bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat and Mass Transfer of Micropolar-Casson Nanofluid over Vertical Variable Stretching Riga Sheet
Authors: Abbas Nadeem , Shatanawi Wasfi
Published: July 2022

In this analysis, we considered a comparative study of micropolar Casson nanofluid flow on a vertical nonlinear Riga stretching sheet. Effects of thermal and velocity slip are considered under thermophoresis and Brownian motions. Select nonlinear PDEs transformed into nonlinear coupled ODEs using the set of suitable transformations. The nonlinear coupled ODEs are solved through a numerical technique along with the Runge–Kutta 4th-order scheme. The impacts of pertinent flow parameters on skin friction, Nusselt number, temperature, and velocity distributions are depicted through tabular and graphical form. Brownian motion and the magnitude of the Sherwood number have opposite performances; likewise, the Nusselt number and Brownian motion also have opposite performances. The Sherwood number and Nusselt number succeeded with higher values. The increment of the Casson fluid parameter declined with fluid velocity, which shows that thickness is reduced due to the increment of the Casson fluid parameter. Fluid velocity distribution curves show increasing behavior due to increments of the micropolar parameter.
The Changing Face of Paediatric Human Growth Hormone Therapy
Authors: Savage Martin O.
Published: July 2022

Human growth hormone (hGH) has been used therapeutically to promote growth in children for over 60 years. Pituitary-extracted hGH has demonstrated positive growth promotion since the early 1960s. In 1985, prion-induced contamination of hGH triggered a global epidemic of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease that was responsible for its discontinuation. Recombinant hGH immediately replaced pituitary hGH and, being available in large amounts, was used and licenced for therapy in GH-deficient children, followed by approval for non-GH deficient disorders such as Turner syndrome, short stature related to birth size small for gestational age, idiopathic short stature, SHOX deficiency, Prader–Willi syndrome and Noonan syndrome. RhGH therapy was refined by the use of growth prediction models; however, unmet needs, such as the variability in response and non-adherence resulted in the development of long-acting rhGH (LArhGH) molecules, which are currently in clinical trials and have shown non-inferiority in comparison with daily rhGH. It is likely that LArhGH will enter clinical practice in 2022 and 2023 and will need to demonstrate safety in terms of immunogenicity, IGF-1 generation, metabolic status and tolerability of potential injection pain and local reactions.
Using Rosemary Essential Oil as a Potential Natural Preservative during Stirred-like Yogurt Making
Authors: Kamel Dalia Gamal , Mansour Ali I. A. , El-diin Mohamed A. H. Nagm , Hammam Ahmed R. A. , Mehta Dipakkumar , Abdel-Rahman Asmaa Mohamed
Published: July 2022

The popularity of rosemary has grown as a natural alternative over the synthetic supplements due to its potential health benefits. The rosemary plant has been utilized to preserve food due to its ability to prevent oxidation and microbial contamination. The reason for this study was to determine the phytochemical components and antimicrobial activity of rosemary essential oil (REO) and the effect of REO addition (0.5 and 0.7%) on the chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of stirred-like yogurt (SLY) during 16 days of storage at 4 °C. The obtained data observed that REO exhibited antimicrobial action against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella marcescens, as well as fungi (Aspergillus flavus) and yeasts (Candida albicans). Increased REO to 0.7% accelerated (p < 0.05) the development of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in SLY (8.3 log cfu/g) and delayed yeast growth up to 12 days. Molds and coliforms were also not found in the SLY samples with REO. In comparison to control samples, sensory results showed that the addition of REO improves the overall acceptance of SLY (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the current study found that REO could be used as a natural preservative during the production of SLY to extend shelf-life and promote LAB development.
The Influence of Different Extraction Methods on the Structure, Rheological, Thermal and Functional Properties of Soluble Dietary Fiber from Sanchi (Panax notoginseng) Flower
Authors: Jiang Guihun , Ramachandraiah Karna , Wu Zhaogen , Ameer Kashif
Published: July 2022

The influence of different extraction methods, such as acidic (AC), enzymatic (EN), homogenization (H), ultrsonication (U) and alkali (AL), on structure, rheological, thermal and functional properties of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from Sanchi flower was evaluated in this study. The highest extraction yield (23.14%) was obtained for AL-SDF extract. Glucose (Glc) and galactose (Gal) were found to be the major constituents in Sanchi SDF. Homogenization and Ultrsonication treatments caused significant compaction of pores in the microstructures. FTIR analysis showed increased hydrolysis of pectin and hemicellulose in U, AL and AC-SDF extracts. H-SDF and AC-SDF exhibited similar shear rate change with the rise in shear stress. H-SDF was thermally more stable than other SDF extracts. Among all extraction methods, H-SDF and U-SDF exhibited the highest water holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), Bile acid-adsorption capacity (BAC), Cholesterol-adsorption capacity (CAC) and Glucose adsorption capacity (GAC). Thus, Sanchi flower SDF with improved functional properties could be utilized as a functional food ingredient in the development of various food products.
The Application and Optimization of HIPEF Technology in the Processing of Juice from Strawberries Harvested at Two Stages of Ripeness
Authors: Bebek Markovinović Anica , Putnik Predrag , Stulić Višnja , Batur Luka , Duralija Boris , Pavlić Branimir , Vukušić Pavičić Tomislava , Herceg Zoran , Bursać Kovačević Danijela
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of high intensity pulsed electric field (HIPEF) technology on the stability of total phenols, anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, and condensed tannins in strawberry juices (Fragaria x ananassa Duch. cv. ‘Albion’) with different ripening stages (75% and 100%) and stored at +4 °C for 7 days. The HIPEF parameters studied were: (i) electric field strength (40 and 50 kV cm−1), (ii) frequency (100 and 200 Hz), and (iii) treatment duration (3 and 6 min). Of the HIPEF parameters studied, electric field strength and frequency had a statistically significant effect on the content of all phenolic compounds. Treatment duration showed no statistically significant effects on phenolic compounds except for flavonols and condensed tannins. Storage had a positive effect on the stability of most of the phenolic compounds, with the exception of flavonols. Optimization of HIPEF processing showed that strawberry samples at both ripeness levels were suitable for HIPEF treatment to obtain functional fruit juices with a high content of polyphenols.
Attempts to Create Products with Increased Health-Promoting Potential Starting with Pinot Noir Pomace: Investigations on the Process and Its Methods
Authors: Lo Stephen , Pilkington Lisa I. , Barker David , Fedrizzi Bruno
Published: July 2022

A process for using grape (Pinot noir) pomace to produce products with improved health-promoting effects was investigated. This process integrated a solid–liquid extraction (SLE) method and a method to acylate the polyphenolics in the extract. This report describes and discusses the methods used, including the rationale and considerations behind them, and the results obtained. The study begins with the work to optimize the SLE method for extracting higher quantities of (+)-catechin, (−)-epicatechin and quercetin by trialing 28 different solvent systems on small-scale samples of Pinot noir pomace. One of these systems was then selected and used for the extraction of the same flavonoids on a large-scale mass of pomace. It was found that significantly fewer quantities of flavonoids were observed. The resultant extract was then subject to a method of derivatization using three different fatty acylating agents. The antiproliferative activities of these products were measured; however, the resulting products did not display activity against the chosen cancer cells. Limitations and improvements to the methods in this process are also discussed.
The Fate of IgE Epitopes and Coeliac Toxic Motifs during Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion of Pizza Base
Authors: Daly Matthew E. , Wang Kai , Pan Xiaoyan , Depau Rosa L. , Marsh Justin , Capozzi Francesco , Johnson Phil , Gethings Lee A. , Mills E. N. Clare
Published: July 2022

Understanding how food processing may modify allergen bioaccessibility and the evolution of immunologically active peptides in the gastrointestinal tract is essential if knowledge-based approaches to reducing the allergenicity of food are to be realised. A soy-enriched wheat-based pizza base was subjected to in vitro oral–gastro–duodenal digestion and resulting digests analysed using a combination of sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and mass spectrometry (MS). The digestion profile of pizza base resembled that of bread crust where higher temperatures during baking reduced protein solubility but still resulted in the generation of a complex mixture of peptides. MS profiling showed numerous peptides carrying IgE epitopes, and coeliac toxic motifs were in excess of 20–30 residues long and were only released after either 120 min of gastric digestion or a combination of gastric and duodenal digestion. In silico prediction tools showed an overestimated number of cleavage sites identified experimentally, with low levels of atypical peptic and chymotryptic cleavage sites identified particularly at glutamine residues. These data suggest that such alternative pepsin cleavage sites may play a role in digestion of glutamine-rich cereal foods. They also contribute to efforts to provide benchmarks for mapping in vitro digestion products of novel proteins which form part of the allergenicity risk assessment.
Reply to Giansanti et al. The Accessibility and the Digital Divide in the Apps during the COVID-19. Comment on “Cao et al. The Impact of Using mHealth Apps on Improving Public Health Satisfaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Digital Content Value Chain Perspective. Healthcare 2022, 10, 479”
Authors: Cao Junwei , Zhang Guihua , Liu Dong
Published: July 2022

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Healthcare Avoidance before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Australian Youth: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Islam Md Irteja , Freeman Joseph , Chadwick Verity , Martiniuk Alexandra
Published: July 2022

Background: Access to healthcare for young people is essential to ensure they can build a foundation for a healthy life. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people avoided seeking healthcare, adversely affecting population health. We investigated the factors associated with the avoidance of healthcare for Australian young people when they reported that they needed healthcare. We were able to compare healthcare avoidance during the COVID-19 pandemic with healthcare avoidance prior to COVID-19. Methods: We used two recent data collection waves from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC)—Wave 9C1 during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and Wave 8 data which were collected in 2018. The primary outcome of this study revealed the avoidance of healthcare among those who perceived the need for care. Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression models were employed to identify the factors associated with the avoidance of healthcare during the COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 periods. Results: In the sample of 1110 young people, 39.6% avoided healthcare during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic even though they perceived that they had a health problem that required healthcare. This healthcare avoidance was similar to the healthcare avoidance in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (41.4%). The factors most strongly associated with healthcare avoidance during the COVID-19 pandemic were female gender, an ongoing medical condition, and moderately high psychological distress. In comparison, prior to the pandemic, the factor associated with healthcare avoidance was only psychological distress. The most common reason for not seeking healthcare was thinking that the problem would spontaneously resolve itself (55.9% during COVID-19 vs. 35.7% pre-COVID-19 pandemic). Conclusions: A large proportion of youths avoided healthcare when they felt they needed to seek care, both during and before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Systematic Design of Ancient Machines’ Models: Leonardo da Vinci’s Glider
Authors: Fiorineschi Lorenzo , Rotini Federico , Barsanti Roberta
Published: July 2022

Virtual or physical models of ancient machines are often used for museum exhibitions, documentaries and/or cinematographic works. Especially for high-fidelity models, complex activities are required, which actually lead the different stakeholders involved in the process to “design” an artifact (the model). As with any design process, the design of models of ancient machines can also benefit from the support of structured methods that guide the designers from the early “ideas” to the final design. This paper proposes a systematic approach specifically tailored for the interpretation and design of ancient machines, where a methodological tool is provided to manage both idea-generation and information-gathering activities. The method was applied to the design of a model of the delta wing conceived by Leonardo da Vinci (i.e., the glider represented in the Codex Madrid 1, Folio 64r), allowing to analyze and obtain an embodiment of the machine with the required fidelity level, thought to be realized in real scale.
Influence of Citrus Rootstocks on Scion Growth, Hormone Levels, and Metabolites Profile of ‘Shatangju’ Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)
Authors: Hayat Faisal , Li Juan , Liu Wen , Li Caiqing , Song Wenpei , Iqbal Shahid , Khan Ummara , Umer Javed Hafiz , Ahsan Altaf Muhammad , Tu Panfeng , Chen Jiezhong , Liu Jianliang
Published: July 2022

Dwarfing rootstocks are a valuable genetic resource for managing high-density plantations. The selection of the appropriate scion/rootstock combination is key to improving crop performance and sustainable production in a particular environment and specific training systems. ‘Shatangju’ mandarin scion cultivar grafted onto ‘Flying Dragon’ rootstock tends to be dwarfing and develops short stature plants. To obtain insight into potential mechanisms underlying rootstock-induced dwarfing effects, we conducted a rootstock trial to examine the influence of 11 different rootstocks based on their growth vigor, antioxidants, and hormonal levels of the scion cultivar. The phenotypic observations revealed that size reduction in the ‘Flying Dragon’ rootstock is due to lower node number, shorter internodal length, and a reduced trunk diameter of the scion compared with more vigorous rootstocks. Antioxidant analysis showed that ‘Shatangju’ mandarin grafted onto ’Flying Dragon’ and ‘Trifoliate Orange’ rootstock had significantly lower peroxidase (POD) activity than other tested rootstocks. The hormonal analysis indicated that there were markedly lower amounts of abscisic acid (ABA) in ‘Shatangju’ mandarin grafted with ‘Flying Dragon’ rootstock. In addition, trees grafted with ‘Sour Pummelo’ and ‘Flying Dragon’ depicted minimum amounts of gibberellins (GA24). Moreover, several metabolites associated with organic acids, flavonoids, amino acids, and alkaloids responded differently in plants grafted with ‘Flying Dragon’ (dwarfing) and ‘Shatang Mandarin’ (vigorous) rootstocks. This study concluded that ‘Flying Dragon’ rootstock with a strong dwarfing effect has been proposed to improve high-density cultivation methods. These findings will provide useful insights for future research associated with rootstock-mediated dwarfing mechanisms of citrus rootstocks.
Phytochemical Analysis of Maerua oblongifolia, and Assessment of the Genetic Stability of M. oblongifolia under In Vitro Nanoparticles Exposure
Authors: Shaikhaldein Hassan O. , Al-Qurainy Fahad , Tarroum Mohamed , Khan Salim , Nadeem Mohammad , Salih Abdalrhaman M.
Published: July 2022

Maerua oblongifolia (Forssk.) is a rare medicinal plant in Saudi Arabia that is threatened with extinction owing to overexploitation, climate change, and poor seed germination. This study aimed to identify, for the first time, the phytochemical compounds existing in M. oblongifolia leaves’ extract using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). In addition, it aimed to determine the plant growth and genetic uniformity of the plant under the exposure of in vitro biogenic silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles. The GC-MS analysis detected 28 phytochemical compounds. The main compounds obtained from the leaf extracts were triphenylphosphine oxide and 4,5-Dihydrooxazole-5-one, 2-methyl-4-[2,3,4-methozxybenzylidnen]-. The supplementation of AgNPs and ZnO NPs to the culture media significantly enhanced the plant biomass, shoot length, and shoot regeneration of M. oblongifolia. The genetic stability of the plant material was evaluated using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The application of Ag and ZnO NPs showed genetic stability among treated plants. However, the higher concentration of both nanoparticles induced minor genetic variations recorded as 4.4 and 2.2% in Ag and ZnO NPs, respectively. This work focused on the detection of phytochemical active constituents from M. oblongifolia shoot cultures, and it will be useful for the large-scale manufacturing of these compounds for pharmaceutical and commercial purposes. In addition, it confirmed that the exposure of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles to the in vitro culture media of plant tissues might be a secure technique with which to produce true-to-type plants.
Oral Health in Japan: State-of-the-Art and Perspectives
Authors: Abe Masanobu , Mitani Akihisa , Yao Atsushi , Zong Liang , Zhang Chun-Dong , Hoshi Kazuto , Yanagimoto Shintaro
Published: July 2022

In the near future, Japan is entering a super-aging society that will be called the age of 100 years of life [...]
Thiophene α-Chain-End-Functionalized Oligo(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) as Precursor Amphiphilic Macromonomer for Grafted Conjugated Oligomers/Polymers and as a Multifunctional Material with Relevant Properties for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Bendrea Anca-Dana , Cianga Luminita , Ailiesei Gabriela-Liliana , Göen Colak Demet , Popescu Irina , Cianga Ioan
Published: July 2022

Because the combination of π-conjugated polymers with biocompatible synthetic counterparts leads to the development of bio-relevant functional materials, this paper reports a new oligo(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (OMeOx)-containing thiophene macromonomer, denoted Th-OMeOx. It can be used as a reactive precursor for synthesis of a polymerizable 2,2’-3-OMeOx-substituted bithiophene by Suzuki coupling. Also a grafted polythiophene amphiphile with OMeOx side chains was synthesized by its self-acid-assisted polymerization (SAAP) in bulk. The results showed that Th-OMeOx is not only a reactive intermediate but also a versatile functional material in itself. This is due to the presence of 2-bromo-substituted thiophene and ω-hydroxyl functional end-groups, and due to the multiple functionalities encoded in its structure (photosensitivity, water self-dispersibility, self-assembling capacity). Thus, analysis of its behavior in solvents of different selectivities revealed that Th-OMeOx forms self-assembled structures (micelles or vesicles) by “direct dissolution”.Unexpectedly, by exciting the Th-OMeOx micelles formed in water with λabs of the OMeOx repeating units, the intensity of fluorescence emission varied in a concentration-dependent manner.These self-assembled structures showed excitation-dependent luminescence as well. Attributed to the clusteroluminescence phenomenon due to the aggregation and through space interactions of electron-rich groups in non-conjugated, non-aromatic OMeOx, this behavior certifies that polypeptides mimic the character of Th-OMeOx as a non-conventional intrinsic luminescent material.
Whole Genome Sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli BE311 for Fluorescence Labeling and Enterotoxin Analyses
Authors: Lu Shuang , Tao Ting , Su Yating , Hu Jia , Zhang Li , Wang Guoliang , Li Xiangyu , Guo Xiaohua
Published: July 2022

Some prevention strategies, including vaccines and antibiotic alternatives, have been developed to reduce enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli proliferation in animal production. In this study, a wild-type strain of BE311 with a virulent heat-stable enterotoxin gene identical to E. coli K99 was isolated for its high potential for gene expression ability. The whole genome of E. coli BE311 was sequenced for gene analyses and editing. Subsequently, the fluorescent gene mCherry was successfully knocked into the genome of E. coli BE311 by CRISPR/Cas9. The E. coli BE311–mCherry strain was precisely quantified through the fluorescence intensity and red colony counting. The inflammatory factors in different intestinal tissues all increased significantly after an E. coli BE311–mCherry challenge in Sprague–Dawley rats (p < 0.05). The heat-stable enterotoxin gene of E. coli BE311 was knocked out, and an attenuated vaccine host E. coli BE311-STKO was constructed. Flow cytometry showed apoptotic cell numbers were lower following a challenge of IPEC-J2 cells with E. coli BE311-STKO than with E. coli BE311. Therefore, the E. coli BE311–mCherry and E. coli BE311-STKO strains that were successfully constructed based on the gene knock-in and knock-out technology could be used as ideal candidates in ETEC challenge models and for the development of attenuated vaccines.
Silk/Rayon Webs and Nonwoven Fabrics: Fabrication, Structural Characteristics, and Properties
Authors: Bae Yu Jeong , Jang Mi Jin , Um In Chul
Published: July 2022

Silk is a naturally occurring material and has been widely used in biomedical and cosmetic applications owing to its unique properties, including blood compatibility, excellent cytocompatibility, and a low inflammatory response in the body. A natural silk nonwoven fabric with good mechanical properties was recently developed using the binding property of sericin. In this study, silk/rayon composite nonwoven fabrics were developed to increase productivity and decrease production costs, and the effect of the silk/rayon composition on the structure and properties of the fabric was examined. The crystalline structure of silk and rayon was maintained in the fabric. As the silk content increased, the porosity and moisture regain of the silk/rayon web and nonwoven fabric decreased. As the silk content increased, the maximum stress of the web and nonwoven fabric increased, and the elongation decreased. Furthermore, the silk/rayon web exhibited the highest values of maximum stress and elongation at ~200 °C. Regardless of the silk/rayon composition, all silk/rayon nonwoven fabrics showed good cytocompatibility. Thus, the silk/rayon fabric is a promising material for cosmetic and biomedical applications owing to its diverse properties and high cell viability.
Procedure-Related Differences and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Treated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Assisted by Optical Coherence Tomography between New and Earlier Generation Software (Ultreon™ 1.0 Software vs. AptiVue™ Software)
Authors: Januszek Rafał , Siłka Wojciech , Sabatowski Karol , Malinowski Krzysztof Piotr , Heba Grzegorz , Surowiec Sławomir , Chyrchel Michał , Rzeszutko Łukasz , Bryniarski Leszek , Surdacki Andrzej , Bartuś Krzysztof , Bartuś Stanisław
Published: July 2022

(1) Introduction: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) intravascular imaging facilitates percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Software for OCT is being constantly improved, including the latest version Ultreon™ 1.0 Software (U) (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA). In the current analysis, we aim to compare processing results, procedural indices as well as clinical outcomes in patients treated via PCI. This was conducted using earlier generation OCT imaging software versions (non-U) and the newest available one on the market (U). (2) Methods: The study comprised 95 subsequent and not selected patients (55 processed with U and 40 non-U). The non-U processings were transferred for evaluation by U software, while the comparison of OCT parameters, selected clinical and procedural indices was performed between groups. We further assessed clinical outcomes during the follow-up period, i.e., major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and predictors of stent expansion. (3) Results: We did not detect any differences in general features between either of the assessed groups at baseline. Non-U software was more often used for bare-metal stenting (p = 0.004), while PCIs in the U group demanded a greater number of stents (p = 0.03). The distal reference of external elastic lamina (EEL) diameter was greater in the non-U group (p = 0.02) with no concurrent differences in minimal (p = 0.27) and maximal (p = 0.31) stent diameter. It was also observed that MACE was more frequently observed in the non-U group (p = 0.01). Neither univariable (estimate: 0.407, 95%CI: (−3.182) − 3.998, p = 0.82) nor multivariable (estimate: 2.29, 95%CI: (−4.207) − 8.788, p = 0.5) analyses demonstrated a relationship between the type of software and stent expansion. (4) Conclusions: Improvement in the software for image acquisition and processing of OCT is not related to stent expansion. The EEL diameter is preferably used to select the distal stent diameter in newer software.
Influence of Preoperative Handgrip Strength on Length of Stay after Lumbar Fusion Surgery
Authors: Ko Seo Hee , Park Sang Jun , Kim Na Young , Jeon Woohyuk , Shin Dong Ah , Kim Shin Hyung
Published: July 2022

Preoperative sarcopenic status can affect length of hospital stay and patient outcomes after surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the impacts of preoperative handgrip strength (HGS) on length of stay (LOS) and outcomes after lumbar fusion surgery. HGS was measured preoperatively, and the cut-off value for low HGS was <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women. Perioperative patient outcomes were compared between patients with low and normal HGS. A total of 225 patients, consisting of 86 and 139 patients in the low and normal HGS groups, respectively, fully satisfied the study criteria for analysis. A longer LOS (median 10 vs. 8 days, p = 0.013) and a higher incidence of serious postoperative complications (15.1 vs. 3.6%, p = 0.002) were observed in the low HGS group. In the multivariate analysis, a low HGS (odds ratio (OR) = 1.917, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.046–3.513, p = 0.035) was significantly associated with a longer LOS after surgery. Preoperative HGS below the reference values by sex appeared to be an independent factor associated with longer LOS after lumbar fusion surgery.
Assessment of Quality of Fishery Resources in the Northeastern South China Sea
Authors: Yuan Huarong , Chen Pimao , Yu Jie , Li Xiaoguo
Published: July 2022

The quality of fishery resources and its assessment is critical and a key to the sustainable development and management of fisheries. In this paper, the quality of fishery resources in the northeastern South China Sea was assessed by analyzing the survey data of fishery resources obtained through bottom trawling in 1964–1965, 1997–1999, 2006–2007, and 2017. The results show that fishery resources in the study region have declined significantly. In 2017, the density of fishery resources in the region was only 19.53% of that in 1964–1965. Overall, the quality of fishery resources in the region showed a downward trend with a quality grade index ranging from 0.30 to 0.42. It was in a critical condition from 1997 to 2007, and in poor condition from 2007 to 2017. In the 53 years from 1964 to 2017, the quality index of fishery resources in the region has decreased by 0.70, with an average decline of 0.13 every 10 years. In the past 20 years, the decline rate of the quality of fishery resources in the northeastern South China Sea has slowed.
Estimating Quantitative Morphometric Parameters and Spatiotemporal Evolution of the Prokopos Lagoon Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Apostolopoulos Dionysios N. , Avramidis Pavlos , Nikolakopoulos Konstantinos G.
Published: July 2022

The Prokopos Lagoon is part of the Kotychi Strofilias National Wetlands Park, which is supervised by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change of Greece. The lagoon is situated at the northwestern coast of the Peloponnese and is protected by the Ramsar Convention. It is an important ecosystem with ecological services providing habitats for many plants and animals and essential goods and services for humans as well. No previous relevant studies for the wider wetland area are available, and given that lagoons are important ecosystems, their diachronic evolution should be under constant monitoring. Using remote sensing techniques in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, alterations in critical parameters could be measured and applied for the protection of the area. The present study examines the spatiotemporal changes of the water extent of the Prokopos Lagoon, estimating landscape metrics and several morphometric parameters and indices related to the geomorphological features of the lagoon for the 1945–2021 period. Moreover, the adjacent shoreline was studied for each past decade evolution from 1945 to present, and it is discussed to whether there is a relationship between shoreline changes and the lagoon. High resolution satellite images and air photos at scale 1:30,000 were used to digitize the shorelines and the polygons of the lagoon’s surface. Linear Regression Rates (LRR), Net Shoreline Movement (NSM), End Point Rate (EPR) and Shoreline Change Envelope (SCE) provided by the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) were used to determine the changes. Finally, future shoreline positions for 2021 and 2031 are estimated, while based on statistic models, we found that in the coastal area, the erosion–accretion cycle is predicted to be completed in 2031, after almost 86 years since 1945.
Synhelminthosporium gen. et sp. nov. and Two New Species of Helminthosporium (Massarinaceae, Pleosporales) from Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Chen Yanpeng , Tian Wenhui , Guo Yaobin , Madrid Hugo , Maharachchikumbura Sajeewa S. N.
Published: July 2022

Helminthosporium is a polyphyletic genus in Massarinaceae (Pleosporales). Species of Helminthosporium are characterized by having septate and erect conidiophores, acro-pleurogenous and distoseptate conidia with a ring-shaped scar at the base. During a survey of fungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China, six Helminthosporium-like isolates were collected from dead branches of unknown trees. Five barcodes, including ITS (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), SSU, LSU, TEF1, and RPB2 were amplified and sequenced. Morphological examination and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses revealed two new Helminthosporium species (H. chengduense sp. nov., and H. chinense sp. nov.), a new genus (Synhelminthosporium gen. nov.) with a type species Synhelminthosporium synnematoferum sp. nov., and two known species (Helminthosporium submersum and H. velutinum) within Massarinaceae. The new genus Synhelminthosporium differs from the phylogenetically closest genus Helminthosporium by producing synnematous conidiophores. This work expands our understanding of the diversity of Helminthosporium-like taxa in Sichuan Province, China.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in the Treatment of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Neumiller Joshua J. , Alicic Radica Z. , Tuttle Katherine R.
Published: July 2022

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) represents an important diabetes (DM) complication associated with significant impacts on morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. Recent evidence from cardiovascular and kidney outcome trials has dramatically impacted the standard of care for patients with DKD. While agents from the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class are known for their atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) benefits, growing mechanistic and clinical evidence supports the benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy on progression of DKD. GLP-1 receptor activation is associated with anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in the kidney, providing a plausible mechanism for kidney protection. Based on currently available clinical trial evidence, guidelines recommend the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists to mitigate ASCVD risk in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Furthermore, based on secondary outcome data for kidney disease, GLP-1 receptor agonists are recommended as an option to mitigate kidney and ASCVD risk in patients with T2D and DKD who require intensification of glycemic control or for those who cannot take a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor due to side effects or advanced stage DKD. Ongoing dedicated kidney disease outcome trials will further inform the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in DKD management. This review discusses current considerations for GLP-1 receptor agonist use in patients with T2D and DKD.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution Changes, Driving Force Analysis and Simulation Prediction of Ecological Vulnerability in Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Li Dong , Huan Chongyang , Yang Jun , Gu Hanlong
Published: July 2022

As China’s main grain-producing region, the ecological security pattern of Liaoning Province has an extremely important impact on the ecological security of Northeast China and even the whole country. Furthermore, the construction of the ecological security pattern is restricted by the ecological vulnerability assessment in order to explore the ecological vulnerability pattern of spatial distribution and the trend of future vulnerability development in Liaoning Province and guide how to formulate ecological protection policies scientifically. Based on the sensitivity–resilience–pressure (SRP) conceptual model which is combined with natural and socio-economic factors, the ecological vulnerability evaluation index system of Liaoning Province is established in this paper. This paper also evaluates the ecological vulnerability of Liaoning Province from 2010 to 2020 and analyzes the driving factors by using a geographic detector and the CA-Markov model. Moreover, the study forecasts the growing tendency of vulnerability in 2025. The results show that (1) the ecological vulnerability of Liaoning Province is mainly light and has medium vulnerability, which gradually decreases from northwest to southeast; (2) the spatial heterogeneity of the ecological vulnerability index (EVI) is very significant in the southeast and northwest region but not significant in the middle; (3) from the past decade to the next five years, the ecological vulnerability of Liaoning Province has been improving, and the overall distribution pattern of ecological vulnerability is relatively stable; (4) the analysis of driving factors indicates that the impact of natural environmental factors such as land-use type and habitat quality on EVI is more significant than socio-economic factors such as population density. The research results implicate that it is necessary to formulate an ecological protection and restoration plan in Liaoning Province to prevent further ecological degradation in high-value areas of northwest Liaoning, and to balance the relationship between human development and ecological protection and restoration in the metropolitan district.
Phonation Variation as a Function of Checked Syllables and Prosodic Boundaries
Authors: Gao Xin , Kuang Jianjing
Published: July 2022

The phonation variation in Shanghainese is influenced by both phonemic phonation contrast and global prosodic context. This study investigated the phonetic realization of checked and unchecked syllables at four different prosodic positions (sandhi-medial, sandhi-final, phrase-final, and IP-final). By analyzing both acoustic and articulatory voice measures, we achieved a better understanding of the nature of checkedness contrast and prosodic boundaries: (1) Different phonetic correlates are associated with the two laryngeal functions: The checkedness contrast is mostly distinguished by the relative degree of glottal constriction, but the prosodic boundaries are mostly associated with periodicity and noise measures. (2) The checkedness contrast is well maintained in all prosodic contexts, suggesting that the controls for the local checkedness contrast are rather independent of global prosody.
Grammaticalization, Language Contact, and the Emergence of a Hortative in Guaraché, a New Mixed Language in Paraguay
Authors: Hauck Jan David
Published: July 2022

This paper discusses the emergence of a hortative marker in Guaraché, a new mixed language in Paraguay, the result of language mixing of the Indigenous Aché language and Paraguayan Guaraní. After settlement on reservations, the formerly nomadic Aché hunter-gatherers began shifting to the national language Guaraní, resulting in Guaraché, which is currently learned by children as their first language. Guaraché speakers have incorporated parts of the lexicon and morphology from Aché and Guaraní into their verbal repertoires, including parts of the Guaraní inflectional morphology. Thereby, they are modeling their use of the Guaraní 1pl.in marker ja-/ña- on a specific function that it has in Guaraní, hortative mood. Neither Aché nor Guaraní have grammatical hortative markers. Such a reanalysis and transfer of only one function of ja-/ña- suggests that a novel grammatical distinction is emerging between ja-/ña- for the hortative and the free pronoun ñande/nande for all other cases of 1pl.in. This paper analyzes hortative constructions in a corpus of recordings of naturally occurring interactions from children and adults. This case of grammaticalization is a strong indicator of a gradual transformation of Guaraché from language-mixing practices into a new mixed language.
Contact Phenomena in Azov Greek
Authors: Kisilier Maxim
Published: July 2022

Azov Greek is a Modern Greek dialect currently spoken in several villages in the area of Mariupol (Eastern Ukraine). Recent studies in Modern Greek dialectology clearly demonstrate that all Modern Greek dialects (even so specific as Tsakonian) in some period (or periods) of their history were deeply influenced by other dialects or languages and the traces of this influence can be found on various linguistic levels. Azov Greek is no exception here. This contribution intends not only to specify languages involved in language contact with Azov Greek and to analyze the most remarkable features but also to reconstruct a timeline of these contacts. The analysis is based on the field research data collected in Greek speaking villages around Mariupol between 2001 and 2019 and considers folklore and literary texts in Azov Greek.
Abraham Solvation Parameter Model: Calculation of L Solute Descriptors for Large C11 to C42 Methylated Alkanes from Measured Gas–Liquid Chromatographic Retention Data
Authors: Wu Emily , Sinha Sneha , Yang Chelsea , Zhang Miles , Acree William E.
Published: July 2022

Abraham model L solute descriptors have been determined for 149 additional C11 to C42 monomethylated and polymethylated alkanes based on published Kovat’s retention indices based upon gas–liquid chromatographic measurements. The calculated solute descriptors, in combination with previously published Abraham model correlations, can be used to predict a number of very important chemical and thermodynamic properties including partition coefficients, molar solubility ratios, gas–liquid chromatographic and HPLC retention data, infinite dilution activity coefficients, molar enthalpies of solvation, standard molar vaporization and sublimation at 298 K, vapor pressures, and limiting diffusion coefficients. The predictive computations are illustrated by estimating both the standard molar enthalpies of sublimation and the enthalpies of solvation in benzene for the monomethylated and polymethylated alkanes considered in the current study.
Effect of an Aftermarket Additive in Powertrain Wear and Fuel Consumption of Small-Capacity Motorcycles: A Lab and Field Study
Authors: Calabokis Oriana Palma , Nuñez de la Rosa Yamid , Borges Paulo César , Cousseau Tiago
Published: July 2022

Metal conditioners (MC) are friction, wear, and heat-reducing agents between metal components in motion and are mainly used in engines and transmission boxes as aftermarket additives. Laboratory and field tests were conducted to assess the performance of a commercial MC. Laboratory tribotests revealed the MC’s potential to reduce wear and friction in lubricated steel contacts. Field studies were performed on two new motorcycles (160 cc) under urban driving conditions for 15,000 km. The physico-chemical properties of the used oils were similar and within the acceptable limits provided in the literature. The FTIR results showed that specific components in the MC formulation do not allow for a direct comparison between oils and their mixtures with MC. Regarding engine wear, MC provided overall aluminum and iron metal parts protection, mainly in the first 7000 km of engine break-in, but a higher wear of copper-containing parts, although at levels below the warning limits. Accurate measurements of engine components demonstrated there were changes of less than 0.05% in the cylinder, piston, and transmission system pieces, except for gear #5. The lubrication of the crown, pinion, transmission chain and gear #5 with the MC significantly increased their wear resistance. The motorcycle driven with MC maintained higher average fuel economy improvements (+1 km/L), representing a 2.5% gain compared to the other motorcycle. Although only two motorcycles were tested, the laboratory and field results suggested that mixing MC with the fully formulated oil (10W-30) reduces wear and friction during the break-in period.
A Comprehensive Review of Wetting Transition Mechanism on the Surfaces of Microstructures from Theory and Testing Methods
Authors: Wang Xiao , Fu Cheng , Zhang Chunlai , Qiu Zhengyao , Wang Bo
Published: July 2022

Superhydrophobic surfaces have been widely employed in both fundamental research and industrial applications because of their self-cleaning, waterproof, and low-adhesion qualities. Maintaining the stability of the superhydrophobic state and avoiding water infiltration into the microstructure are the basis for realizing these characteristics, while the size, shape, and distribution of the heterogeneous microstructures affect both the static contact angle and the wetting transition mechanism. Here, we review various classical models of wettability, as well as the advanced models for the corrected static contact angle for heterogeneous surfaces, including the general roughness description, fractal theory description, re-entrant geometry description, and contact line description. Subsequently, we emphasize various wetting transition mechanisms on heterogeneous surfaces. The advanced testing strategies to investigate the wetting transition behavior will also be analyzed. In the end, future research priorities on the wetting transition mechanisms of heterogeneous surfaces are highlighted.
Intelligent Parametric Adaptive Hybrid Active–Passive Training Control Method for Rehabilitation Robot
Authors: Hu Jie , Zhuang Yuantao , Zhu Yudi , Meng Qiaoling , Yu Hongliu
Published: July 2022

Rehabilitation robots facilitate patients to take part in physical and occupational training. Most of the rehabilitation robots used in clinical practice adopt pure passive training or active training, which cannot sense the active participation of patients during passive training and lack adaptive dynamic adjustment of training parameters for patients. In this paper, an intelligent hybrid active–passive training control method is proposed to enhance the active participation of patients in passive training mode. Firstly, the patients’ joint mobility and maximum muscle power are modelized and calibrated. Secondly, the robot joints are actuated to train according to joint mobility and speed for two cycles. The human–machine coupled force interaction control model can recognize the patients’ active participation in the training process. Finally, the passive training joint motion speed for the next training cycle is adaptively updated by the proposed control method. The experimental results demonstrate that the control method can sense the patients’ active participation and adjust the passive training speed according to the patients’ active force interaction. In conclusion, the hybrid active–passive training control method proposed in this paper achieves the desired goal and effectively improves the patients’ rehabilitation effect.
Nonlinear Transient Dynamics of Graphene Nanoplatelets Reinforced Pipes Conveying Fluid under Blast Loads and Thermal Environment
Authors: Liu Siyu , Wang Aiwen , Li Wei , Chen Hongyan , Xie Yufen , Wang Dongmei
Published: July 2022

This work aims at investigating the nonlinear transient response of fluid-conveying pipes made of graphene nanoplatelet (GPL)-reinforced composite (GPLRC) under blast loads and in a thermal environment. A modified Halpin–Tsai model is used to approximate the effective Young’s modulus of the GPLRC pipes conveying fluid; the mass density and Poisson’s ratio are determined by using the Voigt model. A slender Euler–Bernoulli beam is considered for modeling the pipes conveying fluid. The vibration control equation of the GPLRC pipes conveying fluid under blast loads is obtained by using Hamilton’s principle. A set of second-order ordinary differential equations are obtained by using the second-order Galerkin discrete method and are solved by using the adaptive Runge–Kutta method. Numerical experiments show that GPL distribution and temperature; GPL weight fraction; pipe length-to-thickness ratio; flow velocity; and blast load parameters have important effects on the nonlinear transient response of the GPLRC pipes conveying fluid. The numerical results also show that due to the fluid–structure interaction, the vibration amplitudes of the GPLRC pipes conveying fluid decay after the impact of blast loads.
Calculation of Critical Load of Axially Functionally Graded and Variable Cross-Section Timoshenko Beams by Using Interpolating Matrix Method
Authors: Ge Renyu , Liu Feng , Wang Chao , Ma Liangliang , Wang Jinping
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the interpolation matrix method (IMM) is proposed to solve the buckling critical load of axially functionally graded (FG) Timoshenko beams. Based on Timoshenko beam theory, a set of governing equations coupled by the deflection function and rotation function of the beam are obtained. Then, the deflection function and rotation function are decoupled and transformed into an eigenvalue problem of a variable coefficient fourth-order ordinary differential equation with unknown deflection function. According to the theory of interpolation matrix method, the eigenvalue problem of the variable coefficient fourth-order ordinary differential equation is transformed into an eigenvalue problem of a set of linear algebraic equations, and the critical buckling load and the corresponding deflection function of the axially functionally graded Timoshenko beam can be calculated by the orthogonal triangular (QR) decomposition method, which is the most effective and widely used method for finding all eigenvalues of a matrix. The numerical results are in good agreement with the existing results, which shows the effectiveness and accuracy of the method.