bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Dynamics and Life History Response to Precipitation Changes for a Desert Ephemeral Plant With Biseasonal Germination
Authors: Mu Xiao-Han , Huang Gang , Li Yan , Zheng Xin-Jun , Xu Gui-Qing , Wu Xue , Wang Yugang , Liu Yan
Published: February 2021

The changing availability of water resources and frequent extreme drought events in the context of global change will have a profound impact on desert vegetation, especially on herbaceous populations such as ephemerals. Erodium oxyrrhynchum is the dominant species in the Gurbantunggut Desert. It can germinate both in spring and autumn, which is important for herbaceous layer coverage and productivity. Therefore, we tracked and recorded the survival and reproduction of the E. oxyrrhynchum population under different precipitation treatments and established a population matrix model, monitored the allometry and leaf traits of the plants, and compared the performance of spring-germinating and autumn-germinating plants. Our results showed that: (1) The population dynamics were significantly affected by precipitation changes; (2) drought reduced the survival rate of the plants and accelerated the completion of their life history; (3) precipitation had a significant effect on seed production and growth rate, but not on plant height and allometry; (4) biomass, leaf area, specific leaf area, and 100-grain weight of E. oxyrrhynchum also responded to changes in precipitation; and (5) autumn-germinated plants had higher productivity, whereas spring-germinated plants exhibited higher reproductive efficiency, indicating that they had difference life history strategies. In conclusion, our results suggested that, although frequent or prolonged drought can significantly inhibit population growth, species with biseasonal germination are likely to be less affected.
How Polling Trends Influence Compensational Coalition-Voting
Authors: Fredén Annika
Published: February 2021

Compensational voting refers to when voters cast a vote for a more extreme party than they prefer, in order to push policies closer to an ideal point. This article develops the idea of compensational voting in regard to pre-electoral coalition signals and polling trends. The argument is that a significant share of voters consider the relative strength of the parties in their preferred pre-electoral coalition, and adjust their vote choice accordingly. This is elaborated by conducting a mixed logit model over eight Swedish general elections where parties were more or less clear about their intentions to collaborate with other parties. Combining unique data from parties’ election manifestos including negative and positive quotes about other parties with polling trends and voters’ approval rating of parties, the analysis lends support to the idea that this type of coalition-oriented compensational voting occurs.
Field Screening of Wheat Advanced Lines for Salinity Tolerance
Authors: Moustafa Ehab S. A. , Ali Mohamed M. A. , Kamara Mohamed M. , Awad Mohamed F. , Hassanin Abdallah A. , Mansour Elsayed
Published: February 2021

Salinity in soil or irrigation water requires developing genetically salt-tolerant genotypes, especially in arid regions. Developing salt-tolerant and high-yielding wheat genotypes has become more urgent in particular with continuing global population growth and abrupt climate changes. The current study aimed at investigating the genetic variability of new breeding lines in three advanced generations F6–F8 under salinity stress. The evaluated advanced lines were derived through accurate pedigree selection under actual saline field conditions (7.74 dS/m) and using saline water in irrigation (8.35 dS/m). Ninety-four F6 lines were evaluated in 2017–2018 and reduced by selection to thirty-seven F7 lines in 2018–2019 and afterward to thirty-four F8 lines in 2019–2020 based on grain yield and related traits compared with adopted check cultivars. Significant genetic variability was detected for all evaluated agronomic traits across generations in the salt-stressed field. The elite F8 breeding lines displayed higher performance than the adopted check cultivars. These lines were classified based on yield index into four groups using hierarchical clustering ranging from highly salt-tolerant to slightly salt-tolerant genotypes, which efficiently enhance the narrow genetic pool of salt-tolerance. The detected response to selection and high to intermediate broad-sense heritability for measured traits displayed their potentiality to be utilized through advanced generations under salinity stress for identifying salt-tolerant breeding lines.
Prediction of Rice Yield in East China Based on Climate and Agronomic Traits Data Using Artificial Neural Networks and Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Guo Yuming , Xiang Haitao , Li Zhenwang , Ma Fei , Du Changwen
Published: February 2021

Rice yield is not only influenced by factors of varieties and managements, but also by environmental factors. In this study, agronomic trait data of rice and climate data in eastern China were collected, and rice yields were predicted using a variety of algorithms, including the non-linear tool of feed-forward backpropagation neural networks (FFBN) and the linear model of partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results showed that both the agronomic traits and the climate data were significantly related with rice yield. The PLSR model showed that covariates occurred among the parameters, and modifications should be considered for climate data-based modelling. The FFBN model demonstrated better prediction performance than that of PLSR, in which the relation coefficient (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) were 0.611 vs. 0.374 and 0.578 vs. 0.865 ton/ha using climate data, respectively; and 0.742 vs. 0.689 and 0.556 vs. 0.608 using agronomic trait data, respectively. When using fused data the R2 and RMSE improved to 0.843 vs. 0.746 and 0.440 vs. 0.549, respectively. The optimum architecture of the FFBN consisted of one hidden layer with 29 neurons. Therefore, the FFBN algorithm is an effective option for the prediction of rice yield in complex systems of rice production.
Effect of Straw Provision in Racks on Tail Lesions, Straw Availability, and Pen Hygiene in Finishing Pigs
Authors: Wallgren Torun , Gunnarsson Stefan
Published: February 2021

Unfulfilled exploratory behavior in pigs has been linked to tail biting, which causes reduced performance and welfare. Provision of straw can reduce tail biting, but large straw rations can cause poor hygiene in pens. This study examined whether provision of straw in racks, rather than on the pen floor, can enable larger straw rations without compromising hygiene. The study was conducted on a commercial farm with 458 undocked pigs in 42 pens provided with straw in racks or on the floor. Available straw and manual cleaning requirement were assessed daily, and presence of tail lesions was assessed weekly. Both treatments had a low requirement for manual cleaning (Floor: 1.7%, Rack: 1.8%). Pigs in the rack treatment had a higher incidence of lesions early in the production period, which coincided with these pigs initially not consuming straw from the rack, leading to low straw access. Late in the production period, these pigs had learned how to use the rack and had a lower incidence of lesions than pigs in the floor treatment. Delayed use of the rack may have been linked to undeveloped spatial skills in the pigs, which needs further research.
Prediction of Lactational Milk Yield of Cows Based on Data Recorded by AMS during the Periparturient Period
Authors: Kliś Piotr , Piwczyński Dariusz , Sawa Anna , Sitkowska Beata
Published: February 2021

Early prediction of lactation milk yield enables more efficient herd management. Therefore, this study attempted to predict lactation milk yield (LMY) in 524 Polish Holstein–Friesian cows, based on information recorded by the automatic milking system (AMS) in the periparturient period. The cows calved in 2016 and/or 2017 and were used in 3 herds equipped with milking robots. In the first stage of data analysis, calculations were made of the coefficients of simple correlation between rumination time (expressed as mean time per cow during the periparturient period: second (14–8 days) and first (7–1 days) week before calving, 1–4, 5–7, 8–14, 15–21 and 22–28 days of lactation), electrical conductivity and temperature of milk (expressed as means per cow on days 1–4, 5–7, 8–14, 15–21 and 22–28), amount of concentrate intake, number of milkings/day, milking time/visit, milk speed and lactation milk yield. In the next step of the statistical analysis, a decision tree technique was employed to determine factors responsible for LMY. The study showed that the correlation coefficients between LMY and AMS traits recorded during the periparturient period were low or moderate, ranging from 0.002 to 0.312. Prediction of LMY from the constructed decision tree model was found to be possible. The employed Classification and Regression Trees (CART) algorithm demonstrated that the highest lactation yield is to be expected for cows with completed lactations (survived until the next lactation), which were milked 4.07 times per day on average in the 4th week of lactation. We proved that the application of the decision tree method could allow breeders to select, already in the postparturient period, appropriate levels of AMS milking variables, which will ensure high milk yield per lactation.
Effects of Orange Pulp Conservation Methods (Dehydrated or Ensiled Sun-Dried) on the Nutritional Value for Finishing Pigs and Implications on Potential Gaseous Emissions from Slurry
Authors: Ferrer Pablo , García-Rebollar Paloma , Calvet Salvador , de Blas Carlos , Piquer Olga , Rodríguez Carlos A. , Cerisuelo Alba
Published: February 2021

The inclusion of orange pulp (OP) in pig diets may promote the circular economy, but drying procedures might influence its nutritional value and environmental impact. The purpose of this study was to determine the energy value and nutrient digestibility of dehydrated (DOP) and ensiled sun dried (ESDOP) orange pulp. The potential ammonia (NH3) and methane (CH4) emissions derived from slurry were also measured. Digestible energies of 14.2 and 13.2 MJ/kg DM for DOP and ESDOP, respectively, were estimated by difference after a 500 g/kg substitution of a basal diet with OPs. A high fiber digestion efficiency was observed for both OPs. Pigs fed the basal diet showed a higher intake and a greater excretion of urine N than pigs fed with OP, but fecal N excretion did not differ among diets. A higher benzoic and hippuric acid content in urine was observed in OP than in basal diet. Altogether, these findings explained a lower pH in slurry of OP diets and a reduction of potential NH3 emissions. The biochemical CH4 potential also decreased, especially with ESDOP. Overall, both OP are relevant sources of energy for pig diets. Their inclusion in feeds generate favorable changes of slurry characteristics that reduce potential NH3 and CH4 emissions.
Copy Number Variants in Four Italian Turkey Breeds
Authors: Strillacci Maria Giuseppina , Marelli Stefano Paolo , Milanesi Raffaella , Zaniboni Luisa , Punturiero Chiara , Cerolini Silvia
Published: February 2021

Heritage breeds can be considered a genetic reservoir of genetic variability to be conserved and valorized considering their historical, cultural, and adaptive characteristics and possibly for their high potential in commercial hybrid genetic improvement by gene introgression. The aim of the present research is to investigate via Copy Number Variant (CNVs) the genomic makeup of 4 Italian autochthonous turkey breeds (Bronzato Comune—BrCI, 24; Ermellinato di Rovigo—ErRo, 24; Parma e Piacenza—PrPc, 25; Romagnolo—RoMa, 29). CNVs detection was performed using two different software and an interbreed CNVs comparison was carried out. A total of 1077 CNVs were identified in 102 turkeys, summarized into 519 CNV regions (CNVRs), which resulted after merging in 101 and 18 breed and shared regions. Biodiversity was analyzed using the effective information supplied by CNVs analysis, and BrCI and ErRo were characterized by a low mapped CNV number. Differences were described at a genomic level related to physiological, reproductive, and behavioral traits. The comparison with other three Italian turkey breeds (Brianzolo, Colle Euganei, and Nero Italiano) using a CNV data set available in the literature showed high clustering properties at the genomic level, and their relationships are strictly linked to the geographical origin and to the history of the rural structure of their native regions.
Duty Cycle Control Method Considering Buffer Occupancy for IEEE 802.15.4-Compliant Heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Tomita Kohei , Komuro Nobuyoshi
Published: February 2021

This paper proposes a Duty-Cycle (DC) control method in order to improve the Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR) for IEEE 802.15.4-compliant heterogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). The proposed method controls the DC so that the buffer occupancy of sensor nodes is less than 1 and assigns DC to each sub-network (sub-network means a network consisting of a router node and its subordinate nodes). In order to use the appropriate DC of each sub-network to obtain the high PDR, this paper gives analytical expressions of the buffer occupancy. The simulation results show that the proposed method achieves a reasonable delay and energy consumption while maintaining high PDR.
The Effect of Sericin on Bone Regeneration in a Streptozotocin-Induced Type I Diabetes Animal Model
Authors: Hong Khang Do Gia , Kang Yei-Jin , Oh Ji-Hyeon , Kim Seong-Gon , Park Young-Wook , Jo You-Young , Kweon HaeYong , Rotaru Horatiu
Published: February 2021

There is an association between diabetes and impaired bone healing. The purpose of this study was to determine whether sericin had a positive effect on bone regeneration with streptozotocin-induced diabetes in a rat model. Sprague Dawley rats (n = 21) were assigned to one of three groups. A critical-sized bone defect was created on the calvaria. In the sericin group (S group, n = 7), the bone defect was filled with a sericin–gelatin combination, whereas in the gelatin group (G group, n = 7), only gelatin sponge was used. The control group (N group, n = 7) did not receive any graft. New bone formation was evaluated by micro-computerized tomogram and histological analysis. The regenerated bone volume in group S was the highest among the three groups (3.87 ± 2.51 mm3), followed by group N (1.71 ± 1.65 mm3) and group G (1.24 ± 1.05 mm3). The application of sericin in combination with a gelatin sponge enhanced the process of bone regeneration in streptozotocin-induced type I diabetes animal model.
Ag-Nanowire Bundles with Gap Hot Spots Synthesized in Track-Etched Membranes as Effective SERS-Substrates
Authors: Kozhina Elizaveta P. , Bedin Sergey A. , Nechaeva Natalia L. , Podoynitsyn Sergey N. , Tarakanov Vladimir P. , Andreev Stepan N. , Grigoriev Yuriy V. , Naumov Andrey V.
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a cost-effective approach for the template-assisted electrodeposition fabrication of substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) with metal nanowires (NWs) grown in pores of polymer track-etched membranes (TM). This technique allows the synthesis of NWs array with its certain surface density and diameter (from dozen to hundreds of nm). NWs length also may be varied (order of μm) by controlling deposition time. Here we grow vertical Ag-NWs which are leaning towards their nearest neighbors, forming self-assembled bundles whose parameters depend on the NW aspect ratio (length to diameter). We show that in such bundles there are “hot spots” in the nm-gaps between NWs tips. Computer simulations have demonstrated a strong enhancement of the electric field within these hot spots; thus, the Raman signal is markedly amplified for analyte molecules placed directly inside the gaps. We have experimentally proved the potential of this SERS-technique on the example of 4-Mercaptophenylboronic acid (4-MPBA). For 4-MPBA the maximal enhancement of Raman signal was found at NWs length of ~1.6 μm and diameter of ~100 nm. The effect is higher (up to twice) if “wet” substrate is used just immediately after the TM polymer removal so that the tips are brought to lean after analyte exposure. We suggest this new type of nanostructured SERS-substrates as a base of effective sensing of extremely low concentration of analytes.
Effects of Differential Subgrade Settlement on Slab Track Deformation Based on a DEM-FDM Coupled Approach
Authors: Cui Xuhao , Zhou Rui , Guo Gaoran , Du Bowen , Liu Hanlin
Published: February 2021

Slab track structures become deformed under the effects of differential subgrade settlement. According to the properties of the China Railway Track System (CRTS) II slab track on a subgrade, a three-dimensional (3D) coupled model based on both the discrete element method (DEM) and finite difference method (FDM) was developed. The slab track and subgrade were simulated using the FDM and DEM, respectively. The coupled model was verified. The deformation of the slab track and contact forces of gravel grains in the surface layer of the subgrade were studied under differential subgrade settlement. The effects of settlement wavelength, settlement amplitude, and other types of settlements were also discussed. The results demonstrate that the settlement amplitude and settlement wavelength of the subgrade have significant effects on track deformation. The deformation amplitude of the slab track increases nonlinearly with an increasing settlement amplitude of the subgrade. Increases in the settlement wavelength and amplitude of the subgrade significantly increase the maximum value of the contact force of the gravel grains in the subgrade. The maximum contact force of gravel grains near the boundaries of the settlement section can reach two to three times that of the unsettled condition, which makes it easy to accelerate the plastic settlement of the subgrade.
Assessing Douro Vineyards Exposure to Tropospheric Ozone
Authors: Ascenso Ana , Gama Carla , Blanco-Ward Daniel , Monteiro Alexandra , Silveira Carlos , Viceto Carolina , Rodrigues Vera , Rocha Alfredo , Borrego Carlos , Lopes Myriam , Miranda Ana Isabel
Published: February 2021

Tropospheric ozone (O3) can strongly damage vegetation. Grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.), in particular, have intermediate sensitivity to ozone. Wine production is an important economic activity, as well as a pillar to the cultural identity of several countries in the world. This study aims to evaluate the risk of Douro vineyards exposure to ozone, by estimating its concentration and deposition in the Demarcated Region of Douro in Portugal. Based on an assessment of the climatology of the area, the years 2003 to 2005 were selected among the hottest years of the recent past, and the chemical transport model CHIMERE was used to estimate the three-dimensional field of ozone and its dry deposition over the Douro region with 1 km2 of horizontal resolution. Model results were validated by comparison with measured data from the European air quality database (AirBase). The exposure indicator AOT40 (accumulated concentration of ozone above 40 ppb) was calculated and an exposure–response function was applied to determine the grapevine risk to ozone exposure. The target value for the protection of vegetation established by the Air Quality Framework Directive was exceeded on most of the Douro region, especially over the Baixo Corgo and Cima Corgo sub-regions. The results of the exposure–response functions suggest that the productivity loss can reach 27% and that the sugar content of the grapes could be reduced by 32%, but these values are affected by the inherent uncertainty of the used methodology.
Infiltrated and Isostatic Laminated NCM and LTO Electrodes with Plastic Crystal Electrolyte Based on Succinonitrile for Lithium-Ion Solid State Batteries
Authors: Coeler Matthias , van Laack Vanessa , Langer Frederieke , Potthoff Annegret , Höhn Sören , Reuber Sebastian , Koscheck Katharina , Wolter Mareike
Published: February 2021

We report a new process technique for electrode manufacturing for all solid-state batteries. Porous electrodes are manufactured by a tape casting process and subsequently infiltrated by a plastic crystal polymer electrolyte (PCPE). With a following isostatic lamination process, the PCPE was further integrated deeply into the porous electrode layer, forming a composite electrode. The PCPE comprises the plastic crystal succinonitrile (SN), lithium conductive salt LiTFSI and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and exhibits suitable thermal, rheological (ƞ = 0.6 Pa s @ 80 °C 1 s−1) and electrochemical properties (σ > 10−4 S/cm @ 45 °C). We detected a lowered porosity of infiltrated and laminated electrodes through Hg porosimetry, showing a reduction from 25.6% to 2.6% (NCM infiltrated to laminated) and 32.9% to 4.0% (LTO infiltrated to laminated). Infiltration of PCPE into the electrodes was further verified by FESEM images and EDS mapping of sulfur content of the conductive salt. Cycling tests of full cells with NCM and LTO electrodes with PCPE separator at 45 °C showed up to 165 mAh/g at 0.03C over 20 cycles, which is about 97% of the total usable LTO capacity with a coulomb efficiency of between 98 and 99%. Cycling tests at 0.1C showed a capacity of ~128 mAh/g after 40 cycles. The C-rate of 0.2C showed a mean capacity of 127 mAh/g. In summary, we could manufacture full cells using a plastic crystal polymer electrolyte suitable for NCM and LTO active material, which is easily to be integrated into porous electrodes and which is being able to be used in future cell concepts like bipolar stacked cells.
Computer Simulations of Photocatalytic Reactors
Authors: Janczarek Marcin , Kowalska Ewa
Published: February 2021

Photocatalysis has been considered future technology for green energy conversion and environmental purification, including carbon dioxide reduction, water splitting, air/water treatment, and antimicrobial purposes. Although various photocatalysts with high activity and stability have already been found, the commercialization of photocatalytic processes seems to be slow; it is thought that the difficulty in scaling up photocatalytic processes might be responsible. Research on the design of photocatalytic reactors using computer simulations has been recently intensive. The computer simulations involve various methods of hydrodynamics, radiation, and mass transport analysis, including the Monte Carlo method, the approximation approach–P1 model, and computational fluid dynamics as a complex simulation tool. This review presents all of these models, which might be efficiently used for the scaling-up of photocatalytic reactors. The challenging aspects and perspectives of computer simulation are also addressed for the future development of applied photocatalysis.
The Effect of Co-Deposition of SiC Sub-Micron Particles and Heat Treatment on Wear Behaviour of Ni–P Coatings
Authors: Ahmadkhaniha Donya , Lattanzi Lucia , Bonora Fabio , Fortini Annalisa , Merlin Mattia , Zanella Caterina
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the study is to assess the influence of SiC particles and heat treatment on the wear behaviour of Ni–P coatings when in contact with a 100Cr6 steel. Addition of reinforcing particles and heat treatment are two common methods to increase Ni–P hardness. Ball-on-disc wear tests coupled with SEM investigations were used to compare as-plated and heat-treated coatings, both pure and composite ones, and to evaluate the wear mechanisms. In the as-plated coatings, the presence of SiC particles determined higher friction coefficient and wear rate than the pure Ni–P coatings, despite the limited increase in hardness, of about 15%. The effect of SiC particles was shown in combination with heat treatment. The maximum hardness in pure Ni–P coating was achieved by heating at 400 °C for 1 h while for composite coatings heating for 2 h at 360 °C was sufficient to obtain the maximum hardness. The difference between the friction coefficient of composite and pure coatings was disclosed by heating at 300 °C for 2 h. In other cases, the coefficient of friction (COF) stabilised at similar values. The wear mechanisms involved were mainly abrasion and tribo-oxidation, with the formation of lubricant Fe oxides produced at the counterpart.
Recent Advances of Near-Infrared (NIR) Emissive Metal Complexes Bridged by Ligands with N- and/or O-Donor Sites
Authors: Liu Jian-Xun , Mei Shi-Lin , Chen Xian-He , Yao Chang-Jiang
Published: February 2021

Near-infrared (NIR) emissive metal complexes have shown potential applications in optical communication, chemosensors, bioimaging, and laser and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) due to their structural tunability and luminescence stability. Among them, complexes with bridging ligands that exhibit unique emission behavior have attracted extensive interests in recent years. The target performance can be easily achieved by NIR light-emitting metal complexes with bridging ligands through molecular structure design. In this review, the luminescence mechanism and design strategies of NIR luminescent metal complexes with bridging ligands are described firstly, and then summarize the recent advance of NIR luminescent metal complexes with bridging ligands in the fields of electroluminescence and biosensing/bioimaging. Finally, the development trend of NIR luminescent metal complexes with bridging ligands are proposed, which shows an attractive prospect in the field of photophysical and photochemical materials.
Diagnostics of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Up to Date
Authors: Štětkářová Ivana , Ehler Edvard
Published: February 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by gradual loss of upper and lower motor neurons and their pathways, usually without affecting the extraocular and sphincter muscles. The cause of the disease is not yet known. It is a chain of subsequent events, ending in programmed cell death in selective neuronal subpopulations. The prognosis for survival is rather short with a median of 2 to 4 years. Survival may be prolonged based on prompt diagnosis, ALS subtype and proper management with supportive treatment (tracheostomy, gastrostomy, etc.). According to the clinical picture, the typical form of ALS with upper and lower motoneuron involvement and progressive bulbar paralysis with bulbar muscle involvement is observed. The ALS form with progressive muscle atrophy, where only the lower motoneuron is affected, and primary lateral sclerosis with only upper motoneuron damage are rare. Familiar forms of ALS (FALS) associated with specific genes (the most common is C9orf72) have been discovered. FALS is usually associated with dementia (frontotemporal lobar dementia, FTLD), behavioral disorders, cognitive dysfunction and impairment of executive functions. The diagnosis of ALS is determined by excluding other conditions and utilizing clinical examinations, laboratory and genetic tests and nerve conduction/needle electromyography studies (EMG). Needle EMG records abnormal activities at rest and looks for neurogenic patterns during muscle contraction. Motor evoked potentials after transcranial magnetic stimulation remain the test of choice to identify impairment of upper motor neurons. New biochemical, neurophysiological and morphological biomarkers are extensively studied as early diagnostic and prognostic factors and have implications for clinical trials, research and drug development.
Artificial Intelligence in Fractured Dental Implant Detection and Classification: Evaluation Using Dataset from Two Dental Hospitals
Authors: Lee Dong-Woon , Kim Sung-Yong , Jeong Seong-Nyum , Lee Jae-Hong
Published: February 2021

Fracture of a dental implant (DI) is a rare mechanical complication that is a critical cause of DI failure and explantation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a three different deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) architectures (VGGNet-19, GoogLeNet Inception-v3, and automated DCNN) for the detection and classification of fractured DI using panoramic and periapical radiographic images. A total of 21,398 DIs were reviewed at two dental hospitals, and 251 intact and 194 fractured DI radiographic images were identified and included as the dataset in this study. All three DCNN architectures achieved a fractured DI detection and classification accuracy of over 0.80 AUC. In particular, automated DCNN architecture using periapical images showed the highest and most reliable detection (AUC = 0.984, 95% CI = 0.900–1.000) and classification (AUC = 0.869, 95% CI = 0.778–0.929) accuracy performance compared to fine-tuned and pre-trained VGGNet-19 and GoogLeNet Inception-v3 architectures. The three DCNN architectures showed acceptable accuracy in the detection and classification of fractured DIs, with the best accuracy performance achieved by the automated DCNN architecture using only periapical images.
Wave Propagation Characteristics in Gas Hydrate-Bearing Sediments and Estimation of Hydrate Saturation
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Xiumei , Wang Xiuming
Published: February 2021

Natural gas hydrate is a new clean energy source in the 21st century, which has become a research point of the exploration and development technology. Acoustic well logs are one of the most important assets in gas hydrate studies. In this paper, an improved Carcione–Leclaire model is proposed by introducing the expressions of frame bulk modulus, shear modulus and friction coefficient between solid phases. On this basis, the sensitivities of the velocities and attenuations of the first kind of compressional (P1) and shear (S1) waves to relevant physical parameters are explored. In particular, we perform numerical modeling to investigate the effects of frequency, gas hydrate saturation and clay on the phase velocities and attenuations of the above five waves. The analyses demonstrate that, the velocities and attenuations of P1 and S1 are more sensitive to gas hydrate saturation than other parameters. The larger the gas hydrate saturation, the more reliable P1 velocity. Besides, the attenuations of P1 and S1 are more sensitive than velocity to gas hydrate saturation. Further, P1 and S1 are almost nondispersive while their phase velocities increase with the increase of gas hydrate saturation. The second compressional (P2) and shear (S2) waves and the third kind of compressional wave (P3) are dispersive in the seismic band, and the attenuations of them are significant. Moreover, in the case of clay in the solid grain frame, gas hydrate-bearing sediments exhibit lower P1 and S1 velocities. Clay decreases the attenuation of P1, and the attenuations of S1, P2, S2 and P3 exhibit little effect on clay content. We compared the velocity of P1 predicted by the model with the well log data from the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 164 Site 995B to verify the applicability of the model. The results of the model agree well with the well log data. Finally, we estimate the hydrate layer at ODP Leg 204 Site 1247B is about 100–130 m below the seafloor, the saturation is between 0–27%, and the average saturation is 7.2%.
Generational Portrait of Spanish Society in the Face of Climate Change. A Question to Consider for the Green Economy under the Well-Being Approach
Authors: Foncubierta-Rodríguez María-José , Ravina-Ripoll Rafael , López-Sánchez José Antonio
Published: February 2021

Climate change is emerging as an issue of progressive attention, and therefore awareness, in societies. In this work, the problem is addressed from a generational perspective in Spanish society and is carried out from the approaches of awareness, human action, and self-responsibility. All this from the search of the subjective well-being and the citizens’ happiness, as one of the bases of sustainable development initiatives. With data from the European Social Survey R8, from EUROSTAT, we work in two phases: (1) descriptive and inferential on possible associations of the items with the variable Age, and (2) calculation of probabilities between groups through logistic regression. The results confirm a general awareness, but with apparent statistical differences between age groups. In general, the youngest are the most aware, blame human activity most intensely, are the most concerned, and are the most willing to act. And it is the older people who are less aware of all these issues. Based on this finding, and from the approach mentioned above, it is recommended that leaders, both in the macroeconomic and microeconomic sectors, develop initiatives that sensitize and encourage older age groups.
Effect of Bacillus spp. and Brevibacillus sp. on the Photosynthesis and Redox Status of Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Costa-Santos Marino , Mariz-Ponte Nuno , Dias Maria , Moura Luísa , Marques Guilhermina , Santos Conceição
Published: February 2021

Plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to current agrochemicals. This study evaluated the impact of three Bacillus spp. (5PB1, 1PB1, FV46) and one Brevibacillus sp. (C9F) on the important crop tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) using the model cv. ‘MicroTom’. The effects of these isolates were assessed on (a) seedlings’ growth and vigor, and (b) adult potted plants. In potted plants, several photosynthetic parameters (chlorophylls (a and b), carotenoids and anthocyanins contents, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, net CO2 photosynthetic rate, and intercellular CO2 concentration, and on chlorophyll fluorescence yields of light- and dark-adapted leaves)), as well as soluble sugars and starch contents, were quantified. Additionally, the effects on redox status were evaluated. While the growth of seedlings was, overall, not influenced by the strains, some effects were observed on adult plants. The Bacillus safensis FV46 stimulated the content of pigments, compared to C9F. Bacillus zhangzhouensis 5PB1 increased starch levels and was positively correlated with some parameters of the photophosphorylation and the gas exchange phases. Interestingly, Bacillus megaterium 1PB1 decreased superoxide (O2−) content, and B. safensis FV46 promoted non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses, increasing total phenol content levels. These results, conducted on a model cultivar, support the theory that these isolates differently act on tomato plant physiology, and that their activity depends on the age of the plant, and may differently influence photosynthesis. It would now be interesting to analyze the influence of these bacteria using commercial cultivars.
Public Perception of the First Major SARS-Cov-2 Outbreak in the Suceava County, Romania
Authors: Lucheș Daniel , Saghin Despina , Lupchian Maria-Magdalena
Published: February 2021

The first months of 2020 were marked by the rapid spread of the acute respiratory disease, which swiftly reached the proportions of a pandemic. The city and county of Suceava, Romania, faced an unprecedented crisis in March and April 2020, triggered not only by the highest number of infections nationwide but also by the highest number of infected health professionals (47.1% of the infected medical staff nationwide, in April 2020). Why did Suceava reach the peak number of COVID-19 cases in Romania? What were the vulnerability factors that led to the outbreak, the closure of the city of Suceava and neighboring localities, and the impossibility of managing the crisis with local resources? What is the relationship between the population’s lack of confidence in the authorities’ ability to solve the crisis, and their attitude towards the imposed measures? The present article aims to provide answers to the above questions by examining the attitudes of the public towards the causes that have led to the outbreak of an epidemiological crisis, systemic health problems, and the capacity of decision makers to intervene both at local and national level. The research is based on an online survey, conducted between April and May 2020, resulting in a sample of 1231 people from Suceava County. The results highlight that the development of the largest COVID-19 outbreak in Romania is, without a doubt, the result of a combination of factors, related to the medical field, decision makers, and the particularities of the population’s behavior.
Circular RNAs as Novel Regulators of β-Cell Functions under Physiological and Pathological Conditions
Authors: Brozzi Flora , Regazzi Romano
Published: February 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) constitute a large class of non-coding RNAs characterized by a covalently closed circular structure. They originate during mRNA maturation through a modification of the splicing process and, according to the included sequences, are classified as Exonic, Intronic, or Exonic-Intronic. CircRNAs can act by sequestering microRNAs, by regulating the activity of specific proteins, and/or by being translated in functional peptides. There is emerging evidence indicating that dysregulation of circRNA expression is associated with pathological conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive and updated view of the most abundant circRNAs expressed in pancreatic islet cells, some of which originating from key genes controlling the differentiation and the activity of insulin-secreting cells or from diabetes susceptibility genes. We will particularly focus on the role of a group of circRNAs that contribute to the regulation of β-cell functions and that display altered expression in the islets of rodent diabetes models and of type 2 diabetic patients. We will also provide an outlook of the unanswered questions regarding circRNA biology and discuss the potential role of circRNAs as biomarkers for β-cell demise and diabetes development.
Removal of Pb(II) Ions from Aqueous Solution Using Modified Starch
Authors: Gunawardene O. H. P. , Gunathilake C. A. , Amaraweera A. P. S. M. , Fernando N. M. L. , Manipura A. , Manamperi W. A. , Kulatunga K. M. A. K. , Rajapaksha S. M. , Gamage A. , Dassanayake R. S. , Weerasekara B. G. N. D. , Fernando P. N. K. , Fernando C. A. N. , Jayasinghe J. A. S. C.
Published: February 2021

In this study, two types of modified cassava starch samples (MCS and MWS) prepared from commercially available native cassava starch (NCS) and native cassava starch extracted using the wet method (NWS) were investigated for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions. MCS and MWS samples were synthesized under acidic conditions using Pluronic 123 as the structure-directing agent and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as the chemical modifying agent. Modified starch samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and a nitrogen (N2) gas adsorption–desorption analyser. MCS and MWS showed enhanced thermal stabilities upon acid hydrolysis and chemical modification. The effects of contact time and initial Pb(II) concentration were studied through batch adsorption experiments. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The equilibrium adsorption data were analysed and compared by the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models. The coefficient correlation (R2) was employed as a measure of the fit. The Langmuir model fitted well with equilibrium adsorption data, giving a maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of 370.37 and 294.12 mg/g for MWS and MCS, respectively. Modified samples exhibited a higher desorption efficiency of over 97%. This study demonstrated that modified starch could be utilized for Pb(II) removal from industrial wastewater.
The Protocol Gap
Authors: Weller Michael G.
Published: February 2021

Although peer review is considered one of the main pillars of modern science, experimental methods and protocols seem to be not a rigorous subject of this process in many papers. Commercial equipment, test kits, labeling kits, previously published concepts, and standard protocols are often considered to be not worth a detailed description or validation. Even more disturbing is the extremely biased citation behavior in this context, which sometimes leads to surrogate citations to avoid low-impact journals, preprints, or to indicate traditional practices. This article describes some of these surprising habits and suggests some measures to avoid the most unpleasant effects, which in the long term may undermine the credibility of science as a whole.
Silicon Nanowires Synthesis by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching: A Review
Authors: Leonardi Antonio Alessio , Faro Maria José Lo , Irrera Alessia
Published: February 2021

Silicon is the undisputed leader for microelectronics among all the industrial materials and Si nanostructures flourish as natural candidates for tomorrow’s technologies due to the rising of novel physical properties at the nanoscale. In particular, silicon nanowires (Si NWs) are emerging as a promising resource in different fields such as electronics, photovoltaic, photonics, and sensing. Despite the plethora of techniques available for the synthesis of Si NWs, metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) is today a cutting-edge technology for cost-effective Si nanomaterial fabrication already adopted in several research labs. During these years, MACE demonstrates interesting results for Si NW fabrication outstanding other methods. A critical study of all the main MACE routes for Si NWs is here presented, providing the comparison among all the advantages and drawbacks for different MACE approaches. All these fabrication techniques are investigated in terms of equipment, cost, complexity of the process, repeatability, also analyzing the possibility of a commercial transfer of these technologies for microelectronics, and which one may be preferred as industrial approach.
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Analysis of Chitosan–Graphene Oxide-Based Composite Thin Films for Potential Optical Sensing Applications
Authors: Daniyal Wan Mohd Ebtisyam Mustaqim Mohd , Fen Yap Wing , Saleviter Silvan , Chanlek Narong , Nakajima Hideki , Abdullah Jaafar , Yusof Nor Azah
Published: February 2021

In this study, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to study chitosan–graphene oxide (chitosan–GO) incorporated with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) and cadmium sulfide quantum dot (CdS QD) composite thin films for the potential optical sensing of cobalt ions (Co2+). From the XPS results, it was confirmed that carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen elements existed on the PAR–chitosan–GO thin film, while for CdS QD–chitosan–GO, the existence of carbon, oxygen, cadmium, nitrogen, and sulfur were confirmed. Further deconvolution of each element using the Gaussian–Lorentzian curve fitting program revealed the sub-peak component of each element and hence the corresponding functional group was identified. Next, investigation using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) optical sensor proved that both chitosan–GO-based thin films were able to detect Co2+ as low as 0.01 ppm for both composite thin films, while the PAR had the higher binding affinity. The interaction of the Co2+ with the thin films was characterized again using XPS to confirm the functional group involved during the reaction. The XPS results proved that primary amino in the PAR–chitosan–GO thin film contributed more important role for the reaction with Co2+, as in agreement with the SPR results.
MODELAMIENTO DE FUENTE SÍSMICA DEL SISMO DEL QUINDÍO (COLOMBIA) DEL 25 DE ENERO DE 1999 USANDO INVERSIÓN DE FORMA DE ONDA DE CUERPO TELESÍSMICA
Authors: Chavarría Lynette Vanessa , García-Camacho Helber , Monsalve J Hugo
Published: February 2021

El sismo de Armenia – Quindío, Colombia (Mw = 6.2) del 25 de enero de 1999, es el sismo superficial más grande registrado instrumentalmente en el Eje Cafetero Colombiano. Se localizó en las inmediaciones del municipio de Córdoba (Quindío), a 17 kilómetros de la ciudad de Armenia. Se obtuvo mediante inversión de forma de onda el área y proceso de ruptura, con registros de desplazamiento de banda ancha con ondas en el rango de 5 a 0.01 Hz. En dicho proceso de inversión se obtuvo un área de ruptura de 125 km2, una magnitud Mw = 6.0 y una falla normal de desplazamiento lateral izquierdo de tipo unidireccional debido a que la pre-sencia de réplicas indican que la ruptura de la falla creció con el tiempo hacia el noreste, sugiriendo una falla de este tipo; el mecanismo focal total predominante es de rumbo con componente normal, con buzamiento δ= 48.9°, azimut ϕ = 111.5° y ángulo de deslizamiento λ = -166.7° producto de dos subeventos distribuidos a lo largo del área de ruptura, el primero de ellos se presenta en τ =8 s y l=0 km y el segundo localizado en τ =26 s y l=5 km. Se obtuvo una profundidad del hipocentro de h = 20 km, un momento sísmico de 1.26 x 1025 dina*cm y una dislocación Δu = 0.324 m. Se realizó la validación de los registros acelerográficos de la Red Sismológica Nacional de Colombia (RSNC) en dos estaciones, la primera de campo lejano (a una distancia de 141 km del sismo) y la segunda de campo cercano (a una distancia de 42 km del sismo) con registros sintéticos de movimiento del suelo, obteniendo un ajuste aceptable.
The Relationship Between Prognostic Nutritional Index and Carotid Artery Stenosis in Patients with Diagnosed Carotid Artery Disease
Authors: SANRI Umut Serhat , ÖZSİN Kadir Kaan , DUMAN Burak , TOKTAŞ Faruk , YAVUZ Senol
Published: February 2021

Objective: To investigate the relationship between prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS).

Material and Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and patients with non-critical CAS who received medical treatment. All data retrieved retrospectively from the hospital medical files. The values acquired from the patients during acceptance to the hospital were used in the calculation of PNI.

Results: There were 82 patients (68.3 % male, mean age: 70.5±8.9 years) in surgical group, and 79 patients (72.2% male, mean age: 62.0±9.1 years) were recorded in medical group. We detected statistically difference in surgical group in terms of higher BUN (p