bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preharvest Treatment of Methyl Jasmonate and Salicylic Acid Increase the Yield, Antioxidant Activity and GABA Content of Tomato
Authors: Baek Min Woo , Choi Han Ryul , Yun Jae Lee , Kang Ho-Min , Lee Ok-Hwan , Jeong Cheon Soon , Tilahun Shimeles
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the effect of preharvest treatment of 0.25 mM methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and 0.5 mM salicylic acid (SA) on quality parameters, most important secondary metabolites (lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and flavonoids), antioxidant activities, and amino acid contents of ‘Kumato’ tomato. Treatments with MeJA and SA led to an increase of total yield per plant and were effective in maintaining the fruit quality attributes such as firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and Brix acid ratio at two maturity stages (S1 and S2). In addition, lycopene, β-carotene, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and flavonoids were significantly higher in the treated fruit than in the control. Moreover, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), essential amino acids, and antioxidant activity increased due to MeJA and SA treatments at both stages, especially with MeJA treatment at S2. Overall results also showed the effectiveness of MeJA treatment than SA on improving the yield and nutritional quality of ‘Kumato’ tomato.
Nasal Administration of Lipopolysaccharide Exacerbates Allergic Rhinitis through Th2 Cytokine Production from Mast Cells
Authors: Aoi Noriaki , Fuchiwaki Takafumi , Morikura Ichiro , Kawauchi Hideyuki , Sakamoto Tatsunori
Published: November 2021

Background: Microbial infection or exposure to endotoxin later in life exacerbates established asthma. Mast cells are involved in the exacerbation of asthma. This exacerbation involves a toll-like receptor (TLR)–mediated response of mast cells. In the clinical practice of otolaryngology, otolaryngologists experience an exacerbation of nasal congestion when infectious rhinitis develops in patients with allergic rhinitis, but the mechanisms are unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on allergic rhinitis using a mouse allergic rhinitis model. Methods: Female BALB/c mice, TLR4 gene mutant C3H/HeJ mice or mast cell–deficient WBB6F1-W/Wv mice were sensitized intraperitoneally with ovalbumin (OVA)/alum, and were intranasal challenged with OVA and/or LPS. Nasal symptoms and histologic changes were examined. Cytokines in nasal tissue were examined by Western blot. The effects of LPS on degranulation and cytokine production of bone marrow–derived mast cells (BMMCs) were investigated. Results: Nasal administration of LPS together with the antigen exacerbated nasal symptoms, eosinophil infiltration of the nasal mucosa, and increased IL-5 production in the nasal mucosa. It was not observed in C3H/HeJ mice and WBB6F1-W/Wv mice. The addition of LPS increased the production of IL-5 from BMMCs in a dose-dependent manner, but no effect on degranulation was observed. Conclusions: Intranasal administration of LPS exacerbates allergic rhinitis through Th2 cytokine production from mast cells. This observation provides clues to the mechanism of exacerbation of allergic rhinitis caused by an infection in daily clinical practice.
Assessment of Postnatal Pulmonary Adaption in Bovine Neonates Using Electric Impedance Tomography (EIT)
Authors: Bleul Ulrich , Wey Corina , Meira Carolina , Waldmann Andreas , Mosing Martina
Published: November 2021

Several aspects of postnatal pulmonary adaption in the bovine neonate remain unclear, particularly the dynamics and regional ventilation of the lungs. We used electric impedance tomography (EIT) to measure changes in ventilation in the first 3 weeks of life in 20 non-sedated neonatal calves born without difficulty in sternal recumbency. Arterial blood gas variables were determined in the first 24 h after birth. Immediately after birth, dorsal parts of the lungs had 4.53% ± 2.82% nondependent silent spaces (NSS), and ventral parts had 5.23% ± 2.66% dependent silent spaces (DSS). The latter increased in the first hour, presumably because of gravity-driven ventral movement of residual amniotic fluid. The remaining lung regions had good ventilation immediately after birth, and the percentage of lung regions with high ventilation increased significantly during the study period. The centre of ventilation was always dorsal to and on the right of the theoretical centre of ventilation. The right lung was responsible for a significantly larger proportion of ventilation (63.84% ± 12.74%, p < 0.00001) compared with the left lung. In the right lung, the centrodorsal lung area was the most ventilated, whereas, in the left lung, it was the centroventral area. Tidal impedance changes, serving as a surrogate for tidal volume, increased in the first 3 weeks of life (p < 0.00001). This study shows the dynamic changes in lung ventilation in the bovine neonate according to EIT measurements. The findings form a basis for the recognition of structural and functional lung disorders in neonatal calves.
Steroid Receptor Coregulators Can Modulate the Action of Progesterone Receptor during the Estrous Cycle in Cow Endometrium
Authors: Rekawiecki Robert , Dobrzyn Karolina , Kowalik Magdalena K.
Published: November 2021

Nuclear receptor coregulators include coactivators and corepressors which associate with the progesterone receptor (PGR) during its activation. Fluctuations in the transcription levels of their respective genes and subsequent protein production as well as in related activities for histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) can affect PGR function and thus change the action of progesterone (P4) in bovine endometrium during the estrous cycle. Endometrial tissue on days 2–5, 6–10, 11–16, and 17–20 of the estrous cycle was used for determination of the mRNA expression levels of coactivators P300, CREB, and SRC-1 along with corepressor NCOR-2 using Real-Time PCR, with protein levels by Western blot. Coregulators cellular localizations were assessed by immunohistochemistry whereas the activities of HAT and HDAC by using EIA. The highest levels of mRNA and proteins for all of the investigated coregulators, as well as the highest levels of activity for HAT and HDAC, were detected over days 2–16 of the estrous cycle. All of the tested coregulatory proteins were localized in the nuclei of endometrial cells. This research indicates the important role of coregulators of the PGR receptor in regulating P4 activity in endometrial cells, especially during the pre-implantation period.
Comparison of Ruminal Degradability, Indigestible Neutral Detergent Fiber, and Total-Tract Digestibility of Three Main Crop Straws with Alfalfa Hay and Corn Silage
Authors: Wang Erdan , Wang Jidong , Lv Jiaying , Sun Xiaoge , Kong Fanlin , Wang Shuo , Wang Yajing , Yang Hongjian , Cao Zhijun , Li Shengli , Wang Wei
Published: November 2021

Three main crop straws including corn straw (Zea mays, CS), rice straw (Oryza sativa, RS), and wheat straw (Triticum aestivum, WS), and two forages including alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa, AH) and corn silage (Zea mays, CSil) were analyzed in order to compare their ruminal degradability, indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF), intestinal digestibility (ID), and their total-tract digestibility (TTD) of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) using both an in situ nylon bag technique and a mobile nylon bag technique. The forage samples were incubated in the rumen for 6, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 288 h, respectively, to determine their ruminal degradability. Prior to intestinal incubation, forage samples were incubated in the rumen for 12 h and 24 h to determine the ruminal degradable content of CP, NDF, and ADF, respectively, and for 288 h to determine their iNDF288 content. Residues from the ruminal undegradable fractions (12 h for CP, 24 h for NDF and ADF) were subsequently inserted into the duodenum through a cannula to determine their intestinal digestible content. Here, the TTD of CP, NDF, and ADF were determined as the ruminal degradable content + intestinal digestible content. The results showed that AH had the highest iNDF2.4 (calculated as acid detergent lignin content × 2.4) and iNDF288 values (379.42 and 473.40 g/kg of NDF), while CS and CSil had the lowest iNDF2.4 values (177.44 and 179.43 g/kg of NDF). The ruminal degradability of CP, NDF, and ADF for CS, RS, and WS were lower than those of AH and Csil during the first 48 h of incubation. The potential degradation fraction of CP, NDF, and ADF for CSil was the highest; CS, RS, and WS were intermediate; and AH was the lowest (p < 0.05). CS, RS, and WS had a lower intestinal digestibility with respect to their rumen undegradable content of NDF (p < 0.05), and lower TTD of CP, NDF, and ADF (p < 0.05) compared to AH and CSil. General regression equations with satisfactory accuracy (R2 ≥ 0.828) were derived to predict iNDF288 and TTD based on their chemical compositions and the ruminal degradation kinetics of different forages. Incorporating this information into rations could improve our ability to optimize main crop straws utilization and milk production.
Analysis of Housing Risk Factors for the Welfare of Lean and Heavy Pigs in a Sample of European Fattening Farms
Authors: Ferrari Paolo , Ulrici Alessandro , Barbari Matteo
Published: November 2021

Pig welfare is affected by housing conditions, the minimum requirements of which are set up by EU legislation. Animal and non-animal-based measures are useful indicators to investigate housing risk factors for pig welfare. An observational study on 51 pig farms in seven EU countries, aimed at investigating housing risk factors for the welfare of finishing pigs, showed body weight and presence of bedded solid floored resting area (BED) identifying three clusters of farms. Farms with BED were featured by no or limited tail docking, larger availability of manipulable materials and lower number of pigs per farm and per annual work unit. In these farms, less skin and ear lesions were found, compared with lean pigs of farms without BED, which were characterized by lower pig space allowance, mortality rate and medication cost. In farms without BED, heavy pigs were featured by more space per pig, more pigs per drinker and higher mortality rate and medication cost per pig, compared to lean pigs. No statistical difference in tail lesions was found between the three farm clusters, although tail docking was performed in all farms without BED and not performed on most farms with BED.
In Vitro Characterization of Canine Microfragmented Adipose Tissue Non-Enzymatically Extracted from the Thigh and Lumbar Regions
Authors: De Francesco Francesco , Riccio Valentina , Biswas Reetuparna , Busato Alice , Di Bella Caterina , Serri Evelina , Sbarbati Andrea , Zavan Barbara , Riccio Michele , Palumbo Piccionello Angela
Published: November 2021

Within the adult canine population, disabilities and symptoms including joint pain and functional impairment are commonly observed in articular cartilage lesions and present a challenging feat in the operating room. Clinical settings require less invasive and more minimally manipulated measures facilitated by innovative and advanced technology. Mesenchymal stem cells have recently been proposed and, furthermore, autologous adipose tissue administration via injection has emerged as a new albeit somewhat controversial therapeutic tool. The purpose of this study is to characterize canine autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue (micrografts) by mechanical approach without substantial manipulations. Adipose tissue samples collected from six dogs were processed by a Rigenera device and by enzymatic digestion from two different body regions (lumbar and thigh region). Interestingly, the immunophenotypic analysis attested that cells from Rigenera® were highly positive for the mesenchymal stem cells markers CD73 and CD90, less positive for hematopoietic CD45 and CD34, and negative for MHC class II antibodies (which play a role in immune responses). Finally, the Rigenera® technology obtained micrografts with a 35% higher expression of the IL10 gene with relevant anti-inflammatory activities compared to the enzymatic digestion protocol. This evidence suggests a potential improved clinical outcome capable of modulating inflammation and immune responses.
Wolf–Hunting Dog Interactions in a Biodiversity Hot Spot Area in Northern Greece: Preliminary Assessment and Implications for Conservation in the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park and Adjacent Areas
Authors: Iliopoulos Yorgos , Antoniadi Eirini , Kret Elzbieta , Zakkak Sylvia , Skartsi Theodora
Published: November 2021

Hunting dog depredation by wolves triggers retaliatory killing, with negative impacts on wildlife conservation. In the wider area of the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park, reports on such incidents have increased lately. To investigate this conflict, we interviewed 56 affected hunters, conducted wolf trophic analysis, analyzed trends for 2010–2020, applied MAXENT models for risk-map creation, and GLMs to explore factors related to depredation levels. Losses averaged approximately one dog per decade and hunter showing a positive trend, while livestock depredations showed a negative trend. Wolves preyed mainly on wild prey, with dogs consisting of 5.1% of the winter diet. Low altitude areas, with low to medium livestock availability favoring wolf prey and game species, were the riskiest. Dogs were more vulnerable during hare hunting and attacks more frequent during wolf post-weaning season or in wolf territories with reproduction. Hunter experience and group hunting reduced losses. Wolves avoided larger breeds or older dogs. Making noise or closely keeping dogs reduced attack severity. Protective dog vests, risk maps, and enhancing wolf natural prey availability are further measures to be considered, along with a proper verification system to confirm and effectively separate wolf attacks from wild boar attacks, which were also common.
A Metagenomic Nanopore Sequence Analysis Combined with Conventional Screening and Spectroscopic Methods for Deciphering the Antimicrobial Metabolites Produced by Alcaligenes faecalis Soil Isolate MZ921504
Authors: Eltokhy Mohamed A. , Saad Bishoy T. , Eltayeb Wafaa N. , El-Ansary Mona R. , Aboshanab Khaled M. , Ashour Mohamed S. E.
Published: November 2021

The continuous development of multidrug resistance pathogens with limited therapeutic options has become a great problem globally that impose sever health hazards. Accordingly, searching for of new antimicrobials became an urgent demand and great challenge. Soil significantly have been associated with several species that are antibiotic producers. In this study, combination of conventional screening methods with Liquid chromatography- Mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) and metagenomic nanopore sequence analysis have been conducted for the deciphering the active metabolites produced by soil isolate(s). Preliminary soil screening resulted in a Gram-negative isolate identified via 16S ribosomal RNA as Alcaligenes faecalis isolate MZ921504 with promising antimicrobial activities against wide range of MDR gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. The LC/MS analysis of the metabolites of A. faecalis isolate MZ921504 confirmed the presence of ectoine, bacillibactin, quinolobactin and burkholderic acid. Metagenomics sequence analysis of the soil sample (NCBI GenBank accession PRJNA771993) revealed the presence of conserved biosynthetic gene clusters of ectoine, bacteriocin, bacillibactin, quinolobactin, terpene and burkholderic acid of A. faecalis. In conclusion, A. faecalis isolate MZ921504 is a promising source for antimicrobial metabolites. LC/MS spectral analysis and third generation sequencing tools followed by secondary metabolite gene clusters analysis are useful methods to predict the nature of the antimicrobial metabolites.
Genotypic Diversity of Ciprofloxacin Nonsusceptibility and Its Relationship with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations in Nontyphoidal Salmonella Clinical Isolates in Taiwan
Authors: Fang Shiuh-Bin , Lauderdale Tsai-Ling Yang , Huang Chih-Hung , Chang Pei-Ru , Wang Yuan-Hung , Shigemura Katsumi , Lin Ying-Hsiu , Chang Wei-Chiao , Wang Ke-Chuan , Huang Tzu-Wen , Chang Yu-Chu
Published: November 2021

This study analyzed the genetic diversity of ciprofloxacin (CIP) nonsusceptibility and the relationship between two major mechanisms and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CIP in nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS). Chromosomal mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes were searched from ResFinder, ARG-ANNOT, and PubMed for designing the sequencing regions in gyrA, gyrB, parC, and parE, and the 13 polymerase chain reactions for PMQR genes. We found that QRDR mutations were detected in gyrA (82.1%), parC (59.0%), and parE (20.5%) but not in gyrB among the 39 isolates. Five of the 13 PMQR genes were identified, including oqxA (28.2%), oqxB (28.2%), qnrS (18.0%), aac(6′)-Ib-cr (10.3%), and qnrB (5.1%), which correlated with the MICs of CIP within 0.25–2 μg/mL, and it was found that oxqAB contributed more than qnr genes to increase the MICs. All the isolates contained either QRDR mutations (53.8%), PMQR genes (15.4%), or both (30.8%). QRDR mutations (84.6%) were more commonly detected than PMQR genes (46.2%). QRDR mutation numbers were significantly associated with MICs (p < 0.001). Double mutations in gyrA and parC determined high CIP resistance (MICs ≥ 4 μg/mL). PMQR genes contributed to intermediate to low CIP resistance (MICs 0.25–2 μg/mL), thus providing insights into mechanisms underlying CIP resistance.
A Novel Use of Allopurinol as A Quorum-Sensing Inhibitor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Saqr Ahmed Al , Aldawsari Mohammed F. , Khafagy El-Sayed , Shaldam Moataz A. , Hegazy Wael A. H. , Abbas Hisham A.
Published: November 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause a variety of healthcare-associated infections by its arsenal of virulence factors. Virulence factor production is largely controlled by the cell-to-cell communication system termed quorum sensing (QS). Targeting QS may be a good approach to inhibit the production of virulence factors and attenuate pathogenicity without exerting selective stress on bacterial growth. This will greatly reduce the emergence of resistant mutants. In this work, we investigated the anti-virulence and anti-QS activities of the FDA-approved drug allopurinol against the P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain. Allopurinol at 200 µg/mL (1/10 MIC) significantly decreased the production of the QS-controlled Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 violet pigment violacein and other P. aeruginosa QS-controlled virulence factors phenotypically. Furthermore, allopurinol reduced the infiltration of P. aeruginosa and leucocytes and diminished the congestion in the liver and kidney tissues of infected mice. In silico study showed that allopurinol could compete with the autoinducers on binding to the receptors LasR and RhlR by hydrogen bonding. On the molecular level, qRT-PCR proved that allopurinol showed a significant downregulating effect on all tested QS-encoding genes that regulate virulence factor production. In summary, allopurinol is a promising QS inhibitor that may be useful in the future treatment of P. aeruginosa infection.
The Effect of Sociodemographic Factors, Parity and Cervical Cancer on Antibiotic Treatment for Uncomplicated Cystitis in Women: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Jansåker Filip , Li Xinjun , Knudsen Jenny Dahl , Milos Nymberg Veronica , Sundquist Kristina
Published: November 2021

Background: Uncomplicated cystitis is one of the most common reasons for antibiotic treatment in otherwise healthy women. Nationwide studies on antibiotic treatment for this infection and in relation to factors beyond the infection itself have hitherto not been available. Methods: This was a nationwide open cohort study consisting of 352,507 women aged 15–50 years with uncomplicated cystitis (2006–2018). The outcome was a redeemed antibiotic prescription within five days from the cystitis diagnosis. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between the outcome and the predictor variables. Results: This study identified 192,065 redeemed treatments (54.5%). Several sociodemographic variables were associated with antibiotic treatment. For example, women with the lowest income had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.26 (95% CI 1.23–1.28) compared to those with the highest income. History of cervical cancer and high parity were also associated with lower treatment rates. Conclusion: This study presents novel factors beyond the infection which seem to affect the antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated cystitis in women. Future studies to investigate possible mechanisms are warranted in order to properly use our findings. This may help healthcare workers and planners to provide a more equal treatment plan for this common infection, which may reduce misuse of antibiotics, decrease costs and improve efforts against antibiotic resistance.
Recovery of Added-Value Compounds from Orange and Spinach Processing Residues: Green Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Montenegro-Landívar María Fernanda , Tapia-Quirós Paulina , Vecino Xanel , Reig Mònica , Valderrama César , Granados Mercè , Cortina José Luis , Saurina Javier
Published: November 2021

Phenolic compounds recovery by mechanical stirring extraction (MSE) was studied from orange and spinach wastes using water as a solvent. The statistical analysis showed that the highest total polyphenol content (TPC) yield was obtained using 15 min, 70 °C, 1:100 (w/v) solid/solvent ratio and pH 4 for orange; and 5 min, 50 °C, 1:50 (w/v) solid/solvent ratio and pH 6 for spinach. Under these conditions, the TPC was 1 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g−1 fresh weight (fw) and 0.8 mg GAE g−1 fw for orange and spinach, respectively. MSE substantially increased the phenolic compounds yields (1-fold for orange and 2-fold for spinach) compared with ultrasound-assisted extraction. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of orange and spinach extracts was evaluated using DPPH, FRAP and ABTS. The obtained results pointed out that the evaluated orange and spinach residues provided extracts with antioxidant activity (2.27 mg TE g−1 and 0.04 mg TE g−1, respectively).
Nondestructive Tomographic Imaging of Rust with Rapid THz Time-Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Hwan Sik , Baik Seung Yeob , Lee Joong Wook , Kim Jangsun , Ahn Yeong Hwan
Published: November 2021

In this study, we developed a rapid nondestructive tool for testing rust spread in a metal covered by a paint layer by using a THz time-domain spectroscopy system at a speed of 100 Hz/pixel. Time-of-flight imaging helps identify rust formation by exclusively obtaining the reflection from the steel below the paint surface. The use of frequency-selective imaging allows us to manipulate the contrast in rust imaging. Higher contrast is generally obtained when monitoring using the higher frequency component. In addition, we monitored the spread of rust in a steel plate under the influence of two different chemical solutions: NaCl and acid. We found that in the early stages, the decrease in THz reflection was governed by the high-frequency components due to the formation of lepidocrocite, whereas the low-frequency component develops as the proportion of hematite increases with time.
Study on the Structural Configurations and Pressure Regulation Characteristics of the Automatic Pressure Regulating Valve in the Electronically Controlled Pneumatic Brake System of Commercial Vehicles
Authors: Bao Hanwei , Wang Zaiyu , Wei Xiaoxu , Li Gangyan
Published: November 2021

Based on the classification of automated driving by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and the working principle of the ECPBS (Electronically Controlled Pneumatic Brake system), the requirements and the control modes of the APRV (Automatic Pressure Regulating Valve) were concluded. Four structural configurations for APRV were proposed to meet the requirements of the ECPBS. To study the pressure regulating characteristics of the APRV of different structure configurations, a simulation model was established, and a test bench was built. Through experiments, the correctness and the reliability of the simulation model were verified. The pressure regulation characteristics of the APRV of different structure configurations under different control conditions were revealed, and the suitable levels in the SAE automated driving classifications for automatic pressure regulators of different structure configurations were determined; thus, the theoretical underpinning to improve driving safety and develop automated driving was provided.
SAT-Hadoop-Processor: A Distributed Remote Sensing Big Data Processing Software for Earth Observation Applications
Authors: Boudriki Semlali Badr-Eddine , Freitag Felix
Published: November 2021

Nowadays, several environmental applications take advantage of remote sensing techniques. A considerable volume of this remote sensing data occurs in near real-time. Such data are diverse and are provided with high velocity and variety, their pre-processing requires large computing capacities, and a fast execution time is critical. This paper proposes a new distributed software for remote sensing data pre-processing and ingestion using cloud computing technology, specifically OpenStack. The developed software discarded 86% of the unneeded daily files and removed around 20% of the erroneous and inaccurate datasets. The parallel processing optimized the total execution time by 90%. Finally, the software efficiently processed and integrated data into the Hadoop storage system, notably the HDFS, HBase, and Hive.
Buckling Analysis of Piles in Multi-Layered Soils
Authors: Fenu Luigi , Congiu Eleonora , Deligia Mariangela , Giaccu Gian Felice , Hosseini Alireza , Serra Mauro
Published: November 2021

Pile buckling is infrequent, but sometimes it can occur in slender piles (i.e., micropiles) driven into soils with soft layers and/or voids. Buckling analysis of piles becomes more complex if the pile is surrounded by multi-layered soil. In this case, the well-known Timoshenko’s solution for pile buckling is of no use because it refers to single-layered soils. A variational approach for buckling analysis of piles in multi-layered soils is herein proposed. The proposed method allows for the estimation of the critical buckling load of piles in any multi-layered soil and for any boundary condition, provided that the distribution of the soil coefficient of the subgrade reaction is available. An eigenvalue-eigenvector problem is defined, where each eigenvector is the set of coefficients of a Fourier series describing the second-order displaced shape of the pile, and the related buckling load is the eigenvalue, thus obtaining the effective buckling load as the minimum eigenvalue. Besides the pile deformed shape, the stiffness distribution in the multi-layered soil is also described through a Fourier series. The Rayleigh–Ritz direct method is used to identify the Fourier development coefficients describing the pile deformation. For validation, buckling analysis results were compared with those obtained from an experimental test and a finite element analysis available in the literature, which confirmed this method’s reliability.
Simulated Annealing-Based Hyperspectral Data Optimization for Fish Species Classification: Can the Number of Measured Wavelengths Be Reduced?
Authors: Chauvin John , Duran Ray , Tavakolian Kouhyar , Akhbardeh Alireza , MacKinnon Nicholas , Qin Jianwei , Chan Diane E. , Hwang Chansong , Baek Insuck , Kim Moon S. , Isaacs Rachel B. , Yilmaz Ayse Gamze , Roungchun Jiahleen , Hellberg Rosalee S. , Vasefi Fartash
Published: November 2021

Relative to standard red/green/blue (RGB) imaging systems, hyperspectral imaging systems offer superior capabilities but tend to be expensive and complex, requiring either a mechanically complex push-broom line scanning method, a tunable filter, or a large set of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to collect images in multiple wavelengths. This paper proposes a new methodology to support the design of a hypothesized system that uses three imaging modes—fluorescence, visible/near-infrared (VNIR) reflectance, and shortwave infrared (SWIR) reflectance—to capture narrow-band spectral data at only three to seven narrow wavelengths. Simulated annealing is applied to identify the optimal wavelengths for sparse spectral measurement with a cost function based on the accuracy provided by a weighted k-nearest neighbors (WKNN) classifier, a common and relatively robust machine learning classifier. Two separate classification approaches are presented, the first using a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) artificial neural network trained on sparse data from the three individual spectra and the second using a fusion of the data from all three spectra. The results are compared with those from four alternative classifiers based on common machine learning algorithms. To validate the proposed methodology, reflectance and fluorescence spectra in these three spectroscopic modes were collected from fish fillets and used to classify the fillets by species. Accuracies determined from the two classification approaches are compared with benchmark values derived by training the classifiers with the full resolution spectral data. The results of the single-layer classification study show accuracies ranging from ~68% for SWIR reflectance to ~90% for fluorescence with just seven wavelengths. The results of the fusion classification study show accuracies of about 95% with seven wavelengths and more than 90% even with just three wavelengths. Reducing the number of required wavelengths facilitates the creation of rapid and cost-effective spectral imaging systems that can be used for widespread analysis in food monitoring/food fraud, agricultural, and biomedical applications.
Influence of Mechanochemical Activation of Concrete Components on the Properties of Vibro-Centrifugated Heavy Concrete
Authors: Shcherban’ Evgenii M. , Stel’makh Sergey A. , Beskopylny Alexey , Mailyan Levon R. , Meskhi Besarion
Published: November 2021

One of the crucial problems in current construction is energy, resource, and material efficient technologies in both industrial and civil engineering, associated with new material manufacturing and building construction. This article is devoted to developing comprehensive technology for activation effects on concrete made by various production techniques: vibration, centrifugation, and vibro-centrifugation. The possibility of a significant improvement in the microstructure of concrete and obtaining materials with increased specified characteristics, depending on its manufacturing technology, were studied during the complex activation effect exposed to this concrete and its components. Chemical activation of water and mechanical activation of cement were considered. The urgency and prospects of double, complex mechanochemical activation of concrete mixture components were substantiated. It was proven that the complex mechanochemical activation of the concrete mixture components gives a synergistic effect in obtaining concrete composition with an improved structure and improved characteristics. Furthermore, the relationship between concrete production technology and the technology of activation of its components was established. It was revealed that the most effective is the complex mechanochemical activation of vibro-centrifuged concrete, which gives an increase in strength up to 30%. The study results indicate a further direction of development associated with an increase in variatropic characteristics using both prescription and technological factors.
Special Issue on Manufacturing Metrology
Authors: Fan Kuang-Chao , Kinnell Peter
Published: November 2021

Metrology is the science of measurement and can be divided into three overlapping activities: (1) the definition of units of measurement, (2) the realization of units of measurement, and (3) the traceability of measurement units [...]
The Effectiveness of Far-Ultraviolet (UVC) Light Prototype Devices with Different Wavelengths on Disinfecting SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Liang Jian-Jong , Liao Chun-Che , Chang Chih-Shin , Lee Chih-Yin , Chen Si-Yu , Huang Shao-Bo , Yeh Yin-Fu , Singh Konthoujam James , Kuo Hao-Chung , Lin Yi-Ling , Lu Kuang-Mao
Published: November 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as a serious threat to human health worldwide. The inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on object surfaces and in the indoor air might help to halt the COVID-19 pandemic. Far-ultraviolet light (UVC) disinfection has been proven to be highly effective against viruses and bacteria. To understand the wavelength and duration of UVC radiation required for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation, we examined the efficacy of UVC light prototype devices with the wavelengths of 275, 254, and 222 nm. The disinfection effectiveness was determined by cell-based assays including the median tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) and an immunofluorescent assay on African green monkey kidney epithelial Vero E6 cells. Among the three prototypes, the UVC LED (275 nm) had the best virucidal activity with a log-reduction value (LRV) >6 after 10 s of exposure. The mercury lamp (254 nm) reached similar virucidal activity after 20 s of exposure. However, the excimer lamp (222 nm) showed limited anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity with a LRV < 2 after 40 s of exposure. Overall, in comparison, the UVC LED (275 nm) exhibited superior SARS-CoV-2 disinfection activity than the mercury lamp (254 nm) and the excimer lamp (222 nm).
Research on HC-LSSVM Model for Soft Soil Settlement Prediction Based on Homotopy Continuation Method
Authors: Cui Guangjun , Xiong Shenghua , Zhou Cuiying , Liu Zhen
Published: November 2021

Prediction of soft soil settlement is an important research topic in the field of civil engineering, and the least square support vector machine is one of the commonly used prediction methods at present. Nonetheless, the existing LSSVM models have problems of low search efficiency in the search process and lack of global optimal solution in the search results. In order to solve this problem, based on the leave-one-out cross-validation method, the homotopy continuation method was used to optimize the LSSVM model parameters, and then the HC-LSSVM model was constructed with the goal of minimizing the sum of squares of the prediction error of the full sample retention one. Finally, the rationality and correctness of the model are verified by engineering application. The results show that the HC-LSSVM model constructed in this study can accurately predict the settlement of soft ground, which is superior to the common LSSVM model and solves the problem that the parameters of LSSVM model cannot be solved optimally. The research results provide a new method for prediction of soft soil settlement.
A Convenient Way to Determine the Optimum Angle of Incidence of Fizeau Interferometer
Authors: Du Bowen , Zheng Yuquan , Lin Chao , Zhang Hang
Published: November 2021

In a Fizeau interferometer, off-axis illumination will lead to fringe optimization. Primarily due to the unique structure of our interferometer, we first analyze the influence of the optical properties of the parallel plate as a part of the interferometer on the optimal incident angle. Generally, the incident angle determination is mainly based on the graphing method proposed by Langenbeck and the estimation formula proposed by Kajava. However, Langenbeck’s method is cumbersome, and the error of Kajava’s estimation formula is large. Based on the predecessors, this paper proposes a modified method of determining the optimal angle of incidence and further derives more accurate optimal angle expressions than Kajava’s. By simply substituting the wedge angle of the wedge cavity and the reflectivity of the cavity, the optimum incidence angle can be obtained immediately. Thus, it eliminates the tedious and complex process of finding the optimum incident angle by graphing method and makes the formula method the simplest method to find the optimum incident angle. Finally, the comparison of the interference intensity at the optimum incidence angle calculated by the improved method and normal incidence is given. It is found that the beam has a good suppression effect on the sub-peak when it is incident at the optimum incident angle calculated by the method in this paper.
Seismic and Structural Analyses of the Eastern Anatolian Region (Turkey) Using Different Probabilities of Exceedance
Authors: Işık Ercan , Harirchian Ehsan , Büyüksaraç Aydın , Levent Ekinci Yunus
Published: November 2021

Seismic hazard analysis of the earthquake-prone Eastern Anatolian Region (Turkey) has become more important due to its growing strategic importance as a global energy corridor. Most of the cities in that region have experienced the loss of life and property due to significant earthquakes. Thus, in this study, we attempted to estimate the seismic hazard in that region. Seismic moment variations were obtained using different types of earthquake magnitudes such as Mw, Ms, and Mb. The earthquake parameters were also determined for all provincial centers using the earthquake ground motion levels with some probabilities of exceedance. The spectral acceleration coefficients were compared based on the current and previous seismic design codes of the country. Additionally, structural analyses were performed using different earthquake ground motion levels for the Bingöl province, which has the highest peak ground acceleration values for a sample reinforced concrete building. The highest seismic moment variations were found between the Van and Hakkari provinces. The findings also showed that the peak ground acceleration values varied between 0.2–0.7 g for earthquakes, with a repetition period of 475 years. A comparison of the probabilistic seismic hazard curves of the Bingöl province with the well-known attenuation relationships showed that the current seismic design code indicates a higher earthquake risk than most of the others.
The Multi-Time Scale Changes in Air Pollutant Concentrations and Its Mechanism before and during the COVID-19 Periods: A Case Study from Guiyang, Guizhou Province
Authors: Su Zhihua , Li Xin , Liu Yunlong , Deng Bing
Published: November 2021

The lockdown during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provides a scarce opportunity to assess the efficiency of air pollution mitigation. Herein, the monitoring data of air pollutants were thoroughly analyzed together with meteorological parameters to explore the impact of human activity on the multi-time scale changes of air pollutant concentrations in Guiyang city, located in Southwest China. The results show that the COVID-19 lockdown had different effects on the criteria air pollutants, i.e., PM2.5 (diameter ≤ 2.5 μm), PM10 (diameter ≤ 10 μm), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) concentrations. The lockdown caused a significant drop in NO2 concentration. During the first-level lockdown period, the NO2 concentration declined sharply by 8.41 μg·m−3 (45.68%). The decrease in NO concentration caused the “titration effect” to weaken, leading to a sharp increase in O3 concentration. Although human activities resumed partially and the “titration effect” enhanced certainly during the second-level lockdown period, the meteorological conditions became more conducive to the formation of O3 by photochemical reactions. Atmosphere oxidation was enhanced to promote the generation of secondary aerosols through gas–particle transitions, thus compensating for the reduced primary emission of PM2.5. The implication of this study is that the appropriate air pollution control policies must be initiated to suppress the secondary generation of both PM2.5 and O3.
Electrification of Road Transport and the Impacts on Air Quality and Health in the UK
Authors: Mehlig Daniel , Woodward Huw , Oxley Tim , Holland Mike , ApSimon Helen
Published: November 2021

Currently, many cities in Europe are affected by concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2 above the WHO guidelines on the protection of human health. This is a global problem in which the growth of road transport constitutes a major factor. Looking to the future, electric vehicles (EVs) are considered to be the choice technology for reducing road transport greenhouse gas emissions, but their impact on air quality needs to be considered. Taking the UK as a case study, this paper begins by understanding the trajectory of a future scenario without the introduction of EVs, reflecting on the latest emission control improvements in internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). This is then compared to a 2050 scenario in which the introduction of EVs, based on the UK government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan, is reviewed. This plan includes a ban on the sale of ICEV cars and LGVs, beginning in 2030, with the subsequent electrification of heavier vehicles. By 2030, population exposure to NOx was found to be significantly reduced in the ICEV scenario, with a marginal further reduction found for the EV scenario. The EV scenario further reduced NOx exposure by 2050, with most of the benefits being realized before 2040. For the ICEV and EV scenario, PM2.5 emissions were largely unchanged due to the primary contribution of non-exhaust emissions, suggesting that EVs are likely to yield relatively smaller changes in exposure to PM2.5 than for NOx.
Polar Amplification and Ice Free Conditions under 1.5, 2 and 3 °C of Global Warming as Simulated by CMIP5 and CMIP6 Models
Authors: Casagrande Fernanda , Neto Francisco A. B. , de Souza Ronald B. , Nobre Paulo
Published: November 2021

One of the most visible signs of global warming is the fast change in the polar regions. The increase in Arctic temperatures, for instance, is almost twice as large as the global average in recent decades. This phenomenon is known as the Arctic Amplification and reflects several mutually supporting processes. An equivalent albeit less studied phenomenon occurs in Antarctica. Here, we used numerical climate simulations obtained from CMIP5 and CMIP6 to investigate the effects of +1.5, 2 and 3 °C warming thresholds for sea ice changes and polar amplification. Our results show robust patterns of near-surface air-temperature response to global warming at high latitudes. The year in which the average air temperatures brought from CMIP5 and CMIP6 models rises by 1.5 °C is 2024. An average rise of 2 °C (3 °C) global warming occurs in 2042 (2063). The equivalent warming at northern (southern) high latitudes under scenarios of 1.5 °C global warming is about 3 °C (1.8 °C). In scenarios of 3 °C global warming, the equivalent warming in the Arctic (Antarctica) is close to 7 °C (3.5 °C). Ice-free conditions are found in all warming thresholds for both the Arctic and Antarctica, especially from the year 2030 onwards.
Multi-Asset Barrier Options Pricing by Collocation BEM (with Matlab® Code)
Authors: Aimi Alessandra , Guardasoni Chiara
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we extend the SABO technique (Semi-Analytical method for Barrier Options), based on collocation Boundary Element Method (BEM), to the pricing of Barrier Options with payoff dependent on more than one asset. The efficiency and accuracy already revealed in the case of a single asset is confirmed by the presented numerical results.
Preparation of Composite Electrodes for All-Solid-State Batteries Based on Sulfide Electrolytes: An Electrochemical Point of View
Authors: Giraldo Sara , Nakagawa Koki , Vásquez Ferley A. , Fujii Yuta , Wang Yongming , Miura Akira , Calderón Jorge A. , Rosero-Navarro Nataly C. , Tadanaga Kiyoharu
Published: November 2021

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are a promising response to the need for safety and high energy density of large-scale energy storage systems in challenging applications such as electric vehicles and grid integration. ASSBs based on sulfide solid electrolytes (SEs) have attracted much attention because of their high ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical windows of the sulfide SEs. Here, we study the electrochemical performance of ASSBs using composite electrodes prepared via two processes (simple mixture and solution processes) and varying the ionic conductor additive (80Li2S∙20P2S5 and argyrodite-type Li6PS5Cl). The composite electrodes consist of lithium-silicate-coated LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC), a sulfide SE, and carbon additives. The charge-transfer resistance at the interface of the solid electrolyte and NMC is the main parameter related to the ASSB’s status. This value decreases when the composite electrodes are prepared via a solution process. The lithium silicate coating and the use of a high-Li-ion additive conductor are also important to reduce the interfacial resistance and achieve high initial capacities (140 mAh g−1).
Mapping the Sensory Fingerprint of Swedish Beer Market through Text and Data Mining and Multivariate Strategies
Authors: Garrido-Bañuelos Gonzalo , de Barros Alves Helia , Mihnea Mihaela
Published: November 2021

The continuous increase of online data with consumers’ and experts’ reviews and preferences is a potential tool for sensory characterization. The present work aims to overview the Swedish beer market and understand the sensory fingerprint of Swedish beers based on text data extracted from the Swedish alcohol retail monopoly (Systembolaget) website. Different multivariate strategies such as heatmaps, correspondence analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to understand the sensory space of the different beer styles. Additionally, sensory space for specific hop cultivars was also investigated. Results highlighted Gothenburg as the main producing area in Sweden. The style Indian Pale Ale (IPA) is the largest available at the retail monopoly. From a sensory perspective, commonalities and differences were found between beer types and styles. Based on the aroma description, different types of ale and lager can cluster together (such as Porter and Stout and Dark lagers). Additionally, an associative relationship between specific aromas and hop cultivars from text data information was successfully achieved.
Protective Roles of Folic Acid in the Responses of Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells to Different Virulent Staphylococcus aureus Strains
Authors: Mi Siyuan , Tang Yongjie , Shi Liangyu , Liu Xueqin , Si Jingfang , Yao Yuelin , Augustino Serafino M. A. , Fang Lingzhao , Yu Ying
Published: November 2021

Mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection is one of the most difficult diseases to treat in dairy cattle. Exploring the biological progression of S. aureus mastitis via the interaction between host, pathogen, and environment is the key to an effective and sustainable improvement of animal health. Here, two strains of S. aureus and a strain of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) isolated from cows with different inflammation phenotypes were used to challenge Mac-T cells and to investigate their effects on the global transcriptome of the cells, then to explore the potential regulatory mechanisms of folic acid on S. aureus mastitis prevention. Differential gene expression or splicing analysis showed that different strains of S. aureus led to distinct transcriptional responses from the host immune system. Folic acid could protect host defense against the challenge of S. aureus and MRSA partially through activating cytoplasmic DNA sensing and tight junction pathway. ZBP1 at the upstream of cytoplasmic DNA sensing pathway was verified and related to anti-pathogen through RNA interference. Further enrichment analysis using these transcriptome data with cattle large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) data confirmed that ZBP1 gene is highly associated with bovine somatic cell score (SCS) trait. Our data shed light on the potential effect of FA through regulating key gene and then protect host cells’ defense against S. aureus and MRSA.