bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Blast Mitigation Performance and Fracture Mechanism of Polyurea under Contact Explosion
Authors: Huang Weibo , Zhang Rui , Wang Xu , Lyu Ping , Ju Jiahui , Gao Fuyin , Yan Shuai
Published: August 2022

In order to further study the blast mitigation performance of polyurea and to investigate the protection mechanism and damage characteristics of polyurea-protected structures under contact explosion loads, based on earlier work, this paper investigated the response and energy absorption performance of polyurea under various frequency loads. Qtech T26 blast mitigation polyurea (T26 polyurea) was adopted to protect the reinforced concrete (RC) slab and damage analysis of the post-explosion specimens was carried out at micro and macro levels. The response and energy absorption capacity of the material towards different frequency loads were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Protective performance of T26 polyurea on RC slab was examined with a 10 kg TNT contact explosion test. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze the microscopic fracture morphology of the typical areas of the coating after the explosion. The chemical structure changes of the blast-face coating before and after the explosion were compared by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results show that the glass transition region of T26 polyurea is −40 °C to 10 °C, which is a large temperature range, and the microphase separation of T26 polyurea is low. It is significantly influenced by the ambient temperature and loading frequency. The energy absorption of T26 polyurea is realized through the interaction between the hard and soft segments. When the frequency is between 102 Hz and 106 Hz, the loss factor of T26 polyurea is between 0.20 and 0.31, which exhibits a good energy dissipation performance. In the contact explosion of 10 kg TNT, the fragmentation rate of the coated specimen decreased significantly compared with that of the unprotected specimen, realizing the zero fragmentation protection effect on the back-blast face. The maximum deformation area and the main energy absorption area of T26 polyurea under contact explosion is the ring area outside the longitudinal deformation area. The chemical structure of T26 polyurea changed significantly after the explosion; typically the N-H bonds, etc., were broken and the percentage of hydrogen bonding was reduced. T26 polyurea has realized the protection effect of zero fragmentation of large-equivalent contact explosion, which has a high application value for blast mitigation and blast-fragmentation prevention in actual engineering.
An Analysis of the Relationship between Shenxian Daohua Ju and Daoism of the Yuan Dynasty
Authors: Tan Jing , Bao Xiangfei
Published: August 2022

The Shenxian daohua ju of the Yuan dynasty closely relates to Daoism. However, the essence and boundary of these two concepts have not been clearly defined and delineated in the existing research, which leads to confusion in analyzing their relationship. This article provides methodologies for defining Shenxian daohua ju and Daoism. Based on the extant Yuan zaju texts and confined to the themes of seclusion, deliverance, and ascending to immortality, we enumerate the particular dramatic texts of Shenxian daohua ju. Then, we limit the objects of the concept of Daoism to specific Daoist sects in history and highlight that the criteria for determining whether a Shenxian Dao (Celestial Being Sect) belongs to Daoism are provided by the officially recognized Daozang (Daoist canon). According to the above understanding of these two concepts, we explore their relationship from the following perspectives. First, in terms of composition subjects, these include the frustrated Confucian literati, the vassal Kings, and the imperial literati; the Shenxian daohua ju written by frustrated literati in the Yuan dynasty is not the embodiment of Daoist doctrines as some of the researchers conclude. Second, in light of the “aesthetic distinction”, we can also take Shenxian daohua ju as pure literary works and interpret these dramas from their literary structures and rhythmical forms. Third, from the perspective of the literary tradition, although with the adoption of Daoist themes, the Shenxian daohua ju of the Yuan dynasty still belongs to the Confucian poetic tradition. Its negation of secular life and advocacy of the ideal world follow the Confucian poetic teachings of “criticizing those above”. Objectively speaking, due to the influence of Daoism, the Shenxian daohua ju with the Daoist themes breaks through the taboo topics prescribed in Confucian literary principles to a certain extent and enriches Chinese literature.
Anomaly Detection in Satellite Telemetry Data Using a Sparse Feature-Based Method
Authors: He Jiahui , Cheng Zhijun , Guo Bo
Published: August 2022

Anomaly detection based on telemetry data is a major issue in satellite health monitoring which can identify unusual or unexpected events, helping to avoid serious accidents and ensure the safety and reliability of operations. In recent years, sparse representation techniques have received an increasing amount of interest in anomaly detection, although its applications in satellites are still being explored. In this paper, a novel sparse feature-based anomaly detection method (SFAD) is proposed to identify hybrid anomalies in telemetry. First, a telemetry data dictionary and the corresponding sparse matrix are obtained through K-means Singular Value Decomposition (K-SVD) algorithms, then sparse features are defined from the sparse matrix containing the local dynamics and co-occurrence relations in the multivariate telemetry time series. Finally, lower-dimensional sparse features vectors are input to a one-class support vector machine (OCSVM) to detect anomalies in telemetry. Case analysis based on satellite antenna telemetry data shows that the detection precision, F1-score and FPR of the proposed method are improved compared with other existing multivariate anomaly detection methods, illustrating the good effectiveness of this method.
Computational Analysis of a Multi-Layered Skin and Cardiac Pacemaker Model Based on Neural Network Approach
Authors: Psenakova Zuzana , Smondrk Maros , Barabas Jan , Benova Mariana , Brociek Rafał , Wajda Agata , Kowol Paweł , Coco Salvatore , Sciuto Grazia Lo
Published: August 2022

The presented study discusses the possible disturbing effects of the electromagnetic field of antennas used in mobile phones or WiFi technologies on the pacemaker in the patient’s body. This study aims to obtain information on how the thickness of skin layers (such as the thickness of the hypodermis) can affect the activity of a pacemaker exposed to a high-frequency electromagnetic field. This study describes the computational mathematical analysis and modeling of the heart pacemaker inserted under the skin exposed to various electromagnetic field sources, such as a PIFA antenna and a tuned dipole antenna. The finite integration technique (FIT) for a pacemaker model was implemented within the commercially available CST Microwave simulation software studio. Likewise, the equations that describe the mathematical relationship between the subcutaneous layer thickness and electric field according to different exposures of a tuned dipole and a PIFA antenna are used and applied for training a neural network. The main output of this study is the creation of a mathematical model and a multilayer feedforward neural network, which can show the dependence of the thickness of the hypodermis on the size of the electromagnetic field, from the simulated data from CST Studio.
Self-Sustainable Biomedical Devices Powered by RF Energy: A Review
Authors: Yahya Alkhalaf Hussein , Yazed Ahmad Mohd , Ramiah Harikrishnan
Published: August 2022

Wearable and implantable medical devices (IMDs) have come a long way in the past few decades and have contributed to the development of many personalized health monitoring and therapeutic applications. Sustaining these devices with reliable and long-term power supply is still an ongoing challenge. This review discusses the challenges and milestones in energizing wearable and IMDs using the RF energy harvesting (RFEH) technique. The review highlights the main integrating frontend blocks such as the wearable and implantable antenna design, matching network, and rectifier topologies. The advantages and bottlenecks of adopting RFEH technology in wearable and IMDs are reviewed, along with the system elements and characteristics that enable these devices to operate in an optimized manner. The applications of RFEH in wearable and IMDs medical devices are elaborated in the final section of this review. This article summarizes the recent developments in RFEH, highlights the gaps, and explores future research opportunities.
UAV Enhanced Target-Barrier Coverage Algorithm for Wireless Sensor Networks Based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Li Li , Chen Hongbin
Published: August 2022

Target-barrier coverage is a newly proposed coverage problem in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). The target-barrier is a closed barrier with a distance constraint from the target, which can detect intrusions from outside. In some applications, detecting intrusions from outside and monitoring the targets inside the barrier is necessary. However, due to the distance constraint, the target-barrier fails to monitor and detect the target breaching from inside in a timely manner. In this paper, we propose a convex hull attraction (CHA) algorithm to construct the target-barrier and a UAV-enhanced coverage (QUEC) algorithm based on reinforcement learning to cover targets. The CHA algorithm first divides the targets into clusters, then constructs the target-barrier for the outermost targets of the clusters, and the redundant sensors replace the failed sensors. Finally, the UAV’s path is planned based on QUEC. The UAV always covers the target, which is most likely to breach. The simulation results show that, compared with the target-barrier construction algorithm (TBC) and the virtual force algorithm (VFA), CHA can reduce the number of sensors required to construct the target-barrier and extend the target-barrier lifetime. Compared with the traveling salesman problem (TSP), QUEC can reduce the UAV’s coverage completion time, improve the energy efficiency of UAV and the efficiency of detecting targets breaching from inside.
Implementation of an Intelligent Exam Supervision System Using Deep Learning Algorithms
Authors: Mahmood Fatima , Arshad Jehangir , Ben Othman Mohamed Tahar , Hayat Muhammad Faisal , Bhatti Naeem , Jaffery Mujtaba Hussain , Rehman Ateeq Ur , Hamam Habib
Published: August 2022

Examination cheating activities like whispering, head movements, hand movements, or hand contact are extensively involved, and the rectitude and worthiness of fair and unbiased examination are prohibited by such cheating activities. The aim of this research is to develop a model to supervise or control unethical activities in real-time examinations. Exam supervision is fallible due to limited human abilities and capacity to handle students in examination centers, and these errors can be reduced with the help of the Automatic Invigilation System. This work presents an automated system for exams invigilation using deep learning approaches i.e., Faster Regional Convolution Neural Network (RCNN). Faster RCNN is an object detection algorithm that is implemented to detect the suspicious activities of students during examinations based on their head movements, and for student identification, MTCNN (Multi-task Cascaded Convolutional Neural Networks) is used for face detection and recognition. The training accuracy of the proposed model is 99.5% and the testing accuracy is 98.5%. The model is fully efficient in detecting and monitoring more than 100 students in one frame during examinations. Different real-time scenarios are considered to evaluate the performance of the Automatic Invigilation System. The proposed invigilation model can be implemented in colleges, universities, and schools to detect and monitor student suspicious activities. Hopefully, through the implementation of the proposed invigilation system, we can prevent and solve the problem of cheating because it is unethical.
Unpacking the Policies, Historical Stages, and Themes of the Education Equality for Educational Sustainable Development: Evidence from China
Authors: Li Jian , Xue Eryong
Published: August 2022

The educational equality policies vary in terms of different spatial, cultural, economic, and social dynamics. Despite a great deal of discussion on how to implement equality policies into the Chinese education system, very little research has explored how the Chinese education equality policy responds to social inequalities. To address it, applying Rawls’ theory of justice, this study investigates the macro-level landscape of education equality in China through Dynamic Topic Models to examine their evolution of (unobserved) social equalities imbedded in different political documents over time. The findings present the key policies, the key historical period, the core themes of China’s equality education development, and its responses to social inequalities. In addition, the discussion and conclusion have been offered in the last section.
Influence of Ventilation Duct Parameter Optimization on Pollutant Diffusion in Spiral Tunnels
Authors: Bai Jiashe , Wu Zhongbin , Chen Tongyong , Li Wenqiang , Zhang Ping , Li Yu
Published: August 2022

The spiral tunnel could flexibly design the curvature and slope of the tunnel according to the geological structure, avoiding the adverse effect of complex terrain and topography, and had a strong advantage in engineering applications. Different from ordinary straight linear tunnels, spiral tunnels have a circular trend with obvious curvature and slope, which ensures certain differences between construction ventilation of the two types of tunnels, especially in terms of ventilation air flow field and pollutant diffusion. Relying on the actual spiral tunnel project, this paper studies the diffusion mechanism of ventilation pollutants in spiral tunnel construction. Optimization of the layout of the air duct based on numerical simulation and proposed pulsating ventilation method was performed to improve the ventilation and drainage effect of the tunnel. The time to reach the carbon monoxide concentration after blasting, and the dust concentration during the spraying process, were determined as indicators to measure the ventilation effect during the construction period. The hanging position of the air duct, the distance from the air duct outlet to the palm face, and the air speed were determined as the main factors affecting the ventilation effect. The main factors, the degree of influence and sensitivity of each influencing factor on the index, are studied, and the optimal air duct layout scheme suitable for the site is determined. The scheme can improve the ventilation effect and ventilation quality and provide effective reference for ventilation problems during the construction of other spiral tunnels. Meanwhile, more factors need to be examined to study the impact of pollutants in spiral tunnel construction, and physical models are needed to study the diffusion mechanism of pollutants in a spiral tunnel.
Experimental Study on Damage Evolution Characteristics of Concrete under Impact Load Based on EMI Method
Authors: Tan Bin
Published: August 2022

In this paper, the damage evolution characteristics of C50 concrete under impact load were studied, based on the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) technique. A parallel test was conducted based on the internal relationship between EMI technology and a resonant frequency test to verify the sensitivity and accuracy of EMI technology. In addition, another mechanical test was conducted on specimens with different levels of damage to establish the empirical relationship between the degree of damage and the mechanical properties of concrete. The degrees of damage were discussed by calculating the root mean square deviation (RMSD) index. Results illustrated that the damage changes of concrete can be well monitored by PZT patches. Based on the evolutionary characteristic of the RMSD index, worrying information can be obtained before the destruction of the concrete. On the other hand, mechanical test results indicated that the value of the RMSD was correlated with the splitting tensile strength of the concrete specimens; therefore, it can be used as a reference to evaluate and predict the performance of concrete.
Multitemporal Thermal Imagery Acquisition and Data Processing on Historical Masonry: Experimental Application on a Case Study
Authors: Trevisiol Francesca , Barbieri Ester , Bitelli Gabriele
Published: August 2022

The recent improvement of infrared image quality has increased the use of thermography as a non-destructive diagnostic technique. Amongst other applications, thermography can be used to monitor historic buildings. The present work was carried out within the framework of the Horizon 2020 European project SHELTER, which aims to create a management plan for cultural heritage subject to environmental and anthropogenic risk. Among the chosen case studies is the Santa Croce Complex in Ravenna (Italy), which is exposed to different hazards, including flooding. The church has a peculiar architecture that develops below the street level, so the internal walls are affected by the deterioration caused by rising humidity. In such a case of advanced degradation, passive thermography cannot be used to its full potential. For this reason, an innovative methodology involving active thermography was first developed and validated with laboratory tests. Secondly, we conducted its first application to a real case study. With this purpose, an active thermography survey with forced ventilation was carried out to enhance different stages of material degradation by means of automatic classification of multitemporal data. These experiments have resulted in a method using an active thermal survey in a high moisture content environment to detect masonry degradation.
Study on Spatio-Temporal Pattern Changes and Prediction of Arable Land Abandonment in Developed Area: Take Pingyang County as an Example
Authors: Su Yue , Wang Cheng , Huang Yue , Xie Yan , Zhu Junhui , Sun Yuanyuan , Li Yongjun
Published: August 2022

The problem of arable land abandonment has become increasingly prominent in China as an important hidden danger of regional and national grain security. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand its developmental mechanism in order to improve land protection policies and maintain the sustainable use of arable land. This study took Pingyang County in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone as an example. Based on remote sensing image data in 2000, 2010, and 2018, the landscape pattern index was used to reveal the changes in the landscape pattern of abandoned land in the study area, and the FLUS model was used to simulate the spatial and temporal distribution changes in abandoned land in the study area in 2028. The results showed that the abandoned areas in the study area spread rapidly from 2000 to 2018, the area of abandoned land increased nearly 12 times in the past 18 years, and the areas with a high abandonment rate were concentrated in the western and northwestern mountainous areas of the study area. In the view of the landscape pattern, the areas with a high fragmentation degree of abandoned land gradually shifted to the western mountainous areas from 2000 to 2018, and the areas with high landscape complexity of abandoned land gradually shifted from the middle to the northern and western areas. The simulation results of abandoned land showed that the high-value areas of abandoned land rate in the study area would be more concentrated by 2028. Among them, the abandoned land rate of arable land in the northwest would increase to 15.76~24.89%, while the landscape fragmentation and complexity of abandoned land would be slightly lower than that in 2018. Finally, some countermeasures were proposed for the protection and sustainable utilization of cultivated land resources.
A Tripartite Evolutionary Game and Simulation Analysis of Transportation Carbon Emission Reduction across Regions under Government Reward and Punishment Mechanism
Authors: Liu Yunlong , Chen Leiyu , Huang Chengfeng
Published: August 2022

Pollution and carbon reduction is a key strategic direction for ecological civilization in China, and a hot issue of concern for the government and the whole society. The main goal of this paper was to consider the regional externalities of traffic emissions and clarify the relationship between provincial and central government strategies under the government reward and punishment mechanism. This paper considers the unevenness of regional transportation emissions, constructs a three-party evolutionary game model among transportation carbon deficit provinces, transportation carbon surplus provinces, and the central government, discusses the evolutionary stability of the game under different strategies of the three parties, and analyzes the influence of each element on the game structure. The study shows that: Environmental losses can increase the evolutionary speed of active emission reduction in transportation carbon deficit provinces, and the probability of supporting cross-regional carbon emission reduction in transportation carbon surplus provinces decreases slightly with the increase and the probability of central government regulation increases. The central government has a certain binding effect on transportation carbon deficit provinces and carbon surplus provinces through fines, and cross-zone cooperation subsidies are conducive to promoting carbon deficit provinces to actively reduce emissions. The cross-region compensation of carbon deficit provinces can promote the governments of carbon surplus provinces to support cross-region carbon emission abatement, and the cost of regulation will reduce the probability of central government regulation. Finally, Matlab simulation is used to verify the conclusions and provide countermeasures and suggestions for cross-regional abatement of regional transportation emissions by the central government.
Simplified Criterion for Low Gravity Center Cable-Stayed Bridge Based on Response Spectrum Analyses
Authors: Chen Ying , Wang Yonghuan , Zhang Wenxue , Liang Kun , Du Xiuli
Published: August 2022

The seismic response characteristics of a cable-stayed bridge are closely related to the structural system. At the same time, the influence of the height of the gravity center cannot be ignored in the structural system selection of cable-stayed bridges. For convenience, to make the scheme comparison and structural system selection in the preliminary design stage of a cable-stayed bridge, the judgment criterion of a low gravity center cable-stayed bridge was proposed, based on the simplified calculation of the fundamental frequency of cable-stayed bridges with two kinds of the structural system and combined with the response spectrum analysis method. The comparison of the results of the finite element model and the calculating results of the criterion showed that the judgment criterion has high accuracy and reliability, and can be applied to the preliminary design, the scheme comparison of cable-stayed bridges, and help select structural systems in the preliminary design stage of cable-stayed bridges.
Energy Efficiency in Urban Context: An Overview of European-Funded Projects with the Analysis of an ELENA Case Study
Authors: Bertolini Marina
Published: August 2022

According to the European Union, buildings are responsible for around 40% of CO2 emissions in the EU area. For this reason, the new regulatory framework Clean Energy for All European Package (2019) supports policies to reduce emissions by increasing energy efficiency in buildings. This is the prosecution of a long-standing policy, which in the past has mainly influenced public authorities, but also aggregations of private bodies and the realization (or renovation) of large strategic investments that impacted and changed the fruition of buildings and relevant infrastructures. The paper aims to offer an overview of the European funds dedicated to the Energy Efficiency initiatives in the past few years, distinguishing funds for financing the project itself and funds for the financing of technical assistance. The overview introduces the analysis of a case study related to technical assistance projects in the Energy Efficiency field, i.e., the European Local Energy assistance (ELENA) Fund; findings connected to the case studies are the main contribution of this paper. The analysis helps to interpret the performance of the funds and to detect the gap between the financing procedures and the subsequent operational implementation of the projects. The case study highlighted critical aspects regarding the potential mismatch between the purpose of the fund and operational barriers in the realization of the initiatives. Such evidence can contribute to helping policy makers redesign and correct funding schemes and, moreover, in evaluating them with a complete information set.
Sampled-Data Control for a Class of Singular Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Systems with Application in Truck-Trailer System
Authors: Yang Yongcheng , Zheng Minjie
Published: August 2022

In order to solve the admissibility problem for a class of nonlinear singular systems with sampling, nonlinearity, and external disturbances, a sample-data control algorithm based on input delay methodology is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the system is converted to a time-delay system based on Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy models via an input delay approach, with many novel time-delay methods being used to deal with the sampled-data control problem. Secondly, both the upper and lower bounds of the sampling period are considered, which has a wider application scope. Thirdly, to obtain less conservative results, an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii function, which involves several symmetric positive definite matrices, is established, and a relaxation variable is introduced by the method of reciprocally convex inequality. Then the conditions of admissibility are given, and the design method of the sampled-data controller is introduced. Finally, a truck-trailer example and two numerical examples are given to prove that the proposed approaches are valid and applicable.
Radiation Properties of the Accretion Disk around a Black Hole Surrounded by PFDM
Authors: Narzilloev Bakhtiyor , Ahmedov Bobomurat
Published: August 2022

The thermal radiation properties of the accretion disk around a non-rotating black hole with a perfect fluid dark matter (PFDM) environment are investigated. A non-rotating black hole surrounded by perfect fluid dark matter together with a classical geometrically thin but optically thick Novikov–Thorne disk is selected as a system to be analyzed. It is observed that the perfect fluid dark matter strengthens the gravitational field, which leads to both the increase of the radii of the event horizon and the innermost stable circular orbit (ISCO). However, for the flux of the radiant energy over the accretion disk, the maximum flux is reduced and shifted outwards the central object under the influence of the perfect fluid dark matter. The dependence of the thermal profile of the disk on the radial coordinate and the intensity of perfect fluid dark matter shows analogous behavior. It has been demonstrated that the radiative efficiency of the accretion disk is increased from ∼6% up to ∼20% with the increase in the intensity of the surrounding perfect fluid dark matter. The thermal spectra of the accretion disk has also been explored, which is shifted towards the lower frequencies (corresponding to the gravitational redshift of the electromagnetic radiation coming from the disk) with the increase in the intensity of the perfect fluid dark matter.
Effective Evaluation of Green and High-Quality Development Capabilities of Enterprises Using Machine Learning Combined with Genetic Algorithm Optimization
Authors: Zhai Dongxue , Zhao Xuefeng , Bai Yanfei , Wu Delin
Published: August 2022

Studying the impact of green and high-quality development is of great significance to the healthy growth and sustainable development of enterprises. This paper discusses the influencing factors of the green and high-quality development of enterprises from the perspective of ownership structure and innovation ability, aiming to clarify the impact mechanism of these influencing factors on the green development of enterprises, and combined with emerging machine learning technologies, to propose a novel and effective corporate green high-quality development using a regression prediction model for quality development. Linear regression and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the influence of each variable on the green and high-quality development of the enterprise, and the weight proportions of each influencing factor under the linear model were obtained. Two machine learning models based on the random forest (RF) algorithm and support vector machine algorithm were established, and the random parameters in the two machine learning algorithms were optimized by a genetic algorithm (GA). The reliability and accuracy of machine learning models and multivariate linear models were compared. The results show that the GA–RF model has superior regression performance compared with other prediction models. This paper provides a convenient machine learning model, which can quickly and effectively predict the green and high-quality development of enterprises, and provide help for enterprise decision-making and government policy formulation.
Effects of Heating, Pelleting, and Feed Matrix on Apparent Concentrations of Cereal Ergot Alkaloids in Relation to Growth Performance and Welfare Parameters of Backgrounding Beef Steers
Authors: Stanford Kim , Schwartzkopf-Genswein Karen S. , Meléndez Daniela M. , Ngo Skyler , Harding Michael , McAllister Tim A. , Schatzmayr Dian , Swift Mary Lou , Blakley Barry , Ribeiro Gabriel O.
Published: August 2022

As the contamination of cereal grains with ergot has been increasing in Western Canada, studies were undertaken to evaluate the impacts of heating (60, 80, 120, or 190 °C) alone or in combination with pelleting on concentrations of ergot alkaloids. Fifteen samples of ergot-contaminated grain from Alberta and Saskatchewan were assayed for R and S epimers of six alkaloids (ergocryptine, ergocristine, ergocornine, ergometrine, ergosine, and ergotamine) using HPLC MS/MS. Five samples with distinct alkaloid profiles were then selected for heating and pelleting studies. Heating resulted in a linear increase (p < 0.05) of total R and total S epimers with increasing temperature, although some individual R epimers were stable (ergometrine, ergosine, ergotamine). Pelleting also increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of total R and total S epimers detected, although ergometrine concentration decreased (p < 0.05) after pelleting. A feeding study arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial structure used 48 backgrounding Angus-cross steers fed four different diets: (1) Control Mash (CM, no added ergot), (2) Control Pellet (CP), (3) Ergot Mash (EM), or (4) Ergot Pellet (EP). Pelleting heated the ergot to 90–100 °C under 4 bars pressure, but the ergot used in the feeding study was not otherwise heated. Alkaloid concentrations of EM and EP varied by up to 1.1 mg/kg depending on the feed matrix assayed. No differences among treatments were noted for growth performance, feed intake, feed conversion, concentrations of serum prolactin and haptoglobin, hair cortisol, or in temperatures of extremities measured by infrared thermography. The only negative impacts of ergot alkaloids were on blood parameters indicative of reduced immune function or chronic inflammation. Pelleting did not heighten the negative clinical outcomes of ergot, although alkaloid concentrations of pelleted feed increased depending on the matrix assayed. It was hypothesized that the heat and pressure associated with pelleting may enhance the recovery of alkaloids from pelleted feed.
Goal-Setting in Multiple Sclerosis-Related Spasticity Treated with Botulinum Toxin: The GASEPTOX Study
Authors: Baccouche Ines , Bensmail Djamel , Leblong Emilie , Fraudet Bastien , Aymard Claire , Quintaine Victorine , Pottier Sandra , Lansaman Thibaud , Malot Claire , Gallien Philippe , Levy Jonathan
Published: August 2022

Spasticity is one of the most disabling symptoms in multiple sclerosis (MS). Botulinum toxin injection (BTI) is a first-line treatment for focal spasticity. There is a lack of evidence of a functional improvement following BTI in MS-related spasticity. To describe goal-setting for BTI in MS, and evaluate the degree of attainment, using goal attainment scaling (GAS) 4-to-6 weeks after injection session, a one-year multi-center retrospective observational study assessing goal-setting and achievement during BTI session in spastic patients with MS was set up. Following the GAS method, patients and their physicians set up to three goals and scored their achievement 4 to 6 weeks thereafter. Commonly used goals from three centers were combined into a standardized list and 125 single BTI sessions were analyzed. The most frequent goals regarded lower limb (LL) impairments (equinovarus foot, toe claw) or locomotion (stability, walking distance, clinging) and accounted for 89.1%, versus 10.9% for upper limb (UL), mostly for mild-to-moderate MS. Overall, goals were frequently achieved (85.77%) mainly when related to gait and mobility rather than hygiene and ease of care. This study gives an overview on the most frequent, relevant, and achievable goals to be set in real-life practice of BTI for spasticity management in MS.
Novel Insights into the Inheritance of Gibberella Ear Rot (GER), Deoxynivalenol (DON) Accumulation, and DON Production
Authors: Mesterhazy Akos , Szabó Balázs , Szél Sándor , Nagy Zoltán , Berényi Attila , Tóth Beata
Published: August 2022

Gibberella ear rot (GER) is an important fungal ear pathogen of maize that causes ear rot and toxin contamination. Most previous works have only dealt with the visual symptoms, but not with the toxins of GER. As food and feed safety rankings depend on toxin contamination, including deoxynivalenol (DON), without toxins, nothing can be said about the risks involved in food and feed quality. Therefore, three susceptible, three medium-susceptible, and three medium-resistant mother lines were crossed with three testers with differing degrees of resistance and tested between 2017–2020. Two plot replicates and two fungal strains were used separately. The highest heterosis was found at the GER% with a 13% increase across 27 hybrids, including 7 hybrids showing negative heterosis (a higher hybrid performance above the parental mean), with a variance ranging between 63.5 and −55.4. For DON, the mean heterosis was negative at −35%, and only 10 of the 27 hybrids showed a positive heterosis. The mean heterosis for DON contamination, at 1% GER, was again negative (−19.6%, varying between 85% and 224%). Only 17 hybrids showed heterosis, while that of the other 17 was rated higher than the parental mean. A positive significant correlation was found only for GER% and DON; the other factors were not significant. Seven hybrids were identified with positive (2) or negative (5) heterosis for all traits, while the rest varied. For DON and GER, only 13 provided identical (positive or negative) heteroses. The majority of the hybrids appeared to diverge in the regulation of the three traits. The stability of GER and DON (variance across eight data sets) did not agree—only half of the genotypes responded similarly for the two traits. The genetic background for this trait is unknown, and there was no general agreement between traits. Thus, without toxin analyses, the evaluation of food safety is not possible. The variety in degrees of resistance to toxigenic fungi and resistance to toxin accumulation is an inevitable factor.
Hepatitis C Virus Reactivation in Anti-HCV Antibody-Positive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Following Anti-HBV Therapies
Authors: Su Yi-Tse , Chang Ming-Ling , Chien Rong-Nan , Liaw Yun-Fan
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims: Whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) reactivation occurs and how the viral load evolves in anti-HCV antibody-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who underwent nucleos(t)ide analogue (Nuc) therapies remain unsolved. Methods: A cohort of 66 such patients was studied. Results: At the start of Nuc treatment (baseline), all patients had detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels (6.05 ± 1.88 log IU/mL), while HCV RNA levels (3.79 ± 1.43 log IU/mL) were detected (i.e., chronic hepatitis C (CHC)) in only 13 patients (19.7%). Following Nuc therapies, HBV DNA levels reached the nadirs at end of therapy (EOT) (6.05 ± 1.88 vs. 0.25 ± 0.99 log IU/mL, p < 0.0001) and relapsed at 6 months after EOT (6mEOT) at a level of 3.45 ± 2.64 log IU/mL compared with EOT (p < 0.0001). Among the 13 CHC patients, a non-significant decrease in HCV RNA was noted at EOT (3.52 ± 1.71 vs. 2.77 ± 2.63 log IU/mL, p = 0.166) but tended to decrease further at 6mEOT (2.77 ± 2.63 vs. 1.89 ± 2.06 log IU/mL, p = 0.063). Two of the thirteen CHC patients showed an increase in HCV-RNA ≥ 1 log10 IU/mL at EOT, and one of the fifty-three patients with undetectable HCV RNA at baseline (i.e., resolved past HCV infection) showed detectable HCV RNA at year 1 (3200 IU/mL) and year 2 (1240 IU/mL) following entecavir therapy. Conclusions: HCV reactivation did occur during HBV suppression, and the rate was 4.5% (3/66), 15.4% (2/13), and 1.9% (1/53), for all patients, CHC patients, and patients with resolved past HCV infection, respectively. The reverse HBV and HCV viral evolutions at 6mEOT indicate that HBV relapse may suppress HCV replication again.
Impact of Host Telomere Length on HHV-6 Integration
Authors: Wight Darren J. , Aimola Giulia , Beythien Georg , Flamand Louis , Kaufer Benedikt B.
Published: August 2022

Human herpesvirus 6A and 6B are two closely related viruses that infect almost all humans. In contrast to most herpesviruses, HHV-6A/B can integrate their genomes into the telomeres during the infection process. Both viruses can also integrate in germ cells and subsequently be inherited in children. How HHV-6A/B integrate into host telomeres and the consequences of this remain a subject of active research. Here, we developed a method to measure telomere length by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization, confocal microscopy, and computational processing. This method was validated using a panel of HeLa cells having short or long telomeres. These cell lines were infected with HHV-6A, revealing that the virus could efficiently integrate into telomeres independent of their length. Furthermore, we assessed the telomere lengths after HHV-6A integration and found that the virus-containing telomeres display a variety of lengths, suggesting that either telomere length is restored after integration or telomeres are not shortened by integration. Our results highlight new aspects of HHV-6A/B biology and the role of telomere length on virus integration.
Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the Southern Province of Zambia: Detection and Characterization of Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron Variants of Concern
Authors: Katowa Ben , Kalonda Annie , Mubemba Benjamin , Matoba Japhet , Shempela Doreen Mainza , Sikalima Jay , Kabungo Boniface , Changula Katendi , Chitanga Simbarashe , Kasonde Mpanga , Kapona Otridah , Kapata Nathan , Musonda Kunda , Monze Mwaka , Tembo John , Bates Matthew , Zumla Alimuddin , Sutcliffe Catherine G. , Kajihara Masahiro , Yamagishi Junya , Takada Ayato , Sawa Hirofumi , Chilengi Roma , Mukonka Victor , Muleya Walter , Simulundu Edgar
Published: August 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) have significantly impacted the global epidemiology of the pandemic. From December 2020 to April 2022, we conducted genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the Southern Province of Zambia, a region that shares international borders with Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe and is a major tourist destination. Genetic analysis of 40 SARS-CoV-2 whole genomes revealed the circulation of Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Delta (AY.116), and multiple Omicron subvariants with the BA.1 subvariant being predominant. Whereas Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants were associated with the second, third, and fourth pandemic waves, respectively, the Alpha variant was not associated with any wave in the country. Phylogenetic analysis showed evidence of local transmission and possible multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in Zambia from different European and African countries. Across the 40 genomes analysed, a total of 292 mutations were observed, including 182 missense mutations, 66 synonymous mutations, 23 deletions, 9 insertions, 1 stop codon, and 11 mutations in the non-coding region. This study stresses the need for the continued monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Zambia, particularly in strategically positioned regions such as the Southern Province which could be at increased risk of introduction of novel VOCs.
Effect of Particle Character and Calcite Dissolution on the Hydraulic Conductivity and Longevity of Biosand Filters Treating Winery and Other Acidic Effluents
Authors: Holtman Gareth Alistair , Haldenwang Rainer , Welz Pamela Jean
Published: August 2022

Acidic effluent such as winery wastewater is challenging to remediate. Biological sand reactors can simultaneously remove organics and neutralize winery wastewater via biotic and abiotic mechanisms. The systems have been shown to be suitable for treating the intermittent flow of wastewater at small wineries. It has been shown that dissolution of calcite is the most important abiotic mechanism for increasing the pH of the influent. In this study, sand column experiments were used to determine the effects of (i) sand particle size distribution on calcite dissolution kinetics, and (ii) the effects of calcite particle dissolution on the hydraulic conductivity. The results were then used to calculate the theoretical temporal abiotic neutralization capacity of biological sand reactors with differently sized sand fractions, including unfractionated (raw) sand. The results were compared with those determined from a pilot system treating winery wastewater over a period of 3 years. Sand fractions with larger particles contained lower amounts of calcite (using Ca as a proxy), but exhibited higher hydraulic conductivities (3.0 ± 0.05 %Ca and 2.57 to 2.75 mm·s−1, respectively) than those containing smaller particles and/or raw sand (4.8 ± 0.04 to 6.8 ± 0.03 %Ca and 0.19 to 1.25 mm·s−1, respectively). The theoretical abiotic neutralization capacity of biological sand reactors was compared with a pilot system with the same flow rates, and a temporal abiotic neutralization capacity of 37 years was calculated for biological sand reactors, which compared favorably with the theoretical results obtained for wastewater with pH values between 2 (8.2 years) and 3 (82 years). It was concluded that biological sand filters with around 10% calcite will be able to abiotically neutralize winery wastewater and other wastewaters with similar acidities for the projected life span of the system. Future work should focus on determining the effect of sand grain size on the bioremediation capacity, as well as the use of biological sand reactors for treating other acidic organic wastewaters such as fruit processing, food production and distillery wastewater.
Effects of Environmentally Relevant Concentrations of Antipsychotic Drugs (Sulpiride and Clozapine) on Serotonergic and Dopaminergic Neurotransmitter Systems in Octopus Brain Tissue
Authors: Peng Xijian , Xu Qiuxia , Guo Yuanming , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2022

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) from specific activities often enter surface and groundwater, adversely affecting the physiological functions of non-target organisms and posing a serious threat to a wide range of aquatic organisms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of the antipsychotic drugs sulpiride and clozapine on dopaminergic (DAergic) and serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptaminergic, i.e., 5-HTergic) neurotransmitter systems in the brain of a short-arm octopus (Octopus ochellatus). Octopus ochellatus adults were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of sulpiride, clozapine, or a mixture of sulpiride and clozapine. The effects of the drug on the transcription and expression levels of major functional molecules in the DAergic and 5-HTergic systems of the brain were analyzed. By antagonizing the dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) or 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (5-HTR2A), the two drugs induced abnormal transcription and expression levels of important functional molecules in the brain’s DA and 5-HT signaling pathways. In addition, dose-dependent adverse reactions were observed with these antipsychotics. Our results suggest that sulpiride and clozapine interfere with DAergic and 5-HTergic neurotransmitter systems in the brain of Amphioctopus fangsiao (O. ochellatus), possibly affecting brain functions, such as reproduction, predation, camouflage, learning, and memory. As a result, they pose a serious threat to the health of Amphioctopus fangsiao.
Formación histórica del segundo régimen alimentario mundial: período 1950-1970
Authors: Zambrano Argandoña Carlos A.
Published: August 2022

El proceso de acumulación de capital tiene como uno de sus elementos fundamentales la explotación de la fuerza de trabajo, para que esta exista, es necesaria la ingestión de alimentos. En este sentido, la necesidad de alimentos baratos es determinante en la reproducción del sistema social y la consolidación de un mercado interno periférico. Si a esto se agrega salarios bajos en su cuantía, se debe entender que los alimentos y su precio serán un  reflejo  de  tal  situación.  El  crecimiento  histórico  de potencias como los Estados Unidos y la Unión Europea a lo largo del siglo XX, determinó competencia entre los dos hegemones por el predominio mundial. En este sentido, una parte importante del proceso se haya conformado por el rubro de los alimentos. Así, el postulado central de este ensayo en relación con la problemática agroalimentaria es que la reproducción ampliada del capital necesita alimentos baratos. Cuestión que no es sencilla, dado que los precios de los productos y materias primas se encuentran supeditados al ciclo económico predominante a nivel mundial.
Patrimonio cultural arqueológico e inmaterial de la parroquia rural la pila
Authors: Solórzano Venegas María Soledad
Published: August 2022

Ecuador es un país que cuenta con una vasta riqueza en el ámbito del Patrimonio Cultural. La Parroquia Rural La Pila es uno de los referentes que demuestran cómo el presente y el pasado coexisten con diversas manifestaciones culturales que fomentan la identidad local y potencian el turismo. El objetivo de este trabajo es evidenciar parte de las tradiciones culturales manabitas entre las que se destaca los pozos, cerámicas la artesanía de paja toquilla, la tradición oral recreada por mitos y leyendas. Como metodología se utilizó la combinación del análisis documental, las historias de vida y el inventario participativo realizado por los habitantes de la zona.