bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Field Electron Emission Capability of Thin Films on Flat Silicon Substrates: Experiments with Mo and General Model for Refractory Metals and Carbon
Authors: Bizyaev Ivan , Gabdullin Pavel , Chumak Maxim , Babyuk Vladislav , Davydov Sergey , Osipov Vasilii , Kuznetsov Alexey , Kvashenkina Olga , Arkhipov Alexander
Published: December 2021

Herein, we describe a study of the phenomenon of field-induced electron emission from thin films deposited on flat Si substrates. Films of Mo with an effective thickness of 6–10 nm showed room-temperature low-field emissivity; a 100 nA current was extracted at macroscopic field magnitudes as low as 1.4–3.7 V/μm. This result was achieved after formation treatment of the samples by combined action of elevated temperatures (100–600 °C) and the electric field. Morphology of the films was assessed by AFM, SEM, and STM/STS methods before and after the emission tests. The images showed that forming treatment and emission experiments resulted in the appearance of numerous defects at the initially continuous and smooth films; in some regions, the Mo layer was found to consist of separate nanosized islets. Film structure reconstruction (dewetting) was apparently induced by emission-related factors, such as local heating and/or ion irradiation. These results were compared with our previous data obtained in experiments with carbon islet films of similar average thickness deposited onto identical substrates. On this basis, we suggest a novel model of emission mechanism that might be common for thin films of carbon and refractory metals. The model combines elements of the well-known patch field, multiple barriers, and thermoelectric models of low-macroscopic-field electron emission from electrically nanostructured heterogeneous materials.
Vitamin D Dosing: Basic Principles and a Brief Algorithm (2021 Update)
Authors: Bleizgys Andrius
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, in modern societies, many people can be at high risk to have low vitamin D levels. Therefore, testing of serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25OH-D) levels should be performed before prescribing them vitamin D supplementation. However, in some cases the 25OH-D level assessment is not available at the right moment, e.g., due to mandatory quarantine of COVID-19 outpatients. Therefore, such patients could be advised to start taking moderate vitamin D doses (e.g., 4000 IU/day for adults), and their 25-OH-D levels could be checked later. The proposed algorithm also comprises vitamin D dosing principles when baseline 25OH-D levels are known.
Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens Abound in the Cattle Population of the Rabat-Sale Kenitra Region, Morocco
Authors: Elhachimi Latifa , Rogiers Carolien , Casaert Stijn , Fellahi Siham , Van Leeuwen Thomas , Dermauw Wannes , Valcárcel Félix , Olmeda Ángeles Sonia , Daminet Sylvie , Khatat Sarah El Hamiani , Sahibi Hamid , Duchateau Luc
Published: December 2021

Tick-borne pathogens cause the majority of diseases in the cattle population in Morocco. In this study, ticks were collected from cattle in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco and identified morphologically, while tick-borne pathogens were detected in cattle blood samples via polymerase chain reaction assay and sequencing. A total of 3394 adult ixodid ticks were collected from cattle and identified as eight different tick species representing two genera, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The collected ticks consisted of Hyalomma marginatum, Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, Rhipicephalus bursa, Hyalomma detritum, Hyalomma lusitanicum, Hyalomma dromedarii, and Hyalomma impeltatum. The overall prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in blood samples was 63.8%, with 29.3% positive for Babesia/Theileria spp., 51.2% for Anaplasma/Ehrlichia spp., and none of the samples positive for Rickettsia spp. Sequencing results revealed the presence of Theileria annulata, Babesia bovis, Anaplasma marginale, Theileria buffeli, Theileria orientalis, Babesia occultans, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma capra, Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma bovis, Ehrlichia minasensis, and one isolate of an unknown bovine Anaplasma sp. Crossbreeds, females, older age, and high tick infestation were the most important risk factors for the abundance of tick-borne pathogens, which occurred most frequently in Jorf El Melha, Sidi Yahya Zaer, Ait Ichou, and Arbaoua locations.
Structural Requirements in the Hemagglutinin Cleavage Site-Coding RNA Region for the Generation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Kida Yurie , Okuya Kosuke , Saito Takeshi , Yamagishi Junya , Ohnuma Aiko , Hattori Takanari , Miyamoto Hiroko , Manzoor Rashid , Yoshida Reiko , Nao Naganori , Kajihara Masahiro , Watanabe Tokiko , Takada Ayato
Published: December 2021

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) with H5 and H7 hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes are derived from their low pathogenic counterparts following the acquisition of multiple basic amino acids in their HA cleavage site. It has been suggested that consecutive adenine residues and a stem-loop structure in the viral RNA region that encodes the cleavage site are essential for the acquisition of the polybasic cleavage site. By using a reporter assay to detect non-templated nucleotide insertions, we found that insertions more frequently occurred in the RNA region (29 nucleotide-length) encoding the cleavage site of an H5 HA gene that was predicted to have a stem-loop structure containing consecutive adenines than in a mutated corresponding RNA region that had a disrupted loop structure with fewer adenines. In virus particles generated by using reverse genetics, nucleotide insertions that created additional codons for basic amino acids were found in the RNA region encoding the cleavage site of an H5 HA gene but not in the mutated RNA region. We confirmed the presence of virus clones with the ability to replicate without trypsin in a plaque assay and to cause lethal infection in chicks. These results demonstrate that the stem-loop structure containing consecutive adenines in HA genes is a key molecular determinant for the emergence of H5 HPAIVs.
Comparative Genomics of Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Vibrio spp. of Colombia: Implications of Traits Associated with Virulence and Resistance
Authors: Pérez-Duque Alejandra , Gonzalez-Muñoz Andrea , Arboleda-Valencia Jorge , Vivas-Aguas Lizbeth Janet , Córdoba-Meza Tania , Rodriguez-Rey Ghennie Tatiana , Díaz-Guevara Paula , Martinez-Urtaza Jaime , Wiesner-Reyes Magdalena
Published: December 2021

There is widespread concern about the increase in cases of human and animal infections caused by pathogenic Vibrio species due to the emergence of epidemic lineages. In Colombia, active surveillance by the National Institute of Health (INS) has confirmed the presence of Vibrio; however, in routine surveillance, these isolates are not genomically characterized. This study focused on the pangenome analysis of six Vibrio species: V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. alginolyticus, V. fluvialis, V. diabolicus and V. furnissii to determine the genetic architectures of potentially virulent and antimicrobial resistance traits. Isolates from environmental and clinical samples were genome sequenced, assembled and annotated. The most important species in public health were further characterized by multilocus sequence typing and phylogenomics. For V. parahaemolyticus, we found the virulent ST3 and ST120 genotypes. For V. vulnificus, we identified isolates belonging to lineages 1 and 2. Virulence gene homologues between species were found even in non-pathogenic species such as V. diabolicus. Annotations related to the mobilome, integrative mobile and conjugative elements and resistance genes were obtained from environmental and clinical isolates. This study contributes genomic information to the intensified surveillance program implemented by the INS to establish potential sources of vibriosis in Colombia.
Clostridium perfringens-Induced Host-Pathogen Transcriptional Changes in the Small Intestine of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Lu Mingmin , Yuan Baohong , Yan Xianghe , Sun Zhifeng , Lillehoj Hyun S. , Lee Youngsub , Baldwin-Bott Calder , Li Charles
Published: December 2021

Clostridium perfringens is an important opportunistic pathogen that may result in toxin-mediated diseases involving food poisoning/tissue gangrene in humans and various enterotoxaemia in animal species. It is a main etiological agent for necrotic enteritis (NE), the most financially devastating bacterial disease in broiler chickens, especially if raised under antibiotic-free conditions. Importantly, NE is responsible for losses of six billion US dollars annually in the global poultry industry. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of C. perfringens-induced pathogenesis in the gut and its microbiome mRNA levels in C. perfringens-infected and non-infected hosts, we used RNA sequencing technology to perform transcriptional analysis of both host intestine and microbiome using our NE model. The growth rate was significantly impaired in chickens infected by C. perfringens. In total, 13,473 annotated chicken genes were differentially expressed between these two groups, with ninety-six genes showing statistical significance (|absolute fold changes| > 2.0, adjusted p value < 0.05). Genes involved in energy production, MHC Class I antigen, translation, ribosomal structures, and amino acid, nucleotide and carbohydrate metabolism from infected gut tissues were significantly down-regulated. The upregulated genes were mainly engaged in innate and adaptive immunity, cellular processes, genetic information processing, and organismal systems. Additionally, the transcriptional levels of four crucial foodborne pathogens were significantly elevated in a synergic relationship with pathogenic C. perfringens infection. This study presents the profiling data that would likely be a relevant reference for NE pathogenesis and may provide new insights into the mechanism of host-pathogen interaction in C. perfringens-induced NE infection in broiler chickens.
Screening for Vaginal and Endocervical Infections in the First Trimester of Pregnancy? A Study That Ignites an Old Debate
Authors: Toboso Silgo Leonie , Cruz-Melguizo Sara , de la Cruz Conty María Luisa , Encinas Pardilla María Begoña , Muñoz Algarra María , Nieto Jiménez Yolanda , Arranz Friediger Alexandra , Martínez-Pérez Óscar
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Vaginal and endocervical infections are considered a global health problem, especially after recent evidence of their association with preterm delivery and other adverse obstetric outcomes. Still, there is no consensus on the efficacy of a screening strategy for these infections in the first trimester of pregnancy. This study evaluated their prevalence and whether screening and treatment resulted as effective in reducing pregnancy and perinatal complications. Methods: A single-center prospective observational study was designed; a sample size of 400 first-trimester pregnant women was established and they were recruited between March 2016–October 2019 at the Puerta de Hierro University Hospital (Spain). They were screened for vaginal and endocervical infections and treated in case of abnormal flora. Pregnancy and delivery outcomes were compared between abnormal and normal flora groups by univariate analysis. Results: 109 patients had an abnormal flora result (27.2%). The most frequently detected infection was Ureaplasma urealyticum (12.3%), followed by Candida spp. (11.8%), bacterial vaginosis (5%), Mycoplasma hominis (1.2%) and Trichomonas vaginalis (0.8%). Patients with abnormal flora had a 5-fold increased risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes (5.3% vs. 1.1% of patients with normal flora, Odds Ratio 5.11, 95% Confidence Interval 1.20–21.71, p = 0.028). No significant differences were observed regarding preterm delivery or neonatal morbidity. Conclusions: Considering the morbimortality related to prematurity and that the results of our study suggest that the early treatment of abnormal flora could improve perinatal outcomes, the implementation of a screening program during the first trimester should be considered.
Microbial Diversity Characteristics of Areca Palm Rhizosphere Soil at Different Growth Stages
Authors: Ma Siyuan , Lin Yubin , Qin Yongqiang , Diao Xiaoping , Li Peng
Published: December 2021

The rhizosphere microflora are key determinants that contribute to plant health and productivity, which can support plant nutrition and resistance to biotic and abiotic stressors. However, limited research is conducted on the areca palm rhizosphere microbiota. To further study the effect of the areca palm’s developmental stages on the rhizosphere microbiota, the rhizosphere microbiota of areca palm (Areca catechu) grown in its main producing area were examined in Wanning, Hainan province, at different vegetation stages by an Illumina Miseq sequence analysis of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid and internal transcribed spacer genes. Significant shifts of the taxonomic composition of the bacteria and fungi were observed in the four stages. Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia were the most dominant group in stage T1 and T2; the genera Allorhizobium-Neorhizobium-Pararhizobium-Rhizobium were decreased significantly from T1 to T2; and the genera Acidothermus and Bacillus were the most dominant in stage T3 and T4, respectively. Meanwhile, Neocosmospora, Saitozyma, Penicillium, and Trichoderma were the most dominant genera in the stage T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Among the core microbiota, the dominant bacterial genera were Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia and Bacillus, and the dominant fungal genera were Saitozyma and Trichoderma. In addition, we identified five bacterial genera and five fungal genera that reached significant levels during development. Finally, we constructed the OTU (top 30) interaction network of bacteria and fungi, revealed its interaction characteristics, and found that the bacterial OTUs exhibited more extensive interactions than the fungal OTUs. Understanding the rhizosphere soil microbial diversity characteristics of the areca palm could provide the basis for exploring microbial association and maintaining the areca palm’s health.
Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activity of Three Stachys Species (Lamiaceae) from Romania
Authors: Stegăruș Diana Ionela , Lengyel Ecaterina , Apostolescu George Florian , Botoran Oana Romina , Tanase Corneliu
Published: December 2021

Three species of Stachys genus (S. byzantina, S. officinalis, S. sylvatica) were investigated in the present study in terms of aromatic profile and total polyphenol content, as well as antibacterial activity and antioxidant capacity. Gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC/FID) was used for exploration of the herbal alcoholic extracts. Using statistical analysis, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and total phenolic chemical fingerprints were compared in order to describe differences and identify putative signature traits of the three Stachys species. The results showed that the analyzed Stachys extracts have a total polyphenol content being between 197 ± 0.27 mg GAE/g for S. sylvatica and 232 ± 43 mg GAE/g for S. officinalis. The antioxidant activity was between 444 ± 58 mM Trolox/g (S. sylvatica) and 602 ± 75 mM Trolox/g (S. officinalis). The volatile compounds identified were mostly sesquiterpenes, followed by monoterpenes and secondary compounds. The most abundant in all three species was germacrene D (21.9% 28–25.2%). The multivariate analysis demonstrated the potential of using plant tissue VOC profiles to discriminate between different Stachy species, with a total of 31 VOCs being identified from all three species. Although there were strong similarities among the three species’ VOC profiles, distinctions can be made using chemometric analysis. The microbiological results showed an antimicrobial capacity of all three extracts, especially on Gram-positive bacteria. In addition to increasing consumers’ understanding regarding the health benefits of these Stachy species, this investigation contributes to defining and preserving a precious genetic and cultural-historical biodiversity.
Chemical Compounds, Antitumor and Antimicrobial Activities of Dry Ethanol Extracts from Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm
Authors: Andonova Tsvetelina , Muhovski Yordan , Fidan Hafize , Slavov Iliya , Stoyanova Albena , Dimitrova-Dyulgerova Ivanka
Published: December 2021

Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. is used in traditional medicine and has various established biological activities, however, the species is considered to be a potentially invasive alien tree species for Bulgarian flora. However, there is still much to be studied about the phytochemical and biological characteristics of the species. The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition of the ethanol extracts of aerial plant parts, by GC-MS analysis, and to thereby evaluate their in vitro antitumor and antibacterial properties. All three extracts were tested against the HT-29 and PC3 tumor cell lines using the MTT assay. Fifty-six components were identified from leaf, flower, and stem bark extracts, and over 10% were the following constituents: pyrogallol, α-terpinyl acetate, neryl acetate, and α-terpinyl isobutanoate. The oxygenated monoterpenes predominated in the extracts, followed by the oxygenated aliphatics and phenylpropanoids. Significant antiproliferative activity on the HT-29 cell line (IC50–21.44 µg/mL and 23.63 µg/mL, respectively) was found for the flower and leaf extracts. Antibacterial activity was established for the following bacteria strains: Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Bacillus cereus NCTC 10320, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 6027, and Proteus vulgaris ATCC 6380. The stem bark and flower extracts showed better antimicrobial potential. K. paniculata could be considered as a potential source of biologically active substances with antitumor and antibacterial properties.
Solvent Extraction of Lanthanides(III) in the Presence of the Acetate Ion Acting as a Complexing Agent Using Mixtures of Cyanex 272 and Caprylic Acid in Hexane
Authors: Belova Vera V. , Tsareva Yulia V. , Zakhodyaeva Yulia A. , Ivanov Vladimir K. , Voshkin Andrey A.
Published: December 2021

A new extraction system containing a mixture of Cyanex 272 and caprylic acid is proposed for the extraction and separation of lanthanides(III). It was shown that this system possesses a high level of extraction ability and capacity. The extraction of lanthanides(III) from chloride-acetate and nitrate-acetate media was investigated on an example of La(III). The composition of the extracted species was confirmed, based on the analysis of lanthanum(III) extraction isotherms. In the case of acetic-acetate aqueous solutions, a decrease in lanthanum(III) extraction efficiency was observed, due to the decreasing equilibrium pH of the aqueous phase in accordance with the cation-exchange mechanism. The composition of the synergistic mixture of Cyanex 272-caprylic acid established demonstrates highly efficient separation of rare-earth metal ions.
Application of Green Technology in Gelatin Extraction: A Review
Authors: Noor Nor Qhairul Izzreen Mohd , Razali Rina Syafinaz , Ismail Nur Khairina , Ramli Rabiatul Amirah , Razali Umi Hartina Mohamad , Bahauddin Ahmad Riduan , Zaharudin Nazikussabah , Rozzamri Ashari , Bakar Jamilah , Shaarani Sharifudin Md.
Published: December 2021

Growing demands for green and sustainable processing that eliminates the utilization of toxic chemicals and increases efficiency has encouraged the application of novel extraction technologies for the food industry. This review discusses the principles and potential application of several green technology for gelatin extraction. Several novel technologies and their processing efficiency are discussed in this review. Furthermore, factors that affect the quality of the gelatin produced from different sources are also highlighted. The potential application of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), subcritical water extraction, high-pressure processing, and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) to improve gelatin extraction are addressed. These technologies have the potential to become an efficient extraction method compared to the conventional extraction technologies. Several combinations of green and conventional technologies have been reported to yield promising results. These combinations, especially using conventional pre-treatment and green technologies for extraction, have been found to be more effective in producing gelatin. Since gelatin could be produced from various sources, it exhibits different characteristics; thus, different approaches and extraction method should be identified for specific types of gelatin. Although these technologies have limitations, such as overhydration and sophisticated systems explicitly designed for large-scale production, they are nonetheless more efficient in the long run to safeguard the environment as they reduce solvent usage and carbon footprint along the way.
Industrial Symbiosis for Optimal Bio-Waste Management and Production of a Higher Value-Added Product
Authors: Stunžėnas Edgaras , Kliopova Irina , Kliaugaitė Daina , Budrys Rimas Pranas
Published: December 2021

A considerable amount of food waste ends up in centralized treatment plants due to the lack of preventive measures, resulting in significant environmental impacts. Hospitality food waste management is even more resource-intensive because of animal by-products regulation. According to this regulation, companies must store and then consign waste to specific waste managers. The extensive need for transportation of high-moisture-content materials is the leading cause of the impact. Moreover, the management of category III animal by-products is costly for companies. A previous study has shown the economic benefits of decentralized animal by-product treatment by intensive composting in catering companies. Although the produced compost was characterized by exceptional quality parameters, it was phytotoxic. The investigation of hospitality waste management is scarcely discussed among scholars, and waste management on a regional scale is nearly absent. This study examines the regional management of hospitality food waste by exploiting the municipal waste management infrastructure and intensive composting at the source. The co-maturation experiment with animal by-products and municipal green waste primary composts showed that the phytotoxicity parameters of the cured compost were in the optimal range or below the thresholds (conductivity (1.1 mS cm−1), dissolved organic carbon (82 mg kg−1), and NH4+/NO3− ratio (0.0027)). Additionally, the amounts of total nitrogen, water-soluble nitrogen, and water-soluble phosphorus in the compost were rated as very high. Finally, inventory and environmental impact analysis of the current and planned management approaches showed a reduction in 12 of 18 impact categories.
The Terrorist and the Girl Next Door: Love Jihad in French Femonationalist Nonfiction
Authors: Tebaldi Catherine
Published: December 2021

This paper explores the theme of Love Jihad in “true sex crime” novels, French mass-market paperbacks where a journalist or author recounts the temoignage of women who suffered sexual violence at the hands of Muslim men. Semiotic analysis of visual and textual representations shows a melodramatic triangle of female victims, Muslim male perpetrators, and heroic readers. These stories reflect, dramatize, and sexualize broader social constructions of the monstrous Muslim; from Far-Right conspiracies of The Great Replacement to femonationalist debates about veils and republican values. In the final section, the paper explores how visual and verbal tropes from these popular discourses reappear in political speech and media from the National Rally.
Enhancing Coherence Images for Coherent Change Detection: An Example on Vehicle Tracks in Airborne SAR Images
Authors: Hammer Horst , Kuny Silvia , Thiele Antje
Published: December 2021

In Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry, one of the most widely used measures for the quality of the interferometric phase is coherence. However, in favorable conditions coherence can also be used to detect subtle changes on the ground, which are not visible in the amplitude images. For such applications, i.e., coherent change detection, it is important to have a good contrast between the unchanged (high-coherence) parts of the scene and the changed (low-coherence) parts. In this paper, an algorithm is introduced that aims at enhancing this contrast. The enhancement is achieved by a combination of careful filtering of the amplitude images and the interferometric phase image. The algorithm is applied to an airborne interferometric SAR image pair recorded by the SmartRadar experimental sensor of Hensoldt Sensors GmbH. The data were recorded during a measurement campaign over the Bann B installations of POLYGONE Range in southern Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany), with a time gap of approximately four hours between the overflights. In-between the overflights, several vehicles were moved on the site and the goal of this work is to enhance the coherence image such that the tracks of these vehicles can be detected as completely as possible in an automated way. Several coherence estimation schemes found in the literature are explored for the enhancement, as well as several commonly used speckle filters. The results of these filtering steps are evaluated visually and quantitatively, showing that the mean gray-level difference between the low-coherence tracks and their high-coherence surroundings could be enhanced by at least 28%. Line extraction is then applied to the best enhancement. The results show that the tracks can be detected much more completely using the coherence contrast enhancement scheme proposed in this paper.
Diagnostic Approach for Accurate Diagnosis of COVID-19 Employing Deep Learning and Transfer Learning Techniques through Chest X-ray Images Clinical Data in E-Healthcare
Authors: Haq Amin Ul , Li Jian Ping , Ahmad Sultan , Khan Shakir , Alshara Mohammed Ali , Alotaibi Reemiah Muneer
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 is a transferable disease that is also a leading cause of death for a large number of people worldwide. This disease, caused by SARS-CoV-2, spreads very rapidly and quickly affects the respiratory system of the human being. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnosis this disease at the early stage for proper treatment, recovery, and controlling the spread. The automatic diagnosis system is significantly necessary for COVID-19 detection. To diagnose COVID-19 from chest X-ray images, employing artificial intelligence techniques based methods are more effective and could correctly diagnosis it. The existing diagnosis methods of COVID-19 have the problem of lack of accuracy to diagnosis. To handle this problem we have proposed an efficient and accurate diagnosis model for COVID-19. In the proposed method, a two-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (2DCNN) is designed for COVID-19 recognition employing chest X-ray images. Transfer learning (TL) pre-trained ResNet-50 model weight is transferred to the 2DCNN model to enhanced the training process of the 2DCNN model and fine-tuning with chest X-ray images data for final multi-classification to diagnose COVID-19. In addition, the data augmentation technique transformation (rotation) is used to increase the data set size for effective training of the R2DCNNMC model. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed (R2DCNNMC) model obtained high accuracy and obtained 98.12% classification accuracy on CRD data set, and 99.45% classification accuracy on CXI data set as compared to baseline methods. This approach has a high performance and could be used for COVID-19 diagnosis in E-Healthcare systems.
An Electrochemical Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Sensor for Rapid β-Lactoglobulin Detection
Authors: Wang Bixuan , Hong Jingyi , Liu Chun , Zhu Liying , Jiang Ling
Published: December 2021

Facile detection of β-lactoglobulin is extraordinarily important for the management of the allergenic safety of cow’s milk and its dairy products. A sensitive electrochemical sensor based on a molecularly imprinted polymer-modified carbon electrode for the detection of β-lactoglobulin was successfully synthesized. This molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared using a hydrothermal method with choline chloride as a functional monomer, β-lactoglobulin as template molecule and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinking agent. Then, the molecularly imprinted polymer was immobilized on polyethyleneimine (PEI)-reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-gold nanoclusters (Au-NCs) to improve the sensor’s selectivity for β-lactoglobulin. Under optimal experimental conditions, the designed sensor showed a good response to β-lactoglobulin, with a linear detection range between 10−9 and 10−4 mg/mL, and a detection limit of 10−9 mg/mL (S/N = 3). The developed electrochemical sensor showed a high correlation in the detection of β-lactoglobulin in four different milk samples from the market, indicating that the sensor can be used with actual sample.
Characterization of Anticipatory Postural Adjustments in Lateral Stepping: Impact of Footwear and Lower Limb Preference
Authors: Russo Yuri , Marinkovic Dragan , Obradovic Borislav , Vannozzi Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Lateral stepping is a motor task that is widely used in everyday life to modify the base of support, change direction, and avoid obstacles. Anticipatory Postural Adjustments (APAs) are often analyzed to describe postural preparation prior to forward stepping, however, little is known about lateral stepping. The aim of the study is to characterize APAs preceding lateral steps and to investigate how these are affected by footwear and lower limb preference. Twenty-two healthy young participants performed a lateral step using both their preferred and non-preferred leg in both barefoot and shod conditions. APA spatiotemporal parameters (size, duration, and speed) along both the anteroposterior and mediolateral axes were obtained through force plate data. APAs preceding lateral stepping showed typical patterns both along the anteroposterior and mediolateral axis. RM-ANOVA highlighted a significant effect of footwear only on medio-lateral APAs amplitude (p = 0.008) and velocity (p = 0.037). No differences were found for the limb preference. APAs in lateral stepping presented consistent features in the sagittal component, regardless of limb/shoe factors. Interestingly, the study observed that footwear induced an increase in the medio-lateral APAs size and velocity, highlighting the importance of including this factor when studying lateral stepping.
Differences in the Asymmetry of Beat-to-Beat Fetal Heart Rate Accelerations and Decelerations at Preterm and Term Active Labor
Authors: López-Justo Carolina , Pliego-Carrillo Adriana Cristina , Ledesma-Ramírez Claudia Ivette , Mendieta-Zerón Hugo , Peña-Castillo Miguel Ángel , Echeverría Juan Carlos , Rodríguez-Arce Jorge , Reyes-Lagos José Javier
Published: December 2021

The fetal autonomic nervous system responds to uterine contractions during active labor as identified by changes in the accelerations and decelerations of fetal heart rate (FHR). Thus, this exploratory study aimed to characterize the asymmetry differences of beat-to-beat FHR accelerations and decelerations in preterm and term fetuses during active labor. In an observational study, we analyzed 10 min of fetal R-R series collected from women during active preterm labor (32–36 weeks of pregnancy, n = 17) and active term labor (38–40 weeks of pregnancy, n = 27). These data were used to calculate the Deceleration Reserve (DR), which is a novel parameter that quantifies the asymmetry of the average acceleration and deceleration capacity of the heart. In addition, relevant multiscale asymmetric indices of FHR were also computed. Lower values of DR, calculated with the input parameters of T = 50 and s = 10, were associated with labor occurring at the preterm condition (p = 0.0131). Multiscale asymmetry indices also confirmed significant (p < 0.05) differences in the asymmetry of FHR. Fetuses during moderate premature labor may experience more decaying R-R trends and a lower magnitude of decelerations compared to term fetuses. These differences of FHR dynamics might be related to the immaturity of the fetal cardiac autonomic nervous system as identified by this system response to the intense uterine activity at active labor.
Sensors and Measurements for UAV Safety: An Overview
Authors: Balestrieri Eulalia , Daponte Pasquale , De Vito Luca , Picariello Francesco , Tudosa Ioan
Published: December 2021

Unmanned aerial vehicles’ (UAVs) safety has gained great research interest due to the increase in the number of UAVs in circulation and their applications, which has inevitably also led to an increase in the number of accidents in which these vehicles are involved. The paper presents a classification of UAV safety solutions that can be found in the scientific literature, putting in evidence the fundamental and critical role of sensors and measurements in the field. Proposals from research on each proposed class concerning flight test procedures, in-flight solutions including soft propeller use, fault and damage detection, collision avoidance and safe landing, as well as ground solution including testing and injury and damage quantification measurements are discussed.
Nondestructive Determination of Strength of Concrete Incorporating Industrial Wastes as Partial Replacement for Fine Aggregate
Authors: Odimegwu Temple Chimuanya , Kaish A. B. M. Amrul , Zakaria Ideris , Abood Manal Mohsen , Jamil Maslina , Ngozi Kayode-Ojo
Published: December 2021

Schmidt rebound hammer test was employed in this study as a nondestructive test. This test method has been universally utilized due to its non-destructiveness for quick and easy assessment of material strength properties and quality of concrete of an existing structure. Industrial waste materials (air-dried alum sludge, treated alum sludge, limestone dust and quarry dust) were employed as replacement material for fine aggregates in this study. A normal strength concrete was designed to achieve 35 MPa at 28 days, with industrial waste materials replacing fine aggregate at different percentages (0%, 5%, 10% and 15%), and then cured for 7, 28 and 180 days. The compressive strength values and rebound numbers for all the mixes obtained were correlated, and a regression equation was established between compressive strength and Schmidt rebound number. The correlation result showed an excellent relationship between rebound number and compressive strength of concrete produced in this study at all curing ages, with correlation coefficients of R2 = 0.98, R2 = 0.99 and R2 = 0.98. The predicted equation showed a strong relationship with the experimental compressive strength. Therefore, it can be used for the prediction of compressive strength of concrete with industrial waste as a replacement for fine aggregate.
Digital Twin-Driven Human Robot Collaboration Using a Digital Human
Authors: Maruyama Tsubasa , Ueshiba Toshio , Tada Mitsunori , Toda Haruki , Endo Yui , Domae Yukiyasu , Nakabo Yoshihiro , Mori Tatsuro , Suita Kazutsugu
Published: December 2021

Advances are being made in applying digital twin (DT) and human–robot collaboration (HRC) to industrial fields for safe, effective, and flexible manufacturing. Using a DT for human modeling and simulation enables ergonomic assessment during working. In this study, a DT-driven HRC system was developed that measures the motions of a worker and simulates the working progress and physical load based on digital human (DH) technology. The proposed system contains virtual robot, DH, and production management modules that are integrated seamlessly via wireless communication. The virtual robot module contains the robot operating system and enables real-time control of the robot based on simulations in a virtual environment. The DH module measures and simulates the worker’s motion, behavior, and physical load. The production management module performs dynamic scheduling based on the predicted working progress under ergonomic constraints. The proposed system was applied to a parts-picking scenario, and its effectiveness was evaluated in terms of work monitoring, progress prediction, dynamic scheduling, and ergonomic assessment. This study demonstrates a proof-of-concept for introducing DH technology into DT-driven HRC for human-centered production systems.
Factors Associated with the Timing and Number of Antenatal Care Visits among Unmarried Compared to Married Youth in Uganda between 2006 and 2016
Authors: Agaba Peninah , Magadi Monica , Onukwugha Franklin , Misinde Cyprian
Published: December 2021

Antenatal care is an important determinant of pregnancy and childbirth outcomes. Although the youth disproportionately experience adverse maternal complications and poor pregnancy outcomes, including maternal mortality, timely and frequent use of antenatal care services among unmarried youth in Uganda remains low. This study examines the factors that are important predictors of the use of antenatal health care services among unmarried and married youth. Binary logistic regression was conducted on the pooled data of the 2006, 2011 and 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveys among youth who had given birth within five years before each survey to examine the predictors of ANC use. This analysis was among a sample of 764 unmarried, compared to 5176 married youth aged 15–24 years. Overall, married youth were more likely to have more frequent antenatal care visits (56% versus 53%) and start antenatal care early (27% versus 23%) than unmarried youth. Factors significantly associated with use of antenatal care in the first trimester were education and occupation among unmarried youth, and place of residence and access to the radio among married youth. Key predictors of ANC frequency among unmarried youth were parity, education level, pregnancy desire, age group, sex of head of household and region of residence. Among married youth, significant predictors of ANC frequency were parity, pregnancy desire, occupation, access to the radio and region of residence. These findings will help inform health-care programmers and policy makers in initiating appropriate policies and programs for ensuring optimal ANC use for all that could guarantee universal maternal health-care coverage to enable Uganda to achieve the SDG3.
Mining in Poland in Light of Energy Transition: Case Study of Changes Based on the Knowledge Economy
Authors: Marszowski Ryszard , Iwaszenko Sebastian
Published: December 2021

Implementing climate policy goals, such as achieving climate neutrality by 2050, requires significant transformation of the mining sector—which for some countries and regions where mining is still the basis of the economy and part of the identity is very difficult and results in significant social and economic costs. Focusing on regional aspects and characteristics of the mining sector in Poland and its impact on energy security, the paper provides insight into the noticeable process of mining modernization in the globalized world economy through its transition from the industrial era to a knowledge-based economy and the impact of these changes on regional development. The described process is directly related to implementation of innovative and new technical concepts and technological solutions for the mining industry. The indicated changes imply the need to redefine operating principles and organizational models in the mining industry in order to build responsive solutions based on innovations—shaping modern (intelligent) mining of the future—while at the same time being part of the transformation of (post-)mining regions into a multi-industry region. All the described elements are proposed as supporting elements of the transformation process—to ensure full use of the technological and infrastructural potential during the energy transition process.
Public Perceptions and Acceptance of COVID-19 Booster Vaccination in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lai Xiaozhen , Zhu He , Wang Jiahao , Huang Yingzhe , Jing Rize , Lyu Yun , Zhang Haijun , Feng Huangyufei , Guo Jia , Fang Hai
Published: December 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) booster vaccination has been proposed in response to the new challenges of highly contagious variants, yet few studies have examined public acceptance of boosters. This study examined public acceptance of COVID-19 booster vaccination and its influencing factors by using the data from a self-administered online cross-sectional survey conducted in June 2021 in China. Multiple logistic analysis was used to examine the influencing factors of booster acceptance based on the health belief model (HBM). Among 1145 respondents, 84.80% reported to accept COVID-19 booster vaccination. Having COVID-19 vaccination history, perceiving high benefits and low barriers to booster vaccination, being younger (18–30 vs. 41–50), having a lower education level, being employed, and belonging to priority groups for vaccination were associated with increased odds of booster acceptance. The primary reason for refusing booster vaccination was concern about vaccine safety. The vast majority (92.8%) of respondents reported an annual willingness to pay between 0 and 300 CNY (0–46.29 USD) if the booster was not free. Our findings suggest that the acceptance rate of booster vaccination is relatively high in China, and the HBM-based analysis reveals that more efforts are needed to increase perceived benefits and reduce perceived barriers of vaccination to design effective and proper vaccination extension strategies when boosters become widely recommended.
Study of the effectiveness of post-burn scars correction using Er:YAG laser
Authors: Bondarenko V. V. , Shvidun D. V. , Batinkina E. A.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of post-burn scars laser correction using an Er:YAG laser (2936 nm) with an SMA module (6mm). 112 women aged 16–50 years were monitored on an outpatient basis. All patients were diagnosed with post-burn scars of the face and body. The main inclusion criteria were post-burn scars; non-inclusion criteria were other types of scars, previously performed procedures for the correction of scars by physiotherapy, general contraindications to laser therapy. During the study, high efficacy and safety of this method was demonstrated in 112 patients. The dynamics of changes were evaluated according to the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Dermatological Symptom Scale Index and special research methods (ultrasound scanning, photographing). The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 7 months. Patients underwent from 2 to 6 laser procedures on the face and body with an interval of 1 month. The study is prospective and is planned to be continued. At the moment, a cross-section of the results is presented. During the course of laser procedures, 13 patients dropped out, 99 continue treatment.
Geomorfología y Sedimentología del sector medio del valle de pueblo llano, Andes de Mérida, Venezuela
Authors: Guzman Oswaldo , Campos Corina , Ruiz Merlus , Angel Isandra , Vassallo Riccardo , Aranda Nataly
Published: December 2021

Un análisis geomorfológico y sedimentológico fue realizado en el sector medio del Valle de Pueblo Llano con la finalidad de comprender la génesis de los sedimentos y geoformas cuaternarias presentes en el área. Cuatro sectores con características morfológicas y sedimentológicas distintivas fueron identificados: (i) depósitos en masa de flujos de detritos con una expresión superficial cónica interpretados como abanicos aluviales, (ii) depósitos de flujos unidimensionales que constituyen terrenos relativamente planos con bajas pendientes característicos de terrazas fluviales, (iii) depósitos de diamicton que constituyen un conjunto de lomos y depresiones en forma de arco asociados a un complejo de morrenas frontales, y (iv) depósitos de flujos unidimensionales que conforman terrenos con forma de lomos asimétricos, asociados a condiciones fluvio-glaciares. Estos resultados ponen en evidencia que los glaciares asociados a la Glaciación Mérida en el Valle de Pueblo Llano, alcanzaron elevaciones al menos 300 m más bajas que las reportadas previamente en la literatura para los Andes de Mérida. Además, sugieren que otros valles glaciares presentes en los Andes de Mérida pudieron haber experimentado fenómenos similares.

 

Palabras clave: Andes de Mérida, Geomorfología y Sedimentología, Morrenas, Glaciación Mérida, Pueblo Llano.

 

Abstract:

A geomorphological and sedimentological analysis was carried out in the Middle reach of the Pueblo Llano Valley to understand sediment genesis and quaternary geoforms present in the area. Four zones with distinctive morphological and sedimentological characteristics were identified: (i) mass deposits of debris flow with a cone-shaped surface interpreted as alluvial fans, (ii) unidirectional flow deposits with relatively flat topography, with little slope, characteristic of fluvial terraces, (iii) arc-shaped diamicton deposits that constitute a set of crests and valleys, associated to a complex of frontal moraines, and (iv) unidirectional flow deposits that form terrains with the shape of asymmetric ridges, associated to a fluvio-glacial conditions. These results show that the glaciers of the Mérida Glaciation in the Pueblo Llano Valley reached elevations of at least 500 m lower than those previously reported in the literature for the Mérida Andes. In addition, they suggest that other glacial valleys present in the Andes of Mérida might have experienced similar phenomena.

 

Keywords: Mérida Andes, Geomorphology and Sedimentolology, Moraine complex, Mérida Glaciation, Pueblo Llano.