bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precision Autism: Genomic Stratification of Disorders Making Up the Broad Spectrum May Demystify Its “Epidemic Rates”
Authors: Torres Elizabeth B.
Published: November 2021

In the last decade, Autism has broadened and often shifted its diagnostics criteria, allowing several neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders of known etiology. This has resulted in a highly heterogeneous spectrum with apparent exponential rates in prevalence. I ask if it is possible to leverage existing genetic information about those disorders making up Autism today and use it to stratify this spectrum. To that end, I combine genes linked to Autism in the SFARI database and genomic information from the DisGeNET portal on 25 diseases, inclusive of non-neurological ones. I use the GTEx data on genes’ expression on 54 human tissues and ask if there are overlapping genes across those associated to these diseases and those from SFARI-Autism. I find a compact set of genes across all brain-disorders which express highly in tissues fundamental for somatic-sensory-motor function, self-regulation, memory, and cognition. Then, I offer a new stratification that provides a distance-based orderly clustering into possible Autism subtypes, amenable to design personalized targeted therapies within the framework of Precision Medicine. I conclude that viewing Autism through this physiological (Precision) lens, rather than viewing it exclusively from a psychological behavioral construct, may make it a more manageable condition and dispel the Autism epidemic myth.
Serum Interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-17 Profile in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Patients Could Differentiate between Severe and Non-Severe Disease
Authors: Lucaciu Laura A. , Ilieș Maria , Vesa Ștefan C. , Seicean Radu , Din Shahida , Iuga Cristina Adela , Seicean Andrada
Published: November 2021

Interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-23 are crucial for mediating gut mucosal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which has led to new therapeutic strategies. We assessed the relevancy of IL-17 and IL-23 serum levels as potential biomarkers towards severe IBD discrimination and disease-related complications. Sixty-two patients diagnosed with Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) were included. Serum IL-17 and IL-23 were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). IL-23 and fecal calprotectin (FCal) were significantly higher in severe CD (p < 0.001) and UC (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), compared to mild or moderate. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) was correlated with severe disease only in CD (p = 0.008), whereas for UC, disease severity was associated with increased IL-17 values (p < 0.001). Diagnostic role of IL-23 was superior to FCal in discriminating between severe and mild to moderate CD (p < 0.001). IL-23 levels were also significantly higher in CD patients with intestinal complications (p = 0.04). Both IL-17 and IL-23 correlate with IBD severity, and IL-23 might be a promising novel biomarker for severe CD. Identifying the dominant IL pathway involved in IBD severity could serve as guidance for clinical decision-making on biologic therapy.
Factors Influencing Grazing Behavior by Using the Consciousness-Context-Behavior Theory—A Case Study from Yanchi County, China
Authors: Hou Caixia , Zhang Mengmeng , Wang Mengmeng , Fu Hanliang , Zhang Mengjie
Published: November 2021

Grazing behavior is a key factor that affects the sustainable development of the grassland social-ecological system. Grazing behavior is not only restricted by policies but also affected by the awareness of the herder of the grassland environment. To explore the influencing factors and mechanism behind grazing behavior, Yanchi County of Ningxia, a typical area of the “returning grazing land to grassland” project in Northwest China, was selected as a study area. Based on the consciousness-context-behavior theory, a questionnaire was designed, and 305 households were surveyed. Analysis of structural equation model results show: (1) the environmental sensitivity of herders and their satisfaction with the compensation mechanism regulated grazing behavior. When herders were more dependent on grassland, they were more willing to graze. (2) The grassland dependence, environmental sensitivity of herders, and herders’ satisfaction with the compensation mechanism had a significant interaction effect on grazing behavior. (3) Family livelihood diversification and the number of young and middle-aged laborers had a significant moderating effect on grassland dependence and grazing behavior. These findings are of vital importance for the government to formulate policies to promote the sustainable development of grasslands.
Contaminated Areas as Recreational Places—Exploring the Validity of the Decisions Taken in the Development of Antonia Hill in Ruda Śląska, Poland
Authors: Rostański Krzysztof M.
Published: November 2021

This paper describes the experimental developing of a post-zinc industry spoil heap in Ruda Śląska, Silesia (an industrial region of Poland), that was turned into a recreational area. The aim of the present article is to analyse the design process and evaluate its effects. The project in question was meant to be a pilot action of the international one entitled Implementation of Sustainable Land Use in Integrated Environmental Management of Functional Urban Areas—LUMAT, whose Polish part was the Action Plan for the Functional Urban Area of Chorzów, Ruda Śląska and Świętochłowice. The Antonia Hill project involved many aspects and fields of study in order to achieve its aims: limiting the health risk of the Hill’s users, maximising the safety of its use as a recreational area, educating its users in the local history and their cultural identity, raising their awareness of the natural environment and its protection. The predominant remediation method was the process described by Loures and Vaz with a modified order of the elements so as to obtain the effect of remediation and development at the same time. The first step was carried out in the form of the site analysis and the potential adaptation possibilities. The next stage was the participatory workshops in the form of Enquiry by Design. The implementation was carried out in accordance with the evidence-based design. The multi-layered structure of the area was built by selecting ideas, activities and goals following the Modelling Nature Method. After the implementation, the facility evaluation process was made by means of the POE method.
Sustainable Transformation of Resettled Communities for Landless Peasants: Generation Logic of Spatial Conflicts
Authors: Xu Kexi , Gao Hui , Bao Haijun , Zhou Fan , Su Jieyu
Published: November 2021

Urbanization in China has resulted in serious conflicts. Landless peasants are resettled between urban and rural areas in transitional communities. where their rural lifestyles often lead to spatial conflicts. We proposed a conceptual model to provide theoretical guidance for the governance of spatial conflicts and the sustainable transformation of resettled communities. Using field observations and semi-structured interviews, we examined 10 resettled communities in Hangzhou, China. The use of grounded theory to code the interview texts yielded 71 initial concepts and 22 categories that we then refined into six main categories: community physical environment (e.g., quality of private housing), community communication environment (e.g., heterogeneity of community population), landless peasants’ risk perceptions (e.g., impacts on social psychology), community governance capacity (e.g., trust in community’s self-governing organizations), residents’ space perceptions (e.g., awareness of space rights), and space competition behavior (e.g., fighting for public space). Finally, we applied social combustion theory to construct a logical relationship between the core category and main categories. The results show that changes in the physical and communication environments are the root elements (“combustion substances”) of spatial conflicts; the driving factors are landless peasants’ risk perceptions and community governance capabilities; direct elements (“ignition temperature”) are residents’ space perceptions and space competition behavior. Strategies for sustained transformation in resettled communities should prioritize gradual transitions of community space, improve support mechanisms for landless peasants, optimize community governance mechanisms, and cultivate awareness of community rules. This study aids the understanding of the inner mechanism for the sustainable development of resettled communities and has implications for other countries and regions in similar contexts.
A Tetravalent Biparatopic Antibody Causes Strong HER2 Internalization and Inhibits Cellular Proliferation
Authors: Benedetti Filippo , Stadlbauer Katharina , Stadlmayr Gerhard , Rüker Florian , Wozniak-Knopp Gordana
Published: November 2021

The overexpression of tyrosine kinase HER2 in numerous cancers, connected with fierce signaling and uncontrolled proliferation, makes it a suitable target for immunotherapy. The acquisition of resistance to currently used compounds and the multiplicity of signaling pathways involved prompted research into the discovery of novel binders as well as treatment options with multiple targeting and multispecific agents. Here we constructed an anti-HER2 tetravalent and biparatopic symmetrical IgG-like molecule by combining the Fab of pertuzumab with a HER2-specific Fcab (Fc fragment with antigen binding), which recognizes an epitope overlapping with trastuzumab. In the strongly HER2-positive cell line SK-BR-3, the molecule induced a rapid and efficient reduction in surface HER2 levels. A potent anti-proliferative effect, specific for the HER2-positive cell line, was observed in vitro, following the induction of apoptosis, and this could not be achieved with treatment with the mixture of pertuzumab and the parental Fcab. The inhibitory cytotoxic effect of our antibody as a single agent makes it a promising contribution to the armory of anti-cancer molecules directed against HER2-addicted cells.
LoopTag FRET Probe System for Multiplex qPCR Detection of Borrelia Species
Authors: Hanschmann Henning , Rödiger Stefan , Kramer Toni , Hanschmann Katrin , Steidle Michael , Fingerle Volker , Schmidt Carsten , Lehmann Werner , Schierack Peter
Published: November 2021

Background: Laboratory diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis refers to some methods with known limitations. Molecular diagnostics using specific nucleic acid probes may overcome some of these limitations. Methods: We describe the novel reporter fluorescence real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) probe system LoopTag for detection of Borrelia species. Advantages of the LoopTag system include having cheap conventional fluorescence dyes, easy primer design, no restrictions for PCR product lengths, robustness, high sequence specificity, applicability for multiplex real-time PCRs, melting curve analysis (single nucleotide polymorphism analysis) over a large temperature range, high sensitivity, and easy adaptation of conventional PCRs. Results: Using the LoopTag probe system we were able to detect all nine tested European species belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) complex and differentiated them from relapsing fever Borrelia species. As few as 10 copies of Borrelia in one PCR reaction were detectable. Conclusion: We established a novel multiplex probe real-time PCR system, designated LoopTag, that is simple, robust, and incorporates melting curve analysis for the detection and in the differentiation of European species belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. complex.
The Genus Chlorosplenium (Helotiales, Leotiomycetes) from China with Notes on C. chlora Complex
Authors: Zheng Huan-Di , Zhuang Wen-Ying
Published: November 2021

The small fruitbodies of Chlorosplenium are greenish yellow and mainly grow on woody substrates. The species diversity of the genus in China was investigated based on specimens formerly deposited in the Herbarium Mycologicum Academiae Sinicae as well as new collections gained in recent years. Our phylogenetic results revealed the species diversity of the genus is underestimated and the commonly known Chlorosplenium chlora is a species complex. Based on morphology studies and sequence analyses of three regions (ITS, LSU and RPB1), the Chinese collections represent two new species which are described and illustrated here as C. sinicum and C. sinochlora. Chlorosplenium fusisporum is quite possibly a species of the genus Chlorociboria, and C. hyperici-maculati should be excluded from the genus.
Time-Delay Luenberger Observer Design for Sliding Mode Control of Nonlinear Markovian Jump Systems via Event-Triggered Mechanism
Authors: Cheng Min , Zhang Chunyang , Qiu Jin , Wu Zhengtian , Gao Qing
Published: November 2021

This paper is focused on the stabilization of Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model-based Markovian jump systems with the aid of a delayed state observer. Due to network-induced constraints in the communication channel, a delay partition method combined with an event-triggered mechanism is proposed to design the observer. Then, a novel integral sliding surface is designed, based on which sliding mode dynamics is obtained. Further, according to stochastic stability theory, feasible conditions are provided to ensure the sliding mode dynamics and the error dynamics have an H∞ attenuate level γ. The challenge is to deal with the issue that transition rates may be totally unknown. Moreover, an observer-based sliding mode controller is constructed to ensure the finite-time reachability of the predefined sliding surface. Finally, a numerical example based on a robotic manipulator is given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Fault Detection and Condition Monitoring of PMSGs in Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Freire Nuno M. A. , Cardoso Antonio J. Marques
Published: November 2021

Research on fault detection (FD) and condition monitoring (CM) of rotating electrical generators for modern wind turbines has addressed a wide variety of technologies. Among these, permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSGs) and the analysis of their electromagnetic signatures in the presence of faults deserve emphasis in this paper. PMSGs are prominent in the offshore wind industry, and methods for FD and CM of PMSGs based on electromagnetic measurements are extensively discussed in academia. This paper is a concise review of FD and CM in wind turbines and PMSGs. Terminology and fundamentals of PMSG’s operation are introduced first, aiming to offer an easy read and good reference to a broad audience of engineers and data scientists. Experience and research challenges with stator winding failures are also discussed.
Development of a Novel Pneumatic Oscillator for the Tissue Paper Industry
Authors: Antonelli Michele Gabrio , Beomonte Zobel Pierluigi , Centofanti Massimiliano , Colaiuda Stefano
Published: November 2021

The final quality of tissue paper depends on the parameters of the continuous transformation process and maintenance of rolls of a tissue paper machine. For a better quality, outer surfaces of the rolls must always be clean, and their roughness should be maintained in the same way. A Doctor Blade provides for such requirements. Our work is focused on the development of a pneumatic oscillator that moves a Doctor Blade in order to scrape the outer surfaces of the rolls. It is based on a low-friction double-effect cylinder with a through-rod. The integration of two limit switch valves, one for each head of the cylinder, and a smart pneumatic circuit to obtain a very low speed of the piston at constant load, represents the novelty of the proposed device. The piston of the cylinder allows for alternatively switching the limit switches that command the 5/2 air-operated pilot valve of the cylinder. The oscillator’s design, pneumatic circuit, and working principle are detailed. Experimental tests on the conceived limit switch and on the first prototype of the pneumatic oscillator validated the effectiveness of the proposed solution, the technical feasibility of the device, and the absence of stick-slip during the oscillatory motion at low speed.
An Algebraic Approach for Identification of Rotordynamic Parameters in Bearings with Linearized Force Coefficients
Authors: Mendoza-Larios José Gabriel , Barredo Eduardo , Arias-Montiel Manuel , Baltazar-Tadeo Luis Alberto , Landa-Damas Saulo Jesús , Tapia-Herrera Ricardo , Colín-Ocampo Jorge
Published: November 2021

In this work, a novel methodology for the identification of stiffness and damping rotordynamic coefficients in a rotor-bearing system is proposed. The mathematical model for the identification process is based on the algebraic identification technique applied to a finite element (FE) model of a rotor-bearing system with multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF). This model considers the effects of rotational inertia, gyroscopic moments, shear deformations, external damping and linear forces attributable to stiffness and damping parameters of the supports. The proposed identifier only requires the system’s vibration response as input data. The performance of the proposed identifier is evaluated and analyzed for both schemes, constant and variable rotational speed of the rotor-bearing system, and numerical results are obtained. In the presented results, it can be observed that the proposed identifier accurately determines the stiffness and damping parameters of the bearings in less than 0.06 s. Moreover, the identification procedure rapidly converges to the estimated values in both tested conditions, constant and variable rotational speed.
On the Benefits of Providing Timely Information in Ticket Queues with Balking and Calling Times
Authors: Hanukov Gabi , Hassoun Michael , Musicant Oren
Published: November 2021

We study a phenomenon causing server time loss in ticket queues with balking and calling time. A customer who balks from the queue after printing a ticket leaves a virtual entity in the queue that requires server time to be cleared. The longer the queue, the larger the proportion of customers abandoning their place, and the larger the server time loss due to calling customers that left the queue. The solution is suggested by giving the customer the best possible estimate of her expected waiting time before printing a ticket, thus ensuring that, if she balks, no number in the queue is created that will waste server time. Although partially observable ticket queues have been studied in the literature, the addition of a calling time for absent customers creates a new type of problem that has been observed in real life but has not been formally addressed yet. We analyze this stochastic system, formulate its steady state probabilities, and calculate the system’s performance measures. The analytical solution provided here is robust and can be applied to a wide range of customers’ behavior functions. Finally, numerical analysis is performed that demonstrates the benefits of providing timely information to customers for different levels of traffic congestion.
A New Extended Cosine—G Distributions for Lifetime Studies
Authors: Muhammad Mustapha , Bantan Rashad A. R. , Liu Lixia , Chesneau Christophe , Tahir Muhammad H. , Jamal Farrukh , Elgarhy Mohammed
Published: November 2021

In this article, we introduce a new extended cosine family of distributions. Some important mathematical and statistical properties are studied, including asymptotic results, a quantile function, series representation of the cumulative distribution and probability density functions, moments, moments of residual life, reliability parameter, and order statistics. Three special members of the family are proposed and discussed, namely, the extended cosine Weibull, extended cosine power, and extended cosine generalized half-logistic distributions. Maximum likelihood, least-square, percentile, and Bayes methods are considered for parameter estimation. Simulation studies are used to assess these methods and show their satisfactory performance. The stress–strength reliability underlying the extended cosine Weibull distribution is discussed. In particular, the stress–strength reliability parameter is estimated via a Bayes method using gamma prior under the square error loss, absolute error loss, maximum a posteriori, general entropy loss, and linear exponential loss functions. In the end, three real applications of the findings are provided for illustration; one of them concerns stress–strength data analyzed by the extended cosine Weibull distribution.
A Mathematical Approach to Simultaneously Plan Generation and Transmission Expansion Based on Fault Current Limiters and Reliability Constraints
Authors: Refaat Mohamed M. , Aleem Shady H. E. Abdel , Atia Yousry , Ali Ziad M. , El-Shahat Adel , Sayed Mahmoud M.
Published: November 2021

Today, generation and transmission expansion planning (G&TEP) to meet potential load growth is restricted by reliability constraints and the presence of uncertainties. This study proposes the reliability constrained planning method for integrated renewable energy sources and transmission expansion considering fault current limiter (FCL) placement and sizing and N-1 security. Moreover, an approach for dealing with uncertain events is adopted. The proposed planning model translates into a mixed-integer non-linear programming model, which is complex and not easy to solve. The problem was formulated as a tri-level problem, and a hybridization framework between meta-heuristic and mathematical optimization algorithms was introduced to avoid linearization errors and simplify the solution. For this reason, three meta-heuristic techniques were tested. The proposed methodology was conducted on the Egyptian West Delta system. The numerical results demonstrated the efficiency of integrating G&TEP and FCL allocation issues in improving power system reliability. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the hybridization algorithm in solving the suggested problem was validated by comparison with other optimization algorithms.
Currency Hedging Strategies Using Histogram-Valued Data: Bivariate Markov Switching GARCH Models
Authors: Maneejuk Paravee , Pirabun Nootchanat , Singjai Suphawit , Yamaka Woraphon
Published: November 2021

Previous studies aimed at determining hedging strategies commonly used daily closing spot and futures prices for the analysis and strategy building. However, the daily closing price might not be the appropriate for price in some or all trading days. This is because the intraday data at various minute intervals, in our view, are likely to better reflect the information about the concrete behavior of the market returns and reactions of the market participants. Therefore, in this study, we propose using high-frequency data along with daily data in an attempt to determine hedging strategies, using five major international currencies against the American dollar. Specifically, in our study we used the 5-min, 30-min, 60-min, and daily closing prices of the USD/CAD (Canadian Dollar), USD/CNY (Chinese Yuan), USD/EUR (Euro), USD/GBP (British Pound), and USD/JPY (Japanese Yen) pairs over the 2018–2019 period. Using data at 5-min, 30-min, and 60-min intervals or high-frequency data, however, means the use of a relatively large number of observations for information extractions in general and econometric model estimations, making data processing and analysis a rather time-consuming and complicated task. To deal with such drawbacks, this study collected the high-frequency data in the form of a histogram and selected the representative daily price, which does not have to be the daily closing value. Then, these histogram-valued data are used for investigating the linear and nonlinear relationships and the volatility of the interested variables by various single- and two-regime bivariate GARCH models. Our results indicate that the Markov Switching Dynamic Copula-Generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model performs the best with the lowest BIC and gives the highest overall value of hedging effectiveness (HE) compared with the other models considered in the present endeavor. Consequently, we can conclude that the foreign exchange market for both spot and futures trading has a nonlinear structure. Furthermore, based on the HE results, the best derivatives instrument is CAD using one-day frequency data, while GBP using 30-min frequency data is the best considering the highest hedge ratio. We note that the derivative with the highest hedging effectiveness might not be the one with the highest hedge ratio.
Influence of Uniaxial Deformation on Texture Evolution and Anisotropy of 3104 Al Sheet with Different Initial Microstructure
Authors: Papadopoulou Sofia , Loukadakis Vasilis , Zacharopoulos Zisimos , Papaefthymiou Spyros
Published: November 2021

Optimum mechanical behavior is achieved by means of controlling microstructural anisotropy. The latter is directly related to the crystallographic texture and is considerably affected by thermal and mechanical processes. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms relating to its evolution during thermomechanical processing is of major importance. Towards that direction, an attempt to identify possible correlations among significant microstructural parameters relating to texture response during deformation was made. For this purpose, a 3104 aluminum alloy sheet sample (0.5 mm) was examined in the following states: (a) cold rolled (with 90% reduction), (b) recovered and (c) fully recrystallized. Texture, anisotropy as well as the mechanical properties of the samples from each condition were examined. Afterwards, samples were subjected to uniaxial loading (tensile testing) while the most deformed yet representative areas near the fractured surfaces were selected for further texture analysis. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) scans and respective measurements were conducted in all three tensile test directions (0°, 45° and 90° towards rolling direction (RD)) by means of which the evolution of the texture components, their correlation with the three selected directions as well as the resulting anisotropy were highlighted. In the case of the cold-rolled and the recovered sample, the total count of S2 and S3 components did not change prior to and after tensile testing at 0° towards RD; however, the S2 and S3 sum mostly consisted of S3 components after tensile testing whereas it mostly consisted of S2 components prior to tensile testing. In addition, the aforementioned state was accompanied by a strong brass component. The preservation of an increased amount of S components, and the presence of strain-free elongated grains along with the coexistence of a complex and resistant-to-crack-propagation substructure consisting of both high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) and subgrain boundaries (SGBs) led into an optimal combination of Δr and rm parameters.
Observation of a Broadened Magnetocaloric Effect in Partially Crystallized Gd60Co40 Amorphous Alloy
Authors: Han Ping , Zhang Ziyang , Tan Jia , Zhang Xue , Xu Yafang , Zhang Huiyan , Li Weihuo
Published: November 2021

To investigate the effect of crystallization treatment on the structure and magnetocaloric effect of Gd60Co40 amorphous alloy, the melt-spun ribbons were annealed at 513 K isothermally for 20, 40 and 60 min. The results indicate that, with increasing annealing time, the Gd4Co3 (space group P63/m) and Gd12Co7 (space group P21/c) phases precipitated from the amorphous precursor in sequence. In particular, in the samples annealed for 40 and 60 min, three successive magnetic transitions corresponding to the phases of Gd4Co3, Gd12Co7 and remaining amorphous matrix were detected, which induced an overlapped broadened profile of magnetic entropy change (|ΔSM|) versus temperature. Under magnetic field changing from 0 to 5 T, |ΔSM| values of 6.65 ± 0.1 kg−1·K−1 and 6.44 ± 0.1 J kg−1·K−1 in the temperature spans of 180–196 K and 177–196 K were obtained in ribbons annealed for 40 and 60 min, respectively. Compared with the fully amorphous alloy, the enhanced relative cooling power and flattened magnetocaloric effect of partially crystallized composites making them more suitable for the Ericsson thermodynamic cycle.
Special Issue: “Processing and Treatment of Hexagonal Metals”
Authors: Čapek Jaroslav
Published: November 2021

There is currently an increasing demand for metals with a hexagonal close-packed structure (HCP) [...]
Thermophysical Properties of Electric Arc Plasma and the Wire Melting Effect with Lanthanum and Sulfur Fluorides Addition in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Parshin Sergey G. , Mayr Peter
Published: November 2021

Achieving a higher quality in wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a result of the development of welding metallurgy, the development of filler wires, and the control of the thermophysical properties of the electric arc. In this paper, the authors developed composite wires for WAAM with a Ni-LaF3, Ni-LaB6 coating. The addition of LaF3, LaB6, and SF6 increases specific heat, thermal conductivity, enthalpy, and degree of plasma ionization, which leads to the increase in the transfer of heat from the arc plasma to the wire and to the change in the balance of forces during wire melting. The increase in the Lorentz electromagnetic force and the decrease in the surface tension force made it possible to reduce the droplet diameter and the number of short circuits during wire melting. The change in the thermophysical properties of the plasma and droplet transfer with the addition of LaF3, LaB6, and SF6 made it possible to increase the welding current, penetration depth, accuracy of the geometric dimensions of products in WAAM, reduce the wall thickness of products, and refine the microstructure of the weld metal using G3Si1, 316L, AlMg5Mn1Ti, and CuCr0.7 wires.
Experimental Investigation of Pressure Drop Performance of Smooth and Dimpled Single Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers
Authors: Rauthan Kanishk , Guzzomi Ferdinando , Vafadar Ana , Hayward Kevin , Hurry Aakash
Published: November 2021

Passive heat exchangers (HXs) form an inseparable part of the manufacturing industry as they provide high-efficiency cooling at minimal overhead costs. Along with the aspects of high thermal cooling, it is essential to monitor pressure loss while using plate-fin HXs because pressure loss can introduce additional power costs to a system. In this paper, an experimental study was conducted to look at the effects of dimples on the pressure drop characteristics of single plate-fin heat exchangers. To enable this, different configurations of National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) fins with smooth surfaces and 2 mm-diameter dimples, 4 mm-diameter dimples and 6 mm-diameter dimples were designed and 3D printed using fused deposition modelling (FDM) of ABS plastic. The depth to diameter ratio for these dimples was kept constant at 0.3 with varied diameters and depths. These were then tested using a subsonic wind tunnel comprised of inlet and outlet pressure taps as well as a hot wire velocimeter. Measurements were taken for pressure differences as well as average velocity. These were then used to calculate friction factor values and to compare the smooth fin to the dimpled fins in relation to their relative pressure drop performance. It was observed that for lower velocities the 4 mm dimples provided minimum pressure drop, with a difference of 58% when compared to smooth fins. At higher velocities, 6 mm dimples increased the pressure drop by approximately 34% when compared to smooth fins. It can also be concluded from the observed data in this study that shallower dimples produce lower pressure drops compared to deeper dimples when the depth to diameter ratio is kept constant. Accordingly, deeper dimples are more effective in providing drag reduction at lower velocities, whereas shallower dimples are more effective for drag reduction at higher velocities.
Allergen Immunotherapy in Asthma
Authors: Nakagome Kazuyuki , Nagata Makoto
Published: November 2021

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a specific treatment involving the administration of relevant allergens to allergic patients, with subtypes including subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). In asthma, AIT using the house dust mite (HDM) alleviates clinical symptoms and decreases airway hyper responsiveness and medication dose. In addition, AIT can improve the natural course of asthma. For example, the effects of AIT can be preserved for at least a few years, even after ending treatment. AIT may increase the remission rate of asthma in children and suppress sensitization to new allergens. If AIT is introduced in pollinosis, AIT may prevent the development of asthma. Moreover, AIT can control other allergic diseases complicated by asthma, such as allergic rhinitis, which also improves the control of asthma. The indication of HDM-SCIT for asthma is mild-to-moderate HDM-sensitized allergic asthma in a patient with normal respiratory function. To date, HDM-SLIT is applicable in Japan for allergic rhinitis, not for asthma. However, the effect of SLIT on asthma has been confirmed internationally, and SLIT is available for asthma in Japan if allergic rhinitis is present as a complication.
Cooccurrence of Five Pathogenic Legionella spp. and Two Free-Living Amoebae Species in a Complete Drinking Water System and Cooling Towers
Authors: Logan-Jackson Alshae , Rose Joan B.
Published: November 2021

Pathogenic Legionella species grow optimally inside free-living amoebae to concentrations that increase risks to those who are exposed. The aim of this study was to screen a complete drinking water system and cooling towers for the occurrence of Acanthamoeba spp. and Naegleria fowleri and their cooccurrence with Legionella pneumophila, Legionella anisa, Legionella micdadei, Legionella bozemanii, and Legionella longbeachae. A total of 42 large-volume water samples, including 12 from the reservoir (water source), 24 from two buildings (influents to the buildings and exposure sites (taps)), and six cooling towers were collected and analyzed using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). N. fowleri cooccurred with L. micdadei in 76 (32/42) of the water samples. In the building water system, the concentrations of N. fowleri and L. micdadei ranged from 1.5 to 1.6 Log10 gene copies (GC)/100 mL, but the concentrations of species increased in the cooling towers. The data obtained in this study illustrate the ecology of pathogenic Legionella species in taps and cooling towers. Investigating Legionella’s ecology in drinking and industrial waters will hopefully lead to better control of these pathogenic species in drinking water supply systems and cooling towers.
Impact of Host Resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Orthotospovirus in Peanut Cultivars on Virus Population Genetics and Thrips Fitness
Authors: Lai Pin-Chu , Abney Mark R. , Bag Sudeep , Culbreath Albert K. , Srinivasan Rajagopalbabu
Published: November 2021

Thrips-transmitted tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) is a major constraint to peanut production in the southeastern United States. Peanut cultivars with resistance to TSWV have been widely used for over twenty years. Intensive usage of resistant cultivars has raised concerns about possible selection pressure against TSWV and a likelihood of resistance breakdown. Population genetics of TSWV isolates collected from cultivars with varying levels of TSWV resistance was investigated using five TSWV genes. Phylogenetic trees of genes did not indicate host resistance-based clustering of TSWV isolates. Genetic variation in TSWV isolates and neutrality tests suggested recent population expansion. Mutation and purifying selection seem to be the major forces driving TSWV evolution. Positive selection was found in N and RdRp genes but was not influenced by TSWV resistance. Population differentiation occurred between isolates collected from 1998 and 2010 and from 2016 to 2019 but not between isolates from susceptible and resistant cultivars. Evaluated TSWV-resistant cultivars differed, albeit not substantially, in their susceptibility to thrips. Thrips oviposition was reduced, and development was delayed in some cultivars. Overall, no evidence was found to support exertion of selection pressure on TSWV by host resistance in peanut cultivars, and some cultivars differentially affected thrips fitness than others.
Brassica Species in Phytoextractions: Real Potentials and Challenges
Authors: Zeremski Tijana , Ranđelović Dragana , Jakovljević Ksenija , Marjanović Jeromela Ana , Milić Stanko
Published: November 2021

The genus Brassica is recognized for including species with phytoaccumulation potential and a large amount of research has been carried out in this area under a variety of conditions, from laboratory experiments to field trials, with spiked or naturally contaminated soils, using one- or multi-element contaminated soil, generating various and sometimes contradictory results with limited practical applications. To date, the actual field potential of Brassica species and the feasibility of a complete phytoextraction process have not been fully evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize the results of the experiments that have been performed with a view to analyzing real potentials and limitations. The reduced biomass and low metal mobility in the soil have been addressed by the development of chemically or biologically assisted phytoremediation technologies, the use of soil amendments, and the application of crop management strategies. Certain issues, such as the fate of harvested biomass or the performance of species in multi-metal-contaminated soils, remain to be solved by future research. Potential improvements to current experimental settings include testing species grown to full maturity, using a greater amount of soil in experiments, conducting more trials under real field conditions, developing improved crop management systems, and optimizing solutions for harvested biomass disposal.
Ferulic Acid and Salicylic Acid Foliar Treatments Reduce Short-Term Salt Stress in Chinese Cabbage by Increasing Phenolic Compounds Accumulation and Photosynthetic Performance
Authors: Linić Ida , Mlinarić Selma , Brkljačić Lidija , Pavlović Iva , Smolko Ana , Salopek-Sondi Branka
Published: November 2021

Salinity stress is one of the most damaging abiotic stresses to plants, causing disturbances in physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes. The exogenous application of natural metabolites is a useful strategy to reduce the adverse effects of stress on crops. We investigated the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) and ferulic acid (FA) (10–100 μM) on short-term salt-stressed (150 mM NaCl, 72 h) Chinese cabbage plants. Subsequently, proline level, photosynthetic performance, phenolic metabolites with special focus on selected phenolic acids (sinapic acid (SiA), FA, SA), flavonoids (quercetin (QUE), kaempferol (KAE)), and antioxidant activity were investigated in salt-stressed and phenolic acid-treated plants compared with the corresponding controls. Salt stress caused a significant increase in SA and proline contents, a decrease in phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and photosynthetic performance, especially due to the impairment of PSI function. SA and FA treatments, with a concentration of 10 μM, had attenuated effects on salt-stressed plants, causing a decrease in proline and SA level, and indicating that the plants suffered less metabolic disturbance. Polyphenolic compounds, especially FA, SiA, KAE, and QUE, were increased in FA and SA treatments in salt-stressed plants. Consequently, antioxidant activities were increased, and photosynthetic performances were improved. FA resulted in a better ameliorative effect on salt stress compared to SA.
Periphytic Algae and Cyanobacteria from the Rio Doce Basin Respond Differently to Metals and Salinity, Showing Different Potential for Bioremediation
Authors: Gomes Marcelo Pedrosa , Kochi Letícia Yoshie , Freitas Patrícia Lawane , Figueredo Cleber Cunha , Juneau Philippe
Published: November 2021

We have studied the isolated and combined effects of metals (Fe and Mn) and NaCl the on growth, physiology, and metal-uptake capacity of two photosynthetic periphytic species—Synechococcus elongatus (Cyanobacteria) and Chlorococcum infusionum (Chlorophyta)—isolated from an impacted area of the Rio Doce River (Brazil) after the Fundão dam collapse. The effective concentrations found to reduce 10 and 50% growth were 15.2 and 31.6 mg Fe L−1, and 2.5 and 7.9 mg Mn L−1 for S. elongatus and 53.9 and 61.6 mg Fe L−1, and 53.2 and 60.9 mg Mn L−1 for C. infusionum. Although the metal toxicity was related to oxidative stress, both species showed activation of antioxidant systems under phytotoxic concentrations of Fe and Mn. By binding large concentrations of metals on its cell surface and thus avoiding their entrance into the cells, C. infusionum presents greater resistance to Fe and Mn than S. elongatus. Under environmental realistic concentrations of Fe and Mn in river water from the Rio Doce Basin, S. elongatus and C. infusionum showed a metal removal efficiency of 42 and 65% and 53 and 79%, respectively after 96 h. These species were insensitive to increased NaCl concentrations which, in addition, did not disrupt the metal removal capacity of the species. Due to their salt and metal tolerance, S. elongatus and C. infusionum can be used for the remediation of waters contaminated with Fe and Mn.
Differences in Germination of ACCase-Resistant Biotypes Containing Isoleucine-1781-Leucine Mutation and Susceptible Biotypes of Wild Oat (Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana)
Authors: Benakashani Fatemeh , Gonzalez-Andujar Jose L. , Soltani Elias
Published: November 2021

Herbicide resistance can affect seed germination and the optimal conditions required for seed germination, which in turn may impose a fitness cost in resistant populations. Winter wild oat [Avena sterilis L. ssp. ludoviciana (Durieu) Gillet and Magne] is a serious weed in cereal fields. In this study, the molecular basis of resistance to an ACCase herbicide, clodinafop-propargyl, in four A. ludoviciana biotypes was assessed. Germination differences between susceptible (S) and ACCase-resistant biotypes (WR1, WR2, WR3, WR4) and the effect of Isoleucine-1781-Leucine mutation on germination were also investigated through germination models. The results indicated that WR1 and WR4 were very highly resistant (RI > 214.22) to clodinafop-propargyl-contained Isoleucine to Leucine amino acid substitution. However, Isoleucine-1781-Leucine mutation was not detected in other very highly resistant biotypes. Germination studies indicated that resistant biotypes (in particular WR1 and WR4) had higher base water potentials than the susceptible one. This shows that resistant biotypes need more soil water to initiate their germination. However, the hydrotime constant for germination was higher in resistant biotypes than in the susceptible one in most cases, showing faster germination in susceptible biotypes. ACCase-resistant biotypes containing the Isoleucine-1781-Leucine mutation had lower seed weight but used more seed reserve to produce seedlings. Hence, integrated management practices such as stale seedbed and implementing it at the right time could be used to take advantage of the differential soil water requirement and relatively late germination characteristics of ACCase-resistant biotypes.
Plant Parasitic Nematodes: A Review on Their Behaviour, Host Interaction, Management Approaches and Their Occurrence in Two Sites in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Pulavarty Anusha , Egan Aoife , Karpinska Anna , Horgan Karina , Kakouli-Duarte Thomais
Published: November 2021

Plant parasitic nematodes are a major problem for growers worldwide, causing severe crop losses. Several conventional strategies, such as chemical nematicides and biofumigation, have been employed in the past to manage their infection in plants and spread in soils. However, the search for the most sustainable and environmentally safe practices is still ongoing. This review summarises information on plant parasitic nematodes, their distribution, and their interaction with their host plants, along with various approaches to manage their infestations. It also focuses on the application of microbial and fermentation-based bionematicides that have not only been successful in controlling nematode infection but have also led to plant growth promotion and proven to be environmentally safe. Studies with new information on the relative abundance of plant parasitic nematodes in two agricultural sites in the Republic of Ireland are also reported. This review, with the information it provides, will help to generate an up-to-date knowledge base on plant parasitic nematodes and their management practices.
Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater Remediation Using a Bio-Delipidation Pre-Treatment Unit Coupled with an Expanded Granular Sludge Bed Reactor
Authors: Mdladla Cebisa Thabo , Dyosile Phumeza Akhona , Njoya Mahomet , Basitere Moses , Ntwampe Seteno Karabo Obed , Kaskote Ephraim
Published: November 2021

The treatment of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater (PSW) with an Expanded Granular Sludge-Bed Bioreactor (EGSB) is hindered by the washout of activated sludge, and difficulties associated with the operation of the three-phase separator and the determination of the optimum up-flow velocity for sludge-bed fluidization. This results in a poor reactor functionality, and thus a poor performance due to pollutants such as fats, oil and grease (FOG) in the PSW being treated. Hydrolyzing the FOG content with a bio-delipidation, enzyme-based agent in a pre-treatment unit would significantly improve the effectiveness of the primary PSW treating system, i.e., the EGSB. In this study, PSW was pre-treated for 48 h with a biological mixture containing bioflocculants and bio-delipidation constituents. The pre-treated PSW was further treated in an EGSB. The PSW FOG, total chemical oxygen demand (tCOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) content were determined to assess the effectiveness of the pre-treatment process as well as to observe the remedial action of the combined pre-treatment-EGSB system. An increased treatment efficacy was noted for the combined PSW treatment system, whereby the tCOD, FOG and TSS removal averaged 76%, 88% and 87%, respectively. The process developed is intended for micro, small and medium poultry slaughterhouses.
Research on Response Characteristics and Control Strategy of the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Power Cycle
Authors: Dai Chunhui , Song Ping , Ma Can , Zhang Kelong , Zheng Wei , Chen Lie , Guo Xiaojie , Lin Yuansheng , Qiu Zhiqiang
Published: November 2021

With the development of GEN-IV nuclear reactor technology, the supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) Brayton cycle has attracted wide attention for its simple structure and high efficiency. Correspondingly, a series of research has been carried out to study the characteristics of the cycle. The control flexibility of the power generation system has rarely been studied. This paper carried out a dynamic performance of the 20 MW-SCO2 recompression cycle based on the Simulink software. In the simulation, the response characteristics of the system main parameters under the disturbances of cooling water temperature, split ratio, main compressor inlet temperature and pressure were analyzed. The results show that the turbine inlet temperature is most affected by the disturbances, with a re-stabilization time of 2500–3000 s. According to the response characteristics of the system after being disturbed, this study proposed a stable operation control scheme. The scheme is coordinated with the main compressor inlet temperature and pressure control, recompressor outlet pressure control, turbine inlet temperature control and turbine load control. Finally, the control strategy is verified with the disturbance of reduced split ratio, and the results show that the control effect is good.