bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Magnetron Sputtering Deposition Conditions on the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Wear-Resistant Titanium Carbonitride Coatings
Authors: Mamaeva Axaule , Kenzhegulov Aidar , Panichkin Aleksandr , Alibekov Zhasulan , Wieleba Wojciech
Published: February 2022

In the present work, the titanium carbonitride coatings were deposited by the reactive magnetron sputtering method at different substrate bias: 0, −70 V, and −100 V. The effect of the substrate bias on the structure, composition, and mechanical and tribological properties of titanium carbonitride coatings was studied. Scanning electron microscopy, nanoindentation, sliding wear test (ball-on-disk method), X-ray phase, and elemental analysis methods were used to evaluate the tribological properties and microstructure of the thin coatings. The dependencies obtained resulted in the determination of the most preferred mode of deposition by magnetron sputtering at a negative substrate bias in an atmosphere of argon–acetylene–nitrogen.
The Preparation and Characterization of a Cyanide-Free Brush-Plating Solution for Application in the Electric Power Industry
Authors: Zheng Kewang , Meng Zhifei , Li Jingxian , Peng Shuai , Huang Chaofan , Wang Wei , Li Wei , Qin Caiqin
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a bright and compact silver coating on a copper sheet was successfully prepared by a coating solution without cyanogen. The effects of cerium nitrate (Ce(NO3)3) content on the structures, physicochemical properties, and application of the coating were thoroughly discussed with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD) electrochemical workstation, and infrared thermometer. The results pointed out that the thickness of the silver coating could reach about 30 μm, with good adhesion to the copper substrate. Cerium nitrate was evenly distributed on the surface of the coating, which can effectively refine the crystal grains and enhance the corrosion resistance. When the dosage of cerium nitrate was 1.0 g/L, the crystal grains were decreased from 144 nm to 65 nm, and the corrosion voltage was increased from −0.238 V to −0.131 V, respectively. The silver plating layer showed the best corrosion resistance with the dosage of silver nitrate, sulfosalicylic acid, additive, cerium nitrate, ammonium acetate, polyethylene glycol 400, and the number of brush-plating operations were 10, 50, 55, 1, 10, 10 g/L, and 8 times, respectively. For application, the temperature of the transformer’s isolating switch could remarkably be decreased from 100 °C to 54 °C with brushing plating by the silver coating solution.
Milk Protein-Based Edible Films: Influence on Mechanical, Hydrodynamic, Optical and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Fematt-Flores Gabriela Eugenia , Aguiló-Aguayo Ingrid , Marcos Begonya , Camargo-Olivas Belén Arely , Sánchez-Vega Rogelio , Soto-Caballero Mayra Cristina , Salas-Salazar Nora Aideé , Flores-Córdova María Antonia , Rodríguez-Roque María Janeth
Published: February 2022

Edible films are thin preformed layers that provide food protection against adverse environmental conditions. Despite milk proteins being functional ingredients that can provide interesting features to films, there is scarce information evaluating their influence on film properties and stability. For this reason, this research work compared the mechanical (thickness, tensile strength, elongation at break), hydrodynamic (moisture content, water solubility, swelling ratio, water vapor transmission rate), color and antioxidant (DPPH) properties of edible films based on casein and whey protein isolate (two types, WPI1 and WPI2). Films with casein displayed the highest thickness (0.193 mm), elongation at break (49.67%), moisture content (40.21%) and antioxidant capacity (32.64% of DPPH inhibition), while obtaining the lowest water vapor transmission rate (15.28 g/m2·day). Significant differences were found in the color properties, mainly between films with casein and those made with WPI. Films containing WPI1 and WPI2 were statistically similar in thickness, tensile strength and color properties. The results showed that the properties of the edible films depended on the type of milk protein used. Thus, it is important to evaluate the features provided by different ingredients and formulations for obtaining edible films that properly preserve food.
MATLAB Simulation-Based Theoretical Study for Detection of a Wide Range of Pathogens Using 1D Defective Photonic Structure
Authors: Aly Arafa H. , Awasthi S. K. , Mohaseb M. A. , Matar Z. S. , Amin A. F.
Published: February 2022

The present 1D photonic biosensor is composed of two sub-PhCs of alternate layers made of GaP and SiO2. The period number of each PhC has been fixed to 3. Both these PhCs are joined together through a cavity region of air in which different analytes are to be filled one by one under the scope of this study. The theoretical findings of this work have been formulated with the help of the well-known transfer matrix method. Moreover, all the computations pertaining to this work have been carried out with the help of MATLAB software. The effect of change in cavity thickness and angle of incidence corresponding to a TE wave on the transmittance of the structure (AB)ND(AB)N has been studied theoretically which in turn determines the performance of the proposed biosensor. Various parameters, such as sensitivity (S), signal to noise ratio (SNR), figure of merit (FOM), resolution (RS), detection limit (LOD), quality factor (Q) and dynamic range (DR) have been theoretically calculated to evaluate the performance of the proposed design in true sense. The sensitivity of this structure varies between the highest and lowest values of 337.3626 nm/RIU and 333.0882 nm/RIU corresponding to water samples containing Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells and Bacillus anthracia cells, respectively, under normal incidence condition with a cavity thickness of 2.0 µm. The resolution (in nm) and LOD (in RIU) values of the proposed design are small enough and are significant for our structure. This study may also be helpful for distinguishing various microbiological samples under investigation and find suitable applications for discriminating bacterial cells from spores.
Bi2Te3/Graphene Heterostructure as the Saturable Absorber for ~1.0 μm Passively Q-switched Solid State Pulsed Laser
Authors: Sun Yijian , Xia Houping
Published: February 2022

Due to the tunable nonlinear optical properties of the Bi2Te3/graphene heterostructure, stable solid state pulsed lasers based on the Bi2Te3/graphene saturable absorber have attracted intensive attention. In this work, the Bi2Te3/graphene heterostructure with good nonlinear absorption characteristics was synthesized by a self-assembly solvothermal route, and the optical saturable absorption properties of the saturable absorber were investigated. Owing to the large modulation depth of Bi2Te3 nanosheets and the high thermal conductivity of graphene, the Bi2Te3/graphene heterostructure saturable absorber shown good nonlinear saturable absorber performance and contributed the improved passively Q-switched Yb3+: GdAl3(BO3)4 pulsed laser when compared with that of the pure Bi2Te3 based Yb3+: GdAl3(BO3)4 laser, no matter pulse width or pulse energy. Our work demonstrates that the Bi2Te3/graphene heterostructure was a promising saturable absorber in ~1 μm solid-state pulsed lasers.
Diffusion-Weighted MRI in Patients with Testicular Tumors—Intra- and Interobserver Variability
Authors: Pedersen Malene Roland Vils , Loft Martina Kastrup , Dam Claus , Rasmussen Lone Ærenlund Lohmann , Timm Signe
Published: February 2022

In general, magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) has shown potential in clinical settings. In testicles parenchyma, the DW imaging helps differentiate and characterize benign from malignant lesions. Placement and size of the region of interest (ROI) may affect the ADC value. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the intra- and interobserver variability in testicular tumors when measuring ADC using various types of regions of interest (ROI). Two observers performed the ADC measurements in testicular lesions based on three ROI methods: (1) whole volume, (2) round, and (3) small sample groups. Intra- and interobserver variability was analyzed for all ROI methods using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and bland-altman plots. The two observers performed the measurements twice, three months apart. A total of 26 malignant testicle tumors were included. Interobserver agreement was excellent in tumor length (ICC = 0.98) and tumor width (ICC = 0.98). In addition, intraobserver agreement was excellent in tumor length (ICC = 0.98) and tumor width (ICC = 0.99). The whole volume interobserver agreement in the first reading was excellent (ICC = 0.93). Round ADC had an excellent (ICC = 0.93) and fair (ICC = 0.58) interobserver agreement, in the first and second reading, respectively. Interobserver agreement in ADC small ROIs was good (ICC = 0.87), and good (ICC = 0.78), in the first and second reading, respectively. Intraobserver agreement varied from fair, good to excellent agreement. The ROI method showed varying inter- and intraobserver agreement in ADC measurement. Using multiple small ROI conceded the highest interobserver variability, and, thus, the whole volume or round seem to be the preferable methods.
The Nurse Plant Acacia spirorbis Enriches Ectomycorrhizal Community Composition of a Target Species: Tristaniopsis calobuxus
Authors: Houlès Anne , Gotty Karine , Joussemet François , Vincent Bryan , Hannibal Laure , Patrois Magali , Jourand Philippe , Ducousso Marc
Published: February 2022

We investigated the suitability of Acacia spirorbis Labill., a tropical ectomycorrhizal (ECM) tree, as a nurse plant to improve the growth of Tristaniopsis calobuxus Brongn. & Gris seedlings for the restoration of nickel mines in New Caledonia. Rehabilitation of nickel mines in New Caledonia is a major concern. In such harsh soil conditions, ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis is important for tree growth, survival, and resistance. To improve ecological restoration in New Caledonia, new technical itineraries have undergone experimentation using ECM as a plant nurse, allowing ECM saplings to rapidly acquire a wide range of ECM fungi. We transplanted ECM seedlings of Tristaniopsis calobuxus from the nursery to bare ferralitic soils harbouring some scattered 12-year-old Acacia spirorbis to be used as ECM nurse plants. Using molecular characterisation of ITS rDNA, we characterised ECM fungal communities of A. spirorbis and of T. calobuxus saplings at transplanting time and 13 months later. We observed changes in the composition of fungal communities of T. calobuxus with an increase in diversity, notably the appearance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) affiliated with /russula, /boletus and /pisolithus-scleroderma and a decrease in ubiquitous nursery order such as /sebacina. We also observed a higher number of shared OTUs between T. calobuxus and A. spirorbis. The vicinity of A. spirorbis enabled diversification and adaptation of the T. calobuxus ECM fungal community. These results led us to recommend A. spirorbis as a good nurse tree candidate in the framework of ecological restoration of mine sites.
Imaging Review of Pelvic Ring Fractures and Its Complications in High-Energy Trauma
Authors: Leone Edoardo , Garipoli Andrea , Ripani Umberto , Lanzetti Riccardo Maria , Spoliti Marco , Creta Domenico , Giannace Carolina , Galluzzo Antonio , Trinci Margherita , Galluzzo Michele
Published: February 2022

Pelvic ring fractures are common in high-energy blunt trauma, especially in traffic accidents. These types of injuries have a high rate of morbidity and mortality, due to the common instability of the fractures, and the associated intrapelvic vascular and visceral complications. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard technique in the evaluation of pelvic trauma because it can quickly and accurately identify pelvic ring fractures, intrapelvic active bleeding, and lesions of other body systems. To properly guide the multidisciplinary management of the polytrauma patient, a classification criterion is mandatory. In this review, we decided to focus on the Young and Burgess classification, because it combines the mechanism and the stability of the fractures, helping to accurately identify injuries and related complications.
Pindborg Tumor—An Uncommon Odontogenic Tumor Detected by 68Ga-DOTATOC
Authors: Herden Anna , Sabtan Deema , Warnecke Katja , Doll Christian , Furth Christian
Published: February 2022

A 62-year-old-woman with a suspected Tumor-induced-osteomalacia (TIO), a rare neoplastic syndrome that results in renal phosphate wasting with hypophosphatemia, underwent 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT on the suspicion of a mesenchymal tumor producing Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Imaging revealed a small osteolytic, somatostatin receptor (SSTR) positive lesion containing calcifications in the alveolar process of the maxilla. No other SSTR-positive focus was found. A biopsy was performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon that revealed a calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (Pindborg tumor). This case shows that epithelial odontogenic tumors as an uncommon benign tumor entity can also be SSTR-positive.
A Multi-Scale Blueprint for Building the Decision Context to Implement Climate Change Adaptation on National Wildlife Refuges in the United States
Authors: Magness Dawn Robin , Wagener Ella , Yurcich Emily , Mollnow Ryan , Granfors Diane , Wilkening Jennifer L.
Published: February 2022

Climate change and ecological transformation are causing natural resource management to be applied to nonstationary systems. Managers can respond to dynamic ecosystems by resisting, accepting, or directing ecological change. Management response is constrained by a decision context, defined as an interconnected social system of values, rules, and knowledge that affects how problems can be addressed. We provide a multi-scale blueprint for creating a decision context that increases capacity for implementing climate adaptation, including novel approaches in the National Wildlife Refuge System, a continental conservation network administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We use the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska as case study to illustrate blueprint concepts and to provide “proof-of-concept” for application. The blueprint builds on ideas and practices from scenario planning, adaptive management, and adaptive pathway planning, which are approaches that promote action in the face of uncertainty. Management considerations focus on stewarding biodiversity in a changing climate by addressing what futures are possible, what interventions can be used to shape future conditions, and how to coordinate a regional conservation strategy. The blueprint focus on decision context promotes a longer-term social process of engagement that is complementary to, but larger than, any one decision process.
Promotion of European Wines in Third Countries within the Common Market Organisation Framework: The Case of France
Authors: Puccia Angelo , Mora Márquez César M. , Núñez-Tabales Julia M.
Published: February 2022

The international wine market has undertaken important structural changes in the first decades of the 21st century, both in terms of demand and offer. In order to mitigate the effect deriving from the increase in competition, the European Union (EU) continues to allocate important resources to increase the competitiveness of the winemaking sector by means of its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Common Market Organization (CMO). This paper aims to understand which factors have an influence on the correct implementation of the CMO measure of promotion in the principal wine exporter country: France. A fuzzy-set model (fs/QCA) has been utilized, studying a period of 10 years since 2009. Results show that is it possible to obtain a better execution ratio of measure of promotion by adapting some key factors, such as CMO budget allocation. These findings could support French national and regional authorities in the task of planning. Moreover, other Member States (MS) could also benefit, since in the new CAP approach, a higher participation in strategic plans is required for them by the EU.
“Complete the Drawing!”: The Relationship between Imagination and Executive Functions in Children
Authors: Veraksa Nikolay , Gavrilova Margarita , Veraksa Aleksander
Published: February 2022

An indirect connection between executive functioning and imagination was revealed earlier in the study of pretend play. This study aimed to explore the relationship between imagination and executive functions in children. Two-hundred-six typically developing children aged 6–7 years were assessed with main executive functions (working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility) and nonverbal imagination (imagination flexibility, image detailedness, image creation strategy, and originality coefficient). Three General Linear Models were built to examine the relationship between executive functions and imagination among children, controlling for age and gender. The obtained results indicate a positive correlation between such characteristics of imagination as originality and flexibility with visual-spatial working memory and cognitive flexibility. However, the data also show that the children who creatively approach the production of new images often experience difficulties with inhibition tasks. The results are interpreted in the context of the educational system and cultural specificities.
Exploring Relationships among Test Takers’ Behaviors and Performance Using Response Process Data
Authors: Araneda Sergio , Lee Dukjae , Lewis Jennifer , Sireci Stephen G. , Moon Jung Aa , Lehman Blair , Arslan Burcu , Keehner Madeleine
Published: February 2022

Students exhibit many behaviors when responding to items on a computer-based test, but only some of these behaviors are relevant to estimating their proficiencies. In this study, we analyzed data from computer-based math achievement tests administered to elementary school students in grades 3 (ages 8–9) and 4 (ages 9–10). We investigated students’ response process data, including the total amount of time they spent on an item, the amount of time they took to first respond to an item, the number of times they “visited” an item and the number of times they changed their responses to items, in order to explore whether these behaviors were related to overall proficiency and whether they differed across item formats and grades. The results indicated a non-linear relationship between the mean number of actions and proficiency, as well as some notable interactions between correctly answering an item, item format, response time, and response time latency. Implications for test construction and future analyses in this area are discussed.
Is Campus a Place of (In)Security and Crime? Perceptions and Predictors among Higher Education Students
Authors: Azevedo Vanessa , Nunes Laura M. , Sani Ana
Published: February 2022

This paper addresses subjective insecurity, namely perceptions of (in)security and criminal variables on campus among Portuguese higher education students. Additionally, predictors of perceptions of (in)security and gender differences were also examined. The participants were 775 students and data were collected through the “Diagnosis of Local Security Questionnaire”. Robbery, physical assault, theft, and sexual offenses were the most feared crimes. Additionally, robbery, theft, and public property damage were perceived as the most common on campus. Alcohol/drug consumption and juvenile conflicts/delinquency were the main reasons justifying criminal occurrences. Sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, education, and years of campus attendance, as well as criminal variables (e.g., perceived trend of crime, criminal occurrences, and crime promoters) predicted perceptions of (in)security. Females reported more fear than males of robbery, sexual offenses, physical aggression, and domestic violence. Therefore, preventive measures, including in the social domain and physical spaces, are mandatory to reduce violence on campus.
Active Auto-Suppression Current Unbalance Technique for Parallel-Connected Silicon Carbide MOSFETs
Authors: Giannopoulos Nektarios , Ioannidis George , Psomopoulos Constantinos
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, medium- and high-power applications make use of silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, and many times their parallelization is necessary. Unfortunately, this requirement causes an inevitable current unbalance between power devices, affecting the performance of power switches. Over the last decade, numerous studies have been conducted, proposing various techniques with the capability of mitigating current unbalance for a number of discrete parallel SiC MOSFETs. However, the realization of most methods requires knowledge of the technical characteristics of power devices, adding extra cost to the system, since screening is a time-consuming and costly process. This necessity reduces the possibilities of such a technique being implemented in power electronics applications, preventing the exploitation of the exceptional features of SiC MOSFETs. In addition, most of these techniques can suppress only the current unbalance, which occurs during turn-on and turn-off transitions. In this paper, an active auto-suppression current unbalance technique is proposed, requiring no device screening. The active method is a closed-loop system capable of sensing and eliminating the entire current unbalance between parallel SiC MOSFETs automatically, actively, and independently of the cause. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Application of Intelligent Systems in Volt-VAr Centralized Control in Modern Distribution Systems of Electrical Energy
Authors: Florez Hugo A. R. , López Gloria P. , Carreño-Franco Edgar M. , López-Lezama Jesús M. , Muñoz-Galeano Nicolás
Published: February 2022

Centralized control of voltage magnitude and reactive power (Volt-VAr) is a highly complex combinatorial problem that seeks to determine the optimal adjustment of a set of control variables such as active and reactive power generation of distributed generators (DGs), modules in operation of capacitor banks, and voltage regulator taps; these with the purpose of ensuring an optimal operation of distribution systems. Looking for tools that allow real-time automation of this type of control, this study applies different intelligent system (ISs) techniques, such as decision trees, artificial neural networks, and support vector machines. Voltage magnitudes at nodes, current flow magnitudes in the circuits, and active and reactive power injections at the nodes at different grid points were used as input data. Training was performed from available measurements and actions recorded at the system control center. The tests were performed in a 42-bus distribution test system demonstrating the efficiency and robustness of the proposed solution techniques when compared with the results of a conventional mathematical model.
A Contemporary Review on Utilizing Semantic Web Technologies in Healthcare, Virtual Communities, and Ontology-Based Information Processing Systems
Authors: Narayanasamy Senthil Kumar , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Hu Yuh-Chung , Masilamani Satish Kumar , Huang Kuo-Yi
Published: February 2022

The semantic web is an emerging technology that helps to connect different users to create their content and also facilitates the way of representing information in a manner that can be made understandable for computers. As the world is heading towards the fourth industrial revolution, the implicit utilization of artificial-intelligence-enabled semantic web technologies paves the way for many real-time application developments. The fundamental building blocks for the overwhelming utilization of semantic web technologies are ontologies, and it allows sharing as well as reusing the concepts in a standardized way so that the data gathered from heterogeneous sources receive a common nomenclature, and it paves the way for disambiguating the duplicates very easily. In this context, the right utilization of ontology capabilities would further strengthen its presence in many web-based applications such as e-learning, virtual communities, social media sites, healthcare, agriculture, etc. In this paper, we have given the comprehensive review of using the semantic web in the domain of healthcare, some virtual communities, and other information retrieval projects. As the role of semantic web is becoming pervasive in many domains, the demand for the semantic web in healthcare, virtual communities, and information retrieval has been gaining huge momentum in recent years. To obtain the correct sense of the meaning of the words or terms given in the textual content, it is deemed necessary to apply the right ontology to fix the ambiguity and shun any deviations that persist on the concepts. In this review paper, we have highlighted all the necessary information for a good understanding of the semantic web and its ontological frameworks.
COVID-19 and Psychological Impact
Authors: Bueno-Guerra Nereida
Published: February 2022

The worldwide mental health burden associated to COVID-19. The psychological symptoms associated to COVID-19 can originate from three different sources: lockdowns, pandemic life and virus infection (both COVID-19 and post COVID-19 condition). Within the psychological symptoms it can be found: anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, fatigue and cognitive impairment (i.e., ’brain fog’, mental slowness, deficits in attention, executive functioning, working memory, learning, articulation, and/or psychomotor coordination). Plus, two psychological conditions associated to the COVID-19 pandemic have been coined so far by the World Health Organization: pandemic fatigue and post COVID-19 condition. The increase of psychological symptoms both in the general population and in frontline workers (especially health-care workers) generates an unprecedented number of psychological patients and it challenges national mental health systems.
Fungi Occurring in Norway Spruce Wood Decayed by Heterobasidion parviporum in Puszcza Borecka Stands (Northeastern Poland)
Authors: Szczepkowski Andrzej , Kowalczuk Waldemar , Sikora Katarzyna , Damszel Marta , Sierota Zbigniew
Published: February 2022

In many spruce stands, trees are frequently attacked by the pathogen Heterobasidion parviporum, albeit without visible symptoms in the crown. In the present work, the results of the presence of stem rot, assessed by PICUS Sonic Tomography, and the fungal biota on trees and stumps in eight plots in the Puszcza Borecka Forest are described. The plots were located in stands on original forest soil (4) and on post-agricultural soil (4), where around a stump with H. parviporum symptoms (signs of internal rot and basidiocarps), 30 trees were selected and examined for internal rot. Wood samples were collected from two selected trees for fungal molecular analysis. A total of 79 fungal taxa were found, including 57 taxa in plots on post-agricultural soil and 45 on forest soil. There were 395 fungal records on stumps and 22 records on trees, therein, from the inner parts of felled trunks. Significant differences in the Chao-1 diversity index indicate that the origin of the soil—post-agricultural or forest soil—influenced the alpha diversity of the fungal communities in the forests studied. The values of the Shannon and Simpson indices show that the two communities were similar in terms of species numbers. The presence of basidiomata of H. parviporum and two species of Armillaria (mainly A. cepistipes) in samples on all plots is striking, although Armillaria spp. was detected more frequently. Most of the species identified were typical saprotrophs, although rare species were also found, such as Entoloma byssisedum, Onnia tomentosa, Physisporinus vitreus, Postia ptychogaster, and Ramaria apiculata. The presence of H. parviporum in the inner woody parts was confirmed by PCR analysis, and decay was detected even up to a stem height of 6 m. Armillaria was the dominant genus in the studied stands and plays a significant and underestimated role in heartwood decay of old spruce trees in Puszcza Borecka Forest.
The Effects of Crown Scorch on Post-fire Delayed Mortality Are Modified by Drought Exposure in California (USA)
Authors: Barker Jason S. , Gray Andrew N. , Fried Jeremy S.
Published: February 2022

Accurately predicting the mortality of trees that initially survive a fire event is important for management, such as planning post-fire salvage, planting, and prescribed fires. Although crown scorch has been successfully used to predict post-fire mortality (greater than one-year post-fire), it remains unclear whether other first-order fire effect metrics (e.g., stem char) and information on growing conditions can improve such predictions. Droughts can also elevate mortality and may interact, synergistically, with fire effects to influence post-fire tree survival. We used logistic regression to test whether drought exposure, as indicated by summarized monthly Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) over ten-years could improve predictions of delayed mortality (4–9 years post-fire) at the individual tree level in fire-affected forest inventory and analysis (FIA) plots in California (USA). We included crown scorch, bark thickness, stem char, soil char, slope, and aspect in the model as predictors. We selected the six most prevalent species to include in the model: canyon live oak, Douglas-fir, Jeffrey pine, incense-cedar, ponderosa pine, and white fir. Mean delayed mortality, based on tree count, across all FIA plots across all tree species and plots was 17%, and overall accuracy was good (AUC = 79%). Our model performed well, correctly predicting survivor trees (sensitivity of 0.98) but had difficulty correctly predicting the smaller number of mortality trees (specificity of 0.27) at the standard probability=0.5 mortality threshold. Crown scorch was the most influential predictor of tree mortality. Increasing crown scorch was associated with greater risk of delayed mortality for all six species, with trees exhibiting over 75% crown scorch having a probability of dying that exceeded 0.5. Increasing levels of stem char and soil char (first order indicators) were associated with increasing mortality risk but to less effect than crown scorch. We expected that greater drought exposure would increase delayed post-fire mortality, but we found that increasing drought exposure (median and minimum PDSI) was associated with a modest decrease in post-fire mortality. However, we did find that trees with high levels of crown scorch were less likely to survive with increasing drought exposure (median PDSI). Delayed mortality risk decreased as terrain slope increased. Taken together, our results suggest that trees with substantial crown damage may be more vulnerable to delayed mortality if exposed to drought and that crown scorch is an effective post-fire mortality predictor up to 10 years post-fire.
Application Prospect of Protein-Glutaminase in the Development of Plant-Based Protein Foods
Authors: Liu Xiao , Wang Chao , Zhang Xinwen , Zhang Guoqiang , Zhou Jingwen , Chen Jian
Published: February 2022

Plant-based protein foods as suitable alternative protein sources have recently received increased global interest. The scientific community is exploring effective modification approaches to enhance the functionality of plant-based proteins for expanded utilization. Deamidation has shown great potential for structural modifications and improving the processing efficiency of proteins. In this review, we firstly revisit the enzyme reaction mechanism of protein-glutaminase and its fundamental differences from other enzymatic methods for the deamidation of proteins. Then, the latest advances regarding the suitability of protein-glutaminase modifications for improving the functional properties (e.g., solubility, emulsifying and foaming properties, flavor, and reduction in allergenicity) of plant-based proteins are overviewed. Finally, we address the potential prospect associated with the use of protein-glutaminase in plant-based protein foods, such as meat, dairy, and egg alternatives. This review provides a novel perspective for the design of plant-based protein foods by using protein-glutaminase in order to match animal counterparts in taste and texture, and to fuel widespread adoption.
Preparation and Characterization of Food-Grade Pickering Emulsions Stabilized with Chitosan-Phytic Acid-Cyclodextrin Nanoparticles
Authors: Lu Jiaxin , Li Xiaojing , Qiu Chao , McClements David Julian , Jiao Aiquan , Wang Jinpeng , Jin Zhengyu
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to fabricate food-grade Pickering emulsions stabilized by chitosan-phytic acid-β-cyclodextrin (CS-PA-CD) nanoparticles. The CS-PA-CD nanoparticles were characterized with FITR, XRD, and TGA to prove its successfully crosslinking, then characterized by DLS system and scanning electron microscopy showing the smallest average particle size was 434.2 ± 2.5 nm and it increased with the ratio of PA-CD to CS increasing. Pickering emulsions stabilized by CS-PA-CD nanoparticles was prepared and it showed the best stability at around pH 6. The particle concentration higher than 1.0% (w/v) and the oil fraction above 0.5% (v/v) could reach the emulsion stability. In addition, the Pickering emulsions were stable at various temperature (30–70 °C) and influenced by the certain change of ionic strength (0–500 mM). These CS-PA-CD Pickering emulsions showed great application in the formation of functional foods and pharmaceutical industries.
Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) Addition as Tool to Reduce Nitrate and Nitrite in Ripened Sausages
Authors: Difonzo Graziana , Totaro Michela Pia , Caponio Francesco , Pasqualone Antonella , Summo Carmine
Published: February 2022

Olive leaf extract (OLE) is known to be a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. This study investigated the effects of the OLE addition to reduce nitrate/nitrite (NO) content on the physico-chemical features of ripened pork sausages. Seven formulations of pork sausages were set up: CTRL (0 mg/kg OLE; 300 mg/kg NO), Tr1 (200 mg/kg OLE; 150 mg/kg NO), Tr2 (400 mg/kg OLE; 150 mg/kg NO), Tr3 (800 mg/kg OLE; 150 mg/kg NO), Tr4 (200 mg/kg OLE; 0 mg/kg NO), Tr5 (400 mg/kg OLE; 0 mg/kg NO), and Tr6 (800 mg/kg OLE; 0 mg/kg NO). At the end of the ripening period, all the samples were within hygienic limits and the substitution of the additives with OLE allowed the reduction of NO residual contents. Both OLE and NO influenced the colour parameters. At the highest dose of OLE, both alone and in combination with reduced dose of NO, no significant differences in terms of moisture, pH, and aw were found compared to CTRL. In absence of NO, a significant reduction of weight loss was observed. Moreover, in the samples without NO a reduction of the hardness was detected. Finally, the oxidative stability test showed that the increase of the OLE amount prolonged the induction time.
A Note on Gradient/Fractional One-Dimensional Elasticity and Viscoelasticity
Authors: Parisis Kostas , Dimosthenis Vlasis , Kouris Leonidas , Konstantinidis Avraam , Aifantis Elias C.
Published: February 2022

An introductory discussion on a (weakly non-local) gradient generalization of some one-dimensional elastic and viscoelastic models, and their fractional extension is provided. Emphasis is placed on the possible implications of micro- and nano- engineering problems, including small-scale structural mechanics and composite materials, as well as collagen biomechanics and nanomaterials.
Does Sustainable Transport Deliver Societal Value? Exploring Concepts, Methods, and Impacts with Case Studies
Authors: Bassi Andrea Marcello , Pallaske Georg , Niño Nathalia , Casier Liesbeth
Published: February 2022

Transportation is one of the main enablers of development. It connects communities, allows the trade of goods among territories, and provides equitable access to public services. However, it is also one of the main causes of climate change, impacting directly and indirectly on human health. This raises the need for transportation infrastructure to be more sustainable so that it can enable more sustainable development. This paper investigates how sustainability in the transport sector can be conceptualized, assessed, and implemented. Definitions are proposed, indicators identified, existing methods reviewed, and three case studies presented. The Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) method and resulting integrated simulation models are used to assess the multidimensional outcomes of conventional and sustainable transport investments. The cases of roads, public bicycle-sharing and bus rapid transport systems are discussed. These investments are assessed using an integrated cost–benefit analysis that goes beyond traditional assessments, considering the benefits and avoided costs of the externalities of a project in the social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The use of the method led to the conclusion that including externalities in a cost–benefit analysis is meaningful and can be relevant for assessing the economic viability of transport infrastructure projects.
From Chondrocytes to Chondrons, Maintenance of Phenotype and Matrix Production in a Composite 3D Hydrogel Scaffold
Authors: Amr Mahmoud , Mallah Alia , Yasmeen Samina , Van Wie Bernard , Gozen Arda , Mendenhall Juana , Abu-Lail Nehal I.
Published: February 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by articular cartilage (AC) degradation that affects more than 30 million people in the USA. OA is managed with symptom-alleviating medications. Matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation (MACT) is a tissue-engineered option, but current products are expensive and lack mechanical tunability or processability to match defect mechanical properties and anatomical shapes. Here, we explore the efficacy of a biocompatible hydrogel-based scaffold composed of sodium alginate, gelatin, and gum Arabic—referred to by SA–GEL–GA—to support bovine articular chondrocyte (bAChs) proliferation, pericellular matrix (PCM), and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. bAChs were grown for 45 days in SA–GEL–GA. Their viability, their live/dead status, histological staining, biochemical assays for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen, atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging, and immunofluorescence staining of collagen I, collagen II, aggrecan, and CD44 were assessed. We found that SA–GEL–GA was not cytotoxic, induced cellular proliferation by 6.1-fold while maintaining a round morphology, and supported ECM deposition by producing 3.9-fold more GAG compared to day 0. bAChs transformed into chondrons and produced a PCM enriched with collagen II (3.4-fold), aggrecan (1.7-fold), and CD44 (1.3-fold) compared to day 0. In summary, SA–GEL–GA supported the proliferation, ECM production, and PCM production of bAChs in vitro.
Quantitative Trait Loci for Heat Stress Tolerance in Brassica rapa L. Are Distributed across the Genome and Occur in Diverse Genetic Groups, Flowering Phenologies and Morphotypes
Authors: Chen Sheng , Hayward Alice , Dey Shyam S. , Choudhary Mukesh , Witt Hmon Khaing P. , Inturrisi Fabian C. , Dolatabadian Aria , Neik Ting Xiang , Yang Hua , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Batley Jacqueline , Cowling Wallace A.
Published: February 2022

Heat stress events during flowering in Brassica crops reduce grain yield and are expected to increase in frequency due to global climate change. We evaluated heat stress tolerance and molecular genetic diversity in a global collection of Brassica rapa accessions, including leafy, rooty and oilseed morphotypes with spring, winter and semi-winter flowering phenology. Tolerance to transient daily heat stress during the early reproductive stage was assessed on 142 lines in a controlled environment. Well-watered plants of each genotype were exposed to the control (25/15 °C day/night temperatures) or heat stress (35/25 °C) treatments for 7 d from the first open flower on the main stem. Bud and leaf temperature depression, leaf conductance and chlorophyll content index were recorded during the temperature treatments. A large genetic variation for heat tolerance and sensitivity was found for above-ground biomass, whole plant seed yield and harvest index and seed yield of five pods on the main stem at maturity. Genetic diversity was assessed on 212 lines with 1602 polymorphic SNP markers with a known location in the B. rapa physical map. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed two major genetic populations: one from East and South Asia and one from Europe. Heat stress-tolerant lines were distributed across diverse geographic origins, morphotypes (leafy, rooty and oilseed) and flowering phenologies (spring, winter and semi-winter types). A genome-wide association analysis of heat stress-related yield traits revealed 57 SNPs distributed across all 10 B. rapa chromosomes, some of which were associated with potential candidate genes for heat stress tolerance.
Safety of Chuna Manipulation Therapy in 289,953 Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kim Suna , Kim Gook-Beom , Kim Hyo-jun , Park Joon , Lee Ji-Won , Jeong Wu-jin , Kim Hye-Gyeong , Kim Min-Young , Park Kyoung-Sun , Lee Jinho , Lee Jun-Hwan , Shin Joon-Shik , Shin Byung-Cheul , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: February 2022

Studies have reported that mild adverse events (AEs) are common after manual therapy and that there is a risk of serious injury. We aimed to assess the safety of Chuna manipulation therapy (CMT), a traditional manual Korean therapy, by analysing AEs in patients who underwent this treatment. Patients who received at least one session of CMT between December 2009 and March 2019 at 14 Korean medicine hospitals were included. Electronic patient charts and internal audit data obtained from situation report logs were retrospectively analysed. All data were reviewed by two researchers. The inter-rater agreement was assessed using the Cohen’s kappa coefficient, and reliability analysis among hospitals was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. In total, 2,682,258 CMT procedures were performed in 289,953 patients during the study period. There were 50 AEs, including worsened pain (n = 29), rib fracture (n = 11), falls during treatment (n = 6), chest pain (n = 2), dizziness (n = 1), and unpleasant feeling (n = 1). The incidence of mild to moderate AEs was 1.83 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36–2.39) per 100,000 treatment sessions, and that of severe AEs was 0.04 (95% CI 0.00–0.16) per 100,000 treatment sessions. Thus, AEs of any level of severity were very rare after CMT. Moreover, there were no instances of carotid artery dissection or spinal cord injury, which are the most severe AEs associated with manual therapy in other countries.
The NKL- and TALE-Codes Represent Hematopoietic Gene Signatures to Evaluate Deregulated Homeobox Genes in Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Nagel Stefan
Published: February 2022

Homeobox genes encode transcription factors which control basic processes in development and differentiation. Concerning the sequence conservation in their homeobox, these genes are arranged into particular groups sharing evolutionary ancestry and resembling in function. We have recently described the physiological expression patterns of two homeobox gene groups, NKL and TALE, in early hematopoiesis and subsequent lymphopoiesis. The hematopoietic activities of eleven NKL and nine TALE homeobox genes have been termed as NKL- and TALE-codes, respectively. Due to the developmental impact of homeobox genes, these expression data indicate a key role for their activity in normal hematopoietic differentiation processes, including B-cell development. On the other hand, aberrant expression of NKL- and TALE-code members or ectopic activation of non-code members have been frequently reported in lymphoid malignancies, demonstrating their oncogenic potential in the hematopoietic compartment. Here, we provide an overview of the established NKL- and TALE-codes in normal lymphopoiesis and of deregulated homeobox genes in Hodgkin lymphoma, demonstrating the capability of gene codes to identify homeo-oncogenes in lymphoid malignancies.
Artistic Interchange between Al-Andalus and the Iberian Christian Kingdoms: The Role of the Ivory Casket from Santo Domingo de Silos
Authors: Monteira Inés
Published: February 2022

The ivory casket made in Cuenca in A.D. 1026 and signed by Mohammad ibn Zayyan constitutes invaluable evidence for the study of artistic transfers between Al-Andalus and the Iberian Christian kingdoms. In the 12th century this piece was transformed in the monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos (Burgos) with the addition of Christian-themed enamels and reused as a reliquary. The appropriation of this object within the ideological context of the Christian expansion in the Iberian Peninsula allows us to reflect on the meaning given to it by the Silos monks. Moreover, a comparative study of the casket with Romanesque sculpture shows the existence of important iconographic influences of this piece in Christian art that have not been sufficiently studied until now. Its analysis offers clues about the way in which figurative motifs could be transmitted from Andalusi to Christian art and about the symbolic purposes with which they were used. This work highlights the need to study conjointly the transfer of artistic pieces and the transmission of figurative motifs from one context to another in addition to proposing a methodology for their study.
High Rates of Sexualized Drug Use or Chemsex among Brazilian Transgender Women and Young Sexual and Gender Minorities
Authors: Jalil Emilia M. , Torres Thiago S. , de A. Pereira Claudia C. , Farias Alessandro , Brito Jose D. U. , Lacerda Marcus , da Silva Daila A. R. , Wallys Nickols , Ribeiro Gabriela , Gomes Joyce , Odara Thiffany , Santiago Ludymilla , Nouveau Sophie , Benedetti Marcos , Pimenta Cristina , Hoagland Brenda , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Veloso Valdilea G.
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: We aimed to estimate sexualized drug use (SDU) prevalence and its predictors among sexual and gender minorities. (2) Methods: We used an online and on-site survey to enroll sexual/gender minorities people between October–December/2020, and multivariate logistic regression to obtain SDU correlates. (3) Results: We enrolled 3924 individuals (280 transgender women [TGW], 3553 men who have sex with men [MSM], and 91 non-binary), 29.0% currently on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). SDU prevalence was 28.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27.4–30.2). TGW had 2.44-times increased odds (95%CI 1.75–3.39) of engaging in SDU compared to MSM, regardless of PrEP use. PrEP use (aOR 1.19, 95%CI 1.00–1.41), South/Southeast region (aOR 1.26, 95%CI 1.04–1.53), younger age (18–24 years: aOR 1.41, 95%CI 1.10–1.81; 25–35 years: aOR 1.24, 95%CI 1.04–1.53), white race/color (aOR 1.21, 95%CI 1.02–1.42), high income (aOR 1.32, 95%CI 1.05–1.67), binge drinking (aOR 2.66, 95%CI 2.25–3.14), >5 sexual partners (aOR 1.88, 95%CI 1.61–2.21), condomless anal sex (aOR 1.49, 95%CI 1.25–1.79), self-reported sexually transmitted infection (aOR 1.40, 95%CI 1.14–1.71), and higher perceived HIV-risk (aOR 1.37, 95%CI 1.14–1.64) were associated with SDU. (4) Conclusions: TGW had the highest SDU odds. SDU may impact HIV vulnerability among key populations and should be addressed in HIV prevention approaches.