bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience of Patients with COPD of Pharmacists’ Provided Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Idowu Omowumi , Makhinova Tatiana , Quintanilha Maira , Yuksel Nese , Schindel Theresa J. , Tsuyuki Ross T.
Published: June 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with high global morbidity and mortality. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to provide services which may reduce the burden of this disease on the health system, patients, and their families. The study aimed to understand the perceptions and experiences of patients living with COPD with pharmacists’ provided care in COPD diagnosis and management. The study was guided by qualitative description methodology and reported using the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 participants who were recruited from community pharmacies, seniors’ centres, a general practice clinic, and a pulmonary rehabilitation centre. Using qualitative content analysis, we identified categories that revealed great variation in participants’ experience of pharmacy care based on the depth of patient–pharmacist engagement. Participants who regarded their pharmacists as an essential member of their healthcare team and those who did not, had contrasting experiences with education, communication, and ability to form connections with their pharmacists. For patients with COPD, it is important that the pharmacist is proactive in engaging patients through effective communication, education/provision of relevant information, identification of patient needs, and consistent provision of care with empathy.
Transmission and Generation of Orbital ANGULAR Momentum Modes in Optical Fibers
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Tu Jiajing , Gao Shecheng , Li Zhaohui , Yu Changyuan , Lu Chao
Published: June 2021

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light provides a new degree of freedom for carrying information. The stable propagation and generation of OAM modes are necessary for the fields of OAM-based optical communications and microscopies. In this review, we focus on discussing the novel fibers that are suitable for stable OAM mode transmission and conversion. The fundamental theory of fiber modes is introduced first. Then, recent progress on a multitude of fiber designs that can stably guide or generate OAM modes is reviewed. Currently, the mode crosstalk is regarded as the main issue that damages OAM mode stability. Therefore, the coupled-mode theory and coupled-power power theory are introduced to analyze OAM modes crosstalk. Finally, the challenges and prospects of the applications of OAM fibers are discussed.
Green Synthesis of Thermo-Responsive Hydrogel from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches Cellulose for Sustained Drug Delivery
Authors: Al-Rajabi Maha Mohammad , Teow Yeit Haan
Published: June 2021

Drug delivery is a difficult task in the field of dermal therapeutics, particularly in the treatment of burns, wounds, and skin diseases. Conventional drug delivery mediums have some limitations, including poor retention on skin/wound, inconvenience in administration, and uncontrolled drug release profile. Hydrogels able to absorb large amount of water and give a spontaneous response to stimuli imposed on them are an attractive solution to overcome the limitations of conventional drug delivery media. The objective of this study is to explore a green synthesis method for the development of thermo-responsive cellulose hydrogel using cellulose extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB). A cold method was employed to prepare thermo-responsive cellulose hydrogels by incorporating OPEFB-extracted cellulose and Pluronic F127 (PF127) polymer. The performance of the synthesized thermo-responsive cellulose hydrogels were evaluated in terms of their swelling ratio, percentage of degradation, and in-vitro silver sulfadiazine (SSD) drug release. H8 thermo-responsive cellulose hydrogel with 20 w/v% PF127 and 3 w/v% OPEFB extracted cellulose content was the best formulation, given its high storage modulus and complex viscosity (81 kPa and 9.6 kPa.s, respectively), high swelling ratio (4.22 ± 0.70), and low degradation rate (31.3 ± 5.9%), in addition to high t50% value of 24 h in SSD in-vitro drug release to accomplish sustained drug release. The exploration of thermo-responsive cellulose hydrogel from OPEFB would promote cost-effective and sustainable drug delivery system with using abundantly available agricultural biomass.
Special Issue “Study of Biodegradation and Bioremediation”
Authors: Kaczorek Ewa , Smułek Wojciech
Published: June 2021

It is with great pleasure that we present to you the output of the Special Issue Study of Biodegradation and Bioremediation [...]
Effects of Different Amylose Contents of Foxtail Millet Flour Varieties on Textural Properties of Chinese Steamed Bread
Authors: Li Shaohui , Zhao Wei , Min Guang , Li Pengliang , Zhang Aixia , Zhang Jiali , Wang Yunting , Liu Yingying , Liu Jingke
Published: June 2021

In order to improve the nutritional value and quality of steamed bread, and promote the industrial development of the whole-grain food industry, a texture analyzer was used to study the effects of cultivars of whole foxtail millet flour (WFMF) on the texture of Chinese steamed bread (CSB). Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was also conducted. The addition of different cultivars of WFMF significantly altered the height–diameter ratio, specific volume, hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness of CSB (p < 0.05). Large amounts of foxtail millet flour significantly increased the hardness, gumminess and chewiness of the bread (p < 0.05), and the bread height–diameter ratio, specific volume, cohesiveness and springiness significantly decreased (p < 0.05). We screened sensory evaluation, chewiness, specific volume, and hardness as the signature differences in the quality components according to the variable influence on the projection (VIP) values. OPLS-DA could distinguish the addition levels of different samples.
Curcumin Improved Glucose Intolerance, Renal Injury, and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Decreased Chromium Loss through Urine in Obese Mice
Authors: Chang Geng-Ruei , Hsieh Wen-Tsong , Chou Lan-Szu , Lin Chen-Si , Wu Ching-Fen , Lin Jen-Wei , Lin Wei-Li , Lin Tzu-Chun , Liao Huei-Jyuan , Kao Chen-Yung , Lin Chuen-Fu
Published: June 2021

Obesity-associated hyperglycemia underlies insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and related metabolic disorders including type 2 diabetes, renal damage, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Turmeric root is commonly used in Asia, and curcumin, one of its pharmacological components, can play a role in preventing and treating certain chronic physiological disorders. Accordingly, this study examined how high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia are reduced by curcumin through changes in fatty liver scores, chromium distribution, and renal injury in mice. Relative to the control group, also fed an HFD, the curcumin group weighed less and had smaller adipocytes; it also had lower daily food efficiency, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels, serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, serum and hepatic triglyceride levels, and hepatic lipid regulation marker expression. The curcumin-treated obese group exhibited significantly lower fasting blood glucose, was less glucose intolerant, had higher Akt phosphorylation and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression, and had greater serum insulin levels. Moreover, the group showed renal damage with lower TNF-α expression along with more numerous renal antioxidative enzymes that included superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. The liver histology of the curcumin-treated obese mice showed superior lipid infiltration and fewer FASN and PNPLA3 proteins in comparison with the control mice. Curcumin contributed to creating a positive chromium balance by decreasing the amount of chromium lost through urine, leading to the chromium mobilization needed to mitigate hyperglycemia. Thus, the results suggest that curcumin prevents HFD-induced glucose intolerance, kidney injury, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Simulation of Earth’s Outward Radiative Flux and Its Radiance in Moon-Based View
Authors: Shang Haolu , Ding Yixing , Guo Huadong , Liu Guang , Liu Xiaoyu , Wu Jie , Liang Lei , Jiang Hao , Chen Guoqiang
Published: June 2021

To study the Earth’s energy balance and to extend exoplanet research, the Earth’s outward radiative flux and its radiance in the Moon-based view were simulated according to the Earth–Sun–Moon geometry model, with the help of ERA5. A framework was developed to identify the angular distribution model (ADM) of Earth’s surface and its scene types, according to the surface and atmospheric data from ERA5. Our simulation shows that the specific viewing geometry controls the periodical variations in the Moon-based view radiative flux and its radiance, which reflect the orbital period of the Moon. The seasonal variations in shortwave and longwave radiative flux follow the energy balance in general, which is probably influenced by the Earth albedo. The derived global ADM would help to identify the anisotropic factor of observations at DSCOVR. Our simulations prove that Moon-based observation is a valuable source for Earth observation and that the orbital information of exoplanets could be derived from the radiance observation.
Infrared and Visible Image Object Detection via Focused Feature Enhancement and Cascaded Semantic Extension
Authors: Xiao Xiaowu , Wang Bo , Miao Lingjuan , Li Linhao , Zhou Zhiqiang , Ma Jinlei , Dong Dandan
Published: June 2021

Infrared and visible images (multi-sensor or multi-band images) have many complementary features which can effectively boost the performance of object detection. Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have seen frequent use to perform object detection in multi-band images. However, it is very difficult for CNNs to extract complementary features from infrared and visible images. In order to solve this problem, a difference maximum loss function is proposed in this paper. The loss function can guide the learning directions of two base CNNs and maximize the difference between features from the two base CNNs, so as to extract complementary and diverse features. In addition, we design a focused feature-enhancement module to make features in the shallow convolutional layer more significant. In this way, the detection performance of small objects can be effectively improved while not increasing the computational cost in the testing stage. Furthermore, since the actual receptive field is usually much smaller than the theoretical receptive field, the deep convolutional layer would not have sufficient semantic features for accurate detection of large objects. To overcome this drawback, a cascaded semantic extension module is added to the deep layer. Through simple multi-branch convolutional layers and dilated convolutions with different dilation rates, the cascaded semantic extension module can effectively enlarge the actual receptive field and increase the detection accuracy of large objects. We compare our detection network with five other state-of-the-art infrared and visible image object detection networks. Qualitative and quantitative experimental results prove the superiority of the proposed detection network.
Remote Sensing-Based Statistical Approach for Defining Drained Lake Basins in a Continuous Permafrost Region, North Slope of Alaska
Authors: Bergstedt Helena , Jones Benjamin M. , Hinkel Kenneth , Farquharson Louise , Gaglioti Benjamin V. , Parsekian Andrew D. , Kanevskiy Mikhail , Ohara Noriaki , Breen Amy L. , Rangel Rodrigo C. , Grosse Guido , Nitze Ingmar
Published: June 2021

Lake formation and drainage are pervasive phenomena in permafrost regions. Drained lake basins (DLBs) are often the most common landforms in lowland permafrost regions in the Arctic (50% to 75% of the landscape). However, detailed assessments of DLB distribution and abundance are limited. In this study, we present a novel and scalable remote sensing-based approach to identifying DLBs in lowland permafrost regions, using the North Slope of Alaska as a case study. We validated this first North Slope-wide DLB data product against several previously published sub-regional scale datasets and manually classified points. The study area covered >71,000 km2, including a >39,000 km2 area not previously covered in existing DLB datasets. Our approach used Landsat-8 multispectral imagery and ArcticDEM data to derive a pixel-by-pixel statistical assessment of likelihood of DLB occurrence in sub-regions with different permafrost and periglacial landscape conditions, as well as to quantify aerial coverage of DLBs on the North Slope of Alaska. The results were consistent with previously published regional DLB datasets (up to 87% agreement) and showed high agreement with manually classified random points (64.4–95.5% for DLB and 83.2–95.4% for non-DLB areas). Validation of the remote sensing-based statistical approach on the North Slope of Alaska indicated that it may be possible to extend this methodology to conduct a comprehensive assessment of DLBs in pan-Arctic lowland permafrost regions. Better resolution of the spatial distribution of DLBs in lowland permafrost regions is important for quantitative studies on landscape diversity, wildlife habitat, permafrost, hydrology, geotechnical conditions, and high-latitude carbon cycling.
A Colourimetric Approach to Ecological Remote Sensing: Case Study for the Rainforests of South-Eastern Australia
Authors: Aravena Ricardo A. , Lyons Mitchell B. , Roff Adam , Keith David A.
Published: June 2021

To facilitate the simplification, visualisation and communicability of satellite imagery classifications, this study applied visual analytics to validate a colourimetric approach via the direct and scalable measurement of hue angle from enhanced false colour band ratio RGB composites. A holistic visual analysis of the landscape was formalised by creating and applying an ontological image interpretation key from an ecological-colourimetric deduction for rainforests within the variegated landscapes of south-eastern Australia. A workflow based on simple one-class, one-index density slicing was developed to implement this deductive approach to mapping using freely available Sentinel-2 imagery and the super computing power from Google Earth Engine for general public use. A comprehensive accuracy assessment based on existing field observations showed that the hue from a new false colour blend combining two band ratio RGBs provided the best overall results, producing a 15 m classification with an overall average accuracy of 79%. Additionally, a new index based on a band ratio subtraction performed better than any existing vegetation index typically used for tropical evergreen forests with comparable results to the false colour blend. The results emphasise the importance of the SWIR1 band in discriminating rainforests from other vegetation types. While traditional vegetation indices focus on productivity, colourimetric measurement offers versatile multivariate indicators that can encapsulate properties such as greenness, wetness and brightness as physiognomic indicators. The results confirmed the potential for the large-scale, high-resolution mapping of broadly defined vegetation types.
Can Vegetation Indices Serve as Proxies for Potential Sun-Induced Fluorescence (SIF)? A Fuzzy Simulation Approach on Airborne Imaging Spectroscopy Data
Authors: Bandopadhyay Subhajit , Rastogi Anshu , Cogliati Sergio , Rascher Uwe , Gąbka Maciej , Juszczak Radosław
Published: June 2021

In this study, we are testing a proxy for red and far-red Sun-induced fluorescence (SIF) using an integrated fuzzy logic modelling approach, termed as SIFfuzzy and SIFfuzzy-APAR. The SIF emitted from the core of the photosynthesis and observed at the top-of-canopy is regulated by three major controlling factors: (1) light interception and absorption by canopy plant cover; (2) escape fraction of SIF photons (fesc); (3) light use efficiency and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) processes. In our study, we proposed and validated a fuzzy logic modelling approach that uses different combinations of spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) reflecting such controlling factors to approximate the potential SIF signals at 760 nm and 687 nm. The HyPlant derived and field validated SVIs (i.e., SR, NDVI, EVI, NDVIre, PRI) have been processed through the membership transformation in the first stage, and in the next stage the membership transformed maps have been processed through the Fuzzy Gamma simulation to calculate the SIFfuzzy. To test whether the inclusion of absorbed photosynthetic active radiation (APAR) increases the accuracy of the model, the SIFfuzzy was multiplied by APAR (SIFfuzzy-APAR). The agreement between the modelled SIFfuzzy and actual SIF airborne retrievals expressed by R2 ranged from 0.38 to 0.69 for SIF760 and from 0.85 to 0.92 for SIF687. The inclusion of APAR improved the R2 value between SIFfuzzy-APAR and actual SIF. This study showed, for the first time, that a diverse set of SVIs considered as proxies of different vegetation traits, such as biochemical, structural, and functional, can be successfully combined to work as a first-order proxy of SIF. The previous studies mainly included the far-red SIF whereas, in this study, we have also focused on red SIF along with far-red SIF. The analysis carried out at 1 m spatial resolution permits to better infer SIF behaviour at an ecosystem-relevant scale.
Applicability of Susceptibility Model for Rock and Loess Earthquake Landslides in the Eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Xinyi , Fu Bihong , Du Jie , Shi Pilong , Chen Qingyu , Zhang Wenyuan
Published: June 2021

It is crucial to explore a suitable landslide susceptibility model with an excellent prediction capability for rapid evaluation and disaster relief in seismic regions with different lithological features. In this study, we selected two typical seismic events, the Jiuzhaigou and Minxian earthquakes, which occurred in the Alpine karst and loess regions, respectively. Eight influencing factors and five models were chosen to calculate the susceptibility of landslide, including the information (I) model, certainty factor (CF) model, logistic regression (LR) model, I + LR coupling model, and CF + LR coupling model. Then, the accuracy and the landslide susceptibility distribution of these models were assessed by the area under curve (AUC) and distribution criteria. Finally, the model with high accuracy and good applicability for the rock landslide or loess landslide regions was optimized. Our results showed that the accuracy of the coupling model is higher than that of the single models. Except for the LR model, the landslide susceptibility distribution for the above-mentioned models is consistent with universal cognition. The coupling models are generally better than their single models. Among them, the I + LR model can obtain the best comprehensive results for assessing the distribution and accuracy of both rock and loess landslide susceptibility, which is helpful for disaster relief and policy-making, and it can also provide useful scientific data for post-seismic reconstruction and restoration.
Farm Suicides in Wisconsin, 2017–2018: Preliminary Findings and a Call for Future Research
Authors: Weichelt Bryan , Burke Richard , Redmond Emily , Shutske John
Published: June 2021

Studies across the last few decades have consistently found farmers and farmworkers at an elevated risk of death by suicide compared to other occupational groups in the United States. Still, there is currently no comprehensive national surveillance system for agricultural-related injuries or suicides. For this study, we analyzed Wisconsin death certificate data from 2017 and 2018 to identify the burden of suicide among farmers and farmworkers. In 2017 and 2018, 44 farm-related suicides were identified, or 14.3 per 100,000 farmers and farmworkers. The median age of victims was 51.5 ± 20, and six (13.6%) were female. As these suicide cases were cross-checked, we found that none were identifiable solely from previously published news media or obituaries, indicating: (1) a clear need for a multi-sourced suicide data approach and inter-agency collaborations for future research, and (2) the need for a deeper investigation into the reporting of farm-related suicides. These data are necessary for informing state and local level policy, resource prioritization, and the evaluation of intervention efforts.
Impact of COVID-19 Social Distancing Policies on Traffic Congestion, Mobility, and NO2 Pollution
Authors: Winchester Alyse K. , Peterson Ryan A. , Carter Ellison , Sammel Mary D.
Published: June 2021

Lockdowns implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic were utilized to evaluate the associations between “social distancing policies” (SDPs), traffic congestion, mobility, and NO2 air pollution. Spatiotemporal linear mixed models were used on city-day data from 22 US cities to estimate the associations between SDPs, traffic congestion and mobility. Autoregressive integrated moving average models with Fourier terms were then used on historical data to forecast expected 2020 NO2. Time series models were subsequently employed to measure how much reductions in local traffic congestion were associated with lower-than-forecasted 2020 NO2. Finally, the equity of NO2 pollution was assessed with community-level sociodemographics. When cities’ most stringent SDPs were implemented, they observed a 23.47 (95% CI: 18.82–28.12) percent reduction in average daily congestion and a 13.48 (95% CI: 10.36–16.59) percent decrease in average daily mobility compared to unrestricted days. For each standard deviation (8.38%) reduction in local daily congestion, average daily NO2 decreased by 1.37 (95% CI: 1.24–1.51) parts per billion relative to its forecasted value. Citizenship, education, and race were associated with elevated absolute NO2 pollution levels but were not detectibly associated with reductions in 2020 NO2 relative to its forecasted value. This illustrates the immediate behavioral and environmental impacts of local SDPs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact of the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Formal and Informal Care of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Cross-National Clustering of Empirical Evidence from 23 Countries
Authors: Tur-Sinai Aviad , Bentur Netta , Fabbietti Paolo , Lamura Giovanni
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has been dramatically affecting the life of older adults with care needs and their family caregivers. This study illustrates how the initial outbreak of the pandemic changed the supply of formal and informal care to older adults in European countries and Israel and assesses the resilience of these countries in providing support to their older populations by means of a mix of both types of care. We subjected data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe COVID-19 period (SHARE-COVID-19) across 23 European countries (including Israel) to descriptive and cluster analyses. In the first wave of the outbreak, a significant proportion of older adults in European countries received informal help, with an increase in the frequency of informal help received from children, neighbors, friends, or colleagues and a decrease in that received from other relatives. In most countries, difficulties in receiving home care services from professional providers were reported. Seven clusters were identified, reflecting different combinations of changes in the formal/informal care provision. In most countries, informal care is more resilient than home care services that formal providers deliver. Since they are an essential source for sustainable care, their challenges related to care should be addressed. The impact of the pandemic does not follow the traditional characterization of welfare regimes. A clustering effort may yield more understanding of the priorities that future care policies should exhibit at the national level and may identify potential systems for policymakers to enhance sustainability of care for community-dwelling older adults.
Self-Regulated Learning and Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments in Higher Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Urbina Santos , Villatoro Sofía , Salinas Jesús
Published: June 2021

This paper seeks to identify the characteristics of studies of self-regulated learning that consider the use of technology-enriched environments in higher education. To this end, a review was conducted of the scientific literature during the period 2015–2021 in various scientific databases. The analysis identified 42 research papers that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results show that this topic has been gaining interest among researchers and the main strategies developed to self-regulate students in academic virtual environments. On the other hand, classical self-regulated learning models underpin most of the studies reviewed; Zimmermann’s approaches, or those derived from his work, are the most frequent. As regards the methodology adopted, the preferred focus is quantitative; the questionnaire is the most used for data collection. Most of the research was carried out with students studying for different university degrees; the most-analysed technology tools were LMS platforms.
Collaboration for Community-Based Cultural Sustainability in Island Tourism Development: A Case in Korea
Authors: Li Xiubai , Kim Jinok Susanna , Lee Timothy J.
Published: June 2021

Constructive collaboration with host communities while maintaining their traditional culture is crucial when planning tourism ventures, particularly if ensuring sustainability is considered important. This paper investigates the cultural sustainability of Jeju Island in South Korea and whether collaboration with community-based tourism ensures this sustainability through in-depth interviews with local residents. The first part of the interview focuses on cultural components to assess the current situation of cultural sustainability on the island, and the second part is related to that collaboration. The findings of the interviews indicate that: (i) there are certain negative indications of cultural sustainability in that Jeju people holding informal power became vulnerable in the face of tourism demand; (ii) several barriers exist in the facilitation of community-based tourism collaboration notwithstanding the beneficial trends, and (iii) there is a strong relationship between collaboration and cultural sustainability. It is also noted that the collaboration itself does not coincide with the actualization of cultural sustainability so long as current power disparities exist. The study delivers significant implications to the tourism policymakers and practitioners on how sustainable tourism development should be planned and operated to secure a long-term benefit especially focused on how the local community should be involved in the overall development process.
Wave-Like Exact Models with Symmetry of Spatial Homogeneity in the Quadratic Theory of Gravity with a Scalar Field
Authors: Osetrin Konstantin , Kirnos Ilya , Osetrin Evgeny , Filippov Altair
Published: June 2021

Exact solutions are obtained in the quadratic theory of gravity with a scalar field for wave-like models of space–time with spatial homogeneity symmetry and allowing the integration of the equations of motion of test particles in the Hamilton–Jacobi formalism by the method of separation of variables with separation of wave variables (Shapovalov spaces of type II). The form of the scalar field and the scalar field functions included in the Lagrangian of the theory is found. The obtained exact solutions can describe the primary gravitational wave disturbances in the Universe (primary gravitational waves).
The Effect of the Decorative Surface Layer on the Dynamic Properties of a Symmetric Concrete Slab
Authors: Liang Huiqi , Xie Wenbo , Wei Peizi , Zhou Yang , Zhang Zhiqiang
Published: June 2021

In the past few years, the immense advances in building materials and construction techniques have inspired the development of large span, light, and flexible structures with low damping. The low frequency and low damping properties of the mentioned structures result in the problem of serviceability caused by human-induced vibrations. An evaluation of the serviceability of a structure requires obtaining the modes and natural frequencies of the structure via the finite element method (FEM). In the design stage, the structural model considers the contribution of involved elements made to the stiffness of the whole structure, such as beams, slabs, and columns, while the decorative surface layer above the floor is often regarded as an additional mass, regardless of its contribution to the stiffness of the floor slab. In this study, the dynamic properties of a symmetric concrete slab were tested with an ambient excitation method to obtain the dynamic properties of the original empty structure and the structure decorated with a tiled surface, a marble surface, and a terrazzo surface, respectively. The results show that the first-order natural frequencies of floor slabs decorated with tile, marble, and terrazzo finishes are decreased compared to the original empty structure, while the second- and third-order ones are increased, which indicates that it is improper to treat decorative finishes purely as an additional mass. By equating the decorative layer to a certain thickness of additional concrete layer in the finite element model, it is found that, if the decorative surface layer is equated to a 29–31 mm thick additional layer and the weight of the equivalent additional layer is the same as that of the actual decorative surface, the simulation results will be in good agreement with the measured results. Moreover, the test results indicate that the first-order shape function of the structure is symmetric and its second- and third-order shape functions are antisymmetric, which is consistent with the results of simulations under FEM method. This provides a basis for designers to evaluate the contribution of the additional layers in structural serviceability analysis.
Synthetic Data Generation for Steel Defect Detection and Classification Using Deep Learning
Authors: Boikov Aleksei , Payor Vladimir , Savelev Roman , Kolesnikov Alexandr
Published: June 2021

The paper presents a methodology for training neural networks for vision tasks on synthesized data on the example of steel defect recognition in automated production control systems. The article describes the process of dataset procedural generation of steel slab defects with a symmetrical distribution. The results of training two neural networks Unet and Xception on a generated data grid and testing them on real data are presented. The performance of these neural networks was assessed using real data from the Severstal: Steel Defect Detection set. In both cases, the neural networks showed good results in the classification and segmentation of surface defects of steel workpieces in the image. Dice score on synthetic data reaches 0.62, and accuracy—0.81.
Acute Toxic and Genotoxic Effects of Aluminum and Manganese Using In Vitro Models
Authors: Francisco Luiza Flavia Veiga , Baldivia Debora da Silva , Crispim Bruno do Amaral , Klafke Syla Maria Farias Ferraz , Castilho Pamella Fukuda de , Viana Lucilene Finoto , Santos Edson Lucas dos , Oliveira Kelly Mari Pires de , Barufatti Alexeia
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study was to use the same concentrations of aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn) detected previously in groundwater above those permitted by Brazilian law and assess their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in hamster ovary cell lines and their mutagenic effects through the Salmonella microsome assay. Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and CHO-XRS5 cells were treated with different concentrations of Al and Mn (0.2 to 2.0 mg/L and 0.1 to 3.0 mg/L, respectively). The Ames test was used to analyze the concentrations of Al and Mn ranging from 0.025 to 1.0 mg/L and 0.0125 to 1.5 mg/L, respectively. Both metals showed cytotoxic effects on both cell lines and two bacterial strains (TA98 and TA100). The genotoxic effects of the highest concentrations of Al and Mn in cell lines showed nuclear buds, micronuclei, and DNA damage; however, none of the concentrations showed a positive mutagenic response in the Ames test. This is one of the few studies to demonstrate the cytotoxic effects of Al and Mn through the Ames test. In addition, the metals caused genomic instability in cell lines. Therefore, this study may help hasten the review of established regulatory standards for human consumption of groundwater.
Non-Perturbative Propagators in Quantum Gravity
Authors: Knorr Benjamin , Schiffer Marc
Published: June 2021

We employ non-perturbative renormalisation group methods to compute the full momentum dependence of propagators in quantum gravity in general dimensions. We disentangle all different graviton and Faddeev–Popov ghost modes and find qualitative differences in the momentum dependence of their propagators. This allows us to reconstruct the form factors that are quadratic in curvature from first principles, which enter physical observables like scattering cross sections. The results are qualitatively stable under variations of the gauge fixing choice.
Vacuum Interaction of Crossed Cosmic Strings
Authors: Pirozhenko Irina G.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we consider the vacuum energy of a scalar field in the spacetime of two non-parallel cosmic strings. To this end, we obtain metrics for orthogonal straight cosmic strings and for slightly nonparallel strings. In the first case, we derive the separation-dependent part of the vacuum energy in the leading order of string tension. The dependence of the vacuum energy on separation differs from that known for parallel strings. For two strings inclined at a small angle to each other, the approximation used simply reproduces the result for parallel strings, since the angle dependence enters the next to leading order. The results are compared with the Casimir interaction between two inclined cylinders.
Cytomegalovirus as an Uninvited Guest in the Response to Vaccines in People Living with HIV
Authors: Royston Léna , Isnard Stéphane , Lin John , Routy Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2021

In stark contrast to the rapid development of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an effective human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine is still lacking. Furthermore, despite virologic suppression and CD4 T-cell count normalization with antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) still exhibit increased morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. Such differences in health outcomes are related to higher risk behaviors, but also to HIV-related immune activation and viral coinfections. Among these coinfections, cytomegalovirus (CMV) latent infection is a well-known inducer of long-term immune dysregulation. Cytomegalovirus contributes to the persistent immune activation in PLWH receiving ART by directly skewing immune response toward itself, and by increasing immune activation through modification of the gut microbiota and microbial translocation. In addition, through induction of immunosenescence, CMV has been associated with a decreased response to infections and vaccines. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the influence of CMV on the immune system, the mechanisms underlying a reduced response to vaccines, and discuss new therapeutic advances targeting CMV that could be used to improve vaccine response in PLWH.
Differential Diagnosis for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Using Nanoparticles Expressing Chemiluminescence
Authors: Kim Jihee , Park Jae-Yeon , Ryu Jihoon , Shin Hyun-Jin , Park Jung-Eun
Published: June 2021

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus is a causative agent of systemic disease in poultry, characterized by high mortality. Rapid diagnosis is crucial for the control of HPAI. In this study, we aimed to develop a differential diagnostic method that can distinguish HPAI from low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses using dual split proteins (DSPs). DSPs are chimeras of an enzymatic split, Renilla luciferase (RL), and a non-enzymatic split green fluorescent protein (GFP). Nanoparticles expressing DSPs, sialic acid, and/or transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) were generated, and RL activity was determined in the presence of HPAI or LPAI pseudotyped viruses. The RL activity of nanoparticles containing both DSPs was approximately 2 × 106 RLU, indicating that DSPs can be successfully incorporated into nanoparticles. The RL activity of nanoparticles containing half of the DSPs was around 5 × 101 RLU. When nanoparticles containing half of the DSPs were incubated with HPAI pseudotyped viruses at low pH, RL activity was increased up to 1 × 103 RLU. However, LPAI pseudotyped viruses produced RL activity only in the presence of proteases (trypsin or TMPRSS2), and the average RL activity was around 7 × 102 RLU. We confirmed that nanoparticle fusion assay also diagnoses authentic viruses with specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 91.67%. The data indicated that the developed method distinguished HPAI and LPAI, and suggested that the diagnosis using DSPs could be used for the development of differential diagnostic kits for HPAI after further optimization.
SARS-CoV-2 Production in a Scalable High Cell Density Bioreactor
Authors: Offersgaard Anna , Duarte Hernandez Carlos Rene , Pihl Anne Finne , Costa Rui , Venkatesan Nandini Prabhakar , Lin Xiangliang , Van Pham Long , Feng Shan , Fahnøe Ulrik , Scheel Troels Kasper Høyer , Ramirez Santseharay , Reichl Udo , Bukh Jens , Genzel Yvonne , Gottwein Judith Margarete
Published: June 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has demonstrated the value of pursuing different vaccine strategies. Vaccines based on whole viruses, a widely used vaccine technology, depend on efficient virus production. This study aimed to establish SARS-CoV-2 production in the scalable packed-bed CelCradleTM 500-AP bioreactor. CelCradleTM 500-AP bottles with 0.5 L working volume and 5.5 g BioNOC™ II carriers were seeded with 1.5 × 108 Vero (WHO) cells, approved for vaccine production, in animal component-free medium and infected at a multiplicity of infection of 0.006 at a total cell number of 2.2–2.5 × 109 cells/bottle seven days post cell seeding. Among several tested conditions, two harvests per day and a virus production temperature of 33 °C resulted in the highest virus yield with a peak SARS-CoV-2 infectivity titer of 7.3 log10 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50)/mL at 72 h post-infection. Six harvests had titers of ≥6.5 log10 TCID50/mL, and a total of 10.5 log10 TCID50 were produced in ~5 L. While trypsin was reported to enhance virus spread in cell culture, addition of 0.5% recombinant trypsin after infection did not improve virus yields. Overall, we demonstrated successful animal component-free production of SARS-CoV-2 in well-characterized Vero (WHO) cells in a scalable packed-bed bioreactor.
Sirtuin 3 Restores Synthesis and Secretion of Very Low-Density Lipoproteins in Cow Hepatocytes Challenged with Nonesterified Fatty Acids In Vitro
Authors: Xing Dongmei , Wang Baogen , Lu Hong , Peng Tao , Su Jianming , Lei Hongyu , He Jianhua , Zhou Yingfang , Liu Lei
Published: June 2021

Fatty liver is closely associated with elevated concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and a low level of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) in blood of dairy cows. High NEFA inhibit the VLDL synthesis and assembly, and cause hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) deposition. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial deacetylase, antagonizes NEFA-induced TAG accumulation through modulating expressions of fatty acid synthesis and oxidation genes in cow hepatocytes. However, the role of SIRT3 in the VLDL synthesis and assembly was largely unknown. Here we aimed to test whether SIRT3 would recover the synthesis and assembly of VLDL in cow hepatocytes induced by high NEFA. Primary cow hepatocytes were isolated from 3 Holstein cows. Hepatocytes were infected with SIRT3 overexpression adenovirus (Ad-SIRT3), SIRT3-short interfering (si) RNA, or first infected with Ad-SIRT3 and then incubated with 1.0 mM NEFA (Ad-SIRT3 + NEFA). Expressions of key genes in VLDL synthesis and the VLDL contents in cell culture supernatants were measured. SIRT3 overexpression significantly increased the mRNA abundance of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) and ApoE (p < 0.01), and raised VLDL contents in the supernatants (p < 0.01). However, SIRT3 silencing displayed a reverse effect in comparison to SIRT3 overexpression. Compared with NEFA treatment alone, the Ad-SIRT3 + NEFA significantly upregulated the mRNA abundance of MTP, ApoB100 and ApoE (p < 0.01), and increased VLDL contents in the supernatants (p < 0.01). Our data demonstrated that SIRT3 restored the synthesis and assembly of VLDL in cow hepatocytes challenged with NEFA, providing an in vitro basis for further investigations testing its feasibility against hepatic TAG accumulation in dairy cows during the perinatal period.
Measures to Cope with the Impact of Climate Change and Drought in the Island Region: A Study of the Water Literacy Awareness, Attitude, and Behavior of the Taiwanese Public
Authors: Yu Jo-Hung , Lin Hsiao-Hsien , Lo Yu-Chih , Tseng Kuan-Chieh , Hsu Chin-Hsien
Published: June 2021

This study assessed people’s water literacy awareness, attitudes, and behaviors to iden-tify strategies for coping with drought and water scarcity. The data from 653 questionnaires were analyzed by statistical validation and using IBM SPSS 22 and IBM AMOS 26.0. The views of students, housewives, swimming pool owners, schoolteachers, and experts were collected and finally examined by multivariate validation analysis. People have a high level of water literacy and developed sufficient water-saving habits (4.60). Although most people believe that tap water is of good quality, it is difficult to deliver and expensive, and cannot be consumed directly. Even though people are aware of the water shortage crisis, willing to carry water bottles instead of using plastic bottled water, choosing to buy environmentally friendly cleaning products (4.08), performing water conservation behaviors on the go, taking showers within 6–15 min, and taking the initiative to notify the relevant authorities to repair water facilities, the frequency of using bottled water is still high due to work and living habits, consumption ability, and mobility constraints (34.6), and they are less willing to buy products with the “water proficiency label” (4.08) and participate in stream-cleaning activities (3.57). The willingness to participate in water purification activities is low. The public also feels that the government is responsible for solving the current water shortage crisis (3.71). There are significant differences in the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of water literacy among people of different genders, ages, and regions, depending on their work and consumption abilities, quality of life, and convenience (p < 0.05). Increasing water responsibility can enhance environmental management actions, consumer economic actions, and civic actions, while enhancing water perceptions and crisis awareness can further strengthen civic behaviors.
Evaluating the Hydrologic Risk of n-Year Floods According to RCP Scenarios
Authors: Lee Jin-Young , Son Ho-Jun , Kim Dongwook , Ryu Jae-Hee , Kim Tae-Woong
Published: June 2021

Recent climate change has brought about irregular rainfall patterns along with an increased frequency of heavy rainfall, and flood damage in Korea is increasing accordingly. The increased rainfall amount and intensity during the rainy season lead to flood damage on a massive scale every year in Korea. In order to reduce such flood damage and secure the stability of hydraulic structures, evaluation of hydrologic risk corresponding to design floods is necessary. As Korea’s current climate change scenarios are generally applied to mid-sized watersheds, there is no practical application method to calculate the hydrologic risk of local floods corresponding to various future climate change scenarios. Using the design flood prediction model, this study evaluated the hydrologic risks of n-year floods according to 13 climate change scenarios. The representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario resulted in the 100-year floods increasing 134.56% on average, and 132.30% in the Han River, 132.81% in the Nakdong River, 142.42% in the Gum River, and 135.47% in the Seomjin-Youngsan River basin, compared with the RCP 4.5. The 100-year floods at the end of the 21st century increased by +3% and +13% according to the RCP 4.5 and 8.5, respectively. The corresponding hydrologic flood risk increased by 0.53% and 8.68% on average according to the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, respectively, compared with the current level of hydrologic risk of a 100-year flood.
Towards a Response-Able Electroacoustic Composition Practice: In Search of Sympoietic Multivalence
Authors: UÇANOK Fulya
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a relational model for electroacoustic composition practice. In the model, relationality focuses on perspectives of response-ability of the composer with more-than-human agents, within an entangled sympoietic musical space. Here, the response-practices are built on acts of listening that entail, aural analysis and embodied practice with material objects. Within the scope of this paper, more-than-human agents are narrowed down to only recorded sounds (fixed media sound files) and physical material objects.

In investigating such response-able compositional practices, the model follows Post-humanist and New-materialist strands focusing on various concepts proposed by Karen Barad and Donna Haraway. And in doing so, it aims to re-figure some of the conventional discourses about the concepts of poietic agency, and of multivalence within the composition practice.
How to prevent iatrogenic periimplantitis? A clinical case report
Authors: Lomakin М. V. , Labutova А. V. , Soloshansky I. I.
Published: June 2021

Relevance. Iatrogenic factors are among the significant causes of chronic peri-implantitis, the incidence of which reaches 16-28% according to various data. This article is a clinical case report which describes an approach to the treatment of iatrogenic peri-implantitis associated with a non-absorbable buried suture. Patient Sh., born in 1960, physically healthy, complained of gum bleeding in the region of implant 3.6.

Diagnosis. Сhronic peri-implantitis in region 3.6. The treatment was carried out in two stages. During the first (revision) stage, the buried suture of a non-absorbable 2-0 monofilament thread with uncut ends and a loose titanium pin were removed; during the second (reconstructive) stage, a free gingival graft (FGG) was used.

Results. The inflammation in the area of implant 3.6 resolved, the soft tissue condition was stable in the immediate and delayed postoperative period. In 3 months after the beginning of the treatment, the cervical bone defect repair was confirmed by the control X-ray.

Conclusion. The use of non-absorbable suture material for buried sutures in dental implantation and oral reconstructive surgical interventions is classified as iatrogenesis and is defined as a “medical treatment error”. In the present clinical case, it became the cause of the development of an implant site-specific inflammatory destructive complication. The reduction of chronic peri-implantitis incidence, taking into account its prevalence and problematic nature, requires further research and optimization of the protocols of dental implant treatment.