bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core Technological Competence and Competitive Advantage: A Study on Chinese High-Tech SMEs
Authors: Tong Tong , Iqbal Kashif , Rahman Azmawani Abd
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of core technology competence on the competitive advantage of high-tech SMEs (small- and mid-sized enterprises in China). Based on the 379 valid responses collected from a survey, structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to examine the research model. Infrastructure and technology, state-of-the-art technology, innovative research and development (R&D) capability, and organizational flexibility all have a significant impact on the competitive advantage, while infrastructure and technology, state-of-the-art technology, and innovative R&D capability have a significant effect on organizational flexibility. Organizational flexibility plays a mediating role between innovative R&D capability’s effect and competitive advantage. Under the continuous influence of COVID-19, we should promote development from the perspective of strengthening enterprise infrastructure and technology and improving organizational flexibility to gain a competitive advantage. This study reveals the internal relationship between core technology competence, organizational flexibility, and competitive advantage. The results of this study will help us to fully understand the survival status and competitive advantage of high-tech SMEs under COVID-19.
Using Nano-XRM and High-Contrast Imaging to Inform Micro-Porosity Permeability During Stokes–Brinkman Single and Two-Phase Flow Simulations on Micro-CT Images
Authors: Menke Hannah P. , Gao Ying , Linden Sven , Andrew Matthew G.
Published: July 2022

Carbonate rocks have multiscale pore systems that are weakly understood. In this study, we use combined experimental, modeling, and pore space generation methods to tackle the impact of microporosity on the flow properties of Estaillades limestone. First, a nano-core from a microporous grain of Estaillades limestone was scanned using nanotomography (nano-XRM). The information from the nano-XRM scan was then used as input into an object-based pore network generator, on which permeability fields were simulated for a range of porosities, creating a synthetic Kozeny–Carman porosity–permeability relationship targeted for the specific microporous system present in Estaillades. We found a good match between the experimental and simulated Mercury Intrusion Capillary Pressure (MICP) range in the imaged geometry and a good match between the imaged and object-generated permeabilities and MICP. A micro-core of Estaillades was then scanned using X-ray microtomography (μCT), the differential pressure was measured during single-phase flow, and the rock was flooded with doped brine. The contrast between the images was used to assign a porosity to each voxel of connected microporosity. The flow through the pore space was solved using the Stokes–Brinkman (S–B) and Stokes-only solvers, and the differences between the measured permeability and computed permeabilities were evaluated. An agreement was seen between the computed permeability of the Stokes and S–B simulation with the measured permeability. However, the velocity fields with the S–B simulation captured stagnant regions of the pore space that were not present in the Stokes simulations. Additionally, we investigated the implications of including microporosity in the estimation of relative permeability. Nitrogen was experimentally co-injected through the core with doped brine at a 50% fractional flow and imaged to capture the two-phase effective permeability and was compared with the simulated numerical permeability. The Stokes simulation was not able to predict relative permeability with this method due to the major flow paths in the macroporosity being impeded by the injected non-wetting phase. The S–B simulations, however, allowed flow in the microporous regions around these blocked flow paths and were able to achieve a relative permeability prediction that was a reasonable match to the experimental measurement.
What Keeps Kids Coming Back? Retention in a Sport-Based Positive Youth Development Program
Authors: Anderson-Butcher Dawn , Amorose Anthony J. , Sobecki Claire , Scheadler Travis R. , Atkinson Obidiah , Gutzwiller Emily
Published: July 2022

Research finds engagement in sport-based positive youth development (PYD) programs contribute to key outcomes related to physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and mental health. Consistent, long-term participation ensures youth, especially those who are socially vulnerable, reap the most benefits. Even when common barriers are removed, retention remains a challenge. Using mixed methods, this study explored factors related to long-term retention among youth from socially vulnerable circumstances attending one sport-based PYD program. Factors related to youth participation in the previous year's program, as well as general youth demographics, were examined using difference tests and binomial logistic regression to explore retention among 124 of the 384 youth who returned to the program the following year. Results of the regression analyses showed the full model (with all predictors included), vs. an intercept-only model, was statistically significant, χ2 (11, N = 235) = 23.38, p = 0.02. The model correctly classified 88.2% of the non-returners and 28.0% of the returners for an overall correct classification rate of 67.2%. Better fitness levels, higher perceived social responsibility (an outcome targeted in the program), and some demographic variables (such as lower poverty rates and younger age) were associated with a greater probability of returning, although effect sizes were small. Additionally, interviews were conducted with 18 parent/caregivers of returning youth and 18 match comparison parent/caregivers of non-returning youth. Qualitative analyses revealed few differences in previous year's program experiences between returners and non-returners, as well as similarities in reported benefits from involvement. Both sets of parent/caregivers cited positive experiences overall, and particular benefits related to meeting new people and learning new sports. Parents/caregivers of non-returners, however, noted the value of physical literacy components of the program more so than their counterparts. Social interactions, both positive and negative, seem to have particular relevance for retention. Findings overall, however, demonstrate challenges with predicting retention and fostering long-term engagement among youth from socially vulnerable circumstances in programming.
Simulation models for learning local skin flap design and execution: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Hadjikyriacou Eleni , Goldsmith Thomas , Bowerman Frances I. , Dobbs Thomas D. , Whitaker Iain S.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Early exposure to practical skills in surgical training is essential in order to master technically demanding procedures such as the design and execution of local skin flaps. Changes in working patterns, increasing subspecializations, centralization of surgical services, and the publication of surgeon-specific outcomes have all made hands-on-training in a clinical environment increasingly difficult to achieve for the junior surgeon. This has been further compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. This necessitates alternative methods of surgical skills training. To date, there are no standardized or ideal simulation models for local skin flap teaching.

Aim

This systematic review aims to summarize and evaluate local skin flap simulation and teaching models published in the literature.

Materials and Methods

A systematic review protocol was developed and undertaken in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Key search terms encompassed both “local skin flaps” and “models” or “surgical simulation”. These were combined using Boolean logic and used to search Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane Library. Studies were collected and screened according to the inclusion criteria. The final included articles were graded for their level of evidence and recommendation based on a modified educational Oxford Center for evidence-based medicine classification system and assessed according to the CRe-DEPTH tool for articles describing training interventions in healthcare professionals.

Results

A total of 549 articles were identified, resulting in the inclusion of 16 full-text papers. Four articles used 3D simulators for local flap teaching and training, while two articles described computer simulation as an alternative method for local flap practicing. Four models were silicone based, while gelatin, Allevyn dressings, foam rubber, and ethylene-vinyl acetate-based local flap simulators were also described. Animal models such as pigs head, porcine skin, chicken leg, and rat, as well as a training model based on fresh human skin excised from body-contouring procedures, were described. Each simulation and teaching method was assessed by a group of candidates via a questionnaire or evaluation survey grading system. Most of the studies were graded as level of evidence 3 or 4.

Conclusion

Many methods of simulation for the design and execution of local skin flaps have been described. However, most of these have been assessed only in small cohort numbers, and, therefore, larger candidate sizes and a standardized method for assessment are required. Moreover, some proposed simulators, although promising, are in a very preliminary stage of development. Further development and evaluation of promising high-fidelity models is required in order to improve training in such a complex area of surgery.
Maria Glazovskaya—A Pioneer Soil Scientist and Geochemist Ahead of her Time (1912–2016)
Authors: Gerasimova Maria
Published: July 2022

In the USSR and in Russia, women predominated among soil scientists despite the problems related to field research in tundra, taiga, mountains and other severe environments. One such woman was Maria Glazovskaya, who worked in highlands and semi-deserts studying little known soils, both recent and relict, primary pedogenesis, and geochemical features of hard rock weathering. Her scientific interests were diverse, and corresponded well with the social and scientific trends of the moment. She put forward new ideas and applied existing ones in several spheres of soil geography and landscape geochemistry. She proposed new approaches for compiling soil and landscape-geochemical maps, including using soil properties to predict the risks of soil pollution with heavy metals, and using landscape-geochemical methods to prospect for economic minerals. In the interdisciplinary conceptual sphere, Glazovskaya tried to bring together soil science and landscape geochemistry, and included these two subjects in the name of the department in Moscow University that she headed for more than 30 years. She was a scientist always looking for her own way in the interdisciplinary world of earth science.
Land Recovery and Soil Management with Agroforestry Systems
Authors: Marques Maria Aparecida , Anjos Lucia Helena Cunha dos , Sanchez Delgado Angel Ramon
Published: July 2022

Soils have many ecological functions and provide various ecosystem services including support for global food and fuel production. However, FAO reports indicate that approximately one-third of the planet’s arable lands show levels of degradation from processes including soil erosion, low levels of nutrients, acidification, salinization, compaction, sealing, and contamination. These conditions are also found in Brazil where soil degradation is largely caused by inadequate land management. Worldwide, strategic policies have been presented to mitigate this problem, with emphasis on sustainable agriculture. Among them, agroforestry has been identified as a viable system for mitigating and recovering degraded areas. Agroforestry techniques have been developed and tested but are still not understood by farmers, due to their complexity. This study aimed to analyze experiences and studies with agroforestry reported from Australia, some countries in Africa, and Brazil to search for similarities in these complex systems and identify possible correlations to support the hypothesis that land recovery can be enhanced through soil management using agroforestry. A Sankey diagram was developed to illustrate relationships among problems, the adoption of agroforestry and improvements, and the most important contributions. Data analysis shows that the main problems related to soil degradation are soil erosion and decreased soil fertility, while the adoption of agroforestry systems proved to improve different aspects of soil quality and to be a safe path to sustainable agricultural production. To obtain more information on the adoption of these systems in different locations, soils, and climates, it is important to implement policies for reducing land degradation. Furthermore, the assessment of the economic, environmental and social benefits of improving soil fertility and decreasing erosion in agroforestry systems is necessary to validate the use of agroforestry as a sustainable agricultural practice.
The Role of Fc Gamma Receptors in Antibody-Mediated Rejection of Kidney Transplants
Authors: Delpire Boris , Van Loon Elisabet , Naesens Maarten
Published: July 2022

For the past decades, complement activation and complement-mediated destruction of allograft cells were considered to play a central role in anti-HLA antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) of kidney transplants. However, also complement-independent mechanisms are relevant in the downstream immune activation induced by donor-specific antibodies, such as Fc-gamma receptor (FcγR)-mediated direct cellular activation. This article reviews the literature regarding FcγR involvement in AMR, and the potential contribution of FcγR gene polymorphisms to the risk for antibody mediated rejection of kidney transplants. There is large heterogeneity between the studies, both in the definition of the clinical phenotypes and in the technical aspects. The study populations were generally quite small, except for two larger study cohorts, which obviates drawing firm conclusions regarding the associations between AMR and specific FcγR polymorphisms. Although FcγR are central in the pathophysiology of AMR, it remains difficult to identify genetic risk factors for AMR in the recipient’s genome, independent of clinical risk factors, independent of the donor-recipient genetic mismatch, and in the presence of powerful immunosuppressive agents. There is a need for larger, multi-center studies with standardised methods and endpoints to identify potentially relevant FcγR gene polymorphisms that represent an increased risk for AMR after kidney transplantation.
Team Autonomy and Organizational Support, Well-Being, and Work Engagement in the Spain Computer Consultancy Industry: The Mediating Effect of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Suárez-Albanchez Julio , Jimenez-Estevez Pedro , Blazquez-Resino Juan Jose , Gutierrez-Broncano Santiago
Published: July 2022

The aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of autonomy at work and organizations’ support for their employees on employee well-being and, ultimately, their commitment to their work, and how employees’ emotional intelligence mediates between these constructs. We distributed a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire among professionals from different companies in the IT consultancy sector in Spain. The data collected were analyzed using the PLS-SEM (partial least squares structural equation modeling) technique in the SmartPLS software. The analysis of the data collected shows that there is indeed a positive relationship between job autonomy and the organizational support received by workers and their well-being, as well as between the well-being of workers and their commitment to work. Likewise, the mediation effect of emotional intelligence between job autonomy and organizational support and the well-being of workers is also evident. We can conclude that improving the autonomy and support given by organizations to their employees would have a beneficial effect on the well-being and work engagement of employees.
Evaluation of Cadmium Effects on Six Solanum melongena L. Cultivars from the Mediterranean Basin
Authors: Filippone Edgardo , Tranchida-Lombardo Valentina , Vitiello Alessia , Ruiu Fabrizio , Di Salvatore Mina , Galise Teresa Rosa , Laccetti Lucrezia , Amoresano Angela , D’Ambrosio Gennaro , Frusciante Luigi , Scopece Giovanni , Chiaiese Pasquale
Published: July 2022

Cadmium (Cd) contamination is a severe problem in the environment and produces detrimental effects on crop productivity and quality. Characterization of crop performance at different Cd concentrations is crucial to identify pollution-safe cultivars with low translocation efficiency to aboveground organs to be used for food safety. Here, we estimated germination, survival, growth, photosynthetic pigments, Cd bioaccumulation, among-organs translocation, and ionic balance in six Solanum melongena L. (eggplant) cultivars from the central Mediterranean basin. On two cultivars, we also analyzed expression of genes involved in Cd uptake, i.e., heavy metal ATPases (HMAs) and metal tolerance proteins (MTPs). We found that Cd has a negative effect on all the investigated parameters but with relevant among-cultivar differences. Cd-treated plants showed a decrease in germination rate and survival. Photosynthetic pigments showed opposite trends, i.e., with increasing Cd contents, we observed a decrease in chlorophylls and an increase in carotenoids. The investigated cultivars showed high ability of sequestrating Cd in roots but a low translocation efficiency to the aboveground organs, suggesting a good potential for food safety. The response of plants to Cd was mediated by a different expression of the MTP and HMA gene families. Our study represents the first comprehensive investigation of Cd tolerance in eggplant varieties from the Mediterranean basin and highlights the importance of comparative studies to identify Cd-tolerant cultivars.
Stoichiometric Ratios of Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus of Shrub Organs Vary with Mycorrhizal Type
Authors: Yang Shuang , Shi Zhaoyong , Sun Yichun , Wang Xiaohui , Yang Wenya , Gao Jiakai , Wang Xugang
Published: July 2022

Mycorrhizal types are a predictive framework for nutrient cycling within and across ecosystems, and their types represent different nutrient-acquisition strategies for plants. Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometric ratios are essential for understanding biogeochemical processes. The purpose of this study was to reflect the balance in the process of plant resource acquisition by exploring the C, N and P stoichiometric ratios (C/N, N/P, and C/P) in shrub organs in different mycorrhizal types. In this study, the C, N, and P stoichiometric ratios in leaves, stems and roots were analyzed in the types of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM), ectomycorrhizal (ECM) and AM + ECM of shrubs in Northern China. The results showed that C/N in the stems and roots of AM plants (95.75 and 81.42) was significantly lower than in AM + ECM plants (109.89 and 102.37) and ECM plants (107.67 and 96.93), while both N/P and C/P in the leaves, stems and roots of AM shrubs (38.67, 36.17, 40.69; 1028.14, 2989.13, and 2659.18) were significantly higher than in ECM shrubs (30.52, 22.31, 20.47; 796.51, 2208.28, and 1714.95). Moreover, different elements among the same plant organs were closely correlated, and the same pattern was found among the same element ratios among different plant organs. This suggests that mycorrhizal type can influence C, N and P ratios among different organs.
Identification of Body Size Determination Related Candidate Genes in Domestic Pig Using Genome-Wide Selection Signal Analysis
Authors: Pan Bing , Long Haoyuan , Yuan Ying , Zhang Haoyuan , Peng Yangyang , Zhou Dongke , Liu Chengli , Xiang Baiju , Huang Yongfu , Zhao Yongju , Zhao Zhongquan , E Guangxin
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to identify the genes related to the body size of pigs by conducting genome-wide selection analysis (GWSA). We performed a GWSA scan on 50 pigs belonging to four small-bodied pig populations (Diannan small-eared pig, Bama Xiang pig, Wuzhishan pig, and Jeju black pig from South Korea) and 124 large-bodied pigs. We used the genetic parameters of the pairwise fixation index (FST) and π ratio (case/control) to screen candidate genome regions and genes related to body size. The results revealed 47,339,509 high-quality SNPs obtained from 174 individuals, while 280 interacting candidate regions were obtained from the top 1% signal windows of both parameters, along with 187 genes (e.g., ADCK4, AMDHD2, ASPN, ASS1, and ATP6V0C). The results of the candidate gene (CG) annotation showed that a series of CGs (e.g., MSTN, LTBP4, PDPK1, PKMYT1, ASS1, and STAT6) was enriched into the gene ontology terms. Moreover, molecular pathways, such as the PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, and AMPK signaling pathways, were verified to be related to body development. Overall, we identified a series of key genes that may be closely related to the body size of pigs, further elucidating the heredity basis of body shape determination in pigs and providing a theoretical reference for molecular breeding.
Male Layer Chicken’s Response to Dietary Moringa oleifera Meal in a Tropical Climate
Authors: Faustin Evaris Esther , Sarmiento Franco Luis , Sandoval Castro Carlos , Segura Correa Jose , Caamal Maldonado Jesús
Published: July 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary amounts of Moringa oleifera meal (MOM), consisting of leaves and small edible green stems, on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood parameters of finisher male layer-type slow-growing chickens raised with outdoor access. A total of 198 Dominant Blue D 107, 72-day-old male chickens were randomly assigned to tree dietary treatments containing 0, 30, and 60 g/kg MOM that corresponded to T1 or control, T2, and T3, separately. Each treatment was divided into 6 replicates of 11 birds apiece, and all birds had access to the outdoors. After 7 weeks of experimental rearing, live weight was 2218.1, 2164.4, and 2176.6 g for birds raised in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, without statistical differences (p ≥ 0.05). Live weight gain and daily live weight gain increased (p ≤ 0.05) in favor of the control group during the first 4 weeks but decreased (p ≤ 0.05) in the last 3 weeks of the trial. Overall feed intake was not influenced by the treatments (p ≥ 0.05). Birds raised with MOM in their diets had higher feed conversion (p ≤ 0.05). T2 diet considerably increased (p ≤ 0.05) birds’ breast and gizzard weight and yield while decreasing feet weight and yield, in comparison to T1. Dietary MOM inclusion did not impair or improve (p ≥ 0.05) blood parameters. The results of this study suggest that up to 60 g/kg MOM could be included in the diets of slow-growing Dominant Blue D 107 male chickens grown with access to outdoors without compromising their productive performance (except for feed conversion), slaughter characteristics, and health status.
Effects of Intra-Articular Autologous Adipose Micrograft for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis in Dogs: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Botto Riccardo , Riccio Valentina , Galosi Livio , Rossi Giacomo , Vincenzetti Silvia , Tambella Adolfo Maria , De Francesco Francesco , Pennasilico Luca , Riccio Michele , Salvaggio Alberto , Sassaroli Sara , Palumbo Piccionello Angela
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to estimate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the intra-articular treatment of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue in dogs with spontaneous osteoarthritis (OA) in comparison with hyaluronic acid (HA), the standard intra-articular treatment. Specifically, it clinically evaluated pain and lameness, the radiographic progression of osteoarthritis, and synovial fluid inflammation. This was a prospective, single-center, parallel-group, randomized, controlled, in vivo clinical study. Participants (n = 40) received either a single intra-articular injection of microfragmented adipose tissue or a single intra-articular injection of HA (1:1). Clinical outcomes were determined using a specialistic clinician assessment obtained by the completion of a specific clinical form based on the Vesseur modified lameness classification system, a pain evaluation using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the measurement of the range of motion (ROM) of the affected joint, limb circumference, and the owners’ score evaluation using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) for up to 6 months after the time of injection. Patients underwent a radiographic examination to establish the degree of OA in the affected joint, and synovial fluid samples were collected to assess the biochemical environment of the joint and evaluate and quantify the cellular population and the presence of three specific inflammation biomarkers for up to 60 days. The results of this study suggest that microfragmented autologous adipose tissue is safe and can effectively relieve pain and improve function in dogs with spontaneous articular OA. This one-step procedure is simple, timesaving, cost-effective, minimally invasive, and eliminates the need for complex and time-intensive cell culture processing. Furthermore, the clinical evidence and cytological results suggest better long-term pain control, resulting in an improvement in joint function, compared to HA treatment. The canine spontaneous OA model could play a key role in developing successful treatments for human medicine.
Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment: Towards Elucidating the Roles of Bioaerosols in Transmission and Detection of Antibacterial Resistance Genes
Authors: George Paul B. L. , Rossi Florent , St-Germain Magali-Wen , Amato Pierre , Badard Thierry , Bergeron Michel G. , Boissinot Maurice , Charette Steve J. , Coleman Brenda L. , Corbeil Jacques , Culley Alexander I. , Gaucher Marie-Lou , Girard Matthieu , Godbout Stéphane , Kirychuk Shelley P. , Marette André , McGeer Allison , O’Shaughnessy Patrick T. , Parmley E. Jane , Simard Serge , Reid-Smith Richard J. , Topp Edward , Trudel Luc , Yao Maosheng , Brassard Patrick , Delort Anne-Marie , Larios Araceli D. , Létourneau Valérie , Paquet Valérie E. , Pedneau Marie-Hélène , Pic Émilie , Thompson Brooke , Veillette Marc , Thaler Mary , Scapino Ilaria , Lebeuf Maria , Baghdadi Mahsa , Castillo Toro Alejandra , Cayouette Amélia Bélanger , Dubois Marie-Julie , Durocher Alicia F. , Girard Sarah B. , Diaz Andrea Katherín Carranza , Khalloufi Asmaâ , Leclerc Samantha , Lemieux Joanie , Maldonado Manuel Pérez , Pilon Geneviève , Murphy Colleen P. , Notling Charly A. , Ofori-Darko Daniel , Provencher Juliette , Richer-Fortin Annabelle , Turgeon Nathalie , Duchaine Caroline
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is continuing to grow across the world. Though often thought of as a mostly public health issue, AMR is also a major agricultural and environmental problem. As such, many researchers refer to it as the preeminent One Health issue. Aerial transport of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria via bioaerosols is still poorly understood. Recent work has highlighted the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in bioaerosols. Emissions of AMR bacteria and genes have been detected from various sources, including wastewater treatment plants, hospitals, and agricultural practices; however, their impacts on the broader environment are poorly understood. Contextualizing the roles of bioaerosols in the dissemination of AMR necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. Environmental factors, industrial and medical practices, as well as ecological principles influence the aerial dissemination of resistant bacteria. This article introduces an ongoing project assessing the presence and fate of AMR in bioaerosols across Canada. Its various sub-studies include the assessment of the emissions of antibiotic resistance genes from many agricultural practices, their long-distance transport, new integrative methods of assessment, and the creation of dissemination models over short and long distances. Results from sub-studies are beginning to be published. Consequently, this paper explains the background behind the development of the various sub-studies and highlight their shared aspects.
Advocacy for Responsible Antibiotic Production and Use
Authors: Mondain Véronique , Retur Nicolas , Bertrand Benjamin , Lieutier-Colas Florence , Carenco Philippe , Diamantis Sylvain
Published: July 2022

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become one of humankind’s major challenges, as testified by the UN’s Call to Action on Antimicrobial Resistance in 2021. Our knowledge of the underlying processes of antibiotic resistance is steadily improving. Beyond the inappropriate use of antimicrobials in human medicine, other causes have been identified, raising ethical issues and requiring an approach to the problem from a “One Health” perspective. Indeed, it is now clear that the two main issues regarding the subject of antibiotics are their misuse in the global food industry and their method of production, both leading to the emergence and spread of bacterial resistance.
3R Composites: Knockdown Effect Assessment and Repair Efficiency via Mechanical and NDE Testing
Authors: Kosarli Maria , Foteinidis Georgios , Tsirka Kyriaki , Markaide Nerea , Ruiz de Luzuriaga Alaitz , Calderón Zapatería Diego , Weidmann Stefan , Paipetis Alkiviadis S.
Published: July 2022

In this study, the mechanical properties of purposefully synthesized vitrimer repairable epoxy composites were investigated and compared to conventional, commercial systems. The purpose was to assess the knockdown effect, or the relative property deterioration, from the use of the vitrimer in several testing configurations. Mechanical tests were performed using ILSS, low-velocity impact, and compression after impact configurations. At modeled structure level, the lap strap geometry that can simulate the stiffening of a composite panel was tested. Several non-destructive evaluation techniques were utilized simultaneously with the mechanical testing in order to evaluate (i) the production quality, (ii) the damage during or after mechanical testing, and (iii) the repair efficiency. Results indicated that the new repairable composites had the same mechanical properties as the conventional aerospace-grade RTM6 composites. The electrical resistance change method proved to be a valuable technique for monitoring deformations before the initiation of the debonding and the progress of the damage with consistency and high sensitivity in real time. In terms of repair efficiency, the values ranged from 70% to 100%.
Differentially-Driven Robots Moving in Formation—Leader–Follower Approach
Authors: Kiełczewski Marcin , Kowalczyk Wojciech , Krysiak Bartłomiej
Published: July 2022

The paper is devoted to the leader–follower approach for multiple mobile robots control and its experimental verification. The formation control of mobile robots is motivated by the concept of virtual leader tracking, which is enhanced by the collision avoidance between the robots proposed in our previous work. The effectiveness of this approach was verified through realisation of experiments with use of MTracker mobile robots. The OptiTrack vision system was used for robots localization. Software part with control algorithms and communication was prepared with use of the Robot Operating System.
A Free Simulation Environment Based on ROS for Teaching Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Algorithms
Authors: Chunab-Rodríguez Marco Antonio , Santana-Díaz Alfredo , Rodríguez-Arce Jorge , Sánchez-Tapia Emilio , Balbuena-Campuzano Carlos Alberto
Published: July 2022

In recent years, engineering degree programs have become fundamental to the teaching of robotics and incorporate many fundamental STEM concepts. Some authors have proposed different platforms for teaching different topics related to robotics, but most of these platforms are not practical for classroom use. In the case of teaching autonomous navigation algorithms, the absence of platforms in classrooms limits learning because students are unable to perform practice activities or cannot evaluate and compare different navigation algorithms. The main contribution of this study is the implementation of a free platform for teaching autonomous-driving algorithms based on the Robot Operating System without the use of a physical robot. The authors present a case study using this platform as a teaching tool for instruction in two undergraduate robotic courses. Students evaluated the platform quantitatively and qualitatively. Our study demonstrates that professors and students can carry out different tests and compare different navigation algorithms to analyze their performance under the same conditions in class. In addition, the proposed platform provides realistic representations of environments and data visualizations. The results claim that the use of simulations helps students better understand the theoretical concepts, motivates them to pay attention, and increases their confidence.
MP-GCN: A Phishing Nodes Detection Approach via Graph Convolution Network for Ethereum
Authors: Yu Tong , Chen Xiaming , Xu Zhuo , Xu Jianlong
Published: July 2022

Blockchain is making a big impact in various applications, but it is also attracting a variety of cybercrimes. In blockchain, phishing transfers the victim’s virtual currency to make huge profits through fraud, which poses a threat to the blockchain ecosystem. To avoid greater losses, Ethereum, one of the blockchain platforms, can provide information to detect phishing fraud. In this study, to effectively detect phishing nodes, we propose a phishing node detection approach as message passing based graph convolution network. We first form a transaction network through the transaction records of Ethereum and then extract the information of nodes effectively via message passing. Finally, we use a graph convolution network to classify the normal and phishing nodes. Experiments show that our method is effective and superior to other existing methods.
Extracts from Cabbage Leaves: Preliminary Results towards a “Universal” Highly-Performant Antibacterial and Antifungal Natural Mixture
Authors: Arrais Aldo , Testori Fabio , Calligari Roberta , Gianotti Valentina , Roncoli Maddalena , Caramaschi Alice , Todeschini Valeria , Massa Nadia , Bona Elisa
Published: July 2022

As dramatically experienced in the recent world pandemic, viral, bacterial, fungal pathogens constitute very serious concerns in the global context of human health. Regarding this issue, the World Health Organization has promoted research studies that aim to develop new strategies using natural products. Although they are often competitive with synthetic pharmaceuticales in clinical performance, they lack their critical drawbacks, i.e., the environmental impact and the high economic costs of processing. In this paper, the isolation of a highly performant antibacterial and antifungal lipophilic natural mixture from leaves of savoy and white cabbages is proposed as successful preliminary results for the valorization of agricultural waste produced in cabbage cultivation. The fraction was chemically extracted from vegetables with diethyl ether and tested against two Candida species, as well as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus reference strains. All the different fractions (active and not active) were chemically characterized by vibrational FT-IR spectroscopy and GC-MS analyses. The extracts showed high growth-inhibition performance on pathogens, thus demonstrating strong application potential. We think that this work, despite being at a preliminary stage, is very promising, both from pharmaceutical and industrial points of view, and can be proposed as a proof of concept for the recovery of agricultural production wastes.
Identifying General Tumor and Specific Lung Cancer Biomarkers by Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Otálora-Otálora Beatriz Andrea , Osuna-Garzón Daniel Alejandro , Carvajal-Parra Michael Steven , Cañas Alejandra , Montecino Martín , López-Kleine Liliana , Rojas Adriana
Published: July 2022

The bioinformatic pipeline previously developed in our research laboratory is used to identify potential general and specific deregulated tumor genes and transcription factors related to the establishment and progression of tumoral diseases, now comparing lung cancer with other two types of cancer. Twenty microarray datasets were selected and analyzed separately to identify hub differentiated expressed genes and compared to identify all the deregulated genes and transcription factors in common between the three types of cancer and those unique to lung cancer. The winning DEGs analysis allowed to identify an important number of TFs deregulated in the majority of microarray datasets, which can become key biomarkers of general tumors and specific to lung cancer. A coexpression network was constructed for every dataset with all deregulated genes associated with lung cancer, according to DAVID’s tool enrichment analysis, and transcription factors capable of regulating them, according to oPOSSUM´s tool. Several genes and transcription factors are coexpressed in the networks, suggesting that they could be related to the establishment or progression of the tumoral pathology in any tissue and specifically in the lung. The comparison of the coexpression networks of lung cancer and other types of cancer allowed the identification of common connectivity patterns with deregulated genes and transcription factors correlated to important tumoral processes and signaling pathways that have not been studied yet to experimentally validate their role in lung cancer. The Kaplan–Meier estimator determined the association of thirteen deregulated top winning transcription factors with the survival of lung cancer patients. The coregulatory analysis identified two top winning transcription factors networks related to the regulatory control of gene expression in lung and breast cancer. Our transcriptomic analysis suggests that cancer has an important coregulatory network of transcription factors related to the acquisition of the hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, lung cancer has a group of genes and transcription factors unique to pulmonary tissue that are coexpressed during tumorigenesis and must be studied experimentally to fully understand their role in the pathogenesis within its very complex transcriptomic scenario. Therefore, the downstream bioinformatic analysis developed was able to identify a coregulatory metafirm of cancer in general and specific to lung cancer taking into account the great heterogeneity of the tumoral process at cellular and population levels.
Synaptic Disruption by Soluble Oligomers in Patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gutierrez Berenice A. , Limon Agenor
Published: July 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases are the result of progressive dysfunction of the neuronal activity and subsequent neuronal death. Currently, the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases are by far Alzheimer’s (AD) and Parkinson’s (PD) disease, affecting millions of people worldwide. Although amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles are the neuropathological hallmarks for AD and Lewy bodies (LB) are the hallmark for PD, current evidence strongly suggests that oligomers seeding the neuropathological hallmarks are more toxic and disease-relevant in both pathologies. The presence of small soluble oligomers is the common bond between AD and PD: amyloid β oligomers (AβOs) and Tau oligomers (TauOs) in AD and α-synuclein oligomers (αSynOs) in PD. Such oligomers appear to be particularly increased during the early pathological stages, targeting synapses at vulnerable brain regions leading to synaptic plasticity disruption, synapse loss, inflammation, excitation to inhibition imbalance and cognitive impairment. Absence of TauOs at synapses in individuals with strong AD disease pathology but preserved cognition suggests that mechanisms of resilience may be dependent on the interactions between soluble oligomers and their synaptic targets. In this review, we will discuss the current knowledge about the interactions between soluble oligomers and synaptic dysfunction in patients diagnosed with AD and PD, how it affects excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission, and the potential mechanisms of synaptic resilience in humans.
In Vivo and Ex Vivo Mitochondrial Function in COVID-19 Patients on the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Streng Lucia W. J. M. , de Wijs Calvin J. , Raat Nicolaas J. H. , Specht Patricia A. C. , Sneiders Dimitri , van der Kaaij Mariëlle , Endeman Henrik , Mik Egbert G. , Harms Floor A.
Published: July 2022

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to disease progression in COVID-19 patients. This observational pilot study aimed to assess mitochondrial function in COVID-19 patients at intensive care unit (ICU) admission (T1), seven days thereafter (T2), and in healthy controls and a general anesthesia group. Measurements consisted of in vivo mitochondrial oxygenation and oxygen consumption, in vitro assessment of mitochondrial respiration in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and the ex vivo quantity of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The median mitoVO2 of COVID-19 patients on T1 and T2 was similar and tended to be lower than the mitoVO2 in the healthy controls, whilst the mitoVO2 in the general anesthesia group was significantly lower than that of all other groups. Basal platelet (PLT) respiration did not differ substantially between the measurements. PBMC basal respiration was increased by approximately 80% in the T1 group when contrasted to T2 and the healthy controls. Cell-free mtDNA was eight times higher in the COVID-T1 samples when compared to the healthy controls samples. In the COVID-T2 samples, mtDNA was twofold lower when compared to the COVID-T1 samples. mtDNA levels were increased in COVID-19 patients but were not associated with decreased mitochondrial O2 consumption in vivo in the skin, and ex vivo in PLT or PBMC. This suggests the presence of increased metabolism and mitochondrial damage.
Effect of Anti-Hypertensive Medication on Plasma Concentrations of Lysyl Oxidase: Evidence for Aldosterone-IL-6-Dependent Regulation of Lysyl Oxidase Blood Concentration
Authors: Schreckenberg Rolf , Dörr Oliver , Pankuweit Sabine , Schieffer Bernhard , Troidl Christian , Nef Holger , Hamm Christian W. , Rohrbach Susanne , Li Ling , Schlüter Klaus-Dieter
Published: July 2022

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is a secretory protein that catalyzes elastin and collagen cross-linking. Lowering LOX expression and activity in endothelial cells is associated with a high risk of aneurysms and vascular malformation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), elevated in hypertension, is known to suppress LOX expression. The influence of anti-hypertensive medication on the plasma LOX concentration is currently unknown. In a cohort of 34 patients diagnosed with resistant hypertension and treated with up to nine different drugs, blood concentration of LOX was analyzed to identify drugs that have an impact on plasma LOX concentration. Key findings were confirmed in a second independent patient cohort of 37 patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. Blood concentrations of aldosterone and IL-6 were analyzed. In vitro, the effect of IL-6 on LOX expression was analyzed in endothelial cells. Patients receiving aldosterone antagonists had the highest plasma LOX concentration in both cohorts. This effect was independent of sex, age, blood pressure, body mass index, and co-medication. Blood aldosterone concentration correlates with plasma IL-6 concentration. In vitro, IL-6 decreased the expression of LOX in endothelial cells but not fibroblasts. Aldosterone was identified as a factor that affects blood concentration of LOX in an IL-6-dependent manner.
Tendinopathies and Pain Sensitisation: A Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression
Authors: Previtali Davide , Mameli Alberto , Zaffagnini Stefano , Marchettini Paolo , Candrian Christian , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: July 2022

The presence of pain sensitisation has been documented and reported as being a possible cause of treatment failure and pain chronicity in several musculoskeletal conditions, such as tendinopathies. The aim of the present study is to analyse existing evidence on pain sensitisation in tendinopathies comparing the local and distant pain thresholds of healthy and affected subjects with distinct analysis for different tendinopathies. PubMed, Cochrane Central Register, Scopus, and Web Of Science were systematically searched after registration on PROSPERO (CRD42020164124). Level I to level IV studies evaluating the presence of pain sensitisation in patients with symptomatic tendinopathies, documented through a validated method, were included. A meta-analysis was performed to compare local, contralateral, and distant pain thresholds between patients and healthy controls with sub-analyses for different tendinopathies. Meta-regressions were conducted to evaluate the influence of age, activity level, and duration of symptoms on results. Thirty-four studies out of 2868 were included. The overall meta-analysis of local pressure pain thresholds (PPT) documented an increased sensitivity in affected subjects (p < 0.001). The analyses on contralateral PPTs (p < 0.001) and distant PPTs (p = 0.009) documented increased sensitivity in the affected group. The results of the sub-analyses on different tendinopathies were conflicting, except for those on lateral epicondylalgia. Patients’ activity level (p = 0.02) and age (p = 0.05) significantly influenced local PPT results. Tendinopathies are characterized by pain sensitisation, but, while features of both central and peripheral sensitisation can be constantly detected in lateral epicondylalgia, results on other tendinopathies were more conflicting. Patients’ characteristics are possible confounders that should be taken into account when addressing pain sensitisation.
Flexible Glassy Carbon Multielectrode Array for In Vivo Multisite Detection of Tonic and Phasic Dopamine Concentrations
Authors: Castagnola Elisa , Robbins Elaine M. , Wu Bingchen , Pwint May Yoon , Garg Raghav , Cohen-Karni Tzahi , Cui Xinyan Tracy
Published: July 2022

Dopamine (DA) plays a central role in the modulation of various physiological brain functions, including learning, motivation, reward, and movement control. The DA dynamic occurs over multiple timescales, including fast phasic release, as a result of neuronal firing and slow tonic release, which regulates the phasic firing. Real-time measurements of tonic and phasic DA concentrations in the living brain can shed light on the mechanism of DA dynamics underlying behavioral and psychiatric disorders and on the action of pharmacological treatments targeting DA. Current state-of-the-art in vivo DA detection technologies are limited in either spatial or temporal resolution, channel count, longitudinal stability, and ability to measure both phasic and tonic dynamics. We present here an implantable glassy carbon (GC) multielectrode array on a SU-8 flexible substrate for integrated multichannel phasic and tonic measurements of DA concentrations. The GC MEA demonstrated in vivo multichannel fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) detection of electrically stimulated phasic DA release simultaneously at different locations of the mouse dorsal striatum. Tonic DA measurement was enabled by coating GC electrodes with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/carbon nanotube (PEDOT/CNT) and using optimized square-wave voltammetry (SWV). Implanted PEDOT/CNT-coated MEAs achieved stable detection of tonic DA concentrations for up to 3 weeks in the mouse dorsal striatum. This is the first demonstration of implantable flexible MEA capable of multisite electrochemical sensing of both tonic and phasic DA dynamics in vivo with chronic stability.