bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complex Interactions Between Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1, Sex, and Osteopontin Influence Viral Replication and Leukocyte Proportions in Tissues
Authors: Mahmud Farina J. , Greif Elizabeth , Boucher Thomas , Metcalf Pate Kelly A. , Lyons Claire , Carlson Bess , Brown Amanda M.
Published: November 2021

Evidence suggesting that HIV pathogenesis differs by sex, a variable known to influence the extent and breadth of immune responses in health and disease continues to accumulate. Host factors that promote or inhibit HIV replication may do so in a way that varies by sex. Prior studies using cultured human macrophages demonstrated that osteopontin (OPN)/secreted phosphoprotein-1 (SPP1) stimulates HIV replication. To test whether OPN has the same positive impact on virus replication at the level of tissues, we used a humanized mice model of low-level chronic HIV infection and in which OPN RNA and protein expression was inhibited with targeted aptamers. Interestingly, 4 months after infection when there were no significant differences in HIV viral load in plasma between groups however in contrast, in the spleen, lung, and liver the tissue burden of HIV RNA, as well as the proportion of leukocytes in female and male mice differed depending on whether OPN was expressed or not. The findings collectively demonstrate the potential for complex interactions between host factors like OPN and sex to influence different facets of HIV tissue-level pathogenesis.
Extension Coordinated Multi-Objective Adaptive Cruise Control Integrated with Direct Yaw Moment Control
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Sun Youding , Gao Zhengang , Chen Li
Published: November 2021

An adaptive cruise control (ACC) system can reduce driver workload and improve safety by taking over the longitudinal control of vehicles. Nowadays, with the development of range sensors and V2X technology, the ACC system has been applied to curved conditions. Therefore, in the curving car-following process, it is necessary to simultaneously consider the car-following performance, longitudinal ride comfort, fuel economy and lateral stability of ACC vehicle. The direct yaw moment control (DYC) system can effectively improve the vehicle lateral stability by applying different longitudinal forces to different wheels. However, the various control objectives above will conflict with each other in some cases. To improve the overall performance of ACC vehicle and realize the coordination between these control objectives, the extension control is introduced to design the real-time weight matrix under a multi-objective model predictive control (MPC) framework. The driver-in-the-loop (DIL) tests on a driving simulator are conducted and the results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the overall performance of vehicle control system and realize the coordination of various control objectives.
Accountable Government through Collaborative Governance?
Authors: Sørensen Eva , Torfing Jacob
Published: November 2021

Governance researchers have repeatedly discussed how to make public governance more accountable given the relatively ‘thin’ accountability of representative government. Recent decades have seen the growth of new, compensatory forms of accountability. However, these measures do not seem have satisfied the demands for strengthening public sector accountability. Drawing on the concept of social accountability, this article challenges common wisdom in arguing that collaborative governance may enhance public governance accountability, although it also raises new accountability problems that must be tackled. The article develops a heuristic framework for empirical studies of accountability, which improves the impact of collaborative forms of governance.
Weather Variability Induced Uncertainty of Contrail Radiative Forcing
Authors: Wilhelm Lena , Gierens Klaus , Rohs Susanne
Published: November 2021

Persistent contrails and contrail cirrus are estimated to have a larger impact on climate than all CO2 emissions from global aviation since the introduction of jet engines. However, the measure for this impact, the effective radiative forcing (ERF) or radiative forcing (RF), suffers from uncertainties that are much larger than those for CO2. Despite ongoing research, the so called level of scientific understanding has not improved since the 1999 IPCC Special Report on Aviation and the Global Atmosphere. In this paper, the role of weather variability as a major component of the uncertainty range of contrail cirrus RF is examined. Using 10 years of MOZAIC flights and ERA-5 reanalysis data, we show that natural weather variability causes large variations in the instantaneous radiative forcing (iRF) of persistent contrails, which is a major source for uncertainty. Most contrails (about 80%) have a small positive iRF of up to 20 W m−2. IRF exceeds 20 W m−2 in about 10% of all cases but these have a disproportionally large climate impact, the remaining 10% have a negative iRF. The distribution of iRF values is heavily skewed towards large positive values that show an exponential decay. Monte Carlo experiments reveal the difficulty of determining a precise long-term mean from measurement or campaign data alone. Depending on the chosen sample size, calculated means scatter considerably, which is caused exclusively by weather variability. Considering that many additional natural sources of variation have been deliberately neglected in the present examination, the results suggest that there is a fundamental limit to the precision with which the RF and ERF of contrail cirrus can be determined. In our opinion, this does not imply a low level of scientific understanding; rather the scientific understanding of contrails and contrail cirrus has grown considerably over recent decades. Only the determination of global and annual mean RF and ERF values is still difficult and will probably be so for the coming decades, if not forever. The little precise knowledge of the RF and ERF values is, therefore, no argument to postpone actions to mitigate contrail’s warming impact.
Model Updating and Aeroelastic Correlation of a Scaled Wind Tunnel Model for Active Flutter Suppression Test
Authors: Di Leone Domenico , Lo Balbo Francesco , De Gaspari Alessandro , Ricci Sergio
Published: November 2021

This article presents a modal correlation and update carried out on an aeroelastic wind tunnel demonstrator representing a conventional passenger transport aircraft. The aim of this work is the setup of a corresponding numerical model that is able to capture the flutter characteristics of a scaled aeroelastic model designed to investigate and experimentally validate active flutter suppression technologies. The work described in this paper includes different finite element modeling strategies, the results of the ground vibration test, and finally the strategies adopted for modal updating. The result of the activities is a three-dimensional hybrid finite element model that is well representative of the actual aeroelastic behavior identified during the wind tunnel test campaign and that is capable of predicting the flutter boundary with an error of 1.2%. This model will be used to develop active flutter suppression controllers, as well as to perform the sensitivity analyses necessary to investigate their robustness.
Mango Fruit Processing: Options for Small-Scale Processors in Developing Countries
Authors: Owino Willis O. , Ambuko Jane L.
Published: November 2021

Postharvest losses of mango fruit in a number of developing countries in Africa and Asia have been estimated to be as high as over 50%, especially during the main harvest season. Micro, small, and medium scale food processing enterprises play an important economic role in developing economies in processing of a diversity of healthy food products as a sustainable way to reduce postharvest losses and food waste, extend shelf life of food, boost food security, and contribute to national gross domestic product. Processing of mango fruit into the diverse shelf-stable products makes the seasonal fruit conveniently available to consumers all year round. Over the years, research and food product development have contributed substantially to a number of unique and diverse processed mango products with specific qualities and nutritional attributes that are in demand by a wide array of consumers. These mango products are derived from appropriate food processing and value-addition technologies that transform fresh mango into shelf-stable products with ideal organoleptic, nutritional, and other quality attributes. Some of the common processed products from mango fruit include pulp (puree), juice concentrate, ready-to-drink juice, nectar, wine, jams, jellies, pickles, smoothies, chutney, canned slices, chips, leathers, and powder. Minimum processing of mango fruit as fresh-cut product has also gained importance among health-conscious consumers. Apart from the primary products from mango fruit, mango pulp or powder can be used to enrich or flavor secondary products such as yoghurt, ice cream, beverages, and soft drinks. Byproducts of mango processing, such as the peel and kernel, have been shown to be rich in bioactive compounds including carotenoids, polyphenols, and dietary fibers. These byproducts of mango processing can be used in food fortification and manufacture of animal feeds, thereby gaining greater value from the fruit while reducing wastage. This review focuses on the current trends in processing and value addition of mango applicable to small-scale processors in developing countries.
Reliable Identification of Oolong Tea Species: Nondestructive Testing Classification Based on Fluorescence Hyperspectral Technology and Machine Learning
Authors: Hu Yan , Xu Lijia , Huang Peng , Luo Xiong , Wang Peng , Kang Zhiliang
Published: November 2021

A rapid and nondestructive tea classification method is of great significance in today’s research. This study uses fluorescence hyperspectral technology and machine learning to distinguish Oolong tea by analyzing the spectral features of tea in the wavelength ranging from 475 to 1100 nm. The spectral data are preprocessed by multivariate scattering correction (MSC) and standard normal variable (SNV), which can effectively reduce the impact of baseline drift and tilt. Then principal component analysis (PCA) and t-distribution random neighborhood embedding (t-SNE) are adopted for feature dimensionality reduction and visual display. Random Forest-Recursive Feature Elimination (RF-RFE) is used for feature selection. Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest Classification (RFC), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) are used to establish the classification model. The results show that MSC-RF-RFE-SVM is the best model for the classification of Oolong tea in which the accuracy of the training set and test set is 100% and 98.73%, respectively. It can be concluded that fluorescence hyperspectral technology and machine learning are feasible to classify Oolong tea.
Crop Insurance, Land Productivity and the Environment: A Way forward to a Better Understanding
Authors: Kurdyś-Kujawska Agnieszka , Sompolska-Rzechuła Agnieszka , Pawłowska-Tyszko Joanna , Soliwoda Michał
Published: November 2021

Providing farmers with effective risk management tools and increasing the productivity of factors of production, while limiting negative effects on the environment, is an important challenge for the current EU agricultural policy. The aim of this research is to identify and evaluate the relationship between crop insurance and land productivity in the context of environmental effects. The study covered farms with crop insurance participating in the Polish FADN system. The article uses the TOPSIS method of organizing objects. We classify farms in terms of land productivity and examine the relationship between these results and the value of insurance coverage. In our conceptual and empirical framework, we recognize that there is a mutual relationship between crop insurance, land productivity and the environment. Our empirical results show that the level of insurance coverage may support the increase in land productivity, indirectly affecting the environment. Farms with the highest productivity level were characterized by an average value of insurance that was double that compared to farms with the lowest productivity level.
Valorization of a Bio-Stabilized Municipal Solid Waste Amendment for Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Fertilization
Authors: Martinez Sara , Sánchez-Moreno Sara , Gabriel Jose Luis , Álvarez Cristina , Delgado Maria del Mar
Published: November 2021

The valorization of municipal solid waste (MSW) can serve as an organic amendment in agriculture while reducing solid waste accumulation in the environment. This research aimed to evaluate the valorization of a bio-stabilized MSW amendment for the production of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) crop. For this purpose, biomass production and growth, as well as, seed yield and seed components, seed nutrient accumulation, plant pigments, soil properties, and microorganisms were evaluated in comparison with faba bean mineral fertilization in a greenhouse experiment. The results demonstrated that the bio-stabilized MSW amendment achieved similar biomass production, plant growth, seed yield, nitrogen and protein content, and pigment content as the mineral fertilization treatment. On the other hand, the organic fertilization did not exhibit significant effects on the yield components number of pods per plant, and number of seeds per pod, and nutrient accumulation in seeds with respect to mineral and control treatments in both soils. Sandy and clay soil properties were improved in the organic treatments in comparison with the control soils by increasing soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and other soil nutrients, and providing a suitable pH for faba bean growth. Additionally, biological activity was favored by applying this source of organic fertilizer, enriching the nematode community. Reusing bio-stabilized MSW for agronomical purposes can add value to this waste product, serving as an effective alternative to mineral fertilizers in faba bean cultivation.
Genome-Wide Expression Profiling of mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs in Skeletal Muscle of Two Different Pig Breeds
Authors: Hou Xinhua , Wang Ligang , Zhao Fuping , Liu Xin , Gao Hongmei , Shi Lijun , Yan Hua , Wang Lixian , Zhang Longchao
Published: November 2021

RNA-Seq technology is widely used to analyze global changes in the transcriptome and investigate the influence on relevant phenotypic traits. Beijing Black pigs show differences in growth rate and meat quality compared to western pig breeds. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for such phenotypic differences remain unknown. In this study, longissimus dorsi muscles from Beijing Black and Yorkshire pigs were used to construct RNA libraries and perform RNA-seq. Significantly different expressions were observed in 1051 mRNAs, 322 lncRNAs, and 82 circRNAs. GO and KEGG pathway annotation showed that differentially expressed mRNAs participated in skeletal muscle development and fatty acid metabolism, which determined the muscle-related traits. To explore the regulatory role of lncRNAs, the cis and trans-target genes were predicted and these lncRNAswere involved in the biological processes related to skeletal muscle development and fatty acid metabolismvia their target genes. CircRNAs play a ceRNA role by binding to miRNAs. Therefore, the potential miRNAs of differentially expressed circRNAs were predicted and interaction networks among circRNAs, miRNAs, and key regulatory mRNAs were constructed to illustrate the function of circRNAs underlying skeletal muscle development and fatty acid metabolism. This study provides new clues for elucidating muscle phenotypic variation in pigs.
The Apelinergic System Immuno-Detection in the Abomasum and Duodenum of Sheep Grazing on Semi-Natural Pasture
Authors: Palmioli Elisa , Dall’Aglio Cecilia , Bellesi Michele , Tardella Federico Maria , Moscatelli Sara , Scocco Paola , Mercati Francesca
Published: November 2021

Apelin (APLN) is an adipokine mainly produced by adipose tissue and related to an individual’s nutritional status as well as digestive apparatus functions. In this work, APLN and its receptor (APLNR) were investigated, by immunohistochemistry, in the abomasum and duodenum of 15 Comisana × Appenninica adult sheep reared in a semi-natural pasture. Organ samples were collected after maximum pasture flowering (M × F group) and after maximum pasture dryness (M × D group); the experimental group (E × p group) received a feed supplementation of 600 grams/day/head of barley and corn in addition to M × D group feeding. APLN and APLNR were identified in the lining epithelium and the fundic gland chief cells of the abomasum. APLNR was observed in the lining epithelium, in the crypts and the serotonin secreting cells of the duodenum. Similar reactivity was observed between the M × F and E × p groups, while the M × D group showed a lower intensity of immunostaining for both APLN and APLNR in all positive structures but the duodenal serotonin neuroendocrine cells. Hence, our findings show that the E × p group presents a picture quite overlapped with M × F and suggest that food supplementation has a maintaining effect on the apelinergic system expression in the investigated digestive tracts of the sheep.
Genetic Variability of Methane Production and Concentration Measured in the Breath of Polish Holstein-Friesian Cattle
Authors: Sypniewski Mateusz , Strabel Tomasz , Pszczola Marcin
Published: November 2021

The genetic architecture of methane (CH4) production remains largely unknown. We aimed to estimate its heritability and to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for the identification of candidate genes associated with two phenotypes: CH4 in parts per million/day (CH4 ppm/d) and CH4 in grams/day (CH4 g/d). We studied 483 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows kept on two commercial farms in Poland. Measurements of CH4 and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations exhaled by cows during milking were obtained using gas analyzers installed in the automated milking system on the farms. Genomic analyses were performed using a single-step BLUP approach. The percentage of genetic variance explained by SNPs was calculated for each SNP separately and then for the windows of neighbouring SNPs. The heritability of CH4 ppm/d ranged from 0 to 0.14, with an average of 0.085. The heritability of CH4 g/d ranged from 0.13 to 0.26, with an average of 0.22. The GWAS detected potential candidate SNPs on BTA 14 which explained ~0.9% of genetic variance for CH4 ppm/d and ~1% of genetic variance for CH4 g/d. All identified SNPs were located in the TRPS1 gene. We showed that methane traits are partially controlled by genes; however, the detected SNPs explained only a small part of genetic variation—implying that both CH4 ppm/d and CH4 g/d are highly polygenic traits.
The Suinfort® Semen Supplement Counters Seasonal Infertility in Iberian Sows
Authors: Piñán Javier , Martinez-Pastor Felipe , Alegre Beatriz , Maj Magdalena , Kirkwood Roy N. , Domínguez Juan Carlos , Manjarín Rodrigo
Published: November 2021

Suinfort®, a commercial semen supplement demonstrated to increase fertility and litter size in commercial sows, was tested to improve reproductive performance in Iberian sows. A total of 1430 Iberian sows were artificially inseminated (AI) with semen from Duroc boars and assigned by parity to receive the seminal additive Suinfort® containing 2 IU oxytocin, 5 µg lecirelin, and 2 mM caffeine (SF; n = 1713 AI), or to serve as non-supplemented controls (CON; n = 2625 AI). CON showed a lower fertility comparing to winter for spring (p = 0.001) and summer (p < 0.001); summer was lower than autumn (p = 0.012). SF removed this seasonal effect (p > 0.05). Fertility was significantly higher for SF sows during summer (p = 0.025) and autumn (p = 0.004). Total born, live-born, stillborn, and mummified piglets did not differ between CON and SF but were impacted by the season, with total and live-born decreasing in summer compared with autumn (p < 0.001) and winter (p = 0.005). In conclusion, seminal supplementation with Suinfort® improved the fertility of Iberian sows during periods of seasonal infertility.
Feed Intake of Growing Dairy Heifers Raised under Tropical Conditions: A Model Evaluation Using Meta-Analysis
Authors: Busanello Marcos , Sousa Debora Gomes de , Mendonça Filipe Araújo Canedo , Daley Veridiana Lourenço , Almeida Rodrigo de , Bittar Carla Maris Machado , Lanna Dante Pazzanese Duarte
Published: November 2021

Several models for predicting dry matter intake (DMI) of replacement dairy heifers have been developed; however, only a few have been evaluated using data from heifers of different breeds raised under tropical conditions. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the DMI equations for dairy heifers managed under tropical conditions. A total of 230 treatment means from 61 studies using dairy heifers (n = 1513 heifers, average body weight = 246 kg) were used. The animals were grouped into two groups based on their genetics: (1) Bos taurus (Holstein, Jersey, Brown Swiss, and Holstein × Jersey) and (2) crossbred (Bos taurus × Bos indicus). Seven previously published DMI equations (HH, HHJ, QUI, STA, 2001 NRC, OFLin, and OFNLin) for heifers were evaluated using mean bias, slope bias, mean squared prediction errors (MSPE) and its decomposition, and other model evaluation statistics. For Bos taurus heifers, our results indicated that OFNLin and HHJ had lower mean bias (0.13 and 0.16 kg/d, respectively) than other models. There was no significant slope or mean bias for HHJ and OFNLin (p > 0.05), indicating agreement between the observed and predicted DMI values. All other models had a significant mean bias (p < 0.05), whereas the QUI model also presented a significant slope bias (p < 0.02). For crossbred heifers, the STA equation was the only one that did not present mean and slope bias significance (p > 0.05). All other DMI models had significant mean bias when evaluated using crossbred data (p < 0.04), and QUI, OFLin, and OFNLin also presented significant slope bias (p < 0.01). Based on our results, predictions from OFNLin and HHJ best represented the observed DMI of Bos taurus heifers (MSPE ≤ 1.25 kg2/d2, mean bias ≤ 0.16 kg/d), whereas STA was the best model for crossbred heifers (MSPE = 1.25 kg2/d2, mean bias = 0.09 kg/d). These findings indicate that not all available models are adequate for estimating the DMI of dairy heifers managed under a tropical climate, with HHJ and OFNLin for Bos taurus and STA for crossbreds being the most suitable models for DMI prediction. There is evidence that models from Bos taurus heifers could be used to estimate the DMI of heifers under tropical conditions. For heifer ration formulation is necessary to consider that DMI is influenced by breed, diet, management, and climate. Future work should also include animal genetic and environmental variables for the prediction of DMI in dairy heifers.
Phylodynamic and Recombination Analyses of Avian Infectious Bronchitis GI-23 Reveal a Widespread Recombinant Cluster and New Among-Countries Linkages
Authors: Houta Mohamed H. , Hassan Kareem E. , Legnardi Matteo , Tucciarone Claudia M. , Abdel-Moneim Ahmed S. , Cecchinato Mattia , El-Sawah Azza A. , Ali Ahmed , Franzo Giovanni
Published: November 2021

Infectious bronchitis virus GI-23 lineage, although described approximately two decades ago in the Middle East, has recently drawn remarkable attention and is considered an “emerging” lineage due to its current spread to several other regions, including Europe. Despite the relevance, no comprehensive studies are available investigating its epidemiologic and evolutionary pattern. The present phylodynamic study was designed to fill this gap, benefitting from a collection of freely available GI-23 sequences and ad-hoc generated European ones. After a relatively ancient origin in the Middle East, likely in the first half of the previous century, GI-23 circulated largely undetected or underdiagnosed for a long time in this region, likely causing little damage, potentially because of low virulence coupled with limited development of avian industry in the considered years and regions and insufficient diagnostic activity. The following development of the poultry industry and spread to other countries led to a progressive but slow increase of viral population size between the late ‘90s and 2010. An increase in viral virulence could also be hypothesized. Of note, a big recombinant cluster, likely originating in the Middle East but spreading thereafter, especially to Europe through Turkey, demonstrated a much-marked increase in viral population size compared to previously circulating variants. The extensive available GI-23 sequence datasets allowed to demonstrate several potential epidemiological links among African, Asian, and European countries, not described for other IBV lineages. However, differently from previously investigated IBV lineages, its spread appears to primarily involve neighbouring countries and those with strong economic and political relationships. It could thus be speculated that frequent effective contacts among locations are necessary for efficient strain transmission. Some countries appear to play a major role as a “bridge” among less related locations, being Turkey the most relevant example. The role of vaccination in controlling the viral population was also tentatively evaluated. However, despite some evidence suggesting such an effect, the bias in sequence and data availability and the variability in the applied vaccination protocols prevent robust conclusions and warrant further investigations.
Changes in Expression of Complement Components in the Ovine Spleen during Early Pregnancy
Authors: Yang Ling , Wang Luyu , Wu Jiaxuan , Wang Haichao , Yang Gengxin , Zhang Leying
Published: November 2021

During early gestation in humans, complement regulation is essential for normal fetal growth. It is supposed that a complement pathway participates in maternal splenic immune regulation at the early stage of gestation in ewes. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of early pregnancy on the expression of complement components in the maternal spleen of ewes. In this study, ovine spleens were sampled on day 16 of nonpregnancy, and days 13, 16 and 25 of gestation. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis were used to detect the changes in expression of complement components in the ovine maternal spleens. Our results reveal that C1q was upregulated during early gestation, C1r, C1s, C2, C3 and C5b increased at day 25 of gestation and C4a and C9 peaked at days 13 and 16 of gestation. In addition, C3 protein was located in the capsule, trabeculae and splenic cords. In conclusion, our results show for the first time that there was modification in the expression of complement components in the ovine spleen at the early stage of gestation, and complement pathways may participate in modulating splenic immune responses at the early stage of gestation.
Screening for Tuberculosis in Migrants: A Survey by the Global Tuberculosis Network
Authors: D’Ambrosio Lia , Centis Rosella , Dobler Claudia C. , Tiberi Simon , Matteelli Alberto , Denholm Justin , Zenner Dominik , Al-Abri Seif , Alyaquobi Fatma , Arbex Marcos Abdo , Belilovskiy Evgeny , Blanc François-Xavier , Borisov Sergey , Carvalho Anna Cristina C. , Chakaya Jeremiah Muhwa , Cocco Nicola , Codecasa Luigi Ruffo , Dalcolmo Margareth Pretti , Dheda Keertan , Dinh-Xuan Anh Tuan , Esposito Susanna R. , García-García José-María , Li Yang , Manga Selene , Marchese Valentina , Muñoz Torrico Marcela , Pontali Emanuele , Rendon Adrián , Rossato Silva Denise , Singla Rupak , Solovic Ivan , Sotgiu Giovanni , van den Boom Martin , Nhung Nguyen Viet , Zellweger Jean-Pierre , Migliori Giovanni Battista
Published: November 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) does not respect borders, and migration confounds global TB control and elimination. Systematic screening of immigrants from TB high burden settings and—to a lesser degree TB infection (TBI)—is recommended in most countries with a low incidence of TB. The aim of the study was to evaluate the views of a diverse group of international health professionals on TB management among migrants. Participants expressed their level of agreement using a six-point Likert scale with different statements in an online survey available in English, French, Mandarin, Spanish, Portuguese and Russian. The survey consisted of eight sections, covering TB and TBI screening and treatment in migrants. A total of 1055 respondents from 80 countries and territories participated between November 2019 and April 2020. The largest professional groups were pulmonologists (16.8%), other clinicians (30.4%), and nurses (11.8%). Participants generally supported infection control and TB surveillance established practices (administrative interventions, personal protection, etc.), while they disagreed on how to diagnose and manage both TB and TBI, particularly on which TBI regimens to use and when patients should be hospitalised. The results of this first knowledge, attitude and practice study on TB screening and treatment in migrants will inform public health policy and educational resources.
Assessment of Micafungin Dosage Regimens in Patients with Cancer Using Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling and Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed , Alfarhan Asma , Alsultan Abdullah , Alsarhani Emad , Alsubaie Abdulaziz , Asiri Yousif
Published: November 2021

Micafungin is widely used for invasive candidiasis, especially in critically ill patients and those with cancer, and for empirical antifungal therapy in patients with neutropenic fever. This is the first study to investigate the pharmacokinetics and disposition parameters of micafungin in patients with cancer. In this observational pharmacokinetic study, blood samples were collected and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using Monolix 4.4 software. The plasma micafungin concentrations were measured in a total of 133 samples from 19 patients. In the final two-compartment model with linear elimination, the estimated micafungin clearance (CL) was significantly higher in patients with cancer than in those without cancer (1.2 vs. 0.6 L/h, p = 0.012), whereas other parameters did not significantly differ between the two groups. Aspartate and alanine transaminases and body weight significantly influenced micafungin CL in patients, with and without cancer. Overall, the probability of target attainment increased with increasing doses and decreased with higher MICs in both groups. In simulations, the patients without cancer achieved higher pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets with a 90% probability for all simulated doses, compared to the patients with cancer. Micafungin demonstrated dose-proportional linear pharmacokinetics in both the patients with and those without cancer. The estimated micafungin CL was significantly higher in patients with cancer, suggesting a need for increased dosage, especially for Candida spp. with high MICs, in these patients. Further studies should assess the efficacy and optimum dosage of micafungin for the treatment and prevention of febrile neutropenia (FN) in patients with cancer.
Nephroprotective Effect of the Virgin Olive Oil Polyphenol Hydroxytyrosol in Type 1-like Experimental Diabetes Mellitus: Relationships with Its Antioxidant Effect
Authors: Rodríguez-Pérez María Dolores , López-Villodres Juan Antonio , Arrebola María Monsalud , Martín-Aurioles Esther , Fernández-Prior África , Bermúdez-Oria Alejandra , Ríos María Carmen , De La Cruz José Pedro , González-Correa José Antonio
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to determine whether hydroxytyrosol administration prevented kidney damage in an experimental model of type 1 diabetes mellitus in rats. Hydroxytyrosol was administered to streptozotocin-diabetic rats: 1 and 5 mg/kg/day p.o. for two months. After hydroxytyrosol administration, proteinuria was significantly reduced (67–73%), calculated creatinine clearance was significantly increased (26–38%), and the glomerular volume and glomerulosclerosis index were decreased (20–30%). Hydroxytyrosol reduced oxidative and nitrosative stress variables and thromboxane metabolite production. Statistical correlations were found between biochemical and kidney function variables. Oral administration of 1 and 5 mg/kg/day of hydroxytyrosol produced an antioxidant and nephroprotective effect in an experimental model of type 1-like diabetes mellitus. The nephroprotective effect was significantly associated with the systemic and renal antioxidant action of hydroxytyrosol, which also influenced eicosanoid production.
Coenzyme Q at the Hinge of Health and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Hernández-Camacho Juan Diego , García-Corzo Laura , Fernández-Ayala Daniel José Moreno , Navas Plácido , López-Lluch Guillermo
Published: November 2021

Coenzyme Q is a unique lipidic molecule highly conserved in evolution and essential to maintaining aerobic metabolism. It is endogenously synthesized in all cells by a very complex pathway involving a group of nuclear genes that share high homology among species. This pathway is tightly regulated at transcription and translation, but also by environment and energy requirements. Here, we review how coenzyme Q reacts within mitochondria to promote ATP synthesis and also integrates a plethora of metabolic pathways and regulates mitochondrial oxidative stress. Coenzyme Q is also located in all cellular membranes and plasma lipoproteins in which it exerts antioxidant function, and its reaction with different extramitochondrial oxidoreductases contributes to regulate the cellular redox homeostasis and cytosolic oxidative stress, providing a key factor in controlling various apoptosis mechanisms. Coenzyme Q levels can be decreased in humans by defects in the biosynthesis pathway or by mitochondrial or cytosolic dysfunctions, leading to a highly heterogeneous group of mitochondrial diseases included in the coenzyme Q deficiency syndrome. We also review the importance of coenzyme Q levels and its reactions involved in aging and age-associated metabolic disorders, and how the strategy of its supplementation has had benefits for combating these diseases and for physical performance in aging.
The Moderating Effect of Debriefing on Learning Outcomes of IVR-Based Instruction: An Experimental Research
Authors: Feng Qinna , Luo Heng , Li Wenhao , Chen Ying , Zhang Jiakai
Published: November 2021

With its ability to afford immersive and interactive learning experiences, virtual reality has been widely used to support experiential learning, of which the learning effectiveness is promoted by the instructional component of debriefing. The current literature on debriefing mainly focuses on the traditional learning contexts while little is known on its effectiveness in immersive virtual reality (IVR) learning environments. Based on the theories of experiential learning and debriefing, this study designed a debriefing strategy based on simulated learning experience and investigated its effectiveness on knowledge and behavioral learning in an IVR learning program, using a randomized controlled trial with 77 elementary students from Hubei province in China. The study results support the efficacy of IVR on improving knowledge acquisition and behavioral performance, and reveal a significant moderating effect of debriefing on the effectiveness of IVR learning environments. The study confirms the critical role of debriefing in IVR-based instruction and provides theoretical and practical implications for the design and implementation of effective IVR learning environments.
A Methodology for the Digitalization of the Residential Building Renovation Process through OpenBIM-Based Workflows
Authors: Armijo Alberto , Elguezabal Peru , Lasarte Natalia , Weise Matthias
Published: November 2021

The European building industry is facing a strong increase in renovation processes, which are still non-cost-effective, involve unproperly coordinated stakeholders, are disturbing for the occupants, and cause important inefficiencies in the overall renovation process. In this context, digitalization and Building Information Modelling (BIM), as an enabler, is the key solution that may drive renovation interventions to ensure a more successful and leaner process, aiding the whole value chain of actors to achieve its full potential. This research describes the OpenBIM methodology applied in order to transform the implicit knowledge from the stakeholders involved in the building renovation process, not structured enough for automation, into an OpenBIM digital process based on the BIM standards. The outcomes of this research are the OpenBIM ready workflows that represent the renovation process and information requirements according to the involvement of different stakeholders rooted in the analysis of barriers, requirements, and needs. Those workflows are the basis for the future development of specific products and tools for boosting digitalization and interoperability in the renovation process.
Suitable Land-Use and Land-Cover Allocation Scenarios to Minimize Sediment and Nutrient Loads into Kwan Phayao, Upper Ing Watershed, Thailand
Authors: Kulsoontornrat Jiraporn , Ongsomwang Suwit
Published: November 2021

Human activity and land-use changes have affected the water quality of Kwan Phayao, Upper Ing watershed, due to the associated high sediment load and eutrophication. This study aims to identify suitable LULC allocation scenarios for minimizing sediment and nutrient export into the lake. For this purpose, the LULC status and change were first assessed, based on classified LULC data in 2009 and 2019 from Landsat images, using the SVM algorithm. Later, the land requirements of three scenarios between 2020 and 2029 were estimated, based on their characteristics, and applied to predict LULC change using the CLUE-S model. Then, actual LULC data in 2019 and predicted LULC data under three scenarios between 2020 and 2029 were used to estimate sediment and nutrient export using the SDR and NDR models. Finally, the ecosystem service change index identified a suitable LULC allocation for minimizing sediment or/and nutrient export. According to the results, LULC status and change indicated perennial trees and orchards, para rubber, and rangeland increased, while forest land and paddy fields decreased. The land requirements of the three scenarios provided reasonable results, as expected, particularly Scenario II, which adopts linear programming to calculate the land requirements for maximizing ecosystem service values. For sediment and nutrient export estimation under the predicted LULC for the three scenarios, Scenario II led to the lowest yield of sediment and nutrient exports, and provided the lowest average ESCI value among the three scenarios. Thus, the LULC allocation under Scenario II was chosen as suitable for minimizing sediment or/and nutrient export into Kwan Phayao. These results can serve as crucial information to minimize sediment and nutrient loads for land-use planners, land managers, and decision makers.
Research Progress and Prospects of Agricultural Aero-Bionic Technology in China
Authors: Zhang Yali , Tian Haoxin , Huang Xinrong , Ma Chenyang , Wang Linlin , Liu Hanchao , Lan Yubin
Published: November 2021

Accelerating the development of agricultural aviation technology is the need of China’s modern agricultural construction. With the rise of emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, autonomous navigation, and the Internet of Things, agricultural aviation is further developing toward the direction of intelligence to meet the requirements of efficient and sophisticated agricultural aviation operations. Bionics is a multi-discipline and comprehensive border subject. It is produced by the mutual penetration and integration of life science and engineering science. Bionic technology has received more and more attention in recent years, and breakthroughs have been made in the fields of biomedicine and health, military, brain science and brain-like navigation, and advanced manufacturing. This study summarized the research progress of biomimetic technology in the field of agricultural aviation from three aspects of biological perception, biological behavior, and biological intelligence. On this basis, problems of related research and application of agricultural aircraft in real-time obstacle avoidance, path planning, and intelligent navigation were analyzed. Combined with the practice of the rapid development of agricultural aircraft, research and application of bionic technology suitable for agricultural aircraft were then proposed. Finally, prospects of agricultural aero-bionic technology were also discussed from multiple bionic target fusion, three-dimensional spatial information exploration, sensors, and animal brain system mechanism. This review provides a reference for the development of bionic technology in China’s agricultural aviation.
Experimental Study of Primary Atomization Characteristics of Sonic Air-Assist Atomizers
Authors: Sikka Raghav , Vågsæther Knut , Bjerketvedt Dag , Lundberg Joachim
Published: November 2021

The present study compares two twin-fluid atomizer concepts based on the airflow (shock waves) pattern obtained through shadowgraph imaging for atomization of water with a low air/water pressure supply. The research work was conducted using the backlight imaging technique for converging (sonic) and converging–diverging (supersonic) air-assist atomizers with a 3.0 mm (throat) diameter. An annular sheet of thicknesses 70 µm and 280 µm with a high-speed air-core was employed to study the breakup dynamics for different water mass flow rates (100–350 kg/h) and air mass flow rates (5–35 kg/h). Different sheet breakup patterns were identified as the function of the ALR ratio (air-to-liquid mass flow), liquid Weber number (WeL), and Reynolds number (Reg). Different breakup modes extend from canonical Rayleigh bubble breakup, ligament-type breakup, to the pure pulsating breakup via annular sheet disintegration. The sheet breakup dynamics were studied in terms of spray angle and breakup length. With higher ALR values, breakup length showed a decreasing trend, while spray angle showed an increasing trend in the converging and converging–diverging (CD) air-assist atomizers, respectively, owing to the drastic difference in the jet flow dynamics.
Towards Contactless Learning Activities during Pandemics Using Autonomous Service Robots
Authors: Al Tarabsheh Anas , Yaghi Maha , Younis AbdulRehman , Sarker Razib , Moussa Sherif , Eldigair Yazeed , Hajjdiab Hassan , El-Baz Ayman , Ghazal Mohammed
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact worldwide, impacting schools, undergraduate, and graduate university education. More than half a million lives have been lost due to COVID-19. Moving towards contactless learning activities has become a research area due to the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and robotics. This paper proposes an autonomous service robot for handling multiple teaching assistant duties in the educational field to move towards contactless learning activities during pandemics. We use SLAM to map and navigate the environment to proctor an exam. We also propose a human–robot voice interaction and an academic content personalization algorithm. Our results show that our robot can navigate the environment to proctor students avoiding any static or dynamic obstacles. Our cheating detection system obtained a testing accuracy of 86.85%. Our image-based exam paper scanning system can scan, extract, and process exams with high accuracy.
LADRC-Based Magnetic Field Measurement Method for a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Rotation Sensor
Authors: Zhao Xinghua , Liu Zhanchao , Song Xinda , Li Jianli , Shao Yibo
Published: November 2021

Magnetic field measurement is fundamental to nuclear magnetic resonance rotation sensors (NMRRS). A phase-locked loop (PLL)-based measurement with two nuclear isotopes is commonly applied to observe the magnetic field. However, the phase-loop and frequency-loop of the nuclear isotopes cannot be optimized simultaneously by a PLL-based method. In this paper, an approach based on a linear active disturbance rejection controller (LADRC) is proposed for synchronous phase-loop control of the two nuclear isotopes. Meanwhile, the frequencies of the nuclear isotopes are observed by linear extended state observers (LESOs). The phase and frequency loops can be decoupled and optimized with the proposed method. An experimental NMRRS prototype used for verification is built. The effectiveness and the feasibility of the proposed method are validated with the experimental results.
The Future Impact of Carbon Tax on Electricity Flow between Great Britain and Its Neighbors until 2030
Authors: Rafiee Ahmad , Karimi Mehdi , Safari Amir , Abbasi Talabari Fahimeh
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the future role of cross-border electricity flow between Great Britain (GB) and its neighbors until 2030, considering high deployment of renewable energy sources (e.g., wind, solar, and biomass), enhanced interconnection capacity, and a partly electrified heating sector. It was assumed that two cross-border interconnectors links will connect GB’s power system to its neighbors: (1) a one-way interconnector (IC1) that imports electricity to GB, and (2) a two-way one (IC2) between France and GB. The IC2 was allowed to transfer electricity from a cheaper power system to a more expensive one. The results show that at a fixed CO2 price, a change in power imported via IC1 will affect the power dispatch of the CO2 emitting power plants and biomass-fired power plants, and electricity trade via IC1 and IC2. At IC1 importing of £60/MWh, by raising the CO2 price from 60 to £70/ton, the share of CCGT power plants will reduce by 75%, and the power imported via IC1 link will face 19-times growth. With a constant IC1 import price, raising the CO2 tax will reduce the total quantity of electricity being exported to France via IC2. Moreover, increasing the CO2 tax will increase the emissions cost of gas and coal-fired generators, and the power required to meet the demand will be imported via IC1. With the IC1 electricity price set to £20/MWh and the CO2 tax set to £50/ton, there may be 595 periods out of 17,520 in which GB will be used as an electricity trade corridor. GB’s total CO2 emissions should drop as the CO2 tax increases.
Multimodal Feature-Assisted Continuous Driver Behavior Analysis and Solving for Edge-Enabled Internet of Connected Vehicles Using Deep Learning
Authors: Aboulola Omar , Khayyat Mashael , Al-Harbi Basma , Muthanna Mohammed Saleh Ali , Muthanna Ammar , Fasihuddin Heba , Alsulami Majid H.
Published: November 2021

The emerging technology of internet of connected vehicles (IoCV) introduced many new solutions for accident prevention and traffic safety by monitoring the behavior of drivers. In addition, monitoring drivers’ behavior to reduce accidents has attracted considerable attention from industry and academic researchers in recent years. However, there are still many issues that have not been addressed due to the lack of feature extraction. To this end, in this paper, we propose the multimodal driver analysis internet of connected vehicles (MODAL-IoCV) approach for analyzing drivers’ behavior using a deep learning method. This approach includes three consecutive phases. In the first phase, the hidden Markov model (HMM) is proposed to predict vehicle motion and lane changes. In the second phase, SqueezeNet is proposed to perform feature extraction from these classes. Lastly, in the final phase, tri-agent-based soft actor critic (TA-SAC) is proposed for recommendation and route planning, in which each driver is precisely handled by an edge node for personalized assistance. Finally, detailed experimental results prove that our proposed MODAL-IoCV method can achieve high performance in terms of latency, accuracy, false alarm rate, and motion prediction error compared to existing works.