bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Locus of Control and Psychopathology: A Cross-Cohort Comparison Between a UK (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) and a Japanese (Tokyo Teen Cohort) Cohort
Authors: Sullivan Sarah , Yamasaki Syudo , Ando Shuntaro , Endo Kaori , Kasai Kiyoto , Culpin Iryna , Dardani Christina , Zammit Stanley , Nishida Atsushi
Published: April 2021

Background: An external locus of control (externality) is associated with poorer psychopathology in individualist cultures, but associations are reported to be weaker in collectivist cultures where an external style is less maladaptive. We investigated the prospective association between externality and psychotic-like experiences (PLE) and depressive symptoms (DS) and compared the strength of associations between a UK and a Japanese cohort.

Method: Cross-cultural cohort study of a UK (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) and a Japanese cohort (Tokyo Teen Cohort). Externality was assessed using the Children's Nowicki and Strickland Internal, External Scale and DS using the Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire in both cohorts, PLE were assessed with the Psychosis-Like Experiences Questionnaire (ALSPAC), and the Adolescent Psychotic-Like Symptom Screener (TTC). Associations were investigated using multivariable regression models and bivariate regression models to compare the strength of associations.

Results: Mean externality in both childhood and adolescence was higher in ALSPAC than in the TTC. Childhood externality was associated with PLE in late childhood and adolescence in both cohorts and adolescent externality was associated with PLE in young adulthood in the ALSPAC cohort. There was a more mixed pattern of association between externality and DS scores. There was little evidence of any differences in the strength of associations between externality and different psychopathologies, or between cohorts. In ALSPAC adolescent externality and early adult psychopathology were more strongly associated than childhood externality and adolescent and early adult psychopathology. There was no evidence that change in externality between childhood and adolescence was associated with new onset PLE or DS in early adulthood.

Conclusion: An external locus of control is associated with poor mental health regardless of cultural context.
In Your Face(t)—Personality Traits Interact With Prototypical Personality Faces in Economic Decision Making
Authors: Weiß Martin , Paelecke Marko , Hewig Johannes
Published: April 2021

In everyday life, assumptions about our peers' as well as our own personality shape social interactions. We investigated whether self-rated personality and inferences drawn from partners' faces influence economic decisions. Participants (N= 285) played the trust game in the role of the trustor as well as the ultimatum game in the role of the proposer and interacted with trustees and receivers represented by prototypical personality faces. Participants also evaluated both their own traits and the personality of the faces. In the trust game, trustees represented by faces rated higher on agreeableness yielded higher transferred amounts. This effect was more pronounced for trustors low on dispositional trust, whereas trustors high on dispositional trust did not relate their decisions to the faces. Trustees represented by faces rated higher on conscientiousness yielded higher transferred amounts only for trustors high on dispositional anxiety. In the ultimatum game, receivers represented by faces rated higher on conscientiousness yielded lower offers only for proposers high on dispositional assertiveness. These results extend previous findings on the inferences drawn from facial features and the influence of personality on decision making. They highlight the importance of considering the personality of both interaction partner, as well as potential interactions of players' traits.
An Ecological Perspective of Food Choice and Eating Autonomy Among Adolescents
Authors: Ziegler Amanda M. , Kasprzak Christina M. , Mansouri Tegan H. , Gregory Arturo M. , Barich Rachel A. , Hatzinger Lori A. , Leone Lucia A. , Temple Jennifer L.
Published: April 2021

Adolescence is an important developmental period marked by a transition from primarily parental-controlled eating to self-directed and peer-influenced eating. During this period, adolescents gain autonomy over their individual food choices and eating behavior in general. While parent-feeding practices have been shown to influence eating behaviors in children, little is known about how these relationships track across adolescent development as autonomy expands. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors that impact food decisions and eating autonomy among adolescents. Using the food choice process model as a guide, four focus groups were conducted with 34 adolescents. Focus group discussion was semi-structured, asking teens about influences on their food choices across different food environments, their involvement with food purchasing and preparation, and perceived control over food their choices. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using deductive and inductive code creation and thematic analysis. This study found six leading influences on adolescents' food choices and identified additional factors with prominence within specific environmental contexts. This study distinguished a broader spectrum of factors influencing adolescent food choice that extend beyond “convenience” and “taste” which have previously been identified as significant contributors. The degree of control that teens reported differed by eating location, occasion, and social context. Finally, adolescents demonstrated various levels of engagement in behaviors related to their eating autonomy. Identifying the emergent themes related to adolescent autonomy was the first step toward the goal of developing a scale to evaluate adolescent eating autonomy.
Narcissism and Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Review and an Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Liu Dege , Zhu Ting , Huang Xiaojun , Wang Mansi , Huang Man
Published: April 2021

Although narcissism is an important factor influencing entrepreneurial activity and outcomes, not much research has been conducted on the relationship between narcissism and entrepreneurship. To summarize the current literature on this relationship and provide an agenda for further in-depth research, a systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines using Web of Science, Elsevier ScienceDirect, and EBSCO host databases. Accordingly, 33 articles have been identified as being eligible for the final synthesis. The findings of the present study showed, in general, that (1) life history theory, person-environment fit theory (P-E theory), and career choice theory were mostly used to explore the topic of narcissism and entrepreneurial intention, social exchange theory was used to analyze narcissistic entrepreneurs' entrepreneurial motives and attitudes, and upper echelons theory (UET) was applied to research on the relationship between narcissism and entrepreneurial outcomes, (2) Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) and narcissistic sub-dimension of the Dark Triad were frequently used self-report scales among 23 identified empirical studies, and (3) narcissism has both bright and dark sides to entrepreneurial activities and outcomes. While narcissism makes potential entrepreneurs have higher entrepreneurial intentions and greater willingness to take risks, it also prevents entrepreneurs from discovering opportunities, acquiring resources, and learning from failure. Besides, results also showed that relations between narcissism and entrepreneurial intentions and performance are more complex. For a deeper understanding of this complex relations and advancing research on narcissism and entrepreneurship, more research is necessary to explore the relations between narcissism and entrepreneurship-related variables from a temporal perspective and at the team level, examine the relationship between narcissism and entrepreneurship ethics, and investigate the interaction effects of narcissism and other personalities.
Exploring Sources of Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction in Airbnb Accommodation Using Unsupervised and Supervised Topic Modeling
Authors: Ding Kai , Choo Wei Chong , Ng Keng Yap , Ng Siew Imm , Song Pu
Published: April 2021

This study aims to examine key attributes affecting Airbnb users' satisfaction and dissatisfaction through the analysis of online reviews. A corpus that comprises 59,766 Airbnb reviews form 27,980 listings located in 12 different cities is analyzed by using both Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and supervised LDA (sLDA) approach. Unlike previous LDA based Airbnb studies, this study examines positive and negative Airbnb reviews separately, and results reveal the heterogeneity of satisfaction and dissatisfaction attributes in Airbnb accommodation. In particular, the emergence of the topic “guest conflicts” in this study leads to a new direction in future sharing economy accommodation research, which is to study the interactions of different guests in a highly shared environment. The results of topic distribution analysis show that in different types of Airbnb properties, Airbnb users attach different importance to the same service attributes. The topic correlation analysis reveals that home like experience and help from the host are associated with Airbnb users' revisit intention. We determine attributes that have the strongest predictive power to Airbnb users' satisfaction and dissatisfaction through the sLDA analysis, which provides valuable managerial insights into priority setting when developing strategies to increase Airbnb users' satisfaction. Methodologically, this study contributes by illustrating how to employ novel approaches to transform social media data into useful knowledge about customer satisfaction, and the findings can provide valuable managerial implications for Airbnb practitioners.
Emerging Processes Within Peer-Support Hearing Voices Groups: A Qualitative Study in the Dutch Context
Authors: Schaefer Barbara , Boumans Jenny , van Os Jim , van Weeghel Jaap
Published: April 2021

Purpose/Aims: This study aimed to gain insight into the value of Hearing Voices Groups (HVGs) in the Dutch context. Specifically, we aimed to learn more about the meaning of HVG participation, as well as the aspects that contribute to that meaning, from the perspective of participants' experiences.

Method: The study used a qualitative design with in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of 30 members within seven HVGs in the Netherlands. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using interpretative analysis inspired by the Grounded Theory method.

Findings: The individual-level analysis revealed four different group processes that appear to determine the value that HVGs have for their participants: (i) peer-to-peer validation, (ii) exchanging information and sharing self-accumulated knowledge, (iii) connection and social support, and (iv) engaging in mutual self-reflection. We found that specific characteristics of HVGs facilitate these group processes and lead to specific personal outcomes. Combining the interview data from people who joined the same HVG reveals that, although all four described group processes occur in all groups, each group's emphasis differs. Three related factors are described: (i) the composition of the group, (ii) the style of the facilitators, and (iii) the interaction between group processes and individual processes.

Implications: Unique processes, for which there is little to no place within regular mental health care (MHC), occur within HVGs. MHC professionals should be more aware of the opportunities HVG can offer voice-hearers. Essential matters regarding the implementation of HVGs are discussed.
Effect of Psychoeducation Group Training Based on Problem-Solving Skills for Women Experiencing Bipolar Spouse Abuse
Authors: Seyyedi Nasooh Abad Maryam , Vaghee Saeed , Aemmi Seyedeh Zahra
Published: April 2021

Aim: Wives of patients with bipolar disorder as informal caregivers are at high risk for spouse abuse and need to learn coping strategies such as problem-solving skills to manage problematic situations. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the psychoeducation group training based on problem-solving skills for women experiencing bipolar spouse abuse.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial design was used for this study. In intervention group, women experiencing bipolar spouse abuse participated in four problem-solving skills training sessions and women in two groups (intervention = 30 and control = 30) completed the Index of Spouse Abuse at baseline and after 2 months.

Results: The results indicated that changes in abuse scores (physical, non-physical and total of Index of Spouse Abuse) after the intervention were significantly different among the two groups (p < 0.0001). Although abuse scores decreased in both the intervention and the control groups, but lower abuse scores in the intervention than control group were statistically significant.

Conclusion: Our findings support that the problem-solving skills training intervention can help to decrease the women experience of bipolar spouse abuse.
Validating a Termite-Inspired Construction Coordination Mechanism Using an Autonomous Robot
Authors: Carey Nicole E. , Bardunias Paul , Nagpal Radhika , Werfel Justin
Published: April 2021

Many species of termites build large, structurally complex mounds, and the mechanisms behind this coordinated construction have been a longstanding topic of investigation. Recent work has suggested that humidity may play a key role in the mound expansion of savannah-dwellingMacrotermesspecies: termites preferentially deposit soil on the mound surface at the boundary of the high-humidity region characteristic of the mound interior, implying a coordination mechanism through environmental feedback where addition of wet soil influences the humidity profile and vice versa. Here we test this potential mechanism physically using a robotic system. Local humidity measurements provide a cue for material deposition. As the analogue of the termite's deposition of wet soil and corresponding local increase in humidity, the robot drips water onto an absorbent substrate as it moves. Results show that the robot extends a semi-enclosed area outward when air is undisturbed, but closes it off when air is disturbed by an external fan, consistent with termite building activity in still vs. windy conditions. This result demonstrates an example of adaptive construction patterns arising from the proposed coordination mechanism, and supports the hypothesis that such a mechanism operates in termites.
Social Media Influencers in Equestrian Sport
Authors: Radmann Aage , Hedenborg Susanna , Broms Lovisa
Published: April 2021

The study analyzes and explains the impact of social media influencers on stable cultures in Sweden and Norway, contributing to the understanding of the complex relationship between equestrian sports and social media—a relationship that is important for the welfare of horses. Since equestrianism is one of the most popular sports in Sweden and Norway, influencers' social media communication greatly impacts followers' perception of the human-animal relationship. Despite the popularity of equestrian sports, studies thereof are rare, and research combining equestrian sports and social media is almost non-existent, making this study important and relevant. The analysis focuses on the six biggest equestrian influencers in Sweden and Norway and their social media accounts. Goffman's (1967) micro-sociological perspectives, alongside previous research on social media, are used to discuss knowledge exchange, co-creation of authenticity and intimacy and sponsorship and advertisement. The influencers mainly focus their communication on horse-related issues, and their (and their followers) love of horses create the intimacy needed as a base for other messages (perceived knowledge and advertisement). The intimacy and authenticity are strengthened in the interaction between followers and influencers, and the latter receive positive feedback for their way of handling their horses' lives. The expressive order of stable culture(s) is seldom questioned and the acceptance of this order is likely to make the commercial endorsements less visible and more convincing.
Is it Worth Starting Sexual Rehabilitation Before Radical Prostatectomy? Results From a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Schoentgen Nadja , Califano Gianluigi , Manfredi Celeste , Romero-Otero Javier , Chun Felix K. H. , Ouzaid Idir , Hermieu Jean-François , Xylinas Evanguelos , Verze Paolo
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose: Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a frequent side effect associated with radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PCa). Some studies have showed the benefit associated with preoperative sexual rehabilitation (prehabilitation) and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for RP, but no clear clinical recommendations are available yet. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review on sexual prehabilitation prior to RP for patients with a localized PCa and analyze the impact on postoperative sexual health compared with the standard post-operative care.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) recommendations.

Results: Four randomized control trials and one retrospective comparative study were included in the analyses. Three of the five studies showed an improved EF recovery post-RP in the prehabilitation group compared to the standard of care represented by: higher International Index of Erectile Function 5 score (IIEF5) or IIEF score (p < 0.0001) and a higher percentage of patients reporting return of EF based on the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) (56 vs. 24%, p = 0.007). Self-confidence, therapeutic alliance, and adherence to treatment were stronger for patients with preoperative consultations (p < 0.05) and EF recovery was better in cases of a higher number of follow-up visits (OR 4–5 visits vs. 1:12.19, p = 0.002).

Discussion: Despite heterogenous methods and high risks of bias in this systematic review, starting sexual rehabilitation prior to surgery seems to ensure better EF recovery. This prehabilitation should include information of both the patient and his or her partner, with a closer follow up and the use of a multimodal treatment approach that still remains to be defined and validated (oral medication, vacuum devices, pelvic floor muscle training, etc.).
Potential Prognostic Value of Preoperative Leukocyte Count, Lactate Dehydrogenase and C-Reactive Protein in Thymic Epithelial Tumors
Authors: Valdivia Daniel , Cheufou Danjouma , Fels Benjamin , Puhlvers Stephan , Mardanzai Khaled , Zaatar Mohamed , Weinreich Gerhard , Taube Christian , Theegarten Dirk , Stuschke Martin , Schuler Martin , Stamatis Georgios , Hegedus Balazs , Aigner Clemens
Published: April 2021

Thymic epithelial tumors are the most common mediastinal tumors. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment and complete resection provides the best survival rate. However, advanced tumors often require multimodality treatment and thus we analyzed the prognostic potential of routine circulating biomarkers that might help to risk-stratify patients beyond tumor stage and histology. Preoperative values for white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were analyzed in 220 thymic epithelial tumor patients operated between 1999 and 2018. Increased CRP levels (>1 mg/dl) were significantly more often measured in thymic carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors when compared to thymoma. LDH serum activity was higher in thymic neuroendocrine tumors when compared to thymoma or thymic carcinoma. The median disease specific survival was significantly longer in thymoma cases than in thymic carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors. Increased preoperative LDH level (>240 U/L) associated with shorter survival in thymus carcinoma (HR 4.76, p = 0.0299). In summary, higher CRP associated with carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors, while LDH increased primarily in neuroendocrine tumors suggesting that biomarker analysis should be performed in a histology specific manner. Importantly, preoperative serum LDH might be a prognosticator in thymic carcinoma and may help to risk stratify surgically treated patients in multimodal treatment regimens.
Accuracy of Noise-Power-Distance Definition on Results of Single Aircraft Noise Event Calculation
Authors: Zaporozhets Oleksandr , Levchenko Larisa
Published: April 2021

Aircraft performance and noise database together with operational weights (depending on flight distances) and operational procedures (including low noise procedures) significantly influence results of noise exposure contour maps assessment in conditions of real atmosphere. Current recommendations of the Standard SAE-AIR1845A allow the definition of flight profiles via solutions of balanced motion equations. However, differences are still supervised between the measured sound level data and calculated ones, especially in assessing the single flight noise events. Some of them are well explained by differences between balanced flight parameters (thrust and velocity first of all) and monitored ones by the traffic control system. Statistical data were gathered to make more general view on these differences and some proposal to use them in calculations has been proven. Besides, the real meteorological parameters provide inhomogeneous atmosphere conditions always, which are quite different from the main assumptions of the SAE-AIR1845A, stipulating inaccuracies of sound level calculations.
Consumption and Production Patterns for Agricultural Sustainable Development
Authors: Testa Riccardo
Published: April 2021

Agriculture has always played a key role in feeding the world population and ensuring the development of sustainable food production systems [...]
Dietary Histidine, Threonine, or Taurine Supplementation Affects Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Immune Status
Authors: Ramos-Pinto Lourenço , Machado Marina , Calduch-Giner Josep , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume , Dias Jorge , Conceição Luís E. C. , Silva Tomé S. , Costas Benjamín
Published: April 2021

AAs have become interesting feed ingredients to be used in functional fish feeds as not only are they protein building blocks, but they also participate in several other key metabolic processes. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of transcriptomics, hematology, and humoral immune parameters (plasma and skin mucus) were measured twice over the course of the feeding trial (four weeks). Plasma antiprotease activity increased in fish fed Thr compared to those fed the CTRL and Tau treatments, regardless of sampling time. The bactericidal activity in skin mucus decreased in fish fed Tau and His treatments compared to those fed the CTRL diet after two weeks. The membrane IgT (mIgT) was upregulated in fish fed Tau after four weeks, while C-type lectin domain family domain 10 member (clec10a) was downregulated in fish fed Thr after two weeks of feeding. By comparing the molecular signatures of head-kidney by means of a PLS-DA, it is possible to visualize that the main difference is between the two sampling points, regardless of diet. Altogether, these results suggest that dietary supplementation with these AAs at the tested levels causes mild immune-modulation effects in gilthead seabream, which should be further studied under disease challenge conditions.
Alternatives to Antibiotics: A Symposium on the Challenges and Solutions for Animal Health and Production
Authors: Callaway Todd R. , Lillehoj Hyun , Chuanchuen Rungtip , Gay Cyril G.
Published: April 2021

Antibiotics have improved the length and quality of life of people worldwide and have had an immeasurable influence on agricultural animal health and the efficiency of animal production over the last 60 years. The increased affordability of animal protein for a greater proportion of the global population, in which antibiotic use has played a crucial part, has resulted in a substantial improvement in human quality of life. However, these benefits have come with major unintended consequences, including antibiotic resistance. Despite the inherent benefits of restricting antibiotic use in animal production, antibiotics remain essential to ensuring animal health, necessitating the development of novel approaches to replace the prophylactic and growth-promoting benefits of antibiotics. The third International Symposium on “Alternatives to Antibiotics: Challenges and Solutions in Animal Health and Production” in Bangkok, Thailand was organized by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University and Department of Livestock Development-Thailand Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperative; supported by OIE World Organization for Animal Health; and attended by more than 500 scientists from academia, industry, and government from 32 nations across 6 continents. The focus of the symposium was on ensuring human and animal health, food safety, and improving food animal production efficiency as well as quality. Attendees explored six subject areas in detail through scientific presentations and panel discussions with experts, and the major conclusions were as follows: (1) defining the mechanisms of action of antibiotic alternatives is paramount to enable their effective use, whether they are used for prevention, treatment, or to enhance health and production; (2) there is a need to integrate nutrition, health, and disease research, and host genetics needs to be considered in this regard; (3) a combination of alternatives to antibiotics may need to be considered to achieve optimum health and disease management in different animal production systems; (4) hypothesis-driven field trials with proper controls are needed to validate the safety, efficacy, and return of investment (ROI) of antibiotic alternatives.
Nanomaterials in Wound Healing and Infection Control
Authors: Pormohammad Ali , Monych Nadia K. , Ghosh Sougata , Turner Diana L. , Turner Raymond J.
Published: April 2021

Wounds continue to be a serious medical concern due to their increasing incidence from injuries, surgery, burns and chronic diseases such as diabetes. Delays in the healing process are influenced by infectious microbes, especially when they are in the biofilm form, which leads to a persistent infection. Biofilms are well known for their increased antibiotic resistance. Therefore, the development of novel wound dressing drug formulations and materials with combined antibacterial, antibiofilm and wound healing properties are required. Nanomaterials (NM) have unique properties due to their size and very large surface area that leads to a wide range of applications. Several NMs have antimicrobial activity combined with wound regeneration features thus give them promising applicability to a variety of wound types. The idea of NM-based antibiotics has been around for a decade at least and there are many recent reviews of the use of nanomaterials as antimicrobials. However, far less attention has been given to exploring if these NMs actually improve wound healing outcomes. In this review, we present an overview of different types of nanomaterials explored specifically for wound healing properties combined with infection control.
Auranofin-Mediated NRF2 Induction Attenuates Interleukin 1 Beta Expression in Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Wall Stephanie B. , Li Rui , Butler Brittany , Burg Ashley R. , Tse Hubert M. , Larson-Casey Jennifer L. , Carter A. Brent , Wright Clyde J. , Rogers Lynette K. , Tipple Trent E.
Published: April 2021

Background: Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are resident inflammatory cells in the lung that serve as early sentinels of infection or injury. We have identified thioredoxin reductase 1 inhibition by gold compounds increases activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-dependent pathways to attenuate inflammatory responses. The present studies utilized murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S) to test the hypothesis that the gold compound, auranofin (AFN), decreases interleukin (IL)-1β expression through NRF2-mediated interactions with nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway genes and/or increases in glutathione synthesis. Methods: MH-S cells were treated with AFN and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and analyzed at 6 and 24 h. The Il1b promoter was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation for direct interaction with NRF2. Results: Expression of IL-1β, p-IκBα, p-p65 NF-kB, and NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 were elevated by LPS exposure, but only IL-1β expression was suppressed by AFN treatment. Both AFN and LPS treatments increased cellular glutathione levels, but attenuation of glutathione synthesis by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) did not alter expression of Il-1β. Analysis revealed direct NRF2 binding to the Il1b promoter which was enhanced by AFN and inhibited the transcriptional activity of DNA polymerase II. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that AFN-induced NRF2 activation directly suppresses IL-1β synthesis independent of NFκB and glutathione-mediated antioxidant mechanisms. NRF2 binding to the promoter region of IL1β directly inhibits transcription of the IL1β gene. Collectively, our research suggests that gold compounds elicit NRF2-dependent pulmonary protection by suppressing macrophage-mediated inflammation.
Lyophilized Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) Berry Administration Suppresses High-Fat Diet-Induced Liver Lipogenesis through the Induction of the Nuclear Corepressor SMILE
Authors: Sandoval Viviana , Sanz-Lamora Hèctor , Marrero Pedro F. , Relat Joana , Haro Diego
Published: April 2021

The liver is one of the first organs affected by accumulated ectopic lipids. Increased de novo lipogenesis and excessive triglyceride accumulation in the liver are hallmarks of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and are strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Maqui dietary supplemented diet-induced obese mice showed better insulin response and decreased weight gain. We previously described that these positive effects of maqui are partially due to an induction of a brown-like phenotype in subcutaneous white adipose tissue that correlated with a differential expression of Chrebp target genes. In this work, we aimed to deepen the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of maqui on the onset and development of the obese phenotype and insulin resistance focusing on liver metabolism. Our results showed that maqui supplementation decreased hepatic steatosis caused by a high-fat diet. Changes in the metabolic profile include a downregulation of the lipogenic liver X receptor (LXR) target genes and of fatty acid oxidation gene expression together with an increase in the expression of small heterodimer partner interacting leucine zipper protein (Smile), a corepressor of the nuclear receptor family. Our data suggest that maqui supplementation regulates lipid handling in liver to counteract the metabolic impact of a high-fat diet.
Natural Language Description of Videos for Smart Surveillance
Authors: Dilawari Aniqa , Khan Muhammad Usman Ghani , Al-Otaibi Yasser D. , Rehman Zahoor-ur , Rahman Atta-ur , Nam Yunyoung
Published: April 2021

After the September 11 attacks, security and surveillance measures have changed across the globe. Now, surveillance cameras are installed almost everywhere to monitor video footage. Though quite handy, these cameras produce videos in a massive size and volume. The major challenge faced by security agencies is the effort of analyzing the surveillance video data collected and generated daily. Problems related to these videos are twofold: (1) understanding the contents of video streams, and (2) conversion of the video contents to condensed formats, such as textual interpretations and summaries, to save storage space. In this paper, we have proposed a video description framework on a surveillance dataset. This framework is based on the multitask learning of high-level features (HLFs) using a convolutional neural network (CNN) and natural language generation (NLG) through bidirectional recurrent networks. For each specific task, a parallel pipeline is derived from the base visual geometry group (VGG)-16 model. Tasks include scene recognition, action recognition, object recognition and human face specific feature recognition. Experimental results on the TRECViD, UET Video Surveillance (UETVS) and AGRIINTRUSION datasets depict that the model outperforms state-of-the-art methods by a METEOR (Metric for Evaluation of Translation with Explicit ORdering) score of 33.9%, 34.3%, and 31.2%, respectively. Our results show that our framework has distinct advantages over traditional rule-based models for the recognition and generation of natural language descriptions.
Postharvest UV-B and Photoperiod with Blue + Red LEDs as Strategies to Stimulate Carotenogenesis in Bell Peppers
Authors: Martínez-Zamora Lorena , Castillejo Noelia , Artés-Hernández Francisco
Published: April 2021

Background: Our objective was to evaluate carotenoid accumulation in bell peppers during shelf life under different light conditions. Methods: Fruit stored for 6 d at 7 °C received a 9 kJ m−2 UV-B treatment, while non-UV-treated were used as control (CTRL). Subsequently, all peppers were disposed for a retail sale period of 4 d at 20 °C with a photoperiod of 14 h under fluorescent light (FL) + 10 h under darkness (D), FL, or blue + red LEDs (BR LED). Results: Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was increased by the UV-B treatment and the photoperiods supplemented with FL and BR LED, which was directly related to the carotenoid content. In fact, CTRL peppers (225 mg β-carotene kg−1) under FL+BR LED showed an increase of ~33% of 13-cis-β-carotene, ~24% of all-trans-β-carotene, and ~27.5% of 9-cis-β-carotene compared to FL + D and FL + FL. Capsaicinoids showed an increase by ~22%, ~38%, and ~27% in the content of capsanthin, capsanthin laurate, and capsanthin esters, respectively, after the UV-B treatment, which was even enhanced after the LED-supplemented photoperiod by ~18% compared to FL+D. Conclusions: Illumination with BR LEDs + UV-B during the retail sale period nights is recommended to increase the bioactive content of bell peppers via carotenoid accumulation to 270 mg β-carotene kg−1.
Patient–Ventilator Interaction Testing Using the Electromechanical Lung Simulator xPULM™ during V/A-C and PSV Ventilation Mode
Authors: Pasteka Richard , Santos da Costa Joao Pedro , Barros Nelson , Kolar Radim , Forjan Mathias
Published: April 2021

During mechanical ventilation, a disparity between flow, pressure and volume demands of the patient and the assistance delivered by the mechanical ventilator often occurs. This paper introduces an alternative approach of simulating and evaluating patient–ventilator interactions with high fidelity using the electromechanical lung simulator xPULM™. The xPULM™ approximates respiratory activities of a patient during alternating phases of spontaneous breathing and apnea intervals while connected to a mechanical ventilator. Focusing on different triggering events, volume assist-control (V/A-C) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) modes were chosen to test patient–ventilator interactions. In V/A-C mode, a double-triggering was detected every third breathing cycle, leading to an asynchrony index of 16.67%, which is classified as severe. This asynchrony causes a significant increase of peak inspiratory pressure (7.96 ± 6.38 vs. 11.09 ± 0.49 cmH2O, p < 0.01)) and peak expiratory flow (−25.57 ± 8.93 vs. 32.90 ± 0.54 L/min, p < 0.01) when compared to synchronous phases of the breathing simulation. Additionally, events of premature cycling were observed during PSV mode. In this mode, the peak delivered volume during simulated spontaneous breathing phases increased significantly (917.09 ± 45.74 vs. 468.40 ± 31.79 mL, p < 0.01) compared to apnea phases. Various dynamic clinical situations can be approximated using this approach and thereby could help to identify undesired patient–ventilation interactions in the future. Rapidly manufactured ventilator systems could also be tested using this approach.
GIS-Based Site Suitability Analysis for Solar Power Systems in Mongolia
Authors: Munkhbat Uranchimeg , Choi Yosoon
Published: April 2021

In this study, we employed a geographic information system (GIS)-based approach to identify sites suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant installations in Mongolia. Accordingly, cells of 30 × 30 m were used, and data based on seven criteria, including annual global horizontal radiation, annual average temperature, elevation, slope, slope direction (aspect), and distances from main roads and major power lines, were collected for each cell. GIS layers for these seven criteria were then converted into rated value layers using four grades. The weightings applied to the seven criteria were determined, using an analytical hierarchy process, by ten solar field experts. By combining the seven rating value layers with the weightings, a site suitability map was developed, using good, fair, low, and poor suitability grades. The results showed that sites graded as good, fair, low, and poor accounted for 3.27%, 53.06%, 42.59%, and 1.08% of the total surface area, respectively. Good sites were predominantly located in the southern and central regions of Mongolia. As the current demand for electric power in southern and central regions is low and high, respectively, we concluded that the central region of Mongolia should be prioritized for installing PV power plants.
Quantum Circuit Design of Toom 3-Way Multiplication
Authors: Larasati Harashta Tatimma , Awaludin Asep Muhamad , Ji Janghyun , Kim Howon
Published: April 2021

In classical computation, Toom–Cook is one of the multiplication methods for large numbers which offers faster execution time compared to other algorithms such as schoolbook and Karatsuba multiplication. For the use in quantum computation, prior work considered the Toom-2.5 variant rather than the classically faster and more prominent Toom-3, primarily to avoid the nontrivial division operations inherent in the latter circuit. In this paper, we investigate the quantum circuit for Toom-3 multiplication, which is expected to give an asymptotically lower depth than the Toom-2.5 circuit. In particular, we designed the corresponding quantum circuit and adopted the sequence proposed by Bodrato to yield a lower number of operations, especially in terms of nontrivial division, which is reduced to only one exact division by 3 circuit per iteration. Moreover, to further minimize the cost of the remaining division, we utilize the unique property of the particular division circuit, replacing it with a constant multiplication by reciprocal circuit and the corresponding swap operations. Our numerical analysis shows that the resulting circuit indeed gives a lower asymptotic complexity in terms of Toffoli depth and qubit count compared to Toom-2.5 but with a large number of Toffoli gates that mainly come from realizing the division operation.
High-Speed Dynamic Projection Mapping onto Human Arm with Realistic Skin Deformation
Authors: Peng Hao-Lun , Watanabe Yoshihiro
Published: April 2021

Dynamic projection mapping for a moving object according to its position and shape is fundamental for augmented reality to resemble changes on a target surface. For instance, augmenting the human arm surface via dynamic projection mapping can enhance applications in fashion, user interfaces, prototyping, education, medical assistance, and other fields. For such applications, however, conventional methods neglect skin deformation and have a high latency between motion and projection, causing noticeable misalignment between the target arm surface and projected images. These problems degrade the user experience and limit the development of more applications. We propose a system for high-speed dynamic projection mapping onto a rapidly moving human arm with realistic skin deformation. With the developed system, the user does not perceive any misalignment between the arm surface and projected images. First, we combine a state-of-the-art parametric deformable surface model with efficient regression-based accuracy compensation to represent skin deformation. Through compensation, we modify the texture coordinates to achieve fast and accurate image generation for projection mapping based on joint tracking. Second, we develop a high-speed system that provides a latency between motion and projection below 10 ms, which is generally imperceptible by human vision. Compared with conventional methods, the proposed system provides more realistic experiences and increases the applicability of dynamic projection mapping.
Development and Evaluation of the Traction Characteristics of a Crawler EOD Robot
Authors: Grigore Lucian Ștefăniță , Oncioiu Ionica , Priescu Iustin , Joița Daniela
Published: April 2021

Today, terrestrial robots are used in a multitude of fields and for performing multiple missions. This paper introduces the novel development of a family of crawling terrestrial robots capable of changing very quickly depending on the missions they have to perform. The principle of novelty is the use of a load-bearing platform consisting of two independent propulsion systems. The operational platform, which handles the actual mission, is attached (plug and play) between the two crawler propulsion systems. The source of inspiration is the fact that there are a multitude of intervention robots in emergency situations, each independent of the other. In addition to these costs, there are also problems with the specialization of a very large number of staff. The present study focused on the realization of a simplified, modular model of the kinematics and dynamics of the crawler robot, so that it can be easily integrated, by adding or removing the calculation modules, into the software used. The designed model was integrated on a company controller, which allowed us to compare the results obtained by simulation with those obtained experimentally. We appreciate that the analyzed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robot solution represents a premise for the development of a family of EOD robots that use the same carrier platform and to which a multitude of operational platforms should be attached, depending on the missions to be performed.
High Resolution Mapping of PM2.5 Concentrations in Paris (France) Using Mobile Pollutrack Sensors Network in 2020
Authors: Renard Jean-Baptiste , Marchand Christophe
Published: April 2021

There is a need for accurate monitoring of PM2.5 that adversely affects human health. Consequently, in addition to the monitoring performed by fixed microbalance instruments installed under legal obligation, we are proposing to deploy the Pollutrack network of mobile sensors within the city of Paris (France). The measurements are performed by mobile aerosol counters mounted on the roof of cars, providing a constant series of readings in the 0.3–10 µm size range that are then aggregated to identify areas of mass concentrations of pollution. The performance of the Pollutrack sensors has been established in ambient air in comparison with the microbalance measurement devices and with the Light Optical Aerosols Counter (LOAC) aerosol counter. A measurement uncertainty of about 5 µg. m−3 is obtained with absolute values from the Pollutrack measurements made at a given location. Instead of the current modelizations based on very few PM2.5 values, maps built from real measurements with a spatial resolution down to 100 m can now be produced each day for Paris, and potentially for specific times of the day, thanks to the high number of measurements achievable with the Pollutrack system (over 70,000 on weekdays). Interestingly, the global trend of PM2.5 content shows several significant pollution events in 2020 despite the COVID-19 crisis and the lockdown. The Pollutrack pollution maps recorded during different PM2.5 pollution conditions in the city frequently identified a strong spatial heterogeneity where the North and the East of Paris were more polluted than the west. These “hot spots” could be due to the city topology and its sensitivity to wind direction and intensity. These high-resolution maps will be crucial in creating evidence for the relevant authorities to respond appropriately to local sources of pollution and to improve the understanding of transportation of urban PM.
Progressive Reduction in Mitochondrial Mass Is Triggered by Alterations in Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Dynamics in Chronic Kidney Disease Induced by 5/6 Nephrectomy
Authors: Prieto-Carrasco Rodrigo , García-Arroyo Fernando E. , Aparicio-Trejo Omar Emiliano , Rojas-Morales Pedro , León-Contreras Juan Carlos , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , Sánchez-Lozada Laura Gabriela , Tapia Edilia , Pedraza-Chaverri José
Published: April 2021

The five-sixth nephrectomy (5/6Nx) model is widely used to study the mechanisms involved in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Mitochondrial impairment is a critical mechanism that favors CKD progression. However, until now, there are no temporal studies of the change in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics that allow determining the role of these processes in mitochondrial impairment and renal damage progression in the 5/6Nx model. In this work, we determined the changes in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics markers in remnant renal mass from days 2 to 28 after 5/6Nx. Our results show a progressive reduction in mitochondrial biogenesis triggered by reducing two principal regulators of mitochondrial protein expression, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha. Furthermore, the reduction in mitochondrial biogenesis proteins strongly correlates with the increase in renal damage markers. Additionally, we found a slow and gradual change in mitochondrial dynamics from fusion to fission, favoring mitochondrial fragmentation at later stages after 5/6Nx. Together, our results suggest that 5/6Nx induces the progressive reduction in mitochondrial mass over time via the decrease in mitochondrial biogenesis factors and a slow shift from mitochondrial fission to fusion; both mechanisms favor CKD progression in the remnant renal mass.
Neutron Source Based on Vacuum Insulated Tandem Accelerator and Lithium Target
Authors: Taskaev Sergey , Berendeev Evgenii , Bikchurina Marina , Bykov Timofey , Kasatov Dmitrii , Kolesnikov Iaroslav , Koshkarev Alexey , Makarov Aleksandr , Ostreinov Georgii , Porosev Vyacheslav , Savinov Sergey , Shchudlo Ivan , Sokolova Evgeniia , Sorokin Igor , Sycheva Tatiana , Verkhovod Gleb
Published: April 2021

A compact accelerator-based neutron source has been proposed and created at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics in Novosibirsk, Russia. An original design tandem accelerator is used to provide a proton beam. The proton beam energy can be varied within a range of 0.6–2.3 MeV, keeping a high-energy stability of 0.1%. The beam current can also be varied in a wide range (from 0.3 mA to 10 mA) with high current stability (0.4%). In the device, neutron flux is generated as a result of the 7Li(p,n)7Be threshold reaction. A beam-shaping assembly is applied to convert this flux into a beam of epithermal neutrons with characteristics suitable for BNCT. A lot of scientific research has been carried out at the facility, including the study of blistering and its effect on the neutron yield. The BNCT technique is being tested in in vitro and in vivo studies, and the methods of dosimetry are being developed. It is planned to certify the neutron source next year and conduct clinical trials on it. The neutron source served as a prototype for a facility created for a clinic in Xiamen (China).