bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residue 49 of AtMinD1 Plays a Key Role in the Guidance of Chloroplast Division by Regulating the ARC6-AtMinD1 Interaction
Authors: Zhang Yanhua , Zhang Xiaochen , Cui Huanshuo , Ma Xinzhu , Hu Guipeng , Wei Jing , He Yikun , Hu Yong
Published: November 2021

Chloroplasts evolved from a free-living cyanobacterium through endosymbiosis. Similar to bacterial cell division, chloroplasts replicate by binary fission, which is controlled by the Minicell (Min) system through confining FtsZ ring formation at the mid-chloroplast division site. MinD, one of the most important members of the Min system, regulates the placement of the division site in plants and works cooperatively with MinE, ARC3, and MCD1. The loss of MinD function results in the asymmetric division of chloroplasts. In this study, we isolated one large dumbbell-shaped and asymmetric division chloroplast Arabidopsis mutant Chloroplast Division Mutant 75 (cdm75) that contains a missense mutation, changing the arginine at residue 49 to a histidine (R49H), and this mutant point is located in the N-terminal Conserved Terrestrial Sequence (NCTS) motif of AtMinD1, which is only typically found in terrestrial plants. This study provides sufficient evidence to prove that residues 1–49 of AtMinD1 are transferred into the chloroplast, and that the R49H mutation does not affect the function of the AtMinD1 chloroplast transit peptide. Subsequently, we showed that the point mutation of R49H could remove the punctate structure caused by residues 1–62 of the AtMinD1 sequence in the chloroplast, suggesting that the arginine in residue 49 (Arg49) is essential for localizing the punctate structure of AtMinD11–62 on the chloroplast envelope. Unexpectedly, we found that AtMinD1 could interact directly with ARC6, and that the R49H mutation could prevent not only the previously observed interaction between AtMinD1 and MCD1 but also the interaction between AtMinD1 and ARC6. Thus, we believe that these results show that the AtMinD1 NCTS motif is required for their protein interaction. Collectively, our results show that AtMinD1 can guide the placement of the division site to the mid chloroplast through its direct interaction with ARC6 and reveal the important role of AtMinD1 in regulating the AtMinD1-ARC6 interaction.
Validation of the Tunisian Test for Facial Emotions Recognition: Study in Children From 7 to 12 Years Old
Authors: Taamallah Amal , Halayem Soumeyya , Rajhi Olfa , Ghazzai Malek , Moussa Mohamed , Touati Maissa , Ayadi Houda Ben Yahia , Ouanes Sami , Abbes Zeineb S. , Hajri Melek , Jelili Selima , Fakhfakh Radhouane , Bouden Asma
Published: November 2021

Background: Facial expressions transmit information about emotional state, facilitating communication and regulation in interpersonal relationships. Their acute recognition is essential in social adaptation and lacks among children suffering from autism spectrum disorders. The aim of our study was to validate the “Recognition of Facial Emotions: Tunisian Test for Children” among Tunisian children in order to assess facial emotion recognition in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among neurotypical children from the general population. The final version of or test consisted of a static subtest of 114 photographs and a dynamic subtest of 36 videos expressing the six basic emotions (happiness, anger, sadness, disgust, fear and surprise), presented by actors of different ages and genders. The test items were coded according to Ekman’s “Facial Action Coding System” method. The validation study focused on the validity of the content, the validity of the construct and the reliability.

Results: We included 116 neurotypical children, from 7 to 12 years old. Our population was made up of 54 boys and 62 girls. The reliability’s study showed good internal consistency for each subtest: the Cronbach coefficient was 0.88 for the static subtest and 0.85 for the dynamic subtest. The study of the internal structure through the exploratory factor analysis of the items of emotions and those of intensity showed that the distribution of the items in sub-domains was similar to their theoretical distribution. Age was significantly correlated to the mean of the overall score for both subtests (p < 10–3). Gender was no significantly correlated to the overall score (p = 0.15). High intensity photographs were better recognized. The emotion of happiness was the most recognized in both subtests. A significant difference between the overall score of the static and dynamic subtest, in favor of the dynamic one, was identified (p < 10–3).

Conclusion: This work provides clinicians with a reliable tool to assess recognition of facial emotions in typically developing children.
Blood Donation Fear, Perceived Rewards, Self-Efficacy, and Intention to Return Among Whole Blood Donors in China: A Social Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Li Zhong , Lei Shuge , Li Xiaoming , Zhao Yilun , Dai Yudong , Jin Shengxuan , Fu Qiang , Cai Xubing , Lin Zhenping , Tu Xiaoming
Published: November 2021

With the increasing demand from aging population and seasonal blood shortage, recruiting and retaining blood donors has become an urgent issue for the blood collection centers in China. This study aims to understand intention to donate again from a social cognitive perspective among whole blood donors in China through investigating the association between the blood donation fear, perceived rewards, self-efficacy, and intention to return. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six cities, which are geographically and socioeconomically distinct areas in Jiangsu, China. Respondents completed a self-administrated questionnaire interviewed by two well-trained medical students. A total of 191 blood donors were included in the current study. Descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and a generalized linear regression model were used to explore the association between demographic characteristics, psychological factors, and intention to donate again. After controlling other covariates, donors with higher fear scores reported lower intention to return (p = 0.008). Association between self-efficacy and intention to return was statistically significant (p < 0.001), whereas the association between intrinsic rewards (p = 0.387), extrinsic rewards (p = 0.939), and intention to return were statistically insignificant. This study found that either intrinsic rewards or extrinsic rewards are not significantly associated with intention to donate again among whole blood donors in China, and fear is negatively associated with intention to donate again. Therefore, purposive strategies could be enacted beyond appeals to rewards and focus on the management of donors’ fear.
Ticket to Ride: I-deals as a Strategic HR Tool for an Employable Work Force
Authors: Van der Heijden Beatrice , Nauta Aukje , Fugate Mel , De Vos Ans , Bozionelos Nikos
Published: November 2021

We describe how idiosyncratic deals (I-deals), in this case I-deals focused on workers’ employability enhancement, can serve as a powerful strategic HR tool for simultaneously meeting both the strategic goals of employers and the career goals of employees. Building on a sustainable career perspective, I-deals are interpreted as highly valuable, as they can help individual employees to more easily adapt to the fast-changing environments that nowadays characterize society and the labor market. After theoretical outlines on the concepts of I-deals and employability, we argue that I-deals can form the basis for integrative employment relationships aimed at employability enhancement. This article concludes with concrete recommendations for practice, indicating that in order to enable the sound use of I-deals as a strategic HR tool, organizations should discuss I-deals and employability openly through constructive dialogue. Moreover, examples for achieving this through specific practices, such as working with employability coaches and world cafés on employability, are described.
Boosting Brain Waves Improves Memory
Authors: Addante Richard J. , Yousif Mairy , Valencia Rosemarie , Greenwood Constance , Marino Raechel
Published: November 2021

Have you ever wanted to improve your memory? Or have you struggled to remember what you studied? Memory uses special patterns of activity in the brain. This experiment tested a new way to create brain wave patterns that help with memory. We wanted to see if we could improve memory by using lights and sounds that teach the brain waves to be in sync. People wore special goggles that made flashes of light and headphones that made beeping noises. This trained the brain through a process called entrainment. The entrainment put the brain in sync at a specific brain wave pattern called theta. People whose brains were trained to be in theta had better memory compared to people whose brains did not get trained. We learned that entrainment is a cool new way to make memory better.
Effects of Dietary Probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) Supplementation on Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, Amino Acid, and Fatty Acid Profile of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Tang Xiaopeng , Liu Xuguang , Liu Hu
Published: November 2021

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with or without Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) on carcass traits, meat quality, amino acids, and fatty acids of broiler chickens. In total, 160 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks were divided into two groups with eight replicates of 10 chicks each. Chickens received basal diets without (CN group) or with 500 mg/kg B. subtilis (BS group) for 42 days. Eight chickens from each group were slaughtered at the end of the trial, and carcass traits, meat quality, chemical composition, amino acid, and fatty acid profile of meat were measured. The results showed that the breast muscle (%) was higher in BS than in CN (p < 0.05), while abdominal fat decreased (p < 0.05). The pH24h of thigh muscle was increased (p < 0.05) when supplemented with BS; however, drip loss, cooking loss of breast muscle, and shear force of thigh muscle decreased (p < 0.05). Lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), glutamic acid (Glu), and total essential amino acid (EAA) in breast muscle and Glu in thigh muscle were greater in BS than in CN (p < 0.05). C16:1, C18:1n9c, and MUFA in breast muscle and thigh muscle were greater in BS than in CN (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with B. subtilis could improve the carcass traits and meat quality of broilers, which is beneficial for the consumers due to the improved fatty acid profile and amino acid composition.
Organisational Characteristics That Facilitate Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in Higher Education?
Authors: O’Connor Pat , Hodgins Margaret , Woods Dorian R. , Wallwaey Elisa , Palmen Rachel , Van Den Brink Marieke , Schmidt Evanthia Kalpazidou
Published: November 2021

Gender-based violence and sexual harassment (GBVH) by and towards academics and students has been under-theorised at an organisational level in higher education institutions (HEIs). The methodology involves a critical review of the literature on GBVH and organizational responses to it, locating it in the context of an analysis of organizational power. The theoretical perspective involves a focus on power and workplace bullying. It identifies three power-related characteristics of academic environments which it is suggested facilitate GBVH: their male-dominant hierarchical character; their neoliberal managerialist ethos and gender/intersectional incompetent leadership which perpetuates male entitlement and toxic masculinities. These characteristics also inhibit tackling GBVH by depicting it as an individual problem, encouraging informal coping and militating against the prosecution of perpetrators. Initiating a discussion and action at organizational and state levels about GBVH as a power-related phenomenon, challenging the dominant neo-liberal ethos and the hierarchical character of HEIs, as well as reducing their male dominance and increasing the gender competence of those in positions of power are seen as initial steps in tackling the problem.
On a Novel Approximate Solution to the Inhomogeneous Euler–Bernoulli Equation with an Application to Aeroelastics
Authors: Fleischmann Dominique , Könözsy László
Published: November 2021

This paper focuses on the development of an explicit finite difference numerical method for approximating the solution of the inhomogeneous fourth-order Euler–Bernoulli beam bending equation with velocity-dependent damping and second moment of area, mass and elastic modulus distribution varying with distance along the beam. We verify the method by comparing its predictions with an exact analytical solution of the homogeneous equation, we use the generalised Richardson extrapolation to show that the method is grid convergent and we extend the application of the Lax–Richtmyer stability criteria to higher-order schemes to ensure that it is numerically stable. Finally, we present three sets of computational experiments. The first set simulates the behaviour of the un-loaded beam and is validated against the analytic solution. The second set simulates the time-dependent dynamic behaviour of a damped beam of varying stiffness and mass distributions under arbitrary externally applied loading in an aeroelastic analysis setting by approximating the inhomogeneous equation using the finite difference method derived here. We compare the third set of simulations of the steady-state deflection with the results of static beam bending experiments conducted at Cranfield University. Overall, we developed an accurate, stable and convergent numerical framework for solving the inhomogeneous Euler–Bernoulli equation over a wide range of boundary conditions. Aircraft manufacturers are starting to consider configurations with increased wing aspect ratios and reduced structural weight which lead to more slender and flexible designs. Aeroelastic analysis now plays a central role in the design process. Efficient computational tools for the prediction of the deformation of wings under external loads are in demand and this has motivated the work carried out in this paper.
The Effect of Foliar Application of K2SO4 or KH2PO4 on Skin Color of the ‘Kyoho’ Grape
Authors: Wu Linnan , Li Pengcheng , Jia Haifeng , Phillip Fesobi Olumide , Bao Xingcheng , Zhao Fengyun , Zhao Benzhou , Feng Jianrong , Yu Kun
Published: November 2021

Anthocyanins in red grape skin have a positive effect on fruit color and human health. The effect of foliar potassium application on anthocyanin accumulation in grape skin is not well understood. The study aimed to better understand the mechanism of anthocyanin accumulation in grape skin in response to foliar sprays of K2SO4 and KH2PO4. In this study, we investigated the effects of foliar application of KH2PO4 (T2), K2SO4 (T1) and distilled water (CK) on the skin color of ‘Kyoho’ grapes at mid-ripe and mature stages. At 90 and 110 days after full bloom (DAFB), T2 had the greatest total soluble solids (TSS), flavonoid and total anthocyanin contents, followed by T1 and CK. At two stages, the titratable acid content decreased and the juice pH increased under T2 treatment relative to CK. T1 and T2 had lower lightness (L*) than CK, and the color index of red grapes (CIRG) under T1 and T2 increased at two stages compared to CK. KEGG metabolic pathway analysis revealed that flavonoid biosynthesis was the most significantly enriched pathway in CK vs. T2 at 90 and 110 DAFB. At 90 DAFB, T2 had higher expressions of phenylalanine ammonia-lyas (PAL), cytochrome P450 CYP73A100 (CYP73A), 4-coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL), chalcone synthase (CHS), flavanone 3-dioxygenase-like (F3H) and UDP glucose: flavonoid 3-o-glucosyl transferase (UFGT) than CK and T1. Foliar application of potassium fertilizer may accelerate anthocyanin accumulation by altering the transcript levels of PAL, CYP73A, 4CL, CHS, F3H, and UFGT of the flavonoid biosynthesis.
Long-Term Effects of the Use of Organic Amendments and Crop Rotation on Soil Properties in Southeast Spain
Authors: Sánchez-Navarro Antonio , Sánchez-Martínez Juan , Barba-Corbalán Eva María , Valverde-Pérez Magdalena , Girona-Ruíz Aldara , Delgado-Iniesta María José
Published: November 2021

The evolution of soil chemical properties over 20 years was monitored to assess the effects of the change in soil management from a rainfed to an irrigated model and the use of organic amendments and crop rotation. Intensive agriculture has been the activity that has caused most degradation and contamination of this soil. Long-term monitoring of the soil profile made it possible to assess its response to the application of sustainable agricultural techniques intended to offset these effects. Three profiles of the same soil were studied—P1 (1998), P2 (2003), P3 (2017)—to show the evolution in time and space. An incipient degradation process was detected in the first five years, verified by increases in salinity (2.3 dS m−1), exchangeable Na (0.5 g kg−1), and TN (1.3 g kg−1) in P2 in comparison with P1 (1.0, 0.2, and 1.1, respectively). There was also leaching towards the deep horizons for TN (0.4, 0.9, and 0.7 g kg−1 for P1, P2, and P3, respectively), and for assimilable elements such as P (1.1, 6.4, and 3.8), Fe (2.0, 2.1, and 5.6), Mn (0.3, 6.5, and 1.9), Zn (0.3, 0.5, and 0.9), and Cu (0.5, 0.6, and 1.3) (all mg kg−1, for P1, P2, and P3, respectively). Between 2004 and 2017, organic amendments (sheep manure) were reduced by 50%, crop rotation was intensified, and green fertilization and forage maize cultivation were included. As a result, P3 showed an improvement in comparison with P2, with decreases in EC (1.4 dS m−1), exchangeable Na (0.2 g kg−1), and TN (0.8 g kg−1). The change in soil management enhanced some soil functions (carbon sink and chemical fertility) and attenuated soil degradation.
A Retrospective Study of Clinical and Histopathological Features of 81 Cases of Canine Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinoma of the Anal Sac: Independent Clinical and Histopathological Risk Factors Associated with Outcome
Authors: Wong Hannah , Byrne Stephanie , Rasotto Roberta , Drees Randi , Taylor Angela , Priestnall Simon L. , Leo Chiara
Published: November 2021

Canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASAC) is a malignant tumour with variable clinical progression. The objective of this study was to use robust multivariate models, based on models employed in human medical oncology, to establish clinical and histopathological risk factors of poor survival. Clinical data and imaging of 81 cases with AGASAC were reviewed. Tissue was available for histological review and immunohistochemistry in 49 cases. Tumour and lymph node size were determined using the response evaluation criteria in the solid tumours system (RECIST). Modelling revealed tumour size over 2 cm, lymph node size grouped in three tiers by the two thresholds 1.6 cm and 5 cm, surgical management, and radiotherapy were independent clinical variables associated with survival, irrespective of tumour stage. Tumour size over 1.3 cm and presence of distant metastasis were independent clinical variables associated with the first progression-free interval. The presence of the histopathological variables of tumour necrosis, a solid histological pattern, and vascular invasion in the primary tumour were independent risk factors of poor survival. Based upon these independent risk factors, scoring algorithms to predict survival in AGASAC patients are presented.
The Effect of Topical Oxygen Therapy in Horses Affected with Mycosis of the Guttural Pouch: An Experimental Pilot Study and a Case Series
Authors: Lepage Olivier M. , Di Francesco Paola , Moulin Nicolas , Gangl Monika , Texier Gaëtan , Marchi Joffrey , Cadoré Jean-Luc
Published: November 2021

Background: The management of bleeding originating from the guttural pouch (GP) has a high success rate, but the resolution of the macroscopic inflammatory lesions in the case of mycosis (GPM) is highly variable; the resolution of neurological disorders is inconstant and challenging. Objectives: Our aim was to test the feasibility and safety of topical oxygen therapy (TOT) in horses after induction of GPM and in cases with naturally occurring disease. Study design: This study was an in vivo experimental and retrospective two-phase study. Methods: During phase 1, the pilot study, both GPs were inoculated with Aspergillus fumigatus. One GP was randomly assigned to receive one to four TOT 30 min sessions with 100% medical oxygen at 9 L/min. Follow-up endoscopic images were assessed for scoring macroscopic inflammatory lesions of the pharynx and both GPs. In phase 2, the clinical study, TOT was administered for 45 to 60 min at 15 L/min in six horses presenting with GPM. Results: In phase 1, TOT administration was easy to perform in the standing horse with no adverse effects. After more than two administrations, macroscopic inflammatory lesions decreased more quickly in size in the treated GP. In phase 2, horses were treated with TOT only (n = 1) or combined with a transarterial coil embolization (TACE) procedure (n = 5). After TOT and discharge from the hospital, nasal discharge resolved in three horses, and improvement was noted in the fourth one. Between days 2 and 10 after admission, upper respiratory tract endoscopy (URTE) indicated size reduction and alteration in the appearance of all the macroscopic inflammatory lesions. The partial or total recovery of neurological disorders (2/4 laryngeal hemiparesis, 3/5 dysphagia, 1/2 dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP), and 1/1 Horner’s syndrome) was recorded. Main limitations: In phase 1, the small number of horses did not allow for statistically significant conclusions; in phase 2, clinical signs at admission varied between horses, which made comparison difficult. Conclusions: In adult horses, TOT alone or in combination with TACE is feasible and safe with a propensity to reverse the course and the progression of inflammatory lesions without additional local or systemic treatment.
Effect of Antimicrobial Stewardship on Oral Quinolone Use and Resistance Patterns over 8 Years (2013–2020)
Authors: Uda Atsushi , Shigemura Katsumi , Kitagawa Koichi , Osawa Kayo , Kusuki Mari , Yan Yonmin , Yano Ikuko , Miyara Takayuki
Published: November 2021

Since 2014, several global and national guidelines have been introduced to address the problem of antimicrobial resistance. We conducted a campaign in a tertiary hospital to promote appropriate quinolone use through educational lectures in 2018. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the changes in the following: prescription characteristics, trend of oral quinolone use, and antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria from 2013 to 2020. Antimicrobial use was assessed as days of therapy per 1000 patient-days. We found a significant reduction in unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions between December 2013 and December 2020. Significant negative trends were detected in the use of quinolones over 8 years (outpatients, coefficient = −0.15655, p < 0.001; inpatients, coefficient = −0.004825, p = 0.0016). In particular, the monthly mean use of quinolones among outpatients significantly decreased by 11% from 2013 to 2014 (p < 0.05) and reduced further by 31% from 2017 to 2020 (p < 0.001). A significant positive trend was observed in the susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to levofloxacin (p < 0.001). These results demonstrate that the use of oral quinolones was further reduced following educational intervention and the bacterial susceptibility improved with optimal quinolone usage compared to that in 2013.
UHPLC–MS/MS Analysis on Flavonoids Composition in Astragalus membranaceus and Their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Sheng Zhili , Jiang Yueming , Liu Junmei , Yang Bao
Published: November 2021

Astragalus membranaceus is a valuable medicinal plant species widely distributed in Asia. Its root is the main medicinal tissue rich in methoxylated flavonoids. Origin can highly influence the chemical composition and bioactivity. To characterize the principal chemicals influenced by origin and provide more information about their antioxidant profile, the extracts of A. membranaceus roots from four origins were analysed by UHPLC-MS/MS. Thirty-four flavonoids, including thirteen methoxylated flavonoids, fifteen flavonoid glycosides and six flavonols, were identified. By principal component analysis, eighteen identified compounds were considered to be principal compounds. They could be used to differentiate A. membranaceus from Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang and Gansu. The antioxidant activity was analysed by ORAC assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity assay and cell antioxidant activity assay. ‘Inner Mongolia’ extract showed the highest antioxidant activity. These results were helpful to understand how origin influenced the quality of A. membranaceus.
Influences of Single-Lane Automatic Driving Systems on Traffic Efficiency and CO2 Emissions on China’s Motorways
Authors: Song Haokun , Zhao Fuquan , Liu Zongwei
Published: November 2021

There are big differences between the driving behaviors of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) and traditional human-driven vehicles (HVs). ICVs will be mixed with HVs on roads for a long time in the future. Different intelligent functions and different driving styles will affect the condition of traffic flow, thereby changing traffic efficiency and emissions. In this paper, we focus on China’s expressways and secondary motorways, and the impacts of the ‘single-lane automatic driving system’ (SLADS) on traffic delay, road capacity and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were studied under different ICV penetration rates. Driving styles were regarded as important factors for scenario analysis. We found that with higher volume input, SLADS has an optimizing effect on traffic efficiency and CO2 emissions generally, which will be more significant as the ICV penetration rate increases. Additionally, enhancing the aggressiveness of driving behavior appropriately is an effective way to amplify the benefits of SLADS.
Design of a New Type of Torsional Impactor and Analysis of Its Impact Performance
Authors: Tan Xianfeng , Chen Zongtao , Tan Songcheng , Duan Longchen , Xu Chao , Wang Yonggang
Published: November 2021

In view of the stick-slip phenomenon in deep and hard rock drilling, a new type of torsional impactor that can provide torsional impact vibration was designed. According to the working principle and structural characteristics of the designed torsional impactor, this paper theoretically analyzes the influences of different structural parameters and motion parameters on the impact frequency, impact force, and impact torque of the torsional impactor. The results show that the impact frequency f is directly proportional to the rotational speed VZ of the transmission shaft and the installed number n of torsional impact generating devices. Additionally, the impact force F is directly proportional to sine value of the impact angle α (i.e., sinα), impact hammer mass m, impact hammer rotation speed VZ (i.e., transmission shaft rotation speed), and impact hammer rotation radius r and is inversely proportional to action time Δt of the impact hammer and impact anvil. Furthermore, the impact torque M is directly proportional to the impact force F and rotary radius r of the impact hammer. This article lays a foundation for further theoretical and experimental research of torsional impactors and provides a reference for the design and testing of torsional impactors.
Improving Waste Management System Efficiency and Mobility with Efficient Path MANET
Authors: Abdullah Nibras , Al-wesabi Ola A. , Mohammed Badiea Abdulkarem , Al-Mekhlafi Zeyad Ghaleb , Alazmi Meshari , Alsaffar Mohammad Salih , Aljaloud Abdulaziz Salamah , Baklizi Mahmoud , Sumari Putra
Published: November 2021

Waste Management System (WMS) is applied in smart cities and is supported by the Internet of Things (IoT). WMS involves several responsibilities, such as collection, disposal, and utilization of waste in relevant facilities. Efficient waste management has a considerable impact on the quality of life of citizens in smart cities. The interaction between wireless sensor networks and mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) with IoT provides excellent mobility for users, and reduces the deployment costs of networks. Data transfer via the intermediate connected devices must be maintained to shorten the distance between the devices. Intelligent routing algorithm is proposed to find efficient paths that comply with the WMS requirement constraints and avoid invalid paths that cause increased computation time. Chromosome intersection operation on genetic-based routing algorithm, intersection activation function, and intersection node table are proposed to avoid the similarity and redundancy of generated paths and keep the validity of the paths. This study improves the path finding, obtains good results, and increases the rate of efficient paths. Results show that the selected path is efficient in terms of distance, number of hops and number of iterations by using the proposed method. In addition, this proposed method outperforms DSR, which offers alternative paths with more efficiency.
Effect of Modified Silica Materials on Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Substrates to Obtain Transparent and Hydrophobic Hybrid Coatings
Authors: Purcar Violeta , Rădițoiu Valentin , Rădițoiu Alina , Raduly Florentina Monica , Ispas Georgiana Cornelia , Căprărescu Simona , Frone Adriana Nicoleta , Trică Bogdan , Nicolae Cristian-Andi , Anastasescu Mihai , Stroescu Hermine
Published: November 2021

In this research, we report a simple and inexpensive way to prepare transparent and hydrophobic hybrid coatings through deposition of different silica materials on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) substrates. The silica materials were prepared using an acid-catalyzed sol–gel method at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C), using alkoxysilanes: tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), as the silica source, and ethoxydimethylvinylsilane (DMVES), triethoxyoctylsilane (OTES), and trimethoxyhexadecylsilane (HDTMES), as modifier agents. The obtained materials were characterized (either as powders or as thin films) by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV/Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), and water contact-angle measurements. UV/Vis spectra showed that the PVC substrate coated with the silica material containing TEOS/DMVES/OTES had a transmittance of about 90% in the wavelength range of 650–780 nm. The water contact angles increased from 83° for uncoated PVC substrate to ~94° for PVC substrates coated with the sol–gel silica materials. These PVC films with hybrid silica coatings can be used as the materials for outdoor applications, such as energy-generating solar panel window blinds or PVC clear Windmaster outdoor blinds.
Space-Constrained Scheduling Optimization Method for Minimizing the Effects of Stacking of Trades
Authors: Gwak Han-Seong , Shin Won-Sang , Park Young-Jun
Published: November 2021

Existing SCS (space-constrained scheduling) studies fall short of minimizing the effect of the stacking of trades that decline productivity due to an increase in resources within a physically limited work area. This article presents a space-constrained scheduling optimization (i.e., SSO) method for minimizing the stacking of trades. It imports schedule information from the project database, extracts IFC files of construction site area from the BIM model, defines the occupation density function of each activity to track the level of stacking of trades, and identifies the optimal solution (i.e., the optimal set of pairs of execution pattern alternatives and start times of activities) by implementing genetic algorithm (GA) optimization analysis. The study is of value to practitioners because SSO provides an easy-to-use computerized tool that reduces the lengthy computations relative to data processing and GAs. Test cases verify the validity of the computational method.
An Analytic Method for Improving the Reliability of Models Based on a Histogram for Prediction of Companion Dogs’ Behaviors
Authors: Lee Hye-Jin , Ihm Sun-Young , Park So-Hyun , Park Young-Ho
Published: November 2021

Dogs and cats tend to show their conditions and desires through their behaviors. In companion animal behavior recognition, behavior data obtained by attaching a wearable device or sensor to a dog’s body are mostly used. However, differences occur in the output values of the sensor when the dog moves violently. A tightly coupled RGB time tensor network (TRT-Net) is proposed that minimizes the loss of spatiotemporal information by reflecting the three components (x-, y-, and z-axes) of the skeleton sequences in the corresponding three channels (red, green, and blue) for the behavioral classification of dogs. This paper introduces the YouTube-C7B dataset consisting of dog behaviors in various environments. Based on a method that visualizes the Conv-layer filters in analyzable feature maps, we add reliability to the results derived by the model. We can identify the joint parts, i.e., those represented as rows of input images showing behaviors, learned by the proposed model mainly for making decisions. Finally, the performance of the proposed method is compared to those of the LSTM, GRU, and RNN models. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed TRT-Net method classifies dog behaviors more effectively, with improved accuracy and F1 scores of 7.9% and 7.3% over conventional models.
Numerical Evaluation of the Upright Columns with Partial Reinforcement along with the Utilisation of Neural Networks with Combining Feature-Selection Method to Predict the Load and Displacement
Authors: Taheri Ehsan , Mehrabi Peyman , Rafiei Shervin , Samali Bijan
Published: November 2021

This study evaluated the axial capacity of cold-formed racking upright sections strengthened with an innovative reinforcement method by finite element modelling and artificial intelligence techniques. At the first stage, several specimens with different lengths, thicknesses and reinforcement spacings were modelled in ABAQUS. The finite element method (FEM) was employed to increase the available datasets and evaluate the proposed reinforcement method in different geometrical types of sections. The most influential factors on the axial strength were investigated using a feature-selection (FS) method within a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) algorithm. The MLP algorithm was developed by particle swarm optimization (PSO) and FEM results as input. In terms of accuracy evaluation, some of the rolling criteria including results showed that geometrical parameters have almost the same contribution in compression capacity and displacement of the specimens. According to the performance evaluation indexes, the best model was detected and specified in the paper and optimised by tuning other parameters of the algorithm. As a result, the normalised ultimate load and displacement were predicted successfully.
Shallow S-Wave Velocity Structure in the Middle-Chelif Basin, Algeria, Using Ambient Vibration Single-Station and Array Measurements
Authors: Issaadi Abdelouahab , Semmane Fethi , Yelles-Chaouche Abdelkrim , Galiana-Merino Juan José , Mazari Anis
Published: November 2021

In order to better assess the seismic hazard in the northern region of Algeria, the shear-wave velocity structure in the Middle-Chelif Basin is estimated using ambient vibration single-station and array measurements. The Middle-Chelif Basin is located in the central part of the Chelif Basin, the largest of the Neogene sedimentary basins in northern Algeria. This basin hosts the El-Asnam fault, one of the most important active faults in the Mediterranean area. In this seismically active region, most towns and villages are built on large unconsolidated sedimentary covers. Application of the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique at 164 sites, and frequency–wavenumber (F–K) analysis at 7 other sites, allowed for the estimation of the ground resonance frequencies, shear-wave velocity profiles, and sedimentary cover thicknesses. The electrical resistivity tomography method was used at some sites to further constrain the thickness of the superficial sedimentary layers. The soil resonance frequencies range from 0.75 Hz to 12 Hz and the maximum frequency peak amplitude is 6.2. The structure of the estimated shear-wave velocities is presented in some places as 2D profiles to help interpret the existing faults. The ambient vibration data allowed us to estimate the maximum depth in the Middle-Chelif Basin, which is 760 m near the city of El-Abadia.
Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies for Managing Indoor Radon Risk Exposure: Applications, Opportunities, and Future Challenges
Authors: Barros Paulo , Curado António , Lopes Sérgio Ivan
Published: November 2021

Radon gas is a harmful pollutant with a well-documented adverse influence on public health. In poorly ventilated environments, that are often prone to significant radon levels, studies indicate a known relationship between human radon exposure and lung cancer. Recent technology advances, notably on the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, allow the integration of sensors, computing, and communication capabilities into low-cost and small-scale devices that can be used for implementing specific cyber-physical systems (CPS) for online and real-time radon management. These technologies are crucial for improving the overall building indoor air quality (IAQ), contributing toward the so-called cognitive buildings, where human-based control is tending to decline, and building management systems (BMS) are focused on balancing critical factors, such as energy efficiency, human radon exposure management, and user experience, to achieve a more transparent and harmonious integration between technology and the built environment. This work surveys recent IoT technologies for indoor radon exposure management (monitoring, assessment and mitigation), and discusses its main challenges and opportunities, by focusing on methods, techniques, and technologies to answer the following questions: (i) What technologies have been recently in use for radon exposure management; (ii) how they operate; (iii) what type of radon detection mechanisms do they use; and (iv) what type of system architectures, components, and communication technologies have been used to assist the referred technologies. This contribution is relevant to pave the way for designing more intelligent and sustainable systems that rely on IoT and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), to achieve an optimal balance between these two critical factors: human radon exposure management and building energy efficiency.
A Novel Artificial Neural Network to Predict Compressive Strength of Recycled Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Suescum-Morales David , Salas-Morera Lorenzo , Jiménez José Ramón , García-Hernández Laura
Published: November 2021

Most regulations only allow the use of the coarse fraction of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) for the manufacture of new concrete, although the heterogeneity of RCA makes it difficult to predict the compressive strength of concrete, which is an obstacle to the incorporation of RCA in concrete production. The compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete is closely related to the dosage of its constituents. This article proposes a novel artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict the 28-day compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete. The ANN used in this work has 11 neurons in the input layer: the mass of cement, fly ash, water, superplasticizer, fine natural aggregate, coarse natural or recycled aggregate, and their properties, such as: sand fineness modulus of sand, water absorption capacity, saturated surface dry density of the coarse aggregate mix and the maximum particle size. Two training methods were used for the ANN combining 15 and 20 hidden layers: Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) and Bayesian Regularization (BR). A database with 177 mixes selected from 15 studies incorporating RCA were selected, with the aim of having an underlying set of data heterogeneous enough to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed approach, even when data are heterogeneous and noisy, which is the main finding of this work.
Edge-Based Detection of Varroosis in Beehives with IoT Devices with Embedded and TPU-Accelerated Machine Learning
Authors: Mrozek Dariusz , Gȯrny Rafał , Wachowicz Anna , Małysiak-Mrozek Bożena
Published: November 2021

One of the causes of mortality in bees is varroosis, a bee disease caused by the Varroa destructor mite. Varroa destructor mites may occur suddenly in beehives, spread across them, and impair bee colonies, which finally die. Edge IoT (Internet of Things) devices capable of processing video streams in real-time, such as the one we propose, may allow for the monitoring of beehives for the presence of Varroa destructor. Additionally, centralization of monitoring in the Cloud data center enables the prevention of the spread of this disease and reduces bee mortality through monitoring entire apiaries. Although there are various IoT or non-IoT systems for bee-related issues, such comprehensive and technically advanced solutions for beekeeping and Varroa detection barely exist or perform mite detection after sending the data to the data center. The latter, in turn, increases communication and storage needs, which we try to limit in our approach. In the paper, we show an innovative Edge-based IoT solution for Varroa destructor detection. The solution relies on Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) acceleration for machine learning-based models pre-trained in the hybrid Cloud environment for bee identification and Varroa destructor infection detection. Our experiments were performed in order to investigate the effectiveness and the time performance of both steps, and the study of the impact of the image resolution on the quality of detection and classification processes prove that we can effectively detect the presence of varroosis in beehives in real-time with the use of Edge artificial intelligence invoked for the analysis of video streams.
Evaluation of Recommended Cross Sections for the Simulation of Electron Tracks in Water
Authors: García-Abenza Adrián , Lozano Ana I. , Oller Juan C. , Blanco Francisco , Gorfinkiel Jimena D. , Limão-Vieira Paulo , García Gustavo
Published: November 2021

The accuracy of the most recent recommended cross sections dataset for electron scattering from gaseous H2O (J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 2021, 50, 023103) is probed in a joint experimental and computational study. Simulations of the magnetically confined electron transport through a gas cell containing H2O for different beam energies (3, 10 and 70 eV) and pressures (2.5 to 20.0 mTorr) have been performed by using a specifically designed Monte Carlo code. The simulated results have been compared with the corresponding experimental data as well as with simulations performed with Geant4DNA. The comparison made between the experiment and simulation provides insight into possible improvement of the recommended dataset.
Visualization and Quantification of the Extracellular Matrix in Prostate Cancer Using an Elastin Specific Molecular Probe
Authors: Kader Avan , Brangsch Julia , Reimann Carolin , Kaufmann Jan O. , Mangarova Dilyana B. , Moeckel Jana , Adams Lisa C. , Zhao Jing , Saatz Jessica , Traub Heike , Buchholz Rebecca , Karst Uwe , Hamm Bernd , Makowski Marcus R.
Published: November 2021

Human prostate cancer (PCa) is a type of malignancy and one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men. Elastin is an important component of the extracellular matrix and is involved in the structure and organization of prostate tissue. The present study examined prostate cancer in a xenograft mouse model using an elastin-specific molecular probe for magnetic resonance molecular imaging. Two different tumor sizes (500 mm3 and 1000 mm3) were compared and analyzed by MRI in vivo and histologically and analytically ex vivo. The T1-weighted sequence was used in a clinical 3-T scanner to calculate the relative contrast enhancement before and after probe administration. Our results show that the use of an elastin-specific probe enables better discrimination between tumors and surrounding healthy tissue. Furthermore, specific binding of the probe to elastin fibers was confirmed by histological examination and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Smaller tumors showed significantly higher signal intensity (p > 0.001), which correlates with the higher proportion of elastin fibers in the histological evaluation than in larger tumors. A strong correlation was seen between relative enhancement (RE) and Elastica–van Gieson staining (R2 = 0.88). RE was related to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry data for Gd and showed a correlation (R2 = 0.78). Thus, molecular MRI could become a novel quantitative tool for the early evaluation and detection of PCa.
Heterologous Expression and Assembly of Human TLR Signaling Components in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Coronas-Serna Julia María , del Val Elba , Kagan Jonathan C. , Molina María , Cid Víctor J.
Published: November 2021

Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is key to detect pathogens and initiating inflammation. Ligand recognition triggers the assembly of supramolecular organizing centers (SMOCs) consisting of large complexes composed of multiple subunits. Building such signaling hubs relies on Toll Interleukin-1 Receptor (TIR) and Death Domain (DD) protein-protein interaction domains. We have expressed TIR domain-containing components of the human myddosome (TIRAP and MyD88) and triffosome (TRAM and TRIF) SMOCs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a platform for their study. Interactions between the TLR4 TIR domain, TIRAP, and MyD88 were recapitulated in yeast. Human TIRAP decorated the yeast plasma membrane (PM), except for the bud neck, whereas MyD88 was found at cytoplasmic spots, which were consistent with endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondria junctions, as evidenced by co-localization with Mmm1 and Mdm34, components of the ER and Mitochondria Encounter Structures (ERMES). The formation of MyD88-TIRAP foci at the yeast PM was reinforced by co-expression of a membrane-bound TLR4 TIR domain. Mutations in essential residues of their TIR domains aborted MyD88 recruitment by TIRAP, but their respective subcellular localizations were unaltered. TRAM and TRIF, however, did not co-localize in yeast. TRAM assembled long PM-bound filaments that were disrupted by co-expression of the TLR4 TIR domain. Our results evidence that the yeast model can be exploited to study the interactions and subcellular localization of human SMOC components in vivo.
The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Endometriosis: A Potential Target
Authors: Ke Junya , Ye Jiangfeng , Li Mingqing , Zhu Zhiling
Published: November 2021

Endometriosis is a condition that is influenced by hormones and involves stroma and glands being found outside the uterus; there are increases in proliferation, invasion, internal bleeding, and fibrosis. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been suggested to be crucial in the progression of invasion. The MMP family includes calcium-dependent zinc-containing endopeptidases, some of which not only affect the process of cell invasion but also participate in other physiological and pathological processes, such as angiogenesis and fibrosis. MMPs act as downstream-targeted molecules and their expression can be regulated by numerous factors such as estrogen, oxidative stress, cytokines, and environmental contaminants. Given their unique roles in endometriosis, MMPs may become effective biomarkers of endometriosis in the future. In the present review, we summarize the current literature on MMPs regarding their classification, function, and potential value for endometriosis, which may contribute to our knowledge of MMPs and MMP-targeted interventions.