bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Switchgrass TDIF-like Genes on Arabidopsis Vascular Development
Authors: Tian Dongdong , Tang Jingwen , Luo Liwen , Zhang Zhe , Du Kebing , Larkin Robert M. , Shi Xueping , Zheng Bo
Published: September 2021

As a member of the CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (CLE) family, the dodecapeptide tracheary element differentiation inhibitory factor (TDIF) has a major impact on vascular development in plants. However, the influence of polymorphisms in the TDIF peptide motif on activity remains poorly understood. The model plant, Arabidopsis provides a fast and effective tool for assaying the activity of TDIF homologs. Five TDIF homologs from a group of 93 CLE genes in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), a perennial biomass crop, named PvTDIF-like (PvTDIFL) genes were studied. The expression levels of PvTDIFL1, PvTDIFL3MR3, and PvTDIFL3MR2 were relatively high and all of them were expressed at the highest levels in the rachis of switchgrass. The precursor proteins for PvTDIFL1, PvTDIFL3MR3, and PvTDIFL3MR2 contained one, three, and two TDIFL motifs, respectively. Treatments with exogenous PvTDIFL peptides increased the number of stele cells in the hypocotyls of Arabidopsis seedlings, with the exception of PvTDIFL_4p. Heterologous expression of PvTDIFL1 in Arabidopsis strongly inhibited plant growth, increased cell division in the vascular tissue of the hypocotyl, and disrupted the cellular organization of the hypocotyl. Although heterologous expression of PvTDIFL3MR3 and PvTDIFL3MR2 also affected plant growth and vascular development, PvTDIFL activity was not enhanced by the multiple TDIFL motifs encoded by PvTDIFL3MR3 and PvTDIFL3MR2. These data indicate that in general, PvTDIFLs are functionally similar to Arabidopsis TDIF but that the processing and activities of the PvTDIFL peptides are more complex.
Prediction of Hope and Morale During COVID-19
Authors: Kimhi Shaul , Eshel Yohanan , Marciano Hadas , Adini Bruria
Published: September 2021

The current study uses a repeated measures design to compare two-time points across the COVID-19 pandemic. The first was conducted at the end of the “first wave” [T1] and the second was carried out on October 12-14 2020 (the last period of the second total general lockdown) in Israel. The participants (N = 805) completed the same questionnaire at both time points. The study examined the predictions of hope and morale at T2 by psychological and demographic predictors at T1. Results indicated the following: (a) The three types of resilience (individual, community, and national) significantly and positively predicted hope and morale. (b) Well-being significantly and positively predicted hope and morale. (c) Younger age significantly and positively predicts higher hope, but not morale. (d) A higher level of religiosity significantly and positively predicts higher hope and morale. (e) More right-wing political attitudes significantly and positively predict higher hope, but not moral. (f) More economic difficulties due to the pandemic, significantly and negatively predict hope and morale. We concluded that hope and morale can serve as significant indicators of the population's ability to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, they can serve as a “thermometer” for the general mood of the population and can be used by decision-makers to assess coping ability at varied stages of the pandemic.
A New Paradigm for the Study of Cognitive Flexibility in Children and Adolescents: The “Virtual House Locomotor Maze” (VHLM)
Authors: Castilla Alexander , Borst Gregoire , Cohen David , Fradin Jacques , Lefrançois Camille , Houdé Olivier , Zaoui Mohamed , Berthoz Alain
Published: September 2021

Classical neuropsychological assessments are designed to explore cognitive brain functions using paper-and-pencil or digital tests. The purpose of this study was to design and to test a new protocol named the “Virtual House Locomotor Maze” (VHLM) for studying inhibitory control as well as mental flexibility using a visuo-spatial locomotor memory test. The VHLM is a simple maze including six houses using the technology of the Virtual Carpet Paradigm™. Ten typical development children (TD) were enrolled in this study. The participants were instructed to reach a target house as quickly as possible and to bear in mind the experimental instructions. We examined their planning and replanning abilities to take the shortest path to reach a target house. In order to study the cognitive processes during navigation, we implemented a spatio-temporal index based on the measure of kinematics behaviors (i.e., trajectories, tangential velocity and head direction). Replanning was tested by first repeating a path chosen by the subject to reach a given house. After learning this path, it was blocked imposing that the subject inhibited the learned trajectory and designed a new trajectory to reach the same house. We measured the latency of the departure after the presentation of each house and the initial direction of the trajectory. The results suggest that several strategies are used by the subjects for replanning and our measures could be used as an index of impulsivity.
Optimal Dose of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Adults: A Systematic Review and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Jiao , Hao Qinjian , Qian Ruiyi , Mu Xingyu , Dai Minhan , Wu Yulu , Tang Yiguo , Xie Min , Wang Qiang
Published: September 2021

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common chronic mental disorder with a high disability rate. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, such as clomipramine, are the most common choices for the pharmacological treatment of OCD. Optimizing their use is pivotal in guiding clinical practice of OCD. However, there are few studies on the optimal dose of SRIs and there is controversy about their dose–response relationship and optimal target dose. Therefore, the objective of this study was to summarize the relationship between the dose and effect of SRIs, as well as the optimal dose of SRIs for OCD, as to propose future research directions.

Methods: Medline, Embase, Biosis, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched for relevant publications, and the search was up to February 22, 2020. We used a one-stage, robust error meta-regression (REMR) model to deal with the correlated dose–response data for SRIs from different studies. Doses of SRIs were converted to fluoxetine equivalents when performing dose–response analysis. Review Manager Program Version 5.3 and STATA software package (version 15.1) were applied to analyze data. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (number CRD42020168344).

Results: Eleven studies involving 2,322 participants were included in final analysis. For SRIs, the dose–efficacy curve showed a gradual increase trend in the 0–40-mg dose range and then had a decreased trend in doses up to 100 mg fluoxetine equivalent. Dropouts due to adverse effects gradually increased throughout the inspected dose slope. The curve of dose of all-cause dropouts suggested no relationship between them. Sensitivity analysis proved that these results were robust.

Conclusion: The systematic review found that the optimal dose for efficacy was about 40mg fluoxetine equivalent. Tolerability decreased with increased doses, and there was no significant correlation between acceptability and doses of SRIs. Therefore, the optimal dose of SRIs needs to consider effectiveness and tolerability.

Systematic Review Registration: [PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42020168344].
Time-Specific Associations of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Levels and Polymorphisms (−850 C/T or −308 G/A) With Suicidal Ideation in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients
Authors: Kang Hee-Ju , Kim Ju-Wan , Lee Ju-Yeon , Kim Sung-Wan , Shin Il-Seon , Hong Young Joon , Ahn Youngkeun , Jeong Myung-Ho , Kim Jae-Min
Published: September 2021

Background: Considering the association of inflammation with suicide and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), we investigated the individual and interactive effects of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (sTNFα) levels and two polymorphisms (−850 C/T and −308 G/A) on suicidal ideation (SI) after ACS.

Methods: The SI status using items on the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), related covariates including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, sTNFα levels, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) polymorphisms were evaluated in 969 patients within 2 weeks after ACS. Of the patients, 711 were evaluated 1 year later for SI. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate individual and interactive associations after adjusting for the covariates.

Results: Higher (vs. lower) sTNFα levels and the −850 C/T or T/T (vs. C/C) polymorphism were significantly associated with SI 2 weeks after ACS, while only higher sTNFα levels were significantly associated with SI after 1 year. Significant interactive effects were detected between sTNFα (higher) levels and the −850 C/T (C/C or C/T) polymorphism on SI 2 weeks after ACS and between the two (−850 CC or CT and −308 G/A or AA) polymorphisms on SI 1 year after ACS.

Conclusions: The sTNFα level and two polymorphisms (−850C/T and −308 G/A), separately or in combination, could be time-specific biomarkers for SI in ACS. Focused interventions for ACS patients at risk of SI might reduce the suicidal burden in patients with ACS.
Perception and Use of Primary Healthcare Services Among People With Cardiometabolic Diseases in Two Resource-Limited Areas in Nepal: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Peoples Nicholas , Gong Enying , Gautam Kamal , Khanal Shree N. , Kohrt Brandon A. , Koirala Suraj , Amatya Archana , Xiong Shangzhi , Østbye Truls , Moe Jeffrey , Long Qian , Yan Lijing L.
Published: September 2021

Nepal is a country in south Asia with a high burden of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs). Strengthening primary healthcare (PHC) is a key strategy to mitigate this increasing burden and achieve universal health coverage. While previous studies in Nepal have assessed PHC use among the elderly, none have specifically explored PHC use among people with CMDs. Therefore, this mixed-methods study aimed to assess the use and perception of PHC services in Nepal among people living with CMDs for primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. We used a quantitative survey followed-up by semi-structured qualitative interviews. The sampling frame comprised five PHC facilities in Sindhuli district (rural; eastern Nepal) and five in Kailali district (urban; western Nepal), with participants selected from each facility via convenience sampling. 114 people (mean age: 54.5 ± 14.7, sex ratio 1.04) with CMDs participated in the survey. Survey data showed general dissatisfaction with PHC services. Medicine cost was rated “too expensive” by 52 and 63% of rural and urban participants, respectively. Interview data showed that perceived poor bedside manner was tied to negative perceptions of PHC quality, and vice versa. Lack of resources and excessive barriers to care was mentioned by every interviewee. In conclusion, PHC use was high but overall satisfaction relatively low. Our results suggest that bedside manner is a practical target for future research. Additionally, we identified several barriers to care, and, based on existing literature, we suggest electronic-health interventions may have potential to mitigate these challenges.
COVID-19 Vaccine Perceptions and Differences by Sex, Age, and Education in 1,367 Community Adults in Ontario
Authors: Syan Sabrina K. , Gohari Mahmood R. , Levitt Emily E. , Belisario Kyla , Gillard Jessica , DeJesus Jane , MacKillop James
Published: September 2021

Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic and vaccination efforts may be impeded by vaccine hesitancy. The present study examined willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, the associated reasons for willingness/unwillingness, and vaccine safety perceptions in a cross-sectional assessment of community adults in Ontario.

Methods: One thousand three hundred sixty seven individuals (60.6% female, mean age = 37.5%) participated in this study between January 15, 2021 and February 15, 2021. Perceptions of vaccine safety and reasons for willingness/unwillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine were investigated using an online assessment. Perceptions were investigated in general and by age, sex and education using analysis of variance.

Results: Overall, 82.8% of the sample reported they were willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and 17.2% reported they were unwilling. The three most common reasons for unwillingness were long-term side effects (65.5%), immediate side effects (60.5%), and lack of trust in the vaccine (55.2%). Vaccine willingness significantly differed by sex and education level, with female participants and those with less than a bachelor's degree being more likely to report unwillingness. Perception of COVID-19 vaccine safety was significantly lower (−10.3%) than vaccines in general and differed by age, sex and education, with females, older adults, and individuals with less than a bachelor's degree reporting lower perceived COVID-19 vaccine safety.

Conclusion: In this sample of community adults, the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate was less than one in five individuals, but with higher rates in population subgroups. Targeting public health messaging to females and individuals with less than bachelor's degree, and addressing concerns about long-term and immediate side effects may increase vaccine uptake.
Mixed Methods in Tactical Analysis Through Polar Coordinates and Function Estimation: The Transition Play in ACB Basketball
Authors: Pastrana-Brincones José Luis , Troyano-Gallegos Belén , Morillo-Baro Juan Pablo , López de Vinuesa-Piote Raimundo , Vázquez-Diz Juan Antonio , Reigal-Garrido Rafael E. , Hernández-Mendo Antonio , Morales-Sánchez Verónica
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, getting advantageous offensive situations in high-level basketball is being increasingly harder, so taking advantage of any situation in the game since the team has the ball is essential to be competitive. Therefore, the goal to achieve in this study is to evaluate using a mixed method strategy the behaviors happening in the application of the technical–tactical means performed in the transition play of professional basketball in Spain. An ad hoc observation tool made of 11 criteria and 83 exhaustive and mutually exclusive categories (E/ME) has been designed and validated by means of data quality and generalizability analyses. Indexes obtained show high reliability and validity allowing the proposed actions to be recorded (correlation coefficients are above 0.95 and generalizability coefficients are above 0.90 in all cases). A total number of 128 situations corresponding to eight games of Unicaja de Málaga in the Endesa League in the 18/19 season were observed with the Hoisan software. The analysis of the relationships among behaviors was performed using the polar coordinates technique where the one-on-one initiation, outside the zone, has been used as focal behavior. The estimation of the functions representing the vectors has also been performed to model the best fit that estimates, starting from a focal category, the relationship among this focal behavior and the rest of the mating behaviors for possible future observations. The results show significant relationships between the selected focal behavior and the mating behaviors, showing indications of behaviors allowing tactical interpretation of the game and the definition of intervention programs to improve the performance of the team.
Promoting Forage Legume–Pollinator Interactions: Integrating Crop Pollination Management, Native Beekeeping and Silvopastoral Systems in Tropical Latin America
Authors: Narjes Sanchez Manuel Ernesto , Cardoso Arango Juan Andrés , Burkart Stefan
Published: September 2021

Major declines of insect pollinators are a worldwide concern. Such losses threaten human food supplies and ecosystem functions. Monocultures of pastures used to feed cattle are among the drivers of insect pollinator declines in Tropical Latin America. Plants of the legume family (fabaceae) are mostly pollinated by insects, in particular by bees. The inclusion of legumes in pastures (grass-legume system), as forage banks or the development of silvo-pastoral systems (SPS) with tree legumes, has been widely promoted to improve livestock production and soil fertility, but not to enhance ecosystem services from pollinators. Shortages of seed for the establishment of legumes as forage banks or within pastures or SPS remain a bottleneck for the improvement of ecosystem services brought about by pollinators within these systems and beyond. In this perspective paper, we provide an overview of forage legumes, their interplay with pollinators, and the ecological and socio-economic benefits of pollinator–forage legume interactions, at different scales (farm and landscape level). We further discuss the challenges and opportunities of scaling sustainably intensified cattle production systems that integrate legume forage-seed production with principles of pollinator ecology and native beekeeping. Finally, we provide interested stakeholders, policy-and decision-makers with a perspective on how such agroecosystems may be designed and scaled into multifunctional landscapes.
Clinical Mastitis Incidence in Dairy Cows Housed on Recycled Manure Solids Bedding: A Canadian Cohort Study
Authors: Fréchette Annie , Fecteau Gilles , Côté Caroline , Dufour Simon
Published: September 2021

Bedding can affect mammary health of dairy cows. The objectives of this study were to evaluate clinical mastitis incidence in cows housed on recycled manure solids bedding and, more specifically, to determine which pathogens were involved. We followed 26 recycled manure solids farms and 60 straw-bedded farms as a comparative group during 1 year (2018–2019). For each episode of clinical mastitis, defined as a visual alteration of the milk, with or without local or systemic signs of infection, producers sampled aseptically the affected quarter, provided some details about the animal, and sent the sample to the research team at the Université de Montréal. We received and analyzed 1,144 milk samples. The samples were cultured according to the National Mastitis Council guidelines and the different colony phenotypes were subsequently identified with mass spectrometry. In 54.6% of CM cases, a single phenotype of bacteria was cultured (pure culture), while two different phenotypes were found in 16.8% of the samples (mixed culture), and no growth was observed in 14.4% of the samples. Samples with three or more phenotypes were considered contaminated and were not included in the pathogen-specific analyses (14.3% of the submitted samples). The most frequently identified bacterial species in pure and mixed culture in farms using recycled manure solids were Streptococcus uberis (16.0%), Escherichia coli (13.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.2%), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (6.2%), and Staphylococcus aureus (3.4%). In straw farms, the most frequent species were S. aureus (16.6%), S. uberis (11.0%), E. coli (9.1%), S. dysgalactiae (8.0%), and K. pneumoniae (1.1%). The incidence of clinical mastitis (all cases together) was not higher in recycled manure solids farms (14.0 cases/100 cow-year; 95% CI: 8.3–23.7) compared with straw-bedded farms (16.3 cases/100 cow-year; 95% CI: 9.0–29.6). However, K. pneumoniae clinical mastitis episodes were 7.0 (95% CI: 2.0–24.6) times more frequent in recycled manure solids farms than in straw farms. Adjusted least square means estimates were 1.6 K. pneumoniae clinical mastitis cases/100 cow-year (95% CI: 0.8–3.4) in recycled manure solids farms vs. 0.2 cases/100 cow-year (95% CI: 0.1–0.6) in straw-bedded farms. Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical mastitis is in general severe. Producers interested in this bedding alternative need to be aware of this risk.
Antagonistic Effects of Lipids Against the Anti-Escherichia coli and Anti-Salmonella Activity of Thymol and Thymol-β-d-Glucopyranoside in Porcine Gut and Fecal Cultures In Vitro
Authors: Anderson Robin C. , Levent Gizem , Petrujkić Branko T. , Harvey Roger B. , Hume Michael E. , He Haiqi , Genovese Kenneth J. , Beier Ross C. , Poole Toni L. , Crippen Tawni L. , Nisbet David J.
Published: September 2021

Strategies are sought to reduce the carriage and dissemination of zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial-resistant microbes within food-producing animals and their production environment. Thymol (an essential oil) is a potent bactericide in vitro but in vivo efficacy has been inconsistent, largely due to its lipophilicity and absorption, which limits its passage and subsequent availability in the distal gastrointestinal tract. Conjugation of thymol to glucose to form thymol-β-d-glucopyranoside can decrease its absorption, but in vivo passage of effective concentrations to the lower gut remains suboptimal. Considering that contemporary swine diets often contain 5% or more added fat (to increase caloric density and reduce dustiness), we hypothesized that there may be sufficient residual fat in the distal intestinal tract to sequester free or conjugated thymol, thereby limiting the availability and subsequent effectiveness of this biocide. In support of this hypothesis, the anti-Salmonella Typhimurium effects of 6 mM free or conjugated thymol, expressed as log10-fold reductions of colony-forming units (CFU) ml−1, were diminished 90 and 58%, respectively, following 24-h in vitro anaerobic fecal incubation (at 39°C) with 3% added vegetable oil compared to reductions achieved during culture without added oil (6.1 log10 CFU ml−1). The antagonistic effect of vegetable oil and the bactericidal effect of free and conjugated thymol against Escherichia coli K88 tested similarly were diminished 86 and 84%, respectively, compared to reductions achieved in cultures incubated without added vegetable oil (5.7 log10 CFU ml−1). Inclusion of taurine (8 mg/ml), bile acids (0.6 mg/ml), or emulsifiers such as polyoxyethylene-40 stearate (0.2%), Tween 20, or Tween 80 (each at 1%) in the in vitro incubations had little effect on vegetable oil-caused inhibition of free or conjugated thymol. Based on these results, it seems reasonable to suspect that undigested lipid in the distal gut may limit the effectiveness of free or conjugated thymol. Accordingly, additional research is warranted to learn how to overcome obstacles diminishing bactericidal activity of free and conjugated thymol in the lower gastrointestinal tract of food-producing animals.
Global Landscape of Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen in the Soils of Oasis Ecosystems in Southern Tunisia
Authors: Brahim Nadhem , Karbout Nissaf , Dhaouadi Latifa , Bouajila Abdelhakim
Published: September 2021

The oasis soils of Tunisia face several climatic and soil constraints. Trying to have cultures that are profitable and beneficial in terms of soil C and N sequestration in such environments is already a challenge. To conduct this, we tested under identical conditions four types of occupation in sub-plots adjacent to the crops; barley alone, alfalfa alone, intercropping barley/alfalfa, and a control fallow in a saline gypseous desert soil poor in organic matter. Field experimentation was carried out in the oasis of Degache, which is very representative of other Tunisian oases. The stocks of C and N of the plot were calculated from the start in September 2019 before the installation of the different crops. After 21 months, the control plot shows a decrease of −41% in its stock of C and −25% in its stock N. However, the best result is that of the barley/alfalfa intercropping with an increase of +126.46% in the C stock and +178.67% in the N stock. After almost two years of experience, the beneficial effect of the intercropping system in the oasis is clear. These results are very motivating and seem to be a solution to the rapid decline in soil organic stocks.
Effect of Varying Levels of Hempseed Meal Supplementation on Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immune Responses of Goats
Authors: Abrahamsen Frank , Reddy Gopal , Abebe Woubit , Gurung Nar
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of varying levels of hempseed meal supplementation on antibody and cell-mediated immune responses, as well as the expression of some of the important immunoregulatory cytokines. Treatments consisted of hempseed meal supplementation at 0 (control), 10, 20, and 30% of the total diet. Goats were randomly assigned to one of the four treatments n = 10. Cell-mediated immune response was evaluated on day 59 of the feeding period by measuring skinfold thickness at 24 h following intradermal injection of phytohemagglutinin. A significant increase in skinfold thickness was observed with increasing levels of supplementation as compared to that of the control group. Serum antibody titers to chicken ovalbumin were not significantly different between treatment groups. Cytokine concentrations of IL-6 increased linearly with increasing level of supplementation (p < 0.05), contrarily to the linear decrease that was observed for TNF-α (p < 0.05). Although IL-2 tended to increase with the 10 and 30% levels of supplementation (p < 0.07), the result was not significant, and no significant differences were obtained with respect to IL-4 concentrations. Cytokine gene expression values measured by RT-PCR, however, demonstrated some significant differences. HSM supplementation had no significant effect on the expression of IL-2 or IL-6. However, significant differences were observed with the 30% supplementation for IL-4 and TNF-α as compared to that of the control group (p < 0.05). IL-4 was down regulated for the 10 and 20% treatment groups but was upregulated for the 30% treatment group. TNF-α was downregulated in the 10% but upregulated for the 20 and 30% treatment groups. No significant differences were observed for the serum cortisol concentration or white blood cell counts. These results suggested that hempseed meal supplementation may improve cell-mediated immune response while having no effect on antibody-mediated immune response. However, more research needs to be conducted to determine the most efficacious inclusion rate.
Assessment of Ultraviolet Impact on Main Pigment Content in Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) by the Spectrometric Method and Hyperspectral Images Analysis
Authors: Proshkin Yuri A. , Smirnov Alexandr A. , Semenova Natalya A. , Dorokhov Alexey S. , Burynin Dmitry A. , Ivanitskikh Alina S. , Panchenko Vladimir A.
Published: September 2021

This research is aimed at the assessing the impact of the ultraviolet radiation in the A, B, and C ranges (as additives to the main light) on general plan condition, the stress experienced by them, the pigment concentration in the leaves and leaf reflective characteristics. Under studying, there were the photo-protective reactions of the purple variety basil plants. The plants were grown in plastic pots in a phyto-chamber equipped with an automatic microclimate system. The phyto-chamber was divided into four compartments where, in addition to the main lighting, there were installed the additional LEDs emitting their radiation in the ranges UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. Plant reactions were evaluated by the contents of the main pigments as detected by the spectrometric method. Then correlations were revealed between those values and the vegetative indices obtained based on the hyperspectral images. A strong correlation (R2 ˃ 0.83) was observed between the values of the vegetative indices ARI and mARI and the anthocyanins concentration in basil leaves. A weak correlation (R2 = 0.0479) was found between the ARI and mARI values and the carotenoids index CRI700, which is attributed to the shielding effect of the anthocyanins. Deviations in the results are influenced by leaf surface unevenness, its thickness and density. Additional research is needed including developing reflection indices taking into account the shielding effect of the purple pigments.
DEM Simulation of the Load Transfer Mechanism of a GRPS Embankment with a Fixed Geogrid Technique
Authors: Zhang Jun , Jia Yafei , Zheng Yewei , Miao Chenxi
Published: September 2021

As a new technique, a fixed geogrid in a geogrid-reinforced and pile-supported (GRPS) embankments has been used to reduce the total and differential settlement. To investigate the load transfer mechanism of the fixed geogrid technique of a GRPS embankment, three discrete element method (DEM) models of pile-supported embankments were established, including an unreinforced embankment, a geogrid reinforced embankment, and a fixed geogrid reinforced embankment. The efficacy of the pile, the evolution law of the contact force chain and the axial force of the reinforcement, and the microscopic load-bearing structure of the soil were investigated. Numerical simulation results showed that the embankment self-weight and surcharge load were transferred to the pile through the soil arching and tensile membrane effect. The settlement could be effectively reduced via the addition of the reinforcement, and the fixed geogrid technique was more conducive to improving the load-bearing ratio of the pile than the traditional reinforcement technique. Compared with the traditional technique of a GRPS embankment, the fixed geogrid technique had a better effect on reducing the total and differential settlement. With the increase in the surcharge load and the settlement of the soft subsoil, the reinforcement transferred a greater load to the pile. The results also showed that the stress of the embankment fill was concentrated at the pile top in all three models. The GRPS embankment with a fixed geogrid technique had a lower soil stress concentration than the other two cases. The contact force chain and stress in the embankment also showed that the reformation of the microscopic load-bearing system of the embankment fill was the internal mechanism that caused the development of the soil arching and the redistribution of stress. Furthermore, the evolution of the fabric parameters in the arching area could reflect the evolution of the soil arching structure. In the fixed geogrid case, the proportion of the load transferred to the pile from the soil arching effect was reduced, and the vertical load transferred to the pile top by the tensile membrane effect accounted for 22–28% in this study. Under the combined effect of the tensile membrane and the soil arching, the efficacy of the pile could increase by 10%.
Synthesis of Aromatic and Aliphatic N-Heterocyclic Salts and Their Application as Organic Electrolyte Supporters in Electrochemical Capacitor
Authors: Kim Young-Ji , Choi Jae-Yeong , Kim Soo-Yeoun , Choi Seong-Ho
Published: September 2021

Aromatic and aliphatic N-heterocyclic chemical salts were synthesized by counter-anion-exchange reactions after substitution reactions in order to apply them as organic electrolyte supporters in an electrochemical capacitor (super capacitor). The aromatic N-heterocyclic salts were N-methylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate ([MPy]+[BF4]−), N-methylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate ([MPy]+[PF6]−), 1,3-dibuthylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([DI]+[BF4]−), 1,3-dibuthylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([DI]+[PF6]−), 1-buthyl-4-methyl-1,2,4-triazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMTA]+[BF4]−), and 1-buthyl-4-methyl-1,2,4-triazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMTA]+[PF6]−). The aliphatic N-heterocyclic salts were N,N-dimethylpiperilidium tetrafluoroborate ([DMP]+[BF4]−), N,N-dimethylpiperilidium hexafluorophosphate ([DMPy]+[PF6]−), N,N-dimethylpyrrolidium tetrafluoroborate ([DMPy]+[BF4]−) and N,N-dimethylpyrrolidium hexafluorophosphate ([DMPy]+[PF6]−), 1-ethyltriethamine tetrafluoroborate ([E-TEDA]+[BF4]−), and 1-ethyltriethamine hexafluorophosphate ([E-TEDA]+[PF6]−), respectively. We confirmed the successful synthesis of the aromatic and aliphatic N-heterocyclic chemical salts by 1H-NMR, FT-IR, and GC/MS analysis before conducting the counter-anion-exchange reactions. Then, we determined the electrochemical potential of vanadium acetylacetonate (V(acac)3) under acetonitrile in the presence of the N-heterocyclic chemical salts as energy-storage chemicals. By cyclic voltammetry, the maximum voltages with the N-heterocyclic chemical salts in acetonitrile reached 2.2 V under a fixed current value. Charge-discharge experiments were performed in the electrochemical capacitor with an anion-exchange membrane using a non-aqueous electrolyte prepared with a synthesized N-heterocyclic salt in acetonitrile.
Algorithmic Music for Therapy: Effectiveness and Perspectives
Authors: Raglio Alfredo , Baiardi Paola , Vizzari Giuseppe , Imbriani Marcello , Castelli Mauro , Manzoni Sara , Vico Francisco , Manzoni Luca
Published: September 2021

This study assessed the short-term effects of conventional (i.e., human-composed) and algorithmic music on the relaxation level. It also investigated whether algorithmic compositions are perceived as music and are distinguishable from human-composed music. Three hundred twenty healthy volunteers were recruited and randomly allocated to two groups where they listened to either their preferred music or algorithmic music. Another 179 healthy subjects were allocated to four listening groups that respectively listened to: music composed and performed by a human, music composed by a human and performed by a machine; music composed by a machine and performed by a human, music composed and performed by a machine. In the first experiment, participants underwent one of the two music listening conditions—preferred or algorithmic music—in a comfortable state. In the second one, participants were asked to evaluate, through an online questionnaire, the musical excerpts they listened to. The Visual Analogue Scale was used to evaluate their relaxation levels before and after the music listening experience. Other outcomes were evaluated through the responses to the questionnaire. The relaxation level obtained with the music created by the algorithms is comparable to the one achieved with preferred music. Statistical analysis shows that the relaxation level is not affected by the composer, the performer, or the existence of musical training. On the other hand, the perceived effect is related to the performer. Finally, music composed by an algorithm and performed by a human is not distinguishable from that composed by a human.
Dynamic Analysis of a Single-Rotor Wind Turbine with Counter-Rotating Electric Generator under Variable Wind Speed
Authors: Neagoe Mircea , Saulescu Radu , Jaliu Codruta , Neagoe Ion
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a theoretical study of the dynamic behaviour of a wind turbine consisting of a wind rotor, a speed increaser with fixed axes, and a counter-rotating electric generator, operating in variable wind conditions. In the first part, the dynamic analytical model of the wind turbine mechanical system is elaborated based on the dynamic equations associated with the component rigid bodies and the linear mechanical characteristics associated with the direct current (DC) generator and wind rotor. The paper proposes a method for identifying the coefficients of the wind rotor mechanical characteristics depending on the wind speed. The numerical simulations performed in Simulink-MATLAB by MathWorks on a case study of a 10 kW wind turbine highlight the variation with the time of the kinematic parameters (angular speeds and accelerations), torques and powers for wind system shafts, as well as the mechanical efficiency, both in transient and steady-state regimes, considering variable wind speed. The analytical and numerical results are helpful for researchers, designers, developers, and practitioners of wind turbines aiming to optimise their construction and functionality through virtual prototyping.
The Role of Blockchain in Improving the Processes and Workflows in Construction Projects
Authors: Mohammed Awsan , Almousa Ahmad , Ghaithan Ahmed , Hadidi Laith A.
Published: September 2021

Construction is prone to disputes similar to other business dealings. Construction delays are the most common causes of disputes in construction projects. Most of the time, construction projects are delayed not only because of a lack of funding, but also because of disputes between the contractor and the client. Blockchain Technologies (BCT) have the potential to make the construction industry more efficient, inexpensive, or completely automated. In this paper, an extensive literature review is conducted to locate authoritative sources about the most common applications of blockchain technology in the construction industry. The study aims to identify the potential, benefits, challenges, and uses of blockchain in the construction industry. Furthermore, this paper explores the roles of BCTs in improving and enhancing the workflow efficiency of construction projects. In addition, this paper identifies the major causes of disputes and delays in the construction industry. These causes were used as the baseline for identifying the most relevant solutions provided by blockchain technologies to develop a matching model to find applicable solutions from the literature cases to resolve the identified causes of disputes and delays. The research findings indicated that the common cases of BCT including administrative purposes, smart contracts for transactions, permanent transaction records, and permanent ownership records contribute to solving the causes of disputes and delays in construction projects. The findings of this paper recommend that both public and private stakeholders in the construction sector adopt blockchain technologies and blockchain-based Building Information Models (BIMs) to improve construction workflows and processes.
AUDD: Audio Urdu Digits Dataset for Automatic Audio Urdu Digit Recognition
Authors: Chandio Aisha , Shen Yao , Bendechache Malika , Inayat Irum , Kumar Teerath
Published: September 2021

The ongoing development of audio datasets for numerous languages has spurred research activities towards designing smart speech recognition systems. A typical speech recognition system can be applied in many emerging applications, such as smartphone dialing, airline reservations, and automatic wheelchairs, among others. Urdu is a national language of Pakistan and is also widely spoken in many other South Asian countries (e.g., India, Afghanistan). Therefore, we present a comprehensive dataset of spoken Urdu digits ranging from 0 to 9. Our dataset has 25,518 sound samples that are collected from 740 participants. To test the proposed dataset, we apply different existing classification algorithms on the datasets including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and flavors of the EfficientNet. These algorithms serve as a baseline. Furthermore, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) for audio digit classification. We conduct the experiment using these networks, and the results show that the proposed CNN is efficient and outperforms the baseline algorithms in terms of classification accuracy.
Thermal Performance of LED Filament in Flip-Chip Packaging Manufactured for Different Correlated Color Temperature
Authors: Jiang He , Sa Jiming , Fan Cong , Zhou Yiwen , Gu Hanwen , Yang Xuezhou , Su Xiaofeng , Zhang Zhushanying
Published: September 2021

The effect of correlated color temperature (CCT) on the thermal performance of light emitting diode (LED) filament in flip-chip packaging was investigated in detail. Two filaments with different lengths were selected as the research object, and the thermal resistance of filaments under three CCT (2200 K, 2400 K, 2700 K) were studied. The optical properties and thermal parameters of the two groups of filaments were measured, and the results were analyzed combined with the color coordinate. The experimental results show that thermal properties of LED filaments is closely related to CCT. Under constant current condition, junction temperature decreases with the increase of color difference. With the change of phosphor glue and phosphorus powder ratio, the color temperature of LED filament also changes. In the filaments with the same chip structure and packaging mechanism, the higher the proportion of red phosphorescent powder, the worse the heat dissipation performance of the filament. These results show that in the design and manufacture of LED filament, it is helpful to control the CCT of LED filament under the premise of meeting the use requirements.
The Influence of Discrete Fibers on Mechanical Responses of Reinforced Sand in Direct Shear Tests
Authors: Nhema Chidochashe Clemency , Ke Han , Ma Pengcheng , Chen Yunmin , Zhao Shiyu
Published: September 2021

To investigate the influences of discrete fiber strips on the mechanical properties of reinforced sand, a series of direct shear tests were conducted. A method to strictly control the initial orientation of fiber strips in specimen preparation was developed. Under the same normal pressure, the peak strength of sand specimens was proportional to the fiber content and was inversely proportional to the fiber initial orientation angle. The influences of initial fiber orientation on peak strength may depend on the stress mobilization in fibers. When the fiber strips distributed at a certain orientation angle were subjected to tensile stress in shearing, they could play an effective role in the peak strength gain of sand and vice versa. Due to the restriction of fibers on the volume dilation of sand specimens, the residual strength of reinforced sand also increased. However, the initial stiffness of reinforced sand was smaller than that of pure sand, which may be related to the precompression of flexible fiber strips and the density inhomogeneity of specimens induced in the specimen preparation process. In addition, the ductility of sand specimens was improved by the introduction of fiber strips, intuitively reflected by the increase in displacement failure. This may also be attributed to the restriction of fiber strips on the deformation of sand specimens.
Exploring the Rheology of a Seismogenic Zone by Applying Seismic Variation
Authors: Liao Chun-Fu , Wen Strong , Chen Chau-Huei , Chen Ying-Nien
Published: September 2021

Although the study of spatiotemporal variation of a subsurface velocity structure is a challenging task, it can provide a description of the fault geometry as well as important information on the rheological changes caused by fault rupture. Our main objective is to investigate whether rheological changes of faults can be associated with the seismogenic process before a strong earthquake. For this purpose, a 3D tomographic technique is applied to obtain P- and S-wave velocity structures in central Taiwan using travel time data. The results show that temporal variations in the Vs structure in the source area demonstrate significant spatiotemporal variation before and after the Chi-Chi earthquake. We infer that, before the mainshock, Vs began to decrease (and Vp/Vs increased) at the hanging wall of the Chelungpu fault, which may be induced by the increasing density of microcracks and fluid. However, in the vicinity of the Chi-Chi earthquake’s source area, Vs increased (and Vp/Vs decreased), which may be attributed to the closing of cracks or migration of fluid. The different physical characteristics at the junctional zone may easily generate strong earthquakes. Therefore, seismic velocity changes are found to be associated with a subsurface evolution around the source area in Taiwan. Our findings suggest that monitoring the Vp and Vs (or Vp/Vs) structures in high seismic potential zones is an important ongoing task, which may minimize the damage caused by future large earthquakes.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Techniques for Rainfall Estimation Integrating Multisource Precipitation Datasets
Authors: Khan Raihan Sayeed , Bhuiyan Md Abul Ehsan
Published: September 2021

This study presents a comprehensive investigation of multiple Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques—decision tree, random forest, gradient boosting, and neural network—to generate improved precipitation estimates over the Upper Blue Nile Basin. All the AI methods merged multiple satellite and atmospheric reanalysis precipitation datasets to generate error-corrected precipitation estimates. The accuracy of the model predictions was evaluated using 13 years (2000–2012) of ground-based precipitation data derived from local rain gauge networks in the Upper Blue Nile Basin region. The results indicate that merging multiple sources of precipitation substantially reduced the systematic and random error statistics in the Upper Blue Nile Basin. The proposed methods have great potential in predicting precipitation over the complex terrain region.
Concentration Characteristics and Photochemical Reactivities of VOCs in Shenyang, China
Authors: Liu Ningwei , Li Xiaolan , Ren Wanhui , Li Liguang , Su Congcong , Wang Chuang
Published: September 2021

We investigated the seasonal and diurnal characteristics of volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations in Shenyang, China, using the whole-year hourly data of 52 types of VOC at three sites over the year 2019. The photochemical reactivities of VOCs were also studied by analyzing the influence of VOCs on ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation potential and the hydroxyl radical consumption rate. It is shown that the order of VOC concentrations from high to low is alkanes, alkynes, alkenes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. For various types of VOCs, the maximum appeared in the morning and at night, whereas the minimum appeared in the afternoon. The contributions of VOCs to ozone formation potential are highest for aromatic hydrocarbons with a value of 78%, followed by alkenes and alkanes, among which toluene and isoprene contributed the most. The contributions of VOCs to SOA formation potential are also highest for aromatic hydrocarbons with a value of 94%, followed by alkanes and alkenes, among which the contributions of toluene and benzene add up to over 70%. Being the most active type of VOCs in atmospheric chemical reactions, aromatic hydrocarbons are the dominant contributor to the formation of both ozone and SOA, and therefore being able to control of the use of a large number of solvents and vehicle exhaust emissions would be an effective way to regulate the formation of ozone and SOA in Shenyang.
Bta-miR-2400 Targets SUMO1 to Affect Yak Preadipocytes Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Yongfeng , Ma Lanhua , Gu Yarong , Chang Yongfang , Liang Chunnian , Guo Xian , Bao Pengjia , Chu Min , Ding Xuezhi , Yan Ping
Published: September 2021

Yak adipose tissue may have evolved a unique energy metabolism manner to accommodate the organism’s seasonal growth rhythms. MiRNAs regulate multiple biological processes including systemic metabolism and energy homeostasis through post-transcriptional regulations. Rare reports have shown that miRNAs regulate lipid metabolism in domestic yaks. Therefore, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms of bta-miR-2400 in modulating yak preadipocytes proliferation and differentiation. We found that bta-miR-2400 was highly expressed in adipose tissue. Overexpression of bta-miR-2400 in yak preadipocytes significantly enhanced cell proliferation, increased the number of EdU fluorescence-stained cells, and promoted the expression of proliferation marker genes (CDK2, CDK4 and PCNA). Besides, overexpression of bta-miR-2400 repressed the expression of adipogenesis-related marker genes, and the content of cellular triglyceride was substantially reduced. Conversely, inhibition of bta-miR-2400 showed opposite effects compared to those of bta-miR-2400 overexpression in yak preadipocytes. Further, luciferase reporter assays revealed that SUMO1 is a target gene of bta-miR-2400, with bta-miR-2400 being able to down-regulate SUMO1 mRNA and protein expression. In conclusion, bta-miR-2400 regulates lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis in yak preadipocytes by directly targeting SUMO1 to promote cell proliferation and inhibit differentiation.