bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arms Race between the Host and Pathogen Associated with Fusarium Head Blight of Wheat
Authors: Hu Chunhong , Chen Peng , Zhou Xinhui , Li Yangchen , Ma Keshi , Li Shumei , Liu Huaipan , Li Lili
Published: July 2022

Fusarium head blight (FHB), or scab, caused by Fusarium species, is an extremely destructive fungal disease in wheat worldwide. In recent decades, researchers have made unremitting efforts in genetic breeding and control technology related to FHB and have made great progress, especially in the exploration of germplasm resources resistant to FHB; identification and pathogenesis of pathogenic strains; discovery and identification of disease-resistant genes; biochemical control, and so on. However, FHB burst have not been effectively controlled and thereby pose increasingly severe threats to wheat productivity. This review focuses on recent advances in pathogenesis, resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs)/genes, resistance mechanism, and signaling pathways. We identify two primary pathogenetic patterns of Fusarium species and three significant signaling pathways mediated by UGT, WRKY, and SnRK1, respectively; many publicly approved superstar QTLs and genes are fully summarized to illustrate the pathogenetic patterns of Fusarium species, signaling behavior of the major genes, and their sophisticated and dexterous crosstalk. Besides the research status of FHB resistance, breeding bottlenecks in resistant germplasm resources are also analyzed deeply. Finally, this review proposes that the maintenance of intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) homeostasis, regulated by several TaCERK-mediated theoretical patterns, may play an important role in plant response to FHB and puts forward some suggestions on resistant QTL/gene mining and molecular breeding in order to provide a valuable reference to contain FHB outbreaks in agricultural production and promote the sustainable development of green agriculture.
MicroRNAs as Potential Tools for Predicting Cancer Patients’ Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Vaccination Response
Authors: Dias Tânia R. , Dias Francisca , Teixeira Ana Luísa , Sousa Hugo , Oliveira Júlio , Medeiros Rui
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that is caused by a highly contagious and severe acute respiratory syndrome—coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This infection started to spread across the world in 2019 and rapidly turned into a global pandemic, causing an urgent necessity for treatment strategies development. The mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 can trigger an immune response, providing genetic information that allows the production of spike glycoproteins. MiRNAs play a crucial role in diverse key cellular processes, including antiviral defense. Several miRNAs are described as key factors in SARS-CoV-2 human infection through the regulation of ACE2 levels and by the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication and spike expression. Consequently, these molecules have been considered as highly promising biomarkers. In numerous human malignancies, it has been recognized that miRNAs expression is dysregulated. Since miRNAs can target SARS-CoV-2-associated mRNAs, in cancer patients, the deregulation of these molecules can impair the immune response to the vaccines. Therefore, in this review, we propose a miRNA profile of seven SARS-CoV-2-related miRNAs, namely miR-214, miR-98-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-24-3p, miR-145-5p, miR-223-3p and miR-15b-5p, that are deregulated in a high number of cancers and have the potential to be used as prognostic biomarkers to stratify cancer patients.
The Monkey Head Mushroom and Memory Enhancement in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yanshree  , Yu Wing Shan , Fung Man Lung , Lee Chi Wai , Lim Lee Wei , Wong Kah Hui
Published: July 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder, and no effective treatments are available to treat this disorder. Therefore, researchers have been investigating Hericium erinaceus, or the monkey head mushroom, an edible medicinal mushroom, as a possible treatment for AD. In this narrative review, we evaluated six preclinical and three clinical studies of the therapeutic effects of Hericium erinaceus on AD. Preclinical trials have successfully demonstrated that extracts and bioactive compounds of Hericium erinaceus have potential beneficial effects in ameliorating cognitive functioning and behavioral deficits in animal models of AD. A limited number of clinical studies have been conducted and several clinical trials are ongoing, which have thus far shown analogous outcomes to the preclinical studies. Nonetheless, future research on Hericium erinaceus needs to focus on elucidating the specific neuroprotective mechanisms and the target sites in AD. Additionally, standardized treatment parameters and universal regulatory systems need to be established to further ensure treatment safety and efficacy. In conclusion, Hericium erinaceus has therapeutic potential and may facilitate memory enhancement in patients with AD.
Human Palatine Tonsils Are Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease through Function of Reservoir of Amyloid Beta Protein Associated with Bacterial Infection
Authors: Lim Jung Yeon , Lee Jung Eun , Kim Han Kyung , Park Yeon-Joon , Jeon Jung Ho , Park Soon-A. , Lee Naeun , Lee Il Hwan , Kim Do Hyun , Yang Seung Ho , Yoo Jongman , Kim Sung Won
Published: July 2022

Amyloid-β (Aβ)-peptide production or deposition in the neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was shown to be caused by chronic inflammation that may be induced by infection, but the role of pathogenic-bacteria-related AD-associated Aβ is not yet clearly understood. In this study, we validated the hypothesis that there is a correlation between the Aβ-protein load and bacterial infection and that there are effects of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), on the Aβ load in the inflammatory environment of human tonsils. Here, we detected Aβ-peptide deposits in human tonsil tissue as well as tissue similar to tonsilloliths found in the olfactory cleft. Interestingly, we demonstrated for the first time the presence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) clustered around or embedded in the Aβ deposits. Notably, we showed that treatment with S. aureus upregulated the Aβ-protein load in cultures of human tonsil organoids and brain organoids, showing the new role of S. aureus in Aβ-protein aggregation. These findings suggest that a reservoir of Aβ and pathogenic bacteria may be a possible therapeutic target in human tonsils, supporting the treatment of antibiotics to prevent the deposition of Aβ peptides via the removal of pathogens in the intervention of AD pathogenesis.
Influence of Contact Interface Friction on Plastic Deformation of Stretch-Bend Forming
Authors: Zhang Shengfang , Lv Guangming , Ma Fujian , Wang Ziguang , Liu Yu
Published: July 2022

The contact interface friction between the specimen and the mold during the stretch-bend is a complex interactive process. Friction causes the uneven distribution of tensile stress on the specimen, which affects the plastic flow of the forming material and the spring-back after forming. In this paper, the analytical model of frictional shear stress and tensile stress distribution in the contact mold segment of the stretch and bend synchronous loading stage was established. The influence law of friction coefficient and contact mold angle on the stress–strain distribution of the specimen contact mold segment was discussed. The effect of key factors affecting the friction state of the contact interface (mold surface roughness and contact mold angle) on the shrinkage deformation of the cross-section and the tensile deformation gradient of the specimen was analyzed by equivalent stretch-bend forming experiments. The results showed that the smaller the surface roughness of the mold was, the better the friction state of the contact interface was, the plastic deformation of the specimen was more uniform, and the difference between the section shrinkage and elongation of the contact mold segment and the suspension segment was smaller. Reducing the contact mold angle of the stretch-bend can bring down the tensile stress difference at both ends of the contact mold segment of the specimen so that the section shrinkage and tensile elongation of the contact mold segment and the suspension segment tend to be consistent.
Flake ZnAl Alloy as an Effective Pigment in Silicate Coatings for the Corrosion Protection of Steel
Authors: Hoang Nguyen , Khoa Truong Anh , Nhung Le Thi , Phuong Phan Minh , Binh Tran Dinh , Hang To Thi Xuan , Chi Nguyen Van , Nguyen Thanh-Danh
Published: July 2022

Spherical zinc is well known as an effective pigment for the corrosion protection of carbon steel. However, a high proportion of spherical Zn in a coating leads to difficulties in fabricating the coating solution and increased cost. In this work, the influence of flake ZnAl alloy in silicate coatings on the corrosion protection properties of steel substrates was investigated. The electrochemical behaviour of coatings containing different flake ZnAl alloy content immersed in NaCl solution (3.5 wt%) was evaluated using an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. A salt spray test was performed to evaluate corrosion on the coating surface. Pull-off tests of the coatings before and after the salt spray process were performed, and the surface morphology was analysed to determine the degradation of corrosion resistance. The results show that silicate coating containing flake ZnAl alloy (25 wt%) possesses the highest total resistance (1417 Ω) and the longest time to the appearance of white rust (720 h). The surface morphology of the coating containing 25 wt% flake ZnAl alloy was found to include corrosion products with the most compacted surface, which effectively prevents the penetration of electrolytes to the interface between the coating and the steel.
A Joint Estimation Method Based on Kalman Filter of Battery State of Charge and State of Health
Authors: Yang Qingxia , Ma Ke , Xu Liyou , Song Lintao , Li Xiuqing , Li Yefei
Published: July 2022

In a battery management system, the accurate estimation of the battery’s state of health (SOH) and state of capacity (SOC) are vital functions. The traditional estimation methods have limitations. To accurately estimate the SOC and SOH of power battery and improve the performance of the long-term estimation of a battery’s SOC, a joint estimation method based on a Kalman filter is proposed in this work. First, a second-order RC equivalent circuit model of a ternary lithium battery was built, whose parameters were identified online, and the model’s accuracy was verified. Then, the battery data under actual working conditions were collected. The SOC and SOH were estimated based on the Kalman filter algorithm, and the simulation was implemented using MATLAB. Finally, according to a time scale transformation, the battery state was jointly estimated, the SOC was estimated at a short-time scale, the SOH was estimated at a long-time scale, and the SOH estimation results were updated to the model parameters for SOC estimation. The results show that the accuracy of the method is very good, and it can effectively improve estimation accuracy and ensure batteries’ long-term estimation performance.
Improvement of the Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of CSS-42L Steel with a Novel TiAlMoNbW Nitrid Film Deposition
Authors: Yuan Lin , Wang Fangfang , Chen Haojie , Gao Ming , Zhang Hu
Published: July 2022

In this work, a novel TiAlMoNbW high-entropy alloy (HEA) film and its corresponding nitrid (HEN) film were deposited on CSS-42L bearing steel by magnetron sputtering technology. The microstructure, microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance of the coated CSS-42L steel were systematically investigated. With the introduction of nitrogen, the crystal structure of TiAlMoNbW HEA film transformed from BCC into FCC. The microstructure of the deposited film became denser and was accompanied by lower surface roughness. The hardness of the nitride film was further increased from 11.43 to 25.7 GPa due to the formation of saturated metal nitride phases and the solid-solution strengthening of various elements. The tribological results showed that both TiAlMoNbW HEA and HEN films with excellent mechanical properties could improve the wear resistance of CSS-42L substrate, especially for the nitrid film, the mechanical properties of the film are significantly improved, resulting in a substantial reduction in the friction coefficient of about 22% and the wear rate of nearly 79%. In the electrochemical tests, both the TiAlMoNbW HEA and HEN-coated samples exhibited lower current densities and corrosion rates in 3.5 wt.% NaCl and 1 mol/L H2SO4 solutions. It was also noticed that the TiAlMoNbW nitrid film possessed a superior corrosion protection effect for CSS-42L steel.
Effect of Cr Content on the Microstructure of Casting Infiltration Layers: Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Chen Chong , Wang Tao , Wei Shizhong , Liu Wenliang , Zhang Guoshang , Tang Ying , Pan Kunming , You Long , Xu Liujie , Jiang Tao
Published: July 2022

High chromium cast irons are commonly used as casting infiltration layers in the applications of wear resistance. The formation mechanism of the casting infiltration layer is essential to better develop the surface wear resistance materials using the casting infiltration method. In the present work, casting infiltration layers with various Cr contents were fabricated in situ on the surface of parent ZG45 steel. CALPHAD-type calculations using Thermo-Calc software, SEM, EDS and microhardness tests were performed to study the effect of Cr on the microstructure and hardness of casting infiltration layers. All the microstructures of casting infiltration layers were composed of pearlite matrix and eutectic M7C3 carbide. With the increase in Cr content from 7.01 wt.% to 17.20 wt.%, the amount of M7C3 carbide increased from 5.05 vol.% to 13.12 vol.%, resulting in the increment of microhardness. With the aid of simulations, the solidification behavior and formation mechanism of casting infiltration layers were revealed.
Microstructural Modification Hardness and Surface Roughness of Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloys by a Combination of Bismuth and Phosphorus
Authors: Jiandon Porawit , Talangkun Sukangkana
Published: July 2022

This research aimed to investigate the effects of bismuth (Bi) and phosphorus (P) addition on the microstructure and roughness of a B390 hypereutectic Al-Si alloy. Microstructural variation of as-cast alloys showed that P is an effective refiner of primary Si and its distribution, while Bi has the opposite effect. The liquidus temperature increased with greater amounts of P, resulting in a wider solidification range. The solidus temperature increased with Bi content, resulting in a shortened solidification range. The benefit of Bi on eutectic silicon was through changing its morphology from fibrous to lamellar structures. It was observed that both primary Si and eutectic Si were modified when both P and Bi were added to the alloys. For effective refinement, the size of primary Si can be reduced by 50.6% and, the P content should not be less than 0.1 wt% with a Bi content of 0.5–1.0 wt%. Furthermore, an intermetallic phase size reduction also occurs. P addition results in a significant (5.85%) increase in hardness. Adding Bi (up to 1.0 wt%) together with P (up to 0.1 wt%) did not reduce the effect of P on the hardness of the modified alloys. The most effective reduction in roughness achieved during cutting at both low and high speeds was 26.5% and 57.7%, respectively, from modifying the B390 alloy using 0.1 wt%P with 1.0 wt%Bi.
A Study of Phenolic Compounds and Their Chemophenetic Value in the Genus Thesium (Santalaceae)
Authors: Lombard Natasha , Stander Maria A. , Redelinghuys Herman , Le Roux Margaretha Marianne , Van Wyk Ben-Erik
Published: July 2022

Despite the common use of Thesium species as food and medicine and the prevailing systematic (taxonomic) difficulties of the genus, the diversity of phenolic compounds and their chemophenetic value remain largely unknown. As part of ongoing systematic research on Thesium, phenolic compounds and their composition were investigated at four taxonomic ranks: generic, infrageneric, interspecific and infraspecific. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, multivariate analyses, comparisons to DNA data and manual investigations of total ion chromatograms were conducted for 156 samples of 50 Thesium species, as well the two monotypic genera sister to Thesium (Lacomucinea and Osyridicarpos). A wide diversity of phenolic compounds, primarily flavonols, carboxylic acids, phenolic acids and associated derivatives, were observed. Rutin was the most common compound, followed by citric acid, isorhamnetin O-glucoside O-rhamnoside, kaempferol O-rutinoside, quinic acid and cryptochlorogenic acid. Chemophenetic data proved valuable at the generic and interspecific level and, to a lesser degree, at the infraspecific level. On the other hand, no distinct patterns were observed at the infrageneric level, nor did chemophenetic data correlate with infrageneric classifications based on genetic, geographical or morphological data. At the generic level, the patterns of phenolic compounds in Lacomucinea and Osyridicarpos overlapped with those of Thesium species, but no compound or group of compounds were unique to Thesium. At the interspecific level, total ion chromatograms of the species were largely distinct from one another and, with the exception of four species, remarkably consistent. Two related species (T. triflorum and T. scandens) with doubtful species boundaries had similar but distinct chromatograms, providing evidence of their retention as separate species. At the infraspecific level, the data were mostly inconclusive, but variation in samples of T. asterias revealed two morphologically distinct populations, one of which is possibly a species new to science. This study provides valuable preliminary insights into the phenolic diversity and chemophenetic relationships in Thesium, Lacomucinaea and Osyridicarpos and highlights the potential of chemophenetics in taxonomically problematic plant groups.
Outcome Prediction Based on Automatically Extracted Infarct Core Image Features in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tolhuisen Manon L. , Hoving Jan W. , Koopman Miou S. , Kappelhof Manon , van Voorst Henk , Bruggeman Agnetha E. , Demchuck Adam M. , Dippel Diederik W. J. , Emmer Bart J. , Bracard Serge , Guillemin Francis , van Oostenbrugge Robert J. , Mitchell Peter J. , van Zwam Wim H. , Hill Michael D. , Roos Yvo B. W. E. M. , Jovin Tudor G. , Berkhemer Olvert A. , Campbell Bruce C. V. , Saver Jeffrey , White Phil , Muir Keith W. , Goyal Mayank , Marquering Henk A. , Majoie Charles B. , Caan Matthan W. A.
Published: July 2022

Infarct volume (FIV) on follow-up diffusion-weighted imaging (FU-DWI) is only moderately associated with functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients. However, FU-DWI may contain other imaging biomarkers that could aid in improving outcome prediction models for acute ischemic stroke. We included FU-DWI data from the HERMES, ISLES, and MR CLEAN-NO IV databases. Lesions were segmented using a deep learning model trained on the HERMES and ISLES datasets. We assessed the performance of three classifiers in predicting functional independence for the MR CLEAN-NO IV trial cohort based on: (1) FIV alone, (2) the most important features obtained from a trained convolutional autoencoder (CAE), and (3) radiomics. Furthermore, we investigated feature importance in the radiomic-feature-based model. For outcome prediction, we included 206 patients: 144 scans were included in the training set, 21 in the validation set, and 41 in the test set. The classifiers that included the CAE and the radiomic features showed AUC values of 0.88 and 0.81, respectively, while the model based on FIV had an AUC of 0.79. This difference was not found to be statistically significant. Feature importance results showed that lesion intensity heterogeneity received more weight than lesion volume in outcome prediction. This study suggests that predictions of functional outcome should not be based on FIV alone and that FU-DWI images capture additional prognostic information.
Quantification of Liver Fat Content with the iATT Algorithm: Correlation with Controlled Attenuation Parameter
Authors: Ferraioli Giovanna , Raimondi Ambra , Maiocchi Laura , De Silvestri Annalisa , Filice Carlo
Published: July 2022

Background: The primary aim of our study was to assess the correlation between an improved version of the attenuation coefficient available on the Arietta 850 ultrasound system (iATT, Fujifilm Healthcare, Tokyo, Japan) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). The secondary aim was to assess whether focusing only on iATT acquisition without following the strict protocol for liver stiffness measurements would affect iATT measurement. Methods: Consecutive individuals were enrolled. Pearson’s r was used to test the correlation between ATT and CAP values. The concordance between iATT and CAP was tested using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). Results: 354 individuals (203 males, 151 females) were studied. The overall Pearson correlation between CAP and iATT values obtained following or not following the liver stiffness measurement protocol, respectively, were r = 0.73 and r = 0.71. The correlation was affected by the interquartile range/median (IQR/M) of the 10 measurements: it was r = 0.75 for IQR/M ≤ 15% and r = 0.60 for IQR/M > 15%. CCC showed that there was a moderate to good concordance between iATT and CAP values. Conclusion: iATT shows a strong correlation with CAP that does not decrease when the protocol for liver stiffness acquisition is not followed. The correlation between iATT and CAP values is higher when the IQR/M ≤ 15%.
Deep Segmentation Networks for Segmenting Kidneys and Detecting Kidney Stones in Unenhanced Abdominal CT Images
Authors: Li Dan , Xiao Chuda , Liu Yang , Chen Zhuo , Hassan Haseeb , Su Liyilei , Liu Jun , Li Haoyu , Xie Weiguo , Zhong Wen , Huang Bingding
Published: July 2022

Recent breakthroughs of deep learning algorithms in medical imaging, automated detection, and segmentation techniques for renal (kidney) in abdominal computed tomography (CT) images have been limited. Radiomics and machine learning analyses of renal diseases rely on the automatic segmentation of kidneys in CT images. Inspired by this, our primary aim is to utilize deep semantic segmentation learning models with a proposed training scheme to achieve precise and accurate segmentation outcomes. Moreover, this work aims to provide the community with an open-source, unenhanced abdominal CT dataset for training and testing the deep learning segmentation networks to segment kidneys and detect kidney stones. Five variations of deep segmentation networks are trained and tested both dependently (based on the proposed training scheme) and independently. Upon comparison, the models trained with the proposed training scheme enable the highly accurate 2D and 3D segmentation of kidneys and kidney stones. We believe this work is a fundamental step toward AI-driven diagnostic strategies, which can be an essential component of personalized patient care and improved decision-making in treating kidney diseases.
Assessment of Neck Muscle Shear Modulus Normalization in Women with and without Chronic Neck Pain
Authors: Dieterich Angela V. , Yavuz Utku Şükrü , Petzke Frank , Nordez Antoine
Published: July 2022

Identifying the objective stiffness of the neck muscles facilitates the early and specific diagnosis of neck pain and targeted therapy. However, individual variation in the muscle shear modulus obscures differences between healthy and diseased individuals. Normalization may improve the comparability between individuals. The shear modulus at different functional tasks served as a reference for normalizing the neck muscles’ shear modulus of 38 women, 20 with chronic neck pain and 18 asymptomatic. Reference tasks were maximal voluntary contraction, relaxed sitting, prone head lift, balancing 1 kg on the head, and neck extension at 48 N. The effects of normalization on within-group variation and between-group differences were compared. Normalization with maximal voluntary contraction was discarded due to imaging problems. Normalization with relaxed sitting, prone head lift, balancing 1 kg, and neck extension at 48 N reduced within-group variation, by 23.2%, 26.8%, 11.6%, and 33.6%, respectively. All four normalization approaches reduced the p-values when testing for between-group differences. For the pain group, normalization with relaxed sitting and head lift indicated less normalized muscle stiffness, while normalization with balancing 1 kg and extension at 48 N indicated higher stiffness. The contradictory results are explainable by non-significant group differences in the reference tasks. Normalization of the muscle shear modulus is effective to reduce within-group variation, but a trustworthy normalization approach for group comparisons has yet to be identified.
A Criterion of Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis Using Exosome Fluorescence-Lifetime Imaging
Authors: Borisov Alexey V. , Zakharova Olga A. , Samarinova Alisa A. , Yunusova Natalia V. , Cheremisina Olga V. , Kistenev Yury V.
Published: July 2022

This study was aimed to investigate the applicability of the exosome fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) for colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis. Differential ultra-centrifugation was used to extract exosomes from the blood plasma of 11 patients with colon polyps (CPs) and 13 patients with CRC at the T2-4, N0-3, and M0-1 stages. Analysis was performed using a two-photon FLIM device. In total, 165 and 195 FLIM images were recorded for the CP and CCR patient groups, respectively. Two classes of exosomes differentiated by autofluorescence average lifetime tm were discovered in the samples. The first class of exosomes with tm = (0.21 ± 0.06) ns was mostly found in samples from CRC patients. The second class with tm = (0.43 ± 0.19) ns was mostly found in samples from CP patients. The relative number of “CRC-associated” exosomes Nch in the FLIM dataset was shown to be very small for the CP patient group and large for the CRC patient group. This difference was statistically significant. Therefore, the suggested CRS diagnostics criterion can be as follows. If Nch > 0.5, the probability of CRC is high. If Nch < 0.3, the probability of CRC is low.
Chlamydia trachomatis as a Current Health Problem: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Rodrigues Rafaela , Sousa Carlos , Vale Nuno
Published: July 2022

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections (STIs) worldwide. It is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), which is an obligate intracellular bacterium. In some cases, it can occur in coinfection with other parasites, increasing the pathologic potential of the infection. The treatment is based on antibiotic prescription; notwithstanding, the infection is mostly asymptomatic, which increases the risk of transmission. Therefore, some countries have implemented Chlamydia Screening Programs in order to detect undiagnosed infections. However, in Portugal, there is no CT screening plan within the National Health Service. There is no awareness in the general healthcare about the true magnitude of this issue because most of the methods used are not Nucleic Acid Amplification Technology-based and, therefore, lack sensitivity, resulting in underreporting infection cases. CT infections are also associated with possible long-term severe injuries. In detail, persistent infection triggers an inflammatory milieu and can be related to severe sequels, such as infertility. This infection could also trigger gynecologic tumors in women, evidencing the urgent need for cost-effective screening programs worldwide in order to detect and treat these individuals adequately. In this review, we have focused on the success of an implemented screening program that has been reported in the literature, the efforts made concerning the vaccine discovery, and what is known regarding CT infection. This review supports the need for further fundamental studies in this area in order to eradicate this infection and we also suggest the implementation of a Chlamydia Screening Program in Portugal.
Analyzing Greece 2010 Memorandum’s Impact on Macroeconomic and Financial Figures through FCM
Authors: Migkos Stavros P. , Sakas Damianos P. , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos T. , Konteos Georgios , Metsiou Anastasia
Published: July 2022

The financial crisis of 2008 has caused a series of drawbacks to economies around the world. Greek economy has been hit twice at 2009, since its credibility worsened, provoking the implication of harsh fiscal measures from the 2010 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The effects of these measures to Greek macroeconomic figures have been widely criticized. Authors aim to estimate these effects at the macroeconomic figures of Greece through utilization of Decision Support Systems, and propose accurate insights regarding their efficacy. By capitalizing on regression analysis and Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping processes, specific results from 2010 Memorandum’s measures arise. It has been calculated that measures implied by 2010 Memorandum have been harsh and posed a negative effect on key Greek macroeconomic figures like GDPR, public debt, etc., especially with the ongoing 2008 financial crisis.
Student Teachers’ Readiness to Implement Education for Sustainable Development
Authors: Vukelić Nena
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of teachers’ initial training (field of study, attending education for sustainable development (ESD) course/s) as well as student teachers’ socio-demographic characteristics (gender and age) to their readiness to implement ESD (intention to implement ESD and teachers’ self-efficacy). A total of 706 student teachers studying at six Croatian universities participated in the study. It was determined that female student teachers express greater intention to implement ESD, however the gender differences were not found on teachers’ self-efficacy for ESD. Furthermore, the older the participants, the lesser the extent to which they express their intention to implement ESD. Student teachers in the field of the natural sciences express the intent to implement ESD to a lesser extent compared to students from other fields (humanities, arts, and social sciences). Lastly, it was determined that student teachers who have attended ESD course/s express higher levels of intention to implement ESD as well as teachers’ self-efficacy for ESD. In that sense, the higher the number of attended ESD courses, the higher student teachers’ readiness to implement ESD. Based on the results of this study, recommendations for teacher education programs have been offered.
The Impact of Academic Aspect Quality on Student Disengagement in Higher Education
Authors: Pham Thanh Thi Kim , Vu Dung Tri , Dinh Viet-Hung
Published: July 2022

Higher education (HE) in developing countries like Vietnam has shown to be a growing sector even under the worldwide impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to the typical characteristics of education in general and HE in particular, there is a crucial issue for HE institutes in balancing growing objectives as a service business and quality assurance objectives including student engagement. The current literature still lacks studies on student disengagement in HE as it focuses on the positive valence of engagement. Hence, this study aims to determine the impact of perceived academic aspect quality (PAAQ) on student disengagement (SD) intention and actual behavior under the lens of extended TRA. The results of our structural equation model reveal the full mediating role of student dissatisfaction in the relationship between PAAQ on SD intention. Once the students have the intention to disengage in learning tasks, they are most likely to act on it. Perceived disengaged behavior cost is robustly proved as a key driver of SD behavior intention and actual disengagement behavior.
Development and Prospect of Wireless Power Transfer Technology Used to Power Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Wu Maopeng , Su Lijuan , Chen Jianxun , Duan Xiaoli , Wu Donghua , Cheng Yan , Jiang Yu
Published: July 2022

Recently, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have been widely used in the military and civil fields. However, the battery power is a key factor that restricts the operation range of the UAV. Using wireless power transfer (WPT) technology to power UAVs can improve the endurance of UAVs and enhance their maneuverability and flexibility. In this paper, the WPT technology is divided into three types: near-field WPT technology, far-field WPT technology and solar-powered UAV. The developments, challenges and prospects of these three types of WPT technologies used to power UAVs are summarized. For each type of WPT technology, the basic working principles are first introduced. The development of each type of WPT technology, as well as the challenges and application prospects in UAV charging, is introduced. The related works consist of academic and industry research, ranging from prototypes to commercial systems. Finally, three types of WPT technology used in UAV charging are compared and discussed, and the advantages and disadvantages of each type of WPT technology are shown. The related research showed that using WPT technology to power the UAV is a promising way to enhance the endurance of the UAV.
Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks Routing Strategies for Intelligent Transportation System
Authors: Wahid Ishtiaq , Tanvir Sadaf , Ahmad Masood , Ullah Fasee , AlGhamdi Ahmed S. , Khan Murad , Alshamrani Sultan S.
Published: July 2022

The upcoming models of vehicles will be able to communicate with each other and will thus be able to share and/or transfer information. A vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) is an application of this vehicular communication that leads to an intelligent transportation system (ITS). Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) are the two distinct types of vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET). V2V and V2I technologies are together known as V2X and are recently being tested. Continuous research to enhance routing considers different characteristics and exciting aspects of VANETs. The proposed schemes are classified based on the operational scenario. A survey of proposed routing schemes in the last eight years is presented to determine the design considerations and the approach used in every proposed system, along with their shortcomings. This survey will assist new scholars in this field to analyze existing state-of-the-art systems. The table at the end of each routing scheme shows the proposed routing scheme’s simulation, routing, and scenario parameters. This paper also reviews VANET technology, its role in the intelligent transportation system, recent development in the field, and the timeline for implementation of the system.
Review of Collision Avoidance and Path Planning Algorithms Used in Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Authors: Kot Rafał
Published: July 2022

The rapid technological development of computing power and system operations today allows for increasingly advanced algorithm implementation, as well as path planning in real time. The objective of this article is to provide a structured review of simulations and practical implementations of collision-avoidance and path-planning algorithms in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The novelty of the review paper is to consider not only the results of numerical research but also the newest results of verifying collision-avoidance and path-planning algorithms in real applications together with a comparison of the difficulties encountered during simulations and their practical implementation. Analysing the last 20 years of AUV development, it can be seen that experiments in a real environment are dominated by classical methods. In the case of simulation studies, artificial intelligence (AI) methods are used as often as classical methods. In simulation studies, the APF approach is most often used among classical methods, whereas among AI algorithms reinforcement learning and fuzzy logic methods are used. For real applications, the most used approach is reactive behaviors, and AI algorithms are rarely used in real implementations. Finally, this article provides a general summary, future works, and a discussion of the limitations that inhibit the further development in this field.
Household Electricity Consumer Classification Using Novel Clustering Approach, Review, and Case Study
Authors: Ramnath Gaikwad Sachin , R. Harikrishnan , Muyeen S. M. , Kotecha Ketan
Published: July 2022

There is an increasing demand for electricity on a global level. Thus, the utility companies are looking for the effective implementation of demand response management (DRM). For this, utility companies should know the energy demand and optimal household consumer classification (OHCC) of the end users. In this regard, data mining (DM) techniques can give better insights and support. This work proposes a DM-technique-based novel methodology for OHCC in the Indian context. This work uses the household electricity consumption (HEC) of 225 houses from three districts of Maharashtra, India. The data sets used are namely questionnaire survey (QS), monthly energy consumption (MEC), and tariff orders. This work addresses the challenges for OHCC in energy meter data sets of the conventional grid and smart grid (SG). This work uses expert classification and clustering-based classification methods for OHCC. The expert classification method provides four new classes for OHCC. The clustering method is employed to develop eight different classification models. The two-stage clustering model, using K-means (KM) and the self-organizing map (SOM), is the best fit among the eight models. The result shows that the two-stage clustering of the SOM with the KM model provides 88% of overlap-free samples and 0.532 of the silhouette score (SS) mean compared to the expert classification method. This study can be beneficial to the electricity distribution companies for OHCC and can offer better services to consumers.
Research Methods of Main Parameter Sensitivity Differences in China’s Dynamic Oil and Gas Reserve Estimation under SEC Standards
Authors: Qin Qirong , Liu Lin , Pan Xuefeng
Published: July 2022

International oil and gas companies listed in New York must publish the information of oil and gas reserves under the SEC (United States Securities and Exchange Commission) standards every year. For greatly improving the SEC reserve, the SEC reserve value and the SEC reserve substitution rate, in this article not only the SEC reserve equations have been determined but also the SEC reserve value models have been established. The SEC reserve value models have been verified as correct. Based on these models, the multivariate function calculus method, the multivariate function limit method and the function recurrence method have been adopted to research parameter sensitivity differences rules, parameter adjustment directions, parameter adjustment degrees and SEC reserve parameter linkage adjustment rules. The research is significant, because there are great differences between SEC standards and China’s in reserve management mode, reserve estimation method system and financial management system. It is just these differences that cause the frequent adjustment of SEC reserve parameters during the process of SEC reserve submissions each year. As a result, this article reaches some conclusions. Above all, the article has clarified the parameter quantitative conditions that lead to the sensitivity between the SEC reserve and the initial production to begin stronger and weaker than the sensitivity between the SEC reserve and the price in production exponential, hyperbolic and harmonic decline types. Furthermore, the article has clarified the parameter quantitative conditions that lead to the sensitivity between the SEC reserve value and the initial production to begin stronger and weaker than the sensitivity between the SEC reserve value and the price in common production exponential decline types. Moreover, the article has clarified reserve parameter linkage adjustment rules and found the most significant parameter whose least adjustment will cause the largest reserve increase. In addition, the function calculus method adopted to disclose reserve parameter sensitivity rules will expand the parameter sensitivity analysis method that took the previous statistical mapping method as the main analysis method.
Gap-Scale Disturbance Patterns and Processes in a Montane Pinus palustris Woodland
Authors: Mueller Helena L. , Goode J. Davis , Hart Justin L.
Published: July 2022

Gap-scale disturbances drive successional and structural development patterns in most forest ecosystems. Although fire-maintained Pinus palustris woodlands are less light limited than closed canopy forests, gap-scale disturbance processes may still influence successional and developmental pathways. We quantified biophysical characteristics of 50 canopy gaps in a montane Pinus palustris woodland to analyze gap-scale disturbance patterns and processes. We found most gaps (64%) were caused by the death of a single tree. Snag-formed gaps were most common (38%) followed by snapped stems (32%). We hypothesized that insect-induced mortality, perhaps in combination with drought periods, resulted in the high frequency of snag- and snapped stem-formed gaps. We did not find significant differences in gap size or shape based on gap formation or closure mechanisms. Most gaps (74%) were projected to close by lateral crown expansion of gap perimeter trees. We hypothesized most gaps projected to close via subcanopy recruitment would be captured by a P. palustris stem. The majority of gaps were small and gap frequency declined with increased gap size. We found gaps were significantly clustered through the woodland at distances of 8–36 m from gap edge to gap edge but were randomly distributed beyond 36 m.
Changes in the Differentiation Program of Birch Cambial Derivatives following Trunk Girdling
Authors: Serkova Aleksandra , Tarelkina Tatiana , Galibina Natalia , Nikerova Kseniya , Moshchenskaya Yulia , Sofronova Irina , Nikolaeva Nadezhda , Ivanova Diana , Semenova Ludmila , Novitskaya Ludmila
Published: July 2022

The mechanisms regulating the tree trunk radial growth can be studied in original experiments. One technique for studying cambium activity (the meristem involved in radial growth) under conditions of an increased photoassimilate level is trunk girdling. We girdled the trunks of 17- to 22-year-old silver birch plants (Betula pendula Roth var. pendula) during the active growth period and collected xylem and phloem samples at two height levels (1 cm and 35 cm) above girdle, 10, 20, and 30 days after girdling. We investigated the changes that occurred at the anatomical level, as well as the activities of sucrose-metabolizing enzymes and antioxidant-system enzymes and the expression of genes that encode proteins involved in sucrose and auxin transport and metabolism. A moderate increase in photoassimilates (35 cm above the girdle) resulted in a change in the ratio of phloem to xylem increments and an increase in the proportion of parenchyma in the conducting tissues. The increase of photoassimilates above the level at which they can be used in the processes of normal tissue growth and development (1 cm above the girdle) led to xylogenesis suppression and the stimulation of phloem formation, a significant increase in the parenchyma proportion in the conducting tissues, and formation of large sclereid complexes. The differentiation of parenchyma and sclereid cells coincided with biochemical and molecular markers of abnormal conducting tissue formation in Karelian birch, which are also characterized by high proportions of parenchyma and sclereid near the cambium. The results obtained are important in understanding the cambium responses to the photoassimilate distribution changes and estimating tree productivity and survival under changing environmental conditions.
Review of High-Frequency Ultrasounds Emulsification Methods and Oil/Water Interfacial Organization in Absence of any Kind of Stabilizer
Authors: Perrin Louise , Desobry-Banon Sylvie , Gillet Guillaume , Desobry Stephane
Published: July 2022

Emulsions are multiphasic systems composed of at least two immiscible phases. Emulsion formulation can be made by numerous processes such as low-frequency ultrasounds, high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, as well as membrane emulsification. These processes often need emulsifiers’ presence to help formulate emulsions and to stabilize them over time. However, certain emulsifiers, especially chemical stabilizers, are less and less desired in products because of their negative environment and health impacts. Thus, to avoid them, promising processes using high-frequency ultrasounds were developed to formulate and stabilize emulsifier-free emulsions. High-frequency ultrasounds are ultrasounds having frequency greater than 100 kHz. Until now, emulsifier-free emulsions’ stability is not fully understood. Some authors suppose that stability is obtained through hydroxide ions’ organization at the hydrophobic/water interfaces, which have been mainly demonstrated by macroscopic studies. Whereas other authors, using microscopic studies, or simulation studies, suppose that the hydrophobic/water interfaces would be rather stabilized thanks to hydronium ions. These theories are discussed in this review.
Phytochemical Enhancement in Broccoli Florets after Harvest by Controlled Doses of Ozone
Authors: Duarte-Sierra Arturo , Forney Charles F. , Thomas Minty , Angers Paul , Arul Joseph
Published: July 2022

The objective of this work was to examine the effect of controlled doses of O3 (0, 5 µL L−1 of O3 for 60 min, and 5 µL L−1 of O3 for 720 min) on the quality and phytochemical content of broccoli florets during postharvest storage. The optimal dose was found at 5 µL L−1 of O3 for 60 min, from the color retention of broccoli florets exposed to the gas treatment. Overall, the antioxidant capacity of the florets was significantly affected by both doses of O3 compared to the non-exposed florets. The profile of glucosinolates was determined for up to 14 days in broccoli florets stored at 4 °C by LC-MS. The amount of total glucobrassicins and total hydroxy-cinnamates in florets significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved by the application of 5 µL L−1 of O3 for 60 min compared to non-treated florets. The up-regulation of genes of the tryptophan-derived glucosinolate pathway was observed immediately after both treatments. The gene expression of CYP79A2 and CYP79B3 in broccoli was significantly higher in broccoli florets exposed to 5 µL L−1 of O3 for 720 min compared to non-exposed florets. Although enhancement of secondary metabolites can be achieved by the fumigation of broccoli florets with low doses of ozone, quality parameters, particularly weight loss, can be compromised.