bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and comprehensive genome analysis of novel bacteriophage, vB_Kpn_ZCKp20p, with lytic and anti-biofilm potential against clinical multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Zaki Bishoy Maher , Fahmy Nada A. , Aziz Ramy Karam , Samir Reham , El-Shibiny Ayman
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The rise of infections by antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens is alarming. Among these, Klebsiella pneumoniae is a leading cause of death by hospital-acquired infections, and its multidrug-resistant strains are flagged as a global threat to human health, which necessitates finding novel antibiotics or alternative therapies. One promising therapeutic alternative is the use of virulent bacteriophages, which specifically target bacteria and coevolve with them to overcome potential resistance. Here, we aimed to discover specific bacteriophages with therapeutic potential against multiresistant K. pneumoniae clinical isolates.

Methods and Results

Out of six bacteriophages that we isolated from urban and medical sewage, phage vB_Kpn_ZCKp20p had the broadest host range and was thus characterized in detail. Transmission electron microscopy suggests vB_Kpn_ZCKp20p to be a tailed phage of the siphoviral morphotype. In vitro evaluation indicated a high lytic efficiency (30 min latent period and burst size of ∼100 PFU/cell), and extended stability at temperatures up to 70°C and a wide range of (2-12) pH. Additionally, phage vB_Kpn_ZCKp20p possesses antibiofilm activity that was evaluated by the crystal violet assay and was not cytotoxic to human skin fibroblasts. The whole genome was sequenced and annotated, uncovering one tRNA gene and 33 genes encoding proteins with assigned functions out of 85 predicted genes. Furthermore, comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis suggest that vB_Kpn_ZCKp20p most likely represents a new species, but belongs to the same genus as Klebsiella phages ZCKP8 and 6691. Comprehensive genomic and bioinformatics analyses substantiate the safety of the phage and its strictly lytic lifestyle.

Conclusion

Phage vB_Kpn_ZCKp20p is a novel phage with potential to be used against biofilm-forming K. pneumoniae and could be a promising source for antibacterial and antibiofilm products, which will be individually studied experimentally in future studies.
Association of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors use with short- and long-term mortality in patients with aortic stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guan Yang , Kong Xiangyun , Zhu Huagang , Li Hong , Zhao Lihan , Guo Fei , Lv Qiang
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The present study aimed to investigate the association of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) with short- and long-term mortality in patients with aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases for relevant studies published before March 2022. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included to assess the effect of RASi on short-term (≤30 days) and long-term (≥1 year) mortality in patients with AS.

Results

A total of 11 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Our results demonstrated that RASi reduced short-term mortality (OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.63–0.93, p = 0.008) after aortic valve replacement (AVR). Subgroup analysis revealed that RASi was still associated with lower short-term mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR); however, the association was relatively weak in patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). For long-term mortality, the pooled OR was 1.04 (95% CI 0.88–1.24, p = 0.63) after sensitivity analysis in patients who did not undergo AVR. In addition, our study confirmed that RASi significantly reduced long-term mortality (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.44–0.74, p < 0.0001) in patients who underwent AVR. Subgroup analysis showed that both TAVR and SAVR groups treated with RASi had lower long-term mortality.

Conclusion

Renin–angiotensin system inhibitors did not change long-term mortality in AS patients who did not undergo AVR. However, RASi reduced short- and long-term mortality in patients who underwent AVR.
Characteristics and distribution of geohazards since the middle miocene of the Xisha sea area, South China Sea
Authors: Zhou Jiao , Chen Hongjun , Chen Jiale , Yi Shantang , Guo Lihua , Hu Xiaosan , Du Wenbo , Sun Meijing
Published: January 2023

Geological hazards can cause significant harm to the construction and maintenance of reef infrastructure projects in the Xisha Sea area. This study uses high-resolution multichannel earthquake data, single-channel seismic profiles, and multi-beam survey data to identify and analyze the geological hazards in the Xisha Sea area since the Miocene. Based on the geophysical data interpretation, the destructive geological disaster factors that are active, such as active faults, shallow gas, diapers, landslides, multistage scarps (steps), scouring troughs, and canyons, as well as the restrictive geological disaster factors without activity ability, such as buried paleochannels, pockmarks, reefs, and undersea volcanoes, are identified and analyzed. This paper discusses the causes and hazards of geological hazards and, for the first time, draws a comprehensive plane layout of the geological hazards. The above analysis demonstrates that the scarps are mainly located around the atolls or platforms, and the slope of the southeast seabed topography is significantly higher than that of the northwest. There are seven medium and large landslides, mainly located around Yongxing Plateau and Yongle Plateau, caused by gravity and faulting. Shallow gas is mainly developed in the southern part of the North Reef and is indicated by diaper structures, faults, and gas chimneys. A series of shallow faults are developed in the study area, mainly steep normal faults. The scouring troughs are primarily distributed near the Yongxing Platform, Zhongjian North Platform, and Huaguang Platform. Submarine canyons are primarily located in the northern and southern parts of the Shidao Platform. Affected by multiple factors such as hydrodynamic conditions, the stability of sedimentary layers, and sediment supply, the scour degree varies, with the general depth ranging from several meters to several hundred meters. Underwater infrastructure in the study area should not be constructed in areas with active and destructive geological hazards. The results of this study can serve as a guide for further exploration in the Xisha area and disaster prevention and mitigation during construction activity in the area.
Seismogenic structures and spatiotemporal seismicity patterns of the 2022 Ms6.0 Maerkang earthquake sequence, Sichuan, China
Authors: Feng Long , Chang He , Guixi Yi , Xiaohui He , Li Li , Fuqiang Shi , Yue Gong , Liyuan Peng
Published: January 2023

The 2022 Ms6.0 Maerkang earthquake sequence, Sichuan, China, occurred in an unexpected area with historically rare seismicity in the Bayan Har block. Here we relocated the earthquake sequence, inverted for the focal mechanisms of the larger events, and calculated the rupture directivity of the earthquake sequence to reveal the seismogenic structures and mechanisms of this sequence. The high-precision relocations indicate that the seismogenic structures consist of several clusters that are generally parallel to the nearby NW-trending Songgang fault, and relatively small-scale conjugate faults are also identified. The seismicity migrated from cluster one in the south to cluster two in the north during the sequence. Furthermore, the hypocenters were largely located at 5–10 km depth, thereby highlighting that the seismogenic structures are buried. The vertical fault planes of the seismogenic structures are consistent with the high-dip focal mechanism solutions from seven events. A stress field inversion based on the focal mechanisms indicates that the sequence occurred in a strike-slip environment that was controlled by a NNW–SSE-striking principal compressive stress. The different rupture directivities of theMs5.8 (southwestward) andMs6.0 (southeastward) events prove the existence of conjugate faults. TheMs5.8 event induced a coseismic Coulomb stress change of 1.6 MPa where theMs6.0 event subsequently occurred, thereby highlighting that theMs5.8 event triggered theMs6.0 event and produced the spatiotemporal seismicity pattern of the sequence. We therefore conclude that the seismogenic structures of the 2022 Ms6.0 Maerkang earthquake sequence are previously unknown concealed conjugate structures associated with the main Songgang fault. The complex seismogenic structures and their potential to generate large earthquakes warrant the need to better understand the seismogenesis of this area and the seismic risks that may be present.
Bidirectional association between polycystic ovary syndrome and periodontal diseases
Authors: Dou Yang , Xin Jinglei , Zhou Peng , Tang Jianming , Xie Hongliang , Fan Wanting , Zhang Zheng , Wu Donglei
Published: January 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and periodontal disease (PDD) share common risk factors. The bidirectional interaction between PCOS and PDD has been reported, but until now, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Endocrine disorders including hyperandrogenism (HA) and insulin resistance (IR) in PCOS disturb the oral microbial composition and increase the abundance of periodontal pathogens. Additionally, PCOS has a detrimental effect on the periodontal supportive tissues, including gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Systemic low-grade inflammation status, especially obesity, persistent immune imbalance, and oxidative stress induced by PCOS exacerbate the progression of PDD. Simultaneously, PDD might increase the risk of PCOS through disturbing the gut microbiota composition and inducing low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, genetic or epigenetic predisposition and lower socioeconomic status are the common risk factors for both diseases. In this review, we will present the latest evidence of the bidirectional association between PCOS and PDD from epidemiological, mechanistic, and interventional studies. A deep understanding on their bidirectional association will be beneficial to provide novel strategies for the treatment of PCOS and PDD.
Design and implementation of cloud platform for nuclear accident simulation
Authors: Chen Pengyu , Chen Xirong , Xie Jinsen , Xiong Wenbin , Yu Tao
Published: January 2023

Introduction: To meet the multi-user, cross-time-and-space, cross-platform online demand of work, and professional training teaching in nuclear reactor safety analysis under the normalization of Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Method: Taking the nuclear accident simulation software PCTRAN as an example, this study adopts cloud computing technology to build the NasCloud, a nuclear accident simulation cloud platform based on Browser/Server architecture, and successfully realizes multi-user, cross-time-and-space, cross-platform applications. Targeting the AP1000, a pressurized water reactor nuclear power plant, the simulation of cold-leg Small Break Loss of Coolant Accident and cold-leg Large Break Loss of Coolant Accident were carried out to verify the correctness of the NasCloud’s accident simulation function.

Results: The result shows that the simulation functions and results of the NasCloud in multi-terminal are consistent with the single version of PCTRAN. At the same time, the platform has high scalability, concurrency and security characteristics.

Discussion: Therefore, the nuclear accident simulation cloud platform built in this study can provide solutions for the work and training of nuclear reactor safety analysis, and provide reference for other engineering design and simulation software cloud to computing transformation.
Advances in CT features and radiomics of checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis: A short review
Authors: Huang Jie , Chen Xueqin , Xia Bing , Ma Shenglin
Published: January 2023

Checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) is a complication of immunotherapy for malignant tumors that severely limits the treatment cycles as well as endangers patients’ health. The chest CT imaging features or typing of CIP and the application of radiomics will contribute to the precise prevention, early diagnosis and instant treatment of CIP. This article reviews the advances in the CT features and the application of radiomics in CIP.
Micro-CT and deep learning: Modern techniques and applications in insect morphology and neuroscience
Authors: Jonsson Thorin
Published: January 2023

Advances in modern imaging and computer technologies have led to a steady rise in the use of micro-computed tomography (µCT) in many biological areas. In zoological research, this fast and non-destructive method for producing high-resolution, two- and three-dimensional images is increasingly being used for the functional analysis of the external and internal anatomy of animals. µCT is hereby no longer limited to the analysis of specific biological tissues in a medical or preclinical context but can be combined with a variety of contrast agents to study form and function of all kinds of tissues and species, from mammals and reptiles to fish and microscopic invertebrates. Concurrently, advances in the field of artificial intelligence, especially in deep learning, have revolutionised computer vision and facilitated the automatic, fast and ever more accurate analysis of two- and three-dimensional image datasets. Here, I want to give a brief overview of both micro-computed tomography and deep learning and present their recent applications, especially within the field of insect science. Furthermore, the combination of both approaches to investigate neural tissues and the resulting potential for the analysis of insect sensory systems, from receptor structures via neuronal pathways to the brain, are discussed.
Unraveling the impact of a germline heterozygous POLD1 frameshift variant in serrated polyposis syndrome
Authors: Bonjoch Laia , Soares de Lima Yasmin , Díaz-Gay Marcos , Dotti Isabella , Muñoz Jenifer , Moreira Leticia , Carballal Sabela , Ocaña Teresa , Cuatrecasas Miriam , Ortiz Oswaldo , Castells Antoni , Pellisé Maria , Balaguer Francesc , Salas Azucena , Alexandrov Ludmil B. , Castellví-Bel Sergi
Published: January 2023

Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) is one of the most frequent polyposis syndromes characterized by an increased risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Although SPS etiology has been mainly associated with environmental factors, germline predisposition to SPS could also be relevant for cases with familial aggregation or a family history of SPS/CRC. After whole-exome sequencing of 39 SPS patients from 16 families, we identified a heterozygous germline frameshift variant in the POLD1 gene (c.1941delG, p.(Lys648fs*46)) in a patient with SPS and CRC. Tumor presented an ultra-hypermutated phenotype and microsatellite instability. The POLD1 germline variant segregated in three additional SPS-affected family members. We attempted to create yeast and cellular models for this variant but were no viable. Alternatively, we generated patient-derived organoids (PDOs) from healthy rectal tissue of the index case, as well as from a control donor. Then, we challenged PDOs with a DNA-damaging agent to induce replication stress. No significant differences were observed in the DNA damage response between control and POLD1-Lys648fs PDOs, nor specific mutational signatures were observed. Our results do not support the pathogenicity of the analyzed POLD1 frameshift variant. One possible explanation is that haplosufficiency of the wild-type allele may be compensating for the absence of expression of the frameshift allele. Overall, future work is required to elucidate if functional consequences could be derived from POLD1 alterations different from missense variants in their proofreading domain. To our knowledge, our study presents the first organoid model for germline POLD1 variants and establishes the basis for its use as a model for disease in SPS, CRC and other malignancies.
The unique face of comorbid anxiety and depression: increased interoceptive fearfulness and reactivity
Authors: Ironside Maria , DeVille Danielle C. , Kuplicki Rayus Tiberius , Burrows Kai Ping , Smith Ryan , Teed Adam R. , Paulus Martin P. , Khalsa Sahib S.
Published: January 2023

Anxiety and depression commonly co-occur, yet the underlying brain and behavioral processes are poorly understood. Here we examined the hypothesis that individuals with comorbid anxiety and depression would show increased fearful reactivity to an aversive interoceptive perturbation relative to depressed-only individuals. One-hundred and eighty anxious and/or depressed participants from the Tulsa 1000 study completed multi-level behavioral or functional magnetic resonance imaging assessments of interoception and nociception including breath-hold and cold-pressor challenges, and heartbeat perception and interoceptive attention tasks. One-hundred and four individuals with comorbid depression and anxiety disorders (Dep+Anx) were propensity matched with 52 individuals with depression-only (Dep). Data were analyzed using mixed-effects linear regression. The Dep+Anx group showed significantly greater self-reported fear of suffocation during breath holding (Wilcoxon r = 0.23) and reduced cold pain tolerance (R2 = 0.027) signified by hand removal during immersion. However, these groups did not differ with respect to neutrally-valenced behavioral indices of heartbeat perception or neural indices of interoceptive attention. Individuals with comorbid depression and anxiety, vs. those with only depression, show increased respiratory fearfulness and nociceptive reactivity during perturbations of these signals, whilst showing similar interoceptive awareness in the absence of perturbation. Our findings suggest that individuals with comorbid anxiety and depression process aversive interoceptive and nociceptive signals differently than those with depression alone, providing support for a process model of increased threat sensitivity and hyperarousal in anxious depression.
Application of a new approach methodology (NAM)-based strategy for genotoxicity assessment of data-poor compounds
Authors: Fortin Anne-Marie V. , Long Alexandra S. , Williams Andrew , Meier Matthew J. , Cox Julie , Pinsonnault Claire , Yauk Carole L. , White Paul A.
Published: January 2023

The conventional battery for genotoxicity testing is not well suited to assessing the large number of chemicals needing evaluation. Traditional in vitro tests lack throughput, provide little mechanistic information, and have poor specificity in predicting in vivo genotoxicity. New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) aim to accelerate the pace of hazard assessment and reduce reliance on in vivo tests that are time-consuming and resource-intensive. As such, high-throughput transcriptomic and flow cytometry-based assays have been developed for modernized in vitro genotoxicity assessment. This includes: the TGx-DDI transcriptomic biomarker (i.e., 64-gene expression signature to identify DNA damage-inducing (DDI) substances), the MicroFlow® assay (i.e., a flow cytometry-based micronucleus (MN) test), and the MultiFlow® assay (i.e., a multiplexed flow cytometry-based reporter assay that yields mode of action (MoA) information). The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of the TGx-DDI transcriptomic biomarker, multiplexed with the MicroFlow® and MultiFlow® assays, as an integrated NAM-based testing strategy for screening data-poor compounds prioritized by Health Canada’s New Substances Assessment and Control Bureau. Human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells were exposed to 3 control and 10 data-poor substances, using a 6-point concentration range. Gene expression profiling was conducted using the targeted TempO-Seq™ assay, and the TGx-DDI classifier was applied to the dataset. Classifications were compared with those based on the MicroFlow® and MultiFlow® assays. Benchmark Concentration (BMC) modeling was used for potency ranking. The results of the integrated hazard calls indicate that five of the data-poor compounds were genotoxic in vitro, causing DNA damage via a clastogenic MoA, and one via a pan-genotoxic MoA. Two compounds were likely irrelevant positives in the MN test; two are considered possibly genotoxic causing DNA damage via an ambiguous MoA. BMC modeling revealed nearly identical potency rankings for each assay. This ranking was maintained when all endpoint BMCs were converted into a single score using the Toxicological Prioritization (ToxPi) approach. Overall, this study contributes to the establishment of a modernized approach for effective genotoxicity assessment and chemical prioritization for further regulatory scrutiny. We conclude that the integration of TGx-DDI, MicroFlow®, and MultiFlow® endpoints is an effective NAM-based strategy for genotoxicity assessment of data-poor compounds.
Direct activation of the fibroblast growth factor-21 pathway in overweight and obese cats
Authors: Brinker Emily J. , Towns T. Jordan , Watanabe Rie , Ma Xiaolei , Bashir Adil , Cole Robert C. , Wang Xu , Graff Emily C.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Feline obesity is common, afflicting ~25–40% of domestic cats. Obese cats are predisposed to many metabolic dyscrasias, such as insulin resistance, altered blood lipids, and feline hepatic lipidosis. Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 (FGF21) is an endocrine hormone that mediates the fat-liver axis, and in humans and animals, FGF21 can ameliorate insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and obesity. Activation of the FGF21 pathway may have therapeutic benefits for obese cats.

Methods

In this preliminary cross-sectional study, ad libitum fed, purpose-bred, male-neutered, 6-year-old, obese and overweight cats were administered either 10 mg/kg/day of an FGF21 mimetic (FGF21; n = 4) or saline (control; n = 3) for 14 days. Body weight, food, and water intake were quantified daily during and 2 weeks following treatment. Changes in metabolic and liver parameters, intrahepatic triglyceride content, liver elasticity, and gut microbiota were evaluated.

Results

Treatment with FGF21 resulted in significant weight loss (~5.93%) compared to control and a trend toward decreased intrahepatic triglyceride content. Cats treated with FGF21 had decreased serum alkaline phosphatase. No significant changes were noted in liver elasticity, serum, liver, or metabolic parameters, or gut microbiome composition.

Discussion

In obese and overweight cats, activation of the FGF21 pathway can safely induce weight loss with trends to improve liver lipid content. This exploratory study is the first to evaluate the FGF21 pathway in cats. Manipulation of the FGF21 pathway has promising potential as a therapeutic for feline obesity. Further studies are needed to see if FGF21-pathway manipulation can be therapeutic for feline hepatic lipidosis.
A műszaki felsőoktatás didaktikai és módszertani szempontjai
Authors: Bitay Enikő , Bagyinszki Gyula
Published: January 2023

A műszaki felsőoktatás, vagyis a mérnökképzés – eltérően a középfokú szakképzés általános gyakorlatától – már felnőttkorú „diákokkal” foglalkozik. Bár az egyetemeken a „nevelési” feladatokon kisebb a hangsúly, viszont az oktatók szemléletformáló hatásának, példamutatásának kiemelt szerepe van. Jelen összeállításunkkal ehhez szándékozunk támpontokat adni.
Qualification of Human Liver Microsomes for Antibacterial Activity Screening of Drug Metabolites
Authors: Jubaer Navid
Published: January 2023

Microsomes are commonly used to perform in vitro drug metabolism, predominantly to form phase I drug metabolites. Pooled microsomes from multiple donors can contain microorganisms from underlying microbial diseases. Exposure to microbes can also occur during extraction if aseptic processing is compromised. Although microbial presence does not affect the metabolic activity of microsomes, presence of unwanted microorganisms can cause interference if the downstream application of microsomal drug metabolites is screening for antibacterial activity. In this work, traditional biochemical tests and advanced proteomics-based identification techniques were used to identify two gram-negative bacteria in pooled human liver microsomes. Several decontamination procedures were assessed to eradicate these two bacteria from the microsomes without affecting its metabolic capacity, and organic extraction was found to be the most convenient and efficient approach to decontaminate microsomes and screen drug metabolites for antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Melibiose–X-Gal–MacConkey Agar for Presumptive Differentiation of Escherichia albertii from E. coli and Salmonella from Poultry Meat
Authors: Annor Samuel D. , Salazar Karla S. , Pillai Suresh D. , Kerth Chris R. , Gill Jason J. , Taylor Thomas M.
Published: January 2023

The bacterial foodborne enteropathogen Escherichia albertii, despite enjoying increased attention paid to its pathogenesis, global dissemination, and antimicrobial resistance capacity, remains difficult to identify from human foods. The primary objective of this study was to develop and test a selective and differential plating medium for the isolation of E. albertii from enteric pathogens commonly transmitted via fresh poultry meat, namely E. coli and Salmonella enterica. MacConkey agar supplemented with α-D-+-melibiose and the lactose analogue X-gal was prepared and used to differentially enumerate E. albertii, Salmonella, and E. coli from inoculated ground chicken meat. The medium, MXgMac agar, differentiated the inoculated pathogens with a greater degree of efficiency than did the previously developed E. albertii-selective medium xylose–rhamnose–melibiose (XRM) MacConkey agar, based on differential usage of the lactose analogue and melibiose. Chicken-derived feces and litter samples were subsequently tested using the medium and found not to contain E. albertii by 16S rRNA gene amplification. MXgMac agar facilitates improved differential recovery of E. albertii and other enteric pathogens from poultry meat versus other E. albertii selective/differential media.
Simulative Assessment of the Listen before Talk Adaptive Frequency Agility Medium Access Control Protocol for LoRaWAN Networks in IoT Scenarios
Authors: Leonardi Luca , Lo Bello Lucia , Patti Gaetano , Pirri Alessio , Pirri Mattia
Published: January 2023

The work presents an extensive simulative assessment of a LoRaWAN network that adopts the Listen Before Talk (LBT) Adaptive Frequency Agility (AFA) channel access technique in compliance with the ETSI regulations. The paper presents the results obtained in several scenarios with a different number of nodes and different configurations of the LoRaWAN Medium Access Control (MAC) parameters. The aim of the paper is to give insights about the performance achievable by changing the configuration parameters. For example, in all the scenarios considered in this work, once the number of nodes is fixed, the impact on the message loss ratio of the considered MAC parameters is always lower than 7%. Conversely, the impact of such parameters on the end-to-end delay is much more significant. The methodology of this assessment is of general validity and can be exploited by the network designer during the network configuration phase to obtain the most suitable combination of the MAC parameters for the network under consideration, based on the number of nodes and the application requirements.
Intestinal Carriage of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Salmonella enterica from Chickens and Poultry Farmers in Dschang, in the Western Region of Cameroon
Authors: Djuikoue Cecile Ingrid , Nana Cedric Dylan Seugnou , Nzenya Joelle , Tomi Charlene , Chounna Noemy , Pomte Olivier , Pokam Benjamin D. Thumamo , Apalata Teke
Published: January 2023

Salmonella enterica is the principal causative agent of salmonellosis, a threat to human health. Because of its high antimicrobial resistance potential, Salmonella enterica has become worrisome, mostly in developing countries where hygiene and antimicrobial usage are defective. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of the intestinal carriage of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase producing Salmonella enterica from chickens and poultry farmers in Dschang, a town in the western region of Cameroon. A total of 416 chickens and 72 farmers were sampled between May and October 2020; and Salmonella enterica were isolated and subjected to extended spectrum β-lactamase screening. Logistic regression was used to test for statistical associations using a p-value of ≤0.05. Results from this study revealed that the prevalence of the intestinal carriage of Salmonella enterica for chickens and farmers were 55.77% [51.00; 60.54] and 22.22% [12.62; 31.82], respectively. Meanwhile, the intestinal carriage of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase producing Salmonella enterica was 23.08% [13.76; 32.40] and 5.55% [0.26; 10.84] from chickens and poultry farmers, respectively. The risk factor for this carriage was revealed to be lack of knowledge by actors in livestock industries of antibiotic resistance. Chickens, just like poultry farmers, represent the starting point of community salmonellosis, which is difficult to cure; therefore, sensitization of breeders is an effective tool for the mitigation of this burden.
X-Wines: A Wine Dataset for Recommender Systems and Machine Learning
Authors: de Azambuja Rogério Xavier , Morais A. Jorge , Filipe Vítor
Published: January 2023

In the current technological scenario of artificial intelligence growth, especially using machine learning, large datasets are necessary. Recommender systems appear with increasing frequency with different techniques for information filtering. Few large wine datasets are available for use with wine recommender systems. This work presents X-Wines, a new and consistent wine dataset containing 100,000 instances and 21 million real evaluations carried out by users. Data were collected on the open Web in 2022 and pre-processed for wider free use. They refer to the scale 1–5 ratings carried out over a period of 10 years (2012–2021) for wines produced in 62 different countries. A demonstration of some applications using X-Wines in the scope of recommender systems with deep learning algorithms is also presented.
Broadening the Taxonomic Breadth of Organisms in the Bio-Inspired Design Process
Authors: Hund Amanda K. , Stretch Elizabeth , Smirnoff Dimitri , Roehrig Gillian H. , Snell-Rood Emilie C.
Published: January 2023

(1) Generating a range of biological analogies is a key part of the bio-inspired design process. In this research, we drew on the creativity literature to test methods for increasing the diversity of these ideas. We considered the role of the problem type, the role of individual expertise (versus learning from others), and the effect of two interventions designed to increase creativity—going outside and exploring different evolutionary and ecological “idea spaces” using online tools. (2) We tested these ideas with problem-based brainstorming assignments from a 180-person online course in animal behavior. (3) Student brainstorming was generally drawn to mammals, and the breadth of ideas was affected more by the assigned problem than by practice over time. Individual biological expertise had a small but significant effect on the taxonomic breadth of ideas, but interactions with team members did not. When students were directed to consider other ecosystems and branches of the tree of life, they increased the taxonomic diversity of biological models. In contrast, going outside resulted in a significant decrease in the diversity of ideas. (4) We offer a range of recommendations to increase the breadth of biological models generated in the bio-inspired design process.
Spatiotemporal Distribution of Photographic Records of Brazilian Birds Available in the WikiAves Citizen Science Database
Authors: Tubelis Dárius Pukenis
Published: January 2023

About four million photographic records of Brazilian birds are deposited in the WikiAves database. The objective of this study was to examine the spatiotemporal distribution of photographic records available in this database. Searches were performed in the database in 2022. Record numbers produced by citizens were obtained by selecting states and municipalities in different periods. The annual record production in Brazil has increased substantially since 2009, reaching about 400,000 records per year in 2020–2021. Most records were obtained in the Sudeste and Sul geopolitical regions. Seasonal variations in record production in the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest are comparable, with more records obtained in July–October. In Amazonia, a more substantial decrease in record production occurred between November and April. The monthly record production was more uniform in the Caatinga. When municipalities were compared, similar seasonal variation in record production was observed for four ecosystems (Amazonia, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and Pampa). However, substantial differences were observed for municipalities in the Pantanal and the Caatinga. The results indicate that high human density, high individual income and the breeding season of birds are potential factors leading to high record production. On the other hand, heavy rainfall, flooding, remoteness and environmental harshness are pointed out as factors potentially leading to relatively fewer records. Further, this article discusses the implications of record availability for ornithological studies that use photographic records deposited in the WikiAves database.
Comparative Study of Short-Term Efficacy and Safety of Mitomycin versus Lobaplatin for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy after Radical Surgery in Colorectal Cancer with High-Risk Factors for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Guo Xikai , Lin Yao , Shen Chu , Li Yuan , Xiang Fan , Ruan Tuo , Zeng Xinyu , Lv Jianbo , Tao Kaixiong , Wu Chuanqing
Published: January 2023

Background: The drug selection of radical surgery (RS), with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), in pT4 colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. Methods: Adverse events after HIPEC were estimated by common terminology criteria for adverse events version 5.0. The efficacy was evaluated using overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free rate (RFR). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce the influence of confounders between Mitomycin and Lobaplatin groups. Results: Of the 146 patients, from April 2020 to March 2021, 47 were managed with mitomycin and 99 with lobaplatin. There was no significant difference in the incidence of all adverse events between the two groups after PSM. OS and RFR were not significantly different between the two groups at 22 months (p = 0.410; p = 0.310). OS and RFR of the two groups also showed no significant difference for patients with T4a or T4b stage, tumor size < or ≥ 5 cm. Among patients with colon cancer, RFR at 22 months of the two groups was significantly different (100.0% vs. 63.2%, p = 0.028). Conclusions: In summary, the safety of mitomycin and lobaplatin for HIPEC was not different. Compared with lobaplatin, mitomycin for HIPEC after RS could benefit patients with colon cancer in RFR.
Leveraging UAVs to Enable Dynamic and Smart Aerial Infrastructure for ITS and Smart Cities: An Overview
Authors: Lucic Michael C. , Bouhamed Omar , Ghazzai Hakim , Khanfor Abdullah , Massoud Yehia
Published: January 2023

Micro-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, have been recognized as an emerging technology offering a plethora of applications touching various aspects of our lives, such as surveillance, agriculture, entertainment, and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Furthermore, due to their low cost and ability to be fitted with transmitters, cameras, and other on-board sensors, UAVs can be seen as potential flying Internet-of-things (IoT) devices interconnecting with their environment and allowing for more mobile flexibility in the network. This paper overviews the beneficial applications that UAVs can offer to smart cities, and particularly to ITS, while highlighting the main challenges that can be encountered. Afterward, it proposes several potential solutions to organize the operation of UAV swarms, while addressing one of their main issues: their battery-limited capacity. Finally, open research areas that should be undertaken to strengthen the case for UAVs to become part of the smart infrastructure for futuristic cities are discussed.
A Modified Multiplicative Thinning-Based INARCH Model: Properties, Saddlepoint Maximum Likelihood Estimation, and Application
Authors: Xu Yue , Li Qi , Zhu Fukang
Published: January 2023

In this article, we propose a modified multiplicative thinning-based integer-valued autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity model and use the saddlepoint maximum likelihood estimation (SPMLE) method to estimate parameters. A simulation study is given to show a better performance of the SPMLE. The application of the real data, which is concerned with the number of tick changes by the minute of the euro to the British pound exchange rate, shows the superiority of our modified model and the SPMLE.
Quantum Control by Few-Cycles Pulses: The Two-Level Problem
Authors: Peyraut François , Holweck Frédéric , Guérin Stéphane
Published: January 2023

We investigate the problem of population transfer in a two-states system driven by an external electromagnetic field featuring a few cycles, until the extreme limit of two or one cycle. Taking the physical constraint of zero-area total field into account, we determine strategies leading to ultrahigh-fidelity population transfer despite the failure of the rotating wave approximation. We specifically implement adiabatic passage based on adiabatic Floquet theory for a number of cycles as low as 2.5 cycles, finding and making the dynamics follow an adiabatic trajectory connecting the initial and targeted states. Nonadiabatic strategies with shaped or chirped pulses, extending the π-pulse regime to two- or single-cycle pulses, are also derived.
Cultural Differences in How People Deal with Ridicule and Laughter: Differential Item Functioning between the Taiwanese Chinese and Canadian English Versions of the PhoPhiKat-45
Authors: Lau Chloe , Swindall Taylor , Chiesi Francesca , Quilty Lena C. , Chen Hsueh-Chih , Chan Yu-Chen , Ruch Willibald , Proyer René , Bruno Francesco , Saklofske Donald H. , Torres-Marín Jorge
Published: January 2023

The PhoPhiKat-45 measures three dispositions toward ridicule and laughter, including gelotophobia (i.e., the fear of being laughed at), gelotophilia (i.e., the joy of being laughed at), and katagelasticism (i.e., the joy of laughing at others). Despite numerous cultural adaptations, there is a paucity of cross-cultural studies investigating measurement invariance of this measure. Undergraduate students from a Canadian university (N = 1467; 71.4% females) and 14 universities in Taiwan (N = 1274; 64.6% females) completed the English and Chinese PhoPhiKat-45 measures, respectively. Item response theory and differential item functioning analyses demonstrated that most items were well-distributed across the latent continuum. Five of 45 items were flagged for DIF, but all values had negligible effect sizes (McFadden’s pseudo R2 < 0.13). The Canadian sample was further subdivided into subsamples who identified as European White born in Canada (n = 567) and Chinese born in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan (n = 180). In the subgroup analyses, no evidence of DIF was found. Findings support the utility of this measure across these languages and samples.
A Numerical Study on Swirling Hot Air Anti-Icing with Various Surface Structures on the Internal Wall
Authors: Liu Yuyang , Luan Yong , Dai Xinbo , Liu Senyun , Yi Xian , Rao Yu
Published: January 2023

Swirling hot air is a promising heat transfer enhancement technology for anti-icing applications in aircrafts, where the swirling flow is accompanied by pretty high turbulence and a quite thin boundary layer. It is of interest to investigate the compound heat transfer characteristics of the swirling air configuration combined with surface structures on the internal wall. This paper carries out a series of numerical computations to obtain the Nusselt number and pressure loss data in such a swirling air heat transfer system with four kinds of surface structures (trenches, ribs, dimples and bulges) on the wall and with different tangential inlet jets placed along the tube. At a tube Reynolds number from 10,000 to 50,000, the results show that the surface dimples and bulges are conducive to improving the Nusselt number, but the surface trenches and ribs show a Nusselt number deterioration relative to the smooth swirl tube. Among the four investigated surface structures, the surface bulges perform best, which can enhance the Nusselt number by up to 15.0%, increase the total heat transfer quantity by up to 17.3% and reduce the hot air pressure loss by up to 15.6%. Furthermore, the circumferential velocity distribution and swirl number are introduced to describe the flow fields. The surface trenches and ribs lead to less of a reduction in the circumferential velocity and swirl intensity, while the surface dimples and bulges could significantly suppress the in-tube swirl intensity.
Development and Research of a Promising Pumpless Liquid Cooling System for Reciprocating Compressors
Authors: Shcherba V. E. , Khait A. , Pavlyuchenko E. A. , Bulgakova I. Yu.
Published: January 2023

A new pumpless liquid cooling system for a single-stage two-cylinder reciprocating compressor has been developed from the analysis of work processes and cooling systems of reciprocating compressors, where one piston compresses and moves gas and coolant in the cooling system. The intensification of the coolant movement increases in the machine, which can reduce the temperature of the cylinder–piston group and increase the indicator efficiency and the compressor feed rate. A mathematical model of working processes in a reciprocating compressor and its cooling system has been developed on the basic fundamental laws of conservation of energy, mass and motion. A prototype was developed and tested to obtain new knowledge about the processes in the machine and confirm the assumptions made while developing the mathematical model. After a series of experiments, the influence of cooling on the working processes in a reciprocating compressor, the technical work carried out in each working process, the energy and consumption characteristics of a reciprocating compressor with a developed cooling system were established. There was a validation performed of the developed mathematical model of work processes in the machine and the assumptions made. According to the developed mathematical model of work processes, a numerical experiment was carried out, which established: the coolant flow rate decreases with an increase in discharge pressure and increases with an increase in the crankshaft speed when the discharge pressure changes from 0.4 MPa to 0.8 MPa, a decrease in the indicator isothermal efficiency due to the leakage and non-isothermal nature of the compression process, as well as a decrease in the return work in the process of reverse expansion, leading to a decrease in the indicator isothermal efficiency of more than 15%; due to the equalization of pressures in the gas cavities with an increase in discharge pressure, the coolant consumption is reduced by (15 ± 17)%; with an increase in the angular speed of the crankshaft from 800 rpm to 1500 rpm, the coolant flow rate increases by more than 2.5 times, this increase in coolant flow rate is due to an increase in hydraulic resistance due to an increase in gas velocity; in the range from 1000 to 1200 rpm, a maximum of the indicator isothermal efficiency and compressor feed rate is observed; maximum indicator isothermal efficiency and the supply ratio is observed at a coolant flow rate in the range from 800 mL/min to 900 mL/min.
Experimental Analysis of Hysteresis in the Motion of a Two-Input Piezoelectric Bimorph Actuator
Authors: Grzybek Dariusz
Published: January 2023

This article presents a comparison of hysteresis courses in the motion of a two-input actuator (bimorph) and hysteresis in the motion of a single-input actuator (unimorph). The comparison was based on the results of laboratory and numerical experiments, the subject of which was an actuator built of three layers: a carrier layer from a glass-reinforced epoxy laminate and two piezoelectric layers from Macro Fiber Composite. The layers were glued together, and electrodes in the Macro Fiber Composite layers were connected to a system that included an analogue/digital board and a voltage amplifier. The main purpose of this research was to compare the characteristic points of the hysteresis curves of the displacement of the bimorph actuator with the characteristic points of the hysteresis curves of the unimorph actuator. Based on the research results, it was noticed that, in the bimorph, the maximum hysteresis and mean hysteresis values increase faster than the maximum displacement of a beam tip. However, values of characteristic input voltages for hysteresis loops—voltage corresponding to a maximum displacement of the actuator beam tip and voltage corresponding to maximum hysteresis—are almost the same for the bimorph and unimorph. From a practical point of view, it was noticed that the unimorph is a better choice compared to the bimorph in applications in which high changes in frequencies of input voltages appear.
The Photometric Test Distance in Luminance Measurement of Light-Emitting Diodes in Road Lighting
Authors: Czyżewski Dariusz
Published: January 2023

Over the last few years, light-emitting diodes have completely dominated the lighting field. In road lighting, high-power LEDs have replaced traditional light sources. That is why various technical aspects of LEDs have been researched extensively worldwide. However, little research has been conducted in the area of luminance measurement. This paper reviews the methods for measuring the luminance of high-power LEDs. Particular attention is paid to the influence of the measurement distance on the measurement results. Next, the results of the tests using a modern image luminance measuring device (ILMD) for luminance measurements are presented. It is concluded that it is necessary to redefine the photometric test distance. The conducted research demonstrates that an incorrectly selected test distance can lead to the huge errors of several hundred per cent or more. In addition, the possible impact of the incorrect measurements on the design of road lighting installations is presented. It is shown that a road lighting installation can use over 300% more electrical energy compared to the installation based on the correct luminance measurements of single LEDs. In the final stage of the research, the definition of the photometric test distance for LED measurements using ILMD is proposed. The results of the research can also be useful for the luminance measurements of other types of LEDs.