bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Reoperative parathyroidectomy for large ectopic hyperplastic parathyroid in the mediastinum of a patient with recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Lv Yong , Wang Qiuyuan , Zhang Ling , Zhou Qing , Mi Zhiyu , Wu Yi , Cheng Jingning
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure uremia. For severe SHPT, parathyroidectomy is effective. Owing to the variability in parathyroid anatomy, surgical parathyroidectomy can be complex and many patients experience recurrent SHPT, which may require repeated surgery. These cases pose significant challenges to surgeons.

Case description

An elderly woman with recurrent severe SHPT was admitted to our hospital. Preoperative methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) examination found a large ectopic parathyroid gland in the superior mediastinum, and she underwent reoperative parathyroidectomy. A large parathyroid gland in the right anterior mediastinum and another parathyroid gland in the left lingual lobe of the thymus were removed. The patient had postoperative hypocalcemia that was successfully corrected with calcium supplementation via femoral vein catheterization. During the 1-year postoperative follow-up, the patient's iPTH was well controlled and her blood calcium was within the normal range.

Conclusion

We report a case of parathyroidectomy to remove multifocal ectopic hyperplastic parathyroid tissue in the mediastinum. Preoperative MIBI accurately detected the lesions. Calcium supplementation via femoral vein catheterization successfully corrected postoperative hypocalcemia. Postoperative follow-up for 1 year indicated that the surgery was successful.
Double purse-string suture technique for circular-stapled anastomosis during robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy
Authors: Zhang Hanlu , Zuo Zeping , Yan Xiuji , Wang Fuqiang , Yang Lin , Qiu Guanghao , Chen Long-Qi , Wang Yun
Published: July 2022

Background

With the advantage of the robotic suturing capacity, the purse-string suture is technically simple and convenient. This study aimed to present our technical aspects and initial results of robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy using two purse-string sutures for circular-stapled anastomosis.

Methods

After stomach mobilization, gastric conduit formation, esophagus mobilization and two-field lymphadenectomy, the first robotic hand-sewn purse-string suture was applied to the esophageal muscular layer with an adequate margin above the tumor. A longitudinal incision in the anterior wall of the esophagus was made and the circular stapler anvil was inserted. The esophagus was transected by scissors 1 cm caudal to the first purse-string suture and the purse-string tied to secure the anvil. Then the second robotic hand-sewn purse-string suture was applied to the whole-layer of the proximal end of the esophagus and tied. Finally, the anvil was connected to the body of the stapler and fired.

Results

The clinical data of ten patients who underwent robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with an intrathoracic circular-stapled end-to-side anastomosis from February 2022 to April 2022 were collected. There were seven male and three female patients and had a mean age of 63.2 ± 7.6 years. Tissue donuts were complete in all cases and all operations were successfully performed without conversions. The mean overall operative time was 358.2 ± 40.3 min. The mean estimated blood loss was 83.2 ± 15.6 ml. The median length of hospital stay was 11.5 ± 4.1 days. All the patients had an uneventful postoperative period.

Conclusion

Two purse-string sutures are necessary to obtain a tight seal of the esophageal tissue around the anvil to avoid potential anastomotic leak and are an essential process for the safety of circular-stapled anastomosis during robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.
Cre-Recombinase Induces Apoptosis and Cell Death in Enterocyte Organoids
Authors: Moll Franziska , Spaeth Manuela , Schröder Katrin
Published: July 2022

The culture of primary intestinal epithelia cells is not possible in a normal culture system. In 2009 a three-dimensional culture system of intestinal stem cells was established that shows many of the physiological features of the small intestine, such as crypt-villus structure, stem cell niche and all types of differentiated intestinal epithelial cells. These enteroids can be used to analyze biology of intestinal stem cells, gut homeostasis and the development of diseases. They also give the possibility to reduce animal numbers, as enteroids can be cryo-conserved and cultivated for many passages. To investigate the influence of genes such as NADPH oxidases on the gut homeostasis, transgenic approached are the method of choice. The generation of enteroids from knockout mice allows real-time observations of knockout effects. Often conditional knockout or overexpression strategies using inducible Cre recombinase are applied to avoid effects of adaption to the knockout. However, the Cre recombinase has many known caveats from unspecific binding and its endonuclease activity. In this study, we show that although NADPH oxidases are important for in vivo differentiation and proliferation of the intestine, their expression is drastically reduced in the organoid system. Activation of Cre recombinase by 4-hydroxy tamoxifen in freshly isolated enteroids, independently of floxed genes, leads to decreased diameter of organoids. This effect is concentration-dependent and is caused by reduced cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis and DNA damage. In contrast, constitutive expression of Cre has no impact on the enteroids. Therefore, reduction of tamoxifen concentration and treatment duration should be carefully titrated, and appropriate controls are necessary.
Development of In Vitro Assays for Advancing Radioimmunotherapy against Brain Tumors
Authors: Walter Yohan , Hubbard Anne , Benoit Allie , Jank Erika , Salas Olivia , Jordan Destiny , Ekpenyong Andrew
Published: July 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor. Due to high resistance to treatment, local invasion, and a high risk of recurrence, GBM patient prognoses are often dismal, with median survival around 15 months. The current standard of care is threefold: surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). However, patient survival has only marginally improved. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a fourth modality under clinical trials and aims at combining immunotherapeutic agents with radiotherapy. Here, we develop in vitro assays for the rapid evaluation of RIT strategies. Using a standard cell irradiator and an Electric Cell Impedance Sensor, we quantify cell migration following the combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy with TMZ and RIT with durvalumab, a PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor. We measure cell survival using a cloud-based clonogenic assay. Irradiated T98G and U87 GBM cells migrate significantly (p < 0.05) more than untreated cells in the first 20–40 h post-treatment. Addition of TMZ increases migration rates for T98G at 20 Gy (p < 0.01). Neither TMZ nor durvalumab significantly change cell survival in 21 days post-treatment. Interestingly, durvalumab abolishes the enhanced migration effect, indicating possible potency against local invasion. These results provide parameters for the rapid supplementary evaluation of RIT against brain tumors.
Effects of Resveratrol Administration in Liver Injury Prevention as Induced by an Obesogenic Diet: Role of Ruminococcaceae
Authors: Milton-Laskibar Iñaki , Cuevas-Sierra Amanda , Portillo María P. , Martínez J. Alfredo
Published: July 2022

Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been described in several metabolic disruptions, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Administration of resveratrol has been claimed to elicit benefits against NAFLD along with modulating gut microbiota composition. This investigation aims to study the putative mediating role of gut microbiota in the potential hepato-protective effects of resveratrol in a diet-induced NAFLD rat model. The involvement of bacteria from the Ruminococcaceae family in such effects was also addressed. Resveratrol administration resulted in lowered liver weight and serum total and non-HDL cholesterol concentrations, as well as in increased serum HDL cholesterol levels. The administration of this polyphenol also prevented obesogenic diet-induced serum transaminase increases. In addition, histopathological analysis revealed that resveratrol administration ameliorated the dietary-induced liver steatosis and hepatic inflammation. Gut microbiota sequencing showed an inverse relationship between some bacteria from the Ruminococcaceae family and the screened hepatic markers, whereas in other cases the opposite relationship was also found. Interestingly, an interaction was found between UBA-1819 abundance and resveratrol induced liver weight decrease, suggesting that for this marker resveratrol induced effects were greater when the abundance of this bacteria was high, while no actions were found when UBA-1819 abundance was low.
Historical Cultural Layers and Sustainable Design Art Models for Architectural Engineering—Took Public Art Proposal for the Tainan Bus Station Construction Project as an Example
Authors: Liu Wan-Fang , Tzeng Chun-Ta , Kuo Wen-Chang
Published: July 2022

The concept of “historic buildings” is cultural with evolutionary characteristics, mainly constructed in the category of historical culture and people’s living settlements. “Public art” is an artistic asset with aesthetic attributes in urban living spaces. It contains two connotations, “cultural landscape” and “cultural route”, which form an artistic symbol of urban architectural space at the same time. Along with the progress of an urban renewal plan, a local culture characterized the urban landscape, making architecture a tool used to convey cultural identity spatially. Two coexisting issues can be seen through the accumulated structure and long-term changes of historic buildings, a region’s appearance, and the content of the traditional architectural styles—cultural value preservation and modern urban renewal—which ferment and generate decision-making discussion of design subtly in every corner of a city. This study examines the extant literature and the design model of public art landscape setting to construct a design model that balances the cultural value of historic buildings, and the landscape of public art has been proposed as a result of this study.
Incorporation of Manganese (II) in Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate from EPR and ENDOR Measurements for Powders
Authors: Murzakhanov Fadis F. , Forysenkova Anna A. , Fadeeva Inna V. , Mamin Georgy V. , Gafurov Marat R.
Published: July 2022

Powders of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP, Ca3PO4) doped with manganese (Mn2+) are comprehensively analyzed with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and electron-nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) techniques. The modeling of the spectra permitted to calculate the values of zero-field splitting (B20 = −904 MHz; B40 = −1.41 MHz and B43 = 195.2 MHz) and explain the origin of the low-field hyperfine structures as the allowed spin transitions of fine structure. Three structurally inequivalent positions for Mn2+ in the β-TCP crystal lattice are identified and their g-factors and hyperfine constants are quantified. The obtained results can serve as fundamental background to the study of structurally disordered matrices with high spin (S ≥ 1) impurities which are important for catalytic systems.
Unveiling the Chemistry of Higher-Order Cycloaddition Reactions within the Molecular Electron Density Theory
Authors: Domingo Luis R. , Ríos-Gutiérrez Mar , Pérez Patricia
Published: July 2022

The higher-order cycloaddition (HOCA) reaction of tropone with cyclopentadiene (Cp) has been studied within the Molecular Electron Density Theory. The Electron Localization Function (ELF) analysis of the electronic structure of tropone and Cp characterizes the structural behaviors of the two conjugated unsaturated systems, while the conceptual DFT reactivity indices classify tropone as a strong electrophile and Cp as a strong nucleophile participating in polar cycloaddition reactions of reverse electron density flux. Eight competitive reaction paths have been characterized for this cycloaddition reaction. The most favorable one allowing the formation of the formal out [6 + 4] cycloadduct has an activation enthalpy of 16.2 kcal·mol−1, and the reaction is exothermic by −21.4 kcal·mol−1. This HOCA reaction, which takes place through a non-concerted two-stage one-step mechanism, presents high stereo-, pseudocyclic- and regioselectivities, explaining the exclusive formation of the experimental [6 + 4] cycloadduct. While the most favorable nucleophilic attack of Cp on most electrophilic C2 positions of tropone accounts for regioselectivities, the favorable electrostatic interactions present between the Cp framework and the negatively charged O8 oxygen of tropone account for the stereo- and pseudocyclic selectivities. Despite the symmetry of the two reagents, this HOCA reaction takes place via a highly asynchronous transition state structure as a consequence of the most favorable two-center interactions taking place between the electrophilic C2 center of tropone and the nucleophilic C9 center of Cp.
Production of Single-Cell Protein from Fruit Peel Wastes Using Palmyrah Toddy Yeast
Authors: Thiviya Punniamoorthy , Gamage Ashoka , Kapilan Ranganathan , Merah Othmane , Madhujith Terrence
Published: July 2022

Single-cell protein (SCP) from agro-waste material has gained increased attention in the recent past as a relatively cheap and alternative protein source to meet the nutritional demand generated by the fast-growing population. Furthermore, bioconversion of these wastes into SCP such as value-added products reduce the environmental-related issues. In this study, locally available pineapple (Ananas comosus), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), papaya (Carica papaya), sour orange (Citrus medica), banana (Musa acuminata) and mango (Mangifera indica) peel wastes were investigated for their suitability to produce SCP using palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer) toddy carrying natural mixed yeast and bacteria culture under liquid state fermentation system. Moreover, this study attempted to select the best substrate and the optimized process condition for SCP production to increase the protein yield. The physicochemical properties of selected fruit peels were analyzed. The sterilized peel extracts (10%, v/v) were inoculated with 5 mL of palmyrah toddy and allowed to ferment in a shaking incubator at 100 rpm for 48 h in triplicate At the end of fermentation, the sediments were collected by centrifugation at 1252× g, oven-dried, and the dry weight was taken to determine the protein content. The biomass yield ranged from 5.3 ± 0.6 to 11.7 ± 0.8 g/L, with the least biomass yield being observed with watermelon peels while the maximum yield was observed with papaya peels. Papaya peel generated a significantly higher (p < 0.05) amount of protein (52.4 ± 0.4%) followed by pineapple (49.7 ± 1.3%), watermelon (45.2 ± 0.7%), banana (30.4 ± 0.6%), sour orange (29.5 ± 1.2%) and mango (24.6 ± 0.2%) peels. The optimum condition for the fermentation of papaya waste was pH 5.0, 25 °C, and 24 h. Nucleic acid reduction treatment significantly reduces dry weight and protein content of biomass. It can be concluded that papaya peel waste is a suitable substrate for protein-rich cell biomass production using the natural toddy mixed culture of palmyrah.
Optimization of Corn Resistant Starch Preparation by Dual Enzymatic Modification Using Response Surface Methodology and Its Physicochemical Characterization
Authors: Liu Yangjin , Jiang Fan , Du Chunwei , Li Mengqing , Leng Zhifu , Yu Xiuzhu , Du Shuang-Kui
Published: July 2022

Corn starch was dually modified using thermostable α-amylase and pullulanase to prepare resistant starch (RS). The concentration of starch liquid, the amount of added thermostable α-amylase, the duration of enzymatic hydrolysis and the amount of added pullulanase were optimized using RSM to increase RS content of the treated sample. The optimum pretreatment conditions were 15% starch liquid, 3 U/g thermostable α-amylase, 35 min of enzymatic hydrolysis and 8 U/g pullulanase. The maximum RS content of 10.75% was obtained, and this value was significantly higher than that of native corn starch. The degree of polymerization (DP) of the enzyme-modified starch decreased compared with that of native starch. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed to assess structural changes in native and pretreated starch. The effect of dual enzyme pretreatment on the structure and properties of corn starch was significant. Unlike the untreated one, the pretreated corn starch showed clear pores and cracks. Significant differences in RS contents and structural characterization between starch pretreated and untreated with dual enzymes demonstrated that the dual enzyme modification of corn was effective in enhancing RS contents.
A Prospective Clinical Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Intra-Ligamentary Anesthetic Solutions in Mandibular Molars Diagnosed as Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis with Symptomatic Apical Periodontitis
Authors: Gufran Khalid , Mirza Mubashir Baig , Robaian Ali , Alqahtani Abdullah Saad , Alqhtani Nasser Raqe , Alasqah Mohammed , Alsakr Abdulaziz Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Accomplishing painless endodontic treatment, especially in the mandibular molar region, is challenging. Hence, the aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of 2% lidocaine and 4% articaine when used as supplemental intra-ligamentary (IL) anesthesia in mandibular molars having symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with symptomatic apical periodontitis after failed Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB) injection. In this prospective study, one-hundred and forty-seven adult patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular tooth were included who received IANB with 1.8 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. Patients who experienced pain were recorded using the Heft–Parker visual analog scale (HP-VAS score ≥ 55 mm) and received supplement intra-ligament injection with either4% articaine or 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. Supplementary intra-ligament injections resulted in 82.6% and 91.3% of profound anesthesia in the first molar region for 2% lidocaine and 4% articaine, respectively. Similarly, an additional IL injection of articaine success percent (78.9%) in the second molar region was higher than lidocaine (63.1%). The overall success ratio revealed no significant difference in achieving profound anesthesia of either solution. In this study population, there was no difference in the success ratio of anesthesia between 2% lidocaine and 4% articaine when used as supplemental IL injection.
Maintaining Canopy Density under Summer Stress Conditions Retains PSII Efficiency and Modulates Must Quality in Cabernet Franc
Authors: Faralli Michele , Zanzotti Roberto , Bertamini Massimo
Published: July 2022

Shoot topping and other summer grapevine management practices are considered crucial for producing high-quality wine. However, in recent years, climate change is increasing the need to reassess these strategies, as excessive radiation and high temperatures can negatively impact canopy functionality and berry quality. Indeed, it has been hypothesized that limiting summer vegetative pruning may protect the bunch, via shading, and the leaf by maintaining a more favorable environment for leaf functionality (e.g., lower VPD, reduced high light stress) owing to a denser canopy. In this work, a series of canopy manipulation treatments (shoot topping vs. long-shoot bundling; secondary shoot trimming vs. untrimmed) were tested in a replicated factorial block design over two seasons in field-grown grapevine plants (cv. Cabernet Franc grafted in SO4). Overall, treatments in which secondary shoot removal and/or shoot topping were not applied produced a higher canopy area, increased pruning wood and leaf layers, and had a higher Fv/Fm on warm days when compared to pruned canopies. These were associated with a year-dependent modulation of quality parameters of the must in which long-shoot bundling treatment, overall, produced the highest polyphenol and anthocyanin contents and must acidity. Our data provide evidence of a potential usefulness of preserving dense canopies under high temperature – high irradiance conditions with desirable effects on leaf photosynthesis and must quality when long-shoot bundling was applied.
Pruning Quality Effects on Desiccation Cone Installation and Wood Necrotization in Three Grapevine Cultivars in France
Authors: Bruez Emilie , Cholet Céline , Giudici Massimo , Simonit Marco , Martignon Tommasso , Boisseau Mathilde , Weingartner Sandrine , Poitou Xavier , Rey Patrice , Geny-Denis Laurence
Published: July 2022

Pruning experimental studies have been performed in different vineyards, in France, USA and Australia. This article investigates and models the effects of pruning quality on the installation of desiccation cones and wood necrotization. Two different modalities of pruning, short and high pruning, were performed at the same period each year on three cultivars in Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc) and Charente (Ugni Blanc) wine regions. In the short typ of pruning, the diaphragm was damaged but, in the high one, a 2–3 cm woody length was left immediately above the diaphragm. None of the three cultivars showed any correlation between necrosis length and spur diameter (R2 < 0.1925). Analysis of the Ugni Blanc, 8 months after pruning, showed significantly more necrosis length (>60%) than either Cabernet Sauvignon (31–41%) or Sauvignon Blanc (25–55%). Desiccation cone necrotization rates also varied with the vintage, particularly for Ugni Blanc. 4 or 8 months after pruning, the newly-installed desiccation cones could then be analysed. High pruning stopped the desiccation cones at the diaphragm, which ensured that the sap flow path remained unaffected.
Dynamic Response of a Four-Pile Group Foundation in Liquefiable Soil Considering Nonlinear Soil-Pile Interaction
Authors: Yu Yiliang , Bao Xiaohua , Liu Zhipeng , Chen Xiangsheng
Published: July 2022

Piles, which are always exposed to dynamic loads, are widely used in offshore structures. The dynamic response of the pile-soil-superstructure system in liquefiable soils is complicated, and the interaction between the pile and soil and the pile volume effect are the key influencing factors. In this study, a water-soil fully coupled dynamic finite element-finite difference (FE-FD) method was used to numerically simulate the centrifuge shaking table (CST) test of a four-pile group in saturated sand soil. An interface contact model was proposed to simulate the pile-soil interaction, and a solid element was used to consider the volume effect of the pile. The acceleration responses of the soil and pile, settlement deformation, excess pore water pressure, and bending moment were examined. The results show that the bending moment response of the two piles parallel to the shaking direction show minor differences, while the two piles perpendicular to the shaking direction show almost the same distribution. The values of excess pore water pressure at the same depth but different azimuth angles around the pile are also different. The numerical simulation can accurately reproduce soil deformation and pile internal force during and after dynamic loading.
RNA-Seq Provides Insights into the Mechanisms Underlying Ilyonectria robusta Responding to Secondary Metabolites of Bacillus methylotrophicus NJ13
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Mengtao , Liu Xiangkai , Jiang Yilin , Zhao Dongfang , Gao Jie , Wang Zhenhui , Jiang Yun , Chen Changqing
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: Ilyonectria robusta can cause ginseng to suffer from rusty root rot. Secondary metabolites (SMs) produced by Bacillus methylotrophicus NJ13 can inhibit the mycelial growth of I. robusta. However, the molecular mechanism of the inhibition and response remains unclear. (2) Methods: Through an in vitro trial, the effect of B. methylotrophicus NJ13’s SMs on the hyphae and conidia of I. robusta was determined. The change in the physiological function of I. robusta was evaluated in response to NJ13’s SMs by measuring the electrical conductivity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and glucose content. The molecular interaction mechanism of I. robusta’s response to NJ13’s SMs was analyzed by using transcriptome sequencing. (3) Results: NJ13’s SMs exhibited antifungal activity against I. robusta: namely, the hyphae swelled and branched abnormally, and their inclusions leaked out due to changes in the cell membrane permeability and the peroxidation level; the EC50 value was 1.21% (v/v). In transcripts at 4 dpi and 7 dpi, the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (|log2(fold change)| > 1, p adj ≤ 0.05) was 1960 and 354, respectively. NJ13’s SMs affected the glucose metabolism pathway, and the sugar-transporter-related genes were downregulated, which are utilized by I. robusta for energy production. The cell wall structure of I. robusta was disrupted, and chitin-synthase-related genes were downregulated. (4) Conclusions: A new dataset of functional responses of the ginseng pathogenic fungus I. robusta was obtained. The results will benefit the development of targeted biological fungicides for I. robusta and the study of the molecular mechanisms of interaction between biocontrol bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi.
Effect of Flux Barriers on Short-Circuit Current and Braking Torque in Dual Three-Phase PM Machine
Authors: Liu Lin , Wang Kai , Guo Lingling , Li Jian
Published: July 2022

This paper investigates the influence of stator flux barriers on the short-circuit current (SCC) and braking torque of a dual three-phase permanent magnet (PM) synchronous machine. By optimizing the position and width of stator flux barriers, the machine has a lower amplitude of short-circuit current and brake torque when the short-circuit fault occurs. First, the SCC and braking torque are analytically derived. The amplitude of SCC is proportional to the PM flux linkage and inversely proportional to the inductance. The braking torque is proportional to the square of the PM flux linkage and inversely proportional to inductance. Then, the equivalent magnetic circuit model of flux barriers is established. Its influence on flux linkage and inductance is analyzed, and the improvement mechanism of output torque and fault tolerance is revealed. Furthermore, the flux barriers’ width is optimized by finite element analysis and the theoretical analysis is verified. Finally, experiments on the prototype machine are carried out for the validation.
The FEDHC Bayesian Network Learning Algorithm
Authors: Tsagris Michail
Published: July 2022

The paper proposes a new hybrid Bayesian network learning algorithm, termed Forward Early Dropping Hill Climbing (FEDHC), devised to work with either continuous or categorical variables. Further, the paper manifests that the only implementation of MMHC in the statistical software R is prohibitively expensive, and a new implementation is offered. Further, specifically for the case of continuous data, a robust to outliers version of FEDHC, which can be adopted by other BN learning algorithms, is proposed. The FEDHC is tested via Monte Carlo simulations that distinctly show that it is computationally efficient, and that it produces Bayesian networks of similar to, or of higher accuracy than MMHC and PCHC. Finally, an application of FEDHC, PCHC and MMHC algorithms to real data, from the field of economics, is demonstrated using the statistical software R.
3-D Flow of Magnetic Rotating Hybridizing Nanoliquid in Parabolic Trough Solar Collector: Implementing Cattaneo-Christov Heat Flux Theory and Centripetal and Coriolis Forces
Authors: Eid Mohamed R.
Published: July 2022

Current research proposes a model for assessing the flow properties and heat transmission from hybridized nanofluids to solar collectors (SCs). A theoretical investigation that was based on the application of alumina-water (Al2O3-H2O) conventional nanofluid and copper/alumina-water (Cu-Al2O3/H2O) hybrid nanofluid has been considered between two rotating plates in parabolic trough solar collector (PTSC). The Cattaneo–Christov model (CCM) for heat fluxing is used for the thermal boundary layer analysis. The impact of centripetal and Coriolis forces on the swirling flow has been considered. Adequate transformations are utilised for the conversion of the regulating partial differential equations (PDEs) into a group of dimensionless ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Dimensionless ODEs are then tackled by the Keller box method (KBM) in the MATLAB program. The basic concept of this study is to inspect the influences of change in substantial factors on velocities, temperature, and heat transmission rate for both Al2O3-H2O mono nanofluid (MNF) and Cu-Al2O3/H2O hybridized nanofluid (HBNF). The striking feature of the investigation is that the hybrid nanofluid Cu-Al2O3/H2O has a less frictional force and an elevated heat transmission rate (RHT) as assessed with the traditional nanoliquid Al2O3-H2O. Consequently, the rotating factor slows RHT on the surface. In this case study, HBNF is better than the mono NF as a thermal and electrical conductor.
Theme-Aware Semi-Supervised Image Aesthetic Quality Assessment
Authors: Zhang Xiaodan , Zhang Xun , Xiao Yuan , Liu Gang
Published: July 2022

Image aesthetic quality assessment (IAQA) has aroused considerable interest in recent years and is widely used in various applications, such as image retrieval, album management, chat robot and social media. However, existing methods need an excessive amount of labeled data to train the model. Collecting the enormous quantity of human scored training data is not always feasible due to a number of factors, such as the expensiveness of the labeling process and the difficulty in correctly classifying data. Previous studies have evaluated the aesthetic of a photo based only on image features, but have ignored the criterion bias associated with the themes. In this work, we present a new theme-aware semi-supervised image quality assessment method to address these difficulties. Specifically, the proposed method consists of two steps: a representation learning step and a label propagation step. In the representation learning step, we propose a robust theme-aware attention network (TAAN) to cope with the theme criterion bias problem. In the label propagation step, we use preliminary trained TAAN by step one to extract features and utilize the label propagation with a cumulative confidence (LPCC) algorithm to assign pseudo-labels to the unlabeled data. This enables use of both labeled and unlabeled data to train the TAAN model. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a semi-supervised learning method to address image aesthetic assessment problems has been studied. We evaluate our approach on three benchmark datasets and show that it can achieve almost the same performance as a fully supervised learning method for a small number of samples. Furthermore, we show that our semi-supervised approach is robust to using varying quantities of labeled data.
Group Actions and Monotone Quantum Metric Tensors
Authors: Ciaglia Florio Maria , Di Nocera Fabio
Published: July 2022

The interplay between actions of Lie groups and monotone quantum metric tensors on the space of faithful quantum states of a finite-level system observed in recent works is here further developed.
Modified Interaction Method for Response of Group Piles Considering Pile–Soil Slip
Authors: Qiao Shifan , Dong Changrui , Li Guyang , Zhou Hao , Wang Gang
Published: July 2022

The existing model for calculating the settlements of group piles is based on the principle of superposition, which fails to calculate the interaction between piles more comprehensively and to take into consideration the influence of slip between pile and soil. In this paper, the interaction between group piles is analyzed from a novel perspective. It is assumed that the interaction between piles is a dynamic equilibrium process, i.e., additional shear forces and additional displacements are continuously transferred between piles until a state of equilibrium is reached. On this basis, we propose a new model for calculating the settlements of group piles considering pile–soil slip. First, a calculation method for pile–side resistance is developed considering the influence of slip. Based on experience with the pile–soil interface, pile–side soils can be categorized as near–pile soil and far–pile soil, and different load–transfer models are applied to describe their mechanical states. By equating pile–side soils into a nonlinear spring and connecting them in series to determine the overall equivalent stiffness considering the effect of pile–soil slip, the pile–side resistance under different loading conditions can be accurately determined. Secondly, equilibrium analysis of the pile unit is carried out when the equilibrium condition is reached, and the stiffness matrix for load transfer is derived. Therefore, in this paper, the interaction between piles is concentrated in this matrix, which makes the proposed model for pile settlement calculation clearer and more concise. Compared with measured data, the proposed method can capture the main features of the load–settlement behavior of group piles.
Essential Oil-Based Nanoparticles as Antimicrobial Agents in the Food Industry
Authors: Guidotti-Takeuchi Micaela , de Morais Ribeiro Lígia Nunes de Morais , dos Santos Fernanda Aparecida Longato , Rossi Daise Aparecida , Lucia Flávia Della , de Melo Roberta Torres
Published: July 2022

The use of essential oils (EO) loaded with nanoparticles is the most promising alternative to increase food quality and safety. Interesting works describe the antimicrobial properties of EO for pathogen control in natural and processed foods for human health and animal production, also contributing to sustainability. Their association with different nanosystems allows novel developments in the micronutrition, health promotion, and pathogen control fields, preventing the aggravation of bacterial microevolution and combating antibiotic resistance. Benefits to the environment are also provided, as they are biodegradable and biocompatible. However, such compounds have some physicochemical properties that prevent commercial use. This review focuses on recent developments in antimicrobial EO-based nanoparticles and their application in different food matrices.
Sorption of Cellulases in Biofilm Enhances Cellulose Degradation by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Deng Yijie , Wang Shiao Y.
Published: July 2022

Biofilm commonly forms on the surfaces of cellulosic biomass but its roles in cellulose degradation remain largely unexplored. We used Bacillus subtilis to study possible mechanisms and the contributions of two major biofilm components, extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) and TasA protein, to submerged biofilm formation on cellulose and its degradation. We found that biofilm produced by B. subtilis is able to absorb exogenous cellulase added to the culture medium and also retain self-produced cellulase within the biofilm matrix. The bacteria that produced more biofilm degraded more cellulose compared to strains that produced less biofilm. Knockout strains that lacked both EPS and TasA formed a smaller amount of submerged biofilm on cellulose than the wild-type strain and also degraded less cellulose. Imaging of biofilm on cellulose suggests that bacteria, cellulose, and cellulases form cellulolytic biofilm complexes that facilitate synergistic cellulose degradation. This study brings additional insight into the important functions of biofilm in cellulose degradation and could potentiate the development of biofilm-based technology to enhance biomass degradation for biofuel production.
Effects of Volatile Organic Compounds on Biofilms and Swimming Motility of Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Sidorova Daria E. , Skripka Mariia I. , Khmel Inessa A. , Koksharova Olga A. , Plyuta Vladimir A.
Published: July 2022

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by bacteria play an important role in the interaction between microorganisms and other organisms. They can inhibit the growth of phytopathogenic microorganisms, modulate plant growth, and serve as infochemicals. Here, we investigated the effects of ketones, alcohols, and terpenes on the colony biofilms of plant pathogenic Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains and swimming motility, which can play an important role in the formation of biofilms. It was shown that 2-octanone had the greatest inhibitory effect on biofilm formation, acting in a small amount (38.7 g/m3). Ketone 2-butanone and unsaturated ketone β-ionone reduced the formation of biofilms at higher doses (145.2–580.6 and 387.1–1548.3 g/m3, respectively, up to 2.5–5 times). Isoamyl alcohol and 2-phenylethanol decreased the formation of biofilms at doses of 88.7 and 122.9 g/m3 by 1.7 and 5 times, respectively, with an increased effect at 177.4 and 245.9 g/m3, respectively. The agrobacteria cells in mature biofilms were more resistant to the action of ketones and alcohols. These VOCs also suppressed the swimming motility of agrobacteria; the radius of swimming zones decreased ~from 2 to 5 times. Terpenes (−)-limonene and (+)-α-pinene had no significant influence on the colony biofilms and swimming motility at the doses used. The results obtained represent new information about the effect of VOCs on biofilms and the motility of bacteria.
Use of a Design of Experiments (DOE) for Studying the Substitution of Natural River Sand (NRS) by Gold Mine Tailings (GMT) in Concrete Manufacturing
Authors: Balegamire Clarisse Njovu , Dable Pierre Jean-Marie , Kone Kouwelton , Nkuba Bossissi
Published: July 2022

The extraction of precious minerals leaves behind an important amount of tailings. When stored in nature, these tailings contribute to environmental degradation. To reduce this degradation, tailings are incorporated in construction as substitute to natural materials. The objective of this study was to use a design of experiments (DOE) to reveal how the substitution of natural river sand (NRS) by gold mine tailings (GMT) in concrete manufacturing can be optimally achieved. This DOE considered three constituents: the amounts of NRS/GMT, that of gravel and of cement. The experimental domain was defined within the concrete standards dosage of 350 kg/m3 and 400 kg/m3 as the lower and upper levels, respectively. The smallest compressive strength on standard cubic specimens on the 28th day varied between 11 N/mm2 and 37 N/mm2 following to the experimental domain. The values of the compressive strength of the experiments carried out allowed to acquire the model of the strength with the coefficients of each factor: Strength=23.25−5.86*A+4.56*B−1.96*C−0.56*A*B+1.41*A*C+1.08*B*C+0.71*A*B*C (with A: GMT+NRS; B: cement; C: gravel). The values of the cumulative weight of the coefficients of each factor were 36.7% (A), 64.5% (B) and 76.6% (C). The study also found that a larger dosage of gravel (40 kg) improves the concrete compressive strength when GMT substitutes NRS between 70% and 100% and when 15 kg of cement is used. For a sustainable and better reuse of GMT as construction materials, an economic and environmental study (the leaching of metals) of the concrete based on GMT would be ideal to consider a large scale production.
Ultrasonic Extraction and Separation of Taxanes from Taxus cuspidata Optimized by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Zhang Yajing , Zhao Zirui , Meng Huiwen , Li Wenlong , Wang Shujie
Published: July 2022

Taxanes are natural compounds with strong antitumor activity. In this study, we first extracted taxanes from the needles of Taxus cuspidata using ultrasonic (US) extraction, and then assessed the effects of different extraction conditions on the yields of eight target compounds. Response surface methodology (RSM) was further used to optimize the extraction conditions: when the liquid-to-solid ratio was 20.88 times, ultrasonic power was 140.00 W, ultrasonic time was 47.63 min, and ethanol content in solvent was 83.50%, taxane yields reached the maximum value of 354.28 μg/g. Under these conditions, the actual extraction rate of taxanes from the needles was 342.27 μg/g. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that the morphology of the needles, suspension cells, and callus of Taxus cuspidata extracted by ultrasonic wave had changed, the pores of the sections of the needles extracted by ultrasonic wave had become relatively loose, and the pore diameter had obviously increased. The callus and overall structure of the suspension cells extracted by ultrasonic wave were destroyed, forming cell fragments. The components of Taxus cuspidata are complex; the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method established in this paper is suitable for the rapid and effective separation of taxanes in Taxus cuspidata. We systematically and comprehensively compared the yields of taxanes in needles, callus, and suspension cells of Taxus cuspidata, and the taxane yields were increased by the suspension cell culture.
European rules in the field of competition guarantee for the effective functioning of the internal market in the European Union
Authors: Valcheva Alexandra
Published: July 2022

For decades, the European Union has made great efforts to achieve one of its main objectives, namely to build a single internal market in which to ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. To this end, the Union has adopted a number of primary and secondary acts setting out the rules governing the functioning of the internal market and has established various mechanisms to monitor their proper application. Undoubtedly, the completion of the single internal market is one of the most valuable achievements of the European Union, which has led to a number of positive consequences. The main ones are the economic growth and stability of the European Union, the better competitiveness on the international markets, the provision of higher consumer protection, the creation of a more favorable environment for the activities of the enterprises, the liberalization of the different types of services. The basic principles and rules in the field of competition are important for the proper functioning of the internal market, for the development of the economy of the European Union and for the protection of legal entities. These rules constitute antitrust and anti-cartel legislation, merger control, state aid and public enterprises and services. These rules are set out in the founding treaties, in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and in a number of regulations and directives. This article will present an analysis of the basic rules and principles in the field of competition and their impact on the internal market, as well as the relevant jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Marriage and Procreatio in Ancient Rome
Authors: Novkirishka-Stoyanova Malina
Published: July 2022

The study presents the Roman concept of marriage as a union of spouses with the purpose of giving birth, raising and educating the children. In parallel are presented the social roles of mother and father in the Roman family and the legal framework of their status. The article shows some of the main points of promoting the birth rate increase and stabilizing the procreative function of marriage for demographic and political purposes. Some of them – and especially the protection of the interests of children, which can be a starting point for the modern development of the system for stabilizing the marriage and the family to face the social challenges of the XXI century.
The Director General of The Bulgarian National Radio and The Case of The Temporary Suspension of The National Programme "Horizon"
Authors: Nikolova Raina
Published: July 2022

The article comments on the administrative law issues related to the unprecedented suspension of the distribution of the national program “Horizon” of the Bulgarian National Radio on 13.9.2019, which caused the early termination of the mandate of the General Director of the media due to a gross violation of the principle of media services. As the person responsible for the programming policy of the public media service provider, the General Director is obliged to guarantee the citizens‘ right to information. Failure to fulfil this public duty is grounds for his removal from office.
“Sex” versus “Gender” in the Jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court (How the Lack of Feminist Legal Studies in Bulgaria Led to Distortion of the Basic Category of “Gender” in the Legal Discourse?)
Authors: Marcheva Deyana
Published: July 2022

The Bulgarian Constitutional Court (CC) finds it necessary to differentiate between the concept “sex” and the concept “gender” in the Istanbul Convention within its preliminary constitutional control. As the second one is fundamental for the convention and the CC sees a problem with it, the CC concludes that the convention is in contradiction with the Bulgarian Constitution. Furthermore, in November 2021 in an interpretation decision the CC states that the under the Constitution the Bulgarian concept relates only to the meaning of “sex”, in its biological meaning. The way in which the CC operates with the terms “sex” and “gender” brings to the fore serious deficits in Bulgarian legal discourse resulting from the total lack of any feminist jurisprudence and the isolation from the contemporary debates on the gender-based inequalities and injustices.
Metodología cualitativa para evaluar la relación entre la gestión administrativa y la gestión académica en instituciones de educación superior
Authors: Bazurto Macías Yuly Viviana , Lucio Pinargote Wilma Piedad , Flores Urbáez Matilde , Bravo Giler María Amelia
Published: July 2022

Se establece una propuesta metodológica cualitativa para evaluar la relación entre la gestión administrativa y la gestión académica en instituciones de educación superior. La metodología se aplicó en la Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Ecuador. Se utilizó la entrevista en profundidad para recabar la información y el programa Atlas.ti, para procesarla y codificarla. Se usó el análisis FODA (Fortalezas, Oportunidades, Debilidades y Amenazas) para organizar la información y así elaborar recomendaciones para mejorarla relación gestión administrativa - gestión académica. Los resultados indican que la metodología es adaptable a la realidad de cada institución de educación superior donde se aplique y proporciona información clave para mejorar el proceso de toma de decisiones y la coordinación de las acciones que se requieran en la institución evaluada. Se concluye que la metodología es apropiada para evaluar de forma cualitativa la relación entre la gestión administrativa y la gestión académica, así como la incidencia de una sobre otra.

 

Palabras clave: administración universitaria, eficiencia académica, entrevistas, evaluación cualitativa, gestión académica

 

ABSTRACT

A qualitative methodological proposal is established to evaluate the relationship between administrative management and academic management in higher education institutions. The methodology was applied at Universidad Técnica de Manabi, Ecuador. The in-depth interview was used to collect the information; and the Atlas.ti, program was applied to process and encode it. The use analysis FODA (Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses and Threats) was used to organize the information and thus prepare the proposal to improve the relationship between administrative management and academic management. The results indicate that the methodology is adaptable to the reality of each higher education institution where it is applied and provides key information to improve the decision-making process and the coordination of the actions required in the evaluated institution. It is concluded that the methodology is appropriate to qualitatively evaluate the relationship between administrative management and academic management, as well as the impact of one on another.

 

Keywords: university administration, academic efficiency, interviews, qualitative evaluation, academic management