bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Research Studies of Mg–Ca–Zn Biodegradable Alloys Used as Orthopedic Implants—Review
Authors: Istrate Bogdan , Munteanu Corneliu , Antoniac Iulian-Vasile , Lupescu Ștefan-Constantin
Published: October 2022

Biodegradable alloys and especially magnesium-based alloys are considered by many researchers as materials to be used in medicine due to their biocompatibility and excellent mechanical properties. Biodegradable magnesium-based materials have applications in the medical field and in particular in obtaining implants for small bones of the feet and hands, ankles, or small joints. Studies have shown that Mg, Zn, and Ca are found in significant amounts in the human body and contribute effectively and efficiently to the healing process of bone tissue. Due to its biodegradability, magnesium alloys, including Mg–Ca–Zn alloys used in the manufacture of implants, do not require a second surgery, thus minimizing the trauma caused to the patient. Other studies have performed Mg–Ca–Zn system alloys with zinc variation between 0 and 8 wt.% and calcium variation up to 5 wt.%, showing high biocompatibility, adequate mechanical properties, and Mg2Ca and Mg6Ca2Zn compounds in microstructure. Biocompatibility is an essential factor in the use of these materials, so that some investigations have shown a cell viability with values between 95% and 99% compared with the control in the case of Mg–0.2Ca–3Zn alloy. In vivo analyses also showed no adverse reactions, with minimal H2 release. The aim of this review includes aspects regarding microstructure analysis and the degradation mechanisms in a specific environment and highlights the biocompatibility between the rate of bone healing and alloy degradation due to rapid corrosion of the alloys.
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Lung and Liver Oligometastases from Breast Cancer: Toxicity Data of a Prospective Non-Randomized Phase II Trial
Authors: Franceschini Davide , Comito Tiziana , Di Gallo Anna , Vernier Veronica , Marzo Marco A. , Di Cristina Luciana , Marini Beatrice , Lo Faro Lorenzo , Stefanini Sara , Spoto Ruggero , Dominici Luca , Franzese Ciro , Scorsetti Marta
Published: October 2022

Aims: We report the mature toxicity data of a phase II non-randomized trial on the use of SBRT for lung and liver oligometastases. Methods: Oligometastatic patients from breast cancer were treated with SBRT for up to five lung and/or liver lesions. Inclusion criteria were: age > 18 years, ECOG 0–2, diagnosis of breast cancer, less than five lung/liver lesions (with a maximum diameter <5 cm), metastatic disease confined to the lungs and liver or extrapulmonary or extrahepatic disease stable or responding to systemic therapy. Various dose–fractionation schedules were used. Then, a 4D-CT scan and FDG-CTPET were acquired for simulation and fused for target definition. Results: From 2015 to 2021, 64 patients and a total of 90 lesions were irradiated. Treatment was well tolerated, with no G 3–4 toxicities. No grade ≥3 toxicities were registered and the coprimary endpoint of the study was met. Median follow-up was 19.4 months (range 2.6–73.1). Conclusions: The co-primary endpoint of this phase II trial was met, showing excellent tolerability of SBRT for lung and liver oligometastatic in breast cancer patients. Until efficacy data will mature with longer follow-up, SBRT should be regarded as an opportunity for oligometastatic breast cancer patients.
Analysis of More than 16,000 Human Tumor and Normal Tissues Identifies Uroplakin 3B as a Useful Diagnostic Marker for Mesothelioma and Normal Mesothelial Cells
Authors: Lennartz Maximilian , Atug Dennis , Dwertmann Rico Sebastian , Reiswich Viktor , Viehweger Florian , Büscheck Franziska , Kluth Martina , Hube-Magg Claudia , Hinsch Andrea , Bernreuther Christian , Sauter Guido , Burandt Eike , Marx Andreas H. , Krech Till , Simon Ronald , Minner Sarah , Clauditz Till S. , Jacobsen Frank , Lebok Patrick , Gorbokon Natalia , Möller Katharina , Steurer Stefan , Fraune Christoph
Published: October 2022

Uroplakin 3B (Upk3b) is involved in stabilizing and strengthening the urothelial cell layer of the bladder. Based on RNA expression studies, Upk3b is expressed in a limited number of normal and tumor tissues. The potential use of Upk3b as a diagnostic or prognostic marker in tumor diagnosis has not yet been extensively investigated. A tissue microarray containing 17,693 samples from 151 different tumor types/subtypes and 608 samples of 76 different normal tissue types was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In normal tissues, Upk3b expression was largely limited to mesothelial cells, urothelial umbrella cells, and amnion cells. In tumor tissues, Upk3b was detectable in only 17 of 151 (11.3%) of tumor types. Upk3b expression was most frequent in mesotheliomas (82.1% of epithelioid and 30.8% of biphasic) and in urothelial tumors of the urinary bladder, where the positivity rate decreased from 61.9% in pTaG2 (low grade) to 58.0% in pTaG3 (high grade) and 14.6% in pT2-4 cancers. Among pT2-4 urothelial carcinomas, Upk3b staining was unrelated to tumor stage, lymph node status, and patient prognosis. Less commonly, Upk3b expression was also seen in Brenner tumors of the ovary (10.8%), as well as in four other subtypes of ovarian cancer (0.9–10.6%). Four additional tumor entities showed a weak to moderate Upk3b positivity in less than 5% of cases. In summary, Upk3b immunohistochemistry is a useful diagnostic tool for the distinction of mesotheliomas from other thoracic tumors and the visualization of normal mesothelial and umbrella cells.
Radioembolization-Induced Changes in Hepatic [18F]FDG Metabolism in Non-Tumorous Liver Parenchyma
Authors: Braat Manon N. , van Roekel Caren , Lam Marnix G. , Braat Arthur J.
Published: October 2022

Background: [18F]FDG-PET/CT is increasingly used for response assessments after oncologic treatment. The known response criteria for [18F]FDG-PET/CT use healthy liver parenchyma as the reference standard. However, the [18F]FDG liver metabolism results may change as a result of the given therapy. The aim of this study was to assess changes in [18F]FDG liver metabolism after hepatic 90Y resin radioembolization. Methods: [18F]FDG-PET/CT scans prior to radioembolization and one and three months after radioembolization (consistent with the PERCIST comparability criteria), as well as 90Y-PET/CT scans, were analyzed using 3 cm VOIs. The FDG activity concentration and absorbed dose were measured. A linear mixed-effects logistic regression model and logistic mixed-effects model were used to assess the correlation between the FDG-activity concentration, absorbed dose, and biochemical changes. Results: The median SULVOI,liver at baseline was 1.8 (range = 1.2–2.8). The mean change in SULVOI,liver per month with an increase in time was 0.05 (95%CI 0.02–0.09) at p < 0.001. The median absorbed dose per VOI was 31.3 Gy (range = 0.1–82.3 Gy). The mean percent change in ΔSULVOI,liver for every Gy increase in the absorbed dose was –0.04 (95%CI −0.22–0.14) at p = 0.67. The SULblood and SULspleen results showed no increase. Conclusions: The [18F]FDG metabolism in the normal liver parenchyma is significantly but mildly increased after radioembolization, which can interfere with its use as a threshold for therapy response.
Direct Detection of Glycated Human Serum Albumin and Hyperglycosylated IgG3 in Serum, by MALDI-ToF Mass Spectrometry, as a Predictor of COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Iles Ray K. , Iles Jason K. , Lacey Jonathan , Gardiner Anna , Zmuidinaite Raminta
Published: October 2022

The prefusion spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds advanced glycation end product (AGE)-glycated human serum albumin (HSA) and a higher mass (hyperglycosylated/glycated) immunoglobulin (Ig) G3, as determined by matrix assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF). We set out to investigate if the total blood plasma of patients who had recovered from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) as a result of COVID-19, contained more glycated HSA and higher mass (glycosylated/glycated) IgG3 than those with only clinically mild or asymptomatic infections. A direct serum dilution, and disulphide bond reduction, method was developed and applied to plasma samples from SARS-CoV-2 seronegative (n = 30) and seropositive (n = 31) healthcare workers (HCWs) and 38 convalescent plasma samples from patients who had been admitted with acute respiratory distress (ARDS) associated with COVID-19. Patients recovering from COVID-19 ARDS had significantly higher mass AGE-glycated HSA and higher mass IgG3 levels. This would indicate that increased levels and/or ratios of hyper-glycosylation (probably terminal sialic acid) IgG3 and AGE glycated HSA may be predisposition markers for the development of COVID-19 ARDS as a result of SARS-CoV2 infection. Furthermore, rapid direct analysis of serum/plasma samples by MALDI-ToF for such humoral immune correlates of COVID-19 presents a feasible screening technology for the most at risk; regardless of age or known health conditions.
Visceral Obesity and Lipid Profiles in Chinese Adults with Normal and High Body Mass Index
Authors: Lu Yutong , Li Na , Kamishima Tamotsu , Jia Peng , Zhou Dan , Hind Karen , Sutherland Kenneth , Cheng Xiaoguang
Published: October 2022

Background: This study examined the prevalence of visceral obesity in Chinese adults across different body mass index (BMI) groups and their associated lipid profiles and demographic risk factors. Methods: A total of 1653 Chinese adults were recruited for the study. Abdominal quantitative computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed to derive the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) at the lumbar vertebrae (L2–L3) levels. Visceral obesity was defined using established cutoff values. Fasting serum total cholesterol, total glucose, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein were measured. Results: Visceral obesity was prevalent in 35% of men and 22% of women with normal BMI (18.5–24 kg/m2) and 86% of men and 78% of women with high BMI (≥24 kg/m2). In both sexes, participants with normal BMI and visceral obesity had higher levels of TC, TG and LDL and lower HDL compared to those with normal VAT. The risk factors for visceral obesity in women with normal BMI were an age ≥50 years and BMI ≥22.3 kg/m2 and in men included a BMI ≥22.5 kg/m2. Conclusion: Visceral obesity was observed in the participants with normal BMI and was associated with an adverse lipid profile. The BMI cutoff points were lower than the normally accepted values.
Volume Changes in the Descending Aorta after Frozen Elephant Trunk and Conventional Hemi-Arch Repair after Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Ibrahim Abdulhakim , Motekallemi Arash , Yahia Ahmed , Oberhuber Alexander , Eierhoff Thorsten , Martens Sven , Marchiori Elena , Rukosujew Andreas
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to compare the mortality rates, re-intervention rates, and volumetric changes in aortas following surgery, in terms of the true lumen and false lumen changes, using conventional hemi-arch repair (CET) and frozen elephant trunk (FET) techniques. During the period from 2015 to 2018, 66 patients underwent surgical treatment for acute aortic dissection (Debakey type 1). Demographic and procedure-related data were evaluated. We measured volumetric change before surgical treatment, at discharge, and at 12- and 24-month time points based on computed tomography angiography. The study cohort was divided into two groups (FET vs. CET). The mean age of the patients was 56.9 ± 9.4 years in the FET group versus 63.6 ± 11 years in the CET group (p = 0.063). The mean follow-up time was 24 ± 6 and 25 ± 5 months for the FET and CET groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the medical histories of the cohorts. The results showed a significant increase in true lumen volume after the FET procedure (within 24 months postoperatively; p = 0.005), and no significant changes in total (p = 0.392) or false lumen (p = 0.659) volumes were noted. After the CET procedure, there were significant increases in total and false lumen volumes (p = 0.013, p = 0.042), while no significant change in true lumen was observed (p = 0.219). The volume increase in true lumen after the FET procedure was higher compared to the CET group at all postoperative time points (at discharge, 12 months, and 24 months) without significant evidence (p = 0.416, p = 0.422, p = 0.268). At two years, the volume increase in false lumen was significantly higher among the CET group compared to the FET group (p = 0.02). The Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed that patients who underwent the CET procedure underwent significantly more re-interventions due to false lumen expansion of the descending aorta (p = 0.047). Present study results indicate that the true and false lumen changes in the aorta following the FET and CET procedures were different. FET led to a significant increase in true lumen volume, while false lumen volume remained stable; however, after the CET procedure, significant false lumen enlargement was noted at mid-term follow-up time points. The re-intervention rate after CET was higher due to false lumen expansion.
An Entropy-Based Combined Behavior Model for Crowd Evacuation
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Wang Jian
Published: October 2022

Crowd evacuation has gained increasing attention due to its importance in the day-to-day management of public areas. During an emergency evacuation, there are a variety of factors that need to be considered when designing a practical evacuation model. For example, relatives tend to move together or look for each other. These behaviors undoubtedly aggravate the chaos degree of evacuating crowds and make evacuations hard to model. In this paper, we propose an entropy-based combined behavior model to better analyze the influence of these behaviors on the evacuation process. Specifically, we utilize the Boltzmann entropy to quantitatively denote the degree of chaos in the crowd. The evacuation behavior of heterogeneous people is simulated through a series of behavior rules. Moreover, we devise a velocity adjustment method to ensure the evacuees follow a more orderly direction. Extensive simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed evacuation model and provide useful insights into the design of practical evacuation strategies.
Learning and Teaching Urban Design through Design Studio Pedagogy: A Blended Studio on Transit Urbanism
Authors: Kamalipour Hesam , Peimani Nastaran
Published: October 2022

Studio-based pedagogy has been central to urban design programmes as it can enable future urban designers to more effectively acquire an understanding of how cities work and critically engage with the role of design intervention. This paper aims to explore the capacities and challenges of learning and teaching urban design through studio pedagogy by drawing on empirical research from a blended urban design studio experiment during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. This is part of a broader exploratory project using a case study research design and mixed methods approach. This paper explains the process of designing and delivering two constructively aligned postgraduate urban design studios as part of the MA Urban Design programme at Cardiff University in the 2021–2022 academic year. It further discusses the findings of an online survey on the perceptions and experiences of students regarding blended design studio pedagogy. Designing two consecutive and constructively aligned design studios is argued to work better in comparison with designing two entirely separate stand-alone design studios engaging with different topics and sites. The paper highlights the importance of learning from cities as real urban design laboratories rather than merely analysing abstract secondary datasets. The value of policy review, small group reading discussions, and formative feedback opportunities is also highlighted as integral parts of the urban design studio pedagogy. The paper concludes by discussing a range of key issues concerning field site visit, policy review, community engagement, precedent review, student diversity, design studio topic, reading discussion, group size, formative feedback, engagement, educational background, and English language skills. The outcomes of this paper can inform future practices of developing pedagogical frameworks for blended urban design studios.
Ready for a Career in the Agriculture Sector in Egypt? Perceptions of Students, Faculty, and Employers on the Value of Essential Technical and Employable Skills
Authors: Ghimire Ramjee P. , Dissanayake D. Hashini Galhena , Maredia Karim , Joshi Nanda P. , Ebner Paul
Published: October 2022

High unemployment among college graduates has been a big concern in Egypt for many years now. Mismatch in technical competencies and lack of job-oriented skills and inequity in education and career by gender pose a major constraint for Egyptian youth to find employment. Information about whether the gender of the mentor has any effect on the quality of mentoring is also nonexistent. Using web and in-person survey data among agricultural students, faculty, and potential private sector agribusiness employers, this paper attempts to investigate whether there are any significant differences in the application and use of career guidance by male and female students to prepare for careers prospects and align with the industry needs. The results will validate if there are significant differences in between male and female faculty in their perception of relevance of technical and employable skills as well as the use and application of career guidance and mentoring by students to increase their prospects with employers. The findings will be used to develop interventions that would help align student skills with employer expectations as well as upgrade faculty competencies.
Reservoir Prediction Model via the Fusion of Optimized Long Short-Term Memory Network (LSTM) and Bidirectional Random Vector Functional Link (RVFL)
Authors: Li Guodong , Pan Yongke , Lan Pu
Published: October 2022

An accurate and stable reservoir prediction model is essential for oil location and production. We propose an predictive hybrid model ILSTM-BRVFL based on an improved long short-term memory network (IAOS-LSTM) and a bidirectional random vector functional link (Bidirectional-RVFL) for this problem. Firstly, the Atomic Orbit Search algorithm (AOS) is used to perform collective optimization of the parameters to improve the stability and accuracy of the LSTM model for high-dimensional feature extraction. At the same time, there is still room to improve the optimization capability of the AOS. Therefore, an improvement scheme to further enhance the optimization capability is proposed. Then, the LSTM-extracted high-dimensional features are fed into the random vector functional link (RVFL) to improve the prediction of high-dimensional features by the RVFL, which is modified as the bidirectional RVFL. The proposed ILSTM-BRVFL (IAOS) model achieves an average prediction accuracy of 95.28%, compared to the experimental results. The model’s accuracy, recall values, and F1 values also showed good performance, and the prediction ability achieved the expected results. The comparative analysis and the degree of improvement in the model results show that the high-dimensional extraction of the input data by LSTM is the most significant improvement in prediction accuracy. Secondly, it introduces a double-ended mechanism for IAOS to LSTM and RVFL for parameter search.
Novel Three-Phase Nine-Level Inverter and Its Control Strategies
Authors: El Gadari Ayoub , El Ouardi Hind , Ounejjar Youssef , Al-haddad Kamal
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the authors propose a new three-phase, nine-level inverter with self-balancing of capacitors voltages. The proposed inverter is the result of a serial connection of the SPUC topology and the NPC converter. A single DC source is used, and each phase is made up of nine power switches and three capacitors. Two control techniques are proposed to maintain capacitors voltages at desired values, the first of which is a PWM technique ensures the self-balancing of capacitors voltages in open loop without using any filters or PI regulators, and the second is based on the hysteresis control which offers a nearly sinusoidal waveform of the load current without using any voltage sensors. The authors make use of the Matlab Simulink environment to perform the simulation of the proposed concept. The dynamics of the latter was verified against load change.
FFSCN: Frame Fusion Spectrum Center Net for Carrier Signal Detection
Authors: Huang Hao , Wang Jiao , Li Jianqing
Published: October 2022

Carrier signal detection is a complicated and essential task in many domains because it demands a quick response to the existence of several carriers in the wideband, while also precisely predicting each carrier signal’s frequency centers and bandwidths, including single-carrier and multi-carrier modulation signals. Multi-carrier modulation signals, such as FSK and OFDM, could be incorrectly recognized as several single-carrier signals by using the spectrum center net (SCN) or FCN-based method. This paper designed a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) framework for multi-carrier signal detection by fusing the features of multiple consecutive frames of the broadband power spectra and estimating the information of each single-carrier or multi-carrier modulation signal in the broadband, called frame fusion spectrum center net (FFSCN), including FFSCN-R, FFSCN-MN, and FFSCN-FMN. FFSCN includes three base parts, the deep CNN-based backbone, the feature pyramid network (FPN) neck, and the regression network (RegNet) head. FFSCN-R and FFSCN-MN fusing the FPN out features, which use the Residual and MobileNetV3 backbone, respectively, and FFSCN-MN cost less inference time. To further reduce the complexity of FFSCN-MN, the designed FFSCN-FMN modifies the MobileNet blocks and fuses the features at each block of the backbone. The multiple consecutive frames of broadband power spectra not only preserve the high-resolution ratio of the broadband frequency, but also add the features of the signal changes in the time dimension. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed FFSCN can effectively detect multi-carrier and single-carrier modulation signals in the broadband power spectrum and outperform SCN in accuracy and efficiency.
Contamination Level Monitoring Techniques for High-Voltage Insulators: A Review
Authors: Maraaba Luqman , Al-Soufi Khaled , Ssennoga Twaha , Memon Azhar , Worku Muhammed , Alhems Luai
Published: October 2022

Insulators are considered one of the most significant parts of power systems which can affect the overall performance of high-voltage (HV) transmission lines and substations. High-voltage (HV) insulators are critical for the successful operation of HV overhead transmission lines, and a failure in any insulator due to contamination can lead to flashover voltage, which will cause a power outage. However, the electrical performance of HV insulators is highly environment sensitive. The main cause of these flashovers in the industrial, agricultural, desert, and coastal areas, is the insulator contamination caused by unfavorable climatic conditions such as dew, fog, or rain. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to review the different methods adopted to identify the contamination level on high-voltage insulators. Several methods have been developed to observe and measure the contamination level on HV insulators, such as leakage current, partial disgorgement, and images with the help of different techniques. Various techniques have been discussed alongside their advantages and disadvantages on the basis of the published research work in the last decade. The major high-voltage insulator contamination level classification techniques discussed include machine learning, fuzzy logic, neuro–fuzzy interface, detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), and other methods. The contamination level data will aid the scheduling of the extensive and costly substation insulator, and live line washing performed using high-pressured water. As a result, considerable benefits in terms of improved power system reliability and maintenance cost savings will be realized. This paper provides an overview of the different signal processing and machine-learning methods adopted to identify the contamination level on high-voltage insulators. Various methods are studied, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed. The comprehensive review of the islanding methods will provide power utilities and researchers with a reference and guideline to select the best method to be used for contamination level identification based on their effectiveness and economic feasibility.
Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Stability of Conductors in Riserless Mud Recovery System
Authors: Qin Rulei , Xu Benchong , Chen Haowen , Lu Qiuping , Li Changping , Wang Jiarui , Feng Qizeng , Liu Xiaolin , Wang Linqing
Published: October 2022

Riserless Mud Recovery (RMR) technology, as an emerging and efficient drilling method, is advantageous to reduce the shallow flow hazards and the number of casings. The wave current effect is one of the reasons limiting the application of RMR technology in deep and ultra-deep water, and fewer quantitative and qualitative analyses of the effect of the current are made on the stability of conductors. This paper investigates the influence of the overturning moment generated by the continuous subsea internal wave flow and the soil resistance to the conductor. The numerical simulation software ABAQUS is used to study the effects of sea state recurrence period, seabed soil properties, conductor material, driving depth in the mud, and conductor wellhead height on the stability of the conductor, and the influence weights of the factors affecting the stability of the conductor are analyzed using the weight analysis algorithm of extreme learning machine-mean impact value (ELM-MIV). Finally, the qualitative and quantitative analyses affecting the stability of the conductor are carried out, which provide reference values for the application of the RMR technology.
Evolution of Energy Companies’ Non-Financial Disclosures: A Model of Non-Financial Reports in the Energy Sector
Authors: Bartoszewicz Anna , Szczepankiewicz Elżbieta Izabela
Published: October 2022

In the 21st century, the disclosure of non-financial information in non-financial reports (N-FRs), in particular in Corporate Social Responsibility reports (CSRRs), integrated reports (IRs), and activity reports (ARs), has a global dimension, and the quality and scope of such disclosures affects both a wide range of stakeholders and the global economy. In the last decade, changing trends, considerations, as well as economic, legal and social factors have significantly influenced the content of corporate disclosures. In the context of N-FRs, special attention should be paid to the energy sector, which is in many ways essential for both the domestic and global economy. Therefore, its functioning also attracts the attention of researchers. The objective of this paper is to show the practical aspects of N-FRs and to assess the quality of reports submitted by companies in the Polish energy sector. The authors assessed the quality of non-financial information contained in the reports of energy sector companies in terms of four key management areas: Environmental Management System (EMS), Quality Management System (QMS), Enterprise Risk Management System (ERMS), and Corporate Governance Principles (CGPs). On the basis of their analysis of all CSRRs and IRs submitted by Polish energy sector companies in Poland in 2010–2020, the authors propose a model for the disclosure of information on these systems. Standardized reporting on these key management areas in the energy sector will improve the quality and usefulness of information from the perspective of all stakeholders. A model like this may be useful in many countries that manage their energy sectors in a similar way, such as Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and other developing countries.
On Improved PSO and Neural Network P&O Methods for PV System under Shading and Various Atmospheric Conditions
Authors: Hayder Wafa , Sera Dezso , Ogliari Emanuele , Lashab Abderezak
Published: October 2022

This article analyzes and compares the integration of two different maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control methods, which are tested under partial shading and fast ramp conditions. These MPPT methods are designed by Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) and a combination technique between a Neural Network and the Perturb and Observe method (NN-P&O). These two methods are implemented and simulated for photovoltaic systems (PV), where various system responses, such as voltage and power, are obtained. The MPPT techniques were simulated using the MATLAB/Simulink environment. A comparison of the performance of the IPSO and NN-P&O algorithms is carried out to confirm the best accomplishment of the two methods in terms of speed, accuracy, and simplicity.
Effects of Trunk Distance and Rainfall on Throughfall and Associated Chemical Alterations within a Subtropical Deciduous Forest
Authors: Zhang Haixia , Wu Huawu , Liao Aimin , He Bin , Liu Jiufu , Wang Niu , Xia Ye , Cao Yang , Zhu Zichun , Fu Congsheng
Published: October 2022

Throughfall makes up the major portion of understory rainfall, and thereby plays a vital role in regulating the hydrological and biogeochemical processes in forest ecosystems. The aim of this study was to explore the alterations in throughfall and the associated chemical composition (Ca2+, Na2+, K+, Mg2+, H+, SO42−, NO3−, Cl−, and F−) under Quercus acutissima Carruth. and Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Her. ex Vent. trees, in relation to trunk distance and rainfall characteristics. Event-based measurements were carried out from April to December 2018 in a subtropical forest of eastern China. The throughfall amount (TF) and throughfall ratio (TF%) of Q. acutissima (35.7 mm, 83.0%) were higher than those of B. papyrifera (32.1 mm, 74.7%). Although no significant species differences in the ion concentrations of throughfall were detected, almost all ions (Ca2+, Na2+, K+, Mg2+, H+, SO42−, NO3−, and Cl−) were enriched after passing through the canopies of the two tree species. TF and TF% increased with increasing distance from the trunk, while the concentrations of most ions in throughfall increased, since the trunk was approximated. Regression analysis and redundancy analysis revealed that rainfall amount, duration and intensity exerted significant impacts on throughfall generation and ion concentrations, and the antecedent dry period had a notable influence only on ion concentrations. Our findings indicated that forest canopy and rainfall characteristics play an important role in the alterations in throughfall and the associated chemical compositions.
Land Use and Land Cover in Tropical Forest: Global Research
Authors: Velastegui-Montoya Andrés , Montalván-Burbano Néstor , Peña-Villacreses Gina , de Lima Aline , Herrera-Franco Gricelda
Published: October 2022

Tropical ecosystems play an important role in the environment. They provide multiple ecosystem services, such as carbon capture and sequestration, food supply, and climate regulation. Studying land use and land cover change makes it possible to understand the land’s alterations associated with deforestation, degradation, erosion, soil desertification, and biodiversity loss. The objective of this study is to evaluate the different approaches to land use and land cover research in tropical forests based on the evolutionary and qualitative analysis of the last 44 years of scientific production. The data were collected using the Scopus database and was based on the PRISMA methodology’s four phases: (i) identification, (ii) screening, (iii) eligibility, and (iv) included. The results showed a significant increase in the study of land use and land cover consolidated in 4557 articles, with contributions from 74 countries, revealing 14 themes and seven lines of research. Core research areas such as biodiversity, land use, and conservation exist due to the ongoing interest in the value of tropical forests and their response to climate change. The present research allowed us to consider future study topics such as the relationship between sustainable development goals and land use and cover in tropical forests, as well as the evaluation of the environmental impact of economic activities in forests.
Simple and Reliable Determination of the Histamine Content of Selected Greek Vegetables and Related Products in the Frame of “Low Histamine Diet”
Authors: Tsiasioti Apostolia , Tzanavaras Paraskevas D.
Published: October 2022

The determination of histamine in Greek foods that should potentially be avoided during a “low histamine diet” is reported herein. Cation exchange chromatography combined to selective post column derivatization proved to be an excellent tool for this type of analysis as well, offering accurate results following minimal sample preparation. Tomato-, eggplant- and spinach-related products have been successfully analyzed and were all found to contain histamine. Higher amounts were quantified in eggplants, eggplant salads and spinach in the range of 15.4–34.2 mg kg−1 and lower in fresh tomatoes and related products (0.8–10.6 mg kg−1). The method is capable of determining as low as 0.5 mg kg−1 histamine without matrix effects, with percent recoveries ranging between 87 and 112% (tomatoes and related products), 95 and 119% (eggplants and related products) and 90 and 106% (fresh and frozen spinach).
Personalised Nutritional Plan and Resistance Exercise Program to Improve Health Parameters in Celiac Women
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez Alejandro , Loaiza-Martínez Daniela Alejandra , Sánchez-Sánchez Javier , Rubio-Arias Jacobo Á. , Alacid Fernando , Prats-Moya Soledad , Martínez-Olcina María , Yáñez-Sepúlveda Rodrigo , Marcos-Pardo Pablo J.
Published: October 2022

Celiac disease (CD) is a permanent immune reaction to gluten in those with a genetic predisposition. This study was designed to evaluate menopause-associated symptoms, mood, bone quality, and IgA antibody levels in women with CD, untreated and treated with a gluten-free diet (GFD), and with or without resistance exercise. The randomised controlled trial was conducted on 28 Spanish women (>40 years old). Participants were divided into the following intervention groups: personalised gluten-free nutrition plan + exercise (GFD + E); personalised gluten-free nutrition plan (GFD); celiac controls (NO-GFD); and non-celiac controls (CONTROL). The participants responded to the Menopause Rating Scale and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires. Bone quality was measured with ultrasound and IgA with a blood test. After 12 weeks of intervention, the GFD + E group showed significant improvement in urogenital symptoms and scored higher on the ‘vigour’ subscale of the POMS. Negative associations were found between the total score on the Menopause Rating Scale and the ‘vigour’ subscale of the POMS questionnaire. Only those women who underwent a personalised GFD nutritional intervention combined with resistance exercise demonstrated significant changes after the intervention.
Inhibitory Effect of Polypeptides Produced by Brevibacillus brevis on Ochratoxigenic Fungi in the Process of Pile-Fermentation of Post-Fermented Tea
Authors: Zhao Zhenjun , Zhang Lingling , Lou Yougen , Luo Yan , Hu Xianchun , Pan Xueli , Wu Huawei , Li Jianjie , Mei Huiling , Li Xinghui
Published: October 2022

Contamination by ochratoxigenic fungi and its prevention during the pile-fermentation of post-fermented tea have always been a concern. The present study aimed to elucidate the anti-fungal effect and mechanism of polypeptides produced by B. brevis DTM05 (isolated from post-fermented tea) on ochratoxigenic fungi, and to to evaluate their use in the pile-fermentation process of post-fermented tea. The results showed that polypeptides (produced by B. brevis DTM05) with a strong antifungal effect against A. carbonarius H9 mainly had a molecular weight between 3 and 5 kDa. The Fourier-transform infrared spectra of this polypeptide extract showed that it was a mixture consisting mainly of polypeptides and small amounts of lipids and other carbohydrates. The polypeptide extracts significantly inhibited the growth of A. carbonarius H9, and its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 1.6 mg/L, which significantly reduced the survival rate of spores. The polypeptides also effectively controlled the occurrence and ochratoxin A (OTA) production of A. carbonarius H9 on the tea matrix. The lowest concentration of polypeptides that significantly inhibited the growth of A. carbonarius H9 on the tea matrix was 3.2 mg/L. The enhancement of the fluorescence staining signal in the mycelium and conidiospore showed that the polypeptides with a concentration of more than 1.6 mg/L increased the permeability of the mycelium membrane and conidial membrane of A. carbonarius H9. The significant increase in the extracellular conductivity of mycelia suggested the outward leakage of intracellular active substances, and also further indicated an increase in cell membrane permeability. Polypeptides with a concentration of 6.4 mg/L significantly down-regulated the expression level of the polyketide synthase gene related to OTA production (acpks) in A. carbonarius H9, which may be the fundamental reason why polypeptides affect OTA production. In conclusion, reasonable use of the polypeptides produced by B. brevis can destroy the structural integrity of the cell membrane, make the intracellular active substances leak outward, accelerate the death of fungal cells and down-regulate the expression level of the polyketide synthase gene in A. carbonarius; thus, they can effectively control the contamination of ochratoxigenic fungi and OTA production during the pile-fermentation of the post-fermented tea.
Detection of Saffron’s Main Bioactive Compounds and Their Relationship with Commercial Quality
Authors: Avila-Sosa Raul , Nevárez-Moorillón Guadalupe Virginia , Ochoa-Velasco Carlos Enrique , Navarro-Cruz Addí Rhode , Hernández-Carranza Paola , Cid-Pérez Teresa Soledad
Published: October 2022

This review aims to evaluate the state of saffron’s main bioactive compounds and their relationship with its commercial quality. Saffron is the commercial name for the dried red stigmas of the Crocus sativus L. flower. It owes its sensory and functional properties mainly to the presence of its carotenoid derivatives, synthesized throughout flowering and also during the whole production process. These compounds include crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal, which are bioactive metabolites. Saffron’s commercial value is determined according to the ISO/TS3632 standard that determines their main apocatotenoids. Other techniques such as chromatography (gas and liquid) are used to detect the apocarotenoids. This, together with the determination of spectral fingerprinting or chemo typing are essential for saffron identification. The determination of the specific chemical markers coupled with chemometric methods favors the discrimination of adulterated samples, possible plants, or adulterating compounds and even the concentrations at which these are obtained. Chemical characterization and concentration of various compounds could be affected by saffron’s geographical origin and harvest/postharvest characteristics. The large number of chemical compounds found in the by-products (flower parts) of saffron (catechin, quercetin, delphinidin, etc.) make it an interesting aromatic spice as a colorant, antioxidant, and source of phytochemicals, which can also bring additional economic value to the most expensive aromatic species in the world.
Spirality: A Novel Way to Measure Spiral Arm Pitch Angle
Authors: Shields Deanna , Boe Benjamin , Pfountz Casey , Davis Benjamin L. , Hartley Matthew , Miller Ryan , Slade Zac , Abdeen M. Shameer , Kennefick Daniel , Kennefick Julia
Published: October 2022

We present the MATLAB code Spirality, a novel method for measuring spiral arm pitch angles by fitting galaxy images to spiral templates of known pitch. Computation time is typically on the order of 2 min per galaxy, assuming 8 GB of working memory. We tested the code using 117 synthetic spiral images with known pitches, varying both the spiral properties and the input parameters. The code yielded correct results for all synthetic spirals with galaxy-like properties. We also compared the code’s results to two-dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (2DFFT) measurements for the sample of nearby galaxies defined by DMS PPak. Spirality’s error bars overlapped 2DFFT’s error bars for 26 of the 30 galaxies. The two methods’ agreement correlates strongly with galaxy radius in pixels and also with i-band magnitude, but not with redshift, a result that is consistent with at least some galaxies’ spiral structure being fully formed by z=1.2, beyond which there are few galaxies in our sample. The Spirality code package also includes GenSpiral, which produces FITS images of synthetic spirals, and SpiralArmCount, which uses a one-dimensional Fast Fourier Transform to count the spiral arms of a galaxy after its pitch is determined. All code is freely available.
Complete Mitochondrial Genomes and Phylogenetic Positions of Two Longicorn Beetles, Anoplophora glabripennis and Demonax pseudonotabilis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Pu De-Qiang , Liu Hong-Ling , Wu Xing-Long , Chen Zhi-Teng
Published: October 2022

Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1854) and Demonax pseudonotabilis Gressitt & Rondon, 1970 are two commonly found longicorn beetles from China. However, the lack of sufficient molecular data hinders the understanding of their evolution and phylogenetic relationships with other species of Cerambycidae. This study sequenced and assembled the complete mitochondrial genomes of the two species using the next-generation sequencing method. The mitogenomes of A. glabripennis and D. pseudonotabilis are 15,622 bp and 15,527 bp in length, respectively. The mitochondrial gene content and gene order of A. glabripennis and D. pseudonotabilis are highly conserved with other sequenced longicorn beetles. The calculation of nonsynonymous (Ka) and synonymous (Ks) substitution rates in PCGs indicated the existence of purifying selection in the two longicorn beetles. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the protein-coding gene sequences from available mitogenomes of Cerambycidae. The two species sequenced in this study are, respectively, grouped with their relatives from the same subfamily. The monophyly of Cerambycinae, Dorcasominae, Lamiinae, and Necydalinae was well-supported, whereas Lepturinae, Prioninae, and Spondylidinae were recovered as paraphyletic.
Back-Analysis of the Abbadia San Salvatore (Mt. Amiata, Italy) Debris Flow of 27–28 July 2019: An Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach to a Challenging Case Study
Authors: Amaddii Michele , Rosatti Giorgio , Zugliani Daniel , Marzini Lorenzo , Disperati Leonardo
Published: October 2022

On 27–28 July 2019, in a catchment of the Mt. Amiata area (Italy), an extreme rainfall induced a debris flow, which caused a channeled erosive process just upstream of the Abbadia San Salvatore village, the obstruction of a culvert at the entrance to the urban area, and the subsequent flooding of the village. In this paper, we present the back analysis of this event. The complexity of this case study is due to several peculiar characteristics, but above all, to the clogging of the culvert, a phenomenon difficult to simulate numerically. The methodology used for the reconstruction of the event is based on a multidisciplinary approach. A geological field investigation was carried out to characterize the catchment and assess the availability of debris. Then, a cascade of numerical models was employed to reconstruct the debris flow: the FLO-2D software was used to model the runoff along the hydrographic network while the mobile-bed debris flow TRENT2D model, available through the WEEZARD system, was used to quantify both the erosion and deposition processes that occurred during the event. To simulate the culvert clogging, a novel modelling procedure was developed and applied. Despite the challenging framework, the results, in terms of debris volume, erosion rates, deposition area, and timing of the culvert obstruction, agree reasonably well with the observed data. It is worth noticing that these results were obtained mainly using parameters set a priori, namely calibrated on a physical basis. This proves that the proposed methodology is robust and effective, with good predictive capability. Therefore, it may be considered, according to the European Union (EU) Flood Directive, an “appropriate practice and the best available technology that does not imply excessive costs” to support predictive hazard mapping of situations as the one here considered.
The Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among Prisoners in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Manna Subhanwita , Tripathy Snehasish , Sah Rahul Kumar , Padhi Bijaya Kumar , Kaur Sandeep , Nowrouzi-Kia Behdin , Chattu Vijay Kumar
Published: October 2022

Background: The increasing prevalence and subsequent mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among Indian prisoners are often ignored by policymakers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to analyze the rising burden of Noncommunicable Diseases in Indian prisons and estimate the pooled prevalence of depression among Indian prisoners. Methods: A total 9 studies were chosen in accordance with PRISMA guidelines that investigated the burden of NCDs in Indian prisons and were published between January 2010 and August 2022. Statistical analysis was performed in STATA Version 16 software, and the funnel plot was used to identify publication bias. Results: A total of 167 articles were identified, and 9 were included in this analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression among prisoners was 48.78% (95% CI, 27.24–70.55%). According to the review, prisoners showed a significant prevalence of moderate to severe depression, dental caries, poor periodontal condition, and suicide ideation. This study is the first to analyze NCDs prevalence among Indian prisoners. Poor mental and dental health standards and the virtual absence of healthcare facilities necessitate governmental actions to boost inmates’ health. It is essential to develop preventative interventions for this extremely isolated and vulnerable group in addition to diagnosing and treating noncommunicable diseases. Conclusions: Our study findings will enable decision-makers to structure and develop appropriate preventative and curative programs for inmates’ general wellbeing.
Effect of Acupuncture on Functional Capacity and Health-Related Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Correia de Carvalho Marta , Pereira Machado Jorge , Laranjeira Manuel , Nunes de Azevedo José , Azevedo Pedro
Published: October 2022

The proposed randomized controlled trial protocol will evaluate the effect of acupuncture treatment on the functional capacity (FC) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) category 5 (CKG G5) patients receiving maintenance dialysis. Patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) from a dialysis center will be randomly assigned to experimental, placebo and control groups. In order to determine the difference between the same number of treatments performed three times or one treatment a week, experimental (verum acupuncture) and placebo (sham acupuncture) groups will receive a total of nine acupuncture treatments; however, both groups will be divided into subgroups A and B. The same selection of acupuncture points will be applied to both experimental subgroups and the placebo subgroups will receive acupuncture on non-acupuncture points. The results will be assessed by the 6-min Walk Test, Handgrip Test, 30-sec Sit-to-Stand and Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form and will be held at baseline, after treatment and 12 weeks post-treatment follow up. This paper describes the rationale and design for a randomized, patient-assessor blinded controlled trial, which may provide evidence for the clinical application of acupuncture in CKG G5 patients undergoing HD.