bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fiber Cell-Specific Expression of the VP16-Fused Ethylene Response Factor 41 Protein Increases Biomass Yield and Alters Lignin Composition
Authors: Nakata Miyuki T. , Sakamoto Shingo , Nuoendagula  , Kajita Shinya , Mitsuda Nobutaka
Published: April 2021

Arabidopsis thaliana transcription factors belonging to the ERFIIId and ERFIIIe subclade (ERFIIId/e) of the APETALA 2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) family enhance primary cell wall (PCW) formation. These transcription factors activate expression of genes encoding PCW-type cellulose synthase (CESA) subunits and other genes for PCW biosynthesis. In this study, we show that fiber-specific expression of ERF035-VP16 and ERF041-VP16, which are VP16-fused proteins of ERFIIId/e members, promote cell wall thickening in a wild-type background with a concomitant increase of alcohol insoluble residues (cell wall content) per fresh weight (FW) and monosaccharides related to the PCW without affecting plant growth. Furthermore, in the ERF041-VP16 lines, the total amount of lignin and the syringyl (S)/guaiacyl (G) ratio decreased, and the enzymatic saccharification yield of glucose from cellulose per fresh weight improved. In these lines, PCW-type CESA genes were upregulated and ferulate 5-hydropxylase1 (F5H1), which is necessary for production of the S unit lignin, was downregulated. In addition, various changes in the expression levels of transcription factors regulating secondary cell wall (SCW) formation were observed. In conclusion, fiber cell-specific ERF041-VP16 improves biomass yield, increases PCW components, and alters lignin composition and deposition and may be suitable for use in future molecular breeding programs of biomass crops.
Trust in Science, Perceived Vulnerability to Disease, and Adherence to Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological COVID-19 Recommendations
Authors: Hromatko Ivana , Tonković Mirjana , Vranic Andrea
Published: April 2021

Protection motivation theory (PMT) is a theoretical framework informative for understanding behavioral intentions and choices during exceptional and uncommon circumstances, such as a pandemic of respiratory infectious disease. PMT postulates both the threat appraisal and the coping appraisal as predictors of health behaviors. Recent advances in the field of behavioral immune system (BIS) research suggest that humans are equipped with a set of psychological adaptations enabling them to detect the disease-threat and activate behavioral avoidance of pathogens. The present study, set within PMT framework and informed by the BIS research, aimed to explain and predict voluntary adherence to COVID-19 guidelines by perceived personal risk and vulnerability to disease as threat appraisal variables, and trust in science as the response efficacy element of coping appraisal. Gender, age, belief in the second wave, perceived personal risk, germ aversion, and trust in science were all found to be significant positive predictors of the intent to adhere to non-pharmacological COVID-19 recommendations, with the belief in the second wave, germ aversion, and trust in science being the most important ones. On the other hand, only the belief in the second wave and trust in science were significant positive predictors of the intent to adhere to pharmacological COVID-19 recommendations (i.e., to vaccinate). Interventions aimed at enhancing preventative measures adherence should take into account that the psychological mechanisms underlying adherence to these two types of recommendations are not identical.
Children's Physical Self-Concept, Motivation, and Physical Performance: Does Physical Self-Concept or Motivation Play a Mediating Role?
Authors: Lohbeck Annette , von Keitz Philipp , Hohmann Andreas , Daseking Monika
Published: April 2021

The present study aimed to examine the relations between physical self-concept, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as well as physical performance of 1,082 children aged 7–8 years. The central objective of this study was to contrast a mediation model assuming physical self-concept as a mediator of the relations between both types of motivation and physical performance to a mediation model assuming both types of motivation as mediators of the relations between physical self-concept and physical performance. Physical self-concept and both types of motivation were measured by using self-reported questionnaires, while physical performance was measured with 10 motor skill tests. All tests were carried out during regular school hours (8–12 A.M.) by qualified test personnel. Beyond correlation analyses, structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to find evidence for the predictive relations between the variables under study. Results showed that physical self-concept was significantly positively related to both types of motivation and physical performance (allp< 0.001). In contrast, results of SEM revealed that only physical self-concept (p< 0.001) and intrinsic motivation (p< 0.05) were significantly positively linked to physical performance. Furthermore, physical self-concept proved to significantly mediate the relations of both types of motivation to physical performance (p< 0.001), while only intrinsic motivation, but not extrinsic motivation, proved to significantly mediate the relation between physical self-concept and physical performance (p< 0.05). These results suggest that school-based or extracurricular interventions targeted at improving younger children's physical performance only by means of an increased level of physical activity or by external factors without supporting children's physical self-concept and intrinsic motivation may have less or no effects on their physical performance.
Association of Resting Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability With Proximal Suicidal Risk in Patients With Diverse Psychiatric Diagnoses
Authors: Lee Dongbin , Baek Ji Hyun , Cho Yun Ji , Hong Kyung Sue
Published: April 2021

Objectively measurable biomarkers have not been applied for suicide risk prediction. Resting heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) showed potential as trans-diagnostic markers associated with suicide. This study aimed to investigate the associations of resting HR and HRV on proximal suicide risk in patients with diverse psychiatric diagnoses. This chart review study used the medical records of psychiatric patients who visited the outpatient clinic at an academic tertiary hospital. A total of 1,461 patients with diverse psychiatric diagnoses was included in the analysis. Proximal suicide risk was measured using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) suicidal score. Linear regression analyses with the MINI suicidal score as a dependent variable and binary logistic regression analyses with moderate-to-high suicide risk (MINI suicidal risk score ≥6) as a dependent variable were conducted to explore the effects of resting HR and HRV parameters on acute suicide risk after adjusting for age, sex, presence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), severity of depression and anxiety severity. We found that 55 (34.6%) patients in the MDD group, 40 (41.7%) in the BD group and 36 (3.9%) in the others group reported moderate-to-high suicide risk. Linear regression analysis revealed that both resting HR and root-mean-square of successive difference (RMSSD) had significant associations with the MINI suicidal score (P = 0.037 with HR, P = 0.003 with RMSSD). In logistic regression, only RMSSD showed a significant association with moderate-to-high suicide risk (P = 0.098 with HR, P = 0.019 with RMSSD), which remained significant in subgroup analysis with patients who reported any suicide-related symptom (MINI suicidal score >0; n = 472; P = 0.017 with HR, P = 0.012 with RMSSD). Our study findings suggest the potential for resting HR and RMSSD as biomarkers for proximal suicide risk prediction. Further research with longitudinal evaluation is needed to confirm our study findings.
Utilization of Inpatient Mental Health Care in the Rhineland During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zielasek Jürgen , Vrinssen Jürgen , Gouzoulis-Mayfrank Euphrosyne
Published: April 2021

Background: During the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, considerable changes occurred in the utilization of mental health care.

Objectives: We conducted an analysis of the changes of inpatient and day patient mental health care utilization in an association of psychiatric hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods: We used the statistics database of the association of nine psychiatric hospitals of the Rhineland Regional Council (Landschaftsverband Rheinland, LVR). We compared the case numbers of spring 2019 and spring 2020 and analyzed alterations in the diagnostic spectrum. Finally, we analyzed the age, gender, and diagnoses of patients tested positive for COVID-19.

Results: A total of 25,612 inpatient psychiatric hospital admissions were assessed. Case rates decreased by 25% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes varied between diagnostic groups, and there were even increases in case numbers for certain diagnoses. Women and patients of higher ages were overrepresented among psychiatric inpatients with COVID-19.

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in considerable reductions in the total number of mental health-care admissions and in changes in the diagnostic spectrum. The results may be explainable by deferrals of elective hospital admissions during the acute phase of the pandemic and by destabilizing effects of the pandemic and social distancing on people with mental disorders.
Science Diplomacy in Emerging Economies: A Phenomenological Analysis of the Colombian Case
Authors: Echeverría King Luisa Fernanda , González Diana Alejandra , Andrade-Sastoque Ernesto
Published: April 2021

Little has been investigated about Science Diplomacy (SD) in emerging economies, more specifically on governance schemes useful for organizing intersecting actors, practices, conceptions and suggestions of the future in foreign affairs and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in public administration sectors. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the “texture and nature” of SD initiatives in emerging economies through the eyes of relevant actors involved or reflecting about them in Colombia. The aim of this paper is to propose a general governance scheme for SD in emerging economies and its potential instrumentation for a policy-mix. In Colombia, SD initiatives are very fragmented, and are not part of the priorities of the Colombian state, however the increasing interest of an embryonic practitioner and scholar community working in the topic make necessary this work. A phenomenological perspective combined with a single case study research methodology is used to gain a very accurate description of the state of the situation of SD in Colombia. Policy document review and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 relevant actors to understand the conceptions, practices, and suggestions for the future of SD in Colombia. The study results show that SD actors in Colombia are scattered, practices strongly related to traditional cooperation diplomatic activities and the need to give a function to SD for capacity building, better global intermediation and the development of new knowledge, in particular promoting SD abilities in the scientific community. In addition, data expresses the need to cultivate a multi-stakeholder working group for such a purpose. The study reflects on the need of a policy mix for SD in emerging economies. It proposes a general governance scheme for it, a potential instrumentation founded on research participant future suggestions, and a set of practical recommendations and policy implications. Conclusions and further research questions are set, pointing out the importance of including non-conventional diplomacy actors and knowledge, and the need to inquire rationales behind possible SD policy mixes in the southern world.
Research History and Functional Systems of Fog Water Harvesting
Authors: Qadir Manzoor , Jiménez Gabriela C. , Farnum Rebecca L. , Trautwein Peter
Published: April 2021

Water is among the top five global risks in terms of impacts translated through socio-economic and environmental challenges, influencing people's wellbeing. The situation is grim in water-scarce countries, which need to think and act beyond conventional water resources and tap unconventional water supplies to narrow the gap between water demand and supply. Among unconventional water resources, water embedded in fog is increasingly seen as a source of potable water in dry areas where fog is intense and prevalent. Although a low maintenance option and a green technology to supply freshwater, the potential to collect water from air through fog harvesting is by far under-explored. Based on the comprehensive analysis of fog water collection's research history since 1980, this study reveals that recent years have witnessed a sharp increase in research related to technological developments in fog collection systems. Also, there is an increased focus on associated policy and institutional aspects, economics, environmental dimensions, capacity building, community participation, and gender mainstreaming. In addition to research, fog water collection practice has also increased over time with emerging examples worldwide, notably from Canary Islands, Chile, Colombia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Israel, Morocco, Namibia, Oman, Peru, and South Africa. The functional systems of fog water collection demonstrate community engagement, women empowerment, enhanced capacity and training, and active participation of local institutions as the key drivers for effective fog collection systems to provide a sustainable supply of freshwater to the associated communities.
KORTES Mission for Solar Activity Monitoring Onboard International Space Station
Authors: Kirichenko Alexey , Kuzin Sergey , Shestov Sergey , Ulyanov Artem , Pertsov Andrey , Bogachev Sergey , Reva Anton , Loboda Ivan , Vishnyakov Eugene , Dyatkov Sergey , Erkhova Nataliya , Stȩślicki Marek , Sylwester Janusz , Płocieniak Stefan , Podgórski Piotr , Kowaliński Mirosław , Bakała Jarosław , Szaforz Żaneta , Siarkowski Marek , Ścisłowski Daniel , Mrozek Tomasz , Sylwester Barbara , Malyshev Ilya , Pestov Alexey , Polkovnikov Vladimir , Toropov Mikhail , Salashchenko Nikolay , Tsybin Nikolay , Chkhalo Nikolay
Published: April 2021

We present a description of the recent advances in the development of the KORTES assembly—the first solar oriented mission designed for the Russian segment of the International Space Station. KORTES consists of several imaging and spectroscopic instruments collectively covering a wide spectral range extending from extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths to X-rays. The EUV telescopes inside KORTES will trace the origin and dynamics of various solar phenomena, e.g., flares, CMEs, eruptions etc. EUV spectra provided by grazing-incidence spectroheliographs will enable precise DEM-diagnostics during these events. The monochromatic X-ray imager will observe the formation of hot plasma in active regions and outside them. The SolpeX module inside KORTES will offer an opportunity to measure fluxes, Doppler shifts and polarization of soft X-ray emission both in lines and continuum. SolpeX observations will contribute to studies of particle beams and chromospheric evaporation. The instrumentation of KORTES will employ a variety of novel multilayer and crystal optics. The deployment of KORTES is planned for 2024.
Machine-Knitted Seamless Pneumatic Actuators for Soft Robotics: Design, Fabrication, and Characterization
Authors: Elmoughni Hend M. , Yilmaz Ayse Feyza , Ozlem Kadir , Khalilbayli Fidan , Cappello Leonardo , Tuncay Atalay Asli , Ince Gökhan , Atalay Ozgur
Published: April 2021

Computerized machine knitting offers an attractive fabrication technology for incorporating wearable assistive devices into garments. In this work, we utilized, for the first time, whole-garment knitting techniques to manufacture a seamless fully knitted pneumatic bending actuator, which represents an advancement to existing cut-and-sew manufacturing techniques. Various machine knitting parameters were investigated to create anisotropic actuator structures, which exhibited a range of bending and extension motions when pressurized with air. The functionality of the actuator was demonstrated through integration into an assistive glove for hand grip action. The achieved curvature range when pressurizing the actuators up to 150 kPa was sufficient to grasp objects down to 3 cm in diameter and up to 125 g in weight. This manufacturing technique is rapid and scalable, paving the way for mass-production of customizable soft robotics wearables.
Live Weight and Sex Effects on Sensory Quality of Rubia de El Molar Autochthonous Ovine Breed Meat
Authors: Miguel Eugenio , Blázquez Belén , Ruiz de Huidobro Felipe
Published: April 2021

Fifty-six Rubia de El Molar ovine breed lamb carcasses were divided into 8 groups (n = 7 per group) according to weight (10, 15, 20 and 25 kg) and sex (male and female) to study the effect of these factors on meat sensory characteristics, assessed by means of a trained panel. Heavier animals showed a more-springy meat and also received lower scores for pleasantness. Assessors gave lower scores for flavour and pleasantness in female meat. A high correlation was detected between hardness and springiness, number of chews, and pleasantness. Juiciness, greasiness, and flavour were also sensory variates highly correlated. Pleasantness was only correlated to hardness. Changes from 10 to 25 kg did not affect juiciness, greasiness, flavour, and number of chews. There are no significant differences in the sensory quality of lambs slaughtered at 10 and 15 kg live weight, and also between 20 and 25 kg groups. Heavy carcasses (20 and 25 kg) showed a more hard and springy meat than light carcasses (10 and 15 kg). Besides, the 10 and 15 kg animals group received higher scores for pleasantness. This work showed differences in suckling lambs’ meat sensory parameters between Rubia de El Molar and other ovine breeds.
The Treatment of Peri-Implant Diseases: A New Approach Using HYBENX® as a Decontaminant for Implant Surface and Oral Tissues
Authors: Lopez Michele Antonio , Passarelli Pier Carmine , Godino Emmanuele , Lombardo Nicolò , Altamura Francesca Romana , Speranza Alessandro , Lopez Andrea , Papi Piero , Pompa Giorgio , D’Addona Antonio
Published: April 2021

Background: Peri-implantitis is a pathological condition characterized by an inflammatory process involving soft and hard tissues surrounding dental implants. The management of peri-implant disease has several protocols, among which is the chemical method HYBENX®. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficacy of HYBENX® in the treatment of peri-implantitis and to compare HYBENX® with other chemical agents used in the surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. Methods: The present study included a population of ten subjects with severe peri-implantitis. The procedure used in the study involves the application of HYBENX® after open-flap debridement. Each patient has been followed for 12 months after a single application of the decontaminant agent. Clinical and radiographical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months after treatment completion. Results: At baseline, a mean pocket probing depth (PPD) of 7.3 ± 0.5 mm and a mean clinical attachment level (CAL) of 8.8 ± 0.8 mm was recorded. An average residual PPD of 4.2 ± 0.5 mm and a mean CAL of 5.2 ± 0.8 mm were observed after 1 year. Additionally, the average of bone gain was about 3.4 mm, with a mean marginal bone level (MBL) change from 5.8 mm (baseline) to 2.4 mm (12 months). In total, 90% of the treated implants reached the success rate after the 1-year follow-up. Only in one case out of ten treated implants was resolution of the disease not achieved. Conclusion: Clinical improvements highlight that the procedure of open-flap debridement (OFD) + HYBENX® may be considered an effective technique in the treatment of peri-implantitis. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that the use of HYBENX® in the surgical treatment of peri-implantitis is promising. Overall, this protocol demands further studies to better understand the role and potential benefits of HYBENX® in the treatment of peri-implantitis.
Photophysical and Antibacterial Properties of Porphyrins Encapsulated inside Acetylated Lignin Nanoparticles
Authors: Maldonado-Carmona Nidia , Ouk Tan-Sothea , Villandier Nicolas , Calliste Claude Alain , Calvete Mário J. F. , Pereira Mariette M. , Leroy-Lhez Stéphanie
Published: April 2021

Lignin has recently attracted the attention of the scientific community, as a suitable raw material for biomedical applications. In this work, acetylated lignin was used to encapsulate five different porphyrins, aiming to preserve their photophysical properties, and for further use as antibacterial treatment. The obtained nanoparticles were physically characterized, through dynamic light scattering size measurement, polydispersity index and zeta potential values. Additionally, the photophysical properties of the nanoparticles, namely UV-vis absorption, fluorescence emission, singlet oxygen production and photobleaching, were compared with those of the free porphyrins. It was found that all the porphyrins were susceptible to encapsulation, with an observed decrease in their fluorescence quantum yield and singlet oxygen production. These nanoparticles were able to exert an effective photodynamic bactericide effect (blue-LED light, 450–460 nm, 15 J/cm2) on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, it was achieved a photodynamic bactericidal activity on an encapsulated lipophillic porphyrin, where the free porphyrin failed to diminish the bacterial survival. In this work it was demonstrated that acetylated lignin encapsulation works as a universal, cheap and green material for the delivery of porphyrins, while preserving their photophysical properties.
Pituitary Adenomas: From Diagnosis to Therapeutics
Authors: Banskota Samridhi , Adamson David C.
Published: April 2021

Pituitary adenomas are tumors that arise in the anterior pituitary gland. They are the third most common cause of central nervous system (CNS) tumors among adults. Most adenomas are benign and exert their effect via excess hormone secretion or mass effect. Clinical presentation of pituitary adenoma varies based on their size and hormone secreted. Here, we review some of the most common types of pituitary adenomas, their clinical presentation, and current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Natural Autoimmunity to the Thyroid Hormone Monocarboxylate Transporters MCT8 and MCT10
Authors: Porst Theresa , Johannes Jörg , Gluschke Hans , Köhler Richard , Mehl Sebastian , Kühnen Peter , Renko Kostja , Minich Waldemar B. , Wiegand Susanna , Schomburg Lutz
Published: April 2021

The monocarboxylate transporters 8 (MCT8) and 10 (MCT10) are important for thyroid hormone (TH) uptake and signaling. Reduced TH activity is associated with impaired development, weight gain and discomfort. We hypothesized that autoantibodies (aAb) to MCT8 or MCT10 are prevalent in thyroid disease and obesity. Analytical tests for MCT8-aAb and MCT10-aAb were developed and characterized with commercial antiserum. Serum samples from healthy controls, thyroid patients and young overweight subjects were analyzed, and prevalence of the aAb was compared. MCT8-aAb were additionally tested for biological effects on thyroid hormone uptake in cell culture. Positive MCT8-aAb and MCT10-aAb were detected in all three clinical cohorts analyzed. MCT8-aAb were most prevalent in thyroid patients (11.9%) as compared to healthy controls (3.8%) and overweight adolescents (4.2%). MCT8-aAb positive serum reduced T4 uptake in cell culture in comparison to MCT8-aAb negative control serum. Prevalence of MCT10-aAb was highest in the group of thyroid patients as compared to healthy subjects or overweight adolescents (9.0% versus 4.5% and 6.3%, respectively). We conclude that MCT8 and MCT10 represent autoantigens in humans, and that MCT8-aAb may interfere with regular TH uptake and signaling. The increased prevalence of MCT8-aAb and MCT10-aAb in thyroid disease suggests that their presence may be of pathophysiological relevance. This hypothesis deserves an analysis in large prospective studies.
The Contribution of Lysosomes to DNA Replication
Authors: Merchut-Maya Joanna Maria , Maya-Mendoza Apolinar
Published: April 2021

Lysosomes, acidic, membrane-bound organelles, are not only the core of the cellular recycling machinery, but they also serve as signaling hubs regulating various metabolic pathways. Lysosomes maintain energy homeostasis and provide pivotal substrates for anabolic processes, such as DNA replication. Every time the cell divides, its genome needs to be correctly duplicated; therefore, DNA replication requires rigorous regulation. Challenges that negatively affect DNA synthesis, such as nucleotide imbalance, result in replication stress with severe consequences for genome integrity. The lysosomal complex mTORC1 is directly involved in the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines to support DNA replication. Numerous drugs have been shown to target lysosomal function, opening an attractive avenue for new treatment strategies against various pathologies, including cancer. In this review, we focus on the interplay between lysosomal function and DNA replication through nucleic acid degradation and nucleotide biosynthesis and how these could be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
Communication Aware UAV Swarm Surveillance Based on Hierarchical Architecture
Authors: Xu Chengtao , Zhang Kai , Jiang Yushan , Niu Shuteng , Yang Thomas , Song Houbing
Published: April 2021

Multi-agent unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) teaming becomes an essential part in science mission, modern warfare surveillance, and disaster rescuing. This paper proposes a decentralized UAV swarm persistent monitoring strategy in realizing continuous sensing coverage and network service. A two-layer (high altitude and low altitude) UAV teaming hierarchical structure is adopted in realizing the accurate object tracking in the area of interest (AOI). By introducing the UAV communication channel model in its path planning, both centralized and decentralized control schemes would be evaluated in the waypoint tracking simulation. The UAV swarm network service and object tracking are measured by metrics of communication link quality and waypoints tracking accuracy. UAV swarm network connectivity are evaluated over different aspects, such as stability and volatility. The comparison of proposed algorithms is presented with simulations. The result shows that the decentralized scheme outperforms the centralized scheme in the mission of persistent surveillance, especially on maintaining the stability of inner UAV swarm network while tracking moving objects.
Outliers in Semi-Parametric Estimation of Treatment Effects
Authors: Canavire-Bacarreza Gustavo , Castro Peñarrieta Luis , Ugarte Ontiveros Darwin
Published: April 2021

Outliers can be particularly hard to detect, creating bias and inconsistency in the semi-parametric estimates. In this paper, we use Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate that semi-parametric methods, such as matching, are biased in the presence of outliers. Bad and good leverage point outliers are considered. Bias arises in the case of bad leverage points because they completely change the distribution of the metrics used to define counterfactuals; good leverage points, on the other hand, increase the chance of breaking the common support condition and distort the balance of the covariates, which may push practitioners to misspecify the propensity score or the distance measures. We provide some clues to identify and correct for the effects of outliers following a reweighting strategy in the spirit of the Stahel-Donoho (SD) multivariate estimator of scale and location, and the S-estimator of multivariate location (Smultiv). An application of this strategy to experimental data is also implemented.
Measures to Enhance Student Learning and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Students from a Historically Disadvantaged University
Authors: Makgahlela Mpsanyana , Mothiba Tebogo M. , Mokwena Jabu P. , Mphekgwana Peter
Published: April 2021

Since December 2019, the world population has been battling with the SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-2019) pandemic. The pandemic has continued to impact negatively on people’s livelihoods and also on student’s education. This qualitative study established from students in a previously disadvantaged university, their challenges and needs pursuant to the COVID-19 nationwide lockdown in South Africa. A total of 312 (male = 141; female = 171) registered students were conveniently sampled and completed an online survey questionnaire. Thematically analysed data revealed that student education and health have been impacted since the COVID-19 nationwide lockdown. Participants went on to recommend several measures which, if implemented, could improve their well-being and access to education. Study findings imply that students from previously disadvantaged universities, who in their majority are from impoverished rural communities, have been struggling to access remote learning due to amongst others, the lack of information and communication technology (ICT) devices and network connectivity problems. It, therefore, requires rural-based universities to work together with the government and the private sector and join hands in addressing student challenges and needs during the on-going lockdown in the country. This would be one way of ensuring that in spite of students’ socioeconomic status, cultural location or background, their right to education is protected.
Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh Meat from Iberian Pigs as Affected by a New Form of Presentation of Oleic Acid and an Organic-Acid Mix in the Diet
Authors: Vieira Ceferina , Sarmiento-García Ainhoa , García Juan-José , Rubio Begoña , Martínez Beatriz
Published: April 2021

The objective of the study was to evaluate the inclusion of a novel form of oleic acid and an organic-acid mix in the diet of Iberian pigs, and their effect on the quality and shelf-life of the pig meat. 200 castrated male Iberian pigs were randomly assigned to four groups. Diets included different fat sources: pig fat (G1), solid oleic acid (G2), oleic-high sunflower oil with solid oleic (G3); a diet of G3 supplemented with organic-acid mix (G4). Pigs were slaughtered at 182 days. Back fat and the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles were removed, and nutritive and sensory quality were analyzed. The shelf-life of meat packaged (70%O2/30CO2) during retail storage up to 21 days were studied. A higher percentage of oleic acid and MUFA, and lower SFA were observed in subcutaneous fat on a G2 diet. G2 resulted in the highest muscle fat content, and G4, the highest cooking losses. In sensory analysis, marbling, tenderness and chewiness were higher in the G2 samples. No differences were found in the bacterial count and sensorial analysis depending on storage time at the end of the experiment, but a lower total viable count was showed at the start of the study in the G4 samples. These results suggest a better assimilation of solid oleic acid. However, the organic-acid mix requires further studies.
Microorganisms, the Ultimate Tool for Clean Label Foods?
Authors: Perpetuini Giorgia , Chuenchomrat Pumnat , Pereyron Valentin , Haure Maxime , Lorn Da , Quan Le-Ha , Ho Phu-Ha , Nguyen Tien-Thanh , Do Thi-Yen , Phi Quyet-Tien , Nguyen Thi , Licandro Hélène , Chu-Ky Son , Tofalo Rosanna , Kasikonsunthonchai Warissara , Adunphatcharaphon Saowalak , Petchkongkaew Awanwee , Waché Yves
Published: April 2021

Clean label is an important trend in the food industry. It aims at washing foods of chemicals perceived as unhealthy by consumers. Microorganisms are present in many foods (usually fermented), they exhibit a diversity of metabolism and some can bring probiotic properties. They are usually well considered by consumers and, with progresses in the knowledge of their physiology and behavior, they can become very precise tools to produce or degrade specific compounds. They are thus an interesting means to obtain clean label foods. In this review, we propose to discuss some current research to use microorganisms to produce clean label foods with examples improving sensorial, textural, health and nutritional properties.
Microbiota Associated with Different Developmental Stages of the Dry Rot Fungus Serpula lacrymans
Authors: Embacher Julia , Neuhauser Sigrid , Zeilinger Susanne , Kirchmair Martin
Published: April 2021

The dry rot fungus Serpula lacrymans causes significant structural damage by decaying construction timber, resulting in costly restoration procedures. Dry rot fungi decompose cellulose and hemicellulose and are often accompanied by a succession of bacteria and other fungi. Bacterial–fungal interactions (BFI) have a considerable impact on all the partners, ranging from antagonistic to beneficial relationships. Using a cultivation-based approach, we show that S. lacrymans has many co-existing, mainly Gram-positive, bacteria and demonstrate differences in the communities associated with distinct fungal parts. Bacteria isolated from the fruiting bodies and mycelia were dominated by Firmicutes, while bacteria isolated from rhizomorphs were dominated by Proteobacteria. Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes were less abundant. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis revealed that bacteria were not present biofilm-like, but occurred as independent cells scattered across and within tissues, sometimes also attached to fungal spores. In co-culture, some bacterial isolates caused growth inhibition of S. lacrymans, and vice versa, and some induced fungal pigment production. It was found that 25% of the isolates could degrade pectin, 43% xylan, 17% carboxymethylcellulose, and 66% were able to depolymerize starch. Our results provide first insights for a better understanding of the holobiont S. lacrymans and give hints that bacteria influence the behavior of S. lacrymans in culture.
Do Agricultural Machinery Services Facilitate Land Transfer? Evidence from Rice Farmers in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Yu Xi , Yin Xiyang , Liu Yuying , Li Dongmei
Published: April 2021

Agricultural machinery services play an increasingly important role in the land transfer market, especially in developing countries. Prior studies have explored the impact factors of machinery use on agricultural production and land transfer, respectively. However, little research has focused on the relationship between the adoption of agricultural machinery services and the land transfer of rice farmers. To bridge this gap, this study investigated the correlation between machinery services and land transfer, using unique survey data of 810 rice farmers collected from Sichuan province in China. Additionally, this study further explored the impact mechanism on land transfer of rural households with IV-Probit and IV-Tobit models. The empirical results show the following: (i) Agricultural machinery services have a significantly positive and robust effect on both the incidence and area of rice farmers’ land transfer-in, while the impact degree is different. Specifically, with other conditions remaining unchanged, and with a 1% increase in the proportion of machinery services, the average probability of land transfer-in of rice farmers increased by 2.4%, and the area of land transfer-in increased by 13.4 mu, on average. (ii) For control variables, head education, agricultural certificates and whether the majority of land, are in a flat area have positive impacts on land transfer-in behavior. Yet, age and off-farm labor have a negative impact on land transfer-in area. Moreover, our findings highlight the importance of agricultural machinery services in stimulating the development of rural land rental markets.
Dealing with Water Conflicts: A Comprehensive Review of MCDM Approaches to Manage Freshwater Ecosystem Services
Authors: de Castro-Pardo Mónica , Fernández Martínez Pascual , Pérez Zabaleta Amelia , Azevedo João C.
Published: April 2021

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the application of Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches exclusively to water-related freshwater ecosystem services. MCDM analysis has been useful in solving conflicts and it works well in this framework, given the serious conflicts historically associated with water use and the protection of freshwater ecosystems around the world. In this study, we present a review of 150 papers that proposed the use of MCDM-based methods for the social, economic, or ecological planning and management of water ecosystem services over the period 2000–2020. The analysis accounts for six elements: ecosystem service type, method, participation, biogeographical realm, waterbody type, and problem to solve. A Chi-square test was used to identify dependence between these elements. Studies involving the participation of stakeholder groups adopted an integrated approach to analysing sustainable water management, considering provisioning, regulating, and cultural services. However, such studies have been in decline since 2015, in favour of non-participatory studies that were strictly focused on ecological and provisioning issues. Although this reflects greater concern for the health of freshwater ecosystems, it is a long way removed from the essence of ecosystem services, which entails an integrated approach to the interrelationships between hydrology, landscapes, ecology, and humans.
Parametric Optimization for Cutting Forces and Material Removal Rate in the Turning of AISI 5140
Authors: Kuntoğlu Mustafa , Acar Osman , Gupta Munish Kumar , Sağlam Hacı , Sarikaya Murat , Giasin Khaled , Pimenov Danil Yurievich
Published: April 2021

The present paper deals with the optimization of the three components of cutting forces and the Material Removal Rate (MRR) in the turning of AISI 5140 steel. The Harmonic Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm (H-ABC), which is an improved nature-inspired method, was compared with the Harmonic Bee Algorithm (HBA) and popular methods such as Taguchi’s S/N ratio and the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in order to achieve the optimum parameters in machining applications. The experiments were performed under dry cutting conditions using three cutting speeds, three feed rates, and two depths of cuts. Quadratic regression equations were identified as the objective function for HBA to represent the relationship between the cutting parameters and responses, i.e., the cutting forces and MRR. According to the results, the RSM (72.1%) and H-ABC (64%) algorithms provide better composite desirability compared to the other techniques, namely Taguchi (43.4%) and HBA (47.2%). While the optimum parameters found by the H-ABC algorithm are better when considering cutting forces, RSM has a higher success rate for MRR. It is worth remarking that H-ABC provides an effective solution in comparison with the frequently used methods, which is promising for the optimization of the parameters in the turning of new-generation materials in the industry. There is a contradictory situation in maximizing the MRR and minimizing the cutting power simultaneously, because the affecting parameters have a reverse effect on these two response parameters. Comparing different types of methods provides a perspective in the selection of the optimum parameter design for industrial applications of the turning processes. This study stands as the first paper representing the comparative optimization approach for cutting forces and MRR.
Unified Representation of Curves and Surfaces
Authors: Wang Aizeng , Zhao Gang , He Chuan
Published: April 2021

In conventional modeling, shared control points can be employed to realize a unified representation for an object consisting of only curves or only surfaces touching one another. However, this method fails in treating the following two cases: (a) a system consisting of detached curves or surfaces; (b) a system having both curves and surfaces. The purpose of the present paper is to develop a new theoretical tool to solve such problems. By introducing the definitions of naked knot and I-mesh, the concept of I-spline is put forth, which is, in essence, an expanded B-spline or T-spline. It is verified by examples that the naked knots make I-splines flexible and effective in transforming different surfaces and/or curves into a unified one, especially in the above two cases.
A Fast and Effective Method to Identify Relevant Sets of Variables in Complex Systems
Authors: D’Addese Gianluca , Casari Martina , Serra Roberto , Villani Marco
Published: April 2021

In many complex systems one observes the formation of medium-level structures, whose detection could allow a high-level description of the dynamical organization of the system itself, and thus to its better understanding. We have developed in the past a powerful method to achieve this goal, which however requires a heavy computational cost in several real-world cases. In this work we introduce a modified version of our approach, which reduces the computational burden. The design of the new algorithm allowed the realization of an original suite of methods able to work simultaneously at the micro level (that of the binary relationships of the single variables) and at meso level (the identification of dynamically relevant groups). We apply this suite to a particularly relevant case, in which we look for the dynamic organization of a gene regulatory network when it is subject to knock-outs. The approach combines information theory, graph analysis, and an iterated sieving algorithm in order to describe rather complex situations. Its application allowed to derive some general observations on the dynamical organization of gene regulatory networks, and to observe interesting characteristics in an experimental case.
A Straightness Error Compensation System for Topography Measurement Based on Thin Film Interferometry
Authors: Su Hang , Ye Ruifang , Cheng Fang , Cui Changcai , Yu Qing
Published: April 2021

Straightness error compensation is a critical process for high-accuracy topography measurement. In this paper, a straightness measurement system was presented based on the principle of fringe interferometry. This system consisted of a moving optical flat and a stationary prism placed close to each other. With a properly aligned incident light beam, the air wedge between the optical flat and the prism would generate the interferogram, which was captured by a digital camera. When the optical flat was moving with the motion stage, the variation in air wedge thickness due to the imperfect straightness of the guideway would lead to a phase shift of the interferogram. The phase shift could be calculated, and the air wedge thickness could be measured accordingly using the image processing algorithm developed in-house. This air wedge thickness was directly correlated with the straightness of the motion stage. A commercial confocal sensor was employed as the reference system. Experimental results showed that the repeatability of the proposed film interferometer represented by σ was within 25 nm. The measurement deviation between the film interferometer and the reference confocal sensor was within ±0.1 µm. Compared with other interferometric straightness measurement technologies, the presented methodology was featured by a simplified design and good environment robustness. The presented system could potentially be able to measure straightness in both linear and angular values, and the main focus was to analyze its linear value measurement capability.
A Chance Constrained Programming Approach for No-Wait Flow Shop Scheduling Problem under the Interval-Valued Fuzzy Processing Time
Authors: Sun Hao , Jiang Aipeng , Ge Dongming , Zheng Xiaoqing , Gao Farong
Published: April 2021

This work focuses on the study of robust no-wait flow shop scheduling problem (R-NWFSP) under the interval-valued fuzzy processing time, which aims to minimize the makespan within an upper bound on total completion time. As the uncertainty of actual job processing times may cause significant differences in processing costs, a R-NWFSP model whose objective function involves interval-valued fuzzy sets (IVFSs) is proposed, and an improved SAA is designed for its efficient solution. Firstly, based on the credibility measure, chance constrained programming (CCP) is utilized to make the deterministic transformation of constraints. The uncertain NWFSP is transformed into an equivalent deterministic linear programming model. Then, in order to tackle the deterministic model efficiently, a simulated annealing algorithm (SAA) is specially designed. A powerful neighborhood search method and new acceptance criterion are applied to find better solutions. Numerical computations demonstrate the high efficiency of the SAA. In addition, a sensitivity analysis convincingly shows that the applicability of the proposed model and its solution strategy under interval-valued fuzzy sets.
Biodiesel and Other Value-Added Products from Bio-Oil Obtained from Agrifood Waste
Authors: Sánchez-Borrego Francisco José , Álvarez-Mateos Paloma , García-Martín Juan F.
Published: April 2021

Bio-oil is a promising source of chemicals and renewable fuels. As the liquid phase obtained from the pyrolysis of biomass, the composition and amount of bio-oil generated depend not only on the type of the biomass but also on the conditions under which pyrolysis is performed. Most fossil fuels can be replaced by bio-oil-derived products. Thus, bio-oil can be used directly or co-fed along with fossil fuels in boilers, transformed into fuel for car engines by hydrodeoxygenation or even used as a more suitable source for H2 production than biomass. On the other hand, due to its rich composition in compounds resulting from the pyrolysis of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, bio-oil co-acts as a source of various value-added chemicals such as aromatic compounds. This review presents an overview of the potential applications of bio-oils and the pyrolysis conditions under which they are obtained. Then, different extraction methods for value-added chemicals, along with the most recent developments, are discussed and future research directions for bio-oil upgrades are highlighted.
Protamine Characterization by Top-Down Proteomics: Boosting Proteoform Identification with DBSCAN
Authors: Arauz-Garofalo Gianluca , Jodar Meritxell , Vilanova Mar , de la Iglesia Rodriguez Alberto , Castillo Judit , Soler-Ventura Ada , Oliva Rafael , Vilaseca Marta , Gay Marina
Published: April 2021

Protamines replace histones as the main nuclear protein in the sperm cells of many species and play a crucial role in compacting the paternal genome. Human spermatozoa contain protamine 1 (P1) and the family of protamine 2 (P2) proteins. Alterations in protamine PTMs or the P1/P2 ratio may be associated with male infertility. Top-down proteomics enables large-scale analysis of intact proteoforms derived from alternative splicing, missense or nonsense genetic variants or PTMs. In contrast to current gold standard techniques, top-down proteomics permits a more in-depth analysis of protamine PTMs and proteoforms, thereby opening up new perspectives to unravel their impact on male fertility. We report on the analysis of two normozoospermic semen samples by top-down proteomics. We discuss the difficulties encountered with the data analysis and propose solutions as this step is one of the current bottlenecks in top-down proteomics with the bioinformatics tools currently available. Our strategy for the data analysis combines two software packages, ProSight PD (PS) and TopPIC suite (TP), with a clustering algorithm to decipher protamine proteoforms. We identified up to 32 protamine proteoforms at different levels of characterization. This in-depth analysis of the protamine proteoform landscape of normozoospermic individuals represents the first step towards the future study of sperm pathological conditions opening up the potential personalized diagnosis of male infertility.