bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Poor Mental Health Among Older Adults in Agricultural Areas of China
Authors: Jin Yu , Zhang Yun-Shu , Zhang Qinge , Rao Wen-Wang , Zhang Li-Li , Cui Li-Jun , Li Jian-Feng , Li Lin , Ungvari Gabor S. , Jackson Todd , Li Ke-Qing , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: November 2020

Objective: Poor mental health is associated with impaired social functioning, lower quality of life, and increased risk of suicide and mortality. This study examined the prevalence of poor general mental health among older adults (aged 65 years and above) and its sociodemographic correlates in Hebei province, which is a predominantly agricultural area of China.

Methods: This epidemiological survey was conducted from April to August 2016. General mental health status was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).

Results: A total of 3,911 participants were included. The prevalence of poor mental health (defined as GHQ-12 total score ≥ 4) was 9.31% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.4–10.2%]. Multivariable logistic regression analyses found that female gender [P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.29–2.07], lower education level (P = 0.048, OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.00–1.75), lower annual household income (P = 0.005, OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.17–2.51), presence of major medical conditions (P < 0.001, OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 2.19–3.96) and family history of psychiatric disorders (P < 0.001, OR = 3.53, 95% CI: 2.02–6.17) were significantly associated with poor mental health.

Conclusion: The prevalence of poor mental health among older adults in a predominantly agricultural area was lower than findings from many other countries and areas in China. However, continued surveillance of mental health status among older adults in China is still needed.
The Artist as Innovation Muse: Findings from a Residence Program in the Fuzzy Front End
Authors: Sandberg Berit
Published: November 2020

In a highly competitive business environment, integrating artists into corporate research and development (R&D) seems to be a promising way to foster inventiveness and idea generation. Given the importance of individual level innovation for product development, this study explores the benefits that employees experience from the artist-in-residence-program at Robert Bosch GmbH, Germany. Qualitative content analysis of interviews with scientists and engineers was performed in order to explore the impact of their encounters with artists in the theoretical framework of the triadic concept and transmission model of inspiration. The findings corroborate the notion that inspiration is a suitable theoretical underpinning for individual benefits of art–science collaborations in the front end of innovation. Scientists and engineers are inspired by the artists’ otherness and transcend their usual modes of perception in favor of enhanced focal, peripheral and bifocal vision. Whereas shifts in perspective are reflected in individual thinking patterns, researchers are hardly motivated to change their work-related behavior. The exchange with artists does not have a concrete impact on technological innovation, because researchers neither integrate impulses into their experiential world nor link them to fields of activity. In the case under scrutiny, artistic impulses do not contribute to idea generation in the sense of front-end activities. The study contributes to research on artists in businesses by illuminating the R&D environment as a hitherto neglected field of activity. While substantiating previous research on artist-in-science-residencies, the results suggest that the potential of such interdisciplinary endeavors is limited.
Savings of Small Farms: Their Magnitude, Determinants and Role in Sustainable Development. Example of Poland
Authors: Wieliczko Barbara , Kurdyś-Kujawska Agnieszka , Sompolska-Rzechuła Agnieszka
Published: November 2020

Savings are a catalyst for capital creation and are the driving force behind economic growth and development. The degree of development achieved by farms will largely depend on their ability to accumulate income and their way of spending. The aim of the article is to determine the savings-generating potential of small farms in Poland and the impact of savings on their sustainable development. In this article, firstly, the literature on savings in small farms and their role in sustainable development is synthesized. Secondly, presents empirical research that was conducted considering the economic and social characteristics of 1485 small farms to help understand saving behaviors in the chosen context. The research material consisted of data on entities participating in the Polish Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) in 2017. The factors influencing the generation of savings were identified using the logit regression model. The results of the research indicate great diversity in the scale of savings generated by small farms in Poland. Moreover, the study showed that 4 out of 21 variables characterizing small farms were significant, with a good fit of the model as evidenced by the model quality assessment measures used (coefficient R2count and ROC curve). It was found that two variables, namely area of farmland and gross value added, each had a statistically significant positive influence on the probability of generating higher savings by small farms in Poland. On the other hand, the possession of liabilities and gross investment each had a statistically significant negative influence on the accumulation of higher savings. The research reveals some limitations that may hinder the mobilization of savings by small farms and thus affect their sustainable development. Therefore, as recommendations, we present measures that can increase savings by small farms in Poland.
The Effect of Potassium and Micronutrient Foliar Fertilisation on the Content and Accumulation of Microelements, Yield and Quality Parameters of Potato Tubers
Authors: Gaj Renata , Górski Dariusz , Majchrzak Leszek
Published: November 2020

The objective of this three-year study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of dedusted potassium sulphate and chelated forms of microelements on the contents and accumulation of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) as well as on the quality parameters of potato tubers at the stage of full maturity. Four treatments were analysed, including the control, where only nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilisation was applied. Consistent with the experimental design adopted, other trials included: (I) Double foliar treatment with potassium sulphate in the combined dose of 8.6 K kg ha−1 (SOP); (II) double foliar treatment with micronutrients: 12 g Zn ha−1, 12 g Cu ha−1, 300 g Mn ha−1 and 500 g B ha−1 (Micro) and (III) combined application of SOP and Micro on two scheduled terms (SOP + Micro). Two potato varieties were tested: The French fries variety Zorba and the crisps variety Hermes. The experiment was arranged in a randomised complete block design with four replicates for each potato variety. Both the two-fold foliar spray with micronutrients and the treatment combined with the application of potassium sulphate resulted in the enhanced content and accumulation of the elements examined. The significant effect of the experimental factor was especially visible for the content and uptake of manganese and iron. Moreover, a highly significant relationship was determined between the tuber contents of protein and starch. The tuber quality parameters were most significantly conditioned by manganese and iron for the French fries variety and by zinc, copper and manganese for the crisps variety.
Combined Effects of Induced Water Deficit and Foliar Application of Silicon on the Gas Exchange of Tomatoes for Processing
Authors: Morato de Moraes Diogo Henrique , Mesquita Marcio , Magalhães Bueno Amanda , Alves Flores Rilner , Elias de Oliveira Henrique Fonseca , Raimundo de Lima Frederico Simões , de Mello Prado Renato , Battisti Rafael
Published: November 2020

The beneficial effects of silicon (Si) on plants have been widely reported for its fruit qualitative improvements, growth gains, and protection against abiotic and biotic stresses. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of soil water potential (Ψs) (−30 and −60 kPa) and the foliar application of Si (0.0 (control), 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 g L−1) in the development of tomatoes grown in a greenhouse. We evaluated the biometric parameters and gas exchange in three periods (20, 34, and 48 days after planting). The rates of transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (gs), and net photosynthesis assimilation (An) were lower when the plants were subjected to water deficit. The foliar application of Si attenuated the effect of the water deficit in both levels applied to the crop. A high response was observed at −60 kPa, regardless of the evaluated period. However, a significant effect was not observed on the relative chlorophyll index and biomass accumulation when Si was applied. A foliar application up to 2.8 g L−1 promotes increases in An,gs, and E. It is highlighted that Si can promote improvements in gas exchange when plants are affected by a water deficit.
Phosphorus Application Decreased Copper Concentration but Not Iron in Maize Grain
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zou Chunqin , Chen Xiuxiu , Liu Yumin , Liu Dunyi , Yang Huaiyu , Deng Yan , Chen Xinping
Published: November 2020

Copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) are essential micronutrients for plants and animals. How phosphorus (P) application affects Cu and Fe concentrations in maize grain still remains unclear. Two-year field studies were conducted in a long-term experiment with six P levels (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 kg∙ha−1 P) on calcareous soil. Phosphorus application significantly decreased the average grain Cu concentration by 12.6% compared to no P treatment, but had no effect on grain Fe concentration. The copper content increased as the P application rate increased from 0 to 25 or 50 kg·ha−1, but then decreased, while Fe content kept increasing. As the P application rate increased, the specific Cu uptake by the roots decreased, but not for Fe. The root length density in response to P application had a positive relationship with shoot Cu and Fe content. The shoot Cu content and grain Cu concentration decreased with the reduction in the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization of roots due to increasing P application. The reduction in grain Cu concentration with increasing P rates could be partly explained by the decreasing uptake efficiency.
A Comparative Study of Organic and Conventional Management on the Rhizosphere Microbiome, Growth and Grain Quality Traits of Tritordeum
Authors: Visioli Giovanna , Lauro Marta , Vamerali Teofilo , Dal Cortivo Cristian , Panozzo Anna , Folloni Silvia , Piazza Cristina , Ranieri Roberto
Published: November 2020

Tritordeum is a novel hexaploid cereal derived from the cross between a wild Chilean barley species (Hordeum chilense Roem. et Schultz) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum Desf.) that is potentially of great interest for human nutrition. In this study, a commercial and an experimental Tritordeum cultivar were analyzed in comparison with a reference durum wheat under conventional and organic management. We demonstrate that Tritordeum is better adapted to organic farming through an increase in the below-ground rhizosphere community of the Bacteroidetes phylum, which includes many bacteria species known to exert beneficial effects on plants, particularly for root growth. Despite a considerably lower grain yield, Tritordeum had better quality traits than durum wheat, particularly under organic farming vs. conventional management, with respect to total protein contents, high molecular weight glutenin subunits, antioxidant free phenols and nutrients (i.e., calcium, potassium, sulphur, iron, and zinc), depending on the cultivar. We conclude that Tritordeum is a promising cereal in light of its quality traits and adaptability to sustainable crop management practices, such as organic farming, although further improvement in yield potential should be pursued by breeding and by optimising the cultivation method.
Effects of Elevated Temperature and CO2 Concentration on Seedling Growth of Ventenata dubia (Leers) Coss. and Bromus tectorum L.
Authors: Harvey Audrey J. , Rew Lisa J. , Prather Tim S. , Mangold Jane M.
Published: November 2020

The impacts of climate change are expected to alter the abundance and distribution of invasive annual grasses, such as Bromus tectorum L. (cheatgrass) and Ventenata dubia (Leers) Coss. (ventenata). High temperature extremes will be more frequent and for longer periods, and increased atmospheric CO2 is expected to double even with the most conservative estimates. Climate change draws concern for the potential success of winter annual grasses in arid and semi-arid plant communities. Information on B. tectorum’s growth response to climate change in laboratory and field experiments are available for monocultures; however, more knowledge is needed on the response when growing with other invasive grasses, such as V. dubia. We examined differences in seedling growth for V. dubia and B. tectorum growing alone and with each other under current (4 °C/23 °C at 400 ppm CO2) and elevated (10.6 °C/29.6 °C at 800 ppm CO2) climate conditions. There was one trial per climate scenario with 10 replications per competition type (inter-, intra-specific competition for each species). Bromus tectorum was larger than V. dubia across climate and competition treatments, but contrary to previous studies, both species were smaller in the elevated climate treatment. Ventenata dubia allocated more growth to its roots than B. tectorum across both climate treatments, indicating V. dubia may have a competitive advantage for soil resources now and in the future.
Effect of Green Algae Chaetomorpha antennina Extract on Growth, Modulate Immunity, and Defenses against Edwardsiella tarda Infection in Labeo rohita
Authors: Sattanathan Govindharajan , Tamizhazhagan Vairakannu , Padmapriya Swaminathan , Liu Wen-Chao , Balasubramanian Balamuralikrishnan
Published: November 2020

The current study focused on assessing the outcome of methanol extract of Chaetomorpha antennina (MECA) on the growth performance and immune modulation in both specific and non-specific immune responses through the assessment of neutrophil, serum lysozyme, serum myeloperoxidase, antiprotease, ceruloplasmin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) activity in Labeo rohita (rohu) at 28 days post treatment along with assessment of the disease resistance capacity against Edwardsiella tarda at 30days post immunization. Fishes (n = 144; average weight 50.0 ± 0.23 g) were evenly divided into four treatments, with 12 fishes per tank in triplicates. The MECA was injected intraperitoneally in the fishes at different doses as 0, 25, 75, and 150 mg/kg of the body weight. The results demonstrated that fish treated with MECA have an increased body weight, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) with respect to the control group. Results suggested that the MECA inclusion can significantly enhance (p < 0.05) the levels of serum lysozyme, neutrophil function, serum antiprotease activity, cellular RNS, and ROS production. Exposure to MECA of 75 mg/kg showed a significantly higher survival percentage against E. tarda disease infection. These results indicate MECA as a stimulant of immunity in L. rohita against E. tarda. The results suggested that MECA is a potent immunostimulant in finfish aquaculture and can offer higher economic welfare.
Human–Animal Interactions in Zoos: What Can Compassionate Conservation, Conservation Welfare and Duty of Care Tell Us about the Ethics of Interacting, and Avoiding Unintended Consequences?
Authors: Learmonth Mark James
Published: November 2020

Human–animal interactions (HAIs) in zoos can be rewarding for both humans and animals, but can also be fraught with ethical and welfare perils. Contact with animals can be beneficial for all parties involved, and can indeed lead to pro-conservation and respect for nature behaviours being adopted by humans after so-called “profound experiences” of connecting or interacting with animals. Yet, human–animal interactions may also increase certain individuals’ desires for inappropriate wild-animal ‘pet’ ownership, and can convey a false sense of acceptability of exploiting animals for “cheap titillation”. Indeed, this has been reflected in a recent research review conducted on animal–visitor interactions in zoos from a number of different countries and global regions. These are unintended consequences that ”modern, ethical zoos” would try to minimise, or avoid completely where possible, though most zoos still offer close-contact experiences with their animals. Three ethical frameworks that may be beneficial for ethically run zoos to incorporate when considering human–animal interactions are: Compassionate Conservation, Conservation Welfare and Duty of Care. These three ethical frameworks are concerned with the welfare state and outcomes for individual animals, not just the population or species. Human–animal interactions in zoos may be acceptable in many circumstances and may be beneficial to both animal and human participants; however, they must be closely monitored through welfare tracking tools. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has published guidelines for human–animal interactions that are mandatory for member institutions to adhere to, although whether these guidelines are taken as mandatory or suggestions at individual institutions is unknown. Some suggestions for relevant extensions to the guidelines are suggested herein. Melding Duty of Care and the two Conservation ethical frameworks would be ideal for assessing the ethical acceptability of such interactions as they currently occur, and for considering how they should be modified to occur (or not) into the future in zoological settings.
Effect of Inclusion of Degraded and Non-Degraded Date Pits in Broilers’ Diet on their Intestinal Microbiota and Growth Performance
Authors: Alyileili Salem R. , Belal Ibrahim E. H. , Hussein Ahmed S. , El-Tarabily Khaled A.
Published: November 2020

The current study aims to assess the effect of non-degraded date pits (NDDP) and degraded date pits (DDP) in broilers’ diets on gut microbiota and growth performance. The degradation of date pits (DP) occurred via the cellulolytic fungus Trichoderma reesei by a solid-state degradation procedure. One-day-old Brazilian broilers were allocated into six dietary groups: (1) maize–soy diet, (2) maize–soy diet with oxytetracycline (20%, 50 g 100 kg−1), (3) maize–soy diet with 5% NDDP, (4) maize–soy diet with 10% NDDP, (5) maize–soy diet with 5% DDP, and (6) maize–soy diet with 10% DDP. At the end of the trial, the total count of bacteria was significantly (p < 0.05) less in broilers fed 10% DDP diet (treatment 6) compared with the control group (treatment 1). In addition, DDP and oxytetracycline control diets have a similar diminishing effect on total bacterial counts and the populations of Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella spp., and Escherichia coli. Over 35 days of trial, weight gains were similar among the six dietary groups. Our results showed that DDP and control diets have a similar effect on growth performance. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was poorer in broilers fed NDDP diets than other treatments. The European Production Efficiency Index (EPEI) was greater with 5% and 10% DDP than those fed NDDP at the same levels, with no significant variance from the control and antibiotic-supplemented diet (treatment 2). Overall, it can be suggested that maintaining 10% of DDP can partly replace dietary maize while also serves as a gut health enhancer and thus a growth promoter in the diet for broilers.
Candida auris: An Overview of How to Screen, Detect, Test and Control This Emerging Pathogen
Authors: Fasciana Teresa , Cortegiani Andrea , Ippolito Mariachiara , Giarratano Antonino , Di Quattro Orazia , Lipari Dario , Graceffa Domenico , Giammanco Anna
Published: November 2020

The multidrug-resistant yeast Candida auris is associated with invasive infections in critically ill patients and has been isolated in different countries worldwide. Ease of spread, prolonged persistence in the environment and antifungal drug resistance pose a significant concern for the prevention of transmission and management of patients with C. auris infections. Early and correct identification of patients colonized with C. auris is critical in containing its spread. However, this may be complicated by C. auris strains being misidentified as other phylogenetically related pathogens. In this review, we offer a brief overview highlighting some of the critical aspects of sample collection, laboratory culture-dependent and independent identification and the susceptibility profile of C. auris.
Dry Anaerobic Digestion of Chicken Manure: A Review
Authors: Shapovalov Yevhenii , Zhadan Sergey , Bochmann Günther , Salyuk Anatoly , Nykyforov Volodymyr
Published: November 2020

Providing anaerobic digestion is a prospective technology for utilizing organic waste, however, for waste with a high content of nitrogen such as manure, dilution is necessary to decrease the ammonia inhibition effect which leads to the production of a huge effluent amount which is difficult to use. Dry anaerobic digestion has some advantages such as reduced reactor volume, higher volumetric methane yield, lower energy consumption for heating, less wastewater production, and lower logistic costs for fertilizers. These factors generate interest in using it for treatment of even high-nitrogen substrates. The purpose of this work was to analyze different dry anaerobic digestion technologies, the features of dry anaerobic digestion, laboratory studies on chicken manure dry anaerobic digestion, and methods of reducing inhibitors’ effects. Nowadays, there are no dry anaerobic industrial plants working on chicken manure. However, studies on dry anaerobic digestion of chicken manure have proven the possibility of methane production under fermentation of chicken manure with high total solids content, but the process has been described as being unstable. Co-fermentation, ammonium/ammonia removal, and adaptation of the microbial consortium have been used to decrease the effect of ammonia inhibition. A prospective way for ammonia concentration control is absorption using a non-volatile sorbent located in the reactor. It decreases ammonia content during wet anaerobic digestion by 33% and it is characterized by having a positive economic effect. Therefore, dry anaerobic fermentation of chicken manure is possible, but there is still no efficient way to provide it. The results of this article should be helpful in the selection of anaerobic digestion technology for treating chicken manure.
Incremental Canonical Correlation Analysis
Authors: Zhao Hongmin , Sun Dongting , Luo Zhigang
Published: November 2020

Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is a kind of a simple yet effective multiview feature learning technique. In general, it learns separate subspaces for two views by maximizing their correlations. However, there still exist two restrictions to limit its applicability for large-scale datasets, such as videos: (1) sufficiently large memory requirements and (2) high-computation complexity for matrix inverse. To address these issues, we propose an incremental canonical correlation analysis (ICCA), which maintains in an adaptive manner a constant memory storage for both the mean and covariance matrices. More importantly, to avoid matrix inverse, we save overhead time by using sequential singular value decomposition (SVD), which is still efficient in case when the number of samples is sufficiently few. Driven by visual tracking, which tracks a specific target in a video sequence, we readily apply the proposed ICCA for this task through some essential modifications to evaluate its efficacy. Extensive experiments on several video sequences show the superiority of ICCA when compared to several classical trackers.
The First Evidence of the Insecticidal Potential of Plant Powders from Invasive Alien Plants against Rice Weevil under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Bohinc Tanja , Horvat Aleksander , Ocvirk Miha , Košir Iztok Jože , Rutnik Ksenija , Trdan Stanislav
Published: November 2020

In a laboratory experiment, we studied the insecticidal effects of invasive alien plants on the rice weevil. The research was carried out in two parts. In the first part, we studied the insecticidal properties of seven different plant species, namely, Bohemian knotweed (Fallopia × bohemica), Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), false indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), and giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea). Mixtures of powders and wheat were prepared in two different concentrations, namely, 2.5 w% and 1.25 w%. The experiment was performed at temperatures 20 °C and 25 °C and at two humidity levels, 55% R.h. and 75% R.h. Very low mortality (below 8%) was found when using combinations with the higher relative humidity. No significant differences were observed between the effects of these concentrations. In the second part of the experiment, Norway spruce wood ash and diatomaceous earth (product SilicoSec®) were added to the powder obtained by milling leaves of four different invasive plant species (Canada goldenrod, staghorn sumac, tree of heaven, false indigo). In the independent application, wheat was added to the powder at a concentration 2.5 w%. In the treatments that involved mixtures of powder and wood ash/diatomaceous earth, we applied 1.25 w% plant powder and 1.25 w% wood ash or 1.25 w% plant powder and 450 ppm of a SilicoSec® preparation. The positive control was carried out as two separate treatments with 2.5 w% wood ash of Norway spruce and 900 ppm of the SilicoSec® product, while untreated wheat represented the negative control. The experiment was performed at two temperatures (20 °C and 25 °C) and two R.h. values (55 and 75% R.h.). The mortality of beetles was recorded on the 7th, 14th, and 21st day after the start of the experiment. Higher mortality rates of rice weevil adults were found at the higher relative humidity, and an important factor of mortality was also the day of exposure, as a higher mortality was found when the exposure of individuals to the tested substances was for a longer time period. After 21 days at 25 °C and 55% R.h., the combinations in which the lower concentration of Norway spruce wood ash was added to the powder of invasive alien plants achieved more than 90% mortality of beetles. By adding the plant powder of invasive alien plants to wood ash, we achieved a greater insecticidal efficacy of invasive plants and lower concentrations of wood ash. Nevertheless, the results of our research do not indicate any great usefulness of the plant powder of invasive plants in suppressing the rice weevil. Additional studies should primarily focus on the insecticidal efficacy of powder from the genus Solidago, which in our study, displayed the greatest insecticidal potential among the tested invasive plants.
Detection and Identification of Malicious Cyber-Attacks in Connected and Automated Vehicles’ Real-Time Sensors
Authors: Eziama Elvin , Awin Faroq , Ahmed Sabbir , Marina Santos-Jaimes Luz , Pelumi Akinyemi , Corral-De-Witt Danilo
Published: November 2020

Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) as a part of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are projected to revolutionise the transportation industry, primarily by allowing real-time and seamless information exchange of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I). However, these connectivity and automation are expected to offer vast numbers of benefits, new challenges in terms of safety, security and privacy also emerge. CAVs continue to rely heavily on their sensor readings, the input obtained from other vehicles and the road side units to inspect roadways. Consequently, anomalous reading of sensors triggered by malicious cyber attacks may lead to fatal consequences. Hence, like all other safety-critical applications, in CAVs also, reliable and secure information dissemination is of utmost importance. As a result, real time detection of anomaly along with identifying the source is a pre-requisite for mass deployment of CAVs. Motivated by this safety concerns in CAVs, we develop an efficient anomaly detection method through the combination of Bayesian deep learning (BDL) with discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to improve the safety and security in CAVs. In particular, DWT is used to smooth sensor reading of a CAV and then feed the data to a BDL module for analysis of the detection and identification of anomalous sensor behavior/data points caused by either malicious cyber attacks or faulty vehicle sensors. Our numerical experiments show that the proposed method demonstrates significant improvement in detection anomalies in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, precision, and F1-score evaluation metrics. For these metrics, the proposed method shows an average performance gain of 7.95%, 9%, 8.77% and 7.33%, respectively when compared with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN-1D), and when compared with BDL, the corresponding numbers are 5%, 7.9%, 7.54% and 4.1% respectively.
Morphological Characterization of Deciduous Enamel and Dentin in Patients Affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Josic Uros , Maravic Tatjana , Bossù Maurizio , Cadenaro Milena , Comba Allegra , Ierardo Gaetano , Polimeni Antonella , Florenzano Federica , Breschi Lorenzo , Mazzoni Annalisa
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to clarify the structural and ultrastructural alterations of the enamel and dentin collagen network in the deciduous teeth of children affected by osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) using field-emission in-lens scanning electron microscopy (FEI-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Exfoliated primary teeth were collected from children with a diagnosis of OI and from healthy individuals (N = 24). Tooth slices containing both dentin and enamel were fixed, dehydrated and dried, gold sputtered, and observed using FEI-SEM. Additional dentin fragments were decalcified, dehydrated, embedded in resin, cut, and processed for TEM analysis. Under FEI-SEM, the enamel in OI-affected children showed an irregular prism distribution with the enamel hydroxyapatite crystals unpacked. Ultrastructural correlative analysis of the dentin in patients affected by OI showed an altered collagen pattern with a low density. In some areas, teeth in OI patients showed a reduction in the number of dentinal tubules, with odontoblastic process missing in most of the tubules. The presence of altered dentine and enamel organization in OI children was firmly established at an ultrastructural level, but additional biochemical studies are necessary in order to clarify quantitatively and qualitatively the collagenic and non-collagenic proteins in this disorder.
A Review of Recent Developments and Advances in Eco-Friendly Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Imtiaz Lahiba , Rehman Sardar Kashif Ur , Ali Memon Shazim , Khizar Khan Muhammad , Faisal Javed Muhammad
Published: November 2020

The emission of CO2 and energy requirement in the production of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) causes the continuous depletion of ozone layer and global warming. The introduction of geopolymer concrete (GPC) technology in the construction industry leads to sustainable development and cleaner environment by reducing environmental pollution. In this article, constituents of GPC and their influence on properties of GPC has been reviewed critically. Fresh and hardened properties of GPC as well as the factors influencing these properties are discussed in detail. Flow charts have been proposed to show which factors have higher/lower impact on the fresh and hardened properties of GPC. A comprehensive review on the mix design of GPC, nanomaterial-based GPC, 3D printing using GPC, reinforced GPC and Global warming potential (GWP) assessment was conducted. Finally, the practical applications of GPC in the construction industry are provided.
Hierarchical Path-Planning for Mobile Robots Using a Skeletonization-Informed Rapidly Exploring Random Tree*
Authors: Ryu Hyejeong
Published: November 2020

An efficient, hierarchical, two-dimensional (2D) path-planning method for large complex environments is presented in this paper. For mobile robots moving in 2D environments, conventional path-planning algorithms employ single-layered maps; the proposed approach engages in hierarchical inter- and intra-regional searches. A navigable graph of an environment is constructed using segmented local grid maps and safe junction nodes. An inter-regional path is obtained using the navigable graph and a graph-search algorithm. A skeletonization-informed rapidly exploring random tree* (SIRRT*) efficiently computes converged intra-regional paths for each map segment. The sampling process of the proposed hierarchical path-planning algorithm is locally conducted only in the start and goal regions, whereas the conventional path-planning should process the sampling over the entire environment. The entire path from the start position to the goal position can be achieved more quickly and more robustly using the hierarchical approach than the conventional single-layered method. The performance of the hierarchical path-planning is analyzed using a publicly available benchmark environment.
Adaptive Feedforward Control of a Pressure Compensated Differential Cylinder
Authors: Jensen Konrad Johan , Ebbesen Morten Kjeld , Hansen Michael Rygaard
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the design, simulation and experimental verification of adaptive feedforward motion control for a hydraulic differential cylinder. The proposed solution is implemented on a hydraulic loader crane. Based on common adaptation methods, a typical electro-hydraulic motion control system has been extended with a novel adaptive feedforward controller that has two separate feedforward states, i.e, one for each direction of motion. Simulations show convergence of the feedforward states, as well as 23% reduction in root mean square (RMS) cylinder position error compared to a fixed gain feedforward controller. The experiments show an even more pronounced advantage of the proposed controller, with an 80% reduction in RMS cylinder position error, and that the separate feedforward states are able to adapt to model uncertainties in both directions of motion.
Classification Methods for Airborne Disease Spores from Greenhouse Crops Based on Multifeature Fusion
Authors: Wang Yafei , Du Xiaoxue , Ma Guoxin , Liu Yong , Wang Bin , Mao Hanping
Published: November 2020

Airborne fungal spores have always played an important role in the spread of fungal crop diseases, causing great concern. The traditional microscopic spore classification method mainly relies on naked eye observations and classification by professional and technical personnel in a laboratory. Due to the large number of spores captured, this method is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inefficient, and sometimes leads to huge errors. Thus, an alternative method is required. In this study, a method was proposed to identify airborne disease spores from greenhouse crops using digital image processing. First, in an indoor simulation, images of airborne disease spores from three greenhouse crops were collected using portable volumetric spore traps. Then, a series of image preprocessing methods were used to identify the spores, including mean filtering, Gaussian filtering, OTSU (maximum between-class variance) method binarization, morphological operations, and mask operations. After image preprocessing, 90 features of the spores were extracted, including color, shape, and texture features. Based on these features, logistics regression (LR), K nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) classification models were built. The test results showed that the average accuracy rates for the 3 classes of disease spores using the SVM model, LR model, KNN model, and RF model were 94.36%, 90.13%, 89.37%, and 89.23%, respectively. The harmonic average of the accuracy and the recall rate value (F value) were higher for the SVM model and its overall average value reached 91.68%, which was 2.03, 3.59, and 3.96 percentage points higher than the LR model, KNN model, and RF model, respectively. Therefore, this method can effectively identify 3 classes of diseases spores and this study can provide a reference for the identification of greenhouse disease spores.
Meteorological Drought Changes and Related Circulation Characteristics in Yulin City of the Northern Shaanxi from 1961 to 2015
Authors: Yin Yixing , Zhang Lijuan , Wang Xiaojun , Xu Wucheng , Yu Wenjun , Zhu Ye
Published: November 2020

This study explored the spatio-temporal patterns of meteorological drought change and the mechanisms of drought occurrence in Yulin City of the northern Shaanxi by using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis and composite analysis based on the meteorological observation data and NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data from 1961 to 2015. The main findings of the research are as follows: (1) In the annual and seasonal drought series, there is a non-significant trend toward drought in summer, while there are non-significant trends toward wetness for the other series. Overall, the frequency of drought is low in the southeast and high in the west and the north of the study area. (2) EOF1 is characterized by a uniform pattern in the whole region, i.e., there is a feature of consistent drought or flood in Yulin City. EOF2, EOF3 and EOF4 mainly indicate opposite characteristics of the changes of floods and droughts in the eastern/western parts and the southeast/other parts in the study area. (3) In the summer of the typical drought (flood) years, the study area is controlled by the northwest airflow behind the trough (zonal airflow at the bottom of low-pressure trough), and the meridional circulation (zonal circulation) is distributed in the mid-latitudes, which is conducive to the intrusion of cold air into the south (north) of China. The cold and warm air intersection area is to the south (to the north). The water vapor flux is weak (strong) and the water vapor divergence (convergence) prohibits (enhances) the precipitation process in the study area.
Impact of China’s Recent Amendments to Air Quality Monitoring Protocol on Reported Trends
Authors: Jin Lei , Wang Bin , Shi Guangming , Seyler Barnabas C. , Qiao Xue , Deng Xunfei , Jiang Xia , Yang Fumo , Zhan Yu
Published: November 2020

In September 2018, China’s air quality monitoring protocol was amended from the standard conditions to actual conditions for particulate matter and to reference conditions for gaseous pollutants. Due to the amendment, the reported concentrations of the gaseous pollutants decreased by a constant rate of 8.4%, and the averages of PM2.5 (particulate matter that has an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller) reported during September 2017 and August 2018 decreased by 7.9 ± 6.1% at 99% of the monitoring stations. Comparing the periods before and after the amendment, the 12-month PM2.5 concentrations at 17.2% of the stations actually increased despite appearing to decrease if the amendments were not considered. We reviewed 370 papers published in 2020 that utilized this air quality dataset, and 21% of these papers used the data before and after the amendment without explicitly stating whether or how conversions were conducted. It is urgent to widely broadcast the protocol amendment to ensure proper use of this extensively cited dataset.
Co-Application of Eugenol and QX-314 Elicits the Prolonged Blockade of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Nociceptive Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons
Authors: Hwang Sung-Min , Lee Kihwan , Im Sang-Taek , Go Eun Jin , Kim Yong Ho , Park Chul-Kyu
Published: November 2020

Local anesthetics (LAs) can completely block nociception by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs), and thus, blocking action potentials (APs) within sensory neurons. As one of the several LAs, eugenol is used for dental pain treatment. It reportedly features multiple functions in regulating diverse ion channels. This study aimed to investigate the long-lasting analgesic effect of eugenol alone, as well as that of the combination of eugenol as a noxious-heat-sensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel agonist and a permanently charged sodium channel blocker (QX-314), on neuronal excitability in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. Eugenol alone increased inward current in a dose-dependent manner in capsaicin-sensitive TG neurons. Eugenol also inhibited the VGSC current and AP. These effects were reversed through wash-out. The combination of eugenol and QX-314 was evaluated in the same manner. The combination completely inhibited the VGSC current and AP. However, these effects were not reversed and were continuously blocked even after wash-out. Taken together, our results suggest that, in contrast to the effect of eugenol alone, the combination of eugenol and QX-314 irreversibly and selectively blocked VGSCs in TG neurons expressing TRPV1.
The Role of Natural Killer (NK) Cells in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kumrić Marko , Tičinović Kurir Tina , Borovac Josip A. , Božić Joško
Published: November 2020

With poor outcomes and an immense financial burden, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its ischemic repercussions still present a major global health problem. Unfavorable outcomes seem to be mainly due to adverse cardiac remodeling. Since the inflammatory response takes an important role in remodeling secondary to myocardial infarction (MI), and as inflammation in this manner has not been completely elucidated, we attempted to give rise to a further understanding of ACS pathophysiology. Hence, in this review, we integrated current knowledge of complex communication networks between natural killer (NK) cells and immune and resident heart cells in the context of ACS. Based on available data, the role of NK cells seems to be important in the infarcted myocardium, where it affects heart remodeling. On the other hand, in atherosclerotic plaque, NK cells seem to be mere passers-by, except in the case of chronic infections by atherogenic pathogens. In that case, NK cells seem to support proinflammatory milieu. NK cell research is challenging due to ethical reasons, convergent evolution, and phenotypic diversity among individuals. Therefore, we argue that further research of NK cells in ACS is valuable, given their therapeutic potential in improving postischemic heart remodeling.
Deep Phenotyping Reveals Distinct Immune Signatures Correlating with Prognostication, Treatment Responses, and MRD Status in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Papadimitriou Konstantinos , Tsakirakis Nikolaos , Malandrakis Panagiotis , Vitsos Panagiotis , Metousis Andreas , Orologas-Stavrou Nikolaos , Ntanasis-Stathopoulos Ioannis , Kanellias Nikolaos , Eleutherakis-Papaiakovou Evangelos , Pothos Panagiotis , Fotiou Despina , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Kastritis Efstathios , Dimopoulos Meletios-Athanasios , Terpos Evangelos , Tsitsilonis Ourania E. , Kostopoulos Ioannis V.
Published: November 2020

Despite recent advances, Multiple Myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease with apparent heterogeneity that may explain patients’ variable clinical outcomes. While the phenotypic, (epi)genetic, and molecular characteristics of myeloma cells have been thoroughly examined, there is limited information regarding the role of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment in the natural history of the disease. In the present study, we performed deep phenotyping of 32 distinct immune cell subsets in a cohort of 94 MM patients to reveal unique immune profiles in both BM and peripheral blood (PB) that characterize distinct prognostic groups, responses to induction treatment, and minimal residual disease (MRD) status. Our data show that PB cells do not reflect the BM microenvironment and that the two sites should be studied independently. Adverse ISS stage and high-risk cytogenetics were correlated with distinct immune profiles; most importantly, BM signatures comprised decreased tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and erythroblasts, whereas the unique Treg signatures in PB could discriminate those patients achieving complete remission after VRd induction therapy. Moreover, MRD negative status was correlated with a more experienced CD4- and CD8-mediated immunity phenotype in both BM and PB, thus highlighting a critical role of by-stander cells linked to MRD biology.
Improving Radiation Response in Glioblastoma Using ECO/siRNA Nanoparticles Targeting DNA Damage Repair
Authors: Lee Jennifer A. , Ayat Nadia , Sun Zhanhu , Tofilon Philip J. , Lu Zheng-Rong , Camphausen Kevin
Published: November 2020

Radiation therapy is a mainstay in the standard of care for glioblastoma (GBM), thus inhibiting the DNA damage response (DDR) is a major strategy to improve radiation response and therapeutic outcomes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy holds immeasurable potential for the treatment of GBM, however delivery of the siRNA payload remains the largest obstacle for clinical implementation. Here we demonstrate the effectiveness of the novel nanomaterial, ECO (1-aminoethylimino[bis(N-oleoylcysteinylaminoethyl) propionamide]), to deliver siRNA targeting DDR proteins ataxia telangiectasia mutated and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNApk-cs) for the radiosensitzation of GBM in vitro and in vivo. ECO nanoparticles (NPs) were shown to efficiently deliver siRNA and silence target protein expression in glioma (U251) and glioma stem cell lines (NSC11, GBMJ1). Importantly, ECO NPs displayed no cytotoxicity and minimal silencing of genes in normal astrocytes. Treatment with ECO/siRNA NPs and radiation resulted in the prolonged presence of γH2AX foci, indicators of DNA damage, and increased radiosensitivity in all tumor cell lines. In vivo, intratumoral injection of ECO/siDNApk-cs NPs with radiation resulted in a significant increase in survival compared with injection of NPs alone. These data suggest the ECO nanomaterial can effectively deliver siRNA to more selectively target and radiosensitize tumor cells to improve therapeutic outcomes in GBM.
Electronic Cigarettes and Head and Neck Cancer Risk—Current State of Art
Authors: Szukalska Marta , Szyfter Krzysztof , Florek Ewa , Rodrigo Juan P. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Mäkitie Antti A. , Strojan Primož , Takes Robert P. , Suárez Carlos , Saba Nabil F. , Braakhuis Boudewijn J.M. , Ferlito Alfio
Published: November 2020

E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in the last decade and are considered less harmful than traditional tobacco products due to the lower content of toxic and carcinogenic compounds. However, this is still a controversial issue. This paper contains a review of previous reports on the composition of e-cigarettes and their impact on the pathogenesis and risk of head and neck cancer (HNC). The objective of the review was to compare the molecular and health effects of e-cigarette use in relation to the effects of traditional cigarette smoking in the upper respiratory tract, and to assess the safety and effect of e-cigarettes on HNC risk. A review for English language articles published until 31 August 2020 was made, using a PubMed (including MEDLINE), CINAHL Plus, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science data. The authors reviewed articles on both toxic and carcinogenic compounds contained in e-cigarettes and their molecular and health effects on the upper respiratory tract in comparison to tobacco cigarettes. The risk of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains lower in users of e-cigarettes compared with tobacco smokers. However, more long-term studies are needed to better address the safety of e-cigarettes.