bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Fruit Load in Australian Mango Orchards Using Machine Vision
Authors: Anderson Nicholas Todd , Walsh Kerry Brian , Koirala Anand , Wang Zhenglin , Amaral Marcelo Henrique , Dickinson Geoff Robert , Sinha Priyakant , Robson Andrew James
Published: August 2021

The performance of a multi-view machine vision method was documented at an orchard level, relative to packhouse count. High repeatability was achieved in night-time imaging, with an absolute percentage error of 2% or less. Canopy architecture impacted performance, with reasonable estimates achieved on hedge, single leader and conventional systems (3.4, 5.0, and 8.2 average percentage error, respectively) while fruit load of trellised orchards was over-estimated (at 25.2 average percentage error). Yield estimations were made for multiple orchards via: (i) human count of fruit load on ~5% of trees (FARM), (ii) human count of 18 trees randomly selected within three NDVI stratifications (CAL), (iii) multi-view counts (MV-Raw) and (iv) multi-view corrected for occluded fruit using manual counts of CAL trees (MV-CAL). Across the nine orchards for which results for all methods were available, the FARM, CAL, MV-Raw and MV-CAL methods achieved an average percentage error on packhouse counts of 26, 13, 11 and 17%, with SD of 11, 8, 11 and 9%, respectively, in the 2019–2020 season. The absolute percentage error of the MV-Raw estimates was 10% or less in 15 of the 20 orchards assessed. Greater error in load estimation occurred in the 2020–2021 season due to the time-spread of flowering. Use cases for the tree level data on fruit load was explored in context of fruit load density maps to inform early harvesting and to interpret crop damage, and tree frequency distributions based on fruit load per tree.
Ammonium-Based Compound Fertilisers Mitigate Nitrous Oxide Emissions in Temperate Grassland
Authors: Gebremichael Amanuel W. , Rahman Niharika , Krol Dominika J. , Forrestal Patrick J. , Lanigan Gary J. , Richards Karl G.
Published: August 2021

Nitrogen fertiliser application represents the largest anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and the magnitude of these emissions is dependent on the type of fertilisers applied in the agroecosystems. Despite N-P-K compound fertilisers being commonly used in agricultural soils, a lack of information exists regarding their effects on N2O emissions. This study aims at examining the effects of different commonly used N-P-K compound fertiliser formulations with contrasting nitrate to ammonium ratios (0.05 to 0.88) on N2O emissions, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in temperate grassland and to compare these variables with common straight N fertilisers. Compound fertilisers with varying NPK inclusion rates (18-6-12, 10-10-20, 24-2.2-4.5, and 27-2.5-5), and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and urea + N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) were applied at 80 kg N ha−1 to experimental plots in managed grassland on two occasions in a growing season. Fluxes of N2O during the experiment period, yield and NUE following two harvests were measured. The cumulative N2O emission from urea + NBPT, 18-6-12, 10-10-20, and 24-2.2-4.5 treatments were significantly reduced by 44%, 43%, 37%, and 31% compared with CAN treatment under conducive soil moisture condition. Under the same soil condition, 18-6-12 and 10-10-20 treatments showed higher yield, N uptake, and NUE although did not significantly differ from the other fertiliser treatments. Our results suggest that ammonium-based compound fertilisers have a potential to reduce N2O emissions while maintaining yields. Further long-term study is needed to capture the full magnitude of variations in N2O emissions, including ammonia (NH3) volatilization from nitrate and ammonium-based compound fertiliser applications from multiple soil types and under different climatic conditions.
Molecular Characterization of Genetic Diversity in Apricot Cultivars: Current Situation and Future Perspectives
Authors: Herrera Sara , Hormaza José I. , Lora Jorge , Ylla Guillem , Rodrigo Javier
Published: August 2021

In the recent years, an important renewal of apricot cultivars is taking place worldwide with the introduction of a large number of new releases, which are replacing traditional and local cultivars in many situations. To study the current genetic diversity, a group of 202 apricot accessions, including landraces and releases from breeding programs in several countries, has been characterized using 13 microsatellite markers. The diversity parameters showed higher diversity in modern releases than in landraces, but also suggested a loss of diversity associated with recent breeding. Two main clusters according to the pedigree origin of the accessions were clearly differentiated in the phylogenetic analysis based on Nei’s genetic distance. The first group comprised mostly European and North American traditional cultivars, and the second group included the majority of recent and commercial releases from breeding programs. Further population analyses showed the same clustering trend on the distribution of individuals and clusters, confirming the results obtained in the molecular phylogenetic analysis. These results provide a sight of the erosion and the decrease of the genetic diversity in the currently grown apricot and highlight the importance of preserve traditional cultivars and local germplasm to assure genetic resources for further breeding.
Genetic Parameters for Maternal Performance Traits in Commercially Farmed New Zealand Beef Cattle
Authors: Weik Franziska , Hickson Rebecca E. , Morris Stephen T. , Garrick Dorian J. , Archer Jason A.
Published: August 2021

Maternal performance is a major driver of profitability in cow-calf beef cattle enterprises. The aim of this research was to evaluate the inheritance of maternal performance traits and examine the intercorrelation among reproduction, live weight, hip height, body condition and maternal contribution to calf weaning weight in 15-month-old heifers, 2-year-old cows and mature cows in New Zealand beef herds. Data were collected on a total of 14,241 cows and their progeny on five commercial New Zealand hill country farms. Heritabilities were low for reproductive traits in heifers and mature cows (0–0.06) but were greater in 2-year-old cows (0.12–0.21). Body condition scores were lowly (0.15–0.26) and live weights (0.42–0.48) and hip heights (0.47–0.65) highly heritable in heifers, 2-year-old cows and mature cows. Results indicate that 2-year-old cows with higher genetic potential for rebreeding ability may have greater genetic merit for live weight, hip height and body condition as heifers (rg = 0.19–0.54) but are unlikely to be larger cows at maturity (rg = −0.27–−0.10). The maternal genetic effect on weaning weight had a heritability of 0.20 and was negatively genetically correlated with body condition score in lactating cows (rg = −0.55–−0.40) but positively genetically correlated with rebreeding performance (rg = 0.48).
Infrared Thermography in the Study of Animals’ Emotional Responses: A Critical Review
Authors: Travain Tiziano , Valsecchi Paola
Published: August 2021

Whether animals have emotions was historically a long-lasting question but, today, nobody disputes that they do. However, how to assess them and how to guarantee animals their welfare have become important research topics in the last 20 years. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a method to record the electromagnetic radiation emitted by bodies. It can indirectly assess sympathetic and parasympathetic activity via the modification of temperature of different body areas, caused by different phenomena such as stress-induced hyperthermia or variation in blood flow. Compared to other emotional activation assessment methods, IRT has the advantage of being noninvasive, allowing use without the risk of influencing animals’ behavior or physiological responses. This review describes general principles of IRT functioning, as well as its applications in studies regarding emotional reactions of domestic animals, with a brief section dedicated to the experiments on wildlife; it analyzes potentialities and possible flaws, confronting the results obtained in different taxa, and discusses further opportunities for IRT in studies about animal emotions.
cAMP Modulators before In Vitro Maturation Decrease DNA Damage and Boost Developmental Potential of Sheep Oocytes
Authors: Medina-Chávez Daniela-Alejandra , Sánchez-Ajofrín Irene , Peris-Frau Patricia , Maside Carolina , Montoro Vidal , Fernández-Santos Rocío , Garde José Julián , Soler Ana Josefa
Published: August 2021

To date, the underlying mechanisms by which cAMP modulators act during in vitro maturation to improve oocyte developmental competence are poorly understood. Here, we sought to fill this knowledge gap by evaluating the use of phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) and adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin during a culture period of 2 h before in vitro maturation (pre-IVM) on the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation features in essential organelles, cumulus cells activity, and in vitro developmental potential of sheep oocytes. Results showed that pre-IVM treatment significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the DNA damage of mature oocytes (pre-IVM = 2.08% ± 3.51% vs. control = 20.58% ± 3.51%) and increased (p ≤ 0.05) expanded blastocyst rates compared to the control (from the total of oocytes: pre-IVM = 23.89% ± 1.47% vs. control = 18.22% ± 1.47%, and from the cleaved embryos: pre-IVM = 45.16% ± 1.73% vs. control = 32.88% ± 1.73%). Considering that oocytes are highly vulnerable to the accumulation of DNA damage because of exposure to in vitro culture conditions, our results suggest that the modulation of intra-oocyte cAMP levels with forskolin and IBMX before IVM might afford oocytes a more effective DNA repair mechanism to overcome damage obstacles and ultimately improve developmental competence. This previously unappreciated action of cAMP modulators could help to develop improved methods for assisted reproduction technologies in animal and clinical research.
Dietary Copper Improves Intestinal Morphology via Modulating Intestinal Stem Cell Activity in Pigs
Authors: Yin Lanmei , Yang Qing , Zhang Yiming , Wan Dan , Yin Yuebang , Wang Qiye , Huang Jing , Li Jianzhong , Yang Huansheng , Yin Yulong
Published: August 2021

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for animals. Many studies have been conducted on the effects of dietary Cu on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and function of piglets. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be explored. Intestinal stem cells (ISC) drive the development and constant renewal of intestinal epithelium. Therefore, we hypothesized that dietary Cu affects piglets’ intestinal development via modulating ISC activity. A total of eighty-five 21-day-old piglets were randomly assigned to five groups, where 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 mg CuSO4/kg on a dry matter basis were supplemented to the basal diet at phase 1 (day 0 to 21). Increasing the dietary Cu concentration decreased (p < 0.05) villus width but increased (p < 0.001) the number of Ki67-positive cells. At phase 2 (day 22 to 163), the other 45 pigs were offered the same diets. Villus height in the 125 mg/kg Cu group was greater (p < 0.001) than in the other groups. Moreover, the effects of Cu on ISC activity in vitro were tested to explore the underlying mechanism. Compared to the control group, 10 μmol/L CuSO4·5H2O increased (p < 0.001) the organoid budding efficiency, crypt depth, and crypts per organoid. Dietary Cu improved the intestinal morphology of finishing pigs via promoting cell proliferation and modulating ISC activity.
Analytical Validation of Two Point-of-Care Assays for Serum Amyloid A Measurements in Cats
Authors: Escribano Damián , Bustillo Alba Ortín , Marín Luis Pardo , Rabasco Andrea Navarro , Herrera Pablo Ruiz , Cerón Jose J. , Tvarijonaviciute Asta
Published: August 2021

Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is one of the most sensitive tests to detect inflammation in cats. In this study, two point-of-care assays for SAA measurements in cats (FUJI DRI-CHEM IMMUNO AU CARTRIDGE vf-SAA (method A), and CUBE-VET analyser (Method B), were analytically evaluated. Regarding the imprecision precision only the method A showed intra-assay and inter-assay CV < 10% at all concentrations. Both assays showed linearity with r close to 1 and the recovery were in the range of 81–112% for assay A and 85–125% for assay B and the limit of detection were 3.75 and 0.5 mg/dL for method A and B, respectively. A previously validated method for SAA quantification SAATIA; LZ-SAA (method C) was used as gold-standard to evaluate the accuracy of the assays. Significant correlations (p < 0.0001) were found between assays A and C (r = 0.94) and B and C (r = 0.91). In addition, an overlap performance test was made using serum samples from cats with non-inflammatory and cats with inflammatory. Both assays showed higher median SAA concentrations in cats with inflammatory diseases than in cats without inflammatory diseases (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, this manuscript provides data about the possible application of two point-of-care assays for the measurement of SAA concentration in cats.
Herpesvirus Infection in a Breeding Population of Two Coexisting Strix Owls
Authors: Žlabravec Zoran , Vrezec Al , Slavec Brigita , Kuhar Urška , Zorman Rojs Olga , Račnik Joško
Published: August 2021

Birds are a frequent host of a large variety of herpesviruses, and infections in them may go unnoticed or may result in fatal disease. In wild breeding populations of owls, there is very limited information about the presence, impact, and potential transmission of herpesvirus. The herpesvirus partial DNA polymerase gene was detected using polymerase chain reaction in oropharyngeal swabs of 16 out of 170 owls examined that were captured in or near nest boxes. Herpesvirus was detected in Ural owls (Strix uralensis), in both adults and young, but not in tawny owls (Strix aluco). In yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis), as the main prey of tawny owls and Ural owls in the area, herpesvirus was detected in the organs of 2 out of 40 mice captured at the same locations as the owls. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the herpesvirus sequences detected in the Ural owls differed from the herpesvirus sequences detected in the yellow-necked mice. The results indicate that herpesvirus infection exists in the breeding wild Ural owl population. However, herpesvirus-infected owls did not show any clinical or productivity deviances and, based on a phylogenetic comparison of detected herpesvirus sequences and sequences obtained from Genbank database, it seems that mice and other rodents are not the source of owl infections. The most probable transmission pathway is intraspecific, especially from adults to their chicks, but the origin of herpesvirus in owls remains to be investigated.
Proteomic and Metabolomic Analyses of Maggots in Porcine Corpses for Post-Mortem Interval Estimation
Authors: Mok Jeong-Hun , Joo Minjoong , Duong Van-An , Cho Seonghyeon , Park Jong-Moon , Eom Young-Sic , Song Tae-Hwa , Lim Hee-Joung , Lee Hookeun
Published: August 2021

Post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation is a critical task in forensic science. In this study, we used maggots collected from pig carcasses and applied an integrated proteomics and metabolomics approach to determine potential candidate substances for the estimation of PMI. After methanol precipitation, the supernatant containing metabolites and the protein pellet were separated and subjected to metabolomic and proteomic analyses using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MS/MS data were analyzed for identification and quantification using Proteome Discoverer and Compound Discoverer software. A total of 573 metabolites and more than 800 porcine proteins were identified in maggots. This is the first dataset of proteins and metabolites in maggots collected from porcine carcasses. In this study, guanosine monophosphate, xanthine, inosine, adenosine, and guanine were detected with a similar tendency to increase during early days of maggot development and then decreased gradually. We broadly profiled various biomolecules through analysis in the spot of incident. Especially, we confirmed that proteome and metabolome profiling could be performed directly and indirectly.
Alginate-Chitosan Microencapsulated Cells for Improving CD34+ Progenitor Maintenance and Expansion
Authors: Nurhayati Retno Wahyu , Cahyo Rafianto Dwi , Pratama Gita , Anggraini Dian , Mubarok Wildan , Kobayashi Mime , Antarianto Radiana Dhewayani
Published: August 2021

Protocols for isolation, characterization, and transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been well established. However, difficulty in finding human leucocyte antigens (HLA)-matched donors and scarcity of HSCs are still the major obstacles of allogeneic transplantation. In this study, we developed a double-layered microcapsule to deliver paracrine factors from non-matched or low-matched HSCs to other cells. The umbilical cord blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells, identified as CD34+ cells, were entrapped in alginate polymer and further protected by chitosan coating. The microcapsules showed no toxicity for surrounding CD34+ cells. When CD34+ cells-loaded microcapsules were co-cultured with bare CD34+ cells that have been collected from unrelated donors, the microcapsules affected surrounding cells and increased the percentage of CD34+ cell population. This study is the first to report the potency of alginate-chitosan microcapsules containing non-HLA-matched cells for improving proliferation and progenitor maintenance of CD34+ cells.
Icon Generation Based on Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Yang Hongyi , Xue Chengqi , Yang Xiaoying , Yang Han
Published: August 2021

Icon design is an important part of UI design, and a design task that designers often encounter. During the design process, it is important to highlight the function of icons themselves and avoid excessive similarity with similar icons, i.e., to have a certain degree of innovation and uniqueness. With the rapid development of deep learning technology, generative adversarial networks (GANs) can be used to assist designers in designing and updating icons. In this paper, we construct an icon dataset consisting of 8 icon categories, and introduce state-of-the-art research and training techniques including attention mechanism and spectral normalization based on the original StyleGAN. The results show that our model can effectively generate high-quality icons. In addition, based on the user study, we demonstrate that our generated icons can be useful to designers as design aids. Finally, we discuss the potential impacts and consider the prospects for future related research.
Total and Leached Arsenic, Mercury and Antimony in the Mining Waste Dumping Area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Mt. Amiata, Central Italy)
Authors: Meloni Federica , Montegrossi Giordano , Lazzaroni Marta , Rappuoli Daniele , Nisi Barbara , Vaselli Orlando
Published: August 2021

Total and leached Arsenic, Mercury and Antimony were determined in the topsoils developed on the mining waste dumping area of Le Lame (Mt. Amiata, central Italy) where the post-processing Hg-rich ore deposits from the mining area of Abbadia San Salvatore were stored. The concentrations of As, Hg and Sb were up to 610, 1910 and 1610 mg kg−1, respectively, while those in the leachates (carried out with CO2-saturated MilliQ water to simulate the meteoric water conditions) were up to 102, 7 and 661 μg·L−1, respectively. Most aqueous solutions were characterized by Hg content <0.1 μg·L−1. This is likely suggesting that the mine wastes (locally named “rosticci”) were possibly resulting from an efficient roasting process that favored either the removal or inertization of Hg operated by the Gould furnaces and located in the southern sector of Le Lame. The highest values of total and leachate mercury were indeed mostly found in the northern portion where the “rosticci”, derived by the less efficient and older Spirek-Cermak furnaces, was accumulated. The saturation index was positive for the great majority of leachate samples in Fe-oxy-hydroxides, e.g., ferrihydrite, hematite, magnetite, goethite, and Al-hydroxides (boehmite and gibbsite). On the other hand, As- and Hg-compounds were shown to be systematically undersaturated, whereas oversaturation in tripuhyte (FeSbO4) and romeite (Ca2Sb2O7) was evidenced. The Eh-pH diagrams for the three chalcophile elements were also constructed and computed and updated according to the recent literature data.
A New Design Model of an MR Shock Absorber for Aircraft Landing Gear Systems Considering Major and Minor Pressure Losses: Experimental Validation
Authors: Kang Byung-Hyuk , Hwang Jai-Hyuk , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: August 2021

This work presents a novel design model of a magnetorheological (MR) fluid-based shock absorber (MR shock absorber in short) that can be applied to an aircraft landing gear system. When an external force acts on an MR shock absorber, pressure loss occurs at the flow path while resisting the fluid flow. During the flow motion, two pressure losses occur: the major loss, which is proportional to the flow rate, and the minor loss, which is proportional to the square of the flow rate. In general, when an MR shock absorber is designed for low stroke velocity systems such as an automotive suspension system, the consideration of the major loss only for the design model is well satisfied by experimental results. However, when an MR shock absorber is applied to dynamic systems that require high stroke velocity, such as aircraft landing gear systems, the minor loss effect becomes significant to the pressure drop. In this work, a new design model for an MR shock absorber, considering both the major and minor pressure losses, is proposed. After formulating a mathematical design model, a prototype of an MR shock absorber is manufactured based on the design parameters of a lightweight aircraft landing gear system. After establishing a drop test for the MR shock absorber, the results of the pressure drop versus stroke/stroke velocity are investigated at different impact energies. It is shown from comparative evaluation that the proposed design model agrees with the experiment much better than the model that considers only the major pressure loss.
Influence of the Protein Content on Fiber Morphology and Heat Treatment of Electrospun Potato Protein–Maltodextrin Fibers
Authors: Gibis Monika , Pribek Franziska , Kutzli Ines , Weiss Jochen
Published: August 2021

The production of ultrafine fibers of proteins and polysaccharides by needleless electrospinning can be performed prior to a thermal treatment to form glycoconjugates via the first stage of the Maillard reaction. The aim was to produce potato protein–maltodextrin conjugates with a varying protein content of 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 g/mL by needleless electrospinning and subsequent thermal treatment (0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h at 65 °C and 75% relative humidity). The concentrations of the maltodextrins, with a dextrose equivalent of 2 and 21, were kept constant at 0.8 and 0.1 g/mL. The highest fiber production rate was achieved with a protein content of 0.1 g/mL (5.8 ± 0.4 g/h). With increasing protein content, the production rate decreased to 2.8 ± 0.5 g/h. The fibers obtained from the spinning solution containing 0.2 g/mL protein showed the largest average diameter (4.0 ± 1.5 µm) and the broadest fiber diameter distribution. The protein content of the fibers was close to that of the corresponding spinning solution. The browning index after 48 h of heating increased for all samples (9.7–14.7) compared to the unheated samples (1.1–3.3). The results indicate that the protein content has an impact on the yield, the fiber diameter, and the morphology of the fibers.
Preliminary Results of a Hybrid Thermoelectric Propulsion System for a Multirotor UAS with Active Rectifying, Electronic Throttle Control and Supercapacitors
Authors: Cabanas Manés F. , Duque Salvador B. , González Juan D. , González Francisco P. , Fernández María G.
Published: August 2021

The main drawback of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is that almost their entire field of application is autonomous in terms of energy. Flights beyond 50 min are nearly impossible when using conventional energy storage systems (lithium-ion polymer or lithium-ion batteries). Several commercial products have been developed using hybrid systems (H-UAS). Although the improvement they have provided is undeniable, H-UAS in the present market are strongly limited by their low thrust vs. weight ratio, which is caused by limited electrical power generation and a non-optimal energy conversion with relatively low efficiencies. This paper reviews these systems to show the preliminary results of a prototype of hybrid generator which state-of-the-art electronics as well as a new approach using a supercapacitor (SC) array are used to save fuel, increase the thrust vs. weight ratio, optimize losses during conversion and prevent the overheating of the internal combustion unit (ICU). Whereas current generators mostly operate with the ICU at a constant speed, delivering maximum power, the presented prototype includes a throttle control system, and the engine works with a variable regime according to the power demand. Thus, fuel consumption is reduced, as well as heating and wear. The lifespan of the engine is also increased, and the time between maintenance operations is lengthened. The designed system provides almost twice the power of the hybrid current generators. The reduction in the RPM regime of the engine is achieved by means of a supercapacitor array that provides the necessary energy to keep the DC output power constant during the engine acceleration when the flight envelope experiences a perturbation or a sudden manoeuvre is performed by the pilot. To obtain maximum efficiency, the diode rectifiers and conventional converters used in the reviewed products are replaced by synchronous converters and rectifiers. The whole system is controlled by means of a FPGA where a specific control loop has been implemented for every device: ICU’s throttle, DC bus converter, charge and discharge of the SC’s array, cooling and monitoring of temperature for the cylinders heads, and on-line transmission, by means of a XBEE™ module, of all the monitored data to the flight ground station.
A Novel Green Alternative for a Room Prototype Constructed with Entire Recycled PET Bottles and a Green Roof Composed of Waste Materials
Authors: Pérez Bueno José de Jesús , Mendoza López Maria Luisa , Ceja Soto Flavio Roberto , Reyes Araiza José Luis , Ramírez Jiménez Rubén , Pérez Ramos Martha Elva , Manzano-Ramírez Alejandro
Published: August 2021

In this study, we propose a methodology for constructing a prototype room intended primarily for people with low incomes, allowing self-construction practices and upcycling of widely available waste materials in their original form. Mechanical tests were conducted on single bottles of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) filled with different materials as well as on entire PET bottle/concrete blocks. Higher strength was observed when the bottles were in a horizontal position. The mechanical performance of the construction solution adopted for the prototype was not tested, and therefore its structural adequacy was not proven. The insulating multilayer roof was composed of waste plastic bags, two layers of uncapped PET bottles of differing shapes and sizes, another layer of plastic bags, waste cardboard, soil from the site, and a top endemic plant green layer. The PET bottles used in construction were filled with clay from the site, although bottles filled with fly ash achieved better mechanical results. The bottles can also be used uncapped and empty, which would simplify the process considerably by reducing the filling stage. This can be considered to be the main proposal for this type of building. There were almost negligible solid wastes generated, since they were used in the multilayered green roof. From a top view, the prototype mimics the surroundings because the green roof incorporates soil from the site and endemic plants.
Identification and Prioritization of Critical Risk Factors of Commercial and Recreational Complex Building Projects: A Delphi Study Using the TOPSIS Method
Authors: Tamošaitienė Jolanta , Khosravi Mojtaba , Cristofaro Matteo , Chan Daniel W. M. , Sarvari Hadi
Published: August 2021

Construction development of Commercial and Recreational Complex Building Projects (CRCBPs) is one of the community needs of many developing countries. Since the implementation of these projects is usually very costly, identifying and evaluating their Critical Risk Factors (CRFs) are of significant importance. Therefore, the current study aims to identify and prioritize CRFs of CRCBPs in the Iranian context. A descriptive-survey method was used in this research; the statistical population, selected based on the purposive sampling method, includes 30 construction experts with hands-on experience in CRCBPs. A questionnaire related to the risk identification stage was developed based on a detailed study of the research literature and also using the Delphi survey method; 82 various risks were finally identified. In order to confirm the opinions of experts in identifying the potential risks, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was used. In the first stage of data analysis, qualitative evaluation was performed by calculating the severity of risk effect and determining the cumulative risk index, based on which 25 CRFs of CRCBPs were identified for more accurate evaluation. At this stage, the identified CRFs were evaluated based on multi-criteria decision-making techniques and using the TOPSIS technique. Results show that the ten CRFs of CRCBPs are external threats from international relations, exchange rate changes, bank interest rate fluctuations, traffic licenses, access to skilled labor, changes in regional regulations, the condition of adjacent buildings, fluctuations and changes in inflation, failure to select a suitable and qualified consultant, and employer’s previous experiences and records. Obviously, the current study’s results and findings can be considered by CRCBPs in both the private and public sectors for proper effective risk identification, evaluation, and mitigation.
Role of Advanced Glycation End Products in Assessment of Diabetes Mellitus as a Risk Factor for Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Kaźmierczak Karolina , Żuchowski Paweł , Łapińska-Duczmal Katarzyna , Zabel Katarzyna , Sikorska Zofia , Pol Magdalena , Seredyka-Burduk Małgorzata , Sikorski Bartosz L. , Malukiewicz Grażyna
Published: August 2021

Aim: In this study, we aimed to assess the correlation between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the retinal vein occlusion (RVO) based on skin autofluorescence (SAF) measurement, which reflects the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) in patients who have undergone an episode of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) or branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Material and methods: In total, 23 patients (16 males, 7 females) with RVO were included in this study. Among these 23 participants, 12 (52%) had been diagnosed with CRVO and 11 (48%) with BRVO. The control group consisted of 14 healthy volunteers (11 females, 3 males). To calculate the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and DM, we conducted SAF examinations. We compared the SAF levels in three groups of patients: (1) with CRVO, (2) with BRVO, and (3) the control group. Basic demographic and clinical information and detailed history of the concurrent diagnoses of systemic diseases, such as systemic hypertension (HTN), DM, hyperlipidemia (HL), and heart diseases, were obtained. Results: In total, 10 (43.5%) patients were diagnosed with DM, 6 (55%) in the BRVO group and 4 (33%) in the CRVO group. The mean SAF value was significantly higher in the BRVO group than in the control group (2.64 a.u. and 2.35 a.u., respectively) (p = 0.023). More patients with risk of DM were identified in the CRVO group than in the BRVO group (p = 0.024). Conclusions: The advanced glycation end products (AGE) in the skin autofluorescence (SAF) is a viable method of evaluating the risk of DM in patients with RVO. We confirmed a correlation between RVO and DM, which was significantly pronounced in the CRVO form, although further carefully devised studies on the relationship between RVO and DM with a larger number of responders should be conducted in the future.
Oxygen Carrier Aided Combustion in Fluidized Bed Boilers in Sweden—Review and Future Outlook with Respect to Affordable Bed Materials
Authors: Störner Felicia , Lind Fredrik , Rydén Magnus
Published: August 2021

Oxygen carriers are metal oxide particles that could potentially enhance both fuel conversion and heat distribution in fluidized bed combustion, resulting in e.g., lowered emissions of unconverted species and better possibilities to utilize low-grade fuels. A related technology based on fluidized beds with oxygen carriers can separate CO2 without large energy penalties. These technologies are called oxygen carrier aided combustion (OCAC) and chemical-looping combustion (CLC), respectively. In the past few years, a large number of oxygen carriers have been suggested and evaluated for these purposes, many of which require complex production processes making them costly. Affordable metal oxide particles are, however, produced in large quantities as products and by-products in the metallurgical industries. Some of these materials have properties making them potentially suitable to use as oxygen carriers. Uniquely for Sweden, the use of oxygen carriers in combustion have been subject to commercialization. This paper reviews results from utilizing low-cost materials emerging from metallurgical industries for conversion of biomass and waste in semi-commercial and commercial fluidized bed boilers in Sweden. The paper further goes on to discuss practical aspect of utilizing oxygen carriers, such as production and transport within the unique conditions in Sweden, where biomass and waste combustion as well as metallurgical industries are of large scale. This study concludes that utilizing metal oxides in this way could be technically feasible and beneficial to both the boiler owners and the metallurgical industries.
Materializing the Invisible: Landscape Painting in Viceregal Peru as Visionary Painting
Authors: Ferrero Sebastian
Published: August 2021

Landscape painting in Peru typically does not receive much attention from critical dis-course, even though the adoption of the Flemish landscape by Andean viceregal painters became a distinctive feature of Peruvian painting of the second half of the 17th century. Considered a consequence of a change in the artistic taste of viceregal society, the landscape was perceived as a secondary element of the composition. In this article, we will analyze the inclusion of the Flemish landscape in Andean religious painting from another critical perspective that takes into account different spiritual processes that colonial religiosity goes through. We analyze how the influence of the Franciscan and Jesuit mysticism created a fertile ground where landscape painting could develop in Peru. The Andean viceregal painters found in the landscape an effective way to visualize suprasensible spiritual experiences and an important device for the development in Peru of a painting with visionary characteristics.
Thermal Analysis of LMO/Graphite Batteries Using Equivalent Circuit Models
Authors: Mahfoudi Nadjiba , Boutaous M’hamed , Xin Shihe , Buathier Serge
Published: August 2021

An efficient thermal management system (TMS) of electric vehicles requires a high-fidelity battery model. The model should be able to predict the electro-thermal behavior of the battery, considering the operating conditions throughout the battery’s lifespan. In addition, the model should be easy to handle for the online monitoring and control of the TMS. Equivalent circuit models (ECMs) are widely used because of their simplicity and suitable performance. In this paper, the electro-thermal behavior of a prismatic 50 Ah LMO/Graphite cell is investigated. A dynamic model is adopted to describe the battery voltage, current, and heat generation. The battery model parameters are identified for a single cell, considering their evolution versus the state of charge and temperature. The needed experimental data are issued from the measurements carried out, thanks to a special custom electrical bench able to impose a predefined current evolution or driving cycles, controllable by serial interface. The proposed battery parameters, functions of state of charge (SOC), and temperature (T) constitute a set of interesting and complete data, not available in the literature, and suitable for further investigations. The thermal behavior and the dynamic models are validated using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), with a large operating time, higher than 3 h. The measurement and model prediction exhibit a temperature difference less than 1.2 °C and a voltage deviation less than 3%, showing that the proposed model accurately predicts current, voltage, and temperature. The combined effects of temperature and SOC provides a more efficient modeling of the cell behavior. Nevertheless, the simplified model with only temperature dependency remains acceptable. Hence, the present modeling constitutes a confident prediction and a real step for an online control of the complete thermal management of electrical vehicles.
Decoupling of Plant Growth and Accumulation of Biologically Active Compounds in Leaves, Roots, and Root Exudates of Hypericum perforatum L. by the Combination of Jasmonate and Far-Red Lighting
Authors: Paponov Martina , Antonyan Manya , Slimestad Rune , Paponov Ivan A.
Published: August 2021

The plant hormone jasmonic acid (JA) fine tunes the growth–defense dilemma by inhibiting plant growth and stimulating the accumulation of secondary compounds. We investigated the interactions between JA and phytochrome B signaling on growth and the accumulation of selected secondary metabolites in Hypericum perforatum L., a medically important plant, by spraying plants with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and by adding far-red (FR) lighting. MeJA inhibited plant growth, decreased fructose concentration, and enhanced the accumulation of most secondary metabolites. FR enhanced plant growth and starch accumulation and did not decrease the accumulation of most secondary metabolites. MeJA and FR acted mostly independently with no observable interactions on plant growth or secondary metabolite levels. The accumulation of different compounds (e.g., hypericin, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and phenolic acid) in shoots, roots, and root exudates showed different responses to the two treatments. These findings indicate that the relationship between growth and secondary compound accumulation is specific and depends on the classes of compounds and/or their organ location. The combined application of MeJA and FR enhanced the accumulation of most secondary compounds without compromising plant growth. Thus, the negative correlations between biomass and the content of secondary compounds predicted by the growth-defense dilemma were overcome.
Impact of G-Quadruplexes on the Regulation of Genome Integrity, DNA Damage and Repair
Authors: Pavlova Anzhela V. , Kubareva Elena A. , Monakhova Mayya V. , Zvereva Maria I. , Dolinnaya Nina G.
Published: August 2021

DNA G-quadruplexes (G4s) are known to be an integral part of the complex regulatory systems in both normal and pathological cells. At the same time, the ability of G4s to impede DNA replication plays a critical role in genome integrity. This review summarizes the results of recent studies of G4-mediated genomic and epigenomic instability, together with associated DNA damage and repair processes. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated, it is known that, among the proteins that recognize G4 structures, many are linked to DNA repair. We analyzed the possible role of G4s in promoting double-strand DNA breaks, one of the most deleterious DNA lesions, and their repair via error-prone mechanisms. The patterns of G4 damage, with a focus on the introduction of oxidative guanine lesions, as well as their removal from G4 structures by canonical repair pathways, were also discussed together with the effects of G4s on the repair machinery. According to recent findings, there must be a delicate balance between G4-induced genome instability and G4-promoted repair processes. A broad overview of the factors that modulate the stability of G4 structures in vitro and in vivo is also provided here.
Arteriovenous Fistula Flow Dysfunction Surveillance: Early Detection Using Pulse Radar Sensor and Machine Learning Classification
Authors: Chen Cheng-Hsu , Tao Teh-Ho , Chou Yi-Hua , Chuang Ya-Wen , Chen Tai-Been
Published: August 2021

Vascular Access (VA) is often referred to as the “Achilles heel” for a Hemodialysis (HD)-dependent patient. Both the patent and sufficient VA provide adequacy for performing dialysis and reducing dialysis-related complications, while on the contrary, insufficient VA is the main reason for recurrent hospitalizations, high morbidity, and high mortality in HD patients. A non-invasive Vascular Wall Motion (VWM) monitoring system, made up of a pulse radar sensor and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification algorithm, has been developed to detect access flow dysfunction in Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF). The harmonic ratios derived from the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum-based signal processing technique were employed as the input features for the SVM classifier. The result of a pilot clinical trial showed that a more accurate prediction of AVF flow dysfunction could be achieved by the VWM monitor as compared with the Ultrasound Dilution (UD) flow monitor. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the SVM classification algorithm achieved a detection specificity of 100% at detection thresholds in the range from 500 to 750 mL/min and a maximum sensitivity of 95.2% at a detection threshold of 750 mL/min.
Detection of Mercury Ion with High Sensitivity and Selectivity Using a DNA/Graphene Oxide Hybrid Immobilized on Glass Slides
Authors: Gao Li , Lv Qiuxiang , Xia Ni , Lin Yuanwei , Lin Feng , Han Bangxing
Published: August 2021

Excessive mercury ions (Hg2+) cause great pollution to soil/water and pose a major threat to human health. The high sensitivity and high selectivity in the Hg2+ detection demonstrated herein are significant for the research areas of analytical chemistry, chemical biology, physical chemistry, drug discovery, and clinical diagnosis. In this study, a series of simple, low-cost, and highly sensitive biochips based on a graphene oxide (GO)/DNA hybrid was developed. Hg2+ is detected with high sensitivity and selectivity by GO/DNA hybrid biochips immobilized on glass slides. The performance of the biosensors can be improved by introducing more phosphorothioate sites and complementary bases. The best limit of detection of the biochips is 0.38 nM with selectivity of over 10:1. This sensor was also used for Hg2+ detection in Dendrobium. The results show this biochip is promising for Hg2+ detection.
Development of Photocatalytic 3D-Printed Cementitious Mortars: Influence of the Curing, Spraying Time Gaps and TiO2 Coating Rates
Authors: Zahabizadeh Behzad , Segundo Iran Rocha , Pereira João , Freitas Elisabete , Camões Aires , Tavares Carlos J. , Teixeira Vasco , Cunha Vítor M. C. F. , Costa Manuel F. M. , Carneiro Joaquim O.
Published: August 2021

This work evaluated the photocatalytic activity of 3D-printed cementitious mortar specimens functionalized with TiO2 nanoparticles to obtain a multifunctional and smart concrete. This research aims to assess the influence of different parameters related to the functionalization process such as adsorption, coating time gaps, and coating rates on the degradation efficiency of the functionalized cementitious specimens. Each specimen was evaluated under the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in an aqueous solution using a sun-light simulation. The obtained results showed a decrease in adsorption (under dark condition) with increasing the sample curing age. The highest photocatalytic efficiency was observed for coated samples aged 7 days. By increasing the coating rates, the photocatalytic efficiency is enhanced. Nonetheless, regardless of the coating rates, all the specimens showed an increase in photocatalytic efficiency for longer time periods of light exposition, i.e., after 8 h of irradiation.
Prognostic Value of FDG-PET/CT Parameters in Patients with Relapse/Refractory Multiple Myeloma before Anti-CD38 Based Therapy
Authors: Fouquet Guillemette , Wartski Myriam , Dechmi Amina , Willems Lise , Deau-Fischer Bénédicte , Franchi Patricia , Descroocq Justine , Deschamps Paul , Blanc-Autran Estelle , Clerc Jérôme , Bouscary Didier , Barreau Sylvain , Chapuis Nicolas , Vignon Marguerite , Cottereau Anne-Ségolène
Published: August 2021

Although anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies have improved the prognosis of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), some patients still experience early relapses with poor outcomes. This present study evaluated the predictive value of FDG PET/CT parameters for RRMM prior to initiating anti-CD38 treatment. We included 38 consecutive RRMM patients who underwent a PET/CT scan treated at our institution at relapse. The median PFS was 12.5 months and the median OS was not reached. 42% of the patients had an initial ISS score of 1, 37% of 2, and 21% of 3. The presence of >3 focal lesions (FLs, n = 19) and the ISS score were associated with inferior PFS (p = 0.0036 and p = 0.0026) and OS (p = 0.025 and p = 0.0098). Patients with >3 FLs had a higher initial ISS score (p = 0.028). In multivariable analysis, the ISS score and >3 FLs were independent prognostic factors for PFS (p = 0.010 and p = 0.025 respectively), and combined they individualized a high-risk group with a median PFS and OS of 3.1 months and 8.5 months respectively vs. not reached for the other patients. The presence of >3 FLs on PET was predictive of survival outcomes in patients with RRMM treated using CD38 targeted therapy. Combined with the initial ISS, an ultra-high-risk RRMM population can thus be identified.
Effect of Transarterial Chemoembolization on ALBI Grade in Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Criteria for Unsuitable Cases Selection
Authors: Chi Chen-Ta , Lee I-Cheng , Lee Rheun-Chuan , Hung Ya-Wen , Su Chien-Wei , Hou Ming-Chih , Chao Yee , Huang Yi-Hsiang
Published: August 2021

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard of care for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to identify unsuitable cases who were at risk of ALBI-grade migration by TACE. Consecutive 531 BCLC-B HCC patients undergoing TACE were reviewed, and factors associated with ALBI-grade migration were analyzed. There were 129 (24.3%) patients experienced acute ALBI-grade migration after TACE, and 85 (65.9%) out of the 129 patients had chronic ALBI-grade migration. Incidences of acute ALBI-grade migration were 13.9%, 29.0% for patients within or beyond up-to-7 criteria (p < 0.001) and 20.0%, 36.2% for patients within or beyond up-to-11 criteria (p < 0.001), respectively. HBV infection, tumor size plus tumor number criteria were risk factors associated with acute ALBI-grade migration. Bilobar tumor involvement was the risk factor of chronic ALBI-grade migration in patients with acute ALBI-grade migration. Up-to-eleven (p = 0.007) performed better than up-to-seven (p = 0.146) to differentiate risk of dynamic ALBI score changes. Moreover, ALBI-grade migration to grade 3 has adverse effect on survival. In conclusion, tumor burden beyond up-to-eleven was associated with ALBI-grade migration after TACE, indicating that up-to-eleven can select TACE-unsuitable HCC patients who are at risk of liver function deterioration.