bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Issues on Applying One- and Multi-Step Numerical Methods to Chaotic Oscillators for FPGA Implementation
Authors: Guillén-Fernández Omar , Moreno-López María Fernanda , Tlelo-Cuautle Esteban
Published: January 2021

Chaotic oscillators have been designed with embedded systems like field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and applied in different engineering areas. However, the majority of works do not detail the issues when choosing a numerical method and the associated electronic implementation. In this manner, we show the FPGA implementation of chaotic and hyper-chaotic oscillators from the selection of a one-step or multi-step numerical method. We highlight that one challenge is the selection of the time-step h to increase the frequency of operation. The case studies include the application of three one-step and three multi-step numerical methods to simulate three chaotic and two hyper-chaotic oscillators. The numerical methods provide similar chaotic time-series, which are used within a time-series analyzer (TISEAN) to evaluate the Lyapunov exponents and Kaplan–Yorke dimension (DKY) of the (hyper-)chaotic oscillators. The oscillators providing higher exponents and DKY are chosen because higher values mean that the chaotic time series may be more random to find applications in chaotic secure communications. In addition, we choose representative numerical methods to perform their FPGA implementation, which hardware resources are described and counted. It is highlighted that the Forward Euler method requires the lowest hardware resources, but it has lower stability and exactness compared to other one-step and multi-step methods.
Weighted Wiener Indices of Molecular Graphs with Application to Alkenes and Alkadienes
Authors: Brezovnik Simon , Tratnik Niko , Žigert Pleteršek Petra
Published: January 2021

There exist many topological indices that are calculated on saturated hydrocarbons since they can be easily modelled by simple graphs. On the other hand, it is more challenging to investigate topological indices for hydrocarbons with multiple bonds. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a simple model that gives good results for predicting physico-chemical properties of alkenes and alkadienes. In particular, we are interested in predicting boiling points of these molecules by using the well known Wiener index and its weighted versions. By performing the non-linear regression analysis we predict boiling points of alkenes and alkadienes.
Sudden Cardiac Death in Athletes in Italy during 2019: Internet-Based Epidemiological Research
Authors: Sollazzo Fabrizio , Palmieri Vincenzo , Gervasi Salvatore Francesco , Cuccaro Francesco , Modica Gloria , Narducci Maria Lucia , Pelargonio Gemma , Zeppilli Paolo , Bianco Massimiliano
Published: January 2021

Background and objectives: An Italian nationwide pre-participation screening approach for prevention of sudden cardiac death in athletes (SCD-A) in competitive sportspeople showed promising results but did not achieve international consensus, due to cost-effectiveness and the shortfall of a monitoring plan. From this perspective, we tried to provide an epidemiological update of SCD-A in Italy through a year-long internet-based search. Materials and Methods: One year-long Google search was performed using mandatory and non-mandatory keywords. Data were collected according to prevalent SCD-A definition and matched with sport-related figures from Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT) and Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). Results: Ninety-eight cases of SCD-A in 2019 were identified (48.0% competitive, 52.0% non-competitive athletes). Male/female ratio was 13:1. The most common sports were soccer (33.7%), athletics (15.3%) and fitness (13.3%). A conclusive diagnosis was achieved only in 37 cases (33 of cardiac origin), with the leading diagnosis being coronary artery disease in 27 and a notably higher occurrence among master athletes. Combining these findings with ISTAT and CONI data, the SCD-A incidence rate in the whole Italian sport population was found to be 0.47/100,000 persons per year (1.00/100,000 in the competitive and 0.32/100,000 in the non-competitive population). The relative risk of SCD-A is 3.1 (CI 2.1–4.7; p < 0.0001) for competitive compared to non-competitive athletes; 9.9 for male (CI 4.6–21.4; p < 0.0001) with respect to female. Conclusions: We provided an updated incidence rate of SCD-A in both competitive and non-competitive sport in Italy. A higher risk of SCD-A among competitive and male athletes was confirmed, thus corroborating the value of Italian pre-participation screening in this population.
Magnetic/Polyetherimide-Acrylonitrile Composite Nanofibers for Nickel Ion Removal from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Aijaz Muhammad Omer , Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Alharbi Hamad F. , Alharthi Nabeel H. , Al-Mubaddel Fahad S. , Abdo Hany S.
Published: January 2021

In this study, a magnetic/polyetherimide-acrylonitrile composite nanofiber membrane with effective adsorption of nickel ions in an aqueous solution was created using a simple electrospinning method. Iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were stirred and ultrasonically dispersed into a polyetherimide-acrylonitrile solution to create a homogenous NPs suspension, which was placed in an electrospinning machine to produce a uniform and smooth nanofiber composite membrane. Nanoparticle incorporation into this membrane was confirmed using scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and NPs aqueous stability from a leaching test. The high adsorption capability of the membrane on nickel ions was attributed to the combination of magnetic NPs, polyetherimide-acrylonitrile matrix, and the nanostructure of the membrane. A membrane containing magnetic NPs demonstrated the maximum adsorption capabilities (102 mg/g) of nickel ions in an aqueous solution. Various kinetic and isotherm models were applied to understand the adsorption behavior, such as pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. A polyetherimide-acrylonitrile composite nanofiber membrane containing magnetic NPs could be used as an environmentally friendly and nontoxic adsorbent for the removal of nickel ions in an aqueous medium due to its ease of preparation and use and stability in aqueous mediums.
Selected Properties of Hardfacing Layers Created by PTA Technology
Authors: Brezinová Janette , Viňáš Ján , Guzanová Anna , Živčák Jozef , Brezina Jakub , Sailer Henrich , Vojtko Marek , Džupon Miroslav , Volkov Andreas , Kolařík Ladislav , Rohan Pavel , Puchý Viktor
Published: January 2021

The paper presents research results on the quality of hardfacing layers made during the renovation of unheated mold surfaces designed for injection of aluminum alloys using the plasma transferred arc (PTA) technology. As mold material, the medium alloy steel X38CrMoV5-1 (H11) was used. For the formation of functional layers, three types of additives in the form of powder were applied: two types on an iron basis with the designation HSS 23 and HSS 30 and one type on a nickel basis with the designation DEW Nibasit 625-P. The hardfacing layers were made on a 120 × 350 × 50 mm plate in two layers on the plasma hardfacing machine PPC 250 R6. The quality of the layers was evaluated by means of nondestructive and destructive tests. The surface integrity of the layers was assessed using visual and capillary tests. The samples passed these tests. The impact of the parameters used and the mixing of the hardfacing metal with base material, as well as the structure analysis, were assessed by means of light and electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical composition of the elements was determined by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis using a SEM microscope. The hardness of the individual layers was evaluated. Since, during operation, molds are subjected to significant wear due to friction, the friction coefficients for selected temperatures were determined by the equipment for the evaluation of tribology properties. Based on the experiments conducted, all three types of additives can be used for renovation. However, from a tribology perspective, the additive DEW Nibasit 625-P on a nickel alloy basis is recommended for renovation.
Fabrication of Two-Layered Aluminum Foam with Closed-Cell and Open-Cell Structures and Shaping of Closed-Cell Layer by Press Forming Immediately after Foaming
Authors: Hangai Yoshihiko , Ando Mizuki , Ohashi Masataka , Amagai Kenji
Published: January 2021

Two-layered aluminum foam consisting of both closed and open cells is expected to improve the functionality of aluminum foam, because the cells have different morphologies and characteristics. In this study, press forming of the closed-cell layer of the two-layered aluminum foam immediately after foaming was performed to shape the closed-cell layer. By measuring the temperatures of the two layers during foaming, we found that it is necessary to use aluminum alloy with a higher melting point for the open-cell layer than that for the closed-cell layer to foam the closed-cell layer. In the press forming experiments, the closed-cell layer could be shaped by press forming while the shape of the open-cell layer was maintained.
Comparison of Conventional and Flash Spark Plasma Sintering of Cu–Cr Pseudo-Alloys: Kinetics, Structure, Properties
Authors: Kuskov Kirill V. , Abedi Mohammad , Moskovskikh Dmitry O. , Serhiienko Illia , Mukasyan Alexander S.
Published: January 2021

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) is widely used for the consolidation of different materials. Copper-based pseudo alloys have found a variety of applications including as electrodes in vacuum interrupters of high-voltage electric circuits. How does the kinetics of SPS consolidation for such alloys depend on the heating rate? Do SPS kinetics depend on the microstructure of the media to be sintered? These questions were addressed by the investigation of SPS kinetics in the heating rate range of 0.1 to 50 K/s. The latter conditions were achieved through flash spark plasma sintering (FSPS). We also compared the sintering kinetics for the conventional copper–chromium mixture and for the mechanically induced copper/chromium nanostructured particles. It was shown that, under FSPS conditions, the observed maximum consolidation rates were 20–30 times higher than that for conventional SPS with a heating rate of 100 K/min. Under the investigated conditions, the sintering rate for mechanically induced composite Cu/Cr particles was 2–4 times higher compared to the conventional Cu + Cr mixtures. The apparent sintering activation energy for the Cu/Cr powder was twice less than that for Cu–Cr mixture. It was concluded that the FSPS of nanostructured powders is an efficient approach for the fabrication of pseudo-alloys.
Optimization of the Post-Process Heat Treatment of Inconel 718 Superalloy Fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process
Authors: Fayed Eslam M. , Saadati Mohammad , Shahriari Davood , Brailovski Vladimir , Jahazi Mohammad , Medraj Mamoun
Published: January 2021

In the present study, multi-objective optimization is employed to develop the optimum heat treatments that can achieve both high-mechanical performance and non-distinctive crystallographic texture of 3D printed Inconel 718 (IN718) fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Heat treatments including homogenization at different soaking times (2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4 h) at 1080 °C, followed by a 1 h solution treatment at 980 °C and the standard aging have been employed. 2.5 h is found to be the homogenization treatment threshold after which there is a depletion of hardening precipitate constituents (Nb and Ti) from the γ-matrix. However, a significant number of columnar grains with a high fraction (37.8%) of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) have still been retained after the 2.5 h homogenization treatment. After a 4 h homogenization treatment, a fully recrystallized IN718 with a high fraction of annealing twins (87.1%) is obtained. 2.5 and 4 h homogenization treatments result in tensile properties exceeding those of the wrought IN718 at both RT and 650 °C. However, considering the texture requirements, it is found that the 4 h homogenization treatment offers the optimum treatment, which can be used to produce IN718 components offering a balanced combination of high mechanical properties and adequate microstructural isotropy.
Trimethylornithine Membrane Lipids: Discovered in Planctomycetes and Identified in Diverse Environments
Authors: Moore Eli K.
Published: January 2021

Intact polar membrane lipids (IPLs) are the building blocks of all cell membranes. There is a wide range of phosphorus-free IPL structures, including amino acid containing IPLs, that can be taxonomically specific. Trimethylornithine membrane lipids (TMOs) were discovered in northern wetland Planctomycete species that were isolated and described in the last decade. The trimethylated terminal nitrogen moiety of the ornithine amino acid in the TMO structure gives the lipid a charged polar head group, similar to certain phospholipids. Since their discovery, TMOs have been identified in various other recently described northern latitude Planctomycete species, and in diverse environments including tundra soil, a boreal eutrophic lake, meso-oligotrophic lakes, and hot springs. The majority of environments or enrichment cultures in which TMOs have been observed include predominately heterotrophic microbial communities involved in the degradation of recalcitrant material and/or low oxygen methanogenic conditions at primarily northern latitudes. Other ecosystems occupied with microbial communities that possess similar metabolic pathways, such as tropical peatlands or coastal salt marshes, may include TMO producing Planctomycetes as well, further allowing these lipids to potentially be used to understand microbial community responses to environmental change in a wide range of systems. The occurrence of TMOs in hot springs indicates that these unique lipids could have broad environmental distribution with different specialized functions. Opportunities also exist to investigate the application of TMOs in microbiome studies, including forensic necrobiomes. Further environmental and microbiome lipidomics research involving TMOs will help reveal the evolution, functions, and applications of these unique membrane lipids.
In Vivo Metabolism of [1,6-13C2]Glucose Reveals Distinct Neuroenergetic Functionality between Mouse Hippocampus and Hypothalamus
Authors: Cherix Antoine , Sonti Rajesh , Lanz Bernard , Lei Hongxia
Published: January 2021

Glucose is a major energy fuel for the brain, however, less is known about specificities of its metabolism in distinct cerebral areas. Here we examined the regional differences in glucose utilization between the hypothalamus and hippocampus using in vivo indirect 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-[13C]-MRS) upon infusion of [1,6-13C2]glucose. Using a metabolic flux analysis with a 1-compartment mathematical model of brain metabolism, we report that compared to hippocampus, hypothalamus shows higher levels of aerobic glycolysis associated with a marked gamma-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) and astrocytic metabolic dependence. In addition, our analysis suggests a higher rate of ATP production in hypothalamus that is accompanied by an excess of cytosolic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) production that does not fuel mitochondria via the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS). In conclusion, our results reveal significant metabolic differences, which might be attributable to respective cell populations or functional features of both structures.
Image Pre-Processing Method of Machine Learning for Edge Detection with Image Signal Processor Enhancement
Authors: Park Keumsun , Chae Minah , Cho Jae Hyuk
Published: January 2021

Even though computer vision has been developing, edge detection is still one of the challenges in that field. It comes from the limitations of the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) Image sensor used to collect the image data, and then image signal processor (ISP) is additionally required to understand the information received from each pixel and performs certain processing operations for edge detection. Even with/without ISP, as an output of hardware (camera, ISP), the original image is too raw to proceed edge detection image, because it can include extreme brightness and contrast, which is the key factor of image for edge detection. To reduce the onerousness, we propose a pre-processing method to obtain optimized brightness and contrast for improved edge detection. In the pre-processing, we extract meaningful features from image information and perform machine learning such as k-nearest neighbor (KNN), multilayer perceptron (MLP) and support vector machine (SVM) to obtain enhanced model by adjusting brightness and contrast. The comparison results of F1 score on edgy detection image of non-treated, pre-processed and pre-processed with machine learned are shown. The pre-processed with machine learned F1 result shows an average of 0.822, which is 2.7 times better results than the non-treated one. Eventually, the proposed pre-processing and machine learning method is proved as the essential method of pre-processing image from ISP in order to gain better edge detection image. In addition, if we go through the pre-processing method that we proposed, it is possible to more clearly and easily determine the object required when performing auto white balance (AWB) or auto exposure (AE) in the ISP. It helps to perform faster and more efficiently through the proactive ISP.
Double-Deck Metal Solenoids 3D Integrated in Silicon Wafer for Kinetic Energy Harvester
Authors: Wang Nianying , Han Ruofeng , Chen Changnan , Gu Jiebin , Li Xinxin
Published: January 2021

A silicon-chip based double-deck three-dimensional (3D) solenoidal electromagnetic (EM) kinetic energy harvester is developed to convert low-frequency (<100 Hz) vibrational energy into electricity with high efficiency. With wafer-level micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication to form a metal casting mold and the following casting technique to rapidly (within minutes) fill molten ZnAl alloy into the pre-micromachined silicon mold, the 300-turn solenoid coils (150 turns for either inner solenoid or outer solenoid) are fabricated in silicon wafers for saw dicing into chips. A cylindrical permanent magnet is inserted into a pre-etched channel for sliding upon external vibration, which is surrounded by the solenoids. The size of the harvester chip is as small as 10.58 mm × 2.06 mm × 2.55 mm. The internal resistance of the solenoids is about 17.9 Ω. The maximum peak-to-peak voltage and average power output are measured as 120.4 mV and 43.7 μW. The EM energy harvester shows great improvement in power density, which is 786 μW/cm3 and the normalized power density is 98.3 μW/cm3/g. The EM energy harvester is verified by experiment to be able to generate electricity through various human body movements of walking, running and jumping. The wafer-level fabricated chip-style solenoidal EM harvesters are advantageous in uniform performance, small size and volume applications.
Design of a Kirigami Structure with a Large Uniform Deformation Region
Authors: Taniyama Hiroki , Iwase Eiji
Published: January 2021

We designed a kirigami structure with a particular shape at both ends to provide a large uniform deformation region when stretched. When a kirigami structure is stretched, non-deformation regions, where the regions’ cuts do not open, and non-uniform deformation regions, where the regions’ cuts are not uniformly deformed, are produced. The extent of the non-deformation and non-uniform deformation regions increases in proportion to the number of cut cycles in the width direction nw this reduces the percentage of the uniform deformation region. We propose a method that increases the uniform deformation region in a kirigami structure by deforming the shape of the ends from a rectangle to a trapezoid when stretched. The proposed kirigami structure has separation lines at both ends that separate cuts in the width direction, and the position of contacts at both ends are moved to the center. The proposed kirigami structure has a large uniform deformation region, even when nw is large, as evidenced by calculating the area of open cuts under stretching. The product of our study realizes a stretchable electro device with a large area, which maintains the position of evenly mounted functional elements when stretched.
Antimicrobial Photoinactivation of In Situ Oral Biofilms by Visible Light Plus Water-Filtered Infrared A and Tetrahydroporphyrin-tetratosylate (THPTS)
Authors: Karygianni Lamprini , Ruf Sandra , Hellwig Elmar , Follo Marie , Vach Kirstin , Al-Ahmad Ali
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of aPDT with visual light (VIS) + water-filtered infrared A (wIRA) as a light source, and tetrahydroporphyrin-tetratosylate (THPTS) as a photosensitizer on in situ initial and mature oral biofilms. The samples were incubated, ex situ, with THPTS for two minutes, followed by irradiation with 200 mW cm − 2 VIS + wIRA for five minutes at 37 °C. The adherent microorganisms were quantified, and the biofilm samples were visualized using live/dead staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The THPTS-mediated aPDT resulted in significant decreases in both the initially adherent microorganisms and the microorganisms in the mature oral biofilms, in comparison to the untreated control samples (>99.99% each; p = 0.018 and p = 0.0066, respectively). The remaining vital bacteria significantly decreased in the aPDT-treated biofilms during initial adhesion (vitality rate 9.4% vs. 71.2% untreated control, 17.28% CHX). Of the mature biofilms, 25.67% remained vital after aPDT treatment (81.97% untreated control, 16.44% CHX). High permeability of THPTS into deep layers could be shown. The present results indicate that the microbial reduction in oral initial and mature oral biofilms resulting from aPDT with VIS + wIRA in combination with THPTS has significant potential for the treatment of oral biofilm-associated diseases.
Hallmarks of Basidiomycete Soft- and White-Rot in Wood-Decay -Omics Data of Two Armillaria Species
Authors: Sahu Neha , Merényi Zsolt , Bálint Balázs , Kiss Brigitta , Sipos György , Owens Rebecca A. , Nagy László G.
Published: January 2021

Wood-decaying Basidiomycetes are among the most efficient degraders of plant cell walls, making them key players in forest ecosystems, global carbon cycle, and in bio-based industries. Recent insights from -omics data revealed a high functional diversity of wood-decay strategies, especially among the traditional white-rot and brown-rot dichotomy. We examined the mechanistic bases of wood-decay in the conifer-specialists Armillaria ostoyae and Armillaria cepistipes using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. Armillaria spp. (Fungi, Basidiomycota) include devastating pathogens of temperate forests and saprotrophs that decay wood. They have been discussed as white-rot species, though their response to wood deviates from typical white-rotters. While we observed an upregulation of a diverse suite of plant cell wall degrading enzymes, unlike white-rotters, they possess and express an atypical wood-decay repertoire in which pectinases and expansins are enriched, whereas lignin-decaying enzymes (LDEs) are generally downregulated. This combination of wood decay genes resembles the soft-rot of Ascomycota and appears widespread among Basidiomycota that produce a superficial white rot-like decay. These observations are consistent with ancestral soft-rot decay machinery conserved across asco- and Basidiomycota, a gain of efficient lignin-degrading ability in white-rot fungi and repeated, complete, or partial losses of LDE encoding gene repertoires in brown- and secondarily soft-rot fungi.
Cryptosporidial Infection Suppresses Intestinal Epithelial Cell MAPK Signaling Impairing Host Anti-Parasitic Defense
Authors: He Wei , Li Juan , Gong Ai-Yu , Deng Silu , Li Min , Wang Yang , Mathy Nicholas W. , Feng Yaoyu , Xiao Lihua , Chen Xian-Ming
Published: January 2021

Cryptosporidium is a genus of protozoan parasites that infect the gastrointestinal epithelium of a variety of vertebrate hosts. Intestinal epithelial cells are the first line of defense and play a critical role in orchestrating host immunity against Cryptosporidium infection. To counteract host defense response, Cryptosporidium has developed strategies of immune evasion to promote parasitic replication and survival within epithelial cells, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unclear. Using various models of intestinal cryptosporidiosis, we found that Cryptosporidium infection caused suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in infected murine intestinal epithelial cells. Whereas expression levels of most genes encoding the key components of the MAPK signaling pathway were not changed in infected intestinal epithelial cells, we detected a significant downregulation of p38/Mapk, MAP kinase-activated protein kinase 2 (Mk2), and Mk3 genes in infected host cells. Suppression of MAPK signaling was associated with an impaired intestinal epithelial defense against C. parvum infection. Our data suggest that cryptosporidial infection may suppress intestinal epithelial cell MAPK signaling associated with the evasion of host antimicrobial defense.
Aztreonam Lysine Increases the Activity of Phages E79 and phiKZ against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01
Authors: Davis Carly M. , McCutcheon Jaclyn G. , Dennis Jonathan J.
Published: January 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pernicious bacterial pathogen that is difficult to treat because of high levels of antibiotic resistance. A promising alternative treatment option for such bacteria is the application of bacteriophages; the correct combination of phages plus antibiotics can produce synergistic inhibitory effects. In this study, we describe morphological changes induced by sub-MIC levels of the antibiotic aztreonam lysine (AzLys) on P. aeruginosa PA01, which may in part explain the observed phage–antibiotic synergy (PAS). One-step growth curves for phage E79 showed increased adsorption rates, decreased infection latency, accelerated time to lysis and a minor reduction in burst size. Phage E79 plus AzLys PAS was also able to significantly reduce P. aeruginosa biofilm growth over 3-fold as compared to phage treatment alone. Sub-inhibitory AzLys-induced filamentation of P. aeruginosa cells resulted in loss of twitching motility and a reduction in swimming motility, likely due to a reduction in the number of polar Type IV pili and flagella, respectively, on the filamented cell surfaces. Phage phiKZ, which uses Type IV pili as a receptor, did not exhibit increased activity with AzLys at lower sub-inhibitory levels, but still produced phage–antibiotic synergistic killing with sub-inhibitory AzLys. A one-step growth curve indicates that phiKZ in the presence of AzLys also exhibits a decreased infection latency and moderately undergoes accelerated time to lysis. In contrast to prior PAS studies demonstrating that phages undergo delayed time to lysis with cell filamentation, these PAS results show that phages undergo accelerated time to lysis, which therefore suggests that PAS is dependent upon multiple factors, including the type of phages and antibiotics used, and the bacterial host being tested.
The Effect of a High-Grain Diet on the Rumen Microbiome of Goats with a Special Focus on Anaerobic Fungi
Authors: Fliegerova Katerina O. , Podmirseg Sabine M. , Vinzelj Julia , Grilli Diego J. , Kvasnová Simona , Schierová Dagmar , Sechovcová Hana , Mrázek Jakub , Siddi Giuliana , Arenas Graciela N. , Moniello Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

This work investigated the changes of the rumen microbiome of goats switched from a forage to a concentrate diet with special attention to anaerobic fungi (AF). Female goats were fed an alfalfa hay (AH) diet (0% grain; n = 4) for 20 days and were then abruptly shifted to a high-grain (HG) diet (40% corn grain, 60% AH; n = 4) and treated for another 10 days. Rumen content samples were collected from the cannulated animals at the end of each diet period (day 20 and 30). The microbiome structure was studied using high-throughput sequencing for bacteria, archaea (16S rRNA gene) and fungi (ITS2), accompanied by qPCR for each group. To further elucidate unclassified AF, clone library analyses were performed on the ITS1 spacer region. Rumen pH was significantly lower in HG diet fed goats, but did not induce subacute ruminal acidosis. HG diet altered prokaryotic communities, with a significant increase of Bacteroidetes and a decrease of Firmicutes. On the genus level Prevotella 1 was significantly boosted. Methanobrevibacter and Methanosphaera were the most abundant archaea regardless of the diet and HG induced a significant augmentation of unclassified Thermoplasmatales. For anaerobic fungi, HG triggered a considerable rise in Feramyces observed with both ITS markers, while a decline of Tahromyces was detected by ITS2 and decrease of Joblinomyces by ITS1 only. The uncultured BlackRhino group revealed by ITS1 and further elucidated in one sample by LSU analysis, formed a considerable part of the AF community of goats fed both diets. Results strongly indicate that the rumen ecosystem still acts as a source for novel microorganisms and unexplored microbial interactions and that initial rumen microbiota of the host animal considerably influences the reaction pattern upon diet change.
Artificial Diets Modulate Infection Rates by Nosema ceranae in Bumblebees
Authors: Gómez-Moracho Tamara , Durand Tristan , Pasquaretta Cristian , Heeb Philipp , Lihoreau Mathieu
Published: January 2021

Parasites alter the physiology and behaviour of their hosts. In domestic honey bees, the microsporidia Nosema ceranae induces energetic stress that impairs the behaviour of foragers, potentially leading to colony collapse. Whether this parasite similarly affects wild pollinators is little understood because of the low success rates of experimental infection protocols. Here, we present a new approach for infecting bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) with controlled amounts of N. ceranae by briefly exposing individual bumblebees to parasite spores before feeding them with artificial diets. We validated our protocol by testing the effect of two spore dosages and two diets varying in their protein to carbohydrate ratio on the prevalence of the parasite (proportion of PCR-positive bumblebees), the intensity of parasites (spore count in the gut and the faeces), and the survival of bumblebees. Overall, insects fed a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet showed the highest parasite prevalence (up to 70%) but lived the longest, suggesting that immunity and survival are maximised at different protein to carbohydrate ratios. Spore dosage did not affect parasite infection rate and host survival. The identification of experimental conditions for successfully infecting bumblebees with N. ceranae in the lab will facilitate future investigations of the sub-lethal effects of this parasite on the behaviour and cognition of wild pollinators.
Severe COVID-19 and Sepsis: Immune Pathogenesis and Laboratory Markers
Authors: Zafer Mai M. , El-Mahallawy Hadir A. , Ashour Hossam M.
Published: January 2021

The ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has taken a significant toll on people and countries all over the world. The pathogenesis of COVID-19 has not been completely elucidated yet. This includes the interplay between inflammation and coagulation which needs further investigation. The massive production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines results in the so-called cytokine storm, leading to plasma leakage, vascular hyperpermeability, and disseminated vascular coagulation. This is usually accompanied by multiorgan failure. The extensive changes in the serum levels of cytokines are thought to play a crucial role in the COVID-19 pathogenesis. Additionally, the viral load and host inflammation factors are believed to have a significant role in host damage, particularly lung damage, from SARS-CoV-2. Interestingly, patients exhibit quantitative and qualitative differences in their immune responses to the virus, which can impact the clinical manifestation and outcomes of COVID-19. There needs to be a better understanding of the dynamic events that involve immune responses, inflammatory reactions, and viral replication in the context of the COVID-19 infection. Here, we discuss the main aspects of COVID-19 pathogenesis while supporting the hypothesis that inflammatory immune responses are involved in the progression of the disease to a more critical and fatal phase. We also explore the similarities and differences between severe COVID-19 and sepsis. A deeper understanding of the COVID-19 clinical picture as it relates to better-known conditions such as sepsis can provide useful clues for the management, prevention, and therapy of the disease.
Unraveling Mechanisms and Impact of Microbial Recruitment on Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) and the Rhizosphere Mediated by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria
Authors: Liu Ying , Gao Jie , Bai Zhihui , Wu Shanghua , Li Xianglong , Wang Na , Du Xiongfeng , Fan Haonan , Zhuang Guoqiang , Bohu Tsing , Zhuang Xuliang
Published: January 2021

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are noticeably applied to enhance plant nutrient acquisition and improve plant growth and health. However, limited information is available on the compositional dynamics of rhizobacteria communities with PGPR inoculation. In this study, we investigated the effects of three PGPR strains, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the ecophysiological properties of Oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), rhizosphere, and bulk soil; moreover, we assessed rhizobacterial community composition using high-throughput Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Inoculation with S. rhizophila, R. sphaeroides, and B. amyloliquefaciens, significantly increased the plant total N (TN) (p < 0.01) content. R. sphaeroides and B. amyloliquefaciens selectively enhanced the growth of Pseudomonadacea and Flavobacteriaceae, whereas S. rhizophila could recruit diazotrophic rhizobacteria, members of Cyanobacteria and Actinobacteria, whose abundance was positively correlated with inoculation, and improved the transformation of organic nitrogen into inorganic nitrogen through the promotion of ammonification. Initial colonization by PGPR in the rhizosphere affected the rhizobacterial community composition throughout the plant life cycle. Network analysis indicated that PGPR had species-dependent effects on niche competition in the rhizosphere. These results provide a better understanding of PGPR-plant-rhizobacteria interactions, which is necessary to develop the application of PGPR.
Influence of Culture Conditions on the Bioreduction of Organic Acids to Alcohols by Thermoanaerobacter pseudoethanolicus
Authors: Scully Sean Michael , Brown Aaron E. , Mueller-Hilger Yannick , Ross Andrew B. , Örlygsson Jóhann
Published: January 2021

Thermoanaerobacter species have recently been observed to reduce carboxylic acids to their corresponding alcohols. The present investigation shows that Thermoanaerobacter pseudoethanolicus converts C2–C6 short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to their corresponding alcohols in the presence of glucose. The conversion yields varied from 21% of 3-methyl-1-butyrate to 57.9% of 1-pentanoate being converted to their corresponding alcohols. Slightly acidic culture conditions (pH 6.5) was optimal for the reduction. By increasing the initial glucose concentration, an increase in the conversion of SCFAs reduced to their corresponding alcohols was observed. Inhibitory experiments on C2–C8 alcohols showed that C4 and higher alcohols are inhibitory to T. pseudoethanolicus suggesting that other culture modes may be necessary to improve the amount of fatty acids reduced to the analogous alcohol. The reduction of SCFAs to their corresponding alcohols was further demonstrated using 13C-labelled fatty acids and the conversion was followed kinetically. Finally, increased activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde oxidation activity was observed in cultures of T. pseudoethanolicus grown on glucose as compared to glucose supplemented with either 3-methyl-1-butyrate or pentanoate, using both NADH and NADPH as cofactors, although the presence of the latter showed higher ADH and aldehyde oxidoreductase (ALDH) activity.
Assessment of the Possibility of Hydrometallurgical Processing of Low-Grade Ores in the Oxidation Zone of the Malmyzh Cu-Au Porphyry Deposit
Authors: Sekisov Arthur , Rasskazova Anna
Published: January 2021

The geochemical features of the ores present in the oxidation zone of the gold-copper Malmyzh mineral deposit are characterized. This deposit is located in the the Nanaian region of the Khabarovsk Territory in the Russian Federation, and a technological assessment of ores present was carried out. The initial gold content in the oxidized ore is 0.1–1.2 ppm, and the leachability of gold from different size fractions by hot cyanide revealed the fact that the ore is not refractory and characterized by increased cyanide consumption. The results demonstrated a high gold content in fine size fractions. Different leaching reagents were applied for oxidized ore testing. These reagents were used both for oxidative pretreatment and leaching process. Activation of solutions was carried out by electrolysis and UV radiation. Different reagent combinations were tested in laboratory with the highest gold recovery (94%) provided by the chloride system with peroxide-sulfuric pretreatment of the oxidized ore. The same reagent combination resulted in 91–94% gold recovery during the column leaching of crushed (−10 mm) ore.
A Critical Review on the Synthesis of Natural Sodium Alginate Based Composite Materials: An Innovative Biological Polymer for Biomedical Delivery Applications
Authors: Ahmad Awais , Mubarak N.M. , Jannat Fakiha Tul , Ashfaq Tayyaba , Santulli Carlo , Rizwan Muhammad , Najda Agnieszka , Bin-Jumah May , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Hussain Shahid , Ali Shafaqat
Published: January 2021

Sodium alginate (Na-Alg) is water-soluble, neutral, and linear polysaccharide. It is the derivative of alginic acid which comprises 1,4-β-d-mannuronic (M) and α-l-guluronic (G) acids and has the chemical formula (NaC6H7O6). It shows water-soluble, non-toxic, biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-immunogenic properties. It had been used for various biomedical applications, among which the most promising are drug delivery, gene delivery, wound dressing, and wound healing. For different biomedical applications, it is used in different forms with the help of new techniques. That is the reason it had been blended with different polymers. In this review article, we present a comprehensive overview of the combinations of sodium alginate with natural and synthetic polymers and their biomedical applications involving delivery systems. All the scientific/technical issues have been addressed, and we have highlighted the recent advancements.
Structural Synthesis of Lower-Class Robot Manipulators with General Constraint One
Authors: Alizade Rasim , Soltanov Suleyman , Hamidov Abusalat
Published: January 2021

In this research, the structural synthesis of lower-class robot manipulators with general constraint one is investigated. The number of constraints d = 1 and the mobility number λ = 5 for sphere–sphere and sphere–plane combinations of higher kinematic pairs are investigated by using the analytical approach. Structural synthesis of new first- and second-class robot manipulators is investigated by using transformations of higher kinematic pairs to lower kinematic pairs. Therefore, using this approach, we obtain structural groups with general constraint one. Further, kinematic structures and physical models of overconstrained robot manipulators are presented in the research.
Mulching Measures Improve Soil Moisture in Rain-Fed Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) Orchards in the Loess Hilly Region of China
Authors: Tang Min , Li Hongchen , Zhang Chao , Zhao Xining , Gao Xiaodong , Wu Pute
Published: January 2021

Water shortage is the main bottleneck restricting the sustainable development of rain-fed jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) orchards in the loess hilly region of China. Given the effect of mulching on soil moisture conservation, straw mulching (SM) and jujube branch mulching (BM) were applied to a rain-fed jujube orchard in this study. Soil moisture dynamics, soil water storage, water consumption, and soil moisture attenuation after typical rainfall under SM, BM, and clean tillage (CT) were studied. The results showed the following: (1) The 0–60 cm soil layer was the seasonal fluctuation layer of soil moisture under SM, BM, and CT in both the normal precipitation year and the dry year studied. The moisture contents of the 0–60, 60–160, and 160–280 cm soil layers under SM and BM were higher than that under CT in the three experimental years studied, and SM showed the most obvious effect of increasing soil moisture. (2) SM and BM showed a significant soil water storage effect in all of the jujube growth stages, and SM had a better water storage effect than BM. (3) SM reduced the amount of water consumption by 94.3, 60.8, and 121.3 mm compared to CT in the whole jujube growth period in 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. The amount of water consumption of BM decreased by 34.8 and 31.0 mm compared to that of CT in the whole growth period in 2014 and 2015, respectively. (4) CT had the maximum soil moisture loss rate under continuous drought after rainfall. The soil moisture loss rate of CT was above 37.3% on the eleventh day after typical rainfall in 2014, 2015, and 2016. With the extension of drought, the soil moisture loss rate under SM increased slowly. This study suggests that SM is the best mulching measure for rain-fed jujube orchards, and pruned jujube branches can also be used for in situ mulching to obtain a certain moisture conservation effect.
Facing Societal Challenges in Living Labs: Towards a Conceptual Framework to Facilitate Transdisciplinary Collaborations
Authors: Kalinauskaite Indre , Brankaert Rens , Lu Yuan , Bekker Tilde , Brombacher Aarnout , Vos Steven
Published: January 2021

Living labs are an extremely attractive open innovation landscape for collaborative research and development activities targeting the complexity of today’s societal challenges. However, although there is plenty of support for collaboration, we still lack clear guidelines to direct transdisciplinary stakeholder networks of academics and practitioners through collaboration processes in the living lab ecosystem. In other words, we lack answers to the question of “how to collaborate?” In the present paper we propose a conceptual framework defining relevant stages to initiate and facilitate transdisciplinary collaboration processes. We base our framework on collaboration challenges described in the literature, specifically the need for stakeholder alignment, as well as challenges experienced in practice, which we report through exploratory case studies. In the proposed conceptual framework, we advocate the application of co-creation methods, both at the level of the living lab (macro) and in projects (meso) within the living lab, in order to define, with all involved parties and stakeholders, the scope and strategy of the living lab and to facilitate stakeholder alignment. Additionally, we integrate an iterative approach and a feedback loop in order to account for the dynamic nature of the collaboration process and to enable reflection and evaluation.
Differentiated Impact of Politics- and Science-Oriented Education on Pro-Environmental Behavior: A Case Study of Chinese University Students
Authors: Wang Ran , Jia Tiantian , Qi Rui , Cheng Jinhua , Zhang Kang , Wang Erwei , Wang Xi
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study is to understand the differentiated impact of politics- and science-oriented education on pro-environmental behavior among university students. A questionnaire was designed and sent to more than 14,000 university students from 152 universities in China using the snowball sampling method. In the questionnaire, the environmental knowledge was divided innovatively into two parts: Science-oriented knowledge spread by traditional environmental education and politics-oriented knowledge spread through political education. The structural equation model was used to understand the conduction path of pro-environmental knowledge, attitude, and behavior. It shows that politics-oriented knowledge has a quicker and stronger effect on improving behavior than science-oriented knowledge. Moreover, there is a significant positive correlation between science- and politics-oriented knowledge. However, the attitude is positively influenced by science-oriented knowledge, instead of politics-oriented knowledge. It suggests that traditional environmental education and political education should be integrated to promote the pro-environmental behavior of university students indirectly and directly, which may provide an opportunity for pro-environmental political education in other countries. The study contributes important theoretical and practical implications for environmental education and sustainable development.
Predicting Behavioral Intention of Rural Inhabitants toward Economic Incentive for Deforestation in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Saif , Abid Ali , Aslam Waqas , Noor Rana Shahzad , Waqas Muhammad Mohsin , Gang Tian
Published: January 2021

The conservation of forest in the northern areas of Pakistan is the major priority of the national environmental policy to fight against global warming. Despite the policy for the protection of forest, rural residents’ behavior toward economic incentives for deforestation may undermine their conservation goals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the factors that affect the illegal behaviors related to deforestation in the northern areas of Pakistan. The present study applied the socio-psychological theory of planned behavior to predict the behavioral intention of rural residents toward economic incentives for deforestation. Correlations were explored between background factors toward motivations for deforestation based on positive and negative views through open-ended questions. Attitude and descriptive norm were found good predictors to perceive the behaviors. The findings of the study suggest that rural communities’ support for compliance with policies is vital for the long-term efficacy and protection of the forest in the region. Further, change in the behaviors of inhabitants toward the ecosystem through training can be improved to manage the forest.
Anticipatory Non-Green-Phenomena Determination for Designing Eco-Design Products
Authors: Rau Hsin , Lagapa Mary Deanne M. , Chen Po-Hsun
Published: January 2021

The number of consumers with green awareness have grown these days and as a result they have turned to purchase eco-friendly products. For this reason, this study aims to propose a method for eco-design based on the anticipatory failure determination method to develop eco-design products. By using eco-design concepts adopted from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the process will limit the failures and issues related to environmental impact in product design. The proposed method for eco-design product in this study follows the following procedure. First, we analyze product failure. Second, we propose the determination of the non-green phenomenon of the failure. Thirdly, we integrate the intensified non-green phenomenon to generate non-green hypotheses and fourthly, we eliminate each non-green phenomenon hypothesis by introducing the contradiction matrix of TRIZ for obtaining solutions. Finally, we assess alternative eco-design solutions by evaluation. To verify the practicality of the new procedure, a washing machine is used as an example for illustration.