bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Product Characteristics Affect Customers’ Participation in Virtual Brand Communities? An Empirical Study
Authors: ShiYong Zheng , JiaYing Li , HaiJian Wang , Dukhaykh Suad , Lei Wang , BiQing Li , Jie Peng
Published: January 2022

The virtual brand community has become an important marketing tool for companies. A successful brand community marketing strategy should attract a large number of consumers. Although past studies have revealed consumer motivations for participating in virtual brand communities, they fail to answer an important question: Why is it so easy for some virtual brand communities to attract users while others have such difficulty? In this study, product characteristics are hypothesized to be important factors that determine consumer motivation to participate in brand communities. Product characteristics (e.g., product complexity, product symbolism, and product satisfaction) can directly affect how actively consumers participate in brand communities. The results of questionnaires show that product complexity, product symbolism, and product satisfaction have a positive influence on consumers’ willingness to participate in brand communities. Notably, the duration of product use has a regulating effect on the influence of product satisfaction and product symbolism. A long period of product use weakens the influence of product satisfaction on consumers’ willingness to participate in brand communities. On the contrary, a long period of product use strengthens the influence of product symbolism on consumers’ willingness to participate in brand communities. This study enriches the literature on brand community participation and has implications for companies that aim to utilize brand communities for marketing.
Deep Learning Based Emotion Recognition and Visualization of Figural Representation
Authors: Lu Xiaofeng
Published: January 2022

This exploration aims to study the emotion recognition of speech and graphic visualization of expressions of learners under the intelligent learning environment of the Internet. After comparing the performance of several neural network algorithms related to deep learning, an improved convolution neural network-Bi-directional Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-BiLSTM) algorithm is proposed, and a simulation experiment is conducted to verify the performance of this algorithm. The experimental results indicate that the Accuracy of CNN-BiLSTM algorithm reported here reaches 98.75%, which is at least 3.15% higher than that of other algorithms. Besides, the Recall is at least 7.13% higher than that of other algorithms, and the recognition rate is not less than 90%. Evidently, the improved CNN-BiLSTM algorithm can achieve good recognition results, and provide significant experimental reference for research on learners’ emotion recognition and graphic visualization of expressions in an intelligent learning environment.
Occupational Exposure Assessment and Seroprevalence of Brucella Specific Antibodies Among Veterinarians in the Northern Palestine
Authors: Alzuheir Ibrahim , Al Zabadi Hamzeh , Abu Helal Muhammed
Published: January 2022

Background: Brucellosis is one of the most popular zoonosis in the world caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella. The disease is considered an occupational risk to persons dealing with animals and animal products. Brucellosis is endemic in livestock in Palestine. Yet, few studies investigated human brucellosis in Palestine. We aimed to estimate Brucella seropositivity among veterinary healthcare professionals in Northern Palestine, and to assess the associated risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four governorates in the Northern West Bank (Jenin, Nablus, Qalqylia, and Tulkarm). A sample of 100 veterinarians was collected. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to assess risk factors. Blood samples were collected to be screened for the presence of anti-Brucella IgG using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results: The seroprevalence of Brucellosis by ELISA was 76%. Risk factors included working in the public sector, dealing with animals' vaccination, longer period of exposure, and advancing in age.

Conclusions: Brucellosis is a high-risk occupational disease among veterinarians. Its prevalence rate among veterinary healthcare workers in the Northern West Bank, Palestine was very high compared to neighboring countries and internationally.
Transient Thrust Analysis of Rigid Rotors in Forward Flight
Authors: Krebs Travis , Bramesfeld Goetz , Cole Julia
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate and quantify the transient thrust response of two small rigid rotors in forward flight. This was accomplished using a distributed doublet-based potential flow method, which was validated against wind-tunnel experimentation and a transient CFD analysis. The investigation showed that for both rotors, advancing and retreating blade effects were predicted to contribute to transient thrust amplitudes of 5–30% of the mean rotor thrust. The thrust output amplitudes of individual rotors blades were observed to be 15–45% of the mean rotor thrust, indicating that it is not uncommon for the thrust output variation of an individual rotor blade to approach the same value as the mean thrust output of the rotor itself. In addition to this, the theoretical analysis also illustrated that higher blade thrust oscillations resulted in pronounced asymmetric rotor wake structures.
Cooling Characteristic of a Wall Jet for Suppressing Crossflow Effect under Conjugate Heat Transfer Condition
Authors: Deng Qinghua , Wang Huihui , He Wei , Feng Zhenping
Published: January 2022

The leading edge is the critical portion for a gas turbine blade and is often insufficiently cooled due to the adverse effect of Crossflow in the cooling chamber. A novel internal cooling structure, wall jet cooling, can suppress Crossflow effect by changing the coolant flow direction. In this paper, the conjugate heat transfer and aerodynamic characteristics of blades with three different internal cooling structures, including impingement with a single row of jets, swirl cooling, and wall jet cooling, are investigated through RANS simulations. The results show that wall jet cooling combines the advantages of impingement cooling and swirl cooling, and has a 19–54% higher laterally-averaged overall cooling effectiveness than the conventional methods at different positions on the suction side. In the blade with wall jet cooling, the spent coolant at the leading edge is extracted away through the downstream channels so that the jet could accurately impinge the target surface without unnecessary mixing, and the high turbulence generated by the separation vortex enhances the heat transfer intensity. The Coriolis force induces the coolant air to adhere to the pressure side’s inner wall surface, preventing the jet from leaving the target surface. The parallel cooling channels eliminate the common Crossflow effect and make the flow distribution of the orifices more uniform. The trailing edge outlet reduces the entire cooling structure’s pressure to a low level, which means less penalty on power output and engine efficiency.
Approaches towards Land Valuation and Land Pricing under the Influence of Geo-Climate Change
Authors: Slaboch Josef , Malý Michal
Published: January 2022

The Czech Republic is more or less unique in its dual system (official and market price) of agricultural land prices. In the case of the market price, there are several studies and approaches that assess the impact of individual variables on the market price of land. If we focus on the official price of land, its value in the Czech Republic is influenced by the evaluated soil ecological unit (ESEU) price. The ESEU price expresses the production potential of the land on the basis of soil quality indicators, which include the climatic region, the main soil unit, slope and exposure and, last but not least, the depth of the soil profile and skeletonisation. Climate change also means that the current values of the definition (e.g., for a climatic region, this refers to the average temperature or average precipitation) do not correspond to reality. No studies have looked in detail at the impact of soil quality indicators or climate change on the price of ESEUs. New and more accurate measurements of soil characteristics are increasing the number of ESEU codes, and prices have not yet been set for some codes. For this reason, we proposed the use of a hedonic method to determine shadow prices, which reflect the intensity and direction of the effect of each input variable on the price of an ESEU. A heteroscedastic corrected linear regression model was used to determine the coefficients, which presents in detail the effect of all included parameters on the final price of an ESEU in the results section. From the results, it was obvious that the shadow price coefficients themselves corresponded to basic generally accepted assumptions regarding the direction of effect. In the conditions of the Czech Republic, a significant influence on the price of an ESEU was mainly the slope with exposure and the depth of the soil profile with skeletonisation. These factors affected the productive capacity of the soil, which, in turn, translated into lower profitability of agricultural entities. The high explanatory ability of the hedonic model, with a high parametric significance for most of the used variables, was an important factor determining the robustness of the model as a repricing tool. The model set according to the prices of the applicable price decree can be used to set the prices of new or not-yet-valued ESEU codes under the conditions in the Czech Republic, or shadow prices can be used during climatic changes in the event of the transfer of the given soil unit to another climate region according to the general specification. It is therefore an important tool for the needs of the public administration.
Sustainable Approach to Weed Management: The Role of Precision Weed Management
Authors: Monteiro António , Santos Sérgio
Published: January 2022

In the last few decades, the increase in the world’s population has created a need to produce more food, generating, consequently, greater pressure on agricultural production. In addition, problems related to climate change, water scarcity or decreasing amounts of arable land have serious implications for farming sustainability. Weeds can affect food production in agricultural systems, decreasing the product quality and productivity due to the competition for natural resources. On the other hand, weeds can also be considered to be valuable indicators of biodiversity because of their role in providing ecosystem services. In this sense, there is a need to carry out an effective and sustainable weed management process, integrating the various control methods (i.e., cultural, mechanical and chemical) in a harmonious way, without harming the entire agrarian ecosystem. Thus, intensive mechanization and herbicide use should be avoided. Herbicide resistance in some weed biotypes is a major concern today and must be tackled. On the other hand, the recent development of weed control technologies can promote higher levels of food production, lower the amount of inputs needed and reduce environmental damage, invariably bringing us closer to more sustainable agricultural systems. In this paper, we review the most common conventional and non-conventional weed control strategies from a sustainability perspective, highlighting the application of the precision and automated weed control technologies associated with precision weed management (PWM).
Ecosystem Services Provided by Cover Crops and Biofumigation in Sunflower Cultivation
Authors: Ait Kaci Ahmed Neila , Galaup Benoit , Desplanques Jérémy , Dechamp-Guillaume Grégory , Seassau Célia
Published: January 2022

In south-western France, sunflowers are usually grown in short rotations and after a long fallow period during which soils are left bare. This practice can favour diseases, caused by soilborne fungi, such as sunflower verticillium wilt (SVW), as well as nitrate leaching, both of which can decrease yields. Growing cover crops during a fallow period is an agroecological practice that could provide ecosystem services and mitigate SVW. A Brassicaceae cover crop that causes biofumigation produces glucosinolates and liberate biocidal compounds that might regulate SVW biologically. Moreover, the green manure effect of the Fabaceae might increase soil mineral nitrogen (SMN). To go further, mixtures of Brassicaceae and Fabaceae might mutualise the benefits that each cover crop has in sole crops. A four-year field study in south-western France tested Brassicaceae (brown mustard, turnip rape and fodder radish) and Fabaceae (purple vetch) in sole crops or a mixture with two or three species during the fallow period, followed by biofumigation, and sunflower crop. The cover crops were characterised, SMN was measured, the SVW and yield were assessed and compared to those of the crop grown on soils left bare during the fallow period. Purple vetch as a sole crop cover crop significantly increased SMN before sunflower sowing but only in 2019. Fodder radish as a sole crop reduced SVW severity significantly, overall, 80 days after sowing, except in 2019, when weather conditions were unfavourable to biofumigation. Purple vetch as a sole crop also reduced significantly SVW severity in 2017 and 2020. Finally, sunflower yields after cover crops were higher than those after bare soils, only after purple vetch as a sole crop in 2020, with a mean increase of 0.77 t ha−1. Mixtures of Brassicaceae and Fabaceae sowed at these densities resulted in an intermediate SMN level between those in sole crops and the bare soil and they did not significantly decrease SVW or increase yields. Our results suggest that cover crops, especially fodder radish or purple vetch, and biofumigation can provide ecosystem services for sunflower, instead of leaving soils bare during the fallow period. However, the extent of ecosystem services is markedly affected by soil and climatic conditions as well as other management practices.
Flavonoids and Limonoids Profiles Variation in Leaves from Mandarin Cultivars and Its Relationship with Alternate Bearing
Authors: Rodríguez Ceraolo Cecilia , Vázquez Valeria , Migues Ignacio , Cesio María Verónica , Rivas Fernando , Heinzen Horacio
Published: January 2022

Alternate bearing in citrus trees has been extensively studied as a key feature for citrus growers. Although the genetic and the biochemical process occurring during alternate bearing has been studied extensively, there is a lack of information identifying the presence of metabolic indicators during “on” and “off” years. In citrus plants, leaves play a central role in the metabolic pathway triggering the flowering induction process. To investigate the changes during this transition, a liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of the leaf profiles of 20 compounds (17 polyphenols, two limonoids, and one furanocoumarin), in bearing and non-bearing branches arising from four different mandarin genotypes, was performed. The same metabolites were found in all the genotypes at both stages: both limonoids and 11 polyphenols. Using these compounds, the chemotaxonomic differentiation between cultivars was assessed. The levels of flavanones and limonoids showed differences in both bearing stages and the transition from vegetative to flowering could be shown by the activation of the polyphenol biosynthetic pathway, from precursors like naringenin to metabolic end-points such as narirutin and polymethoxyflavones. Narirutin levels showed significant differences between both stages, suggesting it as a possible marker of the physiological status of the branch.
Long-Term Monitoring of Different Field Traffic Management Practices in Cereals Production with Support of Satellite Images and Yield Data in Context of Climate Change
Authors: Rataj Vladimír , Kumhálová Jitka , Macák Miroslav , Barát Marek , Galambošová Jana , Chyba Jan , Kumhála František
Published: January 2022

Cereals in Europe are mainly grown with intensive management. This often leads to the deterioration of the physical properties of the soil, especially increasing bulk density due to heavy machinery traffic, which causes excessive soil compaction. Controlled traffic farming (CTF) technology has the potential to address these issues, as it should be advantageous technology for growing cereals during climate change. The aim of this study was to compare the yield potential of CTF and standardly used random traffic farming (RTF) technology using yield maps obtained from combine harvester and satellite imagery as a remote sensing method. The experiment was performed on a 16-hectare experimental field with a CTF system established in 2009 (with conversion from a conventional (ploughing) to conservation tillage system). Yield was compared in years when small cereals were grown, a total of 7 years within a 13-year period (2009–2021). The results show that CTF technology was advantageous in dry years. Cereals grown in the years 2016, 2017 and 2019 had significantly higher yields under CTF technology. On the contrary, in years with higher precipitation, RTF technology had slightly better results—up to 4%. This confirms higher productivity when using CTF technology in times of climate change.
Selenium Biofortification of Lettuce Plants (Lactuca sativa L.) as Affected by Se Species, Se Rate, and a Biochar Co-Application in a Calcareous Soil
Authors: Zafeiriou Ioannis , Gasparatos Dionisios , Ioannou Dafni , Kalderis Dimitrios , Massas Ioannis
Published: January 2022

Selenium biofortification of lettuce plants was studied for two rates (5 and 10 mg kg−1 soil) of either selenate or selenite and for the effect of 5% w/w biochar addition. Lettuce seedlings were grown in pots containing 1 kg of a calcareous soil. Twelve weeks later, the plants were harvested and selenium (Se), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) concentrations were determined in heads and roots. Plant growth characteristics were measured and plant biometrics were assessed by NDVI, NDRE, and SPAD measurements. The highest Se concentration of 315.19 mg kg−1 D.W. and the highest amount of Se taken up by plants (950.5 μg/pot) were observed for the low selenate rate with biochar. The corresponding values for selenite treatments were an order of magnitude lower. Although in general, minor to severe toxicity symptoms occurred with selenium application in no biochar treatments (except selenite low rate), the addition of biochar secured plant growth and increased S and P concentrations in plants, regulating Se uptake by plants at high selenite rate and allowing maximum plant uptake at the low selenate rate. To propose an appropriate Se fertilization rate, the fate of excess selenates in the soil environment should be examined and experimentation under soil conditions is necessary.
Physicochemical Characteristics of Yogurt from Sheep Fed with Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts
Authors: Mendoza-Taco Miriam M. , Cruz-Hernández Aldenamar , Ochoa-Flores Angélica A. , Hernández-Becerra Josafat A. , Gómez-Vázquez Armando , Moo-Huchin Victor M. , Piñeiro-Vázquez Ángel , Chay-Canul Alfonso J. , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar
Published: January 2022

This study determined the effect of feeding Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf extracts to lactating ewes on the physicochemical composition of their milk and yogurt during storage (4 °C for 14 days) and the sensory acceptance of the yogurt. Over 45 days, 24 multiparous lactating Pelibuey and Katahdin ewes (two days in lactation) were randomly assigned to four groups: MO-0, basal diet (BD) + 0 mL MO; MO-20, BD + 20 mL MO; MO-40, BD + 40 mL MO; and MO-60, BD + 60 mL MO. In the milk, an increase of 6% in protein, 26% in leucine, 14% in ash, and 1% in the pH (6.71) was observed with MO-60. The density values decreased by 0.3% at a higher dose of MO compared to MO-0, while the nonfat solids (NFS) in the milk were similar between the treatments. In the yogurt, an increase of 5% in protein, 113% in leucine (MO-20), 9% in NFS, and a reduction of 2% in moisture with MO-60 was observed. The acidity reflected an inverse relationship to the pH, as did the moisture and NFS with MO-60. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with MO in lactating ewes did not have negative effects on the chemical composition of their yogurt during storage (14 days). Overall, feeding sheep with 20 mL of MO positively influenced the physicochemical composition of their milk and yogurt during storage.
African Swine Fever Outbreaks in Lithuanian Domestic Pigs in 2019
Authors: Malakauskas Alvydas , Schulz Katja , Kukanauskaitė Indrė , Masiulis Marius , Conraths Franz , Sauter-Louis Carola
Published: January 2022

While numerous risk factors of African swine fever (ASF) transmission to domestic pigs have been described, ASF virus introduction has often not been traced back to one single defined cause. The large number of ASF outbreaks that occurred in domestic pigs in Lithuania from 2014 through to 2018 raised the question regarding whether outbreak-specific risk factors and transmission routes could be identified. Therefore, a prospective matched case-control study was designed. Data from 18 outbreaks that occurred in Lithuanian in 2019 and 36 control farms were analyzed. Conditional multivariable logistic regression showed that two or more visits by veterinary inspection of a farm had a significant preventive effect on the occurrence of ASF on a farm (Odds ratio (OR) 14.21, confidence interval (CI) 1.09–185.60 for farms not inspected vs. farms inspected twice or more a year), while certain practices (e.g., mushroom picking, sharing equipment, etc.), which might facilitate the indirect introduction of ASF from fields and forests into piggeries, significantly increased the odds of an outbreak (OR 5.18, CI 1.10–24.44). The results of the study highlight the importance of veterinary inspections for increasing the biosecurity level on pig farms and the awareness of ASF. The knowledge on potential protective and risk factors may help to improve the prevention and control of ASF outbreaks in domestic pig farms in Lithuania and other affected countries.
Hemorrhagic Meningoencephalomyelitis Due to Ectopic Localization of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in a Cat: First Case Report
Authors: Tinoco Fernanda Viola , Morelli Simone , de Farias Brito Marilene , Oliveira Pereira Gabriela , Correia Oliveira Mariana , Diakou Anastasia , Colombo Mariasole , Frangipane di Regalbono Antonio , Traversa Donato
Published: January 2022

The lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is one of the main causes of respiratory diseases in cats worldwide. This report describes the unusual case of a kitten infected with A. abstrusus and presented to a veterinary clinic in Brazil with lethargy, dysphagia, non-ambulatory tetraplegia, and pelvic limbs bilateral myoclonus. The clinical picture of the kitten worsened with generalized flaccid tetraplegia and death a few days after hospitalization. At necropsy, hemorrhagic necrosis and subarachnoid hemorrhages were detected in several areas of the central nervous system. Nematode stages were found at post-mortem histological examinations in lungs, cerebellum, subarachnoid space of the brain and spinal cord. Microscopic and molecular (PCRs-coupled-sequencing protocols) examination showed the presence of A. abstrusus in histological samples. This study describes the first neurological aelurostrongylosis due to ectopic localization of adult worms in the central nervous system of a cat, causing acute hemorrhagic multifocal meningoencephalomyelitis. Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether unusual localizations and the migration of A. abstrusus are more frequent than expected.
Phytocompound Mediated Blockage of Quorum Sensing Cascade in ESKAPE Pathogens
Authors: Ghosh Sreejita , Lahiri Dibyajit , Nag Moupriya , Dey Ankita , Pandit Soumya , Sarkar Tanmay , Pati Siddhartha , Abdul Kari Zulhisyam , Ishak Ahmad Razali , Edinur Hisham Atan , Ray Rina Rani
Published: January 2022

Increased resistance of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter sp. (ESKAPE) pathogens against various drugs has enhanced the urge for the development of alternate therapeutics. Quorum sensing (QS) is a density dependent cell-to-cell communication mechanism responsible for controlling pathogenicity with the regulation of gene expression. Thus, QS is considered a potential target for the development of newer anti-biofilm agents that do not depend on the utilization of antibiotics. Compounds with anti-QS effects are known as QS inhibitors (QSIs), and they can inhibit the QS mechanism that forms the major form in the development of bacterial pathogenesis. A diverse array of natural compounds provides a plethora of anti-QS effects. Over recent years, these natural compounds have gained importance as new strategies for combating the ESKAPE pathogens and inhibiting the genes involved in QS. Different pharmacognostical and pharmacological studies have been carried out so far for identification of novel drugs or for the discovery of their unique structures that may help in developing more effective anti-biofilm therapies. The main objective of this review is to discuss the various natural compounds, so far identified and their employed mechanisms in hindering the genes responsible for QS leading to bacterial pathogenesis.
Enantioselective Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Aza-CGP37157–Lipoic Acid Hybrids for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cores Ángel , Michalska Patrycja , Pérez José Miguel , Crisman Enrique , Gómez Clara , Villacampa Mercedes , Menéndez José Carlos , León Rafael
Published: January 2022

Hybrids based on an aza-analogue of CGP37157, a mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger antagonist, and lipoic acid were obtained in order to combine in a single molecule the antioxidant and NRF2 induction properties of lipoic acid and the neuroprotective activity of CGP37157. The four possible enantiomers of the hybrid structure were synthesized by using as the key step a fully diastereoselective reduction induced by Ellman’s chiral auxiliary. After computational druggability studies that predicted good ADME profiles and blood–brain permeation for all compounds, the DPPH assay showed moderate oxidant scavenger capacity. Following a cytotoxicity evaluation that proved the compounds to be non-neurotoxic at the concentrations tested, they were assayed for NRF2 induction capacity and for anti-inflammatory properties and measured by their ability to inhibit nitrite production in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglial cell model. Moreover, the compounds were studied for their neuroprotective effect in a model of oxidative stress achieved by treatment of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with the rotenone–oligomycin combination and also in a model of hyperphosphorylation induced by treatment with okadaic acid. The stereocenter configuration showed a critical influence in NRF2 induction properties, and also in the neuroprotection against oxidative stress experiment, leading to the identification of the compound with S and R configuration as an interesting hit with a good neuroprotective profile against oxidative stress and hyperphosphorylation, together with a relevant anti-neuroinflammatory activity. This interesting multitarget profile will be further characterized in future work.
BAP1 Downregulates NRF2 Target Genes and Exerts Anti-Tumorigenic Effects by Deubiquitinating KEAP1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kang Jong-Su , Nam Le Ba , Yoo Ok-Kyung , Lee Kyeong , Suh Young-Ah , Kim Dalyong , Kim Woo Kyung , Lim Chi-Yeon , Lee Haeseung , Keum Young-Sam
Published: January 2022

KELCH-ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) is an adaptor protein of Cullin 3 (CUL3) E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets a redox sensitive transcription factor, NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2). BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is a tumor suppressor and deubiquitinase whose mutations increase the risk of several types of familial cancers. In the present study, we have identified that BAP1 deubiquitinates KEAP1 by binding to the BTB domain. Lentiviral transduction of BAP1 decreased the expression of NRF2 target genes, suppressed the migration and invasion, and sensitized cisplatin-induced apoptosis in human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) A549 cells. Examination of the lung tissues in KrasG12D/+ mice demonstrated that the level of Bap1 and Keap1 mRNAs progressively decreases during lung tumor progression, and it is correlated with NRF2 activation and the inhibition of oxidative stress. Supporting this observation, lentiviral transduction of BAP1 decreased the growth of A549 xenografts in athymic nude mice. Transcriptome analysis of human lung tissues showed that the levels of Bap1 mRNA are significantly higher in normal samples than LUAD samples. Moreover, the expression of Bap1 mRNA is associated with a better survival of LUAD patients. Together, our study demonstrates that KEAP1 deubiquitination by BAP1 is novel tumor suppressive mechanism of LUAD.
A Mixture of Pure, Isolated Polyphenols Worsens the Insulin Resistance and Induces Kidney and Liver Fibrosis Markers in Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Sanz-Lamora Hèctor , Marrero Pedro F. , Haro Diego , Relat Joana
Published: January 2022

Obesity is a worldwide epidemic with severe metabolic consequences. Polyphenols are secondary metabolites in plants and the most abundant dietary antioxidants, which possess a wide range of health effects. The most relevant food sources are fruit and vegetables, red wine, black and green tea, coffee, virgin olive oil, and chocolate, as well as nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of a pure, isolated polyphenol supplementation to counteract the pernicious metabolic effects of a high-fat diet (HFD). Our results indicated that the administration of pure, isolated polyphenols under HFD conditions for 26 weeks worsened the glucose metabolism in diet-induced obese mice. The data showed that the main target organ for these undesirable effects were the kidneys, where we observed fibrotic, oxidative, and kidney-disease markers. This work led us to conclude that the administration of pure polyphenols as a food supplement would not be advisable. Instead, the ingestion of complete “whole” foods would be the best way to get the health effects of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols.
Numerical Analysis of Pressure Profiles and Energy Dissipation across Stepped Spillways Having Curved Risers
Authors: Saqib Najam us , Akbar Muhammad , Pan Huali , Ou Guoqiang , Mohsin Muhammad , Ali Assad , Amin Azka
Published: January 2022

In this study, curved risers stepped spillways models based on the increasing angle of suspension were tested to check for improvement in energy dissipation and pressure distributions. Four fourteen-steps stepped spillway models with a slope 1:0.84 were selected, using Froude’s number non-dimensional similarity. The risers of steps were made curved, based on three angles of suspensions, i.e., 30°, 60°, and 90°. The simulations were performed by FLOW 3D software and by the turbulence model Renormalization Group (RNG) for discharges between 0.020 and 0.068 m3/s followed by the model calibration. The 3D Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations were solved, which included sub-grid models for air entrainment, density evaluation, and drift–flux, to capture free-surface flow over the stepped spillway. It was estimated that curving the risers increases the energy dissipation up to three percent for lower flow rates, whereas it has no significant impact on energy dissipation for higher flow rates. It was found that in simply stepped spillway lower steps dissipate more energy as compared to curved risers stepped where energy dissipation is shifted to higher steps. On the other hand, curved risers stepped spillways showed lower values of negative pressures as compared to the simply stepped spillway. It was seen that a higher energy dissipating step as experienced more negative pressures as compared to the lower energy dissipating step.
A New Method to Determine the Steel Fibre Content of Existing Structures—Evaluation and Validation
Authors: Cleven Simon , Raupach Michael , Matschei Thomas
Published: January 2022

The in-situ measurement of the content and orientation of steel fibres in concrete structures is of great importance for the assessment of their specific mechanical properties, especially in the case of repair. For existing structures, the actual fibre content as well as the orientation of the fibres, which is based on many factors such as casting or compacting direction, is typically unknown. For structural maintenance or rehabilitation, those factors have to be determined in order to apply meaningful structural design calculations and plan necessary strengthening methods. For this reason, a new method based on the analysis of drilling cores of concrete structures has been established. The newly developed non-destructive test setup used in this research consists of a framework for cylindrical specimens in combination with an LCR meter to determine the electrical resistance of the fibre reinforced concrete. In combination with a suitable FEM model, concretes with fibre contents up 80 kg/m3 were analysed to derive a first model to assess the actual fibre content of steel fibre reinforced concretes. After a calibration of the literature’s equation by use of an adjusted aspect ratio for the analysis of drilling cores, the estimation of the fibre content is possible with high accuracy for the tested material combination. The results show that the newly developed test method is suitable for the rapid and non-destructive structural diagnosis of the fibre content of steel fibre reinforced concrete based on drilling cores using electrical resistivity measurements.
Process Corresponding Implications Associated with a Conclusive Model-Fit Current-Voltage Characteristic Curves
Authors: Yang Hsin-Chia , Chi Sung-Ching
Published: January 2022

NFinFET transistors with various fin widths (110 nm, 115 nm, and 120 nm) are put into measurements, and the data are collected. By using the modified model, the measure data is fitted. Several parameters in the formula of modified model are determined to make both the measured data and the fitting data almost as close as possible. Those parameters are listed and analyzed, including kN (proportional to channel width and gate oxide capacitor, and inversely proportional to the channel length) λ (the inverse of Early Voltage), and sometimes Vth (Threshold Voltage). By kN, the appropriate process control can be high lighted, the corresponding channel concentration can be calculated and thus many implicit physical quantities may be exploited.
Multiple Error Correction in Redundant Residue Number Systems: A Modified Modular Projection Method with Maximum Likelihood Decoding
Authors: Babenko Mikhail , Nazarov Anton , Deryabin Maxim , Kucherov Nikolay , Tchernykh Andrei , Hung Nguyen Viet , Avetisyan Arutyun , Toporkov Victor
Published: January 2022

Error detection and correction codes based on redundant residue number systems are powerful tools to control and correct arithmetic processing and data transmission errors. Decoding the magnitude and location of a multiple error is a complex computational problem: it requires verifying a huge number of different possible combinations of erroneous residual digit positions in the error localization stage. This paper proposes a modified correcting method based on calculating the approximate weighted characteristics of modular projections. The new procedure for correcting errors and restoring numbers in a weighted number system involves the Chinese Remainder Theorem with fractions. This approach calculates the rank of each modular projection efficiently. The ranks are used to calculate the Hamming distances. The new method speeds up the procedure for correcting multiple errors and restoring numbers in weighted form by an average of 18% compared to state-of-the-art analogs.
Partial Least Squares Regression Approach in the Analysis of Damage Intensity Changes to Prefabricated RC Buildings during the Long Term of Mining Activity
Authors: Jędrzejczyk Adrian , Byrdy Aleksander , Firek Karol , Rusek Janusz
Published: January 2022

This article presents the results of the analysis of the extent of damage to 138 multi-storey buildings with reinforced concrete prefabricated structure, which are located in the mining terrain of the Legnica-Głogów Copper District. These objects are residential and public utility buildings of up to 43 years old, erected in industrialized prefabricated technologies: large-block and large-panel systems. The research was based on the results of technical condition inventory carried out in 2002, 2007 and 2012. As part of the analysis, the damage intensity index wu was established for individual structural and finishing elements of the studied buildings. This index is defined on a six-point scale, which includes a detailed description of the extent of damage that corresponds to the successive degrees of intensity. As part of the research, the databases were significantly expanded and the generalized formulas of the damage intensity index wu for individual groups of buildings were verified. For this purpose, the partial least squares regression (PLSR) method was applied. Thereafter, the analysis of changes of this intensity in time was carried out and the relations between the extent of damage and the impacts of mining exploitation were examined. The approach presented in this paper and obtained research results are characterized by a high degree of utilitarianism and can be applied to increase the efficiency in the optimal maintenance management of buildings, including planning of repairs and retrofits throughout the technical life cycle of the buildings.
STHarDNet: Swin Transformer with HarDNet for MRI Segmentation
Authors: Gu Yeonghyeon , Piao Zhegao , Yoo Seong Joon
Published: January 2022

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentation, conventional approaches utilize U-Net models with encoder–decoder structures, segmentation models using vision transformers, or models that combine a vision transformer with an encoder–decoder model structure. However, conventional models have large sizes and slow computation speed and, in vision transformer models, the computation amount sharply increases with the image size. To overcome these problems, this paper proposes a model that combines Swin transformer blocks and a lightweight U-Net type model that has an HarDNet blocks-based encoder–decoder structure. To maintain the features of the hierarchical transformer and shifted-windows approach of the Swin transformer model, the Swin transformer is used in the first skip connection layer of the encoder instead of in the encoder–decoder bottleneck. The proposed model, called STHarDNet, was evaluated by separating the anatomical tracings of lesions after stroke (ATLAS) dataset, which comprises 229 T1-weighted MRI images, into training and validation datasets. It achieved Dice, IoU, precision, and recall values of 0.5547, 0.4185, 0.6764, and 0.5286, respectively, which are better than those of the state-of-the-art models U-Net, SegNet, PSPNet, FCHarDNet, TransHarDNet, Swin Transformer, Swin UNet, X-Net, and D-UNet. Thus, STHarDNet improves the accuracy and speed of MRI image-based stroke diagnosis.
A Novel, Automated, and Real-Time Method for the Analysis of Non-Human Primate Behavioral Patterns Using a Depth Image Sensor
Authors: Han Sang Kuy , Kim Keonwoo , Rim Yejoon , Han Manhyung , Lee Youngjeon , Park Sung-Hyun , Choi Won Seok , Chun Keyoung Jin , Lee Dong-Seok
Published: January 2022

By virtue of their upright locomotion, similar to that of humans, motion analysis of non-human primates has been widely used in order to better understand musculoskeletal biomechanics and neuroscience problems. Given the difficulty of conducting a marker-based infrared optical tracking system for the behavior analysis of primates, a 2-dimensional (D) video analysis has been applied. Distinct from a conventional marker-based optical tracking system, a depth image sensor system provides 3-D information on movement without any skin markers. The specific aim of this study was to develop a novel algorithm to analyze the behavioral patterns of non-human primates in a home cage using a depth image sensor. The behavioral patterns of nine monkeys in their home cage, including sitting, standing, and pacing, were captured using a depth image sensor. Thereafter, these were analyzed by observers’ manual assessment and the newly written automated program. We confirmed that the measurement results from the observers’ manual assessments and the automated program with depth image analysis were statistically identical.
Clinical versus Dental Laboratory Survey Regarding Modern Fixed Implant Supported Prosthetic in Romania
Authors: Oancea Luminita , Panaitescu Eugenia , Burlibasa Mihai , Gagiu Catalin
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: The success of prosthetic treatment with implant support depends on the combined effort of the team doctor-technician, each of them being responsible for the validation of execution stages. (2) Methods: we composed an online questionnaire with 18 multiple choice questions, using the Google Forms application. It was filled out by an equal number of prosthodontic specialists and dental technicians. Differences and associations were evaluated by Likelihood Ratio test, Linear by Linear association test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Pearson Chi-Square test and the Fisher’s Exact test. (3) Results: Differences and similarities were found between the statements of prosthodontic specialists and dental technicians. Years of experience are correlated with the number of restorations, impression techniques and types of restoration (p ≤ 0.05). Similar answers for both groups were registered for preferred screw retained type of prosthetic abutment and most frequently reported complications. (4) Conclusions: The different perspectives of the two members of the prosthodontic team regarding the leading role in the treatment plan, type of abutment, impression technique and prosthetic design of implant fixed restorations has been revealed in our study. Similar education curricula and standards for continuing training courses after graduation are necessary for prosthodontic specialists and technicians in Romania.
Chrysin-Loaded Microemulsion: Formulation Design, Evaluation and Antihyperalgesic Activity in Mice
Authors: Ramalho Ízola Morais de Medeiros , Bezerra Gabriela Suassuna , Ostrosky Elissa Arantes , Ferrari Márcio , Oliveira Verônica da Silva , Wanderley Neto Alcides de Oliveira , Quintans Jullyana de Souza Siqueira , Passos Fabiolla Rocha Santos , Heimfarth Luana , Quintans-Júnior Lucindo José , Damasceno Bolívar Ponciano Goulart de Lima , Converti Attilio , de Lima Ádley Antonini Neves
Published: January 2022

Chrysin is a bioactive flavonoid found in pollens, passion flowers, honey, royal jelly, and propolis, which is commonly used as an ingredient in natural food supplements and is primarily responsible for their pharmacological properties. A transparent chrysin-loaded microemulsion (CS-ME) prepared through a ternary phase diagram was evaluated for use as an antihyperalgesic formulation. It was formulated with 40% Labrasol® (surfactant), 5% isopropyl myristate (oil phase) and 55% water (aqueous phase) and classified as an oil-in-water (O/W) microsized system (74.4 ± 15.8 nm). Its negative Zeta potential (−16.1 ± 1.9 mV) was confirmed by polarized light microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis. In vitro studies in Franz-type static diffusion cells showed that chrysin release from CS-ME followed zero-order kinetics. Oral administration of CS-ME in mice resulted in a statistically significantly reduction (p < 0.05) in carrageenan-induced mechanical hyperalgesia compared to the control group. Treatment with CS-ME also showed anti-inflammatory activity by significantly decreasing the TNF-α level (p < 0.01) and increasing that of IL-10 (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. These results suggest that the proposed microsystem is a promising vector for the release of chrysin, being able to improve its capacity to modulate inflammatory and nociceptive responses.
Axial Compression Performance and Residual Strength Calculation of Concrete-Encased CFST Composite Columns Exposure to High Temperature
Authors: Ke Xiaojun , Xiang Wannian , Peng Xiuning , Dan Yu
Published: January 2022

Concrete-encased concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) composite columns provide high bearing capacity, good seismic performance and an easier connection with arbitrary angle beams, which are widely used in high-rise buildings. Considering the high frequency of building fires, experimental research investigated the axial compressive behavior of the composite columns’ exposure to high temperature in this paper. Fourteen specimens after exposure to high temperatures with different parameters, including the heating temperature, steel tube diameter and concrete cover thickness, were fabricated to test under axial compressive loading. The failure pattern, load-displacement curve, bearing capacity, initial stiffness, deformation performance and damage rule of the specimens were discussed. The test results showed obvious differences in damage of specimens subjected to various high temperatures. The failure of the specimens began with the spalling and crushing of the concrete at the edge and ends in a lantern shape. The load-displacement curves of the specimens were significantly affected by high temperature, while the influence the of steel tube diameter and concrete cover thickness was relatively weak. A method of calculating axially loaded capacity for the composite column exposure to high temperature is proposed considering the effects of the main parameters of heating temperature and steel tube position, and the calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results.
The Source Characteristics of the Mw6.4, 2016 Meinong Taiwan Earthquake from Teleseismic Data Using the Hybrid Homomorphic Deconvolution Method
Authors: Liao Boi-Yee , Huang Huey-Chu , Xie Sen
Published: January 2022

The kinematic source rupture process of the 2016 Meinong earthquake (Mw = 6.4) in Taiwan was derived from apparent source time functions retrieved from teleseismic S-waves by using a refined homomorphic deconvolution method. The total duration of the rupture process was approximately 15 s, and one slip-concentrated area can be represented as the source model based on images representing static slip distribution. The rupture process began in a down-dip direction from the fault toward Tainan City, strongly suggesting that the rupture had a unilateral northwestern direction. The asperity with an area of approximately 15 × 15 km2 and the maximum slip of approximately 2 m were centered 12.8 km northwest of the hypocenter. Coseismic vertical deformation was calculated based on the source model. Compared with the results derived from InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) data, our results demonstrated that the location with maximum uplift was accurately well detected, but our maximum value was just approximately 0.4 times of the InSAR-derived value. It reveals that there are the other mechanisms to affect the vertical deformation, rather than only depending on the source model. At different depths, areas west, east, and north of the hypocenter maintained high values of Coulomb stress changes. This explains the mechanism behind aftershocks being triggered and provides a reference for predicting aftershock locations after a large earthquake. The estimated seismic spectral intensities, including spectral acceleration and velocity intensity (SIa and SIv), were derived. Source directivity effects caused damage to buildings, and we concluded that all damaged buildings were located within a SIa value of 400 gal. Destroyed buildings taller than seven floors were located in an area with a SIv value of 30 cm/s. These observations agree with those on damages caused by the 2010 Jiasian earthquake (ML 6.4) in Tainan, Taiwan.