bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature Difference Sensor to Monitor the Temperature Difference in Processor Active Heat Sink Based on Thermopile
Authors: Markowski Piotr Marek , Gierczak Mirosław , Dziedzic Andrzej
Published: June 2021

The monitoring of processor temperature is crucial to increase its efficiency. One of the novel approaches is use the information not only about the CPU (Central Processing Unit) thermal state, but also about changing environmental conditions. The additional temperature difference sensor to monitor thermal changes in the processor environment is necessary. The sensor dedicated for active heat sink, often used inside laptops, was designed, fabricated and investigated. To fulfill the requirements and to match to the specific shape of the active heat sink, the hybrid sensor was proposed. It was composed of six thermocouples and fabricated using thick-film and LTCC (Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic) technology combined with wire thermocouples. Thick-film/LTCC flat substrates with thermoelectric paths ensured good thermal contact between the sensor and the monitored surface. The thermoelectric wires allowed adjusting the sensor to the complicated shape of the active heatsink. Three different versions of the sensor were realized and compared. All of them seem to be suitable for measuring the temperature difference in the given application and they can be used in further works.
VRBagged-Net: Ensemble Based Deep Learning Model for Disaster Event Classification
Authors: Hanif Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Atif , Rafi Muhammad
Published: June 2021

A flood is an overflow of water that swamps dry land. The gravest effects of flooding are the loss of human life and economic losses. An early warning of these events can be very effective in minimizing the losses. Social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook are quite effective in the efficient dissemination of information pertinent to any emergency. Users on these social networking sites share both textual and rich content images and videos. The Multimedia Evaluation Benchmark (MediaEval) offers challenges in the form of shared tasks to develop and evaluate new algorithms, approaches and technologies for explorations and exploitations of multimedia in decision making for real time problems. Since 2015, the MediaEval has been running a shared task of predicting several aspects of flooding and through these shared tasks, many improvements have been observed. In this paper, the classification framework VRBagged-Net is proposed and implemented for flood classification. The framework utilizes the deep learning models Visual Geometry Group (VGG) and Residual Network (ResNet), along with the technique of Bootstrap aggregating (Bagging). Various disaster-based datasets were selected for the validation of the VRBagged-Net framework. All the datasets belong to the MediaEval Benchmark Workshop, this includes Disaster Image Retrieval from Social Media (DIRSM), Flood Classification for Social Multimedia (FCSM) and Image based News Topic Disambiguation (INTD). VRBagged-Net performed encouraging well in all these datasets with slightly different but relevant tasks. It produces Mean Average Precision at different levels of 98.12, and Average Precision at 480 of 93.64 on DIRSM. On the FCSM dataset, it produces an F1 score of 90.58. Moreover, the framework has been applied on the dataset of Image-Based News Topic Disambiguation (INTD), and exceeds the previous best result by producing an F1 evaluation of 93.76. The VRBagged-Net with a slight modification also ranked first in the flood-related Multimedia Task at the MediaEval Workshop 2020.
Solid Fat Replacement with Canola Oil-Carnauba Wax Oleogels for Dairy-Free Imitation Cheese Low in Saturated Fat
Authors: Moon Kyungwon , Choi Kyeong-Ok , Jeong Sungmin , Kim Young-Wan , Lee Suyong
Published: June 2021

Canola oil was structured into oleogels with different amounts of carnauba wax, and their processing performances were assessed as an alternative to solid fat for imitation cheese low in saturated fat. The contents of solid fat in the oleogels were less vulnerable to the change in temperature than the palm oil. The replacement of palm oil with oleogels produced cheese samples with harder and more cohesive/chewy textures. Dynamic and transient viscoelastic measurements demonstrated that the use of oleogels was effective in increasing the elastic nature of the cheeses. Two distinct components with different proton mobilities were observed in the imitation cheeses, and longer T2 relaxation times were detected in the oleogel samples. The meltability of the cheese with palm oil was not significantly different from those with 3% and 6% oleogels. The saturated fat level of the oleogel cheese was significantly reduced from 45.70 to 5.20%. The application of canola oil-carnauba wax oleogels could successfully produce imitation cheese high in unsaturated fat and low in saturated fat. This study thus demonstrated that the health-functional properties of imitation cheese could be enhanced by using oleogels.
The Sources, Synthesis and Biological Actions of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids in Red Meat: An Overview
Authors: Ponnampalam Eric N. , Sinclair Andrew J. , Holman Benjamin W. B.
Published: June 2021

The maximisation of available resources for animal production, food security and maintenance of human–animal wellbeing is important for an economically viable, resilient and sustainable future. Pasture and forage diets are common sources of short chain omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), while grain-based and feedlot diets are common sources of short chain omega-6 (n-6) PUFA. Animals deposit n-3 and n-6 PUFA as a result of their direct consumption, as feeds or by synthesis of longer chain PUFA from short chain FA precursors in the body via desaturation and elongation processes. Research conducted over the last three decades has determined that the consumption of n-3 PUFA can improve the health and wellbeing of humans through its biological, biochemical, pathological and pharmacological effects. n-6 PUFA also play an important role in human health, but when consumed at high levels, are potentially harmful. Research shows that current consumption of n-6 PUFA by the human population is high due to their meal choices and the supplied food types. If consumption of n-3 PUFA from land- and marine-based foods improves human health, it is likely that these same food types can improve the health and wellbeing of livestock (farm animals) by likewise enhancing the levels of the n-3 PUFA in their circulatory and tissue systems. Modern agricultural systems and advanced technologies have fostered large scale animal and crop production systems. These allow for the utilisation of plant concentrate-based diets to increase the rate of animal growth, often based on economics, and these diets are believed to contribute to unfavourable FA intakes. Knowledge of the risks associated with consuming foods that have greater concentration of n-6 PUFA may lead to health-conscious consumers avoiding or minimising their intake of animal- and plant-based foods. For this reason, there is scope to produce food from plant and animal origins that contain lesser amounts of n-6 PUFA and greater amounts of n-3 PUFA, the outcome of which could improve both animal and human health, wellbeing and resilience to disease.
Pomegranate Peel Powder as a Food Preservative in Fruit Salad: A Sustainable Approach
Authors: Lacivita Valentina , Incoronato Anna Lucia , Conte Amalia , Del Nobile Matteo Alessandro
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to assess the potential of pomegranate peel powder as a natural preservative. Its effects were tested on fruit salad quality decay during refrigerated storage. Nectarine and pineapple, equally portioned in polypropylene containers and covered with fructose syrup, were closed using a screw cap in air, with and without the addition of a by-product peel powder. Specifically, amounts of 2.5% and 5% (w/v) of pomegranate peel powder were put into each container. Both the microbiological and sensory qualities of the fruit salad were monitored during storage at 5 °C for 28 days. The results demonstrated that the fruit salad with the by-products showed lower counts of total mesophilic bacteria, total psychrotrophic microorganisms, yeasts, and lactic acid bacteria compared to the control, thus confirming the recognized antimicrobial properties of pomegranate peel. The other interesting finding of this study is that the addition of the investigated by-product in fruit salad did not worsen the main sensory attributes of fresh-cut fruit. Therefore, these preliminary results suggest that pomegranate peel powder has potential applications as a natural preservative in the fresh-cut food sector.
Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antiparasitic Properties of Propolis: A Review
Authors: Zulhendri Felix , Chandrasekaran Kavita , Kowacz Magdalena , Ravalia Munir , Kripal Krishna , Fearnley James , Perera Conrad O.
Published: June 2021

Propolis is a complex phytocompound made from resinous and balsamic material harvested by bees from flowers, branches, pollen, and tree exudates. Humans have used propolis therapeutically for centuries. The aim of this article is to provide comprehensive review of the antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of propolis. The mechanisms of action of propolis are discussed. There are two distinct impacts with regards to antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties of propolis, on the pathogens and on the host. With regards to the pathogens, propolis acts by disrupting the ability of the pathogens to invade the host cells by forming a physical barrier and inhibiting enzymes and proteins needed for invasion into the host cells. Propolis also inhibits the replication process of the pathogens. Moreover, propolis inhibits the metabolic processes of the pathogens by disrupting cellular organelles and components responsible for energy production. With regard to the host, propolis functions as an immunomodulator. It upregulates the innate immunity and modulates the inflammatory signaling pathways. Propolis also helps maintain the host’s cellular antioxidant status. More importantly, a small number of human clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and the safety of propolis as an adjuvant therapy for pathogenic infections.
Emerging Role of microRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs in Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: De Benedittis Giada , Ciccacci Cinzia , Latini Andrea , Novelli Lucia , Novelli Giuseppe , Borgiani Paola
Published: June 2021

Sjögren’s Syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. It is considered a multifactorial pathology, in which underlying genetic predisposition, epigenetic mechanisms and environmental factors contribute to development. The epigenetic regulations represent a link between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Recent studies suggested a regulatory role for non-coding RNAs in critical biological and disease processes. Among non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in the post-transcriptional mRNA expression, forming a complex network of gene expression regulation. This review aims to give an overview of the latest studies that have investigated the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the SS. We included papers that investigated the expression of non-coding RNAs on different tissues, in particular on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and salivary glands. However, regarding the involvement of non-coding RNAs genetic variability in SS susceptibility very few data are available. Further research could help to elucidate underlying pathogenic processes of SS and provide new opportunities for the development of targeted therapies.
Panoptic Segmentation on Panoramic Radiographs: Deep Learning-Based Segmentation of Various Structures Including Maxillary Sinus and Mandibular Canal
Authors: Cha Jun-Young , Yoon Hyung-In , Yeo In-Sung , Huh Kyung-Hoe , Han Jung-Suk
Published: June 2021

Panoramic radiographs, also known as orthopantomograms, are routinely used in most dental clinics. However, it has been difficult to develop an automated method that detects the various structures present in these radiographs. One of the main reasons for this is that structures of various sizes and shapes are collectively shown in the image. In order to solve this problem, the recently proposed concept of panoptic segmentation, which integrates instance segmentation and semantic segmentation, was applied to panoramic radiographs. A state-of-the-art deep neural network model designed for panoptic segmentation was trained to segment the maxillary sinus, maxilla, mandible, mandibular canal, normal teeth, treated teeth, and dental implants on panoramic radiographs. Unlike conventional semantic segmentation, each object in the tooth and implant classes was individually classified. For evaluation, the panoptic quality, segmentation quality, recognition quality, intersection over union (IoU), and instance-level IoU were calculated. The evaluation and visualization results showed that the deep learning-based artificial intelligence model can perform panoptic segmentation of images, including those of the maxillary sinus and mandibular canal, on panoramic radiographs. This automatic machine learning method might assist dental practitioners to set up treatment plans and diagnose oral and maxillofacial diseases.
OX40L–OX40 Signaling in Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Furue Masutaka , Furue Mihoko
Published: June 2021

OX40 is one of the co-stimulatory molecules expressed on T cells, and it is engaged by OX40L, primarily expressed on professional antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells. The OX40L–OX40 axis is involved in the sustained activation and expansion of effector T and effector memory T cells, but it is not active in naïve and resting memory T cells. Ligation of OX40 by OX40L accelerates both T helper 1 (Th1) and T helper 2 (Th2) effector cell differentiation. Recent therapeutic success in clinical trials highlights the importance of the OX40L–OX40 axis as a promising target for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Pretransplant Serum Uromodulin and Its Association with Delayed Graft Function Following Kidney Transplantation—A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kemmner Stephan , Holzmann-Littig Christopher , Sandberger Helene , Bachmann Quirin , Haberfellner Flora , Torrez Carlos , Schmaderer Christoph , Heemann Uwe , Renders Lutz , Assfalg Volker , El-Achkar Tarek M. , Garimella Pranav S. , Scherberich Jürgen , Steubl Dominik
Published: June 2021

Delayed graft function (DGF) following kidney transplantation is associated with increased risk of graft failure, but biomarkers to predict DGF are scarce. We evaluated serum uromodulin (sUMOD), a potential marker for tubular integrity with immunomodulatory capacities, in kidney transplant recipients and its association with DGF. We included 239 kidney transplant recipients and measured sUMOD pretransplant and on postoperative Day 1 (POD1) as independent variables. The primary outcome was DGF, defined as need for dialysis within one week after transplantation. In total, 64 patients (27%) experienced DGF. In multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for recipient, donor and transplant associated risk factors each 10 ng/mL higher pretransplant sUMOD was associated with 47% lower odds for DGF (odds ratio (OR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (95%-CI) 0.30–0.82). When categorizing pretransplant sUMOD into quartiles, the quartile with the lowest values had 4.4-fold higher odds for DGF compared to the highest quartile (OR 4.41, 95%-CI 1.54–13.93). Adding pretransplant sUMOD to a model containing established risk factors for DGF in multivariable receiver-operating-characteristics (ROC) curve analysis, the area-under-the-curve improved from 0.786 [95%-CI 0.723–0.848] to 0.813 [95%-CI 0.755–0.871, p = 0.05]. SUMOD on POD1 was not associated with DGF. In conclusion, higher pretransplant sUMOD was independently associated with lower odds for DGF, potentially serving as a non-invasive marker to stratify patients according to their risk for developing DGF early in the setting of kidney transplantation.
Cutaneous and Vascular Deposits of 18F-NaF by PET/CT in the Follow-Up of Patients with Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
Authors: Lillo Eugenia , Gutierrez-Cardo Antonio , Murcia-Casas Belén , Carrillo-Linares Juan Luis , Garcia-Argüello Francisco , Chicharo de Freitas Reinaldo , Baquero-Aranda Isabel , Valdivielso Pedro , García-Fernández María , Sánchez-Chaparro Miguel Ángel
Published: June 2021

Active microcalcification of elastic fibers is a hallmark of pseudoxanthoma elasticum and it can be measured with the assessment of deposition of 18F-NaF using a PET/CT scan at the skin and vascular levels. It is not known whether this deposition changes over time in absence of specific therapy. We repeated in two years a PET/CT scan using 18F-NaF as a radiopharmaceutical in patients with the disease and compared the deposition at skin and vessel. Furthermore, calcium score values at the vessel wall were also assessed. Main results indicate in the vessel walls that calcification progressed in each patient; by contrast, the active microcalcification, measured and target-to-background ratio showed reduced active deposition. By contrast, at skin levels (neck and axillae) the uptake of the pharmaceutical remains unchanged. In conclusion, because calcification in the arterial wall is not specific for pseudoxanthoma elasticum condition, the measurement of the deposition of 18F-NaF in the neck might be potentially used as a surrogate marker in future trials for the disease.
Role and Effects of Hippotherapy in the Treatment of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Menor-Rodríguez María José , Sevilla Martín Mar , Sánchez-García Juan Carlos , Montiel-Troya María , Cortés-Martín Jonathan , Rodríguez-Blanque Raquel
Published: June 2021

Cerebral palsy is described as a group of permanent neuromotor-type disorders caused by non-progressive injuries in the developmental stages of the central nervous system, and which have serious repercussions on the quality of life of affected children due to the physical and psychological damage it entails for them. Today, it is the leading cause of physical disability in childhood. Since there is no cure for this disorder, treatment is based on the improvement of symptoms, which is not always achieved through conventional therapies. For this reason, the need arises to investigate other alternative therapies, such as hippotherapy, to determine the main effects of hippotherapy as a rehabilitation therapy in children with cerebral palsy. The review was performed in accordance with the criteria of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol and was registered under the number CRD42021233003. The databases used were PubMed, Dialnet and the web browser Google Scholar. After applying the inclusion criteria, we included 11 articles. As a conclusion, we found that hippotherapy provides benefits at physical, psychological, cognitive and social levels in children with cerebral palsy, and thus it should be considered as a complementary rehabilitation therapy to conventional treatments.
Feasibility and Assessment of a Cascade Traceback Screening Program (FACTS): Protocol for a Multisite Study to Implement and Assess an Ovarian Cancer Traceback Cascade Testing Program
Authors: DiNucci Anna , Henrikson Nora B. , Jonas M. Cabell , Basra Sundeep , Blasi Paula , Brown Jennifer , Esplin Edward D. , Hassen Dina , Hao Jing , Hu Yirui , Klinger Tracey , Ladd Ilene , Leppig Kathleen , Lewis Meredith , Meyer Michelle , Ney Steven , Ramaprasan Arvind , Romagnoli Katrina , Salvati Zachary , Scrol Aaron , Schwiter Rachel , Sheridan Leigh , Somasundaram Brinda , Suwannarat Pim , Wagner Jennifer K. , Rahm Alanna K.
Published: June 2021

Ovarian cancer (OVCA) patients may carry genes conferring cancer risk to biological family; however, fewer than one-quarter of patients receive genetic testing. “Traceback” cascade testing —outreach to potential probands and relatives—is a possible solution. This paper outlines a funded study (U01 CA240747-01A1) seeking to determine a Traceback program’s feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and costs. This is a multisite prospective observational feasibility study across three integrated health systems. Informed by the Conceptual Model for Implementation Research, we will outline, implement, and evaluate the outcomes of an OVCA Traceback program. We will use standard legal research methodology to review genetic privacy statutes; engage key stakeholders in qualitative interviews to design communication strategies; employ descriptive statistics and regression analyses to evaluate the site differences in genetic testing and the OVCA Traceback testing; and assess program outcomes at the proband, family member, provider, system, and population levels. This study aims to determine a Traceback program’s feasibility and acceptability in a real-world context. It will account for the myriad factors affecting implementation, including legal issues, organizational- and individual-level barriers and facilitators, communication issues, and program costs. Project results will inform how health care providers and systems can develop effective, practical, and sustainable Traceback programs.
New Evidence of Potential Benefits of Dexamethasone and Added on Therapy of Fludrocortisone on Clinical Outcomes of Corticosteroid in Sepsis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Son Ji-young , Shin Sooyoung , Choi Yeo
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate clinical outcomes of corticosteroid treatment in patients with sepsis or septic shock. An electronic keyword searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar were conducted per PRISMA guidelines. The pooled analyses on the corticosteroid impact on mortality, adverse events, and clinical outcomes were performed. Subgroup analyses on the clinical outcomes in relation to corticosteroid dose, duration, and agents were performed. Pooled analyses of 21 randomized control trials revealed substantially reduced mortality (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88–0.99, p = 0.02) and length of stay in intensive care unit (SMD −1.66, 95% CI −1.91–−1.40, p < 0.00001) without increased risks of adverse events (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.96–1.12, p = 0.38). No significant improvements of other clinical outcomes were observed. Subgroup analyses demonstrated substantially reduced mortality with short-term (≤7 days) low-dose (<400 mg/day) corticosteroid treatment (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.87–0.95, p < 0.0001). Moreover, dexamethasone (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.20–0.81, p = 0.01) and combined hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone treatment (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84–0.94, p < 0.00001) provided substantial reduction of mortality whereas hydrocortisone alone did not reduce the mortality risk in sepsis patients. Thus, further controlled studies on the clinical outcomes of potential corticosteroid options on sepsis-related clinical outcomes are warranted.
Cerebrolysin Combined with Rehabilitation Enhances Motor Recovery and Prevents Neural Network Degeneration in Ischemic Stroke Patients with Severe Motor Deficits
Authors: Chang Won Hyuk , Lee Jungsoo , Shin Yong-Il , Ko Myoung-Hwan , Kim Deog Young , Sohn Min Kyun , Kim Jinuk , Kim Yun-Hee
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Cerebrolysin combined with rehabilitation therapy supports additional motor recovery in stroke patients with severe motor impairment. This study analyzed the combined data from the two phase IV prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Stroke patients were included within seven days after stroke onset and were randomized to receive a 21-day treatment course of either Cerebrolysin or placebo with standardized rehabilitation therapy. Assessments were performed at baseline, immediately after the treatment course, and 90 days after stroke onset. The plasticity of the motor system was assessed by diffusion tensor imaging and resting state fMRI. In total, 110 stroke patients were included for the full analysis set (Cerebrolysin n = 59, placebo n = 51). Both groups showed significant motor recovery over time. Repeated-measures analysis of varianceshowed a significant interaction between time and type of intervention as measured by the Fugl–Meyer Assessment (p < 0.05). The Cerebrolysin group demonstrated less degenerative changes in the major motor-related white matter tracts over time than the placebo group. In conclusion, Cerebrolysin treatment as an add-on to a rehabilitation program is a promising pharmacologic approach that is worth considering in order to enhance motor recovery in ischemic stroke patients with severe motor impairment.
Analysis of the Innovation Trend in Cell-Free Synthetic Biology
Authors: Meyer Conary , Nakamura Yusuke , Rasor Blake J. , Karim Ashty S. , Jewett Michael C. , Tan Cheemeng
Published: June 2021

Cell-free synthetic biology is a maturing field that aims to assemble biomolecular reactions outside cells for compelling applications in drug discovery, metabolic engineering, biomanufacturing, diagnostics, and education. Cell-free systems have several key features. They circumvent mechanisms that have evolved to facilitate species survival, bypass limitations on molecular transport across the cell wall, enable high-yielding and rapid synthesis of proteins without creating recombinant cells, and provide high tolerance towards toxic substrates or products. Here, we analyze ~750 published patents and ~2000 peer-reviewed manuscripts in the field of cell-free systems. Three hallmarks emerged. First, we found that both patent filings and manuscript publications per year are significantly increasing (five-fold and 1.5-fold over the last decade, respectively). Second, we observed that the innovation landscape has changed. Patent applications were dominated by Japan in the early 2000s before shifting to China and the USA in recent years. Finally, we discovered an increasing prevalence of biotechnology companies using cell-free systems. Our analysis has broad implications on the future development of cell-free synthetic biology for commercial and industrial applications.
Protein Secondary Structure Affects Glycan Clustering in Native Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yan Hao , Lockhauserbäumer Julia , Szekeres Gergo Peter , Mallagaray Alvaro , Creutznacher Robert , Taube Stefan , Peters Thomas , Pagel Kevin , Uetrecht Charlotte
Published: June 2021

Infection by the human noroviruses (hNoV), for the vast majority of strains, requires attachment of the viral capsid to histo blood group antigens (HBGAs). The HBGA-binding pocket is formed by dimers of the protruding domain (P dimers) of the capsid protein VP1. Several studies have focused on HBGA binding to P dimers, reporting binding affinities and stoichiometries. However, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and native mass spectrometry (MS) analyses yielded incongruent dissociation constants (KD) for the binding of HBGAs to P dimers and, in some cases, disagreed on whether glycans bind at all. We hypothesized that glycan clustering during electrospray ionization in native MS critically depends on the physicochemical properties of the protein studied. It follows that the choice of a reference protein is crucial. We analysed carbohydrate clustering using various P dimers and eight non-glycan binding proteins serving as possible references. Data from native and ion mobility MS indicate that the mass fraction of β-sheets has a strong influence on the degree of glycan clustering. Therefore, the determination of specific glycan binding affinities from native MS must be interpreted cautiously.
Superplasticity and Superplastic Forming
Authors: Sorgente Donato
Published: June 2021

In both academic and industrial research endeavours, driving forces are essential to keep the interest alive for a specific topic [...]
Combined Effects of EMBr and SEMS on Melt Flow and Solidification in a Thin Slab Continuous Caster
Authors: Wang Changjun , Liu Zhongqiu , Li Baokuan
Published: June 2021

Electromagnetic fields have emerged as powerful tools for addressing current problems in thin slab continuous casting processes in the iron and steel industry. Substantial studies have been undertaken on the fundamental effects of electromagnetic brakes (EMBr) and strand electromagnetic stirring (SEMS). However, little attention has been focused on melt flow and solidification in a thin slab continuous caster with the simultaneous application of an EMBr and SEMS. The present study aimed to predict transient fields in the caster using a large eddy simulation and an enthalpy-porosity method. The electric potential method was applied in the braking process, and the conductivity change with solidification was considered. The suppressive effect on the intensity of the nozzle jet, the balance effect on the mold flow, and a dispersion effect could be observed. The dispersion effect was a novel finding and was beneficial to a flatter nozzle jet. In contrast, SEMS caused a highly turbulent flow in the strand. A large vortex could be observed in the casting direction. The solidified shell became more uniform, and the solidification rate became obviously slower. These findings supported the view that a high-quality thin slab can be produced by the application of an EMBr and SEMS.
Reactive Ni–Al-Based Materials: Strength and Combustion Behavior
Authors: Seropyan Stepan , Saikov Ivan , Andreev Dmitrii , Saikova Gulnaz , Alymov Mikhail
Published: June 2021

The effect of PTFE, continuous boron, and tungsten fibers on the combustion behavior and strength of reactive Ni–Al compacts was examined in this study. The introduction of continuous fibers into Ni–Al compacts according to the developed scheme was found to increase the flexural strength from 12 to 120 MPa. Heat treatment (HT), leading to chemical interaction of the starting components, increases the strength of compacts at temperatures not exceeding 550 °C. The combination of reinforcement and HT significantly increases the strength without reducing reactivity. Experimental results showed that strength and combustion rate increase with the reduction in PTFE to 1 wt % in Ni–Al compacts. A favorable effect of the addition of PTFE from 5 to 10 wt % on the reduction of the threshold for the shock-wave initiation of reactions in Ni–Al was established. The obtained results can be used to produce reactive materials with high mechanical and energy characteristics.
Effects of Dufulin on Oxidative Stress and Metabolomic Profile of Tubifex
Authors: Yu Yile , Zhu Yuxin , Yang Jing , Zhu Wentao , Zhou Zhiqiang , Zhang Renke
Published: June 2021

Dufulin is a highly effective antiviral pesticide used in plants. In this study, a seven-day experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of Dufulin at five different concentrations (1 × 10−4, 1 × 10−3, 1 × 10−2, 0.1, and 1 mg/L) on Tubifex. LC-MS-based metabolome analysis detected a total of 5356 features in positive and 9110 features in negative, of which 41 showed significant changes and were identified as differential metabolites. Four metabolic pathways were selected for further study. Detailed analysis revealed that Dufulin exposure affected the urea cycle of Tubifex, probably via argininosuccinate lyase (ASL) inhibition. It also affected the fatty acid metabolism, leading to changes in the concentration of free fatty acids in Tubifex. Furthermore, the changes in metabolites after exposure to Dufulin at 1 × 10−2 mg/L were different from those at the other concentrations.
Field-Grown and In Vitro Propagated Round-Leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia L.) Show Differences in Metabolic Profiles and Biological Activities
Authors: Tienaho Jenni , Reshamwala Dhanik , Karonen Maarit , Silvan Niko , Korpela Leila , Marjomäki Varpu , Sarjala Tytti
Published: June 2021

Drosera rotundifolia L. is a carnivorous plant used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. Because of its small size, its collection in nature is laborious and different cultivation methods have been studied to ensure availability. However, only a few studies exist where the lab-grown sundew tissue and field-grown sundew would have been compared in their functionality or metabolic profiles. In this study, the antioxidant and antiviral activities of lab-grown and field-grown sundew extracts and their metabolic profiles are examined. The effect of drying methods on the chromatographic profile of the extracts is also shown. Antioxidant activity was significantly higher (5–6 times) in field-grown sundew but antiviral activity against enterovirus strains coxsackievirus A9 and B3 was similar in higher extract concentrations (cell viability ca. 90%). Metabolic profiles showed that the majority of the identified compounds were the same but field-grown sundew contained higher numbers and amounts of secondary metabolites. Freeze-drying, herbal dryer, and oven or room temperature drying of the extract significantly decreased the metabolite content from −72% up to −100%. Freezing was the best option to preserve the metabolic composition of the sundew extract. In conclusion, when accurately handled, the lab-grown sundew possesses promising antiviral properties, but the secondary metabolite content needs to be higher for it to be considered as a good alternative for the field-grown sundew.
Lipid-Based Nanostructures for the Delivery of Natural Antimicrobials
Authors: Pinilla Cristian Mauricio Barreto , Lopes Nathalie Almeida , Brandelli Adriano
Published: June 2021

Encapsulation can be a suitable strategy to protect natural antimicrobial substances against some harsh conditions of processing and storage and to provide efficient formulations for antimicrobial delivery. Lipid-based nanostructures, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid nanocarriers (NLCs), are valuable systems for the delivery and controlled release of natural antimicrobial substances. These nanostructures have been used as carriers for bacteriocins and other antimicrobial peptides, antimicrobial enzymes, essential oils, and antimicrobial phytochemicals. Most studies are conducted with liposomes, although the potential of SLNs and NLCs as antimicrobial nanocarriers is not yet fully established. Some studies reveal that lipid-based formulations can be used for co-encapsulation of natural antimicrobials, improving their potential to control microbial pathogens.
Metabolic Profiling and Quantitative Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid Using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry: Current Methods and Future Perspectives
Authors: Pautova Alisa , Burnakova Natalia , Revelsky Alexander
Published: June 2021

Cerebrospinal fluid is a key biological fluid for the investigation of new potential biomarkers of central nervous system diseases. Gas chromatography coupled to mass-selective detectors can be used for this investigation at the stages of metabolic profiling and method development. Different sample preparation conditions, including extraction and derivatization, can be applied for the analysis of the most of low-molecular-weight compounds of the cerebrospinal fluid, including metabolites of tryptophan, arachidonic acid, glucose; amino, polyunsaturated fatty and other organic acids; neuroactive steroids; drugs; and toxic metabolites. The literature data analysis revealed the absence of fully validated methods for cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and it presents opportunities for scientists to develop and validate analytical protocols using modern sample preparation techniques, such as microextraction by packed sorbent, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, and other potentially applicable techniques.
Multi-Functional Core-Shell Nanofibers for Wound Healing
Authors: Li Zhen , Mei Shunqi , Dong Yajie , She Fenghua , Li Puwang , Li Yongzhen , Kong Lingxue
Published: June 2021

Core-shell nanofibers have great potential for bio-medical applications such as wound healing dressings where multiple drugs and growth factors are expected to be delivered at different healing phases. Compared to monoaxial nanofibers, core-shell nanofibers can control the drug release profile easier, providing sustainable and effective drugs and growth factors for wound healing. However, it is challenging to produce core-shell structured nanofibers with a high production rate at low energy consumption. Co-axial centrifugal spinning is an alternative method to address the above limitations to produce core-shell nanofibers effectively. In this study, a co-axial centrifugal spinning device was designed and assembled to produce core-shell nanofibers for controlling the release rate of ibuprofen and hEGF in inflammation and proliferation phases during the wound healing process. Core-shell structured nanofibers were confirmed by TEM. This work demonstrated that the co-axial centrifugal spinning is a high productivity process that can produce materials with a 3D environment mimicking natural tissue scaffold, and the specific drug can be loaded into different layers to control the drug release rate to improve the drug efficiency and promote wound healing.
Two Approaches to the Laser-Induced Formation of Au/Ag Bimetallic Nanoparticles in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Rybaltovsky Alexey , Epifanov Evgeniy , Khmelenin Dmitriy , Shubny Andrey , Zavorotny Yuriy , Yusupov Vladimir , Minaev Nikita
Published: June 2021

Two approaches are proposed for the synthesis of bimetallic Au/Ag nanoparticles, using the pulsed laser ablation of a target consisting of gold and silver plates in a medium of supercritical carbon dioxide. The differences between the two approaches related to the field of “green chemistry” are in the use of different geometric configurations and different laser sources when carrying out the experiments. In the first configuration, the Ag and Au targets are placed side-by-side vertically on the side wall of a high-pressure reactor and the ablation of the target plates occurs alternately with a stationary “wide” horizontal beam with a laser pulse repetition rate of 50 Hz. In the second configuration, the targets are placed horizontally at the bottom of a reactor and the ablation of their parts is carried out by scanning from above with a vertical “narrow” laser beam with a pulse repetition rate of 60 kHz. The possibility of obtaining Ag/Au alloy nanoparticles is demonstrated using the first configuration, while the possibility of obtaining “core–shell” bimetallic Au/Ag nanoparticles with a gold core and a silver shell is demonstrated using the second configuration. A simple model is proposed to explain the obtained results.
Foliar Nourishment with Nano-Selenium Dioxide Promotes Physiology, Biochemistry, Antioxidant Defenses, and Salt Tolerance in Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Rady Mostafa M. , Desoky El-Sayed M. , Ahmed Safia M. , Majrashi Ali , Ali Esmat F. , Arnaout Safaa M. A. I. , Selem Eman
Published: June 2021

Novel strategic green approaches are urgently needed to raise the performance of plants subjected to stress. Two field-level experimental attempts were implemented during two (2019 and 2020) growing seasons to study the possible effects of exogenous nourishment with selenium dioxide nanoparticles (Se-NPs) on growth, physio-biochemical ingredients, antioxidant defenses, and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris (L.) plant growing on a salt-affected soil (EC = 7.55–7.61 dS m−1). At 20, 30, and 40 days from seeding, three foliar sprays were applied to plants with Se-NPs at a rate of 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mM. The experimental design was accomplished in randomized complete plots. The data indicate noteworthy elevations in indicators related to growth and yield; pigments related to effective photosynthesis, osmoprotectant (free proline and soluble sugars), nutrient and Se contents, K+/Na+ ratio, cell integrity (water content and stability of membranes), all enzyme activities; and all features related to leaf anatomy induced by Se-NPs foliar spray. Conversely, marked lowering in markers of Na+ content-induced oxidative stress (superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide) and their outcomes in terms of ionic leakage and malondialdehyde were reported by foliar nourishment with Se-NPS compared to spraying leaves with water as an implemented control. The best results were recorded with Se-NPs applied at 1.0 mM, which mitigated the negative effects of soil salinity (control results). Therefore, the outcomes of this successful study recommend the use of Se-NPs at a rate of 1.0 mM as a foliar spray to grow common beans on saline soils with EC up to 7.55–7.61 dS m−1.
Living in Ethnic Areas or Not? Residential Preference of Decimal Generation Immigrants among Asian Indians, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Filipinos, and Vietnamese
Authors: Li Shuang , Zhang Weiwei
Published: June 2021

The present study examines the spatial assimilation patterns of immigrants who arrived as children. The main objective is to predict the likelihood of living in ethnic areas for decimal generation immigrants (1.25, 1.5, and 1.75) among Asian Indians, Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, Filipinos, and Vietnamese. Using 2013–2017 5-Year ACS Estimates and IPUMS, it applies the measure of local spatial clustering (the Local Moran’s I statistic) to identify ethnic areas and the logistic regression model to assess the effects of immigrant generational status, cultural, and socioeconomic assimilation on the probability of living in ethnic areas. The findings show that the 1.25 and 1.5 decimal generation immigrants of Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, and Koreans demonstrate higher propensities of living in ethnic areas compared to the first generation of each ethnic group, respectively. Meanwhile, their Asian Indians and Vietnamese counterparts show spatial assimilation. Regardless of generational effects, English language ability positively relates to the probability of living in nonethnic areas, whereas economic assimilation indicators reveal mixed results. We found substantial evidence for resurgent ethnicity theory and some support of spatial assimilation model, indicating the ethnic disparity in spatial assimilation patterns among Asian immigrants. Our paper highlights the nonlinear assimilation patterns among Asian decimal generations. Results suggest that, for Asian immigrants in the U.S., age-at-arrival and ethnicity are both significant predictors of residential preference.
Co-Creative Problem Solving to Support Rapid Learning of Systems Knowledge Towards High-Tech Innovations: A Longitudinal Case Study
Authors: Kjørstad Marianne , Muller Gerrit , Falk Kristin
Published: June 2021

This article explores co-creative problem solving to support rapid learning of systems knowledge in the concept phase towards innovation. We introduce the term co-creative problem solving to describe the act of collective creation between systems engineers and stakeholders during problem solving. The context of this research is a mature Norwegian industry accustomed to efficiency and risk aversion, challenged by late validation of systems design due to poor utilization of systems knowledge. We have explored co-creation between systems engineers and stakeholders such as project managers, business developers, and subject-matter experts through a longitudinal in-depth industry case in the energy domain. The primary outcome is insights into how co-creative problem solving supports rapid learning of systems knowledge in the industry case. We propose a method building on the findings from the research results to support systems engineers in similar contexts facing similar challenges.
Knowledge and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination among Undergraduate Students from Central and Southern Italy
Authors: Gallè Francesca , Sabella Elita Anna , Roma Paolo , De Giglio Osvalda , Caggiano Giuseppina , Tafuri Silvio , Da Molin Giovanna , Ferracuti Stefano , Montagna Maria Teresa , Liguori Giorgio , Orsi Giovanni Battista , Napoli Christian
Published: June 2021

At the end of 2020, the Italian Ministry of Health launched a national vaccination campaign to counteract the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aimed at appraising levels of knowledge about and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in a sample of Italian undergraduates during the first phase of the immunization plan. A web-based questionnaire was administered to students attending universities in Bari, Naples, and Rome during the period February–April 2021. Of the total of 3226 participants, 91.9% were keen to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. More than 80% gave correct answers to questions about COVID-19 vaccine administration, functioning, and effects on community health. However, only 63.8% identified the correct composition of the available vaccines. Knowledge was found to be related to sociodemographic features and COVID-19 vaccination acceptance (p < 0.05). COVID-19 vaccination acceptance was found to be related to having a previous vaccination against influenza (OR 3.806, CI 95% 1.181–12.267; p = 0.025) and knowledge (OR 4.759, CI 95% 2.106–10.753; p = 0.000). These results show a good level of awareness about COVID-19 vaccination in this population, which may indicate the effectiveness of communication strategies accompanying the COVID-19 immunization campaign in Italy.
Lessons from Globalization and the COVID-19 Pandemic for Economic, Environmental and Social Policy
Authors: Blum Bianca , Neumärker Bernhard K. J.
Published: June 2021

The rapidly spreading COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 not only brought many countries in the world to a state of health crisis, but also increasingly drove economic and social crisis. The roots of these crises, however, run far deeper and can be traced to decades of neoliberal political and economic actions and driving forces of globalization. Increasing globalization and liberalization of markets led to the increasing privatization of many public goods while collectivizing risks such as environmental disasters, pandemics and economic crises. This paper presents the context and emergence of these crisis states and derives public policy implications in the areas of externalities management, digitalization, and basic income based on a broad literature review. These key issues need to be addressed both during and after the crisis in order to address the problems of environmental quality and climate change mitigation, as well as rising inequality and injustice for current and future generations.
The Legalhood of Artificial Intelligence: AI Applications as Energy Services
Authors:   School of Education, Frederick University, Nicosia, Cyprus, Seremeti Lambrini ,   Laboratory, of Interdisciplinary Semantic Interconnected Symbiotic Education Environments, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Peloponnese, Greece, Kougias Ioannis ,   Laboratory, of Interdisciplinary Semantic Interconnected Symbiotic Education Environments, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Peloponnese, Greece
Published: June 2021

The importance of data has increased in the last century and these days it is an essential resource for any human activity as well as a vital component for our society. The use of AI is a major improvement in handling these data, the amount of which is becoming enormous. In a regulatory perspective, AI applications have an impact on the social and economic structure and the rights and values on which it is based upon. This paper is a crucial step on the path of building a consensus on the legal hypostasis of AI. It is our belief that unforeseeable and ground-breaking AI applications can be regulatorily tackled with respect to energy law.