning of the ConvNet. The proposed ConvNet learns deep appearance and motion features to detect frames that are unique. The trained network is then able to detect key frames in test videos. Extensive experiments on UCF101 human action and video summarization VSUMM datasets demonstrates the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Fog Fragment Cooperation on Bandwidth Management Based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Mobasheri Motahareh , Kim Yangwoo , Kim Woongsup
Published: December 2020

The term big data has emerged in network concepts since the Internet of Things (IoT) made data generation faster through various smart environments. In contrast, bandwidth improvement has been slower; therefore, it has become a bottleneck, creating the need to solve bandwidth constraints. Over time, due to smart environment extensions and the increasing number of IoT devices, the number of fog nodes has increased. In this study, we introduce fog fragment computing in contrast to conventional fog computing. We address bandwidth management using fog nodes and their cooperation to overcome the extra required bandwidth for IoT devices with emergencies and bandwidth limitations. We formulate the decision-making problem of the fog nodes using a reinforcement learning approach and develop a Q-learning algorithm to achieve efficient decisions by forcing the fog nodes to help each other under special conditions. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no research with this objective thus far. Therefore, we compare this study with another scenario that considers a single fog node to show that our new extended method performs considerably better.
Building Local Institutional Capacities for Urban Flood Adaptation: Lessons from the Water as Leverage Program in Semarang, Indonesia
Authors: Laeni Naim , Brink Margo van den , Busscher Tim , Ovink Henk , Arts Jos
Published: December 2020

Cities in Southeast Asia face various institutional barriers to cope with climate and water-related challenges. Several international programs for urban flood resilience therefore stress the importance of local institutional capacity building in initiating and delivering flood adaptation solutions. However, research to provide insights and recommendations into whether and how such international resilience programs could enable the building of local institutional capacities remains scarce. To bridge this gap, this paper presents an analytical framework to study institutional capacity building by international resilience programs, focusing on intellectual, social and political capital. The central case is the development and implementation of the Water as Leverage (WaL) program in Semarang, Indonesia. Our main results show that this program was able to stimulate the integration of knowledge, building of local coalitions and creation of adaptation narratives, which contributed to developing six strategic climate resilience proposals. This paper reflects on institutional strengths and weaknesses, and concludes that although the WaL program introduced an innovative approach for collaboration between international experts, urban designers and local stakeholders, sustaining momentum for the reflexive learning process, involving city-based NGOs and establishing formal links with decision makers were key challenges that hindered the development of institutional capacities to implement the developed proposals.