bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitization and Financial Performance of Banking Sectors Facing COVID-19 Challenges in Central and Eastern European Countries
Authors: Doran Nicoleta Mihaela , Bădîrcea Roxana Maria , Manta Alina Georgiana
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacted not only human wealth but also all segments of the economy as well as the field of technology. Thus, the purpose of this paper was to analyze the effects that the pandemic crisis and digitization have had on the financial performance of banks in Central and Eastern European Union countries (CEEC) during the 2010–2021 period. In order to capture an overview of the financial performance of the banking systems in the 10 CEECs, we used three variables—ROA, ROE and NPL—as reference indicators. In order to highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of banking systems, we used the number of reported cases as a variable, and to highlight the impact of digitization, we used as indicators the number of automated teller machines (ATMs) per 100,000 adults, number of certificates of secure internet servers, number of credit cards, number of debit cards, percentage of individuals using internet banking, and the number of commercial bank branches per 100,000 adults. Thus, the impact of digitization and the pandemic crisis generated by the COVID-19 virus on the performance of the banking systems in the 10 CEECs is outlined through three regression models using the robust regression model. The obtained results show that, as the infection rates with COVID-19 increased, the performance of banks measured by ROE and ROA decreased. Regarding the impact of digitization on performance, we note that an increase in the use of internet banking and the security of bank servers generated positive effects on the performance of banks. The results of the study are useful for banking product development departments, who should consider the important role of digitization in increasing the performance of banking services and thus design new digital products or ways to expand existing ones on a larger scale.
A 60GS/s Two-Stage Sampler with a Linearity Calibration Loop for PAM-8 Receivers
Authors: Di Pasquo Alessio , Monaco Enrico , Ghittori Nicola , Nani Claudio , Fanucci Luca
Published: October 2022

In this article, we show a 60 GS/s two-stage 8 × 8 time-interleaved sampling circuit, where the second-stage nonlinearity can be controlled by using the voltage that optimizes the static distortions of the sampler. A calibration algorithm can extract the nonlinear contributions of the stages and compensate for them by setting the optimal bias voltage. This can also be used to cancel the front-end nonlinear effects. The sampler was verified by implementing it in TSMC 5 nm FinFET, and a calibration system in a Pulse Amplitude Modulation transceiver, detecting and minimizing the nonlinearities, is presented. The optimum voltage biasing of the sampler was obtained by co-simulating the circuit with the linearity calibration loop implemented in Verilog-A. The histogram of the sampled signal at the slicer input is shown before and after the calibration to show the improvement in the sampled eye opening. Moreover, the resulting bias is equal to the one that maximizes the total harmonic distortion in transient simulations with a 1 GHz input signal, obtaining a minimum of 48.5 dB of total harmonic distortion across different PVT conditions.
Application Characteristics of Zeolite-Based Stuffing for Nanofluidic Packer Rubber
Authors: Zhang Yafei , Liang Jingwei , Luo Rui , Min Shiwei , Dou Yihua
Published: October 2022

Aiming at obtaining the application characteristics of more nanofluidic stuffing to enrich the database of nanofluidic packer rubber, three zeolite-based nanofluidic types of stuffing with water, glycerin, and a saturated aqueous solution of KCl (hereinafter referred to as saturated KCl solution) as the functional liquids were studied using experiments. The results showed that all the three zeolite-based nanofluidic stuffing types could be applied as stuffing for nanofluidic packer rubber. The setting pressure ranges for zeolite/water, zeolite/glycerin, and zeolite/saturated KCl solution stuffing were 21.71 to 30.62 MPa, 15.31 to 23.57 MPa, and 27.50 to 38.83 MPa, and the specific deformation quantities of the three stuffing types were 72.76, 102.07, and 77.54 mm3∙g−1, respectively. In zeolite/saturated KCl solution stuffing, the number of liquid molecules retained in the nanochannels was the minimum; thus, this stuffing type was the most stable during application. The order of the equivalent surface tensions of the three zeolite-based stuffing types in the confined nanochannels was consistent with the order of the gas–liquid surface tensions in the bulk phase. The equivalent surface tension, which reflected the interaction between liquid–solid phases, dominated the pressure threshold, the deformation capacity, and the stability of nanofluidic stuffing. This research study provided data support for the application of nanofluidic packer rubber.
Allocation of Phosphorus Fractions in Chinese Fir in Response to Low Phosphorus Availability Using 32P Tracer
Authors: Zou Xianhua , Liu Qingqing , Huang Zhijun , Chen Sitong , Wu Pengfei , Ma Xiangqing , Cai Liping
Published: October 2022

Phosphorus (P) is among the most intractable constraints on plant fertility, particularly in acidic soils with high P fixation capacities. The effects of nutrient limitation and the adaptive strategies of plants in infertile soils are central topics in plant ecology. The development of tree cultivars with greater P use efficiency (PUE), defined as the ability of a tree to grow and be productive in soils with reduced P availability, would substantially improve forest development. The ability of plants to redistribute and transfer P across fractions determines their adaptability to P limitations. However, the mechanisms of P utilization and transport remain unknown in Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) from the perspective of P fraction distribution. In this study, we investigated the distribution and translocation patterns of exogenous P and different P fractions in the M1 Chinese fir, which was identified as exhibiting high P-deficient resistance ability and maintaining higher yield under low P stress relative to the average clones, using 32P tracking, which can accurately trace the migration pathways of exogenous P after plant absorption. We found that exogenous P in the roots was higher than in the stems or leaves under low-P conditions in which the amount of the exogenous P absorbed by M1 was significantly reduced. Under low-P conditions, the plants optimized P allocation, which led to higher PUE than under high-P conditions, with the highest PUE in the leaves, followed by the stems and roots. The M1 clone maintained a high ratio of soluble P (i.e., inorganic P and ester P) in its leaves and stems, which improved P mobility and recycling under the conditions of limited P. In the roots, the P fractions shifted from soluble inorganic P and ester P to insoluble P (i.e., nucleic P), but the total P concentration was relatively stable, which may ensure root growth and exogenous P absorption under the conditions of limited P. Our results confirm that the M1 Chinese fir reduces P demand, optimizes the allocation of P among P fractions, and increases PUE to maintain aboveground productivity in response to limited P conditions.
Glucomannan in Dendrobium catenatum: Bioactivities, Biosynthesis and Perspective
Authors: Qi Luyan , Shi Yan , Li Cong , Liu Jingjing , Chong Sun-Li , Lim Kean-Jin , Si Jinping , Han Zhigang , Chen Donghong
Published: October 2022

Dendrobium catenatum is a classical and precious dual-use plant for both medicine and food in China. It was first recorded in Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, and has the traditional functions of nourishing yin, antipyresis, tonifying the stomach, and promoting fluid production. The stem is its medicinal part and is rich in active polysaccharide glucomannan. As an excellent dietary fiber, glucomannan has been experimentally confirmed to be involved in anti-cancer, enhancing immunity, lowering blood sugar and blood lipids, etc. Here, the status quo of the D. catenatum industry, the structure, bioactivities, biosynthesis pathway and key genes of glucomannan are systematically described to provide a crucial foundation and theoretical basis for understanding the value of D. catenatum and the potential application of glucomannan in crop biofortification.
The Interplay of Epigenetic, Genetic, and Traditional Risk Factors on Blood Pressure: Findings from the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Zhang Xinman , Ammous Farah , Lin Lisha , Ratliff Scott M. , Ware Erin B. , Faul Jessica D. , Zhao Wei , Kardia Sharon L. R. , Smith Jennifer A.
Published: October 2022

The epigenome likely interacts with traditional and genetic risk factors to influence blood pressure. We evaluated whether 13 previously reported DNA methylation sites (CpGs) are associated with systolic (SBP) or diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, both individually and aggregated into methylation risk scores (MRS), in 3070 participants (including 437 African ancestry (AA) and 2021 European ancestry (EA), mean age = 70.5 years) from the Health and Retirement Study. Nine CpGs were at least nominally associated with SBP and/or DBP after adjusting for traditional hypertension risk factors (p < 0.05). MRSSBP was positively associated with SBP in the full sample (β = 1.7 mmHg per 1 standard deviation in MRSSBP; p = 2.7 × 10−5) and in EA (β = 1.6; p = 0.001), and MRSDBP with DBP in the full sample (β = 1.1; p = 1.8 × 10−6), EA (β = 1.1; p = 7.2 × 10−5), and AA (β = 1.4; p = 0.03). The MRS and BP-genetic risk scores were independently associated with blood pressure in EA. The effects of both MRSs were weaker with increased age (pinteraction < 0.01), and the effect of MRSDBP was higher among individuals with at least some college education (pinteraction = 0.02). In AA, increasing MRSSBP was associated with higher SBP in females only (pinteraction = 0.01). Our work shows that MRS is a potential biomarker of blood pressure that may be modified by traditional hypertension risk factors.
Longitudinal Data to Enhance Dynamic Stroke Risk Prediction
Authors: Zheng Wenyao , Chen Yun-Hsuan , Sawan Mohamad
Published: October 2022

Stroke risk prediction based on electronic health records is currently an important research topic. Previous research activities have generally used single-time physiological data to build static models and have focused on algorithms to improve prediction accuracy. Few studies have considered historical measurements from a data perspective to construct dynamic models. Since it is a chronic disease, the risk of having a stroke increases and the corresponding risk factors become abnormal when healthy people are diagnosed with a stroke. Therefore, in this paper, we applied longitudinal data, with the backward joint model, to the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity and Happy Family Study’s dataset to monitor changes in individuals’ health status precisely on time and to increase the prediction accuracy of the model. The three-year prediction accuracy of our model, considering three measurements of longitudinal parameters, is 0.926. This is higher than the traditional Cox proportional hazard model, which has a 0.833 prediction accuracy. The results obtained in this study verified that longitudinal data improves stroke risk prediction accuracy and is promising for dynamic stroke risk prediction and prevention. Our model also verified that the frequency of fruit consumption, erythrocyte hematocrit, and glucose are potential stroke-related factors.
Spatial Autocorrelation and Temporal Convergence of PM2.5 Concentrations in Chinese Cities
Authors: Wang Huan , Chen Zhenyu , Zhang Pan
Published: October 2022

Scientific study of the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of haze is important for the governance of haze pollution and the formulation of environmental policies. This study used panel data of the concentrations of particulate matter sized < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) in 340 major cities from 1999 to 2016 to calculate the spatial distribution correlation by the spatial analysis method and test the temporal convergence of the urban PM2.5 concentration distribution using an econometric model. It found that the spatial autocorrelation of PM2.5 seemed positive, and this trend increased over time. The yearly concentrations of PM2.5 were converged, and the temporal convergence fluctuated under the influence of specific historical events and economic backgrounds. The spatial agglomeration effect of PM2.5 concentrations in adjacent areas weakened the temporal convergence of PM2.5 concentrations. This paper introduced policy implications for haze prevention and control.
Acceptance and Commitment Training Focused on Psychological Flexibility for Family Members of Children with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Lobato David , Montesinos Francisco , Polín Eduardo , Cáliz Saray
Published: October 2022

The objective of the study was to analyse the effect of a psychological flexibility intervention programme based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on 36 family members of children with intellectual disabilities. The 6-PAQ (parental psychological flexibility), PSS-14 (perceived stress), GHQ-12 (psychological health), and WBSI (suppression of unwanted thoughts) were used as measurement instruments before the programme (pre), after (post), and at follow-up (after two months). Possible change in family interactions due to the family intervention was also assessed through self-monitoring. A decrease in psychological inflexibility, a reduction in stress, an improvement in psychological well-being, and a reduction in the tendency to suppress thoughts and emotions were observed after the programme. Furthermore, the effects seem to extend to family interactions, with an increase in positive interactions and a decrease in negative ones. The study leads us to think about the importance of psychological flexibility in children with chronic conditions as a process that mediates the impact of stress and family well-being.
Underlying Causes of Death among Adults with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Peterson Mark D. , Wilson Allecia M. , Hurvitz Edward A.
Published: October 2022

Background: Adults with cerebral palsy (CP) represent a growing population whose healthcare needs are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the underlying causes of death (UCOD) among adults with CP in the United States. Methods: A national cohort was created from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database from 1999 to 2019. The UCOD was determined using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10 code G80x, Infantile CP) based on death certificate adjudication. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs), as well as 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for adults with CP. Results: There were 25,138 deaths where CP was listed as the UCOD between 1999–2019. There was a steady increase in the UCOD attributable to CP in both crude mortality rates and AAMRs, with the highest rates occurring in 2019. The highest co-occurring secondary causes of death were other diseases of the nervous system (e.g., epilepsy), diseases of the respiratory system (e.g., pneumonia), symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (e.g., dysphagia), and diseases of the circulatory system (e.g., cardiovascular disease). Conclusions: Listing the UCOD as CP should be accompanied by other mechanisms leading to mortality in this population.
Dimethyl 3,7-diamino-4,8-bis((2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)thio)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene-2,6-dicarboxylate
Authors: Pavilek Branislav , Végh Daniel , Bortňák Dušan , Šmejkalová Veronika , Kožíšek Jozef , Milata Viktor
Published: October 2022

The convenient and multigram synthesis of a linear benzo[b]dithiophene (BDT) structure is proposed (dimethyl 3,7-diamino-4,8-bis((2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl)thio)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b’]dithiophene-2,6-dicarboxylate). The starting materials are commercially available 2,3,5,6-tetrachloroterephthalonitrile and methyl 2-mercaptoacetate, which undergo aromatic substitution, followed by a cyclization reaction in basic conditions to form suitable BDT for potential optoelectronic applications.
Quasi-Solid-State Polymer Electrolyte Based on Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile/Polysilsesquioxane Composite Nanofiber Membrane for High-Performance Lithium Batteries
Authors: Liu Caiyuan , Hu Jiemei , Zhu Yanan , Yang Yonggang , Li Yi , Wu Qi-Hui
Published: October 2022

Considering the safety problem that is caused by liquid electrolytes and Li dendrites for lithium batteries, a new quasi-solid-state polymer electrolyte technology is presented in this work. A layer of 1,4-phenylene bridged polysilsesquioxane (PSiO) is synthesized by a sol-gel way and coated on the electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber to prepare a PAN@PSiO nanofiber composite membrane, which is then used as a quasi-solid-state electrolyte scaffold as well as separator for lithium batteries (LBs). This composite membrane, consisting of the three-dimensional network architecture of the PAN nanofiber matrix and a mesoporous PSiO coating layer, exhibited a high electrolyte intake level (297 wt%) and excellent mechanical properties. The electrochemical analysis results indicate that the ionic conductivity of the PAN@PSiO-based quasi-solid-state electrolyte membrane is 1.58 × 10−3 S cm−1 at room temperature and the electrochemical stability window reaches 4.8 V. The optimization of the electrode and the composite membrane interface leads the LiFePO4|PAN@PSiO|Li full cell to show superior cycling (capacity of 137.6 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C after 160 cycles) and excellent rate performances.
Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine and Uric Acid in Real Samples Using a Voltammetric Nanosensor Based on Co-MOF, Graphene Oxide, and 1-Methyl-3-butylimidazolium Bromide
Authors: Roostaee Maryam , Beitollahi Hadi , Sheikhshoaie Iran
Published: October 2022

A chemically modified carbon paste electrode, based on a CoMOF-graphene oxide (GO) and an ionic liquid of 1-methyl-3-butylimidazolium bromide (CoMOF-GO/1-M,3-BB/CPE), was fabricated for the simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The prepared CoMOF/GO nanocomposite was characterized by field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, a N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm, and an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The electrochemical sensor clearly illustrated catalytic activity towards the redox reaction of dopamine (DA), which can be authenticated by comparing the increased oxidation peak current with the bare carbon paste electrode. The CoMOF-GO/1-M,3-BB/CPE exhibits a wide linear response for DA in the concentration range of 0.1 to 300.0 µM, with a detection limit of 0.04 µM. The oxidation peaks’ potential for DA and uric acid (UA) were separated well in the mixture containing the two compounds. This study demonstrated a simple and effective method for detecting DA and UA in real samples.
Growth and B-Phycoerythrin Production of Red Microalga Porphyridium purpureum (Porphyridiales, Rhodophyta) under Different Carbon Supply
Authors: Borovkov Andrei , Gudvilovich Irina , Maltseva Irina , Rylkova Olga , Maltsev Yevhen
Published: October 2022

Red microalga Porphyridium purpureum (Bory) Drew is a well-known object of biotechnology due to its unique ability to synthesize a wide range of biologically active compounds. Enough minerals in an accessible form in a medium are a prerequisite for maintaining a high growth rate of P. purpureum. Carbon is the main element of microalgal biomass and is a component of all organic compounds. The work aimed to study the morphological features of cells and the accumulation and production of B-phycoerythrin and total protein in P. purpureum biomass in different ways of supplying CO2 into the culture. In Variant 1, CO2 was directly injected into a gas–air mixture (2–3 percent v/v) used for culture bubbling via capillary. In Variant 2, the air was supplied to the culture through the aquarium sparger. Variant 3 was like the first one but without the additional introduction of carbon dioxide. The application of the method for sparging atmospheric air led to a significant increase in both the productivity of the P. purpureum and the rate of protein and B-phycoerythrin synthesis in comparison with growing it using the air without spraying (two-and-a-half times, five times, and more than eight times, respectively). Moreover, there were significant changes in the morphological structure of P. purpureum cells, which were visualized both by microscopy and by changes in the color of the culture. Based on the experimental data obtained, the variants for the carbon supply experiment were ranked as follows: Variant 1 is better than Variant 2 and Variant 3. The use of atomization as a technological method made it possible to speed up the transfer of carbon dioxide from the air to the medium, which helped to keep the growth rate of P. purpureum biomass and B-phycoerythrin accumulation high.
Beyond the Bark: An Overview of the Chemistry and Biological Activities of Selected Bark Essential Oils
Authors: Graf Melanie , Stappen Iris
Published: October 2022

Essential oils have been used by indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Their easy availability played an important role. Even today, essential oils are used in various fields—be it as aromatic substances in the food industry, as an aid in antibiotic therapy, in aromatherapy, in various household products or in cosmetics. The benefits they bring to the body and health are proven by many sources. Due to their complex composition, they offer properties that will be used more and more in the future. Synergistic effects of various components in an essential oil are also part of the reason for their effectiveness. Infectious diseases will always recur, so it is important to find active ingredients for different therapies or new research approaches. Essential oils extracted from the bark of trees have not been researched as extensively as from other plant components. Therefore, this review will focus on bringing together previous research on selected bark oils to provide an overview of barks that are economically, medicinally, and ethnopharmaceutically relevant. The bark oils described are Cinnamomum verum, Cedrelopsis grevei, Drypetes gossweileri, Cryptocarya massoy, Vanillosmopsis arborea and Cedrus deodara. Literature from various databases, such as Scifinder, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed, among others, were used.
Inhibitory Effect of Sodium Alginate Nanoemulsion Coating Containing Myrtle Essential Oil (Myrtus communis L.) on Listeria monocytogenes in Kasar Cheese
Authors: Polat Yemiş Gökçe , Sezer Elif , Sıçramaz Hatice
Published: October 2022

The present study aimed to characterize the physical properties of nanoemulsion-based sodium alginate edible coatings containing myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) essential oil and to determine its inhibitory effects on Listeria monocytogenes in fresh Kasar cheese during the 24-day storage at 4 °C. The GC-MS analysis showed that the main components of myrtle essential oil were 1,8-cineol (38.64%), α-pinene (30.19%), d-limonene (7.51%), and α-ocimene (6.57%). Myrtle essential oil showed an inhibitory effect on all tested L. monocytogenes strains and this effect significantly increased after ultrasonication. Minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of myrtle essential oil nanoemulsion were found to be 4.00–4.67 mg/mL and 5.00–7.33 mg/mL, respectively. The antibacterial activity of myrtle essential oil nanoemulsion against L. monocytogenes was confirmed by the membrane integrity and FESEM analyses. Nanoemulsion coatings containing myrtle essential oil showed antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes with no adverse effects on the physicochemical properties of cheese samples. Nanoemulsion coatings containing 1.0% and 2.0% myrtle essential oil reduced the L. monocytogenes population in cheese during the storage by 0.42 and 0.88 log cfu/g, respectively. These results revealed that nanoemulsion-based alginate edible coatings containing myrtle essential oil have the potential to be used as a natural food preservative.
In Vitro Immune-Enhancement and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Fatty Acids Extracted from the Halocynthia aurantium Gonad on RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Lim Junhyeok , Rod-in Weerawan , Monmai Chaiwat , Jang A-yeong , Choi JeongUn , Park Woo-Jung
Published: October 2022

Fatty acids extracted from the Halocynthia aurantium gonad (HAGF) were shown to be primarily composed of the highest concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) at 41% and 17% of total fatty acids, respectively. In the present study, HAGF were examined for their immunostimulant and anti-inflammatory effects on RAW264.7 macrophage cells. HAGF were found to significantly boost nitric oxide (NO) production and increase the levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 was up-regulated by the stimulation of RAW264.7 cells with HAGF. When lipopolysaccharide (LPS)—stimulated the macrophages, they also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity via decreasing NO production and immune-related gene expression, Cluster of differentiation (CD) 86 expression, and protein levels in the NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathways. Overall, these results indicate that HAGF exert immune-modulatory effects in macrophages.
Iron Deficiency in Adolescent and Young Adult German Athletes—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Roy Rubina , Kück Momme , Radziwolek Lukas , Kerling Arno
Published: October 2022

Background: Iron deficiency is a common phenomenon in sports and may lead to impaired physical performance. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of iron deficiency in competitive athletes and to discuss the resulting consequences. Methods: The data of 629 athletes (339 male, 290 female) who presented for their annual basic sports medicine examination were investigated. Depending on age (<14 years, 15–17 years, ≥18–30 years), four groups ((I.) normal hemoglobin (Hb) and ferritin level (≥30 ng/mL for adults and 15–18-year-olds; ≥20 ng/mL, respectively, ≥15 ng/mL for adolescents and children), (II.) prelatent iron deficiency (ID) (normal Hb, low ferritin), (III.) latent ID (additionally elevated soluble transferrin receptor or decreased transferrin saturation) and (IV.) manifest anemia) were distinguished. In addition, the iron status and exercise capacity of different types of sports were compared. Results: Overall we found an iron deficiency of 10.9% in male (mainly in adolescence) and 35.9% in female athletes (emphasized in adolescence and young adulthood). There were no significant differences in iron status in regard to the different sport types or in maximum performance for the different groups of iron deficiency. Conclusions: Adolescent and female athletes are more likely to have an iron deficiency. Therapy concepts for athletes therefore should pay attention to iron-rich diets.
Maternal Obesity and Gut Microbiota Are Associated with Fetal Brain Development
Authors: Basak Sanjay , Das Ranjit K. , Banerjee Antara , Paul Sujay , Pathak Surajit , Duttaroy Asim K.
Published: October 2022

Obesity in pregnancy induces metabolic syndrome, low-grade inflammation, altered endocrine factors, placental function, and the maternal gut microbiome. All these factors impact fetal growth and development, including brain development. The lipid metabolic transporters of the maternal-fetal-placental unit are dysregulated in obesity. Consequently, the transport of essential long-chain PUFAs for fetal brain development is disturbed. The mother’s gut microbiota is vital in maintaining postnatal energy homeostasis and maternal-fetal immune competence. Obesity during pregnancy changes the gut microbiota, affecting fetal brain development. Obesity in pregnancy can induce placental and intrauterine inflammation and thus influence the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the offspring. Several epidemiological studies observed an association between maternal obesity and adverse neurodevelopment. This review discusses the effects of maternal obesity and gut microbiota on fetal neurodevelopment outcomes. In addition, the possible mechanisms of the impacts of obesity and gut microbiota on fetal brain development are discussed.
Dose Titration of Solid Dosage Forms via FDM 3D-Printed Mini-Tablets
Authors: Gorkem Buyukgoz Guluzar , Kossor Christopher G. , Ji Shen , Guvendiren Murat , Davé Rajesh N.
Published: October 2022

The robustness of 3D-printed mini-tablets as a platform to administer milligram dosages, intended for age-specific therapy, without the need of tablet splitting while maintaining similar release profiles, was investigated. Griseofulvin, as a model poorly water-soluble drug, and hydroxypropyl cellulose along with Kollicoat Protect as polymers were used to prepare filaments at 1–20% drug concentrations via hot-melt extrusion (HME). Higher drug concentrations served for testing the feasibility of a reduced number of mini-tablets to be administered. A reliable dose titration in the range 0.19–3.91 mg at a high accuracy (R2 of 0.999) was achieved through composite unit (multi-unit) mini-tablets. All mini-tablets produced had excellent content uniformity and their label claim values were within the acceptable range, proving that HME processing followed by 3D printing promotes content uniformity even for mini-tablets containing low drug doses (0.19 mg). Remarkably, the proposed approach allowed achieving similar drug release profiles via composite unit mini-tablets as well as single mini-tablets at high drug concentrations. In contrast, split tablets demonstrated different release behaviors, attributed to their size and shape differences. Overall, the distinct advantages of mini-tablets to provide dose flexibility while maintaining similar release profiles was demonstrated.
DNA Sequence Analysis of an Inversion Hot Spot in Lobeliaceae Plastomes
Authors: Knox Eric B.
Published: October 2022

The evolution of plastid genomes (plastomes) in land plants is typically conservative, with extensive structural rearrangements present in only a few groups. Early Southern blot analysis identified two Lobelia species that minimally required deletion of the plastid gene accD and five inversions to account for their plastome arrangement relative to the ancestral organization. Sixty alternative 5-step inversion scenarios could account for the observed arrangement, but only one scenario was consistent with the criterion of ‘common cause’ attributable to a putative rearrangement hot spot at the accD deletion-site. Plastome sequencing demonstrated that this previously hypothesized inversion order is historically accurate. Detailed reconstructions of the ancestral plastome organization before and after each inversion are presented herein. Stem-loop and disruption-rescue models were evaluated for each inversion. One inversion has an obvious stem-loop basis, but the other four inversions were primarily caused by serial insertion of foreign (extra-plastid) DNA bearing large open-reading frames that disrupted plastome organization at the accD deletion-site, and complete plastomes were rescued by seemingly arbitrary ligation or fortuitous recombination at the other inversion endpoint. Transposed copies of DNA segments from elsewhere in the plastome are frequently inserted at inversion junctions, and four junctions are consistent with the stem-loop ligation model.
Use of Thymus Plants as an Ecological Filler in Urea-Formaldehyde Adhesives Intended for Bonding Plywood
Authors: Mohamed Abdoul-Latif Fatouma , El Montassir Zineb , Ainane Ayoub , Gharby Said , Sakar El Hassan , Merito Ali , Mohamed Jalludin , Ainane Tarik
Published: October 2022

Innovative adhesive formulations have been developed in the laboratory based on urea-formaldehyde resin by adding medicinal plants to an industrial adhesive formulation containing raw materials: urea-formaldehyde resin, urea, ammonium sulphate and starch. Specifically, Thymus species (Thymus bleicherianus, Thymus capitates, Thymus satureioides, Thymus vulgaris and Thymus zygis) replaced part of the starch and were considered as the second filler in the formulations. The physico-chemical properties of the resulting adhesive formulations, such as: pH, viscosity, gel time, solids content, density, concentration of free formaldehyde and color were measured, and characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In order to evaluate the mechanical performances of adhesive formulations based on plants, plywood panels were produced and their mechanical properties were studied. These mechanical properties included the shear strength, bending strength and the modulus of elasticity. The performance of these panels is comparable to that of plywood panels made using the standard adhesive formulation. From the results obtained, and following the statistical studies, the new adhesive formulations based on plants have the same physico-chemical properties, the same morphologies, and the same mechanical properties. Moreover, the novel adhesives are more viscous, and they have less free formaldehyde content than the commercial formulation.
Female Education in a Chan Public Monastery in China: The Jiangxi Dajinshan Buddhist Academy for Nuns
Authors: Campo Daniela
Published: October 2022

The Great Chan Monastery of the Golden Mountain (Dajinshan Chansi 大金山禪寺) is a large monastic complex for nuns located in Jiangxi province in southeast China and belonging to the Chan meditation school. The Jiangxi Dajinshan Buddhist Academy for Nuns (Jiangxi foxueyuan Dajinshan nizhong xueyuan 江西佛學院大金山尼眾學院), established at the monastery in 1994, is one of the few institutes for nuns in China to be especially axed on Chan studies and practice. What are the pedagogical goals and agenda of the Jiangxi Dajinshan Buddhist Academy for Nuns? What are the specificities of this academy as compared to other female academies, and to academies for monks? Why do nuns enroll at Dajinshan Buddhist Academy? What does this case study tell us about the gender balance in Chinese Buddhism today? This paper, based on fieldwork, will try to answer these questions by especially considering enrollment and scale, students and personnel, and curricula and schedule of the Jiangxi Dajinshan Buddhist Academy for Nuns.
Convolutional Neural Networks for Agricultural Land Use Classification from Sentinel-2 Image Time Series
Authors: Simón Sánchez Alejandro-Martín , González-Piqueras José , de la Ossa Luis , Calera Alfonso
Published: October 2022

Land use classification (LUC) is the process of providing information on land cover and the types of human activity involved in land use. In this study, we perform agricultural LUC using sequences of multispectral reflectance Sentinel-2 images taken in 2018. LUC can be carried out using machine or deep learning techniques. Some existing models process data at the pixel level, performing LUC successfully with a reduced number of images. Part of the pixel information corresponds to multispectral temporal patterns that, despite not being especially complex, might remain undetected by models such as random forests or multilayer perceptrons. Thus, we propose to arrange pixel information as 2D yearly fingerprints so as to render such patterns explicit and make use of a CNN to model and capture them. The results show that our proposal reaches a 91% weighted accuracy in classifying pixels among 19 classes, outperforming random forest by 8%, or a specifically tuned multilayer perceptron by 4%. Furthermore, models were also used to perform a ternary classification in order to detect irrigated fields, reaching a 97% global accuracy. We can conclude that this is a promising operational tool for monitoring crops and water use over large areas.
Remotely Powered Two-Wire Cooperative Sensors for Biopotential Imaging Wearables
Authors: Chételat Olivier , Rapin Michaël , Bonnal Benjamin , Fivaz André , Wacker Josias , Sporrer Benjamin
Published: October 2022

Biopotential imaging (e.g., ECGi, EEGi, EMGi) processes multiple potential signals, each requiring an electrode applied to the body’s skin. Conventional approaches based on individual wiring of each electrode are not suitable for wearable systems. Cooperative sensors solve the wiring problem since they consist of active (dry) electrodes connected by a two-wire parallel bus that can be implemented, for example, as a textile spacer with both sides made conductive. As a result, the cumbersome wiring of the classical star arrangement is replaced by a seamless solution. Previous work has shown that potential reference, current return, synchronization, and data transfer functions can all be implemented on a two-wire parallel bus while keeping the noise of the measured biopotentials within the limits specified by medical standards. We present the addition of the power supply function to the two-wire bus. Two approaches are discussed. One of them has been implemented with commercially available components and the other with an ASIC. Initial experimental results show that both approaches are feasible, but the ASIC approach better addresses medical safety concerns and offers other advantages, such as lower power consumption, more sensors on the two-wire bus, and smaller size.
Efficiency Analysis and Identification of Best Practices and Innovations in Dairy Sheep Farming
Authors: Theodoridis Alexandros , Vouraki Sotiria , Morin Emmanuel , Koutouzidou Georgia , Arsenos Georgios
Published: October 2022

The adoption of the best practices is crucial for the survival of the dairy sheep farms that operate under extensive and/or semi-extensive systems. In this study, an efficiency analysis was implemented to reveal the best observed practices applied by the more efficient dairy sheep farms. Data Envelopment Analysis was used on data from 60 dairy sheep farms that rear Manech or Basco-bearnaise, and Lacaune breeds under semi-extensive systems in France. The main characteristics of the most efficient farms are presented and a comparative economic analysis is applied between the fully efficient and less efficient farms, highlighting the optimal farm structure and determining the major cost drivers in sheep farming. The most efficient farmers provided information within the iSAGE Horizon 2020 project regarding the management practices that enhance their sustainability. The results show that there is room for improvement in semi-extensive dairy sheep farming. The most efficient farms rear smaller flocks than the less efficient farms and achieve higher milk yields. Fixed capital, labor, and feeding constitute the main cost drivers. Results show that farms should exploit economies of scale in the use of labor and infrastructure to reduce their cost per product, as well as their uptake practices and innovations, related mainly to modern breeding and reproduction methods, efficient feeding practices and digital technologies.
Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Aczel-Alsina Aggregation Operators and Their Application in Multi-Attribute Decision-Making
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Ali Zeeshan , Baupradist Samruam , Chinram Ronnason
Published: October 2022

To handle complex, risk-illustrating, and asymmetric information, the theory discussed in this analysis is much more suitable for evaluating the above dilemmas. To manage ambiguity and inconsistency in real-life problems, the principle of Aczel–Alsina (AA) t-norm and t-conorm was initiated in 1980. These norms are massively modified and different from prevailing norms due to parameter p, where 0<p<+∞. The major contribution of this analysis is to analyze the AA operational laws (addition, multiplication, score value, accuracy value) under the complex intuitionistic fuzzy (CIF) settings. Furthermore, we initiated the principle of CIFAA weighted averaging (CIFAAWA), CIFAA ordered weighted averaging (CIFAAOWA), CIFAA hybrid averaging (CIFAAHA), CIFAA weighted geometric (CIFAAWG), CIFAA ordered weighted geometric (CIFAAOWG), CIFAA hybrid geometric (CIFAAHG), as well as their beneficial results. Additionally, to consider the elaborated works, a multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) technique was explored to investigate the supremacy and feasibility of the developed works. The main influence of this manuscript is how to choose the best decision under the availability of asymmetric types of information given by different experts. Finally, we performed the sensitivity analysis and graphically show the presented work with the help of several examples.
Application of Nature-Inspired Algorithms to Computed Tomography with Incomplete Data
Authors: Pleszczyński Mariusz , Zielonka Adam , Woźniak Marcin
Published: October 2022

This paper discusses and compares several computed tomography (CT) algorithms capable of dealing with incomplete data. This type of problem has been proposed for a symmetrical grid and symmetrically distributed transmitters and receivers. The use of symmetry significantly speeds up the process of constructing a system of equations that is the foundation of all CT algebraic algorithms. Classic algebraic approaches are effective in incomplete data scenarios, but suffer from low convergence speed. For this reason, we propose the use of nature-inspired algorithms which are proven to be effective in many practical optimization problems from various domains. The efficacy of nature-inspired algorithms strongly depends on the number of parameters they maintain and reproduce, and this number is usually substantial in the case of CT applications. However, taking into account the specificity of the reconstructed object allows to reduce the number of parameters and effectively use heuristic algorithms in the field of CT. This paper compares the efficacy and suitability of three nature-inspired heuristic algorithms: Artificial BeeColony (ABC), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), and Clonal Selection Algorithm (CSA) in the CT context, showing their advantages and weaknesses. The best algorithm is identified and some ideas of how the remaining methods could be improved so as to better solve CT tasks are presented.
Association of True Positivity with Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels and Other Clinical Factors in Indeterminate PSMA-RADS-3A Lesions Identified on 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT Scans
Authors: Garg Tushar , Werner Rudolf A. , Chung Hyun Woo , Khatri Wajahat , Pienta Kenneth J. , Pomper Martin G. , Gorin Michael A. , Saad Elie , Rowe Steven P.
Published: October 2022

The use of prostate-specific membrane antigen targeted PET imaging for the evaluation of prostate cancer has increased significantly in the last couple of decades. When evaluating these imaging findings based on the PSMA reporting and data system version 1.0, which categorize lesions based on their likelihood of prostate cancer involvement, PSMA-RADS-3A lesions are commonly seen, which are indeterminate for the presence of disease. A total of 28 patients with 171 PSMA-RADS-3A lesions on 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT scans from June 2016 to May 2017 who had follow-up cross-sectional imaging over time were included in this study. The PSA levels of patients with PSMA-RADS-3A lesions were categorized into four groups, 0–0.2, 0.2–1, 1–2, and >2 ng/mL. The pre-operative Gleason score of these patients was categorized into two groups, Gleason score < 7 or ≥7. The median age for these patients was 72.5 years (range 59–81). The median PSA value for patients with positive lesions was significantly higher than those with negative lesions (5.8 ng/mL vs. 0.2 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). The lesion positivity rate was significantly higher in patients with PSA > 1 ng/mL (18.2% vs. 81.9%, p < 0.001). On ROC analysis, the highest classification accuracy was seen at PSA ≥ 0.6 ng/mL of 80.12% (95% CI = 73.69–86.16%), and the area under the curve was 71.32% (95% CI = 61.9–80.7%, p < 0.0001). A total of 96.4% (108/112) of patients with positive lesions and 86.4% (51/59) of patients with negative lesions had a PSMA-RADS-4/5 lymph node on the initial 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT scan (p = 0.02). In patients with a Gleason score ≥ 7, the presence of positive PSMA-RADS-3A lesions was higher, compared to negative PSMA-RADS-3A lesions (p = 0.049). Higher PSA levels in patients with PSMA-RADS-3A lesions can point towards the presence of true positivity. PSA levels may be considered in deciding whether to call an indeterminate lesion on PSMA PET.
Quercetin Inhibits Hsp70 Blocking of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infection and Replication in the Early Stage of Virus Infection
Authors: Chen Nannan , Liu Yu , Bai Tongtong , Chen Jinwei , Zhao Zhibo , Li Jing , Shao Baihui , Zhang Zecai , Zhou Yulong , Wang Xue , Zhu Zhanbo
Published: October 2022

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a positive-strand RNA virus of the genus Pestivirus in the Flaviviridae family, is the causative agent of viral diarrheal disease in bovine. BVDV has been used as a surrogate model for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral drugs. The plant flavonol quercetin causes multiple health-promoting effects in humans and animals. It can be made into a variety of additives, and it exerts a variety of immunomodulatory effects with the potential to be used as an antiviral agent. However, quercetin’s antiviral effect and mechanism of action on BVDV are still unclear. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate quercetin’s effect on BVDV virus replication in vitro and in vivo and elucidate its mechanism of action. A CCK-8 kit was used to analyze the toxicity of the quercetin to the MDBK cells. Western blot, qRT-PCR, TCID50, and histological analysis were used to determine the mechanism of quercetin’s anti-BVDV activity. An oxidative stress kit was used to evaluate the effects of quercetin on ROS, antioxidant enzymes, and MDA indexes. The effect of quercetin on IL-2 and IFN-γ in the serum of mice was determined by using an ELISA kit. The results showed that quercetin inhibits Hsp70, blocks BVDV infection in the early stage of virus infection and inhibits BVDV replication by inhibiting oxidative stress or ERK phosphorylation. In addition, quercetin alleviated the decrease in IFN-γ and IL-2 in the serum of BVDV-infected mice. Quercetin ameliorated BVDV-induced histopathological changes. In summary, this study demonstrated for the first time the role of Hsp70 in BVDV infection and the potential application of quercetin in treating BVDV infection.