bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A COVID-19 Crisis in Child Physical Fitness: Creating a Barometric Tool of Public Health Engagement for the Republic of Slovenia
Authors: Jurak Gregor , Morrison Shawnda A. , Kovač Marjeta , Leskošek Bojan , Sember Vedrana , Strel Janko , Starc Gregor
Published: March 2021

The Republic of Slovenia implements the largest longitudinal database of child physical fitness in the world–SLOfit. Slovenia has some of the most physically active children globally, and it has responded rapidly to incorporate national physical activity (PA) interventions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite aggressive campaigns to maintain PA at home, the country has seen a tremendous decrease in child physical fitness over the past several months as self-isolation measures have been mandated by national authorities. These trends prompted researchers to create a method of tracking and communicating government decisions which have a direct impact on child physical activity, fitness and overall health (i.e., the SLOfit Barometer). The research team assembled experts for consultation on creation of the SLOfit Barometer after processing preliminary data on 20,000 schoolchildren which found the greatest decline in child physical fitness since systematic testing began more than 30 years ago. Only 2 months of self-isolation erased over 10 years of hard-fought health gains acquired from national public health policies and PA interventions. This crisis in child fitness requires integrated community participation and a robust public health policy response, and with the SLOfit Barometer acting as a national bellwether system, it is envisioned that policy makers and the public will advocate for bold, progressive actions to combat this national health emergency. This surveillance tool tracks government action to combat the increasing child physical inactivity and obesity trends brought on as a direct result of COVID-19 isolation regulations.
Effects of Waiting Room and Feline Facial Pheromone Experience on Blood Pressure in Cats
Authors: Van Vertloo Laura R. , Carnevale Joyce M. , Parsons Rebecca L. , Rosburg Meghann , Millman Suzanne T.
Published: March 2021

Obtaining accurate blood pressure measurements in cats is challenging due to the stressful nature of clinic visits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of veterinary clinic waiting experiences and a feline pheromone spray on blood pressure in the cat. We hypothesized that reduced stress associated with bypassing the waiting room and use of synthetic feline facial pheromone (FFP) spray would result in lower blood pressure. A 2 × 2 factorial design involved two rooms and two FFP treatments. Thirty-nine healthy adult cats were recruited and were systematically assigned to four treatment combinations administered over four visits in 2016 and 2017. Cats were kept in the hospital waiting room or were taken directly to the exam room, with or without FFP treatment. All cats were then acclimated to the exam room for an additional 10 min, where vocalizations were recorded manually, before blood pressure measurements were collected using Doppler ultrasonography. Data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models, with room × FFP interaction, visit, sex, and trial year in the model. There was no significant effect of waiting room by FFP interaction on blood pressure (n = 0.95). Mean blood pressure was significantly higher at visit 1 than visits 2 and 4 (P < 0.01), but higher at visit 3 than visit 2 (n = 0.02). Mean blood pressure was higher in males (n = 0.01), and males were more likely to be categorized as borderline hypertensive/hypertensive or severely hypertensive (n = 0.01). Number of vocalizations was significantly associated with waiting room by FFP interactions (P < 0.01), with fewer vocalizations associated with bypassing the waiting room and when FFP was provided. In conclusion, although we found some behavioral evidence supporting stress reduction when feline patients bypass the waiting room and are provided with FFP, these interventions did not result in lower blood pressure in a clinical setting.
Oxidative Stress Triggers Defective Autophagy in Endothelial Cells: Role in Atherothrombosis Development
Authors: Carresi Cristina , Mollace Rocco , Macrì Roberta , Scicchitano Miriam , Bosco Francesca , Scarano Federica , Coppoletta Anna Rita , Guarnieri Lorenza , Ruga Stefano , Zito Maria Caterina , Nucera Saverio , Gliozzi Micaela , Musolino Vincenzo , Maiuolo Jessica , Palma Ernesto , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: March 2021

Atherothrombosis, a multifactorial and multistep artery disorder, represents one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The development and progression of atherothrombosis is closely associated with age, gender and a complex relationship between unhealthy lifestyle habits and several genetic risk factors. The imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant defenses is the main biological event leading to the development of a pro-oxidant phenotype, triggering cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the atherothrombotic process. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and its late thrombotic complications involve multiple cellular events such as inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations, and platelet activation, contributing to chronic pathological remodeling of the vascular wall, atheromatous plague formation, vascular stenosis, and eventually, thrombus growth and propagation. Emerging studies suggest that clotting activation and endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction play key roles in the pathogenesis of atherothrombosis. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence indicates that defective autophagy is closely linked to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which, in turn, are involved in the development and progression of atherosclerotic disease. This topic represents a large field of study aimed at identifying new potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we focus on the major role played by the autophagic pathway induced by oxidative stress in the modulation of EC dysfunction as a background to understand its potential role in the development of atherothrombosis.
Structural Insights into a Bifunctional Peptide Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase MsrA/B Fusion Protein from Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Kim Sulhee , Lee Kitaik , Park Sun-Ha , Kwak Geun-Hee , Kim Min Seok , Kim Hwa-Young , Hwang Kwang Yeon
Published: March 2021

Methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr) is a family of enzymes that reduces oxidized methionine and plays an important role in the survival of bacteria under oxidative stress conditions. MsrA and MsrB exist in a fusion protein form (MsrAB) in some pathogenic bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori (Hp), Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Treponema denticola. To understand the fused form instead of the separated enzyme at the molecular level, we determined the crystal structure of HpMsrABC44S/C318S at 2.2 Å, which showed that a linker region (Hpiloop, 193–205) between two domains interacted with each HpMsrA or HpMsrB domain via three salt bridges (E193-K107, D197-R103, and K200-D339). Two acetate molecules in the active site pocket showed an sp2 planar electron density map in the crystal structure, which interacted with the conserved residues in fusion MsrABs from the pathogen. Biochemical and kinetic analyses revealed that Hpiloop is required to increase the catalytic efficiency of HpMsrAB. Two salt bridge mutants (D193A and E199A) were located at the entrance or tailgate of Hpiloop. Therefore, the linker region of the MsrAB fusion enzyme plays a key role in the structural stability and catalytic efficiency and provides a better understanding of why MsrAB exists in a fused form.
Building Information Modelling and Energy Simulation for Architecture Design
Authors: Bonomolo Marina , Di Lisi Simone , Leone Giuliana
Published: March 2021

Over the years, building information modelling (BIM) has undergone a significant increase, both in terms of functions and use. This tool can almost completely manage the entire process of design, construction, and management of a building internally. However, it is not able to fully integrate the functions and especially the information needed to conduct a complex energy analysis. Indeed, even if the energy analysis has been integrated into the BIM environment, it still fails to make the most of all the potential offered by building information modelling. The main goals of this study are the analysis of the interaction between BIM and energy simulation, through a review of the main existing commercial tools (available and user-friendly), and the identification and the application of a methodology in a BIM environment by using Graphisoft’s BIM software Archicad and the plug-in for dynamic energy simulation EcoDesigner STAR. The application on a case study gave the possibility to explore the advantages and the limits of these commercial tools and, consequently, to provide some possible improvements. The results of the analysis, satisfactory from a quantitative and qualitative point of view, validated the methodology proposed in this study and highlighted some limitations of the tools used, in particular for the aspects concerning the personalization of heating systems.
State-of-Charge Monitoring and Battery Diagnosis of Different Lithium Ion Chemistries Using Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Kurzweil Peter , Scheuerpflug Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

For lithium iron phosphate batteries (LFP) in aerospace applications, impedance spectroscopy is applicable in the flat region of the voltage-charge curve. The frequency-dependent pseudocapacitance at 0.15 Hz is presented as useful state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) indicator. For the same battery type, the prediction error of pseudocapacitance is better than 1% for a quadratic calibration curve, and less than 36% for a linear model. An approximately linear correlation between pseudocapacitance and Ah battery capacity is observed as long as overcharge and deep discharge are avoided. We verify the impedance method in comparison to the classical constant-current discharge measurements. In the case of five examined lithium-ion chemistries, the linear trend of impedance and SOC is lost if the slope of the discharge voltage curve versus SOC changes. With nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), high impedance modulus correlates with high SOC above 70%.
A Performance and Cost Overview of Selected Solid-State Electrolytes: Race between Polymer Electrolytes and Inorganic Sulfide Electrolytes
Authors: Karabelli Duygu , Birke Kai Peter , Weeber Max
Published: March 2021

Electrolytes are key components in electrochemical storage systems, which provide an ion-transport mechanism between the cathode and anode of a cell. As battery technologies are in continuous development, there has been growing demand for more efficient, reliable and environmentally friendly materials. Solid-state lithium ion batteries (SSLIBs) are considered as next-generation energy storage systems and solid electrolytes (SEs) are the key components for these systems. Compared to liquid electrolytes, SEs are thermally stable (safer), less toxic and provide a more compact (lighter) battery design. However, the main issue is the ionic conductivity, especially at low temperatures. So far, there are two popular types of SEs: (1) inorganic solid electrolytes (InSEs) and (2) polymer electrolytes (PEs). Among InSEs, sulfide-based SEs are providing very high ionic conductivities (up to 10−2 S/cm) and they can easily compete with liquid electrolytes (LEs). On the other hand, they are much more expensive than LEs. PEs can be produced at less cost than InSEs but their conductivities are still not sufficient for higher performances. This paper reviews the most efficient SEs and compares them in terms of their performances and costs. The challenges associated with the current state-of-the-art electrolytes and their cost-reduction potentials are described.
Alzheimer Disease: Controversies in Basic Science Research, Different Theories, and Reasons for Failed Trials
Authors: Rahimi Farid
Published: March 2021

Dementia comprises a collection of cognitive and sensory symptoms, including memory loss, communication difficulties, difficulty in planning and problem solving, disorientation and confusion, compromised olfaction, loss of visual perception, agnosia; and psychological symptoms, including personality and behavioral changes, depression, anxiety, hallucination, mood swings, agitation, and apathy [...]
Prenatal Maternal Lipopolysaccharide and Mild Newborn Hyperoxia Increase Intrapulmonary Airway but Not Vessel Reactivity in a Mouse Model
Authors: Kuper-Sassé Margaret , MacFarlane Peter , Mayer Catherine , Martin Richard , Prakash Y. , Pabelick Christina , Raffay Thomas
Published: March 2021

Maternal infection is a risk for preterm delivery. Preterm newborns often require supplemental oxygen to treat neonatal respiratory distress. Newborn hyperoxia exposure is associated with airway and vascular hyperreactivity, while the complications of maternal infection are variable. In a mouse model of prenatal maternal intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS, embryonic day 18) with subsequent newborn hyperoxia (40% oxygen × 7 days) precision-cut living lung slices were used to measure intrapulmonary airway and vascular reactivity at 21 days of age. Hyperoxia increased airway reactivity to methacholine compared to room air controls. Prenatal maternal LPS did not alter airway reactivity in room air. Combined maternal LPS and hyperoxia exposures increased airway reactivity vs. controls, although maximal responses were diminished compared to hyperoxia alone. Vessel reactivity to serotonin did not significantly differ in hyperoxia or room air; however, prenatal maternal LPS appeared to attenuate vessel reactivity in room air. Following room air recovery, LPS with hyperoxia lungs displayed upregulated inflammatory and fibrosis genes compared to room air saline controls (TNFαR1, iNOS, and TGFβ). In this model, mild newborn hyperoxia increases airway but not vessel reactivity. Prenatal maternal LPS did not further increase hyperoxic airway reactivity. However, inflammatory genes remain upregulated weeks after recovery from maternal LPS and newborn hyperoxia exposures.
Ecoenergetic Comparison of HVAC Systems in Data Centers
Authors: Santos Alexandre F. , Gaspar Pedro D. , de Souza Heraldo J. L.
Published: March 2021

The topic of sustainability is of high importance today. Global efforts such as the Montreal Protocol (1987) and the Kigali Amendment (2016) are examples of joint work by countries to reduce environmental impacts and improve the level of the ozone layer, the choice of refrigerants and air conditioning systems, which is essential for this purpose. But what indicators are to be used to measure something so necessary? In this article, the types of air conditioning and GWP (Global Warming Potential) levels of equipment in the project phase were discussed, the issue of TEWI (Total Equivalent Warming Impact) that measures the direct and indirect environmental impacts of refrigeration equipment and air conditioning and a new methodology for the indicator was developed, the TEWI DC (DC is the direct application for Data Center), and using the formulas of this new adapted indicator it was demonstrated that the TEWI DC for Chicago (USA) was 2,784,102,640 kg CO2/10 years and Curitiba (Brazil) is 1,252,409,640 kg CO2/10 years. This difference in value corresponds to 222.30% higher annual emissions in Chicago than in Curitiba, showing that it is much more advantageous to install a Data Center in Curitiba than in Chicago in terms of environmental impact. The TEWI indicator provides a more holistic view, helping to combine energy and emissions into the same indicator.
Dietary Grape Seed Meal Bioactive Compounds Alleviate Epithelial Dysfunctions and Attenuates Inflammation in Colon of DSS-Treated Piglets
Authors: Pistol Gina Cecilia , Bulgaru Cristina Valeria , Marin Daniela Eliza , Oancea Alexandra Gabriela , Taranu Ionelia
Published: March 2021

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammations associated with progressive degradation of intestinal epithelium and impairment of the local innate immune response. Restoring of epithelial integrity and of the mucosal barrier function, together with modulation of inflammatory and innate immune markers, represent targets for alternative strategies in IBD. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of a diet including 8% grape seed meal (GSM), rich in bioactive compounds (polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fiber) on the markers of colonic epithelial integrity, mucosal barrier function, pro-inflammatory, and innate immunity in DSS-treated piglets used as animal models of intestinal inflammation. Our results have demonstrated the beneficial effects of bioactive compounds from dietary GSM, exerted at three complementary levels: (a) restoration of the epithelial integrity and mucosal barrier reinforcement by modulation of claudins, Occludin (OCCL) and Zonula-1 (ZO-1) tight junction genes and proteins, myosin IXB (MYO9B) and protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTPN) tight junction regulators and mucin-2 (MUC2) gene; (b) reduction of pro-inflammatory MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) and MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9) genes and activities; and (c) suppression of the innate immune TLR-2 (Toll-like receptor-2) and TLR-4 (Toll-like receptor-4) genes and attenuation of the expression of MyD88 (Myeloid Differentiation Primary Response 88)/MD-2 (Myeloid differentiation factor-2) signaling molecules. These beneficial effects of GSM could further attenuate the transition of chronic colitis to carcinogenesis, by modulating the in-depth signaling mediators belonging to the Wnt pathway.
Atherosclerosis Development and Aortic Contractility in Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits Supplemented with Two Different Flaxseed Varieties
Authors: Bujok Jolanta , Miśta Dorota , Wincewicz Edyta , Króliczewska Bożena , Dzimira Stanisław , Żuk Magdalena
Published: March 2021

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is widely regarded as the main beneficial component of flax for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the effect of the transgenic flaxseed W86—which is rich in ALA—on the lipid profile, atherosclerosis progression, and vascular reactivity in hypercholesterolemic rabbits compared to the parental cultivar Linola with a very low ALA content. Rabbits were fed a basal diet (control) or a basal diet supplemented with 1% cholesterol, 1% cholesterol and 10% flaxseed W86, or 1% cholesterol and 10% Linola flaxseed. A high-cholesterol diet resulted in an elevated plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared to the control animals. Aortic sections from rabbits fed Linola had lower deposits of foamy cells than those from rabbits fed W86. A potassium-induced and phenylephrine-induced contractile response was enhanced by a high-cholesterol diet and not influenced by the W86 or Linola flaxseed. Pretreatment of the aortic rings with nitro-L-arginine methyl ester resulted in a concentration-dependent tendency to increase the reaction amplitude in the control and high-cholesterol diet groups but not the flaxseed groups. Linola flaxseed with a low ALA content more effectively reduced the atherosclerosis progression compared with the W86 flaxseed with a high concentration of stable ALA. Aorta contractility studies suggested that flaxseed ameliorated an increased contractility in hypercholesterolemia but had little or no impact on NO synthesis in the vascular wall.
Polyphenolic Antioxidants in Lipid Emulsions: Partitioning Effects and Interfacial Phenomena
Authors: Costa Marlene , Losada-Barreiro Sonia , Paiva-Martins Fátima , Bravo-Díaz Carlos
Published: March 2021

The autoxidation of lipids in complex systems such as emulsions or biological membranes, although known to occur readily and to be associated with important pathological events, is lacking in quantitative data in spite of the huge efforts that have been made in attempting to unravel the complex mechanisms of lipid oxidation and its inhibition by antioxidants. Lipids are present as oil-in-water emulsions in many foods and pharmaceutical formulations, and the prevalent role of the interfacial region is critical to understand the antioxidant behavior and to correctly interpret antioxidant efficiencies. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the chemical fate of antioxidants before they react with peroxyl radicals. Many researchers highlighted the predominant role of interfaces, and although some attempts have been made to understand their role, in most instances, they were essentially qualitative and based on putative hypotheses. It is only recently that quantitative reports have been published. Indeed, knowledge on the effects of relevant experimental variables on the effective concentrations of antioxidants is necessary for a successful design of alternate, effective antioxidative solutions.
Primary Extra-Nodal DLBCL of Glands: Our Experiences outside Guidelines of Treatment
Authors: Sica Antonello , Santagata Mario , Sagnelli Caterina , Rambaldi Piero , Franco Renato , Creta Massimiliano , Vitiello Paola , Caccavale Stefano , Tammaro Vincenzo , Sagnelli Evangelista , Ronchi Andrea
Published: March 2021

Lymphomas usually involve lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues, but sometimes occur in non-lymphoid organs, called extra-nodal sites. Primary diffuse extra-lymph node large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the thyroid and parotid gland have been observed rarely. According to the most accredited guidelines, primary extra-nodal DLBCL of the parotid and thyroid glands should be treated with three cycles of R-CHOP followed by radiotherapy of the involved site (ISRT). Surgery alone is not enough to treat DLBCL. We describe two unusual cases of primary extra-nodal DLBCL in elderly patients treated exclusively with surgical resection, given the inability to apply chemotherapy. Both patients achieved clinical recovery, which was maintained after a follow-up of more than 18 months, despite not having performed the indicated chemotherapy protocol. The two cases presented here, and a few others reported in the literature, should be considered exceptions to the rule, and do not allow the conclusion that surgery alone might be sufficient for complete remission.
Landslide Susceptibility Analysis: A Logistic Regression Model Case Study in Coonoor, India
Authors: Sujatha Evangelin Ramani , Sridhar Venkataramana
Published: March 2021

Landslides are a common geologic hazard that disrupts the social and economic balance of the affected society. Therefore, identifying zones prone to landslides is necessary for safe living and the minimal disruption of economic activities in the event of the hazard. The factors causing landslides are often a function of the local geo-environmental set-up and need a region-specific study. This study evaluates the site characteristics primarily altered by anthropogenic activities to understand and identify the various factors causing landslides in Coonoor Taluk of Uthagamandalam District in Tamil Nadu, India. Studies on landslide susceptibility show that slope gradient, aspect, relative relief, topographic wetness index, soil type, and land use of the region influence slope instability. Rainfall characteristics have also played a significant role in causing landslides. Logistic Regression, a popular statistical tool used for predictive analysis, is employed to assess the various selected factors’ impact on landslide susceptibility. The factors are weighted and combined in a GIS platform to develop the region’s landslide susceptibility map. This region has a direct link between natural physical systems, hydrology, and humans from the socio-hydrological perspective. The landslide susceptibility map derived using the watershed’s physical and environmental conditions offers the best tool for planning the developmental activities and prioritizing areas for mitigation activities in the region. The Coonoor region’s tourism and agriculture sectors can significantly benefit from identifying zones prone to landslides for their economic stability and growth.
Alteration of the Ecohydrological Status of the Intermittent Flow Rivers and Ephemeral Streams due to the Climate Change Impact (Case Study: Tsiknias River)
Authors: Nabih Soumaya , Tzoraki Ourania , Zanis Prodromos , Tsikerdekis Thanos , Akritidis Dimitris , Kontogeorgos Ioannis , Benaabidate Lahcen
Published: March 2021

Climate change projections predict the increase of no-rain periods and storm intensity resulting in high hydrologic alteration of the Mediterranean rivers. Intermittent flow Rivers and Ephemeral Streams (IRES) are particularly vulnerable to spatiotemporal variation of climate variables, land use changes and other anthropogenic factors. In this work, the impact of climate change on the aquatic state of IRES is assessed by the combination of the hydrological model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the Temporary Rivers Ecological and Hydrological Status (TREHS) tool under two different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) using CORDEX model simulations. A significant decrease of 20–40% of the annual flow of the examined river (Tsiknias River, Greece) is predicted during the next 100 years with an increase in the frequency of extreme flood events as captured with almost all Regional Climate Models (RCMs) simulations. The occurrence patterns of hyporheic and edaphic aquatic states show a temporal extension of these states through the whole year due to the elongation of the dry period. A shift to the Intermittent-Pools regime type shows dominance according to numerous climate change scenarios, harming, as a consequence, both the ecological system and the social-economic one.
Regulation of Neutrophil Functions by Hv1/VSOP Voltage-Gated Proton Channels
Authors: Okochi Yoshifumi , Okamura Yasushi
Published: March 2021

The voltage-gated proton channel, Hv1, also termed VSOP, was discovered in 2006. It has long been suggested that proton transport through voltage-gated proton channels regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in phagocytes by counteracting the charge imbalance caused by the activation of NADPH oxidase. Discovery of Hv1/VSOP not only confirmed this process in phagocytes, but also led to the elucidation of novel functions in phagocytes. The compensation of charge by Hv1/VSOP sustains ROS production and is also crucial for promoting Ca2+ influx at the plasma membrane. In addition, proton extrusion into neutrophil phagosomes by Hv1/VSOP is necessary to maintain neutral phagosomal pH for the effective killing of bacteria. Contrary to the function of Hv1/VSOP as a positive regulator for ROS generation, it has been revealed that Hv1/VSOP also acts to inhibit ROS production in neutrophils. Hv1/VSOP inhibits hypochlorous acid production by regulating degranulation, leading to reduced inflammation upon fungal infection, and suppresses the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling by inhibiting ROS production. Thus, Hv1/VSOP is a two-way player regulating ROS production. Here, we review the functions of Hv1/VSOP in neutrophils and discuss future perspectives.
Image Enhanced Mask R-CNN: A Deep Learning Pipeline with New Evaluation Measures for Wind Turbine Blade Defect Detection and Classification
Authors: Zhang Jiajun , Cosma Georgina , Watkins Jason
Published: March 2021

Demand for wind power has grown, and this has increased wind turbine blade (WTB) inspections and defect repairs. This paper empirically investigates the performance of state-of-the-art deep learning algorithms, namely, YOLOv3, YOLOv4, and Mask R-CNN for detecting and classifying defects by type. The paper proposes new performance evaluation measures suitable for defect detection tasks, and these are: Prediction Box Accuracy, Recognition Rate, and False Label Rate. Experiments were carried out using a dataset, provided by the industrial partner, that contains images from WTB inspections. Three variations of the dataset were constructed using different image augmentation settings. Results of the experiments revealed that on average, across all proposed evaluation measures, Mask R-CNN outperformed all other algorithms when transformation-based augmentations (i.e., rotation and flipping) were applied. In particular, when using the best dataset, the mean Weighted Average (mWA) values (i.e., mWA is the average of the proposed measures) achieved were: Mask R-CNN: 86.74%, YOLOv3: 70.08%, and YOLOv4: 78.28%. The paper also proposes a new defect detection pipeline, called Image Enhanced Mask R-CNN (IE Mask R-CNN), that includes the best combination of image enhancement and augmentation techniques for pre-processing the dataset, and a Mask R-CNN model tuned for the task of WTB defect detection and classification.
Revisit of a Case Study of Spilled Oil Slicks Caused by the Sanchi Accident (2018) in the East China Sea
Authors: Yang Zhehao , Shao Weizeng , Hu Yuyi , Ji Qiyan , Li Huan , Zhou Wei
Published: March 2021

Marine oil spills occur suddenly and pose a serious threat to ecosystems in coastal waters. Oil spills continuously affect the ocean environment for years. In this study, the oil spill caused by the accident of the Sanchi ship (2018) in the East China Sea was hindcast simulated using the oil particle-tracing method. Sea-surface winds from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), currents simulated from the Finite-Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM), and waves simulated from the Simulating WAves Nearshore (SWAN) were employed as background marine dynamics fields. In particular, the oil spill simulation was compared with the detection from Chinese Gaofen-3 (GF-3) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. The validation of the SWAN-simulated significant wave height (SWH) against measurements from the Jason-2 altimeter showed a 0.58 m root mean square error (RMSE) with a 0.93 correlation (COR). Further, the sea-surface current was compared with that from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System Version 2 (CFSv2), yielding a 0.08 m/s RMSE and a 0.71 COR. Under these circumstances, we think the model-simulated sea-surface currents and waves are reliable for this work. A hindcast simulation of the tracks of oil slicks spilled from the Sanchi shipwreck was conducted during the period of 14–17 January 2018. It was found that the general track of the simulated oil slicks was consistent with the observations from the collected GF-3 SAR images. However, the details from the GF-3 SAR images were more obvious. The spatial coverage of oil slicks between the SAR-detected and simulated results was about 1 km2. In summary, we conclude that combining numerical simulation and SAR remote sensing is a promising technique for real-time oil spill monitoring and the prediction of oil spreading.
Atopic Dermatitis and Sensitisation to Molecular Components of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Malassezia—Results of Allergy Explorer ALEX 2
Authors: Celakovska Jarmila , Vankova Radka , Bukac Josef , Cermakova Eva , Andrys Ctirad , Krejsek Jan
Published: March 2021

Progress in laboratory diagnostics of IgE-mediated allergies is being made through the use of component-resolved diagnosis. The aim of our study is to analyze the sensitization profile to allergen reagents in patients suffering from atopic dermatitis with the use of the ALEX 2–Allergy Explorer and especially to show the sensitization to molecular components of molds and yeast. The complete dermatological and allergological examination including the examination of the sensitization to allergen reagents with Allergy Explorer ALEX 2 testing was performed. The relation between the sensitization to molecular components of molds and yeast and the severity of atopic dermatitis, and the occurrence of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis was evaluated. Altogether, 100 atopic dermatitis patients were examined—48 men and 52 women, with an average age of 40.9 years. The sensitization to Mala s 6, Mala s 11, Sac c, Asp f 6, Cla h and Cla h 8 correlates to the severity of atopic dermatitis. The sensitization to Sac c, Alt a 6, Cla h, Cla h 8 was observed significantly more frequently in patients suffering from bronchial asthma to Mala s 6 in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. In patients with severe form of atopic dermatitis (AD), a very high level of specific IgE was recorded to Mala s 11 (in 36%) and to Asp f 6 (in 12%).
Evolution of Fungal Carbohydrate-Active Enzyme Portfolios and Adaptation to Plant Cell-Wall Polymers
Authors: Hage Hayat , Rosso Marie-Noëlle
Published: March 2021

The postindustrial era is currently facing two ecological challenges. First, the rise in global temperature, mostly caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, and second, the inability of the environment to absorb the waste of human activities. Fungi are valuable levers for both a reduction in CO2 emissions, and the improvement of a circular economy with the optimized valorization of plant waste and biomass. Soil fungi may promote plant growth and thereby increase CO2 assimilation via photosynthesis or, conversely, they may prompt the decomposition of dead organic matter, and thereby contribute to CO2 emissions. The strategies that fungi use to cope with plant-cell-wall polymers and access the saccharides that they use as a carbon source largely rely on the secretion of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). In the past few years, comparative genomics and phylogenomics coupled with the functional characterization of CAZymes significantly improved the understanding of their evolution in fungal genomes, providing a framework for the design of nature-inspired enzymatic catalysts. Here, we provide an overview of the diversity of CAZyme enzymatic systems employed by fungi that exhibit different substrate preferences, different ecologies, or belong to different taxonomical groups for lignocellulose degradation.
Induction of Apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 Cells Treated with the Methanol Extract of Lichen Physconia hokkaidensis
Authors: Noh Ji-In , Mun Seul-Ki , Lim Eui Hyeon , Kim Hangun , Chang Dong-Jo , Hur Jae-Seoun , Yee Sung-Tae
Published: March 2021

Physconia hokkaidensis methanol extract (PHE) was studied to identify anticancer effects and reveal its mechanism of action by an analysis of cytotoxicity, cell cycles, and apoptosis biomarkers. PHE showed strong cytotoxicity in various cancer cells, including HL-60, HeLa, A549, Hep G2, AGS, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7. Of these cell lines, the growth of MDA-MB-231 was concentration-dependently suppressed by PHE, but MCF-7 was not affected. MDA-MB-231 cells, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, do not express estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), whereas MCF-7 cells are ER-positive, PR-positive, and HER-2-negative breast cancer cells. The number of cells in sub-G1 phase was increased after 24 h of treatment, and annexin V/PI staining showed that the population size of apoptotic cells was increased by prolonged exposure to PHE. Moreover, PHE treatment downregulated the transcriptional levels of Bcl-2, AMPK, and p-Akt, whereas it significantly upregulated the levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved-PARP. In conclusion, it was confirmed that the PHE exhibited selective cytotoxicity toward MDA-MB-231, not toward MCF-7, and its cytotoxic activity is based on induction of apoptosis.
Changing Hydrosocial Cycles in Periurban India
Authors: Butsch Carsten , Chakraborty Shreya , Gomes Sharlene L. , Kumar Shamita , Hermans Leon M.
Published: March 2021

India’s urbanisation results in the physical and societal transformation of the areas surrounding cities. These periurban interfaces are spaces of flows, shaped by an exchange of matter, people and ideas between urban and rural spaces—and currently they are zones in transition. Periurbanisation processes result inter alia in changing water demands and changing relations between water and society. In this paper the concept of the hydrosocial cycle is applied to interpret the transformation of the waterscapes of six periurban villages in the fringe areas of Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata. In doing so, three specific aspects will be investigated: (1) the institutions shaping the hydro-social cycle, (2) the interplay between water as a livelihood-base and the waterscape, (3) the interplay between the waterscape and water as a consumption good. This approach opens new views on periurban interfaces as emerging mosaic of unique waterscapes. The meaning of water, the rights to access water and the water related infrastructure are constantly renegotiated, as permanently new water demands emerge and new actors enter the scene. Especially this process-based understanding links the theoretical lens of the hydrosocial cycle with the object of investigation, the periurban space.
Estimating of Bending Force and Curvature of the Bending Plate in a Three-Roller Bending System Using Finite Element Simulation and Analytical Modeling
Authors: Gavrilescu Ionel , Boazu Doina , Stan Felicia
Published: March 2021

Many industries such as shipbuilding require steel bending plates in a wide range of radii, thus bending machines are often designed and produced on a custom basis in shipyards. From a design perspective, however, the bending force and the radius of the bending plate as a function of vertical displacement of the upper roller must be known. In this paper, a hybrid numerical–analytical approach is proposed to investigate the three-roller bending process for two plates of steel used in the naval industry. Firstly, the bending process is modeled using the finite element (FE) method and regression models for the bending force as a function of plate thickness and vertical displacement of the upper roller were constructed. Then, based on the findings from FE analysis, using the bent bar theory, two analytical expressions for the bending force were derived. Using geometric and deformation compatibilities, analytical expressions for the vertical displacement of the upper roller as a function of the curvature of the bending plate were also developed. The FE results suggest that the cross section of the plate is practically a plastic hinge in the tangent area of the upper roller and that the deformation compatibilities must be considered in order to estimate the curvature radius of the bending plate using analytical formulations. These results are of practical importance in designing rolling machines to estimate the setting parameters.
Bi-Level Phase Load Balancing Methodology with Clustering-Based Consumers’ Selection Criterion for Switching Device Placement in Low Voltage Distribution Networks
Authors: Grigoraș Gheorghe , Neagu Bogdan-Constantin , Scarlatache Florina , Noroc Livia , Chelaru Ecaterina
Published: March 2021

In the last years, the distribution network operators (DNOs) assumed transition strategies of the electric distribution networks (EDNs) towards the active areas of the microgrids where, regardless of the operating regimes, flexibility, economic efficiency, low power losses, and high power quality are ensured. Artificial intelligence techniques, combined with the smart devices and real-time remote communication solutions of the enormous data amounts, can represent the starting point in establishing decision-making strategies to solve one of the most important challenges related to phase load balancing (PLB). In this context, the purpose of the paper is to prove that a decision-making strategy based on a limited number of PLB devices installed at the consumers (small implementation degree) leads to similar technical benefits as in the case of full implementation in the EDNs. Thus, an original bi-level PLB methodology, considering a clustering-based selection criterion of the consumers for placement of the switching devices, was proposed. A real EDN from a rural area belonging to a Romanian DNO has been considered in testing the proposed methodology. An implementation degree of the PLB devices in the EDN by 17.5% represented the optimal solution, leading to a faster computational time with 43% and reducing the number of switching operations by 92%, compared to a full implementation degree (100%). The performance indicators related to the unbalance factor and energy-saving highlighted the efficiency of the proposed methodology.
A Two-Stage Mono- and Multi-Objective Method for the Optimization of General UPS Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Ríos Alejandra , Hernández Eusebio E. , Valdez S. Ivvan
Published: March 2021

This paper introduces a two-stage method based on bio-inspired algorithms for the design optimization of a class of general Stewart platforms. The first stage performs a mono-objective optimization in order to reach, with sufficient dexterity, a regular target workspace while minimizing the elements’ lengths. For this optimization problem, we compare three bio-inspired algorithms: the Genetic Algorithm (GA), the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and the Boltzman Univariate Marginal Distribution Algorithm (BUMDA). The second stage looks for the most suitable gains of a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control via the minimization of two conflicting objectives: one based on energy consumption and the tracking error of a target trajectory. To this effect, we compare two multi-objective algorithms: the Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm based on Decomposition (MOEA/D) and Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-III (NSGA-III). The main contributions lie in the optimization model, the proposal of a two-stage optimization method, and the findings of the performance of different bio-inspired algorithms for each stage. Furthermore, we show optimized designs delivered by the proposed method and provide directions for the best-performing algorithms through performance metrics and statistical hypothesis tests.
Ternary Menger Algebras: A Generalization of Ternary Semigroups
Authors: Nongmanee Anak , Leeratanavalee Sorasak
Published: March 2021

Let n be a fixed natural number. Menger algebras of rank n, which was introduced by Menger, K., can be regarded as the suitable generalization of arbitrary semigroups. Based on this knowledge, an interesting question arises: what a generalization of ternary semigroups is. In this article, we first introduce the notion of ternary Menger algebras of rank n, which is a canonical generalization of arbitrary ternary semigroups, and discuss their related properties. In the second part, we establish the so-called a diagonal ternary semigroup which its operation is induced by the operation on ternary Menger algebras of rank n and then investigate their interesting properties. Moreover, we introduce the concept of homomorphism and congruences on ternary Menger algebras of rank n. These lead us to study the quotient ternary Menger algebras of rank n and to investigate the homomorphism theorem for ternary Menger algebra of rank n with respect to congruences. Furthermore, the characterization of reduction of ternary Menger algebra into Menger algebra is presented.
Modeling and Optimization of Steel Machinability with Genetic Programming: Industrial Study
Authors: Kovačič Miha , Salihu Shpetim , Gantar Gašper , Župerl Uroš
Published: March 2021

In this paper, machinability influences from the start to end of final product production in a steel plant were analyzed, including chemical composition, deoxidizing agents and casting parameters, which drastically influence the macrostructure and segregation (i.e., chemical nonhomogeneity) of continuously cast and subsequently rolled material. The data (seven parameters from secondary metallurgy, four parameters from the casting process and the content of ten chemical elements) from the serial production of calcium-treated steel grades (254 batches of 25 different steel grades from January 2018 to March 2020) were used for predicting machinability. Machinability was determined based on ISO 3685:1993, where the machinability of each individual batch is represented as the cutting speed and the tool is worn out within fifteen minutes. For the prediction of these cutting speeds, linear regression and genetic programming were used. Out of 25 analyzed steel grades, 20MnV6 steel grade was the most problematic and also the most often produced. Out of 57 produced batches of 20MnVS6 steel, 23 batches had nonconforming machinability. Based on the modeling results, the steelmaking process was optimized. Consequently, 40 additional batches of 20MnV6 (from March 2020 to July 2020) were subsequently produced based on an optimized steelmaking process. In all 40 cases, the required machinability was achieved without changing other properties required by the customers.
SARS-CoV-2 Disease Adjuvant Therapies and Supplements Breakthrough for the Infection Prevention
Authors: Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Inchingolo Angelo Michele , Bordea Ioana Roxana , Malcangi Giuseppina , Xhajanka Edit , Scarano Antonio , Lorusso Felice , Farronato Marco , Tartaglia Gianluca Martino , Isacco Ciro Gargiulo , Marinelli Grazia , D’Oria Maria Teresa , Hazballa Denisa , Santacroce Luigi , Ballini Andrea , Contaldo Maria , Inchingolo Francesco , Dipalma Gianna
Published: March 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is a high-risk viral agent involved in the recent pandemic stated worldwide by the World Health Organization. The infection is correlated to a severe systemic and respiratory disease in many cases, which is clinically treated with a multi-drug pharmacological approach. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate through a literature overview the effect of adjuvant therapies and supplements for the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The research has analyzed the advantage of the EK1C4, by also assessing the studies on the resveratrol, vitamin D, and melatonin as adjuvant supplements for long hauler patients’ prognosis. The evaluated substances reported important benefits for the improvement of the immune system and as a potential inhibitor molecules against SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the use of sartans as therapy. The adjuvant supplements seem to create an advantage for the healing of the long hauler patients affected by chronic symptoms of constant chest and heart pain, intestinal disorders, headache, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and tachycardia.
The Epidemiology of Meningitis in Infants under 90 Days of Age in a Large Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Erickson Timothy A. , Munoz Flor M. , Troisi Catherine L. , Nolan Melissa S. , Hasbun Rodrigo , Brown Eric L. , Murray Kristy O.
Published: March 2021

Background: Meningitis is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in the first three months of life. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients <90 days of age with meningitis at Texas Children’s Hospital from 2010–2017. Cases were confirmed using the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definition of meningitis. Results: Among 694 infants with meningitis, the most common etiology was viral (n = 351; 51%), primarily caused by enterovirus (n = 332; 95%). A quarter of cases were caused by bacterial infections (n = 190; 27%). The most common cause of bacterial meningitis was group B Streptococcus (GBS, n = 60; 32%), followed by Gram-negative rods other than E. coli (n = 40; 21%), and E. coli (n = 37; 19%). The majority of Gram-negative organisms (63%) were resistant to ampicillin, and nearly one-fourth of Gram-negative rods (23%) other than E. coli and 2 (6%) E. coli isolates were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins. Significant risk factors for bacterial meningitis were early preterm birth and the Black race. Conclusions: Enteroviruses most commonly caused viral meningitis in infants; GBS was the most common bacterial cause despite universal screening and intrapartum prophylaxis. The emergence of MRSA and resistance to third-generation cephalosporins in Gram-negative bacterial meningitis challenges the options for empirical antimicrobial therapy.