bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Fructose as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor: An Update
Authors: Busnatu Stefan-Sebastian , Salmen Teodor , Pana Maria-Alexandra , Rizzo Manfredi , Stallone Tiziana , Papanas Nikolaos , Popovic Djordje , Tanasescu Denisa , Serban Dragos , Stoian Anca Pantea
Published: January 2022

There is increasing presence of fructose in food and drinks, and some evidence suggests that its higher consumption increases cardiovascular risk, although the mechanisms still remain not fully elucidated. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are still responsible for one-third of deaths worldwide, and therefore, their prevention should be assessed and managed comprehensively and not by the evaluation of individual risk factor components. Lifestyle risk factors for CVD include low degree of physical activity, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking, and nutritional factors. Indeed, nutritional risk factors for CVD include unhealthy dietary behaviors, such as high intake of refined foods, unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium and a low intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, fish, and nuts. Even though there is no definitive association between CVD incidence and high consumption of total sugar, such as sucrose and fructose, there is, however, evidence that total sugars, added sugars, and fructose are harmfully associated with CVD mortality. Since high fructose intake is associated with elevated plasma triglyceride levels, as well as insulin resistance, diabetes hyperuricemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, further longitudinal studies should be conducted to fully elucidate the potential association between certain sugars and CVD.
Evaluating the Accuracy of the QCEIMS Approach for Computational Prediction of Electron Ionization Mass Spectra of Purines and Pyrimidines
Authors: Lee Jesi , Kind Tobias , Tantillo Dean Joseph , Wang Lee-Ping , Fiehn Oliver
Published: January 2022

Mass spectrometry is the most commonly used method for compound annotation in metabolomics. However, most mass spectra in untargeted assays cannot be annotated with specific compound structures because reference mass spectral libraries are far smaller than the complement of known molecules. Theoretically predicted mass spectra might be used as a substitute for experimental spectra especially for compounds that are not commercially available. For example, the Quantum Chemistry Electron Ionization Mass Spectra (QCEIMS) method can predict 70 eV electron ionization mass spectra from any given input molecular structure. In this work, we investigated the accuracy of QCEIMS predictions of electron ionization (EI) mass spectra for 80 purine and pyrimidine derivatives in comparison to experimental data in the NIST 17 database. Similarity scores between every pair of predicted and experimental spectra revealed that 45% of the compounds were found as the correct top hit when QCEIMS predicted spectra were matched against the NIST17 library of >267,000 EI spectra, and 74% of the compounds were found within the top 10 hits. We then investigated the impact of matching, missing, and additional fragment ions in predicted EI mass spectra versus ion abundances in MS similarity scores. We further include detailed studies of fragmentation pathways such as retro Diels–Alder reactions to predict neutral losses of (iso)cyanic acid, hydrogen cyanide, or cyanamide in the mass spectra of purines and pyrimidines. We describe how trends in prediction accuracy correlate with the chemistry of the input compounds to better understand how mechanisms of QCEIMS predictions could be improved in future developments. We conclude that QCEIMS is useful for generating large-scale predicted mass spectral libraries for identification of compounds that are absent from experimental libraries and that are not commercially available.
Gene Therapy Targeting PCSK9
Authors: Katzmann Julius L. , Cupido Arjen J. , Laufs Ulrich
Published: January 2022

The last decades of research in cardiovascular prevention have been characterized by successful bench-to-bedside developments for the treatment of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) hypercholesterolemia. Recent examples include the inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) with monoclonal antibodies, small interfering RNA and antisense RNA drugs. The cumulative effects of LDL cholesterol on atherosclerosis make early, potent, and long-term reductions in LDL cholesterol desirable—ideally without the need of regular intake or application of medication and importantly, without side effects. Current reports show durable LDL cholesterol reductions in primates following one single treatment with PCSK9 gene or base editors. Use of the CRISPR/Cas system enables precise genome editing down to single-nucleotide changes. Provided safety and documentation of a reduction in cardiovascular events, this novel technique has the potential to fundamentally change our current concepts of cardiovascular prevention. In this review, the application of the CRISPR/Cas system is explained and the current state of in vivo approaches of PCSK9 editing is presented.
Knowledge to Predict Pathogens: Legionella pneumophila Lifecycle Systematic Review Part II Growth within and Egress from a Host Cell
Authors: Mraz Alexis L. , Weir Mark H.
Published: January 2022

Legionella pneumophila (L. pneumophila) is a pathogenic bacterium of increasing concern, due to its ability to cause a severe pneumonia, Legionnaires’ Disease (LD), and the challenges in controlling the bacteria within premise plumbing systems. L. pneumophila can thrive within the biofilm of premise plumbing systems, utilizing protozoan hosts for protection from environmental stressors and to increase its growth rate, which increases the bacteria’s infectivity to human host cells. Typical disinfectant techniques have proven to be inadequate in controlling L. pneumophila in the premise plumbing system, exposing users to LD risks. As the bacteria have limited infectivity to human macrophages without replicating within a host protozoan cell, the replication within, and egress from, a protozoan host cell is an integral part of the bacteria’s lifecycle. While there is a great deal of information regarding how L. pneumophila interacts with protozoa, the ability to use this data in a model to attempt to predict a concentration of L. pneumophila in a water system is not known. This systematic review summarizes the information in the literature regarding L. pneumophila’s growth within and egress from the host cell, summarizes the genes which affect these processes, and calculates how oxidative stress can downregulate those genes.
Computational Prediction of Bacteriophage Host Ranges
Authors: Versoza Cyril J. , Pfeifer Susanne P.
Published: January 2022

Increased antibiotic resistance has prompted the development of bacteriophage agents for a multitude of applications in agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. A key factor in the choice of agents for these applications is the host range of a bacteriophage, i.e., the bacterial genera, species, and strains a bacteriophage is able to infect. Although experimental explorations of host ranges remain the gold standard, such investigations are inherently limited to a small number of viruses and bacteria amendable to cultivation. Here, we review recently developed bioinformatic tools that offer a promising and high-throughput alternative by computationally predicting the putative host ranges of bacteriophages, including those challenging to grow in laboratory environments.
Phylum Gemmatimonadota and Its Role in the Environment
Authors: Mujakić Izabela , Piwosz Kasia , Koblížek Michal
Published: January 2022

Bacteria are an important part of every ecosystem that they inhabit on Earth. Environmental microbiologists usually focus on a few dominant bacterial groups, neglecting less abundant ones, which collectively make up most of the microbial diversity. One of such less-studied phyla is Gemmatimonadota. Currently, the phylum contains only six cultured species. However, data from culture-independent studies indicate that members of Gemmatimonadota are common in diverse habitats. They are abundant in soils, where they seem to be frequently associated with plants and the rhizosphere. Moreover, Gemmatimonadota were found in aquatic environments, such as freshwaters, wastewater treatment plants, biofilms, and sediments. An important discovery was the identification of purple bacterial reaction centers and anoxygenic photosynthesis in this phylum, genes for which were likely acquired via horizontal gene transfer. So far, the capacity for anoxygenic photosynthesis has been described for two cultured species: Gemmatimonas phototrophica and Gemmatimonas groenlandica. Moreover, analyses of metagenome-assembled genomes indicate that it is also common in uncultured lineages of Gemmatimonadota. This review summarizes the current knowledge about this understudied bacterial phylum with an emphasis on its environmental distribution.
Extra-Pulmonary Complications in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Comprehensive Multi Organ-System Review
Authors: Louis Taylor J. , Qasem Ahmad , Abdelli Latifa S. , Naser Saleh A.
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, is typically presented with acute symptoms affecting upper and lower respiratory systems. As the current pandemic progresses, COVID-19 patients are experiencing a series of nonspecific or atypical extra-pulmonary complications such as systemic inflammation, hypercoagulability state, and dysregulation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS). These manifestations often delay testing, diagnosis, and the urge to seek effective treatment. Although the pathophysiology of these complications is not clearly understood, the incidence of COVID-19 increases with age and the presence of pre-existing conditions. This review article outlines the pathophysiology and clinical impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on extra-pulmonary systems. Understanding the broad spectrum of atypical extra-pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 should increase disease surveillance, restrict transmission, and most importantly prevent multiple organ-system complications.
Real-Time Optimization of Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment at Infection Site during Treatment of Post-Neurosurgical Ventriculitis Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Gram Negatives with Ceftazidime–Avibactam-Based Regimens: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Gatti Milo , Virgili Giulio , Cojutti Pier Giorgio , Gaibani Paolo , Conti Matteo , Sturiale Carmelo , Pea Federico , Viale Pierluigi
Published: January 2022

We present two cases of post-neurosurgical ventriculitis caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative pathogens successfully treated with high-dose ceftazidime/avibactam. The existence of a real-time clinical pharmacological advice program, by enabling the optimization of the PK/PD targets over time at the infection site, turned out to be very helpful.
Provenance of Jurassic Sediments from Yuqia Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits in the Northern Margin of Qaidam Basin, China and Its Implications for Uranium Mineralization
Authors: Huang Guangwen , Wu Dehai , Huang Guangnan , Xue Wanwen , Min Zhuang , Fan Pengfei
Published: January 2022

The Yuqia uranium deposit is a newly discovered sandstone-type uranium deposit in the northern margin of the Qaidam Basin. Concerning the sources of sediment in the basin, most scholars have focused on the study of Cenozoic sediment sources in the northern part of the basin, rather than on the study of Jurassic provenance and its implications for uranium mineralization. In this paper, the Jurassic sandstones in the area were selected for petrography, petrogeochemistry and electron microprobe analysis (EPMA), and the significance of sedimentary provenance and uranium metallogeny were further discussed, based on the previous data of detrital zircon chronology. It is reported here for the first time that coffinite and pitchblende are the main contributors. Independent uranium minerals in the region mainly occur in strawberry pyrite, xenotime, and margins or of quartz. The rocks in the source area, Jurassic sandstones, were mainly formed under the tectonic setting of the active continental margin; however, the sediments are mainly derived from the Indosinian and Paleozoic granitoids exposed in the northern margin of the Qaidam Basin. The uranium-rich granites in the source area led to the preconcentration of uranium in the sandstone of the target layer, and the uranium was brought into the ore-bearing target layer through uranium-bearing oxygenated water. The reduction reaction occurred under the action of reducing matter, and finally, the U6+ was reduced to U4+ in the formation of coffinite and pitchblende.
Arene-Ruthenium(II) Complexes with Carbothiamidopyrazoles as a Potential Alternative for Antibiotic Resistance in Human
Authors: Namiecińska Ewelina , Grazul Magdalena , Sadowska Beata , Więckowska-Szakiel Marzena , Hikisz Paweł , Pasternak Beata , Budzisz Elzbieta
Published: January 2022

To meet the demand for alternatives to commonly used antibiotics, this paper evaluates the antimicrobial potential of arene-ruthenium(II) complexes and their salts, which may be of value in antibacterial treatment. Their antimicrobial activity (MIC, MBC/MFC) was examined in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and Candida albicans and compared with classic antibiotics used as therapeutics. Selected arene-ruthenium(II) complexes were found to have synergistic effects with oxacillin and vancomycin against staphylococci. Their bactericidal effect was found to be associated with cell lysis and the ability to cut microbial DNA. To confirm the safety of the tested arene-ruthenium(II) complexes in vivo, their cytotoxicity was also investigated against normal human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF-1). In addition, the antioxidant and thus pro-health potential of the compounds, i.e., their nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC), was determined by two different methods: ferric-TPTZ complex and DPPH assay.
Chitosan Nanoparticle-Based System: A New Insight into the Promising Controlled Release System for Lung Cancer Treatment
Authors: Yee Kuen Cha , Masarudin Mas Jaffri
Published: January 2022

Lung cancer has been recognized as one of the most often diagnosed and perhaps most lethal cancer diseases worldwide. Conventional chemotherapy for lung cancer-related diseases has bumped into various limitations and challenges, including non-targeted drug delivery, short drug retention period, low therapeutic efficacy, and multidrug resistance (MDR). Chitosan (CS), a natural polymer derived from deacetylation of chitin, and comprised of arbitrarily distributed β-(1-4)-linked d-glucosamine (deacetylated unit) and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (acetylated unit) that exhibits magnificent characteristics, including being mucoadhesive, biodegradable, and biocompatible, has emerged as an essential element for the development of a nano-particulate delivery vehicle. Additionally, the flexibility of CS structure due to the free protonable amino groups in the CS backbone has made it easy for the modification and functionalization of CS to be developed into a nanoparticle system with high adaptability in lung cancer treatment. In this review, the current state of chitosan nanoparticle (CNP) systems, including the advantages, challenges, and opportunities, will be discussed, followed by drug release mechanisms and mathematical kinetic models. Subsequently, various modification routes of CNP for improved and enhanced therapeutic efficacy, as well as other restrictions of conventional drug administration for lung cancer treatment, are covered.
Correction: Quevedo et al. Mechanisms of Silver Nanoparticle Uptake by Embryonic Zebrafish Cells. Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 2699
Authors: Quevedo Ana , Ellis Laura-Jayne A. , Lynch Iseult , Valsami-Jones Eugenia
Published: January 2022

Error in Figure/Table [...]
Natural Polyphenol-Containing Gels against HSV-1 Infection: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sicurella Mariaconcetta , Sguizzato Maddalena , Mariani Paolo , Pepe Alessia , Baldisserotto Anna , Buzzi Raissa , Huang Nicolas , Simelière Fanny , Burholt Sam , Marconi Peggy , Esposito Elisabetta
Published: January 2022

Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection commonly affects many people, causing perioral sores, as well as severe complications including encephalitis in immunocompromised patients. The main pharmacological approach involves synthetic antiviral drugs, among which acyclovir is the golden standard, often leading to resistant virus strains under long-term use. An alternative approach based on antiviral plant-derived compounds, such as quercetin and mangiferin, demonstrated an antiviral potential. In the present study, semisolid forms for cutaneous application of quercetin and mangiferin were designed and evaluated to treat HSV-1 infection. Phosphatidylcholine- and poloxamer-based gels were produced and characterized. Gel physical–chemical aspects were evaluated by rheological measurements and X-ray diffraction, evidencing the different thermoresponsive behaviors and supramolecular organizations of semisolid forms. Quercetin and mangiferin diffusion kinetics were compared in vitro by a Franz cell system, demonstrating the different gel efficacies to restrain the polyphenol diffusion. The capability of gels to control polyphenol antioxidant potential and stability was evaluated, indicating a higher stability and antioxidant activity in the case of quercetin loaded in poloxamer-based gel. Furthermore, a plaque reduction assay, conducted to compare the virucidal effect of quercetin and mangiferin loaded in gels against the HSV-1 KOS strain, demonstrated the suitability of poloxamer-based gel to prolong the polyphenol activity.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Hierarchical SnO2 Nanostructures for Improved Formaldehyde Gas Sensing
Authors: Ren Pengyu , Qi Lingling , You Kairui , Shi Qingwei
Published: January 2022

The indoor environment of buildings affects people’s daily life. Indoor harmful gases include volatile organic gas and greenhouse gas. Therefore, the detection of harmful gas by gas sensors is a key method for developing green buildings. The reasonable design of SnO2-sensing materials with excellent structures is an ideal choice for gas sensors. In this study, three types of hierarchical SnO2 microspheres assembled with one-dimensional nanorods, including urchin-like microspheres (SN-1), flower-like microspheres (SN-2), and hydrangea-like microspheres (SN-3), are prepared by a simple hydrothermal method and further applied as gas-sensing materials for an indoor formaldehyde (HCHO) gas-sensing test. The SN-1 sample-based gas sensor demonstrates improved HCHO gas-sensing performance, especially demonstrating greater sensor responses and faster response/recovery speeds than SN-2- and SN-3-based gas sensors. The improved HCHO gas-sensing properties could be mainly attributed to the structural difference of smaller nanorods. These results further indicate the uniqueness of the structure of the SN-1 sample and its suitability as HCHO- sensing material.
Dietary Alpha-Linolenic Acid Supports High Retinal DHA Levels
Authors: Sinclair Andrew J. , Guo Xiao-Fei , Abedin Lavinia
Published: January 2022

The retina requires docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for optimal function. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and DHA are dietary sources of retinal DHA. This research investigated optimizing retinal DHA using dietary ALA. Previous research identified 19% DHA in retinal phospholipids was associated with optimal retinal function in guinea pigs. Pregnant guinea pigs were fed dietary ALA from 2.8% to 17.3% of diet fatty acids, at a constant level of linoleic acid (LA) of 18% for the last one third of gestation and retinal DHA levels were assessed in 3-week-old offspring maintained on the same diets as their mothers. Retinal DHA increased in a linear fashion with the maximum on the diet with LA:ALA of 1:1. Feeding diets with LA:ALA of 1:1 during pregnancy and assessing retinal DHA in 3-week-old offspring was associated with optimized retinal DHA levels. We speculate that the current intakes of ALA in human diets, especially in relation to LA intakes, are inadequate to support high DHA levels in the retina.
Tunable Spun Fiber Constructs in Biomedicine: Influence of Processing Parameters in the Fibers’ Architecture
Authors: Miranda Catarina S. , Silva Ana Francisca G. , Pereira-Lima Sílvia M. M. A. , Costa Susana P. G. , Homem Natália C. , Felgueiras Helena P.
Published: January 2022

Electrospinning and wet-spinning have been recognized as two of the most efficient and promising techniques for producing polymeric fibrous constructs for a wide range of applications, including optics, electronics, food industry and biomedical applications. They have gained considerable attention in the past few decades because of their unique features and tunable architectures that can mimic desirable biological features, responding more effectively to local demands. In this review, various fiber architectures and configurations, varying from monolayer and core-shell fibers to tri-axial, porous, multilayer, side-by-side and helical fibers, are discussed, highlighting the influence of processing parameters in the final constructs. Additionally, the envisaged biomedical purposes for the examined fiber architectures, mainly focused on drug delivery and tissue engineering applications, are explored at great length.
A P-61 Black Widow Inspired Palladium Biladiene Complex for Efficient Sensitization of Singlet Oxygen Using Visible Light
Authors: Rice Anthony T. , Yap Glenn P. A. , Rosenthal Joel
Published: January 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising treatment option that ablates cancerous cells and tumors via photoinduced sensitization of singlet oxygen. Over the last few decades, much work has been devoted to the development of new photochemotherapeutic agents for PDT. A wide variety of macrocyclic tetrapyrrole based photosensitizers have been designed, synthesized and characterized as PDT agents. Many of these complexes have a variety of issues that pose a barrier to their use in humans, including biocompatibility, inherent toxicity, and synthetic hurdles. We have developed a non-traditional, non-cyclic, and non-aromatic tetrapyrrole ligand scaffold, called the biladiene (DMBil1), as an alternative to these traditional photosensitizer complexes. Upon insertion of a heavy atom such as Pd2+ center, Pd[DMBil1] generates singlet oxygen in substantial yields (ΦΔ = 0.54, λexc = 500 nm) when irradiated with visible light. To extend the absorption profile for Pd[DMBil1] deeper into the phototherapeutic window, the tetrapyrrole was conjugated with alkynyl phenyl groups at the 2- and 18-positions (Pd[DMBil2-PE]) resulting in a significant redshift while also increasing singlet oxygen generation (ΦΔ = 0.59, 600 nm). To further modify the dialkynyl-biladiene scaffold, we conjugated a 1,8-diethynylanthracene with to the Pd[DMBil1] tetrapyrrole in order to further extend the compound’s π-conjugation in a cyclic loop that spans the entire tetrapyrrole unit. This new compound (Pd[DMBil2-P61]) is structurally reminiscent of the P61 Black Widow aircraft and absorbs light into the phototherapeutic window (600–900 nm). In addition to detailing the solid-state structure and steady-state spectroscopic properties for this new biladiene, photochemical sensitization studies demonstrated that Pd[DMBil2-P61] can sensitize the formation of 1O2 with quantum yields of ΦΔ = 0.84 upon irradiation with light λ = 600 nm. These results distinguish the Pd[DMBil2-P61] platform as the most efficient biladiene-based singlet oxygen photosensitizer developed to date. When taken together, the improved absorption in the phototherapeutic window and high singlet oxygen sensitization efficiency of Pd[DMBil2-P61] mark this compound as a promising candidate for future study as an agent of photodynamic cancer therapy.
Modulators in Silicon Photonics—Heterogenous Integration & and Beyond
Authors: Mulcahy Jack , Peters Frank H. , Dai Xing
Published: January 2022

The article below presents a review of current research on silicon photonics. Herein, an overview of current silicon modulator types and modern integration approaches is presented including direct bonding methods and micro-transfer printing. An analysis of current state of the art silicon modulators is also given. Finally, new prospects for III–V-silicon integration are explored and the prospects of an integrated modulator compatible with current CMOS processing is investigated.
Continuous Bamboo Fibers/Fire-Retardant Polyamide 11: Dynamic Mechanical Behavior of the Biobased Composite
Authors: Lods Louise , Richmond Tutea , Dandurand Jany , Dantras Eric , Lacabanne Colette , Durand Jean-Michel , Sherwood Edouard , Hochstetter Gilles , Ponteins Philippe
Published: January 2022

A biobased composite was generated from bamboo fibers (BF) and a polyamide 11 (PA11) matrix. In order to fulfill security requirements, a PA11 already containing a flame retardant (FR) was chosen: This matrix is referred as PA11-FR. In this work, the effects of flame retardant (melamine cyanurate) on the composite properties were considered. In the calorimetric study, the glass transition and melting temperatures of PA11-FR were the same as those of PA11. The melamine cyanurate (MC) had no influence on these parameters. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that PA11-FR was less stable than PA11. The presence of MC facilitated thermal decomposition regardless of the analysis atmosphere used. It is important to note that the presence of FR did not influence processing conditions (especially the viscosity parameter) for the biosourced composite. Continuous BF-reinforced PA 11-FR composites, single ply, with 60% of fibers were processed and analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis. In shear mode, comparative data recorded for BF/PA11-FR composite and the PA11-FR matrix demonstrated that the shear glassy modulus was significantly improved: multiplied by a factor of 1.6 due to the presence of fibers. This result reflected hydrogen bonding between reinforcing fibers and the matrix, resulting in a significant transfer of stress. In tensile mode, the conservative modulus of BF/PA11-FR reached E’ = 8.91 GPa. Upon BF introduction, the matrix tensile modulus was multiplied by 5.7. It can be compared with values of a single bamboo fiber recorded under the same experimental conditions: 31.58 GPa. The difference is partly explained by the elementary fibers’ lack of alignment in the composite.
Recent Advancements in Polysulfone Based Membranes for Fuel Cell (PEMFCs, DMFCs and AMFCs) Applications: A Critical Review
Authors: Vinodh Rajangam , Atchudan Raji , Kim Hee-Je , Yi Moonsuk
Published: January 2022

In recent years, ion electrolyte membranes (IEMs) preparation and properties have attracted fabulous attention in fuel cell usages owing to its high ionic conductivity and chemical resistance. Currently, perfluorinatedsulfonicacid (PFSA) membrane has been widely employed in the membrane industry in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs); however, NafionTM suffers reduced proton conductivity at a higher temperature, requiring noble metal catalyst (Pt, Ru, and Pt-Ru), and catalyst poisoning by CO. Non-fluorinated polymers are a promising substitute. Polysulfone (PSU) is an aromatic polymer with excellent characteristics that have attracted membrane scientists in recent years. The present review provides an up-to-date development of PSU based electrolyte membranes and its composites for PEMFCs, alkaline membrane fuel cells (AMFCs), and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) application. Various fillers encapsulated in the PEM/AEM moiety are appraised according to their preliminary characteristics and their plausible outcome on PEMFC/DMFC/AMFC. The key issues associated with enhancing the ionic conductivity and chemical stability have been elucidated as well. Furthermore, this review addresses the current tasks, and forthcoming directions are briefly summarized of PEM/AEMs for PEMFCs, DMFCs, AMFCs.
Cassava-Starch-Based Films Incorporated with Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) Oil: A New Active and Bioactive Material for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Costa Danusa Silva da , Takeuchi Katiuchia Pereira , Silva Richard Marins da , Oliveira Filho Josemar Gonçalves de , Bertolo Mirella Romanelli Vicente , Belisário Celso Martins , Egea Mariana Buranelo , Plácido Geovana Rocha
Published: January 2022

The objective of this study was to develop and characterize cassava-starch-based films incorporated with buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) oil and emulsifier (Tween 20). An experimental factorial design 22 with three central points was used to develop the films, by varying the concentrations of buriti oil (0.15 to 0.45% w/v) and emulsifier (0.02 to 0.04% w/v). Film thickness and weight increased with increasing buriti oil concentration. The water vapor permeability of the films ranged from 0.22 to 0.366 g mm h−1 m−2 kPa−1. The tensile strength values varied from 4.21 to 6.95 MPa, the elasticity modulus varied from 538.53 to 722.78 MPa, and elongation to rupture varied from 1.13 to 1.66%. The film color was characterized as yellowish, dark, and intense (higher oil content); and clear and a low-intensity color (lower oil content). The films presented a total carotenoid content ranging from 3.63 to 29.73 μg β-carotene/g, which may have resulted in their antioxidant potential against DPPH• (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical (from 74.28 to 87.74%). The central formulation of the experimental design (buriti oil 0.30% and emulsifier 0.03%) presented a good performance and can be applied as packaging for foods with a lower water content and that demand protection against oxidation.
On Earth and as It Is in Heaven—There Is No Sex Trafficking in Heaven: A Qualitative Study Bringing Christian Church Leaders’ Anti-Trafficking Viewpoints to Trafficking Discourse
Authors: Knight Logan , Kagotho Njeri
Published: January 2022

There is a lack of contributions in sex trafficking the academic literature from Christian evangelical leaders despite their prominence in global counter-trafficking activism. Given that the academic literature influences professional and pedagogical discourse, the lack of evangelical Christian representation could diminish the complexity of trafficking discourses, limit balanced views of the flaws and strengths of evangelical counter-trafficking, and limit the opportunities for academia to understand and address problematic areas in evangelical counter-trafficking through an emic understanding of evangelical paradigms. Using a phenomenological lens to engage evangelical Christian pastors (n = 17) in the midwestern United States, this study examined the meaning faith leaders attach to counter-trafficking initiatives. Four themes emerged: (1) God cares about survivors of sex trafficking, giving Christians a moral obligation to intervene; (2) God, the Christian, and the survivor all have essential roles in tackling sex trafficking as part of helping humanity; (3) congregations’ faith-inspired but imperfect efforts to help an imperfect and complex world create many complexities; and (4) managing complexity involves applying the truths that underpin the Christian worldview, namely that God is good and people are valuable. These findings underscore the need to create an inclusive knowledge-producing forum that allows for a pragmatic exchange of ideas to expand the discourse between multiple counter trafficking actors.
Moral Visions in Medieval Muslim Interpretations of Sūra 102 Al-Takāthur: Warnings against Pride, Wealth, or Pleasure?
Authors: Kulinich Alena
Published: January 2022

This article focuses on sūra 102 al-Takāthur of the Qur’ān which addresses those preoccupied with al-takāthur (competition for superiority in number, or accumulation of wealth), warning them of the punishment of Hell in the Hereafter and of their interrogation about al-na‘īm (the worldly pleasures) on the Day of Judgement. The grave eschatological implications of engaging in al-takāthur and al-na‘īm, conveyed in this sūra, have triggered attempts by Muslim scholars to determine the intended meanings of these notions and the scope of their reference. This article examines the interpretations of al-takāthur and al-na‘īm in medieval commentaries on sūra al-Takāthur with the aim of identifying and analysing various interpretative trends regarding these two notions and exploring their connection with the moral orientations among Muslims in the medieval period of Islamic history.
Islamic Religious Authority in Cyberspace: A Qualitative Study of Muslim Religious Actors in Australia
Authors: Whyte Shaheen Amid
Published: January 2022

The arrival of new technologies has always presented new challenges and opportunities to religious communities anchored in scriptural and oral traditions. In the modern period, the volume, speed and accessibility of digital technologies has significantly altered the way knowledge is communicated and consumed. This is particularly true for the way religious authority is constructed online. Using in-depth fieldwork interviews and survey findings of Australian Muslims, this article examines the way religious actors, including imams/sheikhs, educators and academics in the field of Islamic studies, perceive and use online platforms to convey their religious knowledge. The findings suggest Muslims value the benefits of accessing knowledge, communicating ideas and facilitating religious pluralism via digital platforms. By the same token, participants warned against the dangers of information anarchy, “Sheikh Google” and the limitations of “do it yourself Islam”. Importantly, the article shows imams, educators and Muslim scholars largely prioritise face-to-face learning as a more reliable and effective method of teaching and establishing rapport among Muslims compared to eclectic internet-based information dissemination. At the same time, religious actors are not averse to Muslims using digital platforms so long as they possess the skills to cross-examine online content and verify the credentials of religious actors. For more complex and circumstantial issues, participants encouraged Muslims to consult a local imam or trusted religious scholar from the community.
The Ways of Things: Mobilizing Charismatic Objects in Oberammergau and Its Passion Play
Authors: Mohr Jan , Stenzel Julia
Published: January 2022

The mobilization processes initiated by the medieval practice of Christian pilgrimage do not only concern the journeys of human travellers but also of things. The transport of objects to and from pilgrimage sites derives from a pre-modern concept of charisma as a specific kind of energy that can be transferred to things and substances. This mutual mobilization of humans and things can be described as the entangled processes of charismatic charging and re-charging; we argue that this pre-modern logic of contiguity and contagion has survived the multiple transformations of individual travel until today. Even travel dispositives of the 20th and 21st centuries presuppose kinds of situational and spatialized charisma involving human and non-human agents. We illustrate this by the example of the world-renowned Oberammergau Passion Play with its unique playing continuity from the early 17th century onwards. We argue that by taking objects home from elevated places, situational and site-specific charisma can be taken home. To describe the relationship between travel by pilgrims, the mobility of objects, and the mutual charismatic charging of elevated places and things, we propose three perspectives on the material remains of elevated situations. In addition to relics and souvenirs, we propose ‘spolia’ as a third category which allows for the description of discontinuity and transformation in practices of elevating things.
Interpolation of Quantile Regression to Estimate Driver’s Risk of Traffic Accident Based on Excess Speed
Authors: Pitarque Albert , Guillen Montserrat
Published: January 2022

Quantile regression provides a way to estimate a driver’s risk of a traffic accident by means of predicting the percentile of observed distance driven above the legal speed limits over a one year time interval, conditional on some given characteristics such as total distance driven, age, gender, percent of urban zone driving and night time driving. This study proposes an approximation of quantile regression coefficients by interpolating only a few quantile levels, which can be chosen carefully from the unconditional empirical distribution function of the response. Choosing the levels before interpolation improves accuracy. This approximation method is convenient for real-time implementation of risky driving identification and provides a fast approximate calculation of a risk score. We illustrate our results with data on 9614 drivers observed over one year.
LeGO-LOAM-SC: An Improved Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Method Fusing LeGO-LOAM and Scan Context for Underground Coalmine
Authors: Xue Guanghui , Wei Jinbo , Li Ruixue , Cheng Jian
Published: January 2022

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is one of the key technologies for coal mine underground operation vehicles to build complex environment maps and positioning and to realize unmanned and autonomous operation. Many domestic and foreign scholars have studied many SLAM algorithms, but the mapping accuracy and real-time performance still need to be further improved. This paper presents a SLAM algorithm integrating scan context and Light weight and Ground-Optimized LiDAR Odometry and Mapping (LeGO-LOAM), LeGO-LOAM-SC. The algorithm uses the global descriptor extracted by scan context for loop detection, adds pose constraints to Georgia Tech Smoothing and Mapping (GTSAM) by Iterative Closest Points (ICP) for graph optimization, and constructs point cloud map and an output estimated pose of the mobile vehicle. The test with KITTI dataset 00 sequence data and the actual test in 2-storey underground parking lots are carried out. The results show that the proposed improved algorithm makes up for the drift of the point cloud map, has a higher mapping accuracy, a better real-time performance, a lower resource occupancy, a higher coincidence between trajectory estimation and real trajectory, smoother loop, and 6% reduction in CPU occupancy, the mean square errors of absolute trajectory error (ATE) and relative pose error (RPE) are reduced by 55.7% and 50.3% respectively; the translation and rotation accuracy are improved by about 5%, and the time consumption is reduced by 2~4%. Accurate map construction and low drift pose estimation can be performed.
Feasibility and Accuracy of Thoracolumbar Pedicle Screw Placement Using an Augmented Reality Head Mounted Device
Authors: Frisk Henrik , Lindqvist Eliza , Persson Oscar , Weinzierl Juliane , Bruetzel Linda K. , Cewe Paulina , Burström Gustav , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian
Published: January 2022

Background: To investigate the accuracy of augmented reality (AR) navigation using the Magic Leap head mounted device (HMD), pedicle screws were minimally invasively placed in four spine phantoms. Methods: AR navigation provided by a combination of a conventional navigation system integrated with the Magic Leap head mounted device (AR-HMD) was used. Forty-eight screws were planned and inserted into Th11-L4 of the phantoms using the AR-HMD and navigated instruments. Postprocedural CT scans were used to grade the technical (deviation from the plan) and clinical (Gertzbein grade) accuracy of the screws. The time for each screw placement was recorded. Results: The mean deviation between navigation plan and screw position was 1.9 ± 0.7 mm (1.9 [0.3–4.1] mm) at the entry point and 1.4 ± 0.8 mm (1.2 [0.1–3.9] mm) at the screw tip. The angular deviation was 3.0 ± 1.4° (2.7 [0.4–6.2]°) and the mean time for screw placement was 130 ± 55 s (108 [58–437] s). The clinical accuracy was 94% according to the Gertzbein grading scale. Conclusion: The combination of an AR-HMD with a conventional navigation system for accurate minimally invasive screw placement is feasible and can exploit the benefits of AR in the perspective of the surgeon with the reliability of a conventional navigation system.
MEMS Accelerometer Noises Analysis Based on Triple Estimation Fractional Order Algorithm
Authors: Macias Michal , Sierociuk Dominik , Malesza Wiktor
Published: January 2022

This paper is devoted to identifying parameters of fractional order noises with application to noises obtained from MEMS accelerometer. The analysis and parameters estimation will be based on the Triple Estimation algorithm, which can simultaneously estimate state, fractional order, and parameter estimates. The capability of the Triple Estimation algorithm to fractional noises estimation will be confirmed by the sets of numerical analyses for fractional constant and variable order systems with Gaussian noise input signal. For experimental data analysis, the MEMS sensor SparkFun MPU9250 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) was used with data obtained from the accelerometer in x, y and z-axes. The experimental results clearly show the existence of fractional noise in this MEMS’ noise, which can be essential information in the design of filtering algorithms, for example, in inertial navigation.
Supervisory Algorithm for Autonomous Hemodynamic Management Systems
Authors: Snider Eric , Vega Saul , Ross Evan , Berard David , Hernandez-Torres Sofia , Salinas Jose , Boice Emily
Published: January 2022

Future military conflicts will require new solutions to manage combat casualties. The use of automated medical systems can potentially address this need by streamlining and augmenting the delivery of medical care in both emergency and combat trauma environments. However, in many situations, these systems may need to operate in conjunction with other autonomous and semi-autonomous devices. Management of complex patients may require multiple automated systems operating simultaneously and potentially competing with each other. Supervisory controllers capable of harmonizing multiple closed-loop systems are thus essential before multiple automated medical systems can be deployed in managing complex medical situations. The objective for this study was to develop a Supervisory Algorithm for Casualty Management (SACM) that manages decisions and interplay between two automated systems designed for management of hemorrhage control and resuscitation: an automatic extremity tourniquet system and an adaptive resuscitation controller. SACM monitors the required physiological inputs for both systems and synchronizes each respective system as needed. We present a series of trauma experiments carried out in a physiologically relevant benchtop circulatory system in which SACM must recognize extremity or internal hemorrhage, activate the corresponding algorithm to apply a tourniquet, and then resuscitate back to the target pressure setpoint. SACM continues monitoring after the initial stabilization so that additional medical changes can be quickly identified and addressed, essential to extending automation algorithms past initial trauma resuscitation into extended monitoring. Overall, SACM is an important step in transitioning automated medical systems into emergency and combat trauma situations. Future work will address further interplay between these systems and integrate additional medical systems.
A Highly Secure IoT Firmware Update Mechanism Using Blockchain
Authors: Tsaur Woei-Jiunn , Chang Jen-Chun , Chen Chin-Ling
Published: January 2022

Internet of Things (IoT) device security is one of the crucial topics in the field of information security. IoT devices are often protected securely through firmware update. Traditional update methods have their shortcomings, such as bandwidth limitation and being attackers’ easy targets. Although many scholars proposed a variety of methods that are based on the blockchain technology to update the firmware, there are still demerits existing in their schemes, including large storage space and centralized stored firmware. In summary, this research proposes a highly secure and efficient protection mechanism that is based on the blockchain technology to improve the above disadvantages. Therefore, this study can reduce the need of storage space and improve system security. The proposed system has good performance in some events, including firmware integrity, security of IoT device connection, system security, and device anonymity. Furthermore, we confirm the high security and practical feasibility of the proposed system by comparing with the existing methods.
Physics-Based Graphics Models in 3D Synthetic Environments as Autonomous Vision-Based Inspection Testbeds
Authors: Hoskere Vedhus , Narazaki Yasutaka , Spencer Billie F.
Published: January 2022

Manual visual inspection of civil infrastructure is high-risk, subjective, and time-consuming. The success of deep learning and the proliferation of low-cost consumer robots has spurred rapid growth in research and application of autonomous inspections. The major components of autonomous inspection include data acquisition, data processing, and decision making, which are usually studied independently. However, for robust real-world applicability, these three aspects of the overall process need to be addressed concurrently with end-to-end testing, incorporating scenarios such as variations in structure type, color, damage level, camera distance, view angle, lighting, etc. Developing real-world datasets that span all these scenarios is nearly impossible. In this paper, we propose a framework to create a virtual visual inspection testbed using 3D synthetic environments that can enable end-to-end testing of autonomous inspection strategies. To populate the 3D synthetic environment with virtual damaged buildings, we propose the use of a non-linear finite element model to inform the realistic and automated visual rendering of different damage types, the damage state, and the material textures of what are termed herein physics-based graphics models (PBGMs). To demonstrate the benefits of the autonomous inspection testbed, three experiments are conducted with models of earthquake damaged reinforced concrete buildings. First, we implement the proposed framework to generate a new large-scale annotated benchmark dataset for post-earthquake inspections of buildings termed QuakeCity. Second, we demonstrate the improved performance of deep learning models trained using the QuakeCity dataset for inference on real data. Finally, a comparison of deep learning-based damage state estimation for different data acquisition strategies is carried out. The results demonstrate the use of PBGMs as an effective testbed for the development and validation of strategies for autonomous vision-based inspections of civil infrastructure.
A Hybrid Sparse Representation Model for Image Restoration
Authors: Zhou Caiyue , Kong Yanfen , Zhang Chuanyong , Sun Lin , Wu Dongmei , Zhou Chongbo
Published: January 2022

Group-based sparse representation (GSR) uses image nonlocal self-similarity (NSS) prior to grouping similar image patches, and then performs sparse representation. However, the traditional GSR model restores the image by training degraded images, which leads to the inevitable over-fitting of the data in the training model, resulting in poor image restoration results. In this paper, we propose a new hybrid sparse representation model (HSR) for image restoration. The proposed HSR model is improved in two aspects. On the one hand, the proposed HSR model exploits the NSS priors of both degraded images and external image datasets, making the model complementary in feature space and the plane. On the other hand, we introduce a joint sparse representation model to make better use of local sparsity and NSS characteristics of the images. This joint model integrates the patch-based sparse representation (PSR) model and GSR model, while retaining the advantages of the GSR model and the PSR model, so that the sparse representation model is unified. Extensive experimental results show that the proposed hybrid model outperforms several existing image recovery algorithms in both objective and subjective evaluations.