bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bidirectional Differentiation of Human-Derived Stem Cells Induced by Biomimetic Calcium Silicate-Reinforced Gelatin Methacrylate Bioink for Odontogenic Regeneration
Authors: Lin Yi-Ting , Hsu Tuan-Ti , Liu Yu-Wei , Kao Chia-Tze , Huang Tsui-Hsien
Published: August 2021

Tooth loss or damage is a common problem affecting millions of people worldwide, and it results in significant impacts on one’s quality of life. Dental regeneration with the support of stem cell-containing scaffolds has emerged as an alternative treatment strategy for such cases. With this concept in mind, we developed various concentrations of calcium silicate (CS) in a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMa) matrix and fabricated human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs)-laden scaffolds via the use of a bioprinting technology in order to determine their feasibility in promoting odontogenesis. The X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy showed that the incorporation of CS increased the number of covalent bonds in the GelMa hydrogels. In addition, rheological analyses were conducted for the different concentrations of hydrogels to evaluate their sol–gel transition temperature. It was shown that incorporation of CS improved the printability and printing quality of the scaffolds. The printed CS-containing scaffolds were able to release silicate (Si) ions, which subsequently significantly enhanced the activation of signaling-related markers such as ERK and significantly improved the expression of odontogenic-related markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1), and osteocalcin (OC). The calcium deposition assays were also significantly enhanced in the CS-containing scaffold. Our results demonstrated that CS/GelMa scaffolds were not only enhanced in terms of their physicochemical behaviors but the odontogenesis of the hDPSCs was also promoted as compared to GelMa scaffolds. These results demonstrated that CS/GelMa scaffolds can serve as cell-laden materials for future clinical applications and use in dentin regeneration.
The Cutting Edge of Disease Modeling: Synergy of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Technology and Genetically Encoded Biosensors
Authors: Valetdinova Kamila R. , Malankhanova Tuyana B. , Zakian Suren M. , Medvedev Sergey P.
Published: August 2021

The development of cell models of human diseases based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and a cell therapy approach based on differentiated iPSC derivatives has provided a powerful stimulus in modern biomedical research development. Moreover, it led to the creation of personalized regenerative medicine. Due to this, in the last decade, the pathological mechanisms of many monogenic diseases at the cell level have been revealed, and clinical trials of various cell products derived from iPSCs have begun. However, it is necessary to reach a qualitatively new level of research with cell models of diseases based on iPSCs for more efficient searching and testing of drugs. Biosensor technology has a great application prospect together with iPSCs. Biosensors enable researchers to monitor ions, molecules, enzyme activities, and channel conformation in live cells and use them in live imaging and drug screening. These probes facilitate the measurement of steady-state concentrations or activity levels and the observation and quantification of in vivo flux and kinetics. Real-time monitoring of drug action in a specific cellular compartment, organ, or tissue type; the ability to screen at the single-cell resolution; and the elimination of the false-positive results caused by low drug bioavailability that is not detected by in vitro testing methods are a few of the benefits of using biosensors in drug screening. Here, we discuss the possibilities of using biosensor technology in combination with cell models based on human iPSCs and gene editing systems. Furthermore, we focus on the current achievements and problems of using these methods.
Primary Tumor Sidedness, RAS and BRAF Mutations and MSI Status as Prognostic Factors in Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases Treated with Surgery and Thermal Ablation: Results from the Amsterdam Colorectal Liver Met Registry (AmCORE)
Authors: Dijkstra Madelon , Nieuwenhuizen Sanne , Puijk Robbert S. , Timmer Florentine E. F. , Geboers Bart , Schouten Evelien A. C. , Opperman Jip , Scheffer Hester J. , de Vries Jan J. J. , Versteeg Kathelijn S. , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , van den Tol M. Petrousjka , Meijerink Martijn R.
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to assess primary tumor sidedness of colorectal cancer (CRC), rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) and v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) mutations and microsatellite instability (MSI) status as prognostic factors predicting complications, survival outcomes, and local tumor progression (LTP) following surgery and thermal ablation in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This Amsterdam Colorectal Liver Met Registry (AmCORE) based study included 520 patients, 774 procedures, and 2101 tumors undergoing local treatment (resection and/or thermal ablation) from 2000 to 2021. Outcomes following local treatment were analyzed for primary tumor sidedness of CRC, RAS, and BRAF mutations and MSI status. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS), local control (LC), distant progression-free survival (DPFS), and overall survival (OS). Uni- and multivariable analyses were performed based on Cox proportional hazards model. The chi-square test was used to analyze complications. Complications (p = 0.485), OS (p = 0.252), LTPFS (p = 0.939), and LC (p = 0.423) was not associated with tumor-sidedness. Compared to right-sided colon cancer (CC) (reference HR 1.000), DPFS was superior for left-sided CC and rectal cancer (p = 0.018) with an HR for left-sided CC of 0.742 (95% CI, 0.596–0.923) and for RC of 0.760 (95% CI, 0.597–0.966). Regarding RAS mutations, no significant difference was found in OS (p = 0.116). DPFS (p = 0.001), LTPFS (p = 0.039), and LC (p = 0.025) were significantly lower in the RAS mutation group. Though no difference in LTPFS was found between RAS wildtype and RAS mutated CRLM following resection (p = 0.532), LTPFS was worse for RAS mutated tumors compared to RAS wildtype following thermal ablation (p = 0.037). OS was significantly lower in the BRAF mutation group (p < 0.001) and in the MSI group (p < 0.001) following local treatment, while both did not affect DPFS, LTPFS, and LC. This AmCORE based study suggests the necessity of wider margins to reduce LTP rates in patients with RAS mutated CRLM, especially for thermal ablation. Upfront knowledge regarding molecular biomarkers may contribute to improved oncological outcomes.
Structural Connectivity Alterations in Operculo-Insular Epilepsy
Authors: Obaid Sami , Rheault François , Edde Manon , Guberman Guido I. , St-Onge Etienne , Sidhu Jasmeen , Bouthillier Alain , Daducci Alessandro , Ghaziri Jimmy , Bojanowski Michel W. , Nguyen Dang K. , Descoteaux Maxime
Published: August 2021

Operculo-insular epilepsy (OIE) is an under-recognized condition that can mimic temporal and extratemporal epilepsies. Previous studies have revealed structural connectivity changes in the epileptic network of focal epilepsy. However, most reports use the debated streamline-count to quantify ‘connectivity strength’ and rely on standard tracking algorithms. We propose a sophisticated cutting-edge method that is robust to crossing fibers, optimizes cortical coverage, and assigns an accurate microstructure-reflecting quantitative conectivity marker, namely the COMMIT (Convex Optimization Modeling for Microstructure Informed Tractography)-weight. Using our pipeline, we report the connectivity alterations in OIE. COMMIT-weighted matrices were created in all participants (nine patients with OIE, eight patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), and 22 healthy controls (HC)). In the OIE group, widespread increases in ‘connectivity strength’ were observed bilaterally. In OIE patients, ‘hyperconnections’ were observed between the insula and the pregenual cingulate gyrus (OIE group vs. HC group) and between insular subregions (OIE vs. TLE). Graph theoretic analyses revealed higher connectivity within insular subregions of OIE patients (OIE vs. TLE). We reveal, for the first time, the structural connectivity distribution in OIE. The observed pattern of connectivity in OIE likely reflects a diffuse epileptic network incorporating insular-connected regions and may represent a structural signature and diagnostic biomarker.
A Systematic Review of Construction 4.0 in the Context of the BIM 4.0 Premise
Authors: Begić Hana , Galić Mario
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a systematic review of Construction 4.0 in the context of the building information modeling (BIM) 4.0 premise. It comprises a review of the industry in the pre-fourth industrial revolution (4IR) age, the current and anticipated development of the 4IR, Construction 4.0’s origin and applications, and the synergy of its main drivers, i.e., the synergy of BIM with the internet of things (IoT) and big data (BD). The main aim of the paper is to determine the Construction 4.0 drivers and to what extent are they initialized by the 4IR, their development and their synergy with BIM, and the direction of BIM’s implementation in the construction phase. It was found that the main drivers of Construction 4.0, which originated from the 4IR, are BIM, IoT, and BD, but with specific implementations. The results of the analysis of BIM with IoT and/or BD revealed that the integrative approaches combining the aforementioned drivers show signs of project enhancement by providing significant benefits, such as improved real-time monitoring, data exchange and analysis, construction planning, and modeling. Furthermore, it was revealed that the main drivers are mostly applied in the project’s preconstruction phase, which is continuously developing and becoming more automated. The state-of-the-art review presented in this paper suggests that BIM is in transition, adopting Construction 4.0 to become BIM 4.0.
Bacitracin and Rutin Regulate Tissue Factor Production in Inflammatory Monocytes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia Blasts
Authors: Beckmann Lennart , Rolling Christina Charlotte , Voigtländer Minna , Mäder Jonathan , Klingler Felix , Schulenkorf Anita , Lehr Carina , Bokemeyer Carsten , Ruf Wolfram , Langer Florian
Published: August 2021

Aberrant expression of tissue factor (TF) by transformed myeloblasts and inflammatory monocytes drives coagulation activation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Although regulation of TF procoagulant activity (PCA) involves thiol-disulfide exchange reactions, the specific role of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and other thiol isomerases in AML-associated TF biology is unclear. THP1 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls or AML patients were analyzed for thiol isomerase-dependent TF production under various experimental conditions. Total cellular and membrane TF antigen, TF PCA and TF mRNA were analyzed by ELISA, flow cytometry, clotting or Xa generation assay and qPCR, respectively. PBMCs and THP1 cells showed significant insulin reductase activity, which was inhibited by bacitracin or rutin. Co-incubation with these thiol isomerase inhibitors prevented LPS-induced TF production by CD14-positive monocytes and constitutive TF expression by THP1 cells and AML blasts. Downregulation of the TF antigen was mainly restricted to the cryptic pool of TF, efficiently preventing phosphatidylserine-dependent TF activation by daunorubicin, and at least partially regulated on the mRNA level in LPS-stimulated monocytes. Our study thus delineates a complex role of thiol isomerases in the regulation of myeloid TF PCA, with PDI being a promising therapeutic target in the management of AML-associated coagulopathies.
Post-Plasma Catalysis for Trichloroethylene Abatement with Ce-Doped Birnessite Downstream DC Corona Discharge Reactor
Authors: Abdallah Grêce , Giraudon Jean-Marc , Bitar Rim , Geyter Nathalie De , Morent Rino , Lamonier Jean-François
Published: August 2021

Trichloroethylene (TCE) removal was investigated in a post-plasma catalysis (PPC) configuration in nearly dry air (RH = 0.7%) and moist air (RH = 15%), using, for non-thermal plasma (NTP), a 10-pin-to-plate negative DC corona discharge and, for PPC, Ce0.01Mn as a catalyst, calcined at 400 °C (Ce0.01Mn-400) or treated with nitric acid (Ce0.01Mn-AT). One of the key points was to take advantage of the ozone emitted from NTP as a potential source of active oxygen species for further oxidation, at a very low temperature (100 °C), of untreated TCE and of potential gaseous hazardous by-products from the NTP. The plasma-assisted Ce0.01Mn-AT catalyst presented the best CO2 yield in dry air, with minimization of the formation of gaseous chlorinated by-products. This result was attributed to the high level of oxygen vacancies with a higher amount of Mn3+, improved specific surface area and strong surface acidity. These features also allow the promotion of ozone decomposition efficiency. Both catalysts exhibited good stability towards chlorine. Ce0.01Mn-AT tested in moist air (RH = 15%) showed good stability as a function of time, indicating good water tolerance also.
Interrelations of Physical Fitness and Cognitive Functions in German Schoolchildren
Authors: Drozdowska Alina , Falkenstein Michael , Jendrusch Gernot , Platen Petra , Lücke Thomas , Kersting Mathilde , Sinningen Kathrin
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the relationship between different levels of physical fitness and cognitive functions in boys and girls. Schoolchildren from a comprehensive school in Germany (n = 211, 39% girls, 5th and 6th grade) attended regular or sport-focused classes with different numbers of physical education (PE) classes per week (3 vs. 5–6 h). Performance of physical fitness was tested according to endurance, strength, speed, coordination and flexibility. Four computerized instruments (switch task, 2-back task, Corsi block-tapping task and flanker task) were used to test cognitive functions. Additional predictors, sex, age, PE class, Body Mass Index and physical activity, were included in analyses. The results showed that physical fitness was associated with improved attention and memory functions in children, although the associations were mostly small. After Bonferroni correction, mainly coordination was related to improved cognition. Physical activity, i.e., step counts, PE class and sex were associated with specific cognitive outcomes. These findings may be important for effective health promotion, and supporting children’s education in the school environment. Sex-specific physical activities in school could potentially lead to greater cognitive benefits in children. Randomized trials are needed to replicate these results.
Innovative Energy-Recovery Unit for the LED-Lighting System of Heavy-Duty Vehicles
Authors: Apostolidou Nena , Valsamas Fotis , Baros Dimitris , Loupis Michael , Dasteridis Vasilios , Kokkinis Charalampos
Published: August 2021

In this work, the development of an energy recovery control unit to be incorporated in the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) lighting systems of heavy-duty vehicles is presented. This innovative industrial product adopts modern power electronics technology to improve existing trucks’ LED lighting system by eliminating the so far inevitable power consumption by the conventional central control unit of the majority of these vehicles, which is obligatory for the uninterruptable operation of their lighting system. The main idea of this innovative product is its capability to virtually increase the lighting system power consumption without actually consuming this amount of energy, thus facilitating the central control unit requirements regarding these vehicles in an energy-conscious way. Under this light, a mature power converter’s topology is employed to draw the proper amounts of power from the vehicle’s batteries supply, to the level that the central control unit recognizes, and return this energy back to the batteries. The tests results of the developed industrial product highlight the energy saving potential of the proposed energy recovery scheme, while the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) results confirm its techno-economical and environmental profit for the truck applications under study.
Flood Risk Assessment under Climate Change: The Petite Nation River Watershed
Authors: Oubennaceur Khalid , Chokmani Karem , Gauthier Yves , Ratte-Fortin Claudie , Homayouni Saeid , Toussaint Jean-Patrick
Published: August 2021

In Canada, climate change is expected to increase the extreme precipitation events by magnitude and frequency, leading to more intense and frequent river flooding. In this study, we attempt to map the flood hazard and damage under projected climate scenarios (2050 and 2080). The study was performed in the two most populated municipalities of the Petite Nation River Watershed, located in southern Quebec (Canada). The methodology follows a modelling approach, in which climate projections are derived from the Hydroclimatic Atlas of Southern Quebec following two representative concentration pathways (RCPs) scenarios, i.e., RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. These projections are used to predict future river flows. A frequency analysis was carried out with historical data of the peak flow (period 1969–2018) to derive different return periods (2, 20, and 100 years), which were then fed into the GARI tool (Gestion et Analyse du Risque d’Inondation). This tool is used to simulate flood hazard maps and to quantify future flood risk changes. Projected flood hazard (extent and depth) and damage maps were produced for the two municipalities under current and for future scenarios. The results indicate that the flood frequencies are expected to show a minor decrease in peak flows in the basin at the time horizons, 2050 and 2080. In addition, the depth and inundation areas will not significantly change for two time horizons, but instead show a minor decrease. Similarly, the projected flood damage changes in monetary losses are projected to decrease in the future. The results of this study allow one to identify present and future flood hazards and vulnerabilities, and should help decision-makers and the public to better understand the significance of climate change on flood risk in the Petite Nation River watershed.
TiO2 Nanotubes Architectures for Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Xu Yin , Zangari Giovanni
Published: August 2021

Electromagnetic light from the Sun is the largest source, and the cleanest energy available to us; extensive efforts have been dedicated to developing science and engineering solutions in order to avoid the use of fossil fuels. Solar energy transforms photons into electricity via the photovoltaic effect, generating about 20 GW of energy in the USA in 2020, sufficient to power about 17 million households. However, sunlight is erratic, and technologies to store electric energy storage are unwieldy and relatively expensive. A better solution to store energy and to deliver this energy on demand is storage in chemical bonds: synthesizing fuels such as H2, methane, ethanol, and other chemical species. In this review paper we focus on titania (TiO2) nanotubes grown through electrochemical anodization and various modifications made to them to enhance conversion efficiency; these semiconductors will be used to implement the synthesis of H2 through water splitting. This document reviews selected research efforts on TiO2 that are ongoing in our group in the context of the current efforts worldwide. In addition, this manuscript is enriched by discussing the latest novelties in this field.
Copper Oxide Decorated Zinc Oxide Nanostructures for the Production of a Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensor
Authors: Cheng Chung-En , Tangsuwanjinda Sripansuang , Cheng Hsin-Ming , Lee Po-Han
Published: August 2021

The glucose concentration in human blood can have a worrisome impact on human health, so the distribution of blood glucose contaminants in the human body is an important indicator that can be used to monitor diabetes. Diabetes affects many parts of the human body, such as neurological impairment, erectile dysfunction, and hardening of the arteries resulting in organ loss. In this study, cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to process the electrical properties of a solution by preparing electrodes with CuO nanoparticles modified ZnO tetrapod nanostructures deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass (CuO/ZnO/FTO). The measurements were processed in glucose solutions of different concentrations purposing for developing the sensitivity of the sensor. Different immersion times in the precursor copper sulfate solution were also used for preparing the electrode and carried out for electrochemical studies to adjust the electrode capability. The modified electrode, which was immersed in copper sulfate for 30 s, was efficient in detecting glucose molecules in different concentrations at the potential of +0.6 V. The rising slope is strongly and positively correlated with the concentration of glucose. One of the significant results is the indication that glucose concentration is linearly proportional to the current value of CV. After the measurement test with the addition of interference, the sensor can still identify the glucose concentration in the solution without being affected. This result proves that the sensor has considerable potential for developing into a high-performance non-enzymatic glucose sensor.
Local Buckling Behavior of Buckling-Restrained Braces with Longitudinally Profiled Steel Core
Authors: Lu Junkai , Liu Weichuang , Ding Yong , Li Yingying , Xu Shuquan
Published: August 2021

One of the most important requirements for a well-designed buckling restrained brace (BRB) under severe earthquake loading is to ensure its stability until the brace achieves sufficient elasto-plastic deformation. This study presents the finite element analysis results of the proposed buckling restrained brace with a longitudinally profiled steel core (LPBRB). The objective of the analyses is to conduct a performance evaluation of the proposed LPBRBs, and to perform a parameter study with different clearance, width:thickness ratio, mortar strength, and friction coefficient for investigating the local buckling behavior of the LPBRBs. Numerical analyses results demonstrate that the LPBRBs exhibited good ductile performance and stable hysteretic behavior. The local buckling failure can be predicted by the demand:capacity ratio formula. The friction coefficient has little influence on the hysteretic behavior of LPBRBs. The local stability can be improved by adopting the mortar with higher compression strength or the LP core with lower width:thickness ratio. The proposed LPBRBs have a similar hysteretic response to the conventional BRBs.
Innovation Meets Tradition in the Sheep and Goat Dairy Industry
Authors: Scano Paola , Caboni Pierluigi
Published: August 2021

Small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, are mostly raised in smallholder farming systems widely distributed throughout the world [...]
Dataset of Gravity-Induced Landforms and Sinkholes of the Northeast Coast of Malta (Central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Devoto Stefano , Hastewell Linley J. , Prampolini Mariacristina , Furlani Stefano
Published: August 2021

This study investigates gravity-induced landforms that populate the North-Eastern coast of Malta. Attention is focused on tens of persistent joints and thousands of boulders associated with deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DGSDs), such as lateral spreads and block slides. Lateral spreads produce deep and long joints, which partially isolate limestone boulders along the edge of wide plateaus. These lateral spreads evolve into large block slides that detach thousands of limestone boulders from the cliffs and transport them towards the sea. These boulders are grouped in large slope-failure deposits surrounding limestone plateaus and cover downslope terrains. Gravity-induced joints (n = 124) and downslope boulders (n = 39,861) were identified and categorized using Google Earth (GE) images and later validated by field surveys. The datasets were digitized in QGIS and stored using ESRI shapefiles, which are common digital formats for storing vector GIS data. These types of landslides are characterized by slow-moving mechanisms, which evolve into destructive failures and present an elevated level of risk to coastal populations and infrastructure. Hundreds of blocks identified along the shore also provide evidence of sinkholes; for this reason, the paper also provides a catalogue of sinkholes. The outputs from this research can provide coastal managers with important information regarding the occurrence of coastal geohazards and represent a key resource for future landslide hazard assessment.
Evaluation of a Novel Teleradiology Technology for Image-Based Distant Consultations: Applications in Neurosurgery
Authors: Cewe Paulina , Burström Gustav , Drnasin Ivan , Ohlsson Marcus , Skulason Halldor , Vucica Stanislav , Elmi-Terander Adrian , Edström Erik
Published: August 2021

In emergency settings, fast access to medical imaging for diagnostic is pivotal for clinical decision making. Hence, a need has emerged for solutions that allow rapid access to images on small mobile devices (SMD) without local data storage. Our objective was to evaluate access times to full quality anonymized DICOM datasets, comparing standard access through an authorized hospital computer (AHC) to a zero-footprint teleradiology technology (ZTT) used on a personal computer (PC) or SMD using national and international networks at a regional neurosurgical center. Image datasets were sent to a senior neurosurgeon, outside the hospital network using either an AHC and a VPN connection or a ZTT (Image Over Globe (IOG)), on a PC or an SMD. Time to access DICOM images was measured using both solutions. The mean time using AHC and VPN was 250 ± 10 s (median 249 s (233–274)) while the same procedure using IOG took 50 ± 8 s (median 49 s (42–60)) on a PC and 47 ± 20 s (median 39 (33–88)) on a SMD. Similarly, an international consultation was performed requiring 23 ± 5 s (median 21 (16–33)) and 27 ± 1 s (median 27 (25–29)) for PC and SMD respectively. IOG is a secure, rapid and easy to use telemedicine technology facilitating efficient clinical decision making and remote consultations.
Evaluation of a Bi-Analyte Immunoblot as a Useful Tool for Diagnosing Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Authors: Gornowicz-Porowska Justyna , Seraszek-Jaros Agnieszka , Jałowska Magdalena , Bowszyc-Dmochowska Monika , Kaczmarek Elżbieta , Dmochowski Marian
Published: August 2021

Immune responses to tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and nonapeptides of gliadin (npG) are associated with dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), a gluten-related dermatosis. Recently, a bi-analyte immunoblot (b-aIB) was introduced to detect IgA antibodies in response to tTG and npG. We compared the utility of ELISA and b-aIB with tTG in serological diagnoses of DH and their agreement with direct immunofluorescence (DIF). In total, 55 sera (27 DIF-positive DH patients, 4 DIF-negative DH patients and 24 healthy controls) were examined. ELISA for anti-tTG IgA, b-aIB for anti-npG and anti-tTG IgA, and statistical analysis were performed. The b-aIB with tTG showed 78% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 82% negative predictive value in relation to ELISA. A better rate of agreement (Cohen’s kappa values) in IgA detection was observed in the pair tTG ELISA and b-aIB with npG (0.85) than in pairs tTG ELISA and b-aIB with tTG (0.78) or b-aIB with tTG and b-aIB with npG (0.78). No degree of agreement was found between serological tests and DIF. Both serological tests may be used to detect the anti-tTG IgA in DH patients. Still, DH diagnosing requires careful consideration of clinical data as well as results of tissue imaging (crucial DIF) and immunoserological techniques detecting DH-type features.
Strain Gradient Theory Based Dynamic Mindlin-Reissner and Kirchhoff Micro-Plates with Microstructural and Micro-Inertial Effects
Authors: Markolefas Stylianos , Fafalis Dimitrios
Published: August 2021

In this study, a dynamic Mindlin–Reissner-type plate is developed based on a simplified version of Mindlin’s form-II first-strain gradient elasticity theory. The governing equations of motion and the corresponding boundary conditions are derived using the general virtual work variational principle. The presented model contains, apart from the two classical Lame constants, one additional microstructure material parameter g for the static case and one micro-inertia parameter h for the dynamic case. The formal reduction of this model to a Kirchhoff-type plate model is also presented. Upon diminishing the microstructure parameters g and h, the classical Mindlin–Reissner and Kirchhoff plate theories are derived. Three points distinguish the present work from other similar published in the literature. First, the plane stress assumption, fundamental for the development of plate theories, is expressed by the vanishing of the z-component of the generalized true traction vector and not merely by the zz-component of the Cauchy stress tensor. Second, micro-inertia terms are included in the expression of the kinetic energy of the model. Finally, the detailed structure of classical and non-classical boundary conditions is presented for both Mindlin–Reissner and Kirchhoff micro-plates. An example of a simply supported rectangular plate is used to illustrate the proposed model and to compare it with results from the literature. The numerical results reveal the significance of the strain gradient effect on the bending and free vibration response of the micro-plate, when the plate thickness is at the micron-scale; in comparison to the classical theories for Mindlin–Reissner and Kirchhoff plates, the deflections, the rotations, and the shear-thickness frequencies are smaller, while the fundamental flexural frequency is higher. It is also observed that the micro-inertia effect should not be ignored in estimating the fundamental frequencies of micro-plates, primarily for thick plates, when plate thickness is at the micron scale (strain gradient effect).
Secondary School Teachers Self-Perception of Digital Teaching Competence in Spain Following COVID-19 Confinement
Authors: Prieto-Ballester Jorge-Manuel , Revuelta-Domínguez Francisco-Ignacio , Pedrera-Rodríguez María-Inmaculada
Published: August 2021

The education system has become even more complex following the global pandemic, which saw face-to-face teaching transition to virtual teaching. To cope with this abrupt transition, it is essential that teachers have a sufficient level of digital teaching competence. This article aims to increase awareness of teachers’ self-perception of their digital teaching competences in the educational field. Specifically, this study explores Spanish secondary school teachers’ knowledge and use of different ICT tools by evaluating their competence based on different areas proposed by The National Institute of Technology and Professional Development (Instituto Nacional de Tecnologías Educativas y de Formación del Profesorado, INTEF), Madrid, Spain. From the results of the questionnaires, we have determined that teachers consider themselves to have an upper intermediate level of digital teaching competence, although there are still shortcomings that need to be addressed in order to improve this level of competence, and its true integration in the teaching–learning process.
A Decision Support System for Scenario Analysis in Energy Refurbishment of Residential Buildings
Authors: Giretti Alberto , Corneli Alessandra , Naticchia Berardo
Published: August 2021

The energy efficiency of buildings is a key condition in the implementation of national sustainability policies. Energy efficiency of the built heritage is usually achieved through energy contracts or renovation projects that are based on decisions often taken with limited knowledge and in short time frames. However, the collection of comprehensive and reliable technical information to support the decision process is a long and expensive activity. Approximate assessment methods based on stationary thermal models are usually adopted, often introducing unacceptable uncertainties for economically onerous contracts. Hence, it is important to develop tools that, by capitalizing on the operators’ experience, can provide support for fast and reliable assessments. The paper documents the development of a decision support system prototype for the management of energy refurbishment investments in the residential building sector that assists operators in the energy performance assessment, using a limited set of technical information. The system uses a Case Based paradigm enriched with probabilistic modelling to implement decision support within the corporate’s knowledge management framework.
A Large-Scale COVID-19 Twitter Chatter Dataset for Open Scientific Research—An International Collaboration
Authors: Banda Juan M. , Tekumalla Ramya , Wang Guanyu , Yu Jingyuan , Liu Tuo , Ding Yuning , Artemova Ekaterina , Tutubalina Elena , Chowell Gerardo
Published: August 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread worldwide, an unprecedented amount of open data is being generated for medical, genetics, and epidemiological research. The unparalleled rate at which many research groups around the world are releasing data and publications on the ongoing pandemic is allowing other scientists to learn from local experiences and data generated on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a need to integrate additional data sources that map and measure the role of social dynamics of such a unique worldwide event in biomedical, biological, and epidemiological analyses. For this purpose, we present a large-scale curated dataset of over 1.12 billion tweets, growing daily, related to COVID-19 chatter generated from 1 January 2020 to 27 June 2021 at the time of writing. This data source provides a freely available additional data source for researchers worldwide to conduct a wide and diverse number of research projects, such as epidemiological analyses, emotional and mental responses to social distancing measures, the identification of sources of misinformation, stratified measurement of sentiment towards the pandemic in near real time, among many others.
Hazardous Elements in Asbestos Tremolite from the Basilicata Region, Southern Italy: A First Step
Authors: Ricchiuti Claudia , Pereira Dolores , Punturo Rosalda , Giorno Eugenia , Miriello Domenico , Bloise Andrea
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we report the quantification of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) hosted into two tremolite asbestos from Episcopia and San Severino Lucano villages (Basilicata region, Southern Italy). Micro X-ray fluorescence and Inductively Coupled Plasma spectroscopy with Optical Emission Spectrometry techniques were used to quantify the concentration of major, minor (Si, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe, Mn) and trace elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn Sr, Ti, Te, V, W, Zn, Zr), with the aim of providing available data useful for the determination of the asbestos fibers toxicity. Results show that in the two studied samples there exist high concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cr and Ni which could lead to the high toxicity of the mineral fibers. By considering the pseudo-total PTEs amounts in each tremolite asbestos, it is possible to affirm that one of the samples is more enriched in toxic elements than the other one (3572 ppm versus 1384 ppm). These PTEs can represent a source of risk to human health since they may be transported away from the geological outcrops, through asbestos in the air, water and soils and thus encountering the human body.
Nanoparticle Delivery in Prostate Tumors Implanted in Mice Facilitated by Either Local or Whole-Body Heating
Authors: Gu Qimei , Dockery Lance , Daniel Marie-Christine , Bieberich Charles J. , Ma Ronghui , Zhu Liang
Published: August 2021

This work discusses in vivo experiments that were performed to evaluate whether local or whole-body heating to 40 °C reduced interstitial fluid pressures (IFPs) and enhanced nanoparticle delivery to subcutaneous PC3 human prostate cancer xenograft tumors in mice. After heating, 0.2 mL of a previously developed nanofluid containing gold nanoparticles (10 mg Au/mL) was injected via the tail vein. The induced whole-body hyperthermia led to increases in tumor and mouse body blood perfusion rates of more than 50% and 25%, respectively, while the increases were much smaller in the local heating group. In the whole-body hyperthermia groups, the IFP reduction from the baseline at the tumor center immediately after heating was found to be statistically significant when compared to the control group. The 1 h of local heating group showed IFP reductions at the tumor center, while the IFPs increased in the periphery of the tumor. The intratumoral gold nanoparticle accumulation was quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Compared to the control group, 1 h or 4 h of experiencing whole-body hyperthermia resulted in an average increase of 51% or 67% in the gold deposition in tumors, respectively. In the 1 h of local heating group, the increase in the gold deposition was 34%. Our results suggest that 1 h of mild whole-body hyperthermia may be a cost-effective and readily implementable strategy for facilitating nanoparticle delivery to PC3 tumors in mice.
Antimicrobial Efficacy and Spectrum of Phosphorous-Fluorine Co-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella Typhimurium, Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, Shewanella putrefaciens, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Schneider György , Schweitzer Bettina , Steinbach Anita , Pertics Botond Zsombor , Cox Alysia , Kőrösi László
Published: August 2021

Contamination of meats and meat products with foodborne pathogenic bacteria raises serious safety issues in the food industry. The antibacterial activities of phosphorous-fluorine co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (PF-TiO2) were investigated against seven foodborne pathogenic bacteria: Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella Typhimurium, Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, Shewanella putrefaciens, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. PF-TiO2 NPs were synthesized hydrothermally at 250 °C for 1, 3, 6 or 12 h, and then tested at three different concentrations (500 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, 20 μg/mL) for the inactivation of foodborne bacteria under UVA irradiation, daylight exposure or dark conditions. The antibacterial efficacies were compared after 30 min of exposure to light. Distinct differences in the antibacterial activities of the PF-TiO2 NPs, and the susceptibilities of tested foodborne pathogenic bacterium species were found. PF-TiO2/3 h and PF-TiO2/6 h showed the highest antibacterial activity by decreasing the living bacterial cell number from ~106 by ~5 log (L. monocytogenes), ~4 log (EHEC), ~3 log (Y. enterolcolitca, S. putrefaciens) and ~2.5 log (S. aureus), along with complete eradication of C. jejuni and S. Typhimurium. Efficacy of PF-TiO2/1 h and PF-TiO2/12 h NPs was lower, typically causing a ~2–4 log decrease in colony forming units depending on the tested bacterium while the effect of PF-TiO2/0 h was comparable to P25 TiO2, a commercial TiO2 with high photocatalytic activity. Our results show that PF-co-doping of TiO2 NPs enhanced the antibacterial action against foodborne pathogenic bacteria and are potential candidates for use in the food industry as active surface components, potentially contributing to the production of meats that are safe for consumption.
A Hybrid Recommendation Approach for Viral Food Based on Online Reviews
Authors: Song Cen , Yu Qing , Jose Esther , Zhuang Jun , Geng He
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, there are many types of viral foods and consumers expect to be able to quickly find foods that meet their own tastes. Traditional recommendation systems make recommendations based on the popularity of viral foods or user ratings. However, because of the different sentimental levels of users, deviations occur and it is difficult to meet the user’s specific needs. Based on the characteristics of viral food, this paper constructs a hybrid recommendation approach based on viral food reviews and label attribute data. A user-based recommendation approach is combined with a content-based recommendation approach in a weighted combination. Compared with the traditional recommendation approaches, it is found that the hybrid recommendation approach performs more accurately in identifying the sentiments of user evaluations, and takes into account the similarities between users and foods. We can conclude that the proposed hybrid recommendation approach combined with the sentimental value of food reviews provides novel insights into improving the existing recommendation system used by e-commerce platforms.
The Use of Sodium Benzoate on Shelf-Life and Quality Attributes of Dried Chili Fish Paste Stored in Different Packaging Containers
Authors: Pongsetkul Jaksuma , Benjakul Soottawat
Published: August 2021

This study was carried out to assess the quality changes and shelf-life of dried chili fish paste treated with 0.1% sodium benzoate (SB) and stored in various packaging containers, including polypropylene (PP+SB), polyethylene-terephthalate (PET+SB), and LLDPE-aluminum Ziplock bag (ZL+SB) during 20-week storage at room temperature (25–28 °C) compared with samples without preservatives (PP, PET, and ZL). The result found that samples treated with 0.1% SB exhibited slower rate of quality changes throughout storage, including pH, browning index, oxidation products, as well as microorganisms, etc. These samples can store at room temperature for at least 20 weeks without any spoilage. Moreover, the sensorial scores of them, assessed by 50 untrained panelists who were familiar with this product, were more than 7.0 in all aspects, for example, color, flavor, and texture. In contrast, samples without preservatives, which revealed the higher rate of the changes in all quality characteristics, underwent spoilage during 20-week storage at different times depending on the packaging container. The shelf-life of PP, PET, and ZL were 6, 10, and 10 weeks, respectively, as indicated by the excess of total microorganisms (>1.00 × 104 CFU/g sample). Overall, the results indicated that using sodium benzoate at the level of 0.1% can effectively extend the shelf-life of dried chili fish paste for at least 5 months with prime quality.
Natural Methoxyphenol Compounds: Antimicrobial Activity against Foodborne Pathogens and Food Spoilage Bacteria, and Role in Antioxidant Processes
Authors: Orlo Elena , Russo Chiara , Nugnes Roberta , Lavorgna Margherita , Isidori Marina
Published: August 2021

The antibacterial and antioxidant activities of three methoxyphenol phytometabolites, eugenol, capsaicin, and vanillin, were determined. The in vitro antimicrobial potential was tested on three common foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) and three food spoilage bacteria (Shewanella putrefaciens, Brochothrix thermosphacta, and Lactobacillus plantarum). The antioxidant assays were carried out for studying the free radical scavenging capacity and the anti-lipoperoxidant activity. The results showed that eugenol and capsaicin were the most active against both pathogens and spoilage bacteria. S. aureus was one of the most affected strains (median concentration of growth inhibition: IC50 eugenol = 0.75 mM; IC50 capsaicin = 0.68 mM; IC50 vanillin = 1.38 mM). All phytochemicals slightly inhibited the growth of L. plantarum. Eugenol was the most active molecule in the antioxidant assays. Only in the oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) test did vanillin show an antioxidant activity comparable to eugenol (eugenol ORAC value = 2.12 ± 0.08; vanillin ORAC value = 1.81 ± 0.19). This study, comparing the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of three guaiacol derivatives, enhances their use in future applications as food additives for contrasting both common pathogens and spoilage bacteria and for improving the shelf life of preserved food.
Dynamic Modeling of the Impact of Temperature Changes on CO2 Production during Milk Fermentation in Batch Bioreactors
Authors: Ritonja Jožef , Goršek Andreja , Pečar Darja , Petek Tatjana , Polajžer Boštjan
Published: August 2021

Knowledge of the mathematical models of the fermentation processes is indispensable for their simulation and optimization and for the design and synthesis of the applicable control systems. The paper focuses on determining a dynamic mathematical model of the milk fermentation process taking place in a batch bioreactor. Models in the literature describe milk fermentation in batch bioreactors as an autonomous system. They do not enable the analysis of the effect of temperature changes on the metabolism during fermentation. In the presented extensive multidisciplinary study, we have developed a new mathematical model that considers the impact of temperature changes on the dynamics of the CO2 produced during fermentation in the batch bioreactor. Based on laboratory tests and theoretical analysis, the appropriate structure of the temperature-considered dynamic model was first determined. Next, the model parameters of the fermentation process in the laboratory bioreactor were identified by means of particle swarm optimization. Finally, the experiments with the laboratory batch bioreactor were compared with the simulations to verify the derived mathematical model. The developed model proved to be very suitable for simulations, and, above all, it enables the design and synthesis of a control system for batch bioreactors.
Influence of the Characteristics of Weather Information in a Thunderstorm-Related Power Outage Prediction System
Authors: Watson Peter L. , Koukoula Marika , Anagnostou Emmanouil
Published: August 2021

Thunderstorms are one of the most damaging weather phenomena in the United States, but they are also one of the least predictable. This unpredictable nature can make it especially challenging for emergency responders, infrastructure managers, and power utilities to be able to prepare and react to these types of events when they occur. Predictive analytical methods could be used to help power utilities adapt to these types of storms, but there are uncertainties inherent in the predictability of convective storms that pose a challenge to the accurate prediction of storm-related outages. Describing the strength and localized effects of thunderstorms remains a major technical challenge for meteorologists and weather modelers, and any predictive system for storm impacts will be limited by the quality of the data used to create it. We investigate how the quality of thunderstorm simulations affects power outage models by conducting a comparative analysis, using two different numerical weather prediction systems with different levels of data assimilation. We find that limitations in the weather simulations propagate into the outage model in specific and quantifiable ways, which has implications on how convective storms should be represented to these types of data-driven impact models in the future.