bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regenerative and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Regularly Fed, Starved Cells and Extracellular Vesicles In Vivo
Authors: Ferro Federico , Spelat Renza , Shaw Georgina , Coleman Cynthia M. , Chen Xi Zhe , Connolly David , Palamá Elisabetta M. F. , Gentili Chiara , Contessotto Paolo , Murphy Mary J.
Published: August 2022

Background: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) have been employed successfully in immunotherapy and regenerative medicine, but their therapeutic potential is reduced considerably by the ischemic environment that exists after transplantation. The assumption that preconditioning MSC to promote quiescence may result in increased survival and regenerative potential upon transplantation is gaining popularity. Methods: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of human bone marrow MSC (hBM-MSC) and their extracellular vesicles (EVs) grown and isolated in a serum-free medium, as compared to starved hBM-MSC (preconditioned) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic fractured male C57BL/6J mice. Results: Blood samples taken four hours and five days after injection revealed that cells, whether starved or not, generated similar plasma levels of inflammatory-related cytokines but lower levels than animals treated with EVs. Nonetheless, starved cells prompted the highest production of IL-17, IL-6, IL-13, eotaxin and keratinocyte-derived chemokines and induced an earlier soft callus formation and mineralization of the fracture site compared to EVs and regularly fed cells five days after administration. Conclusions: Preconditioning may be crucial for refining and defining new criteria for future MSC therapies. Additionally, the elucidation of mechanisms underpinning an MSC’s survival/adaptive processes may result in increased cell survival and enhanced therapeutic efficacy following transplantation.
S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine and Cu(II) Impact Green Plant Regeneration Efficiency
Authors: Orłowska Renata , Zebrowski Jacek , Zimny Janusz , Androsiuk Piotr , Bednarek Piotr Tomasz
Published: August 2022

The biological improvement of triticale, a cereal of increasing importance in agriculture, may be accelerated via the production of doubled haploid lines using in vitro culture. Among the relevant factors affecting the culture efficiency are Cu(II) or Ag(I) acting, e.g., as cofactors of enzymes. The copper ions are known to positively affect green plant regeneration efficiency. However, the biochemical basis, mainly its role in the generation of in vitro-induced genetic and epigenetic variation and green plant regeneration efficiency, is not well understood. Here, we employed structural equation modeling to evaluate the relationship between de novo DNA methylation affecting the asymmetric context of CHH sequences, the methylation-sensitive Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism related sequence variation, and the concentration of Cu(II) and Ag(I) ions in induction media, as well as their effect on S-adenosyl-L-methionine perturbations, observed using FTIR spectroscopy, and the green plant regeneration efficiency. Our results allowed the construction of a theory-based model reflecting the biological phenomena associated with green plant regeneration efficiency. Furthermore, it is shown that Cu(II) ions in induction media affect plant regeneration, and by manipulating their concentration, the regeneration efficiency can be altered. Additionally, S-adenosyl-L-methionine is involved in the efficiency of green plant regeneration through methylation of the asymmetric CHH sequence related to de novo methylation. This shows that the Yang cycle may impact the production of green regenerants.
Inhibition of Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication Upregulates Pluripotency Gene Expression in Endogenous Pluripotent Muse Cells
Authors: Hatabi Khaled , Hirohara Yukari , Kushida Yoshihiro , Kuroda Yasumasa , Wakao Shohei , Trosko James , Dezawa Mari
Published: August 2022

Gap junctions (GJ) are suggested to support stem cell differentiation. The Muse cells that are applied in clinical trials are non-tumorigenic pluripotent-like endogenous stem cells, can be collected as stage-specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA-3+) positive cells from multiple tissues, and show triploblastic differentiation and self-renewability at a single cell level. They were reported to up-regulate pluripotency gene expression in suspension. We examined how GJ inhibition affected pluripotency gene expression in adherent cultured-Muse cells. Muse cells, mainly expressing gap junction alpha-1 protein (GJA1), reduced GJ intercellular communication from ~85% to 5–8% after 24 h incubation with 120 μM 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid, 400 nM 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, and 90 μM dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, as confirmed by a dye-transfer assay. Following inhibition, NANOG, OCT3/4, and SOX2 were up-regulated 2–4.5 times more; other pluripotency-related genes, such as KLF4, CBX7, and SPRY2 were elevated; lineage-specific differentiation-related genes were down-regulated in quantitative-PCR and RNA-sequencing. Connexin43-siRNA introduction also confirmed the up-regulation of NANOG, OCT3/4, and SOX2. YAP, a co-transcriptional factor in the Hippo signaling pathway that regulates pluripotency gene expression, co-localized with GJA1 (also known as Cx43) in the cell membrane and was translocated to the nucleus after GJ inhibition. Adherent culture is usually more suitable for the stable expansion of cells than is a suspension culture. GJ inhibition is suggested to be a simple method to up-regulate pluripotency in an adherent culture that involves a Cx43-YAP axis in pluripotent stem cells, such as Muse cells.
CD34+CD10+CD19− Cells in Patients with Unhealthy Alcohol Use Stimulate the M2b Monocyte Polarization
Authors: Asai Akira , Tsuchimoto Yusuke , Ohama Hideko , Nishikawa Hiroki , Chopra Ashok , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: August 2022

M2b monocytes commonly isolated from patients with unhealthy alcohol use (Alc) have been described as cells that make the host susceptible to opportunistic infections. CD34+CD10+CD19− cells are multilineage progenitors of CD19+ cells, and we show that the effect of these cells from the peripheral blood on M2b monocyte polarization differed between healthy donors and Alc in this study. In healthy donors, these cells consistently differentiated into high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1)-nonproducing cells (CD19+ cells) in response to retinoic acid (RA). However, owing to the lack of expression of RA receptor (RAR), these cells from Alc failed to differentiate into CD19+ cells under the same RA stimulation. Conditioned medium (CM) of these cells from Alc induced the polarization of M2b monocytes, which increases the susceptibility of hosts to opportunistic infections in Alc. When the alcoholic individuals were subjected to 2 weeks of abstinence from alcohol, these cells from Alc recovered their RAR expression and differentiated into CD19+ cells. Moreover, the CM of these cells from Alc after abstinence lost its ability to induce M2b monocyte polarization. These results indicate that these cells from Alc have different properties from those of healthy donors. In Alc, these cells without RAR stimulate M2b monocyte polarization through the production of HMGB1.
Autologous Stem Cells Transplants in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joints Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Chęciński Maciej , Chęcińska Kamila , Turosz Natalia , Kamińska Monika , Nowak Zuzanna , Sikora Maciej , Chlubek Dariusz
Published: August 2022

This systematic review aims to analyze the outcomes of the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) articular pain (AP) and restricted maximum mouth opening (MMO) with intra-articular administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The inclusion criteria allowed primary studies involving AP and/or MMO pre-treatment and post-intervention values. Medical databases that were covered by ACM Digital, BASE, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science engines were searched. The risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. The results were tabulated, plotted, and analyzed for regression. A total of 5 studies involving 51 patients/69 TMJs were identified, and 4 studies on 50 patients/67 TMJs were synthesized. Interventions were each time effective in decreasing AP and increasing MMO in a 6-month follow-up period by an average of about 85% and over 40%, respectively. Regression analysis showed a good fit of the logarithmic model for AP relief (5.8 − 0.8 ln x; R2 = 0.90) and MMO increase (33.5 + 2.4 ln x; R2 = 0.89). The results for AP and MMO were based on 3 studies in 39 patients and 4 studies in 50 patients, respectively, all at high risk of bias. The intra-articular administration of MSCs to TMJs, based on weak evidence, may be highly effective in reducing AP and improving MMO. This study received no funding.
Novel Quinazolinone–Isoxazoline Hybrids: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, and DFT Mechanistic Study
Authors: Rhazi Yassine , Chalkha Mohammed , Nakkabi Asmae , Hammoudan Imad , Akhazzane Mohamed , Bakhouch Mohamed , Chtita Samir , El Yazidi Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Quinazolinone and isoxazoline systems have attracted much attention due to their interesting pharmacological properties. The association of these two pharmacophores in a single hybrid structure can boost the biological activity or bring a new one. Inspired by this new paradigm, in the present work we report the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of new quinazolinone–isoxazoline hybrids. The target compounds were obtained via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of arylnitriloxides and N-allylquinazolinone. The synthesized compounds were characterized using spectroscopic techniques such as IR, 1D NMR (1H and 13C), 2D NMR (COSY and HSQC), and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The spectral data show that this reaction leads only to the 3,5-disubstituted isoxazoline regioisomer, and that the observed regiochemistry is not affected by the nature of the substituents in the phenyl ring of the dipole. In addition, a theoretical study was performed using density functional theory (DFT) to support the experimental results in regard to the regiochemistry of the studied reactions. The computational mechanistic study was in good agreement with the experimental data.
Art Is Fun, Art Is Serious Business, and Everything in between: Learning from Art Therapy Research and Practice with Children and Teens
Authors: Metzl Einat S.
Published: August 2022

This paper explores the current theoretical frames of working with children and adolescents, considers the socio-political and developmental considerations for art therapy practice within settings, and systems in which children are embedded. An illustration of the use of art materials, processes, and products for children and adolescents based on an art therapist’s clinical experience in school settings, mental health hospital, adolescents’ clinic, and private practice then follows.
Neurobehavioral Associations with NREM and REM Sleep Architecture in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Nguyen Jennifer , Zhang Bo , Hanson Ellen , Mylonas Dimitrios , Maski Kiran
Published: August 2022

Objective: Insomnia and daytime behavioral problems are common issues in pediatric autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet specific underlying relationships with NonRapid Eye Movement sleep (NREM) and Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep architecture are understudied. We hypothesize that REM sleep alterations (REM%, REM EEG power) are associated with more internalizing behaviors and NREM sleep deficits (N3%; slow wave activity (SWA) 0.5–3 Hz EEG power) are associated with increased externalizing behaviors in children with ASD vs. typical developing controls (TD). Methods: In an age- and gender-matched pediatric cohort of n = 23 ASD and n = 20 TD participants, we collected macro/micro sleep architecture with overnight home polysomnogram and daytime behavior scores with Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores. Results: Controlling for non-verbal IQ and medication use, ASD and TD children have similar REM and NREM sleep architecture. Only ASD children show positive relationships between REM%, REM theta power and REM beta power with internalizing scores. Only TD participants showed an inverse relationship between NREM SWA and externalizing scores. Conclusion: REM sleep measures reflect concerning internalizing behaviours in ASD and could serve as a biomarker for mood disorders in this population. While improving deep sleep may help externalizing behaviours in TD, we do not find evidence of this relationship in ASD.
Social and Emotional Learning and Internalizing Problems among Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Resilience
Authors: Colomeischi Aurora Adina , Ursu Andreea , Bogdan Ionela , Ionescu-Corbu Alina , Bondor Romina , Conte Elisabetta
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: The high rates of mental disorders in adolescence presented in the literature often exclude internalizing problems. Although there is extensive data on the effectiveness of SEL skills in improving resilience, few studies included evidence in their reports on the relationship between SEL skills and internalizing problems. The present study aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between SEL, resilience, and internalizing problems, by investigating the mediating effect of resilience between SEL components and internalizing problems. (2) Methods: Adolescents (N = 968 adolescents, aged between 11 and 18 years old; M = 13.30; SD = 1.92) from 30 schools from the NE region of Romania were invited to fill out questionnaires on social and emotional learning, internalizing problems, and resilience. (3) Results: The results show that resilience mediates the link between self-awareness and internalizing problems, between self-management and internalizing problems, between relationship skills and internalizing problems, and between responsible decision-making and internalizing problems. (4) Conclusions: These findings revealed the need for social and emotional learning interventions that include resilience-oriented approaches in order to decrease internalizing problems in adolescents. Moreover, we suggest that more culturally appropriate interventions are required to better investigate the interaction between SEL components, resilience, and internalizing problems.
The Role of Child’s Age, Sex, and Temperament in Father Involvement during the Pre-School Years
Authors: Santos Carolina , Monteiro Lígia , Torres Nuno
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: The aim of the study was to explore how child’s characteristics (age, sex, and temperament) were associated with father’s involvement in child-related activities. In a sample of 410 bi-parental families with pre-school age children. (2) Methods: Dividing the sample into two age groups, OLS regression models were conducted for each dimension of father involvement with child characteristics as predicting variables. (3) Results: for the younger children (3 and 4 years) fathers were more involved in teaching/discipline and played with their more extroverted daughters. With older children (5 and 6 years), fathers were more involved in teaching/discipline and played when children were higher on negative-affectivity. An interaction was found with boys’ higher negative-affectivity, predicting fathers’ higher involvement in teaching and discipline. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that children’s characteristics have an impact on what fathers do, particularly in a dimension salient to pre-school years such as teaching/discipline. This can help build tailored empirical-sustained programs aiming to encourage and support fathers’ positive involvement.
Psychometric Validation of the Greek Version of the Scale “Temper Loss” of the Questionnaire “Multidimensional Assessment Profile of Disruptive Behavior (MAP-DB)”
Authors: Micha Maria , Makris Gerasimos , Michou Maria , Kanaka-Gantenbein Christina , Wakschlag Lauren , Pervanidou Panagiota
Published: August 2022

It has become increasingly evident that vulnerability to psychopathology is identifiable early in life. A body of evidence suggests that the recognition and prevention of a spectrum of typical/atypical behaviors in preschoolers can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment. The Multidimensional Assessment Profile of Disruptive Behavior (MAP-DB) is a parent-completed instrument that has been developed recently to differentiate normative misbehaviors in early childhood from markers of clinical risk. The aim of the present study was to validate the “Temper Loss” Subscale in the Greek language and to assess its psychometric properties in healthy children. An on-print parent-report survey was conducted among Greek children, aged between 3 and 5.5 years. The survey included the MAP-DB and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). A total of 400 respondents participated in the study. The analysis suggested that the Greek version of the MAP-DB’s “Temper Loss” scale has good psychometric properties. The results of the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) of the 22 items were able to explain 64.4% of the total variance. Internal consistency for the one subscale was satisfactory, with Cronbach’s alpha at 0.970. This scale can be used by researchers and practitioners for the evaluation of dimensional phenotypes in early childhood.
Modern Solutions for Functional Coatings in CVD Processes
Authors: Igumenov Igor K. , Lukashov Vladimir V.
Published: August 2022

Today, many technologies for the deposition of various functional coatings using volatile compounds are united under the general name chemical vapor deposition processes from the gas phase (CDV, MOCVD, ALD, CVI, PECVD, etc [...]
Research of the Thermal Effect on the Fe-Cr-Al Alloy Foil in the Initial State and with the Supported Secondary Carrier
Authors: Khussain Bolatbek , Brodskiy Alexandr , Sass Alexandr , Yaskevich Vladimir , Shlygina Irina , Rakhmetova Kenzhegul , Tungatarova Svetlana , Khussain Atabek
Published: August 2022

Iron and chromium based alloys have found wide application in various fields of science and technology. A primary carrier based on Fe-Cr-Al alloy is used in block catalysts for high-temperature hydrocarbon conversion, in production of block metal catalysts for neutralization of toxic gases released during operation of internal combustion engines, as well as those present in smoke emissions from enterprises. The influence of thermal action on Fe-Cr-Al alloy foil and stability of the secondary carrier on its surface was studied. The elemental composition of the surface layer of Fe-Cr-Al alloy foil does not remain constant during heating and depends on the thermal treatment mode. Some of the elements come to surface and the elemental composition of the surface layer can differ significantly from that observed in the bulk of the foil sample. This implies the possibility of changing the adhesive and adsorption properties of the foil surface, as well as the need to take this fact into account when supporting a secondary carrier and active phase to the foil. An applied technique of phosphating and supporting a secondary carrier at the foil surface makes it possible to obtain a sufficiently stable coating. There is no shedding of the secondary carrier from the foil surface during high-temperature treatment in air.
Nanoscale Composite Protective Preparation for Cars Paint and Varnish Coatings
Authors: Blinov Andrey Vladimirovich , Nagdalian Andrey Ashotovich , Arefeva Lyudmila Pavlovna , Varavka Valery Nikolaevich , Kudryakov Oleg Vyacheslavovich , Gvozdenko Alexey Alekseevich , Golik Alexey Borisovich , Blinova Anastasiya Aleksandrovna , Maglakelidze David Guramievich , Filippov Dionis Demokritovich , Lapin Vyacheslav Anatolievich , Nazaretova Ekaterina Dmitrievna , Shariati Mohammad Ali
Published: August 2022

In this work we have developed a nanoscale composite protective preparation for car paint and varnish coatings. We developed methods to obtain SiO2-TiO2, TiO2-ZrO2, SiO2-ZrO2 and SiO2-TiO2-ZrO2 nanocomposites, which are crystallization centers for the formation of a nanoscale composite protective coating with certain morphology and roughness. The phase composition of the samples and stability in alkaline media were studied. It is shown that SiO2-TiO2-ZrO2 nanocomposites with a content of titanium dioxide from 8%–9.5% and zirconium dioxide from 0.5%–2% exhibit complete insolubility in a highly alkaline medium, allow to form uniform structure on paint and varnish coatings, and protect the car surface from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. We determined the optimal composition of the preparation components for the formation of a nanoscale composite protective coating with hydrophobic properties and a wetting contact angle of more than 120 degrees: tetraethoxysilane ≤ 10 vol.%., titanium tetraisopropylate ≥ 2 vol.% and plant resin ≥ 8 vol.% Practical approval of the developed preparation on BMW X6 showed a pronounced hydrophobic effect. Evaluation of the stability of the nanoscale composite protective coating to the washing process showed that the developed preparation is able to maintain its hydrophobic properties for more than 150 washing cycles.
Exploring Dependence Relationships between Bitcoin and Commodity Returns: An Assessment Using the Gerber Cross-Correlation
Authors: Lawuobahsumo Kokulo K. , Algieri Bernardina , Iania Leonardo , Leccadito Arturo
Published: August 2022

We use a robust measure of non-linear dependence, the Gerber cross-correlation statistic, to study the cross-dependence between the returns on Bitcoin and a set of commodities, namely wheat, gold, platinum and crude oil WTI. The Gerber statistic enables us to obtain a more robust co-movement measure since it is neither affected by extremely large nor small movements that characterise financial time series; thus, it strips out noise from the data and allows us to capture effective co-movements between series when the movements are “substantial”. Focusing on the period 2014–2022, we construct the bootstrapped confidence intervals for the Gerber statistic and test the null that all the Gerber cross-correlations up to lag kmax are zero. Our results indicate a low degree of dependence between Bitcoin and commodities prices, both when we consider contemporaneous correlation and when we employ correlations between current Bitcoin and lagged (one day, one week, or one month) commodities returns. Further, the cross-correlation between Bitcoin and commodities’ returns, although scanty, shows an increasing trend during periods of economic, health and financial turbulence. This increased cross-correlation of returns during hectic market periods could be due to the contagion effect of some markets by others, which could also explain the strong dependence across volatilities we detected. Based on our results, Bitcoin cannot be considered the “new digital gold”.
Dislocation Analysis of Nanoindentation on Different Crystal Planes of 6H-SiC Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Yu Dongling , Liu Dongliang , Yi Jiaqi , Fang Yongzhen , Wu Nanxing
Published: August 2022

In order to explore the deformation law of nanoindentation dislocation on different crystal planes of 6H-SiC by cube indenter at high temperature, the (0001), (11¯00) and (21¯1¯0) crystal planes were simulated by molecular dynamics, and changes of dislocation and shear stress under different crystal planes were analyzed. With the deepening of indentation depth, the formation of dislocations on different indentation surfaces has a certain repeatability. The crystal plane (0001) continuously generates horizontal dislocations around the indentation, (11¯00) the crystal plane generates two square dislocation rings moving downward at a time, and (21¯1¯0) the crystal plane generates one square dislocation ring moving downward at a time.
Stratum Corneum Structure and Function Studied by X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Hatta Ichiro
Published: August 2022

X-ray diffraction is one of the powerful tools in the study of a variety of structures in the stratum corneum at the molecular level. Resolving structural modifications during functioning is an important subject for clarifying the mechanism of operating principles in the function. Here, the X-ray diffraction experimental techniques used in the structural study on the stratum corneum are widely and deeply reviewed from a perspective fundamental to the application. Three typical topics obtained from the X-ray diffraction experiments are introduced. The first subject is concerned with the disruption and the recovery of the intercellular lipid structure in the stratum corneum. The second subject is to solve the moisturizing mechanism at the molecular level and the maintenance of normal condition with moisturizer, being studied with special attention to the structure of soft keratin in the corneocytes in the stratum corneum. The third subject is the so-called 500 Da rule in the penetration of drugs or cosmetics into skin, with attention paid to the disordered intercellular lipid structure in the stratum corneum.
The Advantage of Case-Tailored Information Metrics for the Development of Predictive Models, Calculated Profit in Credit Scoring
Authors: Chrościcki Daniel , Chlebus Marcin
Published: August 2022

This paper compares model development strategies based on different performance metrics. The study was conducted in the area of credit risk modeling with the usage of diverse metrics, including general-purpose Area Under the ROC curve (AUC), problem-dedicated Expected Maximum Profit (EMP) and the novel case-tailored Calculated Profit (CP). The metrics were used to optimize competitive credit risk scoring models based on two predictive algorithms that are widely used in the financial industry: Logistic Regression and extreme gradient boosting machine (XGBoost). A dataset provided by the American Fannie Mae agency was utilized to conduct the study. In addition to the baseline study, the paper also includes a stability analysis. In each case examined the proposed CP metric that allowed us to achieve the most profitable loan portfolio.
Analyses of pp, Cu–Cu, Au–Au and Pb–Pb Collisions by Tsallis-Pareto Type Function at RHIC and LHC Energies
Authors: Li Li-Li , Waqas Muhammad , Ajaz Muhammad , Khubrani Ahmed M. , Yao Hui , Adil Khan Muhammad
Published: August 2022

The parameters revealing the collective behavior of hadronic matter extracted from the transverse momentum spectra of π+, π−, K+, K−, p, p¯, Ks0, Λ, Λ¯, Ξ or Ξ−, Ξ¯+ and Ω or Ω¯+ or Ω+Ω¯ produced in the most central and most peripheral gold–gold (Au–Au), copper–copper (Cu–Cu) and lead–lead (Pb–Pb) collisions at 62.4 GeV, 200 GeV and 2760 GeV, respectively, are reported. In addition to studying the nucleus–nucleus (AA) collisions, we analyzed the particles mentioned above produced in pp collisions at the same center of mass energies (62.4 GeV, 200 GeV and 2760 GeV) to compare with the most peripheral AA collisions. We used the Tsallis–Pareto type function to extract the effective temperature from the transverse momentum spectra of the particles. The effective temperature is slightly larger in a central collision than in a peripheral collision and is mass-dependent. The mean transverse momentum and the multiplicity parameter (N0) are extracted and have the same result as the effective temperature. All three extracted parameters in pp collisions are closer to the peripheral AA collisions at the same center of mass energy, revealing that the extracted parameters have the same thermodynamic nature. Furthermore, we report that the mean transverse momentum in the Pb–Pb collision is larger than that of the Au–Au and Cu–Cu collisions. At the same time, the latter two are nearly equal, which shows their comparatively strong dependence on energy and weak dependence on the size of the system. The multiplicity parameter, N0 in central AA, depends on the interacting system’s size and is larger for the bigger system.
Local Intrinsic Dimensionality, Entropy and Statistical Divergences
Authors: Bailey James , Houle Michael E. , Ma Xingjun
Published: August 2022

Properties of data distributions can be assessed at both global and local scales. At a highly localized scale, a fundamental measure is the local intrinsic dimensionality (LID), which assesses growth rates of the cumulative distribution function within a restricted neighborhood and characterizes properties of the geometry of a local neighborhood. In this paper, we explore the connection of LID to other well known measures for complexity assessment and comparison, namely, entropy and statistical distances or divergences. In an asymptotic context, we develop analytical new expressions for these quantities in terms of LID. This reveals the fundamental nature of LID as a building block for characterizing and comparing data distributions, opening the door to new methods for distributional analysis at a local scale.
Island Development Model Specialisation: A Panel Data Analysis Comparing Evolutionary Tourism Model, Industrial to Community-Based (2010–2019)
Authors: Ruggieri Giovanni , Platania Marco , Zarb Julian
Published: August 2022

Islands are frequently characterised by an economic structure centred on tourism and the service sector. This specialisation has taken different forms and characterisations concerning the chosen or spontaneously developed model. To understand the development choices and patterns, this article analyses sixteen islands and archipelagos in the European Union over ten years from 2010 to 2019. A panel data analysis was based on critical variables identifying the tourism industry model from those that could represent a proxy of the community-based tourism model. The principal component analysis was adopted to compare the evolutionary trends of these two different ways of choosing the island’s tourism model. Findings identified before the COVID-19 pandemic crisis include two island clusters. One group of islands followed a spontaneous tourism model based on the local community and small or micro hospitality systems, with auto-entrepreneurship in tourism. The second group of islands followed a planning and industry-based tourist model with an employment system and a relevant hospitality industry. Both paradigms have limitations and identify two different tourism evolutionary scenarios useful for the EU’s future island tourism policies.
A Three-Dimensional Orthogonal Receiving Coil for In Vivo Microrobot Wireless Power Transmission Systems
Authors: Han Ding , Yan Guozheng , Jiang Pingping , Wang Zhiwu , Wang Wei
Published: August 2022

Approaches to studying electromagnetic induction in weak coupling have recently received attention in robotics since they could be used to supply energy to robots, allowing robots to diagnose and treat diseases in the human body. A three-dimensional orthogonal receiving coil connected in parallel, with a size of 13 mm × 13 mm × 13 mm, for an intestinal examination microrobot is designed in this article. Based on the defined attitude functions, we build and verify the stability and effectiveness of the proposed coil model through both analytical calculation and simulation analysis. In addition, to supply enough power to the microrobot, the number of turns of the receiving coil is optimized, considering both the electrical coil parameters and the limited space inside the robot. Then, an evaluation of the proposed 3D orthogonal receiving coil is presented in the bench tests. The results show that the power transmission efficiency can reach as high as 9.6%, with 1271 mW. This paper also uses a curved pipe to simulate the robot’s movement with the designed coil in the tortuous intestine. The average speed is 0.97 mm/s, with the path covering 180°. The experiments illustrate the excellent performance of the wireless power transmission, even when the positions of the two induction coils are constantly changing.
Recent Advances in Methane Pyrolysis: Turquoise Hydrogen with Solid Carbon Production
Authors: Korányi Tamás I. , Németh Miklós , Beck Andrea , Horváth Anita
Published: August 2022

Beside steam reforming, methane pyrolysis is an alternative method for hydrogen production. ‘Turquoise’ hydrogen with solid carbon is formed in the pyrolysis process, contrary to ‘grey’ or ‘blue’ hydrogen via steam methane reforming, where waste carbon dioxide is produced. Thermal pyrolysis is conducted at higher temperatures, but catalytic decomposition of methane (CDM) is a promising route for sustainable hydrogen production. CDM is generally carried out over four types of catalyst: nickel, carbon, noble metal and iron. The applied reactors can be fixed bed, fluidized bed, plasma bed or molten-metal reactors. Two main advantages of CDM are that (i) carbon-oxide free hydrogen, ideal for fuel cell applications, is formed and (ii) the by-product can be tailored into carbon with advanced morphology (e.g., nanofibers, nanotubes). The aim of this review is to reveal the very recent research advances of the last two years achieved in the field of this promising prospective technology.
Analysis of Field View from Tractor and Trailer Units Using the Method of Terrestrial Laser Scanning
Authors: Zvěřina Ladislav , Cibulka Miloš , Staněk Luboš , Ulrich Radomír
Published: August 2022

Having a proper view from the cabin of agricultural and forest machines is one of the main factors affecting work safety and efficiency. In forestry, machine operators very often perform working activities also in the rear of the cabin. Requirements, criteria and test procedures for the field of view from the tractor cabin are stipulated by the international technical standard ISO 5721. This study evaluates field view parameters from the cabin of the tractor (Valtra T 6300) and trailer (STS 12T) unit. In accordance with the test procedures, prescribed parameters were evaluated for the forward field of view; values for the rear field of view were determined in addition to outside the standard. In order to achieve more accurate measurements and faster evaluation of data, one of the latest methods—using laser pulse reflections (method of terrestrial laser scanning)—was employed. The results of our study demonstrate that even the construction of machines manufactured before the above-mentioned standard came to force can meet the current requirements, except for minor deviations.
Aloe vera Rind Valorization to Improve the Swelling Capacity of Commercial Acrylic Hydrogels
Authors: Guancha-Chalapud Marcelo A. , Serna-Cock Liliana , Tirado Diego F.
Published: August 2022

Acrylic hydrogels have been used in agriculture to increase the availability of water in the soil; cause faster plant growth and increase plant survival to water stress; allow controlled release of fertilizers; and, therefore, increase crop yields. On the other hand, Aloe vera gel production generates a large amount of solid waste as cuticles, which is currently underutilized despite that it is a good source of cellulose nanofibers that could be used to improve the swelling capacity of commercial acrylic hydrogels. In this work, both morphology (SEM) and particle size (TEM) of the cellulose nanofibers obtained from A. vera cuticles by the acid hydrolysis method combined with ultrasound were analyzed; as well as the presence of functional groups (FITR) and thermal stability (TGA). Then, acrylic hydrogels were synthesized by the solution polymerization method, and nanofibers were added to these hydrogels at different concentrations (0% w w−1, 3% w w−1, 5% w w−1, and 10% w w−1). These concentrations had a nonlinear relationship with the swelling capacity, and the hydrogel reinforced at 3% cellulose nanofiber was chosen as the best formulation in this work, as this one improved the swelling capacity of hydrogels at equilibrium (476 g H2O g hydrogel−1) compared to the hydrogel without nanofiber (310 g H2O g hydrogel−1), while hydrogels with 10% nanofiber had a similar swelling capacity to the non-reinforced hydrogel (295 H2O g hydrogel−1). Therefore, cellulose-based superabsorbent hydrogels with potential application in agriculture were developed in this work.
Factors of Weave Estimation and the Effect of Weave Structure on Fabric Properties: A Review
Authors: Begum Most. Setara , Milašius Rimvydas
Published: August 2022

This paper provides a review of recent studies on the weave factor along with the effect of weave parameters and particularly the weave structure on various properties of woven fabric. The weave structure can be considered as one of the prime parameters that contributes to the dominant physical and qualitative properties of the woven fabric. This study analyzed not only the parameters that significantly influence the properties of the woven fabric, but also the weave factors for the estimation of the weave that were proposed by earlier scientists. This review paper highlights the impact of weave structure on the physical and mechanical, thermo-physiological and comfort properties, and some special application properties of woven fabrics. This work seeks to serve as a future reference for related research.
Toward the Simulation of Flashing Cryogenic Liquids by a Fully Compressible Volume of Fluid Solver
Authors: Palomino Solis Daniel Angel , Piscaglia Federico
Published: August 2022

We present a fully compressible single-fluid volume of fluid (VOF) solver with phase change for high-speed flows, where the atomization of the liquid can occur either by the aerodynamics or by the effect of the local pressure. The VOF approximation among a non-miscible phase (non-condensable gas) and a mixture of two fluids (liquid and vapor) represents the liquid core of the jet and its atomization. A barotropic model is used in combination with the equation of state (EoS) to link the mixture density to pressure and temperature. The solver is written with the aim to simulate high-pressure injection in gas–liquid systems, where the pressure of the liquid is great enough to cause significant compression of the surrounding gas. Being designed in an C++ object-oriented fashion, the solver is able to support any kind of EoS; the aim is to apply it to the simulation of the injection of liquid propellant in rocket engines. The present work includes the base development; a verification assessment of the code is provided by the solution of a set of numerical experiments to prove the boundedness, convergence and accuracy of the method. Experimental measurements of a cavitating microscopic in-nozzle flow, available in the literature, are finally used for a first validation with phase change.
Reply to Horacek, M.; Cannavan, A. Comment on “Sinkovič et al. Isotope Fingerprints of Common and Tartary Buckwheat Grains and Milling Fractions: A Preliminary Study. Foods 2022, 11, 1414”
Authors: Sinkovič Lovro , Ogrinc Nives , Potočnik Doris , Meglič Vladimir
Published: August 2022

We thank Dr. Horacek and Dr. Cannavan for their interest [...]
Characterization of Romanian Bee Pollen—An Important Nutritional Source
Authors: Oroian Mircea , Dranca Florina , Ursachi Florin
Published: August 2022

Bee pollen represents an important bee product, which is produced by mixing flower pollens with nectar honey and bee’s salivary substances. It represents an important source of phenolic compounds which can have great importance for importance for prophylaxis of diseases, particularly to prevent cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, those having direct correlation with oxidative damage. The aim of this study was to characterize 24 bee pollen samples in terms of physicochemical parameters, organic acids, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, individual phenolics compounds, fatty acids, and amino acids from the Nort East region of Romania, which have not been studied until now. The bee pollen can be considered as a high protein source (the mean concentration was 22.31% d.m.) with a high energy value (390.66 kcal/100 g). The total phenolic content ranged between 4.64 and 17.93 mg GAE/g, while the total flavonoid content ranged between 4.90 and 20.45 mg QE/g. The high protein content was observed in Robinia pseudoacacia, the high content of lipids was observed in Robinia pseudoacacia pollen, the high fructose content in Prunus spp. pollen while the high F/G ratio was observed in Pinaceae spp. pollen. The high TPC was observed in Prunus spp. pollen, the high TFC was observed in Robinia pseudoacacia pollen, the high free amino acid content was observed in Pinaceae spp. pollen, and the high content of PUFA was reported in Taraxacum spp. pollen. A total of 16 amino acids (eight essential and eight non-essential amino acids) were quantified in the bee pollen samples analyzed. The total content of the amino acids determined for the bee pollen samples varied between 11.31 µg/mg and 45.99 µg/mg. Our results can indicate that the bee pollen is a rich source of protein, fatty acids, amino acids and bioactive compounds.
Effects of Variations in the Chemical Composition of Individual Rice Grains on the Eating Quality of Hybrid Indica Rice Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Cheng Weimin , Xu Zhuopin , Fan Shuang , Zhang Pengfei , Xia Jiafa , Wang Hui , Ye Yafeng , Liu Binmei , Wang Qi , Wu Yuejin
Published: August 2022

The chemical composition of individual hybrid rice (F2) varieties varies owing to genetic differences between parental lines, and the effects of these differences on eating quality are unclear. In this study, based on a self-developed near-infrared spectroscopy platform, we explored these effects among a set of 143 hybrid indica rice varieties with different eating qualities. The single-grain amylose content (SGAC) and single-grain protein content (SGPC) models were established with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.9064 and 0.8847, respectively, and the dispersion indicators (standard deviation, variance, extreme deviation, quartile deviation, and coefficient of variation) were proposed to analyze the variations in the SGAC and SGPC based on the predicted results. Our correlation analysis found that the higher the variation in the SGAC and SGPC, the lower the eating quality of the hybrid indica rice. Moreover, the addition of the dispersion indicators of the SGAC and SGPC improved the R2 of the eating quality model constructed using the composition-related physicochemical indicators (amylose content, protein content, alkali-spreading value, and gel consistency) from 0.657 to 0.850. Therefore, this new method proved to be useful for identifying high-eating-quality hybrid indica rice based on single near-infrared spectroscopy prior to processing and cooking.
Fatty Acid Profiles and Nutritional Evaluation of Fresh Sweet-Waxy Corn from Three Regions of China
Authors: Li Ziqi , Hong Tiannuo , Zhao Zhenyu , Gu Yanting , Guo Yanzhi , Han Juan
Published: August 2022

Fresh corn is a kind of herbaceous plant with rich nutritive value and a reasonable composition of fatty acids; however, there is little research on methods for the systemic nutritional evaluation of fatty acids in fresh corn. The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the fatty acid profiles of Chinese Huangnuo 9 sweet-waxy corn from the provinces of Inner Mongolia, Jilin, and Heilongjiang by gas chromatography; to establish a nutritional evaluation system according to the impacts of nutrients from fatty acids on human health; and finally, to evaluate, compare and rank fresh sweet-waxy corn grown in different regions. Tocopherols were detected by liquid chromatography in order to demonstrate the anti-oxidation activity of fresh corn’s fatty acids. The fatty acid contents and compositions of the 12 samples from the three regions are significantly different from each other. The nutrient value of the fatty acids in fresh corn was analyzed by factor analysis and a linear structural relation model, followed by the fitting and appraising of the model. The studied fresh sweet-waxy corn 1-4 from Inner Mongolia had the highest γ-tocopherol content and the closest saturated fatty acid:monounsaturated fatty acid:polyunsaturated fatty acid rate to the recommended value. The fatty acid profiles of sweet-waxy corns 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 were the most diverse, and the comprehensive evaluation result of fresh corn 2-4 was the best; its total fatty acid content was the highest. Fresh corn 3-1 in Heilongjiang had the highest unsaturated fatty acids and lower values in its atherosclerosis index and thrombosis index, which suggested the strongest anti-atherosclerosis and anti-thrombotic ability. This work will give a reference to guide dietary choices and provide data support for dietary recommendations for residents.
Beneficial Contribution to Glucose Homeostasis by an Agro-Food Waste Product Rich in Abscisic Acid: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Schiano Elisabetta , Maisto Maria , Piccolo Vincenzo , Novellino Ettore , Annunziata Giuseppe , Ciampaglia Roberto , Montesano Camilla , Croce Martina , Caruso Giuseppe , Iannuzzo Fortuna , Summa Vincenzo , Tenore Gian Carlo
Published: August 2022

The control of glucose homeostasis represents the primary goal for the prevention and management of diabetes and prediabetes. In recent decades, the hypoglycemic hormone abscisic acid (ABA) has attracted considerable interest in the scientific literature. In this regard, the high ABA concentration in immature fruits led us to consider these food matrices as candidates for diabetes control. Therefore, the beneficial efficacy of a nutraceutical formulation based on thinned nectarines (TNs) rich in ABA was tested through a three-month, three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted on sixty-one patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). After 3 months, both the treatments with low doses of TN (500 mg 3 times/day) and high doses of TN (750 mg 3 times/day) showed a significant reduction in glycemic parameters compared to baseline. Treatment with low doses of TN showed a greater insulin-sparing effect (fasting plasma insulin, FPI: −29.2%, p < 0.05 vs. baseline) compared to the high-dose group (FPI: −16.5%, p < 0.05 vs. baseline). Moreover, a significant correlation between glycemia and ABA plasmatic levels was observed for both intervention groups at baseline and after 3 months. Overall, our data reasonably support TN as a promising and innovative nutraceutical product able to contribute to the management of glucose homeostasis.
Adaptive Intelligent High-Order Sliding Mode Fractional Order Control for Harmonic Suppression
Authors: Fang Yunmei , Li Siyang , Fei Juntao
Published: August 2022

A second-order sliding mode control (SOSMC) with a fractional module using adaptive fuzzy controller is developed for an active power filter (APF). A second-order sliding surface using a fractional module which can decrease the discontinuities and chattering is designed to make the system work stably and simplify the design process. In addition, a fuzzy logic control is utilized to estimate the parameter uncertainties. Simulation and experimental discussion illustrated that the designed fractional SOSMC with adaptive fuzzy controller is valid in satisfactorily eliminating harmonic, showing good robustness and stability compared with an integer order one.