bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Play the Pain: A Digital Strategy for Play-Oriented Research and Action
Authors: Khalili-Mahani Najmeh , Holowka Eileen , Woods Sandra , Khaled Rilla , Roy Mathieu , Lashley Myrna , Glatard Tristan , Timm-Bottos Janis , Dahan Albert , Niesters Marieke , Hovey Richard B. , Simon Bart , Kirmayer Laurence J.
Published: December 2021

The value of understanding patients' illness experience and social contexts for advancing medicine and clinical care is widely acknowledged. However, methodologies for rigorous and inclusive data gathering and integrative analysis of biomedical, cultural, and social factors are limited. In this paper, we propose a digital strategy for large-scale qualitative health research, usingplay(as a state of being, a communication mode or context, and a set of imaginative, expressive, and game-like activities) as a research method for recursive learning and action planning. Our proposal builds on Gregory Bateson's cybernetic approach to knowledge production. Using chronic pain as an example, we show how pragmatic, structural and cultural constraints that define the relationship of patients to the healthcare system can give rise to conflicted messaging that impedes inclusive health research. We then review existing literature to illustrate how different types of play including games, chatbots, virtual worlds, and creative art making can contribute to research in chronic pain. Inspired by Frederick Steier's application of Bateson's theory to designing a science museum, we propose DiSPORA (Digital Strategy for Play-Oriented Research and Action), a virtual citizen science laboratory which provides a framework for delivering health information, tools for play-based experimentation, and data collection capacity, but is flexible in allowing participants to choose the mode and the extent of their interaction. Combined with other data management platforms used in epidemiological studies of neuropsychiatric illness, DiSPORA offers a tool for large-scale qualitative research, digital phenotyping, and advancing personalized medicine.
Estimation of the Lethality Rate, Recovery Rate, and Case Fatality Ratio of Classical Swine Fever in Japanese Wild Boar: An Analysis of the Epidemics From September 2018 to March 2019
Authors: Matsuyama Ryota , Yamamoto Takehisa , Hayama Yoko , Omori Ryosuke
Published: December 2021

Understanding the morbidity and lethality of diseases is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of countermeasure against the epidemics (e.g., vaccination). To estimate them, detailed data on host population dynamics are required; however, estimating the population size for wildlife is often difficult. We aimed to elucidate the morbidity and lethality of classical swine fever (CSF) currently highly prevalent in the wild boar population in Japan. To this end, we estimated lethality rate, recovery rate, and case fatality ratio (CFR) of CSF without detailed data on the population estimates of wild boar. A mathematical model was constructed to describe the CSF dynamics and population dynamics of wild boar. We fitted the model to the (i) results of the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for the CSFV gene and the (ii) results of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for the antibody against CSFV in sampled wild boar. In the 280 wild boar sampled from September 2018 to March 2019 in the major CSF-affected area in Japan, the lethality rate and recovery rate of CSF per week were estimated as 0.165 (95% confidence interval: 0.081–0.250) and 0.004 (0–0.009), respectively. While the estimate of lethality rate of CSF was similar with the estimates in previous studies, the recovery rate was lower than those reported previously. CFR was estimated as 0.959 (0.904–0.981) using our estimate of recovery rate. This study is the first to estimate lethality rate of CSF from the dynamics of CSF epidemics in the wild boar population. Since the value of CFR is sensitive to the value of recovery rate, the accuracy in the estimate of recovery rate is a key for the accurate estimation of CFR. A long-term transmission experiment of moderately virulent strains may lead to more accurate estimation of the recovery rate and CFR of CSF.
The Ovarian Development Genes of Bisexual and Parthenogenetic Haemaphysalis longicornis Evaluated by Transcriptomics and Proteomics
Authors: Wang Tianhong , Wang Tongxuan , Zhang Meng , Shi Xinyue , Zhang Miao , Wang Hui , Yang Xiaolong , Yu Zhijun , Liu Jingze
Published: December 2021

The tick Haemaphysalis longicornis has two reproductive groups: a bisexual group (HLBP) and a parthenogenetic group (HLPP). The comparative molecular regulation of ovarian development in these two groups is unexplored. We conducted transcriptome sequencing and quantitative proteomics on the ovaries of HLBP and HLPP, in different feeding stages, to evaluate the molecular function of genes associated with ovarian development. The ovarian tissues of HLBP and HLPP were divided into three feeding stages (early-fed, partially-fed and engorged). A total of 87,233 genes and 2,833 proteins were annotated in the ovary of H. longicornis in the different feeding stages. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of functional pathway analysis indicated that Lysosome, MAPK Signaling Pathway, Phagosome, Regulation of Actin Cytoskeleton, Endocytosis, Apoptosis, Insulin Signaling Pathway, Oxidative Phosphorylation, and Sphingolipid Metabolism were most abundant in the ovary of H. longicornis in the different feeding stages. Comparing the DEGs between HLBP and HLPP revealed that the ABC Transporter, PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway and cAMP Signaling Pathway were the most enriched and suggested that the functions of signal transduction mechanisms may have changed during ovarian development. The functions of the annotated proteome of ovarian tissues were strongly correlated with the transcriptome annotation results, and these were further validated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In the HLBP, the expression of cathepsin L, secreted proteins and glycosidase proteins was significantly up-regulated during feeding stages. In the HLPP, the lysozyme, yolk proteins, heat shock protein, glutathione S transferase, myosin and ATP synthase proteins were up-regulated during feeding stages. The significant differences of the gene expression between HLBP and HLPP indicated that variations in the genetic background and molecular function might exist in the two groups. These results provide a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanism and exploring the functions of genes in the ovarian development of different reproductive groups of H. longicornis.
High Precision Motion Control of Electro-Mechanical Launching Platform with Modeling Uncertainties: A New Integrated Error Constraint Asymptotic Design
Authors: Dong Zhenle , Yang Yinghao , Li Geqiang , Zhang Zheng
Published: December 2021

For the demands of a high precision motion control of an uncertain electro-mechanical launching platform, a novel integrated error constraint asymptotic control in the presence of parametric uncertainties and uncertain disturbance is proposed, of which the barrier function method and a continuous asymptotic control design are integrated for the first time. The former technique can effectively avoid excessive tracking errors at the transient phase, which is caused by the disturbance and the large uncertain system parameters’ deviation between the initial estimated value and the actual value, by selecting a proper barrier threshold, while the latter technique can handle the uncertain disturbance to achieve asymptotic tracking. A rigorous stability analysis is given to illustrate the theoretical performance. In addition, as a supplementary measure, repetitive control is employed to estimate and compensate the possible periodic-like disturbance under certain conditions. Two experimental cases on a prototype of a launching platform demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Peanut Germplasm Evaluation for Agronomic Traits and Disease Resistance under a Two-Season Cropping System in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Hsin-I , Dai Hung-Yu , Wu Yong-Pei , Tseng Yu-Chien
Published: December 2021

Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important crop worldwide, and peanut germplasm is an important genetic resource for peanut breeding. The two-season cropping system is common in tropical and subtropical regions, which are the main peanut production areas. The weather in the two cropping seasons is usually distinct and makes germplasm evaluation challenging. In this study, random stratified sampling based on market type was applied to build a core collection. Comparisons between the original entire collection and core collection were conducted. Two seasons field trials were performed with additional three seasons rust resistance evaluation trials. Principal component analysis and genotype-by-trait biplots were utilized as selection tools. Which-won-where/what and stability plot relationships were determined to provide breeders with an easy and efficient method for selection. Rust resistance simple sequence repeat and single nucleotide polymorphism markers were used to screen the germplasm. Some resistant accessions showed susceptible phenotypes, indicating that under Taiwan’s environment, the favored rust physiological races are different from those of other areas. Some potential rust resistance lines were discovered and validated, which can survive under variable weather conditions in a two-season cropping system. A set of markers was developed for utilization for rust resistance screening in Taiwan.
Factors Affecting Adult Captures of the Cotton Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Pheromone-Baited Traps
Authors: Karakasis Alkiviadis , Lampiri Evagelia , Rumbos Christos I. , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: December 2021

The effects of funnel-trap color, trap height and pheromone formulation on the adult captures of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were evaluated in traps that were suspended in cotton fields in central Greece. Briefly, in a first trial, the efficacy of funnel traps of three different colors, i.e., green, striped (with black and white stripes) and white, was comparatively evaluated, whereas in a second trial green funnel traps were placed at three heights, i.e., 30, 60 and 90 cm from the ground. Finally, in a third trial we tested the efficiency of green funnel traps with three commercially available pheromone lures. Considering the overall captures, trap color and pheromone formulation affected male captures, whereas trap height had no influence. Captures notably increased in all traps from late August to mid-September. In total, the white funnel trap captured more moths than the green or striped funnel traps. Placement of the traps at different heights did not significantly affect captures, but seasonal differences were observed at individual dates during the trapping period. Barrettine’s pheromone lure provided significantly more captures than the other two (Russell, Trécé) in some of the trap-check dates. The results can be further utilized in the monitoring protocols of H. armigera in cotton fields.
Yield Assessment of Maize Varieties under Varied Water Application in Semi-Arid Conditions of Southern Mozambique
Authors: Nhantumbo Alfredo , Famba Sebastião , Fandika Isaac , Cambule Armindo , Phiri Elijah
Published: December 2021

Maize is one of the most important staple food crops in Mozambique. Its production is country-wise dominated by smallholder farmers (more than 90%) under rain-fed conditions, where the risk of crop failure is high, especially under semi-arid conditions in southern Mozambique. Several maize genotypes have been developed for the broad agro-ecological zone adaptation but lack strong evidence about their productivity and yield stability to support decision-making in farming systems. In order to assess the yield and yield stability of maize genotypes under different environments, five identical on-station trials were implemented in the period 2017 to 2019, covering summer and winter seasons in the semi-arid region of southern Mozambique. The trials were established at the experimental station of the Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (UEM) in Sábie and at the Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique (IIAM) in Chókwe. A strip-plot design in a randomized complete block arrangement with 15 maize genotypes, and three water application (rainfall plus irrigation) levels in four replications was followed in a line-source irrigation arrangement. The water application levels varied from 151 mm to 804 mm, covering different water regimes. Under well-watered summer conditions, the genotypes G6 and G12 showed high yield and high grain yield stability. In the drier conditions, either in summer or winter, the G2 and G11 genotypes produced higher grain yield but with low stability. Both groups of genotypes have a high potential to be included in technology transfer packages to smallholder farmers to address food security or large-scale commercial farmers differently.
Root Trait Diversity in Field Grown Durum Wheat and Comparison with Seedlings
Authors: Boudiar Ridha , Cabeza Alejandra , Fernández-Calleja Miriam , Pérez-Torres Antonio , Casas Ana M. , González Juan M. , Mekhlouf Abdelhamid , Igartua Ernesto
Published: December 2021

Roots are important for crop adaptation, particularly in dryland environments. We evaluated root development of 37 durum wheat genotypes (modern cultivars and landraces) in the field at the adult plant stage, through a shovelomics approach. Large genotypic variability was found for root traits. Differences between the landraces and modern cultivars were the main driver of this variation, with landraces showing higher plant vigor for roots and shoots. Nonetheless, genotypic variation within groups was also observed, related to different models of root growth, largely independent of total root length. These two models represented root growth were oriented either to occupy more soil volume, or to occupy less soil volume with increased density. The field results were then compared with root data previously collected in seedlings using a filter paper-based method, to assess whether early root anticipated adult root features. Field plants showed a narrower root angle than seedlings. In particular, landraces presented a narrower root angle than cultivars, but only at seedling stage. Potentially useful correlations were found between the two growth stages for root length and number.
Analyses of Chloroplast Genome of Eutrema japonicum Provide New Insights into the Evolution of Eutrema Species
Authors: Li Mengyao , Zhang Ran , Li Jie , Zheng Kaimin , Xiao Jiachang , Zheng Yangxia
Published: December 2021

Wasabi (Eutrema japonicum) is a vegetable of Brassicaceae family, currently cultivated in Southwest Asia. It is rich in nutritional and has a spicy flavour. It is regarded as a rare condiment worldwide. Its genetic profile for yield improvement and the development of E. japonicum germplasm resources remains unknown. Cognizant of this, this study sequenced and assembled the chloroplast (cp) genome of E. japonicum to enrich our genomic information of wasabi and further understand genetic relationships within the Eutrema species. The structural characteristics, phylogeny, and evolutionary relationship of cp genomes among other Brassicaceae plants were analyzed and compared to those of Eutrema species. The cp genome of E. japonicum has 153,851 bp with a typical quadripartite structure, including 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 87 protein-coding genes. It contains 290 simple sequence repeats and prefers to end their codons with an A or T, which is the same as other Brassicaceae species. Moreover, the cp genomes of the Eutrema species had a high degree of collinearity and conservation during the evolution process. Nucleotide diversity analysis revealed that genes in the IR regions had higher Pi values than those in LSC (Large single copy) and SSC (Small single copy) regions, making them potential molecular markers for wasabi diversity studies. The analysis of genetic distance between Eutrema plants and other Brassicacea plants showed that intraspecies variation was found to be low, while large differences were found between genera and species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 29 cp genomes revealed the existence of a close relationship amongst the Eutrema species. Overall, this study provides baseline information for cp genome-based molecular breeding and genetic transformation studies of Eutrema plants.
Growth and Flowering Characteristics of Oncidium Gower Ramsey Varieties under Various Fertilizer Management Treatments in Response to Light Intensities
Authors: Chang Chia-Man , Lin Kuan-Hung , Huang Meng-Yuan , Chen Chung-I , Hsueh Mei-Li , Wang Ching-Wen , Yeh Kai-Wen
Published: December 2021

Oncidium are grown worldwide and play important economic roles. The objective of this study was to investigate the pseudobulb growth and flowering characteristics of the two Oncidesa Gower Ramsey cultivars, ‘Honey Angel (HA)’ and ‘Golden Star (GS)’, cultivated under 3 kinds of fertilizer treatments in response to 40% light intensity (LI-40) and 30% light intensity (LI-30, as control) photosynthetic photon flux density over a 5-month period. The conventional-fertilizer (CF) treatment, as a control, consisted of a liquid manure solution of N:K = 1:1.12, mixed with 7.8% N, 0.8% P2O5, 0.3% K2O, and 57.3% of organic matter that was foliage-applied to plants twice weekly. The stage-fertilizer (SF) treatment consisted of N:P:K = 1:1:5 foliage-applied to plants in an unsheathing pseudobulb stage until reaching inflorescence, followed by N:P:K = 1:1:1 application until the end of the experiment. The fortnight-fertilizer (FF) treatment consisted of N:P:K = 1:1:5 and N:P:K = 1:1:1 with interval-rotate foliage-application to plants weekly until the end of the experiment. Pseudobulb length (PL), pseudobulb major axis (PW), and pseudobulb minor axis (PT), and inflorescence length (FL), number of pedicel (FB), and floret numbers (FN) per plant were recorded and calculated from two months after pseudobulb maturity until the end of the five-month experimental period. The GS variety significantly increased PL when treated with CF and FF compared to HA, and GS treated with CF under LI-30 exhibited the longest PL at 81.65 mm. PW increased as LI increased under FF treatment, and the largest PW was observed in GS treated with FF under LI-40. A maximal and significant increase in PT occurred in LI-40 compared to LI-30 under the CF treatment. GS had a significantly higher FL compared to HA treated with CF, and the longest FL was detected in GS under LI-30. HA had a significantly higher FB and FN under LI-40 than under LI-30, and the highest number of FB and FN in HA occurred when it was treated with CF and SF, respectively. Precision management of fertilization treatments in response to LI can maximize pseudobulb growth, development, and flowering quality in Oncidesa species.
Lettuce Production under Mini-PV Modules Arranged in Patterned Designs
Authors: Carreño-Ortega Angel , do Paço Teresa A. , Díaz-Pérez Manuel , Gómez-Galán Marta
Published: December 2021

The growing need for clean energy and food production are favoring the use of underused spaces, such as rooftops. This study aims to demonstrate the compatibility of the use of rooftops both for the production of photovoltaic energy and for the production of food, despite the fact that both compete for the same resource, sunlight (rooftop agrivoltaic). In the experiment reported in this study, which was carried out in Almería (Spain) during the spring and summer of 2021, three shade treatments were tested for a lettuce crop, produced by photovoltaic modules with different arrangements: concentrated shade (CS), scattered shade (SS) and full sun (FS). This experiment was repeated in two seasons with high radiation levels and temperature. The results show that in these environmental conditions, the cultivation of plants that demand little sunlight, such as lettuce, is compatible with the shading produced by photovoltaic panels. In addition, it is shown that the same percentage of the area covered with shade (22%), but using mini-PV modules arranged in patterns, improves the productivity (fresh weight, dry matter, number of leaves, maximum length and dry matter of roots) of lettuce cultivation, both in spring and summer.
Molecular Survey of Viral Poultry Diseases with an Indirect Public Health Significance in Central Ethiopia
Authors: Wayou Behailu Assefa , Kassa Gezahegne Mamo , Pasotto Daniela , Sori Teshale , Tucciarone Claudia Maria , Cecchinato Mattia
Published: December 2021

The importance of poultry production is globally increasing, in Ethiopia as well, where high-quality protein and contained costs make poultry a valuable food resource. However, this entails some problems linked to rural, backyard and intensively reared flock proximity and pathogen circulation. This study is aimed at monitoring the presence of important viral pathogens in poultry (infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV)) in Ethiopia. Respiratory and cloacal swabs and bursa of Fabricius and kidney imprints on FTA cards were collected in 2021 from 16 farms and tested for IBV, aMPV, NDV and IBDV. One farm was positive for IBDV, resulting in strains similar to those present in vaccines, belonging to genogroup A1a; two farms were positive for IBV but, due to sensitivity limits, only one sample was sequenced, resulting in a 4/91-like strain (GI-13); a layer farm tested positive for NDV with a Lasota-like vaccine strain. These findings suggest a low presence of these pathogens, probably due to the implementation of vaccination strategies, which is also testified by the detection of vaccine strains. A close diagnostic activity should be implemented on a routine basis in order to monitor pathogen circulation, ameliorate biosecurity measures and protect animal health and production levels.
Inhibition of MurA Enzyme from Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by Diterpenes from Lepechinia meyenii and Their Synthetic Analogs
Authors: Funes Chabán Macarena , Hrast Martina , Frlan Rok , Graikioti Dafni G. , Athanassopoulos Constantinos M. , Carpinella María Cecilia
Published: December 2021

Enzymes MurA and MurF, involved in bacterial cell wall synthesis, have been validated as targets for the discovery of novel antibiotics. A panel of plant-origin antibacterial diterpenes and synthetic analogs derived therefrom were investigated for their inhibitory properties on these enzymes from Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Six compounds were proven to be effective for inhibiting MurA from both bacteria, with IC50 values ranging from 1.1 to 25.1 µM. To further mechanistically investigate the nature of binding and to explain the activity, these compounds were docked into the active site of MurA from E. coli. The aromatic ring of the active compounds showed a T-shaped π–π interaction with the phenyl ring of Phe328, and at least one hydrogen bond was formed between the hydroxy groups and Arg120 and/or Arg91. The results disclosed here establish new chemical scaffolds for the development of novel entities targeting MurA as potential antibiotics to combat the threat of pathogenic bacteria, particularly resistant strains.
Infection Control for a Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Outbreak in an Advanced Emergency Medical Services Center
Authors: Sakai Yoshiro , Gotoh Kenji , Nakano Ryuichi , Iwahashi Jun , Miura Miho , Horita Rie , Miyamoto Naoki , Yano Hisakazu , Kannae Mikinori , Takasu Osamu , Watanabe Hiroshi
Published: December 2021

Background: A carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) outbreak occurred in an advanced emergency medical service center [hereafter referred to as the intensive care unit (ICU)] between 2016 and 2017. Aim: Our objective was to evaluate the infection control measures for CRE outbreaks. Methods: CRE strains were detected in 16 inpatients located at multiple sites. Environmental cultures were performed and CRE strains were detected in 3 of 38 sites tested. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and detection of β-lactamase genes were performed against 25 CRE strains. Findings: Molecular typing showed the PFGE patterns of two of four Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were closely related and the same MLST (ST2388), and four of five Enterobacter cloacae strains were closely related and same MLST (ST252). Twenty-three of 25 CRE strains harbored the IMP-1 β-lactamase gene and 15 of 23 CRE strains possessed IncFIIA replicon regions. Despite interventions by the infection control team, new inpatients with the CRE strain continued to appear. Therefore, the ICU was partially closed and the inpatients with CRE were isolated, and the ICU staff was divided into two groups between inpatients with CRE and non-CRE strains to avoid cross-contamination. Although the occurrence of new cases dissipated quickly after the partial closure, a few months were required to eradicate the CRE outbreak. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the various and combined measures that were used for infection control were essential in stopping this CRE outbreak. In particular, partial closure to isolate the ICU and division of the ICU staff were effective.
Characterization of Fruit Development, Antioxidant Capacity, and Potential Vasoprotective Action of Peumo (Cryptocarya alba), a Native Fruit of Chile
Authors: Valdenegro Mónika , Bernales Maricarmen , Knox Marcela , Vinet Raúl , Caballero Eduardo , Ayala-Raso Aníbal , Kučerová Denisa , Kumar Rohitesh , Viktorová Jitka , Ruml Tomáš , Figueroa Carlos R. , Fuentes Lida
Published: December 2021

The peumo (Cryptocarya alba) is a native fruit from central Chile that belongs to the Lauraceae family. To characterize the development and the potential health benefits of this edible fruit, quality and physiological parameters, along with antioxidant capacity, were evaluated during three clearly defined developmental stages of the fruit in two seasons. The most distinguishable attributes of ripe fruit were the change in size and color. Low CO2 production and no detectable ethylene levels suggested non-climacteric behavior of the peumo fruit. Peumo demonstrate a significant increase in their antioxidant capacity per 1 g of fresh weight (FW) of the sample, from small to ripe fruit. Higher values in ripe fruit (FRAP: 37.1–38.3 µmol FeSO4/gFW, TEAC: 7.9–8.1 mmol TE/gFW, DPPH: 8.4-8.7 IC50 μg/mL, and ORAC: = 0.19–0.20 mmol TE/gFW) were observed than those in blueberry fruit (FRAP: 4.95 µmol FeSO4/gFW, TEAC: 1.25 mmol TE/gFW, DPPH: 11.3 IC50 μg/mL, and ORAC: 0.032 mmol TE/ gFW). The methanol extracts of ripe fruit displayed the presence of polyphenol acids and quercetin, an ORAC value of 0.637 ± 0.061 mmol TE per g dried weight (DW), and a high cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, the latter exceeding the effect of quercetin and indomethacin used as standard molecules. Also, the assay of isolated rat aorta with endothelium-dependent relaxation damage demonstrated that the peumo extract induced vascular protection, depending on its concentration under a high glucose condition. These results demonstrate that these endemic fruits have a good chance as ingredients or foods with functional properties.
A Study on Highway Driving Assist Evaluation Method Using the Theoretical Formula and Dual Cameras
Authors: Kim Bong-Ju , Lee Seon-Bong
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we propose a method to evaluate Highway Driving Assist (HDA) systems using the theoretical formula and dual cameras, which eliminates the need of experts or expensive equipment and reduces the time, effort, and cost required in such tests. A theoretical evaluation formula that can be calculated was proposed and used. The optimal position of the dual cameras, image and focal length correction, and lane detection methods proposed in previous studies were used, and a theoretical equation for calculating the distance from the front wheel of the vehicle to the driving lane was proposed. For the actual vehicle testing, HDA safety evaluation scenarios proposed in previous studies were used. According to the test results, the maximum errors were within 10%. It was determined that the representative cause of the maximum error occurred in the dual camera installed in the test vehicle. Problems such as road surface vibration, shaking due to air resistance, changes in ambient brightness, and the process of focusing the video occurred during driving. In the future, it is judged that it will be necessary to verify the complex transportation environment during morning and evening rush hour, and it is believed that tests will be needed in bad weather such as snow and rain.
The Spatial Optimization of Emergency Shelters Based on an Urban-Scale Evacuation Simulation
Authors: Chen Wei , Shi Yijun , Wang Wei , Li Wenjing , Wu Chao
Published: December 2021

As an important space for disaster prevention, the construction of emergency shelters is crucial for the creation of a complete disaster relief facility network. Based on the goal of the prevention of day and night disaster, short-term fixed shelters are taken as the study object of the present work, and models are designed for evacuation simulation and the spatial optimization of shelters. According to the simulation, 680 of the 2334 demand points were found to be incompletely evacuated, and the average time for everyone to be evacuated was 10.3 min. Moreover, of the 888 short-term fixed shelters, only 218 did not reach their maximum capacity. In the context of short-term fixed sheltering, Haizhu was found to have the largest number of non-evacuated people (1.11 million), and the average number of non-evacuated people in Yuexiu was the largest (2184). According to the spatial optimization data of the shelters, the numbers of target plots for new shelter resources that must be added in Haizhu, Yuexiu, Liwa, and Tianhe are 406, 164, 141, and 136, respectively, the effective shelter areas of which are 2,621,100, 2,175,300, 812,100, and 1,344,600 m2, respectively. A total of 487 short-term fixed shelters and 360 temporary shelters were newly added, and the recommended scales for Haizhu, Liwan, Tianhe, and Yuexiu were 243, 70, 58, and 116, respectively, with average effective areas of 6169 m2, 5577 m2, 8707 m2, and 12,931 m2, respectively. Additionally, the recommended scales of newly added temporary shelters in Haizhu, Liwan, Tianhe, and Yuexiu are 163, 71, 78, and 48, with an average effective area of 2706, 2581, 4017, and 6234 m2, respectively. These findings provide a direct quantitative basis for the spatial optimization of various types of emergency shelters, and the method proposed in this paper supports the planning and layout of emergency shelters, as well as the improvement of the efficiency of urban resource allocation.
The Influence of Transitional Metal Dopants on Reducing Chlorine Evolution during the Electrolysis of Raw Seawater
Authors: Adiga Prajwal , Doi Nathan , Wong Cindy , Santosa Daniel M. , Kuo Li-Jung , Gill Gary A. , Silverstein Joshua A. , Avalos Nancy M. , Crum Jarrod V. , Engelhard Mark H. , Stoerzinger Kelsey A. , Asmussen Robert Matthew
Published: December 2021

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a possible route to the expanded generation of green hydrogen; however, a long-term challenge is the requirement of fresh water as an electrolyzer feed. The use of seawater as a direct feed for electrolytic hydrogen production would alleviate fresh water needs and potentially open an avenue for locally generated hydrogen from marine hydrokinetic or off-shore power sources. One environmental limitation to seawater electrolysis is the generation of chlorine as a competitive anodic reaction. This work evaluates transition metal (W, Co, Fe, Sn, and Ru) doping of Mn-Mo-based catalysts as a strategy to suppress chlorine evolution while sustaining catalytic efficiency. Electrochemical evaluations in neutral chloride solution and raw seawater showed the promise of a novel Mn-Mo-Ru electrode system for oxygen evolution efficiency and enhanced catalytic activity. Subsequent stability testing in a flowing raw seawater flume highlighted the need for improved catalyst stability for long-term applications of Mn-Mo-Ru catalysts. This work highlights that elements known to be selective toward chlorine evolution in simple oxide form (e.g., RuO2) may display different trends in selectivity when used as isolated dopants, where Ru suppressed chlorine evolution in Mn-based catalysts.
Classification of Imbalanced Travel Mode Choice to Work Data Using Adjustable SVM Model
Authors: Qian Yufeng , Aghaabbasi Mahdi , Ali Mujahid , Alqurashi Muwaffaq , Salah Bashir , Zainol Rosilawati , Moeinaddini Mehdi , Hussein Enas E.
Published: December 2021

The investigation of travel mode choice is an essential task in transport planning and policymaking for predicting travel demands. Typically, mode choice datasets are imbalanced and learning from such datasets is challenging. This study deals with imbalanced mode choice data by developing an algorithm (SVMAK) based on a support vector machine model and the theory of adjusting kernel scaling. The kernel function’s choice was evaluated by applying the likelihood-ratio chi-square and weighting measures. The empirical assessment was performed on the 2017 National Household Travel Survey–California dataset. The performance of the SVMAK model was compared with several other models, including neural networks, XGBoost, Bayesian Network, standard support vector machine model, and some SVM-based models that were previously developed to handle the imbalanced datasets. The SVMAK model outperformed these models, and in some cases improved the accuracy of the minority class classification. For the majority class, the accuracy improvement was substantial. This algorithm can be applied to other tasks in the transport planning domain that deal with uneven data distribution.
Using the Data Quality Dashboard to Improve the EHDEN Network
Authors: Blacketer Clair , Voss Erica A. , DeFalco Frank , Hughes Nigel , Schuemie Martijn J. , Moinat Maxim , Rijnbeek Peter R.
Published: December 2021

Federated networks of observational health databases have the potential to be a rich resource to inform clinical practice and regulatory decision making. However, the lack of standard data quality processes makes it difficult to know if these data are research ready. The EHDEN COVID-19 Rapid Collaboration Call presented the opportunity to assess how the newly developed open-source tool Data Quality Dashboard (DQD) informs the quality of data in a federated network. Fifteen Data Partners (DPs) from 10 different countries worked with the EHDEN taskforce to map their data to the OMOP CDM. Throughout the process at least two DQD results were collected and compared for each DP. All DPs showed an improvement in their data quality between the first and last run of the DQD. The DQD excelled at helping DPs identify and fix conformance issues but showed less of an impact on completeness and plausibility checks. This is the first study to apply the DQD on multiple, disparate databases across a network. While study-specific checks should still be run, we recommend that all data holders converting their data to the OMOP CDM use the DQD as it ensures conformance to the model specifications and that a database meets a baseline level of completeness and plausibility for use in research.
Interaction between Screw Dislocation and Interfacial Crack in Fine-Grained Piezoelectric Coatings under Steady-State Thermal Loading
Authors: Hu Shuaishuai , Li Junlin
Published: December 2021

The mechanical behavior of fine-grained piezoelectric/substrate structure with screw dislocation and interface edge crack under the coupling action of heat, force and electricity are studied. Using the mapping function method, firstly, the finite area plane is transformed into the right semi-infinite plane, then the expression of the temperature field is given with the help of the complex function, and then the temperature field of the problem is achieved. By constructing the general solution of the governing equation with temperature function, the analytical expression of the image force is derived. Finally, the effects of material parameters, temperature gradient, coating thickness and crack size on image force are analyzed by numerical examples. The results show that the temperature gradient has a very significant effect on the image force, and thicker coating is conducive to the stability of dislocation and interface crack.
A General Framework for Visualization of Sound Collections in Musical Interfaces
Authors: Roma Gerard , Xambó Anna , Green Owen , Tremblay Pierre Alexandre
Published: December 2021

While audio data play an increasingly central role in computer-based music production, interaction with large sound collections in most available music creation and production environments is very often still limited to scrolling long lists of file names. This paper describes a general framework for devising interactive applications based on the content-based visualization of sound collections. The proposed framework allows for a modular combination of different techniques for sound segmentation, analysis, and dimensionality reduction, using the reduced feature space for interactive applications. We analyze several prototypes presented in the literature and describe their limitations. We propose a more general framework that can be used flexibly to devise music creation interfaces. The proposed approach includes several novel contributions with respect to previously used pipelines, such as using unsupervised feature learning, content-based sound icons, and control of the output space layout. We present an implementation of the framework using the SuperCollider computer music language, and three example prototypes demonstrating its use for data-driven music interfaces. Our results demonstrate the potential of unsupervised machine learning and visualization for creative applications in computer music.
Frequency-Tunable Pulsed Microwave Waveform Generation Based on Unbalanced Single-Arm Interferometer Excited by Near-Infrared Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Jia Xing , Tang Longhuang , Liu Shenggang , Ma Heli , Tao Tianjiong , Chen Long , Wu Jian , Li Chengjun , Wang Xiang , Zhang Linwen , Weng Jidong
Published: December 2021

Femtosecond laser-excited generation of frequency-tunable microwave pulses, based on an unbalanced single-arm interferometer with frequency-to-time mapping, has been proposed and demonstrated with easy-to-obtain commercial devices. The optical wave-to-microwave frequency conversion, which involves continuous tuning in the range from 2.0 GHz to 19.7 GHz, was achieved based on simple spatial–optical group delay adjustment. Additionally, the pulse duration of the microwave waveform was measured to be 24 ns as the length of the linear dispersion optical fiber was fixed at 20 km. In addition, owing to the designs of the single-arm optical path and polarization-independent interference, the generated microwave pulse train had better stability in terms of frequency and electrical amplitude. Furthermore, a near-triangular-shaped microwave pulse at 4.5 GHz was experimentally obtained by the superposition of two generated sinusoidal signals, which verified the potential of this system to synthesize special microwave waveform pulses.
The Spatial Structure of Passively Simulated Atmospheric Boundary Layer Turbulence
Authors: Zeng Jiadong , Zhang Zhitian , Li Mingshui , Li Zhiguo
Published: December 2021

Three types of turbulence fields were investigated using a research method combining wind tunnel tests and theoretical analysis to further explore the spatial structure of atmospheric boundary layer turbulence, which was passively simulated by a wind tunnel. The fundamental theory of turbulence is introduced, and some traditional theoretical coherence models based on isotropic turbulence theory are derived. The difference between the theoretical results and the passive simulation of atmospheric boundary layer turbulence was compared and discussed. The analysis results show that the passively simulated atmospheric turbulence basically conformed to the homogeneous isotropic turbulence assumption on the horizontal plane, but the interference of the nonisotropic turbulence components cannot be ignored either. Finally, some improvements were made to the traditional coherence function model based on the experimental results to apply the passively simulated atmospheric boundary layer turbulence.
Anti-Aging Effects of Polyoxometalates on Skin
Authors: Fujinami Katsuyuki , Dan Katsuaki , Tanaka-Kagawa Toshiko , Kawamura Ikuo
Published: December 2021

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by inflammation and glycation contributes to various aging-related changes in the body. Therefore, inhibiting ROS production can prevent wrinkles, maculae, dullness, and slackness in skin. To assess the anti-aging effects of two polyoxometalates (PMs: VB2 and VB3) on skin, this study investigated whether they ameliorated the anti-aging responses of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) to oxidative stress due to ad-vanced glycation end products (AGEs) or H2O2 exposure. Compared with the mRNA expression levels of AGE receptors in cells exposed to AGEs alone, an additional treatment with VB2 or VB3 significantly increased the expression levels of FEEL-1, FEEL-2, and RAGE. Under AGE-induced stress conditions, the expression levels of five heat shock proteins were markedly increased by the VB treatments. Conversely, VBs suppressed the induction of cell death and intracellular ROS production. VBs also exerted prophylactic effects on these harmful events under stress conditions. Furthermore, VB treatments were found to prevent both the suppression of AQP-1/AQP-3 expression and the suppression of hyaluronan and elastin production induced via H2O2 exposure. These results show the potential of VB2 and VB3 as anti-aging agents.
A Geospatial Approach to Energy Planning in Aid of Just Energy Transition in Small Island Communities in the Philippines
Authors: Supapo Khrisydel Rhea M. , Lozano Lorafe , Tabañag Ian Dominic F. , Querikiol Edward M.
Published: December 2021

Providing electricity in off-grid island communities is a big challenge, exacerbated by the high cost of transporting fossil fuels and the non-viability of extending grid connections. Installing renewable energy systems in these areas is deemed a practical solution, especially supporting just energy transitions in these communities. However, the lack of information about resource availability and the most suitable locations hinders effective planning. This paper aims to determine the sufficiency of available renewable energy sources to meet the electricity demand of off-grid island communities. It is achieved through a three-phased approach: (1) an assessment stage; (2) geospatial analysis; and (3) technical potential estimation. The approach is applied in three island communities in Palawan, namely Araceli, Balabac, and Cuyo, where a diesel power plant currently provides electricity to its households and commercial/institutional establishments. The results indicate that the three islands can be powered by 3, 1.5, and 11 MW solar photovoltaic farms, respectively, which is sufficient to meet the projected demand until 2030. The approach can be helpful, especially for off-grid island communities, as they plan to provide universal electricity access using renewable energy sources.
Partitioning of NH3-NH4+ in the Southeastern U.S.
Authors: Cheng Bin , Wang-Li Lingjuan , Meskhidze Nicholas , Classen John , Bloomfield Peter
Published: December 2021

The formation of inorganic fine particulate matter (i.e., iPM2.5) is controlled by the thermodynamic equilibrium partitioning of NH3-NH4+. To develop effective control strategies of PM2.5, we aim to understand the impacts of changes in different precursor gases on iPM2.5 concentrations and partitioning of NH3-NH4+. To understand partitioning of NH3-NH4+ in the southeastern U.S., responses of iPM2.5 to precursor gases in four seasons were investigated using field measurements of iPM2.5, precursor gases, and meteorological conditions. The ISORROPIA II model was used to examine the effects of changes in total ammonia (gas + aerosol), total sulfuric acid (aerosol), and total nitric acid (gas + aerosol) on iPM2.5 concentrations and partitioning of NH3-NH4+. The results indicate that reduction in total H2SO4 is more effective than reduction in total HNO3 and total NH3 to reduce iPM2.5 especially under NH3-rich condition. The reduction in total H2SO4 may change partitioning of NH3-NH4+ towards gas-phase and may also lead to an increase in NO3− under NH3-rich conditions, which does not necessarily lead to full neutralization of acidic gases (pH < 7). Thus, future reduction in iPM2.5 may necessitate the coordinated reduction in both H2SO4 and HNO3 in the southeastern U.S. It is also found that the response of iPM2.5 to the change in total H2SO4 is more sensitive in summer than winter due to the dominance of SO42− salts in iPM2.5 and the high temperature in summer. The NH3 emissions from Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs) at an agricultural rural site (YRK) had great impacts on partitioning of NH3-NH4+. The Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model revealed a strong positive correlation between cation-NH4+ and anions-SO42− and NO3−. This research provides an insight into iPM2.5 formation mechanism for the advancement of PM2.5 control and regulation in the southeastern U.S.
In Vitro Hepatic Assessment of Cineole and Its Derivatives in Common Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and Rodents
Authors: Chand Ravneel , Nimick Mhairi , Cridge Belinda , Rosengren Rhonda
Published: December 2021

Folivore marsupials, such as brushtail possum (Trichosurus Vulpecula) and koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), can metabolise higher levels of dietary terpenes, such as cineole, that are toxic to eutherian mammals. While the highly efficient drug metabolising enzymes, cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and phase II conjugating enzymes (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, UGT), are involved in the metabolism of high levels of dietary terpenes, evidence for inhibitory actions on these enzymes by these terpenes is scant. Thus, this study investigated the effect of cineole and its derivatives on catalytic activities of hepatic CYP3A and UGT in mice, rats, and possums. Results showed that cineole (up to 50 µM) and its derivatives (up to 25 µM) did not significantly inhibit CYP3A and UGT activities in mice, rats, and possums (both in silico and in vitro). Interestingly, basal hepatic CYP3A catalytic activity in the possums was ~20% lower than that in rats and mice. In contrast, possums had ~2-fold higher UGT catalytic activity when compared to mice and rats. Thus, these basal enzymatic differences may be further exploited in future pest management strategies.