bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity and Primary Core Collection Construction of Turnip (Brassica rapa L. ssp. rapifera Matzg) Landraces in Tibet Revealed via Morphological and SSR Markers
Authors: Li Rongrong , Zhou Fangyuan , Gao Yingying , Liu Chenlu , Yu Shubo , Zhao Kun , Gong Wenfeng , Lang Jie , Zhang Haijuan , Yu Xiaolin
Published: September 2021

Turnip, one of the oldest groups of cultivated Brassica rapa species, is a traditional crop as well as a form of animal fodder, a vegetable, and a herbal medicine that is widely cultivated in farming and farming-pastoral regions in Tibet. Different regions of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) are home to a rich diversity of turnip owing to their high altitudes and variable climate types. However, information on the morphology and genetic diversity of Tibetan turnip remains limited. Therefore, the genetic diversity of 171 turnip varieties from China and elsewhere (Japan, Korea, and Europe) was analyzed using 58 morphological characteristics and 31 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in this study. The varieties showed that the genetic distance ranged from 0.12 to 1.00, and the genetic similarity coefficient ranged between 0.73 and 0.95. Cluster tree showed two distinct clusters. Both morphotype and geography contributed to the group classification. A combination of morphological traits and molecular markers could refine the precision of accurate identification compared to the separate morphological and molecular data analyses. The sampling ratio of 15% to utmost precisely represent the initial population was compared to ratios of 10% and 20%, and the sampling ratio of 15% is recommended for future works when a primary core collection of turnip resources is constructed. These results could furnish a foundation for germplasm conservation and effective turnip breeding in future studies.
Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Four Bedding Plants in Substrate Containing Coal Bottom Ash Mixed with Coir Dust
Authors: Rhie Yong-Ha , Nam Suyun , Kim Jongyun
Published: September 2021

Coal bottom ash (BA) is a by-product of coal-fired power generation and can be utilized as a growing substrate for ornamental plants. The physical and hydraulic properties of BA-mixed substrates (coir dust:BA, 10:0, 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, and 6:4, v/v) and commercial germinating media (BM2; Berger Peatmoss) were investigated, and the effects of the substrate mixtures on seed germination, seedling growth, and heavy metal concentrations (Cd and Pb) were evaluated for four common bedding plants (periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), globe amaranth (Gomphrena globose), impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), and petunia (Petunia multiflora)). As the BA:coir dust increased, the air space rate in the substrate increased from 25.5 to 28.0%, providing the substrate with sufficient porosity. However, the container capacity and amount of easily available water decreased from 63.1 to 53.7% as BA proportions increased. In the final germination percentage and days to germination of the four bedding plants, no significant differences were detected among the substrate mixtures. Although the impatiens and petunias displayed poor growth (46–55% and 42–56% of dry weight, respectively) in the BA-mixed substrates compared to the BM2, no apparent differences in the seedling growth of periwinkles and globe amaranths were found between 7:3 (coir dust:BA) substrate and BM2. These results indicated that the BA-mixed substrates had the potential to replace the commercial germinating media. The plants grown in the BA-mixed substrates contained Cd, but it was unlikely to be derived from the BA.
Initial Characterization of Male Southern Stingray (Hypanus americanus) Reproductive Parameters and Preliminary Investigation of Sperm Cryopreservation
Authors: Gillis James D. , Penfold Linda M. , Mylniczenko Natalie D.
Published: September 2021

This study investigated the reproductive biology and sperm cryopreservation of ex situ southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) by semen collection and characterization and the development and validation of an enzyme-linked immunoassay for plasma total testosterone. Semen was collected in March and June using a manual massage technique, and the ejaculates were assessed for volume, pH, osmolarity, motility, status (0–5 scale: 0 = no forward progression, 5 = rapid linear progression) and total sperm count. Semen was extended in Hank’s elasmobranch ringer solution containing 10% DMSO, 10% glycerol or 5% glycerol with 5% N-methylformamide and cryopreserved using a conventional freezing method (~−50 °C/min) or a modified slow freezing method (~−3 °C/min). Body condition was scored from 1–5 and was noted to be low in March (1.93 ± 0.07) due to feeding practices and increased by June (2.93 ± 0.05) after dietary corrections were made. A concomitant increase (p < 0.05) in plasma total testosterone concentration and sperm motility was noted between March (8.0 ± 7.2 ng/mL, 5.71 ± 2.77%) and June (97.3 ± 11.3 ng/mL, 51.4 ± 14.3%). Samples cryopreserved using a modified slow freeze method (~−3 °C/min) had higher post-thaw motility and plasma membrane integrity than conventionally cryopreserved samples. Data indicate that southern stingray sperm morphometrics adheres to those of other elasmobranch species and that a slow cooling rate may be an avenue of research to improve southern stingray sperm survival during cryopreservation.
Function of Trunk-Mediated “Greeting” Behaviours between Male African Elephants: Insights from Choice of Partners
Authors: Allen Connie R. B. , Croft Darren P. , Testard Camille , Brent Lauren J. N.
Published: September 2021

A common behavioural interaction between male African elephants is for an actor to direct his trunk to contact a same sex conspecific’s mouth, temporal gland, or genital region. Such behaviours are often referred to as “greetings”. Along with its inherent tactile element, these behaviours also likely provide olfactory information to actors concerning aspects of the target’s phenotype, including sexual status, feeding history, individual identity, and emotional state. Here, we explore whether the age and novelty of potential interactors affect the choice of individuals targeted by male African elephants for these trunks to scent emitting organ (SEO) behaviours at social hotspots in a male-dominated area. Male elephants of all ages, except older adolescents aged 16–20 years, preferentially targeted elephants of the same age class for trunk-to-SEO behaviours. Elephants younger than 26 years did not direct trunk-to-SEO behaviours to mature bulls (26+ years) more than expected by chance, suggesting these behaviours are not primarily used for younger males to establish contact with, or obtain information from or about older, more experienced individuals. We also found no evidence that males directed these behaviours preferentially to new individuals they encountered at male aggregations (compared to those they arrived in groups with), suggesting these behaviours are not primarily employed by males as a reunion display to establish relationships between new individuals or update relationships between familiar individuals separated over time. Age-mates may be preferentially targeted with these behaviours as a means to facilitate further interaction with partners (e.g., for sparring activity), or as a safe way to assess relative dominance rank in similarly aged and hence, size and strength, matched dyads. Our results suggest male African elephants use close contact trunk-to-SEO behaviours continuously over time, to facilitate positive relationships, test willingness to interact, and assess aspects of phenotype, between males occupying the same ecological space.
Unmitigated Surgical Castration in Calves of Different Ages: Cortisol Concentrations, Heart Rate Variability, and Infrared Thermography Findings
Authors: Bergamasco Luciana , Edwards-Callaway Lily N. , Bello Nora M. , Mijares Sage H. , Cull Charley A. , Rugan Stacy , Mosher Ruby A. , Gehring Ronette , Coetzee Johann F.
Published: September 2021

The objective was to characterize physiological responses to unmitigated surgical castration in calves of varying ages. Thirty male Holstein calves of three ages [<6 w (6W); 3 m (3M); 6 m (6M); n = 10] underwent a simulated castration treatment (SHAM) followed 24 h later by castration (CAST). For both treatments, heart rate variability, eye temperature, and cortisol were measured over time from treatment to specified end points to capture the acute response period. Interactions between treatment and age (p = 0.035) and time and age (p < 0.001) were noted for cortisol. The 6W calves had lower cortisol compared to 6M calves at SHAM and CAST. Cortisol of 6W calves decreased from peak to pre-treatment levels faster than 6M calves. An interaction between time and age was reported in squared differences of inter-beat-intervals (RMSSD; p = 0.02) and high-frequency power (HFP; p = 0.05), whereby both responses decreased in 6W calves during the sampling period which was not seen in 3M and 6M calves. Average eye temperature (AET) differed by age (p = 0.0018) whereby 6W calves had lower AET than 6M calves (p = 0.0013) regardless of treatment and time. The findings suggest that responses to unmitigated surgical castration seem to be mediated by the autonomic nervous system in an age-related manner.
Preliminary Test of the Reduction Capacity for the Intestinal Adsorption of Skatole and Indole in Weaning Piglets by Pure and Coated Charcoal
Authors: Witte Franziska , Pajic Aleksandar , Menger Florian , Tomasevic Igor , Schubert Dana Carina , Visscher Christian , Terjung Nino
Published: September 2021

To reduce the risk of boar taint, intact male piglets are immuno- or surgically castrated. One alternative is reducing skatole by adding skatole reducing or adsorbing substances to the boars’ diet. Charcoal with a high capacity for adsorbing skatole and indole in vitro (tested before, data not shown) was fed to the boars to test the hypothesis that a fat coating prevents the unspecific adsorption of charcoal before entry into the large intestine while increasing skatole adsorption. Twelve male and six female weaning piglets with initial body weights of 7.74 ± 0.75 kg were fed for 18 (or 19) days with either 2% pure (untreated) charcoal or 4% coated (50% charcoal + 50% fat-coating) charcoal or no charcoal. After euthanasia, skatole and indole were quantified in caecum and colon chyme. Skatole and indole contents in caecum chyme were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the group fed with coated charcoal (33 ± 4.2, 7 ± 2.8 µg/gDM, respectively) than in the group fed with pure charcoal (51 ± 7.3, 14 ± 3.0 µg/gDM) or with no charcoal (73 ± 12.6, 15 ± 1.7 µg/gDM). Similar effects were obvious for colon chyme. The results indicate that a fat coating of charcoal might prevent unspecific adsorption in the small intestine and might consequently lead to a higher adsorption capacity for skatole and indole in the large intestine, as skatole and indole concentrations in the chyme of caecum and colon were approximately 50% lower in the piglets who received coated charcoal.
Exposure of Free-Ranging Wild Animals to Zoonotic Leptospira interrogans Sensu Stricto in Slovenia
Authors: Žele-Vengušt Diana , Lindtner-Knific Renata , Mlakar-Hrženjak Nina , Jerina Klemen , Vengušt Gorazd
Published: September 2021

A total of 249 serum samples from 13 wild animal species namely fallow deer (Dama dama, n = 1), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, n = 80), red deer (Cervus elaphus, n = 22), chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra, n = 21), mouflon (Ovis musimon, n = 4), brown hare (Lepus europaeus, n = 2), nutria (Myocastor coypus, n = 1), red fox (Vulpes vulpes, n = 97), stone marten (Martes foina, n = 12), European badger (Meles meles, n = 2), golden jackal (Canis aureus, n = 2) Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx, n = 2) and grey wolf (Canis lupus, n = 3) were analysed for the presence of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans sensu stricto. Serum samples were examined via the microscopic agglutination test for the presence of specific antibodies against Leptospira serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Bratislava, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Sejroe, Australis, Autumnalis, Canicola, Saxkoebing and Tarassovi. Antibodies to at least one of the pathogenic serovars were detected in 77 (30.9%; CI = 25–37%) sera. The proportion of positive samples varied intraspecifically and was the biggest in large carnivores (lynx, wolf and jackal; 86%), followed by mezzo predators: stone marten (67%) and red fox (34%), and large herbivores: red deer (32%), roe deer (25%), alpine chamois (10%) and mouflon (0%). Out of the 77 positive samples, 42 samples (53.8%) had positive titres against a single serovar, while 35 (45.4%) samples had positive titres against two or more serovars. The most frequently detected antibodies were those against the serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae. The present study confirmed the presence of multiple pathogenic serovars in wildlife throughout Slovenia. It can be concluded that wild animals are reservoirs for at least some of the leptospiral serovars and are a potential source of leptospirosis for other wild and domestic animals, as well as for humans.
Non-Invasive Determination of Annual Fecal Cortisol, Androstenedione, and Testosterone Variations in a Herd of Male Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) and Their Relation to Some Climatic Variables
Authors: de Andrés Paloma Jimena , Cáceres Sara , Crespo Belén , Silván Gema , Illera Juan Carlos
Published: September 2021

The measurement of stress and reproductive hormones in wild animal species by non-invasive methods is of special interest. To assess whether the adrenal and gonadal hormones show annual variations in male Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and to evaluate whether there is any influence of climatic variables on hormonal secretion, fecal samples were taken from a herd of 7 Asian elephants over a 14-month period to subsequently determine the concentrations of testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4), and cortisol (C) by a validated immunoassay technique. Data referring to three climatic variables in the place and period of study were collected, namely monthly mean values of temperature, humidity and rainfall. Levels of T and A4 showed two major increases in July (T: 1088.35 ± 131.04 ng/g; A4: 480.40 ± 50.86 ng/g) and October (T: 825.09 ± 31.60 ng/g; A4: 319.96 ± 32.69 ng/g) (p < 0.05). Our results show a secretion of fecal androgens dependent on temperature (T and A4), and humidity (T). Male musth was detected during the initial increases of T and A4 levels. The highest concentrations of C were observed in September (156.67 ± 60.89 ng/g) (p < 0.05), probably due to the stressful fights that occurred during the musth period. The observed results of the fecal levels of T, A4 and C were similar to those obtained by invasive methods. In conclusion, fecal secretion of the three hormones in these captive male Asian elephants showed variations related in some cases to different weather factors.
Validation of an Accelerometer Sensor-Based Collar for Monitoring Grazing and Rumination Behaviours in Grazing Dairy Cows
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Wasim , Draganova Ina , Morel Patrick C. H. , Morris Stephen T.
Published: September 2021

This study evaluated the accuracy of a sensor-based device (AfiCollar) to automatically monitor and record grazing and rumination behaviours of grazing dairy cows on a real-time basis. Multiparous spring-calved dairy cows (n = 48) wearing the AfiCollar were selected for the visual observation of their grazing and rumination behaviours. The total observation period was 36 days, divided into four recording periods performed at different times of the year, using 12 cows in each period. Each recording period consisted of nine daily observation sessions (three days a week for three consecutive weeks). A continuous behaviour monitoring protocol was followed to visually observe four cows at a time for each daily observation session, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Overall, 144 observations were collected and the data were presented as behaviour activity per daily observation session. The behaviours visually observed were also recorded through an automated AfiCollar device on a real-time basis over the observation period. Automatic recordings and visual observations were compared with each other using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r), Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), and linear regression. Compared to visual observation (VO), AfiCollar (AC) showed slightly higher (10%) grazing time and lower (4%) rumination time. AC results and VO results had strong associations with each other for grazing time (r = 0.91, CCC = 0.71) and rumination time (r = 0.89, CCC = 0.80). Regression analysis showed a significant linear relationship between AC and VO for grazing time (R2 = 0.83, p < 0.05) and rumination time (R2 = 0.78, p < 0.05). The relative prediction error (RPE) values for grazing time and rumination time were 0.17 and 0.40, respectively. Overall, the results indicated that AfiCollar is a reliable device to accurately monitor and record grazing and rumination behaviours of grazing dairy cows, although, some minor improvements can be made in algorithm calibrations to further improve its accuracy.
Effects of Taurine on Sperm Quality during Room Temperature Storage in Hu Sheep
Authors: Zhang Liuming , Wang Yanhu , Sohail Tariq , Kang Yan , Niu Haoyuan , Sun Xiaomei , Ji Dejun , Li Yongjun
Published: September 2021

The present study aimed to investigate whether the presence of Tau protected Hu sheep sperm from ROS stress during storage at room temperature. The semen was diluted with extender (Tris-based) at room temperature, supplemented with different concentrations of Tau (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 100 mM), and stored at 15 °C. Sperm quality parameters (sperm progressive motility, kinetic parameters, plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, and MMP) and antioxidant parameters (ROS, MDA, SOD, CAT, and T-AOC) were evaluated during the preservation of semen. The addition of Tau, especially at a concentration of 20 mM, exerted positive effects on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant parameters compared to the sperm without Tau treatment (control group). The addition of Tau, especially at a concentration of 100 mM, exerted negative effects on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant parameters compared to the control group. Interestingly, the results indicated that the sperm acrosome integrity rate did not change during storage time. In conclusion, the addition of Tau to sperm preserved at room temperature can enhance the antioxidant ability of sperm, reduce the LPO on the 5th day, and improve the quality of semen preserved at room temperature. These results implied that Tau had potential to enhance Hu sheep sperm reproductive performance.
Melatonin Enhances the Mitochondrial Functionality of Brown Adipose Tissue in Obese—Diabetic Rats
Authors: Agil Ahmad , Navarro-Alarcon Miguel , Ali Fatma Abo Zakaib , Albrakati Ashraf , Salagre Diego , Campoy Cristina , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: September 2021

Developing novel drugs/targets remains a major effort toward controlling obesity-related type 2 diabetes (diabesity). Melatonin controls obesity and improves glucose homeostasis in rodents, mainly via the thermogenic effects of increasing the amount of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and increases in mitochondrial mass, amount of UCP1 protein, and thermogenic capacity. Importantly, mitochondria are widely known as a therapeutic target of melatonin; however, direct evidence of melatonin on the function of mitochondria from BAT and the mechanistic pathways underlying these effects remains lacking. This study investigated the effects of melatonin on mitochondrial functions in BAT of Zücker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, which are considered a model of obesity-related type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). At five weeks of age, Zücker lean (ZL) and ZDF rats were subdivided into two groups, consisting of control and treated with oral melatonin for six weeks. Mitochondria were isolated from BAT of animals from both groups, using subcellular fractionation techniques, followed by measurement of several mitochondrial parameters, including respiratory control ratio (RCR), phosphorylation coefficient (ADP/O ratio), ATP production, level of mitochondrial nitrites, superoxide dismutase activity, and alteration in the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP). Interestingly, melatonin increased RCR in mitochondria from brown fat of both ZL and ZDF rats through the reduction of the proton leak component of respiration (state 4). In addition, melatonin improved the ADP/O ratio in obese rats and augmented ATP production in lean rats. Further, melatonin reduced mitochondrial nitrosative and oxidative status by decreasing nitrite levels and increasing superoxide dismutase activity in both groups, as well as inhibited mPTP in mitochondria isolated from brown fat. Taken together, the present data revealed that chronic oral administration of melatonin improved mitochondrial respiration in brown adipocytes, while decreasing oxidative and nitrosative stress and susceptibility of adipocytes to apoptosis in ZDF rats, suggesting a beneficial use in the treatment of diabesity. Further research regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of melatonin on diabesity is warranted.
Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Pollutant Levels in Wastewater and the Waters of the Zarqa River, Jordan
Authors: Shigei Makoto , Assayed Almoayied , Hazaymeh Ayat , Dalahmeh Sahar S.
Published: September 2021

Assamra wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is the largest treatment facility in Jordan. Treated wastewater is discharged into the Zarqa River (ZR) and used to irrigate fodder and vegetables. ZR also includes surface runoff, stormwater, and raw wastewater illegally discharged into the river. This study examined pharmaceutically active compounds (PhAC) in water resources in the ZR basin. Samples of WWTP influent and effluent and river water from four sites along ZR were collected. Concentrations of 18 target antibiotics, one stimulant, and 15 other PhACs were determined in the samples. Five antibiotics were detected in WWTP influent (510–860 ng L−1 for ∑Antibiotics) and six in the effluent (2300–2600 ng L−1 for ∑Antibiotics). Concentrations in the effluent of all antibiotics except clarithromycin increased by 2- to 5-fold compared with those in influent, while clarithromycin concentration decreased by around 4- fold (from 308 to 82 ng L−1). WWTP influent and effluent samples contained 14 non-antibiotic PhACs, one simulant, and six antibiotics at detectable concentrations. The dominant PhACs were paracetamol (74% of ∑PhACs) in the influent and carbamazepine (78% of ∑PhACs) in the effluent. At ZR sampling sites, carbamazepine was the dominant PhAC in all cases (800–2700 ng L−1). The antibiotics detected in WWTP effluent were also detected at the ZR sites. In summary, water in ZR is contaminated with PhACs, including antibiotics, and wastewater discharge seems to be the main pathway for this contamination. The occurrence of antibiotics and other PhACs in the irrigated soil requires investigation to assess their fate.
Effect of Substrate Misorientation on the Structural and Optical Characteristics of In-Rich InGaAs/GaAsP Quantum Wells
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Zeng Yugang , Song Yue , Zhang Jianwei , Zhou Yinli , Ning Yongqiang , Qin Li , Wang Lijun
Published: September 2021

InGaAs quantum well (QW) lasers have attracted significant attention owing to their considerable potential for applications in optical communications; however, the relationship between the misorientation of the substrates used to grow InGaAs QWs and the structural and optical properties of QWs is still ambiguous. In this study, In-rich InGaAs/GaAsP single QWs were grown in the same run via metal organic chemical vapor deposition on GaAs (001) substrates misoriented by 0°, 2°, and 15° toward (111). The effects of substrate misorientation on the crystal quality and structural properties of InGaAs/GaAsP were investigated by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The 0° substrate exhibited the least lattice relaxation, and with increasing misorientation, the degree of lattice relaxation increased. The optical properties of the InGaAs/GaAsP QWs were investigated using temperature-dependent photoluminescence. An abnormal S-shaped variation of the peak energy and inverse evolution of the spectral bandwidth were observed at low temperatures for the 2° substrate, caused by the localization potentials due to the In-rich clusters. Surface morphology observations revealed that the growth mode varied with different miscuts. Based on the experimental results obtained in this study, a mechanism elucidating the effect of substrate miscuts on the structural and optical properties of QWs was proposed and verified.
Design of Power Splitters Based on Hybrid Plasmonic Waveguides
Authors: Shi Xiaoyan , Yang Wu , Xing Huaizhong , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: September 2021

Plasmonic power splitters based on hybrid plasmonic waveguides (HPWs) are proposed and investigated. The HPW consists of a high-permittivity semiconductor nanowire embedded in a SiO2 dielectric film near a metal surface. The propagation behaviors of Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs) in HPWs are numerically simulated by the 3D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. The incident field is transferred from the middle waveguide to the waveguides on both sides due to the coupling between adjacent waveguides. The intensity distributions can be explained by the multimode interference of SPPs supermodes. According to the field intensity distribution of five HPWs, we design a 1 × 3 power splitter and a 1 × 2 power splitter by reducing the length of some specific waveguides.
Experimental Characteristics Study of Data Storage Formats for Data Marts Development within Data Lakes
Authors: Belov Vladimir , Kosenkov Alexander N. , Nikulchev Evgeny
Published: September 2021

One of the most popular methods for building analytical platforms involves the use of the concept of data lakes. A data lake is a storage system in which the data are presented in their original format, making it difficult to conduct analytics or present aggregated data. To solve this issue, data marts are used, representing environments of stored data of highly specialized information, focused on the requests of employees of a certain department, the vector of an organization’s work. This article presents a study of big data storage formats in the Apache Hadoop platform when used to build data marts.
pH-Responsive Hollow Polymeric Microspheres from Irradiated Cyclic Ether Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yu Chuhong , Peng Jing , Li Jiuqiang , Zhai Maolin
Published: September 2021

Smart hollow polymeric microspheres have been widely applied in various fields such as controlled release, drug delivery, catalysis, and so on. Herein, a facile, green and one-step template-free method is introduced for preparing pH-responsive hollow polymeric microspheres via gamma irradiation of cyclic ether aqueous solution. The hollow polymeric microspheres are synthesized by radiation-induced polymerization and following the self-assembly and self-organization of amphiphilic polymer with cyclic ethers as monomers in water. SEM, TEM, micro-FTIR, and NMR confirmed the morphology and structures of the resultant microspheres. The confocal laser scanning microscope was used to investigate the stimuli-responsiveness and release behavior of hollow microspheres using 1-pyrene carboxaldehyde as a hydrophobic molecule model. The well-defined hollow polymeric microspheres with an average diameter of ca. 2.6 μm or 1.6 μm were prepared directly from dicyclohexal-18-crown-6 or tetraphydropyrane aqueous solution, respectively. The prepared hollow microspheres exhibit obvious pH stimuli-responsiveness and can release the encapsulated hydrophobic molecules when pH is higher than 5.0. Moreover, the reversible morphology transition between hollow microspheres and micelles makes the prepared hollow polymeric microspheres potentially suitable for a wide range of applications, including removal of dyes, oil field engineering, and biomedical fields.
Mathematical Determination of the Upper and Lower Limits of the Diffuse Fraction at Any Site
Authors: Kambezidis Harry D. , Kampezidou Styliani I. , Kampezidou Dimitra
Published: September 2021

A mathematical method for accurately determining the upper and lower diffuse-fraction (kd) limits that divide the sky into clear, intermediate, and overcast is developed. Fourteen sites around the world are selected for demonstrating the methodology. The upper and lower kd values for these sites are determined from scatter plots of direct-normal solar radiation vs. kd pairs over the typical meteorological year of each site. They vary between 0.73 and 0.80 for the upper and between 0.24 and 0.27 for the lower kd limits. Plots of sunshine duration (SSD) vs. kd are prepared for 12 of the 14 sites. These plots show a decreasing trend in SSD with increasing values of kd, as anticipated. According to local climatology, the number of the SSD values in each sky-condition classification varies from site-to-site.
Development of Patient Specific Conformal 3D-Printed Devices for Dose Verification in Radiotherapy
Authors: Jreije Antonio , Keshelava Lalu , Ilickas Mindaugas , Laurikaitiene Jurgita , Urbonavicius Benas Gabrielis , Adliene Diana
Published: September 2021

In radiation therapy, a bolus is used to improve dose distribution in superficial tumors; however, commercial boluses lack conformity to patient surface leading to the formation of an air gap between the bolus and patient surface and suboptimal tumor control. The aim of this study was to explore 3D-printing technology for the development of patient-specific conformal 3D-printed devices, which can be used for the radiation treatment of superficial head and neck cancer (HNC). Two 3D boluses (0.5 and 1.0 cm thick) for surface dose build-up and patient-specific 3D phantom were printed based on reconstruction of computed tomography (CT) images of a patient with HNC. The 3D-printed patient-specific phantom indicated good tissue equivalency (HU = −32) and geometric accuracy (DSC = 0.957). Both boluses indicated high conformity to the irregular skin surface with minimal air gaps (0.4–2.1 mm for 0.5 cm bolus and 0.6–2.2 mm for 1.0 cm bolus). The performed dose assessment showed that boluses of both thicknesses have comparable effectiveness, increasing the dose that covers 99% of the target volume by 52% and 26% for single field and intensity modulated fields, respectively, when compared with no bolus case. The performed investigation showed the potential of 3D printing in development of cost effective, patient specific and patient friendly conformal devices for dose verification in radiotherapy.
Influence of the Motion of a Spring Pendulum on Energy-Harvesting Devices
Authors: Abohamer Mohamed K. , Awrejcewicz Jan , Starosta Roman , Amer Tarek S. , Bek Mohamed A.
Published: September 2021

Energy harvesting is becoming more and more essential in the mechanical vibration application of many devices. Appropriate devices can convert the vibrations into electrical energy, which can be used as a power supply instead of ordinary ones. This study investigated a dynamical system that correlates with two devices, namely a piezoelectric device and an electromagnetic one, to produce two novel models. These devices are connected to a nonlinear damping spring pendulum with two degrees of freedom. The damping spring pendulum is supported by a point moving in a circular orbit. Lagrange’s equations of the second kind were utilized to obtain the equations of motion. The asymptotic solutions of these equations were acquired up to the third approximation using the approach of multiple scales. The comparison between the approximate and the numerical solutions reveals high consistency between them. The steady-state solutions were investigated, and their stabilities were checked. The influences of excitation amplitudes, damping coefficients, and the different frequencies on energy-harvesting device outputs are examined and discussed. Finally, the nonlinear stability analysis of the modulation equations is discussed through the stability and instability ranges of the frequency response curves. The work is significant due to its real-life applications, such as a power supply of sensors, charging electronic devices, and medical applications.
The Influence of Nutrient Medium Composition on Escherichia coli Biofilm Development and Heterologous Protein Expression
Authors: Soares Alexandra , Gomes Luciana C. , Monteiro Gabriel A. , Mergulhão Filipe J.
Published: September 2021

In the present study, the effects of different nutrient media on the development of Escherichia coli biofilms and the production of a heterologous protein were examined. E. coli JM109(DE3) cells transformed with pFM23 plasmid carrying the gene for enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression were used. Cells were grown in two different culture media, Lysogenic Broth (LB) and M9ZB, in a flow cell system for 10 days. Epifluorescence microscopy, fluorimetry, and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method based on hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) were used to assess bacterial growth, plasmid copy number (PCN), and eGFP production in both planktonic and biofilm cells. The results showed that biofilm development was favored in M9ZB medium when compared with LB. However, the number of eGFP-expressing cells was higher in LB for both planktonic and sessile states (two-fold and seven-fold, respectively). In addition, the PCN in biofilm cells was slightly higher when using LB medium (on average, 29 plasmids per cell versus 20 plasmids per cell in M9ZB), and higher plasmid stability was observed in biofilms formed in LB compared to their planktonic counterparts. Hence, E. coli biofilms grown in LB enhanced both plasmid stability and capacity to produce the model heterologous protein when compared to M9ZB.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Electromagnetic Wave Absorbing Properties of M12+–M24+ Substituted M-Type Sr-Hexaferrites
Authors: Kim Jae-Uk , Kang Young-Min
Published: September 2021

Mn–Ti, Zn–Ti, Zn–Zr substituted M-type Sr-hexaferrites (SrM), SrFe12−2xM1xM2xO19 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0, M1 = Mn or Zn; M2 = Ti or Zr) were synthesized, and their solubility, crystalline structure, and high-frequency properties were studied. Zn–Zr substitution caused a relatively large lattice parameter change and resulted in lower solubility (x ≤ 1.0) in the M-type phase compared with Mn–Ti and Zn–Ti substitutions. However, the ferromagnetic resonance frequency (fFMR) effectively decreased with increasing x in SrFe12−2xZnxZrxO19 (Zn–Zr:SrM) (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) and the electromagnetic wave (EM) absorption frequency also varied according to the shift in fFMR in the 7–18 GHz range. This is attributed to a gradual decrease in the magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Zn–Zr:SrM (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) with an increase in x. Zn–Zr:SrM (x = 0.9)–epoxy(10 wt%) composites exhibited a high EM absorption in the X-band (8–12 GHz) with the lowest reflection loss of <−45 dB. The sample with x = 0.8 showed a broad Ku band (12–18 GHz) absorption performance satisfying RL <−19 dB at 11 ≤ f ≤ 18 GHz.
A Novel Approach to Calculating the Transmission Accuracy of a Cycloid-Pin Gear Pair Based on Error Tooth Surfaces
Authors: Liu Chang , Shi Wankai , Xu Lang , Liu Kun
Published: September 2021

Transmission error (TE) and backlash are important parameters used to evaluate the transmission accuracy of cycloid-pin drives. Existing calculation methods are mostly based on two-dimensional tooth profile models, and these methods ignore the influence of some abnormal meshing phenomena caused by profile modifications (PMs), manufacturing errors (MEs), and assembly errors (AEs), such as the instantaneous mesh-apart of tooth pairs and the eccentric load on the tooth surface. To fill this gap, a novel approach to accurately calculating the TE and backlash of a cycloid-pin gear pair based on the error tooth surfaces is proposed, and its feasibility and effectiveness are validated by comparison with the theoretical analyses and the results from the literature. Based on this, the effects of the PMs, MEs, and AEs on the transmission accuracy are studied, which will be helpful in optimizing the tooth profile design of a cycloid gear and the tolerance allocation during the installation of a gear pair. The proposed method is also expected to provide accurate error excitation data for the dynamic analysis of cycloid-pin drives.
Barrier Function Based Adaptive Sliding Mode Controller for a Hybrid AC/DC Microgrid Involving Multiple Renewables
Authors: Armghan Ammar , Hassan Mudasser , Armghan Hammad , Yang Ming , Alenezi Fayadh , Azeem Muhammad Kashif , Ali Naghmash
Published: September 2021

Conventional electricity generation methods are under the major revolution, and microgrids established on renewable energy sources are playing a vital role in this power generation transformation. This study proposes a hybrid AC/DC microgrid with a barrier function-based adaptive sliding mode controller, in which 8 kW wind energy system and 4.5 kW photovoltaic energy system perform as the hybrid RESs, and 33 Ah of battery works as the energy storage system. Barrier function-based adaptive sliding mode controller ensures the convergence of the system’s output variable independent of the knowledge of the upper bound of the disturbances. Firstly, global mathematical modeling of the suggested system is ensured. Then, the control laws are defined, providing the DC bus voltage regulation during islanding mode and AC/DC link bus voltage regulation during the grid-connected mode. The proposed barrier function-based adaptive sliding mode controller technique is analyzed through 20 s simulations on MATLAB/Simulink, which validates the controller’s robustness and effectiveness. Furthermore, a comparison of the proposed controller is made with the proportional integral derivative controller, Lyapunov controller, and sliding mode controller. In the end, hardware-in-loop tests are performed using C2000 Delfino MCU F28379D LaunchPad, showing the proposed structure’s real-time performance.
Titanium Dioxide-Based Photocatalysts for Degradation of Emerging Contaminants including Pharmaceutical Pollutants
Authors: Krakowiak Rafal , Musial Joanna , Bakun Paweł , Spychała Marcin , Czarczynska-Goslinska Beata , Mlynarczyk Dariusz T. , Koczorowski Tomasz , Sobotta Lukasz , Stanisz Beata , Goslinski Tomasz
Published: September 2021

Contamination of the environment has been a growing problem in recent years. Due to the rapid growth in human population, the expansion of cities, along with the development of industry, more and more dangerous chemicals end up in the environment, especially in soil and water. For the most part, it is not possible to effectively remove chemicals through traditional remediation techniques, because those used in treatment plants are not specifically designed for this purpose. Therefore, new approaches for water remediation are in great demand. Many efforts have been focused on applications of photocatalysis for the remediation of chemical pollutants including drugs. Titanium(IV) oxide nanoparticles have particularly been considered as potential photocatalysts due to their favorable properties. In this article, we present the problem of emerging contaminants including drugs and discuss the use of photocatalysts based on titanium(IV) oxide nanoparticles for their degradation. A wide selection of materials, starting from bare TiO2, via its hybrid and composite materials, are discussed including those based on carbonaceous materials or connections with macrocyclic structures. Examples of photodegradation experiments on TiO2-based materials including those performed with various active pharmaceutical ingredients are also included.
The Antiviral Potential of Probiotics—A Review on Scientific Outcomes
Authors: Kesika Periyanaina , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Thangaleela Subramanian , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: September 2021

A rich repertoire of research studies on probiotics has been documented as one of the therapeutic agents or adjuvants for vaccines in treating viral infections. It is well known that the immunomodulatory properties of probiotics reduce the severity of viral infections. The efficacy of probiotics alone and combined boost up the host’s innate immunity, thereby developing a robust antiviral paradigm. As dietary and therapeutic measures, probiotics potentially work as an alternative for those who lack access to vaccines or antiviral drugs. Potential probiotic mechanisms include competing with pathogens for nutrients and colonization sites, producing antimicrobial metabolites and enhancing protective immune responses. The live probiotics can reach and colonize the host animals’ intestines then confer the health benefits by improving the host’s natural defence against viral infections. The research studies on probiotics suggest that they reduce the risk of viral infections, yet the innermost mechanisms are still unknown. The reason for scripting this review is to discuss the current developments in probiotic therapeutic measures and their probable insights into antiviral agents.
Cross Subaperture Averaging Generalized Sidelobe Canceler Beamforming Applied to Medical Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Yang Jin , Li Jiake , Chen Xiaodong , Xi Jiaqi , Cai Huaiyu , Wang Yi
Published: September 2021

For adaptive ultrasound imaging, a reliable estimation of the covariance matrix has a decisive influence on the performance of beamformers. In this paper, we propose a new cross subaperture averaging generalized sidelobe canceler approach (GSC-CROSS) for medical ultrasound imaging, which uses the cross-covariance matrix instead of the traditional covariance matrix estimation. By using the more stable and accurate estimation of the covariance matrix, GSC-CROSS performs well in both lateral resolution and contrast. Experiments are conducted based on the simulated echo data of scattering points and a cyst target. Beamforming responses of scattering points show that GSC-CROSS can improve the lateral resolution by 76.9%, 68.8%, and 17.1% compared with delay-and-sum (DS), synthetic aperture (SA), and the traditional generalized sidelobe canceler (GSC), respectively. Also, imaging of the cyst target shows that compared with DS, SA, and GSC, the contrast increases by 101%, 32.6%, and 63.5%, respectively. Finally, the actual echo data collected from a medical ultrasonic imaging system is applied to reconstruct the image. Results show that the proposed method has a good performance on lateral resolution and contrast. Both the simulated and experimental data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Irregularity of the Distribution of Masonry Infill Panels and Its Effect on the Seismic Collapse of Reinforced Concrete Buildings
Authors: Vielma Juan Carlos , Aguiar Roberto , Frau Carlos , Zambrano Abel
Published: September 2021

On 16 April 2016, an earthquake of Mw 7.8 shook the coast of Ecuador, causing the destruction of buildings and a significant number of casualties. Following a visit by the authors to the city of Portoviejo during the debris removal and recovery stage, it was noted that several reinforced concrete buildings located on corners had collapsed in the central part of the city. These buildings were characterized by the presence of masonry at the edges of the buildings but not between the two mostly open-plan facades on the corner for practical reasons. This article reviews the effect of masonry infill panels on the seismic response of reinforced concrete structures. For this, a model that contains the geometric and mechanical characteristics typical of collapsed buildings was generated and subjected to nonlinear analysis, with both static and dynamic increments. The results show the clear influence of the masonry infill panels on the structural response through the torsional behavior that is reflected in the evolution of the floor rotations. Finally, dynamic incremental analysis is used to obtain the collapse fragility curve of the building, and a new damage measure based on floor rotations is proposed.
A Novel Luminance-Based Algorithm for Classification of Semi-Dark Images
Authors: Memon Mehak Maqbool , Hashmani Manzoor Ahmed , Junejo Aisha Zahid , Rizvi Syed Sajjad , Arain Adnan Ashraf
Published: September 2021

Image classification of a visual scene based on visibility is significant due to the rise in readily available automated solutions. Currently, there are only two known spectrums of image visibility i.e., dark, and bright. However, normal environments include semi-dark scenarios. Hence, visual extremes that will lead to the accurate extraction of image features should be duly discarded. Fundamentally speaking there are two broad methods to perform visual scene-based image classification, i.e., machine learning (ML) methods and computer vision methods. In ML, the issues of insufficient data, sophisticated hardware and inadequate image classifier training time remain significant problems to be handled. These techniques fail to classify the visual scene-based images with high accuracy. The other alternative is computer vision (CV) methods, which also have major issues. CV methods do provide some basic procedures which may assist in such classification but, to the best of our knowledge, no CV algorithm exists to perform such classification, i.e., these do not account for semi-dark images in the first place. Moreover, these methods do not provide a well-defined protocol to calculate images’ content visibility and thereby classify images. One of the key algorithms for calculation of images’ content visibility is backed by the HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) color model. The HSL color model allows the visibility calculation of a scene by calculating the lightness/luminance of a single pixel. Recognizing the high potential of the HSL color model, we propose a novel framework relying on the simple approach of the statistical manipulation of an entire image’s pixel intensities, represented by HSL color model. The proposed algorithm, namely, Relative Perceived Luminance Classification (RPLC) uses the HSL (hue, saturation, lightness) color model to correctly identify the luminosity values of the entire image. Our findings prove that the proposed method yields high classification accuracy (over 78%) with a small error rate. We show that the computational complexity of RPLC is much less than that of the state-of-the-art ML algorithms.
Technological Perspective of Cyber Secure Smart Inverters Used in Power Distribution System: State of the Art Review
Authors: Surya Sumukh , Srinivasan Mohan Krishna , Williamson Sheldon
Published: September 2021

The purpose of smart grid architecture as compared to the conventional grid is to ensure more stability, reliability and bi-directional communication between the utility and the consumer. The deployment of the same has succeeded in improving the efficiency of the distribution systems and effective co-ordination and interoperability among the different components of the grid. Smart inverters play a major role in seamless grid integration, control and conversion of power when the renewable energy sources are present. However, they come with several security challenges as well, which are of considerable concern. Certain cyber threats include physical and cyber attacks, natural phenomena which in turn can lead to grid failure, blackouts, commercial energy losses, privacy and safety issues, etc. Therefore, there is a need for critical examination of all these issues which must be considered for designing cyber secure smart inverters at the distribution level. In this comprehensive review, keeping the technological perspective in mind, the existing gaps and the necessity for the same are highlighted. The various topologies, IEEE protocols and the control strategy are presented in detail. This will enable prospective researchers to address the design issues of smart inverters with greater focus on security and reliability aspects.