bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity-Induced Dysbiosis Exacerbates IFN-γ Production and Pulmonary Inflammation in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Palma Albornoz Sandra Patricia , Fraga-Silva Thais Fernanda de Campos , Gembre Ana Flávia , de Oliveira Rômulo Silva , de Souza Fernanda Mesquita , Rodrigues Tamara Silva , Kettelhut Isis do Carmo , Manca Camila Sanches , Jordao Alceu Afonso , Ramalho Leandra Naira Zambelli , Ribolla Paulo Eduardo Martins , Carlos Daniela , Bonato Vânia Luiza Deperon
Published: July 2021

The microbiota of the gut–lung axis affects local and far-reaching immune responses and might also trigger chronic and inflammatory diseases. We hypothesized that gut dysbiosis induced by obesity, which coexists in countries with a high tuberculosis burden, aggravates the host susceptibility and the pulmonary damage tolerance. To assess our hypothesis, we used a model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, followed by infection of C57BL/6 mice with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We showed that obesity increased the susceptibility, the pulmonary inflammation and IFN-γ levels in M. tuberculosis-infected mice. During the comorbidity obesity and tuberculosis, there is an increase of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes in the lungs, and an increase of Firmicutes and butyrate in the feces. Depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotic treatment in the obese infected mice reduced the frequencies of CD4+IFN-γ+IL-17− cells and IFN-γ levels in the lungs, associated with an increase of Lactobacillus. Our findings reinforce the role of the gut–lung axis in chronic infections and suggest that the gut microbiota modulation may be a potential host-directed therapy as an adjuvant to treat TB in the context of IFN-γ-mediated immunopathology.
Characterization of RIN Isoforms and Their Expression in Tomato Fruit Ripening
Authors: Slugina Maria A. , Efremov Gleb I. , Shchennikova Anna V. , Kochieva Elena Z.
Published: July 2021

Ripening of tomato fleshy fruit is coordinated by transcription factor RIN, which triggers ethylene and carotenoid biosynthesis, sugar accumulation, and cell wall modifications. In this study, we identified and characterized complete sequences of the RIN chromosomal locus in two tomato Solanum lycopersicum cultivars, its rin/RIN genotype, and three wild green-fruited species differing in fruit color and composition. The results reveal that S. lycopersicum cultivars and some wild species (S. pennellii, S. habrochaites, and S. huaylasense) had a 3′-splicing site enabling the transcription of RIN1i and RIN2i isoforms. The other wild species (S. arcanum, S. chmielewskii, S. neorickii, and S. peruvianum) had a 3′-splicing site only for RIN2i, which was consistent with RIN1i and RIN2i expression patterns. The genotype rin/RIN, which had an extended 3′-terminal deletion in the rin allele, mainly expressed the chimeric RIN–MC transcript, which was also found in cultivars (RIN/RIN). The RIN1, but not RIN2, protein is able to induce the transcription of the reporter gene in the Y2H system, which positively correlated with the transcription profile of RIN1i and RIN target genes. We suggest that during fruit ripening, RIN1 activates ripening-related genes, whereas RIN2 and RIN–MC act as modulators by competing for RIN-binding sites in gene promoters, which should be confirmed by further studies on the association between RIN-splicing mechanisms and tomato fruit ripening.
TMEM135 is a Novel Regulator of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Physiology with Implications for Human Health Conditions
Authors: Beasley Heather K. , Rodman Taylor A. , Collins Greg V. , Hinton Antentor , Exil Vernat
Published: July 2021

Transmembrane proteins (TMEMs) are integral proteins that span biological membranes. TMEMs function as cellular membrane gates by modifying their conformation to control the influx and efflux of signals and molecules. TMEMs also reside in and interact with the membranes of various intracellular organelles. Despite much knowledge about the biological importance of TMEMs, their role in metabolic regulation is poorly understood. This review highlights the role of a single TMEM, transmembrane protein 135 (TMEM135). TMEM135 is thought to regulate the balance between mitochondrial fusion and fission and plays a role in regulating lipid droplet formation/tethering, fatty acid metabolism, and peroxisomal function. This review highlights our current understanding of the various roles of TMEM135 in cellular processes, organelle function, calcium dynamics, and metabolism.
Novel Ansa-Chain Conformation of a Semi-Synthetic Rifamycin Prepared Employing the Alder-Ene Reaction: Crystal Structure and Absolute Stereochemistry
Authors: Frampton Christopher S. , Gall James H. , MacNicol David D.
Published: July 2021

Rifamycins are an extremely important class of antibacterial agents whose action results from the inhibition of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis. A special arrangement of unsubstituted hydroxy groups at C21 and C23, with oxygen atoms at C1 and C8 is essential for activity. Moreover, it is known that the antibacterial action of rifamycin is lost if either of the two former hydroxy groups undergo substitution and are no longer free to act in enzyme inhibition. In the present work, we describe the successful use of an Alder-Ene reaction between Rifamycin O, 1 and diethyl azodicarboxylate, yielding 2, which was a targeted introduction of a relatively bulky group close to C21 to protect its hydroxy group. Many related azo diesters were found to react analogously, giving one predominant product in each case. To determine unambiguously the stereochemistry of the Alder-Ene addition process, a crystalline zwitterionic derivative 3 of the diethyl azodicarboxylate adduct 2 was prepared by reductive amination at its spirocyclic centre C4. The adduct, as a mono chloroform solvate, crystallized in the non-centrosymmetric Sohnke orthorhombic space group, P212121. The unique conformation and absolute stereochemistry of 3 revealed through X-ray crystal structure analysis is described.
Effect of the Dispersion State in Y5O4F7 Suspension on YOF Coating Deposited by Suspension Plasma Spray
Authors: Lee Seungjun , Lee Jaehoo , Hwang Nongmoon
Published: July 2021

The stable Y5O4F7 suspension for dense yttrium oxyfluoride (YOF) coating by suspension plasma spraying (SPS) was developed. Electrostatically and electrosterically stabilized aqueous Y5O4F7 suspensions were prepared and compared with a commercially available Y5O4F7 suspension without dispersant. The wettability and dispersibility of the Y5O4F7 suspensions were evaluated in terms of the zeta potential, average particle size, and size distribution with electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The viscosity was measured and the sedimentation was tested to examine the fluidity and stability of the Y5O4F7 suspensions. When electrostatic (BYK-154) and electrosteric (BYK-199) dispersants were added to the Y5O4F7 suspension, the isoelectric point (IEP) of Y5O4F7 particles in the suspension shifted to lower pH. The zeta potential of both of electrostatically and electrosterically stabilized Y5O4F7 suspensions were higher than ±40 mV at pH of 8.6, respectively, which were much higher than of the Y5O4F7 suspension without dispersant. Meanwhile, the average particle size of the electrosterically stabilized Y5O4F7 suspension was much smaller than that of the electrostatically stabilized one. The electrosteric stabilization had a great effect on improving the wettability and dispersibility of the Y5O4F7 suspension. The coating rate of the electrosterically stabilized Y5O4F7 suspension was the highest among the three tested suspensions. In addition, the YOF coating deposited with the electrosterically stabilized Y5O4F7 suspension had the highest hardness and the lowest porosity.
Improvement of Load Carrying Capacity of Concrete Pavement Slabs Using Macro Synthetic Fibers
Authors: Eisa Mohamed S. , Basiouny Mohamed E. , Youssef Ahmed M.
Published: July 2021

This study presents the results of an investigation of the effect of macro synthetic fibers (MSF) reinforcement on the load carrying capacity of concrete pavement slabs. Six concrete slabs having dimensions of 800 × 800 × 50 mm3 were prepared and tested under static loads at three different positions: interior, edge and corner of the slab. Three of the slabs were Portland cement concrete (PCC) and prepared as references. The other three slabs were macro synthetic fiber reinforced concrete (MSFRC). Mechanical properties examined in this study included compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity and ductility of PCC and MSFRC. The findings showed that the addition of MSF to PCC improved the load carrying capacity of concrete pavement slabs. Test results obtained indicated that the ultimate load carrying capacity of MSFRC slabs was increased by 24%, 20%, and 23% for interior, edge and corner loading positions, respectively.
Deformation Mechanisms of NiP/Ni Composite Coatings on Ductile Substrates
Authors: Zhang Zhendi , Xu Hang , Zhou Xiaoye , Guo Tao , Pang Xiaolu , Volinsky Alex A.
Published: July 2021

NiP/Ni composite coatings with different thicknesses were prepared on coarse-grained Ni substrates by electrodeposition. The tensile tests show that compared with the substrate, the toughness and strength of the samples with multilayer composite coatings are greatly improved. The uniform elongation is increased from 24% to 43%, and the yield strength is increased from 108 to 172 MPa. In the deformation process, the geometrically necessary dislocations accumulate, resulting in long-range back stress, leading to strain hardening, showing synergistic strength and ductility. The mechanical properties of composite coatings are strongly affected by the layer thickness. Molecular dynamics studies show that there is a more uniform distribution of the shear strain in thinner coatings, and the propagation of shear transformation zones (STZs) is restrained, preventing the formation of a large shear band. With the decrease of thickness, the deformation of the NiP layer changes from shear fracture to the coexistence of uniform deformation and shear deformation. The interface resistance of the multilayer structure increases the resistance of crack propagation and alleviates the effects of NiP layer cracking on substrate cracking. Multilayer amorphous/crystalline coatings therefore may increase the toughness of the Ni substrate.
Crystal Chemical Relations in the Shchurovskyite Family: Synthesis and Crystal Structures of K2Cu[Cu3O]2(PO4)4 and K2.35Cu0.825[Cu3O]2(PO4)4
Authors: Kornyakov Ilya V. , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: July 2021

Single crystals of two novel shchurovskyite-related compounds, K2Cu[Cu3O]2(PO4)4 (1) and K2.35Cu0.825[Cu3O]2(PO4)4 (2), were synthesized by crystallization from gaseous phase and structurally characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal structures of both compounds are based upon similar Cu-based layers, formed by rods of the [O2Cu6] dimers of oxocentered (OCu4) tetrahedra. The topologies of the layers show both similarities and differences from the shchurovskyite-type layers. The layers are connected in different fashions via additional Cu atoms located in the interlayer, in contrast to shchurovskyite, where the layers are linked by Ca2+ cations. The structures of the shchurovskyite family are characterized using information-based structural complexity measures, which demonstrate that the crystal structure of 1 is the simplest one, whereas that of 2 is the most complex in the family.
Experimental Validation of a Microwave System for Brain Stroke 3-D Imaging
Authors: Rodriguez-Duarte David O. , Tobon Vasquez Jorge A. , Scapaticci Rosa , Turvani Giovanna , Cavagnaro Marta , Casu Mario R. , Crocco Lorenzo , Vipiana Francesca
Published: July 2021

This paper experimentally validates the capability of a microwave prototype device to localize hemorrhages and ischemias within the brain as well as proposes an innovative calibration technique based on the measured data. In the reported experiments, a 3-D human-like head phantom is considered, where the brain is represented either with a homogeneous liquid mimicking brain dielectric properties or with ex vivo calf brains. The microwave imaging (MWI) system works at 1 GHz, and it is realized with a low-complexity architecture formed by an array of twenty-four printed monopole antennas. Each antenna is embedded into the “brick” of a semi-flexible dielectric matching medium, and it is positioned conformal to the head upper part. The imaging algorithm exploits a differential approach and provides 3-D images of the brain region. It employs the singular value decomposition of the discretized scattering operator obtained via accurate numerical models. The MWI system analysis shows promising reconstruction results and extends the device validation.
Changes in the Functional Brain Network of Children Undergoing Repeated Epilepsy Surgery: An EEG Source Connectivity Study
Authors: Iandolo Giulia , Chourasia Nitish , Ntolkeras Georgios , Madsen Joseph R. , Papadelis Christos , Grant Ellen , Pearl Phillip L. , Taffoni Fabrizio , Tamilia Eleonora
Published: July 2021

About 30% of children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) continue to have seizures after epilepsy surgery. Since epilepsy is increasingly conceptualized as a network disorder, understanding how brain regions interact may be critical for planning re-operation in these patients. We aimed to estimate functional brain connectivity using scalp EEG and its evolution over time in patients who had repeated surgery (RS-group, n = 9) and patients who had one successful surgery (seizure-free, SF-group, n = 12). We analyzed EEGs without epileptiform activity at varying time points (before and after each surgery). We estimated functional connectivity between cortical regions and their relative centrality within the network. We compared the pre- and post-surgical centrality of all the non-resected (untouched) regions (far or adjacent to resection) for each group (using the Wilcoxon signed rank test). In alpha, theta, and beta frequency bands, the post-surgical centrality of the untouched cortical regions increased in the SF group (p < 0.001) whereas they decreased (p < 0.05) or did not change (p > 0.05) in the RS group after failed surgeries; when re-operation was successful, the post-surgical centrality of far regions increased (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that removal of the epileptogenic focus in children with DRE leads to a gain in the network centrality of the untouched areas. In contrast, unaltered or decreased connectivity is seen when seizures persist after surgery.
Production, Purification, and Applications of a Potential Theranostic Pair: Cobalt-55 and Cobalt-58m
Authors: Barrett Kendall E. , Houson Hailey A. , Lin Wilson , Lapi Suzanne E. , Engle Jonathan W.
Published: July 2021

The emerging success of [68Ga/177Lu]Ga/Lu-DOTATATE as a theranostic pair has spurred interest in other isotopes as potential theranostic combinations. Here, we review cobalt-55 and cobalt-58m as a potential theranostic pair. Radionuclidically pure cobalt-55 and cobalt-58m have been produced on small cyclotrons with high molar activity. In vitro, DOTATOC labeled with cobalt has shown greater affinity for SSTR2 than DOTATOC labeled with gallium and yttrium. Similarly, [58mCo]Co-DOTATATE has shown improved cell-killing capabilities as compared to DOTATATE labeled with either indium-111 or lutetium-177. Finally, PET imaging with an isotope such as cobalt-55 allows for image acquisition at much later timepoints than gallium, allowing for an increased degree of biological clearance of non-bound radiotracer. We discuss the accelerator targetry and radiochemistry used to produce cobalt-55,58m, emphasizing the implications of these techniques to downstream radiotracers being developed for imaging and therapy.
An End-to-End Pipeline for Early Diagnosis of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Based on a Compact CNN Model
Authors: Qiao Yifan , Zhang Yi , Liu Nian , Chen Pu , Liu Yan
Published: July 2021

Timely microscopy screening of peripheral blood smears is essential for the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) due to the occurrence of early death (ED) before or during the initial therapy. Screening manually is time-consuming and tedious, and may lead to missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis because of subjective bias. To address these problems, we develop a three-step pipeline to help in the early diagnosis of APL from peripheral blood smears. The entire pipeline consists of leukocytes focusing, cell classification and diagnostic opinions. As the key component of the pipeline, a compact classification model based on attention embedded convolutional neural network blocks is proposed to distinguish promyelocytes from normal leukocytes. The compact classification model is validated on both the combination of two public datasets, APL-Cytomorphology_LMU and APL-Cytomorphology_JHH, as well as the clinical dataset, to yield a precision of 96.53% and 99.20%, respectively. The results indicate that our model outperforms the other evaluated popular classification models owing to its better accuracy and smaller size. Furthermore, the entire pipeline is validated on realistic patient data. The proposed method promises to act as an assistant tool for APL diagnosis.
Will Disabled Workers Be Winners or Losers in the Post-COVID-19 Labour Market?
Authors: Holland Paula
Published: July 2021

Workplace inflexibility contributes to the higher rates of job loss and unemployment experienced by disabled people. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries already had significant disability employment gaps. Based on evidence from previous recessions, the global recession resulting from the pandemic is likely to have a severer and longer-lasting impact on the employment of disabled workers compared with non-disabled workers. In the UK, there is already evidence that the disability employment gap has widened since the pandemic. On the other hand, the pandemic initiated increased access to home-working, a change in working arrangements that may prove beneficial to disabled workers employed in desk-based roles. Home-working can increase the accessibility of employment and support work retention for disabled workers, yet pre-pandemic many employers had withheld it. Studies of employees’ and employers’ experiences of home-working during the pandemic have indicated a desire to retain access to home-working in the future. A permanent cultural shift to increased access to home-working would help address the disability employment gap for desk-based workers. However, disabled workers are over-represented in jobs not conducive to home-working, and in sectors that have been hardest hit by business closures during the pandemic, so the position of many disabled workers is likely to remain precarious.
Underwater Target Recognition Based on Improved YOLOv4 Neural Network
Authors: Chen Lingyu , Zheng Meicheng , Duan Shunqiang , Luo Weilin , Yao Ligang
Published: July 2021

The YOLOv4 neural network is employed for underwater target recognition. To improve the accuracy and speed of recognition, the structure of YOLOv4 is modified by replacing the upsampling module with a deconvolution module and by incorporating depthwise separable convolution into the network. Moreover, the training set used in the YOLO network is preprocessed by using a modified mosaic augmentation, in which the gray world algorithm is used to derive two images when performing mosaic augmentation. The recognition results and the comparison with the other target detectors demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed YOLOv4 structure and the method of data preprocessing. According to both subjective and objective evaluation, the proposed target recognition strategy can effectively improve the accuracy and speed of underwater target recognition and reduce the requirement of hardware performance as well.
The Core of Medical Imaging: State of the Art and Perspectives on the Detectors
Authors: Santarelli Maria Filomena , Giovannetti Giulio , Hartwig Valentina , Celi Simona , Positano Vincenzo , Landini Luigi
Published: July 2021

In this review, the roles of detectors in various medical imaging techniques were described. Ultrasound, optical (near-infrared spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography) and thermal imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, single-photon emission tomography, positron emission tomography were the imaging modalities considered. For each methodology, the state of the art of detectors mainly used in the systems was described, emphasizing new technologies applied.
Accuracy Improvement in Resolver Offset Detection Based on Angle Tracking Observer with Coordinate Transformation
Authors: Kim Mun-Hong , Kim Do-Yun
Published: July 2021

It is necessary to obtain the rotor position of the Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (IPMSM) for instantaneous torque control in an electric vehicle system. A resolver is mostly used as a rotor position sensor, each motor has a resolver offset according to the fit tolerance of the resolver pressed into the rotor shaft when the motor is manufactured. This resolver offset is having a huge effect on IPMSM output characteristics. Therefore, resolver offset detection equipment with a method for high precision of detection is required in production lines in order to make uniform characteristics of IPMSM. It is also necessary to have robust performance in many different kinds of the noise of equipment in the production line. This paper presents a highly precise Resolver to Digital Converter (RDC) that is implemented with LabVIEW of National Instruments and a resolver offset detecting method that has the robust performance to noise based on coordinate transformation algorithm. Experiments with and without the proposed method were performed and a comparative analysis is conducted to test the validity.
Quad Sector HMSIW Tapered Slot Antenna Array for Millimeter-Wave Applications
Authors: Ahmed Iftikhar , Shoaib Sultan , Shah Raza Ali
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a slot antenna array based on a half-mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) is presented, integrating a series of linearly tapered slots for wireless broadband applications in millimeter-wave frequencies. The slots are etched on the upper layer of HMSIW, which radiates the energy from the open side of HMSIW, exhibiting a near broadside radiation pattern. Two identical sets of back-to-back printed antenna arrays are cross-lap joined to form a quad sector antenna providing 360° coverage. The proposed antenna occupies a volume of 20 × 20 × 70 mm3. The measured bandwidth is 1.81 GHz (6.53%) for Voltage to Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) 3:1 from 26.8 to 28.6 GHz, while the peak measured gain and efficiency of single antenna array were 14.2 dB and 71.3%, respectively, at 27.5 GHz. Furthermore, the sidelobe level in the azimuth plane was observed to be 17.75 dB. The performance of the proposed antenna is measured, and a good agreement between simulation and measured results is observed over the frequency range of 27.5–28.35 GHz for millimeter-wave 5G applications.
Co-Simulation Framework for Optimal Allocation and Power Management of DGs in Power Distribution Networks Based on Computational Intelligence Techniques
Authors: Barukčić Marinko , Varga Toni , Jerković Štil Vedrana , Benšić Tin
Published: July 2021

The paper researches the impact of the input data resolution on the solution of optimal allocation and power management of controllable and non-controllable renewable energy sources distributed generation in the distribution power system. Computational intelligence techniques and co-simulation approach are used, aiming at more realistic system modeling and solving the complex optimization problem. The optimization problem considers the optimal allocation of all distributed generations and the optimal power control of controllable distributed generations. The co-simulation setup employs a tool for power system analysis and a metaheuristic optimizer to solve the optimization problem. Three different resolutions of input data (generation and load profiles) are used: hourly, daily, and monthly averages over one year. An artificial neural network is used to estimate the optimal output of controllable distributed generations and thus significantly decrease the dimensionality of the optimization problem. The proposed procedure is applied on a 13 node test feeder proposed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The obtained results show a huge impact of the input data resolution on the optimal allocation of distributed generations. Applying the proposed approach, the energy losses are decreased by over 50–70% by the optimal allocation and control of distributed generations depending on the tested network.
Multidimensional CNN-LSTM Network for Automatic Modulation Classification
Authors: Wang Na , Liu Yunxia , Ma Liang , Yang Yang , Wang Hongjun
Published: July 2021

Automatic modulation classification (AMC) is the premise for signal detection and demodulation applications, especially in non-cooperative communication scenarios. It has been a popular topic for decades and has gained significant progress with the development of deep learning methods. To further improve classification accuracy, a hierarchical multifeature fusion (HMF) based on a multidimensional convolutional neural network (CNN)-long short-term memory (LSTM) network is proposed in this paper. First, a multidimensional CNN module (MD-CNN) is proposed for feature compensation between interactive features extracted by two-dimensional convolutional filters and respective features extracted by one-dimensional filters. Second, learnt features of the MD-CNN module are fed into an LSTM layer for further exploitation of temporal features. Finally, classification results are obtained by the Softmax classifier. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by abundant experimental results on two public datasets, RadioML.2016.10a and RadioML.2016.10b. Satisfying results are obtained as compared with state-of-the-art methods.
Adaptive Video Watermarking against Scaling Attacks Based on Quantization Index Modulation
Authors: Lv Zhongze , Huang Ying , Guan Hu , Liu Jie , Zhang Shuwu , Zheng Yang
Published: July 2021

Video watermarking plays a vital role in protecting the video copyright. The quantization-based methods are widely used in the existing watermarking algorithms, owing to their low computational complexity and completely blind extraction. However, most of them work poorly in resisting scaling attacks, by which the quantization value may fall outside the original quantization interval. For addressing this issue, an adaptive quantization index modulation method is proposed. The property that is associated with the ratio of the DC coefficient before and after scaling the video resolution motivates us to select the DC coefficient as the quantization value and set the size of the quantization interval by the video resolution to maintain the synchronization between them before and after scaling. Moreover, a strategy taking advantage of the high decoding reliability of the QRCode is proposed to terminate the extraction in advance, and both the embedding and the extracting process are performed in the spatial domain, which all contribute to further enhance the execution efficiency. The experimental results show that our algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art method in terms of imperceptibility, robustness, and computational cost.
Analysis of the Rice Yield under an Agrivoltaic System: A Case Study in Japan
Authors: Gonocruz Ruth Anne , Nakamura Ren , Yoshino Kota , Homma Masaru , Doi Tetsuya , Yoshida Yoshikuni , Tani Akira
Published: July 2021

Agrivoltaic systems, comprising photovoltaic panels placed over agricultural crops, have recently gained increasing attention. Emerging interest in these systems led us to investigate their influence on rice crops. Various factors affecting rice crop yield, including fertilizer application, temperature, and solar radiation, were directly observed, and measured to evaluate changes associated with the shading rates of photovoltaic systems installed above rice crops. The results suggest that the allowable upper limit of the shading rate for agrivoltaic installations ranges from 27 to 39%, which sustains at least 80% of the rice yield, a condition set by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for these systems. If such systems are applied to rice paddies in Japan at 28% density, they could generate 284 million MWh/yr. This is equivalent to approximately 29% of the total Japanese electricity demand, based on 2018 calculations. This projection indicates the potential of agrivoltaic systems for efficient land use and sustainable energy generation.
New Insight into Bacterial Interaction with the Matrix of Plant-Based Fermented Foods
Authors: Gustaw Klaudia , Niedźwiedź Iwona , Rachwał Kamila , Polak-Berecka Magdalena
Published: July 2021

Microorganisms have been harnessed to process raw plants into fermented foods. The adaptation to a variety of plant environments has resulted in a nearly inseparable association between the bacterial species and the plant with a characteristic chemical profile. Lactic acid bacteria, which are known for their ability to adapt to nutrient-rich niches, have altered their genomes to dominate specific habitats through gene loss or gain. Molecular biology approaches provide a deep insight into the evolutionary process in many bacteria and their adaptation to colonize the plant matrix. Knowledge of the adaptive characteristics of microorganisms facilitates an efficient use thereof in fermentation to achieve desired final product properties. With their ability to acidify the environment and degrade plant compounds enzymatically, bacteria can modify the textural and organoleptic properties of the product and increase the bioavailability of plant matrix components. This article describes selected microorganisms and their competitive survival and adaptation in fermented fruit and vegetable environments. Beneficial changes in the plant matrix caused by microbial activity and their beneficial potential for human health are discussed as well.
An Enhanced Lateral Flow Assay Based on Aptamer–Magnetic Separation and Multifold AuNPs for Ultrasensitive Detection of Salmonella Typhimurium in Milk
Authors: Gao Pingping , Wang Lihan , He Yang , Wang Yitian , Yang Xinyan , Fu Shiqian , Qin Xue , Chen Qing , Man Chaoxin , Jiang Yujun
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a novel and ultrasensitive lateral flow assay (LFA) based on aptamer–magnetic separation, and multifold Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) was developed for visual detecting Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). The method realized magnetic enrichment and signal transduction via magnetic separation and achieved signal amplification through hybridizing AuNPs–capture probes and AuNPs–amplification probes to form multifold AuNPs. Two different thiolated single-strand DNA (ssDNA) on the AuNPs–capture probe played different roles. One was combined with the AuNPs–amplification probe on the conjugate pad to achieve enhanced signals. The other was connected to transduction ssDNA1 released by aptamer–magnetic capture of S. Typhimurium, and captured by the T-line, forming a positive signal. This method had an excellent linear relationship ranging from 8.6 × 102 CFU/mL to 8.6 × 107 CFU/mL with the limit of detection (LOD) as low as 8.6 × 100 CFU/mL in pure culture. In actual samples, the visual LOD was 4.1 × 102 CFU/mL, which did not carry out nucleic acid amplification and pre-enrichment, increasing three orders of magnitudes than unenhanced assays with single–dose AuNPs and no magnetic separation. Furthermore, the system showed high specificity, having no reaction with other nontarget strains. This visual signal amplificated system would be a potential platform for ultrasensitive monitoring S. Typhimurium in milk samples.
Cold-Renneted Milk Powders for Cheese Production: Impact of Casein/Whey Protein Ratio and Heat on the Gelling Behavior of Reconstituted Rennet Gels and on the Survival Rate of Integrated Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Warncke Malou , Keienburg Sonja , Kulozik Ulrich
Published: July 2021

The idea was to develop powders for fresh/hard cheese or quark production comprising milk proteins in optimal composition and functional properties for manufacturing each of those cheese types. The aim was to avoid whey protein drainage by their prior removal or by their heat-induced structural integration in the curd. The pre-renneted powders already contain additives such as starter cultures and calcium chloride to instantaneously form homogeneous curds upon reconstitution. The impact of the casein/whey protein ratio (86:14 by ultrafiltration and 98:2 by microfiltration) and upfront heat treatment (80 °C/30 min) on the gelling behavior of reconstituted rennet gels and on the survival rate of integrated Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei F19 was investigated. The assessment criteria for the rennet gelation were curd firming rate, gel strength, and whey drainage. Furthermore, the amount of integrated whey proteins and the resulting cheese yield were evaluated. It could be shown that heating had a positive effect on the viable cell count of the bacteria after spray drying and on the gelation behavior of the reconstituted ultrafiltration concentrates. The curd firming rate and the gel strength could be increased to higher values than the reconstituted microfiltration concentrate at 25% total solids.
Adsorption on Fractal Surfaces: A Non Linear Modeling Approach of a Fractional Behavior
Authors: Tartaglione Vincent , Sabatier Jocelyn , Farges Christophe
Published: July 2021

This article deals with the random sequential adsorption (RSA) of 2D disks of the same size on fractal surfaces with a Hausdorff dimension 1<d<2. According to the literature and confirmed by numerical simulations in the paper, the high coverage regime exhibits fractional dynamics, i.e., dynamics in t−1/d where d is the fractal dimension of the surface. The main contribution this paper is that it proposes to capture this behavior with a particular class of nonlinear model: a driftless control affine model.
Existence, Uniqueness, and Eq–Ulam-Type Stability of Fuzzy Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Niazi Azmat Ullah Khan , He Jiawei , Shafqat Ramsha , Ahmed Bilal
Published: July 2021

This paper concerns with the existence and uniqueness of the Cauchy problem for a system of fuzzy fractional differential equation with Caputo derivative of order q∈(1,2], 0cD0+qu(t)=λu(t)⊕f(t,u(t))⊕B(t)C(t),t∈[0,T] with initial conditions u(0)=u0,u′(0)=u1. Moreover, by using direct analytic methods, the Eq–Ulam-type results are also presented. In addition, several examples are given which show the applicability of fuzzy fractional differential equations.
Sudden Death in Adults: A Practical Flow Chart for Pathologist Guidance
Authors: Sessa Francesco , Esposito Massimiliano , Messina Giovanni , Di Mizio Giulio , Di Nunno Nunzio , Salerno Monica
Published: July 2021

The medico-legal term “sudden death (SD)” refers to those deaths that are not preceded by significant symptoms. SD in apparently healthy individuals (newborn through to adults) represents a challenge for medical examiners, law enforcement officers, and society as a whole. This review aims to introduce a useful flowchart that should be applied in all cases of SD. Particularly, this flowchart mixes the data obtained through an up-to-date literature review and a revision of the latest version of guidelines for autopsy investigation of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in order to support medico-legal investigation. In light of this review, following the suggested flowchart step-by-step, the forensic pathologist will be able to apply all the indications of the scientific community to real cases. Moreover, it will be possible to answer all questions relative to SD, such as: death may be attributable to cardiac disease or to other causes, the nature of the cardiac disease (defining whether the mechanism was arrhythmic or mechanical), whether the condition causing SD may be inherited (with subsequent genetic counseling), the assumption of toxic or illicit drugs, traumas, and other unnatural causes.
Unemployment Syndrome during COVID-19: A Comparison of Three Population Groups
Authors: Bocchino Anna , Gilart Ester , Roman Inmaculada Cabrera , Lepiani Isabel
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Of the serious problems that characterise the current crisis in Spain, the most alarming and revealing is unemployment, which, despite being so common, continues to be quite a negative experience for most people, often with serious negative effects on their biopsychosocial health. The perpetuation of this situation has given rise to a new syndrome of the unemployed. If these effects of economic downsizing are accompanied by the magnitude of the current situation brought about by COVID-19, the results can be devastating for the individuals and families experiencing it. Objective: To compare the symptoms of the unemployed syndrome in three population groups. Method: Three groups were studied: short-term unemployed (n = 91), long-term unemployed (n = 150), and those unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 94). Unemployment syndrome was assessed with the Unemployment Syndrome Scale (USS). The three population groups were contacted through web pages, social networks, etc. and answered the instruments online in a single session. Once the responses were obtained, their information was encoded in a database and analysed through the SPSS v. 21 program. Population groups were compared using the ANOVA analysis and the Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: The unemployed individuals who lost their job during the pandemic reported higher scores in the symptoms of the Unemployed Syndrome Scale compared to the long- and short-term unemployed individuals. ANOVA analyses for symptoms of USS were all significant in the different groups considering a significance level of <0.005. Participants who were unemployed for less than one year had lower scores in the USS than the long-term unemployed participants and those unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic that reported a significantly higher number of symptoms in the USS.
The Relationship among Community Environment, Behavior, Activity Ability, and Self-Rated Health of Older Adults: A Hierarchical and Multi-Dimensional Comparative Study
Authors: Zheng Zhenhua , Chen Hong
Published: July 2021

Although the community environment is a known determinant of older adults’ health, it is unclear about the logical relationships among the community environment, behavior, activity ability, and health of older adults, and the differences between the different age groups. This study used a two-stage sampling method to conduct a household survey of people over 60 years old living in Xinhua Street, Shanghai, China. In total, 2783 valid samples were obtained. Of these, 1256 were males and 1627 were females, with an average age of 71.1 years. The statistical method used in this study was the structural equation modeling method. The effects of the community environment and behavior on the activity ability and self-rated health of older adults are different, and the path of health influence of older adults is different in different age groups. Community environment has more wider effects on older adults’ self-rated health, while behavior, including walking behavior and neighbor contacts, have a more intensive effect on the activity ability of older adults. The community environment has a significant positive effect on the activity ability of the younger group but not on that of the older group, which instead was significantly affected by the neighbor contacts. Therefore, refined environmental governance and targeted improvement and resolution of different types of health problems among different groups of older persons will contribute to the overall health of older adults.
Lean Healthcare Tools for Processes Evaluation: An Integrative Review
Authors: de Barros Letícia Bianchini , Bassi Letícia de Camargo , Caldas Laura Passos , Sarantopoulos Alice , Zeferino Eliete Boaventura Bargas , Minatogawa Vinicius , Gasparino Renata Cristina
Published: July 2021

Several health services have used lean healthcare to seek continuous improvement of their processes. Therefore, it is important to investigate the evidence available in the literature about the most used lean tools in the health area to review processes and the main results achieved by the researchers. As an integrative literature review methodology was used, it was conducted in five databases, using the descriptor “quality improvement” and the keyword “Lean Healthcare”. A total of 33 complete articles were selected for analysis. The most recurrent tools were: define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC); value stream map (VSM); suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers analysis (SIPOC), Ishikawa Diagram and 5S. Through the analysis of waste, different interventions were implemented and the main results achieved were reduction in times (processing, waiting, cycle and total), costs, workload and increase in the number of calls. The findings enabled the identification of the main lean tools used in the health area to achieve better results. In particular, we highlight recent studies that have explored the lean six sigma healthcare approach. The results, in addition to contributing to the literature, will also assist managers in choosing the best tool to achieve continuous improvement in hospitals and other health services.
High Risk of Hip and Spinal Fractures after Distal Radius Fracture: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study Using a National Sample Cohort
Authors: Choi Hyo-Geun , Kim Doo-Sup , Lee Bumseok , Youk Hyun , Lee Jung-Woo
Published: July 2021

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the risk of hip and spinal fracture after distal radius fracture. Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service—National Sample Cohort were collected between 2002 and 2013. A total of 8013 distal radius fracture participants who were 50 years of age or older were selected. The distal radius fracture participants were matched for age, sex, income, region of residence, and past medical history in a 1:4 ratio with control participants. In the subgroup analysis, participants were stratified according to age group (50–59, 60–69, or ≥70 years) and sex (male or female). Distal radius fracture patients had a 1.51-fold and 1.40-fold higher incidence of hip fracture and spinal fracture in the adjusted models, respectively. Among males, patients of all ages had a significantly higher incidence of hip fracture, and those who were 50 to 69 years of age had a significantly higher incidence of spinal fracture. Among females, those older than 70 years had a significantly higher incidence of hip fracture, and patients of all ages had a significantly higher incidence of spinal fracture. Previous distal radius fracture has a significant impact on the risk of subsequent hip and spinal fractures.
Perceptions Related to Nursing and Nursing Staff in Long-Term Care Settings during the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: Using Social Networking Service
Authors: Shin Juhhyun , Jung Sunok , Park Hyeonyoung , Lee Yaena , Son Yukyeong
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate what opinions and perceptions people have about nursing and the role of nursing staff in nursing homes (NHs) on Social Networking Service (SNS) by analyzing large-scale data through social big-data analysis. Methods: This study investigated changes in perception related to nursing and nursing staff in NHs during the COVID-19 pandemic era using target channels (blogs, cafes, Instagram, communities, Twitter, etc.). Data were collected on the channel from 12 September 2019 to 11 September 2020, 6 months before and after 12 March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Selected keywords included “nursing,” “nurse,” and “nursing staff,” and included words were “long-term care settings,” “geriatric hospital,” and “nursing home.” Text mining, opinion mining, and social network analysis were conducted. Results: After the COVID-19 pandemic, the frequency of keywords increased about 1.5 times compared to before. In March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, the negative phrase “be infected” ranked number one, resulting in a sharp 8% rise in the percentage of negative words in that month. The related words that have risen in rank significantly, or were newly ranked in the Top 30 after the pandemic, were related with COVID-19. Conclusion: The public began to realize the role of nursing staff in the prevention and management of mass infection in NHs and the importance of nursing staff after the pandemic. Further studies should examine the perceptions of those who have received nursing services and include a wide range of foreign channels.
Validity and Reliability of the Korean Version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale
Authors: Han Jeong-Won , Park Junhee , Lee Hanna
Published: July 2021

Background: The present study aimed to translate the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) into the Korean language and test the validity and reliability of the translated Korean version. Methods: An online questionnaire survey was conducted with 300 adults (aged ≥19 years) living in South Korea. The data collection period was 1 June to 15 October 2020. The Korean version of the FCV-19S (KFCV-19S) was tested in terms of content validity, construct validity, criterion validity, item response theory, and reliability. Results: When the content and construct validity of the FCV-19S was tested, the results showed that all items could be retained in the Korean version. When the criterion validity was tested based on correlation analysis between the KFCV-19S and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the results showed a positive correlation (r = 0.53, p < 0.001). Item suitability test results showed that all items were within the reference value of 0.5–1.5. Internal consistency reliability test results showed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.81. Conclusion: The applicability of the KFCV-19S for identifying the level of fear Korean people experience regarding COVID-19 was verified. This tool is recommended for use in future assessments of Korean populations regarding levels of fear and anxiety regarding COVID-19.
Clinical Holding in Pediatric Venipuncture: Caring by Empowering the Caregiver
Authors: Tomás-Jiménez Manuel , Díaz Elena Fernández , Sánchez María Jesús Flores , Pliego Andrea Navarro , Mir-Abellán Ramon
Published: July 2021

The use of restraint in the child-adolescent population is highly controversial due to the consequences it can have for patients and their families, although it is sometimes necessary to employ restraint to perform techniques safely and effectively. Clinical Holding is committed to the involvement of parents during venipuncture in the context of family-centred care. This study assesses levels of distress and pain in children undergoing this procedure, as well as satisfaction in parents and nurses. Parents assist in the restraint of children and provide accompaniment during venipuncture. Levels of distress and pain were not particularly elevated. Satisfaction levels among parents and nurses were high. A positive correlation was found between anticipatory and real distress (r = 0.737, p = 0.000), and between real distress and real pain (r = 0.368, p = 0.035). A negative correlation was observed between real pain and parent satisfaction (r = −0.497, p = 0.003). Parental participation during venipuncture contributed to better management of distress and pain. In the future, it would be advisable to incorporate the other pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures recommended by Clinical Holding to ensure care of the highest quality and safety.