bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spirulina platensis Inclusion Reverses Circulating Pro-inflammatory (Chemo)cytokine Profiles in Broilers Fed Low-Protein Diets
Authors: Mullenix Garrett J. , Greene Elizabeth S. , Emami Nima K. , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo , Bottje Walter G. , Erf Gisela F. , Kidd Michael T. , Dridi Sami
Published: May 2021

Proteins are considered the most expensive nutrients in commercial modern broiler production, and their dietary inclusion at low levels is pivotal to minimize feed costs and reduce nitrogen waste. The quest for an environmentally friendly source of proteins that favor the formulation of low protein diets without compromising broiler health, welfare, and growth performance has become a hotspot in nutrition research. Due to its high protein content, the naturally growing Spirulina microalgae is considered a promising nutrient source. The purpose of the present study was, therefore, to determine the effects of Spirulina supplementation on liver bacterial translocation, hematological profile, and circulating inflammatory and redox markers in broilers fed a low-protein diet. One-day-old Ross 708 male broilers (n = 180) were randomly assigned into one of three experimental treatments: standard diet as a control, low protein diet, and low protein diet supplemented with 100 g/kg of Spirulina. Target molecular markers were measured in the peripheral blood circulation using real-time quantitative PCR. Reducing dietary proteins increased bacterial translocation and systemic inflammation as indicated by proportions of basophils among blood leukocytes. The expression levels of circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-3, IL-6, IL-4, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α], chemokines (CCL-20), and NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome were significantly upregulated in birds fed the low protein diet compared with the control. The inclusion of Spirulina reversed these effects, which indicates that Spirulina reduces systemic inflammation- and bacterial translocation-induced by a low protein diet and could be a promising alternative protein source in poultry diets.
Manipulacja obrazem Ukrainy jako element rosyjskiej propagandy. Przykład «Rassijskoj Gaziety»
Authors: Nogawica Izabela
Published: May 2021

The aim of the article is to answer the question how the Kremlin shapes the image of Ukraine after the outbreak of Euromaidan and how it relates to documents regulating the information policy of the Russian Federation. To achieve this, articles published on the official site of the Russian official journal from January 2014 to December 2019 were analyzed. The research conducted proves that the change of the vector of Ukrainian foreign policy influenced the way Ukraine is described.
Zasada kadencyjności organów jednostek samorządu terytorialnego
Authors: Suska Magdalena
Published: May 2021

In 2018, amendments to the law entered into force, which extended and reduced the term of administrative officer of the commune, mayor, and city president. There is a dispute in the doctrine regarding the constitutionality of the adopted regulations. Constitution of the Republic of Poland leaves the ordinary legislator to determine the principles and procedure for electing the executive bodies of local government units. The literature presents agruments for and against the introduced changes. The adopted changes are effective from the term of office started in 2018, terms that have already ended are not taken into account.
Znaczenie empirii jako podstawy wyjaśniania, prognozowania i praktyki w naukach społecznych
Authors: Kozłowski Sebastian
Published: May 2021

The considerations presented in the article are to be an impulse to reflect on the foundations on which modern scientific discoveries are based. The aim of the analysis is to present a number of doubts as to the accuracy and perfection of contemporary research results in social sciences, in particular in the discipline of political science. In social reality there are still many limitations both on the part of the human being as the subject examining reality and the imperfections of the tools he uses. The article discusses attitudes towards scientific dispute consisting in the clash of the scientific paradigm based on empiricism and positivism with postmodern interpretivism within the hermeneutic paradigm will soon end.
Kryptowaluty jako obiekt badań w naukach społecznych – obszary empirycznej eksploracji
Authors: Mincewicz Wojciech
Published: May 2021

Cryptocurrencies are a decentralized, peer–to–peer network architecture, cryptographically secured, based on trust and consensus, type of virtual currency, incompletely fulfilling some functions of money. They constitute a new interdisciplinary subject of scientific research. In the article, the author indicates potential areas of empirical exploration that can be conducted by representatives of social sciences. The four areas identified were: research on attitudes and opinions, the behavior of the community of cryptocurrency users, products of Internet culture and the structure of the Internet, including, in particular, the block chain. The research is based on well–established techniques, classic in research practice, which, due to the different nature of virtual and physical reality, are modified and adapted to technical conditions.
Factors Associated with Parent–Adolescent Attachment Relationship Quality: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Therriault Danyka , Lemelin Jean-Pascal , Toupin Jean , Déry Michèle
Published: May 2021

Background: Attachment to parents during adolescence has been identified as an important indicator of psychosocial adaptation. However, the relative importance of the adolescents’ behavior problems and the larger relational context likely to influence the quality of these relationships remains relatively underexplored. The present study aims to identify the factors associated with the quality of parent–adolescent attachment relationships and to establish their relative contributions. This study also tested, as a complementary objective, the invariance of the models according to sex. Method: 706 (46.9% girls) early adolescents participated in the study at time 1 and then again, two years later. The individual (e.g., behavior problems or temperament) and contextual (e.g., parents’ behaviors, history of abuse or environment stability) associated factors were measured at time 1, while the quality of the parent–adolescent attachment relationship was measured at time 2. Results: The results showed that a history of emotional abuse, inconsistent discipline, externalized behavior problems and the adolescent’s age were negatively associated with the global attachment security score, while internalized behavior problems and peer attachment were positively associated. These variables explained 15.7% of variance. The results also demonstrated that these variables were also associated with the specific dimensions of attachment (trust, communication, alienation). Discussion: The study demonstrates the importance of several relational variables in the development of the parent–adolescent attachment relationship.
Load-Identification Method for Flexible Multiple Corrugated Skin Using Spectra Features of FBGs
Authors: Zheng Zhaoyu , Lu Jiyun , Liang Dakai
Published: May 2021

Flexible corrugated skins are ideal structures for morphing wings, and the associated load measurements are of great significance in structural health monitoring. This paper proposes a novel load-identification method for flexible corrugated skins based on improved Fisher discrimination dictionary learning (FDDL). Several fiber Bragg grating sensors are pasted on the skin to monitor the load on multiple corrugated crests. The loads on different crests cause nonuniform strain fields, and these discriminative spectra are recorded and used as training data. The proposed method involves load-positioning and load-size identification. In the load-size-identification stage, a classifier is trained for every corrugated crest. An interleaved block grouping of samples is introduced to enhance the discrimination of dictionaries, and a two-resolution load-size classifier is introduced to improve the performance and resolution of the grouping labels. An adjustable weight is introduced to the FDDL classification scheme to optimize the contribution from different sensors for different load-size classifiers. With the proposed method, the individual loads on eight crests can be identified by two fiber Bragg grating sensors. The positioning accuracy is 100%, and the mean error of the load-size identification is 0.2106 N, which is sufficiently precise for structural health monitoring.
Impact of Ozonisation Time and Dose on Health Related and Microbiological Properties of Rapanui Tomatoes
Authors: Onopiuk Anna , Szpicer Arkadiusz , Wojtasik-Kalinowska Iwona , Wierzbicka Agnieszka , Półtorak Andrzej
Published: May 2021

The impact of ozone concentration and ozonisation time on the selected chemical, physical and microbiological properties of Rapanui tomatoes was investigated. Tomatoes were exposed to gaseous ozone at concentrations of 0.9 and 2.5 mg L−1 (c1, c2) for 30 and 120 min (t1, t2), and stored for up to 15 days at a temperature of 12 ± 1 °C. The following parameters were evaluated: titratable acidity, total soluble solids, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, lycopene, total carotenoids, vitamin C, total antioxidant activity, colour L* a* b* and firmness. Ozonated fruit had higher levels of total soluble solids and higher levels of titratable acidity during and after storage. Exposure of tomatoes to a cooling atmosphere, applying recommended ozonisation process parameters, efficiently inactivated microorganisms that are present on the surface and reduced fruit weight loss, while retaining their firmness and stable colour.
Microbiological Activity during Co-Composting of Food and Agricultural Waste for Soil Amendment
Authors: Mironov Vladimir , Vanteeva Anna , Merkel Alexander
Published: May 2021

This study aims to establish the relationship between ambient parameters and the diversity, composition, and function of microbial communities that predominate at each stage of the co-composting of food and agricultural waste. Culture-based and culture-independent methods were used to investigate the changes in the microbiota. The favorable conditions of high initial humidity and C/N ratio caused a decrease in the richness and biodiversity of the microbiota when such conditions existed. During the thermophilic stage, the total microbial number increased, and active mineralization of organic matter was carried out by members of the genera Bacillus, Caldibacillus, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. The fungal community was sensitive to drastic temperature changes. Byssochlamys dominated among fungi during the transition from the mesophilic to the thermophilic stage and during cooling. The biodiversity increased with time and was associated with the dynamics of germination and nitrification indices, so that the more diverse the microbial community, the higher the properties of compost that stimulate plant growth and development. The microbial community of the mature compost, together with mineral plant nutrients ready for consumption and humic compounds, make this compost a good soil additive.
Improving Germination Rate of Coastal Glehnia by Cold Stratification and Pericarp Removal
Authors: Yeom Moon-Sun , Nguyen Thi Kim Loan , Cho Ju-Sung , Oh Myung-Min
Published: May 2021

The medicinal plant, coastal glehnia (Glehnia littoralis F. Schmidt ex Miq.), belongs to the Apiaceae, which is known to exhibit morpho-physiological seed dormancy (MPD). In this study, we aimed to determine the dormancy type of this plant, along with the conditions for breaking dormancy, and how to increase its germination rate for mass production. Initially, the seeds of coastal glehnia had undeveloped embryos, which gradually developed following cold (5 °C) stratification over eight weeks. The embryo to seed (E:S) ratio increased to 66.7%, confirming that the seeds had the MPD type. Coastal glehnia seeds with pericarp did not show inhibited water uptake, and the germination inhibitory chemicals were not detected. However, removal of the pericarp improved the final germination percentage, germination speed, and T50 of coastal glehnia seeds compared with those of seeds with pericarp at 20 °C, which showed the highest value compared with other temperature treatments. Thus, cold stratification at 5 °C for eight weeks and removing the pericarp of germinating seeds maintained at 20 °C is efficient ways to break dormancy and improve the germination rate for the mass production of coastal glehnia.
Case Study: An Evaluation of Detection Dog Generalization to a Large Quantity of an Unknown Explosive in the Field
Authors: Aviles-Rosa Edgar O. , McGuinness Gordon , Hall Nathaniel J.
Published: May 2021

Two explosive detection dogs were deployed to search a suspicious bag, and failed to detect 13 kg of explosive within. The aim of this research was to further evaluate this incident. First, dog teams (N = 7) searched four bags in a similar scenario. One bag contained the same 13 kg of explosive, two bags were blanks, and the other contained the training sample that the agency routinely used for training. All dogs detected the training sample, but most (5/7) did not alert to the 13 kg sample. Subsequently, dogs received two trials in a line up with a 30 g subsample of the explosive to evaluate whether they could generalize to a smaller quantity. Most dogs (6/7) alerted to the subsample at least once. Finally, dogs were trained with the 30 g subsample and later tested with the 13 kg sample. Only three dogs spontaneously generalized to the large sample after training with the small subsample. Dogs’ alert rate to the 13 kg sample was improved with training in subsequent trials with the 13 kg sample. This result indicates that explosive detection dogs may not generalize to a target odor at a significantly higher quantity relative to the one used in training, highlighting the importance of conducting such training.
Protective Immunity Induced by an Eimeria tenella Whole Sporozoite Vaccine Elicits Specific B-Cell Antigens
Authors: Juárez-Estrada Marco A. , Gayosso-Vázquez Amanda , Tellez-Isaias Guillermo , Alonso-Morales Rogelio A.
Published: May 2021

This study investigated protection against Eimeria tenella following the vaccination of chicks with 5.3 × 106 E. tenella whole-sporozoites emulsified in the nanoparticle adjuvant IMS 1313 N VG Montanide™ (EtSz-IMS1313). One-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicks were subcutaneously injected in the neck with EtSz-IMS1313 on the 1st and 10th days of age. Acquired immunity was assayed through a challenge with 3 × 104 homologous sporulated oocysts at 21 days of age. The anticoccidial index (ACI) calculated for every group showed the effectiveness of EtSz-IMS1313 as a vaccine with an ACI of 186; the mock-injected control showed an ACI of 18 and the unimmunized, challenged control showed an ACI of −28. In a comparison assay, antibodies from rabbits and SPF birds immunized with EtSz-IMS1313 recognized almost the same polypeptides in the blotting of E. tenella sporozoites and merozoites. However, rabbit antisera showed the clearest recognition pattern. Polypeptides of 120, 105, 94, 70, 38, and 19 kDa from both E. tenella life cycle stages were the most strongly recognized by both animal species. The E. tenella zoite-specific IgG antibodies from the rabbits demonstrated the feasibility for successful B cell antigen identification.
The Use of Molecular Profiling to Track Equine Reinfection Rates of Cyathostomin Species Following Anthelmintic Administration
Authors: Johnson Alexa C. B. , Biddle Amy S.
Published: May 2021

Cyathostomins are a multispecies parasite ubiquitous in Equids. Cyathostomins have developed resistance to all but one class of anthelmintics, but species-level sensitivity to anthelmintics has not been shown. This study measured reinfection rates of cyathostomin species following the administration of three commercial dewormers. Nine treated horses were compared with 90 untreated controls during June-September 2017–2019. Ivermectin (IVM) (n = 6), Moxidectin (MOX) (n = 8) or Pyrantel (PYR) (n = 8) were orally administered. Fecal samples were collected every 14 d for 98 d. Fecal egg count reductions (FECR) were calculated using a modified McMaster technique. Nineteen cyathostomin species were identified by 5.8S-ITS-2 profiling using amplicon sequencing. Data were analyzed in QIIME1 and R statistical software using presence/absence methods. MOX had the lowest numbers of species present over the time course, followed by PYR then IVM (7.14, 10.17, 11.09, respectively); however, FECR was fastest for PYR. The presence of seven species: Coronocyclus labiatus, Cyathostomum catinatum, Cyathostomum tetracanthum, Cylicocylus elongatus, Cylicodontophorus bicoronatus, Cylicostephanus minutus, and Cylicostephanus goldi were unaffected by treatment (p > 0.05) points to species-specific differences in dewormer sensitivity and environmental persistence. Identifying resistance patterns at the species level will enable mechanistic understandings of cyathostomin anthelmintic resistance and targeted approaches to control them.
Enhanced Understanding of Horse–Human Interactions to Optimize Welfare
Authors: Merkies Katrina , Franzin Olivia
Published: May 2021

Horses (Equus caballus) have been domesticated for millennia and are regularly utilized for work, sport, and companionship. Enhanced understanding of human–horse interactions can create avenues to optimize their welfare. This review explores the current research surrounding many aspects of human–horse interactions by first highlighting the horse’s sensory capabilities and how they pertain to human interactions. Evidence exists that suggests that horses can read humans in various ways through our body odours, posture, facial expressions, and attentiveness. The literature also suggests that horses are capable of remembering previous experiences when working with humans. The interrelatedness of equine cognition and affective states within the horse’s umwelt is then explored. From there, equine personality and the current literature regarding emotional transfer between humans and horses is examined. Even though horses may be capable of recognizing emotional states in humans, there remains a gap in the literature of whether horses are capable of empathizing with human emotion. The objective of this literature review is to explore aspects of the relationship between humans and horses to better understand the horse’s umwelt and thereby shed new light on potential positive approaches to enhance equine welfare with humans.
Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 Impacts on Small-Scale Commercial Broiler Production Systems in Egypt: Implications for Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Abu Hatab Assem , Liu Zhen , Nasser Asmaa , Esmat Abourehab
Published: May 2021

As in many other countries, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, together with subsequent government containment measures, posed significant challenges to small-scale broiler production systems in Egypt. Based on a survey of 205 specialist small-scale commercial broiler farms (SCBFs) consisting of both farm-based and household-based production systems, this study identifies the primary pathways through which COVID-19 has affected SCBFs and investigates the determinants of farm perception of these effects. A polychoric principal component analysis sorted the effects of the pandemic on the SCBFs surveyed into five categories, namely, input availability, production and operational costs, labor and human resources, consumer demand and sales, and farm finances. Next, five ordered logit models were constructed to examine the determinants of the SCBFs’ perception of each category of these effects. Generally, the empirical results revealed that COVID-19 affected SCBFs heterogeneously based on their management and production systems and resource endowment. Female-led and household-based SCBFs perceived significantly greater COVID-19 effects. In contrast, individually owned farms and those with membership of poultry producer organizations and larger total asset values perceived fewer effects. In addition, SCBFs operating in both local and provincial markets were less likely to perceive negative effects from the pandemic on their broiler farming activities. Although the adoption of strict and immediate containment measures was essential for controlling the virus and protecting public health, our results indicate that policy responses to COVID-19 must consider the likely effects on small businesses such as SCBFs since disruptions to such socioeconomically important supply chains will intensify human suffering from the pandemic. Overall, our findings provide important implications for the formulation of effective strategies for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on small-scale broiler production systems in Egypt and enhancing their preparedness and resilience to future pandemics, natural hazard risks, and market shocks.
Retrospective Data Insight into the Global Distribution of Carbapenemase-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wang Min-Ge , Liu Zhi-Yong , Liao Xiao-Ping , Sun Ruan-Yang , Li Run-Bo , Liu Yan , Fang Liang-Xing , Sun Jian , Liu Ya-Hong , Zhang Rong-Min
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to determine the global distribution and molecular characteristics of carbapenemase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. A total of 328 (11.1%, 328/2953) carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa isolates from humans were obtained from public databases as of October 2019. Of which, the blaVIM and blaIMP genes were the most prevalent carbapenemases in the P. aeruginosa isolates. These carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa isolates possessed 34 distinct sequence types (STs) and six predominated: ST357, ST823, ST308, ST233, ST175 and ST111. The ST357 and ST823 isolates were primarily found detected in Asia and all ST175 isolates were found in Europe. The ST308, ST233 and ST111 isolates were spread worldwide. Further, all ST823 isolates and the majority of ST111, ST233 and ST175 isolates carried blaVIM but ST357 isolates primarily carried blaIMP. ST308 isolates provide a key reservoir for the spread of blaVIM, blaIMP and blaNDM. WGS analysis revealed that ST111 carried a great diversity of ARG types (n = 23), followed by ST357 (n = 21), ST308 (n = 19), ST233 (n = 18), ST175 (n = 14) and ST823 (n = 10). The ST175 isolates carried a more diversity and frequent of aminoglycoside ARGs, and ST233 isolates harbored more tetracycline ARGs. Our findings revealed that different carbapenem resistance genes were distributed primarily in variant STs of P. aeruginosa isolates, these isolates also possessed an extensive geographical distribution that highlights the need for surveillance studies that detect carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa isolates in humans.
Implications of Oxidative and Nitrosative Post-Translational Modifications in Therapeutic Strategies against Reperfusion Damage
Authors: Buelna-Chontal Mabel , García-Niño Wylly R. , Silva-Palacios Alejandro , Enríquez-Cortina Cristina , Zazueta Cecilia
Published: May 2021

Post-translational modifications based on redox reactions “switch on-off” the biological activity of different downstream targets, modifying a myriad of processes and providing an efficient mechanism for signaling regulation in physiological and pathological conditions. Such modifications depend on the generation of redox components, such as reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. Therefore, as the oxidative or nitrosative milieu prevailing in the reperfused heart is determinant for protective signaling, in this review we defined the impact of redox-based post-translational modifications resulting from either oxidative/nitrosative signaling or oxidative/nitrosative stress that occurs during reperfusion damage. The role that cardioprotective conditioning strategies have had to establish that such changes occur at different subcellular levels, particularly in mitochondria, is also presented. Another section is devoted to the possible mechanism of signal delivering of modified proteins. Finally, we discuss the possible efficacy of redox-based therapeutic strategies against reperfusion damage.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Oxidative Stress as a Major Pathophysiological Mechanism Linked to Adverse Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Kountouri Aikaterini , Korakas Emmanouil , Ikonomidis Ignatios , Raptis Athanasios , Tentolouris Nikolaos , Dimitriadis George , Lambadiari Vaia
Published: May 2021

Recent reports have demonstrated the association between type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and increased morbidity and mortality rates during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection, setting a priority of these patients for vaccination. Impaired innate and adaptive immunity observed in T1DM seem to play a major role. Severe, life-threatening COVID-19 disease is characterized by the excessive release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, known as a “cytokine storm”. Patients with T1DM present elevated levels of cytokines including interleukin-1a (IL), IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), suggesting the pre-existence of chronic inflammation, which, in turn, has been considered the major risk factor of adverse COVID-19 outcomes in many cohorts. Even more importantly, oxidative stress is a key player in COVID-19 pathogenesis and determines disease severity. It is well-known that extreme glucose excursions, the prominent feature of T1DM, are a potent mediator of oxidative stress through several pathways including the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and the increased production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Additionally, chronic endothelial dysfunction and the hypercoagulant state observed in T1DM, in combination with the direct damage of endothelial cells by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), may result in endothelial and microcirculation impairment, which contribute to the pathogenesis of acute respiratory syndrome and multi-organ failure. The binding of SARS-CoV-2 to angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors in pancreatic b-cells permits the direct destruction of b-cells, which contributes to the development of new-onset diabetes and the induction of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in patients with T1DM. Large clinical studies are required to clarify the exact pathways through which T1DM results in worse COVID-19 outcomes.
Evaluation Model of Parking Equipment Planning and Design Based on Object-Oriented Technology
Authors: Ni Minna , Sun Zhihong , Luo Yuhan , Yi Qi , Zhang Yiqing , Wang Zhongyi
Published: May 2021

Stereo parking equipment has become an important means to solve the problem of parking difficulties, so it is necessary to study the planning of stereo parking equipment. This paper proposes an evaluation model for parking equipment planning and design, and verifies the feasibility of the model through an example. First, obtain the surface information of the planned area through object-oriented technology, and then complete the design layout of the area that can accommodate the most parking spaces according to the plan information map of the study area. Next, calculate the number of parking spaces required for each building in the area, and the number of available parking spaces within the maximum acceptable time for each building. Finally, compare the two to design the number and location of parking equipment. This method can quickly and accurately obtain the ground plane information map of the study area, while ensuring the capacity of parking spaces to meet the needs of users, it also improves the rationality and suitability of the planning and layout of stereo parking equipment, which can effectively guide the planning and construction of urban parking equipment.
Analysis of the Complications in Patients Undergoing Orthognathic Surgery by Piezosurgery®: A 13 Years Retrospective Study
Authors: Bertossi Dario , Albanese Massimo , Donadello Dario , Carletta Luca Calogero , Nocini Riccardo , Ricciardi Giulia , Lucchese Alessandra
Published: May 2021

Orthognathic surgery is a branch of maxillo-facial surgery increasingly in demand, which deals with the correction of skeletal deformities. The aim of the present study is to identify the most common post-operative complications following orthognathic bimaxillary surgery performed by means of Piezosurgery®. Furthermore, through an examination of the available scientific literature, we wanted to establish whether the frequency of postoperative complications were consistent with those already reported. A retrospective study on 58 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery with a bilateral sagittal osteotomy (BSSO) of the mandibular bone branch, maxillary surgery with Le Fort I mono-segmented or multi-segmented approach, and genioplasty technique using Piezosurgery®. The complications taken into consideration were disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), paraesthesia and hypoesthesia, asymmetries, nose enlargement, nasal septum deviation, nasal obstruction, dental discolorations, pulpal necrosis, occlusion and masticatory efficiency, gingival recession, periodontal problems, dysgeusia, nausea and vomiting, weeping alterations, hearing problems, delayed healing, superinfection, removal of synthesis means, reoperation, cicatricial outcome, and bilateral pneumothorax. It has been highlighted that a number and type of postoperative complications matched those reported by the most recent literature reviews. Temporomandibular disorders and paraesthesia were the most common ones. The only complication rate that differed from the literature was nerve damage, which was significantly lower. Post-surgical complications depend on the used surgical techniques, clinical work, and treatment methods. The use of piezoelectric devices in orthognathic surgery operations provides an innovative, safe, and effective technique compared to traditional methods.
Macroscopic Traffic-Flow Modelling Based on Gap-Filling Behavior of Heterogeneous Traffic
Authors: Khan Muhammad Umair , Saeed Salman , Nehdi Moncef L. , Rehan Rashid
Published: May 2021

Traffic-flow modelling has been of prime interest to traffic engineers and planners since the mid-20th century. Most traffic-flow models were developed for the purpose of characterizing homogeneous traffic flow. Some of these models are extended to characterize the complex interactions involved in heterogeneous traffic flow. Existing heterogeneous traffic-flow models do not characterize the driver behavior leading to gap filling in heterogeneous traffic conditions. This study aimed at explaining the gap-filling behavior in heterogeneous traffic flow by using the effusion model of gas particles. The driver’s behavior leading to gap filling in heterogeneous traffic was characterized through developing analogies between the traffic flow and the Maxwell–Boltzmann equation for effusion of gases. This model was subsequently incorporated into the Payne–Whitham (PW) model by replacing the constant anticipation term. The proposed model was numerically approximated by using Roe’s scheme, and numerical simulation of the proposed model was then carried out by using MATLAB. The results of the proposed and PW models were therefore compared. It is concluded that the new model proposed in this study not only produces better results compared to the PW model, but also better captures the expected reality. The main difference between the behavior of the two models is that the effect of bottleneck in the density of traffic is propagated in the form of a shockwave travelling backwards in time in the new model, while the PW model does not exhibit this effect.
Stress–Strain Curve and Carbonation Resistance of Recycled Aggregate Concrete after Using Different RCA Treatment Techniques
Authors: Li Long , Xuan Dongxing , Poon Chi Sun
Published: May 2021

Five recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) treatment techniques including flow-through carbonation, pressurized carbonation, wet carbonation, nano silica (NS) pre-spraying and combined pressurized carbonation with NS pre-spraying, were utilized to improve the performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). The characteristics of the stress–strain curves of RACs including peak stress, peak strain, elastic modulus, ultimate strain and toughness were evaluated after using the above RCA treatment techniques. A theoretical model for natural aggregate concrete was used to analyse the stress–strain curve of RAC. Additionally, the carbonation resistance of RAC after using different RCA treatment techniques were investigated. The results showed that the calculated stress–strain curve of RAC based on the theoretical model matched well with the experimental results. Among the three types of carbonation techniques, pressurized carbonation caused the highest improvement in peak stress and elastic modulus of RAC, followed by flow-through carbonation, the last was wet carbonation. The NS pre-spraying method contributed to even higher improvement in peak stress and elastic modulus of RAC than the pressurized carbonation method. The combined pressurized carbonation with NS pre-spraying exhibited the highest enhancement of RAC because both the RCA and the new interface transition zone (ITZ) were improved. The carbonation resistance of RAC was improved after using all the studied RCA treatment techniques.
Enhancement of the Supercapacitive Performance of Cobalt-tin-cyanate Layered Structures through Conversion from 2D Materials to 1D Nanofibers
Authors: Saber Osama , Ansari Sajid Ali , Aljaafari Abdullah
Published: May 2021

Rational design of the micro-nanomorphology is highly desired for metal hydroxides to achieve overall high-performance electrodes for supercapacitor and energy storage applications. Here, in the current study, we have succeeded in controlling the morphology of Sn/Co nanolayered structures to obtain plate and nanofibrous morphologies. Additionally, the plate nanostructures could be transformed to obtain plate-nanofibrous morphologies. In this trend, dual anions such as cyanate and nitrate are applied to intercalate among the nanolayers of cobalt-tin and act as building blocks or pillars, producing a series of nanolayered structures. By repulsion forces among the intercalated anions, the nanolayers of Sn/Co are curled and converted to nanofibers. This conversion was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the intercalation reactions and nanolayered structures were indicated by X-ray diffraction, thermal analyses and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrochemical supercapacitive behavior of the different nanostructures of Sn/Co HDS and Sn/Co LDH, such as plate, Plate-nanofiber and nanofibrous morphology has been investigated in three assembly electrode system. The results suggested that the nanofiber morphology of Sn/Co LDH exhibited better specific capacitance performance than the other two morphologies. The enhanced specific capacitance (658 Fg−1) and excellent cyclic stability (89%) of the nanofibers of the Sn/Co LDH could be attributed to the synergistic effects between the electric double layer capacitive character of the tin and the pseudocapacitance nature of the cobalt.
Enhanced Convolutional-Neural-Network Architecture for Crop Classification
Authors: Moreno-Revelo Mónica Y. , Guachi-Guachi Lorena , Gómez-Mendoza Juan Bernardo , Revelo-Fuelagán Javier , Peluffo-Ordóñez Diego H.
Published: May 2021

Automatic crop identification and monitoring is a key element in enhancing food production processes as well as diminishing the related environmental impact. Although several efficient deep learning techniques have emerged in the field of multispectral imagery analysis, the crop classification problem still needs more accurate solutions. This work introduces a competitive methodology for crop classification from multispectral satellite imagery mainly using an enhanced 2D convolutional neural network (2D-CNN) designed at a smaller-scale architecture, as well as a novel post-processing step. The proposed methodology contains four steps: image stacking, patch extraction, classification model design (based on a 2D-CNN architecture), and post-processing. First, the images are stacked to increase the number of features. Second, the input images are split into patches and fed into the 2D-CNN model. Then, the 2D-CNN model is constructed within a small-scale framework, and properly trained to recognize 10 different types of crops. Finally, a post-processing step is performed in order to reduce the classification error caused by lower-spatial-resolution images. Experiments were carried over the so-named Campo Verde database, which consists of a set of satellite images captured by Landsat and Sentinel satellites from the municipality of Campo Verde, Brazil. In contrast to the maximum accuracy values reached by remarkable works reported in the literature (amounting to an overall accuracy of about 81%, a f1 score of 75.89%, and average accuracy of 73.35%), the proposed methodology achieves a competitive overall accuracy of 81.20%, a f1 score of 75.89%, and an average accuracy of 88.72% when classifying 10 different crops, while ensuring an adequate trade-off between the number of multiply-accumulate operations (MACs) and accuracy. Furthermore, given its ability to effectively classify patches from two image sequences, this methodology may result appealing for other real-world applications, such as the classification of urban materials.
Influence of Applied Stress on the Ferroelectricity of Thin Zr-Doped HfO2 Films
Authors: Cai Yuwei , Zhang Qingzhu , Zhang Zhaohao , Xu Gaobo , Wu Zhenhua , Gu Jie , Li Junjie , Xiang Jinjuan , Yin Huaxiang
Published: May 2021

HfO2-based ferroelectric materials have been widely studied for their application in ferroelectric FETs, which are compatible with conventional CMOS processes; however, problems with the material’s inherent fatigue properties have limited its potential for device application. This paper systematically investigates the effects of tensile stress and annealing temperature on the endurance and ferroelectric properties faced by Zr-doped HfO2 ferroelectric film. The remnant polarization (Pr) shows an increasing trend with annealing temperature, while the change in the coercive electric field (Ec) is not obvious in terms of the relationship with tensile stress or annealing temperature. In addition, the application of tensile stress does help to improve the endurance characteristics by about two orders of magnitude for the ferroelectric material, and the endurance properties show a tendency to be negatively correlated with annealing temperature. Overall, although the effect of stress on the ferroelectricity of a HZO material is not obvious, it has a great influence on its endurance properties and can optimize the endurance of the material, and ferroelectricity exhibits a higher dependence on temperature. The optimization of the endurance properties of HZO materials by stress can facilitate their development and application in future integrated circuit technology.
Stochastic Predictions of Ore Production in an Underground Limestone Mine Using Different Probability Density Functions: A Comparative Study Using Big Data from ICT System
Authors: Jung Dahee , Baek Jieun , Choi Yosoon
Published: May 2021

This study stochastically predicted ore production through discrete event simulation using four different probability density functions for truck travel times. An underground limestone mine was selected as the study area. The truck travel time was measured by analyzing the big data acquired from information and communications technology (ICT) systems in October 2018, and probability density functions (uniform, triangular, normal, and observed probability distribution of real data) were determined using statistical values. A discrete event simulation model for a truck haulage system was designed, and truck travel times were randomly generated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The ore production that stochastically predicted fifty times for each probability density function was analyzed and represented as a value of lower 10% (P10), 50% (P50), and 90% (P90). Ore production was underestimated when a uniform and triangular distribution was used, as the actual ore production was similar to that of P90. Conversely, the predicted ore production of P50 was relatively consistent with the actual ore production when using the normal and observed probability distribution of real data. The root mean squared error (RMSE) for predicting ore production for ten days in October 2018 was the lowest (24.9 ton/day) when using the observed probability distribution.
Behavior of an Internally Confined Hollow Reinforced Concrete Column with a Polygonal Cross-Section
Authors: Kim Sungwon , Hong Hyemin , Han Taekhee
Published: May 2021

The new supporting structure, internally confined hollow reinforced concrete (ICH RC), was suggested by former researchers. It maintains the material saving effect, which is the advantage of the hollow concrete structure, and it solves the brittle fracture problem of the inner wall by the inner steel pipe to make it into the 3-axis confinement state. However, until now, its design and analysis model has been limited to a circular cross-section. In this study, to expand the applicability, research and development of an ICH RC structure with a polygonal cross-section were performed. The material model was developed by defining the constraint stress in the members of the concrete and deriving a reasonable stress-strain relationship. For the column model, it was developed to predict the behavior of the polygonal ICH RC columns by analyzing the axial force-moment correlation, moment-curvature, and lateral force-displacement relationship. Each model was verified not only by comparing with the results of previous experiments but also by analyzing the results according to parameters. The maximum load and ultimate displacement values through the developed model showed the difference with the experimental results within 6% of mean error. It was verified that the proposed analytical model reasonably reflects the behavior of actual columns.
Textile-Based Coils for Inductive Wireless Power Transmission
Authors: Micus Sebastian , Padani Laura , Haupt Michael , Gresser Götz T.
Published: May 2021

We developed and evaluated different textile-based inductive coils for near-field wireless power transmission. The technology uses electromagnetic induction for the contactless transfer of electrical energy. Therefore, we investigated various methods for the attachment of conductive materials on a textile-based material and the production of textile-based coils based on QI standard. Afterwards, the textile-based coils were examined and evaluated due to their specific quality characteristics. This happens by calculating the transmission quality and the maximum efficiency of the system which enables comparison of different coil systems and indicates the transmission efficiency of the systems.
Clinical Use of Surface Electromyography to Track Acute Upper Extremity Muscle Recovery after Stroke: A Descriptive Case Study of a Single Patient
Authors: Feldner Heather , Papazian Christina , Peters Keshia , Creutzfeldt Claire , Steele Katherine
Published: May 2021

Arm recovery varies greatly among stroke survivors. Wearable surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors have been used to track recovery in research; however, sEMG is rarely used within acute and subacute clinical settings. The purpose of this case study was to describe the use of wireless sEMG sensors to examine changes in muscle activity during acute and subacute phases of stroke recovery, and understand the participant’s perceptions of sEMG monitoring. Beginning three days post-stroke, one stroke survivor wore five wireless sEMG sensors on his involved arm for three to four hours, every one to three days. Muscle activity was tracked during routine care in the acute setting through discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Three- and eight-month follow-up sessions were completed in the community. Activity logs were completed each session, and a semi-structured interview occurred at the final session. The longitudinal monitoring of muscle and movement recovery in the clinic and community was feasible using sEMG sensors. The participant and medical team felt monitoring was unobtrusive, interesting, and motivating for recovery, but desired greater in-session feedback to inform rehabilitation. While barriers in equipment and signal quality still exist, capitalizing on wearable sensing technology in the clinic holds promise for enabling personalized stroke recovery.
GAT1 Gene, the GATA Transcription Activator, Regulates the Production of Higher Alcohol during Wheat Beer Fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wang Ya-Ping , Liu Lin , Wang Xue-Shan , Hong Kun-Qiang , Zhang Li-Hua , Sun Zhong-Guan , Xiao Dong-Guang
Published: May 2021

Uncoordinated carbon-nitrogen ratio in raw materials will lead to excessive contents of higher alcohols in alcoholic beverages. The effect of GAT1 gene, the GATA transcription activator, on higher alcohol biosynthesis was investigated to clarify the mechanism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae regulating higher alcohol metabolism under high concentrations of free amino nitrogen (FAN). The availability of FAN by strain SDT1K with a GAT1 double-copy deletion was 28.31% lower than that of parent strain S17, and the yield of higher alcohols was 33.91% lower. The transcript levels of the downstream target genes of GAT1 and higher alcohol production in the double-copy deletion mutant suggested that a part of the effect of GAT1 deletion on higher alcohol production was the downregulation of GAP1, ARO9, and ARO10. This study shows that GATA factors can effectively regulate the metabolism of higher alcohols in S. cerevisiae and provides valuable insights into higher alcohol biosynthesis, showing great significance for the wheat beer industry.
Repositioning Azelnidipine as a Dual Inhibitor Targeting CD47/SIRPα and TIGIT/PVR Pathways for Cancer Immuno-Therapy
Authors: Zhou Xiuman , Jiao Ling , Qian Yuzhen , Dong Qingyu , Sun Yixuan , Zheng Wei V. , Zhao Wenshan , Zhai Wenjie , Qiu Lu , Wu Yahong , Wang Hongfei , Gao Yanfeng , Chen Junhui
Published: May 2021

Strategies boosting both innate and adaptive immunity have great application prospects in cancer immunotherapy. Antibodies dual blocking the innate checkpoint CD47 and adaptive checkpoint PD-L1 or TIGIT could achieve durable anti-tumor effects. However, a small molecule dual blockade of CD47/SIRPα and TIGIT/PVR pathways has not been investigated. Here, an elevated expression of CD47 and PVR was observed in tumor tissues and cell lines analyzed with the GEO datasets and by flow cytometry, respectively. Compounds approved by the FDA were screened with the software MOE by docking to the potential binding pockets of SIRPα and PVR identified with the corresponding structural analysis. The candidate compounds were screened by blocking and MST binding assays. Azelnidipine was found to dual block CD47/SIRPα and TIGIT/PVR pathways by co-targeting SIRPα and PVR. In vitro, azelnidipine could enhance the macrophage phagocytosis when co-cultured with tumor cells. In vivo, azelnidipine alone or combined with irradiation could significantly inhibit the growth of MC38 tumors. Azelnidipine also significantly inhibits the growth of CT26 tumors, by enhancing the infiltration and function of CD8+ T cell in tumor and systematic immune response in the tumor-draining lymph node and spleen in a CD8+ T cell dependent manner. Our research suggests that the anti-hypertensive drug azelnidipine could be repositioned for cancer immunotherapy.