bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
French Version of the Antiphasic Digits-in-Noise Test for Smartphone Hearing Screening
Authors: Ceccato Jean-Charles , Duran Marie-Josée , Swanepoel De Wet , Smits Cas , De Sousa Karina C. , Gledhill Lewis , Venail Frédéric , Puel Jean-Luc
Published: October 2021

In France 58% of persons with hearing loss still do not wear hearing aids. Pure-tone audiometry is the traditional gold standard in assessment and screening of hearing impairment, but it requires the use of calibrated devices and soundproof booth. The antiphasic digits-in-noise (DIN) test does not require calibrated material and can run on a standard headset or earbuds connected to a smartphone or a computer. The DIN test is highly correlated with pure tone audiometry and has already shown to be effective in hearing loss screening in its English version promoted by the WHO. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a French version of the antiphasic DIN test for implementation on a national screening test offered as a smartphone app. The audio files recorded from a French native female speaker were selected and normalized in intensity according to their recognition probability. The French DIN test application was then tested on normal hearing- and hearing-impaired subjects. Based on the strong correlation between pure tone audiometry (PTA) and DIN SRT, we calculated ROC curves and Z-score. For PTA > 20 dB HL, a SNR cutoff of 12.9 dB corresponds to a sensitivity and specificity of 0.96 and 0.93, respectively. To detect moderate and more severe hearing loss (PTA > 40 dB HL), the SNR cutoff was −10.9 dB, corresponding to a sensitivity and specificity of 0.99 and 0.83, respectively. The Z-score was calculated to define statistical criteria of normality for speech-in-noise evaluation. While a score of 0 roughly corresponds to the normality (DIN SRT = −15.4 dB SNR), a subject with DIN SRT > −12.2 (Z-score > 2) is ranked in the hearing loss population. Next, the French antiphasic DIN test was implemented in the Höra iOS and Android apps. In total, 19,545 Höra tests were completed and analyzed. Three quarters of them were classified as normal (74 %) and one quarter presented mild (9%) or more severe loss (17%). Together, results argue for the use of the French version of antiphasic DIN test in the general population to improve the screening of hearing-impaired individuals.
Facing the Challenges of Developing Fair Risk Scoring Models
Authors: Szepannek Gero , Lübke Karsten
Published: October 2021

Algorithmic scoring methods are widely used in the finance industry for several decades in order to prevent risk and to automate and optimize decisions. Regulatory requirements as given by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) or the EU data protection regulations have led to an increasing interest and research activity on understanding black box machine learning models by means of explainable machine learning. Even though this is a step into a right direction, such methods are not able to guarantee for a fair scoring as machine learning models are not necessarily unbiased and may discriminate with respect to certain subpopulations such as a particular race, gender, or sexual orientation—even if the variable itself is not used for modeling. This is also true for white box methods like logistic regression. In this study, a framework is presented that allows analyzing and developing models with regard to fairness. The proposed methodology is based on techniques of causal inference and some of the methods can be linked to methods from explainable machine learning. A definition of counterfactual fairness is given together with an algorithm that results in a fair scoring model. The concepts are illustrated by means of a transparent simulation and a popular real-world example, the German Credit data using traditional scorecard models based on logistic regression and weight of evidence variable pre-transform. In contrast to previous studies in the field for our study, a corrected version of the data is presented and used. With the help of the simulation, the trade-off between fairness and predictive accuracy is analyzed. The results indicate that it is possible to remove unfairness without a strong performance decrease unless the correlation of the discriminative attributes on the other predictor variables in the model is not too strong. In addition, the challenge in explaining the resulting scoring model and the associated fairness implications to users is discussed.
Predicting the Potential Applicability to Other Technical Fields Through the Linkage Between Backward and Forward Citations
Authors: Hirose Masayuki
Published: October 2021

This article is a modest attempt to shed some light on the question of linkages between backward and forward citations in technical fields posed by Trajtenberg et al. (1997). They found interesting similarities and high correlations between equivalent measures looking forward and backward. They also implied the linkage between distant backward and distant forward citations. There are several questions to be posed in applying their insights to Japanese patent applications, however, due to the differences in the patent classification system and the subject of citation, i.e., citations by the applicant or examiner, between the US and Japan. In addition, and most importantly, the possibility that subsequent classifications may match, even if the first classification is different, is unavoidable with existing measurement methods of technical distance. In order to investigate these research questions, the author proposes a new measurement method for the technological proximity between examiner’s citations and their originating patents using IPC-based patent classifications. Using such a proposed method, the author created two hypotheses and tested them for about 14,000 examined patent applications filed in 2008 with the JPO. As a result of testing Hypothesis I, the author confirmed that Trajtenberg et al.’s insights can be applied to Japanese patent applications using citations by the examiners and IPC-based patent classifications. In other words, it was confirmed that patent applications citing backward citations categorized in a technical field distant from the invention are more likely to be cited by forward citations categorized in a technical field distant from the invention. As a result of the verification of Hypothesis Ⅱ, it was further confirmed in some technical fields that the backward citations categorized in a technical field distant from the invention are more likely to be in the same technical field as the forward citations categorized in a technical field distant from the invention. The author believes that these verified results indicate the possibilities of using backward citations as a starting point from which we can find patent applications for inventions at an early stage with potential applicability to other technical fields.
Distribution Characteristics of SOC, STN, and STP Contents Along a Slope Aspect Gradient of Loess Plateau in China
Authors: Liu Minxia , Yu Ruixin , Li Liang , Xu Lu , Mu Ruolan , Zhang Guojuan
Published: October 2021

In this study, the effects of slope aspects and depths on soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (STN), and soil total phosphorus (STP) were quantified in disturbed restoration regions of Gaolan County, located in the Gansu Province of semi-arid loess Plateau of China. Soil samples were collected at 0–10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80, and 80–100 cm on southern, southwestern, western, northwestern, and northern slope aspects of three hills. A total of 75 soil profiles and 450 soil samples were analyzed. Results showed that the SOC, STN, and STP content varied from 1.65 to 12.87 g/kg, 0.45 to 1.53 g/kg, and 0.07 to 0.78 g/kg, and the SOCD, STND, and STPD at 0–100 cm varied from 3.9 to 9.5 kg/m2, 0.58 to 1.35 kg/m2, and 0.33 to 0.56 kg/m2, which increased from the southern to northern slope aspects. The SOC, STN, and STP contents and SOCD, STND, and STPD were mainly in the 0–60 and 60–100 cm soil layers. The vertical descent rate was γSOC > γSTN > γSTP for both content and density. For a single soil nutrient, the decline rate of its content and density on the northern slope aspect was greater than that on the southern slope aspect, that is γN > γ All > γS. The correlation degree between soil properties and SOC and STN content were above 0.6, the overall correlation with STP content was <0.6. These results confirmed that topography (slope aspects) was the most significant factor controlling the distribution patterns of SOC, STN, and STP in hill ecosystems. Overall, the northern slope aspect (vs. southern slope aspect) was more favorable to the preservation of SOC, STN, and STP. Accordingly, in the Loess Plateau and similar fragile environments, soil nutrient protection and vegetation restoration are selective to some extent.
Identification of DNA Bases and Their Cations in Astrochemical Environments: Computational Spectroscopy of Thymine as a Test Case
Authors: Zhao Yage , Hochlaf Majdi , Biczysko Malgorzata
Published: October 2021

Increased importance of vibrational fingerprints in the identification of molecular systems, can be highlighted by the upcoming interstellar medium (ISM) observations by the James Webb Space Telescope, or in a context of other astrochemical environments as meteorites or exoplanets, Mars robotic missions, such as instruments on board of Perseverance rover. These observations can be supported by combination of laboratory experiments and theoretical calculations, essential to verify and predict the spectral assignments. Astrochemical laboratory simulations have shown that complex organic molecules (COMs) can be formed from simple species by vacuum ultraviolet or X-ray irradiation expanding interest in searching for organic biological and prebiotic compounds. In this work an example of nucleobase, thymine, is selected as a test case for highlighting the utility of computational spectroscopic methods in astrochemical studies. We consider mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) vibrational spectra of neutral (T) and cationic (T+) thymine ground states, and vibrationally-resolved photoelectron (PE) spectra in the far UV range from 8.7 to 9.4 eV. The theoretical framework is based on anharmonic calculations including overtones and combination bands. The same anharmonic wavenumbers are applied into the simulations of vibrationally-resolved photoelectron spectra based on Franck-Condon computations. The infrared and vibrationally-resolved photoelectron spectra are compared with the available experimental counterparts to verify their accuracy and provide assignment of the observed transitions. Finally, reliable predictions of spectra, going beyond currently available experimental data, either dealing with energy ranges, resolution or temperature, which can support astrochemistry studies are provided.
Tissue Engineering and Its Potential to Reduce Prostate Cancer Treatment Sequelae—Narrative Review
Authors: Adamowicz Jan , Kluth Luis Alex , Pokrywczynska Marta , Drewa Tomasz
Published: October 2021

Tissue engineering offers the possibility to overcome limitations of current management for postprostatectomy incontinence and ED. Developed in recent years biotechnological feasibility of mesenchymal stem cell isolation, in vitro cultivation and implantation became the basis for new cell-based therapies oriented to induce regeneration of adult tissue. The perspective to offer patients suffering from post-prostatectomy incontinence or erectile dysfunction minimal invasive one-time procedure utilizing autologous stem cell transplantation is desired management.
Multifarious Trajectories in Plant-Based Ethnoveterinary Knowledge in Northern and Southern Eastern Europe
Authors: Mattalia Giulia , Belichenko Olga , Kalle Raivo , Kolosova Valeria , Kuznetsova Natalia , Prakofjewa Julia , Stryamets Nataliya , Pieroni Andrea , Volpato Gabriele , Sõukand Renata
Published: October 2021

Over the last century in the European context, animal production has been transformed by the dynamics of centralization and decentralization due to political and economic factors. These processes have influenced knowledge related to healing and ensuring the welfare of domestic animals. Therefore, our study aimed to document and compare current and past ethnoveterinary practices, and to identify trajectories in ethnoveterinary knowledge in study regions from both northern and southern Eastern Europe. In the summers of 2018 and 2019, we conducted 476 interviews, recording the use of 94 plant taxa, 67 of which were wild and 24 were cultivated. We documented 452 use reports, 24 of which were related to the improvement of the quality or quantity of meat and milk, while the other 428 involved ethnoveterinary practices for treating 10 domestic animal taxa. Cattle were the most mentioned target of ethnoveterinary treatments across all the study areas, representing about 70% of all use reports. Only four plant species were reported in five or more countries (Artemisia absinthium, Hypericum spp., Linum usitatissimum, Quercus robur). The four study regions located in Northern and Southern Eastern Europe did not present similar ethnoveterinary knowledge trajectories. Bukovinian mountain areas appeared to hold a living reservoir of ethnoveterinary knowledge, unlike the other regions. Setomaa (especially Estonian Setomaa) and Dzukija showed an erosion of ethnoveterinary knowledge with many uses reported in the past but no longer in use. The current richness of ethnoveterinary knowledge reported in Bukovina could have been developed and maintained through its peculiar geographical location in the Carpathian Mountains and fostered by the intrinsic relationship between the mountains and local pastoralists and by its unbroken continuity of management even during the Soviet era. Finally, our results show some patterns common to several countries and to the veterinary medicine promoted during the time of the Soviet Union. However, the Soviet Union and its centralized animal breeding system, resulted in a decline of ethnoveterinary knowledge as highly specialized veterinary doctors worked in almost every village. Future research should examine the complex networks of sources from where farmers derive their ethnoveterinary knowledge.
Brief Research Report: Veterinary Student Perspective on COVID-19 and Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Limper Candice B. , Hinckley-Boltax Ariana L. , Cazer Casey L.
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 has had significant effects on the field of veterinary medicine. Adaptation to pandemic-related and post-pandemic challenges requires engagement from all levels of the professional pipeline, including veterinary college students. Insights gained from this group may inform curriculum design, help the veterinary profession innovate, maximize opportunities for positive change, and avoid negative outcomes. The current study aimed to understand the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on veterinary medicine, as foreseen by second-year veterinary students in an online discussion during a public health course in the spring of 2020. Twenty-one percent of the 113 students agreed to participate in this qualitative research study. We used an inductive coding process and distilled the student responses into descriptive themes to capture diverse perspectives and understand possible post-pandemic pathways for the veterinary profession. Four themes emerged from the student discussion posts, describing how veterinarians might be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: (1) economic and social impacts, (2) adapting to challenges, (3) collaborations to improve public health, and (4) disparities and diversity. These themes are a starting point for discussion and innovation as veterinarians plan for the post-pandemic world; further investigation will provide additional guidance for veterinary leaders.
Transcriptomic Analysis of STAT1/3 in the Goat Endometrium During Embryo Implantation
Authors: Liu Haokun , Wang Caixia , Li Zuhui , Shang Chunmei , Zhang Xinyan , Zhang Ruixue , Wang Aihua , Jin Yaping , Lin Pengfei
Published: October 2021

Interferon tau (IFNT), a pregnancy recognition signal in ruminants, promotes the establishment of embryo implantation by inducing the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) via the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway. However, the precise regulatory mechanism of IFNT in goat embryo implantation remains largely unknown. In this study, we performed RNA sequencing of goat endometrial epithelial cells (gEECs) with or without 20 ng/mL IFNT treatment. Differential comparison showed that there were 442 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 510 downregulated DEGs. Bioinformatic analyses revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-related functions or pathways. The qRT-PCR validation results showed that the expression levels of STAT family members (STAT1, STAT2, and STAT3) were significantly upregulated in gEECs after IFNT treatment, which is in agreement with the RNA-seq data. Meanwhile, the protein levels of p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 increased significantly in gEECs after 6 and 24 h of IFNT treatment, respectively. Further in vivo experiments also confirmed that both mRNA and protein phosphorylation levels of STAT1 and STAT3 in the uterus on day 18 of pregnancy (P18) were significantly increased compared to those on day 5 (P5) and day 15 of pregnancy (P15). On P5, STAT1 and STAT3 proteins were primarily located in the uterine luminal epithelium (LE) and glandular epithelium (GE), and were also detected in the stromal cells. The intense immunostaining of STAT1 and STAT3 proteins were decreased on P15 and then increased on P18, especially in the superficial GE and subepithelial stromal cells. Moreover, p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 were highly expressed in the deep GE on P18. Collectively, these results highlight the role of IFNT in regulating endometrial receptivity in gEECs and uncover the temporal and spatial changes in the expression of STAT1/3 during embryo implantation in the goat endometrium.
New Type of Linear Magnetostrictive Motor Designed for Outer Space Applications, from Concept to End-Product
Authors: Pîslaru-Dănescu Lucian , Morega Alexandru-Mihail , Chihaia Rareş-Andrei , Popescu Ionel , Morega Mihaela , Flore Lică , Popa Marius , Pătroi Eros-Alexandru
Published: October 2021

The use of the linear magnetostrictive motor (LMM) in outer space, in the absence of Earth’s gravitational field and where extreme temperatures manifest, involves innovative technical solutions that result in significant construction changes. This paper highlights these constructive changes and presents the mathematical modeling followed by the numerical simulation of different operating regimes of LMM. The novelty of the design resides in using a bias coil instead, in addition to permanent magnets, to magnetize the magnetostrictive core and pulse width modulated (PWM) power sources to control the two coils of the LMM (bias and activation). The total absorbed current is less than 2 A, which results in the reduction of Joule losses. Moreover, a PWM source is provided to power and control a set of three Peltier elements aimed at cooling the device. The experiments validate the design of the LMM, which elicits it to power and control devices that may modulate fuel injection for rocket engines or for machines used to adjust positioning on circumterrestrial orbits.
Adaptive Kalman Filter with L2 Feedback Control for Active Suspension Using a Novel 9-DOF Semi-Vehicle Model
Authors: Yang Huan , Liu Jiang , Li Min , Zhang Xilong , Liu Jianze , Zhao Yulan
Published: October 2021

In order to further improve driving comfort, this paper takes the semi-vehicle active suspension as the research object. Furthermore, combined with a 5-DOF driver-seat model, a new 9-DOF driver seat-active suspension model is proposed. The adaptive Kalman filter combined with L2 feedback control algorithm is used to improve the controller. First, a discrete 9-DOF driver seat-active suspension model is established. Then, the L2 feedback algorithm is used to solve the optimal feedback matrix of the model, and the adaptive Kalman filter algorithm is used to replace the linear Kalman filter. Finally, the improved active suspension model and algorithm are verified through simulation and test. The results show that the new algorithm and model not only significantly improve the driver comfort, but also comprehensively optimize the other performance of the vehicle. Compared with the traditional LQG control algorithm, the RMS value of the acceleration experienced by the driver’s limb are, respectively, decreased by 10.9%, 15.9%, 6.4%, and 7.5%. The RMS value of pitch angle acceleration experienced by the driver decreased by 6.4%, and the RMS value of the dynamic tire deflection of front and rear tire decreased by 32.6% and 12.1%, respectively.
Innovative Acoustic Treatments of Nacelle Intakes Based on Optimised Metamaterials
Authors: Palma Giorgio , Burghignoli Lorenzo , Centracchio Francesco , Iemma Umberto
Published: October 2021

Modern turbofans with high bypass ratios, low blade passage frequencies and short nacelles require continuous development of acoustic linings to achieve the noise reductions expected by the international aviation authorities. Metamaterials and metafluids have been recently proposed as promising technologies for designing innovative acoustic treatments dedicated to reducing aeronautic turbofan noise emissions. In this work, a phase-gradient metasurface treatment is investigated as a way to tackle the noise radiation from an axially symmetric nacelle. This paper aims to study the potential benefits of the mentioned technology, and is not an attempt to design a complete new liner or nacelle. The metasurface is modelled through an equivalent metafluid, and a simulation-based optimisation is used in defining the design parameters. The tonal contribution of the blade passage frequency is considered, and the numerical results with the metafluid optimised on one azimuthal mode at a time show a significant effect in terms of acoustic levels and directivity over an arc of virtual receivers.
Short-Arc Association and Orbit Determination for New GEO Objects with Space-Based Optical Surveillance
Authors: Huang Jian , Lei Xiangxu , Zhao Guangyu , Liu Lei , Li Zhenwei , Luo Hao , Sang Jizhang
Published: October 2021

For Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) objects, space-based optical surveillance has advantages over regional ground surveillance in terms of both the timeliness and space coverage. However, space-based optical surveillance may only collect sparse and short orbit arcs, and thus make the autonomous arc association and orbit determination a challenge for new GEO objects without a priori orbit information. In this paper, a three-step approach tackling these two critical problems is proposed. First, under the near-circular orbit assumption, a multi-point optimal initial orbit determination (IOD) method is developed to improve the IOD convergence rate and the accuracy of the IOD solution with angles-only observations over a short arc. Second, the Lambert equation is applied to associate two independent short arcs in an attempt to improve accuracy of the single-arc IOD semi-major axis (SMA) with the use of virtual ranges between the optical sensor and GEO object. The key idea in the second step is to generate accurate ranges at observation epochs, which, along with the real angle data, are then used to achieve much improved SMA accuracy. The third step is basically the repeated application of the second step to three or more arcs. The high success rate of arc associations and accurate orbit determination using the proposed approach are demonstrated with simulated space-based angle data over short arcs, each being only 3 min. The results show that the proposed approach is able to determine the orbit of a new GEO at a three-dimensional accuracy of about 15 km from about 10 arcs, each having a length of about 3 min, thus achieving reliable cataloguing of uncatalogued GEO objects. The IOD and two-arc association methods are also tested with the real ground-based observations for both GEO and LEO objects of near-circular orbits, further validating the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Two-Stage Pursuit Strategy for Incomplete-Information Impulsive Space Pursuit-Evasion Mission Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Yang Bin , Liu Pengxuan , Feng Jinglang , Li Shuang
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a novel and robust two-stage pursuit strategy for the incomplete-information impulsive space pursuit-evasion missions considering the J2 perturbation. The strategy firstly models the impulsive pursuit-evasion game problem into a far-distance rendezvous stage and a close-distance game stage according to the perception range of the evader. For the far-distance rendezvous stage, it is transformed into a rendezvous trajectory optimization problem and a new objective function is proposed to obtain the pursuit trajectory with the optimal terminal pursuit capability. For the close-distance game stage, a closed-loop pursuit approach is proposed using one of the reinforcement learning algorithms, i.e., the deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm, to solve and update the pursuit trajectory for the incomplete-information impulsive pursuit-evasion missions. The feasibility of this novel strategy and its robustness to different initial states of the pursuer and evader and to the evasion strategies are demonstrated for the sun-synchronous orbit pursuit-evasion game scenarios. The results of the Monte Carlo tests show that the successful pursuit ratio of the proposed method is over 91% for all the given scenarios.
Post-COVID-19 Scenarios of Global Airline Traffic until 2040 That Reflect Airport Capacity Constraints and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Gelhausen Marc Christopher , Berster Peter , Wilken Dieter
Published: October 2021

Although there has been an unprecedented decline in traffic volume due to the COVID-19 crisis, robust growth in global demand for air transport services in the past means that air traffic is expected to recover in the long term. While capacity constraints are currently not a major topic at airports due to the extremely low levels of traffic, there is growing evidence to suggest that important nodes of the worldwide airport network will struggle to deal with capacity constraints after the recovery. The objectives of this research were therefore as follows: to elaborate long-term global passenger and flight volume scenarios in a post-COVID-19 world; to conduct an empirical and model-based analysis of the impact of limited airport capacity on the future development of air traffic in these scenarios; and to derive general strategies for mitigating capacity constraints at certain international airports. Thus, the main aim of this paper is to present a model-based scenario analysis of the long-term impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the capacity situation for airports. Our results indicate that once the pandemic is over, the capacity crunch will remain on the airports’ agenda for some time.
The Role of Water Content in the Casing Layer for Mushroom Crop Production and the Occurrence of Fungal Diseases
Authors: Navarro María J. , Carrasco Jaime , Gea Francisco J.
Published: October 2021

Mushroom cultivation requires effective control of environmental cues to obtain the best yield and high quality. The impact of water content in the casing layer on mushroom yield and the incidence of two of the most important diseases in the mushroom growing farms, dry bubble and cobweb diseases, was evaluated. Different initial water content in the casing and two alternative irrigation programs applied (light or moderate irrigation) were the agronomic parameters under study during five separate button mushroom crop trials. Higher initial humidity content in the casing layer reported a larger yield, with a fewer number of basidiomes but heavier, while no correlation to the dry matter content or the colour of the basidiomes was noted. The incidence of dry bubble disease was not conditioned by the water content of the casing layer, at the high moisture levels established in the study. In the case of Cladobotryum mycophilum, the lower moisture level of the casing layer reported more incidence of cobweb disease, and subsequently harmful yield losses. According to the results obtained, the right management of the moisture level in the casing materials could promote crop yield and preclude the significant impact of dry bubble and cobweb diseases.
Redox-Modulating Capacity and Antineoplastic Activity of Wastewater Obtained from the Distillation of the Essential Oils of Four Bulgarian Oil-Bearing Roses
Authors: Georgieva Almira , Ilieva Yana , Kokanova-Nedialkova Zlatina , Zaharieva Maya Margaritova , Nedialkov Paraskev , Dobreva Ana , Kroumov Alexander , Najdenski Hristo , Mileva Milka
Published: October 2021

The wastewater from the distillation of rose oils is discharged directly into the soil because it has a limited potential for future applications. The aim of the present study was to determine in vitro the chromatographic profile, redox-modulating capacity, and antineoplastic activity of wastewater obtained by distillation of essential oils from the Bulgarian Rosa alba L., Rosa damascena Mill., Rosa gallica L., and Rosa centifolia L. We applied UHPLC-HRMS for chromatographic analysis of rose wastewaters, studied their metal-chelating and Fe(III)-reducing ability, and performed MTT assay for the evaluation of cytotoxic potential against three tumorigenic (HEPG2—hepatocellular adenocarcinoma, A-375—malignant melanoma, A-431—non-melanoma epidermoid squamous skin carcinoma) and one non-tumorigenic human cell lines (HaCaT—immortalized keratinocytes). The median inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were calculated with nonlinear modeling using the MAPLE® platform. The potential of the wastewaters to induce apoptosis was also examined. Mono-, di-, and acylated glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol, ellagic acid and its derivatives as main chemical components, and gallic acid and its derivatives—such as catechin and epicatechin—were identified. The redox-modulating capacity of the samples (TPTZ test) showed that all four wastewaters exhibited the properties of excellent heavy metal cleaners, but did not exert very strong cytotoxic effects. The lowest IC50 rate was provided in wastewater from R. centifolia (34–35 µg/mL of gallic acid equivalents after a 72 h period for all cell lines). At 24 and 48 hours, the most resistant cell line was HEPG2, followed by HaCaT. After 72 h of exposure, the IC50 values were similar for tumor and normal cells. Still, R. damascena had a selectivity index over 2.0 regarding A-431 non-melanoma skin cancer cells, showing a good toxicological safety profile in addition to moderate activity—IC50 of 35 µg/mL polyphenols. The obtained results related to wastewaters acquired after the distillation of essential oils from the Bulgarian R. alba, R. damascena, R. gallica, and R. centifolia direct our attention to further studies for in-depth elucidation of their application as detoxifying agents under oxidative damage conditions in other experimental datasets.
A Novel Sesquiterpene Lactone Xanthatin-13-(pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid) Isolated from Burdock Leaf Up-Regulates Cells’ Oxidative Stress Defense Pathway
Authors: Idres Yanis A. , Tousch Didier , Cazals Guillaume , Lebrun Aurélien , Naceri Sarah , Bidel Luc P. R. , Poucheret Patrick
Published: October 2021

The aim of our study was to identify novel molecules able to induce an adaptative response against oxidative stress during the first stages of metabolic syndrome. A cellular survival in vitro test against H2O2-based test was applied after pretreatment with various natural bitter Asteraceae extracts. This screening revealed potent protection from burdock leaf extract. Using chromatography and LC-MS—RMN, we then isolated and identified an original sesquiterpene lactone bioactive molecule: the Xanthatin-13-(pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid) (XPc). A real-time RT-qPCR experiment was carried out on three essential genes involved in oxidative stress protection: GPx, SOD, and G6PD. In presence of XPc, an over-expression of the G6PD gene was recorded, whereas no modification of the two others genes could be observed. A biochemical docking approach demonstrated that XPc had a high probability to directly interact with G6PD at different positions. One of the most probable docking sites corresponds precisely to the binding site of AG1, known to stabilize the G6PD dimeric form and enhance its activity. In conclusion, this novel sesquiterpene lactone XPc might be a promising prophylactic bioactive agent against oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.
Keyword Detection Based on RetinaNet and Transfer Learning for Personal Information Protection in Document Images
Authors: Lin Guo-Shiang , Tu Jia-Cheng , Lin Jen-Yung
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a keyword detection scheme is proposed based on deep convolutional neural networks for personal information protection in document images. The proposed scheme is composed of key character detection and lexicon analysis. The first part is the key character detection developed based on RetinaNet and transfer learning. To find the key characters, RetinaNet, which is composed of convolutional layers featuring a pyramid network and two subnets, is exploited to detect key characters within the region of interest in a document image. After the key character detection, the second part is a lexicon analysis, which analyzes and combines several key characters to find the keywords. To train the model of RetinaNet, synthetic image generation and data augmentation are exploited to yield a large image dataset. To evaluate the proposed scheme, many document images are selected for testing, and two performance measurements, IoU (Intersection Over Union) and mAP (Mean Average Precision), are used in this paper. Experimental results show that the mAP rates of the proposed scheme are 85.1% and 85.84% for key character detection and keyword detection, respectively. Furthermore, the proposed scheme is superior to Tesseract OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software for detecting the key characters in document images. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively localize and recognize these keywords within noisy document images with Mandarin Chinese words.
Preparation of Powders Containing Sb, Ni, and O for the Design of a Novel CO and C3H8 Sensor
Authors: Ramírez-Ortega Jorge Alberto , Guillén-Bonilla José Trinidad , Guillén-Bonilla Alex , Rodríguez-Betancourtt Verónica María , Gildo-Ortiz Lorenzo , Blanco-Alonso Oscar , Soto-García Víctor Manuel , Jiménez-Rodríguez Maricela , Guillén-Bonilla Héctor
Published: October 2021

In this work, powders of NiSb2O6 were synthesized using a simple and economical microwave-assisted wet chemistry method, and calcined at 700, 800, and 900 °C. It was identified through X-ray diffraction that the oxide is a nanomaterial with a trirutile-type structure and space group P42/mnm (136). UV–Vis spectroscopy measurements showed that the bandgap values were at ~3.10, ~3.14, and ~3.23 eV at 700, 800, and 900 °C, respectively. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), irregularly shaped polyhedral microstructures with a size of ~154.78 nm were observed on the entire material’s surface. The particle size was estimated to average ~92.30 nm at the calcination temperature of 900 °C. Sensing tests in static atmospheres containing 300 ppm of CO at 300 °C showed a maximum sensitivity of ~72.67. On the other hand, in dynamic atmospheres at different CO flows and at an operating temperature of 200 °C, changes with time in electrical resistance were recorded, showing a high response, stability, and repeatability, and good sensor efficiency during several operation cycles. The response times were ~2.77 and ~2.10 min to 150 and 200 cm3/min of CO, respectively. Dynamic tests in propane (C3H8) atmospheres revealed that the material improved its response in alternating current signals at two different frequencies (0.1 and 1 kHz). It was also observed that at 360 °C, the ability to detect propane flows increased considerably. As in the case of CO, NiSb2O6’s response in propane atmospheres showed very good thermal stability, efficiency, a high capacity to detect C3H8, and short response and recovery times at both frequencies. Considering the great performance in propane flows, a sensor prototype was developed that modulates the electrical signals at 360 °C, verifying the excellent functionality of NiSb2O6.
Carbon Nanotubes-Based Hydrogels for Bacterial Eradiation and Wound-Healing Applications
Authors: Patil Tejal V. , Patel Dinesh K. , Dutta Sayan Deb , Ganguly Keya , Randhawa Aayushi , Lim Ki-Taek
Published: October 2021

Biocompatible nanomaterials have attracted enormous interest for biomedical applications. Carbonaceous materials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have been widely explored in wound healing and other applications because of their superior physicochemical and potential biomedical properties to the nanoscale level. CNTs-based hydrogels are widely used for wound-healing and antibacterial applications. CNTs-based materials exhibited improved antimicrobial, antibacterial, adhesive, antioxidants, and mechanical properties, which are beneficial for the wound-healing process. This review concisely discussed the preparation of CNTs-based hydrogels and their antibacterial and wound-healing applications. The conductive potential of CNTs and their derivatives is discussed. It has been observed that the conductivity of CNTs is profoundly affected by their structure, temperature, and functionalization. CNTs properties can be easily modified by surface functionalization. CNTs-based composite hydrogels demonstrated superior antibacterial potential to corresponding pure polymer hydrogels. The accelerated wound healing was observed with CNTs-based hydrogels.
Mixed Integer Linear Programming Models to Solve a Real-Life Vehicle Routing Problem with Pickup and Delivery
Authors: Louati Ali , Lahyani Rahma , Aldaej Abdulaziz , Mellouli Racem , Nusir Muneer
Published: October 2021

This paper presents multiple readings to solve a vehicle routing problem with pickup and delivery (VRPPD) based on a real-life case study. Compared to theoretical problems, real-life ones are more difficult to address due to their richness and complexity. To handle multiple points of view in modeling our problem, we developed three different Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) models, where each model covers particular constraints. The suggested models are designed for a mega poultry company in Tunisia, called CHAHIA. Our mission was to develop a prototype for CHAHIA that helps decision-makers find the best path for simultaneously delivering the company’s products and collecting the empty boxes. Based on data provided by CHAHIA, we conducted computational experiments, which have shown interesting and promising results.
Collaborative Filtering Recommendation Algorithm Based on TF-IDF and User Characteristics
Authors: Ni Jianjun , Cai Yu , Tang Guangyi , Xie Yingjuan
Published: October 2021

The recommendation algorithm is a very important and challenging issue for a personal recommender system. The collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm is one of the most popular and effective recommendation algorithms. However, the traditional collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm does not fully consider the impact of popular items and user characteristics on the recommendation results. To solve these problems, an improved collaborative filtering algorithm is proposed, which is based on the Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) method and user characteristics. In the proposed algorithm, an improved TF-IDF method is used to calculate the user similarity on the basis of rating data first. Secondly, the multi-dimensional characteristics information of users is used to calculate the user similarity by a fuzzy membership method. Then, the above two user similarities are fused based on an adaptive weighted algorithm. Finally, some experiments are conducted on the movie public data set, and the experimental results show that the proposed method has better performance than that of the state of the art.
DEA-Based PROMETHEE II Distribution-Center Productivity Model: Evaluation and Location Strategies Formulation
Authors: Alidrisi Hisham
Published: October 2021

The current era of industrial economics necessitates warehouse and logistic distribution centers (DCs) to contribute productively toward an organization’s success. Playing such a critical productive role implies that logistics activities must be practiced effectively and efficiently. However, the indistinguishability between effectiveness and efficiency leads to a somewhat shallow interpretation, and consequently, a diluted evaluation. Hence, this paper aims to develop a productivity evaluation model for nine DCs belonging to an international automotive vehicles and spare parts company. The developed model was set up based on two multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approaches: the Preference Ranking Organization Method for Enrichment of Evaluations II (PROMETHEE II) and data envelopment analysis (DEA). PROMETHEE II was employed to evaluate the effectiveness, while the DEA was utilized in order to measure the efficiency of the investigated DCs. The resulting hybrid model collectively creates what can conceptually and practically be considered a productivity evaluation model. The results also provide six different strategies through which distribution center locations can be evaluated in order to implement potential future initiatives.
A Comparison Study on the Improved Operation Strategy for a Parabolic trough Solar Power Plant in Spain
Authors: Al-Maliki Wisam Abed Kattea , Al-Hasnawi Adnan G. Tuaamah , Abdul Wahhab Hasanain A. , Alobaid Falah , Epple Bernd
Published: October 2021

The present work focuses on the development of a detailed dynamic model of an existing parabolic trough solar power plant (PTSPP) in Spain. This work is the first attempt to analyse the dynamic interaction of all parts, including solar field (SF), thermal storage system (TSS) and power block (PB), and describes the heat transfer fluid (HTF) and steam/water paths in detail. Advanced control circuits, including drum level, economiser water bypass, attemperator and steam bypass controllers, are also included. The parabolic trough power plant is modelled using Advanced Process Simulation Software (APROS). An accurate description of control structures and operation strategy is necessary in order to achieve a reasonable dynamic response. This model would help to identify the best operation strategy due to DNI (direct normal irradiation) variations during the daytime. The operation strategy used in this model has also been shown to be effective compared to decisions made by operators on cloudy periods by improving power plant performance and increasing operating hours.
Evaluation of Mushrooms Based on FT-IR Fingerprint and Chemometrics
Authors: Feher Ioana , Floare-Avram Cornelia Veronica , Covaciu Florina-Dorina , Marincas Olivian , Puscas Romulus , Magdas Dana Alina , Sârbu Costel
Published: October 2021

Edible mushrooms have been recognized as a highly nutritional food for a long time, thanks to their specific flavor and texture, as well as their therapeutic effects. This study proposes a new, simple approach based on FT-IR analysis, followed by statistical methods, in order to differentiate three wild mushroom species from Romanian spontaneous flora, namely, Armillaria mellea, Boletus edulis, and Cantharellus cibarius. The preliminary data treatment consisted of data set reduction with principal component analysis (PCA), which provided scores for the next methods. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) managed to classify 100% of the three species, and the cross-validation step of the method returned 97.4% of correctly classified samples. Only one A. mellea sample overlapped on the B. edulis group. When kNN was used in the same manner as LDA, the overall percent of correctly classified samples from the training step was 86.21%, while for the holdout set, the percent rose to 94.74%. The lower values obtained for the training set were due to one C. cibarius sample, two B. edulis, and five A. mellea, which were placed to other species. In any case, for the holdout sample set, only one sample from B. edulis was misclassified. The fuzzy c-means clustering (FCM) analysis successfully classified the investigated mushroom samples according to their species, meaning that, in every partition, the predominant species had the biggest DOMs, while samples belonging to other species had lower DOMs.
Hyperacusis in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Danesh Ali A. , Howery Stephanie , Aazh Hashir , Kaf Wafaa , Eshraghi Adrien A.
Published: October 2021

Hyperacusis is highly prevalent in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) population. This auditory hypersensitivity can trigger pragmatically atypical reactions that may impact social and academic domains. Objective: The aim of this report is to describe the relationship between decreased sound tolerance disorders and the ASD population. Topics covered: The main topics discussed include (1) assessment and prevalence of hyperacusis in ASD; (2) etiology of hyperacusis in ASD; (3) treatment of hyperacusis in ASD. Conclusions: Knowledge of the assessment and treatment of decreased sound tolerance disorders within the ASD population is growing and changing.
The Neural Basis of Skull Vibration Induced Nystagmus (SVIN)
Authors: Curthoys Ian S.
Published: October 2021

I list a summary of the major clinical observations of SVIN in patients with total unilateral vestibular loss (TUVL) and show how basic results from neurophysiology can explain these clinical observations. The account integrates results from single neuron recordings of identified semicircular canal and otolith afferent neurons in guinea pigs in response to low frequency skull vibration with evidence of the eye movement response in cats to selective semicircular canal stimulation (both individual and combined) and a simple model of nystagmus generation to show how these results explain most of the major characteristics of SVIN.
Item Response Theory Investigation of Misophonia Auditory Triggers
Authors: Vitoratou Silia , Uglik-Marucha Nora , Hayes Chloe , Erfanian Mercede , Pearson Oliver , Gregory Jane
Published: October 2021

Misophonia is characterised by a low tolerance for day-to-day sounds, causing intense negative affect. This study conducts an in-depth investigation of 35 misophonia triggers. A sample of 613 individuals who identify as experiencing misophonia and 202 individuals from the general population completed self-report measures. Using contemporary psychometric methods, we studied the triggers in terms of internal consistency, stability in time, precision, severity, discrimination ability, and information. Three dimensions of sensitivity were identified, namely, to eating sounds, to nose/throat sounds, and to general environmental sounds. The most informative and discriminative triggers belonged to the eating sounds. Participants identifying with having misophonia had also significantly increased odds to endorse eating sounds as auditory triggers than others. This study highlights the central role of eating sounds in this phenomenon and finds that different triggers are endorsed by those with more severe sound sensitivities than those with low sensitivity.