bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal and Catalytic Pyrolysis of Urban Plastic Waste: Modified Mordenite and ZSM-5 Zeolites
Authors: Paula Taihana Parente , Marques Maria de Fatima Vieira , Marques Mônica Regina da Costa , Oliveira Michelle Souza , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: April 2022

Zeolites have been successfully applied as catalysts in the pyrolysis of plastics to obtain valuable lower molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds. In the present work, mordenite was directly synthesized and chemically modified from commercial mordenite to increase pore volume. For the first time, the performance of these mordenites was compared with that of an alkali-treated ZSM-5 as catalysts for assisting the pyrolysis of simulated urban plastic waste. The investigated zeolites were: (i) as-supplied synthetic ZSM-5 (ZSM-5/AS); (ii) 0.2 M NaOH treated ZSM-5 (ZSM-5/02); (iii) as-supplied mordenite (MOR/AS); (iv) 0.2 M NaOH treated mordenite (MOR/02); and (v) synthetic lab-developed mordenite (MOR/SD). The modified and synthesized zeolites were individually applied as catalysts in the 700 °C pyrolyzes of combined polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene wastes in a mixture simulating most plastics found in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) city garbage composition. X-ray diffraction revealed crystallite sizes of all zeolites in a nanometric range from 17 to 43 nm. Textural analysis disclosed the alkali-treated ZSM-5/02 with a superior external surface area, 153 m²/g, and mesopore volume equal to 0.253 cm3/g. Lower values were obtained by MOR/02 (39 m²/g and 0.072 cm3/g). The pyrolysis of the plastic mixture with ZSM-5/02 presented a lower initial degradation temperature, 387 °C, followed by MOR/02, with 417 °C. The ZSM-5/02 catalyst obtained the highest conversion in the pyrolysis of the plastic mixture, totaling 49.2%. However, pyrolysis assisted by the MOR/02 catalyst showed the largest fraction (81.5%) of light hydrocarbons.
Aspects of Clinical Utility of the Distress Thermometer and Problem List after Burns
Authors: Hofland Helma W. C. , van de Steenoven Anneke , Van Loey Nancy E. E.
Published: April 2022

Burn survivors may benefit from screening for a broad area of problems to improve communication and inform referral needs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate clinical utility aspects such as appropriateness and acceptability to clinicians and completers of an existing, frequently used screening instrument in oncological populations, the Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DT and PL). Methods: Paediatric and adult patients visiting the outpatient clinic after admission to the burn centre were invited to complete the instrument. The DT and (problem domains of) the PL were related and compared to the need to discuss the reported problems. Results: A total of 160 patients were invited to complete the DT and PL, of which 139 agreed. The study shows evidence for appropriateness and high acceptability to clinicians and completers, although the effectiveness of the PL may be lower compared to the DT and needs adaptation to better meet the burn survivors’ situation. Discussion: The use of a screening instrument in the outpatient clinic environment has shown to be appropriate and acceptable and informs clinical practice to identify supportive needs in patients with burns. However, the PL needs to be adapted to the situation of the burn survivors.
The Radiation Problem of a Submerged Oblate Spheroid in Finite Water Depth Using the Method of the Image Singularities System
Authors: Anastasiou Eirini I. , Chatjigeorgiou Ioannis K.
Published: April 2022

This study examines the hydrodynamic parameters of a unique geometry that could be used effectively for wave energy extraction applications. In particular, we are concerned with the oblate spheroidal geometry that provides the advantage of a wider impact area on waves, closer to the free surface where the hydrodynamic pressure is higher. In addition, the problem is formulated and solved analytically via a method that is robust and most importantly very fast. In particular, we develop an analytical formulation for the radiation problem of a fully submerged oblate spheroid in a liquid field of finite water depth. The axisymmetric configuration of the spheroid is considered, i.e., the axis of symmetry is perpendicular to the undisturbed free surface. In order to solve the problem, the method of the image singularities system is employed. This method allows for the expansion of the velocity potential in a series of oblate spheroidal harmonics and the derivation of analytical expressions for the hydrodynamic coefficients for the translational degrees of freedom of the body. Numerical simulations and validations are presented taking into account the slenderness ratio of the spheroid, the immersion below the free surface and the water depth. The validations ensure the correctness and the accuracy of the proposed method. Utilizing the same approach, the whole process is implemented for a disc as well, given that a disc is the limiting case of an oblate spheroid since its semi-minor axis approaches zero.
Concordance between Laboratory and Field Methods for the Assessment of Body Fat in Olympic Combat Athletes: Analysis of the Influence of Adiposity
Authors: Fernandez-del-Valle María , Olmedillas Hugo , Gil de Antuñano Nieves Palacios , Ribas Ana María , Martínez-Camblor Pablo , García-Gonzalez Ángela , Úbeda Natalia , Iglesias-Gutiérrez Eduardo
Published: April 2022

Combat sports athletes competing in the same discipline exhibit notable and substantial differences in body weight, body composition (BC) and adiposity. No studies have considered the influence of adiposity levels in the agreement between different BC assessment methods. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of adiposity in the agreement between different methods used to estimate relative body fat (%BF) in Olympic combat sport athletes. A total of 38 male athletes were evaluated using air displacement plethysmography and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as laboratory methods, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), near-infrared interactance (NIR) and anthropometry as field methods. All methods were compared to DXA. Agreement analyses were performed by means of individual intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for each method compared to DXA, Bland–Altman plots and paired Student t-tests. The ICCs for the different methods compared to DXA were analyzed, considering tertiles of %BF, tertiles of body weight and type of sport. For the whole group, individual ICCs oscillated between 0.806 for BIA and 0.942 for anthropometry. BIA showed a statistically significant underestimation of %BF when compared to DXA. The agreement between every method and DXA was not affected by %BF, but it was highest in athletes at the highest %BF tertile (>13%). The ICC between NIR and DXA was poor in 72–82 kg athletes. Our results indicate that field methods are useful for routine %BF analysis, and that anthropometry is particularly appropriate, as it showed the highest accuracy irrespective of the athletes’ adiposity.
Mindfulness Stress Management for Female Cancer Survivors Facing the Uncertainty of Disease Progression: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Lee Jih-Teng , Lee Yi-Hua , Chang Yuan-Ping
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of a mindfulness stress management intervention on fear of recurrence and quality of life among female cancer survivors. A longitudinal, randomized design with two groups (60 participants) was used for pretest/posttest comparisons. Twelve weeks of mindfulness stress intervention effectively attenuated fear of recurrence symptoms (T1 p = 0.002, T2 p = 0.047), and quality of life (T1 p = 0.000, T2 p = 0.001) significantly increased. The results were significantly different between the intervention and control groups. Over time, group differences became more significant (T1 p = 0.002), demonstrating the effectiveness of the mindfulness stress management intervention. When female cancer survivors face uncertain disease progression, fear of recurrence affects their quality of life. When these women receive supportive intervention sooner, their improvement is more significant. Healthcare providers should encourage female cancer survivors to engage in mindfulness stress management actions to achieve a better benefit.
Observational Study Exploring the Efficacy and Effectiveness of a New Model of Peer-Assisted Simulation-Based Learning Clinical Placement
Authors: Dennis Diane , Cipriano Lora , Mulvey Ginny , Parkinson Stephanie , Reubenson Alan , Furness Anne
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: Immersive simulation-based learning is relevant and effective in health care professional pre-licensure training. Peer-assisted learning has reciprocal benefit for the learner and the teacher. A fully simulated model of fieldwork placement has been utilised at Curtin University since 2014, historically employing full-time faculty supervisors. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, traditional clinical placement availability diminished. (2) Methods: This mixed-methods prospective observational study aimed to translate the existing faculty-led placement for penultimate-year physiotherapy students to a peer-taught model, thereby creating new teaching placements for final-year students. Final- and penultimate-year physiotherapy students undertook the fully simulated fieldwork placement either as peer learners or peer teachers. The placement was then evaluated using four outcome measures: The ‘measure of quality of giving feedback scale’ (MQF) was used to assess peer learner satisfaction with peer-teacher supervision; plus/delta reflections were provided by peer teachers and faculty supervisors; student pass/fail rates for the penultimate-year physiotherapy students. (3) Results: For 10 weeks during November and December 2020, 195 students and 19 faculty participated in the placement. Mean MQF scores ranged from 6.4 (SD 0.86) to 6.8 (SD) out of 7; qualitative data reflected positive and negative aspects of the experience. There was a 4% fail rate for penultimate-year students for the placement. Results suggested that peer learners perceived peer-led feedback was of a high quality; there were both positives and challenges experienced using the model. (4) Conclusions: Physiotherapy students effectively adopted a peer-taught fully simulated fieldwork placement model with minimal faculty supervision, and comparable clinical competency outcomes.
Development and Validation of the Haze Risk Perception Scale and Influencing Factor Scale—A Study Based on College Students in Beijing
Authors: Zhang Yongbao , Chen Jianwu , Wei Xingfei , Wu Xiang
Published: April 2022

Although Beijing’s air quality has improved, there is still a long way to go for haze governance. In order to understand haze risk perception and related influencing factors among college students in Beijing, we developed and verified two scales, with college students as the survey object, and analyzed the theoretical framework and realistic level of haze risk perception and influencing factors through empirical research. We showed that the reliability and validity of the two scales are excellent, and they can be used as a powerful tool to measure college students’ perception of haze. The haze risk perception scale (HRPS) is divided into four dimensions. The degrees of perception ranked from high to low are: direct consequences perception, indirect consequences perception, risk responsibility perception and risk source perception. The haze risk perception influencing factor scale (HRPIFS) is divided into three dimensions. The degrees of influence ranked from high to low are: personal emotion, media communication and government policy; the three influencing factors all have a significant positive correlation to overall haze risk perception, but personal emotions and media communication are only significantly related to the three dimensions of direct consequence perception, indirect consequence perception and risk source perception. Government policy is only significantly related to the three dimensions of direct consequence perception, indirect consequence perception and risk liability perception. This paper proves the important role of media in haze risk perception and puts forward some policy suggestions to guide the public to form a rational risk perception. These findings can help improve theoretical and practical research related to haze risk.
Amount and Frequency of Added Sugars Intake and Their Associations with Dental Caries in United States Adults
Authors: Alosaimi Norah , Bernabé Eduardo
Published: April 2022

The relative importance of amount and frequency of sugars intake for caries development has been a matter of debate in recent years, yet only one study has formally evaluated this question among adults. The aims of this study were to explore the shape of the relationship between amount and frequency of added sugars intake and their associations with dental caries among adults. Cross-sectional data from 10,514 adults, aged 20+ years, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2016 were analyzed. The amount (g/day) and frequency (items/day and episodes/day) of added sugars intake were derived from dietary recalls. Dental caries was indicated by the DMFS and DS scores. Fractional polynomials were used to characterize the relationship between amount and frequency of added sugars intake. Their associations with DMFS and DS were evaluated in negative binomial regression models adjusting for confounders. There was a logarithmic relationship between amount and frequency of added sugars intake. The amount of added sugars intake was positively associated with the DMFS (rate ratio: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07–1.15) and DS scores (1.43, 95% CI: 1.33–1.54). However, the estimates for frequency of added sugars intake varied depending on how it was expressed. When expressed in items/day, it was not associated with the DMFS (1.02, 95% CI: 0.99–1.04) or DS score (0.91, 95% CI: 0.81–1.02). When expressed in episodes/day, it was positively associated with the DMFS (1.43, 95% CI: 1.33–1.54) but not with the DS score (0.95, 95% CI: 0.86–1.04). This study found a curvilinear relationship between the amount and frequency of added sugars intake. Furthermore, the amount of added sugars intake was more consistently and strongly associated with dental caries than the frequency of intake.
Sex, Gender, and Alcohol Use: Implications for Women and Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines
Authors: Greaves Lorraine , Poole Nancy , Brabete Andreea C.
Published: April 2022

Alcohol use is coming under increasing scrutiny with respect to its health impacts on the body. In this vein, several high-income countries have issued low-risk drinking guidelines in the past decade, aiming to educate the public on safer levels of alcohol use. Research on the sex-specific health effects of alcohol has indicated higher damage with lower amounts of alcohol for females as well as overall sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of alcohol in male and female bodies. Research on gender-related factors, while culturally dependent, indicates increased susceptibility to sexual assault and intimate partner violence as well as more negative gender norms and stereotypes about alcohol use for women. Sex- and gender-specific guidelines have been issued in some countries, suggesting lower amounts of alcohol consumption for women than men; however, in other countries, sex- and gender-blind advice has been issued. This article reports on a synthesis of the evidence on both sex- and gender-related factors affecting safer levels of drinking alcohol with an emphasis on women’s use. We conclude that supporting and expanding the development of sex- and gender-specific low-risk drinking guidelines offers more nuanced and educative information to clinicians and consumers and will particularly benefit women and girls.
How Do Older Adults Process Icons in Visual Search Tasks? The Combined Effects of Icon Type and Cognitive Aging
Authors: Wu Jianfeng , Jiao Dongfang , Lu Chunfu , Li Chengmin , Huang Xiaofang , Weng Suzan
Published: April 2022

Considering the differences in cognitive aging among older adults, this study examined how older adults process different types of graphic icons in visual search tasks. Fifty-four medical-related icons, including flat icons (FIs), FIs plus text (FIs + text), skeuomorphic icons (SIs), and SIs plus text (SIs + text), were created. The participants were divided into two groups—cognitively normal (CN) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—to complete a visual search task. According to the eye-tracking data of the participants, the search performance of the CN group was significantly better than that of the MCI group. In terms of icon types, all older adults performed better at searching for the combinations of icon and text, especially SI + text, which showed the smallest difference in the search performance between the MCI and CN groups. All older adults performed poorly when searching for FIs. The findings of this study considered the differences in cognitive aging among older adults and provided a useful reference for the icon and interface design of graphical user interfaces.
A Sequence Variation in GmBADH2 Enhances Soybean Aroma and Is a Functional Marker for Improving Soybean Flavor
Authors: Qian Linlin , Jin Hangxia , Yang Qinghua , Zhu Longming , Yu Xiaomin , Fu Xujun , Zhao Man , Yuan Fengjie
Published: April 2022

The vegetable soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) plant is commonly consumed in Southeast Asian countries because of its nutritional value and desirable taste. A “pandan-like” aroma is an important value-added quality trait that is rarely found in commercial vegetable soybean varieties. In this study, three novel aromatic soybean cultivars with a fragrant volatile compound were isolated. We confirmed that the aroma of these cultivars is due to the potent volatile compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2AP) that was previously identified in soybean. A sequence comparison of GmBADH1/2 (encoding an aminoaldehyde dehydrogenase) between aromatic and non-aromatic soybean varieties revealed a mutation with 10 SNPs and an 11-nucleotide deletion in exon 1 of GmBADH2 in Quxian No. 1 and Xiangdou. Additionally, a 2-bp deletion was detected in exon 10 of GmBADH2 in ZK1754. The mutations resulted in a frame shift and the introduction of premature stop codons. Moreover, genetic analyses indicated that the aromatic trait in these three varieties was inherited according to a single recessive gene model. These results suggested that a mutated GmBADH2 may be responsible for the aroma of these three aromatic soybean cultivars. The expression and function of GmBADH2 in aromatic soybean seeds were confirmed by qRT-PCR and CRISPR/Cas9. A functional marker developed on the basis of the mutated GmBADH2 sequence in Quxian No. 1 and Xiangdou was validated in an F2 population. A perfect association between the marker genotypes and aroma phenotypes implied that GmBADH2 is a major aroma-conferring gene. The results of this study are potentially useful for an in-depth analysis of the molecular basis of 2-AP formation in soybean and the marker-assisted breeding of aromatic vegetable soybean cultivars.
Novel Damage Index-Based Rapid Evaluation of Civil Infrastructure Subsurface Defects Using Thermography Analytics
Authors: Zhang Tianjie , Rahman Md Asif , Peterson Alex , Lu Yang
Published: April 2022

The qualitative measurement is a common practice in infrastructure condition inspection when using Infrared Thermography (IRT), as it can effectively locate the defected area non-destructively and non-contact. However, a quantitative evaluation becomes more significant because it can help decision makers figure out specific compensation plans to deal with defects. In this work, an IRT-based novel damage index, damage density, was proposed to quantify the significance of subsurface defects. This index is extracted from IR images using our thermography analytics framework. The proposed framework includes thermal image processing, defect edge detection, and thermal gradient map calculations. A modified root mean square error (mRMSE), which is a novel modification to the existing RMSE, was compared to evaluate the performance of image processing methods. The results show that the histogram equalization performs better than the other methods in the image processing part as the mRMSE is the lowest among them. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the developed index and the volume of subsurface defects is 0.94, which indicates a positive linear relationship between them. Thus, the proposed damage index can be used to guide the engineering practices and maintenance decisions for the subsurface determination in the civil infrastructure.
Abrasive Wear of Mining Chain Drums Made of Austempered Ductile Iron in Different Operating Modes
Authors: Wieczorek Andrzej N. , Wójcicki Mateusz , Drwięga Andrzej , Tuszyński Waldemar , Nuckowski Paweł M. , Nędza Jakub
Published: April 2022

The paper presents results of testing the resistance of chain wheels made of alloyed austempered ductile iron (ADI) with various content of retained austenite and subjected to shot peening, to the dynamic and abrasive wear by solid particles. The impact of the additional environmental factor—external dynamic forces—accompanying the operation of the chain wheels in the presence of the quartz particles has a synergistic effect on the abrasive wear in the contact area between the wheels and the chain links for all the considered variants, except for the ADI with the structure of the upper ausferrite. Based on the results obtained, it was found that the abrasive wear by solid particles increased and that the hardness of the surface layer of the chain wheels subjected to shot peening decreased. The relative increase in the wear ΔVDYN/δMAX,(A), representing the share of the additional dynamic force in the process of wear, was in the range of 16–40% for the group of tested cast iron ADI not subjected to shot peening, while for the shot peened—in the range of 16–64%. Demonstration of phase changes during the operation of chain wheels and the change in their intensity depending on the combination of environmental factors is the work novelty. In the opinion of the authors, the presented results will be of great practical importance as they will allow to increase the knowledge on the proper selection of ADI cast iron for environmental conditions.
Discrete Element Modeling of Instability Mechanisms of Unbound Permeable Aggregate Base Materials in Triaxial Compression
Authors: Xiao Yuanjie , Wang Xiaoming , Yu Qunding , Ren Juanjuan , Hua Wenjun , Mustafina Ralina , Zhang Fuguang , Feng Huaiping , Zhang Tongwen
Published: April 2022

Unbound permeable aggregate base (UPAB) materials with strong load-transmitting skeleton yet adequate inter-connected pores are desired for use in the sponge-city initiative. However, the micro-scale fabric evolution and instability mechanism of macroscopic strength behavior of such UPAB materials still remain unclear. In this study, virtual monotonic triaxial compression tests were conducted by using the discrete element method (DEM) modeling approach on specimens with different gradations quantified by the parameter of gravel-to-sand ratio (G/S). The realistic aggregate particle shape and inter-particle contact behavior were properly considered in the DEM model. The micromechanical mechanisms of the shearing failure of such UPAB materials and their evolution characteristics with G/S values were disclosed from contact force chains, microstructures, and particle motion. It was found that the proportion of rotating particles in the specimens decreased and the proportion of relative sliding between particles increased as the content of fine particles decreased. The plastic yielding of the specimens originated from the failure of contact force chains and the occurrence of the relative motion between particles, while the final instability was manifested by the large-scale relative motion among particles along the failure plane (i.e., changes in the internal particle topology). By comparing the macroscopic strength, microstructure evolution, and particle motion characteristics of the specimens with different G/S values, it was found that the specimens with G/S value of 1.8 performed the best, and that the G/S value of 1.8 could be regarded as the threshold for separating floating dense and skeletal gap type packing structures. The variation of Euler angles of rotating particles was significantly reduced in the particle size range of 4.75 mm to 9.50 mm, indicating that this size range separates most of the particles from rolling and sliding. Since particle rolling and sliding behavior are directly related to shear strength, this validates the rationality of the parameter G/S for controlling and optimizing gradations from the perspective of particle movement. The findings could provide theoretical basis and technical guidance for the effective design and efficient utilization of UPAB materials.
Ignition and Combustion Characteristic of B·Mg Alloy Powders
Authors: Ma Yusong , Zhang Kaichuang , Ma Shizhou , He Jinyan , Gai Xiqiang , Zhang Xinggao
Published: April 2022

Boron and its alloys have been explored a lot and it is expected that they can replace pure aluminum powder in the energetic formulation of active materials. MgB2 compounds were prepared and characterized by a combination of mechanical alloying and heat treatment. The ignition and combustion of boron–magnesium alloys were studied with the ignition wire method and laser ignition infrared temperature measurement. The results show that MgB2 has good ignition characteristics with maximum ignition temperatures obtained by the two various methods of 1292 K and 1293 K, respectively. Compared with boron, the ignition temperature of MgB2 is greatly reduced after alloying. The ignition reaction of MgB2 mainly occurs on the surface and the ignition process has two stages. In the initial stage of ignition, the large flame morphology and combustion state are close to the combustion with gaseous Mg, whereas the subsequent combustion process is close to the combustion process of B. Compared with boron, the ignition temperature of MgB2 is greatly reduced which suggests that MgB2 may be used in gunpowder, propellant, explosives, and pyrotechnics due to its improved ignition performance.
Delayed Absorption Superabsorbent Polymer for Strength Development in Concrete
Authors: Morinaga Yuka , Akao Yuya , Fukuda Daisuke , Elakneswaran Yogarajah
Published: April 2022

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are used as internal curing agents in cementitious materials, which reduce autogenous shrinkage in concrete as they have a low water-to-cement ratios and improve the freeze–thaw resistance. However, the compressive strength of concrete may also be reduced due to additional voids in the hydrated cement matrix. In this study, we fabricated a delayed absorption type of SAP (I-SAP) composed of cross-linked modified acrylate and studied its absorption characteristics and effect on compressive strength after 28 days. Furthermore, the effect of curing conditions on the strength of concrete and hydrated cement paste with SAP were investigated. The absorption capacity of I-SAP in the synthetic pore solution and deionised water was examined and compared with that of a conventional SAP, and the former was absorbed more by I-SAP. The results revealed that the compressive strength of concrete increased with the addition of I-SAP, particularly with the curing condition of 60% RH. Although the compressive strength of hydrated cement paste with I-SAP reduced in water or sealed curing conditions, no loss of strength in the paste cured at 60% RH was seen. The cement matrix densification due to hydration of belite around the SAP surface is the main mechanism for strength development in concrete cured at sealed and 60% RH. However, the voids formed by SAP control the compressive strength of hydrated paste.
In Situ Deformation Monitoring of 3D Woven Composite T-Profile Using MXene Nanoparticles
Authors: Shimpi Prasad , Omastova Maria , Aniskevich Andrey , Zeleniakiene Daiva
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to develop a process-efficient smart three-dimensional (3D) woven composite T-profile by depositing MXene nanoparticles at the junction for sensing damage and deformation at the junction. Such smart composites could find application in the online health monitoring of complex-shaped parts. The composites were manufactured by infusing epoxy resin in a single-layer fabric T-profile preform, woven in folded form on a dobby shuttle loom using 300 tex glass roving. The chemically etched Ti3C2Tz MXene nanoparticles were dispersed in deionised water and 10 layers were sprayed at the junction of the composite to form a conductive coating. The MXene-coated composite T-profile specimens were subjected to tensile and fatigue loading to study the electromechanical response of the MXene coating to applied displacement. The results showed that the MXene coating was able to sense the sample deformation till ultimate failure of the composite. The MXene coating was also able to effectively sense the tensile–tensile fatigue loading, carried out at 2000 cycles and 4000 cycles for a 50 N–0.5 Hz and a 100 N–1 Hz load–frequency combination, respectively, while being sensitive to the overall deformation of the composite. The smart complex-shaped composites developed in this work were capable of monitoring their health under tensile and fatigue loading in real time.
Combined aCGH and Exome Sequencing Analysis Improves Autism Spectrum Disorders Diagnosis: A Case Report
Authors: Ranieri Annaluisa , Veneruso Iolanda , La Monica Ilaria , Pascale Maria , Pastore Lucio , D’Argenio Valeria , Lombardo Barbara
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives: The development and standardization of genome-wide technologies able to carry out high-resolution, genomic analyses in a cost- and time-affordable way is increasing our knowledge regarding the molecular bases of complex diseases like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of heterogeneous diseases with multifactorial origins. Genetic factors seem to be involved, albeit they remain still largely unknown. Here, we report the case of a child with a clinical suspicion of ASD investigated by using such a genomic high-resolution approach. Materials and Methods: Both array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and exome sequencing were carried out on the family trio. aCGH was performed using the 4 × 180 K SurePrint G3 Human CGH Microarray, while the Human All Exon V7 targeted SureSelect XT HS panel was used for exome sequencing. Results: aCGH identified a paternally inherited duplication of chromosome 7 involving the CNTNAP2 gene, while 5 potentially clinically-relevant variants were identified by exome sequencing. Conclusions: Within the identified genomic alterations, the CNTNAP2 gene duplication may be related to the patient’s phenotype. Indeed, this gene has already been associated with brain development and cognitive functions, including language. The paternal origin of the alteration cannot exclude an incomplete penetrance. Moreover, other genomic factors may act as phenotype modifiers combined with CNTNAP2 gene duplication. Thus, the case reported herein strongly reinforces the need to use extensive genomic analyses to shed light on the bases of complex diseases.
An Innovative Real-Time Dosimeter for Radiation Hardness Assurance Tests
Authors: Campajola Luigi , Casolaro Pierluigi , Gandolfo Elisa Maria , Campajola Marcello , Buontempo Salvatore , Di Capua Francesco
Published: April 2022

The study of the effects of the radiation dose on devices and materials is a topic of high interest in several fields, including radiobiology, space missions, microelectronics, and high energy physics. In this paper, a new method, based on radiochromic film dosimetry, is proposed for real-time dose assessment in radiation hardness assurance tests. This method allows for correlating the radiation dose at which devices are exposed to the radiation effects (malfunctioning and/or breakdown). In previous studies, it has already been demonstrated that a system, based on optical fibers and a spectrometer, allows for the real-time dose assessment of radiochromic films. The current study not only validates our previous results, but shows that it is possible to apply the new method to an actual radiation environment for the real-time measurement of the dose delivered to a device in radiation hardness assurance tests. This new dosimeter can be used in different radiation environments for a wide dose range, from a few Gy to a few MGy. This high sensitivity can be reached by changing the radiochromic film type and/or the parameters used for the analysis.
Singing Nuns and Soft Power: British Diplomats as Music Tourists in Seicento Venice
Authors: Mailes Alana
Published: April 2022

Historians of early modern statecraft and confessional politics have traditionally treated the arts as peripheral to the more official bureaucratic concerns of government agents. Meanwhile, musicological scholarship rarely centers the experiences and exploits of politicians who participated in early modern musical events. This case study on British envoys to Venice in the early Stuart period illustrates how musical activity and political work were, in fact, thoroughly imbricated within the daily mechanics of cross-confessional ambassadorship. Drawing on seventeenth-century diplomatic sources, I detail how both English and Northern Italian politicians made strategic use of sacred music-making—particularly vocal performance in local nunneries—to influence their dealings with foreign states, as well as how English diplomats in the Italian peninsula surveilled Catholic musical devotions in their covert correspondences to communicate information about international affairs. In revealing these moments of interconnection between music, religion, and geopolitics, I seek to further recent efforts in the New Diplomatic History to highlight the contributions of women and artistic practice within histories of international relations.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Moroccan Beni Ahsen: Is This Endangered Ovine Breed One of the Ancestors of Merino?
Authors: Kandoussi Asmae , Boujenane Ismaïl , Piro Mohammed , Petit Daniel Pierre
Published: April 2022

(1) Background. Merino is a worldwide sheep breed well known for the quality and quantity of its wool. If there is no doubt that it originates from the Mediterranean Basin and that human selection took place in southern Spain, the populations that potentially contributed to the building of this breed are a matter of debate. Here, we tested whether a Moroccan breed settled on the North Atlantic coast, the Beni Ahsen, could be a good candidate, given the thickness and distribution of fleece covering the head and legs. (2). Methods. Using the control region of the mtDNA, 20 Beni Ahsen sequences were considered in a dataset of 643, including Mediterranean Merino and non-Merino breeds. Unfortunately, the Beni Ahsen is an endangered breed because of a lack of interest from the breeders. (3) Results. European Merino-derived breeds are divided into an Iberian and an Italian cluster, more linked to non-Merino breeds of the same country than between Merino themselves. Beni Ahsen breed is strongly linked to the other Moroccan breeds but shows the greatest number of connections with Merino-derived breeds, especially from Iberia. Interestingly, several other Moroccan breeds are also connected to Iberian Merino.
Recent Advances and Applications of Rapid Microbial Assessment from a Food Safety Perspective
Authors: Pampoukis George , Lytou Anastasia E. , Argyri Anthoula A. , Panagou Efstathios Z. , Nychas George-John E.
Published: April 2022

Unsafe food is estimated to cause 600 million cases of foodborne disease, annually. Thus, the development of methods that could assist in the prevention of foodborne diseases is of high interest. This review summarizes the recent progress toward rapid microbial assessment through (i) spectroscopic techniques, (ii) spectral imaging techniques, (iii) biosensors and (iv) sensors designed to mimic human senses. These methods often produce complex and high-dimensional data that cannot be analyzed with conventional statistical methods. Multivariate statistics and machine learning approaches seemed to be valuable for these methods so as to “translate” measurements to microbial estimations. However, a great proportion of the models reported in the literature misuse these approaches, which may lead to models with low predictive power under generic conditions. Overall, all the methods showed great potential for rapid microbial assessment. Biosensors are closer to wide-scale implementation followed by spectroscopic techniques and then by spectral imaging techniques and sensors designed to mimic human senses.
A Novel Privacy Paradigm for Improving Serial Data Privacy
Authors: Shaukat Ayesha , Anjum Adeel , Malik Saif U. R. , Shah Munam Ali , Maple Carsten
Published: April 2022

Protecting the privacy of individuals is of utmost concern in today’s society, as inscribed and governed by the prevailing privacy laws, such as GDPR. In serial data, bits of data are continuously released, but their combined effect may result in a privacy breach in the whole serial publication. Protecting serial data is crucial for preserving them from adversaries. Previous approaches provide privacy for relational data and serial data, but many loopholes exist when dealing with multiple sensitive values. We address these problems by introducing a novel privacy approach that limits the risk of privacy disclosure in republication and gives better privacy with much lower perturbation rates. Existing techniques provide a strong privacy guarantee against attacks on data privacy; however, in serial publication, the chances of attack still exist due to the continuous addition and deletion of data. In serial data, proper countermeasures for tackling attacks such as correlation attacks have not been taken, due to which serial publication is still at risk. Moreover, protecting privacy is a significant task due to the critical absence of sensitive values while dealing with multiple sensitive values. Due to this critical absence, signatures change in every release, which is a reason for attacks. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach in order to counter the composition attack and the transitive composition attack and we prove that the proposed approach is better than the existing state-of-the-art techniques. Our paper establishes the result with a systematic examination of the republication dilemma. Finally, we evaluate our work using benchmark datasets, and the results show the efficacy of the proposed technique.
A Pilot Study Comparing the Effects of Concurrent and Terminal Visual Feedback on Standing Balance in Older Adults
Authors: Ferris Jamie , Barone Vincent J. , Perkins Noel C. , Sienko Kathleen H.
Published: April 2022

While balance training with concurrent feedback has been shown to improve real-time balance in older adults, terminal feedback may simplify implementation outside of clinical settings. Similarly, visual feedback is particularly well-suited for use outside the clinic as it is relatively easily understood and accessible via ubiquitous mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) with little additional peripheral equipment. However, differences in the effects of concurrent and terminal visual feedback are not yet well understood. We therefore performed a pilot study that directly compared the immediate effects of concurrent and terminal visual feedback as a first and necessary step in the future design of visual feedback technologies for balance training outside of clinical settings. Nineteen healthy older adults participated in a single balance training session during which they performed 38 trials of a single balance exercise including trials with concurrent, terminal or no visual feedback. Analysis of trunk angular position and velocity features recorded via an inertial measurement unit indicated that sway angles decreased with training regardless of feedback type, but sway velocity increased with concurrent feedback and decreased with terminal feedback. After removing feedback, training with either feedback type yielded decreased mean velocity, but only terminal feedback yielded decreased sway angles. Consequently, this study suggests that, for older adults, terminal visual feedback may be a viable alternative to concurrent visual feedback for short duration single-task balance training. Terminal feedback provided using ubiquitous devices should be further explored for balance training outside of clinical settings.
Potential of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for the Determination of Olive Oil Quality
Authors: García Martín Juan Francisco
Published: April 2022

The analysis of the physico-chemical parameters of quality of olive oil is still carried out in laboratories using chemicals and generating waste, which is relatively costly and time-consuming. Among the various alternatives for the online or on-site measurement of these parameters, the available literature highlights the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). This article intends to comprehensively review the state-of-the-art research and the actual potential of NIRS for the analysis of olive oil. A description of the features of the infrared spectrum of olive oil and a quick explanation of the fundamentals of NIRS and chemometrics are also included. From the results available in the literature, it can be concluded that the four most usual physico-chemical parameters that define the quality of olive oils, namely free acidity, peroxide value, K232, and K270, can be measured by NIRS with high precision. In addition, NIRS is suitable for the nutritional labeling of olive oil because of its great performance in predicting the contents in total fat, total saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids in olive oils. Other parameters of interest have the potential to be analyzed by NIRS, but the improvement of the mathematical models for their determination is required, since the errors of prediction reported so far are a bit high for practical application.
An Extended Kalman Filter for Magnetic Field SLAM Using Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Viset Frida , Helmons Rudy , Kok Manon
Published: April 2022

We present a computationally efficient algorithm for using variations in the ambient magnetic field to compensate for position drift in integrated odometry measurements (dead-reckoning estimates) through simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). When the magnetic field map is represented with a reduced-rank Gaussian process (GP) using Laplace basis functions defined in a cubical domain, analytic expressions of the gradient of the learned magnetic field become available. An existing approach for magnetic field SLAM with reduced-rank GP regression uses a Rao-Blackwellized particle filter (RBPF). For each incoming measurement, training of the magnetic field map using an RBPF has a computational complexity per time step of O(NpNm2), where Np is the number of particles, and Nm is the number of basis functions used to approximate the Gaussian process. Contrary to the existing particle filter-based approach, we propose applying an extended Kalman filter based on the gradients of our learned magnetic field map for simultaneous localization and mapping. Our proposed algorithm only requires training a single map. It, therefore, has a computational complexity at each time step of O(Nm2). We demonstrate the workings of the extended Kalman filter for magnetic field SLAM on an open-source data set from a foot-mounted sensor and magnetic field measurements collected onboard a model ship in an indoor pool. We observe that the drift compensating abilities of our algorithm are comparable to what has previously been demonstrated for magnetic field SLAM with an RBPF.
NIR-Based Intelligent Sensing of Product Yield Stress for High-Value Bioresorbable Polymer Processing
Authors: Mulrennan Konrad , Munir Nimra , Creedon Leo , Donovan John , Lyons John G. , McAfee Marion
Published: April 2022

PLA (polylactide) is a bioresorbable polymer used in implantable medical and drug delivery devices. Like other bioresorbable polymers, PLA needs to be processed carefully to avoid degradation. In this work we combine in-process temperature, pressure, and NIR spectroscopy measurements with multivariate regression methods for prediction of the mechanical strength of an extruded PLA product. The potential to use such a method as an intelligent sensor for real-time quality analysis is evaluated based on regulatory guidelines for the medical device industry. It is shown that for the predictions to be robust to processing at different times and to slight changes in the processing conditions, the fusion of both NIR and conventional process sensor data is required. Partial least squares (PLS), which is the established ’soft sensing’ method in the industry, performs the best of the linear methods but demonstrates poor reliability over the full range of processing conditions. Conversely, both random forest (RF) and support vector regression (SVR) show excellent performance for all criteria when used with a prior principal component (PC) dimension reduction step. While linear methods currently dominate for soft sensing of mixture concentrations in highly conservative, regulated industries such as the medical device industry, this work indicates that nonlinear methods may outperform them in the prediction of mechanical properties from complex physicochemical sensor data. The nonlinear methods show the potential to meet industrial standards for robustness, despite the relatively small amount of training data typically available in high-value material processing.
Self-Supervised Robust Feature Matching Pipeline for Teach and Repeat Navigation
Authors: Rouček Tomáš , Amjadi Arash Sadeghi , Rozsypálek Zdeněk , Broughton George , Blaha Jan , Kusumam Keerthy , Krajník Tomáš
Published: April 2022

The performance of deep neural networks and the low costs of computational hardware has made computer vision a popular choice in many robotic systems. An attractive feature of deep-learned methods is their ability to cope with appearance changes caused by day–night cycles and seasonal variations. However, deep learning of neural networks typically relies on large numbers of hand-annotated images, which requires significant effort for data collection and annotation. We present a method that allows autonomous, self-supervised training of a neural network in visual teach-and-repeat (VT&R) tasks, where a mobile robot has to traverse a previously taught path repeatedly. Our method is based on a fusion of two image registration schemes: one based on a Siamese neural network and another on point-feature matching. As the robot traverses the taught paths, it uses the results of feature-based matching to train the neural network, which, in turn, provides coarse registration estimates to the feature matcher. We show that as the neural network gets trained, the accuracy and robustness of the navigation increases, making the robot capable of dealing with significant changes in the environment. This method can significantly reduce the data annotation efforts when designing new robotic systems or introducing robots into new environments. Moreover, the method provides annotated datasets that can be deployed in other navigation systems. To promote the reproducibility of the research presented herein, we provide our datasets, codes and trained models online.