bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interplay of Environment and Biota in Assessing the Freshwater Quality in Karst
Authors: Borda Daniela R. , Cociuba Ioan , Epure Laura , Cruceru Nicolae , Meleg Ioana N.
Published: June 2022

Karst aquifers are both a valuable resource for humankind and a habitat for unique biota. The quality of freshwater sources may be easily affected by natural (e.g., geology, climate, and vegetation) and anthropogenic (e.g., agriculture, livestock, and tourism) changes, particularly in karst landscapes with highly vulnerable groundwater reservoirs. We seasonally monitored nine representative freshwater sources (i.e., six springs, a well, a surface stream, and a cave stream resurgence) in the karst system of the Runcuri Plateau (KSRP) (Western Romanian Carpathians) during seven sampling campaigns in 2019–2021. We assessed how these natural and anthropogenic factors influenced the water quality based on the European and national standards for drinking water. The geological structure (i.e., tectonics and lithology) of the KSRP was reassessed, and the environmental variables of the freshwater sites were investigated in order to evaluate their impact on the physicochemical profile, the microbial contamination, and on the meiofauna presence. Multivariate statistics were performed to gain insights into the interplay among all these factors and to evaluate the self-purification capacity of the KSRP for chemical and microbial pollutants. The most relevant drivers shaping the microbial content of the freshwater sources were the altitude of the sampling sites, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and air temperature, followed by the physicochemical profile of the waters (i.e., calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, nitrites, nitrates, conductivity, phosphates, total dissolved solids, and iron concentrations). The meiofauna presence was influenced mostly by precipitation, air temperature, and NDVI. Our results reflected the effect of the geological structure and environment on water chemistry and biota assemblages. A pollutant attenuation trend was observed in discharging waters, even though the self-purification capacity of the studied karst system was not statistically supported. More investigations are needed to comprehend the processes developed in the black box of the KSRP.
Arterial Spin Labeling Perfusion in Determining the IDH1 Status and Ki-67 Index in Brain Gliomas
Authors: Batalov Artem I. , Zakharova Natalia E. , Chekhonin Ivan V. , Pogosbekyan Eduard L. , Sudarikova Anna V. , Goryainov Sergey A. , Shulgina Anna A. , Belyaev Artem Yu. , Usachev Dmirti Yu. , Pronin Igor N.
Published: June 2022

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between tumor blood flow (TBF) measured by the pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (PCASL) method and IDH1 mutation status of gliomas as well as Ki-67 proliferative index. Methods. The study included 116 patients with newly diagnosed gliomas of various grades. They received no chemotherapy or radiotherapy before MRI. IDH1 status assessment was performed after tumor removal in 106 cases—48 patients were diagnosed with wildtype gliomas (Grade 1–2—6 patients, Grade 3–4—42 patients) and 58 patients were diagnosed with mutant forms of gliomas (Grade 1–2—28 patients, Grade 3–4—30 patients). In 64 cases out of 116 Ki-67 index was measured. Absolute and normalized tumor blood flow values were measured on 3D PCASL maps. Results. TBF and normalized TBF (nTBF) in wildtype gliomas were significantly higher than in IDH1-mutant gliomas (p < 0.001). ASL perfusion showed high values of sensitivity and specificity in the differential diagnosis of gliomas with distinct IDH1 status (for TBF: specificity 75%, sensitivity 77.6%, AUC 0.783, cutoff 80.57 mL/100 g/min, for nTBF: specificity 77.1%, sensitivity 79.3%, AUC 0.791, cutoff 4.7). TBF and nTBF in wildtype high-grade gliomas (HGG) were significantly higher than in mutant forms (p < 0.001). ASL perfusion showed the following values of sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of mutant HGG and wildtype HGG (for TBF: specificity 83.3%, sensitivity 60%, AUC 0.719, cutoff 84.18 mL/100 g/min, for nTBF: specificity 88.1%, sensitivity 60%, AUC 0.729, cutoff 4.7). There was a significant positive correlation between tumor blood flow and Ki-67 (for TBF Rs = 0.63, for nTBF Rs = 0.61). Conclusion. ASL perfusion may be an informative factor in determining the IDH1 status in brain gliomas preoperative and tumor proliferative activity.
Performance of a Deep Learning System for Automatic Diagnosis of Protruding Lesions in Colon Capsule Endoscopy
Authors: Mascarenhas Miguel , Afonso João , Ribeiro Tiago , Cardoso Hélder , Andrade Patrícia , Ferreira João P. S. , Saraiva Miguel Mascarenhas , Macedo Guilherme
Published: June 2022

Background: Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is an alternative for patients unwilling or with contraindications for conventional colonoscopy. Colorectal cancer screening may benefit greatly from widespread acceptance of a non-invasive tool such as CCE. However, reviewing CCE exams is a time-consuming process, with risk of overlooking important lesions. We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm using a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture for automatic detection of colonic protruding lesions in CCE images. An anonymized database of CCE images collected from a total of 124 patients was used. This database included images of patients with colonic protruding lesions or patients with normal colonic mucosa or with other pathologic findings. A total of 5715 images were extracted for CNN development. Two image datasets were created and used for training and validation of the CNN. The AUROC for detection of protruding lesions was 0.99. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 90.0%, 99.1%, 98.6% and 93.2%, respectively. The overall accuracy of the network was 95.3%. The developed deep learning algorithm accurately detected protruding lesions in CCE images. The introduction of AI technology to CCE may increase its diagnostic accuracy and acceptance for screening of colorectal neoplasia.
Added Value of CCTA-Derived Features to Predict MACEs in Stable Patients Undergoing Coronary Computed Tomography
Authors: Pergola Valeria , Cabrelle Giulio , Mattesi Giulia , Cattarin Simone , Furlan Antonio , Dellino Carlo Maria , Continisio Saverio , Montonati Carolina , Giorgino Adelaide , Giraudo Chiara , Leoni Loira , Bariani Riccardo , Barbiero Giulio , Bauce Barbara , Mele Donato , Perazzolo Marra Martina , De Conti Giorgio , Iliceto Sabino , Motta Raffaella
Published: June 2022

Clinical evidence has emphasized the importance of coronary plaques’ characteristics, rather than lumen stenosis, for the outcome of cardiovascular events. Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) has a well-established role as a non-invasive tool for assessing plaques. The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics and CCTA-derived information of stable patients with non-severe plaques in predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) during follow-up. We retrospectively selected 371 patients (64% male) who underwent CCTA in our center from March 2016 to January 2021 with Coronary Artery Disease—Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) 0 to 3. Of those, 198 patients (53% male) had CAD-RADS 0 to 1. Among them, 183 (49%) had normal pericoronary fat attenuation index (pFAI), while 15 (60% male) had pFAI ≥ 70.1 Hounsfield unit (HU). The remaining 173 patients (76% male) had CAD-RADS 2 to 3 and were divided into patients with at least one low attenuation plaque (LAP) and patients without LAPs (n-LAP). Compared to n-LAP, patients with LAPs had higher pFAI (p = 0.005) and had more plaques than patients with n-LAP. Presence of LAPs was significantly higher in elderly (p < 0.001), males (p < 0.001) and patients with traditional risk factors (hypertension p = 0.0001, hyperlipemia p = 0.0003, smoking p = 0.0003, diabetes p = <0.0001, familiarity p = 0.0007). Among patients with CAD-RADS 0 to 1, the ones with pFAI ≥ 70.1 HU were more often hyperlipidemic (p = 0.05) and smokers (p = 0.007). Follow-up (25,4 months, range: 17.6–39.2 months) demonstrated that LAP and pFAI ≥ 70.1 significantly and independently (p = 0.04) predisposed to outcomes (overall mortality and interventional procedures). There is an added value of CCTA-derived features in stratifying cardiovascular risk in low- to intermediate-risk patients with non-severe, non-calcified coronary plaques. This is of utmost clinical relevance as it is possible to identify a subset of patients with increased risk who need strengthening in therapeutic management and closer follow-up even in the absence of severe CAD. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of medical treatments on pericoronary inflammation and plaque composition.
Disseminated Primary Uterine Hepatoid Adenocarcinoma with α-Fetoprotein Production Demonstrated on 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Dejanovic Danijela , Boennelycke Marie , Amtoft Annemarie Gjelstrup , Christensen Charlotte Birk , Wetterstroem Victoria , Loft Annika , Noettrup Trine Jakobi
Published: June 2022

We present the 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) findings in a 57-year-old woman with post-menopausal bleeding diagnosed with hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) with a primary tumour in the uterine corpus and a highly elevated level of serum-α-fetoprotein (S-AFP) at presentation. HAC is a variant of adenocarcinoma with hepatic differentiation representing a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that morphologically and immunphenotypically resemble hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but are of extrahepatic origin. Microscopically, they are usually poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas proliferating in solid sheets or in a trabecular or cord-like arrangement. Primary uterine HAC is exceedingly rare with a general poor prognosis, and data is sparse and limited to case reports, making the clinical management challenging. Various primary anatomical sites have been reported in the literature, with the stomach being the most common primary site. 18F-FDG PET/CT plays an important role in staging and follow-up in many gynecological malignancies including uterine corpus cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing a primary uterine hepatoid adenocarcinoma with metastases to bone, vagina and lymph nodes on 18F-FDG PET/CT. By utilizing the ability of PET to detect early metabolic changes prior to visible structural changes on conventional imaging, this case illustrates a potential role of 18FDG-PET/CT in the staging of primary endometrial HAC by depicting distant metastasis that is not readily identifiable on CT alone.
Metals and Metallothionein Expression in Relation to Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunawickrama S. H. Nandana P. , Silva A. Rajith N. , Nanayakkara P. G. Chandra L. , Gunawickrama K. B. Suneetha , Jayasekara J. M. Kithsiri B. , Chandrasekharan Naduviladath V.
Published: June 2022

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology was investigated for metal relations in an endemic area by a cross-sectional study with CKD stages G1, G2, G3a, G3b, G4, G5 (ESRD), and endemic and nonendemic controls (EC and NEC) as groups. Subjects with the medical diagnosis were classified into groups by eGFR (SCr, CKD-EPI) and UACR of the study. It determined 24 metals/metalloids in plasma (ICPMS) and metallothionein (MT) mRNA in blood (RT-PCR). MT1A at G3b and MT2A throughout G2–G5 showed increased transcription compared to NEC (ANOVA, p < 0.01). Both MT1A and MT2A remained metal-responsive as associations emerged between MT2A and human MT inducer Cr (in EC: r = 0.54, p < 0.05, n = 14), and between MT1A and MT2A (in EC pooled with G1–G5: r = 0.58, p < 0.001, n = 110). Human MT (hMT)-inducers, namely Zn, Cu, As, Pb, and Ni; Σ hMT-inducers; 14 more non-inducer metals; and Σ MT-binding metals remained higher (p < 0.05) in EC as compared to NEC. Declining eGFR or CKD progression increased the burden of Be, Mg, Al, V, Co, Ni, Rb, Cs, Ba, Mn, Zn, Sr, Σ hMT-inducers, and Σ MT-binding metals in plasma, suggesting an MT role in the disease. MT1A/2A mRNA followed UACR (PCA, Dendrogram: similarity, 57.7%). The study provides evidence that proteinuric chronic renal failure may increase plasma metal levels where blood MT2A could be a marker.
Competency in Navigating Arbitrary Spaces as an Invariant for Analyzing Cognition in Diverse Embodiments
Authors: Fields Chris , Levin Michael
Published: June 2022

One of the most salient features of life is its capacity to handle novelty and namely to thrive and adapt to new circumstances and changes in both the environment and internal components. An understanding of this capacity is central to several fields: the evolution of form and function, the design of effective strategies for biomedicine, and the creation of novel life forms via chimeric and bioengineering technologies. Here, we review instructive examples of living organisms solving diverse problems and propose competent navigation in arbitrary spaces as an invariant for thinking about the scaling of cognition during evolution. We argue that our innate capacity to recognize agency and intelligence in unfamiliar guises lags far behind our ability to detect it in familiar behavioral contexts. The multi-scale competency of life is essential to adaptive function, potentiating evolution and providing strategies for top-down control (not micromanagement) to address complex disease and injury. We propose an observer-focused viewpoint that is agnostic about scale and implementation, illustrating how evolution pivoted similar strategies to explore and exploit metabolic, transcriptional, morphological, and finally 3D motion spaces. By generalizing the concept of behavior, we gain novel perspectives on evolution, strategies for system-level biomedical interventions, and the construction of bioengineered intelligences. This framework is a first step toward relating to intelligence in highly unfamiliar embodiments, which will be essential for progress in artificial intelligence and regenerative medicine and for thriving in a world increasingly populated by synthetic, bio-robotic, and hybrid beings.
“Out of Touch”—Recovering Sensibility after Burn Injury: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Tsolakidis Savas , Alharbi Ziyad , Rennekampff Hans Oliver , Schmidhammer Markus Robert , Schmidhammer Robert , Rosenauer Rudolf
Published: June 2022

Background: Full-thickness burn injuries (FTBI) not only lead to a significant burden in multiple ways, including social life and self-esteem, but have also a tremendous impact on environmental interaction by reducing sensibility in manifold ways. On these grounds, possible ways and solutions to recover sensibility in burn wounds are essentials and should not be overlooked. Methods: A review of experimental, clinical studies and the related literature was performed with the aim to highlight post-burn nerve regeneration and discover ways for sensory re-integration to complement the therapeutic concept. Results: In human burn injuries, it has been hypothesized that grafted cells, partly multipotent stem cells, could be additionally responsible for nerve regeneration in burn wound areas. In addition, burn eschar excision, performed within a short post-burn time frame, can reduce or even avoid long-term nerve damage by reducing post-burn toxic mediator release. Various animal studies could demonstrate sensory reinnervation of different qualities in burn wounds. Post-burn scar tissue prevents, or at least decelerates, nerve reinnervation, but could be reduced by targeted mediators. Conclusion: Sensory loss is present in skin grafted areas following full-thickness burn-wound excision, thereby leading to a reduction in quality of life. In addition, various mediators might reduce or avoid nerve damage and should be considered at an early stage as part of a holistic burn-patient therapeutic approach. In addition, supportive multifaceted physical therapy strategies are essential.
The Environmental and Health Impacts of Steroids and Hormones in Wastewater Effluent, as Well as Existing Removal Technologies: A Review
Authors: Yazdan Munshi Md. Shafwat , Kumar Raaghul , Leung Solomon W.
Published: June 2022

Micro-pollutants especially estrogens, progesterone, androgens, glucocorticoids, and growth hormones, are biological and chemical impurities that find their way into natural aquatic environments in trace quantities (ng/L), and possess a significant disturbance by impacting human and aquatic life. Due to the significant progress in in the analysis and detection techniques, these trace elements have been observed and quantified in several studies. However, as a result of limited methods and management technology, the adverse effects by these micro-pollutants in surface and coastal water is largely unknown. For this study, the compounds of estrogens, progesterone, androgens, glucocorticoids, and growth hormones have been selected according to their high frequent detection value in environmental waters. The concentration of the selected steroid and hormones ranges from 0.1–196 ng/L (estrogens), less than 0.1 to 439 ng/L (progesterone), 0.06–86 ± 2 (androgens), less than 0.1 to 433 ng/L (glucocorticoids), and 26.6 ng/g to 100 ng/L (growth hormones), and their percentage of removal efficiency varies from less than 10% to 99%, as the measurement of compounds concentration was found to be very low. Here, we report that future studies are necessary to detect the entry routes of these compounds into the environmental water, as well as to explore the technological approaches which are able to resolve this issue permanently.
Strategies for Attention to Diverse Education in Omani Society: Perceptions of Secondary School Students
Authors: Al Musawi Ali , Al-Ani Wajeha , Amoozegar Azadeh , Al-Abri Khalaf
Published: June 2022

In a climate of increasing multiculturalism in education, classrooms have become more diverse, offering educators and institutions both opportunities and challenges. In response to changing advancements and trends in education, school administrators claim that classroom diversity can develop students’ learning potential when properly harnessed and matched with inclusive pedagogy. This research reflects how diversity within the Omani education system can be enhanced by comparing the beliefs and experiences of students in diverse classrooms. This information provides a better understanding of students’ learning needs based on their perception of diversity. A descriptive study was performed with a quantitative approach, whereby a sample of 283 students completed a survey. The results indicate that female students rated more highly on the teaching method scale in comparison to male students. Additional post hoc tests on simple effects confirmed that non-Arab students tend to rate their teachers comparatively more highly in terms of teaching methods, curriculum design, assessment techniques, and practical skills than Omani and Arab pupils across the different subjects. This study offers valuable insights and practical strategies for cultivating diversity and inclusion in diverse settings in Omani schools.
Exploring the Unexpected Transition to Online Learning Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in an Ethiopian-Public-University Context
Authors: Bishaw Alemayehu , Tadesse Tefera , Campbell Chris , Gillies Robyn M.
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we present the initial changes and continuing challenges that are faced by teachers and students due to the unexpected transition to online learning from the COVID-19 pandemic at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. For this, the authors applied a phenomenological-case-study design, collecting qualitative data from purposively selected Ph.D. students (n = 10) and teachers (n = 4), examiners (n = 2), as well as the postgraduate coordinator. The results indicate that the teachers experienced some difficulties in effectively using learning technologies. Moreover, the students were overburdened with increased accountability and excessive challenges. However, the institutional capacity to support was relatively minimal. Despite these odds, the study participants showed higher levels of willingness and completed the program successfully. The study participants reported moderate satisfaction with their personal and professional experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic is an opportunity to remind universities and colleges about the essential skills that students need in this unpredictable world, for example, informed decision making, creative problem solving, and adaptability.
Roma University Students in Spain: Who Are They?
Authors: Flecha Ainhoa , Abad-Merino Silvia , Macías-Aranda Fernando , Segovia-Aguilar Blas
Published: June 2022

Roma people in Spain face situations of high deprivation, including high unemployment and early school leaving rates. The strategies to address this situation point to education as the means to overcome poverty and social exclusion. Although efforts have been made within compulsory education, scarce attention has been given to their performance once in higher education. Although young Roma people are reaching higher education more often than their parents, once at university they face specific barriers that hinder their opportunities. Using a mixed-methods approach, UNIROMA analyses those difficulties and formulates orientations to overcome them, thereby contributing to increasing the university graduation rates of Roma students. This paper presents the results of the quantitative fieldwork, consisting of an online questionnaire administered from May to July of 2020 to Roma students enrolled in Spanish universities. In the results, three main profiles were identified: traditional students, young students with other commitments (job and/or family responsibilities) and mature students. The results, concordant with research on other minority groups and higher education, provide evidence of the barriers that Roma students face in university due to the intersectionality of multiple factors of discrimination, namely, belonging to an ethnic minority and being more frequently first-generation, low SES and non-traditional students.
Finite Difference Pre-Stack Depth Migration of One-Way Wave Equation in Isotropic Visco-Acoustic Media of a Ray-Centered Coordinate System
Authors: Zhang Bohan , Wang Huazhong
Published: June 2022

In seismic exploration, obtaining accurate bandwidth of the reflected signal is essential for determining seismic resolution. A portion of the stored energy is attenuated during signal propagation, narrowing the received seismic signal bandwidth. Therefore, compensating the energy attenuation is important for improving the seismic resolution. The current method of compensating absorption and attenuation based on a single channel can only compensate the post-stack data (self-exciting and self-receiving), whereas in practice, seismic waves do not propagate along the self-exciting and self-receiving seismic wave path; the propagation path is complex. The absorption and attenuation depend on the propagation path. The primary methods used for Q-compensation along the propagation paths are one-way wave extrapolation in the Cartesian coordinate system and Gaussian beam Q-compensation migration in the ray-centered coordinate system. However, the large angle limits the one-way wave method, and the Gaussian beam method refers to the high-frequency approximation solution of the two-way wave equation. Therefore, a 15-degree equation in the ray-centered coordinate system is proposed. Seismic waves extrapolate along the ray, which compensates the absorption and attenuation along the real propagation path. The 15-degree equation in the ray-centered coordinate system does not perform high-frequency approximation in the ray beam and has no large angle limit, facilitating the accurate description of local wavefields in the ray beam.
The Identification of Travelling Waves in a Voltage Sensor Signal in a Medium Voltage Grid Using the Short-Time Matrix Pencil Method
Authors: Łukaszewski Piotr , Nogal Łukasz , Łukaszewski Artur
Published: June 2022

Most of the fault wave localization methods are based on the analysis of line current transformed by current transformers and are limited to high voltage grids. Fault wave localization in medium voltage grids is still being developed. This paper presents a new real-time algorithm for the identification of travelling waves in a distribution grid using voltage signal and the short-time matrix pencil method. To obtain the secondary side voltage waveforms at substation, the model of a resistive voltage sensor based on the broadband measurements from 10 Hz to 20 MHz was developed. The tested sensor amplifies the frequencies associated with travelling waves more than utility frequency allowing for the identification. Short-circuit simulations on the IEEE 34-bus feeder was performed to test the algorithm. The developed method can detect even the waves of low amplitude.
Soil C:N:P Stoichiometric Characteristics and Soil Quality Evaluation under Different Restoration Modes in the Loess Region of Northern Shaanxi Province
Authors: Gao Rui , Ai Ning , Liu Guangquan , Liu Changhai , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: June 2022

Vegetation restoration is essential for the stability of the ecological system structure and function in the loess region of North Shaanxi Province. Natural and artificial restoration are the primary modes for vegetation recovery and soil quality improvement in this region. In this study, two adjacent watersheds with similar ecological environment conditions but different restoration modes were selected for research; one watershed is restored naturally (He Gou watershed), and the other is restored artificially (Chai Gou watershed). According to the study of soil stoichiometric characteristics and soil quality after the vegetation restoration in these two watersheds, the results showed: (1) Compared with the natural restoration, artificial restoration was more effective in increasing the content of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen, however, the total phosphorus content of the soil in the natural restoration mode was higher than that in the artificial restoration mode. (2) The ratios of soil C:N, C:P, and N:P showed a decreasing trend with the increase of soil depth at these two restoration modes. (3) In the 0–60 cm soil layer, the soil quality under the artificial restoration mode was better than that of the natural restoration, especially for the soil layer beneath 20 cm. (4) The minimal data set on the soil quality evaluation in the study area included soil organic carbon, capillary water holding quantity, available potassium, soil water content and available phosphorus. It showed a linear relation with the total index data set (y = 0.829x + 0.058, R2 = 0.76) and can reflect the soil quality more sensitively than the total indicator data set.
Management or Climate and Which One Has the Greatest Impact on Forest Soil’s Protective Value? A Case Study in Romanian Mountains
Authors: Coșofreț Cosmin , Duduman Gabriel , Barnoaiea Ionuț , Bouriaud Olivier
Published: June 2022

The protective value of forests is expected to be affected by climate change. Applied forest management could absorb or enhance such an impact. In this context, we developed a new protective value index (PVI) that includes biometric and topographical indicators of forest stands. Using PVI and the LandClim model, we simulated 100 years with low- and high-intensity cuttings within three climate scenarios to analyze their influence on the protective value of forests included in the soil protection category. The management types had a low impact on PVI during the simulation period. However, the effects of moderate climate intensified in the second half of the simulation period. In contrast, the extreme climate had the highest impact on PVI and its variables throughout the whole period. The forest stands from lower elevation reached a higher protective value than intermediate and high elevation. Although the low-elevation forest stands are the most vulnerable to climate changes, the ongoing adaptation conducts to stands with higher protective value than stable forests from the higher elevation. The PVI is easily adaptable for different forest landscape models and can be widely applied to provide an integrated assessment of the forest protective value and the management measures to maintain or enhance it.
Maltose-Negative Yeast in Non-Alcoholic and Low-Alcoholic Beer Production
Authors: Yabaci Karaoglan Selin , Jung Rudolf , Gauthier Matthew , Kinčl Tomáš , Dostálek Pavel
Published: June 2022

Although beer is a widely used beverage in many cultures, there is a need for a new drinking alternative in the face of rising issues such as health concerns or weight problems. However, non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic beers (NABLAB) still have some sensory problems that have not been fully remedied today, such as “wort-like”/”potato-like” flavours or a lack of aroma. These defects are due to the lack of alcohol (and the lack of the aldehyde-reducing effect of alcohol fermentation), as well as production techniques. The use of new yeast strains that cannot ferment maltose—the foremost sugar in the wort—is highly promising to produce a more palatable and sustainable NABLAB product because production with these yeast strains can be performed with standard brewery equipment. In the scientific literature, it is clear that interest in the production of NABLAB has increased recently, and experiments have been carried out with maltose-negative yeast strains isolated from many different environments. This study describes maltose-negative yeasts and their aromatic potential for the production of NABLAB by comprehensively examining recent academic studies.
Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Steel-Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced High Strength Concrete Exposed to Various Temperatures
Authors: Tawfik Maged , El-said Amr , Deifalla Ahmed , Awad Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Combining different types of fibers inside a concrete mixture was revealed to improve the strength properties of cementitious matrices by monitoring crack initiation and propagation. The contribution of hybrid fibers needs to be thoroughly investigated, taking into consideration a variety of parameters such as fibers type and content. In this paper, the impact of integrating hybrid steel-polypropylene fibers on the mechanical properties of the concrete mixture was investigated. Hybrid fiber-reinforced high-strength concrete mixtures were tested for compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength. According to the results of the experiments, the addition of hybrid fibers to the concrete mixture improved the mechanical properties significantly, more than adding just one type of fiber for specimens exposed to room temperature. Using hybrid fibers in the concrete mixture increased compressive, tensile, and flexural strength by approximately 50%, 53%, and 46%, respectively, over just using one type of fiber. Furthermore, results showed that including hybrid fibers into the concrete mixture increased residual compressive strength for specimens exposed to high temperatures. When exposed to temperatures of 200 °C, 400 °C, and 600 °C, the hybrid fiber reinforced concrete specimens maintained 87%, 65%, and 42% of their initial compressive strength, respectively. In comparison, the control specimens, which were devoid of fibers, would be unable to tolerate temperatures beyond 200 °C, and an explosive thermal spalling occurred during the heating process.
Amino Acid Profiles in Peach (Prunus persica L.) Fruit
Authors: Sun Meng , Zhao Bintao , Cai Zhixiang , Yan Juan , Ma Ruijuan , Yu Mingliang
Published: June 2022

Amino acids play an interesting and important role in the metabolism of peaches. The objectives of this study were to investigate and compare amino acid profiles in peaches at harvest for future research about the resistance effects, nutritional value of amino acids in peaches and to produce high-quality peach wine. In the study, 10 peaches and nectarines, including white, yellow and red flesh varieties, were selected for amino acid concentration and composition by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results showed sugar levels in nectarines were higher than in peaches in this study. High concentrations of total acids were found in “Tropic Prince”, “Yixianhong”, “NJN76” and “Hongrou1”. Malic acids had the highest concentrations, compared toquinic and citric acid concentrations. Total amino acids in yellow and white flesh varieties were over 1100 µg/g FW, while red flesh varieties had total amino acids below 750 µg/g FW. Asn was the highest concentration compared to other amino acids, with the high concentration of Asn in “Tropical Prince’ (3279.15 µg/g FW) and the lowest concentration in “Touxinhong” (559.60 µg/g FW). “Jinxia”, “Yuhua3” and “Chengxiang” had better amino acid scores compared with others, in particularly the lowest value in the red flesh varieties. Finally, according to PCA and the heatmaps, amino acids in “Chengxiang”had evident differences to other varieties, which showed the different amino acid concentrations and composition. Overall, the results of this study highlighted three yellow flesh and one white flesh varieties that had satisfactory concentrations and components of amino acid values. In addition, amino acids were the precursors of aroma compounds, so these differences between varieties werea new way to screen the potential varieties for producing high quality peach wines with the anticipated specific characteristics.
Determining the Role of UTP-Glucose-1-Phosphate Uridylyltransferase (GalU) in Improving the Resistance of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM to Freeze-Drying
Authors: Zeng Zhidan , Zeng Xiaoqun , Guo Yuxing , Wu Zhen , Cai Zhendong , Pan Daodong
Published: June 2022

Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM is widely used in the fermentation industry; using it as a freeze-dried powder can greatly reduce the costs associated with packaging and transportation, and even prolong the storage period. Previously published research has reported that the expression of galU (EC: 2.7.7.9) is significantly increased as a result of freezing and drying. Herein, we aimed to explore how galU plays an important role in improving the resistance of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM to freeze-drying. For this study, galU was first knocked out and then re-expressed in L. acidophilus NCFM to functionally characterize its role in the pertinent metabolic pathways. The knockout strain ΔgalU showed lactose/galactose deficiency and displayed irregular cell morphology, shortened cell length, thin and rough capsules, and abnormal cell division, and the progeny could not be separated. In the re-expression strain pgalU, these inhibited pathways were restored; moreover, the pgalU cells showed a strengthened cell wall and capsule, which enhanced their resistance to adverse environments. The pgalU cells showed GalU activity that was 229% higher than that shown by the wild-type strain, and the freeze-drying survival rate was 84%, this being 4.7 times higher than that of the wild-type strain. To summarize, expression of the galU gene can significantly enhance gene expression in galactose metabolic pathway and make the strain form a stronger cell wall and cell capsule and enhance the resistance of the bacteria to an adverse external environment, to improve the freeze-drying survival rate of L. acidophilus NCFM.
Experimental Investigation of the Relationship between Surface Crack of Concrete Cover and Corrosion Degree of Steel Bar Using Fractal Theory
Authors: Li Weiwen , Wu Meizhong , Shi Tiansheng , Yang Pengfei , Pan Zejie , Liu Wei , Liu Jun , Yang Xu
Published: June 2022

Conventionally, crack width is used to assess the corrosion level, whereas other important characteristics such as the variation in crack width at different locations on the surface are disregarded. These important characteristics of surface crack can be described comprehensively using the fractal theory to facilitate the assessment of the corrosion level. In this study, the relationship between steel corrosion and the fractal characterization of concrete surface cracking is investigated. Reinforced concrete prisms with steel bars of different diameters and with different corrosion rates were evaluated. High-resolution images of cracks on the surfaces of these specimens were captured and processed to obtain their fractal dimensions. Finally, a relationship between the fractal dimension, steel bar diameter, and the corrosion rate is established. The results show that the fractal dimension is associated closely with the corrosion rate and steel bar diameter. This study provides new ideas for evaluating corroded reinforced concrete structures.
Enhanced Oil Recovery Mechanism and Technical Boundary of Gel Foam Profile Control System for Heterogeneous Reservoirs in Changqing
Authors: Wang Liang-Liang , Wang Teng-Fei , Wang Jie-Xiang , Tian Hai-Tong , Chen Yi , Song Wei
Published: June 2022

The gel plugging and flooding system has a long history of being researched and applied, but the Changqing reservoir geological characteristics are complex, and the synergistic performance of the composite gel foam plugging system is not fully understood, resulting in poor field application. Additionally, the technique boundary chart of the heterogeneous reservoir plugging system has hardly appeared. In this work, reservoir models of porous, fracture, and pore-fracture were constructed, a composite gel foam plugging system was developed, and its static injection and dynamic profile control and oil displacement performance were evaluated. Finally, combined with the experimental studies, a technical boundary chart of plugging systems for heterogeneous reservoirs is proposed. The research results show that the adsorption effect of microspheres (WQ-100) on the surface of elastic gel particles-1 (PEG-1) is more potent than that of pre-crosslinked particle gel (PPG) and the deposition is mainly on the surface of PPG. The adsorption effect of PEG-1 on the surface of PPG is not apparent, primarily manifested as deposition stacking. The gel was synthesized with 0.2% hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) + 0.2% organic chromium cross-linking agent, and the strength of enhanced gel with WQ-100 was higher than that of PEG-1 and PPG. The comprehensive value of WQ-100 reinforced foam is greater than that of PEG-1, and PPG reinforced foam, and the enhanced foam with gel has a thick liquid film and poor foaming effect. For the heterogeneous porous reservoir with the permeability of 5/100 mD, the enhanced foam with WQ-100 shows better performance in plugging control and flooding, and the recovery factor increases by 28.05%. The improved foam with gel enhances the fluid flow diversion ability and the recovery factor of fractured reservoirs with fracture widths of 50 μm and 180 μm increases by 29.41% and 24.39%, respectively. For pore-fractured reservoirs with a permeability of 52/167 mD, the PEG + WQ-100 microsphere and enhanced foam with WQ-100 systems show better plugging and recovering performance, and the recovery factor increases are 20.52% and 17.08%, 24.44%, and 21.43%, respectively. The smaller the particle size of the prefabricated gel, the more uniform the adsorption on the foam liquid film and the stronger the stability of the foam system. The plugging performance of the composite gel system is stronger than that of the enhanced gel with foam, but the oil displacement performance of the gel-enhanced foam is better than that of the composite gel system due to the “plug-flooding-integrated” feature of the foam. Combined with the plugging and flooding performance of each plugging system, a technique boundary chart for the plugging system was established for the coexisting porous, fracture, and pore-fracture heterogeneous reservoirs in Changqing Oilfield.
Microbial Richness of Marine Biofilms Revealed by Sequencing Full-Length 16S rRNA Genes
Authors: Wang Shougang , Su Xiaoyan , Cui Han , Wang Meng , Hu Xiaoli , Ding Wei , Zhang Weipeng
Published: June 2022

Marine biofilms are a collective of microbes that can grow on many different surfaces immersed in marine environments. Estimating the microbial richness and specificity of a marine biofilm community is a challenging task due to the high complexity in comparison with seawater. Here, we compared the resolution of full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique of a PacBio platform for microbe identification in marine biofilms with the results of partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing of traditional Illumina PE250 platform. At the same time, the microbial richness, diversity, and composition of adjacent seawater communities in the same batch of samples were analyzed. Both techniques revealed higher species richness, as reflected by the Chao1 index, in the biofilms than that in the seawater communities. Moreover, compared with Illumina sequencing, PacBio sequencing detected more specific species for biofilms and less specific species for seawater. Members of Vibrio, Arcobacter, Photobacterium, Pseudoalteromonas, and Thalassomonas were significantly enriched in the biofilms, which is consistent with the previous understanding of species adapted to a surface-associated lifestyle and validates the taxonomic analyses in the current study. To conclude, the full-length sequencing of 16S rRNA genes has probably a stronger ability to analyze more complex microbial communities, such as marine biofilms, the species richness of which has probably been under-estimated in previous studies.
The Moderated Mediating Effect of Hope, Self-Efficacy and Resilience in the Relationship between Post-Traumatic Growth and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Di Corrado Donatella , Muzii Benedetta , Magnano Paola , Coco Marinella , La Paglia Rosamaria , Maldonato Nelson Mauro
Published: June 2022

As a major life trauma, COVID-19 had negative impacts on psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to test and verify the mediation of resilience, hope and self-efficacy and to analyze the moderating effect of gender and COVID-19 contagion on the association between symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression, and post-traumatic growth among adults during COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted via an online survey with self-administered questionnaires. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory, the Resilience Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Comprehensive State Hope Scale were used. A total of 493 (n = 262 female and n = 231 male) participated in the survey (Mage = 33.40 years, SD = 13.41, range = 20 to 60). A multiple mediation model was used to verify the mediating effect of resilience, hope and self-efficacy on the relationship between symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression, and PTG. A moderated mediation model was examined to find and test the moderated effects of gender and COVID-19 contagion on the mediation model. Results showed the indirect effects of anxiety (β = 0.340 (0.120); 95% CI [from 0.128 to 0.587]) and depression (β = 0.222 (0.095); 95% CI [0.048, 0.429]) on PTG trough resilience and hope. Symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression, and self-efficacy were significantly highest in females. Moreover, males and participants with COVID-19 contagion had significantly higher levels of resilience and post-traumatic growth. These findings suggest that hope and resilience, as protective factors, could be an important key to developing an intervention strategy to enhance and improve psychological health during a crisis.
Is There an Association between the Use of Epidural Analgesia during Labor and the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Offspring?—A Review of the Literature
Authors: Król Joanna Weronika , Stanirowski Paweł Jan , Mazanowska Natalia , Majewska Agata , Wielgoś Mirosław , Bomba-Opoń Dorota
Published: June 2022

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are multifactorial and complex neurodevelopmental conditions usually diagnosed in the early childhood. The etiology of ASDs is commonly described as a genetic predisposition combined with an environmental impact. As a result of broadening of the diagnostic criteria the prevalence of ASDs has been increasing worldwide and the search for the modifiable factors is still on-going. Epidural analgesia (ELA) provides effective pain relief during labor and is currently the most preferred method of anesthesia during the delivery. The safety of the procedure is well-discussed and documented; nonetheless, in 2020 a single population-based study indicated an association between the use of ELA during labor and newborn risk of ASD development, which led to widespread concern. To explore the possible association between the ELA and ASD occurrence in the offspring several studies in different countries have been conducted to date. In this review we aimed to summarize the current state of knowledge concerning the association between the use of epidural analgesia during labor and risk of ASD. In conclusion, the literature review indicates that there is no significant association.
The Effects of an Online–Offline Hybrid Exercise Program on the Lives of Children with Cerebral Palsy Using Wheelchairs during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea
Authors: Lim Youngshin , Han Areum , Lee Mingoo , Kim May
Published: June 2022

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many online programs for social meetings, education, leisure, and physical activities have been developed and provided; however, children with cerebral palsy (CP) cannot enjoy online programs in the same way that those without disabilities can. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in reintegration to normal living (RNL), social interaction, and quality of life among school-age children with CP after participation in a game-based online–offline hybrid group exercise program. The current study was conducted on 26 children with CP who participated in a hybrid exercise program. The RNL, social interaction, and quality of life were measured before and after the six-week program. The scores of RNL and quality of life were improved (p < 0.05) after program participation. Online or hybrid exercise programs incorporating interactive methods (i.e., competition and cooperating) could enhance RNL and quality of life of children with CP. Thus, well-designed online or hybrid exercise programs should be developed and provided for children with CP to enhance overall quality of life during the pandemic.
Constructing Taxonomies: Identifying Distinctive Class of HIV Support and Risk Networks among People Who Use Drugs (PWID) and Their Network Members in the HPTN 037 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Van Sluytman Laurens G. , Latkin Carl , Smith Laramie R.
Published: June 2022

Injection drug use is a significant mode of HIV transmission. Social networks are potential avenues for behavior change among high-risk populations. Increasing knowledge should include a classification or taxonomy system of networks’ attributes, risks, and needs. The current study employed 232 networks comprising 232 indexes, with 464 network members enrolled in Philadelphia. LCA revealed a three-class solution, Low-Risk, Paraphernalia Risk, and High Sex/Moderate Paraphernalia Risk class, among participants. The analysis found receiving money or drugs for sex and employment status increased the odds of belonging to PR and PSR classes. Homelessness and incarceration increased the odds of belonging to the PR class when compared to the LR class. Our findings suggest that classes of risk among PWID comprise clusters of information concerning their members. These findings add depth to our understanding while extending our knowledge of the contextual environment that nurtures or exacerbates the problem.