bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implicações da desinformação e da infodemia no contexto da pandemia da Covid-19
Authors: Cristo Hélio Souza de , Santos Teófanes de Assis , Horita Flávio Eduardo Aoki , Saba Hugo
Published: February 2021

A disseminação de notícias falsas representa risco para a saúde das coletividades por suas potenciais implicações nas esferas socioeconômica, política e cultural. Esse estudo objetiva refletir sobre as implicações das notícias falsas para a saúde das populações. Trata-se de um trabalho de abordagem qualitativa e exploratória de revisão bibliográfica, que analisa fake news veiculadas nas mídias sociais entre março e maio de 2020. Assim, questiona-se: quais as possíveis implicações das fake news para a saúde das populações? Que efeitos sociopolíticos e econômicos existem na disseminação de fake news no campo da Saúde Pública? Existiriam intencionalidades por parte das autoridades públicas ao difudir fake news? Os resultados sugerem que os debates sobre fake news e saúde no contexto da pandemia da Covid-19 se constituem um paradigma atual. Os resultados apontam, ainda, que a falta de acesso à diversidade de fontes de informações confiáveis contribui para o aumento da vulnerabilidade em saúde.
Rancang Bangun Palang Otomatis Dengan Pengenalan Plat Kendaraan Menggunakan OpenALPR
Authors: Darmawan Rahmat , Taqwa Ahmad , Endri Jon
Published: February 2021

Dikarenakan meningkatnya penggunaan lahan parkir dan keterbatasan lahan, maka seringkali lahan parkir tidak digunakan secara tepat. Namun masalah tersebut dapat diatasi dengan cara mengimplementasikan sistem palang otomatis dengan pendeteksian plat nomor kendaraan berbasis raspberry pi. Proses pengenalan plat nomor kendaraan dilakukan dengan metode optical character recognition (ocr). Hasil pada tugas akhir ini akan menampilkan plat yang telah terdeteksi dan merespon ke output yang disediakan.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Erbium Lasers on Removing Calcium Hydroxide
Authors: ÇULHA Emre , YILDIRIM Cihan
Published: February 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of Erbium, chromium-doped yttrium, scandium, gallium and garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG), and Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Er:YAG) lasers with passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and conventional syringe irrigation (CSI) for the removal of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] paste from standardized canal irregularities.
Methods: Forty single-rooted human teeth were split longitudinally, forming halves, and cut a standardized groove in canal walls. After filling each groove with Ca(OH)2 paste, the teeth were reassembled and stored for 1 week. Ca(OH)2 was removed with CSI by using 10 milliliters (mL) of 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and 10 mL of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), respectively. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n=10). CSI group was irrigated with10 mL of 5% NaClO, 10 mL of 17% EDTA, and 10 mL of distilled water with CSI (control group), respectively. In Er:YAG group, 5% NaClO was activated with Er:YAG laser, and in Er,Cr:YSGG group, Er,Cr:YSGG laser equipped with Radial Firing Tip 2 (RFT 2) was used. In the PUI group, PUI was used with 2.5% NaClO. All groups received irrigation with 10 mL of distilled water as final irrigation. The root halves were examined with a stereomicroscope using a 4-grade scoring system.
Results: Residues of Ca(OH)2 in artificial grooves were observed in all groups. In Er,Cr:YSGG group, only three specimens got a score of 1 (less than half of the groove is filled). Er,Cr:YSGG group was found slightly higher yet the difference was found to be not significant with other groups.
Conclusions: Although Er,Cr:YSGG laser equipped with RFT 2 tip seems to have a superior effect on removing Ca(OH)2 from the standardized canal irregularities, there was no statistically significant difference between the applications.
Comparison of Nutritional Intake and Dietary Behaviors in Overweight/Obese and Nonobese University Students: A School-Based Study
Authors: DOST Ayşe , ESİN Melek , HIZLI GÜLDEMİR Hilal
Published: February 2021

Objective: This study was conducted to determine of nutritional intake and dietary behaviors in overweight/obese and non-obese university students.
Methods: The sample of this descriptive comparative study consisted of 220 students randomly selected among the university students who were divided into two groups as overweight / obese and non-obese. Data were collected using a daily nutrition log, anthropometric measurements and questionnaire.
Results: Of the 220 students admitted to our study, 110 were overweight/obese and 110 were non-obese. Obesity was correlated with the reason for skipping meals, smoking, amount of physical activity (p<0.05). Overweight/obese students have a high scores of Perceived Health Status scale and a low Self-Efficacy to Regulate Eating Habits scale (p=0.00). The scores of the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile Nutrition scale
and the Perceived Health Status scale of the non-smoking students were significantly high (p<0.05). The Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile Exercise scale was significantly higher in the students with high frequency of physical activity (p=0.00). Overweight/obese students had high daily energy, fat, cholesterol, and sodium intake, while all students consumed insufficient amounts of key nutrients like fiber, folate, and calcium
(p=0.00).
Conclusions: These results emphasize the need to provide students health promotion programs should be implemented at universities to and raise young people’s awareness about making healthy choices that will affect their future.
The Effect of Simulation-Based Training About Emergencies and Approaches to Delivery Given to Emergency Personel
Authors: YILAR ERKEK Zümrüt , ALPARSLAN Özgür , ÖZTÜRK ALTINAYAK Serap
Published: February 2021

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the effect of the medium level simulation-based training about “Emergencies in and Approaches to Delivery” given to the personnel working in emergency health services on the change in their current knowledge about emergency interventions in delivery.Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental design. It was carried out with 232 personnel working in emergency health services. Data were collected using “Information Form” and “Knowledge Test for Emergencies in Delivery (ED)”. The study included the teaching of the relevant topics to the participants, administration of the knowledge test, the application of the subjects taught using a simulator in the laboratory.Results: Of the emergency health service personnel participating in the study, 68.5% were found to not have adequate knowledge for emergencies in delivery. As a result of the training given, the mean of the total pretest score obtained from the ED was 37.17±10.36, and the mean of the total posttest score was 70.14±11.33, and the post-training difference was found to be statistically significant.Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be said that the training given to the emergency health service personnel increased their knowledge about emergencies in and approaches to delivery significantly and that the education was effective.
Osmotic Stress or Ionic Composition: Which Affects the Early Growth of Crop Species More?
Authors: Ludwiczak Agnieszka , Osiak Monika , Cárdenas-Pérez Stefany , Lubińska-Mielińska Sandra , Piernik Agnieszka
Published: February 2021

Salinization is a key soil degradation process. An estimated 20% of total cultivated lands and 33% of irrigated agricultural lands worldwide are affected by high salinity. Much research has investigated the influence of salt (mainly NaCl) on plants, but very little is known about how this is related to natural salinity and osmotic stress. Therefore, our study was conducted to determine the osmotic and ionic salt stress responses of selected C3 and C4 cultivated plants. We focused on the early growth stages as those critical for plant development. We applied natural brine to simulate natural salinity and to compare its effect to NaCl solution. We assessed traits related to germination ability, seedlings and plantlet morphology, growth indexes, and biomass and water accumulation. Our results demonstrate that the effects of salinity on growth are strongest among plantlets. Salinity most affected water absorption in C3 plants (28% of total traits variation), but plant length in C4 plants (17–27%). Compensatory effect of ions from brine were suggested by the higher model plants’ growth success of ca 5–7% under brine compared to the NaCl condition. However, trait differences indicated that osmotic stress was the main stress factor affecting the studied plants.
RNA-Seq Implies Divergent Regulation Patterns of LincRNA on Spermatogenesis and Testis Growth in Goats
Authors: Bo Dongdong , Jiang Xunping , Liu Guiqiong , Hu Ruixue , Chong Yuqing
Published: February 2021

Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lincRNAs) regulate testicular development by acting on protein-coding genes. However, little is known about whether lincRNAs and protein-coding genes exhibit the same expression pattern in the same phase of postnatal testicular development in goats. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the expression patterns and roles of lincRNAs during the postnatal development of the goat testis. Herein, the testes of Yiling goats with average ages of 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days postnatal (DP) were used for RNA-seq. In total, 20,269 lincRNAs were identified, including 16,931 novel lincRNAs. We identified seven time-specifically diverse lincRNA modules and six mRNA modules by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Interestingly, the down-regulation of growth-related lincRNAs was nearly one month earlier than the up-regulation of spermatogenesis-related lincRNAs, while the down-regulation of growth-related protein-coding genes and the correspondent up-regulation of spermatogenesis-related protein-coding genes occurred at the same age. Then, potential lincRNA target genes were predicted. Moreover, the co-expression network of lincRNAs demonstrated that ENSCHIT00000000777, ENSCHIT00000002069, and ENSCHIT00000005076 were the key lincRNAs in the process of testis development. Our study discovered the divergent regulation patterns of lincRNA on spermatogenesis and testis growth, providing a fresh insight into age-biased changes in lincRNA expression in the goat testis.
Effects of Different Nursing Methods on the Behavioral Response of Adult Captive Giant Pandas (Ailuropoda Melanoleuca)
Authors: Zhang Ming-Yue , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Ayala James , Hou Rong
Published: February 2021

Although the ex situ conservation breeding program has basically created self-sustaining populations and genetic diversity in captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) [...]
Dissecting the Gene Expression Networks Associated with Variations in the Major Components of the Fatty Acid Semimembranosus Muscle Profile in Large White Heavy Pigs
Authors: Zappaterra Martina , Gioiosa Silvia , Chillemi Giovanni , Zambonelli Paolo , Davoli Roberta
Published: February 2021

To date, high-throughput technology such as RNA-sequencing has been successfully applied in livestock sciences to investigate molecular networks involved in complex traits, such as meat quality. Pork quality depends on several organoleptic, technological, and nutritional characteristics, and it is also influenced by the fatty acid (FA) composition of intramuscular fat (IMF). To explore the molecular networks associated with different IMF FA compositions, the Semimembranosus muscle (SM) from two groups of Italian Large White (ILW) heavy pigs divergent for SM IMF content was investigated using transcriptome analysis. After alignment and normalization, the obtained gene counts were used to perform the Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA package in R environment). Palmitic and palmitoleic contents showed association with the same gene modules, comprising genes significantly enriched in autophagy, mitochondrial fusion, and mitochondrial activity. Among the key genes related to these FAs, we found TEAD4, a gene regulating mitochondrial activity that seems to be a promising candidate for further studies. On the other hand, the genes comprised in the modules associated with the IMF contents of oleic, n-6, and n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) were significantly enriched in Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling, in agreement with previous studies suggesting that several MAPK players may have a primary role in regulating lipid deposition. These results give an insight into the molecular cascade associated with different IMF FA composition in ILW heavy pigs. Further studies are needed to validate the results and confirm whether some of the identified key genes may be effective candidates for pork quality.
Overview of Native Chicken Breeds in Italy: Small Scale Production and Marketing
Authors: Franzoni Alessandro , Gariglio Marta , Castillo Annelisse , Soglia Dominga , Sartore Stefano , Buccioni Arianna , Mannelli Federica , Cassandro Martino , Cendron Filippo , Castellini Cesare , Mancinelli Alice Cartoni , Cerolini Silvia , Sayed Ahmad Abdel , Iaffaldano Nicolaia , Di Iorio Michele , Marzoni Margherita , Salvucci Sonia , Schiavone Achille
Published: February 2021

The intensive use of high-performing strains in poultry production has led to the extinction of several autochthonous chicken breeds and, consequently, loss of genetic variability. Interest in saving biodiversity is growing rapidly and has become a major objective worldwide. The aim of this study was to shed light on the production trends of native Italian poultry breeds and the related market. A questionnaire, which asked about the production cycles, the number of animals and table eggs produced per year and their retail prices was completed by 121 breeders across Italy. The surveyed breeders were divided into two categories: breeders conducting an agrozootechnical farm, referred to as ‘farmers’ (F); and breeders keeping chickens as backyard poultry, referred to as ‘fancy breeders’ (FB). Analysis of the data acquired indicated that animals were mainly slaughtered between 6 and 12 months of age, with F processing more animals per year. The same production trend was observed for table eggs. The recorded retail prices of native chicken products were higher than those for conventional products, but similar to those reported for valuable niche poultry products, such as the Poulet de Bresse in France and organic eggs. Knowledge about these highly valuable markets should be used to encourage the use of local breeds in alternative poultry farming and help protect biodiversity.
Antioxidant Contributors in Seed, Seed Coat, and Cotyledon of γ-ray-Induced Soybean Mutant Lines with Different Seed Coat Colors
Authors: Lim You Jin , Kwon Soon-Jae , Qu Shanshan , Kim Dong-Gun , Eom Seok Hyun
Published: February 2021

The development of soybean with high antioxidant activities for use in the food and cosmetics industries is a target of breeding programs. In soybean, antioxidants are associated with seed color, although the metabolic basis for seed coloration remains incompletely understood. We selected six γ-ray-induced mutant lines that exhibited black, partially black, brown, partially brown, or yellowish-white pigmentation in the seed coat. Antioxidant activity and contents of anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, and isoflavones were evaluated in the seed coat and cotyledons. The lines with black or brown seeds showed the highest antioxidant activities. The cotyledons showed no significant differences in seed coat components or antioxidant activities among lines. Black and brown seed coat components showed the highest antioxidant activities. The black seed coat contained five anthocyanins, whereas seed coats of brown- and yellow-seeded lines entirely lacked anthocyanins. Both black and brown seeds were rich in flavan-3-ols, including catechin and epicatechin, which were the predominant antioxidant contributors in brown seeds. Isoflavone contents showed weaker correlations with antioxidant activity than anthocyanins and flavan-3-ols. These results demonstrated that antioxidant activities were determined by anthocyanins in black seeds and flavan-3-ols in brown and black seeds, whereas relatively low antioxidant activities in yellow seeds reflected their high isoflavone contents.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide: A Potent Therapeutic Agent in Oxidative Stress
Authors: Sadanandan Nadia , Cozene Blaise , Park You Jeong , Farooq Jeffrey , Kingsbury Chase , Wang Zhen-Jie , Moscatello Alexa , Saft Madeline , Cho Justin , Gonzales-Portillo Bella , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: February 2021

Stroke is a life-threatening condition that is characterized by secondary cell death processes that occur after the initial disruption of blood flow to the brain. The inability of endogenous repair mechanisms to sufficiently support functional recovery in stroke patients and the inadequate treatment options available are cause for concern. The pathology behind oxidative stress in stroke is of particular interest due to its detrimental effects on the brain. The oxidative stress caused by ischemic stroke overwhelms the neutralization capacity of the body’s endogenous antioxidant system, which leads to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and eventually results in cell death. The overproduction of ROS compromises the functional and structural integrity of brain tissue. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the mechanisms involved in oxidative stress to help obtain adequate treatment options for stroke. Here, we focus on the latest preclinical research that details the mechanisms behind secondary cell death processes that cause many central nervous system (CNS) disorders, as well as research that relates to how the neuroprotective molecular mechanisms of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides (PACAPs) could make these molecules an ideal candidate for the treatment of stroke.
Impact of Plasma Oxidative Stress Markers on Post-race Recovery in Ultramarathon Runners: A Sex and Age Perspective Overview
Authors: Guerrero Carlos , Collado-Boira Eladio , Martinez-Navarro Ignacio , Hernando Barbara , Hernando Carlos , Balino Pablo , Muriach María
Published: February 2021

Oxidative stress has been widely studied in association to ultra-endurance sports. Although it is clearly demonstrated the increase in reactive oxygen species and free radicals after these extreme endurance exercises, the effects on the antioxidant defenses and the oxidative damage to macromolecules, remain to be fully clarified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the impact of an ultramarathon race on the plasma markers of oxidative stress of 32 runners and their post-race recovery, with especial focused on sex and age effect. For this purpose, the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity, as well as the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and the carbonyl groups (CG) content were measured before the race, in the finish line and 24 and 48 h after the race. We have reported an increase of the oxidative damage to lipids and proteins (MDA and CG) after the race and 48 h later. Moreover, there was an increase of the GR activity after the race. No changes were observed in runners’ plasma GPx activity throughout the study. Finally, we have observed sex and age differences regarding damage to macromolecules, but no differences were found regarding the antioxidant enzymes measured. Our results suggest that several basal plasma markers of oxidative stress might be related to the extent of muscle damage after an ultraendurance race and also might affect the muscle strength evolution.
The Relationship between Seminal Fluid Hyperviscosity and Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review
Authors: Barbagallo Federica , La Vignera Sandro , Cannarella Rossella , Crafa Andrea , Calogero Aldo E. , Condorelli Rosita A.
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Seminal fluid viscosity is a key parameter to achieve fertilization. Viscosity is more frequently increased in patients with infertility. However, the mechanism by which hyperviscosity causes infertility is still poorly understood. As an increased blood viscosity is associated with diseases caused by oxidative stress, it can be supposed that there is a relationship between seminal fluid viscosity and oxidative stress in male infertility. Therefore, this systematic review aims to investigate the relationship between hyperviscous seminal fluid and oxidative stress. Materials and methods: We performed a systematic search on the following databases Pubmed, MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Scopus from the earliest available date to 10 January 2021, using Medical Subjects Headings (MeSH) indexes and keywords searches. The study included all the articles that evaluated the relationship between increased seminal fluid viscosity and oxidative stress. Article reviews even though dealing with seminal fluid hyperviscosity were excluded. Results: 5 articles were included in this systematic review. The results demonstrated an important impairment of antioxidant systems and increased oxidative stress in patients with high seminal fluid viscosity. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a careful assessment of oxidative stress in patients with hyperviscosity may be very useful in clinical practice. Infertile patients with seminal fluid hyperviscosity could benefit from the treatment with antioxidants to protect sperm cells from oxidative damage and to improve their functional properties.
A Basic Experimental Study on Analysis of Leak Signal and Monitoring Method for Water Supply Pipe
Authors: Kim Youngseok , Jung Haewook , Ryou Jaesuk , Choi Jaehyuk
Published: February 2021

Water supply systems are essential elements for human life and industry, and water leaks and water supply cut-off may cause major problems. Local water leaks and pipe failures in the water supply system are inevitable problems due to the aging of pipes. Therefore, leakage detection and prevention are required to monitor the integrity of the water supply system. This paper is a fundamental study on the applicability of the smart bolt, which was developed as a monitoring system to detect water leakage in water supply monitoring. Detection experiments were conducted using a smart bolt with a built-in strain sensor and an accelerometer. Through finite element analysis using ANSYS 2019 R2 and tensile strength testing, the strength of the smart bolt was confirmed to have the acceptable tensile strength. The smart bolt used in this study was verified to meet the allowable criteria of torque and tensile stress for a municipal water supply system. The frequency responses of the simulated leakage pipe system, according to the leakage of the valve and the main pipe, were analyzed, and a leak signal at the valve leak point was detected in the 60-Hz band. The main pipe leaking point was observed to produce a leak signal with a much higher-order mode than that of the valve leak point. Therefore, the smart bolt can be applied to detect warning leak signs from water supply valves and to monitor for loosening of the bolts.
Innovative Hydrogeophysical Approaches as Aids to Assess Hungarian Groundwater Bodies
Authors: Szűcs Péter , Szabó Norbert P. , Zubair Mohammad , Szalai Sándor
Published: February 2021

The Hungarian water management plan has lately identified 185 groundwater bodies based on the concepts given by the European Water Framework Directive. Achieving and maintaining the good quantitative and chemical status of these groundwater bodies is of primary importance. It is demonstrated how innovative hydrogeophysical methods can be applied successfully to assess the Hungarian or other international groundwater bodies. By applying geoelectric methods, horizontal layering or large uniform rock units can be well characterized by Wenner–Schlumberger array, also enabling accurate depth determination of the shallow groundwater table. Horizontal variations in the rock type or its state can be well described by dipole–dipole array or, even better, by the newly developed quasi-null arrays. Their joint application may be very straightforward to investigate different aquifer types by giving high-resolution resistivity images as input for hydrogeological modeling. In the identification of porous formations, multivariate statistical interpretation of wireline logs using cluster analysis allows reliable lithological separation of potential aquifers. Their clay content is estimated by robust factor analysis, while their hydraulic properties are directly derived from the resistivity log. For a more effective interpretation, a combination of surface and borehole geophysical methods can be recommended for meeting challenges in hydrogeology and groundwater management.
An Attraction Map Framework of a Complex Multi-Echelon Vehicle Routing Problem with Random Walk Analysis
Authors: Agárdi Anita , Kovács László , Bányai Tamás
Published: February 2021

The paper aims to investigate the basin of attraction map of a complex Vehicle Routing Problem with random walk analysis. The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is a common discrete optimization problem in field of logistics. In the case of the base VRP, the positions of one single depot and many customers (which have product demands) are given. The vehicles and their capacity limits are also fixed in the system and the objective function is the minimization of the length of the route. In the literature, many approaches have appeared to simulate the transportation demands. Most of the approaches are using some kind of metaheuristics. Solving the problems with metaheuristics requires exploring the fitness landscape of the optimization problem. The fitness landscape analysis consists of the investigation of the following elements: the set of the possible states, the fitness function and the neighborhood relationship. We use also metaheuristics are used to perform neighborhood discovery depending on the neighborhood interpretation. In this article, the following neighborhood operators are used for the basin of attraction map: 2-opt, Order Crossover (OX), Partially Matched Crossover (PMX), Cycle Crossover (CX). Based on our test results, the 2-opt and Partially Matched Crossover operators are more efficient than the Order Crossover and Cycle Crossovers.
Extending 3D-GIS District Models and BIM-Based Building Models into Computer Gaming Environment for Better Workflow of Cultural Heritage Conservation
Authors: Ma Yu-Pin
Published: February 2021

Research on cultural heritage conservation has shifted from emphasizing the digital information process with the advantages of “precision” and “visualization” in the early stage to focusing on the development of “realistic” and “highly experiential” gamified interactive environments. As game technology provides a highly interactive experience, effective communication, and an integrated environment, it brings new application opportunities for the future development of the reconstruction of historical blocks and cultural spaces. This study takes the old city blocks and historic buildings in Taiwan as examples, applies ArcGIS and SketchUp as the information modeling software, uses the Unity3D game engine as the development platform, and carries out the integration and interactive presentation of the scene information model through the two-stage process of information modeling and programming integration. The historical building information model and 3D-GIS attribute data are integrated, and the visibility and interaction of the information model of the old city blocks are enhanced. Using game technology to optimize the digital integration process of cultural asset not only simplifies the integration of multiple information models and provides two-way updates, but also effectively enhances the interaction and display application capabilities of historic district and building space information. The development tasks that were completed in this research are (1) integrate historical building models and 3D-GIS attribute data; (2) get all the necessary visual information; (3) update historical buildings and historic district models and data at any time; (4) provide virtual reality simulation function and environmental interaction experience.
Quadrupedal Robots’ Gaits Identification via Contact Forces Optimization
Authors: Pepe Gianluca , Laurenza Maicol , Belfiore Nicola Pio , Carcaterra Antonio
Published: February 2021

The purpose of the present paper is the identification of optimal trajectories of quadruped robots through genetic algorithms. The method is based on the identification of the optimal time history of forces and torques exchanged between the ground and the body, without any constraints on leg kinematics. The solutions show how it is possible to obtain similar trajectories to those of a horse’s walk but obtaining better performance in terms of energy cost. Finally, a map of the optimal gaits found according to the different speeds is presented, identifying the transition threshold between the walk and the trot as a function of the total energy spent.
Investigation of a Gravel-Bed River’s Pattern Changes: Insights from Satellite Images
Authors: Termini Donatella
Published: February 2021

Changes in river pattern have been documented in the literature. The recognition of islands and vegetated patches, which is indicative of the evolution processes, requires simultaneous information at different points and at different times and field studies are still difficult and scarce. The present work, focusing the attention on a gravel-bed river, explores the possibility to conduct a first-step pattern changes analysis by identifying the evolution of the morphological features and taking information of islands and vegetated patches from satellite images easily available from Google Earth. The study is conducted by combining the information taken from both the satellite images and the field photos and the hydrological data. Here analysis concerns a reach of the Tagliamento River, in Italy, in a decadal timescale characterized by evident stream pattern changes. Results confirm that a combination of different factors determine favorable conditions for the river’s evolution, but the frequency of occurrence of high-magnitude events is the most important factor to consider in a first-step analysis. This is because the frequency of occurrence of high-magnitude events affects, in turn, some of the other influencing factors. In particular, the present study highlights that different morphological features form in time periods characterized by different frequency of occurrence of high-magnitude events. On one hand, this could be related to the fact that high-magnitude events could influence the sediment transport and deposition mechanisms, modifying the ratio coarse-to-fine sediments and the grain-to-grain interactions, with consequences in the sediment flux variation and in the migration of the morphological features. On the other hand, the frequency of occurrence of high-magnitude events could affect the vegetation distribution and growth, contributing to determine a variation of the typology of the vegetation characteristics depending on the tolerances of the vegetation species. A sort of interface between the vegetated-dominated area, where the flow resistance is significant, and the flood-disturbance-dominated area, where the action by flow is significant, is determined with a progressive reduction of the number of active channels and development of the meandering bend.
High-Resolution Image Transmission from UAV to Ground Station for Search and Rescue Missions Planning
Authors: Papić Vladan , Šolić Petar , Milan Ante , Gotovac Sven , Polić Miljenko
Published: February 2021

Search and rescue (SAR) missions comprise search for, and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger. Providing the best possible input for the planners and search teams, up-to-date information about the terrain is of essential importance because every additional hour needed to search a person decreases probability of success. Therefore, availability of aerial images and updated terrain maps as a basis for planning and monitoring SAR missions in real-time is very important for rescuers. In this paper, we present a system for transmission of high-resolution images from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to the ground station (GS). We define and calculate data rate and transmission distance requirements between the UAV and GS in a mission scenario. Five tests were designed and carried out to confirm the viability of the proposed system architecture and modules. Test results present throughput measurements for various UAV and GS distances, antenna heights and UAV antenna yaw angles. Experimental results from the series of conducted outdoor tests show that the proposed solution using two pMDDL2450 datalinks at 2.4 GHz and a directional antenna on the receiving side can be used for a real-time transmission of high-resolution images acquired with a camera on a UAV. Achieved throughput at a UAV-GS distance of 5 km was 1.4 MB/s (11.2 Mbps). The limitations and possible improvements of the proposed system as well as future work are also discussed.
Effects of the Tibetan High and the North Pacific High on the Occurrence of Hot or Cool Summers in Japan
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Ugajin Atsushi , Kiguchi Osamu , Yamashita Yousuke , Komine Masashi , Yamakawa Shuji
Published: February 2021

In this study, we investigated the effects of the Tibetan High near the tropopause and the North Pacific High in the troposphere on occurrences of hot or cool summers in Japan. We first classified Japan into six regions and identified hot and cool summer years in these regions from a 38-year sample (1980–2017) based on the monthly air temperature. To investigate the features of circulation fields over Asia during hot and cool summers in Japan, we calculated the composite differences (hot summer years minus cool summer years) of several variables such as geopotential height, which indicated significant high-pressure anomalies in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. These results suggest that both the North Pacific and the Tibetan Highs tend to extend to Japan during hot summer years, while cool summers seem to be associated with the weakening of these highs. We found that extension of the Tibetan High to the Japanese mainland can lead to hot summers in Northern, Eastern, and Western Japan. On the other hand, hot summers in the Southwestern Islands may be due to extension of the Tibetan High to the south. Similarly, the latitudinal direction of extension of the North Pacific High is profoundly connected with the summer climate in respective regions.
Evaluation of CMIP5 Climate Models Using Historical Surface Air Temperatures in Central Asia
Authors: Xiong Yufei , Ta Zhijie , Gan Miao , Yang MeiLin , Chen Xi , Yu Ruide , Disse Markus , Yu Yang
Published: February 2021

Using historical data compiled by the Climate Research Unit, spatial and temporal analysis, trend analysis, empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis, and Taylor diagram analysis were applied to test the ability of 24 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) climate models to accurately simulate the annual mean surface air temperature in central Asia from the perspective of the average climate state and climate variability. Results show that each model can reasonably capture the spatial distribution characteristics of the surface air temperature in central Asia but cannot accurately describe the regional details of climate change impacts. Some of the studied models, including CNRM-CM5, GFDL-CM3, and GISS-E2-H, could better simulate the high- and low-value centers and the contour distribution of the surface air temperature. Taylor diagram analysis showed that the root mean square errors of all models were less than 3, the standard deviations were between 8.36 and 13.45, and the spatial correlation coefficients were greater than 0.96. EOF analysis showed that the multi-model ensemble can accurately reproduce the surface air temperature characteristics in central Asia from 1901 to 2005, including the rising periods and the fluctuations of the north and south inversion phases. Overall, this study provides a valuable reference for future climate prediction studies in central Asia.
Quantification of Element Mass Concentrations in Ambient Aerosols by Combination of Cascade Impactor Sampling and Mobile Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Seeger Stefan , Osan Janos , Czömpöly Ottó , Gross Armin , Stosnach Hagen , Stabile Luca , Ochsenkuehn-Petropoulou Maria , Tsakanika Lamprini Areti , Lymperopoulou Theopisti , Goddard Sharon , Fiebig Markus , Gaie-Levrel Francois , Kayser Yves , Beckhoff Burkhard
Published: February 2021

Quantitative chemical analysis of airborne particulate matter (PM) is vital for the understanding of health effects in indoor and outdoor environments, as well as for enforcing EU air quality regulations. Typically, airborne particles are sampled over long time periods on filters, followed by lab-based analysis, e.g., with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). During the EURAMET EMPIR AEROMET project, cascade impactor aerosol sampling is combined for the first time with on-site total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy to develop a tool for quantifying particle element compositions within short time intervals and even on-site. This makes variations of aerosol chemistry observable with time resolution only a few hours and with good size resolution in the PM10 range. The study investigates the proof of principles of this methodological approach. Acrylic discs and silicon wafers are shown to be suitable impactor carriers with sufficiently smooth and clean surfaces, and a non-destructive elemental mass concentration measurement with a lower limit of detection around 10 pg/m3 could be achieved. We demonstrate the traceability of field TXRF measurements to a radiometrically calibrated TXRF reference, and the results from both analytical methods correspond satisfactorily.
Climate Response of Oxygen Isotopic Compositions in Tree-Ring Cellulose in Java: Evaluation Using a Proxy System Model
Authors: Hisamochi Ryo , Watanabe Yumiko , Kurita Naoyuki , Tagami Takahiro
Published: February 2021

Tree-ring cellulose oxygen isotopic composition (δ18O) is controlled by several hydrological factors such as precipitation, relative humidity, and temperature. A proxy system model can reveal how these factors affect tree-ring cellulose δ18O. In this study, to identify a key control on tree-ring cellulose δ18O variations, we performed model calculation of year-to year variation of tree-ring cellulose δ18O of Javanese teak in Indonesia from 1960 to 1998. Our model results reasonably reproduce the observed δ18O values and their temporal variations (r = 0.6; p < 0.001). Moreover, the sensitivity test shows that the cellulose δ18O values are sensitive to the teak growing period. The simulation result with earlier or later shifts of the growing period captured the amplitude of observed δ18O variations over 39 years. These results indicate that the tree-ring cellulose δ18O of Javanese teak might be influenced by a subtle shift of the intra-annual growing period.
Detection of Chymotrypsin by Optical and Acoustic Methods
Authors: Piovarci Ivan , Hianik Tibor , Ivanov Ilia N.
Published: February 2021

Chymotrypsin is an important proteolytic enzyme in the human digestive system that cleaves milk proteins through the hydrolysis reaction, making it an interesting subject to study the activity of milk proteases. In this work, we compared detection of chymotrypsin by spectrophotometric dynamic light scattering (DLS) and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) methods and determined the limit of chymotrypsin detection (LOD), 0.15 ± 0.01 nM for spectrophotometric, 0.67 ± 0.05 nM for DLS and 1.40 ± 0.30 nM for QCM methods, respectively. The sensors are relatively cheap and are able to detect chymotrypsin in 3035 min. While the optical detection methods are simple to implement, the QCM method is more robust for sample preparation, and allows detection of chymotrypsin in non-transparent samples. We give an overview on methods and instruments for detection of chymotrypsin and other milk proteases.
Sleep–Wake Cycle and EEG–Based Biomarkers during Late Neonate to Adult Transition
Authors: Herrero Miguel A. , Gallego Rebeca , Ramos Milagros , Lopez Juan Manuel , de Arcas Guillermo , Gonzalez-Nieto Daniel
Published: February 2021

During the transition from neonate to adulthood, brain maturation establishes coherence between behavioral states—wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement, and rapid eye movement sleep. In animal models few studies have characterized and analyzed cerebral rhythms and the sleep–wake cycle in early ages, in relation to adulthood. Since the analysis of sleep in early ages can be used as a predictive model of brain development and the subsequent emergence of neural disturbances in adults, we performed a study on late neonatal mice, an age not previously characterized. We acquired longitudinal 24 h electroencephalogram and electromyogram recordings and performed time and spectral analyses. We compared both age groups and found that late neonates: (i) spent more time in wakefulness and less time in non-rapid eye movement sleep, (ii) showed an increased relative band power in delta, which, however, reduced in theta during each behavioral state, (iii) showed a reduced relative band power in beta during wakefulness and non-rapid eye movement sleep, and (iv) manifested an increased total power over all frequencies. The data presented here might have implications expanding our knowledge of cerebral rhythms in early ages for identification of potential biomarkers in preclinical models of neurodegeneration.
Substance Use among Street-Connected Children and Adolescents in Ghana and South Africa: A Cross-Country Comparison Study
Authors: Asante Kwaku Oppong , Nefale Mashudu Tshifaro
Published: February 2021

Using two cross-sectional surveys with a purposive sample of 376 homeless children and adolescents in both Ghana and South Africa, this study was conducted to examine the prevalence, sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of substance use among street children and adolescents. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on substance use, sociodemographic and psychosocial variables. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that street-connected adolescents in Ghana reported higher prevalence of lifetime alcohol use and past-month alcohol use than those in South Africa. The protective effect of male gender was not observed in South Africa but significantly more pronounced in Ghana for all substances except past-month marijuana use. Sexual assault, indirect sexual victimization, physical beating, robbery, assault with a weapon and survival sex increased the odds of lifetime alcohol use and past-month alcohol use in Ghana. However, in South Africa, only robbery and assault with a weapon increased the odds of lifetime alcohol use while robbery and sexual assault increased the odds of past-month alcohol use. These results have implications for the development of harm reduction interventions, taking into consideration both the psychosocial and cultural context of substance use.
Immune-Related Adverse Events (irAE) in Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) and Survival Outcomes Correlation: To Rechallenge or Not?
Authors: Albandar Heidar J. , Fuqua Jacob , Albandar Jasim M. , Safi Salahuddin , Merrill Samuel A. , Ma Patrick C.
Published: February 2021

Introduction: There is growing recognition of immune related adverse events (irAEs) from immune checkpoint therapies being correlated with treatment outcomes in certain malignancies. There are currently limited data or consensus to guide management of irAEs with regards to treatment rechallenge. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis with an IRB-approved protocol of adult patients seen at the WVU Cancer Institute between 2011–2019 with a histopathologic diagnosis of active cancers and were treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) therapy. Results: Demographics were similar between the ICI interrupted irAE groups within cancer types. Overall, out of 548 patients who received ICI reviewed, there were 133 cases of ≥1 irAE found of any grade. Being treated with anti-CTLA-4 inhibitor ICI was associated with lower risk of death compared to anti-PD-1 ICI. The overall survival difference observed for irAE positive patients, between rechallenged (37.8 months, reinitiated with/without interruption; 38.6 months, reinitiated after interruption) and interrupted/non-reinitiated (i.e., discontinued) groups (24.9 months) was not statistically significant, with a numerical trend favoring the former. Conclusions: Our exploratory study did not identify significantly different survival outcomes among the Appalachian West Virginia adult cancer patients treated with ICI who developed irAE and had treatment reinitiated after interruption, when compared with those not reinitiated.
Renal Cell Carcinoma Health Disparities in Stage and Mortality among American Indians/Alaska Natives and Hispanic Americans: Comparison of National Cancer Database and Arizona Cancer Registry Data
Authors: Valencia Celina I. , Asmar Samer , Hsu Chiu-Hsieh , Gachupin Francine C. , Wong Ava C. , Chipollini Juan , Lee Benjamin R. , Batai Ken
Published: February 2021

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the top 10 cancers in the United States. This study assessed RCC health disparities in American Indians/Alaska Natives (AIs/ANs) and Hispanic Americans (HAs) focusing on advanced-stage and mortality. RCC patients’ data were obtained from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) and Arizona Cancer Registry (ACR). Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to ascertain the effect of race/ethnicity on stage and mortality, adjusting for neighborhood socioeconomic factors, rural/urban residence pattern, and other factors. In both data sets, AIs/ANs had significantly increased odds of advanced-stage RCC in the unadjusted model, but not in adjusted models. Mexican Americans had higher odds of advanced-stage compared to non-Hispanic Whites in NCDB (OR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11–1.35) and ACR (OR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.58–2.58), even after adjusting for neighborhood characteristics. AIs/ANs did not show increased mortality risk in NCDB after adjusting for neighborhood characteristics, while the association remained significant in ACR (HR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03–1.72). The great risk of all-cause and RCC-specific mortality was observed in U.S.-born Mexican Americans in Arizona (HR 3.21, 95% CI: 2.61–3.98 and sub-distribution HR 2.79, 95% CI: 2.05–3.81). RCC disparities in AIs/ANs is partially explained by neighborhood factors, but not in HAs.